Patent Publication Number: US-2010127885-A1

Title: Control device and analyzer

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/554,548 filed on Sep. 4, 2009, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/839,274 filed on Aug. 15, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,606,680, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/105,560 filed on Apr. 14, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,403,873, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/620,358 filed on Jul. 17, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,937,964, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/725,498 filed on Nov. 30, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,060, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. H11-341,085 filed on Nov. 30, 1999, the entire contents of all of which applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to technology for facilitating support of analyzers. 
     2. Description of the Related Arts 
     Blood tests and other forms of clinical examination require that samples such as blood and urine be analyzed for a variety of test items. Analyzers that employ assaying methods suited to the characteristics of the analysis items perform sample assays. Analyzers have sophisticated mechanisms that allow them to assay, with a high degree of sensitivity, extremely low concentrations of a substance, and to assay trace amounts of the sample for ten or more items. To maintain the accuracy of the test results, operations in each of the mechanisms are monitored. 
     When problems arise in operation of the mechanisms, the analyzer issues a warning to that effect, alerting the user to the problem in the analyzer. In such cases, a user will deal with the problem by following the operating manual or, for example, by calling a support center, explaining the circumstances, and following the instructions of the technician. When the user cannot take care of it single-handedly, the support center dispatches a technician to do so. 
     Nevertheless, in clinical testing, merely monitoring the analyzer mechanisms is insufficient for governing test results on vital components with satisfactory accuracy. Quality control is therefore performed. Samples identical with the vital components, or samples that are their analogues, are assayed as quality control substances, and the assay results are monitored. 
     Both internal and external methods are utilized for quality control. Internal quality control is a method of assaying identical quality control substances on a daily basis with the same analyzer, and monitoring whether stable assay results are being obtained. External quality control is a method of monitoring whether assay results that are being obtained are the same as the results assayed by an identical analyzer employed outside of those facilities. 
     In order to carry out external quality control, however, the same quality control substance has to be sent from a statistical tallying center to each facility; the quality control substance has to be assayed at each facility; those assay results (“sample data” hereinafter) have to be sent from each facility to the statistics center; and the sample data has to be tallied by the statistics center. This means that the facilities first learn of the external quality control results when the tally is sent back from the statistics center. From the time the quality control substance is sent out until the time the tally is returned routinely takes one to two months. Sometimes it is necessary to wait until the statistics center accumulates a set number of sample data returns. 
     A first issue the invention addresses relates to measures taken when trouble has arisen. Because today&#39;s analyzers are operated under the control of sophisticated programs, instances in which users are unable to solve problems by themselves are increasing. In such cases, users have to wait until a technician visits to deal with the problem. 
     The only option is to wait for the technician&#39;s visit if a systematic problem can only be resolved by changing out or adjusting an analyzer component. Nevertheless, these are not the only reasons users are unable to repair breakdowns without the assistance of a technician. There appear to be many cases in which users ought to be able to resolve the trouble on their own. In some instances, the trouble in the analyzer is not resolved because the user cannot adequately explain the status of the problem; in others, the user cannot properly carry out the analyzer operations necessary to resolve the trouble. 
     Because assay is not possible while an analyzer is down, patient test results in clinical examination cannot be reported to the diagnosing physician. For samples like blood, which has low preservation stability, delaying the assay by one day would mean lower accuracy in the test results, and therefore blood has to be drawn from the patient again. 
     A second issue the invention addresses is that, with external quality control, as described above, confirmation can be obtained only by waiting for the tally from the statistics center. This normally is done once a year, and at most on the order of only three or four times a year. 
     To raise the reliability of assay data per se, quality control by definition should be carried out and the results checked before each day&#39;s sample assays. In other words, if the quality control sample data falls outside a predetermined range, this can mean that something has gone wrong and that the analyzer is not in sufficient working order. Sample assay should be carried out following adjustment of the analyzer to bring the data within the predetermined range. With current external quality control, however, the tally results come back one or two months after assay, and are only used for confirming after-the-fact the status of the device at the time the assay was made. 
     Wherein a substance such as blood that is liable to transform (denature) over time is the assay subject, the freshness of the quality control substance employed in the sample data assay must be at the same level among each of the facilities taking part in external quality control. When quality control substances are sent out to facilities to collect sample data, inevitably the assaying tends to be performed on different days at different facilities. Accordingly, because the freshness of the quality control substances that are the basis for the sample data collected tends to vary, the reliability of the tally results is diminished. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to enable rapid, exact resolution of analyzer problems and effective external quality control. 
     To address the foregoing first issue, an aspect of the present invention presents a support method employed in an information terminal connected to analyzers via a network, the support method comprising: collecting from the analyzers via the network predetermined log information indicating the operational history of the analyzers; storing the collected log information for each analyzer; and outputting the collected log information in response to instructions by the operator of the information terminal. 
     Communication between the information terminal and the analyzers is performed through a dedicated telephone line (in Japan, for example, an NTT line), the Internet, or the like. The operational history of each analyzer can be seen by support personnel at, for example, a support center, and this can prevent analyzers from being down and can facilitate repair work. Collecting log information by SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) has the advantage of allowing for easy expansion of the system over a network, since SMTP is usually not subject to the restrictions of firewalls and the like. 
     In this information-terminal employed support method, it is preferable to operate the analyzer from the information terminal via a network. 
     Support personnel can operate the analyzer while looking at the analyzer operational history stored on the information terminal. When an analyzer is down, remote support personnel can quickly resolve the trouble without having to travel to the actual site, leading to a significant reduction in down time. 
     Furthermore, good use can be made of a user support method wherein error determination parameters are prepared in advance; predetermined error information is extracted from the log information; error histories are created by consulting (looking up) the error determination parameters; and error histories and the analyzer are correlatively stored. 
     For example, error level is determined based upon how many times the same occurrence occurred in one day. Along with error type, error message, date and time, and other error log information, error levels are correlated with analyzers and used in forecasting and solving trouble. 
     Further to address the first issue noted above, another aspect of the present invention presents a support method employed in an analyzer connected to a predetermined information terminal via a network, wherein predetermined log information showing the operational history of the analyzer is transmitted at a predetermined timing to the information terminal via the network. 
