Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-199613 filed on Aug. 31, 2009, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a sample processing system, method and non-transitory storage medium for performing a predetermined process such as examination or analysis on a sample such as blood. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Sample processing apparatuses for processing a clinical sample such as blood or urine are used in medical institutions such as hospitals. Some of such sample processing apparatuses are composed of a plurality of analysis modules and a transport apparatus for transporting a sample to the plurality of analysis modules, so as to improve the sample processing capacity. In addition, some of such sample processing apparatuses are configured such that, when it is determined that the same sample is required to be re-examined as a result of the analysis (first examination) in one analysis module, the re-examination is automatically carried out in another module in the same apparatus (for example, see U.S. patent application publication No. 2008/0310999). 
     In addition, some of this type of sample processing apparatuses has a function of changing a state of the apparatus into an inactive state in order to suppress power consumption (for example, see Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2003-121449). 
     In the sample processing apparatus which is configured so as to carry out the re-examination as in the above-mentioned U.S. patent application publication No. 2008/0310999, the usage frequency of an analysis module for use in the re-examination is smaller than that of another analysis module for carrying out first examination in many cases. Particularly, in a time period in which the number of samples is small, the time in which the analysis module for use in the re-examination is not used increases. However, even in this situation, the analysis module for use in the re-examination is made active so as to be able to promptly start the re-examination in the conventional sample processing apparatus. Accordingly, a problem occurs in that the power consumption increases. 
     In Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2003-121449, it is disclosed a technique for suppressing the power consumption of an entire sample analysis system. However, it is not disclosed suppressing the power consumption of the analysis module for use in the re-examination. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary. 
     The present invention provides a first sample processing system. The first sample processing system embodying features of this invention comprises at least one processor and at least one memory that stores programs executable collectively by the at least one processor. According to the stored programs, the at least one processor transports sample containers through a conveying path along which there are arranged at least one first module for testing of samples and at least one second module for processing of samples which have been tested by the at least one first module. The at least one second module is switchable between an active state and an inactive state. The at least one processor also obtains a determination result as to whether a sample which has been tested by the at least one first module is necessary to be processed by the at least one second module. If the sample is determined necessary to be processed by the at least one second module, the at least one processor transports a sample container containing the sample to the at least one second module for processing. If the at least one second module is in the inactive state, the at least one processor places the at least one second module in the active state to make it ready to process the sample. 
     The present invention also provides a first method for saving electricity consumed by a sample processing system. The method embodying features of this invention comprises transporting sample containers through a conveying path along which there are arranged at least one first module for testing of samples and at least one second module for processing of samples which have been tested by the at least one first module, wherein the at least one second module is switchable between an active state and an inactive state. The method further comprises obtaining a determination result as to whether a sample which has been tested by the at least one first module is necessary to be processed by the at least one second module. If the sample is determined necessary to be processed by the at least one second module, transporting a sample container containing the sample to the at least one second module for processing. If the at least one second module is in the inactive state, placing the at least one second module in the active state to make it ready to process the sample. 
     The present invention further provides a first non-transitory storage medium. The storage medium embodying features of this invention stores programs executable collectively by at least one processor of a sample processing system. According to the stored program, the at least one processor transports sample containers through a conveying path along which there are arranged at least one first module for testing of samples and at least one second module for processing of samples which have been tested by the at least one first module. The at least one second module is switchable between an active state and an inactive state. The at least one processor obtains a determination result as to whether a sample which has been tested by the at least one first module is necessary to be processed by the at least one second module. If the sample is determined necessary to be processed by the at least one second module, the at least one processor transports a sample container containing the sample to the at least one second module for processing. If the at least one second module is in the inactive state, the at least one processor places the at least one second module in the active state to make it ready to process the sample. 
