Sample processing apparatus

A sample processing apparatus includes a sample processing unit for obtaining a sample from a sample container and performing a predetermined process of the sample; a transport unit which includes a transport region for transporting, in a transport operation, a sample rack holding the sample container to the sample processing unit, and a rack removal region where the sample rack is accessible to an operator. A restraining member is also provided, which restrains contact by the operator to the sample rack on the transport region. A transport controller controls the transport unit to transport the sample rack on the transport region to the rack removal region after a predetermined transport suspension event occurs during the transport operation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-225605, filed on Sep. 29, 2009, in the Japanese Patent Office.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sample processing apparatus for processing a sample such as blood or urine, and a sample rack transporting method.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,387 discloses a sample processing apparatus for suctioning a sample from a sample container retained in a sample rack and processing the suctioned sample. This conventional sample processing apparatus is provided with a transport unit for transporting a sample rack holding sample containers to a sample suctioning position. The transport unit has an input region, a process region, and an output region, wherein a sample rack having a structure capable of holding a plurality of sample containers is set in the input region. The sample rack set in the input region is transported toward the suctioning position in front of a sample processing unit to enter the process region. Then, a sample of the sample container retained in the sample rack is suctioned at the sample suctioning position on the process region. The sample rack stays on the process region until a processing result is obtained by the sample processing unit. After the processing result is obtained from all of the sample containers retained in the sample rack, the sample rack is transported from the process region to the output region.

In this sample processing apparatus, the process region is encompassed by a protective housing to prevent a user from easily accessing the sample container after the sample container is transported from the input region to the process region. According to such a structure, once the sample containers are placed in the process region, the user is unable to change the arrangement and positional order of the sample containers.

In the case where a certain transport suspension event occurs during the sample processing operation, the above sample processing apparatus stops the processing operation by the sample processing unit and the transport operation by the transport unit. In this case, the processing operation by the sample processing unit and the transport operation by the transport unit restart after the suspension event is resolved. When restarting the operations, the user may have to return the sample rack currently on a transport path to the input region.

However, when the process region is covered with the protective housing as described above, the user cannot easily access the sample rack placed in the process region. Thus, it is difficult to obtain the sample rack in the case where the sample rack is located in the process region when the transport operation by the transport unit is suspended. This causes a problem in that the user has to go through some time-consuming steps to remove the sample rack from the process region.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present invention is a sample processing apparatus, comprising: a sample processing unit for obtaining a sample from a sample container and performing a predetermined process of the sample; a transport unit which includes a transport region for transporting, in a transport operation, a sample rack holding the sample container to the sample processing unit, a rack removal region where the sample rack is accessible to an operator, and a restraining member for restraining contact by the operator to the sample rack on the transport region; and a transport controller for controlling the transport unit to transport the sample rack on the transport region to the rack removal region after a predetermined transport suspension event occurs during the transport operation.

A second aspect of the present invention is a sample processing apparatus, comprising: a sample processing unit for obtaining a sample from a sample container and performing a predetermined process of the sample; a transport unit for transporting, in a transport operation, the sample rack holding the sample container to the sample processing unit; and a transport controller for controlling the transport unit in accordance with a type of transport suspension event after the transport suspension event occurs during the transport operation.

A third aspect of the present invention is a sample rack transporting method, comprising: in a transport operation, transporting a sample rack holding a sample container, by a transport unit, to a sample processing unit for processing a sample in the sample container; and controlling the transport unit to transport the sample rack to a rack removal region where an operator has access to the sample rack after a predetermined transport suspension event occurs during the transport operation in a restraining region where the operator is restrained from contacting the sample rack.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a sample processing apparatus, comprising: a transport unit configured to transport a plurality of samples in racks holding sample containers to a sample processing unit in a transport region, and configured to transport the racks to a rack removal region where at least the sample containers are accessible to an operator, a restraining member configured to prevent the operator from contacting at least the sample containers in at least a portion of the transport region; and a processor electronically controlling the transport unit to transport at least given ones of the racks in the transport region to the rack removal region in response to a signal indicating a predetermined transport suspension event.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is an apparatus, comprising: a transport unit configured to transport, in a transport operation, a sample rack holding a sample in a sample container in a transport region to a sample processing unit configured to perform a predetermined process of the sample, wherein the transport unit is further configured to remove the sample rack from the transport region; and a processor configured to detect a plurality of transport suspension events and to electronically control the transport unit, in the transport operation, to remove the sample rack from the transport region in accordance with detection of at least one of the transport suspension events.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, a sample processing apparatus according to an embodiment is described with reference to the accompanied drawings. The embodiment described below is only illustrated as an example of embodying the present invention. The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiment described below.

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating a structure of a sample processing apparatus1according to the present embodiment. The sample processing apparatus1is a blood coagulation analyzing apparatus for optically measuring and analyzing a sample by irradiating with light a measurement specimen prepared by adding a reagent to the sample (plasma) by employing techniques of solidification, synthetic substrate, immunonephelometry, and agglutination. The sample processing apparatus1has a measurement device2which optically measures components included in the sample (plasma), and an information processing device3which analyzes measurement data obtained by the measurement device2and transmits operation commands to the measurement device2.

The measurement device2is provided with a main body cover29as illustrated in the figure. As the main body cover29rotates on a rotational shaft29aas illustrated in the figure, a measurement unit10described later can be opened or closed.

FIG. 2is a plan view schematically illustrating an internal structure of the measurement device2when viewed from an upper direction. The measurement device2includes the measurement unit10, a detection unit40, and a transport unit50.

As illustrated in the figure, the transport unit50is provided with a rack set region A where a sample rack L can be disposed, a transport region B, and a rack placement region C. The sample rack L has holding sections so that a plurality of sample containers T can be held therein. The sample container T contains therein a sample to be measured.

The sample rack L set in the rack set region A is transported rearward along the rack set region A (Y-axis positive direction) to reach the right end of the transport region B (end in X-axis negative direction). The sample rack L positioned at the right end of the transport region B is then transported leftward (X-axis positive direction) along the transport region B.

As illustrated in the figure, a barcode reader51, which is movable rightward and leftward (X-axis negative and positive directions), is provided in the transport region B. The barcode reader51reads barcode labels respectively affixed to the sample container T and the sample rack L at a predetermined position on the transport region B. Sample suctioning positions52and53are set at predetermined positions of the transport region B.

When the sample containers T are positioned at the sample suctioning positions52and53, the samples contained in the sample containers T at the positions are respectively suctioned by sample dispensing units21and22described later. After all of the samples in the sample containers T held in the sample rack L are suctioned, the sample rack L is transported to the left end of the transport region B.

In the sample processing apparatus1according to the present embodiment, a measurement mode from two different measurement modes; “standard measurement” and “trace-level measurement” can be selected. In the standard measurement, the sample of the sample container T is suctioned by the sample dispensing unit21at the sample suctioning position52. In the trace-level measurement, the sample of the sample container T is suctioned by the sample dispensing unit22at the sample suctioning position53.

The sample rack L positioned at the left end of the transport region B is transported forward along the rack placement region C (Y-axis negative direction), where the transport operation of the sample rack L ends. The transport operation by the transport unit50is consecutively carried out for all of the sample racks L set in the rack set region A.

The sample dispensing unit21includes a support member21a, an arm21bsupported by the support member21a, and a pipette21cattached to a tip of the arm21b. The support member21ais rotated by a stepping motor211aprovided on a rear side of a lower surface (seeFIG. 7), and the arm21bis driven upward and downward by the stepping motor211a(Z-axis positive and negative directions). The pipette21cis used to suction and discharge the sample. When the support member21ais rotated, the pipette21cmoves on an outer periphery of a circle centered on the support member21a.

