Sample analyzer, reagent aspirating method, and computer program product

The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is capable of respond immediately when a need to perform analysis of multiple items arises. The sample analyzer 1 includes a table 12 capable of holding a first rack 320 and a second rack 330; a reagent dispensing arm 120 which comprises a pipette part 121; a reagent dispensing driving section 120a for moving the reagent dispensing arm 120; a reagent barcode reader 350; and a control section 501 for controlling the reagent dispensing driving section 120a so as to move the pipette part 121 to a predetermined reagent aspirating position according to the identification information obtained by the reagent barcode reader 350.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-089300 filed Mar. 29, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sample analyzer for analyzing samples such as blood and blood plasma using a reagent according to predetermined analysis items, a reagent aspirating method for aspirating the reagent, and a computer program product.

BACKGROUND

A sample analyzer for analyzing samples such as blood and blood plasma using a plurality of reagents is conventionally known.

In recent years, the number and types of reagent containers to be arranged in the reagent arranging section of the sample analyzer are increasing to increase the number of measurement items and to improve the processing speed. There are also the needs of the user to use reagent containers of various sizes according to the usage state of the reagent.

However, if the number of reagent containers that can be arranged in the reagent arranging section is simply increased, the mechanism of the reagent arranging section enlarges, whereby the necessity to enlarge the device arises.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005-084426 discloses a sample analyzer using a reagent cassette in which two reagent containers for one measurement item are fixed with a connecting tool, and in which a barcode label recorded with information of the reagent contained in the two reagent containers and information of the respective aspirating position of the two reagent containers is provided, as described inFIG. 2and paragraph.

However, in an automatic analyzer described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005-084426, in order to respond analysis of multiple items, a reagent cassette in which plurality of reagent containers is fixed with the connecting tool must be prepared in great numbers in advance, and the barcode label recorded with information of the type of the cassetted reagent and the aspirating position of the reagent container must be prepared. Thus, when a need to perform analysis of multiple items arises, it becomes difficult to respond immediately.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present invention is a sample analyzer for analyzing a sample using a reagent corresponding to a predetermined analysis item, comprising: a table capable of holding a first rack which comprises a rack identifier and is capable of holding a reagent container, and a second rack which comprises a rack identifier and is capable of holding a reagent container, a shape of the second rack being different from that of the first rack; an aspirator which comprises an aspirating pipette in which a reagent from a reagent container on the table is aspirated and a driver for moving the aspirating pipette; an identification information obtainer for obtaining identification information of a rack holding a target reagent container which contains a target reagent used for analysis, from a rack identifier of the rack; and a controller for controlling the driver so as to move the aspirating pipette to a predetermined reagent aspirating position according to the identification information obtained by the identification information obtainer.

A second aspect of the present invention is a reagent aspirating method, comprising steps of: (a) obtaining identification information specifying a reagent container rack from rack identifiers of first and second reagent container racks held by a circular rotating table, and obtaining identification information specifying a reagent from a reagent identifier of each reagent container held in a plurality of reagent container holders of the first and second reagent container racks; (b) obtaining position information of reagent containers on the rotating table based on the identification information obtained in step (a); (c) moving an aspirating pipette to a first reagent aspirating position and rotating the rotating table so as to move a target reagent container containing a target reagent used for analysis to the first reagent aspirating position, when a reagent container rack holding the target reagent container is a first reagent container rack, based on position information of the target reagent container obtained in step (b), and moving the aspirating pipette to a second reagent aspirating position and rotating the rotating table so as to move the target reagent container to the second reagent aspirating position, when the reagent container rack holding the target reagent container is the second reagent container rack, based on the position information of the target reagent container obtained in step (b).

A third aspect of the present invention is a computer program product for enabling a computer to execute a reagent aspirating method, comprising: a computer readable medium; and software instructions, on the computer readable medium, for enabling the computer to perform predetermined operations comprising: (a) obtaining identification information specifying a reagent container rack from rack identifiers of first and second reagent container racks held by a circular rotating table, and obtaining identification information specifying a reagent from a reagent identifier of each reagent container held in a plurality of reagent container holders of the first and second reagent container racks; (b) obtaining position information of reagent containers on the rotating table based on the identification information obtained in step (a); (c) moving an aspirating pipette to a first reagent aspirating position and rotating the rotating table so as to move a target reagent container containing a target reagent used for analysis to the first reagent aspirating position, when a reagent container rack holding the target reagent container is a first reagent container rack, based on position information of the target reagent container obtained in step (b), and moving the aspirating pipette to a second reagent aspirating position and rotating the rotating table so as to move the target reagent container to the second reagent aspirating position, when the reagent container rack holding the target reagent container is the second reagent container rack, based on the position information of the target reagent container obtained in step (b).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

A sample analyzer1is an apparatus for analyzing the amount or degree of activity of a specific substance related to coagulation and fibrolytic function of the blood by optically measuring the same, and uses blood plasma for the sample. As shown inFIGS. 1 to 5, the sample analyzer1is configured by a measurement mechanism unit2, a sample conveyance mechanism unit3arranged on the front face side of the measurement mechanism unit2, and a control device4electrically connected to the measurement mechanism unit2.

The conveyance mechanism unit3has a function of conveying a rack251mounted with a plurality of (ten in the present embodiment) test tubes250which contains the sample to an aspirating position2a(seeFIG. 3) of the measurement mechanism unit2to supply the sample to the measurement mechanism unit2.

The control device4comprises a personal computer401(PC), as shown inFIG. 1, and includes a control section4a, a display4band a keyboard4c.The control section4ais adapted to transmit operation start signals of the measurement mechanism unit2and the conveyance mechanism unit3to a control section501of the measurement mechanism unit2, to be hereinafter described, and to have a function to analyze optical information of the sample obtained by the measurement mechanism unit2. The control section4ais made up of CPU, ROM, RAM, or the like. The display4bis provided to display analysis result etc. obtained by the control section4a.

The configuration of the control device4will now be described in detail. As shown inFIG. 6, the control section4ais mainly configured by a CPU401a, a ROM401b, a RAM401c, a hard disc401d, a read-out device401e, an input/output interface401f, a communication interface401g, and an image output interface401h. The CPU401a, the ROM401b, the RAM401c, the hard disc401d, the read-out device401e, the input/output interface401f, the communication interface401g, and the image output interface401hare connected by a bus401i.

The CPU401aexecutes computer programs stored in the ROM401band the computer programs loaded in the RAM401c. The computer401serves as the control device4when the CPU401aexecutes the application program404a, as hereinafter described.

The ROM401bis configured by mask ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and the like, and is recorded with computer programs to be executed by the CPU401a, data used for the same, and the like.

The RAM401cis configured by SRAM, DRAM, and the like. The RAM401cis used to read out the computer programs recorded on the ROM401band the hard disc401d. The RAM401cis used as a work region of the CPU401awhen executing the computer programs.

The hard disc401dis installed with various computer programs to be executed by the CPU401asuch as operating system and application program, as well as data used in executing the computer program. In the present embodiment, a table such as a reagent master, a reagent lot master, and a container master described hereinafter is stored in the hard disc401d.

The read-out device401eis configured by flexible disc drive, CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, and the like, and is able to read out computer programs and data recorded on a portable recording medium404. The application program404aaccording to the present embodiment is stored in the portable recording medium404, so that the computer401can read out the application program from the portable recording medium404, and install the application program404ato the hard disc401d.

The application program404amay be not only provided by the portable recording medium404, and may be but also provided through electrical communication line (wired or wireless) from external devices communicatably connected with the computer401through the electrical communication line. For instance, the application program404amay be stored in the hard disc of the server computer on the internet, so that the computer401can access to the server computer to download the application program404aand install the application program404ato the hard disc401d.

