Abstract:
A sample rack transport system comprising: a plurality of transport apparatuses which are connected so as to transport a sample rack to a plurality of sample processing apparatuses; and a control apparatus which communicates with the plurality of transport apparatuses and controls the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses, wherein at least one of the plurality of transport apparatuses includes a transmission switch which is operated by a user to transmit a signal to the control apparatus, and when the transport of the sample rack has stopped due to a trouble which occurred in one of the plurality of transport apparatuses, responsive to an operation of a transmission switch of another transport apparatus, the control apparatus restarts the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses. Also, a method for transporting a sample rack.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-079196 filed on Mar. 30, 2010, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a sample rack transport system in which a plurality of transport apparatuses transporting sample racks are connected to supply sample racks to a plurality of sample processing apparatuses, and a sample rack transport method. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H11-304808, there is a description of a sample rack transport system including a transport line which transports racks holding samples and can supply the racks to a plurality of processing units, a central control section which controls the transport line and a display section. The transport line is configured by connecting a plurality of transport line units. 
     In the above-described system, when a situation (hereinafter, error) to be warned of arises, the central control section displays on the display section a warning display screen including a button for clearing a warning, a start-up button for instructing a start of the system, a stop button for instructing a stop of the system and a display area which shows a unit related to the warning. 
     In the sample rack transport system described in the above-described Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H11-304808, when an error arises due to a mistake in rack transport in the transport line, a user needs to confirm the transport line unit in which the error arose through the warning display screen displayed on the display section, move up to the transport line unit, remove the rack in which the transport mistake occurred and restart the action of the system by means of the start-up button in the warning display screen. 
     However, when the above-described configuration is employed in a large-scale sample rack transport system, the distance between the display section for confirming the transport line unit related to the occurrence of the error and the transport line unit in which error arose is large. For this reason, a flow line of the user for confirming the error and restarting the action of the sample rack transport system increases in length. 
     In order to solve such a problem, providing a button for restarting the action of the system in each transport line unit has been considered. 
     However, when an error arises due to a rack transport mistake between the adjacent transport line units, the user does not know which transport line unit button should be operated. For this reason, it is necessary to confirm which transport line unit has the error through the warning display screen on the display section. Accordingly, also in the above-described configuration, the flow line of the user for confirming an error and restarting the action of the sample rack transport system increases in length. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary. 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, a sample rack transport system comprising: a plurality of transport apparatuses which are connected so as to transport a sample rack to a plurality of sample processing apparatuses; and a control apparatus which communicates with the plurality of transport apparatuses and controls the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses, wherein at least one of the plurality of transport apparatuses includes a transmission switch which is operated by a user to transmit a signal to the control apparatus, and when the transport of the sample rack has stopped due to a trouble which occurred in one of the plurality of transport apparatuses, responsive to an operation of a transmission switch of another transport apparatus, the control apparatus restarts the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for transporting a sample rack to a plurality of sample processing apparatuses by a plurality of transport apparatuses, comprising: 
     (a) when a trouble occurs in one of the plurality of transport apparatuses after a start of a transport of the sample rack, stopping the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of the transport apparatuses; 
     (b) when a user operates a switch which is provided in another transport apparatus different from the one transport apparatus, transmitting a signal to a control apparatus from the another transport apparatus; and 
     (c) responsive to the signal transmitted from the another transport apparatus, restarting, by the control apparatus, the transport of the sample rack by the plurality of transport apparatuses. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a view showing the configuration of a sample analysis system including a sample rack transport system according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are diagrams showing the configurations of a sample container and a sample rack, respectively. 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view showing the configuration of a sample transport unit according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view showing the configuration of an operation panel of the sample transport unit according to the embodiment. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are plan views showing the configuration of a rotation unit according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a measuring unit according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram showing the outline of the circuit configurations of the sample transport unit, the rotation unit, the measuring unit, an information processing unit and a transport controller. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing the actions when an error occurring due to a transport mistake arises in the sample rack transport system according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing the actions when an error occurring due to a transport mistake arises in the sample rack transport system according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is an example of an error screen which is displayed in the transport controller when an error occurring due to a transport mistake arises in the sample rack transport system according to the embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic plan view showing the overall configuration of a sample analysis system  1  including a sample rack transport system  100 . The sample analysis system  1  according to this embodiment includes the sample rack transport system  100 , a blood cell analysis apparatus  4  and a smear preparation apparatus  8 . In addition, the sample rack transport system  100  includes a sample recovery unit  21 , a sample insertion unit  22 , a sample output unit  23 , sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c , a sample transport unit  5 , a rotation unit  6  and a transport controller  7 . 
     In addition, in the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  and  5 , a rotary light PL is provided. When an error arises in the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  and  5 , the rotary light PL is lit red. Accordingly, a user can recognize error has arisen. In addition, when an error arises in the rotation unit  6 , the rotary light PL of the sample transport unit  3   c  is lit. This will be described later. 
     In addition, in the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  and  5 , an alarm AL is provided. When an error arises in the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  and  5 , the alarm AL is sounded. Accordingly, a user can recognize that an error has arisen. In addition, when an error arises in the rotation unit  6 , the alarm AL of the sample transport unit  3   c  is sounded. This will be described later. 
       FIG. 2A  is a diagram showing the configuration of a sample container T and  FIG. 2B  is a diagram showing the configuration of a sample rack L.  FIG. 2A  is a perspective view showing the appearance of the sample container T and  FIG. 2B  is a front view of the sample rack L. 
     A sample container T is a tubular container made of glass or a synthetic resin having translucency and the upper end thereof is opened. In the sample container, a blood sample collected from a patient is contained and the opening of the upper end is sealed by a cap section CP. A bar-code label BL 1  is adhered to a side surface of the sample container T. A bar-code showing a sample ID is printed on the bar-code label BL 1 . 
