JP2018169283A - Sample processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

To avoid congestion in a sample processing system, thereby providing a punctual result report on the inspection of a sample.SOLUTION: The sample processing system includes: a sample input unit 11 for inputting a sample into a system; a processing unit for processing or analyzing the sample; a sample conveyance unit having a plurality of sample conveyance lines 3 connecting the sample input unit 11 and the processing unit to each other; a detection unit for detecting a congestion situation in the processing unit or in the sample conveyance lines 3; and a control unit 6 for conducting individual controls so that the sample will not be conveyed to the sample conveyance line 3 to which the sample is to be conveyed, if the result of the detection by the detection unit shows that there is a congestion to the destination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analysis system and sample pretreatment system (collectively referred to as a sample treatment system) for analyzing and pretreating specimen samples such as blood and urine, and more particularly to a plurality of pretreatment units and analysis units. The present invention relates to a sample processing system connected via a transport line.

  Specimen pretreatment that performs input, centrifugation, dispensing, and labeling of specimens such as blood and urine collected for testing as a specimen treatment system for automatically analyzing biological samples such as blood and urine There is an automatic analysis system for analyzing a sample processed by a system and a sample pretreatment system. Since there are many types of these processes and analyses, there is a sample processing system in which each process is a separate process (analysis) unit and connected via a sample transport line that transports samples between these process (analysis) units. Used. In the sample processing system, the user inputs a sample into the input unit of the sample processing system, the sample input into the input unit is input from the input unit onto the transfer line, and the sample input into the transfer line is set at the transfer line. It is transported to the processing (analysis) unit, and processing and analysis are performed in the processing (analysis) unit.

  Depending on the state of the processing (analysis) unit and the state of the sample transport route, a sample waiting for the next processing may occur on the transport unit, resulting in a traffic jam. As a result, the processing speed of the entire system is reduced, and the report of the result of the specimen test is delayed.

  In order to solve this problem, in Patent Document 1, in a sample processing system including a plurality of processing (analysis) units, a sample put into a transport line is processed by a processing (analysis) unit having the lowest load. There has been proposed a technique for providing a means for storing a sample in a buffer unit provided in a pair in a processing (analysis) unit.

JP 2009-150859 A

  In recent years, the types of specimens have been diversified, the types of processing units corresponding to them have increased, and a response on the specimen processing system side is also required. Therefore, it can be said that the delay in reporting the results of the specimen test is a problem to be avoided. The technique of Patent Document 1 is a configuration in which a sample input to a sample processing system can be efficiently processed without waiting for processing on the transport line, avoiding sample congestion, and processing (analysis). ) If a sample exceeding the processing capacity of the unit is input, the sample of the processing (analysis) unit cannot be processed in time, so that a sample waiting for processing is generated on the transport line, and the sample congestion cannot be avoided. The technique of Patent Document 1 is a configuration in which a buffer unit is provided in a processing (analysis) unit so that a sample can be temporarily waited to avoid sample congestion. If this is done, it will not be possible to avoid congestion of specimens.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a result report of a sample test that avoids congestion of the sample processing system and has no delay.

  The configuration of the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows.

  That is, a plurality of samples including a sample input unit that inputs a sample, a sample pretreatment unit that preprocesses the sample, a sample pretreatment system that includes a sample recovery unit that recovers the processed sample, and a sample analysis unit that analyzes the sample A sample analysis system, a plurality of sample transport lines for transporting samples in and out of the sample pretreatment system or the multiple sample analysis system, and a coupling line connected to three or more sample transport lines In the processing system, a sample identification unit that is provided in the plurality of sample transport lines and the sample input unit and identifies sample information including a sample transport route, and a transport status for detecting the transport status of the sample on the sample transport line It is characterized by having a detector.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid the congestion of the sample processing system and provide a result report of the sample test without delay.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of the system in the 1st Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the injection | throwing-in unit of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of a control part in the 1st example of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the processing flow in the 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows input sample information storage DB in the 1st Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a system provided with the joint line connected to two sample conveyance destinations in the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of a system provided with the combined line connected to three sample conveyance destinations in the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the joint line in the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the processing flow in the 2nd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the coupling line used for the system in the 3rd Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the system in the 4th Example of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an example of a system in the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a specimen processing system that processes specimen samples such as blood and urine.

  The sample processing system includes a sample input unit 1 that inputs a test tube containing a sample sample into a transport line, centrifugal separation of a sample sample such as blood and urine, and opening a test tube containing a sample sample such as blood and urine. Specimen processing unit 2 for attaching stoppers and stoppers, labeling test tubes to divide specimen samples such as blood and urine, dispensing specimen samples such as blood and urine, specimen specimens such as blood and urine A sample transport line 3 for transporting a test tube, a sample analysis unit 4a, 4b, 4c for analyzing a sample sample such as blood and urine, a sample recovery unit 5 for classifying and storing processed test tubes, and a sample The control unit 6 controls the input unit 1, the sample processing unit 2, the sample transport line 3, the sample analysis units 4 a, 4 b and 4 c, and the sample recovery unit 5. The sample transport line is arranged in one straight line without branching, and each unit is arranged along the sample transport line. The control unit 6 is electrically connected to all of the sample input unit 1, the sample processing unit 2, the sample transport line 3, the sample analysis units 4a, 4b, and 4c, and the sample recovery unit 5 to enable control.

  In the sample processing system, for example, a sample to be analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4a is loaded from the sample loading unit 1, transported by the sample transport line 3, and the sample is analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4a. The sample is transported to the sample collection unit 5 via the line 3 and stored. On the other hand, if the sample to be analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4a is introduced in an amount exceeding the processing capability of the sample analysis unit 4a, the sample analysis unit 4a cannot keep up with the processing, and the sample accumulates on the sample transport line 3. , Specimen congestion occurs. On the other hand, since the sample transport line 3 commonly transports samples to be analyzed by the sample analysis units 4a, 4b, and 4c, for example, the sample on the sample transport line 3 due to retention of the sample to be analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4a. When the traffic jam occurs, the sample to be analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4b or the sample analysis unit 4c cannot be transported to the target analysis unit, but accumulates on the sample transport line 3, and the result of the sample test is reported. There is a delay.

