Patent Abstract:
An analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit for measuring samples; a second measurement unit for measuring samples; a transportation device for transporting samples to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit; prior sample measurement instructor for instructing to measure a predetermined sample prior to the other samples; and a transportation controller for controlling the transportation device to reserve the transportation of the other samples to the second measurement unit and to perform the other transportation operation, when the prior sample measurement instructor has instructed to measure the predetermined sample by the second measurement unit prior to the other samples, is disclosed. A sample transportation method and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. JP2008-057972 filed Mar. 7, 2008, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an analyzer, a sample transportation method for an analyzer, and a computer program product for controlling transportation of samples on an analyzer. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There has been known an analyzer that automatically transports a plurality of samples and analyzes the transported samples (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,283,217 and US Patent Publication No. 2007-110617). In such an analyzer, one transportation device is connected to one measurement unit. 
         [0004]    However, in the analyzer described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,283,217 and US Patent Publication No. 2007-110617, only one measurement unit is provided for one transportation device. Accordingly, it is difficult to largely improve process performance of samples. On the other hand, when such an analyzer is provided with a plurality of measurement units, the process performance of samples is largely improved. However, in that case, a configuration of the transportation device has not been known. For example, to improve the process performance of samples, it is necessary to efficiently transport the samples to the plurality of measurement units. Accordingly, the size of the transportation device increases. When the size of the transportation device is reduced, it is difficult to efficiently transport the samples and thus the process performance of samples deteriorates. Particularly, when trying to process a prior sample, an analysis result of which needs to be obtained more promptly than the other samples, it is very difficult to efficiently transport the other samples. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    A first aspect of the present invention is an analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit for measuring samples; a second measurement unit for measuring samples; a transportation device for transporting samples to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit; prior sample measurement instructor for instructing to measure a predetermined sample prior to the other samples; and a transportation controller for controlling the transportation device to reserve the transportation of the other samples to the second measurement unit and to perform the other transportation operation, when the prior sample measurement instructor has instructed to measure the predetermined sample by the second measurement unit prior to the other samples. 
         [0007]    A second aspect of the present invention is a sample transportation method for an analyzer, the method comprising: (a) transporting a first sample to a first measurement unit; (b) transporting a second sample to a second measurement unit; (c) measuring the first sample by the first measurement unit; (d) measuring the second sample by the second measurement unit; (e) receiving an instruction of measuring a predetermined sample prior to the other samples; and (f) reserving the transportation of the second sample to the second measurement unit and performing the other transportation operation, when the instruction of measuring the predetermined sample by the second measurement unit prior to the other samples has been received. 
         [0008]    A third aspect of the present invention is a computer program product for controlling transportation of samples on an analyzer comprising a first measurement unit, a second measurement unit, and a transportation device configured to transport samples to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, the computer program product comprising: a computer readable medium; and instructions, on the computer readable medium, adapted to enable a general purpose computer to perform operations, comprising: (a) transporting a first sample to the first measurement unit; (b) transporting a second sample to the second measurement unit; (c) measuring the first sample by the first measurement unit; (d) measuring the second sample by the second measurement unit; (e) receiving an instruction of measuring a predetermined sample prior to the other samples; and (f) reserving the transportation of the second sample to the second measurement unit and performing the other transportation operation, when the instruction of measuring the predetermined sample by the second measurement unit prior to the other samples has been received. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an overall configuration of a blood analyzer according to a first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view for explaining detailed sections of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating a measurement unit and a sample transportation device of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a measurement unit and a sample transportation device of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a rack and sample containers of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a plan view for explaining the sample transportation device of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a side view for explaining the sample transportation device of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a side view for explaining the sample transportation device of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a block diagram for explaining a control device of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating a prior sample measurement instruction picture of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart for explaining a measurement processing operation performed by a measurement processing program of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a state transition diagram for explaining state transition of a first measurement unit and a second measurement unit of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a state transition diagram for explaining state transition of a sample transportation device of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart for explaining a process of determining the next operation of the sample transportation device of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating event notification of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating priority of commands of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is a flowchart for explaining an operation at the time of prior sample measurement of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  is a flowchart for explaining an operation of the sample transportation device in a modified example of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view illustrating an overall configuration of a blood analyzer according to a second embodiment of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 20  is a flowchart for explaining an operation at the time of prior sample measurement of the blood analyzer according to the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 19 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view illustrating an overall configuration of a blood analyzer according to a third embodiment of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 22  is a flowchart for explaining an operation at the time of prior sample measurement of the blood analyzer according to the third embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 23  is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an overall configuration of a blood analyzer according to a first embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2  to  FIG. 10  are views for explaining sections of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . First, the overall configuration of the blood analyzer  1  according to the first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 10 . In the first embodiment, the invention is applied to a blood analyzer that is an example of an analyzer. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the blood analyzer  1  according to the first embodiment of the invention is provided with two measurement units of a first measurement unit  2  and a second measurement unit  3 , a sample transportation device (sampler)  4  disposed on the front side of the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3 , and a control device  5  including a PC (personal computer) electrically connected to the first measurement unit  2 , the second measurement unit  3 , and the sample transportation device  4 . The blood analyzer  1  is connected to a host computer  6  (see  FIG. 3 ) by the control device  5 . 
         [0035]    The blood analyzer  1  is not a transportation system in which a plurality of analyzers are connected by a transportation device but a standalone analyzer. In addition, the blood analyzer  1  may be mounted on the transportation system. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 4 , the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3  are substantially the same type of measurement units (In the embodiment, the second measurement unit  3  uses the same measurement principle as the first measurement unit  2 , and measures samples with respect to the same measurement items. The second measurement unit  3  also measures measurement items which are not analyzed by the first measurement unit  2 .), and are disposed adjacent to each other. Herein, the same type includes a case in which a plurality of measurement items of the first measurement unit  2  and a plurality of measurement items of the second measurement unit  3  are partially common, as well as a case in which two measurement units measure samples with respect to the completely same measurement items. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3  include sample suction sections  21  and  31  for sucking blood as a sample from a sample container (test tube)  100 , sample preparation sections  22  and  32  for preparing detection samples from the blood sucked by the sample suction sections  21  and  31 , and detection sections  23  and  33  for detecting blood cells from the detection samples prepared by the sample preparation sections  22  and  32 , respectively. The first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3  further include insertion holes  24  and  34  (see  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ) for inserting a sample container  100  accommodated in a rack  101  (see  FIG. 5 ) transported by the sample transportation device  4 , and sample container transportation sections  25  and  35  for inserting the sample container  100  from the rack  101  therein and transporting the sample container  100  to a suction position (see  FIG. 3 ) of the sample section sections  21  and  31 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , sample set section open and close buttons  26  and  36  and prior sample measurement start buttons  27  and  37  are provided on the outer surface of the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3 , respectively. 
         [0037]    Needles (not shown) are provided at the front end portions of the sample suction sections  21  and  31 , respectively. The sample suction sections  21  and  31  are configured to move in the vertical direction (direction indicated by the arrow Z), respectively. The sample suction sections  21  and  31  are configured to pass through an airtight cap of the sample container  100  transported to the suction position by moving downward and to suck inner blood. 
         [0038]    The detection sections  23  and  33  are configured to perform RBC detection (detection of red blood cell) and PLT detection (detection of platelet) by a sheath flow DC detection method and to perform HGB detection (detection of hemoglobin in blood) by an SLS-hemoglobin method. The detection sections  23  and  33  are configured to perform WBC detection (detection of white blood cell) by a flow cytometry method using semiconductor laser. 
