Patent Abstract:
A sample processing system comprising: a transporting apparatus for transporting samples to a first loading position, a second loading position, and a third loading position; a first sample processing apparatus capable of being set in a first setting position and a third setting position; a second sample processing apparatus capable of being set in a second setting position; and a controller including a memory under control of a processor, the memory storing instructions enabling the processor to carry out operations comprising: controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport a sample to the first loading position when the first sample processing apparatus is set in the first setting position; and controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport a sample to the third loading position when the first sample processing apparatus is set in the third setting position, is disclosed. A sample processing 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. JP2008-320584 filed on Dec. 17, 2008, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a sample processing system, a sample processing method, and a computer program product. The present invention particularly relates to: a sample processing system including a plurality of sample processing apparatuses; a sample processing method using the plurality of sample processing apparatuses; and a computer program product for controlling the plurality of sample processing apparatuses. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Conventionally, there is a known sample processing system including a plurality of sample processing apparatuses. 
         [0004]    JP laid-open patent 2000-028620 and JP laid-open patent 2001-349897 each disclose a multiple-sample analysis system (a sample processing system) that includes: a plurality of analyzers (sample processing apparatuses) that are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other; and rack transporting means (a transporting apparatus) for transporting samples to the plurality of analyzers. 
         [0005]    In such a sample processing system that includes a plurality of analyzers, there is a case where maintenance work is performed on side faces, of adjoining analyzers, which are opposed to each other. In such a case, it is necessary to widen a space between the adjoining analyzers in order to obtain sufficient space for the maintenance work. However, the overall size of such a sample processing system is required to be reduced. Accordingly, in some cases, in order to perform maintenance work on one of the side faces, of the adjoining analyzers, which are opposed to each other, moving only an analyzer that is subjected to the maintenance work is not enough to obtain sufficient space for the maintenance work, and the other analyzer which is operating normally and which does not need maintenance at the time also needs to be moved. 
         [0006]    However, when it is necessary in the sample processing systems of JP laid-open patent 2000-028620 and JP laid-open patent 2001-349897 to move the normally operating analyzer as described above, there is a necessity to stop the sample processing that is being performed by the normally operating analyzer and then move the analyzer. Thus, it is impossible to continue the sample processing while obtaining sufficient space for the maintenance work. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The scope of the invention is defined solely by the appended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary. 
         [0008]    A first aspect of the present invention is a sample processing system comprising: a transporting apparatus for transporting samples to a first loading position, a second loading position, and a third loading position; a first sample processing apparatus capable of being set in a first setting position and a third setting position, wherein when the first sample processing apparatus is set in the first setting position, the first sample processing apparatus is capable of being loaded with the sample having been transported to the first loading position and processing the loaded sample, and when the first sample processing apparatus is set in the third setting position, the first sample processing apparatus is capable of being loaded with the sample having been transported to the third loading position and processing the loaded sample; a second sample processing apparatus capable of being set in a second setting position, wherein when the second sample processing apparatus is set in the second setting position, the second sample processing apparatus is capable of being loaded with the sample having been transported to the second loading position and processing the loaded sample; and a controller including a memory under control of a processor, the memory storing instructions enabling the processor to carry out operations comprising: controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport a sample to the first loading position when the first sample processing apparatus is set in the first setting position; and controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport a sample to the third loading position when the first sample processing apparatus is set in the third setting position. 
         [0009]    A second aspect of the present invention is a sample processing method comprising: transporting a sample to a first loading position; performing loading and processing, of the sample having been transported to the first loading position, by a first sample processing apparatus that is set in a first setting position; transporting a sample to a second loading position; performing loading and processing, of the sample having been transported to the second loading position, by a second sample processing apparatus that is set in a second setting position; transporting a sample to a third loading position when the first sample processing apparatus is set in a third setting position; and performing loading and processing, of the sample having been transported to the third loading position, by the first sample processing apparatus set in the third setting position. 
         [0010]    A third aspect of the present invention is a computer program product for a sample processing system comprising: a transporting apparatus for transporting samples; a first sample processing apparatus for being loaded with and processing a sample; a second sample processing apparatus for being loaded with and processing a sample; and a computer, the computer program product comprising a computer readable medium for storing instructions enabling the computer to carry out operations comprising: controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport a sample to a first loading position; controlling the first sample processing apparatus set in a first setting position such that the first sample processing apparatus is loaded with the sample having been transported to the first loading position and processes the loaded sample; controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport a sample to a second loading position; controlling the second sample processing apparatus set in a second setting position such that the second sample processing apparatus is loaded with the sample having been transported to the second loading position and processes the loaded sample; controlling the transporting apparatus so as to transport a sample to a third loading position when the first sample processing apparatus is set in a third setting position; and controlling the first sample processing apparatus set in the third setting position, such that the first sample processing apparatus is loaded with the sample having been transported to the third loading position and processes the loaded sample. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a blood analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram showing measurement units and a sample transporting apparatus of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing the measurement units and the sample transporting apparatus of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a rack and sample containers of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a base of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram illustrating configurations of the measurement units of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram illustrating configurations of the measurement units of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating the base of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a plan view illustrating the sample transporting apparatus of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a side view illustrating the sample transporting apparatus of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a side view illustrating the sample transporting apparatus of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating a control apparatus of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating operations that are performed, in measurement processes based on measurement process programs, by the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating the details of operations that are performed by the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in a normal mode based on a measurement process ( 1 ) program, a measurement process ( 2 ) program, and a sampler operation process program; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating the details of operations that are performed by the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in the normal mode based on the measurement process ( 1 ) program, the measurement process ( 2 ) program, and the sampler operation process program; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  shows positional relationships between sample containers and each position in the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in the normal mode; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  shows positional relationships between the sample containers and each position in the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in the normal mode; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a flowchart illustrating operations that are performed in a maintenance measurement mode switching process by the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  shows a service control screen that is displayed on a display of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  shows a service menu screen that is displayed on the display of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  shows a measurement unit selection screen that is displayed on the display of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  shows a movement confirmation screen that is displayed on the display of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 23  shows a service control screen that is displayed on the display of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 24  is a flowchart illustrating the details of operations that are performed by the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in a maintenance measurement mode based on the measurement process ( 1 ) program, the measurement process ( 2 ) program, and the sampler operation process program; 
           [0035]      FIG. 25  is a flowchart illustrating the details of operations that are performed by the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in the maintenance measurement mode based on the measurement process ( 1 ) program, the measurement process ( 2 ) program, and the sampler operation process program; 
           [0036]      FIG. 26  shows positional relationships between sample containers and each position in the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in the maintenance measurement mode; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 27  shows positional relationships between the sample containers and each position in the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in the maintenance measurement mode. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0038]    Hereinafter, an embodiment of a sample processing system of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an overall structure of a blood analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 2 to 12  each illustrate, in detail, components of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . First, an overall structure of a blood analyzer  1  according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 12 . Note that the present embodiment describes a case where the present invention is applied in the blood analyzer that is an example of the sample processing system. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the blood analyzer  1  according to the present embodiment includes: two measurement units that are a first measurement unit  3  disposed on an upstream side of a transporting direction in which a sample is transported toward a below-described analyzed rack holder  42  (i.e., disposed on an arrow X 2  direction side) and a second measurement unit  2  disposed on a downstream side of the transporting direction in which the sample is transported toward the analyzed rack holder  42  (i.e., disposed on an arrow X 1  direction side); a sample transporting apparatus (sampler)  4  disposed in front of the first measurement unit  3  and the second measurement unit  2  (i.e., disposed on an arrow Y 1  direction side); and a control apparatus  5  structured as a PC (Personal Computer) that is electrically connected to the first measurement unit  3 , the second measurement unit  2 , and the sample transporting apparatus  4 . Further, the blood analyzer  1  is connected to a host computer  6  (see  FIG. 2 ) via the control apparatus  5 . 