The sample dispensing unit22has a structure similar to that of the sample dispensing unit21. More specifically, the sample dispensing unit22includes a support member22a, an arm22b, and a pipette22cattached to a tip of the arm22b. The support member22ais rotated by a stepping motor211bprovided on the lower-surface rear side (seeFIG. 7), and the arm22bis driven upward and downward by the stepping motor211b. The pipette22cis used to suction and discharge the sample.

To suction the samples, to start with, the sample dispensing units21and22respectively rotate the support members21aand22ato position the pipettes21cand22cat the sample suctioning positions52and53. When the arms21band22bare thereafter driven downward, the pipettes21cand22care inserted into the sample containers T. After the samples are suctioned, the arms21band22bare driven upward so that the pipettes21cand22care drawn out of the sample containers T.

The samples suctioned at the sample suctioning positions52and53are put in cuvettes of a cuvette carrier31directly or by way of cuvettes of a cuvette table15. At this time, a suitable volume of diluent set in a diluent carrier32is suctioned by the sample dispensing unit22to be mixed with the samples of the cuvettes. Then, the cuvette carrier31is driven rightward (X-axis negative direction) so that the cuvettes are transported to the front of a catcher unit26. The cuvettes set in the cuvette carrier31are held by the catcher unit26and then set in a warming table16. Then, the cuvettes are transported by catcher units27and28to be set in the detection unit40. At this time, a suitable volume of reagents retained in reagent tables11and12are injected into the cuvettes by reagent dispensing units23,24and25. Then, the detection unit40processes the contents of the cuvettes to detect optical information which reflects thereon components included in the measurement specimens in the cuvettes.

A cuvette supply unit33can sequentially supply a plurality of cuvettes thus obtained to a cuvette storage33a. The cuvettes newly supplied to the cuvette storage33aare set in retaining holes of the cuvette table15and the cuvette carrier31by the catcher units26and27, respectively. The post-analysis cuvettes to be discarded are thrown into waste vents34and35by the catcher units27and28. The sample dispensing units21and22, and the pipettes of the reagent dispensing unit23to25are washed at a predetermined washing position (not illustrated). A washing solution which was used for washing is kept in a waste solution tank (not illustrated).

On the reagent tables11and12, container racks13and14are respectively disposed. The container racks13and14respectively hold therein a plurality of reagent containers in which reagents are contained. To exchange the reagents contained in the reagent container, the main body cover29illustrated inFIG. 1is opened after the measuring operation by the measurement unit10is suspended. Then, an operator can retrieve the reagent containers from the reagent tables11and12to replace the reagents with new ones.

FIG. 3Ais a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of the sample container T, andFIGS. 3B and 3Care front views of the sample rack L.FIG. 3BandFIG. 3Care front views of the sample rack L when the sample rack L set in the transport unit50is viewed in the Y-axis negative direction illustrated inFIG. 2.

Referring toFIG. 3A, the sample container T is a tubular container made of optically transparent glass or synthetic resin, wherein an upper end is open. A blood sample collected from a patient is contained therein, and the opening at the upper end thereof is sealed with a cap portion CP. A barcode label BL1is affixed to a side surface of the sample container T. The barcode label BL1has a barcode representing a sample ID printed thereon.

Referring toFIG. 3B, the sample rack L has 10 holding sections which can hold 10 sample containers T perpendicularly (upright position). The holding sections respectively have serial numbers1to10from right which represent their holding positions. A barcode label BL2is affixed to a side surface of the sample rack L in the Y-axis positive direction. The barcode label BL2has a barcode representing a rack ID printed thereon.

As illustrated inFIG. 3B, recesses La as many as the holding sections, that is, 10 recesses open downward are formed in a bottom surface of the sample rack L along the longitudinal direction of the sample rack L. The recesses La are each defined by wall portions Lb formed on right and left sides thereof.

The sample rack may have a structure as illustrated inFIG. 3C. In this case, a bottom surface of the sample rack L is provided with one recess Lc.

FIG. 4Ais a plan view illustrating a structure of the transport unit50.

The rack set region A is equipped with a rack feed mechanism A1which transports the sample rack L disposed therein in the Y-axis positive direction. The rack feed mechanism A1pushes the side surface of the sample rack L in the rack set region A closer thereto (in Y-axis negative direction) to transport the sample rack L in the Y-axis positive direction so that the sample rack L is transferred to the transport region B. In the event that a plurality of sample racks L are disposed in the rack set region A, as illustrated in the figure, the rack feed mechanism A similarly pushes the side surface of the sample rack L which is nearest thereto (in Y-axis negative direction) so that the sample rack L which is farthest thereto (in Y-axis positive direction) is transferred to the transport region B.

In the rack set region A, as illustrated in the figure, a pair of sensors A2are provided at an end thereof in the Y-axis positive direction and an end thereof in the Y-axis negative direction. An optically transparent photosensor or the like constitutes the sensor A2. The sensor A2blocks light when the sample rack L is present in the rack set region A, and transmits light when there is no sample rack L in the rack set region A.

The transport region B is provided with a transport path B1which supports the bottom surface of the sample rack L, and two rack transverse feed mechanisms B2. The two rack transverse feed mechanisms B2are provided below the transport path B1, and independently move two sample racks L disposed on the transport path B1rightward and leftward (X-axis positive and negative directions). A structure of the rack transverse feed mechanism B2will be described later with reference toFIG. 4BandFIG. 5.

In the sample rack L transferred to the transport region B, the barcode reader51reads the barcode BL1of the sample container T and the barcode label BL2of the sample rack L (hereinafter, referred to as “pre-read”) before the sample container T is transported to the sample suctioning position52,53. As illustrated in the figure, the pre-read by the barcode reader51is performed when the sample rack L is in the range of “a pre-read position” on the transport region B.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the sample suctioning positions52and53are set in the transport region B. The sample rack L for which the pre-read was performed is transported leftward (X-axis positive direction) so that the sample containers T retained in the sample rack L is positioned at the sample suctioning position52or53. The barcode label BL1of the sample container T positioned at the sample suctioning position52or53is read by the barcode reader51(hereinafter, referred to as “post-read”), and the sample contained therein is then suctioned.

In the case where a first suspension event, which will be described later, occurs during the sample suctioning by the sample dispensing unit21,22, the sample rack L is transported to a “transport suspending position”, and the transport of the sample rack L stops at the position.

As illustrated in the figure, sensors B51to B55are provided in the transport region B. A reflective photosensor or the like constitutes each of the sensors B51to B55. The sensor B51detects the sample rack L positioned at the right end of the transport region B (end in the X-axis negative direction). The sensor B52detects that the sample rack L has been transported to the pre-read position. The sensors B53and B54detect that the sample rack L is positioned at the sample suctioning position52,53. The sensor B55detects that the sample rack L has been transported to the transport suspending position.

The rack placement region C is provided with a rack feed mechanism C1which transports the sample rack L disposed therein in the Y-axis negative direction. The rack feed mechanism C1moves the sample rack L disposed at the left end of the transport region B (end in the X-axis positive direction) in the Y-axis negative direction by one pitch (equal to width of the sample rack L in its lateral direction) so that the sample rack L is transferred from the transport region B to the rack placement region C.