     The effect and meaning of the present invention will be further clear by descriptions of the following embodiments. However, the following embodiments are an example when the present invention is embodied, and the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram showing the configuration of a sample processing system according to a first embodiment. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  show perspective views showing the appearances of a sample container and a sample rack. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view showing the configuration of a sample transport apparatus according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram showing the configurations of a measuring unit, an information processing apparatus, a smear preparation apparatus and a transport controller. 
         FIG. 5A  is a flowchart showing a transition process to an inactive state according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 5B  is a flowchart showing a process of the transport controller according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing the content of the process of S 102  of  FIG. 5B . 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing a process of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 8A  is a flowchart showing an inactive state releasing process according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 8B  is a flowchart showing the content of the process of S 107  of  FIG. 5B . 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a process of an information processing apparatus according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 10A  is a flowchart showing a process of a transport controller according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 10B  is a flowchart showing an inactive state releasing process according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram showing the configuration of a sample processing system according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing a process of an information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram showing the configuration of a sample processing system according to a modified embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present embodiment is a sample processing system for performing examination and analysis on blood, to which the present invention is applied. A sample processing system according to this embodiment includes three measuring units and one smear preparation apparatus. Blood analyses are performed in parallel by two of the three measuring units, and when re-examination is required on the basis of the analysis result, the remaining one measuring unit performs the measurement. When it is necessary to prepare a smear on the basis of the analysis result of the three measuring units, a smear is prepared by the smear preparation apparatus. 
     1. First Embodiment 
     Hereinafter, a sample processing apparatus according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a top view showing the configuration of a sample processing system  1 , when viewed from the upper side. The sample processing system  1  according to this embodiment includes a sample input apparatus  2 , three sample transport apparatuses  3 , a blood cell analysis apparatus  4 , a sample transport apparatus  5 , a smear preparation apparatus  6 , a sample storage apparatus  7  and a transport controller  8 . 
     The sample input apparatus  2  includes two sample delivery units  21   a  and  21   b  and a bar-code reading unit  22  which is disposed between the two sample delivery units  21   a  and  21   b . The sample delivery units  21   a  and  21   b  are configured such that a plurality of sample racks can be placed therein. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  are a perspective view showing the appearance of a sample container and a perspective view showing the appearance of a sample rack, respectively. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A , a sample container T is a tubular container made of translucent glass or synthetic resin and is open at the upper end thereof. A blood sample collected from a patient is stored in the sample container and the opening at the upper end is sealed with a cap section C. A bar-code label BL 1  is adhered to the side surface of the sample container T. A bar-code indicating a sample ID is printed on the bar-code label BL 1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2B , in a sample rack L, ten holding sections are formed so as to vertically (uprightly) hold ten sample containers T side by side. A bar-code label BL 2  is adhered to the side surface of the sample rack L. A bar-code indicating a rack ID is printed on the bar-code label BL 2 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , the sample delivery unit  21   a  sequentially delivers placed sample racks L to the bar-code reading unit  22 . The bar-code reading unit  22  reads a rack ID from the bar-code of the bar-code label BL 2  adhered to the sample rack L delivered from the sample delivery unit  21   a . In addition, the bar-code reading unit  22  reads a sample ID from the bar-code of the bar-code label BL 1  adhered to the sample container T stored in the sample rack L. Moreover, the bar-code reading unit  22  delivers the sample rack L in which the reading has been completed to the sample delivery unit  21   b . The sample delivery unit  21   b  sequentially delivers the sample racks L delivered from the bar-code reading unit  22  to the sample transport apparatus  3 . 
     As shown in the drawing, the three sample transport apparatuses  3  are disposed in front of three measuring units  41 , respectively. The two neighboring sample transport apparatuses  3  are connected to each other. The right end of the right sample transport apparatus  3  is connected to the sample delivery unit  21   a  of the sample input apparatus  2  and the left end of the left sample transport apparatus  3  is connected to the sample transport apparatus  5 . As shown in the drawing, a notch is formed at both front ends of each sample transport apparatus  3  so as to transfer a sample rack L. 