         [0039]    The detection result obtained by the detection sections  23  and  33  are transmitted to the control device  5 , as measurement data (measurement result) of sample. The measurement data is a basis of a final analysis result (The final analysis result are the number of red blood cells, the number of platelets, the amount of hemoglobin, the number of white blood cells, etc.) provided for a user. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the sample container transportation sections  25  and  35  has hand sections  251  and  351  for gripping the sample container  100 , opening and closing sections  252  and  352  for opening and closing the hand sections  251  and  351  to grip the sample container  100 , vertical moving sections  253  and  353  for straightly moving the hand sections  251  and  351  in the vertical direction (direction indicated by the arrow Z), and stirring sections  254  and  354  for moving the hand sections  251  and  351  in a pendulum shape in the vertical direction (direction indicated by the arrow Z), respectively. The sample container transportation sections  25  and  35  further have sample container moving sections  255  (see  FIG. 3) and 355  for holding the sample container  100  acquired from the rack  101  by the hand sections  251  and  351  to sample set sections  255   a  (see  FIG. 3) and 355   a , and for horizontally and straightly moving in the direction indicated by the arrow Y to the suction position of the sample suction sections  21  and  31 , and barcode reading sections  256  and  356 , respectively. 
         [0041]    The hand sections  251  and  351  are disposed above a transportation path of the rack  101  transported by the sample transportation device  4 , respectively. The hand sections  251  and  351  are configured so that when the sample container  100  is transported to a first providing position  43   a  for providing samples at the first measurement unit  2  and a second providing position  43   b  (see  FIG. 3 ) for providing samples at the second measurement unit  3 , the hand sections  251  and  351  move downward (direction indicated by the arrow Z) to grip the sample container  100  accommodated in the rack  101  by opening and closing the opening and closing sections  252  and  352 , respectively. The hand sections  251  and  351  are configured to move the gripped sample container  100  upward to be extracted from the rack  101 , and then to move in a pendulum shape by the stirring sections  254  and  354  (e.g., 10 times reciprocation), respectively. Accordingly, it is possible to stir blood in the gripped sample container  100  by the hand sections  251  and  351 . After completion of stirring, the hand sections  251  and  351  are configured to move downward and then open the gripping of the sample container  100  by the opening and closing sections  252  and  352 . Accordingly, it is possible to set the sample container  100  at the sample set sections  255   a  and  355   a  of the sample container moving sections  255  and  355  by the hand sections  251  and  351 . 
         [0042]    The opening and closing sections  252  and  352  are configured to open and close the hand sections  251  and  351  to grip the sample container  100  by power of air cylinders  252   a  and  352   a , respectively. 
         [0043]    The vertical moving sections  253  and  353  are configured to move the hand sections  251  and  351  in the vertical direction (direction indicated by the arrow Z) along rails  253   b  and  353   b  by power of stepping motors  253   a  and  353   a , respectively. 
         [0044]    The stirring sections  254  and  354  are configured to move the hand sections  251  and  351  in a pendulum shape in the vertical direction (direction indicated by the arrow Z) by power of stepping motors (not shown), respectively. 
         [0045]    The sample container moving sections  255  and  355  are configured to horizontally move the sample set sections  255   a  and  355   a  in the direction indicated by the arrow Y by power of stepping motors (not shown), respectively. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the sample container moving sections  255  and  355  can transport the sample container  100  set at the sample set sections  255   a  and  355   a  to a prior sample set position, a stirring position, a barcode reading position, and a suction position. The sample container moving sections  255  and  355  are configured to pass through the upside of the transportation path of the rack  101  and transport the sample container  100 , so as to intersect the transportation path of the rack  101  transported in the direction indicated by the arrow X in the plan view. The sample set sections  255   a  and  355   a  are configured to move to a prior sample set position (see  FIG. 3 ) when a user presses down the sample set section open and close buttons  26  and  36  (see  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ). The sample container moving sections  255  and  355  are configured to clamp (fix) the sample container  100  at each suction position by a restriction section (not shown). 
         [0046]    The barcode reading sections  256  and  356  are configured to read a barcode  100   a  attached to each sample container  100  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The barcode reading sections  256  and  356  are configured to read the barcode  100   a  of the sample container  100  while rotating in the horizontal direction with the sample container  100  as a target held to the sample set sections  255   a  and  355   a  by a rotation device (not shown). Accordingly, even when the barcode  100   a  of the sample container  100  is attached to the opposite side to the barcode reading sections  256  and  356 , it is possible to turn the barcode  100   a  toward the barcode reading sections  256  and  356  by rotating the sample container  100 . Each barcode  100   a  of each sample container  100  is uniquely attached to each sample, and is used to manage the analysis result of each sample. 
         [0047]    The sample set section open and close buttons  26  and  36  are configured to be pressed down by a user at the time of measuring a prior sample. 
         [0048]    The prior sample measurement start buttons  27  and  37  are configured to be pressed down by a user. When the user sets a prior sample at the sample set sections  255   a  and  355   a  and then presses down the prior sample measurement start buttons  27  and  37 , the sample set sections  255   a  and  355   a  at which the prior sample is set are inserted into the measurement unit and the measurement is started. 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 6 , the sample transportation device  4  includes a before-analysis rack holding section  41  capable of holding the plurality of racks  101  accommodating the sample containers  100  for accommodating samples before performing analysis, an after-analysis rack holding section  42  capable of holding the plurality of racks  101  accommodating the sample containers  100  for accommodating the samples after performing analysis, a rack transportation section  43  for horizontally and straightly moving the rack  101  in the direction indicated by the arrow X, a barcode reading section  44 , a presence sensing sensor  45  (see  FIG. 4 ) for sensing whether or not there is the sample container  100 , and a rack output section  46  for moving the rack  101  into the after-analysis rack holding section  42 . 
         [0050]    The before-analysis rack holding section  41  having a rack input section  411  is configured to output the rack  101  held to the before-analysis rack holding section  41  one by one onto the rack transportation section  43  by moving the rack input section  411  in the direction indicated by the arrow Y. The rack input section  411  is configured to be driven by a stepping motor (not shown) provided below the before-analysis rack holding section  41 . The before-analysis rack holding section  41  having a restriction section  412  (see  FIG. 4 ) in the vicinity of the rack transportation section  43  is configured to restrict movement of the rack  101  so that the rack  101  output onto the rack transportation section  43  once does not return into the before-analysis rack holding section  41 . 
         [0051]    The after-analysis rack holding section  42  having a restriction section  421  ( FIG. 4 ) in the vicinity of the rack transportation section  43  is configured to restrict movement of the rack  101  so that the rack  101  moved into the after-analysis rack holding section  42  once does not return to the rack transportation section  43 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the rack transportation section  43  is configured to transport the rack  101  so that the samples are transported to the first providing position  43   a  for providing samples at the first measurement units  2  and the second providing position  43   b  for providing samples at the second measurement unit  3 . The rack transportation section  43  is configured to transport the rack  101  so as to transport the samples to a sample presence check position  43   c  for checking whether or not there is the sample container  100  for accommodating the samples by the presence sensing sensor  45  and a reading position  43   d  for reading the barcode  100   a  of the sample container  100  for accommodating the samples by the barcode reading section  44 . 
         [0053]    The rack transportation section  43  has two belts of a first belt  431  and a second belt  432  capable of moving independently from each other. Widths b 1  and b 2  (see  FIG. 6 ) of the first belt  431  and the second belt  432  in the direction indicated by the arrow Y are a half of a width B of the rack  101  in the direction indicated by the arrow Y or smaller. Accordingly, the first belt  431  and the second belt  432  are disposed in parallel so as not to protrude from the width B of the rack  101  when the rack transportation section  43  transports the rack  101 . As shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , the first belt  431  and the second belt  432  have a ring shape, and are disposed to surround rollers  431   a  to  431   c  and rollers  432   a  to  432   c , respectively. Two protrusion pieces  431   d  and  432   d  are each formed at outer peripheral sections of the first belt  431  and the second belt  432  to have an inner width w 1  (see  FIG. 7 ) and w 2  (see  FIG. 8 ) slightly (e.g., about 1 mm) larger than the width W of the rack  101  in the direction indicated by the arrow X. The first belt  431  is configured to move the rack  101  in the direction indicated by the arrow X by moving along outer peripheries of the rollers  431   a  to  431   c  by a stepping motor  431   e  (see  FIG. 4 ), with the rack  101  held in the protrusion piece  431   d.  The second belt  432  is configured to move the rack  101  in the direction indicated by the arrow X by moving along outer peripheries of the rollers  432   a  to  432   c  by a stepping motor  432   e  (see  FIG. 4 ), with the rack  101  held in the protrusion piece  432   d . The first belt  431  and the second belt  432  are configured to move the rack  101  independently from each other. 