         [0041]    Further, as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the first measurement unit  3  and the second measurement unit  2  are measurement units of practically the same type, which are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other. To be specific, in the present embodiment, the second measurement unit  2  uses the same measurement principle as that of the first measurement unit  3  to measure a sample for the same measurement item as that of the first measurement unit  3 . The second measurement unit  2  further performs measurement for measurement items for which the first measurement unit  3  does not perform measurement. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the second measurement unit  2  includes: a sample aspirator  21  for aspirating a blood sample from a sample container (test tube)  100 ; a specimen preparation section  22  for preparing a detection specimen from the blood aspirated by the sample aspirator  21 ; and a detector  23  for detecting blood cells from the detection specimen prepared by the specimen preparation section  22 . Also, the first measurement unit  3  includes: a sample aspirator  31  for aspirating a blood sample from a sample container (test tube)  100 ; a specimen preparation section  32  for preparing a detection specimen from the blood aspirated by the sample aspirator  31 ; and a detector  33  for detecting blood cells from the detection specimen prepared by the specimen preparation section  32 . 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the second measurement unit  2  further includes: a unit cover  24  for accommodating therein the sample aspirator  21 , the specimen preparation section  22 , and the like; a sample container transporter  25  for loading a sample container  100  into the inside of the unit cover  24  and for transporting the sample container  100  to an aspirating position  600  of the sample aspirator  21 ; and a fixedly holding part  26  for fixedly holding the sample container  100  in the aspirating position  600 . Also, the first measurement unit  3  further includes: a unit cover  34  for accommodating therein the sample aspirator  31 , the specimen preparation section  32 , and the like; a sample container transporter  35  for loading a sample container  100  into the inside of the unit cover  34  and for transporting the sample container  100  to an aspirating position  700  of the sample aspirator  31 ; and a fixedly holding part  36  for fixedly holding the sample container  100  in the aspirating position  700 . 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the sample aspirator  21  ( 31 ) includes a piercer  211  ( 311 ). The tip of the piercer  211  ( 311 ) is formed so as to be able to penetrate (pierce) through a below-described sealing cap  100   a  (see  FIG. 4 ) of the sample container  100 . Further, the piercer  211  ( 311 ) is configured to move in vertical directions (arrow Z 1  and Z 2  directions) through an operation of a piercer drive section that is not shown. 
         [0044]    The detector  23  ( 33 ) is configured to perform RBC detection (detection of red blood cells) and PLT detection (detection of platelets) by the sheath flow DC detection method, and to perform HGB detection (detection of hemoglobin in blood) by the SLS-hemoglobin method. The detector  23  ( 33 ) is also configured to perform WBC detection (detection of while blood cells) by flow cytometry using semiconductor laser. Detection results obtained by the detector  23  ( 33 ) are transmitted to the control apparatus  5  as measurement data (measurement results) of the sample. Note that the measurement data is used as a basis for final analysis results provided to a user (such as a red blood count, platelet count, amount of hemoglobin, white blood count, and the like). 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the sample container transporter  25  ( 35 ) has: a hand part  251  ( 351 ) capable of holding a sample container  100 ; an opening/closing part  252  ( 352 ) capable of opening/closing the hand part  251  ( 351 ); a vertically moving part  253  ( 353 ) for rectilinearly moving the hand part  251  ( 351 ) in vertical directions (the arrow Z 1  and Z 2  directions); and an agitator  254  ( 354 ) for moving the hand part  251  ( 351 ) in the vertical directions (the arrow Z 1  and Z 2  directions) in a swinging manner. Further, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the sample container transporter  25  ( 35 ) has: a sample container moving part  255  ( 355 ) for horizontally moving the sample container  100  in the arrow Y 1  and Y 2  directions; and a bar code reader  256  ( 356 ). 
         [0046]    The hand part  251  ( 351 ) is disposed above a transporting path on which a rack  101  is transported by the sample transporting apparatus  4 . The hand part  251  ( 351 ) is configured to, when a sample container  100  has been transported by the sample transporting apparatus  4  to a below-described second loading position  43   b  (first loading position  43   a ) (see  FIG. 2 ), move downward (in the arrow Z 2  direction) and then be caused by the opening/closing part  252  ( 352 ) to open and close to hold the sample container  100  accommodated in the rack  101 . 
         [0047]    Further, the hand part  251  ( 351 ) is configured to move the held sample container  100  upward (in the arrow Z 1  direction) to remove the sample container  100  from the rack  101 , and then be moved in a swinging manner by the agitator  254  ( 354 ) (e.g.,  10  reciprocatory swinging movements). In this manner, the hand part  251  ( 351 ) is capable of agitating the blood contained in the held sample container  100 . The hand part  251  ( 351 ) is configured to move, after the agitation has ended, downward (in the arrow Z 2  direction) and then be caused by the opening/closing part  252  ( 352 ) to release the holding of the sample container  100 . To be specific, the hand part  251  ( 351 ) is configured to set the sample container  100  into a sample setting part  255   a  ( 355   a ) that has been moved by the sample container moving part  255  ( 355 ) so as to be disposed in a sample setting position  610  ( 710 ) (see  FIG. 2 ). Note that as shown in  FIG. 2 , the second loading position  43   b  and the sample setting position  610  coincide with each other when viewed in a plan view. Also, the first loading position  43   a  and the sample setting position  710  coincide with each other when viewed in a plan view. 
         [0048]    The opening/closing part  252  ( 352 ) is configured to cause, based on the dynamics of an air cylinder  252   a  ( 352   a ), the hand part  251  ( 351 ) to open and close so as to hold the sample container  100 . 
         [0049]    The vertically moving part  253  ( 353 ) is configured to move, based on the dynamics of a stepping motor  253   a  ( 353   a ), the hand part  251  ( 351 ) along a rail  253   b  ( 353   b ) in the vertical directions (the arrow Z 1  and Z 2  directions). 
         [0050]    The agitator  254  ( 354 ) is configured to move the hand part  251  ( 351 ) in the vertical directions (the arrow Z 1  and Z 2  directions) in a swinging manner based on the dynamics of a stepping motor that is not shown. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the sample container moving part  255  ( 355 ) has the sample setting part  255   a  ( 355   a ), and is capable of moving the sample setting part  255   a  ( 355   a ) to predetermined positions in accordance with operations performed during a measurement process. To be specific, the sample container moving part  255  ( 355 ) is capable of disposing the corresponding sample setting part in the aspirating position  600  ( 700 ) shown in  FIG. 2 , and disposing the corresponding sample setting part in the sample setting position  610  ( 710 ) shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0052]    The bar code reader  256  ( 356 ) is configured to read a bar code  100   b  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) affixed to each sample container  100 . The bar code  100   b  of each sample container  100  is uniquely assigned to the sample therein, and used to manage analysis results of each sample. 