  Therefore, the control unit 6 according to the present invention controls the number of samples to be input from the sample input unit 1 so that the number is within the processing capacity that can be processed and analyzed by the sample processing unit 2 and the sample analysis units 4a to 4c.

As a specific example, a sample loading unit 1 having the following sample processing capability will be described.
The sample input from the sample input unit 11 is subjected to reading of the sample ID by the sample identification unit 12, and it takes 1 second / sample to identify the sample processing unit and the sample analysis unit as the transport destination.
It takes 1 second / sample to transfer the sample from the sample identification unit 12 to the sample transport line 3 and to enter the sample loading start state.
-It takes 3 seconds / sample to actually put the sample into the sample transport line 3.

  That is, in this sample loading unit 1, the minimum time required for processing one sample is 2 seconds / sample in total for reading the sample ID and transferring it to the sample transport line 3. In this case, when the sample processing unit 2 has a processing capacity that requires 10 seconds to process one sample, a sample to be input from the sample input unit 1 to the sample processing unit 2 via the sample transport line 3 is 10 seconds or longer. A sample processing time schedule is created with a loading interval of, and the number of samples within the processing capacity is controlled by loading samples from the sample loading unit 1 into the sample processing unit 2 according to the created sample processing time schedule. That is, when ten samples to be processed in the sample processing unit 2 are identified by the sample identification unit 12, the first one is 00:02, the second is 00:12, the third is 00:22,. The sample processing time schedule is created so that the insertion of the tenth is started at 01:32.

  The sample processing unit 2 has a processing capacity that requires 10 seconds to process one sample, and the sample analysis unit 4a has a processing capacity that requires 20 seconds to analyze one sample. When the samples to be transported are mixed and loaded into the sample loading unit 1, a sample processing time schedule is created for the samples transported to the sample processing unit 2 with a loading interval of 10 seconds or more. For the sample transported to the unit 4a, a sample processing time schedule having an input interval of 20 seconds or more is created, and the sample is transferred from the sample input unit 1 to the sample processing unit 2 or the sample analysis unit 4a according to the created sample processing time schedule. The number is controlled so that the number is within the processing capacity.

  Specifically, when 10 samples to be processed by the sample processing unit 2 are identified by the sample identifying unit 12 in succession, then two samples to be analyzed by the sample analyzing unit 4a are identified by the sample identifying unit 12 in succession. explain. The sample processing time schedule for the sample processing unit 2 is created as described above. On the other hand, since the sample transported to the sample analysis unit 4a is the net 11th to 12th sample identified by the sample identifying unit 11, the input start time of the sample processing time schedule is 00:12 for the first and 00: 2 for the second. 32.

  In this case, since the loading start time of the second sample transported to the sample processing unit 2 and the first sample transported to the sample analysis unit 4a is batting, the loading start time is adjusted based on the priority order of the units. Is done. When the priority order of the sample processing unit 2 is higher than that of the sample analysis unit 4a, the input start time to the sample analysis unit 4a is 00 after the second sample that requires processing in the sample processing unit 2 is input: 16. The second insertion start time that needs to be analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4a is adjusted to 00:36. According to the sample processing time schedule, the samples are input from the sample input unit 1 to the body transport line 3 so that the number of sample processing units 2 and sample analysis units 4a having different processing capacities from the sample input unit 1 is within the processing capacity. Control the loading of the sample. As a result, the retained sample does not collect on the sample transport line 3, so that the sample transport line 3 can avoid sample congestion.

  A schematic diagram of the sample loading unit 1 will be described with reference to an example shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the function of the specimen loading unit 1 in the present embodiment.

  The sample loading unit 1 includes a sample loading unit 11 for loading a sample to be processed by the user by the user, a sample transport line 3 including a conveyor line for transporting the sample, and a sample loaded in the sample loading unit 11. A sample identification unit 12 that performs identification and a sample standby unit 13 that waits for the identified sample are provided. Further, although not shown, a sample transport mechanism such as a robot arm that grips and transports the sample from the sample input unit 11 to the sample identification unit 12, the sample standby unit 13, or the sample transport line 3 is provided.

  The sample loading unit 11 includes a mechanism for holding a sample loaded by a user. For example, it is a place where a tray or a rack for storing a specimen container standing upright in the vertical direction is placed. The sample loading unit may be a bulk loading unit that loads a large number of sample containers in a random posture and order.

  The sample identification unit 12 includes an imaging device such as a camera for fixing and recognizing the sample, or a reading mechanism such as a barcode reader or a tag reader, and identifies the sample ID of the conveyed sample container. The sample waiting unit 13 has a place for temporarily waiting for a sample that is determined to be unable to be loaded into the sample transport line 3 immediately. The transport mechanism provided in the sample loading unit 11 not only transports the sample from the sample loading unit 11 to the sample identification unit 12, but also from the sample identification unit 12 to the sample standby unit 13, the sample transport line 3, and the sample standby unit 13. The sample can be transported to the sample transport line 3.

  Next, a processing flow in the sample insertion unit 1 will be described.

  The sample loaded into the sample loading unit 11 is transported to the sample identification unit 12. The sample identification unit 12 reads the sample ID of the sample, and transmits the read sample ID to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 acquires the test item information requested for the sample from the sample ID read by the sample identification unit 12, and creates a processing time schedule for the sample.

  Thereafter, the control unit 6 confirms the created processing time schedule and controls the timing for transporting the sample to the sample transport line 3. For example, when the sample insertion time set in the processing time schedule described later is immediate, the sample whose sample ID is read by the sample identification unit 12 is moved onto the sample transport line 3. The sample moved on the sample transport line 3 is then transported to a desired sample analysis unit.