     These three sample transport apparatuses  3  divide the cases into cases in which sample measurement is carried out and cases in which sample measurement is not carried out in the corresponding measuring units  41 , respectively, to transport sample racks L by two transport paths. That is, as shown in the drawing, when the measuring unit  41  carries out sample measurement, a sample rack L is transported along the rear dashed-line arrow, and when the measuring unit  41  does not carry out sample measurement, a sample rack L is transported along the front dashed-line arrow. 
     The transport controller  8  controls the sample transport apparatus  3  when transporting a sample rack L along the front dashed-line arrow. In addition, an information processing apparatus  42  controls the sample transport apparatus  3  when transporting a sample rack L along the rear dashed-line arrow. 
     The blood cell analysis apparatus  4  is an optical flow cytometry type multiple blood cell analysis apparatus and includes the three measuring units  41  and the information processing apparatus  42 . Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the three measuring units  41  will be referred to as M 1 , M 2  and M 3  sequentially from the right. 
     M 1 , M 2  and M 3  measures the blood sample stored in a sample container T. That is, each of M 1 , M 2  and M 3  takes out the sample container T from the sample rack L at a predetermined position on the transport path of the sample transport apparatus  3  disposed in front of the measuring unit. The blood sample stored in the sample container T is measured in M 1 , M 2  and M 3 . When the measurement in M 1 , M 2  and M 3  is completed, the sample container T returns to the original holding section of the sample rack L. 
     The sample racks L which are sequentially delivered from the sample delivery unit  21   b  of the sample input apparatus  2  are alternately transported to M 1  and M 2 . In this manner, two sample racks L can be measured in parallel by M 1  and M 2  and the entire measurement process is improved. 
     M 3  is a measuring unit which is used in the re-examination. Whether re-measurement of M 3  is required or not is determined in accordance with the measurement result of M 1  or M 2 . When it is determined that re-examination is required by M 1  or M 2 , the sample rack L storing a re-examination target sample is transported so as to perform the re-examination by M 3 . In this embodiment, such a determination is performed by the transport controller  8 . 
     The information processing apparatus  42  is connected so as to communicate with the three measuring units  41  (M 1 , M 2  and M 3 ) and the transport controller  8 . The information processing apparatus  42  controls the operations of the three measuring units  41  (M 1 , M 2  and M 3 ). In addition, the information processing apparatus  42  displays the analysis result based on the result of the measurement performed by the three measuring units  41  (M 1 , M 2  and M 3 ) on a display section  480 . As the information processing apparatus  42 , for example, a separate personal computer or a computer incorporated in the system can be used. 
     The sample transport apparatus  5  is disposed in front of the smear preparation apparatus  6  and includes a conveyor  51  and a rack slider  52 . The transport apparatus  5  includes a control section  51   c  to control the operations of the conveyor  51  and the rack slider  52  in accordance with the command from the transport controller  8 . 
     The conveyor  51  is provided with two rack transport passages  51   a  and  51   b  extending in a horizontal direction. The rack transport passage  51   a  near the smear preparation apparatus  6  is a measurement line for transporting a sample rack L which stores a sample to be used to prepare a smear by the smear preparation apparatus  6 . On the other hand, the rack transport passage  51   b  away from the smear preparation apparatus  6  is a skip line for transporting a sample rack L which does not store a sample to be used to prepare a smear by the smear preparation apparatus  6 . 
     The rack slider  52  is disposed at the right end of the conveyor  51  and is configured so as to be movable in a front-back direction. Due to the movement of the rack slider  52  in the front-back direction, a sample rack L which is delivered from the sample transport apparatus  3  disposed in front of M 3  is delivered to the rack transport passage  51   a  or  51   b  by the rack slider  52 . 