         [0053]    The fixedly holding part  26  ( 36 ) is configured to fixedly hold a sample container  100  having been moved to the aspirating position  600  ( 700 ). To be specific, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the fixedly holding part  26  ( 36 ) has a pair of chuck parts  261  ( 361 ). The pair of chuck parts  261  ( 361 ) are configured to move closer toward each other so as to hold the sample container  100  therebetween. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIGS. 5 to 7 , the second measurement unit  2  and the first measurement unit  3  have four casters  27  and four casters  37 , respectively, on the bottom faces thereof, and are thereby configured to be able to move on a base  200 . Accordingly, it is possible to obtain work space between the first measurement unit  3  and the second measurement unit  2  by widening a distance therebetween. Further, the base  200  has side face guides  201  at both side faces thereof (a side face on the arrow X 1  direction side and a side face on the arrow X 2  direction side), respectively, and has a top face guide (not shown) on the top face thereof. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the first measurement unit  3  can be rotated, while being prevented from falling off the base  200 , such that a front face  341  thereof faces in the arrow X 2  direction. Further, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the second measurement unit  2  can be rotated, while being prevented from falling off the base  200 , such that a front face  241  thereof faces in the arrow X 1  direction. Owing to the above configuration, maintenance work can be readily performed on side faces, of the first measurement unit  3  and the second measurement unit  2 , which are opposed to each other. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 5 , the first measurement unit  3  and the second measurement unit  2  are each configured to be fixed to the base  200  by a side face fixing member  202 . The side face fixing members  202  are configured to fix the first measurement unit  3  and the second measurement unit  2  to the base  200  in their normal mode setting positions shown in  FIG. 2  (a first setting position and a second setting position), respectively, in which the first measurement unit  3  and the second measurement unit  2  both operate normally. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the side face fixing member  202  is configured to be able to fix the first measurement unit  3  to the base  200  in a third setting position that is shifted, by a distance equivalent to four sample containers  100  held in the rack  101 , from the first setting position of the normal mode in the arrow X 2  direction (a direction away from the second setting position). Further, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the side face fixing member  202  is configured to be able to fix the second measurement unit  2  to the base  200  in a fourth setting position that is shifted, by a distance equivalent to four sample containers  100  held in the rack  101 , from the second setting position of the normal mode in the arrow X 1  direction (a direction away from the first setting position). Note that the first measurement unit  3  and the second measurement unit  2  are capable of performing sample processing in the third setting position and in the fourth setting position, respectively, during a maintenance measurement mode that is described later. 
         [0056]    As described below, the third setting position is set as a position in which all the sample containers  100  in the rack  101  transported by the rack transporter  43  can be loaded into the first measurement unit  3 . The same is true for the fourth setting position and the second measurement unit  2 . To be specific, when the rack  101  is disposed, on the rack transporter  43 , at the end of the upstream side of the transporting direction (i.e., at the end of the arrow X 2  direction side), the first measurement unit  3  in the third setting position can be loaded with a sample container  100  that is held, in the rack  101 , at the end of the downstream side of the transporting direction (at the end of the arrow X 1  direction side of the rack  101 ). Similarly, when the rack  101  is disposed, on the rack transporter  43 , at the end of the downstream side of the transporting direction (i.e., at the end of the arrow X 1  direction side), the second measurement unit  2  in the fourth setting position can be loaded with a sample container  100  that is held, in the rack  101 , at the end of the upstream side of the transporting direction (at the end of the arrow X 2  direction side of the rack  101 ). A moving distance from the first setting position to the third setting position, and a moving distance from the second setting position to the fourth setting position, are each equivalent to a distance of maximum movement, of one measurement unit (measurement unit that is to continue the measurement), in a direction away from the other measurement unit (measurement unit that is a subject of maintenance work), the movement being in such a range as to allow all the sample containers  100  held in the rack  101  to be loaded into the one measurement unit. In the present embodiment, this distance is equivalent to four sample containers held in the rack  101 . In this manner, the one measurement unit having been moved (the measurement unit that is to continue the measurement) can perform sample processing with the same sample processing capability as in a proper position (the first setting position or the second setting position), and at the same time, space for performing the maintenance work on the other measurement unit can be obtained as widely as possible. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the first measurement unit  3  and the second measurement unit  2  are each configured to be fixed to the base  200  also by a front face fixing member  203  provided at the front side of the base  200  (arrow Y 1  direction side). Formed in the front face fixing member  203  are: a first positioning hole  203   a , a second positioning hole  203   b , a third positioning hole  203   c , and a fourth positioning hole  203   d , each of which has an elongated shape; and a pair of first fixing holes  203   e , a pair of second fixing holes  203   f , a pair of third fixing holes  203   g , and a pair of fourth fixing holes  203   h , each of which has a round shape. The first measurement unit  3  is configured to be positioned in the first setting position when a protrusion (not shown) provided on the front face (on the arrow Y 1  direction side) of the first measurement unit  3  is inserted into the first positioning hole  203   a . Also, the first measurement unit  3  is configured to be positioned in the third setting position when the protrusion (not shown) thereof is inserted into the third positioning hole  203   c . Similarly, the second measurement unit  2  is configured to be positioned in the second setting position or in the fourth setting position when a protrusion (not shown) provided on the front face (on the arrow Y 1  direction side) of the second measurement unit  2  is inserted into the second positioning hole  203   b  or into the fourth positioning hole  203   d , respectively. In this manner, positioning of each of the first measurement unit  3  and the second measurement unit  2  can be readily performed. The pair of first fixing holes  203   e  and the pair of third fixing holes  203   g  are configured to be used as screw holes for fixing the first measurement unit  3  in the first setting position and in the third setting position, respectively. Further, the pair of second fixing holes  203   f  and the pair of fourth fixing holes  203   h  are configured to be used as screw holes for fixing the second measurement unit  2  in the second setting position and in the fourth setting position, respectively. 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the sample transporting apparatus  4  includes: an unanalyzed rack holder  41  capable of holding a plurality of racks  101  each accommodating sample containers  100  that contain unanalyzed samples; an analyzed rack holder  42  capable of holding a plurality of racks  101  each accommodating sample containers  100  that contain samples having been analyzed; a rack transporter  43  for horizontally and rectilinearly moving a rack  101  in the arrow X 1  and X 2  directions; a bar code reader  44 ; a presence/absence detection sensor  45  for detecting presence/absence of a sample container  100 ; and a rack sending out section  46  for moving the rack  101  to the inside of the analyzed rack holder  42 . 
         [0059]    The unanalyzed rack holder  41  has a rack feeder  411 , and is configured such that the racks  101  held by the unanalyzed rack holder  41  are pushed, one by one, onto the rack transporter  43  by the rack feeder  411  moving in the arrow Y 2  direction. The rack feeder  411  is configured to be driven by a stepping motor (not shown) provided below the unanalyzed rack holder  41 . Further, the unanalyzed rack holder  41  has a restricting portion  412  (see  FIG. 3 ) near the rack transporter  43 , and is configured to restrict, by the restricting portion  412 , the movement of the racks  101  such that once a rack  101  is pushed onto the rack transporter  43 , the rack  101  does not return to the inside of the unanalyzed rack holder  41 . 
         [0060]    The analyzed rack holder  42  has a restricting portion  421  (see  FIG. 3 ) near the rack transporter  43 , and is configured to restrict, by the restricting portion  421 , the movement of the racks  101  such that once a rack  101  is moved to the inside of the analyzed rack holder  42 , the rack  101  does not return to the rack transporter  43 . 
         [0061]    In the present embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the rack transporter  43  is configured to transport the rack  101 , thereby disposing a predetermined sample container  100 , which is held in the rack, in the first loading position  43   a  at which the predetermined sample container is loaded into the first measurement unit  3  disposed in the first setting position, and disposing a predetermined sample container  100 , which is held in the rack, in the second loading position  43   b  at which the predetermined sample container is loaded into the second measurement unit  2  disposed in the second setting position. The rack transporter  43  is also configured to be able to transport each sample container  100  to a sample presence/absence detection position  43   c  at which the presence/absence detection sensor  45  confirms presence or absence of each sample container  100 , and to transport each sample container  100  to a reading position  43   d  at which the bar code reader  44  reads the bar code  100   b  of each sample container  100  (see  FIG. 4 ). Further, in the below-described maintenance measurement mode, the rack transporter  43  is configured to be able to transport a predetermined sample container  100 , which is held in the rack, to a third loading position  43   e  at which the predetermined sample container is loaded into the first measurement unit  3  disposed in the third setting position shown in  FIG. 7 , and transport a predetermined sample container  100 , which is held in the rack, to a fourth loading position  43   f  at which the predetermined sample container is loaded into the second measurement unit  2  disposed in the fourth setting position shown in  FIG. 6 . Further, the rack transporter  43  is configured to be able to transport all the sample containers  100  (ten containers), which the rack  101  can hold, to any of the first loading position  43   a , the second loading position  43   b , the third loading position  43   e , and the fourth loading position  43   f.    