  On the other hand, if there is time until the sample insertion time in the processing time schedule, the sample whose sample ID is read by the sample identification unit 12 is transported from the sample identification unit 12 to the sample standby unit 13. The sample transported to the sample waiting unit 13 confirms the sample loading time within the processing time schedule created by the control unit 6, and when the sample loading time comes, the sample transported from the sample identifying unit 12 to the sample waiting unit 13 Is input from the sample standby unit 13 to the sample transport line 3. The sample processing time schedule created by the control unit 6 is set at a time that can be processed within the processing capabilities of the sample processing unit 2, the sample transport line 3, the sample analysis unit 4a, the sample analysis unit 4b, and the sample analysis unit 4c. Since the input of the sample is controlled, the sample waiting for processing does not occur in the sample transport line 3, and the sample congestion can be avoided.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 6, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating how the sample identification unit 12 reads the ID from the reception of the sample ID of the sample read by the sample identification unit 12 of the control unit 6 in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a processing flow until a sample is put into the sample transport line 3;

  The sample ID read by the sample identification unit 12 is transmitted to the communication processing unit 31 of the control unit 6 (step 51 in FIG. 4). The analysis processing time calculation unit 32 refers to the inspection request item of the corresponding sample stored in the inspection request item storage DB 35 and the analysis processing time for each inspection item stored in the analysis processing time storage DB 36, and performs the sample processing on the sample. The time required for processing by the unit 2 and the time required for analysis by the sample analysis units 4a, 4b, 4c are calculated (step 52).

  Here, the analysis processing time storage DB 36 stores the analysis processing time required for each examination item in advance by the manufacturer of the sample processing system. It is desirable that the set picture analysis processing time has a function that can be arbitrarily adjusted by a service engineer or a user. Since the analysis processing time is set for each inspection item, it can be set by automatic calculation. The analysis processing time can also be set manually.

  Next, the sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 stores the time required for sample transport on the sample transport line 3 stored in the sample transport time information storage DB 37 and the sample processing unit stored in the input sample information storage DB 38. 2 and the sample processing time schedule are created by referring to the information related to the samples that have been / are scheduled to be input to the sample analysis units 4a to 4c.

  Here, in the sample transport time information storage DB 37, the transport time corresponding to the transport route is set and stored for each transport route by the manufacturer of the sample processing system. Further, the service engineer or the user may have a function of setting and storing the automatically calculated transport time by inputting the line length of the sample transport line 3. The transport time has a function that can be set manually.

  The sample processing time schedule includes sample input from the sample input unit 1 to the sample transport line 3, transport to the sample processing unit 2 and the sample analysis units 4a to 4c, processing and analysis in each unit, and recovery to the sample recovery unit 5. , And a schedule including the timing (time) at which these steps are performed. Specifically, the sample processing time schedule includes the “sample input time” when the sample is input from the sample identification unit 12 or the sample standby unit 13 to the sample transport line 3, and the sample transported by the sample transport line 3 is the sample processing unit. 2 or the “processing analysis unit arrival time” arriving at the sample analysis units 4a to 4c, and the samples processed and analyzed by the sample processing unit 2 or the sample analysis units 4a to 4c from the sample processing unit 2 or the sample analysis units 4a to 4c. A “processing analysis unit unloading time” to be unloaded to the sample transport line 3 and a “sample recovery unit arrival time” at which the sample transported on the sample transport line 3 arrives at the sample recovery unit 3 are set.

  The “sample loading time” of the sample identified by the sample identification unit 12 after being newly loaded into the sample loading unit 11 is the sample loading time already stored in the loaded sample information storage DB 38 and the sample identification unit 12 or the sample waiting time. It is determined by collating the time at which the sample can be put into the sample transport line 3 from the section 13. For example, when the time required for loading from the sample identification unit 12 or the sample standby unit 13 to the sample transport line 3 is 3 seconds per sample, the sample loading time of the first sample is set to 00:00:03. . For the tenth sample, 00:00:30, which is the time when the ninth sample can be loaded, is set. If the sample loading time of the sample newly loaded into the loading unit bats with the sample loading time already stored in the loaded sample information storage DB 38, the adjustment is made based on the priority of the sample or unit.

  The “processing analysis unit arrival time” is set from the set sample input time and the transfer time of the transfer route described in the sample transfer time information storage DB 37. For example, when the sample insertion time is 00:00:03 and the time required to be transported from the sample identification unit 12 to the sample analysis unit 4a is 10 seconds, it is stored in the sample transport time information storage DB 37. The processing analysis unit arrival time is set to 00:00:13.

  The “processing analysis unit carry-out time” and “sample recovery unit arrival time” are set in the set processing analysis unit arrival time, the sample analysis time calculated by the analysis processing time calculation unit 32, and the sample transport time information storage DB 37. It is set based on the stored transport time of the corresponding transport route. For example, when the processing analysis unit arrival time is 00:00:13, the analysis time of the sample analysis unit 4a is 10 minutes, and the time for transporting from the sample analysis unit 4a to the sample recovery unit 3 is 15 seconds, the process analysis The unit carry-out time is set to 00:10:13, and the sample collection unit arrival time is set to 00:10:28.

  When an urgent sample is recognized, if there is a sample waiting for loading in the sample waiting unit 13, the schedule of the sample waiting for loading is changed. If there is a sample that has been input and there is an unprocessed or unanalyzed sample, the schedule of the unprocessed or unanalyzed sample is changed.

Based on the “sample input time” of the sample processing time schedule created by the sample processing time schedule creation unit 33, it is determined whether to put the sample into the sample transport line 3 or wait in the sample standby unit 13. (Step 53). Here, if there is still time before the sample loading time, it is determined that the sample is not loaded into the sample transport line 3 but is waited by the sample waiting unit 12. Thereafter, the sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 writes the created sample processing time schedule in the input sample information storage DB 38 (step 54).
Here, the input sample information storage DB 38 is fed back with information from the sample monitoring / updating unit 41 that monitors the number and status of samples processed or waiting in each unit. The number of samples transported to each unit does not exceed the processing capacity of each unit based on the number of samples that have been or will be loaded into the sample processing unit 2 and the sample analysis units 4a to 4c and the loading / unloading time. In order to do so, conditions for the loading time and unloading time of each sample are calculated, and the conditions are written.

  For example, when the sample processing unit 2 has a processing capability that requires four seconds to process one sample, the time condition for loading the sample into the sample processing unit 2 is set in the input sample information storage DB 38 at intervals of four seconds. Remember me. The sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 creates a sample processing time schedule that sets the sample input interval to the sample processing unit 2 to 4 seconds or more, and according to the created sample processing time schedule, the sample identification unit 12 or the sample standby unit A sample is input from 13 to the sample transport line 3 and processed by the sample processing unit 2.