     In a sample rack L, ten holding positions are formed so as to arrange and hold ten sample containers T in a vertical state (erect state). In addition, as shown in  FIG. 2B , a bar-code label BL 2  is adhered to the front side of the sample rack L. A bar-code showing a rack ID is printed on the bar-code label BL 2 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , the sample recovery unit  21  stores sample racks L in which analysis has ended. The sample insertion unit  22  stores sample racks L which are inserted by an operator, and outputs the stored sample racks L to the sample output unit  23 . In addition, the sample recovery unit  21  and the sample insertion unit  22  are connected to the transport controller  7  so as to communicate therewith. 
     In the sample output unit  23 , a rack ID of the sample rack L which is output from the sample insertion unit  22  and a sample ID of the sample container T which is associated with a holding position in the sample rack L are read. The sample output unit  23  outputs to the sample transport unit  3   a  the sample rack L, the bar-code of which has been read. In addition, the sample output unit  23  is connected to the transport controller  7  so as to communicate therewith, and the rack ID and the sample ID read by the sample output unit  23  are transmitted to the transport controller  7 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , each of the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  is disposed in front of a measuring unit  41 . In addition, the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  are connected to each other so that sample racks L can be delivered between the neighboring units. The right end of the sample transport unit  3   a  is connected to the sample output unit  23  so as to deliver sample racks L. The sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  are connected to the transport controller  7 , respectively, so as to communicate therewith. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , in the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c , two transport lines L 1  and L 2  for transporting sample racks L are set by dividing cases into the case in which the measurement of a sample is performed in the respective corresponding measuring units  41  and the case in which the measurement is not performed. That is, when the measurement of a sample is performed by the measuring unit  41  or a smear is prepared in the smear preparation apparatus  8 , a sample rack L is transported along the transport line L 1 . When the measurement of a sample is not performed by the measuring unit  41 , a sample rack L is transported along the transport line L 2  shown by the intermediate left-pointing arrow so as to skip the measuring unit  41 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 1 , in the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c , a transport line L 3  for transporting sample racks L to the sample recovery unit  21  is set. That is, a sample rack L, for which measurement or preparation of a smear has ended, is transported along the transport line L 3  shown by the front right-pointing arrow and is recovered by the sample recovery unit  21 . The configuration of the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  will be described later with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
     The rotation unit  6  can change the transport direction of sample racks L by 90 degrees. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the rotation unit  6  does not include a rotary light PL. In addition, the rotation unit  6  does not include an operation panel PN to be described later. The configuration of the rotation unit  6  will be described later with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     The blood cell analysis apparatus  4  is an optical flow cytometry type multiple blood cell analysis apparatus and includes the three measuring units  41  and an information processing apparatus  42 . The information processing unit  42  is connected to the three measuring units  41  so as to communicate therewith and controls the actions of the three measuring units  41 . 
     The three measuring units  41  measure a blood sample which is contained in a sample container T. That is, the three measuring units  41  take the sample container T from the sample rack L at a predetermined position on the transport line L 1  of the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  which are disposed in front of the measuring units, respectively. The blood sample contained in the sample container T is measured in the measuring unit  41 . When the measurement in the measuring unit  41  is completed, the sample container T returns to the original holding position in the sample rack L. The configuration of the measuring unit  41  will be described later with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
     The sample transport unit  5  is disposed in front of the smear preparation apparatus  8  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The sample transport unit  5  has a form different from those of the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c , but has almost the same configuration, except for a part thereof. In addition, the sample transport unit  5  is connected to the rotation unit  6  so as to deliver sample racks L. The sample transport unit  5  is connected to the transport controller  7  so as to communicate therewith. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , in the sample transport unit  5 , two transport lines L 1  and L 2  for transporting sample racks L are set by dividing cases into the case in which the preparation of a smear is performed in the smear preparation apparatus  8  and the case in which the preparation of a smear is not performed. When the preparation of a smear is performed in the smear preparation apparatus  8 , a sample rack L is transported along the transport line L 1 . When the preparation of a smear is not performed in the smear preparation apparatus  8 , a sample rack L is transported along the transport line L 2  shown by the intermediate left-pointing arrow so as to skip the smear preparation apparatus  8 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 1 , in the sample transport unit  5 , a transport line L 3  for transporting sample racks L to the former rotation unit  6  is set. That is, a sample rack L, for which measurement or preparation of a smear has ended, is transported to the former rotation unit  6  along the transport line L 3  shown by the front right-pointing arrow. The configuration of the sample transport unit  5  is almost the same as those of the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c , but a part thereof is different therefrom. Different points in the configuration between the sample transport unit  5  and the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  will be described later. 
     In the smear preparation apparatus  8 , a smear of a blood sample is prepared. That is, first, the smear preparation apparatus  8  suctions a blood sample contained in a sample container T at a sample supply position on the transport line L 1  of the sample transport unit  5 . Next, the suctioned blood sample is dropped onto a glass slide, thinly extended on the glass slide and then is dried. After that, a liquid dye is supplied to the glass slide to dye the blood on the glass slide and a smear is prepared. 
     Whether the preparation of a smear is required is determined by the transport controller  7  on the basis of the analysis result of the measuring unit  41 . As described later, the analysis result of each measuring unit  41  is transmitted to the transport controller  7  via the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c . When the transport controller  7  determines that the preparation of a smear is required, the sample rack L storing a target sample is transported along the transport lines L 1  of the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  corresponding to the smear preparation apparatus  8  and a smear is prepared in the smear preparation apparatus  8 . 
     The transport controller  7  which includes a display section  7   a  is connected to the sample recovery unit  21 , the sample insertion unit  22 , the sample output unit  23 , the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c , the rotation unit  6  and the sample transport unit  5  so as to communicate therewith, monitors the action situation of each unit and controls the driving of each unit. As the transport controller  7 , for example, a separate personal computer or a computer incorporated in the system is used. 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view showing the configuration when the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  are viewed from the upper side. Each of the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  includes a pre-analysis rack holding section  310 , a rack transport section  320 , a post-analysis rack holding section  330 , rack transport sections  340  and  350  and the operation panel PN. The configurations of the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  are the same. 
