JP2013167650A - Analyzer and specimen conveying method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an analyzer of which the enlargement in size is avoided and in which, even when processing an emergency specimen, a plurality of racks can be distributed efficiently to measuring units.SOLUTION: A blood analyzer 1 (analyzer) comprises a specimen conveyer 4 configured to convey a specimen to a first measuring unit 2 and a second measuring unit 3, specimen setting part opening/closing buttons 26 and 36 which instructs the measurement of a priority specimen preferentially to other specimens, and a CPU 51a which controls the specimen conveyer 4 so as to change a conveyance destination of a specimen scheduled to be conveyed to an instructed measurement unit when the specimen setting part opening/closing button 26 or 36 instructs the measurement of the priority specimen in either the first measuring unit 2 or the second measuring unit 3.

Description

  The present invention relates to an analyzer and a sample transport method, and more particularly, to an analyzer and a sample transport method including a plurality of measurement units.

  Conventionally, an analyzer that automatically transports a plurality of samples and analyzes the transported samples is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In such an analyzer, one transport device is connected to one measurement unit.

JP 2005-257450 A JP 2007-139462 A

  However, the analyzers described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have a problem that it is difficult to greatly improve the throughput of the specimen because there is only one measurement unit for one transport device. . On the other hand, if a plurality of measurement units are provided in such an analyzer, the sample throughput is greatly improved, but the configuration of the transport device in that case has not been known at all. For example, if it is intended to improve the sample processing capacity, it is necessary to efficiently transport the sample to a plurality of measurement units, resulting in an increase in the size of the transport device. On the other hand, if an attempt is made to reduce the size of the transport device, the sample cannot be transported efficiently, and the processing capacity of the sample will be reduced. In particular, it is very difficult to efficiently transport other samples if it is intended to process a priority sample that needs to obtain analysis results earlier than other samples.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to avoid an increase in the size of the apparatus and to process a plurality of racks even when processing an emergency sample. It is an object to provide an analyzer that can efficiently distribute the data to the measurement units.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  In order to achieve the above object, the analyzer according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of measurement units for measuring a sample, and a plurality of samples held in one sample rack are converted into a plurality of samples. An analyzer that distributes and supplies the measurement sample to each measurement unit and measures the supplied sample in each measurement unit. Sample racks are provided in both the first direction from the upstream side to the downstream side and the second direction opposite thereto. A rack transport unit configured to be transportable is provided, and a plurality of measurement units are arranged along the rack transport unit, and one sample rack holding a plurality of samples is moved in the first direction and / or by the rack transport unit. A transport apparatus configured to transport a sample to each of a plurality of measurement units by transporting in the second direction, and a priority sample measurement instruction for measuring a predetermined sample in preference to other samples. When a priority sample measurement instruction is given by the sample measurement instruction means and the priority sample measurement instruction means, the transport device is changed so as to change the transport destination of another sample scheduled to be transported to one measurement unit that performs priority sample measurement. Transport control means for controlling.

  In the analyzer according to the first aspect of the present invention, as described above, by providing priority sample measurement instruction means for instructing measurement of a predetermined sample in preference to other samples, the user gives a priority sample measurement instruction. When the measurement of a predetermined sample is instructed by the means, the measurement of the predetermined sample is performed with priority over other samples, so that the processing of a predetermined sample that needs to be processed with priority over other samples can be performed quickly. Can be done. Further, in this analyzer, when an instruction to measure a predetermined sample in preference to another sample is given by the priority sample measurement instructing means, the other apparatus that is scheduled to be transported to one unit that performs priority sample measurement By providing transport control means for controlling the transport device so as to change the transport destination of the sample, for example, when instructed to measure a predetermined sample that needs to be processed with priority over other samples Can perform processing of other samples in parallel with the measurement of a predetermined sample while measuring a predetermined sample with one measurement unit. As a result, there is no need to defer processing of other samples, so even if there are a large number of predetermined samples that need to be processed with priority over other samples, the processing of other samples is greatly delayed. Can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the user directly provides a predetermined sample to one measurement unit, the transport device does not need to transport the predetermined sample, so that it has priority over other samples by the predetermined sample transport time. Processing of a predetermined specimen that needs to be processed can be performed more quickly. Therefore, in this analyzer, while avoiding an increase in size of the apparatus, the processing of a predetermined sample can be performed without significantly delaying the processing of other samples other than the predetermined sample that needs to be processed with priority over other samples. Processing can be performed quickly.

  In the analyzer according to the first aspect, preferably, the transport control unit includes another measurement unit among the plurality of measurement units, a sample presence / absence confirmation position for confirming the presence / absence of a sample container containing the sample, and The transport device is controlled so that another sample that is scheduled to be transported to one measurement unit is transported to one of the transport destinations for reading the identifier attached to the sample container that contains the sample. . With this configuration, when measurement of a predetermined sample is instructed, even if measurement of another sample cannot be performed in any measurement unit of the plurality of measurement units, Either an operation of transporting the sample to the sample presence / absence confirmation position or an operation of transporting the sample to the reading position can be performed. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the delay of processing of other samples other than the predetermined sample.

  In the analyzer according to the first aspect, it is preferable that the plurality of measurement units include the first and second measurement units, and the transport control unit includes a plurality of measurement units when there is no priority sample measurement instruction by the priority sample measurement instruction unit. Is configured to control the transport device so as to alternately transport the specimen to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit. With this configuration, when there is no predetermined specimen that needs to be processed with priority over other specimens, the other specimens can be efficiently transported to each measurement unit. Can be done.

  In the analyzer according to the first aspect, preferably, the priority sample measurement instruction means includes a measurement instruction button for instructing measurement of a predetermined sample, which is provided in each of the plurality of measurement units. With this configuration, the user can easily instruct measurement of a predetermined sample by pressing the measurement instruction button.

  Preferably, the analyzer according to the first aspect further includes a display unit, and the priority sample measurement instruction unit includes a measurement instruction screen display unit that causes the display unit to display a measurement instruction screen for performing the priority sample measurement instruction. Including. If comprised in this way, the user can instruct | indicate the measurement of a predetermined sample from a measurement instruction | indication screen.

  In this case, preferably, when a priority sample measurement instruction is given from the measurement instruction screen, a measurement unit selecting means for selecting a measurement unit capable of measuring a predetermined sample earlier among a plurality of measurement units. Further prepare. If comprised in this way, a measurement of a predetermined sample can be performed by the measurement unit that can be measured earlier among the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit and selected by the measurement unit selection means. The predetermined sample can be processed more quickly.

  In the analyzer according to the first aspect, the plurality of measurement units may be the same type of measurement unit.

In the analyzer according to the first aspect, preferably, the plurality of measurement units each include a measurement start button for starting measurement of a predetermined sample. If comprised in this way, the user can start the measurement of a predetermined | prescribed sample easily by pressing down the measurement start button provided in each measurement unit.
In the analyzer according to the first aspect, the rack transport unit preferably includes a transport belt for holding the sample rack and transporting it to each measurement unit.
In the analyzer according to the first aspect, each measurement unit preferably includes a sample setting unit configured to be able to receive a predetermined sample when a priority sample measurement instruction is given by the priority sample measurement instruction means.

  The sample transport method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of measurement units for measuring a sample, sample racks in both a first direction from the upstream side to the downstream side, and a second direction opposite thereto. In an analyzer that includes a transport device configured to be transportable, distributes and supplies a plurality of samples held in one sample rack to a plurality of measurement units, and measures the supplied samples by each measurement unit In the sample transport method, when a priority sample measurement instruction is given, the transport destination of another sample scheduled to be transported to one measurement unit that performs priority sample measurement is changed.