  In addition, for example, when the sample analysis unit 4a has a processing capacity capable of analyzing one sample every 20 seconds and has a buffer capable of waiting for 300 samples that need to be analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4a. Sample input into the sample analysis unit 4a is performed until 301 samples are input, and the conditions for the time when the sample is input into the sample analysis unit 4a are set as the processing time interval for inputting the sample in the sample input unit 1 The information is stored in the information storage DB 38. The processing time interval for loading the sample of the sample loading unit 1 to be stored in the loaded sample information storage DB 38 has a function that allows the sample processing system manufacturer or user to set the time interval for loading the sample.

  When the 302th sample that needs to be analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4a is recognized in the sample input unit 1, the number of samples waiting in the buffer of the sample analysis unit 4a is determined from the information of the sample monitoring / update unit 41. Check. When 300 samples are waiting in the buffer, the 302-th sample is not thrown toward the sample analysis unit 4a, but is transported to the sample waiting unit 13 for waiting. The sample loading time is the processing analysis unit unloading time of the sample to be unloaded next, and is transported from the sample standby unit 13 to the sample analysis unit 4a via the sample transport unit 3 at that time. On the other hand, when the number of samples waiting in the buffer of the sample analysis unit 4a is less than 300, the samples are input into the sample analysis unit 4a at the interval of the sample input time stored in the input sample information storage DB 38. To do.

  Also, if the sample monitoring / updating unit 41 that monitors the status of the sample processing unit 2 and the sample analysis units 4a to 4c recognizes that the operation state of the transport destination unit is abnormal (operation stopped). Until the abnormal state is resolved (that is, until the operation state of the unit becomes normal), the sample is not loaded even when the sample loading time of the sample processing time schedule is reached. After the operation states of the sample processing unit 2 and the sample analysis units 4a to 4c become normal, the sample processing time schedule is set by the sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 so that the operation states of the sample processing unit 2 and the sample analysis units 4a to 4c are normal. Then, the sample is created again at a later time, and the sample is loaded according to the created sample processing time schedule.

  The sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 inputs and outputs the sample processing unit 2 and the sample analysis units 4a, 4b, and 4c written in the input sample information storage DB 38 from the sample monitoring / update unit 41 within the processing capacity. A sample processing time schedule is created so as to satisfy the time condition. The sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 creates a sample processing time schedule within the processing capacity of the sample processing unit 2 and the sample analysis units 4a, 4b, and 4c. After creating the sample processing time schedule, the sample identification unit 12 instruction unit 34 determines that the sample can be input according to the sample processing time schedule created by the sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 (step 55). The sample identification unit 12 instructs the sample conveyance line 3 to be loaded (step 56), and the sample loading unit 1 loads the sample from the sample identification unit 12 to the sample conveyance line 3 (step 57).

  The sample identification unit instruction unit 34, when the sample input source is determined by the sample standby unit 13 in the sample processing time schedule created by the sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 (step 55), 12 instructs the sample standby unit 13 to transport the sample (step 58), and the sample insertion unit 1 transports the sample from the sample identification unit 12 to the sample standby unit 13 (step 59). Thereafter, when the sample arrives from the sample identification unit 12 to the sample standby unit 13, the control unit 6 sends an arrival report of the sample transported from the sample identification unit 12 to the sample standby unit 13 from the sample insertion unit 1. (Step 60). After reception, the sample standby unit instruction unit 40 confirms the sample processing time schedule written in the input sample information storage DB 38 and is written in the input sample information storage DB 38 from the sample standby unit 13 to the sample transport line 3. When the sample loading time is reached (step 61), the sample loading unit 1 is instructed to load the sample transported from the sample identifying unit 12 to the sample waiting unit 13 from the sample waiting unit 13 into the sample transport line 3 (step 61). Step 62).

  The sample transported from the sample identifying unit 12 to the sample standby unit 13 is input from the sample standby unit 13 to the sample transport line 3 (step 63). When the sample monitoring / updating unit 41 receives that the sample has been input into or discharged from any of the sample processing units 2, the sample analysis units 4a, 4b, and 4c, the sample information of the unit is input into the sample. If the sample is carried out, the information on the carried-out sample is deleted.

  Next, the configuration of the input specimen information storage DB 38 will be described with reference to an example shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic example of the input sample information storage DB 38. The input unit sample processing time schedule storage unit 61, the sample processing unit input sample information storage unit 62, the sample analysis unit 4a, the input sample information storage unit 63, and the sample analysis unit 4b. The input sample information storage unit 64 and the sample analysis unit 4c include the input sample information storage unit 65.

  The input unit sample processing time schedule storage unit 61 stores the sample processing time schedule created by the sample processing time schedule creation unit 33. In the sample processing unit input sample information storage unit 62, information on the sample input to the sample processing unit 2 or scheduled to be input in the sample processing time schedule created by the sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 is stored. . The sample processing time schedule created by the sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 is included in the sample analysis unit 4a input sample information storage unit 63, the sample analysis unit 4b input sample information storage unit 64, and the sample analysis unit 4c input sample information storage unit 65. Among them, information on the samples that have been or are scheduled to be input to the sample analysis units 4a to 4c is stored.

  The sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 writes the created sample processing time schedule in the input unit sample processing time schedule storage unit 61. In accordance with the sample processing time schedule of the input unit sample processing time schedule storage unit 61, the sample whose ID is read by the sample identification unit 12 is input from the sample identification unit 12 or the sample standby unit 13 to the sample transport line 3 and is subject to processing. The processing in the unit is performed. When the sample processing time schedule created by the sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 includes the processing in the sample processing unit 2, the sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 includes the ID, input time, The carry-out time is written in the sample processing unit input sample information storage unit 62. Similarly, when the sample processing time schedule created by the sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 includes processing in the sample analysis units 4a, 4b, and 4c, the sample processing time schedule creation unit 33 The sample ID, input time, and unload time are written in the sample analysis unit 4a input sample information storage unit 63 to the sample analysis unit 4c input sample information storage unit 65.