     The sample rack L passing through the sample transport apparatus  3  in front of M 3  is stored in the rack slider  52 . When distributing the sample rack L to the rack transport passage  51   a , the rack slider  52  moves backward while storing the sample rack L and is positioned at the right side of the rack transport passage  51   a . Then, the rack slider  52  pushes the sample rack L to the rack transport passage  51   a . In this manner, the sample rack L is delivered to the rack transport passage  51   a . On the other hand, when the sample rack L is distributed to the rack transport passage  51   b , the rack slider  52  does not move backward and pushes the sample rack L to the rack transport passage  51   b.    
     In the smear preparation apparatus  6 , a smear of a blood sample is prepared. That is, first, the smear preparation apparatus  6  suctions a blood sample stored in a sample container T at a predetermined position on the rack transport passage  51   a . Continuously, the suctioned blood sample is dropped onto a glass slide, thinly extended on the glass slide and then is dried. After that, a liquid dye is supplied to the glass slide to dye the blood on the glass slide and a smear is prepared. 
     Whether the preparation of a smear is required or not is determined in accordance with the measurement result of the three measuring units  41  (M 1 , M 2  and M 3 ). When it is determined that the preparation of a smear is required by the three measuring units  41  (M 1 , M 2  and M 3 ), the sample rack L storing a target sample is transported to the rack transport passage  51   a  so as to prepare a smear in the smear preparation apparatus  6 . In this embodiment, such a determination is performed by the transport controller  8 . 
     The sample storage apparatus  7  is configured such that a plurality of sample racks L are placed therein. The sample storage apparatus  7  receives and stores a sample rack L, in which the analysis or the preparation of a smear has been completed, from the rack transport passage  51   a  or  51   b  of the conveyor  51 . The sample storage apparatus  7  may be configured such that sample racks L passing through the rack transport passage  51   a  and sample racks L passing through the rack transport  51   b  are distinguished and stored. In this manner, a user can easily distinguish the sample racks L from which the smear has been prepared from the sample racks L from which the smear has not been prepared. 
     The transport controller  8  controls the driving of the three sample transport apparatuses  3  and the sample transport apparatus  5 , and monitors and controls the smear preparation apparatus  6 . In addition, in order to properly transport a sample rack L, the transport controller  8  is connected to the sample input apparatus  2 , the information processing apparatus  42  and the sample storage apparatus  7  so as to communicate therewith. As the transport controller  8 , for example, a separate personal computer or a computer incorporated in the system can be used. 
       FIG. 3  is a top view showing the configuration of the sample transport apparatus  3 , when viewed from the upper side. The sample transport apparatus  3  includes a pre-analysis rack holding section  310 , a rack transport section  320 , a post-analysis rack holding section  330  and a rack transport section  340 . 
     In the case where the measurement is performed on a sample rack L, the sample rack L is sent to the lower-right position shown by the broken line in  FIG. 3 . After that, a rack pushing mechanism  342  moves backward and pushes the sample rack L to the front end of the pre-analysis rack holding section  310 . When this state is detected by optical sensors  312   a  and  312   b  composed of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section, rack feeding mechanisms  313   a  and  313   b  move backward while engaging with the front ends of the sample rack L, and the sample rack L is sent backward. In this manner, when the sample rack L is sent up to the right end position of the rack transport section  320 , a switch  321  is turned on. In response to this, belts  322   a  and  322   b  are driven and the sample rack L is sent in the left direction. The rack feeding mechanisms  313   a  and  313   b  return to the transport position of a next sample rack L. 
     Then, the sample rack L arrives at the position of a sample container sensor  323 . The sample container sensor  323  is a contact-type sensor. When a detection target sample container T, which is held in the sample rack L, passes through the position under the sample container sensor  323 , the contact piece of the sample container sensor  323  is bent by the sample container T and thus the existence of the sample container T is detected. 