     When the measurement of a sample rack L is not performed, the sample rack L is linearly sent to the left end from the right end of the rack transport section  340  along the transport line L 2  by belts  341   a  and  341   b  of the rack transport section  340 . 
     The sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  monitor whether a sample rack L is being correctly transported along the transport line L 2  by sensors  342   a  and  342   b . On the basis of the detection result of the sample rack L by these sensors, the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  determine whether an error occurring due to a mistake in transport of the sample rack L in the rack transport section  340  has arisen. 
     When the measurement of a sample rack L is performed, the sample rack L is sent to the right end position of the rack transport section  340 , which is shown by the broken line in the right lower portion of  FIG. 3 . That is, the reflective sensor  342   a  shown in  FIG. 3  detects that the sample rack L has been transported to the position shown by the broken line in the right lower portion of  FIG. 3 . At this timing, the belt  341   a  is stopped. Then, when a rack pushing mechanism  343  moves backward, the sample rack L is pushed to the front end of a transport passage  311  of the pre-analysis rack holding section  310 . When optical sensors  312   a  and  312   b  including a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section detect the sample rack L on the transport passage  311 , a rack input mechanism  313  moves backward while engaging with the front ends of the sample rack L and the sample rack L is sent to the back. In this manner, when the sample rack L is sent up to the right end position of the rack transport section  320 , the belts  321   a  and  321   b  are driven and the sample rack L is sent in the left direction. 
     After that, the sample rack L arrives at the position of a sample container sensor  322 . The sample container sensor  322  is a contact sensor. When a detection target sample container T, which is held in the sample rack L, passes through the position immediately under the sample container sensor  322 , the contact piece of the sample container sensor  322  is bent by the sample container T and thus the presence of the sample container T is detected. 
     At a sample supply position positioned on the left side of the position, at which the sample container T has been detected by the sample container sensor  322 , by a distance corresponding to two sample containers, a hand section of the measuring unit  41  which will be described later grips the sample container T and takes the sample container T from the sample rack L. The removed sample container T returns to the sample rack L after used in the measurement in the measuring unit  41 . While the sample container T returns to the sample rack L, the transport of the sample rack L is on standby. 
     In this manner, when the measurement of the samples in all of the sample containers T held in the sample rack L is completed, the sample rack L is sent up to the left end position of the rack transport section  320  shown by the broken line in  FIG. 3  by the belts  321   a  and  321   b  and the driving of the belts  321   a  and  321   b  is stopped. Then, the sample rack L is sent to the rear end of a transport passage  331  of the post-analysis rack holding section  330  by a rack pushing mechanism  323 . When optical sensors  332   a  and  332   b  including a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section detect the sample rack L on the transport passage  331 , a rack input mechanism  333  moves forward while engaging with the rear ends of the sample rack L and the sample rack L is sent to the front. At this time, a partition section  360  which is in front of the post-analysis rack holding section  330  and is between the rack transport sections  340  and  350  is controlled to be opened and closed and the sample rack L is positioned in either of the rack transport sections  340  or  350 . 
     As a result of the measurement by the measuring unit  41 , when it is determined that the smear preparation apparatus  8  on the downstream side needs to prepare smears related to sample containers T which are held in the sample rack L, the sample rack L moves up to the left end position of the rack transport section  340  by the rack input mechanism  333  in a state in which the rack transport sections  340  and  350  are partitioned by the partition section  360 . Then, the sample rack L is output to the sample transport unit on the downstream side by the belt  341   b  of the rack transport section  340 . 
     On the other hand, as a result of the measurement by the measuring unit  41 , when it is determined that the smear preparation apparatus  8  on the downstream side does not need to prepare smears related to the sample containers T which are held in the sample rack L, the upper side of the partition section  360  is dropped to be disposed at the same height as the upper side of the belt  341   b  of the rack transport section  340  and the sample rack L is moved up to the left end position of the rack transport section  350  by the rack input mechanism  333 . In this manner, by the rack input mechanism  333 , the sample rack L is moved across the rack transport section  340  from the post-analysis rack holding section  330  up to the left end position of the rack transport section  350 , which is shown by the broken line in the left lower portion of  FIG. 3 . Then, the sample rack L is moved in the right direction along the transport line L 3  by a belt  351  of the rack transport section  350 . In this manner, the sample rack L which is transported along the transport line L 3  is transported to the sample transport unit or the sample recovery unit  21  on the upstream side. 
     At this time, the sample transport units  3  monitor whether the sample rack L is being correctly transported along the transport line L 3  by sensors  352   a  and  352   b . On the basis of the detection result of the sample rack L by these sensors, the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  determine whether an error occurring due to a mistake in transport of the sample rack L in the rack transport section  350  has arisen. 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view showing the configuration of the operation panel PN. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the operation panel PN includes a start/stop key PN 1 , an alarm reset key PN 2 , a measurement mode switching key PN 3 , a state display section PN 4  and a state display section PN 5 . Hereinafter, the operation panel PN provided in the sample transport unit  3   c  will be exemplified and described. However, it is the same as the operation panels PN provided in the sample transport units  3   a  and  3   b.    
     The start/stop key PN 1  is a key for inputting an instruction for restarting or stopping the action of the sample transport unit  3   c . For example, when an error arises due to a transport mistake, the sample transport unit  3   c  stops the action of transporting the sample rack L and automatically notifies the transport controller  7  of the occurrence of the error. A user recovers the sample rack L in which the transport mistake has occurred and then depresses the start/stop key PN 1 . When the start/stop key PN 1  is depressed, the sample transport unit  3   c  transmits to the transport controller  7  depression information showing that the start/stop key PN 1  has been depressed. 
     The alarm reset key PN 2  is a key for releasing the sounding alarm AL. When an error arises in the sample transport unit  3   c , the sample transport unit  3   c  sounds the alarm AL to notify a user of the occurrence of the error. The user stops the sounding of the alarm AL by depressing the alarm reset key PN 2 . 
     The measurement mode switching key PN 3  is a key for switching whether to independently operate the sample transport unit  3   c  and the measurement unit  41  connected to the sample transport unit  3   c , or to connect them to another sample transport unit so as to be operated as the unit constituting the sample rack transport system  100 . 