As illustrated in the figure, the rack placement region C is equipped with a sensor C2which detects the presence or absence of the sample rack L. A reflective photosensor or the like constitutes the sensor C2. The sensor C2detects the sample rack L which has been transported to a transport end position (end in the Y-axis negative direction) of the rack placement region C.

FIG. 4Bis a plan view illustrating a structure of the rack transverse feed mechanism B2. The two rack transverse feed mechanisms B2are provided next to each other in the Y-axis direction. The rack transverse feed mechanism B2is equipped with an engagement unit B3that can be engaged with the sample rack L, and a movement mechanism B4which moves the engagement unit B3rightward and leftward (X-axis positive and negative directions).

The movement mechanism B4has a pair of pulleys B41provided at both ends of the transport region B, a belt42that bridges the pulleys B41, a stepping motor B43which rotates one of the pulleys B41, and a rotary encoder B44which detects number of rotations of the stepping motor B43.

The engagement unit B3is coupled with the belt B42of the movement mechanism B4to move rightward and leftward when the stepping motor B43is driven. An amount of the movement of the engagement unit B3is detected by the rotary encoder B44as the number of rotations of the stepping motor B43. The operation of the stepping motor B43is controlled based on a detection result obtained by the rotary encoder B44. A movement start position and a movement end position of the engagement unit B3are respectively set at a right end (end in X-axis negative direction) and a left end (end in X-axis positive direction) in a drivable range of the engagement unit B3. Further, sensors B55and B56each including an optically transparent photosensor or the like are provided. The sensors B55and B56respectively detect the engagement unit B3positioned at the movement start position and the movement end position.

FIG. 5Ais a front view of the engagement units B3illustrating a state where the engagement units B3are not engaged with the sample rack L.FIG. 5Bis a side view of the engagement units B3.FIGS. 5C and 5Dare front views of the engagement units B3illustrating a state where the engagement units B3are engaged with the sample rack L.

Referring toFIG. 5A, the engagement unit B3has a substrate B31, a pair of engagement members B32, and an action member B33. The engagement unit B3further has an air cylinder B34(not illustrated), which moves the action member B33upward and downward (seeFIG. 7).

A guide member (not illustrated) is attached to the substrate B31. The guide member is slidably engaged with a guide rail (not illustrated) along the X-axis direction below the transport path B1. The substrate B31is supported by the guide rail so as to freely move in the X-axis positive and negative directions.

As illustrated in the figure, the pair of engagement members B32are secured to an upper side of the substrate B31by securing tools B31aincluding bolts and screw nuts so as to freely rotate in the Y-axis direction. Engagement claws B32aare formed at an upper section of the engagement member B32, and engagement rollers B32bare provided at a lower end thereof. The substrate B31has regulating holes (not illustrated) formed therein each regulating a rotational range of the engagement roller B32balong a rotational line of the engagement roller B32bwhen the engagement member B32rotates on the securing tool B31aas a rotational center. The engagement roller32bis movably engaged with the regulating hole. Accordingly, the engagement member B32can be rotated in the Y-axis direction within a predetermined range with the securing tool B31aas a rotational center.

A rectangular engagement hole B33ahaving a larger dimension in its lateral direction is formed at an upper section of the action member B33so that the pair of engagement rollers B32bare engaged therewith. When the action member B33is driven in the Z-axis direction, the pair of engagement members B32respectively rotate on the securing tools B31ain the Y-axis direction via the engagement rollers32bengaged with the engagement hole B33a. As illustrated inFIG. 5A, in a state where the pair of engagement members B32brotate downward (Z-axis negative direction), the engagement claws B32aare positioned below the transport path B1, and does not engage with the sample rack L.

The air cylinder B34is supplied with compressed air from a compressor (not illustrated). The air cylinder B34has a rod which generates an up-and-down movement as the compressed air is supplied. The action member B33is fixed to an upper end of the rod of the air cylinder B34. As the rod of the air cylinder B34moves upward and downward, the action member B33simultaneously moves upward and downward. In conjunction therewith, the pair of engagement members B32rotate upward and downward.

Referring toFIG. 5B, as described above, a state where the engagement claws B32astick out beyond the transport path B1through grooves formed therein, and a state where the engagement claws B32astay below the transport path B1occur in turns as the engagement members B32rotate, as illustrated in the figure.

Referring toFIG. 5C, when the engagement member B32rotates upward (Z-axis positive direction), the engagement claws B32astick out beyond the transport path B1to advance into the recess La formed in the bottom section of the sample rack L. As a result, the pair of engagement claws B32aare moved away from each other. Accordingly, the engagement claws B32aabut with the wall portions Lb on both sides of the recess La in the X-axis positive and negative directions as illustrated in the figure. Accordingly, the pair of engagement members B32are finally engaged with the sample rack so that the sample rack L can be securely transported.

Referring toFIG. 5D, in the case where the sample rack L illustrated inFIG. 3Cis used, the engagement claws B32asimilarly stick out beyond the transport path B1to advance into the recess Lc formed in the bottom section of the sample rack L so that the pair of engagement claws B32aare moved away from each other. In this case, the engagement claws B32aare engaged with protruding wall portions formed in the recess Lc as illustrated in the figure. Accordingly, the sample rack L illustrated inFIG. 3Ccan be transported in the same manner as the sample rack L illustrated inFIG. 3B.

The engagement units B3each having the structure described so far are disposed facing each other in the Y-axis direction below the transport path B1as illustrated inFIG. 4B, so that two sample racks L is independently driven in the transport region B.

According to the rack transverse feed mechanism B2structured as above, the sample rack L is transported on the transport path B1with the recess La in the bottom surface thereof remaining supported by the engagement claws B32a. In the case where the first suspension event described later occurs, the transport of the sample rack L stops on the transport path B, in which case the recess La in the bottom surface of the sample rack L still remains supported by the engagement claws B32a. Even after the sample rack L is stopped, the stepping motor B43is continuously excited, which prevents the sample rack L from positional shifting.

FIG. 6is a perspective view of the transport unit50.

A roof54is provided at an upper section near the center of the transport region B (Z-axis positive direction). At the right end of the roof54(end in the X-axis negative direction) and the left end of the roof54(end in the X-axis positive direction), flange portions54aand54bare respectively formed as illustrated. Further, openings54cand54dare formed in the roof54as illustrated. The sample dispensing units21and22respectively suction the samples of the sample containers T positioned at the sample suctioning positions52and53through the openings54cand54d. As illustrated, a front cover55is removably fitted on the near side of the transport region B (Y-axis negative direction). Accordingly, an area near the center of the transport region B is covered with a cover portion including the roof54and the front cover55.

According to the transport unit50structured as above, upper sides of the sample rack L and the sample container T on the transport region B are left unexposed except the areas of the openings54aand54b. This structure prevents foreign matters from entering the sample container T in the transport region B from an upper direction, and also prevents the operator from contacting the sample rack L and the sample container T. The transport unit50structured as described above can avoid any contact possibly made by the operator with the sample rack L and the sample container T near the center of the transport region B (area covered with the roof54and the front cover55). Thus, the operator can be prevented from contacting the sample rack L and the sample container T.

The pre-read position illustrated inFIG. 4is included in the area covered with the roof54and the front cover55. Therefore, when the sample rack L is positioned at the pre-read position, the sample rack L is entirely covered by the roof54and the front cover55. The transport suspending position illustrated inFIG. 4is also included in the area covered with the roof54and the front cover55. In the case where, for example, the left end of the sample rack L sticks out of the front cover55when the sample of the sample rack L is suctioned, the sample rack L can be positioned at the transport suspending position under the roof54and the front cover55in response to occurrence of the first suspension event described later. This further ensures the avoidance of any contact made by the operator with the sample rack L and the sample container T during the suspension of measuring operation.

FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the measurement device2.

The measurement device2includes a controller200, a barcode reader51, a dispensing unit stepping motor unit211, a dispensing unit rotary encoder unit212, a motor drive circuit213, a rack transverse feed mechanism stepping motor unit221, a rack transverse feed mechanism rotary encoder unit222, a motor drive circuit223, an air cylinder B34, a temperature detector231, a reagent residual quantity detector232, a liquid quantity detector233, a cuvette storage quantity detector234, a rack detector235, a sensor unit236, and a measurement unit drive unit237.

The controller200includes a CPU201, a ROM202, a RAM203, a hard disc204, a communication interface205, and an I/O interface206.

The CPU201runs a computer program stored in the ROM202and a computer program loaded in the RAM203. The RAM203is used to read computer programs recorded in the ROM202and the hard disc204. The RAM203is also used as a working region of the CPU201when these computer programs are run. The hard disc204stores therein various computer programs to be run by the CPU201, for example, an operating system and an application program, and data used to run these computer programs. Through the communication interface205, data can be transmitted and received to and from the information processing device3.

The CPU201is connected via the I/O interface206to the barcode reader51, dispensing unit rotary encoder unit212, motor drive circuit213, rack transverse feed mechanism rotary encoder unit222, motor drive circuit223, air cylinder B34, temperature detector231, reagent residual quantity detector232, liquid quantity detector233, cuvette storage quantity detector234, rack detector235, sensor unit236, and measurement unit drive unit237.

The dispensing unit stepping motor unit211includes stepping motors211aand211bwhich independently rotate the support member21aof the sample dispensing unit21and the support member22aof the sample dispensing unit22. The dispensing unit rotary encoder unit212includes rotary encoders212aand212bprovided for the stepping motors211aand211bof the sample dispensing units21and22. The motor drive circuit213is controlled by the CPU201to drive the stepping motors211aand211bincluded in the dispensing unit stepping motor unit211.

The rack transverse feed mechanism stepping motor unit221includes the stepping motors B43of the two rack transverse feed mechanisms B2. The rack transverse feed mechanism rotary encoder unit222includes the rotary encoders B44of the two rack transverse feed mechanisms B2. The motor drive circuit223is controlled by the CPU201to independently drive the two stepping motors B43included in the rack transverse feed mechanism stepping motor unit221.

The rotary encoders constituting the dispensing unit rotary encoder unit212and the rack transverse feed mechanism rotary encoder unit222are incremental encoders. The rotary encoder is configured to output a pulse signal depending on a rotational displacement of the stepping motor. The rotational speed of the stepping motor can be detected by counting the number of pulses outputted from the rotary encoder.

The temperature detector231is provided with a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the warming table16. The reagent residual quantity detector232is provided with a liquid surface detecting sensor to detect respective residual quantities of the reagents in the reagent containers disposed on the reagent table11,12. The liquid quantity detector233is equipped with a plurality of liquid surface detecting sensors to detect a residual quantity of the washing solution tank containing the washing solution used to wash the sample dispensing units21and22and the reagent dispensing units23to25, and a waste liquid quantity of the waste washing solution tank containing the wasted solution. The cuvette storage quantity detector234is equipped with a cuvette storage sensor to detect a residual storage quantity of the cuvettes housed in the cuvette supply unit33. The rack detector235includes sensors A2, B51to B55and C2provided in the transport unit50. The sensor unit236includes a photosensor which detects that the main body cover29is open. To carry out dispensing operations by the sample dispensing units21and22and the reagent dispensing units23to25, the measurement unit drive unit237includes a pneumatic source for supplying pressure to these dispensing units, and a driver for driving the tables (reagent tables11and12, cuvette table15, and warming table16).

FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the information processing device3.

The information processing device3includes a personal computer and also includes a main body300, an input unit310, and a display unit320. The main body300includes a CPU301, a ROM302, a RAM303, a hard disc304, a readout device305, an input/output interface306, an image output interface307, and a communication interface308.

The CPU301runs a computer program stored in the ROM302and a computer program loaded in the RAM303. The RAM303is used to read computer programs recorded in the ROM302and the hard disc304. The RAM303is also used as a working region of the CPU301when these computer programs are run.

The hard disc304stores therein various computer programs to be run by the CPU301, for example, an operating system and an application program, and data used to run these computer programs. Specifically, in the hard disc304, there are installed a display program for receiving a reagent condition in the measurement device2to, for example, display a message notifying the reagent residual quantity on the display unit309, and operation programs for replacing the reagent or operating the measurement device2in accordance with additional operation commands.

The readout device305includes, for example, a CD drive or a DVD drive. The readout device305can read computer programs and data recorded on a recording medium. The input unit310including a mouse and a keyboard is connected to the input/output interface306. The operator inputs data to the information processing device3by using the input unit310. The image output interface307is connected to the display unit320including, for example, a display screen to output a video signal suitable for image data to the display unit320. The display unit320displays an image based on the inputted video signal. Through the communication interface308, data can be transmitted and received to and from the measurement device2.

FIG. 9is a diagram illustrating an example of a reagent information screen displayed on the display unit320of the information processing device3. The reagent information screen includes a location display region410, a detailed information display region420, an operation command display region430, and an operation decision display region440.

The location display region410displays the positions of the container racks13and14on the reagent tables11and12, and a condition of the reagent containers housed in these container racks.

When a reagent mark411or412in the location display region410is selected, detailed information on contents of the reagent container retained at the position of the selected mark is displayed in the detailed information display region420.

The operation command display region430has a plurality of different command buttons including a sample rack ejection button431. When the operator presses any of the buttons, an operation corresponding to the pressed button is carried out.

The measurement command display region440has a measurement suspending button441and a measurement start button442. When the operator presses the measurement suspending button441, a measurement suspension processing is carried out. When the operator presses the measurement start button442during the suspension of the measurement, a measurement restart processing is carried out. The measurement start button442is displayed in active state as far as the measurement can restart. When the measurement start button442is pressed whenever the measurement restart is infeasible, a message is displayed on the screen so that the operator is notified of the failure to restart the measurement.

Next, the processing operation of the sample processing apparatus is described. The following processing operation, which is controlled by the information processing device3, is carried out through data communicated between the measurement device2and the information processing device3.

FIG. 10is a flowchart illustrating steps of a sample suctioning processing according to the present embodiment. In the processing flow described below, the transport position of the sample rack L is known from the output of the rack transverse feed mechanism rotary encoder unit222and the output of the rack detector235.

In the present embodiment, when the operator inputs a measurement start command via the information processing device3, the measurement device2starts its measuring operation. When the CPU201of the measurement device2receives a measurement start signal from the information processing device3(S1: YES), the CPU201transports the sample rack L from the rack set region A to the pre-read position (S2). At the pre-read position, the barcode reader51performs the pre-read of the barcode label BL2of the sample rack L and the barcode label BL1of the sample container T held in the sample rack L (S3).

The sample rack L, for which the barcode pre-read at the pre-read position is completed, is transported to the sample suctioning position52or53(S4). When the sample container T is positioned at the sample suctioning position52or53, the barcode reader51performs the post-read of the barcode label BL1affixed to the sample container T (S5). The sample of the barcode-read sample container T is suctioned by the sample dispensing unit21or22at the sample suctioning position52or53(S6).