         [0062]    In addition, the rack transporter  43  is configured to, as a result of the control apparatus  5  executing a below-described sampler operation process program  54   c  (see  FIG. 12 ), transport a predetermined sample container  100  to a predetermined position, based on a transporting distance from a reference position to the predetermined position, the transporting distance being set by the sampler operation process program  54   c . To be more specific, a rear edge of the rack  101  (an edge of the arrow X 2  direction side of the rack  101 ) in a position on the rack transporter  43 , into which position the racks  101  are fed from the unanalyzed rack holder  41  (hereinafter, referred to as a rack feeding position), is set as the reference position. Based on this, the sampler operation process program  54   c  presets the transporting distance to the predetermined position. In the case where a predetermined sample container  100  is transported to the third loading position  43   e  during the maintenance measurement mode, the transporting distance, which is currently set as a distance from the reference position to the first loading position  43   a , is changed to a distance from the reference position to the third loading position  43   e , whereby the rack transporter  43  is enabled to transport the predetermined sample container  100  to the third loading position  43   e . The transporting of a predetermined sample container  100  to the fourth loading position  43   f  is also enabled when the transporting distance, which is currently set as a distance from the reference position to the second loading position  43   b , is changed to a distance from the reference position to the fourth loading position  43   f , whereby the rack transporter  43  is enabled to transport the predetermined sample container  100  to the fourth loading position  43   f . Note that the third loading position  43   e  is located so as to be shifted from the first loading position  43   a  in the arrow X 2  direction by a distance equivalent to four sample containers  100  held in the rack  101 . Also, the fourth loading position  43   f  is located so as to be shifted from the second loading position  43   b  in the arrow X 1  direction by a distance equivalent to four sample containers  100  held in the rack  101 . 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the rack transporter  43  has two belts that are a first belt  431  and a second belt  432  capable of moving independently of each other. A width b 1  of the first belt  431  in the arrow Y 1  direction and a width b 2  of the second belt  432  in the arrow Y 2  direction are each equal to or smaller than the half of a width B of the rack  101  in the arrow Y 1  and Y 2  directions. This allows the first belt  431  and the second belt  432  to be arranged in parallel to each other and not to be displaced from the width B of the rack  101  when the rack transporter  43  transports the rack  101 . Further, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the first belt  431  and the second belt  432  are each formed in an annular shape, and are provided so as to be wound around rollers  431   a  to  431   c  and rollers  432   a  to  432   c , respectively. The outer periphery of the first belt  431  has two protrusions  431   d  formed thereon and the outer periphery of the second belt  432  has two protrusions  432   d  formed thereon, such that an interval between the protrusions  431   d  and an interval between the protrusions  432   d  have an inner width w 1  (see  FIG. 10 ) and an inner width w 2  (see  FIG. 11 ), respectively, which are both slightly greater (e.g., by approximately 1 mm) than a width W of the rack  101  in the arrow X 1  and X 2  directions. The first belt  431  is configured to move, when holding the rack  101  between the protrusions  431   d , the rack  101  in the arrow X 1  or X 2  direction as a result of being moved around the rollers  431   a  to  431   c  by a stepping motor  431   e  (see  FIG. 3 ). Also, the second belt  432  is configured to move, when holding the rack  101  between the protrusions  432   d , the rack  101  in the arrow X 1  or X 2  direction as a result of being moved around the rollers  432   a  to  432   c  by a stepping motor  432   e  (see  FIG. 3 ). The first belt  431  and the second belt  432  are configured to be able to move the rack  101  independently of each other. 
         [0064]    The bar code reader  44  is configured to read the bar code  100   b  of each sample container  100  shown in  FIG. 4  and a bar code  101   a  affixed to the rack  101 . The bar code reader  44  is configured to read the bar code  100   b  of a target sample container  100  accommodated in the rack  101  when the target sample container  100  is being horizontally rotated by a rotator (not shown) without being removed from the rack  101 . Accordingly, even in the case where the bar code  100   b  of the sample container  100  is affixed at the opposite side to the bar code reader  44 , the bar code  100   b  can be caused to face the bar code reader  44 . Note that the bar code  101   a  is uniquely assigned to each rack  101 , and used for, e.g., managing analysis results of the samples. 
         [0065]    The presence/absence detection sensor  45  has a curtain-like contact segment  451  (see  FIG. 3 ), a light emitting element for emitting light (not shown), and a light receiving element (not shown). The presence/absence detection sensor  45  is configured such that the contact segment  451  is bent when contacted by a detection subject, and as a result, the light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by the contact segment  451  and then incident on the light receiving element. Accordingly, when a sample container  100  which is accommodated in the rack  101  and which is a detection subject passes below the presence/absence detection sensor  45 , the contact segment  451  is bent by the sample container  100 . As a result, the presence of the sample container  100  can be detected. 
         [0066]    The rack sending out section  46  is disposed so as to be opposed to the analyzed rack holder  42  while having the rack transporter  43  positioned therebetween, and is configured to horizontally move in the arrow Y 1  direction. The rack sending out section  46  is configured to push, by horizontally moving in the arrow Y 1  direction, the rack  101  that is placed, on the rack transporter  43 , in a position between the analyzed rack holder  42  and the rack sending out section  46  (hereinafter, referred to as a rack sending out position), toward the analyzed rack holder  42  side. 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  12 , the control apparatus  5  is structured as a personal computer (PC) or the like. The control apparatus  5  includes: a control section  51  (see  FIG. 12 ) including a CPU, ROM, RAM and the like; a display  52 ; and an input device  53 . The display  52  is provided so as to display analysis results and the like that are obtained by analyzing digital signal data transmitted from the first measurement unit  3  and the second measurement unit  2 . 
         [0068]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , the control apparatus  5  is structured as a computer  500  of which the main components are the control section  51 , the display  52 , and the input device  53 . The main components of the control section  51  are 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 , ROM  51   b , RAM  51   c , hard disk  51   d , readout device  51   e , input/output interface  51   f , communication interface  51   g , and the image output interface  51   h  are connected to each other via a bus  51   i.    
         [0069]    The CPU  51   a  is capable of executing computer programs stored in the ROM  51   b  and computer programs loaded into the RAM  51   c . The computer  500  acts as the control apparatus  5  through execution, by the CPU  51   a , of application programs  54   a ,  54   b  and  54   c  that are described below. 
         [0070]    The ROM  51   b  is structured as a mask ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM or the like, and stores computer programs to be executed by the CPU  51   a  and stores data to be used by the computer programs. 
         [0071]    The RAM  51   c  is structured as an SRAM, DRAM or the like. The RAM  51   c  is used for reading computer programs stored in the ROM  51   b  and the hard disk  51   d . The RAM  51   c  is used as a work area for the CPU  51   a  when the CPU  51   a  executes these computer programs. 
         [0072]    Installed in the hard disk  51   d  are: various computer programs to be executed by the CPU  51   a , such as an operating system and application programs; and data to be used for executing these computer programs. A measurement process ( 1 ) program  54   a  for the first measurement unit  3 , a measurement process ( 2 ) program  54   b  for the second measurement unit  2 , and a sampler operation process program  54   c  for the sample transporting apparatus  4  are also installed in the hard disk  51   d . Through the execution of these application programs  54   a  to  54   c  by the CPU  51   a , operations of respective components of the first measurement unit  3 , the second measurement unit  2 , and the sample transporting apparatus  4  are controlled. Further, a measurement result database  54   d  is also installed in the hard disk  51   d.    
         [0073]    The readout device  51   e  is structured as a flexible disc drive, CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive or the like. The readout device  51   e  is capable of reading computer programs or data, which are stored in a portable storage medium  54 . The portable storage medium  54  stores therein the application programs  54   a  to  54   c . The computer  500  is capable of reading the application programs  54   a  to  54   c  from the portable storage medium  54  to install the read application programs  54   a  to  54   c  in the hard disk  51   d.    