Operating system providing graphical interface environment such as Windows (registered trademark) manufactured and sold by US Microsoft Co. is installed in the hard disc401d. In the following description, the application program404aaccording to the present embodiment is assumed to be operating on the operating system.

The input/output interface401fis configured by serial interface such as USB, IEEE1394, RS-232C; parallel interface such as SCSI, IDE, IEEE1284; analog interface such as D/A converter, A/D converter, and the like. The keyboard4cis connected to the input/output interface401f, so that the user can input data to the computer401using the keyboard4c.

The communication interface401gis, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) interface. The computer401can transmit and receive data with the measurement mechanism unit2using a predetermined communication protocol by means of the communication interface401g.

The image output interface401his connected to the display4bconfigured by LCD, CRT, or the like, and is configured to output an image signal corresponding to the image data provided by the CPU401ato the display4b. The display4bdisplays the image (screen) according to the input image signal.

As shown inFIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the display4bcan display a reagent arrangement screen410that displays the arrangement of the reagents of a reagent storing section6described hereinafter. The reagent managing screen410includes a reagent arrangement displaying region420, a reagent information displaying region430, and a command displaying region440. A measurement start button411for starting the measurement of the sample analyzer1and a measurement stop button412for stopping the measurement are arranged on the reagent arrangement screen410. The display4bhas a touch panel function, so that the user can select or operate by directly touching the button etc. displayed on the reagent arrangement screen410.

The reagent arrangement displaying region420includes a plurality of first reagent displaying regions421displaying the reagents arranged on a first reagent table11, to be hereinafter described, and a plurality of second reagent displaying regions422displaying the reagents arranged on a second reagent table12, to be hereinafter described. The first reagent displaying region421includes a position displaying part421afor displaying the position of the reagent, a reagent name displaying part421bfor displaying the reagent name, and a remaining amount displaying part421cfor displaying the remaining amount of the reagent. Furthermore, the second reagent displaying region422includes a position displaying part422afor displaying the position of the reagent, a reagent name displaying part422bfor displaying the reagent name, and a remaining amount displaying part422cfor displaying the remaining amount of the reagent. The positions of the reagents displayed on the position displaying parts421aand422aare displayed by reading barcodes311b,312b(seeFIG. 8) of a first reagent container rack310, to be hereinafter described, barcodes321bto326b(seeFIG. 9) of a second reagent container rack320, and barcodes331bto338b(seeFIG. 13) of a third reagent container rack330with a reagent barcode reader350. The reagent names displayed on the reagent name displaying parts421band422bare displayed with reference to a list prepared separately based on the value read by the reagent barcode reader350from the barcode300aof the reagent container300. The remaining amounts of the reagent displayed on the remaining amount displaying parts421cand422care displayed based on the values obtained from the type of container containing the reagent and the number of times that the reagent is aspirated.

The first reagent displaying region421is displayed while being divided into by twos for every region corresponding to five first reagent container racks310capable of holding two reagent containers300arranged on the first reagent table11. The second reagent displaying reagent422is displayed while being divided into by sixes for every region corresponding to five second reagent container racks320capable of holding six reagent containers300arranged on the second reagent table12. Although only a case where the second reagent container rack320is arranged on the reagent table12is shown inFIG. 7, if the third reagent container rack330capable of holding eight reagent containers300is arranged on the second reagent table12, the second reagent displaying region422is displayed while being divided into eights for every region corresponding to the third reagent container rack330. Accordingly, the reagent arrangement screen410allows checking of at which position of which reagent container rack (first reagent container rack310, second reagent container rack320, or third reagent container330) of which reagent table (first reagent table11or second reagent table12) the reagent is arranged.

Furthermore, when the first reagent container rack310(FIG. 8), the second reagent container rack320(FIG. 9), or the third reagent container rack330(FIG. 13) are not arranged on the first reagent table11or the second reagent table12, nothing will be displayed on the first reagent displaying region421or the second reagent displaying region422. If the first reagent container rack310, the second reagent container rack320, or the third reagent container330is arranged on the first reagent table11or the second reagent table12, and the reagent container300to be held by the reagent container rack does not exist, the display is made only on the position displaying part421aor the position displaying part422aat the first reagent displaying region421or the second reagent displaying region422. This will be hereinafter described in detail.

On the reagent information displaying region430, attribute information (reagent name, usage order, usable remaining amount (usable amount), remaining number of tests, necessity of stirring, lot number, type of reagent container, expiration date of reagent, set date, set time etc.) and the holder number of the reagent specified in the first reagent displaying region421or the second reagent displaying region422are displayed. The user can determine the time to replace the reagent with the attribute information of the reagent.

The command displaying region440includes a replacement/addition instructing button440afor instructing replacement and addition of the reagent, the edit button440bfor editing the reagent information, a reagent lot setting button440cfor manually inputting the reagent lot. In the present embodiment, when the replacement/addition instructing button440ais selected with the reagent specified, the first reagent container rack310, the second reagent container rack320, or the third reagent container rack330holding the reagent container300which contains the specified reagent is moved to a retrieving position where it can be taken out from the sample analyzer1. When addition of the reagent is performed, the replacement/addition instructing button440ais selected with the first reagent displaying region421or the second reagent displaying region422not arranged with the reagent specified. The first reagent container rack310, the second reagent container rack320, or the third reagent container330which does not contain the reagent is thus moved to the retrieving position.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, the conveyance mechanism unit3has a function of conveying a rack251mounted with a plurality of (ten in the present embodiment) test tubes250containing the sample to the aspirating position2a(seeFIG. 3) of the measurement mechanism unit2to supply the sample to the measurement mechanism unit2. The conveyance mechanism unit3includes a rack set region3afor setting the rack251in which the test tubes250containing non-processed sample are contained, and a rack accommodating region3bfor accommodating the rack251in which the test tubes250containing processed sample are contained.

The measurement mechanism unit2is configured to perform optical measurement on the sample supplied from the conveyance mechanism unit3to obtain optical information about the supplied sample. In the present embodiment, the optical measurement is performed on the sample dispensed into the cuvette200of the measurement mechanism unit2from the test tube250mounted on the rack251of the conveyance mechanism unit3. As shown inFIG. 3, the measurement mechanism unit2includes a reagent storing section6for storing the reagent, and a reagent replacing section7for replacing or adding the reagent.

As shown inFIG. 14, the measurement mechanism unit2includes a sample dispensing driving section70a, a reagent dispensing driving section120a, a first driving section502, a second driving section503, a first lock detecting section504, a second lock detecting section505, a reagent barcode reader350, a sample barcode reader3c, an optical information obtaining section130, and a control section501electrically connected to the conveyance mechanism unit3and the like.

The sample dispensing driving section70aincludes a stepping motor70bhaving a function of rotatably raising and lowering a sample dispensing arm70(seeFIGS. 3 and 5), to be hereinafter described, a drive circuit (not shown) for driving the stepping motor70b, and a pump (not shown) for aspirating and dispensing the sample.

The reagent dispensing driving section120aincludes a stepping motor120bhaving a function of rotatably raising and lowering a reagent dispensing arm120(seeFIGS. 3 and 5), to be hereinafter described, a drive circuit (not shown) for driving the stepping motor120b, and a pump (not shown) for aspirating and dispensing the sample.

The first driving section502includes a first stepping motor (not shown) having a function of rotating the first reagent table11(seeFIG. 5) and a drive circuit (not shown) for driving the first stepping motor. The first reagent table11rotates by an amount corresponding to the number of pulses of the drive pulse signal provided from the control section501to the first driving section502, and then stops.