     For example, during the shutdown process for an analyzer, the operational history for that day is sent to the information terminal. The predetermined information terminal performs the same function as the information terminal in the first aspect of the invention mentioned above. 
     In the above support method used in an analyzer, it is preferable to accept operations from a dedicated information terminal via the network. 
     Accepting control operations from an information terminal even when the information terminal is in a distant support center allows for the fast resolution of problems. 
     To address the foregoing second issue, another aspect of the present invention presents a quality control method employed in an information terminal connected to analyzers via a network, wherein: 
     A: sample data on assays made by the analyzers on predetermined quality control substances is received via a network; 
     B: the received sample data is stored; 
     C: the stored sample data is tallied for each analyzer and each quality control substance; and 
     D: the tally results for the received sample data are provided to the analyzers within a predetermined timeframe. 
     Communication between the information terminal and the analyzers is performed through a dedicated NTT line, the Internet, or the like. The analyzers perform a daily assay of quality control substances, such as control blood, and transmit the assay data to the information terminal. The information terminal stores the assay data sent from analyzers and tallies the stored assay data for each analyzer and each quality control substance. Each time the information terminal receives sample data from an analyzer it performs a new tally (statistical calculation). 
     In order that the tally results be on parameters in which the freshness of the quality control substances is alike, the statistical calculations (tallying) may be on sample data assayed within a predetermined timeframe, for example, within twenty-four hours of being received. When an analyzer requests tally results, the latest tally results at that point are provided in real time. In the present invention, communications by SMTP, which are unlikely to be subject to the restrictions of firewalls, are preferable. 
     To address the foregoing second issue, another aspect of the present invention presents a quality control method employed in analyzers connected to a dedicated information terminal via a network, wherein: 
     A: sample data on assays made by the analyzers on predetermined quality control substances is transmitted to the information terminal via the network; 
     B: tally results on the sample data are requested of the information terminal; 
     C: the tally results on sample data the information terminal has collected from the analyzers within a predetermined timeframe are acquired from the information terminal; and 
     D: the tally results are output. 
     Utilizing this method, the results from the information terminal in the above information-terminal which employed quality control method are tallied and output to an analyzer display, printer, or other output device. A user consults the output results to make an analyzer quality control check on his or her own. 
     Another aspect of the present invention also presents a computer-readable storage medium on which a program for executing the foregoing support method employed in an information terminal or analyzer is recorded. Conceivable recording media include floppy disks, hard drives, semiconductor memory, CD-ROMS, DVDs, and MO disks. 
     Another aspect of the present invention also presents a control device connected to analyzers via a network, comprising: reception means for receiving from the analyzers via the network predetermined log information indicating the operational history of the analyzers; storage means for storing log information for each analyzer; and output means for outputting log information in response to instruction by an operator. 
     This has the same operational effect as the aforementioned support method used in an information terminal. 
     Another aspect of the present invention presents an analyzer connected to a dedicated information terminal via a network, comprising transmission means for transmitting predetermined log information showing operational history of the analyzer at a predetermined timing to the information terminal via the network. 
     This has the same operational effect as the aforementioned support method used in an analyzer. 
     Another aspect of the present invention also presents a control device connected to analyzers via a network, comprising: reception means for receiving via the network sample data on assays made by the analyzers on predetermined quality control substances; storage means for storing received sample data; statistical tallying means for tallying the stored sample data for each analyzer and each quality control substance; and provision means for providing the tally results for the received sample data to the analyzers within a predetermined timeframe. 
     This has the same operational effect as the aforementioned support method used in an information terminal. 
     Another aspect of the present invention also presents an analyzer connected to a dedicated information terminal via a network, comprising: transmission means for transmitting to the information terminal via the network sample data on assays made by the analyzers on predetermined quality control substances; request means for requesting of the information terminal tally results on the sample data; acquisition means for acquiring from the information terminal the tally results on sample data the information terminal has collected from the analyzers within a predetermined timeframe; and output means for outputting the acquired tally results. 
     This has the same operational effect as the aforementioned support method used in an analyzer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an overall configurational diagram of a remote support system in one example relating to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram indicating functional configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is one example of a process flow in the remote support system; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing an example of a main process performed by a control device; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing an example of a support process performed by the control device; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing an example of a QC process performed by the control device; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing an example of a main process performed by an analyzer; 
         FIG. 8  is an example of an error information selection screen; 
         FIG. 9  is an error log display example; 
         FIG. 10  is a program log display example; 
         FIG. 11  is an operation count display example; 
         FIG. 12  is an example of error determination patterns; 
         FIG. 13  is an example of an error determination table; 
         FIG. 14  is a Web page display example (menu screen) created by a QC process; 
         FIGS. 15 and 16  are Web page display examples (tally results) created by the QC process; 
         FIGS. 17 and 18  are overall configurational examples of a remote support system relating to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  is a conceptual configurational diagram of data sent from an analyzer to a control device; 
         FIG. 20A  is a conceptual explanatory diagram of a tallying process wherein data from the past 24 hours are the tallying object, and  FIG. 20B  is a conceptual explanatory diagram of a tallying process wherein data from the past 48 hours are the tallying object; 
         FIG. 21A  is a conceptual explanatory diagram of a current-day&#39;s tallying process, and  FIG. 21B  is a conceptual diagram of the previous day&#39;s tallying process; 
         FIG. 22  is a flowchart showing an example of a collection process; 
         FIG. 23  is a flowchart showing an example of a current-day&#39;s tallying process; and 
         FIG. 24  is a flowchart showing an example of a previous day&#39;s tallying process. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The support method and quality control method of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the figures. 
     First Embodiment 
     Overview 
     This embodiment will be explained using as an example a remote support system that is a realization of the methods of the present invention. This remote support system is constituted by an analyzer owned by a laboratory (i.e., a user) and a control device of the party providing the system, the devices being interconnected by a dedicated network. 
     The analyzer transmits predetermined log information according to a predetermined timing to the control device over the network. Contained in the log information is operational information showing the operational conditions of the analyzer and sample data. The operational information comprises error information, number of times operated, operation program, set-up parameters and the like for each analyzer. The sample data is assay data from a quality control substance. 