In the sample transport method according to the second aspect of the present invention, as described above, when a priority sample measurement instruction is given to one of the plurality of measurement units, the sample is scheduled to be transported to one measurement unit. By providing a process for changing the transport destination of other specimens, the measurement of a predetermined specimen is performed with priority over other specimens, so processing of a predetermined specimen that needs to be processed with priority over other specimens. Can be done quickly. In addition, for example, when it is instructed to measure a predetermined sample that needs to be processed with priority over other samples with one measurement unit, the measurement of the predetermined sample is performed with one measurement unit. In addition to the measurement of a predetermined sample, other samples can be processed. As a result, there is no need to defer processing of other samples, so even if there are a large number of predetermined samples that need to be processed with priority over other samples, the processing of other samples is greatly delayed. Can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the user directly provides a predetermined sample to one measurement unit, the transport device does not need to transport the predetermined sample, so that it has priority over other samples by the predetermined sample transport time. Processing of a predetermined specimen that needs to be processed can be performed more quickly. Therefore, in this sample transport method, while avoiding an increase in the size of the apparatus, the processing of the other samples other than the predetermined samples that need to be processed with priority over the other samples is significantly delayed. The sample can be processed quickly.
In the sample transport method according to the second aspect, preferably, the transport destination after the change is a sample presence / absence check for confirming the presence / absence of another measurement unit of the plurality of measurement units and a sample container for storing the sample It is one of the position and the reading position for reading the identifier attached to the specimen container that contains the specimen.

It is the perspective view which showed the whole structure of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the detail of each part of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the schematic which shows the measurement unit and sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the measurement unit and sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the rack and sample container of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a side view for demonstrating the sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a side view for demonstrating the sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the control apparatus of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed the priority sample measurement instruction | indication screen of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the measurement process operation | movement by the measurement process program of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a state transition diagram for demonstrating the state transition of the 1st measurement unit of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and a 2nd measurement unit. It is a state transition diagram for demonstrating the state transition of the sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process which determines the next operation | movement of the sample conveyance apparatus of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed the event notification of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is the figure which showed the priority of the command of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of the priority sample measurement of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the sample transport device in a modification of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. It is the perspective view which showed the whole structure of the blood analyzer by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining an operation at the time of priority sample measurement of the blood analyzer according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 19. It is the perspective view which showed the whole structure of the blood analyzer by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of the priority sample measurement of the blood analyzer by 3rd Embodiment shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment of this invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2-10 is a figure for demonstrating the detail of each part of the blood analyzer by 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. First, with reference to FIGS. 1-10, the whole structure of the blood analyzer 1 by 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In the first embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a blood analyzer which is an example of an analyzer will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the blood analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes two measurement units, a first measurement unit 2 and a second measurement unit 3, and a first measurement unit 2 and a second measurement unit 2. Control comprising a sample transport device (sampler) 4 arranged on the front side of the measurement unit 3 and a PC (personal computer) electrically connected to the first measurement unit 2, the second measurement unit 3 and the sample transport device 4. And a device 5. The blood analyzer 1 is connected to a host computer 6 (see FIG. 3) by a control device 5.

The blood analyzer 1 is not a transport system in which a plurality of analyzers are connected by a transport device, but a stand-alone analyzer. In addition, the blood analyzer 1 may be incorporated in the transport system.

  1 to 4, the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 are substantially the same type of measurement unit (in the present embodiment, the second measurement unit 3 is the first measurement unit). The second measurement unit 3 also measures the measurement items that the first measurement unit 2 does not analyze) using the same measurement principle as in 2. The second measurement unit 3 also measures the measurement items that are not analyzed by the first measurement unit 2. Is arranged. Here, the same type means not only the case where two measurement units measure a sample for completely the same measurement item, but also a plurality of measurement items by the first measurement unit 2 and a plurality of measurement items by the second measurement unit 3. Includes the case where and are partially in common. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 respectively include sample suction units 21 and 31 for sucking blood as a sample from a sample container (test tube) 100, and a sample suction unit. Sample preparation units 22 and 32 that prepare detection samples from blood aspirated by 21 and 31; and detection units 23 and 33 that detect blood cells of blood from the detection samples prepared by sample preparation units 22 and 32 It is out. In addition, the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 respectively have intake ports 24 and 34 (into the inside of the sample container 100 accommodated in the rack 101 (see FIG. 5) that is transported by the sample transport device 4 (see FIG. 5). 1 and FIG. 2) and sample container transport sections 25 and 35 for taking the sample container 100 from the rack 101 and transporting the sample container 100 to the suction position (see FIG. 3) by the specimen suction sections 21 and 31. In addition. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the outer surfaces of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3, the sample set section opening / closing buttons 26 and 36, the priority sample measurement start buttons 27 and 37, and Is provided.

  Needles (not shown) are provided at the distal ends of the sample aspirating portions 21 and 31, respectively. The sample aspirating units 21 and 31 are configured to be movable in the vertical direction (arrow Z direction). Further, the specimen aspirating units 21 and 31 are configured to pass through the sealing lid of the sample container 100 conveyed to the aspirating position by moving downward, and aspirate the blood inside.

  The detectors 23 and 33 perform RBC detection (red blood cell detection) and PLT detection (platelet detection) by the sheath flow DC detection method, and HGB detection (detection of hemoglobin in blood) by the SLS-hemoglobin method. It is configured. The detection units 23 and 33 are also configured to perform WBC detection (detection of white blood cells) by a flow cytometry method using a semiconductor laser.

  The detection results obtained by the detection units 23 and 33 are transmitted to the control device 5 as sample measurement data (measurement results). This measurement data is data that is the basis of the final analysis results (red blood cell count, platelet count, hemoglobin content, white blood cell count, etc.) provided to the user.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sample container transport units 25 and 35 include a hand unit 251 and 351 that can hold the sample container 100, and a hand unit 251 and a hand unit 251 that hold the sample container 100, respectively. Opening / closing parts 252 and 352 for opening and closing 351, vertical moving parts 253 and 353 for linearly moving the hand parts 251 and 351 in the vertical direction (arrow Z direction), and hand parts 251 and 351 for the vertical direction (arrow Z, respectively) And agitating sections 254 and 354 that move like a pendulum in the direction). The sample container transport units 25 and 35 hold the sample containers 100 acquired from the rack 101 by the hand units 251 and 351 in the sample setting units 255a (see FIG. 3) and 355a, respectively, and the sample suction units 21 and 31 Further, sample container moving units 255 (see FIG. 3) and 355 that horizontally move linearly in the direction of arrow Y to the suction position, and bar code reading units 256 and 356 are further provided.

  The hand units 251 and 351 are respectively disposed above the transport path of the rack 101 that the sample transport apparatus 4 transports. In addition, the hand portions 251 and 351 move downward (in the direction of arrow Z) when the sample container 100 is transported to a first providing position 43a and a second providing position 43b (see FIG. 3) described later, respectively. The sample container 100 accommodated in the rack 101 is held by being opened and closed by the opening / closing sections 252 and 352. The hand units 251 and 351 are configured to move the gripped sample container 100 upward and take it out from the rack 101, and then are moved in a pendulum shape (for example, 10 reciprocations) by the stirring units 254 and 354, respectively. ing. Thereby, the hand parts 251 and 351 can stir the blood in the sample container 100 to be grasped. In addition, after the stirring is completed, the hand units 251 and 351 are configured to open the grip of the sample container 100 by the opening / closing units 252 and 352 after moving downward. Accordingly, the hand units 251 and 351 can set the sample container 100 in the sample setting units 255a and 355a of the sample container moving units 255 and 355.

  The opening / closing parts 252 and 352 are configured to open and close the hand parts 251 and 351 so as to hold the sample container 100 by the power of the air cylinders 252a and 352a, respectively.

  The vertical moving parts 253 and 353 are configured to move the hand parts 251 and 351 in the vertical direction (arrow Z direction) along the rails 253b and 353b by the power of the stepping motors 253a and 353a, respectively.

  The agitating units 254 and 354 are configured to move the hand units 251 and 351 in a pendulum shape in the vertical direction (arrow Z direction) by power from a stepping motor (not shown).

  The sample container moving units 255 and 355 are configured to horizontally move the sample setting units 255a and 355a in the direction of the arrow Y by power from a stepping motor (not shown). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3, the sample container moving units 255 and 355 move the sample container 100 set in the sample setting unit 255a and 355a to the priority sample setting position, the stirring position, the barcode reading position, and the suction position. It can be transported. Further, the sample container moving units 255 and 355 pass the sample container 100 by passing over the transport path of the rack 101 so as to intersect the transport path of the rack 101 transported in the direction of arrow X when viewed in plan. Is configured to do. The sample setting units 255a and 355a are configured to be moved to the priority sample setting position (see FIG. 3) when the user presses the sample setting unit opening / closing buttons 26 and 36 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Has been. Further, the sample container moving units 255 and 355 are configured to clamp (fix) the sample container 100 at the respective suction positions by a restriction unit (not shown).