     The state display section PN 4  includes an LED  1  showing whether an error has arisen in the sample transport unit  3   c . When there is no error in the sample transport unit  3   c , the LED  1  is lit blue. However, when an error arises in the sample transport unit  3   c , the sample transport unit  3   c  notifies a user of the occurrence of the error by lighting the LED  1  red. 
     The state display section PN 5  includes LEDs  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5  and  6 . The LEDs  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5  and  6  are turned off when there is no error in the sample transport unit  3   c , the sample transport unit  3   b  on the upstream side and the rotation unit  6  on the downstream side. When an error arises, the sample transport unit  3   c  notifies a user of the occurrence position of the error by lighting each LED. The lighting of the LED  2  indicates that the error arose in the rack transport section  320 , the lighting of the LED  3  indicates that the error arose in the post-analysis rack holding section  330 , the lighting of the LED  4  indicates that the error arose in the pre-analysis rack holding section  310 , the lighting of the LED  5  indicates that the error arose in the rotation unit  6  on the downstream side, and the lighting of the LED  6  indicates that the error arose in the transport unit  3   b  on the upstream side. 
     Returning to  FIG. 3 , in the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c , stepping motors for driving the rack pushing mechanisms  343  and  323 , the rack input mechanisms  313  and  333 , the belts  321   a ,  321   b ,  341   a ,  341   b  and  351  and the partition section  360  are arranged, respectively. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are plan views showing the configuration of the rotation unit  6 . As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the rotation unit  6  is connected to the sample transport units  3  and the sample transport unit  5 . The rotation unit  6  includes sensors  631 ,  632 ,  634 ,  635 ,  636   a ,  636   b ,  637   a  and  637   b , a turn table  641  and rack transport sections  642  and  643 . In addition, in the bottom of the turn table  641 , light shielding members  636   c  and  637   c  are provided. In addition, in the rack transport sections  642  and  643 , rack transport positions  651  and  652  are set. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the transport action of the rotation unit  6  will be described by dividing cases into the case in which a sample rack L is discharged from the sample transport unit  3   c  and the case in which a sample rack L is discharged from the sample transport unit  5 . 
     First, the transport action of the rotation unit  6  when a sample rack L is discharged from the sample transport unit  3   c  will be described. The sample transport unit  3   c  transports a sample rack L along the transport line L 2 , and when moving the sample rack L up to the left end position of the rack transport section  340 , the sample transport unit transmits a discharge request to the transport controller  7 . When receiving the discharge request, the transport controller  7  transmits a reception instruction to the rotation unit  6 . 
     When receiving the reception instruction, the rotation unit  6  rotates the turn table  641  in a direction T 2  by a stepping motor until the light shielding member  636   c  provided in the bottom of the turn table  641  is detected by the optical sensors  636   a  and  636   b  including a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section. When the light shielding member  636   c  is detected by the sensors  636   a  and  636   b  (state shown in  FIG. 5A ), the rotation unit  6  transmits an introduction request to the transport controller  7 . 
     When receiving the introduction request, the transport controller  7  transmits a discharge instruction to the sample transport unit  3   c  and transmits an introduction instruction to the rotation unit  6 . When receiving the discharge instruction, the sample transport unit  3   c  discharges the sample rack L to the rotation unit  6  by the rack transport section  340 . When receiving the introduction instruction, the rotation unit  6  transports the sample rack L to the rack transport position  651  by a belt of the rack transport section  642 . The rotation unit  6  confirms whether the sample rack L has been transported to the rack transport position  651  by detecting the sample rack L with the sensor  632  and then by detecting the sample rack L with the sensor  631 . When it is confirmed that the sample rack L has been transported to the rack transport position  651 , the rotation unit  6  transmits an introduction completion to the transport controller  7 . 
     When confirming that the sample rack L has been transported to the rack transport position  651 , the rotation unit  6  rotates the turn table  641  in a direction T 1  by the stepping motor until the light shielding member  637   c  provided in the bottom of the turn table  641  is detected by the optical sensors  637   a  and  637   b  including a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section. When the light shielding member  637   c  is detected by the sensors  637   a  and  637   b  (state shown in  FIG. 5B ), the rotation unit  6  discharges the sample rack L to the sample transport unit  5  by the rack transport section  642 . 
     Next, the transport action of the rotation unit  6  when a sample rack L is discharged from the sample transport unit  5  will be described. The sample transport unit  5  transports a sample rack L along the transport line L 3 , and when moving the sample rack L up to the left end position of the rack transport section, the sample transport unit transmits a discharge request to the transport controller  7 . When receiving the discharge request, the transport controller  7  transmits a reception instruction to the rotation unit  6 . 
     When receiving the reception instruction, the rotation unit  6  rotates the turn table  641  in the direction T 1  by the stepping motor until the light shielding member  637   c  provided in the bottom of the turn table  641  is detected by the optical sensors  637   a  and  637   b  including a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section. When the light shielding member  637   c  is detected by the sensors  637   a  and  637   b  (state shown in  FIG. 5B ), the rotation unit  6  transmits an introduction request to the transport controller  7 . 
     When receiving the introduction request, the transport controller  7  transmits a discharge instruction to the sample transport unit  5  and transmits an introduction instruction to the rotation unit  6 . When receiving the discharge instruction, the sample transport unit  5  discharges the sample rack L to the rotation unit  6  by the rack transport section. When receiving the introduction instruction, the rotation unit  6  transports the sample rack L to the rack transport position  652  by a belt of the rack transport section  643 . The rotation unit  6  confirms whether the sample rack L has been transported to the rack transport position  652  by detecting the sample rack L with the sensor  634  and then by detecting the sample rack L with the sensor  635 . When it is confirmed that the sample rack L has been transported to the rack transport position  652 , the rotation unit  6  transmits an introduction completion to the transport controller  7 . 