     The control device performs a support process by collecting log information from each analyzer, editing the log information for each analyzer according to content, and storing the information, and then performs a quality control (QC) process. 
     A. Support Process 
     The control device edits operational information from collected log information and stores that information. The control device also analyzes error content based on operational information, and if there is a significant error, it displays that error. Because a technician can review at the control device the log information of the analyzer where the error arose, he can sufficiently understand the conditions of the machine without needing a detailed explanation from the user, and can work on finding the cause of the trouble. 
     In addition, the analyzer is provided with the capability to remotely operate the analyzer. Therefore, a technician does not actually have to go to the laboratory, but can work on the analyzer directly from the control device. Furthermore, the control device can analyze error information, predict when an analyzer will have trouble, and take measures to prevent trouble before it occurs. 
     B. QC Process 
     A control device  1  tallies, i.e., makes statistical computations on, sample data from a quality control substance assayed at each analyzer  2  per type of analyzer  2  and per type of quality control substance. Each time the control device  1  receives sample data, it updates the tally results for the same type of sample data at the same type of machines, and provides the latest tally results on a Web page. By accessing this Web page, the analyzer  2  can acquire the latest tally results. When an analyzer attempts to access the Web page, the control device authenticates the authentication information input by the analyzer. In this manner, soon after assaying a quality control substance, a user can confirm in real time the very latest tally results for the quality control substance. 
     Configuration 
     (1) Overall Configuration 
       FIG. 1  is one example of an overall block diagram of a remote support system according to the first embodiment. In the remote support system according to this embodiment, the control device  1  and the analyzers  2  are interconnected over a dedicated network  3 . 
     The analyzer  2  is interconnected with the dedicated network  3  via a network communications interface  4 . Possible analyzers include hemanalysis and urinalysis devices. Personal computers, workstations and the like can be used as the control device  1 . Dial-up routers and modems can be used as the network communications interface  4 . 
     One example that could be given of a dedicated network  3  would be a dedicated telephone line that the provider of this system is able to use exclusively, through a contract with the company providing the telephone line. Other types of networks than dedicated networks can be used, such as the Internet and intranets and LANs. 
     (2) Control Device 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the functions and constitution of the control device and the analyzer. 
     The control device comprises a communications interface  11 , a processing unit  12 , a user control database  14 , an e-mail server  15 , a WWW server  16  and a remote control unit (host end)  13 . 
     The communications interface  11  establishes a connection with the analyzers. 
     The processing unit  12  performs the support process and QC process, using the user control database  14 . The support process displays a predetermined error log at the control device, making it possible to find the cause of the trouble.  FIG. 8 through 11  show display examples of the error log output by the processing unit  12 . These display examples are shown on the display unit  17 . The QC process makes possible real time external quality control at the analyzer.  FIGS. 14  and  15  show examples of Web pages for tally results created by the QC process. These examples will be discussed in detail below. 
     The user control database  14  stores at each analyzer error log, the number of times operated, QC data, log information and the like. 
     The e-mail server  15  receives log information and sample data from analyzers through SMTP. The communications protocol is not limited herein to SMTP, but SMTP has the advantage of facilitating future expansion of this system, due to the fact that it is usually not subject to the restrictions of firewalls and the like. 
     The WWW server  16  provides a WWW browser on the analyzer with the Web pages that processing unit  12  has created. 
     The remote control unit (host end)  13 , by being linked with the remote control unit (user end) on the analyzer  2 , makes possible the remote operation of the analyzer  2 . Because the two units are inter-linked, the analyzer can be logged onto remotely, the window displayed at the analyzer is displayed at the remote control unit (host end)  13 , and the analyzer can be operated pursuant to the operations input from the remote control unit (host end)  13 . 
     (3) Analyzer 
     An analyzer  2  has an analysis unit  21 , and a user terminal  22 , which has a communications interface  23 , an e-mail server  24 , a user side remote control unit  25 , a WWW browser  26 , a patient masking unit  27  and a control unit  28 . 
     The analysis unit  21  assays the quality control substances and generates sample data. 
     The communications interface  23 , as with the communications interface  11  in the above control device  1 , establishes a connection. 
     The e-mail server  24  sends log information showing the operational history of an analysis unit  21  and sample data to the control device using SMTP. 
     The remote control unit (user end)  25 , by being inter-linked with the remote control unit (host end)  13 , makes possible the operation of the analyzer  2  from the control device  1 . 
     The WWW browser  26  acquires Web pages from the control device based on instructions from a user. 
     The patient masking unit  27  ensures that when the analyzer  2  is operated from the control device  1 , patient information is not displayed at the control device. 
     The control unit  28  controls the operations of the analysis unit  21  and of the constituent elements of the user terminal  22 . 
     Process Flow 
     An explanation will be given of the process performed by the control device and analyzer in a remote support system. 
     (1) Overall System Process Flow 
     An explanation will be made in detail of the process flow of the overall system.  FIG. 3  is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the flow of user support in a remote support system. 
     The analyzer  2  performs routine sample assay (# 1 ), and its operational information is transmitted to the control device  1  according to a predetermined timing (# 3 ). The transmission is made in real time if the operational information contains error information or other urgent information. The transmission is made when the analyzer is shutdown if the operational information is not urgent, such as number of times operated and sample assay results. Error information is also displayed at the analyzer  2 , and the user discovers that there is trouble at the analyzer  2  (# 8 ). 
     The control device  1  classifies operational information sent from the analyzer  2  according to type and stores this in the user database  14  (# 4 ). When there is major error information in the stored operational information, or when there are other indications that a predetermined major error will occur, such as when there is minor error information, but the error occurs frequently or when error conditions are worsening, the trouble the analyzer is having is detected based on certain settings (# 7 ). 
     When the analyzer  2  assays a quality control substance, unlike routine sample assay results, the sample data is transmitted to the control device  1  in real time (# 3 ). The analyzer  2  reads a barcode affixed to the assay sample container, determines whether that sample is a quality control substance or not, and based on that determination, transmits the sample data. The control device  1  takes the new sample data and updates the tally results (# 5 ). 