After the samples in all of the sample containers T held in the sample rack L are suctioned (S7: YES), the sample rack L is transported to the rack placement region C (S8), and the sample suctioning processing for the sample rack L ends. Unless the samples in all of the sample containers T held in the sample rack L are suctioned (S7: NO), steps S4to S6are repeatedly carried out until the samples in all of the sample containers T held in the sample rack L are suctioned.

In the case where there is a subsequent sample rack L that follows the sample rack L currently positioned at the sample suctioning position52or53, the processing steps in S2and after S2start for the subsequent sample rack L. In this case, the barcode reader51is moved in the X-axis positive and negative directions to post-read the preceding sample rack L with a higher priority but pre-read the subsequent sample rack L as well.

FIGS. 11A and 11Bare flowcharts illustrating processing steps of a transport suspension and restart processing carried out by the measurement device2and the information processing device3.

In the present embodiment, when the operator presses the measurement suspending button441illustrated inFIG. 9to transmit the suspension command signal from the information processing device3to the measurement device2, the transport operation of the sample rack is suspended. Having detected the occurrence of a predetermined transport automatic suspension event, more specifically, cuvette shortage detected by the cuvette storage quantity detector234, filled-up waste solution tank detected by the liquid quantity detector233, washing solution shortage detected by the liquid quantity detector233, reagent shortage detected by the reagent residual quantity detector232, or rack placement region C filled with sample racks L detected by the sensor C2of the rack detector235, the transport operation of the sample rack is suspended.

Referring toFIG. 11A, when the CPU301of the information processing device3receives a signal indicating the detection of any of the transport automatic suspension events (automatic suspension signal) from the measurement device2(S11: YES), the CPU301makes the display unit320of the information processing device3display thereon that the measuring operation was suspended (S14). When the operator presses the measurement suspending button441(S12: YES), the CPU301of the information processing device3transmits a suspension command signal to the measurement device2(S13). Then, the CPU301makes the display unit320of the information processing device3display thereon that the measurement was suspended (S14).

FIG. 12is a diagram illustrating an example of the measurement suspension message displayed on the display unit320of the information processing device3; wherein “the operation will automatically restart; please wait” is displayed. The message to be displayed may be “it is unnecessary to transport the sample rack; the transport of the sample rack will automatically start again when the measurement restarts”. The operator can accordingly know it is unnecessary to reset the sample rack L in the rack set region A.

Referring toFIG. 11B, when the CPU201of the measurement device2detects any of the transport automatic suspension events (S21: YES), the CPU201transmits the automatic suspension signal to the information processing device3(S22), and stops the sample rack L by executing a “sample rack stop processing” (S23). When the CPU201of the measurement device2receives the suspension command signal from the information processing device3(S24: YES), the CPU201stops the sample rack L by executing a “sample rack stop processing” (S23). The “sample rack stop processing” will be described later with reference toFIG. 16.

Referring toFIG. 11A, when the operator commands to restart the measuring operation by the measurement device2via the information processing device3(S15: YES), the CPU301of the information processing device3transmits a measurement restart command signal to the measurement device2(S16), and ends the processing.

Referring toFIG. 11B, when the CPU201of the measurement device2receives the measurement restart command signal from the information processing device3(S25: YES), the CPU201restarts the transport operation of the sample rack L by executing a “transport restart processing” (S26), and then ends the processing steps. The “transport restart processing” will be described later with reference toFIG. 17.

In the case where the sample rack L is possibly positionally shifted during the time when the transport operation of the sample rack L temporarily stops and then restarts, it may be determined during this period of time whether or not the sample rack L is positionally shifted.

FIG. 13is a modified flowchart illustrating processing steps of suspending and restarting the transport of the sample rack L by the CPU201of the measurement device2. Only the processing steps which are different to the flow of the processing steps illustrated inFIG. 11Aare described below.

In S31, the position of the sample rack L on the transport region B stopped by the “sample rack stop processing” is stored. More specifically, the rotational speed detected from the rotary encoder B44of the rack transverse feed mechanism B2which transports the sample rack L is stored in the RAM303or the hard disc304of the information processing device3.

When the measurement restart is commanded (S25: YES), the current rotational speed of the rotary encoder B44of the rack transverse feed mechanism B2is detected (S32), and the rotational speed stored in S31is read out (S33). When these two rotational speeds are compared to each other and determined that the rack transverse feed mechanism B2is positionally shifted (S34: YES), the rack transverse feed mechanism B2is returned to its position based on the rotational speed stored in S31(S35).

Accordingly, in the case where the rack transverse feed mechanism B2is positionally shifted immediately after the sample rack L was stopped, the rack transverse feed mechanism B2can be returned to its proper position before the “transport restart processing” restarts the transport operation of the sample rack L. As a result, the transport operation of the sample rack L can smoothly restart.

FIG. 14AandFIG. 14Brespectively illustrate a transport operation control list of a preceding rack and a transport operation control list of a subsequent rack. Of the two sample racks L currently transported in the transport region B, the sample rack L disposed downstream (X-axis positive direction) is the preceding rack, and the sample rack L disposed upstream (X-axis negative direction) is the subsequent rack.

The transport operation control list includes items of, for example, rack position, holding position, sample barcode read state, measurement mode, and suctioning state as illustrated inFIGS. 14A and 14B. The transport operation control list is stored in the RAM203or hard disc204of the measurement device2. According to the transport operation control list, the transport operation of the pre-read sample rack L is controlled.

The item of “measurement mode” in the transport operation control list is obtained from a job list described later based on information of the barcode label BL2of the sample rack L pre-read at the pre-read position. The job list retains therein measurement order information including respective sample measurement modes, measurement state information, and measurement results. The job list is updated when the sample container T newly measured is registered in the job list (hereinafter, referred to as “order-register”), when the measurement starts, and when the measurement result is obtained. As illustrated inFIG. 15, the measurement mode stored in the job list is linked to the rack number and the holding position of the sample container T (rack number-position). When the barcode label BL2of the sample rack L is read at the pre-read position, the measurement mode linked to the holding position relevant to the rack number corresponding to the read barcode label BL2is transcribed from the job list in the item of “measurement mode” of the subsequent rack. The item of “suctioning state” in the transport operation control list is updated from “unfinished” to “finished” when the sample is suctioned in S6ofFIG. 10.

Referring toFIG. 14A, it is known from the item of “rack position” that the preceding rack is at the sample suctioning position52. It is known from the item of “sample barcode read state” that the pre-read by the barcode reader51has already been done for all of the holding positions. It is known from the item of “measurement mode” that standard measurement is performed for the sample containers T at the holding positions1to4and7to10, and trace-level measurement is performed for the sample containers T at the holding positions5and6. It is known from the item of “suctioning state” that the sample suctioning is already finished for the sample containers T at the holding positions1to5, but the sample suctioning is still unfinished for the sample containers T at the holding positions6to10.

Referring toFIG. 14B, it is known from the item of “rack position” that the subsequent rack is positioned at the pre-read position. It is known from the item of “sample barcode read state” that the pre-read by the barcode reader51has already been finished for the holding positions1to5, but the pre-read by the barcode reader51is still unfinished for the holding positions6to10. It is known from the item of “measurement mode” that standard measurement is performed for the sample containers T at the holding positions1to3,6and9in the subsequent rack, and trace-level measurement is performed for the sample containers T at the retaining positions4,5,7,8and10in the subsequent rack. It is known from the item of “suctioning state” that the sample suctioning is finished for none of the retaining positions.