  The sample monitoring / updating unit 41 includes the sample input time written in the sample processing unit 2 input sample information storage unit 62, the sample analysis unit 4a input sample information storage unit 63 to the sample analysis unit 4c input sample information storage unit 65, The number of samples is calculated from the time information, and the information on the calculated number of samples is used as the sample processing unit 2 input sample information storage unit 62, the sample analysis unit 4a input sample information storage unit 63, the sample analysis unit 4b input sample information storage unit 64, The sample analysis unit 4c writes in the input sample information storage unit 65.

  According to the first embodiment, by managing the sample input in the sample input part, it is possible to prevent the sample from staying on the transport line and causing a traffic jam in the future.

  As a second embodiment of the present invention, a control method for transporting a sample that has already been put on the sample transport line without causing traffic jams will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the part which overlaps with Example 1. FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a system configuration including a combination line having two specimen discharge destinations, and FIG. 7 shows an example of a system configuration including a combination line having three specimen export destinations.

  In addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the sample transport system according to the second embodiment includes sample transport lines 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d that transport test tubes containing sample samples, and connection lines that are connected to the respective sample transport lines. 200, a sample identification unit 111a, 111b, 111c, and 111d that reads a sample or an information recording medium attached to a holder that holds the sample and identifies the sample. Details of the configuration of the coupling line 200 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The sample transport lines 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, and 3 d include a pair of transport lines that carry the test tubes into and out of the coupling line 200, and the connection line 200 connects the pair of transport lines to each other before the connection line. A branching mechanism is provided, and these can be used to return the test tube containing the sample to the original sample transport line. Although not shown in the figure, the sample transport line includes a connection line for connecting a pair of transport lines provided in the sample transport line. A plurality of loop transport paths are formed for each of the sample transport lines 3a to 3d by the pair of transport lines in the sample transport line, the connection line, and the connection line in the combined line, and the sample returned from the combined line 200 is transported by the sample. It is possible to go around in the line. The control unit 6 is electrically connected to each unit and all of the sample transport line sample identification units using communication functions 7a to 7o such as Ethernet, thereby enabling control.

  For example, when the number of samples requested to be analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4b exceeds the processing capacity of the sample analysis unit 4b, or the sample analysis unit 4b is temporarily stopped due to an apparatus failure or maintenance. In this case, if the sample is input as it is from the sample input unit to the sample transport line, the sample is accumulated in the sample transport line 3b, and sample congestion occurs. The sample transported from the sample processing unit 2 and processed by the sample analysis unit 4b, the sample processed by the sample analysis unit 4c, and the sample processed by the sample analysis unit 4d all share the combined line 200 and are transported. Therefore, when sample congestion occurs in the sample transport line 3b, the sample transported from the sample transport line 3a to the sample transport line 3b also stagnates in the sample transport line 3a. The sample transported from the sample transport line 3a to the sample transport line 3c and the sample transported from the sample transport line 3a to the sample transport line 3d also accumulate on the sample transport line 3a due to the influence of the stagnant sample, and the sample transport line 3c. Further, the transport to the sample transport line 3d and the analysis processing in the sample analysis unit 4c and the sample analysis unit 4d are also stagnated, and as a result, the report of the result of the sample test is delayed.

  In the case of a system configuration including the coupling line 200 as in the present embodiment, information regarding the presence / absence of identification of the sample on the sample transport line identified by the sample identifying units 111a to 111d for the sample already put on the sample transport line. It is possible to grasp the traffic congestion status of each of the sample transport lines 3a to 3d and to select a transport route in which traffic congestion does not occur as much as possible. The sample identification unit includes, for example, a light receiving sensor that optically checks the presence or absence of a sample container, an image sensor that detects the presence or absence by imaging, a label reader that detects whether or not an information recording medium such as a barcode label is read, a sample container, Any known method such as a tag reader that detects whether a tag embedded in the container holder is read or not may be used.

  Hereinafter, patrol control for patrol of the specimen to avoid traffic jams will be described.

  As described above, when the detection sensor 121b that detects traffic jam on the sample transport line 3b connected to the sample analysis unit 4b detects the presence of the sample, the sample is jammed on the sample transport line 3b. Judgment is made and recognized by the control unit 6. In this state, when another sample to be analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4b is recognized by the sample identification unit 111a via the coupling line 200 and the sample transport line 3b, the sample transport line 3b is placed on the sample transport line 3a. When the waiting time until the traffic jam is resolved, for example, the subsequent sample to be transported via the sample transport line 3c or the sample transport line 3d is clogged, and the traffic jam occurs in the system. In this case, the sample passing through the sample transport line 3b is circulated among the sample transport line 3a, the sample loading unit 1, the sample processing unit 2, and the sample recovery unit 5 until the congestion of the sample transport line 3b is resolved. As a result, when the sample transported next on the sample transport line 3a is a sample to be analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4c or 4d, no congestion occurs without waiting for the congestion of the sample transport line 3b to be resolved. It can be transported to the sample transport lines 3c and 3d.

  An example of the sample transport line and the combination line will be described with reference to an example shown in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic example of the sample transport line and the coupling line in the configuration of FIG. Each of the sample transport lines 3a to 3d includes a pair of transport lines 131a to 131d and 132a to 132d that transport samples in opposite directions. The combination line 200 is a line 201 connecting the transfer line 132a in the sample transfer line 3a and the transfer line 131c in the sample transfer line 3c, and a line 202 connecting the transfer line 132c in the sample transfer line 3c and the transfer line 131a in the sample transfer line 3a. Branch line 203 branched from line 201 and connected to transport line 131b of sample transport line 3b, branch line 204 branched from line 202 and connected to transport line 131d of sample transport line 3d, transport line of sample transport line 3b A connecting line 205 connected to 132 b and joined to the line 201, connected to a transport line 132 d of the specimen transport line 3 d, and joined to a line 202, a joining line 206 joining the line 202, and two connection lines passing the specimen between the line 201 and the line 202 20 , 208, and branching mechanism 141e for branching the sample between each line and the connecting line, 142e, 143e, consisting 144e.