         [0074]    Note that the application programs  54   a  to  54   c  can be provided to the computer  500  not only via the portable storage medium  54 , but also from an external device via a telecommunication line (regardless of whether wired or wireless), which external device is communicably connected to the computer  500  by the telecommunication 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  can access the server computer, and download the application programs  54   a  to  54   c  from the server computer to install the application programs  54   a  to  54   c  in the hard disk  51   d.    
         [0075]    Also, an operating system that provides a graphical user interface environment, for example, Windows (registered trademark) manufactured and sold by Microsoft Corporation, is installed in the hard disk  51   d . In the description below, it is assumed that the application programs  54   a  to  54   c  run on the operating system. 
         [0076]    For example, the input/output interface  51   f  is configured as: a serial interface such as USB, IEEE1394 or RS-232C; a parallel interface such as SCSI, IDE or IEEE1284; or an analogue interface including a D/A converter, A/D converter and the like. The input device  53  is connected to the input/output interface  51   f . A user can input data to the computer  500  by using the input device  53 . 
         [0077]    The communication interface  51   g  is an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface, for example. The computer  500  is capable of transmitting/receiving data to/from the first measurement unit  3 , the second measurement unit  2 , the sample transporting apparatus  4 , and the host computer  6  via the communication interface  51   g , using a predetermined communication protocol. 
         [0078]    The image output interface  51   h  is connected to the display  52  that is structured with LCD, CRT or the like. Video signals corresponding to image data, which are supplied from the CPU  51   a , are outputted to the display  52 . The display  52  is configured to display an image (screen) in accordance with the inputted video signals. 
         [0079]    The control section  51  having the above configuration is configured to use measurement results transmitted from the first measurement unit  3  and the second measurement unit  2  to analyze components that are analysis subjects, and obtain results of the analysis (red blood count, platelet count, amount of hemoglobin, white blood count, and the like). 
         [0080]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , in the rack  101 , ten container accommodating portions  101   b  are formed so as to be able to accommodate ten sample containers  100  in line. Further, the container accommodating portions  101   b  are each provided with an opening  101   c  such that the bar code  100   b  of each sample container  100  accommodated therein can be visually recognized. 
         [0081]      FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating operations that are performed, in measurement processes based on the measurement process programs, by the blood analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Described next with reference to  FIG. 13  are operations that are performed, in measurement processes based on the measurement process programs  54   a  and  54   b , by the blood analyzer  1  according to the present embodiment. 
         [0082]    First, at step S 1 , the sample aspirator  31  aspirates a sample from a sample container  100  having been transported to the aspirating position  700  (see  FIG. 2 ). Then, at step S 2 , a detection specimen is prepared from the aspirated sample by the specimen preparation section  32 . At step S 3 , the detector  33  detects, from the detection specimen, the components that are analysis subjects. Then, at step S 4 , measurement data is transmitted from the first measurement unit  3  to the control apparatus  5 . Thereafter, at step S 5 , the control section  51  analyzes, based on the measurement data transmitted from the first measurement unit  3 , the components that are analysis subjects. The analysis of the sample is completed at step S 5 , and the operations end. 
         [0083]      FIGS. 14 and 15  are flowcharts each illustrating the details of the operations that are performed by the blood analyzer in the normal mode based on the measurement process ( 1 ) program, the measurement process ( 2 ) program, and the sampler operation process program.  FIGS. 16 and 17  each show positional relationships between sample containers and each position in the blood analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Described next with reference to  FIGS. 14 to 17  is a series of operations that are performed by the first measurement unit  3 , the second measurement unit  2 , and the sample transporting apparatus  4  when the blood analyzer  1  according to the present embodiment is in the normal mode. Note that the flowcharts in  FIGS. 14 and 15  each show, in the right side rows thereof, the operations performed based on the measurement process ( 1 ) program  54   a , and show, on the left side rows thereof, the operations performed based on the measurement process ( 2 ) program  54   b , and show, in the central rows thereof, the operations performed based on the sampler operation process program  54   c . Further, in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , state numbers indicating positional relationships between the sample containers  100  and each position are provided so as to correspond to step numbers shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . For example, positional relationships between the sample containers  100  and each position in STATE  13  of  FIG. 16  are positional relationships between the sample containers  100  and each position at step S 13  of  FIG. 14 . Note that as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the measurement process ( 1 ) program  54   a , the measurement process ( 2 ) program  54   b , and the sampler operation process program  54   c  are practically executed in parallel in the normal mode of the blood analyzer  1 . 
         [0084]    First, when the blood analyzer  1  is started by a user, the sample transporting apparatus  4  is initialized at step S 11 . At this point, the protrusions  431   d  of the first belt  431  are moved to predetermined positions. These positions are set as original positions of the first belt  431 . At step S 12 , the two protrusions  431   d  are moved to positions corresponding to the rack feeding position. Then, the rack  101  is fed between the two protrusions  431   d  of the first belt  431 . At this point, positional relationships between the sample containers  100  and each position are as shown in STATE  12  of  FIG. 16 . Note that in the description below, positional relationships between the sample containers  100  and each position in each state shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17  are not described. 
         [0085]    At step S 13 , the rack  101  is moved in the direction of the second measurement unit  2  (forward direction). At step S 14 , presence or absence of the first sample container  100  accommodated in the rack  101  is detected at the sample presence/absence detection position  43   c  by the presence/absence detection sensor  45 . Then, at step S 15 , presence or absence of the second sample container  100  is detected at the sample presence/absence detection position  43   c . At step S 16 , the bar code  100   b  of the first sample container  100  is read at the reading position  43   d  by the bar code reader  44 , and presence or absence of the third sample container  100  is detected at the sample presence/absence detection position  43   c . Note that detection results obtained by the presence/absence detection sensor  45  and bar code information read by the bar code readers  44 ,  256  and  356  are transmitted to the host computer  6  at any time as necessary. At step S 17 , the rack  101  is moved such that the first sample container  100  is disposed in the second loading position  43   b . At this point, the bar code  101   a  of the rack  101  is read by the bar code reader  44 . Then, at step S 18 , the first sample container  100  having reached the second loading position  43   b  is removed from the rack  101  by the hand part  251  of the second measurement unit  2 . At this point, the rack  101  is stationary such that the first sample container  100  is disposed in the second loading position  43   b . At step S 19 , the sample in the first sample container  100  held by the hand part  251  is agitated in the second measurement unit  2 , and the rack  101  from which the first sample container  100  has been removed is moved in a reverse direction that is the opposite direction to the forward direction. 
         [0086]    At step S 20 , in the second measurement unit  2 , the first sample container  100  is set into the sample setting part  255   a , and the bar code  100   b  of the second sample container  100  in the rack  101  is read, and presence or absence of the fourth sample container  100  is detected. At step S 21 , in the second measurement unit  2 , the bar code  100   b  of the first sample container  100  is read by the bar code reader  256 . At step S 22 , the first sample container  100  held by the sample setting part  255   a  is held at the aspirating position  600  by the pair of chuck parts  261 , and the piercer  211  of the sample aspirator  21  penetrates through the sealing cap  100   a  of the first sample container  100 . Here, the rack  101  is moved such that the second sample container  100  is disposed in the first loading position  43   a . Thereafter, at step S 23 , in the second measurement unit  2 , the sample contained in the first sample container  100  is aspirated by the sample aspirator  21 , and the second sample container  100  is removed at the first loading position  43   a  from the rack  101  by the hand part  351 . 