     The user, after sample data assay, acquires the tally results that the control device  1  has tallied (# 6 ) and confirms the external accuracy. The control device  1  updates the Web pages in accordance with updates to the tallied data. The analyzer  2  accesses a Web page, and when the access is authorized, the latest tally results and the sample data are provided on the Web page. 
     In this manner, a user can quickly confirm not just internal quality control results, but external quality control results as well, and can discover malfunctions in an analyzer in real time (# 8 ). 
     The control device  1  tallies quality control data. If the quality control results fall outside of a predetermined range, or if a worsening of the quality control data is anticipated, trouble in the analyzer  2  is detected based on predetermined settings (# 7 ). For example, data is trending away from median values. If trouble at the analyzer  2  is detected at the control device  1 , the user is notified to that effect (# 8 ). 
     If trouble at the analyzer is discovered (# 8 ), the user carries out processes to resolve the trouble (# 10 ). The control device  1  analyzes the trouble from the edited operational information of that analyzer  2  (# 9 ), and provides the user with the most suitable information for solving the trouble. 
     If it is difficult for the user to resolve the trouble himself, the user activates the remote control unit of the analyzer (# 11 ). A technician at the support center remotely operates the analyzer  2  and performs a task for resolution of the trouble via the remote control unit of the control device (# 12 ). Thereupon the screen of the analyzer and the screen of the control device are linked. In this manner, with regard to problem that can be resolved through operation of the analyzer, even a complicated problem can be resolved through remote operation from the support center (# 14 ). For troubles that cannot be resolved thus, a technician would go and make repairs (# 13 , # 14 ). 
     (2) Control Device Process Flow 
     Next, the flow of a process that the control device  1  performs in a remote support system will be explained in detail. 
     (2-1) Collection Process 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing one example of the flow of the main process that the control device  1  performs. In the main process, the control device  1  collects log information from the analyzer  2 , and if it is operational history, stores it, and if it is sample data, performs the QC process. The following process commences by means of the dial-up router from the analyzer  2 . 
     In Step S 1 , the communications interface  11  performs a connection process to establish a connection with the analyzer  2 . 
     In Step S 2 , the processing unit  12  performs a prescribed authentication process. In other words, it determines whether the authentication information sent from the analyzer  2  matches the user information in the user database. 
     In Step S 3 , the processing unit  12  performs a process according to the authentication results. If the determination is that the authentication information matches, operation proceeds to Step S 4 . If it doesn&#39;t match, then the connection is cut or another similar process is performed. 
     In Step S 4 , the e-mail server  15  receives data from the analyzer  2 . The processing unit  12  determines whether the received data is predetermined operational information or not. Operational information is predetermined information other than sample data, and includes, for example, error data, number of times operated, program log, and set-up information. If the answer is “yes,” then Step S 5  ensues; if “no,” Step S 7  ensues. 
     In Step S 5 , the processing unit  12  temporarily saves the received operational information. This is for use in the support process, which is discussed below. In the support process, for example, operational information from each analyzer  2  until 00:00 midnight, when the date changes, is stored; when the time reaches 00:00, operational history is created based on the operational information received that day. 
     In Step S 6 , communications interface  11  severs the connection with the analyzer  2 . 
     In Step S 7 , the processing unit  12  determines whether the received data is sample data from the assay of a quality control substance. If the determination is “yes,” then Step S 8  ensues, proceeding to the QC process, which is discussed below. In other words, sample data, including received data, is tallied, and the Web page for each analyzer is updated. If the answer is “no,” the above-described Step S 6  ensues, and the connection is severed. 
     (2-2) Support Process 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing an example of a support process that the control device  1  performs independently of the main process. Every time the date changes, the control device  1  edits the operational information received that day and writes that to the history database. 
     In Step S 21 , the processing unit  12  is waiting for a predetermined time, for example, 00:00. 
     In Step S 22 , the processing unit  12  determines which analyzer  2  among those registered in the user control database  14  is the subject user. 
     In Step S 23 , the processing unit  12  determines whether it has received operational information showing operating conditions for that date for the subject user. If the determination is “yes,” Step S 24  ensues. If the determination is “no,” then Step S 25  ensues. 
     In Step S 24 , the processing unit  12  edits operational information for each analyzer and each subject matter, and writes this to the history database. For example, it edits error information, number of times operated, operation program, and setting parameters, in separate table format with date and time, and writes this to the history database. 
     In Step S 25 , the processing unit  12  writes to the user control database  14  predetermined error information showing that operational information could not be acquired. Possible examples of error information include analyzer name, date, time, error number showing the error that arose, and error message corresponding to the error number. 
     In Step S 26 , the processing unit  12  searches for a predetermined error based on the error information of the subject user. For example, using the methods for determination shown in  FIG. 12 , error levels are decided, as in the example shown in  FIG. 13 , from error type and the frequency with which the same type of error occurs. 
     In Step S 27 , the processing unit  12  uses the search results to determine whether or not errors are contained in the operational information of the subject user. Unless the error level is “0,” the determination is “Yes.” If the determination is “Yes,” Step S 28  ensues; if “No,” later-described Step S 29  ensues. 
     In Step S 28 , the processing unit  12  writes the determined error level to the user control database  14 . 
     In Step S 29 , the processing unit  12  determines whether Step S 23  through Step S 28  have been performed for all registered analyzers  2 . If “Yes,” operations return to Step S 21 , and wait for the date to change. If “No,” then operations return to Step S 22 , and choose another analyzer as the subject user. 
     (2-3) QC Process 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing the flow of the QC process the control device  1  performs. In the above-discussed main process, when the control device  1  receives sample data from any analyzer  2 , the control device  1  performs the following QC process. In other words, it tallies sample data including newly received sample data, and updates the Web page for each analyzer using the new tally results. 
     In Step S 31 , the processing unit  12  tallies sample data, which includes newly received sample data. Multiple varieties of quality control substances, such as those whose value is high and those whose value is low, and those whose value is within a normal range and those whose value is within an abnormal range, are often used in the same assay category. Wherein the quality control substance is from vital components, values from lot to lot—that is, the lot number for each manufacturing instance—will routinely differ. Furthermore, the assaying mode under which the sample data was assayed must be taken into consideration in order to determine correction values for the assayed data. The control substance type, lot number, and assaying mode are reported from the analyzer to the control device in a manner to be described later. 