  The transport line 131a of the sample transport line 3a that receives a sample from the binding line 200 is provided with a detection sensor 121a that detects the presence or absence of the sample container in the vicinity of the connection portion with the binding line 200. When the detection sensor 121a detects the sample, it is determined that the sample is congested on the sample collection unit 5 and the sample transport line 3a, and the information on the traffic condition is recognized by the control unit 6. Similarly, the transport lines 131b, 131c, and 131d of the sample transport lines 3b, 3c, and 3d that receive a sample from the binding line 200 are provided with detection sensors 121b, 121c, and 121d in the vicinity of the connection portion with the binding line 200. When a sample is detected by these detection sensors, it is determined that the sample is congested in the sample transport line or a unit to which the sample transport line is connected, and the control unit 6 recognizes information on the traffic condition.

  Each sample transport line identifies the next transport destination of the sample that has arrived at the sample identifying units 111 a, 111 b, 111 c, and 111 d, and collates it with information on the traffic congestion status recognized by the control unit 6. Based on the collation result, the sample is transported to a set transport destination (next sample analysis unit or sample recovery unit 5), or is circulated to another sample transport line via the coupling line 200 to avoid traffic congestion. Choose. For example, when the next transport destination of the sample that has been analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4b is the sample analysis unit 4c, the sample that has been analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4b is transported by the transport line 132d of the sample transport line 3b, The sample transport unit 111b identifies the next transport destination of the sample, and collates it with information on the traffic congestion status based on the presence or absence of the sample in the detection sensor 121c of the sample transport line 3c that is the next transport destination recognized by the control unit 6. . As a result of the collation, when the detection sensor 121c of the sample transport line 3c as the next transport destination is not detected, the sample is transported to the sample transport line 3c via the coupling line 200. On the other hand, as a result of the collation, if the detection sensor 121c of the sample transport line 3c detects the presence of the sample and it is determined that the sample is congested, the sample is avoided in order to avoid the traffic on the sample transport line 3c. It circulates to the conveyance line 3b. In addition, when there is a sample in any of the detection sensors 121b and 121c of the sample transport line 3c and the sample transport line 3b and both are congested, the sample transport line 3a or the sample transport line without other traffic jams. The sample is circulated in the sample transport line of the transport destination via the coupling line 200 to 3d.

  A description will be given of an example in which the route for transporting the sample to be circulated circulates in the sample transport line 3a. For example, when it is detected that the sample transport line 3 c is congested, the sample is transported to the transport line 202 and the transport line 131 a via the connection line 208 of the coupling line 200. The transport line 131a is connected to the transport line 132a through a connection line (not shown) in the sample transport line 3a, and the sample is transported into the transport line 132a via the connection line and is transported again to the sample identification unit 111a. . The sample identification unit 111a reads the sample ID and determines whether or not the sample transport line 3c that is the transport destination of the sample is still in a traffic jam state. If the congestion state has not been resolved, the sample is circulated through the sample transport line 3a again via the same loop transport path. On the other hand, when the traffic jam information has been eliminated, it is carried into the sample transport line 3c.

  When there are multiple samples to be circulated and the multiple are set to the same transport destination, when the transport destination congestion is resolved, the emergency processing sample is given the highest priority, and the sample with the next long travel time is given priority. It is desirable to perform processing. Even in this case, only one specimen is transported through the binding line 200 at a time. In the binding line 200, the sample sent from the binding line 200 to each sample transport line has passed through the detection sensor provided on the transport destination sample transport line, that is, no congestion has occurred due to the transport of the sample. After confirming the above, the next specimen is put into the binding line 200 and transport control is performed. By providing and controlling these functions, it is possible to avoid sample congestion caused by sample stagnation before the binding line 200.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a processing flow until the sample processed by the sample processing unit 2 according to the present invention is analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4 b and the sample after the analysis is stored in the sample recovery unit 5.

  The sample A processed by the sample processing unit 2 is transported by the transport line 132a of the sample transport line 3a, arrives at the sample identification unit 111a of the sample transport line 3a, and the transport destination information of the sample A is read. When the next transport destination is the “sample analysis unit 4b”, the control unit 6 collates the information on the sample analysis unit 4b with the presence or absence of the sample by the detection sensor 121b of the sample transport line 3b confirmed by the control unit 6. Then, it is determined whether or not the sample can be transported to the sample transport line 3b.

  If no sample is detected by the detection sensor 121b of the sample transport line 3b, it is determined that the sample A can be transported to the sample transport line 3b, and the sample A is transported from the coupling line 200 to the sample analysis unit 4b via the sample transport line 3b. To do. On the other hand, when the sample is detected by the detection sensor 121b of the sample transport line 3b, it is determined that the sample transport line 3b is congested, and the processing is switched to a circulation process for avoiding traffic jam.

  In the circulation process for avoiding traffic jams, first, it is checked whether or not the sample A can be circulated in the sample transport line 3a by the presence or absence of the sample by the detection sensor 121a of the sample transport line 3a. When there is a sample in the detection sensor 121b of the sample transport line 3b and there is no sample in the detection sensor 121a of the sample transport line 3a, it is determined that the sample A can be circulated through the sample transport line 3a. The sample A is transported to the transport line 131a of the sample transport line 3a, and the sample A is circulated to the sample transport line 3a.

  If the sample is detected by the detection sensor 121b of the sample transport line 3b and the sample is also detected by the detection sensor 121a of the sample transport line 3a, it is determined that the sample transport line 3a is also congested, and the sample A is It is determined whether or not the sample transport line 3c or 3d can be visited. A traffic jam condition is confirmed based on whether or not a sample is detected by the detection sensor 121c of the sample transport line 3c and the detection sensor 121d of the sample transport line 3d, and the sample A is circulated via the coupling line 200 to the sample transport line that is not congested.

  The sample transport line 3a, or the sample A that circulates in the sample transport line 3b and the sample transport line 3c, is read the sample information again at the timing when it arrives at the sample identification section of the circulating sample transport line, and the next transport destination “Sample analysis unit 4b” is identified. If the congestion of the sample transport line 3b is resolved at this timing and the sample can be transported, the sample A is transported to the sample transport line 3b via the coupling line 200.

  The sample A transported to the sample transport line 3b is transported to the sample analysis unit 4b for analysis processing. The sample A that has been analyzed by the sample analysis unit 4b is transported by the transport line 132b of the sample transport line 3b, and arrives at the sample identification unit 111b of the sample transport line 3b. The control unit 6 collates the information of the “sample collection unit 5”, which is the next transport destination of the sample A that has arrived, with the presence or absence of the sample by the detection sensor 121a of the sample transport line 3a confirmed by the control unit 6. It is determined whether the sample can be transported to the sample transport line 3a.