  The barcode reading units 256 and 356 are configured to read a barcode 100a attached to each sample container 100 as shown in FIG. The barcode reading units 256 and 356 are configured to read the barcode 100a of the sample container 100 while rotating the target sample container 100 in the horizontal direction while being held by the sample setting units 255a and 355a by a rotating device (not shown). Has been. Thereby, even when the barcode 100a of the sample container 100 is stuck on the opposite side with respect to the barcode reading units 256 and 356, the barcode 100a is moved to the barcode reading unit 256 by rotating the sample container 100. And 356 side. The barcode 100a of each sample container 100 is uniquely assigned to each sample, and is used for managing the analysis result of each sample.

  The sample set section opening / closing buttons 26 and 36 are configured to be pressed by the user when measuring the priority sample.

  The priority sample measurement start buttons 27 and 37 are configured to be pressed by the user. When the user presses the priority sample measurement start buttons 27 and 37 after setting the priority sample in the sample setting units 255a and 355a, the sample setting units 255a and 355a in which the priority sample is set are taken into the measurement unit. The measurement is started.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the sample transport device 4 holds the pre-analysis rack capable of holding a plurality of racks 101 in which the sample containers 100 for storing the sample before the analysis is performed. Unit 41, post-analysis rack holding unit 42 capable of holding a plurality of racks 101 in which sample containers 100 for storing specimens after analysis are held, and rack 101 horizontally in the direction of arrow X Rack transport unit 43 that moves linearly, barcode reading unit 44, presence / absence detection sensor 45 that detects the presence / absence of sample container 100 (see FIG. 4), and rack delivery that moves rack 101 into post-analysis rack holding unit 42 Part 46.

  The pre-analysis rack holding unit 41 includes a rack feeding unit 411. When the rack feeding unit 411 moves in the arrow Y direction, the racks 101 held by the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41 are transported one by one. It is configured to extrude onto the portion 43. The rack feeding unit 411 is configured to be driven by a stepping motor (not shown) provided below the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41. The pre-analysis rack holding unit 41 has a regulating unit 412 (see FIG. 4) in the vicinity of the rack transport unit 43, and the rack 101 once pushed onto the rack transport unit 43 returns to the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41. The movement of the rack 101 is restricted so as not to be performed.

  The post-analysis rack holding unit 42 has a restricting unit 421 (see FIG. 4) in the vicinity of the rack transport unit 43, and the rack 101 once moved into the post-analysis rack holding unit 42 is not returned to the rack transport unit 43 side. In this way, the movement of the rack 101 is restricted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the rack transport unit 43 includes a first provision position 43 a for providing a specimen to the first measurement unit 2 and a second provision position 43 b for providing a specimen to the second measurement unit 3. The rack 101 can be transported so that the sample is transported to the front. Furthermore, the rack transport unit 43 includes a sample presence / absence confirmation position 43c for the presence / absence detection sensor 45 to confirm the presence / absence of the sample container 100 for accommodating the sample, and a bar of the sample container 100 for the barcode reading unit 44 to accommodate the sample. The rack 101 can be transported so that the sample is transported to the reading position 43d for reading the code 100a.

  Further, the rack transport unit 43 has two belts, a first belt 431 and a second belt 432, which can move independently. Further, the widths b1 and b2 (see FIG. 6) of the first belt 431 and the second belt 432 in the arrow Y direction are respectively less than half the width B of the rack 101 in the arrow Y direction. Thereby, when the rack transport unit 43 transports the rack 101, the first belt 431 and the second belt 432 are both arranged in parallel so as not to protrude from the width B of the rack 101. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first belt 431 and the second belt 432 are formed in an annular shape, and are arranged so as to surround the rollers 431a to 431c and the rollers 432a to 432c, respectively. In addition, inner widths w1 (see FIG. 7) and w2 (see FIG. 8) slightly larger (for example, about 1 mm) than the width W of the rack 101 in the arrow X direction on the outer peripheral portions of the first belt 431 and the second belt 432. ), Two protrusion pieces 431d and 432d are formed. The first belt 431 moves the rack 101 in the direction of the arrow X by being moved on the outer periphery of the rollers 431a to 431c by the stepping motor 431e (see FIG. 4) while holding the rack 101 inside the protruding piece 431d. Is configured to do. Further, the second belt 432 moves the outer periphery of the rollers 432a to 432c by the stepping motor 432e (see FIG. 4) while the rack 101 is held inside the protruding piece 432d, so that the rack 101 is moved in the arrow X direction. Configured to move to. Further, the first belt 431 and the second belt 432 are configured to be able to move the rack 101 independently of each other.

  The barcode reading unit 44 is configured to read the barcode 100a of the sample container 100 shown in FIG. 5 and to read the barcode 101a attached to the rack 101. The barcode reading unit 44 is configured to read the barcode 100a of the sample container 100 while rotating the target sample container 100 in the horizontal direction while being accommodated in the rack 101 by a rotating device (not shown). Thereby, even when the barcode 100a of the sample container 100 is affixed to the opposite side to the barcode reading unit 44, the barcode 100a is moved to the barcode reading unit 44 side by rotating the sample container 100. Can be directed. The barcode 101a of the rack 101 is uniquely assigned to each rack, and is used for managing the analysis result of the sample.

  The presence / absence detection sensor 45 is a contact-type sensor, and includes a goodwill-shaped contact piece 451 (see FIG. 4), a light emitting element (not shown) that emits light, and a light receiving element (not shown). The presence / absence detection sensor 45 is bent by the contact piece 451 coming into contact with the detection target object, and as a result, the light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by the contact piece 451 and enters the light receiving element. It is configured as follows. Thus, when the sample container 100 to be detected housed in the rack 101 passes below the presence / absence detection sensor 45, the contact piece 451 is bent by the sample container 100 to detect the presence of the sample container 100. Is possible.

  The rack delivery section 46 is disposed so as to face the post-analysis rack holding section 42 with the rack transport section 43 interposed therebetween, and is configured to move linearly in the arrow Y direction. Thus, when the rack 101 is transported between the post-analysis rack holding unit 42 and the rack sending unit 46 (hereinafter referred to as a rack sending position), the rack sending unit 46 is moved to the post-analysis rack holding unit 42 side. As a result, the rack 101 can be pressed and moved into the post-analysis rack holder 42.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 9, the control device 5 includes a personal computer (PC) and the like, and includes a control unit 51 including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a display unit 52, and an input device 53. Contains. The display unit 52 is provided to display analysis results obtained by analyzing digital signal data transmitted from the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3. The display unit 52 is used to input a sample identification number for the user to identify a sample, set a measurement item, and the like in measurement of a priority sample that needs to be measured with priority over other samples. A priority sample measurement instruction screen 520 (see FIG. 10) is displayed.

  Next, the configuration of the control device 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 5 is configured by a computer 500 mainly composed of a control unit 51, a display unit 52, and an input device 53. The control unit 51 mainly includes a CPU 51a, a ROM 51b, a RAM 51c, a hard disk 51d, a reading device 51e, an input / output interface 51f, a communication interface 51g, and an image output interface 51h. The CPU 51a, ROM 51b, RAM 51c, hard disk 51d, reading device 51e, input / output interface 51f, communication interface 51g, and image output interface 51h are connected by a bus 51i.

  The CPU 51a can execute the computer program stored in the ROM 51b and the computer program loaded in the RAM 51c. The computer 500 functions as the control device 5 when the CPU 51a executes application programs 54a to 54c as described later.

  The ROM 51b is configured by a mask ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or the like, and stores a computer program executed by the CPU 51a, data used for the same, and the like.

  The RAM 51c is configured by SRAM, DRAM, or the like. The RAM 51c is used to read out computer programs recorded in the ROM 51b and the hard disk 51d. Further, when these computer programs are executed, it is used as a work area of the CPU 51a.

  The hard disk 51d is installed with various computer programs to be executed by the CPU 51a, such as an operating system and application programs, and data used for executing the computer programs. A measurement processing program 54a for the first measurement unit 2, a measurement processing program 54b for the second measurement unit 3, and a measurement processing program 54c for the sample transport device 4 are also installed in the hard disk 51d. When these application programs 54a to 54c are executed by the CPU 51a, the operation of each part of the first measurement unit 2, the second measurement unit 3, and the sample transport apparatus 4 is controlled. A measurement result database 54d is also installed.