     At a position (hereinafter, referred to as “the sample supply position”) positioned on the left side of the position, at which the sample container T has been detected by the sample container sensor  323 , by a distance corresponding to one sample container, a hand section of the measuring unit  41  grips the sample container T and takes out the sample container T from the sample rack L. The removed sample container T returns to the sample rack L after used in the measurement in the measuring unit  41 . The transport of the sample rack L stands by until the sample container T returns to the sample rack L. 
     In this manner, when the measurement of the samples in all of the sample containers T held in the sample rack L is completed, the sample rack L is sent up to the left end position of the rack transport section  320  shown by the broken line in  FIG. 3  by the belts  322   a  and  322   b . This state is detected by optical sensors  324   a  and  324   b  composed of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section, and the driving of the belts  322   a  and  322   b  is stopped. After that, the sample rack L is sent to the rear end of the post-analysis rack holding section  330  by a rack pushing mechanism  325 . 
     Then, rack feeding mechanisms  332   a  and  332   b  move forward while engaging with the rear ends of the sample rack L, and the sample rack L is sent forward. In this manner, the sample rack L is sent up to the left end position of the rack transport section  340 . 
     In the case where the measurement is not performed on the sample rack L, the sample rack L is directly sent to the left end from the right end of the rack transport section  340  by a belt  341 . 
     By controlling the transport of the sample rack L as described above, in the sample transport apparatus  3 , a measurement line L 1  as a transport line of the sample racks L routed through the sample supply position, and a skip line L 2  as a transport line for directly carrying the sample racks L, carried from the right side without routed through the sample supply position, to the left apparatus are formed. 
     Sensors  314   a  and  314   b  are optical sensors composed of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section, and detects whether or not the sample rack L exists at the right end positions of the rack transport passage  340  and the rack transport section  320  and on a transport passage  311  of the pre-analysis rack holding section  310 . Sensors  333   a  and  333   b  are optical sensors composed of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section, and detects whether or not the sample rack L exists at the left end positions of the rack transport passage  340  and the rack transport section  320  and on a transport passage  331  of the post-analysis rack holding section  330 . 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram showing the configurations of the measuring units  41  (M 1 , M 2  and M 3 ), the information processing apparatus  42 , the smear preparation apparatus  6  and the transport controller  8 . In  FIG. 4 , for the sake of convenience, only one measuring unit  41  is shown. However, other measuring units  41  also have the same configuration. 
     The measuring unit  41  includes a communication section  411 , a bar-code reading section  412 , a sample preparation section  413 , a pressure generation section  414 , a measuring section  415  and a control section  416 . 
     The communication section  411  communicates with a communication section  422  of the information processing apparatus  42 . The bar-code reading section  412  reads the bar-code label BL 1  of a sample container T taken out into the measuring unit  41 . 
     The sample preparation section  413  generates a measurement sample by suctioning and discharging the sample (blood) from a sample container T. The pressure generation section  414  includes a pneumatic pressure source to supply the pressure for fluid feeding to the sample preparation section  413  and the measuring section  415 . The measuring section  415  includes a detector such as a flow cytometer, which is used in the blood cell analysis, to generate particle data by processing a detected signal. The control section  416  includes a CPU  416   a  and a storage section  416   b . The storage section  416   b  includes storage means such as a ROM and a RAM. The storage section  416   b  stores the particle data obtained by the measuring section  415 , the bar-code data read by the bar-code reading section  412  and the like. In addition, the storage section  416   b  is also used as a work area for the CPU  416   a . The CPU  416   a  controls the sections in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM of the storage section  416   b.    
     The information processing apparatus  42  includes a control section  421  and a communication section  422 . The information processing apparatus  42  also includes an interface for performing a video output operation, an interface for performing an input operation from a keyboard or the like and a reading device such as a CD drive or a DVD drive. However, the descriptions thereof will be omitted. 
     The control section  421  includes a CPU  421   a  and a storage section  421   b . The CPU  421   a  executes computer programs stored in the storage section  421   b . The storage section  421   b  includes storage means such as a ROM, a RAM and a hard disk. The communication section  422  performs data communication between the three measuring units  41  and the transport controller  8 . 