Similarly, the second driving section503includes a second stepping motor (not shown) having a function of rotating the second reagent table12(seeFIG. 5) and a drive circuit (not shown) for driving the second stepping motor. The second reagent table12rotates by an amount corresponding to the number of pulses of the drive pulse signal provided from the control section501to the second driving section503, and then stops.

The control section501counts the number of pulses of the provided drive pulse signal to determine the rotation movement amount of each reagent table11,12from the origin positions of the first reagent table11and the second reagent table12, and can control the rotation movement of each reagent table11,12.

The first lock detecting section504has a function of detecting the lock state of a first lid30(seeFIG. 3) and transmitting a lock signal to the control section501when locked.

Similarly, the second lock detecting section505has a function of detecting the lock state of a second lid40(seeFIG. 3) and transmitting a lock signal to the control section501when locked.

The reagent barcode reader350has a function of reading each barcode on the first reagent table11and the second reagent table12, and is arranged in the vicinity of the side surface21of the reagent storing section6at a predetermined distance from the reagent storing section6(seeFIGS. 3 to 5). The reagent barcode reader350can transmit and receive data with the control section501, and includes a drive circuit (not shown) for ON/OFF controlling the reagent barcode reader350. The position of the reagent barcode reader350is always fixed.

The sample barcode reader3chas a function of reading the barcode attached to the test tube250in which the sample mounted on the rack251conveyed by the conveyance mechanism unit3is contained, and is arranged in the vicinity of the aspirating position2aof the measurement mechanism unit2described above so as to face the rack251conveyed by the conveyance mechanism unit3(seeFIGS. 3 to 5). The sample barcode reader3ccan transmit and receive data with the control section501, and also includes a drive circuit (not shown) for ON/OFF controlling the sample barcode reader3c. The position of the sample barcode reader3cis always fixed.

The optical information obtaining section130(seeFIGS. 3 and 5) has a function of obtaining the optical information of the sample, and is configured to transmit and receive data with the control section501. The details of the optical information obtaining section130will be hereinafter described in detail.

As shown inFIG. 15, the control section501is mainly configured by a CPU501a, a ROM501b, a RAM501c, and a communication interface501d.

The CPU501aexecutes computer programs stored in the ROM501band the computer programs loaded in the RAM501c. The ROM501bis recorded with computer programs to be executed by the CPU501a, data used for executing the computer program, and the like. The RAM501cis used to read out the computer programs recorded on the ROM501b. The RAM501cis used as a work region of the CPU501awhen executing the computer programs.

The communication interface501dis connected to the control device4, and has a function of transmitting optical information of the sample to the control device4and receiving the signal from the control section4aof the control device4. The communication interface501dhas a function of transmitting commands from the CPU501afor driving each section of the conveyance mechanism unit3and the measurement mechanism unit2.

As shown inFIG. 3, the measurement mechanism unit2includes the reagent storing section6for storing the reagent and the reagent replacing section7for replacing or adding the reagent.

The reagent storing section6is arranged to refrigerate the reagent container300containing the reagent to be added to the sample in the cuvette200at low temperature (about 10° C.) and to convey the reagent container300in the rotating direction. The alteration of the reagent is suppressed by storing the reagent at low temperature. The reagent storing section6includes a regent conveying part10(seeFIGS. 4 and 5) for holding and rotation conveying the reagent and an outer wall20(seeFIG. 3) arranged so as to cover the periphery and the upper side of the reagent conveying part10, as shown inFIGS. 3 to 5. The reagent conveying part10for holding the reagent is arranged in the refrigerating region formed by the outer wall part20, and the first lid30and the second lid40of the reagent replacing section7, to be hereinafter described.

As shown inFIG. 5, the reagent conveying part10includes the first reagent table11of circular shape, and the second reagent table12of circular ring shape arranged concentrically with respect to the first reagent table11on the outer side of the first reagent table11of circular shape. The first reagent table11is configured so that the first reagent container rack310for holding the reagent container300can be removably arranged, and the second reagent table12is configured so that the second reagent container rack320and the third reagent container rack330for holding the reagent container300can be removably arranged. The outer wall part20is configured by a side face21(seeFIG. 4), an upper face22(seeFIG. 3) fixed to the side face21, and a detachable lid23(seeFIG. 3). The reagent barcode reader350is arranged in the vicinity of the side face21(seeFIG. 4) of the reagent storing section6at a predetermined distance with the reagent storing section6.

The first reagent table11and the second reagent table12are respectively configured so as to be rotatable both in the clockwise direction and in the counterclockwise direction, and so that each table is rotatable independent from each other. The first reagent container rack310, the second reagent container rack320, and the third reagent container rack330for holding the reagent container300containing the reagent are respectively conveyed in the rotating direction by the first reagent table11and the second reagent table12. The reagent to be dispensed can be arranged close to the reagent dispensing arm120when the reagent dispensing arm120dispenses the reagent by conveying the reagent container300in the rotating direction.

Furthermore, a heat insulation material (not shown) is attached to the side face21of the outer wall part20so that cooled air in the reagent storing section6(refrigerating region) does not escape. As shown inFIG. 4, a shutter21athat can be opened and closed is arranged at a position facing the reagent barcode reader350of the side face21of the outer wall part20. The shutter21ais configured to open only when reading the barcodes of the reagent container300, the first reagent container rack310, the second reagent container rack320, and the third reagent container rack330with the reagent barcode reader350. The cooled air in the reagent storing section6(refrigerating region) is thereby prevented from escaping to the outside.

As shown inFIG. 3, the upper face22of the outer wall part20includes four holes22a,22b,22cand22d. The aspiration of the reagent stored in the reagent storing section6is performed by the reagent dispensing arm120through the four holes22a,22b,22c, and22d. The holes22ato22care positioned above the reagent container300held in the second reagent container rack320and the third reagent container rack330. The reagent is aspirated from the reagent container300held in the second reagent container rack320and the third reagent container rack330through the holes22ato22c. The hole22dis positioned above the reagent container300held in the first reagent container rack310. The reagent is aspirated from the reagent container300held in the first reagent container rack310through the hole22d.

A semicircular opening is formed in the reagent storing section6(refrigerating region) by detaching the lid23with the first lid30and the second lid40described hereinafter. When starting the measurement in the sample analyzer1, the first reagent container rack310, the second reagent container rack320, and the third reagent container rack330are arranged in the reagent storing section6through such opening.

As shown inFIG. 5, five first reagent container racks310can be arranged in the first reagent table11. The reagent containers300are arranged in a circular ring shape in the five first reagent container racks310. As shown inFIGS. 8 and 10, the first reagent container rack310includes two holders310and312for holding the reagent container300, cut-out parts311aand312arespectively arranged on the front face side of the holders311and312, and one gripping part313arranged so as to project upward. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 8, the holders311and312are formed into a circular shape in plan view, and are able to hold the reagent container300when the regent container300of cylindrical shape is inserted thereto. The reagent container300having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the holder311or312can be held by the holder311or312by attaching an adapter (not shown) to the holder311or312. Barcodes311band312bare respectively arranged on the front face side of the outer surface of the holders311and312, and barcodes311cand312care respectively arranged on the inner surface of the holders311and312.

The two holders311and312can hold a plurality of reagent containers300containing various reagents to be added when preparing measurement sample from a sample one by one. That is, a maximum of ten (2′5=10) of reagent containers300can be arranged on the first reagent table11. Each cut-out part311aand312ais arranged to read the barcodes311cand312cwith the reagent barcode reader350(seeFIG. 5). The gripping part313is gripped when taking out the first reagent container rack310from the reagent storing section6.