  The reading device 51e is configured by a flexible disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD-ROM drive, or the like, and can read a computer program or data recorded on the portable recording medium 54. The portable recording medium 54 stores application programs 54a to 54c. The computer 500 reads the application programs 54a to 54c from the portable recording medium 54, and installs the application programs 54a to 54c in the hard disk 51d. Is possible.

  The application programs 54a to 54c are not only provided by the portable recording medium 54, but also from an external device that is communicably connected to the computer 500 via an electric communication line (whether wired or wireless). It can also be provided through a communication line. For example, the application programs 54a to 54c are stored in the hard disk of a server computer on the Internet, and the computer 500 accesses the server computer to download the application programs 54a to 54c and install them on the hard disk 51d. It is also possible to do.

  In addition, an operating system that provides a graphical user interface environment, such as Windows (registered trademark) manufactured and sold by Microsoft Corporation, is installed in the hard disk 51d. In the following description, the application programs 54a to 54c are assumed to operate on the operating system.

  The input / output interface 51f includes, for example, a serial interface such as USB, IEEE1394, RS-232C, a parallel interface such as SCSI, IDE, IEEE1284, an analog interface including a D / A converter, an A / D converter, and the like. Has been. An input device 53 is connected to the input / output interface 51f, and the user can input data to the computer 500 by using the input device 53.

  The communication interface 51g is, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface. The computer 500 can transmit and receive data to and from the first measurement unit 2, the second measurement unit 3, the sample transport device 4, and the host computer 6 using a predetermined communication protocol through the communication interface 51g.

  The image output interface 51h is connected to a display unit 52 composed of an LCD or a CRT, and outputs a video signal corresponding to the image data given from the CPU 51a to the display unit 52. The display unit 52 displays an image (screen) according to the input video signal.

  With the above-described configuration, the control unit 51 analyzes the components to be analyzed using the measurement results transmitted from the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3, and the analysis results (red blood cell count, platelet count, hemoglobin amount) , White blood cell count, etc.).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the rack 101 is formed with ten container storage portions 101b so that ten sample containers 100 can be stored in a row. Each container storage portion 101b is provided with an opening 101c so that the barcode 100a of the stored sample container 100 is visible.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the measurement processing operation by the measurement processing program of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the measurement processing operation by the measurement processing programs 54a and 54b of the blood analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. In addition, in the 1st measurement unit 2 and the 2nd measurement unit 3, since the component of analysis object is measured similarly, below, as a typical example, the case of measuring the component of analysis object by the 1st measurement unit 2 Will be described.

  First, in step S1, the sample is aspirated by the sample aspirating unit 21 from the sample container 100 conveyed to the aspiration position (see FIG. 3). In step S2, a sample for detection is prepared from the aspirated specimen by the sample preparation unit 22, and in step S3, the component to be analyzed is detected from the sample for detection by the detection unit. In step S4, the measurement data is transmitted from the first measurement unit 2 to the control device 5. Thereafter, in step S <b> 5, the component to be analyzed is analyzed by the control unit 51 based on the measurement result transmitted from the first measurement unit 2. By this step S5, the analysis of the sample is completed and the operation is finished.

  FIG. 12 is a state transition diagram for explaining state transitions of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Next, referring to FIG. 12, the state transition of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 of the blood analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Since the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 similarly make a state transition, the state transition by the first measurement unit 2 will be described below as a representative example.

  Here, in the first embodiment, the state of the first measurement unit 2 is changed from the non-activated state (start) to the sampler mode standby state 2a when the power supply is turned on. Further, the first measurement unit 2 transitions to the sampler mode in-measurement state 2b when a sampler measurement start instruction is given by the user in the sampler mode standby state 2a. In the sampler mode measuring state 2b, the first measurement unit 2 performs the measurement processing operation shown in FIG. When the measurement of the sample is completed in the sampler mode measuring state 2b, the first measurement unit 2 is returned to the sampler mode standby state 2a. In the sampler mode standby state 2a, when the power is turned off, the first measurement unit 2 transitions to a non-activated state (end).

  In the first embodiment, when the user presses the sample setting unit open / close button 26 in the sampler mode standby state 2a and the sampler mode in-measurement state 2b, the first measurement unit 2 is in the priority sample measurement mode standby state. Transition to 2c. When the first measurement unit 2 is shifted to the priority sample measurement mode standby state 2c, the transport of the sample to the first measurement unit 2 is suspended. That is, in this case, the sample transport apparatus 4 transports the sample only to the second provision position 43b without transporting the sample to the first provision position 43a. When both the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 are shifted to the priority sample measurement mode standby state 2c, the sample is transported to both the first provision position 43a and the second provision position 43b. Deferred.

  When the priority sample measurement start button 27 is pressed in the priority sample measurement mode standby state 2c, the first measurement unit 2 transitions to the priority sample measurement mode in-measurement state 2d. When the measurement of the priority sample is completed, the first measurement unit 2 is returned to the priority sample measurement mode standby state 2c. When the measurement of all the priority samples is completed, the first measurement unit 2 is changed to the sampler mode standby state 2a when the user presses the sample setting unit open / close button 26.

  If an error occurs in each of the sampler mode standby state 2a, the sampler mode measuring state 2b, the priority sample measurement mode standby state 2c, and the priority sample measurement mode measuring state 2d, the first measurement unit 2 , Transition to the abort / interrupt occurrence state 2e. When the error is resolved, the first measurement unit 2 is returned to the standby state of each mode. Specifically, when the error generated in the sampler mode standby state 2a and the sampler mode measuring state 2b is resolved, the first measurement unit 2 is returned to the sampler mode standby state 2a. On the other hand, when the error generated in the priority sample measurement mode standby state 2c and the priority sample measurement mode in-measurement state 2d is resolved, the first measurement unit 2 is returned to the priority sample measurement mode standby state 2c.

  In addition, when the state of the first measurement unit 2 changes, a state notification that informs which state the first measurement unit 2 changes to is transmitted from the first measurement unit 2 to the control device 5. Specifically, when the first measurement unit 2 transits from the sampler mode measuring state 2b, the priority sample measurement mode standby state 2c, and the suspension / interruption occurrence state 2e to the sampler mode standby state 2a, the first measurement unit A state notification is sent from the first measurement unit 2 to the control device 5 informing that the 2 changes to the sampler mode standby state 2a. Even when the state transitions to a state other than the sampler mode standby state 2a, a state notification notifying that the first measurement unit 2 is in each state is transmitted from the first measurement unit 2 to the control device 5. Furthermore, when returning from the cancellation / interruption occurrence state 2e to each state, a state notification is sent from the first measurement unit 2 to the control device 5 informing which state the first measurement unit 2 will transition to. A notification notifying that the error has been resolved is also notified.

  FIG. 13 is a state transition diagram for explaining the state transition of the sample transport device of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining processing for determining the next operation of the sample transport device of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 15 and 16 are diagrams for explaining the detailed configuration of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. First, with reference to FIG. 13, the state transition of the sample transport device 4 of the blood analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, when the sampler measurement start instruction is given by the user, the state of the sample transport device 4 becomes the next operation determination processing state 4a. This state is a state in which the sample transport device 4 is on standby to execute the operation registered in the command queue. Here, in the first embodiment, the command queue is a data structure in which an operation instruction to the sample transport device 4 is registered, and the sample transport device 4 is controlled to execute the operation registered in the command queue. It is controlled by the CPU 51a of the device 5. The command queue is stored in the RAM 51c or the hard disk 51d of the control device 5.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 14 to FIG. 16, the sample transport device 4 executes when the sample transport device 4 of the blood analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment is in the next operation determination process state 4a. Processing for determining the next operation will be described.