     The CPU  421   a  performs a blood analysis operation on the basis of the measurement result (particle data) received by the measuring unit  41  and displays the analysis result on the display section  480  (see  FIG. 1 ). In addition, the CPU  421   a  transmits the analysis result to the transport controller  8 . Moreover, as described above, the CPU  421   a  controls the transport of sample racks L on the basis of the detection signals of the various sensors and switches disposed in the sample transport apparatus  3 . The CPU  421   a  also controls the operations of M 1 , M 2  and M 3  on the basis of the control command received from the transport controller  8 . Such control operation will be described with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
     The smear preparation apparatus  6  includes a communication section  61 , a bar-code reading section  62 , a pressure generation section  63 , a specimen preparation section  64  and a control section  65 . 
     The communication section  61  communicates with a communication section  82  of the transport controller  8 . The bar-code reading section  62  reads the bar-code label BL 1  of a sample container T transported to the sample suction position of the smear preparation apparatus  6 . 
     The pressure generation section  63  includes a pneumatic pressure source to supply the pressure for fluid feeding to the specimen preparation section  64 . The specimen preparation section  64  prepares a smear by suctioning and discharging the sample (blood) from a sample container T transported to the sample suction position. The control section  65  includes a CPU  65   a  and a storage section  65   b . The storage section  65   b  includes storage means such as a ROM and a RAM. The storage section  65   b  stores the bar-code data read by the bar-code reading section  62  and the like. In addition, the storage section  65   b  is also used as a work area for the CPU  65   a . The CPU  65   a  controls the sections in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM of the storage section  65   b.    
     The transport controller  8  includes a control section  81  and a communication section  82 . The transport controller  8  also includes an interface for performing a video output operation, an interface for performing an input operation from a keyboard or the like and a reading device such as a CD drive or a DVD drive. 
     The control section  81  includes a CPU  81   a  and a storage section  81   b . The CPU  81   a  executes computer programs stored in the storage section  81   b . The storage section  81   b  includes storage means such as a ROM, a RAM and a hard disk. The communication section  82  performs data communication between the smear preparation apparatus  6  and the information processing apparatus  42 . 
     The CPU  81   a  controls the driving of the three sample transport apparatuses  3  and the sample transport apparatus  5 . In addition, the CPU  81   a  controls the operation of the smear preparation apparatus  6 . Moreover, the CPU  81   a  determines whether the re-examination of M 3  is required or not and whether the preparation of a smear is required or not on the basis of the sample analysis result received from the information processing apparatus  42 , and controls the operations of M 3  and the smear preparation apparatus  6  on the basis of the determination result. Such a control operation will be described with reference to  FIGS. 5B and 6 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a diagram showing a processing flow of the transition to an inactive state of the measuring units  41  (M 1 , M 2  and M 3 ) according to this embodiment. The following process is monitored and controlled by the information processing apparatus  42 . 
     In S 1 , by the control section  416  shown in  FIG. 4 , the operation situations of the measuring unit  41  and the sample transport apparatus  3  positioned in front of the measuring unit  41  are monitored. 
     In S 2 , in the monitoring of the operation situations, it is determined whether or not a predetermined period of time (15 minutes) has elapsed after a predetermined condition was met. When it is determined that a predetermined period of time (15 minutes) has elapsed (S 2 : YES), the process proceeds to S 3 . When it is determined that a predetermined period of time (15 minutes) has not elapsed (S 2 : NO), the process returns to S 1  and the monitoring of the operation situations is continued. 