When the preceding rack is transported to the rack placement region C and the subsequent rack at the pre-read position is positioned at the sample suctioning position52or53, the transport operation control list of the preceding rack is overwritten with the transport operation control list of the subsequent rack, and the transport operation control list of the subsequent rack is initialized. When the next sample rack L is positioned at the pre-read position, the transport operation control list for the sample rack L subsequent thereto is created.

FIG. 15is a diagram illustrating the job list.

As illustrated in the figure, the job list retains therein information such as measurement state, measurement order information, and measurement result of the sample container T which was order-registered. The job list is stored in the hard disc304of the information processing apparatus3.

The job list includes items of, for example, state, rack number-position, sample number, measurement mode, date, time, and PT % (measurement result). The sample measurement state is written in the item of “state”. For the sample just order-registered but not yet measured, the item of “state” shows “pending”. When the sample rack L is ejected as described later, the item shows “error”. When the sample measurement is terminated, the item of “state” becomes blank. The item of “rack number-position” shows a number affixed to the sample rack L for discrimination and a holding position of the sample container T. Each of the rack numbers is linked to information of the barcode label BL2of the sample rack L. The item of “sample number” shows a number affixed to the sample container T for discrimination. Each of the “sample numbers” is linked to information of the barcode label BL1of the sample container T. The items of “date” and “time” show a date and a time point when the sample is fetched into the measurement device2. When the measuring operation is normally terminated, its measurement result is written in the item of “PT %”. In the case where the measuring operation is not normally terminated, “***.*” (mask) is written in the item of “PT %”. “PT %” is an example of possible measurement items, and the job list includes other measurement items.

FIG. 16illustrates an example of the job list display screen displayed on the display unit320of the information processing device3based on the job list. The job list screen includes, in addition to the measurement command display region440illustrated inFIG. 9, a job list display unit501which displays contents of the job list, a horizontal scroll button unit502, and a vertical scroll button unit503.

When a button of the horizontal scroll button unit502is pressed, the job list display unit501displays other items adjacent on right and left to the item currently displayed. When a button of the vertical scroll button unit503is pressed, the job list display unit501displays other job contents above and below of the job contents currently displayed.

FIG. 17is a flowchart illustrating processing steps of the “sample rack stop processing” in the suspension and restart processing illustrated inFIG. 11B.

At the time of occurrence of a transport suspension event, when the samples in all of the sample containers T in one sample rack L have been suctioned and there is another sample rack L currently transported to the rack placement region C (S101: YES), the sample rack L is transported to the rack placement region C (S102).

When the sample of any sample rack L is currently suctioned at the sample suctioning position52or53(S103: YES), the arm of the sample dispensing unit21or22is ascended. When the ascent of the arm of the sample dispensing unit21or22is completed (S104: YES), the sample rack L is transported to the transport suspending position illustrated inFIG. 4to stop there (S105). The sensor B55detects that the sample rack L was transported to the transport suspending position.

In the presence of any sample rack L between the pre-read position and the sample suctioning position52or53(S106: YES) while there is no sample rack L currently subject to the sample suctioning at the sample suctioning position52or53, (S103: NO), the sample rack L is transported to the transport suspending position to stop there (S107). Thus, the sample rack L already pre-read and currently transported to the sample suctioning position52or53is positioned at the transport suspending position.

In the presence of the sample rack L currently pre-read at the pre-read position (S108: YES), the sample rack L stays at the pre-read position until the currently ongoing pre-read of the barcode of the sample container T or sample rack L is finished. After the read of the barcode of the sample container T or the sample rack L currently pre-read is finished (S109: YES), the sample rack L stops at the position (S110).

In presence of the sample rack L currently transported by the rack feed mechanism A1in the rack set region A or the sample rack L currently transported to the pre-read position in the transport region B (S111: YES) while there is no sample rack L currently pre-read at the pre-read position (S108: NO), the sample rack L is transported to the pre-read position to stop there (S112). The sensor B52detects that the sample rack L has been transported to the pre-read position. Then, the “sample rack stop processing” ends.

By the time when the transport operation restarts after the sample rack L is stopped in S105, S107, S110, and S112, the engagement claws B32aof the rack transverse feed mechanisms B2illustrated inFIG. 5remain engaged with the sample rack L. During such stoppage period, the stepping motor B43is continuously excited so that the sample rack L can be prevented from positionally shifting. Accordingly, the transport operation of the sample rack L can restart without any trouble.

FIG. 18is a flowchart illustrating processing steps of the “transport restart processing” in the suspension and restart processing illustrated inFIG. 11.

In S201, it is determined whether there is any sample rack L currently stopped on the transport path B1of the transport region B. In the presence of the sample rack L currently stopped on the transport path B1(S201: YES), it is determined whether the sample rack L is at the transport suspending position (S202). In the absence of the sample rack L currently stopped on the transport path B1(S201: NO), the processing steps end.

When determined that the sample rack L is at the transport suspending position (S202: YES), it is then determined whether or not the sample rack L has any sample containers T for which the sample suctioning is unfinished (S203). When determined that the sample rack L is not at the transport suspending position (S202: NO), a processing step of S206is carried out.

When determined that the sample rack L has the sample container T for which the sample suctioning is unfinished (S203: YES), the transport operation control list is referred, and the sample rack L is transported to the sample suctioning position52or53depending on whether the sample in the suctioning-unfinished sample container T is subject to standard measurement or trace-level measurement according to the holding position thereof (S204). When there is no sample container T for which the sample suctioning is unfinished in the sample rack L (S203: NO), the sample rack L is transported to the rack placement region C (S205). In this manner, S204selectively suctions only the sample container T for which the sample suctioning is unfinished, while skipping the sample container T from which the sample has been suctioned.

In the presence of any sample rack L at the pre-read position (S206: YES), it is determined whether there is any sample container T for which the barcode read by the barcode reader51is unfinished (S207). When there is no sample rack L at the pre-read position (S206: NO), the processing steps end.

In the presence of the sample container T for which the barcode read by the barcode reader51is unfinished (S207: YES), the barcode of the read-unfinished sample container T is read referring to the transport operation control list. In the case where the barcode read for any sample rack L is unfinished, the barcode of the sample rack L is similarly read. After the barcode read is finished, the sample rack L is transported to the sample suctioning position52or53(S208). When there is no sample container T for which the barcode read by the barcode reader51is unfinished (S207: NO), the sample rack L is transported to the sample suctioning position52or53(S209). In this manner, S208reads only the read-unfinished barcode label, while skipping the already read barcode label.

FIGS. 19A and 19Bare flowcharts illustrating steps of an ejection processing for ejecting the sample rack L carried out by the measurement device2and the information processing device3.

According to the present embodiment, when the operator presses the sample rack ejection button431illustrated inFIG. 9to transmit the ejection command signal from the information processing device3to the measurement device2, the sample rack L currently transported is ejected into the rack placement region C. The sample rack L currently transported is similarly ejected into the rack placement region C when the state of the measurement device2satisfies a predetermined automatic ejection condition, more specifically, when detected by the CPU201that operational abnormality of the sample dispensing units21and22and reagent dispensing units23to25based on the detection results of the dispensing unit rotary encoder212, when detected by the CPU201that the main body cover29is left open based on the detection result of the photosensor in the sensor unit236, when detected by the CPU201that pressure supply abnormality in the pneumatic source of the drive unit237of the measurement unit based on the measurement result of the pressure sensor in the sensor unit236, when detected by the CPU201that operational abnormality of the tables (reagent tables11and12, cuvette table15, and warming table16) has occurred, and when detected by the CPU201that temperature abnormality of the warming table16has occurred based on the detection result obtained by the temperature detector231. Hereinafter, the events that cause the sample rack L to be ejected into the rack placement region C, more specifically; the measurement device2receiving the ejection command signal transmitted by the operator via the information processing device3, and the state of the measurement device2satisfying the automatic ejection condition, are collectively called a “second suspension event”.