  First, in step S11 shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 51a waits for an event notification. Here, in the first embodiment, event notification refers to notification of 11 types of events shown in FIG. 15, a notification notifying that a predetermined operation has been completed, or a state notifying the state on the measurement unit side. Notifications are included. Specifically, when the rack 101 is sent from the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41 of the sample transport device 4 onto the rack transport unit 43, a rack feed completion notification is transmitted from the sample transport device 4 to the control device 5. The Further, when the rack 101 on the rack transport unit 43 is sent to the post-analysis rack holding unit 42 by the rack sending unit 46, a rack delivery completion notice is transmitted from the sample transport device 4 to the control device 5. When the presence / absence detection sensor 45 of the sample transport device 4 detects the presence / absence of the sample container 100, a test tube presence / absence confirmation completion notification is made. In addition, when the barcode 100a of the sample container 100 is read by the barcode reading unit 44 and a measurement order is assigned, a sample ID / measurement order assignment completion notification is made. In addition, the first measurement unit side test tube take-in completion notification, the second measurement unit side test tube take-in completion notification, the first measurement unit side test tube take-out completion notification, and the second measurement unit-side test tube take-out completion notification When each operation is completed in the unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3, it is transmitted from the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 to the control device 5. Further, the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 receive the sample containers 100 from the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 in addition to the state notification of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3. A test tube take-out request notification that informs that the sample can be taken out and a next sample aspiration notice that informs that the next new sample can be aspirated are also transmitted to the control device 5.

  In step S12, the CPU 51a determines whether any of the above 11 types of event notifications has been received or not, and the event notification waiting state is continued until it is received. If any event notification is received, in step S13, among the operations registered in the command queue by the CPU 51a, the operations that are set in the hold state so that the execution is not performed are suspended. Is released.

  Here, the suspension of execution will be described. In the first embodiment, each operation registered in the command queue is prioritized as shown in FIG. 16, and in principle, among the operations registered in the command queue when the operation is executed, the priority is set. The sample transport device 4 is controlled by the CPU 51a so as to execute the operation from a high operation. However, for example, when another sample being measured exists in the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 and the next new sample cannot be taken in, the “test to the first measurement unit” The two operations of “tube acquisition” and “test tube acquisition to the second measurement unit” may not be performed immediately. In such a case, as will be described later, the operation of “loading the test tube into the first measurement unit” and “loading the test tube into the second measurement unit” is skipped and the operation with the next highest priority is executed first. As described above, the execution of the operations “take test tube into first measurement unit” and “take test tube into second measurement unit” is set in a suspended state by the CPU 51a. As a result, in the blood analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment, even when the operations of “take test tube into first measurement unit” and “take test tube into second measurement unit” cannot be executed, Since operations other than “take test tube into measurement unit” and “take test tube into second measurement unit” are executed first, it is possible to process the specimen more quickly.

  In step S14, the CPU 51a searches for the operation with the highest priority among the operations currently registered in the command queue. In step S15, it is determined whether or not the searched operation with the highest priority is one of “take test tube into first measurement unit” or “take test tube into second measurement unit”. If it is determined that the operation is neither “take test tube into first measurement unit” nor “take test tube into second measurement unit”, the searched operation with the highest priority is executed in step S16. The At this time, when the rack delivery operation is executed, the CPU 51a controls the rack delivery unit 46 to send the rack 101 on the rack transport unit 43 to the post-analysis rack holding unit 42, and the rack delivery operation is executed. In this case, the rack feeding unit 411 is controlled by the CPU 51 a so as to feed the rack 101 of the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41 onto the rack transporting unit 43. Further, when the test tube removal operation from the first measurement unit or the test tube removal operation from the second measurement unit is executed, the CPU 51a moves to either the first provision position 43a or the second provision position 43b. Then, the rack transport unit 43 is controlled so as to transport the rack 101 so that the container storage unit 101b of the sample container 100 to be taken out comes. When the test tube presence / absence confirmation operation is executed, the rack transport unit 43 is configured to transport the rack 101 so that the unconfirmed sample container 100 accommodated in the rack 101 reaches the sample presence / absence confirmation position 43c by the CPU 51a. Is controlled. When the sample ID / measurement order assigning operation is executed, the rack 101 is transported so that the sample container 100 accommodated in the rack 101 and not yet assigned the measurement order reaches the reading position 43d. The rack transport unit 43 is controlled. Thereafter, the operation is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the operation is “take test tube into first measurement unit” or “take test tube into second measurement unit”, in step S17, the measurement order, first measurement unit 2 and second measurement are measured. Based on the state of the unit 3, the CPU 51 a determines whether or not the corresponding operation of “take test tube into first measurement unit” or “take test tube into second measurement unit” can be performed. . Specifically, the CPU 51a selects the corresponding one of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 based on the status notification, the test tube removal request notification, and the next sample aspiration notification that are transmitted from each measurement unit. It is determined whether the measurement unit is ready to take in the test tube. For example, when the next sample aspiration notification is not transmitted from the first measurement unit 2, the CPU 51a determines that the first measurement unit 2 is not in a state in which the test tube can be taken. If it is possible to capture, in step S18, the corresponding operation of “capture test tube into first measurement unit” or “capture test tube into second measurement unit” is executed. At this time, the rack transporting unit 43 transports the rack 101 so that the container accommodating portion 101b of the sample container 100 to be taken out comes to the one corresponding to either the first providing position 43a or the second providing position 43b by the CPU 51a. Is controlled. Thereafter, the process is terminated. If not, in step S19, the CPU 51a sets the execution of the corresponding operation of "take test tube into first measurement unit" or "take test tube into second measurement unit" to a suspended state. The

  In this way, the next operation performed by the sample transport device 4 is based on the latest states of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 immediately before the sample transport device 4 performs the next operation. Determined by the CPU 51a. Thereby, since the sample transport device 4 can perform efficient transport based on the latest state of each of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3, it is possible to quickly process the sample. It is.

  In the next operation determination process state 4a shown in FIG. 13, when the next operation is executed by the process of FIG. 14 described above, the sample transport apparatus 4 transitions to states 4b to 4i corresponding to each operation. . Specifically, in addition to the determination process state 4a of the next operation, the sample transport apparatus 4 includes a rack feeding state 4b, a test tube presence checking state 4c, a sample ID / measurement order assignment state 4d, a first A test tube is being taken into the measurement unit 4e, a test tube is being taken into the second measurement unit 4f, a test tube being taken out from the first measurement unit 4g, a test tube being taken out from the second measurement unit 4h, and It is possible to transition to nine different states of the rack-feeding state 4i.

  In FIG. 13, “next;” indicates an operation executed in the next operation state. Further, in FIG. 13, “I;” indicates an event notified to the control device 5 when transitioning from each operation state to the next operation determination processing state 4 a, and “C;” The operation registered in the queue is shown. For example, when the sample transport device 4 is in the rack feeding state 4b, the rack feeding operation indicated as “next;” is executed. In addition, when the sample transport device 4 transitions from the in-rack in-feed state 4b to the next operation determination processing state 4a, an event notification indicating the completion of in-rack feeding indicated as “I;” is transmitted to the control device 5. At the same time, the test tube presence / absence checking operation indicated as “C;” is registered in the command queue by the CPU 51a. Other events shown in FIG. 15 are also notified in the same manner as the rack feeding completion notification. Further, the other operations shown in FIG. 16 are also registered in the command queue in the same manner as the test tube existence confirmation operation. Note that the two operations of “extracting the test tube from the first measurement unit” and “extracting the test tube from the second measurement unit” correspond to the test tube extraction request transmitted from the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3. Based on the command queue.

  In addition, when the sample transport device 4 is in the state of being ingesting the test tube into the first measurement unit 4e, the sample container 100 to be transported to the first measurement unit 2 is transported to the predetermined position when transported to the predetermined position. An acquisition request notification informing the completion is transmitted to the first measurement unit 2. Based on this notification, the CPU 51 a can control the first measurement unit 2 so as to hold the sample container 100 by the hand unit 251. Note that, similar to the first measurement unit 2, an acquisition request notification is also made to the second measurement unit 3.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation at the time of prior sample measurement of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 10, and FIG. 17, the operation at the time of priority sample measurement of the blood analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 can measure the priority sample independently of each other. In the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3, The operation during priority sample measurement is the same. Therefore, here, as a representative example, the operation at the time of priority sample measurement in the first measurement unit 2 will be described.