         [0087]    At step S 24 , in the second measurement unit  2 , the first sample container  100  is removed from the sample setting part  255   a  by the hand part  251 , and specimen preparation, agitation, and analysis are performed on the sample aspirated by the sample aspirator  21 . Further, in the first measurement unit  3 , the sample contained in the second sample container  100  held by the hand part  351  is agitated, and the rack  101  is moved in the forward direction. At step S 25 , in the first measurement unit  3 , the second sample container  100  is set into the sample setting part  355   a , and the bar code  100   b  of the third sample container  100  in the rack  101  is read, and presence or absence of the fifth sample container  100  is detected. Then, at step S 26 , in the second measurement unit  2 , the measurement of the sample contained in the first sample container  100  ends, and in the first measurement unit  3 , the bar code  100   b  of the second sample container  100  is read by the bar code reader  356 . Further, the bar code  100   b  of the fourth sample container  100  in the rack  101  is read, and presence or absence of the sixth sample container  100  is detected. Note that “ending of the measurement of a sample” in this description means the completion of measurement data transmission at step S 4  shown in  FIG. 13 . That is, at step S 26 , even when the measurement of the sample contained in the first sample container  100  has ended, the process of analyzing the measurement data at step S 5  has not been completed yet. 
         [0088]    At step S 27 , the second sample container  100  held by the sample setting part  355   a  of the first measurement unit  3  is held at the aspirating position  700  by the pair of chuck parts  361 , and the piercer  311  of the sample aspirator  31  penetrates through the sealing cap  100   a  of the second sample container  100 . Here, the rack  101  is moved in the forward direction. Then, at step S 28 , the first sample container  100  is returned from the second measurement unit  2  to a container accommodating portion  101   b  of the rack  101 , which is the original storing position of the first sample container  100 , and in the first measurement unit  3 , the sample contained in the second sample container  100  is aspirated by the sample aspirator  31 . At step S 29 , in the first measurement unit  3 , the second sample container  100  is removed from the sample setting part  355   a  by the hand part  351 , and specimen preparation, agitation, and analysis are performed on the sample aspirated by the sample aspirator  31 . Further, the rack  101  is moved in the forward direction. At step S 30 , the third sample container  100  is removed from the rack  101  by the hand part  251  of the second measurement unit  2 . At this point, the rack  101  is stationary such that the third sample container  100  is disposed in the second loading position  43   b . At step S 31 , in the second measurement unit  2 , the sample contained in the third sample container  100  held by the hand part  251  is agitated, and the rack  101  is moved in the reverse direction. Also, in the first measurement unit  3 , measurement of the sample contained in the second sample container  100  ends. 
         [0089]    Then, at step S 32 , in the second measurement unit  2 , the third sample container  100  is set into the sample setting part  255   a . At step S 33 , in the second measurement unit  2 , the bar code  100   b  of the third sample container  100  is read by the bar code reader  256 . Also, the second sample container  100  is returned from the first measurement unit  3  to a container accommodating portion  101   b  of the rack  101 , which is the original storing position of the second sample container  100 . At step S 34 , the third sample container  100  is held at the aspirating position  600  by the pair of chuck parts  261 . Also, the piercer  211  of the sample aspirator  21  penetrates through the sealing cap  100   a  of the third sample container  100 . Further, the rack  101  is moved in the forward direction. Thereafter, for the other sample containers  100 , the first measurement unit  3  and the second measurement unit  2  perform the measurement processes and the sample transporting apparatus  4  performs the process of transporting the rack  101  in the same manner as described above. Therefore, in order to simplify the drawings, it is assumed that the predetermined processes are performed in the respective positions at step S 35 . Accordingly, the series of operations performed in the normal mode by the first measurement unit  3 , the second measurement unit  2 , and the sample transporting apparatus  4  continue to be performed. 
         [0090]      FIG. 18  is a flowchart illustrating operations that are performed in a maintenance measurement mode switching process by the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIGS. 19 to 23  each show a screen that is displayed on the display of the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . Described next with reference to  FIGS. 18 to 23  are operations that are performed in the maintenance measurement mode switching process by the blood analyzer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0091]    First, at step S 41 , a log-on screen (not shown) is displayed on the display  52 , which prompts an input of a service password. Then, at step S 42 , the CPU  51   a  of the control apparatus  5  determines whether or not the service password has been inputted. This determination step is repeated until the service password in inputted. When the service password is inputted, a service control screen  521  is displayed on the display  52  at step S 43  as shown in  FIG. 19 . The service control screen  521  shows, in a selectable manner, a plurality of icons for performing various settings and the like. One of such icons shown in the screen is a service icon  521   a . Note that the service icon  521   a  is shown only when log-on is performed using the service password. Accordingly, only a particular person who owns the service password (e.g., a service person who performs maintenance work) can select the service icon  521   a.    
         [0092]    At step S 44 , it is determined whether or not the service icon  521   a  has been selected. When a different icon from the service icon  521   a  is selected, a process corresponding to the selected icon is performed at step S 57 , and then the operations end. When the service icon  521   a  is selected, a service menu screen  522  is displayed at step S 45  as shown in  FIG. 20 . The service menu screen  522  shows a plurality of icons in a selectable manner, including a maintenance measurement mode icon  522   a . Then, at step S 46 , the CPU  51   a  determines whether or not the maintenance measurement mode icon  522   a  has been selected. When a different icon from the maintenance measurement mode icon  522   a  is selected, the processing proceeds to step S 57 . When the maintenance measurement mode icon  522   a  is selected, a measurement unit selection screen  523  is displayed over the service menu screen  522  at step S 47 . Note that as a result of the maintenance measurement mode icon  522   a  being selected, the mode is switched from the normal mode to the maintenance measurement mode. The measurement unit selection screen  523  shows a first measurement unit button  523   a  and a second measurement unit button  523   b , and also shows a message that prompts selection of one of the measurement units, which is to continue the measurement during the maintenance measurement mode. 
         [0093]    At step S 48 , it is determined whether or not one of the measurement units has been selected. This determination step is repeated until one of the measurement units is selected. When one of the measurement units is selected, a movement confirmation screen  524  for confirming whether or not to move the selected one of the measurement units is displayed over the service menu screen  522  at step S 49  as shown in  FIG. 22 . The movement confirmation screen  524  shows a “YES” button  524   a  and a “NO” button  524   b . At step S 50 , it is determined whether or not the “YES” button  524   a  has been selected. Here, the “YES” button  524   a  is selected in the case where the measurement unit, which is selected as a measurement unit to continue the measurement, is moved from the proper position of the normal mode (the first setting position or the second setting position). To be specific, in the case of the first measurement unit  3 , the “YES” button  524   a  is selected when the first measurement unit  3  is moved from the first setting position to the third setting position. In the case of the second measurement unit  2 , the “YES” button  524   a  is selected when the second measurement unit  2  is moved from the second setting position to the fourth setting position. In the case of not changing the position of the measurement unit, which is selected as a measurement unit to continue the measurement, from the proper position of the normal mode (the first setting position or the second setting position), the “NO” button  524   b  is selected. 
         [0094]    In the case where the “YES” button  524   a  is selected, a setting is performed at step S 51  such that sample containers  100  are not transported to the other measurement unit (the measurement unit that is a subject of maintenance work) that has not been selected as a measurement unit to continue the measurement. To be specific, in the case where the second measurement unit  2  is selected as a measurement unit to continue the measurement, a setting is performed such that sample containers  100  are not transported to the first loading position  43   a  or the third loading position  43   e , which are positions each for supplying a sample to the first measurement unit  3 . In the case where the first measurement unit  3  is selected as a measurement unit to continue the measurement, a setting is performed such that sample containers  100  are not transported to the second loading position  43   b  or the fourth loading position  43   f , which are positions each for supplying a sample to the second measurement unit  2 . 