  When there is no sample in the detection sensor 121a of the sample transport line 3a, it is determined that the sample A can be transported to the sample transport line 3a, and the sample A is transported to the sample transport line 3a via the coupling line 200. When there is a sample in the detection sensor 121a of the sample transport line 3a, it is determined that the sample transport line 3a is congested, and the sample arriving at the sample identification unit 111b of the sample transport line 3b can be circulated to the sample transport line 3b. Alternatively, the presence or absence of a sample by the detection sensor 121b in the sample transport line 3b is confirmed.

  When there is a sample in the detection sensor 121a of the sample transport line 3a and there is no sample in the detection sensor 121b of the sample transport line 3b, it is determined that the sample A can be transported to the sample transport line 3b. The sample A is transported to the sample transport line 3b, and the sample A is circulated to the sample transport line 3b. If there is a sample in the detection sensor 121a of the sample transport line 3a and there is also a sample in the detection sensor 121b of the sample transport line 3b, it is determined that the sample transport line 3b is also congested, and the sample identification of the sample transport line 3b is performed. Whether the sample arriving at the section 111b can be circulated to the other sample transport lines 3c and 3d is confirmed by the presence or absence of the sample by the detection sensors 121c and 121d of the sample transport lines 3c and 3d. The sample A is circulated through the coupling line 200 to the non-sample transport line.

  The sample A circulating in the sample transport lines 3b, 3c, and 3d arrives at the sample identification unit of the circulating sample transport line, identifies the information “sample recovery unit 5” of the next transport destination, and transports the sample. When the traffic congestion on the line 3a is resolved and it can be carried out, the specimen A is transported to the specimen transport line 3a via the coupling line 200. The sample A transported to the sample transport line 3a is transported to the sample recovery unit 5 to store the sample.

  In the present embodiment, the occurrence of traffic congestion on the transport line can be more effectively suppressed by controlling the sample in the sample loading unit described in the first embodiment together with the loading control schedule. .

  According to the second embodiment, there is a possibility that the sample may be congested on the sample transport line due to, for example, a sudden stop of the analysis system or occurrence of maintenance after the sample is input from the sample input unit to the sample transport line. Even if a certain situation occurs, the analysis can be continued without causing a traffic jam. In particular, when the transport destination of the sample transported first among the samples transported continuously becomes congested, the sample transported quickly makes it possible to swiftly stagnate the next transported sample. It is possible to transport to a necessary transport destination.

  Example 3 shows an example of a system provided with a crossing line in the sample transport line with reference to FIG. The difference from the configuration of the second embodiment is that bypass lines 151a, 151b, 151c, 151d and bypass lines 152a, 152b, 152c, 152d are provided in the sample transport lines 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the part which overlaps with another Example.

  The sample B processed by the sample processing unit 2 is transported by the transport line 132a of the sample transport line 3a and arrives at the sample identification unit 111a. Information of the sample analysis unit 4b, sample analysis unit 4c, or sample analysis unit 4d that is the next transport destination of the arrived sample B, and the detection sensor 121b and detection sensor 121c of each sample transport line confirmed by the control unit 6 Alternatively, the control unit 6 collates the presence or absence of the sample by the detection sensor 121d, and determines whether the sample B can be transported to the next transport destination sample analysis unit 4b, sample analysis unit 4c, or sample analysis unit 4d.

  For example, when the next transport destination is the sample transport line 3b, if there is a sample in the detection sensor 121b of the sample transport line 3b, it is determined that the sample transport line 3b is congested, and the sample by the detection sensor 121a of the sample transport line 3a Whether or not the sample is in the sample transport line 3a is checked by the control unit 6 to determine whether or not the sample can travel to the sample transport line 3a. When there is a sample in the detection sensor 121a of the sample transport line 3a, it is determined that the sample transport line 3a is congested, and the control unit 6 checks the information on the traffic congestion status of the other sample transport lines 3c and 3d. Then, the sample B is circulated through the coupling line 200 to the sample conveyance line without traffic jam. When there is no sample in the detection sensor 121a of the sample transport line 3a, the sample transport line 3a is circulated to the sample transport line 3a using the crossing line 151a and the branching mechanism 141a.

  When the sample B traveling around the transport line 131a of the sample transport line 3a arrives at the intermediate sample recognition unit 112a, the control unit 6 collates again with the traffic information of the transport destination of the sample, and crosses when the traffic jam is resolved. The line 152a and the branching mechanism 142a are used as a shortcut for transportation. When the traffic jam is not solved, the sample B is transported to the sample insertion unit 1, the sample processing unit 2, and the sample recovery unit 5, and the sample B is circulated again. Further, when the traffic jam at the transport destination has not been eliminated and there is a sample in the prior traffic jam detection 122a of the sample transport line 3a, the sample B is transported as a shortcut by using the crossing line 152a and the branch mechanism 142a. It goes around on line 3a.

  Similarly, in the sample transport lines 3b, 3c, and 3d, the crossing lines 151b, 151c, and 151d, the branch mechanisms 141b, 141c, and 141d, and the intermediate sample recognition units 112b, 112c, and 112d are used so as not to pass through the combined line 200. You can shortcut the route. By shortening the patrol route using a shortcut, it is possible to efficiently avoid sample congestion. This is effective when transport processing is performed with priority given to the emergency processing sample, and the sample with the longest circulation time when the transport destination congestion is resolved, when multiple samples to be circulated are the same transport destination. Function.

  According to the third embodiment, it is possible to circulate the sample in the sample transport line without going through the binding line 200, and therefore, the transport 200 occupies the line 200 of the binding line where the transport of the sample tends to concentrate. The frequency can be reduced and effective sample transportation becomes possible.

  With reference to FIG. 11 in Example 4, an example of a system in which the coupling line 200 is directly connected to the sample processing unit 2 is shown. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the part which overlaps with another Example.