  First, in step S101 shown in FIG. 17, the CPU 51a determines whether or not the sample setting unit opening / closing button 26 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is pressed, and this determination is repeated until it is pressed. If the button is pressed, in step S102, the sample setting unit 255a (see FIG. 2) is ejected from the intake port 24 so as to protrude outward. In step S103, the priority sample measurement instruction screen 520 (see FIG. 10) is displayed on the display unit 52. In step S104, the CPU 51a determines whether or not the OK button 520a displayed on the priority sample measurement instruction screen 520 is pressed after the user inputs the sample identification number, sets the measurement item, and the like. This determination is continued until the OK button 520a is pressed. When the OK button 520a is pressed, in step S105, the user sets the sample container 100 containing the priority sample in the sample setting unit 255a, and then the priority sample measurement start button. The CPU 51a determines whether or not 27 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) has been pressed. If not, the determination is repeated. If the button is pressed, the sample setting unit 255a is returned from the intake port 24 to the inside of the first measurement unit 2 in step S106. As a result, the priority sample is taken into the first measurement unit 2.

  In step S107, the priority sample is measured, and in step S108, it is determined whether or not the measurement is completed. This determination is repeated until the measurement is completed. When the measurement is completed, the sample setting unit 255a is taken out from the intake port 24 in step S109. Thereby, the sample container 100 of the priority sample for which the measurement has been completed is discharged so as to be able to be taken out of the first measurement unit 2. Thereafter, in step S110, it is determined whether or not the priority sample measurement start button 27 has been pressed.

  Here, in the first embodiment, the user removes the sample container 100 of the priority specimen whose measurement has been completed from the specimen setting section 255a, and then removes the sample container 100 containing the next new priority specimen from the specimen setting section 255a. When the priority sample measurement start button 27 is pressed, measurement of the priority sample can be performed continuously. When the user sets the sample container 100 containing the next new priority sample in the sample setting unit 255a and presses the priority sample measurement start button 27, the operation proceeds to step S106, and the next priority is continuously set. The sample is measured. In this case, even if the user does not input the specimen identification number or set the measurement item, the CPU 51a automatically assigns a continuous identification number, and the measurement is performed with the same item as the once set measurement item. Done.

  On the other hand, when the priority sample measurement start button 27 is not pressed, in step S111, the CPU 51a determines whether or not the sample setting unit opening / closing button 26 is pressed. The user can end the measurement of the priority sample by pressing the sample set section open / close button 26. If the sample set section open / close button 26 is not pressed, these determinations are repeated until either the priority sample measurement start button 27 or the sample set section open / close button 26 is pressed. When the sample setting section open / close button 26 is pressed, in step S112, the sample setting section 255a is returned from the intake port 24 to the inside of the first measurement unit 2, and the priority sample measurement operation is ended.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the sample setting unit opening / closing button 26 or 36 is provided by providing the sample setting unit opening / closing buttons 26 and 36 for instructing to measure the priority sample in preference to other samples. When prioritized sample measurement is instructed, priority sample measurement is performed with priority over other samples, so that it is possible to quickly process priority samples that need to be processed with priority over other samples. it can. Further, in the blood analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment, when an instruction to measure the priority sample in either the first measurement unit 2 or the second measurement unit 3 is given by the sample setting unit opening / closing button 26 or 36, By providing the CPU 51a that controls the sample transport device 4 to hold the transport of the specimen to the first provision position 43a or the second provision position 43b and perform other operations, respectively, for example, it has priority over other specimens. When the second measurement unit 3 is instructed to measure the priority sample that needs to be processed, the second measurement unit 3 performs the measurement of the priority sample while performing other measurements in parallel with the priority sample measurement. The sample can be processed. As a result, there is no need to defer processing of other specimens, so even if there are a large number of priority specimens that need to be processed with priority over other specimens, processing of other specimens will be greatly delayed. Can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the user directly provides the priority sample to the second measurement unit 3 where the transport of other samples is suspended, it is not necessary for the sample transport device 4 to transport the priority sample. Therefore, it is possible to more quickly process a priority sample that needs to be processed with priority over other samples. Therefore, in the blood analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment, while avoiding an increase in size of the apparatus, the processing of other samples other than the priority sample that needs to be processed with priority over other samples is not significantly delayed. , The priority sample can be processed quickly.

  In the first embodiment, the sample setting unit opening / closing buttons 26 and 36 for instructing the measurement of the priority sample are provided in the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3, respectively, so that the user can By pressing the open / close button 26 or 36, the measurement of the priority sample can be instructed easily.

  In the first embodiment, the user removes the sample container 100 of the priority specimen whose measurement has been completed from the specimen setting section 255a, and then places the sample container 100 containing the next new priority specimen in the specimen setting section 255a. By setting and pressing the priority sample measurement start button 27, it is possible to continuously measure the priority sample, so that the burden on the user can be reduced when the priority sample is measured.

  In the first embodiment, the first measurement unit 2, the second measurement unit 3, and the sample transport device 4 immediately before the sample transport device 4 executes the next operation. Although the example in which the CPU 51a determines based on the latest state of each has been shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the user is not instructed to measure the priority sample, a plurality of samples are assigned to the first measurement unit. The sample transport device 4 may be controlled by the CPU 51a so as to be transported alternately to the second and second measurement units 3. Accordingly, when there is no priority sample that needs to be processed with priority over other samples, the other samples can be efficiently transported to the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3, respectively. Can be performed quickly.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the sample transport device in a modification of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 18, the operation of the sample transport apparatus 4 in a modification of the blood analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. In this modification, the sampler operation processing program 54c installed in the control device 5 is different from the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment. The sampler operation processing program 54c of this modified example controls the sample transport apparatus 4 sequentially.

  First, when a sampler measurement start instruction is made by the user, in step S21, the rack 101 is sent from the pre-analysis rack holding unit 41 (see FIG. 3) to the rack transport unit 43 (see FIG. 3). In step S22, it is determined whether or not a user has instructed priority sample measurement. Specifically, the CPU 51a of the control device 5 determines whether or not the user has pressed the sample setting section opening / closing button 26 or 36. If there is no instruction, in step S23, the sample in the Nth sample container 100 is transported to the first measurement unit 2 by the rack transport unit 43, and in step S24, the CPU 51a again performs priority sample measurement from the user. It is determined whether an instruction has been given. Here, N is a real number starting from 1. Therefore, when performing the operation of step S23 for the first time, N = 1, and the specimen in the first sample container 100 is transported to the first measurement unit 2.

  If there is an instruction for priority sample measurement, the operation proceeds to step S46 described later. If there is no instruction, the sample in the (N + 1) th sample container 100 is transported to the second measurement unit 3 by the rack transport unit 43 in step S25. In step S26, it is determined whether or not an instruction for priority sample measurement has been given by the user. If there is no instruction, it is determined in step S27 whether N = 9. If N = 9 is not satisfied, N is changed to (N + 2) in step S28. That is, if N = 1 immediately before the transition to step S28, N is changed to N = 3 in step S28. This process is performed for the CPU 51a to control the sample transport device 4 so that the sample is alternately transported to the two measurement units of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3. Then, the operation proceeds to step S23. In step S27, if N = 9, in step S36, the rack 101 is sent from the rack transport unit 43 to the post-analysis rack holding unit 42, and the operation ends. If there is an instruction for priority sample measurement in step S26, the operation proceeds to step S45, and N is changed to (N + 2).

  If there is an instruction for priority sample measurement in step S22, it is determined in step S29 whether or not an instruction for priority sample measurement has been issued on the first measurement unit 2 side. If it is not on the first measurement unit 2 side, the operation proceeds to step S52 described later. If it is on the first measurement unit 2 side, the specimen in the Nth sample container 100 is transported to the second measurement unit 3 in step S30. In step S31, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to end the priority sample measurement. If there is no instruction, the sample in the (N + 1) -th sample container 100 is also transported to the second measurement unit 3 in step S32. The Thereafter, in step S33, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to end the priority sample measurement. If there is no instruction, it is determined in step S34 whether or not N = 9. When N = 9, the CPU 51a determines that the sample transport device 4 has transported the tenth sample container 100 accommodated in the rack 101 to the second measurement unit 3, and the operation proceeds to step S36. . When N = 9 is not satisfied, the CPU 51a determines that the sample transport device 4 has not transported all the ten sample containers 100 accommodated in the rack 101 to the measurement unit, and N is ( N + 2). Then, the operation is returned to step S30. If there is an instruction in step S33, N is changed to (N + 2) in step S37, and the operation proceeds to step S23.