     When confirming that the sample rack L has been transported to the rack transport position  652 , the rotation unit  6  rotates the turn table  641  in the direction T 2  by the stepping motor until the light shielding member  636   c  provided in the bottom of the turn table  641  is detected by the optical sensors  636   a  and  636   b  including a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section. When the light shielding member  636   c  is detected by the sensors  636   a  and  636   b  (state shown in  FIG. 5A ), the rotation unit  6  discharges the sample rack L to the sample transport unit  3   c  by the rack transport section  643 . 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram showing the configuration when the measuring unit  41  is viewed from the upper side. The measuring unit  41  includes a sample container transport section  411 , a bar-code reading section  412 , a sample suction section  413 , a specimen adjustment section  414  and a detecting section  415 . 
     The sample container transport section  411  includes a hand section  411   a  and a sample container setting section  411   b . The hand section  411   a  grips a sample container T positioned at the sample supply position and takes the sample container T from a sample rack L. The removed sample container T is stirred by the hand section  411   a  and then set in the sample container setting section  411   b . The bar-code label BL 1  which is adhered to the sample container T set in the sample container setting section  411   b  is read at the bar-code reading position by the bar-code reading section  412 . After that, due to the backward movement of the sample container setting section  411   b , the sample container T is positioned at a sample suction position immediately under the sample suction section  413 . The sample suction section  413  suctions the sample in the sample container T which is positioned at the sample suction position. Then, the sample container T returns along the original course and returns to the original holding position in the sample rack L. 
     The specimen adjustment section  414  includes a plurality of reaction chambers. The specimen adjustment section  414  is connected to reagent containers  414   a  to  414   c  and can supply the dyeing reagent in the reagent container  414   a , the hemolytic agent in the reagent container  414   b  and the diluent in the reagent container  414   c  to the reaction chambers. In addition, the specimen adjustment section  414  is also connected to the sample suction section  413  and can supply the blood sample suctioned by the sample suction section  413  to the reaction chambers. Further, the specimen adjustment section  414  mixes and stirs the sample and the reagent in the reaction chamber and prepares a specimen for the measurement by the detecting section  415 . 
     The detecting section  415  measures the specimen prepared by the specimen adjustment section  414 . The measurement data obtained by such measurement is analyzed by the information processing unit  42 . 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram showing the outline of the circuit configurations of the sample transport unit  3 , the measuring unit  41 , the information processing unit  42 , the rotation unit  6  and the transport controller  7 . In  FIG. 7 , for the sake of convenience, only one sample transport unit  3  and only one measuring unit  41  are shown. However, the other sample transport units  3  and the other measuring units  41  also have the same configurations. 
     The sample transport unit  3  includes communication sections  301  and  305 , a control section  302 , sensor sections  303  and  306  and driving sections  304  and  307 . The driving section  307  transports a sample rack L in a section from the pushing of the sample rack L into the pre-analysis rack holding section  301  in  FIG. 3  to the pushing to the post-analysis rack holding section  330 . The sensors in this section are included in the sensor section  306  and the outputs of these sensors are supplied to the information processing unit  42 . The driving section  304  transports a sample rack L in a section other than the transport section of the driving section  307 . The sensors in this section are included in the sensor section  303  and the outputs of these sensors are supplied to the transport controller  7 . 
     The communication section  301  performs data communication between the transport controller  7  and the information processing unit  42 . The control section  302  includes a CPU  302   a  and a storage section  302   b . The CPU  302   a  executes a computer program stored in the storage section  302   b  and controls the driving section  304  in accordance with a CPU  702   a  of the transport controller  7 . The storage section  302   b  includes storage means such as a ROM and a RAM. 
     The sensor section  303  includes the above-described sensors  342   a ,  342   b ,  352   a ,  352   b ,  332   a  and  332   b . The detection signal of the sensor section  303  is output to the control section  302 . The driving section  304  includes the above-described rack pushing mechanism  343 , rack input mechanism  333 , belts  341   a ,  341   b ,  351 , an elevating mechanism moving the partition section  360  up and down and a stepping motor driving these respective mechanisms. 
     The communication section  305  performs data communication with the information processing unit  42 . The sensor section  306  includes the above-described sensors  312   a  and  312   b  and sample container sensor  322  and the detection signal of the sensor section  306  is transmitted to the information processing unit  42  via the communication section  305 . The driving section  307  includes the rack pushing mechanism  323 , the rack input mechanism  313 , the belts  321   a  and  321   b  and a stepping motor driving these respective mechanisms. The sections in the driving section  307  are directly controlled by a control section  422  of the information processing unit  42 . 
     When the detection signals of the sensors  312   a  and  312   b  in the sensor section  306  are transmitted to the information processing unit  42 , the information processing unit  42  transmits the detection signals to the control section  302  via the communication section  301  of the corresponding sample transport unit  3 . Therefore, when the CPU  702   a  of the transport controller  7  inquires the presence or absence of the detection by the sensors  312   a  and  312   b  to each sample transport unit  3 , the control section  302  of each sample transport unit  3  transmits the presence or absence of the detection by the sensors  312   a  and  312   b  to the transport controller  7  on the basis of the detection signals transmitted from the information processing unit  42 . 
     The measuring unit  41  includes a communication section  410 , the sample container transport section  411 , the bar-code reading section  412 , the sample suction section  413 , the specimen adjustment section  414  and the detecting section  415 . The sections in the measuring unit  41  are directly controlled by the control section  422  of the information processing unit  42 . 
     The information processing unit  42  includes a communication section  421  and the control section  422 . In addition, the information processing unit  42  includes an interface for performing image output, an interface for performing input from a keyboard or the like and a reading device such as a CD drive or a DVD drive. However, here, the description thereof will be omitted. 
     The communication section  421  performs data communication with the communication sections  301  and  305  of the sample transport unit  3  and the communication section  410  of the measuring unit  41 . The control section  422  includes a CPU  422   a  and a storage section  422   b . The CPU  422   a  executes a computer program stored in the storage section  422   b . The storage section  422   b  includes storage means such as a ROM, a RAM and a hard disk. 