Each barcode311band312bincludes holder number information for identifying the position of the holders311and312. The barcodes311cand312cinclude information (no reagent container information) indicating that the reagent container300held by the holders311and312does not exist. Furthermore, the barcode300aof the reagent container300includes information for specifying the detailed information (information of reagent name, type of reagent container, lot number, expiration date of reagent etc.) of the reagent contained in the reagent container300.

If the reagent container300is held in the holder311, the barcode311cis not read and the barcode300aof the reagent container300is read. That is, if the barcode300ais read after the barcode311bis read with the barcode reader350, the control section4ais configured to recognize that the reagent having the reagent information of the barcode300ais held in the holder311. In the reagent arrangement displaying region420of the reagent managing screen410, the first reagent mark421is displayed at a position corresponding to the holder311. If the barcode311cis read after the barcode311bis read by the barcode reader350, the control section4ais configured to recognize that the reagent container300being held at the holder311does not exist. In the reagent arrangement displaying region420of the reagent managing screen410, the reagent non-arranged mark427is displayed at the position corresponding to the holder311. If neither the barcode300aor the barcode311cis read after the barcode311bis read by the barcode reader350(when reagent container300is facing the side), the control section4ais configured to recognize a reading error and that a barcode reading error mark E indicating that reading has failed is displayed on the display4b. If the first reagent container rack itself is not arranged in the first reagent table11, the reagent barcode reader350does not read the barcodes311b,312b,311c,312cof the first reagent container rack310and the barcode300aof the reagent container300. Thus, in the reagent arrangement displaying region420of the reagent managing screen410, the rack non-arranged mark426is displayed on the first rack mark424corresponding to the portion not arranged with the first reagent container rack310.

As shown inFIG. 5, five second reagent container racks320can be arranged in the second reagent table12. The third reagent container rack330(FIG. 13) other than the second reagent container rack320is also arranged in the second reagent table12. Since the outer shape of the second reagent container rack320and the outer shape of the third reagent container rack330are the same, five third reagent container racks330can also be arranged in the second reagent table12, although not shown. The reagent containers300are arranged in a circular ring shape in the reagent container racks320and330. One of the five gaps of the second reagent container rack320or the third reagent container rack330adjacent to each other has a spacing larger than the spacing of the other four gaps. The barcodes311band312bof the first reagent container rack310arranged in the first reagent table11positioned on the inner side of the second reagent table12and the barcode300aof the reagent container300held by the first reagent container rack310are read by the reagent barcode reader350positioned exterior to the reagent storing section6by way of a gap12ahaving the large spacing. As shown inFIGS. 9,11, and12, the second reagent container rack320includes six holders321to326for holding the reagent container300, cut-out parts321ato326arespectively arranged on the front face side of the holders321to326, and one gripping part327arranged so as to project upward. Moreover, the holders321to326of the second reagent container rack320are formed into a circular shape in plan view, similar to the first reagent container rack310, and can hold the reagent container300when the regent container300of cylindrical shape is inserted thereto. The reagent same as the reagent arranged in the first reagent container rack310can be arranged in the second reagent container rack320.

Barcodes321band322bare respectively arranged on both sides of the cut-out part321aon the front column side of the second reagent container rack320. Similarly, barcodes323band324bas well as barcodes325band326bare respectively arranged on both sides of the cut-put part323aand on both sides of the cut-out part325a. Barcodes321cto326care respectively arranged on the inner surface of the holders321to326.

Each barcode321bto326bincludes holder number information for identifying the position of the holders321to326. The barcodes321cand326cinclude information (no reagent container information) indicating that the reagent container300held by the holders321to326does not exist.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 13, the third reagent container rack330includes eight holders331to338for holding the reagent container300, and barcodes331bto338bare arranged on both sides of the cut-out parts (not shown) respectively arranged on the front surface side of the holders331to338. The barcodes331bto338brespectively contain holder number information for identifying the position of the holders331to338.

Furthermore, the reagent information or no reagent container information read by the reagent barcode reader350are stored in a hard disc401dof the control section4ain correspondence to the holder number information. The information stored in the hard disc401dis reflected on the reagent managing screen410of the display4bby the control section4aof the control device4.

The barcodes311b,312b,321bto326b, and331bto338bshow four digit values. The first digit takes a value of “A” or “B”, where “A” indicates that the reagent container300is arranged in the second reagent table12, and “B” indicates that the reagent container300is arranged in the first reagent table11. The second digit takes a value between “1” to “3”, where “1” indicates that the type of the relevant reagent container rack is the type of the second reagent container rack320, “2” indicates that the type of the relevant reagent container rack is the type of the third reagent container rack330, and “3” indicates that the type of the relevant reagent container rack is the type of the first reagent container rack310. The third digit takes a value between “0” to “9” and indicates the number of the first reagent container rack310, the second reagent container rack320, or the third reagent container rack330. The fourth digit takes a value of “1” or “2” in the barcodes311band312bof the first reagent container rack310, where “1” and “2” indicates the holder311and312, respectively. The fourth digit takes a value between “1” and “6” in the barcodes321bto326bof the second reagent container rack320, where “1” to “6” respectively indicates the holders321to326. The fourth digit takes a value between “1” and “8” in the barcodes331bto338bof the third reagent container rack330, where “1” to “8” respectively indicates the holders331to338. The values of the barcodes (barcodes311b,312b,321bto326b, and331bto338b) are reflected on the position displaying part421aof the first reagent mark421, the position displaying part422aof the second reagent mark422, or the position displaying part427aof the reagent non-arranged mark427of the reagent managing screen410, as shown inFIG. 7. For example, if the value of the barcode is “A11-6”, this represents the sixth holder (holder326) of the second reagent container rack320of rack number1or the rack (second reagent container rack320) that can be arranged in the second reagent table12and that corresponds to “1” of the three types. That is, the first three digits of the four digit values specify the reagent container rack, and the last one digit specifies the position of the reagent in the reagent container rack.

The reagent name of the detailed information is reflected on the reagent name displaying parts421band422bof the first reagent mark421and the second reagent mark422of the reagent managing screen410. The no reagent container information is reflected to the reagent non-arranged mark427. That is, as shown inFIG. 7, the reagent name is displayed on the reagent name displaying part421bor422bif the reagent is arranged, and nothing will be displayed on the reagent name displaying part421bor422bif the reagent is not arranged. For example, the reagent name “CaC12” is arranged in the reagent position “A12-5”, and the reagent is not arranged in the reagent position “A14-2”.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the reagent replacing section7is arranged in the vicinity of the central part of the sample analyzer1. In the present embodiment, the reagent replacing section7includes detachable first lid30and second lid40including a lock mechanisms31and41, respectively, and a notifying part50for notifying the conveyance state of the first reagent table11and the second reagent table12to the user, as shown inFIG. 3.

The first lid30is adapted so as to be detached when replacing the reagent container300arranged in the first reagent table11(first reagent container rack310). The lock mechanism31of the first lid30is arranged to lock the first lid30so as not to detach in time of normal use or after replacement or addition of the reagent is finished and to have the control section4arecognize that replacement or addition of the reagent in the first reagent table11is finished.

The second lid40is adapted so as to be detached when replacing the reagent container300arranged in the second reagent table12(second reagent container rack320). The lock mechanism41of the second lid40is arranged to lock the second lid40so as not to detach in time of normal use or after replacement or addition of the reagent is finished and to have the control section4arecognize that replacement or addition of the reagent in the second reagent table12is finished.

The notifying part50includes two LED indicators51and52. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, the two LED indicators51and52are arranged in the vicinity of the second lid40, and are visible by the user from outside the sample analyzer1. The LED indicators51and52can emit a blue or red light.