  If there is an instruction to end priority sample measurement in step S31, the sample in the (N + 1) th sample container 100 is transported to the first measurement unit 2 in step S38, and priority sample measurement is performed in step S39. It is determined whether or not there is an instruction. If there is an instruction, N is changed to (N + 2) in step S40, and the process proceeds to step S45. On the other hand, if there is no instruction, it is determined in step S41 whether N = 9 or not. If N = 9, N is changed to (N + 2) in step S42. Then, in step S43, the specimen in the Nth sample container 100 is transported to the second measurement unit 3, and in step S44, it is determined whether there has been an instruction for priority specimen measurement. If there is no instruction here, the operation proceeds to step S38. If there is an instruction, it is determined in step S46 whether or not an instruction for priority sample measurement has been given on the first measurement unit 2 side. In the case of the first measurement unit 2 side, in step S47, the sample in the (N + 1) th sample container 100 is transported to the second measurement unit 3, and in step S48, whether or not an instruction to end priority sample measurement has been given. Is judged. If there is no instruction, it is determined whether or not N = 9 in step S49, and if N = 9, the process proceeds to step S36. If N is not 9, N is changed to (N + 2) in step S50, and the operation proceeds to step S30. If there is an instruction in step S48, N is changed to (N + 2) in step S51. On the other hand, if it is not the first measurement unit 2 side in step S46, the operation proceeds to step S54.

  In step S29, when the priority sample measurement instruction is not performed on the first measurement unit 2 side, the sample in the Nth sample container 100 is transported to the first measurement unit 2 in step S52. Then, in step S53, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to end the priority sample measurement. If there is an instruction, the process proceeds to step S25. If there is no instruction, the specimen in the (N + 1) th sample container 100 is also transported to the first measurement unit 2 in step S54. In step S55, it is determined whether or not there has been an instruction to end the priority sample measurement. If there is an instruction, the operation proceeds to step S42. If there is no instruction, it is determined in step S56 whether or not N = 9. If N = 9, the operation proceeds to step S36. If N is not 9, N is changed to (N + 2) in step S57, and the operation proceeds to step S52.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the blood analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the operation at the time of prior sample measurement of the blood analyzer according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 10, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20, the operation at the time of priority sample measurement of the blood analyzer 600 according to the second embodiment will be described. The blood analyzer 600 according to the second embodiment is different from the blood analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and the priority sample is used only in one of the first measurement unit 601 and the second measurement unit 602. It is comprised so that it may measure.

  First, in step S201 shown in FIG. 20, the CPU 51a determines whether or not the display instruction of the priority sample measurement instruction screen 520 (see FIG. 10) displayed on the display unit 52 (see FIG. 19) has been issued by the user. This determination is repeated until there is a display instruction. When there is an instruction, the priority sample measurement instruction screen 520 is displayed on the display unit 52 in step S202. In step S203, the CPU 51a determines whether or not the OK button 520a displayed on the priority sample measurement instruction screen 520 is pressed after the user inputs the sample identification number, sets the measurement item, and the like. This determination is continued until the OK button 520a is pressed.

  Here, in the second embodiment, when the OK button 520a is pressed, the CPU 51a causes the first measurement unit 601 to measure the priority sample earlier than the second measurement unit 602 at present in step S204. It is determined whether or not it is possible to start. Specifically, the CPU 51a makes a determination based on the state notification of each of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 and each event notification transmitted to the control device 5. When the first measurement unit 601 can start the measurement of the priority sample earlier, in step S205, the sample setting unit 255a is ejected so as to protrude outward from the intake port 24. In step S206, the CPU 51a determines whether or not the priority sample measurement start button 27 (see FIG. 19) has been pressed after the user has set the sample container 100 containing the priority sample in the sample setting unit 255a. If not pressed, this determination is repeated. If the button is pressed, the sample setting unit 255a is returned from the intake port 24 to the inside of the first measurement unit 601 in step S207. As a result, the priority sample is taken into the first measurement unit 601.

  In step S208, the priority sample is measured, and in step S209, it is determined whether or not the measurement is completed. This determination is repeated until the measurement is completed. When the measurement is completed, the sample setting unit 255a is taken out from the intake port 24 in step S210. Thereby, the sample container 100 of the priority sample for which the measurement has been completed is discharged so as to be able to be taken out of the first measurement unit 601. Thereafter, in step S211, the CPU 51a determines whether or not the sample container 100 of the priority sample for which the measurement has been completed is removed from the sample setting unit 255a, and this determination is repeated until it is removed. When the sample is removed, the sample setting unit 255a is returned from the intake port 24 to the inside of the first measurement unit 601 in step S212, and the priority sample measurement instruction screen 520 is displayed again on the display unit 52 in step S213. In step S214, after the user inputs a sample identification number for the next new priority sample, sets a measurement item, etc., the OK button 520a displayed on the priority sample measurement instruction screen 520 is pressed. It is judged by the CPU 51a whether or not it has been done. If the button is pressed, the operation proceeds to step S204. If the button is not pressed, the CPU 51a determines whether or not the cancel button 520b displayed on the priority sample measurement instruction screen 520 is pressed in step S215. The In the second embodiment, the user can end the measurement of the priority sample by pressing the cancel button 520b. If the cancel button 520b is not pressed in step S215, these determinations are repeated until either the OK button 520a or the cancel button 520b is pressed. When the cancel button 520b is pressed, the priority sample measurement operation is ended as it is.

  Further, in the determination in step S204, when the second measurement unit 602 can start the priority sample measurement earlier, the operation proceeds to step S216. Here, the measurement operation of the priority sample on the second measurement unit 602 side from steps S216 to S226 is the same as the measurement operation on the first measurement unit 601 side shown in steps S205 to S215, so the second measurement unit. Description of the priority specimen measurement operation on the 602 side is omitted.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the CPU 51a determines in which measurement unit of the first measurement unit 601 or the second measurement unit 602 the measurement of the priority sample is performed, and thus the measurement in which the user measures the priority sample. There is no need to select a unit. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, the first measurement unit 601 and the second measurement unit 602 of the blood analyzer 600 according to the second embodiment are not provided with the sample set portion opening / closing button.

  The remaining structure of the blood analyzer 600 according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the aforementioned first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, when the CPU 51a is instructed to measure the priority sample from the priority sample measurement instruction screen 520, the priority sample is selected from the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3. By selecting the measurement unit that can perform the measurement of the earlier, the one of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 that can perform the measurement earlier than the CPU 51a has selected. Therefore, the priority sample can be measured, so that the priority sample can be processed quickly.

  In the second embodiment, the CPU 51a selects one of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 that can measure the priority sample earlier, and only the selected sample set unit is selected. , The user can be prevented from being confused about which sample setting unit 100 of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 is to be set with the sample container 100 of the priority sample. .

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the blood analyzer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the operation at the time of prior sample measurement of the blood analyzer according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 10, FIG. 21, and FIG. 22, the operation at the time of priority sample measurement of the blood analyzer 700 according to the third embodiment will be described. Note that the blood analyzer 700 according to the third embodiment is different from the blood analyzer 600 according to the second embodiment described above, without performing a measurement instruction from the priority sample measurement instruction screen 520 for each sample. A new priority sample can be measured.

  First, in step S301 shown in FIG. 22, the CPU 51a determines whether or not a display instruction of the priority sample measurement instruction screen 520 (see FIG. 10) displayed on the display unit 52 (see FIG. 21) has been issued by the user. This determination is repeated until there is a display instruction. When there is an instruction, the priority sample measurement instruction screen 520 is displayed on the display unit 52 in step S302. In step S303, the CPU 51a determines whether or not the OK button 520a displayed on the priority sample measurement instruction screen 520 has been pressed after the user inputs the sample identification number, sets the measurement item, and the like. This determination is continued until the OK button 520a is pressed.

  Here, in the third embodiment, when the OK button 520a is pressed, in step S304, the CPU 51a causes the first measurement unit 701 to measure the priority sample earlier than the second measurement unit 702 at present. It is determined whether or not it is possible to start. Specifically, the CPU 51 a makes a determination based on the state notification of each of the first measurement unit 701 and the second measurement unit 702 and each event notification transmitted to the control device 5. If the first measurement unit 701 can start the measurement of the priority sample earlier, the sample setting unit 255a is ejected so as to protrude outward from the intake port 24 in step S305. In step S306, the CPU 51a determines whether or not the priority sample measurement start button 27 (see FIG. 21) is pressed after the user sets the sample container 100 containing the priority sample in the sample setting unit 255a. If not pressed, this determination is repeated. If the button is pressed, the sample setting unit 255a is returned from the intake port 24 to the inside of the first measurement unit 701 in step S307. As a result, the priority sample is taken into the first measurement unit 701.