     Statistical tallying is conducted for each sort of analyzer and for each kind of quality control substance. Because substances like blood, which are liable to change (denature in the case of blood) over time, are used as the quality control substance, tallies are made each assay day to raise the reliability of the tally results. That the latest tally results are presented in real time in the present invention engenders the risk that the reliability of the tally results is not kept up during the early morning hours since the total count of sample data for that day&#39;s assays is insufficient. Therefore, the tally for that day&#39;s assays is made on sample data received, for example, within the past 24 hours. In this way, sample data from assaying conditions under the same elapsed-time changes can be used, which prevents the total count from fluctuating markedly according to time slot. At the point the date changes, the tally results within the past 24 hours are set as the tally results for that day. 
     To improve the reliability of the tally results, it is preferable that cutoff values of mean plus or minus 3 SD be used, and that values far outside the normal range be excluded in the analysis. When the tally results are presented in the form of the average value of the sample data, and there is a very small amount of data for a 24-hour period, it would be better to use the median value in place of the average value. 
     In Step S 32 , the processing unit  12  updates the Web page for each analyzer based on the new tally results. It then returns to the main process and severs the connection with the user terminal. 
     It should be noted that the timing for updating the tally results is not limited to being based on the time sample data was received, as long as the timing is such that the latest tally results can be presented to the analyzer. For example, one conceivable alternative would be to update the tally results when a Web page has been accessed from an analyzer. Or, the tally results may be updated at a predetermined time interval set in consideration of the load being placed on the analyzer. 
     (2-4) Other Processes 
     The control device  1  performs other processes in addition to the main process, support process, and QC process. 
     For example, the WWW server  16  provides a Web page when the WWW browser on the analyzer has accessed the Web page. On this occasion, it is preferable that the analyzer perform the authentication process in the form of an interface program, such as a library or CGI (Common Gateway Interface) scripts. 
     Also, the processing unit  12 , in response to instructions from the operator of the control device  1 , displays the error log stored in the user control database  14 . 
     (3) Analyzer Process Flow 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing an example of the main process performed by the analyzer. The analyzer  2  transmits error information and sample data in real time, and transmits operational information other than error information when the operations of the analyzer end.  FIG. 7  shows only the flow according to the present invention. When the analyzer is activated, the following process commences. 
     In Step S 41 , the control unit  28  monitors the operational conditions of the analysis unit  21  and determines whether error information has occurred or not. If the determination is “Yes,” then Step S 42  ensues. If “No,” then Step S 44 , explained later, ensues. 
     In Step S 42 , the control unit  28  acquires error information from the analysis unit  21  and processes it to be data for e-mail. For example, it creates e-mail in which analyzer authentication information and error information is written into the main body of the text. 
     In Step S 43 , the control unit  28  activates the e-mail server  24  and transmits the created e-mail. Then operations return to Step S 41 . 
     In Step S 44 , the control unit  28  determines whether sample data is to be collected. If the determination is “Yes,” then Step S 45  ensues. If “No,” later-explained Step S 48  ensues. 
     In Step S 45 , the control unit  28  stands by for termination of the assay. Upon completion, Step S 46  ensues. 
     In Step S 46 , the control unit  28  acquires sample data from the analysis unit  21  and processes it to be data for e-mail. For example, it writes authentication information into the text of the e-mail, and creates an e-mail with the sample data attached as a file attachment. Other information that is needed when analyzing sample data may be included in the file attachment. Such information includes, for example, lot number, type of quality control substance, assay mode, and device ID. Device ID is identification information for the purpose of identifying an analyzer on this system, and is used to prevent sample data from being entered more than once during analysis. 
     In Step S 47 , the control unit  28  activates the e-mail server  24  and transmits the created email. 
     In Step S 48 , the control unit  28  awaits for operational information showing the operational conditions of the analysis unit  21  other than error information. Operational information other than error information can include number of times operated, operation program, set-up conditions and the like. When operational information arises, operations proceed to Step S 49 . In all other cases, the process flow proceeds to Step S 50 . 
     In Step S 49 , the control unit  28  saves the new operational information in a log. 
     In Step S 50 , the control unit  28  determines whether instructions have been given for completion of the analyzer. If the determination is “No,” then the operations return to Step S 41 . If “Yes,” then Step S 51 , described later, ensues. 
     In Step S 51 , the control unit  28  acquires operational information from the log and processes this to be e-mail data. For example, it creates an e-mail message in which analyzer authentication information and operational information are written into the text of an e-mail message. 
     In Step S 52 , the control unit  28  activates the e-mail server  24  and transmits the created e-mail message. After that, the control unit  28  terminates operations. 
     Specific Example of Operational Information Stored in History Database by Support Process 
     An explanation will be given in detail regarding the operational information stored in the user control database  14  by the support process described above.  FIG. 8 through 11  show examples of operational information displayed at the control device  1  when a hemanalyzer has been used as the analyzer.  FIG. 8  shows an example of an operational information selection screen,  FIG. 9  shows an example of an error log,  FIG. 10  shows an example of a program log, and  FIG. 11  shows an example of the number of times of operation. 
     The operational information selection screen of  FIG. 8  accepts selections for error log, program log, settings, or number of times operated. An operator can use this screen to designate the analyzer and the type of analyzer. 
       FIG. 9  shows an example of a screen displayed when “error log” has been selected on the operational information selection screen of  FIG. 8 . Error date and time, error message describing error, error code specifying error, and detailed code  1  and detailed code  2  are displayed. This error log displays, for example, the latest month&#39;s error log stored in the history database. It is preferable that each field have sorting and filtering settings. It is also preferable that records of abnormalities that have a high possibility of being problematic be displayed in an easily distinguishable reverse display or the like. Records of abnormalities, for example, are records of occurrences where the aforementioned error level is greater than a predetermined value. 
       FIG. 10  shows an example of a screen displayed when “program log” has been selected on the screen of  FIG. 8 . In this example, the program name of the program operated at the designated analyzer, the version thereof, and the time and date operated are displayed. 