The LED indicator51has a function of notifying the user that the first reagent container rack310corresponding to the reagent of the first reagent table11specified by the user in the reagent managing screen410has moved to a retrieving position (below the first lid30) where the reagent can be replaced. Specifically, the LED indicator51is configured to emit a red light while the first reagent table11is rotatably moving, and to emit a blue light when the first reagent container rack310corresponding to the reagent of the specified first reagent table11is moved to the retrieving position and stopped. Thus the timing of detaching the first lid30to replace or add the reagent can be notified to the user.

The LED indicator52has a function of notifying to the user that the second reagent container rack320corresponding to the reagent of the second reagent table12specified by the user in the reagent managing screen410has moved to a retrieving position (below the second lid40) where the reagent can be replaced. Similar to the LED indicator51, the LED indicator52is configured to emit a red light while the second reagent table12is rotatably moving, and to emit a blue light when the second reagent container rack320corresponding to the reagent of the specified second reagent table12is moved to the retrieving position and stopped.

The sample analyzer1is configured such that the reading of the barcode300aof all the reagent containers300held in the first reagent container rack310or the second reagent container rack320for holding the replaced reagent is automatically performed after the user locks the first lid30or the second lid40when the replacement or addition of the reagent is finished. Thus, even when reagents other than the specified reagent contained in the same first reagent container rack310or the second reagent container rack320is replaced in addition to the specified reagent when one reagent is specified and the replacement of the reagent is instructed, the arrangement of the reagents after the replacement is correctly reflected on the reagent managing screen410.

Furthermore, as shown inFIGS. 3 to 5, the measurement mechanism unit2includes a cuvette conveying section60, the sample dispensing arm70, a lamp unit90, a warming section100, a cuvette transporting section110, the reagent dispensing arm120, the optical information obtaining section130, the urgent sample setting section140, a fluid section150, and a cuvette supply mechanism section160.

The cuvette conveying section60has a function of conveying the cuvette200to each section of the sample analyzer1. The cuvette conveying section60includes a cuvette conveying table61of circular ring shape arranged on the outer side of the second reagent table12of circular ring shape, and a plurality of cylindrical shaped cuvette holders62arranged at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction on the cuvette conveying table61. The cuvette holder62is arranged to hold the cuvette200one by one. The sample contained in the test tube250of the conveyance mechanism unit3and the reagent stored in the reagent storing section6are dispensed into the cuvette200(seeFIG. 5) held in the cuvette holder62of the cuvette conveying table61to prepare the measurement sample.

The sample dispensing arm70has a function of aspirating the sample contained in the test tube250conveyed to the aspirating position2aby the conveyance mechanism unit3, and dispensing the aspirated sample into the cuvette200held by the cuvette holder62of the cuvette conveying table61.

The warming section100includes a plate101that can be heat-retained, and is arranged with ten concave shaped cuvette holders101a. Each cuvette holder101ais capable of holding one cuvette200, and has a function of warming the sample in the cuvette200to about 37° C. by holding the cuvette200dispensed with the sample for a few minutes in the cuvette holder101a. The sample warmed by the warming section100is dispensed with reagent and subjected to measurement within a constant time after warming is finished. The alteration of the sample, and the measurement sample prepared from the sample and the reagent is suppressed, and stabilizes the measurement result.

The cuvette transporting section110is arranged to transport the cuvette200among the cuvette conveying section60, the warming section100, and the optical information obtaining section130. The cuvette conveying section110includes a transport catcher part111for gripping the cuvette200and a driving part112for moving the transport catcher part111. The transport catcher part111is movable in the moving region110aby the drive of the driving part112, and transports the cuvette200among the cuvette conveying section60, the warming section100, and a measurement mounting part131of the optical information obtaining section130. A vibrating function is provided to the transport catcher part111, whereby the sample and the reagent in the cuvette200can be stirred by vibrating the cuvette200while gripping the cuvette200.

As shown inFIGS. 3 to 5, the reagent dispensing arm120is arranged to mix the reagent to the sample in the cuvette200by dispensing the reagent in the reagent container300mounted in the reagent storing section6into the cuvette200. Specifically, the reagent is aspirated through hole22a,22b,22cor22d(seeFIG. 3) of the outer wall part20of the reagent storing section6, and the transport catcher part111takes out the cuvette200in which warming (37° C.) is completed from the cuvette holder101aof the warming section100and dispenses the aspirated regent into the cuvette200in a gripping state. A warming function is provided to a pipette part121of the reagent dispensing arm120, and the aspirated reagent is instantaneously warmed to about 37° C. That is, the reagent stored at low temperature (about 10° C.) in the reagent storing section6is mixed with the sample of about 37° C., which warming is completed, while being warmed to about 37° C. by the reagent dispensing arm120.

In the present embodiment, the reagent dispensing arm120is configured to move the pipette part121in the up and down direction through pulse control by a stepping motor (not shown) when performing the dispensing operation.

In the present embodiment, when replacement of the reagent is instructed during the operation of the reagent dispensing arm120, the dispensing task of the reagent to be dispensed by the reagent dispensing arm120from the reagent table containing the specified reagent is stopped if the dispensing task of the reagent to be dispensed is carried out from the reagent table containing the specified reagent. In this case, if the reagent to be dispensed is also contained in the reagent table different from the reagent table containing the specified reagent, the reagent dispensing arm120stops the dispensing task of the reagent to be dispensed of the reagent table containing the specified reagent, and continues the dispensing task from the reagent to be dispensed contained in the other reagent table. If the reagent to be dispensed is arranged only in the reagent table containing the reagent instructed to be replaced, the reagent dispensing arm120does not to perform the dispensing operation after finishing the dispensing of the reagent to be dispensed with respect to the sample (sample waiting to be dispensed with reagent) being warmed in the warming section100in time of replacement instruction. Therefore, even for the sample that is being warmed in the warming section100in time of replacement instruction, the measurement is performed within a constant time after warming.

The optical information obtaining section130has a function of obtaining the optical information from the measurement sample. As shown inFIG. 5, the optical information obtaining section130is configured by the measurement mounting part131and a detecting part132arranged below the measurement mounting part131.

The detecting part132of the optical information obtaining section130is configured so as to perform optical measurement (actual measurement) under a plurality of conditions on the measurement sample in the cuvette200. The optical information obtaining section130is electrically connected to the control section4aof the control device4and transmits the obtained data (optical information) to the control section4aof the control device4. In the control device4, the data (optical information) transmitted from the optical information obtaining section130is analyzed, and displayed on the display4b.

As shown inFIGS. 3 to 5, the urgent sample setting section140is arranged to perform sample analyzing process on the urgent sample. The urgent sample setting section140is configured to cut the urgent sample in when the sample analyzing process is being performed on the sample supplied from the conveyance mechanism unit3. The urgent sample setting section140is slidable in the X direction and is arranged with five holders141for holding the container (not shown) containing diluting fluid and cleaning fluid. A barcode (not shown) is attached to the container (not shown) containing the diluting fluid and the cleaning fluid. The barcodes of the diluting fluid and the cleaning fluid are configured so as to be read by the barcode reader351while the urgent sample setting section140is being slided in the X direction. Thus, the type, arrangement, and the like of the diluting fluid and the cleaning fluid are displayed as a diluting/cleaning fluid mark423of the reagent managing screen410. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a lid1cis arranged on the front surface side of the reagent replacing section7of the sample analyzer1. The container (not shown) containing the diluting fluid and the cleaning fluid is replaced or added through the lid1c.