         [0054]    The barcode reading section  44  is configured to read the barcode  100   a  of the sample container  100  shown in  FIG. 5  and to read the barcode  101   a  attached to the rack  101 . The barcode reading section  44  is configured to read the barcode  100   a  of the sample container  100  while rotating in the horizontal direction with the sample container  100  as a target accommodated in the rack  101  by a rotation device (not shown). Accordingly, even when the barcode  100   a  of the sample container  100  is attached to the opposite side to the barcode reading section  44 , it is possible to turn the barcode  100   a  toward the barcode reading section  44  by rotating the sample container  100 . The barcode  101   a  of the rack  101  is uniquely attached to each rack, and is used to manage the analysis result of each sample. 
         [0055]    The presence sensing sensor  45  is a contact type sensor, and has a contact piece  451  (see  FIG. 4 ) having a curtain shape, a light emitting element (not shown) emitting light, and a light receiving element (not shown). The presence sensing sensor  45  is configured so that the contact piece  451  is bent when the contact piece  451  comes into contact with a sensing object that is a sensing target, and thus light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected to the contact piece  451 , and the reflected light enters the light receiving element. Accordingly, when the sample container  100  that is a sensing target accommodated in the rack  101  passes through the downside of the presence sensing sensor  45 , the contact piece  451  is bent by the sample container  100 , thereby sensing that there is the sample container  100 . 
         [0056]    The rack output section  46  is opposed to the after-analysis rack holding section  42  with the rack transportation section  43  interposed therebetween, and is configured to horizontally and straightly move in the direction indicated by the arrow Y. Accordingly, when the rack  101  is transported to a position (hereinafter, referred to as a rack output position) between the after-analysis rack holding section  42  and the rack output section  46 , the rack output section  46  is moved to the after-analysis rack holding section  42 , thereby pressing the rack  101 . Therefore, it is possible for the rack  101  to move into the after-analysis rack holding section  42 . 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 9 , the control device  5  is configured of a personal computer (PC) or the like, and includes a control unit  51  configured of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, a display unit  52 , and an input device  53 . The display unit  52  is provided to display analysis results and the like obtained by analyzing data of digital signals transmitted from the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3 . The display unit  52  is configured to input sample identification numbers for identifying samples by a user or to display a prior sample measurement instruction picture  520  (see  FIG. 10 ) for setting measurement items and the like, in the measurement of a prior sample needing to be measured prior to the other samples. 
         [0058]    Next, a configuration of the control device  5  will be described. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the control device  5  is configured of a computer  500  mainly including a control unit  51 , a display unit  52 , and an input device  53 . The control unit  51  mainly includes a CPU  51   a , a ROM  51   b , a RAM  51   c , a hard disk  51   d , a readout device  51   e,  an input/output interface  51   f,  a communication interface  51   g,  and an image output interface  51   h . The CPU  51   a , the ROM  51   b , the RAM  51   c , the hard disk  51   d , the readout device  51   e , the input/output interface  51   f , the communication interface  51   g , and the image output interface  51   h  are connected by a bus  51   i.    
         [0059]    The CPU  51   a  can execute a computer program stored in the ROM  51   b  and a computer program loaded on the RAM  51   c . The CPU  51   a  executes application programs  54   a  to  54   c , whereby the computer  500  functions as the control device  5 . 
         [0060]    The ROM  51   b  is configured of a mask ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or the like, in which computer programs executed by the CPU  51   a  and data used for the computer programs are recorded. 
         [0061]    The RAM  51   c  is configured of an SRAM, a DRAM, or the like. The RAM  51   c  is used to read the computer programs recorded in the ROM  51   b  and the hard disk  51   d . The RAM  51   c  is used as a work area of the CPU  51   a  when the computer programs are executed. 
         [0062]    In the hard disk  51   d , various computer programs such as an operating system and application programs executed by the CPU  51   a , and data used for executing the computer programs are installed. A measurement processing program  54   a  for the first measurement unit  2 , a measurement processing program  54   b  for the second measurement unit  3 , and a measurement processing program  54   c  for the sample transportation device  4  are also installed in the hard disk  51   d . The application programs  54   a  to  54   c  are executed by the CPU  51   a , thereby controlling an operation of each section of the first measurement unit  2 , the second measurement unit  3 , and the sample transportation device  4 . A measurement result database  54   d  is also installed therein. 
         [0063]    The readout device  51   e  is configured of a flexible disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD-ROM drive, or the like, and can read computer programs or data recorded in a transportable recording medium  54 . The application programs  54   a  to  54   c  are stored in the transportable recording medium  54 , the computer  500  reads the application programs  54   a  to  54   c  from the transportable recording medium  54 , and the application programs  54   a  to  54   c  can be installed in the hard disk  51   d.    
         [0064]    The application programs  54   a  to  54   c  are not provided only by the transportable recording medium  54  but may be provided from an external device connected to communicate with the computer  500  by an electric communication line (irrespective of wire and wireless) through the electric communication line. For example, the application programs  54   a  to  54   c  are stored in a hard disk of a server computer on the Internet, the computer  500  accesses to the server computer, the application programs  54   a  to  54   c  are downloaded, and the application programs  54   a  to  54   c  are installed in the hard disk  51   d.    
         [0065]    An operating system providing graphical user interface environment such as Windows (trade mark) produced by Microsoft Inc. in USA is installed in the hard disk  51   d . In the following description, it is assumed that the application programs  54   a  to  54   c  are operated on the operating system. 
         [0066]    The input/output interface  51   f  is configured of, for example, a serial interface such as USB, IEEE1394, and RS-232C, a parallel interface such as SCSI, IDE, and IEEE1284, an analog interface including a D/A converter and A/D converter, and the like. The input device  53  is connected to the input/output interface  51   f , and a user uses the input device  53 , thereby inputting data to the computer  500 . 
         [0067]    The communication interface  51   g  is, for example, an Ethernet (trade mark) interface. The computer  500  can transmit and receive data among the first measurement unit  2 , the second measurement unit  3 , the sample transportation device  4 , and the host computer  6  using a predetermined communication protocol by the communication interface  51   g.    
         [0068]    The image output interface  51   h  is connected to the display unit  52  configured of LCD, CRT, or the like, and displays video signals based on the image data given from the CPU  51   a  on the display unit  52 . The display unit  52  displays images (picture) according to the input video signals. 
         [0069]    The control unit  51  is configured to analyze components of an analysis target using the measurement result transmitted from the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3 , and to acquire the analysis result (the number of red blood cells, the number of platelets, the amount of hemoglobin, the number of white blood cells, etc.). 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , ten container accommodating sections  101   b  are formed in the rack  101  to accommodate ten sample containers  100  in series. The container accommodating sections  101   b  are provided with opening sections  101   c  so that the barcode  100   a  of each accommodated sample container  100  is visible. 
         [0071]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart for explaining measurement processing operations by the measurement processing programs of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . Next, the measurement processing operations by the measurement processing programs  54   a  and  54   b  of the blood analyzer  1  according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 11 . The components of the analysis target are measured in the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3  in the same manner. Accordingly, the case where the components of the analysis target are measured by the first measurement unit  2  will be described herein as a representative example. 