Referring toFIG. 19A, when the CPU301of the information processing device3receives a signal indicating that the state of the measurement device2satisfies the automatic ejection condition (automatic ejection signal) (S41: YES), the CPU301makes the display unit320of the information processing device3display thereon that the sample rack L is ejected (S44). When the sample rack ejection button431is pressed by the operator (S42: YES), the CPU301of the information processing device3transmits the ejection command signal to the measurement device2(S43). Then, the CPU301makes the display unit320of the information processing device3display thereon that the sample rack L is ejected (S44), and ends the processing steps.

FIG. 20illustrates an example of the message indicating the ejection of the sample rack L displayed on the display unit320of the information processing device3, wherein “sample rack has been forcibly ejected” is displayed. The message to be displayed may be, for example, “the suspension event has occurred, the measuring operation is suspended, and the rack is ejected into the rack placement region”. The operator can thereby know that the sample rack L has been ejected into the rack placement region C.

Referring toFIG. 19B, when the CPU201of the measurement device2detects that the state of the measurement device2satisfies the automatic ejection condition (S51: YES), the CPU201transmits the automatic ejection signal to the information processing device3(S52), and ejects the sample rack L by executing a “sample rack ejection processing” (S53). When the CPU201of the measurement device2receives the ejection command signal from the information processing device3(S54: YES), the CPU201ejects the sample rack L by executing the “sample rack ejection processing” (S53). The “sample rack ejection processing” will be described later with reference toFIG. 21.

FIG. 21is a flowchart illustrating steps of the “sample rack ejection processing” in the ejection processing illustrated inFIG. 19B.

In S301, it is determined whether there is any sample rack L currently transported from the transport region B to the rack placement region C after the sample suctioning for their sample containers T is completed. When determined that such a sample rack L is present (S301: YES), the sample rack L is transported to the rack placement region C (S302). When determined that such a sample rack L is not present (S301: NO), the processing proceeds to S303.

In S303, it is determined whether there is any sample rack L whose sample is currently suctioned at the sample suctioning position52or53. When determined that such a sample rack L is present (S303: YES), the arm of the sample dispensing unit21or22is ascended (S304). When the ascent of the arm of the sample dispensing unit21or22is completed (S304: YES), the sample rack L whose sample was suctioned is transported leftward (X-axis positive direction) along the transport region B to the rack placement region C (S305). When determined that no sample rack L whose sample is currently suctioned (S303: NO), the processing proceeds to S306.

In S306, it is determined whether there is any sample rack L positioned between the pre-read position and the sample suctioning position52or53after the pre-read is over. When determined that such a sample rack L is present (S306: YES), the sample rack L is transported leftward (X-axis positive direction) along the transport region B to the rack placement region C (S307). When determined that there is no sample rack between the pre-read position and the sample suctioning position52or53(S306: NO), the processing proceeds to S308.

In S308, it is determined whether there is any sample rack L currently pre-read. When determined that there is the sample rack L currently pre-read (S308: YES), the sample rack currently pre-read is transported leftward along the transport region B to the rack placement region C before the pre-read is over (S309). When determined that there is no sample rack L currently pre-read (S308: NO), the processing proceeds to S310.

In S310, it is determined whether there is any sample rack L currently transported on the transport region B toward the pre-read position. When determined that there is such a sample rack L (S310: YES), the sample rack L is immediately transported to the rack placement region C without the barcode read and sample suctioning (S311). When determined that there is no such a sample rack L (S310: NO), the processing proceeds to S312. By the time when the transport operation of the sample rack L starts toward the pre-read position after the sample rack L is transported from the rack set region A to the right end of the transport region B, it is determined as YES in S310.

In S312, it is determined whether there is any sample rack L currently transported on the rack set region A toward the right end of the transport region B. When determined that there is such a sample rack (S312: YES), the sample rack L is stopped at the position (S313), and the “sample rack ejection processing” ends. When determined that there is no such a sample rack L (S312: NO), the “sample rack ejection processing” ends.

The item of “state” of the job list illustrated inFIG. 15currently showing “pending” is rendered blank for the sample container T whose sample was suctioned in all of the sample containers T retained in the sample rack L forcibly ejected by the processing described above. The item of “state” of the job list illustrated inFIG. 15shows “error”, and “mask” is written in the item of measurement result for the sample container T which was pre-read but forcibly ejected before its sample was suctioned.

FIG. 22illustrates an ejection screen for ejecting the sample rack L displayed on the display unit320of the information processing device3.

The display screen is displayed when the OK button illustrated inFIG. 20is pressed after the display illustrated in the figure is shown due to occurrence of the second suspension event. As illustrated inFIG. 22, the display screen displays an image illustration which indicates the position of the suctioning-unfinished rack on the rack placement region C and a descriptive message E which describes the position of the suctioning-unfinished rack.FIG. 22illustrates a case in which two sample racks L are ejected by the ejection processing. The image illustration shows one suctioning-unfinished rack in the case where one sample rack L is ejected by the ejection processing, and the descriptive message E is changed to a message indicating that there is only one suctioning-unfinished rack. Whether it is one sample rack L or two sample racks L which were ejected by the ejection processing is determined based on the output from the rack transverse feed mechanism rotary encoder unit222and the output from the rack detector235.

When the sample rack L is transported to the rack placement region C due to occurrence of the second suspension event, the operator, referring to the display screen, can distinguish the sample rack L in which the sample suctioning is still unfinished for some of the sample containers T from the sample rack L already transported to the rack placement region C after the sample suctioning is completed for all of its sample containers T, and can empirically know the current position of the suctioning-unfinished sample rack L. Further, the operator can readily know which of the sample racks L should be returned to the rack set region A to be measured again after the second suspension event has occurred.

FIG. 19Cis a flowchart illustrating steps of the job list display processing.

When the operator commands to display the job list via the information processing device3(S61: YES), a screen showing the job list is displayed on the display unit320of the information processing device3(seeFIG. 16) (S32).

According to the present embodiment, as described above, the sample rack L is ejected into the rack placement region C by the “sample rack ejection processing” illustrated inFIG. 21when the second suspension event occurs. Therefore, the operator can easily remove the sample rack L which was positioned in the transport region B from the rack placement region C even in the case where a part of the transport region B is covered with the front cover55as illustrated inFIG. 6.

In the sample processing apparatus1according to the present embodiment, in the case where the abnormality is detected in the respective mechanisms of the measurement unit10, the “sample rack ejection processing” is carried out, while in the case where the abnormality is detected in the transport unit50, the sample rack L on the transport region B is not ejected into the rack placement region C but is stopped at a position thereof when the abnormality is detected. More specifically, referring toFIG. 23B, when the CPU201of the measurement device2determines that the operational abnormality has occurred in the rack transverse feed mechanism B2based on the detection results of the rotary encoder B44and the sensors B51to57in the rack transverse feed mechanism B2(S81: YES), the CPU201transmits a transport abnormality signal to the information processing device3(S82), and moves the engagement members B32of the engagement unit B3downward to disengage the engagement unit B3from the sample rack L (S83). Then, the CPU201stops the transport operation of the sample rack L by the transport unit50(S84). Referring toFIG. 23A, when the CPU301of the information processing device3receives the transport abnormality signal from the measurement device2(S71), the CPU301makes the display unit320display thereon that the sample rack L was stopped due to the transport abnormality (S72).