  In this system, for example, a sample processed by the sample processing unit 2 is transported to the sample analysis unit 4b via the coupling line 200 and the sample transport line 3b, and the sample analysis unit 4b analyzes the sample. When the analysis in the sample analysis unit 4b is completed, the sample is transferred to the sample analysis unit 4c via the sample transfer line 3b, the coupling line 200, and the sample transfer line 3c, and the analysis is performed. When the analysis in the sample analysis unit 4c is completed, the sample is transported to the sample recovery unit 5 via the sample transport line 3c and the coupling line 200, and stored.

  When a sample to be processed by the sample analysis unit 4b exceeds the processing capability of the sample analysis unit 4b and is transferred from the sample processing unit 2 to the sample analysis unit 4b, or when the sample analysis unit 4b temporarily stops, the sample transfer line Samples accumulate in 3b and sample congestion occurs. Since the sample to be processed by the sample analysis unit 4b, the sample to be processed by the sample analysis unit 4c, and the sample to be processed by the sample analysis unit 4d are all transferred via the coupling line 200, the sample transfer line When sample congestion occurs in 3b, the sample to be transported from the sample processing unit 2 to the sample transport line 3b stagnates in the sample processing unit 2, and the samples transported to the sample transport lines 3c and 3d also stagnate. As a result, there may be a delay in reporting the results of the specimen test.

  According to the fourth embodiment, the sample processing unit 2 and the sample transport lines 3b, 3c, and 3d are provided with the sample identification units 111f, 111b, 111c, and 111d, respectively, so that samples that cause traffic congestion in the system can be transported. The sample is transported to the sample transport line in which no traffic jam occurs by circulating between the line, the sample input unit 1, the sample processing unit 2 and the sample recovery unit 5 until the traffic jam is eliminated. Can avoid traffic jams.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sample input unit 2 Sample processing unit 3a-d Sample conveyance line 4a-d Sample analysis unit 5 Sample collection unit 6 Control part 200 Bonding line 7a-o Communication function 111a-d, 111f Sample identification part 112a-d Intermediate sample identification part 121a-d detection sensors 122a-d Pre-congestion detection 131a-d, 132a-d Conveyance lines 141a-e, 142a-e, 143e, 144e Branching mechanisms 151a-d, 152a-d Crossing lines 11 Sample input unit 12 Sample identification unit DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Sample waiting part 3 Sample conveyance line 31 Communication processing part 32 Analysis processing time calculation part 33 Sample processing time schedule preparation part 34 Sample identification part 12 instruction | indication part 35 Test request item preservation | save DB
36 Analysis processing time storage DB
37 Sample transport time storage DB
38 Input specimen information storage DB
40 Sample waiting unit 13 Instruction unit 41 Sample monitoring / update unit 61 Input unit 1 sample processing time schedule storage unit 62 Sample processing unit 2 input sample information storage unit 63 Sample analysis unit 4a input sample information storage unit 64 Sample analysis unit 4b input sample Information storage unit 65 Sample analysis unit 4c input sample information storage unit

Claims (11)

A sample loading unit for identifying the sample ID and loading the identified sample into the system;
A processing unit for processing or analyzing the input specimen;
A sample transport unit comprising a plurality of sample transport lines connecting the sample input unit and the processing unit;
A detection unit for detecting a congestion state of a sample in the processing unit or the sample transport line;
Based on the detection result of the detection unit, when it is determined that the sample transport destination is congested, a control unit that individually controls the sample not to be transported to the sample transport line of the transport destination; Sample processing system provided. The specimen processing system according to claim 1,
The sample loading unit includes a sample loading unit that holds a sample to be loaded into the system, a sample identification unit that reads a sample ID of the sample, a sample waiting unit that temporarily waits for a sample, the sample loading unit, and the sample An identification unit, a sample transfer mechanism for transferring a sample between the sample standby unit,
When the control unit determines that the sample transport destination is congested, the sample processing system controls the transport mechanism to transport the sample input from the sample input unit to the sample standby unit. . The specimen processing system according to claim 1,
The sample processing system, wherein the control unit determines a timing for loading a sample from the sample loading unit into the transport line based on a speed at which the processing unit processes the sample. The specimen processing system according to claim 1,
The control unit refers to information related to the time required for transporting the sample and information related to the sample already input into the processing unit and the sample scheduled to be input, and then transfers each sample from the sample input unit to a downstream unit. A sample processing system having a sample processing time schedule creation unit that creates a sample processing schedule including a loading time to be loaded. The specimen processing system according to claim 1,
With multiple processing units,
A sample processing system that adjusts a sample processing time schedule based on a priority between samples or processing units when the input time of the sample processing time schedule of the samples for a plurality of processing units is batting. The specimen processing system according to claim 1,
The control unit individually controls the sample so that the sample is not transported to the sample transport line of the transport destination when the transport destination of the identified sample is in an abnormal state. The specimen processing system according to claim 1,
The sample transport unit includes a plurality of loop transport paths including a pair of transport lines that transport samples in opposite directions and a plurality of connection lines that connect the pair of transport lines,
The control unit, for a sample to be transported from a specific loop transport path to another loop transport path, from the specific loop transport path to another loop-shaped transport path based on a traffic jam situation of the other loop transport path A sample processing system for controlling whether to transport or to circulate in the specific loop transport path without being transported to the other loop transport path. The specimen processing system according to claim 7, wherein
The sample transport unit has a connection line connectable to at least three sample transport units, and a sample identification unit for identifying a sample that has arrived at each sample transport line,
When the path of the transport destination of the sample identified by the sample identifying section includes the combined line and another sample transport line, the control unit removes the sample based on a traffic congestion state of the other sample transport line. A sample processing system that determines whether or not the sample can be transported to another sample transport line. The specimen processing system according to claim 8,
A sample processing system in which a sample that cannot be transported to the other sample transport line and is cyclically controlled in the sample transport line is determined again by the sample identification unit as being transportable to the other sample transport line . The specimen processing system according to claim 8,
The sample processing system, wherein the connection line is arranged downstream of the sample identification unit. The specimen processing system according to claim 10, wherein
A transverse line disposed upstream of the coupling line and connecting the pair of transport lines;
Loop transport route A sample processing system comprising a function of shortening the route of a sample and transporting it to the binding line when traffic congestion is reduced by passing through the crossing line.

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