         [0072]    First, in Step S 1 , suction of samples is performed from the sample container  100  to the suction position (see  FIG. 3 ) by the sample suction section  21 . In Step S 2 , a detection sample is prepared from the sucked sample by the sample preparation section  22 . In Step S 3 , components of the analysis target are detected from the detection sample by the detection section  23 . In Step S 4 , measurement data is transmitted from the first measurement unit  2  to the control device  5 . Then, in Step S 5 , the components of the analysis target are analyzed by the control unit  51  on the basis of the measurement result transmitted from the first measurement unit  2 . The analysis of the sample is completed by Step S 5 , and the operation is completed. 
         [0073]      FIG. 12  is a state transition diagram for explaining state transition of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . Next, the state transition of the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3  of the blood analyzer  1  according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 12 . In the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3 , the state transition is the same. Accordingly, hereinafter, the state transition of the first measurement unit  2  will be described as a representative example. 
         [0074]    In the first embodiment, the state of the first measurement unit  2  is transited from a non-operating state (start) to a sampler mode standby state  2   a  by powering on. In the sampler mode standby state  2   a , when sampler measurement start is instructed by a user, the first measurement unit  2  is transited to a sampler mode measuring state  2   b . In the sampler mode measuring state  2   b , the measurement processing operations shown in  FIG. 11  are performed by the first measurement unit  2 . In the sampler mode measuring state  2   b , when the measurement of the sample is completed, the first measurement unit  2  is returned to the sampler mode standby state  2   a . In the sampler mode standby state  2   a , when the power is turned off, the first measurement unit  2  is transited to the non-operating state (end). 
         [0075]    In the first embodiment, when the sample set section open and close button  26  is pressed down by a user in the sampler mode standby state  2   a  and the sampler mode measuring state  2   b , the first measurement unit  2  is transited to a prior sample measurement mode standby state  2   c . When the first measurement unit  2  is transited to the prior sample measurement mode standby state  2   c , the transportation of the sample to the first measurement unit  2  is reserved. That it, in this case, the sample transportation device  4  does not transport the samples to the first providing position  43   a , but transports the samples to only the second providing position  43   b . When both of the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3  are transited to the prior sample measurement mode standby state  2   c , the transportation of the samples are reserved to both of the first providing position  43   a  and the second providing position  43   b.    
         [0076]    In the prior sample measurement mode standby state  2   c , when the prior sample measurement start button  27  is pressed down, the first measurement unit  2  is transited to the prior sample measurement mode measuring state  2   d . When the measurement of the prior sample is completed, the first measurement unit  2  is returned to the prior sample measurement mode standby state  2   c . When the measurement of all prior samples are completed, the first measurement unit  2  is transited to the sampler mode standby state  2   a  by pressing down the sample set section open and close button  26  by a user. 
         [0077]    In each state of the sampler mode standby state  2   a , the sampler mode measuring state  2   b , the prior sample measurement mode standby state  2   c , and the prior sample measurement mode measuring state  2   d , when an error occurs, the first measurement unit  2  is transited to an interruption/discontinuance occurrence state  2   e . When the error is removed, the first measurement unit  2  is returned to the mode standby state of each state. Specifically, when the error occurring in the sampler mode standby state  2   a  and the sampler mode measuring state  2   b  is removed, the first measurement unit  2  is returned to the sampler mode standby state  2   a . When the error occurring in the prior sample measurement mode standby state  2   c  and the prior sample measurement measuring state  2   d  is removed, the first measurement unit  2  is returned to the prior sample measurement mode standby state  2   c.    
         [0078]    When the state of the first measurement unit  2  is transited, a notification for notifying what state the first measurement unit  2  is transited to is transmitted from the first measurement unit  2  to the control device  5 . Specifically, when the first measurement unit  2  is transited from the sampler mode measuring state  2   b , the prior sample measurement mode standby state  2   c , and the interruption/discontinuance occurrence state  2   e  to the sampler mode standby state  2   a , a state notification for notifying that the first measurement unit  2  is transited to the sampler mode standby state  2   a  is transmitted from the first measurement unit  2  to the control device  5 . When the first measurement unit  2  is transited to the other state than the sampler mode standby state  2   a , a state notification for notifying that the first measurement unit  2  is in the state is transmitted from the first measurement unit  2  to the control device  5 . When the first measurement unit  2  is returned from the interruption/discontinuance occurrence state  2   e  to each state, a state notification for notifying what state the first measurement  2  is transited to is transmitted from the first measurement unit  2  to the control device  5 , and a notification for notifying that the error is removed is transmitted together. 
         [0079]      FIG. 13  is a state transition diagram for explaining state transition of the sample transportation device of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 14  is a flowchart for explaining a process of determining the next operation of the sample transportation device of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 16  are diagrams for explaining a detailed configuration of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . First, the state transition of the sample transportation device  4  of the blood analyzer  1  according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 13 . 
         [0080]    In the first embodiment, when a user instructs sampler measurement start, the state of the sample transportation device  4  becomes a next operation determination processing state  4   a . This state is a waiting state for the sample transportation device  4  to execute operations registered in a queue for registering commands. In the first embodiment, the queue is a data structure in which operation instructions to the sample transportation device  4  are registered, and the sample transportation device  4  is controlled by the CPU  51   a  of the control device  5  to execute the operations registered in the queue. The queue is stored in the RAM  51   c  or the hard disk  51   d  of the control device  5 . 
         [0081]    The process of determining the next operation performed by the sample transportation device  4  when the sample transportation device  4  of the blood analyzer  1  according to the first embodiment is in the next operation determination processing state  4   a  will be described with reference to  FIG. 14  to  FIG. 16 . 
         [0082]    In Step S 11  shown in  FIG. 14 , a notification of an event is waited by the CPU  51   a . In the first embodiment, the notification of the event is notifications of 11 kinds of events shown in  FIG. 15 , and includes a notification for notifying that a predetermined operation is completed, a state notification for notifying a state of the measurement unit, and the like. Specifically, when the rack  101  is input from the before-analysis rack holding section  41  of the sample transportation device  4  onto the rack transportation section  43 , a rack input completion notification is transmitted from the sample transportation device  4  to the control device  5 . When the rack  101  on the rack transportation section  43  is output to the after-analysis rack holding section  42  by the rack output section  46 , a rack output completion notification is transmitted from the sample transportation device  4  to the control device  5 . When it is sensed whether or not there is the sample container  100  by the presence sensing sensor  45  of the sample transportation device  4 , a test tube presence check completion notification is transmitted. When the barcode  100   a  of the sample container  100  is read by the barcode reading section  44  and a measurement order is assigned, a sample ID/measurement order assignment completion notification is transmitted. A test tube insertion completion notification to first measurement unit, a test tube insertion completion notification to second measurement unit, a test tube extraction completion notification from first measurement unit, and a test tube extraction completion notification from second measurement unit are transmitted from the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3  to the control device  5 , when each operation in the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3  is completed. In addition to state notifications of the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3 , a test tube extraction request notification for notifying that the sample container  100  is ready to be extracted from the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3  and a next sample suction ready notification for notifying that a next new sample is ready to be sucked are transmitted from the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3  to the control device  5 . 
         [0083]    In Step S 12 , it is determined whether or not any one event notification of the notifications of the 11 kinds of events is received by the CPU  51   a , and the event notification waiting state continues until any one event notification is received. When any one event notification is received, the execution reservation of the operation set in the reservation state not to be performed among the operations registered in the queue is released by the CPU  51   a , in Step S 13 . 
         [0084]    The execution reservation will be described hereinafter. In the first embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the operations registered in the queue are provided with priorities, and the sample transportation device  4  is controlled by the CPU  51   a  so that a high-priority operation is first performed from the operations registered in the queue at the time of performing the operation. However, there may be a case where two operations of “test tube insertion to first measurement unit” and “test tube insertion to second measurement unit” cannot be instantly performed, for example, a case where there is the other sample, which is being measured, in the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3 , and the next new sample cannot be inserted. In such a case, the execution of the operations of “test tube insertion to first measurement unit” and “test tube insertion to second measurement unit” is set as a reservation state by the CPU  51   a , so that the operations of “test tube insertion to first measurement unit” and “test tube insertion to second measurement unit” are skipped and a subsequent high-priority operation is first performed. Accordingly, in the blood analyzer  1  according to the first embodiment, even when the operations of “test tube insertion to first measurement unit” and “test tube insertion to second measurement unit” cannot be performed, the other operation than “test tube insertion to first measurement unit” and “test tube insertion to second measurement unit” is first performed. Therefore, it is possible to promptly perform the process of the samples. 