     The CPU  422   a  performs blood analysis on the basis of the measurement result (particle data) received from the measuring unit  41  and displays the analysis result on the display section. In addition, the CPU  422   a  transmits the analysis result to the transport controller  7  via the sample transport unit  3 . 
     The sample transport unit  5  has almost the same configuration as that of the sample transport unit  3 , but a part thereof is different therefrom. That is, the sample transport unit  5  does not include the communication section  305  of the sample transport unit  3  and the control section of the sample transport unit  5  directly controls the sensor section  306  and the driving section  307  in the sample transport unit  3 . 
     The rotation unit  6  includes a communication section  61 , a control section  62 , a sensor section  63  and a driving section  64 . The rotation unit  6  is not provided with an operation panel PN. A method of coping with the error occurring due to a mistake in rack transport in the rotation unit  6  will be described later. 
     The communication section  61  performs data communication with the transport controller  7 . The control section  62  controls the driving section  64  in accordance with the CPU  702   a  of the transport controller  7 . A storage section  62   b  includes storage means such as a ROM and a RAM. 
     The sensor section  63  includes the above-described sensors  631 ,  632 ,  633 ,  634 ,  636   a ,  636   b ,  637   a  and  637   b  and the detection signal of the sensor section  63  is output to the control section  62 . The driving section  64  includes the turn table  641 , the rack transport sections  642  and  643 , the rack transport positions  651  and  652  and a stepping motor driving these respective mechanisms. 
     The transport controller  7  includes a communication section  701  and a control section  702 . In addition, the transport controller  7  includes an interface for performing image output, an interface for performing input from a keyboard or the like and a reading device such as a CD drive or a DVD drive. 
     The communication section  701  performs data communication with the sample insertion unit  22 , the sample output unit  23 , the sample transport unit  3  and the sample transport unit  5 . The control section  702  includes the CPU  702   a  and a storage section  702   b . The CPU  702   a  executes a computer program stored in the storage section  702   b . The storage section  702   b  includes storage means such as a ROM, a RAM and a hard disk. In accordance with the computer program, the CPU  702   a  drives and controls the sample insertion unit  22 , the sample output unit  23 , the sample transport unit  3  and the sample transport unit  5 . 
     In addition, the CPU  702   a  controls a driving section  226  of the sample insertion unit  22  and a driving section  242  of the sample output unit  23  on the basis of the detection signals from a sensor section  225  of the sample insertion unit  22  and a sensor section  241  of the sample output unit  23 . The CPU  702   a  controls the driving section  304  of the sample transport unit  3  on the basis of the detection signal from the sensor section  303  of the sample transport unit  3 . The CPU  702   a  determines whether the preparation of a smear is required on the basis of the sample analysis result received from the information processing unit  42  via the sample transport unit  3 . 
     Hereinafter, the action of the sample rack transport system  100  when an error occurring due to a transport mistake arises will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . In this embodiment, the transport mistake means that the transport of a sample rack L is stopped because the sample rack L gets caught or is stuck in the rack transport sections  340  and  350  of the sample transport unit  3  and the rack transport sections  642  and  643  of the rotation unit  6 . 
       FIG. 8  is the flowchart showing the actions of the sample transport unit  3   c  and the transport controller  7  when an error occurring due to a mistake in transport of a sample rack L in the sample transport unit  3   c  has arisen. Hereinafter, the case in which an error arises in the sample transport unit  3   c  will be described with reference to the flowchart. 
     First, the CPU  302   a  of the sample transport unit  3   c  determines whether an error occurring due to a transport mistake has been detected in the sample transport unit  3   c  (S 101 ). 
     Here, detecting the error occurring due to the transport mistake by the CPU  302   a  will be described. In the sample transport unit  3   c , the sensors  342   a ,  342   b ,  352   a  and  352   b  are provided. The CPU  302   a  detects an error occurring due to a transport mistake on the basis of the detection result of these sensors. 
     For example, in the case in which a sample rack L is transported along the transport line L 2 , when the sample rack L is detected by the sensor  342   a  and then is not detected by the sensor  342   b  within a predetermined time, the CPU  302   a  determines that the sample rack L is not being correctly transported in the rack transport section  340 , that is, an error occurring due to a mistake in transport of the sample rack L has arisen. 
     In addition, in the case in which a sample rack L is transported along the transport line L 3 , when the sample rack L is detected by the sensor  352   a  and then is not detected by the sensor  352   b  within a predetermined time, the CPU  302   a  determines that the sample rack L is not being correctly transported in the rack transport section  350 , that is, an error occurring due to a mistake in transport of the sample rack L has arisen. 
     When detecting the error (S 101 : YES), the CPU  302   a  stops the action of transporting the sample rack L in the sample transport unit  3   c  in which the error has arisen (S 102 ), sounds the alarm AL (S 103 ) and lights the rotary light PL (S 104 ). At this time, the CPU  302   a  lights the LED  1  of the state display section PN 4  in a red light. 
     Next, the CPU  302   a  transmits to the transport controller  7  abnormality information showing that the error occurring due to the transport mistake has arisen (S 105 ). 
     The CPU  702   a  of the transport controller  7  determines whether the abnormality information has been received (S 201 ), and when determining that the abnormality information has been received (S 201 : YES), the CPU displays an error screen showing that the abnormality has arisen, which is shown in  FIG. 10  (S 202 ). In the error screen, at least information showing the unit in which the error has arisen and a method for removing the error are displayed. Next, the CPU  702   a  transmits a discharge stop instruction to the sample transport unit  3   b  connected to the upstream side of the sample transport unit  3   c  in which the error has arisen (S 203 ). The sample transport unit  3   b  receiving the discharge stop instruction stops the discharge of the sample rack L to the sample transport unit  3   c.    
     Meanwhile, the CPU  302   a  determines whether the alarm reset key PN 2  has been depressed by a user (S 106 ). When determining that the alarm reset key PN 2  has been depressed by the user (S 106 : YES), the CPU  302   a  stops the sounding of the alarm AL (S 107 ). When determining that the alarm reset key PN 2  has not been depressed (S 106 : NO) and after the execution of process of S 107 , the CPU  302   a  determines whether the start/stop key PN 1  has been depressed by the user (S 108 ). 