       FIG. 11  shows an example of a screen displayed when “operation count” has been selected on the screen of  FIG. 8 . In this example, the number of times that a predetermined unit of the analyzer has been operated is displayed along with the operation date and time. 
     Although not shown in the figures, when “settings” is selected on the selection screen of  FIG. 8 , the setting terms for the analyzer are displayed. 
     Specific Example of Web Page Created by QC Process 
     An explanation will be given of a specific example of a Web page created by the control device  1  using the QC process described above.  FIGS. 14 and 15  show examples of Web pages created by the processing unit  12 . As before, these are examples of displays of tally results when analyses are made of a quality control substance using the hemanalyzer. 
     When a WWW browser on an analyzer accesses the control device  1 , the window shown in the top half of  FIG. 14  is displayed. This window allows the selection of a display style for the tally results. Here, an SDI chart has been selected as the “reporting style,” causing the window shown in  FIG. 15  to be displayed. 
     In  FIG. 15 , a predetermined graph is displayed for each blood component. This graph is created for each type of analyzer and each quality control substance. This graph is capable of displaying the past month&#39;s daily sample data for the accessing user and reference machine data. The reference machine data is sample data from assaying a predetermined quality control substance taken at an analyzer of the provider of the remote support system. The graph also displays the degree of deviation from the mean value, 1 SD (1 standard deviation) by 1 SD. The daily tally results are finalized when the date changes. 
     In terms of internal quality control, displaying these assay values as they are allows confirmation of the fluctuations in sample data from an analyzer. In terms of external quality control, confirmation is possible of the fluctuations in the sample data from an analyzer against the overall average, using the overall average at the time of taking the sample data, as shown in  FIG. 15 . By changing the display as he sees fit, a user can make a visual comparison to see how much the sample data of the analyzer deviates from the overall average and the reference machine data. Furthermore, the Web pages on  FIGS. 14 and 15  are updated immediately after sample data has been submitted. Therefore, a user can perform external quality control of the sample data he has submitted in real time, without a time lag. 
       FIG. 16  is another display example of tally results for a quality control substance. In this example, the assay values for the user&#39;s analyzer, overall average value, and reference machine data are displayed individually. Because there are times when the user wants to make direct comparisons between the assay values of his own analyzer and the overall average and reference machine data, it is preferable to make it possible to display individually the values in  FIG. 15  that are displayed within a chart. 
     Other Embodiments 
     (A)  FIGS. 17 and 18  are block diagrams showing other examples of the remote support system. The network linking the user terminal and the analyzer does not necessarily have to be a dedicated network, but may be the Internet or a LAN. However, when the Internet is used, encoding and a stricter authentication system need to be used to heighten security when transmitting information. 
     It is not necessary for there to be just one control device on the system. For example, separate dedicated networks may be connected by the Internet and routers and gateways, and a control device may be provided for each dedicated network. In addition, a control device can collect predetermined information from analyzers of a dedicated network, for example analyzers on the Internet connected via a dedicated network and router, or analyzers connected to a LAN connected to the Internet via a firewall. 
     (B) In the above first embodiment, possible differences in time zones between the control device  1  and the analyzers  2 , and among analyzers when the QC process is conducted, are not taken into consideration. Therefore, as the second embodiment, an explanation will be given of the QC process in a remote support system having a control device and analyzers in different time zones. 
     (B-1) System Operation 
     Analysis of sample data is conducted in the following way. In the same manner as the first embodiment, data collected in the past 48 hours is tallied, and those results become real time tally results. Alternatively, the tally results for each day are computed by tallying the data collected in the past 48 hours, including data collected during the previous day. 
     To make it easier for operators of analyzers in each time zone to confirm tally results, tally results are correlated with those time zones (i.e., local time) and so inscribed. 
     However, when the reference time for analysis is set as local time, the reference time will differ from time zone to time zone, and thus analyses have to be conducted for each time zone. This means that there will be 24 different tally results across the world for a single date, making operation of the system complicated. Additionally, there are countries that have more than one time zone, and there are group hospitals that are located across more than one time zone. 
     On the other hand, when one of the time zones is the basis for the analysis reference time, without regard to local time, the difference between the local time and the reference time becomes a problem. For example, confusion will result if the date of the QC process changes in the middle of the analysis of an analyzer. 
     For this reason, to ensure that the tally results for a given day are the same for all time zones, the tally results for that day are computed with sample data having the same assay date (local time) according to each time zone. 
     (B-2) Base 
     In consideration of the above, in this embodiment, the reference time for the control device  1  is made to be the world&#39;s most advanced time, namely, GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)+12 hours. In the following explanation, the reference for the time of day is the time of day in the time zone in which the control device  1  is located, in this case, GMT+12. Each analyzer  2  transmits to the control device  1 , along with the sample data, the assay time and date in the time zone in which it is located. The control device  1  conducts analysis of the sample data based on sample data having an assay time and date within the past 48 hours. The reason for tallying sample data for the past 48 hours rather than the past 24 hours is to ensure that there will be a sufficient number of sample data sets N that will form the basis of the analyses. 
       FIG. 19  is a conceptual diagram of data transmitted from the analyzer  2  to the control device  1 . Included in this data are lot number, type of quality control substance, assay mode, device ID, time zone, time of day, and sample data. Except for time zone and time of day, all other data is the same as in the first embodiment. For time zone, the time zone in which the analyzer  2  is located is given. For time of day, the assay date and time in the time zone in which each analyzer is located is given. The control device  1  conducts the QC process, which will be discussed later, based on sample data having an assay date and time within 48 hours of the time of day in the time zone in which the control device is located. 
       FIG. 20A  is an explanatory diagram showing an insufficient number of sample data sets N received in the past 24 hours. To facilitate the explanation, suppose that analyzers A, B, C, D, and E are located in different time zones, and that each analyzer transmits sample data on a daily basis at 00:00 local time, respectively. Analyzer A is in the GMT+12 time zone. Analyzer E is in the GMT-12 time zone, and analyzers B, C, and D are in time zones in between. The control device is in the GMT+12 time zone. 