         [0085]    In Step S 14 , the highest-priority operation is searched from the operations registered in the queue in the present state by the CPU  51   a . In Step S 15 , it is determined whether the searched highest-priority operation is any one of “test tube insertion to first measurement unit” or “test tube insertion to second measurement unit”. When the operation is not any one of “test tube insertion to first measurement unit” and “test tube insertion to second measurement unit”, the searched highest-priority operation is performed in Step S 16 . At this time, when the rack output operation is performed, the rack output section  46  is controlled to output the rack  101  on the rack transportation section  43  to the after-analysis rack holding section  42  by the CPU  51   a . When the rack input operation is performed, the rack input section  411  is controlled to input the rack  101  of the before-analysis rack holding section  41  onto the rack transportation section  43  by the CPU  51   a . When the test tube extraction operation from the first measurement unit or the test tube extraction operation from the second measurement unit is performed, the rack transportation section  43  is controlled to transport the rack  101  by the CPU  51   a , so that the container accommodating section  101   b  of the extracted sample container  100  corresponds to any one of the first providing position  43   a  or the second providing position  43   b . When the test tube presence check operation is performed, the rack transportation section  43  is controlled to transport the rack  101  by the CPU  51   a , so that the unchecked sample container  100  accommodated in the rack  101  reaches the sample presence check position  43   c . When the sample ID/measurement order assignment operation is performed, the rack transportation section  43  is controlled to transport the rack  101 , so that the sample container  100  accommodated in the rack  101  and to which a measurement order is not yet assigned reaches the reading position  43   d . Then, the operation is completed. 
         [0086]    On the other hand, when the operation is any one operation of “test tube insertion to first measurement unit” or “test tube insertion to second measurement unit”, it is determined whether or not the corresponding operation of “test tube insertion to first measurement unit” or “test tube insertion to second measurement unit” can be performed by the CPU  51   a  on the basis of the measurement order and the state of the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3  in Step S 17 . Specifically, the CPU  51   a  determines whether or not the measurement unit corresponding to the first measurement unit  2  or the second measurement unit  3  is in a state capable of inserting the test tube, on the basis of the state notifications transmitted from the measurement units, the test tube extraction request notification, and the next sample suction ready notification. For example, when the next sample suction ready notification is not transmitted from the first measurement unit  2 , the CPU  51   a  determines that the first measurement unit  2  is not in the state capable of inserting the test tube. In the case of the state capable of inserting the test tube, the corresponding operation of “test tube insertion to first measurement unit” or “test tube insertion to second measurement unit” is performed in Step S 18 . At this time, the rack transportation section  43  is controlled to transport the rack  101  by the CPU  51   a , so that the container accommodating section  101   b  of the extracted sample container  100  is opposed to any one of the first providing position  43   a  or the second providing position  43   b . Then, the operation is completed. In the case incapable of inserting the test tube, the execution of the corresponding operation of “test tube insertion to first measurement unit” or “test tube insertion to second measurement unit” is set as the reservation state by the CPU  51   a  in Step S 19 . 
         [0087]    As described above, the operation performed next time by the sample transportation device  4  is determined on the basis of the latest state of each of the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3 , immediately before the sampler transportation device  4  performs the next operation by CPU  51   a . Accordingly, since the sample transportation device  4  can perform efficient transportation based on the latest state of each of the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3 , it is possible to promptly perform the process of the samples. 
         [0088]    In the next operation determination processing state  4   a  shown in  FIG. 13 , when the next operation is performed by the above-described process of  FIG. 14 , the sample transportation device  4  is transited to states  4   b  to  4   i  corresponding to the operations. Specifically, the sample transportation device  4  may be transited to 9 kinds of states of a rack inputting state  4   b , a test tube presence checking state  4   c , a sample ID/measurement order assigning state  4   d , a test tube inserting state  4   e  to first measurement unit, a test tube inserting state  4   f  to second measurement unit, a test tube extracting state  4   g  from first measurement unit, a test tube extracting state  4   h  from second measurement unit, and a rack outputting state  4   i , in addition to the next operation determination processing state  4   a.    
         [0089]    In  FIG. 13 , the operations performed in the next operation state is shown, as “NEXT;”. In  FIG. 13 , the events notified to the control device  5  at the time of being transited from each operation state to the next operation determination processing state  4   a  are shown, as “I;”, and the operations registered in the queue are shown, as “C;”. For example, when the sample transportation device  4  is in the rack inputting state  4   b , the rack input operation shown as “NEXT;” are performed. When the sample transportation device  4  is transited from the rack inputting state  4   b  to the next operation determination processing state  4   a , the event notification for notifying the rack input completion shown as “I;” is transmitted to the control device  5 , and the test tube presence check operation shown as “C;” is registered in the queue by the CPU  51   a . For the other event shown in  FIG. 15 , the notification is performed in the same manner as the rack input completion notification. In addition, for the other operation shown in  FIG. 16 , the registration to the queue is performed in the same manner as the test tube presence check operation. The two operations of “test tube extraction from first measurement unit” and “test tube extraction from second measurement unit” are registered in the queue on the basis of the test tube extraction request transmitted from the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3 . 
         [0090]    In the case where the sample transportation device  4  is in the test tube inserting state  4   e  to first measurement unit, when the sample container  100  inserted to the first measurement unit  2  is transported to a predetermined position, the insertion request notification for notifying completion of transportation to a predetermined position is transmitted to the first measurement unit  2 . On the basis of the notification, the CPU  51   a  can control the first measurement unit  2  so that the sample container  100  is gripped by the hand section  251 . For the second measurement unit  3 , the insertion request notification is transmitted in the same manner as the first measurement unit  2 . 
         [0091]      FIG. 17  is a flowchart for explaining the operation at the time of prior sample measurement of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . Next, the operation at the time of prior sample measurement of the blood analyzer  1  according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 10 , and  FIG. 17 . In the first embodiment, the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3  can measure prior samples independently from each other, and the operations at the time of prior sample measurement in the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3  are the same. Accordingly, the operation at the time of prior sample measurement in the first measurement unit  2  will be described herein as a representative example. 
         [0092]    First, in Step S 101  shown in  FIG. 17 , it is determined whether or not the sample set section open and close button  26  (see  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ) is pressed down by the CPU  51   a , and the determination is repeated until the sample set section open and close button  26  is pressed down. When the sample set section open and close button  26  is pressed down, the sample set section  255   a  (see  FIG. 2 ) protrudes out of the insertion hole  24  in Step S 102 . In Step S 103 , the prior sample measurement instruction picture  520  (see  FIG. 10 ) is displayed on the display unit  52 . In Step S 104 , after a user inputs a sample identification number or sets measurement items, it is determined whether or not the OK button  520   a  displayed on the prior sample measurement instruction picture  520  is pressed down by the CPU  51   a . The determination is continued until the OK button  520   a  is pressed down. When the OK button  520   a  is pressed down, the user sets the sample container  100  accommodating the prior sample at the sample set section  255   a  in Step S 105  and then it is determined whether or not the prior sample measurement start button  27  (see  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ) is pressed down by the CPU  51   a . When the prior sample measurement start button  27  is not pressed down, the determination is repeated. When the prior sample measurement start button  27  is pressed down, the sample set section  255   a  is returned from the insertion hole  24  to the inside of the first measurement unit  2  in Step S 106 . Accordingly, the prior sample is inserted into the first measurement unit  2 . 