     The user removes the sample rack L in which the transport mistake has occurred from the sample transport unit  3   c  and depresses the start/stop key PN 1 . The removed sample rack L is inserted again in the sample insertion unit  22  by the user. 
     When determining that the start/stop key PN 1  has been depressed by the user (S 108 : YES), the CPU  302   a  transmits depression information showing that the start/stop key PN 1  has been depressed to the transport controller  7  and executes a restoration confirmation action in the sample transport unit  3   c  (S 109 ). Here, an origin seeking action in the rack transport section  340  or  350  is performed as the restoration confirmation action. 
     Next, the CPU  302   a  determines whether the restoration confirmation action has been normally completed (S 110 ). Here, the CPU  302   a  determines whether it was possible to perform the origin seeking in the rack transport section  340  or  350  and whether the sample rack L is not detected by the sensors  342   a ,  342   b ,  352   a  and  352   b . When determining that the restoration confirmation action has not been normally completed (S 110 : NO), the CPU  302   a  advances the process to S 103 . 
     When determining that the restoration confirmation action has been normally completed (S 110 : YES), the CPU  302   a  turns off the rotary light PL (S 111 ), transmits restoration confirmation action completion information to the transport controller  7  (S 112 ) and lights the LED  1  of the state display section PN 4  in a green light. Therefore, in the sample transport unit  3   c , the action of transporting the sample rack L can be executed on the basis of the instruction of the transport controller  7 . 
     Meanwhile, the CPU  702   a  of the transport controller  7  determines whether the restoration confirmation action completion information has been received (S 204 ), and when determining that the restoration confirmation action completion information has been received (S 204 : YES), the CPU removes the error screen (S 205 ) and transmits a restart instruction to the whole sample rack transport system  100  (S 206 ). The sample transport unit  3   b  receiving the restart instruction restarts the stopped discharge of the sample rack L and the sample transport unit  3   c  receives the sample rack L discharged from the sample transport unit  3   b.    
     As described above, although the actions of the sample transport unit  3   c  and the transport controller  7  when an error arose in the sample transport unit  3   c  have been described, the same action as that in the above description can be executed even when the error has arisen in the sample transport unit  3   a ,  3   b  or  5 . That is, in this embodiment, when an error has arisen in the sample transport unit  3   a ,  3   b  or  5 , the sample transport unit  3   a ,  3   b  or  5  in which the error has arisen and the transport controller  7  can execute the same action as that in the above description. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing the actions of the rotation unit  6 , the sample transport unit  3   c  connected to the upstream side of the rotation unit  6  and the transport controller  7  when an error occurring due to a mistake in transport of a sample rack L has arisen in the rotation unit  6 . Hereinafter, the actions when an error has arisen in the rotation unit  6  will be exemplified and described with reference to the flowchart shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     First, a CPU  62   a  of the rotation unit  6  determines whether an error occurring due to a mistake in transport of the sample rack L has been detected (S 301 ). Hereinafter, the detection of the transport mistake by the CPU  62   a  will be described. 
     For example, in the case in which a sample rack L is transported along the transport line L 2 , when the sample rack L is not detected by the sensor  632  within a predetermined time after reception of a reception instruction of the sample rack L which is transmitted from the transport controller  7 , or when the sample rack L is not detected by the sensor  631  within a predetermined time after detection of the sample rack L by the sensor  632 , the CPU  62   a  detects that a mistake in transport of the sample rack L has arisen. In this case, the CPU  62   a  determines that the sample rack L is not being correctly transported in the rack transport section  642 , that is, determines that the error occurring due to the mistake in transport of the sample rack has arisen. 
     In addition, in the case in which a sample rack L is transported along the transport line L 3 , when the sample rack L is not detected by the sensor  634  within a predetermined time after reception of a reception instruction from the transport controller  7 , or when the sample rack L is not detected by the sensor  635  within a predetermined time after detection of the sample rack L by the sensor  634 , the CPU  62   a  detects that a mistake in transport of the sample rack L has arisen. In this case, the CPU  62   a  determines that the sample rack L is not being correctly transported in the rack transport section  643 , that is, determines that the error occurring due to the mistake in transport of the sample rack has arisen. 
     When detecting the error (S 301 : YES), the CPU  62   a  stops the action of transporting the sample rack L in the rotation unit  6  in which the error has arisen (S 302 ) and transmits abnormality information to the transport controller  7  (S 303 ). 
     The CPU  702   a  of the transport controller  7  determines whether the abnormality information has been received (S 401 ), and when determining that the abnormality information has been received (S 401 : YES), the CPU displays the error screen (S 402 ) and transmits an abnormality notification instruction to the sample transport unit  3   c  connected to the upstream side of the rotation unit  6  (S 403 ). 
     The CPU  302   a  of the sample transport unit  3   c  determines whether the abnormality notification instruction has been received (S 501 ), and when determining that the abnormality notification instruction has been received (S 501 : YES), the CPU sets to standby the discharge of the sample rack to the rotation unit  6 , sounds the alarm AL (S 502 ) and lights the rotary light PL (S 503 ). At this time, the CPU  302   a  lights the LED  5  of the state display section PN 5 . Therefore, a user knows that the error has arisen in the rotation unit  6  connected to the downstream of the sample transport unit  3   c.    
     Next, the CPU  302   a  determines whether the alarm reset key PN 2  has been depressed by the user, and when determining that the alarm reset key PN 2  has been depressed by the user (S 504 : YES), the CPU  302   a  stops the sounding of the alarm AL (S 505 ). When determining that the alarm reset key PN 2  has not been depressed by the user (S 504 : NO), the CPU  302   a  determines whether the start/stop key PN 1  has been depressed by the user (S 506 ) after execution of the process of S 505 . 
     The user removes the sample rack L in which the transport mistake has occurred from the rotation unit  6  and depresses the start/stop key PN 1 . The removed sample rack L is inserted again in the sample insertion unit  22  by the user. 