The cuvette supply mechanism section160is configured to sequentially supply the plurality of cuvettes200randomly placed by the user to the cuvette conveying section60. As shown inFIGS. 3 to 5, the cuvette supply mechanism section160includes a first hopper161a; a second hopper161b, smaller than the first hopper161a, being supplied with the cuvette200from the first hopper161a; two induction plates162supplied with the cuvette200from the second hopper161b; a supporting table163arranged on the lower end of the two induction plates162; and a supply catcher part164arranged at a predetermined distance from the supporting table163. The cuvette200supplied to the first hopper161ais slidably moved towards the supporting table163on the induction plates162by way of the second hopper161bsmaller than the first hopper161a. The supporting table163has a function of rotatably transporting the cuvette200slidably moved on the induction plates162to a position allowing the supply catcher part164to grip the cuvette200. The supply catcher part164is arranged to supply the cuvette200rotatably transported by the supporting table163to the cuvette conveying section60.

Furthermore, as shown inFIGS. 3 to 5, the measurement mechanism unit2includes a discarding hole171(seeFIGS. 3 and 5) for discarding the cuvette200and a discarding box172arranged below the discarding hole171are arranged at a predetermined spacing from the supply catcher part164described above. The supply catcher part164can discard the cuvette200on a cuvette conveying table61of the cuvette conveying section60to the discarding box172through the discarding hole171(seeFIGS. 3 and 5). That is, the supply catcher part164can both supply and discard the cuvette200.

FIG. 16is a flowchart describing the measurement process flow of the control section4aof the control device4and the control section501of the measurement mechanism unit2of the sample analyzer1according to the present embodiment. The measurement process flow of the control section4aand the control section501of the sample analyzer1according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG. 16.

First, when the power (not shown) of the measurement mechanism unit2is turned ON by the operation of the user, the control section501executes initialization of the measurement mechanism unit2(step S2-1). The initialization process of the control section501of step S201will be hereinafter described. When the power (not shown) of the control device4is turned ON by the operation of the user, the control section4aof the control device4executes initialization of the program stored in the control section4a(step S4-1).

The initialization process by the control section501of the measurement mechanism unit2will now be described with reference toFIG. 17.

First, the control section501executes initialization of the program stored in the control section501(step S11). The control section501then executes an operation check of each section of the measurement mechanism unit2(step S12). The operation for returning the mechanism for moving the cuvette200and each dispensing arm (sample dispensing arm70and regent dispensing arm120) to the initial position is thereby performed. The control section501then executes origin extraction of the first reagent table11and the second reagent table12(step S13). The first reagent table11and the second reagent table12thereby rotate up to the origin position and then stop. Subsequently, the control section501requests for an initialization completed signal indicating the completion of initialization of the control section4a, and when receiving such initialization completed signal, controls the reagent barcode reader350to read the barcodes of all the reagents set in the reagent storing section6, the barcode of the reagent container rack, and the barcode of the holder of the reagent container rack (step S14). The control section501determines the position information of each reagent container on the first reagent table11and the second reagent table12based on the read barcode information, and stores the determined position information and barcode information in the RAM501c(step S15). The read barcode information and position information are transmitted from the control section501to the control section4a, and stored in the hard disc401dof the control section4a.

A method of determining the position information of each reagent container on the reagent table (first reagent table11and second reagent table12) in step S15will be described. In the present embodiment, a reference position is arranged at a predetermined position of every arrangement region (five for each of the first reagent table11and the second reagent table12) of each reagent container rack in the reagent table. The shifted amount between each holder of the arranged reagent container rack and the reference position is defined in advance as a design value for each type of reagent container rack. The shifted amount from the origin position of the reagent table to each reference position is also defined in advance as a design value. Thus, the shifted amount from the origin position of the reagent table to each reagent container of the reagent table can be calculated from the shifted amount from the origin position of the reagent table to each reference position and the shifted amount of each holder of the arranged reagent container rack and the reference position. The position information of each reagent container of the reagent table is thereby determined. Such shifted amounts are expressed with a value of a rotation angle of the reagent table.

The control section4aof the control device4then determines whether or not a start button displayed on a menu screen (not shown) displayed on the display4bhas been pushed by the user (step S4-2), and transmits a measurement start signal to the control section501if the start button has been pressed (step S4-3). The process proceeds to step S4-12if the start button has not been pressed in step S4-2.

The control section501of the measurement mechanism unit2then determines whether or not the measurement start signal has been received (step S2-2). The control section501proceeds to step S2-9if the measurement start signal has not been received.

If the measurement start signal has been received, the control section501controls the conveyance mechanism unit3so that the rack251mounted with the test tube250containing the sample is moved up to the position corresponding to the aspirating position2aof the measurement mechanism unit2. The control section501then controls the sample barcode reader3cso that the barcode of the test tube250mounted on the rack251is read. The control section501makes a request for order information to the control section4aof the control device4based on the read barcode information (step S2-3). The order information is information including analysis items corresponded to the information specifying the sample. The order information may be registered in a host computer (not shown) connected to the control device4, or may be stored by being manually input by the user to the control device4.

The control section4aof the control device4determines whether or not the order request has been made (step S4-4), and determines whether or not the order information is registered in the hard disc401dof the control section4aif the order request has been made (step S4-5). When the order information is registered in the hard disc401d, the control section4atransmits the registered order information to the control section501of the measurement mechanism unit2(step S4-6). If the order information has not been registered in the hard disc401d, the control section4amakes an inquiry on order registration to the host computer based on the barcode information of the sample read by the sample barcode reader3c(step S4-7). When receiving the order information from the host computer (step S4-8), the control section4atransmits the received order information to the control section501of the measurement mechanism unit2(step S4-6).

When receiving the order information from the control section4a(step S2-4), the control section501of the measurement mechanism unit2causes the sample dispensing arm70to dispense the sample (step S2-5). Specifically, the control section501causes the sample dispensing arm70to aspirate the sample of a predetermined amount from the test tube250. The sample dispensing arm70is then moved to the upper side of the cuvette200held by the cuvette conveying table61of the cuvette conveying section60. Thereafter, the sample in the cuvette200is discharged from the sample dispensing arm70. The control section501then drives the reagent dispensing arm130according to the order information, and adds the reagent in the reagent container300mounted on the reagent table (first reagent table11or second reagent table12) to the sample in the cuvette200(step S2-6). The measurement sample is thereby prepared. The reagent dispensing process in step S2-6will be hereinafter described. The control section501controls the cuvette transporting section120so as to move the cuvette200containing the measurement sample to the cuvette mounting part141of the optical information obtaining section140. The detecting part142of the optical information obtaining section140is controlled so as to carry out optical measurement under a plurality of conditions with respect to the measurement sample in the cuvette200, whereby optical information is obtained from the measurement sample (step S2-7). The control section501sequentially transmits the obtained optical information to the control section4aof the control device4(step S2-9). The steps S2-5, S2-6, and S2-7in the control section501are parallel processed.

When receiving the measurement result from the control section501(step S4-9), the control section4aof the control device4analyzes the received measurement result (step S4-10), and stores the obtained analysis result in the hard disc401dof the control section4a(step S4-11).

The control section4adetermines whether or not instruction of shutdown has been made (whether or not the user has pushed the shutdown button (not shown) from the menu screen) (step S4-12), where a shutdown signal is transmitted from the control section4ato the control section501if the instruction of shutdown has been made (step S4-13), and the shutdown of the control device4is performed. The process returns to step S4-2if instruction of shutdown has not been made.

The control section501of the measurement mechanism unit2then determines whether or not the shutdown signal has been received (step S2-9), and executes the shutdown of the measurement mechanism unit2if the shutdown signal has been received (step S2-10). The process returns to step S2-2if the shutdown signal has not been received.

The reagent dispensing process in step S2-6will now be described with reference toFIG. 18.