         [0093]    In Step S 107 , the measurement of the prior sample is performed. In Step S 108 , it is determined whether or not the measurement is completed. The determination is repeated until the measurement completed. When the measurement is completed, the sample set section  255   a  comes out of the insertion hole  24  in Step S 109 . Accordingly, the sample container  100  of the measured prior sample is discharged out of the first measurement unit  2  so as to be extracted. Then, in Step S 110 , it is determined whether or not the prior sample measurement start button  27  is pressed down. 
         [0094]    In the first embodiment, the user removes the sample container  100  of the measured prior sample from the sample set section  255   a , and then sets the sample container  100  accommodating a next new prior sample at the sample set section  255   a . The prior sample measurement start button  27  is pressed down, thereby continuously performing the measurement of the prior sample. When the user sets the sample container  100  accommodating the next new prior sample at the sample set section  255   a  and presses down the prior sample measurement start button  27 , the operation is transferred to Step S 106  and the measurement of the next prior sample is continuously performed. In this case, even when the user does not input the sample identification number or set the measurement items, continuous identification numbers are automatically assigned by the CPU  51   a  and the measurement is continued with the same items according to the once set measurement items. 
         [0095]    When the prior sample measurement start button  27  is not pressed down, it is determined whether or not the sample set section open and close button  26  is pressed down by the CPU  51   a  in Step S 111 . The user may cancel the measurement of the prior sample by pressing down the sample set section open and close button  26 . When the sample set section open and close button  26  is not pressed down, the determination is repeated until any one of the prior sample measurement start button  27  and the sample set section open and close button  26  is pressed down. When the sample set section open and close button  26  is pressed down, the sample set section  255   a  is returned from the insertion hole  24  to the inside of the first measurement unit  2  in Step S 1   12  and the measurement operation of the prior sample is completed. 
         [0096]    In the first embodiment, as described above, the sample set section open and close buttons  26  and  36  for instructing the measurement of the prior sample prior to the other samples are provided. Accordingly, when the user instructs the measurement of the prior sample using the sample set section open and close button  26  or  36 , the measurement of the prior sample is performed prior to the other samples. Therefore, it is possible to promptly perform the process of the prior sample needing to be processed prior to the other samples. In the blood analyzer  1  according to the first embodiment, when the measurement of the prior sample using any one of the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3  is instructed by the sample set section open and close button  26  or  36 , the transportation of the sample to the first providing position  43   a  or the second providing position  43   b  is reserved. In addition, since the CPU  51   a  for controlling the sample transportation device  4  to perform the other operation is provided, it is possible to perform the process of the other samples together with the measurement of the prior sample while performing the measurement of the prior sample with the second measurement unit  3 , for example, even when the measurement of the prior sample needing to be processed prior to the other samples using the second measurement unit  3  is instructed. Accordingly, it is not necessary to reserve the process of the other samples. Therefore, even when there are a large number of prior samples needing to be processed prior to the other samples, it is possible to suppress great delay of the process of the other samples. In addition, when the user directly provides the prior sample to the second measurement unit  3  in which the transportation of the other samples is reserved, it is not necessary to transport the prior sample by the sample transportation device  4 . Therefore, it is possible to more promptly perform the process of the prior sample needing to be processed prior to the other samples, as much as the transportation time of the prior sample. Accordingly, in blood analyzer  1  according to the first embodiment, it is possible to promptly perform the process of the prior sample while avoiding the large device size, without great delay of the process of the other samples in addition to the prior sample needing to be processed prior to the other samples. 
         [0097]    In the first embodiment, the sample set section open and close buttons  26  and  36  for instructing the measurement of the prior sample are provided for the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3 , respectively. Accordingly, the user can easily instruct the measurement of the prior sample by pressing down the sample set section open and close button  26  or  36 . 
         [0098]    In the first embodiment, the user removes the sample container  100  of the measured prior sample from the sample set section  255   a  and then sets the sample container  100  accommodating the next new prior sample at the sample set section  255   a . Accordingly, it is possible to continuously perform the measurement of the prior sample by pressing down the prior sample measurement start button  27 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce burden of the user at the time of measuring the prior sample. 
         [0099]    In the first embodiment, the next operation performed next time by the sample transportation device  4  is determined by the CPU  51   a  on the basis of the latest state of each of the first measurement unit  2 , the second measurement unit  3 , and the sample transportation device  4  immediately before the next operation is performed by the sample transportation device  4 . However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the sample transportation device  4  may be controlled by the CPU  51   a  so that a plurality of samples are alternately transported to the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3 , when the measurement of the prior sample is not instructed by the user. Accordingly, when there is no prior sample needing to be processed prior to the other samples, it is possible to efficiently transport the other samples to the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3 . Therefore, it is possible to promptly perform the process of the samples. 
         [0100]      FIG. 18  is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the sample transportation device in a modified example of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . Next, the operation of the sample transportation device  4  in the modified example of the blood analyzer  1  according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 18 . In the modified example, the sampler operation processing program  54   c  installed in the control device  5  is different from that of the blood analyzer according to the first embodiment. The sampler operation processing program  54   c  in the modified example sequentially controls the sample transportation device  4 . 
         [0101]    When sampler measurement start is instructed by a user, the rack  101  is input from the before-analysis rack holding section  41  (see  FIG. 3 ) to the rack transportation section  43  (see  FIG. 3 ) in Step S 21 . In Step S 22 , it is determined whether or not the measurement of the prior sample is instructed by the user. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the sample set section open and close button  26  or  36  is pressed down by the user, by the CPU  51   a  of the control device  5 . Where the measurement is not instructed, the sample of the N th  sample container  100  is transported to the first measurement unit  2  by the rack transportation section  43  in Step S 23 . In Step S 24 , it is determined again whether or not the measurement of the prior sample is instructed by the user, by the CPU  51   a . Herein N, is a real number starting from 1. Accordingly, when the operation of Step S 23  is performed first, the sample of the first sample container  100  is transported as N=1 to the first measurement unit  2 . 
         [0102]    When the measurement of the prior sample is instructed, the operation is transferred to Step S 46 . When the measurement is not instructed, the sample of (N+1)th sample container  100  is transported to the second measurement unit  3  by the rack transportation section  43  in Step S 25 . In Step S 26 , it is determined whether or not the measurement of the prior sample is instructed by the user. When the measurement is not instructed, it is determined whether or not N=9 in Step S 27 . When N is not equal to 9, N is changed to (N+2) in Step S 28 . That is, when N=1 immediately before the operation is transferred to Step S 28 , N is changed to 3 in Step S 28 . This process is performed for the CPU  51   a  to control the sample transportation device  4 , so that the sample are alternately transported to the two measurement units of the first measurement unit  2  and the second measurement unit  3 . Then, the operation is transferred to Step S 23 . In Step S 27 , when N=9, the rack  101  is output from the rack transportation section  43  to the after-analysis rack holding section  42  in Step S 36 . Then, the operation is completed. In Step S 26 , when the measurement of the prior sample is instructed, the operation is transferred to Step S 45  and N is changed to (N+2). 
         [0103]    In Step S 22 , when the measurement of the prior sample is instructed, it is determined whether or not the measurement of the prior sample is instructed on the first measurement unit  2  side in Step S 29 . When the measurement is not instructed on the first measurement unit  2  side, the operation is transferred to Step S 52  as described latter. When the measurement is instructed on the first measurement unit  2  side, the sample of the N th  sample container  100  is transported to the second measurement unit  3  in Step S 30 . In Step S 31 , it is determined whether or not the completion of the measurement of the prior sample is instructed. When the completion is not instructed, the sample of the (N+1) th  sample container  100  is also transported to the second measurement unit  3  in Step S 32 . Then, in Step S 33 , it is determined whether or not the completion of the measurement of the prior sample is instructed. When the completion is not instructed, it is determined whether or not N=9 in Step S 34 . When N=9, the CPU  51   a  determines that the sample transportation device  4  has transported the tenth sample container  100  accommodated in the rack  101  to the second measurement unit  3 , and the operation is transferred to Step S 36 . When N is not equal to  9 , the CPU  51   a  determines that the sample transportation device  4  has not transported all ten sample containers  100  accommodated in the rack  101  to the measurement unit. In Step S 35 , N is changed to (N+2). Then, the operation is returned to Step S 30 . In Step S 33 , when the completion is instructed, N is changed to (N+2) in Step S 37  and the operation is transferred to Step S 23 . 