     When determining that the start/stop key PN 1  has been depressed by the user (S 506 : YES), the CPU  302   a  transmits depression information (S 507 ) and executes a restoration confirmation action in the sample transport unit  3  (S 508 ). When the restoration confirmation action is normally completed, the CPU  302   a  transmits restoration confirmation action completion information to the transport controller  7  (S 509 ). 
     Meanwhile, the CPU  702   a  of the transport controller  7  determines whether the depression information has been received (S 404 ), and when determining that the depression information has been received (S 404 : YES), the CPU transmits a restoration confirmation action start instruction to the rotation unit  6  (S 405 ). 
     Meanwhile, the CPU  62   a  of the rotation unit  6  determines whether the restoration confirmation action start instruction has been received (S 304 ), and when determining that the restoration confirmation action start instruction has been received (S 304 : YES), the CPU executes the restoration confirmation action in the rotation unit  6 . Here, an origin seeking action of the rack transport section  642  or  643  is executed as the restoration confirmation action. 
     Next, the CPU  62   a  determines whether the restoration confirmation action has been normally completed (S 306 ). Here, the CPU  62   a  determines whether it was possible to perform the origin seeking in the rack transport section  642  or  643  and whether the sample rack L is not detected by the sensor  631 ,  632 ,  634  or  635 . When determining that the restoration confirmation action has not been normally completed (S 306 : NO), the CPU  62   a  advances the process to S 303 . When determining that the restoration confirmation action has been normally completed (S 306 : YES), the CPU  62   a  transmits restoration confirmation action completion information to the transport controller  7  (S 307 ). 
     Meanwhile, the CPU  702   a  of the transport controller  7  determines whether the restoration confirmation action completion information has been received from both the rotation unit  6  and the sample transport unit  3   c  (S 406 ), and when determining that the restoration confirmation action completion information has been received (S 406 : YES), the CPU removes the error screen (S 407 ), transmits a rotary light turn-off instruction to the sample transport unit  3   c  (S 408 ) and transmits a restart signal to the whole sample rack transport system  100  (S 409 ). When receiving the restart signal, the sample transport unit  3   c  restarts the stopped discharge of the sample rack L and the rotation unit  6  executes the action of receiving the sample rack L. 
     Meanwhile, the CPU  302   a  of the sample transport unit  3   c  determines whether the rotary light turn-off instruction has been received (S 510 ), and when determining that the rotary light turn-off instruction has been received, the CPU turns off the rotary light PL (S 511 ) and turns off the LED  5  of the state display section PN 5 . 
     An example has been described in which in the sample rack transport system  100  according to this embodiment, when an error arises in the rotation unit  6 , the transport of a sample rack is restarted by pressing the start/stop key PN 1  of the sample transport unit  3   c . However, when an error arises in the rotation unit  6 , the transport of a sample rack may be restarted by pressing the start/stop key PN 1  of any of the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  and  5 . In addition, when an error arises in any of the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  and  5 , the transport of a sample rack may be restarted by pressing the start/stop key PN 1  of any of the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  and  5  in which there is no error. 
     As described above, in the sample rack transport system  100  according to this embodiment, a user can recognize the unit related to the error by the alarm AL and the rotary light PL. In addition, in the sample rack transport system  100  according to this embodiment, when an error arises in any of the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  and  5  and the rotation unit  6 , a user can notify the transport controller  7  of removal of the abnormality and restart the action of transporting the sample rack by removing a sample rack L in which a transport mistake has occurred and depressing the start/stop key PN 1  of any of the sample transport units. At this time, a user may depress the start/stop key PN 1  of the unit in which the error has arisen or may depress the start/stop key PN 1  of the unit in which there is no error. Thus, according to the sample rack transport system  100  according to this embodiment, the flow of a user from the confirmation of the error to the restart of the action can be reduced in length. 
     The embodiment of the present invention has been described as above. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto. 
     For example, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the sample processing system, a blood cell analysis system including a plurality of blood cell analysis apparatuses is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sample analysis system may be a coagulation analysis system including a plurality of blood coagulation analysis apparatuses, a biochemical analysis system including a plurality of biochemical analysis apparatuses or an immune analysis system including a plurality of immune analysis apparatuses. In addition, the sample analysis system may be a urine analysis system including a urine qualitative analysis apparatus and an apparatus for analyzing formed elements in urine. 
     In the above-described embodiment, when the start/stop key PN 1  is depressed, a transport action restart signal may be transmitted to the whole sample rack transport system  100 . In this case, the transport controller  7  may be configured to monitor the states of the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  and  5  and the rotation unit  6  and to disable the operation of the start/stop key PN 1  in the sample transport units  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  or  5  until the error is removed. 
     In the above-described embodiment, the CPU  702   a  transmits a discharge stop instruction to the unit on the upstream side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The discharge stop instruction may be transmitted to the unit on the downstream side. In this case, the unit stops the action of discharging the sample rack L along the transport line L 3 . In this case, when receiving a restart instruction, the unit on the downstream side may restart the stopped action of discharging the sample rack L. 
     When an error occurring due to a mistake in transport of the sample rack L arises between the sample transport units adjacent to each other, either of the sample transport unit on the upstream or the downstream side may sound the alarm AL and light the rotary light PL. For example, when an error occurring due to a mistake in transport of the sample rack L arises between the sample transport unit  3   a  and the sample transport unit  3   b , either of the sample transport unit  3   a  or the sample transport unit  3   b  may sound the alarm AL and light the rotary light PL. 
     In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 9  of the above-described embodiment, when a user depresses the start/stop key PN 1 , the CPU  302   a  transmits depression information and executes a restoration confirmation action in the sample transport unit  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  or  5  in which the start/stop key PN 1  has been depressed. When the restoration confirmation action is normally completed, the CPU transmits restoration confirmation action completion information to the transport controller  7 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. When an error does not arise in the sample transport unit  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  or  5  in which the start/stop key PN 1  has been depressed, the CPU  302   a  may not execute the restoration confirmation action. 
     Various modifications can be appropriately made in the embodiment of the present invention within the scope of the technical principle shown in the claims.