In the present embodiment, the reagent table is configured to be rotation movable in the horizontal direction, and the reagent dispensing arm120is also configured to be rotation movable in the horizontal direction. Thus, the reagent dispensing arm120can aspirate the reagent at the reagent aspirating position defined by an intersecting position of a trajectory of rotation movement of the center point of the reagent container arranged on the reagent table and the trajectory of rotation movement of the reagent dispensing arm120.

Two types of reagent containers racks (second reagent container rack320and third reagent container rack330) of different rack types can be arranged on the second reagent table12. As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the shapes of the outer shape of the second reagent container rack320of rack type1and the third reagent container rack330of rack type2are the same, but the number of holders (holders) in the second reagent container rack320of rack type1and the number of holders (holders) in the third reagent container rack330of rack type2differ. Since the number of holders in the reagent container rack of both types differs, the position of the holder in the second reagent container rack320of rack type1and the position of the holder in the third reagent container rack330of rack type2differ.

The holder is concentrically arranged in the reagent container rack of both types, but the trajectory on which the center point of each holder of the back column (inner peripheral side) of the second reagent container rack320of rack type1rotation moves and the trajectory on which the center point of each holder of the back column of the third reagent container rack330of rack type2rotation moves differ. The trajectory on which the center point of each holder of the front column (outer peripheral side) of the second reagent container rack320of rack type1rotation moves and the trajectory on which the center point of each holder of the front column of the third reagent container rack330of rack type2rotation moves are the same. The reagent aspirating position for aspirating the reagent from the reagent container held in each holder of the front column (outer peripheral side) of the reagent container racks of rack type1and rack type2, that is, the intersecting position of the trajectory of rotation movement of the center point of each holder of the front column and the trajectory of rotation movement of the reagent dispensing arm120is referred to as “reagent aspirating position A”. The reagent aspirating position for aspirating the reagent from the reagent container held in each holder of the back column (inner peripheral side) of the second reagent container rack320of rack type1, that is, the intersecting position of the trajectory of rotation movement of the center point of each holder of the back column of the second reagent container rack320and the trajectory of rotation movement of the reagent dispensing arm120is referred to as “reagent aspirating position B”. Similarly, the reagent aspirating position for aspirating the reagent from the reagent container held in each holder of the back column (inner peripheral side) of the third reagent container rack330of rack type2, that is, the intersecting position of the trajectory of rotation movement of the center point of each holder of the back column of the third reagent container rack330and the trajectory of rotation movement of the reagent dispensing arm120is referred to as “reagent aspirating position C”. In the present embodiment, only the first reagent container rack310shown inFIG. 8is arranged in the first reagent table11, and thus the reagent aspirating position for aspirating the reagent from the reagent container held in the holder of the first reagent container rack310arranged in the first reagent table11, that is, the intersecting position of the trajectory of rotation movement of the center point of each holder of the first reagent container rack310and the trajectory of rotation movement of the reagent dispensing arm120is referred to as “reagent aspirating position D”.

In the reagent dispensing process in step S2-6, the control section501firstly rotation moves the reagent table (first reagent table11or second reagent table12) so that the reagent container (hereinafter referred to as “reagent container R”) containing the reagent to be dispensed corresponding to the analysis items of the sample moves to the reagent aspirating position by the reagent dispensing arm120according to the order information (step S61).

The rotation movement process in step S61will be described below usingFIG. 19. The control section501firstly determines whether or not the reagent container rack holding the reagent container R is the reagent container rack of rack type1based on the barcode information and the position information stored in the RAM501C (step S611). If the reagent container rack holding the reagent container R is the reagent container rack of rack type1, the control section501then determines whether or not the holder holding the reagent container R is the holder on the front column (outer peripheral side) in the reagent container rack (step S612). If the holder holding the reagent container R is the holder of the front column in the reagent container rack, the control section501provides the driving pulse signal of a number of pulse N1to the second driving section503and rotates the second reagent table12so that the holder holding reagent container R moves to the reagent aspirating position A (step S613).

The number of pulse N of the driving pulse signal provided from the control section501to the driving section (first driving section502or second driving section503) is obtained by the following equation (1).
N=(L−M)/S(1)

“L” represents position information of the reagent container R on the reagent table (first reagent table11and second reagent table12), that is, shifted amount from the origin position of the reagent table to the reagent container R as a value of the rotation angle of the reagent table. The value of “L” is also changed according to the rotation of the reagent table to change the position information of the reagent container R according to the rotation of the reagent table. “M” represents the shifted amount from the origin position of the reagent table to the reagent aspirating position by the reagent dispensing arm120as a value of the rotation angle of the reagent table. Thus, “L−M” represents the shifted mount from the reagent container R to the reagent aspirating position by the reagent dispensing arm120as a value of the rotation angle of the reagent table. “S” represents the step angle (rotation angle per one pulse) of the first stepping motor of the first driving section502and the second stepping motor of the second driving section503. In equation (1), the rotation angle in the clockwise direction takes a positive value.

In the present embodiment, whether or not the value of “L−M” used in equation (1) is lower than or equal to 180, that is,
L−M≦180   (2)
is determined by the control section501. If determined that equation (2) is met, the reagent table is rotated by the number of pulse N in the counterclockwise direction. If determined that equation (2) is not met, the reagent table is rotated by the number of pulse in the clockwise direction by
(360/S)−N   (3)

The number of pulse N1of the driving pulse signal provided from the control section501to the second driving section503, and the rotating direction of the second reagent table12are determined in step S613using equations (1), (2), and (3).

If determined that the reagent holder holding the reagent container R is not the reagent holder of the front column in the reagent container rack in step S612, the control section501provides a driving pulse signal of a number of pulse N2to the second driving section503and rotates the second reagent table12(step S614) so that the reagent holder holding the reagent container R moves to the reagent aspirating position B, and returns the process. The number of pulse N2and the rotating direction of the second reagent table12are determined by the above equations (1) to (3).

If determined that the reagent container rack holding the reagent container R is not the reagent container rack of rack type1in step S611, determination is made on whether or not the reagent container rack holding the reagent container R is the reagent container rack of rack type2(step S615). If the reagent container rack holding the reagent container R is the reagent container rack of rack type2, determination is then made on whether or not the holder holding the reagent container R is the holder of the front column in the reagent container rack (step S616). If the holder holding the reagent container R is the holder of the front column in the reagent container rack, the control section501provides a driving pulse signal of a number of pulse N3to the second driving section503and rotates the second reagent table12so that the reagent container R moves to the reagent aspirating position A (step S617). The number of pulse N3and the rotating direction of the second reagent table12are determined by the above equations (1) to (3). If determined that the holder holding the reagent container R is not the holder of the front column in the reagent container rack in step S616, the control section501provides a driving pulse signal of a number of pulse N4to the second driving section503and rotates the second reagent table12(step S618) so that the reagent container R moves to the reagent aspirating position C, and returns the process. The number of pulse N4and the rotating direction of the second reagent table12are also determined by the above equations (1) to (3).

If determined that the reagent container rack holding the reagent container R is not the reagent container rack of rack type2in step S615, the control section501provides a driving pulse of a pulse number N5to the first driving section502and rotates the first reagent table11(step S619) so that the reagent container R moves to the reagent aspirating position D, and returns the process. The number of pulse N5and the rotating direction of the first reagent table11are also determined by the above equations (1) to (3).

After the rotation movement process of the reagent table in step S61, the control section501updates the position information of each reagent container on the reagent table to the position information after the rotation movement process of the reagent table (step S62). The updating of the position information of each reagent container is performed based on the rotation angle of the reagent container R and the position information of each reagent container before the rotation movement process of the reagent table.