         [0104]    In Step S 31 , when the completion of the measurement of the prior sample is instructed, the sample of the (N+1) th  sample container  100  is transported to the first measurement unit  2  in Step S 38 . In Step S 39 , it is determined whether or not the measurement of the prior sample is instructed. When the measurement is instructed, N is changed to (N+2) in Step S 40 . Then, the operation is transferred to Step S 45 . On the other hand, when the measurement is not instructed, it is determined whether or not N=9 in Step S 41 . When N is not equal to 9, N is changed to (N+2) in Step S 42 . In Step S 43 , the sample of the N th  sample container  100  is transported to the second measurement unit  3 . In Step S 44 , it is determined whether or not the measurement of the prior sample is instructed. When the measurement is not instructed, the operation is transferred to Step S 38 . When the measurement is instructed, it is determined whether or not the measurement of the prior sample is instructed on the first measurement unit  2  side in Step S 46 . When the measurement is instructed on the first measurement unit  2  side, the sample of (N+1) th  sample container  100  is transported to the second measurement unit  3  in Step S 47 . In Step S 48 , it is determined whether or not the completion of the measurement of the prior sample is instructed. When the completion is not instructed, it is determined whether or not N=9 in Step S 49 . When N=9, the operation is transferred to Step S 36 . When N is not equal to 9, N is changed to (N+2) in Step S 50 . Then, the operation is transferred to Step S 30 . In Step S 48 , when the completion is instructed, N is changed to (N+2) in Step S 51 . In Step S 46 , when the measurement is not instructed on the first measurement unit  2  side, the operation is transferred to Step S 54 . 
         [0105]    In Step S 29 , when the measurement of the prior sample is not instructed on the first measurement unit  2  side, the sample of the N th  sample container  100  is transported to the first measurement unit  2  in Step S 52 . In Step S 53 , it is determined whether or not the completion of the measurement of the prior sample is instructed. When the completion is instructed, the operation is transferred to Step S 25 . When the completion is not instructed, the sample of the (N+1) th  sample container  100  is also transported to the first measurement unit  2  in Step S 54 . In Step S 55 , it is determined whether or not the completion of the measurement of the prior sample is instructed. When the completion is instructed, the operation is transferred to Step S 42 . When the completion is not instructed, it is determined whether or not N=9 in Step S 56 . When N=9, the operation is transferred to Step S 36 . When N is not equal to 9, N is changed to (N+2) in Step S 57 . Then the operation is transferred to Step S 52 . 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0106]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view illustrating an overall configuration of a blood analyzer according to a second embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 20  is a flowchart for explaining the operation at the time of prior sample measurement of the blood analyzer according to the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 19 . Next, the operations at the time of prior sample measurement of the blood analyzer  600  according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 19 , and  FIG. 20 . The blood analyzer  600  according to the second embodiment is configured to measure the prior sample only at any one of the first measurement unit  601  and the second measurement unit  602 , unlike the blood analyzer  1  according to the first embodiment. 
         [0107]    In Step S 201  shown in  FIG. 20 , it is determined whether or not the display of the prior sample measurement instruction picture  520  (see  FIG. 10 ) displayed on the display unit  52  (see  FIG. 19 ) is instructed by a user, by the CPU  51   a . The determination is repeated until the display is instructed. When the display is instructed, the prior sample measurement instruction picture  520  is displayed on the display unit  52  in Step S 202 . In Step S 203 , the user inputs a sample identification number or sets measurement items, and then it is determined whether or not the OK button  520   a  displayed on the prior sample measurement instruction picture  520  is pressed down by the CPU  51   a . The determination is continued until the OK button  520   a  is pressed down. 
         [0108]    In the second embodiment, when the OK button  520   a  is pressed down, it is determined whether or not the first measurement unit  601  can start the measurement of the prior sample prior to the second measurement unit  602  in the present state by the CPU  51   a  in Step S 204 . Specifically, the CPU  51   a  performs the determination on the basis of the state notification of the first measurement unit  601  and the second measurement unit  602  transmitted to the control unit  5 , the event notification, and the like. When the first measurement unit  601  can start the measurement of the prior sample prior thereto, the sample set section  255   a  protrudes out of the insertion hole  24  in Step S 205 . Then, the user sets the sample container  100  accommodating the prior sample at the sample set section  255   a  in Step S 206 , and then it is determined whether or not the prior sample measurement start button  27  (see  FIG. 19 ) is pressed down by the CPU  51   a . When the prior sample measurement start button  27  is not pressed down, the determination is repeated. When the prior sample measurement start button  27  is pressed down, the sample set section  255   a  is returned from the insertion hole  24  to the inside of the first measurement unit  601  in Step S 207 . Accordingly, the prior sample is inserted into the first measurement unit  601 . 
         [0109]    In Step S 208 , the measurement of the prior sample is performed. In Step S 209 , it is determined whether or not the measurement is completed. The determination is repeated until the measurement is completed. When the measurement is completed, the sample set section  255   a  comes out of the insertion hole  24  in Step S 210 . Accordingly, the sample container  100  of the measured prior sample is discharged out of the first measurement unit  601  so as to be extracted. Then, in Step S 211 , it is determined whether or not the sample container  100  of the measured prior sample is removed from the sample set section  255   a  by CPU  51   a . The determination is repeated until the sample container  100  is removed. When the sample container  100  is removed, the sample set section  255   a  is returned from the insertion hole  24  to the inside of the first measurement unit  601  in Step S 212 . In Step S 213 , the prior sample measurement instruction picture  520  is displayed on the display unit  52  again. In Step S 214 , the user inputs a sample identification number for a next new prior sample or sets measurement items, and then it is determined whether or not the OK button  520   a  displayed on the prior sample measurement instruction picture  520  is pressed down by the CPU  51   a . When the OK button  520   a  is pressed down, the operation is transferred to Step S 204 . When the OK button  520   a  is not pressed down, it is determined whether or not the cancel button  520   b  displayed on the prior sample measurement instruction picture  520  is pressed down in Step S 215  by the CPU  51   a . In the second embodiment, the user may cancel the measurement of the prior sample by pressing down the cancel button  520   b . In Step S 215 , when the cancel button  520   b  is not pressed down, the determinations are repeated until any one of the OK button  520   a  and the cancel button  520   b  is pressed down. When the cancel button  520   b  is pressed down, the operation of the measurement of the prior sample is completed as it is. 
         [0110]    In the determination in Step S 204 , when the second measurement unit  602  can start the measurement of the prior sample prior thereto, the operation is transferred to Step S 216 . In this case, the operation of the measurement of the prior sample on the second measurement unit  602  side from Steps S 216  to S 226  is the same as the operation of the measurement on the first measurement  601  side described in Steps S 205  to S 215 . Accordingly, the description of the operation of the measurement of the prior sample on the second measurement unit  602  side is omitted. 
         [0111]    As described above, in the second embodiment, the CPU  51   a  determines to measure the prior sample using which one of the first measurement unit  601  and the second measurement unit  602 . Accordingly, the user need not to select any one of the measurement units to measure the prior sample. For this reason, as shown in  FIG. 19 , the first measurement unit  601  and the second measurement unit  602  of the blood analyzer  600  according to the second embodiment are not provided with the sample set section open and close button. 
         [0112]    The other structure of the blood analyzer  600  according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. 