Thus, according to the present embodiment, when the abnormality is detected in the transport unit50, the sample rack L is not ejected but is stopped at the position when the abnormality is detected. Accordingly, the operator can confirm the position of the sample rack L when the abnormality has occurred in the transport unit50to thereby determine which of the mechanisms caused the abnormality. When the abnormality is detected in the transport unit50, the engagement members B32of the engagement unit B3are moved downward. Therefore, the operator can remove the sample rack L from the transport region B by detaching the front cover55. This technical advantage can prevent any malfunction of the apparatus caused by making the transport unit50to continue its transport operation even after the abnormality has occurred.

According to the present embodiment, the pipette of the sample dispensing unit21,22is taken out of the sample container T when the second suspension event occurs during the sample suctioning, and the sample rack L is then transported to the rack placement region C. Therefore, the pipette of the sample dispensing unit21,22can be prevented from contacting the sample container T and the sample rack L when the sample rack L is moved to the transport suspending position.

According to the present embodiment, when the second suspension event occurs during the pre-read operation, the sample rack L which is pre-read at the time is transported to the rack placement region C before the pre-read is finished. Thus, the sample rack L can be more speedily transported to the rack placement region C.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the sample rack L is transported from the rack set region A to the transport region B after the measurement start signal is received by the information processing device3. Therefore, even if the second suspension event occurs before the measurement start signal is received, the sample rack L stays at the position where it is stopped in the rack placement region A.

According to the present embodiment, the ejection screen illustrated inFIG. 22is displayed when the sample rack L is transported to the rack placement region C due to occurrence of the second suspension event. By referring to this ejection screen, the sample rack L in which the sample suctioning is still unfinished in some of the sample containers T can be distinguished from the sample rack L transported to the rack placement region C after the samples in all of its sample containers T are suctioned, among the sample racks L positioned in the rack placement region C.

According to the present embodiment, the ejection screen illustrated inFIG. 22displays the sample rack L forcibly ejected before the sample suctioning is completed. The job list screen illustrated inFIG. 16may also display the sample rack L forcibly ejected before the sample suctioning is completed. When one sample rack L is forcibly ejected, the sample rack L is at the most rearward position in the rack placement region C. When two sample racks L are forcibly ejected, one of the sample racks L is at the most rearward position in the rack placement region C, and the other sample rack L is at a position before the most reward position. Therefore, when the field of the “rack number-position” of the sample rack L forcibly ejected by the most recent ejection processing is painted in red on the job list screen illustrated inFIG. 16, the operator can know the number of the ejected sample racks L, thereby knowing how many sample racks L from the most rearward position were ejected by the most recent ejection processing. However, in this case, when the sample rack L is forcibly ejected before its barcode is pre-read, this forcibly ejected sample rack L cannot be identified by the information processing device3, and the forcible ejection of such a sample rack L is not displayed on the job list screen. In order to avoid such a problem, the sample rack L is not ejected to the rack placement region C but may be returned to the right-end position of the transport region B when the second suspension event has occurred before the barcode of the sample rack L is pre-read.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. The present invention, however, is not limited to the above embodiment, and the embodiment of the present invention can be variously modified.

According to the above embodiment, the sample processing apparatus1is a blood coagulation analyzing apparatus, however, the present invention is not limited thereto. Examples of the sample processing apparatus1may include, for example: immunoassay apparatus for measuring blood serums, a hemocyte counting apparatus for counting hemocytes in whole blood, a urine analyzing apparatus for measuring urine, and an analyzing apparatus for analyzing bone marrow fluid.

In the above embodiment, the measurement unit10for sample measurement is used as the sample processing unit. The sample processing unit may be a smear preparation unit for producing a smear by smearing a sample on a glass slide.

According to the present embodiment, the transport region B is covered with the front cover55to prevent any contact with the sample rack L on the transport region B, however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a member having the shape of lattice may be provided in an upper area of the transport region B to prevent any possible contact with the sample rack L on the transport region B, and any member can be provided as far as it can prevent any contact with the sample rack L on the transport region B.

According to the above embodiment, at most two sample racks L can be simultaneously transported on the transport region B, however, the present invention is not limited thereto and at least three sample racks L may be simultaneously transported. In the case where the second suspension event occurs when at least three sample racks L are simultaneously transported, these sample racks L are appropriately ejected by the “sample rack ejection processing” illustrated inFIG. 21.

According to the above embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 10, once the measuring operation starts, all of the samples in the sample containers T of the sample rack L are suctioned. However, the sample suctioning may be omitted for the sample containers T measured earlier.

FIG. 24is a flowchart illustrating steps of the sample suctioning processing in the example described above. To simplify the description, the same processing steps as those illustrated inFIG. 10will not be described.

In S9, it is determined whether the measuring operation for the sample in the post-read sample container T is already completed. Whether or not the measuring operation is completed is determined by checking whether the item of “state” in the job list ofFIG. 15is blank. When it is determined that the sample measurement is not yet completed (S9: NO), the sample is suctioned (S6). When it is determined that the sample measurement is completed (S9: YES), the processing proceeds to S7.

As a result, when the sample rack L which holds some sample containers T for which the sample measurement is already completed is set in the rack set region A to start the measuring operation, for example, none of the samples is suctioned again from the sample containers T already measured. Thus, the measuring operation can be efficiently carried out.

According to the above embodiment, when the second suspension event occurs, the sample rack L on the transport region B is transported to the rack placement region C where the sample rack L can be removed from the transport unit50. However, as long as the sample rack L is transported to the region where the sample rack L can be removed from the transport unit50, the sample rack L may be transported from the transport region B to the rack set region A. In this case, a rack feed mechanism is provided, wherein the rack feed mechanism moves the sample rack L positioned at the right end of the transport region B (end in the X-axis negative direction) in the Y-axis negative direction. When the second suspension event occurs, the sample rack L near the center of the transport region B (area covered with the roof54and the front cover55) may be transported to the transport region B not covered with the front cover55where the sample rack L can be removed (right-end and left-end positions of the transport region B).

According to the above embodiment, the sample rack L is transported to the rack placement region C in the case where the second suspension event occurs by the time when the transport of the sample rack L toward the pre-read position starts after the sample rack L is transported from the rack set region A to the right end of the transport region B. In this case, however, instead of transporting the sample rack L to the rack placement region C, the sample rack L may be stopped at the right end of the transport region B. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to return the sample rack L to the rack set region A after the second suspension event is resolved, which reduces the number of processing steps carried out by the operator.

According to the above embodiment, when the second suspension event occurs, the sample rack L is transported to the rack placement region C. In addition, the sample rack L may be similarly transported to the rack placement region C when the first suspension event occurs.

The automatic ejection condition due to the second suspension event is not limited to the examples described above. Other than the above-described examples, the condition may be associated with operation-related abnormality generated in the mechanisms.

According to the above embodiment, the CPU201of the measurement device2determines the operational abnormality in the mechanisms of the measurement unit10and the transport unit50, however, the present invention is not limited thereto. The CPU301of the information processing device3or any other CPU may determine the operational abnormality.

The embodiment of the present invention can be variously modified within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the appended claims.