     In  FIG. 20 , sample data with a date of X are indicated as A x , B x , etc. For example, A 1 , A 2 , and A 3  represent sample data from analyzer A dated the 1 st , 2 nd , and 3 rd , respectively. Black circles represent sample data that have already been collected, and white circles represent sample data that have not yet been collected. 
     When the time for the control device is 00:00 on the 3 rd  day (time of day T 1 ), A 2 , B 2 , C 2 , D 2  and E 2  are included in the sample data from the past 24 hours. However, when a little time passes and the time of day becomes the time of day T 2 , all that is included in the sample data from the past 24 hours is the data in the shaded triangular region in the figure, that is, only A 3 . In such a case, the further a time zone is from GMT+12 hours, the greater the possibility that the sample data will not be tallied, meaning that there will be an insufficient number of data sets N and that it will be difficult to always provide reliable tally results. 
       FIG. 20B  is an explanatory diagram showing a sufficient number of data sets N when the analysis is based on sample data received in the past 48 hours. When the time for the control devices reaches 00:00 on the 3 rd  (time of day T 1 ), sample data from analyzers A through E dated the 1 st  and 2 nd  (A 1 , B 1 , C 1 , D 1 , E 1 ; A 2 , B 2 , C 2 , D 2 , E 2 ) are included within the sample data from the past 48 hours. 
     Next, when a little time passes and the time of day becomes time of day T 2 , the data within the shaded trapezoidal region in the figure (i.e., A 2 , B 2 , C 2 , D 2 , and E 2 ) becomes the population for analysis. In actuality, while the assay time differs for each analyzer, by making the analysis population the sample data of the past 48 hours, it is possible to ensure that there is always a number of sample data sets close to the total number of analyzers on the system. If there is a plurality of sample data sets from the same analyzer within the population, all such sets other than the sample data set with the most recent assay time may be excluded from the analysis. 
     It should be noted that the reference time for the control device is not limited to GMT+12. It is also possible to make the period of time subject to analysis longer than 48 hours or shorter than 48 hours; however, 48 hours is expedient in terms of system operations. 
     (B1-3) Process Flow 
     With the exception of the QC process sub-routine (Step S 8  in  FIG. 4 ) performed after receipt of sample data, the process performed by the control device  1  relating to this embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment. A detailed explanation of the QC process in this embodiment appears below. The QC process of this embodiment is divided into (1) a current-day&#39;s tallying process and (2) the previous day&#39;s tallying process. 
     (B-3-1) Conceptual Illustration of a Current-Day&#39;s Tallying Process 
       FIG. 21A  is a drawing explaining the concept of a current-day&#39;s tallying process. In the current-day&#39;s tallying process, a first preliminary population made up of sample data dated within the past 48 hours is sequentially created, using the time at the control device  1  as the reference time. Furthermore, sample data analysis is conducted based on the first preliminary population, and the current-day&#39;s tally results are updated. In this embodiment, the updating and tallying process of the first preliminary population is conducted every 10 minutes. 
     In  FIG. 21(   a - 1 ), the shaded trapezoidal region S 0  shows the first preliminary population at the current time of day T 1  (18:00 on the 2 nd ). With the passage of time, the trapezoidal region S 0  progresses to the right in the figure. That is, the first preliminary population is updated. As the first preliminary population is updated, the tally results for today (i.e., the 2 nd ) are also updated. 
     At the point of time T 2  (00:00 on the 3 rd ), when the date changes from the 2 nd  to the 3 rd , the previous day&#39;s tallying process for finalizing the tally results of the second is activated. In FIG.  21 A(a- 2 ), the shaded trapezoidal region, i.e., the sum of regions S 1  and S 2 ′, represents the first preliminary population at time of day T 2 . Region S 1  represents the group of sample data sets dated the 1 st  and region S 2 ′ represents the group of sample data sets dated the 2 nd  that were obtained at this point in time. 
     Even if the previous day&#39;s tallying process has been activated, the current-day&#39;s tallying process continues to be conducted in the same manner as described above. The current-day&#39;s tallying process, as it continues, updates the tally results of today (i.e., the 3 rd ) according to a predetermined timing. 
     (B-3-2) Explanation of a Previous Day&#39;s Tallying Process 
       FIG. 21B  explains a previous day&#39;s tallying process. When this process has been activated at 00:00 on the 3 rd , the control device  1  creates a second preliminary population. The control device  1  updates the second preliminary population every 10 minutes, and updates the tally results for the previous day (i.e., the 2 nd ) based on the updated second preliminary population. 
     The creation and update of the second preliminary population is conducted as follows. Every 10 minutes the control device  1  creates a second preliminary population made up of sample data from the past 48 hours. As the time of day progresses from T 2  (00:00 on the 3 rd ), sample data dated today (i.e., the 3 rd ) that was collected in later time zones is deleted from the created second preliminary population. 
       FIG. 21(   b - 1 ) shows a second preliminary population at time of day T 3  (10:00 on the 3 rd ), 10 hours into the day T 2 . Region S 1 ′ is a group of sample data dated the 1 st  and having an assay time within 48 hours of T 3 . Region S 2 ′ is a group of sample data with an assay date of the 2 nd  that has already been collected. Region S 3 ′ is sample data from the past 48 hours that is dated the 3 rd  and is to be deleted from the second preliminary population. At time of day T 3 , the control device computes the tally results for the previous day (the 2 nd ) based on the sample data from region S 1 ′ and region S 2 ′. 
       FIG. 21(   b - 2 ) is the second preliminary population at a point in time of day T 4  (00:00 on the 4 th ), which is 24 hours after the time of day T 2 . The shaded region S 2  indicates the second preliminary population at this point in time. The second preliminary population at this point in time comprises the group of sample data sets dated the 2 nd  from all the analyzers participating in the remote support system. At this point in time, the control device  1  finalizes the population for the analysis of the day, two days prior (the 2 nd ). The tally results obtained from this population become the final tally results for the day, two days prior (the 2 nd ). 
     (B-4) Flowchart 
     In this embodiment, the control device  1  conducts three types of QC process independently: a collection process, the current-day&#39;s tallying process, and the previous day&#39;s tallying process. 