         [0113]    In the second embodiment, as described above, when the measurement of the prior sample is instructed from the prior sample measurement instruction picture  520 , the CPU  51   a  is configured to select any one measurement unit capable of more promptly measuring the prior sample from the first measurement unit  601  and the second measurement unit  602 . Accordingly, it is possible to measure the prior sample on the measurement unit capable of more promptly measuring the prior sample selected by the CPU  51   a , from the first measurement unit  601  and the second measurement unit  602 . Therefore, it is possible to promptly perform the process of the prior sample. 
         [0114]    In the second embodiment, the CPU  51   a  selects any one capable of more promptly measuring the prior sample from the first measurement unit  601  and the second measurement unit  602 , and only the sample set section of the selected side comes out. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the user from wandering that the sample container  100  of the prior sample is to be set at which sample set section of the first measurement unit  601  and the second measurement unit  602 . 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0115]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view illustrating an overall configuration of a blood analyzer according to a third embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 22  is a flowchart for explaining the operation at the time of prior sample measurement of the blood analyzer according to the third embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 . Next, the operation at the time of the prior sample measurement of the blood analyzer  700  according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 21 , and  FIG. 22 . The blood analyzer  700  according to the third embodiment is configured to continuously measure a next new prior sample, without an instruction of measurement from the prior sample measurement instruction picture  520  for each sample, unlike the blood analyzer  600  according to the second embodiment. 
         [0116]    First, in Step S 301  shown in  FIG. 22 , it is determined whether or not the display of the prior sample measurement instruction picture  520  (see  FIG. 10 ) displayed on the display unit  52  (see  FIG. 21 ) is instructed by a user, by the CPU  51   a . The determination is repeated until the display is instructed. When the display is instructed, the prior sample measurement instruction picture  520  is displayed on the display unit  52  in Step S 302 . In Step S 303 , the user inputs a sample identification number or sets measurement items, and then it is determined whether or not the OK button  520   a  displayed on the prior sample measurement instruction picture  520  is pressed down by the CPU  51   a . The determination is continued until the OK button  520   a  is pressed down. 
         [0117]    In the third embodiment, when the OK button  520   a  is pressed down, it is determined whether or not the first measurement unit  701  can start the measurement of the prior sample prior to the second measurement unit  702  in the present state by the CPU  51   a  in Step S 304 . Specifically, the CPU  51   a  performs the determination on the basis of the state notification of the first measurement unit  701  and the second measurement unit  702  transmitted to the control unit  5 , the event notification, and the like. When the first measurement unit  701  can start the measurement of the prior sample prior thereto, the sample set section  255   a  protrudes out of the insertion hole  24  in Step S 305 . Then, the user sets the sample container  100  accommodating the prior sample at the sample set section  255   a  in Step S 306 , and then it is determined whether or not the prior sample measurement start button  27  (see  FIG. 21 ) is pressed down by the CPU  51   a . When the prior sample measurement start button  27  is not pressed down, the determination is repeated. When the prior sample measurement start button  27  is pressed down, the sample set section  255   a  is returned from the insertion hole  24  to the inside of the first measurement unit  701  in Step S 307 . Accordingly, the prior sample is inserted into the first measurement unit  701 . 
         [0118]    In Step S 308 , the measurement of the prior sample is performed. In Step S 309 , it is determined whether or not the measurement is completed. The determination is repeated until the measurement is completed. When the measurement is completed, the sample set section  255   a  comes out of the insertion hole  24  in Step S 310 . Accordingly, the sample container  100  of the measured prior sample is discharged out of the first measurement unit  701  so as to be extracted. Then, in Step S 311 , it is determined whether or not the prior sample measurement start button  27  is pressed down. 
         [0119]    In the third embodiment, the user removes the sample container  100  of the measured prior sample from the sample set section  255   a , and then sets the sample container  100  accommodating a next new prior sample at the sample set section  255   a . The prior sample measurement start button  27  is pressed down, thereby continuously performing the measurement of the prior sample. When the user sets the sample container  100  accommodating the next new prior sample at the sample set section  255   a  and presses down the prior sample measurement start button  27 , the operation is transferred to Step S 307  and the measurement of the next prior sample is continuously performed. In this case, even when the user does not input the sample identification number or set the measurement items, continuous identification numbers are automatically assigned by the CPU  51   a  and the measurement is continued with the same items as the once set measurement items. 
         [0120]    When the prior sample measurement start button  27  is not pressed down, it is determined whether or not the sample set section close button  701   a  (see  FIG. 21 ) is pressed down by the CPU  51   a  in Step S 312 . The user may cancel the measurement of the prior sample by pressing down the sample set section close button  701   a . When the sample set section close button  701   a  is not pressed down, the determination is repeated until any one of the prior sample measurement start button  27  and the sample set section close button  701   a  is pressed down. When the sample set section close button  701   a  is pressed down, the sample set section  255   a  is returned from the insertion hole  24  to the inside of the first measurement unit  701  in Step S 313  and the measurement operation of the prior sample is completed. 
         [0121]    In the determination in Step S 304 , when the second measurement unit  702  can start the measurement of the prior sample prior thereto, the operation is transferred to Step S 314 . In this case, the operation of the measurement of the prior sample on the second measurement unit  702  side from Steps S 314  to S 322  is the same as the operation of the measurement on the first measurement  701  side described in Steps S 305  to S 313 . Accordingly, the description of the operation of the measurement of the prior sample on the second measurement unit  702  side is omitted. 
         [0122]    The other structure of the blood analyzer  700  according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment. 
         [0123]    In the third embodiment, as described above, only the sample set section of one measurement unit selected by the CPU  51   a  comes out. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the user from wandering that the sample container  100  of the prior sample is to be set at which sample set section of the first measurement unit  701  and the second measurement unit  702 . 
         [0124]    In the third embodiment, the user removes the sample container  100  of the measured prior sample from the sample set section  255   a  and then sets the sample container  100  accommodating the next new prior sample at the sample set section  255   a . Accordingly, it is possible to continuously perform the measurement of the prior sample by pressing down the prior sample measurement start button  27 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce burden of the user at the time of measuring the prior sample. 
         [0125]    The other advantage of the third embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment. 
         [0126]    All the above-described embodiments are only examples, and it should be considered that they are not restrictive examples. The scope of the invention is not limited to the description of the embodiments, but is limited only by Claims. In addition, the scope of the invention includes all modifications within the means and scope equivalent to Claims. 
         [0127]    For example, in the first to third embodiments, the blood analyzer has been described as an example of an analyzer, but the invention is not limited thereto. The invention may be applied to the other analyzer as long as it is an analyzer provided with a plurality of measurement units. 
         [0128]    In the first to third embodiment, the blood analyzer is provided with two measurement unit of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit by way of example, but the invention is not limited thereto. The blood analyzer may be provided with three or more measurement units. 
         [0129]    In the first to third embodiments, when the measurement of the prior sample is not instructed, the sample transportation device alternately transports the samples to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit by way of example, but the invention is not limited thereto. The sample transportation device may transport the samples to the measurement unit capable of more promptly starting the measurement of the samples at the time of the transportation of the samples between the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit. Accordingly, the blood analyzer can promptly process the samples, even when process performances of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit are different from each other. 
         [0130]    In the first to third embodiment, the control device is provided with one control unit by way of example, but the invention is not limited thereto. The first measurement unit and the second measurement unit may be provided with different control units, respectively. Theses control units may be mounted on the first measurement unit and the second measurement units, respectively. 
         [0131]    In the first to third embodiment, the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit are accommodated in the independent different housings, respectively, by way of example (see  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 19  and  FIG. 21 ), but the invention is not limited thereto. As shown in  FIG. 23 , the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit may be accommodated together in one housing  7 . 
         [0132]    In the first to third embodiment, the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit are substantially the same type of measurement units by way example, but the invention is not limited thereto. The first measurement unit and the second measurement unit may be different kinds of measurement units.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8