The control section501then drives the reagent dispensing driving section120aso that the reagent dispensing arm120moves to the reagent aspirating position (step S63). The movement process of the reagent dispensing arm120will now be described with reference toFIG. 20.

The control section501first determines whether or not the reagent container rack holding the reagent container (reagent container R) containing the reagent to be dispensed corresponding to the analysis items of the sample is the reagent container rack of rack type1based on the barcode information stored in the control section4aof the control device4(step S631). If the reagent container rack holding the reagent container R is the reagent container rack of rack type1, determination is then made on whether or not the holder holding the reagent container R is the holder of the front column in the reagent container rack (step S632). If the holder holding the reagent container R is the holder of the front column in the reagent container rack, the reagent dispensing driving section120ais driven so that the reagent dispensing arm120moves to the reagent aspirating position A (step S633).

If the holder holding the reagent container R is not the holder of the front column in the reagent container rack in step S632, the control section501drives the reagent dispensing driving section120a(step S614) so that the reagent dispensing arm120moves to the reagent aspirating position B, and returns the process.

If the reagent container rack holding the reagent container R is not the reagent container rack of rack type1in step S631, determination is then made on whether or not the reagent container rack holding the reagent container R is the reagent container rack of rack type2(step S635). If the reagent container rack holding the reagent container R is the reagent container rack of rack type2, determination is then made on whether or not the holder holding the reagent container R is the holder of the front column in the reagent container rack (step S636). If the holder holding the reagent container R is the holder of the front column in the reagent container rack, the control section501drives the reagent dispensing driving section120a(step S637) so that the reagent dispensing arm120moves to the reagent aspirating position A. If determined that the holder holding the reagent container R is not the holder of the front column in the reagent container rack in step S636, the control section501drives the reagent dispensing driving section120a(step S638) so that the reagent dispensing arm120moves to the reagent aspirating position C, and returns the process.

If determined that the reagent container rack holding the reagent container R is not the reagent container rack of type2in step S635, the control section501drives the reagent dispensing driving section120a(step S639) so that the reagent dispensing arm120moves to the reagent aspirating position D, and returns the process.

The control section501then drives the reagent dispensing driving section120a(step S64) so that the reagent dispensing arm120that has moved to the reagent aspirating position aspirates the reagent from the reagent container R and thereafter discharges the aspirated reagent to the cuvette200at the predetermined position. The control section501then drives the reagent dispensing driving section120a(step S65) so that the reagent dispensing arm120moves to the initial position. Thereafter, the control section501returns the process.

As described, in the present embodiment, the driving section of the reagent table and the reagent dispensing driving section120aare controlled by the control section501so that the reagent container containing the reagent to be dispensed and the reagent dispensing arm120move to the reagent aspirating position corresponding to the type of reagent container rack. Therefore, even if a plurality of reagent container racks having different number of holders for holding the reagent container and a plurality of reagent container rack having different positions of the holder are arranged on the reagent table, the reagent can be easily aspirated from the reagent container held in the reagent container rack. This contributes to increasing the number of measurement items and enhancing the processing speed.

In the present embodiment, the size of the reagent container held in the reagent container rack can be changed depending on the type of reagent container rack. Thus, reagent containers of various sizes can be used depending on the usage state of the reagent.

In the present embodiment, the reagent aspirating position where the reagent is aspirated from the reagent container held in the reagent container rack is determined based on the identification information specifying the reagent container rack. Thus, information related to the reagent aspirating position does not need to be recorded in advance in the barcode of each reagent container and the barcode of each reagent container rack, and analysis of multiple items can be immediately responded.

In the present embodiment, a greater number of reagent containers can be arranged on the reagent table since the first reagent table11and the second reagent table12which are rotation movable and which can arrange the reagent container rack are concentrically arranged.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the outer shape of the second reagent container rack320and the outer shape of the third reagent container rack330capable of being arranged on the second reagent table12are formed so as to be the same. Thus, the reagent container rack to be arranged at a predetermined arrangement region of the second reagent table12can be freely selected from the second reagent container rack320and the third reagent container rack330.

In the present embodiment, the second reagent container rack320and the third reagent container rack330are configured to be able to hold the reagent containers300in a zig-zag manner. Accordingly, a greater amount of reagent containers300can be held at the second reagent container rack320and the third reagent container rack330, and reading of the barcode300aof the reagent container300can be satisfactorily carried out by the reagent barcode reader350.

In the present embodiment, the reagent container300is concentrically arranged in the second reagent container rack320and the third reagent container rack330. Thus, each holder of the front column (outer peripheral side) of the second reagent container rack320rotation moves on the same trajectory and each holder of the back column (inner peripheral side) rotation moves on the same trajectory by the rotation movement of the second reagent table12. Furthermore, each holder of the front column (outer peripheral side) of the third reagent container rack330rotation moves on the same trajectory and each holder of the back column (inner peripheral side) rotation moves on the same trajectory by the rotation movement of the second reagent table12. Thus, control of the reagent dispensing process is facilitated.

In the present embodiment, the reagent dispensing arm120is configured to the rotation movable in the horizontal direction and the reagent aspirating position by the reagent dispensing arm120is at the intersecting position of the trajectory of the rotation movement of the reagent dispensing arm120and the trajectory of the rotation movement of the reagent table. Thus, the drive control of the reagent dispensing arm120is facilitated.

The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and should not be construed as being restrictive in all aspects. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended Claims rather than by the description of the embodiments, and all changes that fall within meets and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such meets and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.

For instance, the reagent container rack310of the same type is arranged in the first reagent table11in the above embodiment, but the reagent container rack of another type having different number of holders for holding the reagent container may be arranged. The reagent container rack of another type having different positions of the holder may be arranged in the first reagent table11.

In the above embodiment, the second reagent container rack320of rack type1and the third reagent container rack330of rack type2are arranged in the second reagent table12, but the reagent container rack of rack type3having different number and position of the holder from the rack type1and the rack type2may be arranged in place of the reagent container rack of rack type1, as shown inFIG. 21, or the reagent container rack of rack type3may be arranged in place of the reagent container rack of rack type2. Moreover, the reagent container rack of rack type3may be arranged in addition to the reagent container rack of rack type1and rack type2. The reagent container rack of another type having different number and position of the holder from rack types1to3may be arranged.

In the above embodiment, each of the first reagent table11and the second reagent table12is configured so that five reagent container racks can be arranged, but the first reagent table11and the second reagent table12may be configured so that five or more reagent container racks can be arranged.

In the above embodiment, the holders (holders) are concentrically arranged in the second reagent container rack320and the third reagent container rack330, but the holders are not necessarily concentrically arranged.

In the above embodiment, the reagent dispensing arm120is rotation movable in the horizontal direction, but the reagent dispensing arm120may be configured to be movable in the XY direction.

In the embodiment, the first reagent table11and the second reagent table12are configured to a ring shape, but are not necessarily formed to a ring shape, and may be formed to a square.

In the above embodiment, the first reagent table11and the second reagent table12are rotated, but are not necessarily rotated.

In the embodiment, the reagent container rack including a plurality of holders is arranged in the first reagent table11and the second reagent table12, but the reagent container rack including only one holder at a predetermined position may be arranged in the first reagent table11and the second regent table12. In this case, the position of the reagent container on the reagent table can be specified without reading the barcode of the holder, and thus the control of the reagent dispensing process can be more easily performed.

In the above embodiment, the barcode of each holder of the reagent container rack arranged in the first reagent table11and the second reagent table12is read, but the barcode of each holder of the reagent container rack does not need to be read if the type of reagent held in each holder of the reagent container rack is determined in advance. In this case as well, the position of the reagent container containing the reagent to be aspirated can be specified.