         [0095]    Then, at step S 52 , a setting is changed to change the position at which a sample is supplied to the measurement unit that is to continue the measurement. To be specific, in the case where the second measurement unit  2  is to continue the measurement, the position at which a sample is supplied to the second measurement unit  2  (i.e., loading position coordinates) is changed from the second loading position  43   b  to the fourth loading position  43   f . To be more specific, based on the sampler operation process program  54   c , a setting is changed such that the transporting distance is changed from the one between the reference position and the second loading position  43   b  to the one between the reference position and the fourth loading position  43   f . In this manner, the position at which a sample is supplied to the second measurement unit  2  (i.e., loading position coordinates) is changed from the second loading position  43   b  to the fourth loading position  43   f . Note that in the case where the first measurement unit  3  is to continue the measurement, the position at which a sample is supplied to the first measurement unit  3  (i.e., loading position coordinates) is changed from the first loading position  43   a  to the third loading position  43   e  in the same manner as described above. 
         [0096]    Meanwhile, when the “NO” button  524   b  is selected, a setting is performed at step S 53  in the same manner as the above step S 51  such that sample containers  100  are not transported to the other measurement unit (the measurement unit that is a subject of maintenance work) that has not been selected as a measurement unit to continue the measurement. Thereafter, it is determined at step S 54  whether or not a measurement start instruction has been provided. This determination step is repeated until the measurement start instruction is provided. When the measurement start instruction has been provided, the transporting operation and the measurement process operation are performed at step S 55  with the changed setting. Then, at step S 56 , as shown in  FIG. 23 , the service control screen  521  shows, in an area  521   b  provided at a lower left portion thereof, a message informing that the current mode is the maintenance measurement mode. Thereafter, the operations end. 
         [0097]      FIGS. 24 and 25  are flowcharts each illustrating the details of operations that are performed by the blood analyzer in the maintenance measurement mode based on the measurement process ( 1 ) program, the measurement process ( 2 ) program, and the sampler operation process program.  FIGS. 26 and 27  each show positional relationships, in the maintenance measurement mode, between sample containers and each position in the blood analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention. Described next with reference to  FIGS. 24 to 27  is a series of operations that are performed at step S 55  of  FIG. 18  by the first measurement unit  3 , the second measurement unit  2 , and the sample transporting apparatus  4  during the maintenance measurement mode. Hereinafter, described is a case where the first measurement unit  3  has been selected at step S 48  of  FIG. 18  as a measurement unit to continue the measurement, and the “YES” button  524   a  has been selected at step S 50  of  FIG. 18  (i.e., a case where the first measurement unit  3  is to be moved). That is, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the second measurement unit  2  is in a state where maintenance work is performable thereon and the first measurement unit  3  is disposed in the third setting position. In  FIGS. 26 and 27 , state numbers indicating positional relationships between the sample containers  100  and each position are provided so as to correspond to step numbers shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . As shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the measurement process ( 1 ) program  54   a , the measurement process ( 2 ) program  54   b , and the sampler operation process program  54   c  are practically executed in parallel in the maintenance measurement mode of the blood analyzer. 
         [0098]    First, the sample transporting apparatus  4  is initialized at step S 61 . To be specific, the protrusions  431   d  of the first belt  431  are moved to predetermined positions. These positions are set as original positions of the first belt  431 . At step S 62 , the two protrusions  431   d  are moved to positions corresponding to the rack feeding position. Then, the rack  101  is fed between the two protrusions  431   d  of the first belt  431 . At this point, positional relationships between the sample containers  100  and each position are as shown in STATE  62  of  FIG. 26 . Note that in the description below, positional relationships between the sample containers  100  and each position in each state shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27  are not described. 
         [0099]    At step S 63 , the rack  101  is moved in the forward direction (the arrow X 1  direction). At step S 64 , presence or absence of the first sample container  100  accommodated in the rack  101  is detected at the sample presence/absence detection position  43   c  by the presence/absence detection sensor  45 . Then, at step S 65 , presence or absence of the second sample container  100  is detected at the sample presence/absence detection position  43   c . At step S 66 , the bar code  100   b  of the first sample container  100  is read at the reading position  43   d  by the bar code reader  44 , and presence or absence of the third sample container  100  is detected at the sample presence/absence detection position  43   c . Note that detection results obtained by the presence/absence detection sensor  45  and bar code information read by the bar code readers  44  and  356  are transmitted to the host computer  6  at any time as necessary. 
         [0100]    In the present embodiment, at step S 67 , the rack  101  is moved in the reverse direction (the arrow X 2  direction) such that the first sample container  100  is disposed in the third loading position  43   e . To be specific, the first sample container  100 , of which the bar code  100   b  has been read, is moved not to the sample supplying position for the second measurement unit  2  undergoing maintenance (the second loading position  43   b  or the fourth loading position  430  but to the third loading position  43   e  for the first measurement unit  3  having been moved. Further, when the rack  101  is transported in the reverse direction, the bar code  101   a  of the rack  101  is read by the bar code reader  44 . Then, at step S 68 , the first sample container  100  having been moved to the third loading position  43   e  is removed from the rack  101  by the hand part  351  of the first measurement unit  3 . At this point, the rack  101  is stationary such that the first sample container  100  is disposed in the third loading position  43   e . At step S 69 , in the first measurement unit  3 , the sample in the first sample container  100  held by the hand part  351  is agitated, and the rack  101  from which the first sample container  100  has been removed is moved in the forward direction. 
         [0101]    At step S 70 , in the first measurement unit  3 , the first sample container  100  is set into the sample setting part  355   a , and the bar code  100   b  of the second sample container  100  in the rack  101  is read, and presence or absence of the fourth sample container  100  is detected. At step S 71 , in the first measurement unit  3 , the bar code  100   b  of the first sample container  100  is read by the bar code reader  356 . At step S 72 , the first sample container  100  held by the sample setting part  355   a  is held at the aspirating position  700  by the pair of chuck parts  361 , and the piercer  311  of the sample aspirator  31  penetrates through the sealing cap  100   a  of the first sample container  100 . Thereafter, at step S 73 , in the first measurement unit  3 , the sample contained in the first sample container  100  is aspirated by the sample aspirator  31 . 
         [0102]    At step S 74 , the first sample container  100  is removed from the sample setting part  355   a  by the hand part  351 , and specimen preparation, agitation, and analysis are performed on the sample aspirated by the sample aspirator  31 . Further, the rack  101  is moved in the reverse direction. Then, at step S 75 , the measurement of the sample contained in the first sample container  100  ends. 
         [0103]    Next, at step S 76 , the first sample container  100  in the third loading position  43   e  is returned from the first measurement unit  3  to a container accommodating portion  101   b  of the rack  101 , which is the original storing position of the first sample container  100 . At step S 77 , the rack  101  is moved in the forward direction. Then, at step S 78 , the second sample container  100  having been transported to the third loading position  43   e  is removed from the rack  101  by the hand part  351  of the first measurement unit  3 . At step S 79 , in the first measurement unit  3 , the sample in the second sample container  100  held by the hand part  351  is agitated, and the rack  101  is moved in the forward direction. 
         [0104]    Then, at step S 80 , in the first measurement unit  3 , the second sample container  100  is set into the sample setting part  355   a , and the bar code  100   b  of the third sample container  100  in the rack  101  is read, and presence or absence of the fifth sample container  100  is detected. At step S 81 , in the first measurement unit  3 , the bar code  100   b  of the second sample container  100  is read by the bar code reader  356 . At step S 82 , the second sample container  100  held by the sample setting part  355   a  is held at the aspirating position  700  by the pair of chuck parts  361 , and the piercer  311  of the sample aspirator  31  penetrates through the sealing cap  100   a  of the second sample container  100 . Thereafter, at step S 83 , in the first measurement unit  3 , the sample contained in the second sample container  100  is aspirated by the sample aspirator  31 . 
         [0105]    At step S 84 , the second sample container  100  is removed from the sample setting part  355   a  by the hand part  351 , and specimen preparation, agitation, and analysis are performed on the sample aspirated by the sample aspirator  31 . Further, the rack  101  is moved in the reverse direction. Then, at step S 85 , the measurement of the sample contained in the second sample container  100  ends. 