     (B-4-1) Collection Process 
       FIG. 22  is a sample data collection process that the control device  1  performs. This process commences when Step S 8  (QC process sub-routine) ensues in the main process executed by the control device  1  ( FIG. 4 ). In other words, in this embodiment, each time the control device  1  receives sample data, that data is stored in the base database (not shown in the figures). The sample data that the control device  1  receives is stored in this base database without any deletions. 
     (B-4-2) A Current-Day&#39;s Tallying Process 
       FIG. 23  is a flowchart of the current-day&#39;s tallying process performed by the control device  1 . In the explanation below, a buffer  1  is the work area for forming the first preliminary population that will serve as the basis for the current-day&#39;s tallying process. 
     Steps S 101 , S 102 : The control device  1  determines whether the date has changed (S 101 ). If it has changed, it activates the previous day&#39;s process (S 102 ) (refer to  FIG. 21(   a - 2 ). 
     Steps S 103 , S 104 , S 105 , S 106 : The control device  1  determines whether a predetermined time, i.e., 10 minutes, has elapsed since the previous analysis (S 103 ). If it hasn&#39;t elapsed, operations return to Step S 101  without analyses being made. If it has elapsed, the first preliminary population is updated and the current-day&#39;s analysis is updated. 
     Specifically, sample data having a time and date within the past 48 hours is first acquired from the base database and is held in the buffer  1  (S 104 ). Next, it is determined whether among the data held in the buffer  1  there is more than one set of data from the same analyzer (S 105 ). If there is, all such data except the most recent is excluded from the buffer  1  (S 106 ) [refer to  FIG. 21(   a - 1 )]. 
     Step S 107 : The control device  1  performs analyses based upon the updated first preliminary population. These tally results will serve as the current-day&#39;s tally results for this point in time. 
     The control device  1  performs the above process independently of the sample data collection process, and updates the current-day&#39;s tally results every 10 minutes, based on sample data from within the past 48 hours. 
     (B-4-2) A Previous Day&#39;s Tallying Process 
       FIG. 24  is a flowchart of the previous day&#39;s tallying process that the control device  1  performs. In the explanation below, a buffer  2  shall be the work area for forming the second preliminary population that will serve as the basis for the previous day&#39;s tallying process. When operations in the aforementioned current-day&#39;s tallying process proceeds to Step S 102 , the following process is activated. As with  FIG. 21  above, we will suppose that this process commenced at time of day T 2  (00:00 on the 3 rd ). 
     Step S 111 : The control device  1  again determines whether the date has changed; if it has not changed, the process starting with Step S 112  is performed. In other words, until the time of day changes from T 3  (00:00 on the 3 rd ) to T 4  (00:00 on the 4 th ), the update of the second preliminary population and the update of the analysis are conducted (S 112  to S 117 , described below). When the time of day reaches 00:00 on the 4 th , the tally results of two days prior, that is, the 2 nd , are finalized (Steps  118  through  120  described below). 
     Step S 112 : The control device  1  determines whether 10 minutes have elapsed since the previous analysis. If the determination is “Yes,” then Step S 113  ensues, and the second preliminary population is updated. If the determination is “No,” it does not update the preliminary population, and operations return to Step S 111 . 
     Steps S 113 , S 114 , S 115 , S 116 : The control device  1  acquires from the base database sample data from within the past 48 hours and holds these in the buffer  2  (S 113 ). Next, the control device  1  deletes data dated today (i.e., the 3 rd ) from the acquired sample data (S 114 ). Next, it is determined whether among the data held in the buffer  2  there is more than one set of data from the same analyzer (S 115 ). If there is, all such data except the most recent is excluded from the buffer  1  (S 116 ). In this manner, the second preliminary population is updated [refer to  FIG. 21(   b - 1 )]. 
     Step S 117 : The control device  1 , based on the updated second preliminary population, newly computes tally results for the previous day, namely, the 2 nd . In this manner the tally results for the 2 nd  (the previous day) are updated every 10 minutes (S 112  to S 117 ). 
     Step S 118 : If it is determined at Step S 111  that the date has changed, in other words, that the time of day has become 00:00 on the 4 th , the control device  1  finalizes the population that will serve as the basis for the tally results of the 2 nd . In other words, the second preliminary population at this point in time becomes the population for the tally results of the day two days prior (i.e., the 2 nd ). Only sample data dated the 2 nd  is contained in the finalized population [refer to  FIG. 21(   b - 2 )]. 
     Steps S 119 : The control device  1  computes the tally results for the day two days prior based on the finalized population. 
     The display of the Web page on which the above tally results are posted is executed based on authentication information input from the analyzer. When a Web page is displayed, the control device  1  confirms the time zone of the analyzer. The reason for this is that it is conceivable that the local time in that time zone is a date other than the date in the GMT+12 time zone. In such cases, the control device  1  does not display the current-day&#39;s tally results for the GMT+12 time zone, but displays only the tally results of the previous day&#39;s tallying process. 
     With the above-described process, based on sample data collected from analyzers located across the world, the current-day&#39;s tallying process sequentially updates the current-day&#39;s tally results, and the previous day&#39;s process updates the previous day&#39;s tally results. In addition, the tally results for each day are finalized through the previous day&#39;s tallying process. Because the analysis is performed based on at least a certain number of sample data sets, the reliability of the tally results can be improved. Furthermore, because sample data taken from assays in each time zone is reflected in that day&#39;s tally results, a user can use this system without being aware of any differences in time zones. 
     (C) Storage media on which is recorded the above-described programs of the present invention are included in the present invention. These media can include, among others, computer-readable floppy diskettes, hard disks, semiconductor memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and opto-magnetic disks. 
     (D) Media that transmit the programs of the present invention are also included in the present invention. These transmission media include telecommunication media (optical fibers, wireless networks, inter alia) in computer network systems (LAN, Internet, wireless communication network) for transporting and supplying program information as carrier. 
     Through the use of the present invention, the history of an analyzer is stored in a control device, thus making possible the rapid response to problems arising in the analyzer and shortening the down time of the analyzer. Also, the external control of an analyzer can be performed essentially in real time. 
     While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, to those skilled in the art it will be apparent from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention is provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.