  In step S308, the priority sample is measured, and in step S309, it is determined whether the measurement is completed. This determination is repeated until the measurement is completed. When the measurement is completed, the sample setting unit 255a is taken out from the intake port 24 in step S310. As a result, the sample container 100 of the priority sample for which the measurement has been completed is discharged so as to be able to be taken out of the first measurement unit 701. Thereafter, in step S311, it is determined whether or not the priority sample measurement start button 27 has been pressed.

  In the third embodiment, the user removes the sample container 100 of the priority sample whose measurement has been completed from the sample setting unit 255a, and then adds the sample container 100 containing the next new priority sample to the sample setting unit 255a. By setting and pressing the priority sample measurement start button 27, it is possible to continuously measure the priority sample. When the user sets the sample container 100 containing the next new priority sample in the sample setting unit 255a and presses the priority sample measurement start button 27, the operation proceeds to step S307, and the next priority is continuously set. The sample is measured. In this case, even if the user does not input the specimen identification number or set the measurement item, the CPU 51a automatically assigns a continuous identification number, and the measurement is performed with the same item as the once set measurement item. Done.

  On the other hand, if the priority sample measurement start button 27 is not pressed, the CPU 51a determines in step S312 whether or not the sample set section close button 701a (see FIG. 21) has been pressed. The user can end the measurement of the priority sample by pressing the sample set unit close button 701a. If the sample set section close button 701a is not pressed, these determinations are repeated until either the priority sample measurement start button 27 or the sample set section close button 701a is pressed. When the sample setting unit close button 701a is pressed, in step S313, the sample setting unit 255a is returned from the intake port 24 to the inside of the first measurement unit 701, and the measurement operation of the priority sample is ended.

  Further, in the determination in step S304, when the second measurement unit 702 can start the measurement of the priority sample earlier, the operation proceeds to step S314. Here, the measurement operation of the priority sample on the second measurement unit 702 side from steps S314 to S322 is the same as the measurement operation on the first measurement unit 701 side shown in steps S305 to S313, so the second measurement unit. Description of the priority specimen measurement operation on the 702 side is omitted.

  The remaining structure of the blood analyzer 700 according to the third embodiment is similar to that of the aforementioned second embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, as described above, since only the sample set portion of one measurement unit selected by the CPU 51a comes out, either sample set of the first measurement unit 2 and the second measurement unit 3 is set. It is possible to prevent the user from wondering whether to set the sample container 100 of the priority specimen in the part.

  In the third embodiment, the user removes the sample container 100 of the priority sample whose measurement has been completed from the sample setting unit 255a, and then adds the sample container 100 containing the next new priority sample to the sample setting unit 255a. By setting and pressing the priority sample measurement start button 27, it is possible to continuously measure the priority sample, so that the burden on the user can be reduced when the priority sample is measured.

  The remaining effects of the third embodiment are similar to those of the aforementioned second embodiment.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the first to third embodiments, the blood analyzer is shown as an example of the analyzer. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any analyzer having a plurality of measurement units may be used for other analyzers. The invention may be applied.

  Moreover, in the said 1st-3rd embodiment, although the blood analyzer showed the example provided with two measurement units, a 1st measurement unit and a 2nd measurement unit, this invention is not limited to this, A blood analyzer is shown. However, the configuration may include three or more measurement units.

  In the first to third embodiments, an example is shown in which the sample transport device alternately transports the sample to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit if there is no instruction for priority sample measurement. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sample transport apparatus transports the sample to the one of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit that can start measuring the sample earlier during sample transport. May be. Thereby, this blood analyzer can process a sample rapidly even when the processing capabilities of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit are different from each other.

  Moreover, in the said 1st-3rd embodiment, although the example which provides one control part in a control apparatus was shown, this invention is not restricted to this, A separate control part is each in a 1st measurement unit and a 2nd measurement unit. May be provided. These control units may be incorporated in each of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit.

  Moreover, although the said 1st-3rd embodiment showed the example (refer FIG.1, FIG.2, FIG.19 and FIG.21) which accommodates the 1st measurement unit and the 2nd measurement unit in the respectively independent housing. The present invention is not limited to this, and the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit may be accommodated in one housing 7 as shown in FIG.

  Moreover, in the said 1st-3rd embodiment, although the 1st measurement unit and the 2nd measurement unit showed the example which is substantially the same kind of measurement unit, this invention is not limited to this, 1st measurement The unit and the second measurement unit may be different types of measurement units.

1 Blood analyzer (analyzer)
2, 601, 701 First measurement unit 3, 602, 702 Second measurement unit 4 Sample transport device (transport device)
26, 36 Specimen set section open / close button (measurement instruction button)
27, 37 Priority sample measurement start button (measurement start button)
51a CPU (conveyance control means, measurement unit selection means)
255a Sample setting part (first sample setting part)
355a Sample setting part (second sample setting part)
520 Priority specimen measurement instruction screen (measurement instruction screen)

Claims (12)

A plurality of measurement units for measuring samples are provided, and a plurality of samples held in one sample rack are distributed and supplied to the plurality of measurement units, and the supplied samples are measured by each measurement unit. An analyzer that performs
A rack transport unit configured to transport the sample rack in both the first direction from the upstream side to the downstream side and the second direction opposite to the first direction is provided, and each of the plurality of measurement units extends along the rack transport unit. One sample rack that is arranged and holds a plurality of samples is transported in the first direction and / or the second direction by the rack transport unit, so that the samples can be transported to each of the plurality of measurement units. A configured conveying device;
Priority sample measurement instruction means for giving a priority sample measurement instruction for measuring a predetermined sample in preference to other samples;
When the priority sample measurement instruction is given by the priority sample measurement instruction means, the transport control for controlling the transport device to change the transport destination of another sample scheduled to be transported to one measurement unit that performs the priority sample measurement. And an analyzer.   The transport control means includes: another measurement unit of the plurality of measurement units; a sample presence / absence confirmation position for confirming the presence / absence of a sample container containing the sample; and an identifier attached to the sample container containing the sample 2. The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the transport apparatus is controlled to transport another specimen that is scheduled to be transported to the one measurement unit to any transport destination of a reading position for reading . The plurality of measurement units comprises first and second measurement units;
The transport control unit causes the transport apparatus to transport a plurality of samples alternately to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit when there is no prior sample measurement instruction by the prior sample measurement instruction unit. The analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the analyzer is configured to be controlled.   The analysis according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the priority sample measurement instruction means includes a measurement instruction button for instructing measurement of the predetermined sample, which is provided in each of the plurality of measurement units. apparatus. A display unit;
The analysis according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the priority sample measurement instruction means includes a measurement instruction screen display means for displaying a measurement instruction screen for performing the priority sample measurement instruction on the display unit. apparatus.   When a priority sample measurement instruction is made from the measurement instruction screen, further comprising a measurement unit selecting means for selecting a measurement unit capable of performing the measurement of the predetermined sample earlier among the plurality of measurement units. The analyzer according to claim 5.   The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of measurement units are the same type of measurement unit.   The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of measurement units includes a measurement start button for starting measurement of the predetermined sample.   The analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rack transport unit includes a transport belt for holding a sample rack and transporting the sample rack to the measurement units.   Each said measurement unit is provided with the sample setting part comprised so that the said predetermined sample could be received when the said priority sample measurement instruction | indication means was made by the said priority sample measurement instruction | indication means. The analyzer described in 1. A plurality of measurement units for measuring the sample, and a transport device configured to transport the sample rack in both the first direction from the upstream side to the downstream side and the second direction opposite thereto, A method of transporting a sample in an analyzer that distributes and supplies a plurality of samples held in a sample rack to the plurality of measurement units, and measures the supplied samples by each measurement unit,
A sample transport method of changing a transport destination of another sample that is scheduled to be transported to one measurement unit that performs priority sample measurement when a priority sample measurement instruction is given.   The changed transport destination is attached to another measurement unit of the plurality of measurement units, a specimen presence / absence confirmation position for confirming the presence / absence of a specimen container that contains a specimen, and a specimen container that contains a specimen. The specimen transport method according to claim 11, wherein the specimen transport position is one of reading positions for reading the identifier.

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