         [0106]    Next, at step S 86 , the second sample container  100  in the third loading position  43   e  is returned from the first measurement unit  3  to a container accommodating portion  101   b  of the rack  101 , which is the original storing position of the second sample container  100 . At step S 87 , the rack  101  is moved in the forward direction. 
         [0107]    Thereafter, for the third and other sample containers  100 , the first measurement unit  3  performs the measurement process and the sample transporting apparatus  4  performs the process of transporting the rack  101  in the same manner as descried above. Therefore, in order to simplify the drawings, it is assumed that the predetermined processes are performed in the respective positions at step S 88 . Accordingly, the predetermined processes in the maintenance measurement mode continue to be performed. Note that when the second measurement unit  2  is selected at step S 48  of  FIG. 18  as a measurement unit to continue the measurement, the predetermined processes are performed in the same manner as described above. If the “NO” button  524   b  is selected at step S 50  of  FIG. 18 , the sample containers  100  are transported to the first loading position  43   a  or the second loading position  43   b  in accordance with the measurement unit that is to continue the measurement. Then, at the first loading position  43   a  or the second loading position  43   b , the sample containers  100  are loaded into the measurement unit. 
         [0108]    As described above, in the present embodiment, the control apparatus  5  is provided for, when the first measurement unit  3  is moved from the first setting position at which a sample transported to the first loading position  43   a  can be loaded into the first measurement unit  3 , to the third setting position at which a sample transported to the third loading position  43   e  can be loaded into the first measurement unit  3 , controlling the sample transporting apparatus  4  so as to transport samples to the third loading position  43   e . Accordingly, when maintenance work needs to be performed on the second measurement unit  2 , the first measurement unit  3  is moved from the first setting position to the third setting position in order to obtain space for the second measurement unit  2  to move, or to obtain space for the maintenance work to be performed, and thereafter, the measurement can be performed in the first measurement unit  3  by loading the samples thereinto. Thus, when the maintenance work is performed, the sample processing can be continued while obtaining space that is sufficient for the maintenance work. 
         [0109]    Further, in the present embodiment, the control apparatus  5  is configured to be able to, when the second measurement unit  2  is moved from the second setting position to the fourth setting position at which a sample transported to the fourth loading position  43   f  is loaded into the second measurement unit  2 , control the sample transporting apparatus  4  so as to transport samples to the fourth loading position  43   f , and control the second measurement unit  2  such that the second measurement unit  2  processes the samples, which are transported to the fourth loading position  43   f  to be loaded into the second measurement unit  2 . Accordingly, when maintenance work needs to be performed on the first measurement unit  3 , the second measurement unit  2  is moved from the second setting position to the fourth setting position in order to obtain space for the first measurement unit  3  to move, or to obtain space for the maintenance work to be performed, and thereafter, the measurement can be continued in the second measurement unit  2 . Thus, the sample processing can be continued while obtaining space that is sufficient for the maintenance work, not only when the maintenance work is performed on the second measurement unit  2  but also when the maintenance work is performed on the first measurement unit  3 . 
         [0110]    Still further, in the present embodiment, the sample transporting apparatus  4  is configured to transport the samples in accordance with the set transporting distance. The control apparatus  5  is configured to control the sample transporting apparatus  4  so as to transport the samples to the third loading position  43   e , in response to the setting being changed such that the transporting distance is changed from the one between the reference position and the first loading position  43   a  to the one between the reference position and the third loading position  43   e . Accordingly, the samples can be transported to different loading positions (different loading position coordinates) only by changing the setting of the transporting distance. Thus, the position to which the samples are transported can be readily changed. 
         [0111]    Still further, in the present embodiment, the sample transporting apparatus  4  is configured to be able to transport all the sample containers  100  (ten sample containers) held in the rack  101  to any of the first loading position  43   a , the second loading position  43   b , and the third loading position  43   e . Accordingly, even if the first measurement unit  3  is moved to the third setting position, the measurement can be performed on all the samples held in the rack  101 . This suppresses reduction in the sample processing capability. 
         [0112]    Note that the embodiment disclosed herein is merely illustrative in all aspects and should not be recognized as being restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims rather than by the description of the above embodiment, and includes meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims and all modifications within the scope. 
         [0113]    For instance, the present embodiment describes the measurement units used for the blood analysis, as an example of sample processing apparatuses. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sample processing apparatuses may be different sample processing apparatuses such as smear preparing apparatuses. 
         [0114]    Further, as an example of a sample processing system, the present embodiment describes the blood analyzer that includes two measurement units that are the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The blood analyzer may include three or more measurement units. 
         [0115]    Still further, the present embodiment describes a configuration example in which the CPU of the control apparatus controls both the transporting of the rack and the loading of the samples. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The transporting of the rack and the loading of the samples may be controlled by separate control sections, respectively. In this case, the control section for controlling the transporting of the rack may be provided in the transporting apparatus, and the control section for controlling the loading of the samples may be provided in each measurement unit. 
         [0116]    Still further, the present embodiment describes a configuration example in which an input of the service password is required in order to change the mode to the maintenance measurement mode. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The mode may be switched to the maintenance measurement mode without requiring the input of the password. 
         [0117]    Still further, the present embodiment describes a configuration example in which when the mode is switched to the maintenance measurement mode, the selection of the measurement unit to continue the measurement is accepted. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, from among the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, selecting a measurement unit that stops the measuring and is subjected to the maintenance work, that is, selecting a different measurement unit from a measurement unit that is moved to the third or fourth setting position and then performs the measurement, may be accepted. In this case, the control apparatus accepts a selection as to whether or not to move the measurement unit, which has not been selected, to a repair-period position (a position to which the measurement unit is moved in order to obtain space for repair work to be performed on the different measurement unit) (see  FIG. 22 ). When accepting a selection indicating that the measurement unit is to be moved to the repair-period position, the control apparatus transports the samples to the third or fourth loading position corresponding to the measurement unit, which has not been selected. Also, the control apparatus controls the sample transporting apparatus so as not to transport the samples to the different measurement unit, which has been selected. When accepting a selection indicating that the measurement unit, which has not been selected, is not to be moved to the repair-period position, the control apparatus controls the sample transporting apparatus so as to transport the samples to the first or second loading position corresponding to the measurement unit, which has not been selected, and so as not to transport the samples to the different measurement unit, which has been selected. 
         [0118]    Still further, as an example of a sample processing system, the present embodiment describes the blood analyzer in which both the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit are configured to be able to perform the measurement after being moved. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as one of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit is capable of continuing the measurement after being moved, the other measurement unit does not have to be capable of continuing the measurement after being moved. 
         [0119]    Still further, the present embodiment describes an example in which the sample transporting apparatus is configured to transport a sample container to a predetermined position in accordance with the set transporting distance. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sample transporting apparatus may be configured to transport a sample container to a predetermined position by using a position detection sensor or the like. 
         [0120]    Still further, as an example of a transporting apparatus, the present embodiment describes the sample transporting apparatus that is capable of transporting all the sample containers (ten sample containers) held in the rack to any of the first, second, third and fourth loading positions. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The sample transporting apparatus may be capable of transporting only a part of the plurality of samples held in the rack to the third loading position or the fourth loading position, which are sample supplying positions for a measurement unit that has been moved in order to allow maintenance work to be performed on the other measurement unit. 
         [0121]    Still further, as an example of computer programs, the present embodiment describes three computer programs that are the measurement process ( 1 ) program, the measurement process ( 2 ) program, and the sampler operation process program. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The computer program may be a single computer program that includes the contents of the measurement process ( 1 ) program, the measurement process ( 2 ) program, and the sampler operation process program. 
         [0122]    Still further, the present embodiment describes an example in which the presence/absence detection position and the bar code reading position are different positions. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The presence/absence detection position and the bar code reading position may be the same position.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6