     Here, the predetermined condition is that a sample rack L (sample container T) is not detected by the sensors  312   a  and  312   b , the sensors  314   a  and  314   b  and the sample container sensor  323 . Regarding such predetermined condition, a user can change the setting in accordance with the utilization form. For example, the predetermined condition may be that a sample rack L (sample container T) is not detected by one or more of the sensors  312   a  and  312   b , the sensors  314   a  and  314   b  and the sample container sensor  323 . In addition, a predetermined period of time is 15 minutes in this specification, but also can be changed in accordance with the utilization form. This change is carried out from the input section of the information processing apparatus  42 . 
     In S 3 , a transition process is performed such that the measuring unit  41  enters an inactive state. Here, the inactive state is a state in which the supply of electric power to the pneumatic pressure source in the pressure generation section  414  shown in  FIG. 4  is stopped. In greater detail, when the transition process to the inactive state is started, a solenoid valve on the flow path is closed such that a sample and the like are not mixed and then the supply of electric power to the pneumatic pressure source is stopped. 
     Also in the smear preparation apparatus  6 , when a predetermined condition, such as the passing of a predetermined period of time without the creation of a smear, is met as in the above-described measuring unit  41 , a transition process is performed so as to achieve an inactive state. When the smear preparation apparatus  6  is shifted to an inactive state, the supply of electric power to the pneumatic pressure source ( FIG. 4 : pressure generation section  63 ) is stopped as in the measuring unit  41 . 
     Next, processes of the transport controller  8  and the information processing apparatus  42  will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in  FIGS. 5B ,  6 ,  7  and  8 . 
     In this embodiment, when the re-examination of a sample is required, M 3  is released from the inactive state, and when the preparation of a smear is required, the smear preparation apparatus  6  is released from the inactive state. The determination of whether the re-examination is required or not and whether and the preparation of a smear is required or not is performed by the transport controller  8 . 
       FIG. 5B  is a diagram showing a processing flow of the transport controller  8 . A sample measurement process ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ) is performed in parallel to this processing flow and the measurement result is supplied to the transport controller  8  as needed. 
     In S 101 , the transport controller  8  transports a sample rack L, which is delivered from the sample delivery unit  21   b  of the sample input apparatus  2 , to the sample transport apparatus  3  in front of M 1  or M 2 . Accordingly, the sample rack L is moved up to the position positioned anterior to the pre-analysis rack holding section  310  of the sample transport apparatus  3  in front of M 1  or M 2 . Continuously, the transport controller  8  drives the rack pushing mechanism  342  to push the sample rack L to the pre-analysis rack holding section  310 . 
     The sample rack L pushed to the pre-analysis rack holding section  310  is transported along the measurement line L 1  as described above and thus positioned at the sample supply position. After that, the measurement is performed by M 1  or M 2 . 
     In S 102 , the transport controller  8  determines whether the re-examination of M 3  is required or not and whether the preparation of a smear in the smear preparation apparatus  6  is required or not on the basis of the measurement result of M 1  or M 2 . Such a determination is sequentially performed on all the sample containers T held in the sample rack L. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing the detailed processing content of S 102 . 
     In S 201 , a flag A and a flag B are set to 0, respectively. 
     In S 202 , it is determined whether or not the result of the measurement performed in M 1  or M 2  has been supplied from the information processing apparatus  42 . Here, in addition to the bar-code data read from a measurement target sample container T, the measurement result is transmitted to the transport controller  8 . 
     When the measurement result relating to a predetermined sample container T is received from the information processing apparatus  42  (S 202 : YES), the transport controller  8  determines whether or not it is required to perform the re-examination on the sample of the sample container T by M 3  (S 203 ) and whether or not it is required to perform the preparation of a smear in the smear preparation apparatus  6  (S 204 ) on the basis of the measurement result. Whether the re-examination is required or not and whether the preparation of a smear is required or not are determined by comparing the measurement result of the sample with a predetermined threshold based on the age, sex and the like of a sample provider (patient). The age, sex and the like of the sample provider (patient) are obtained from a host computer on the basis of the bar-code data of the sample container T. 
     When the re-examination and the preparation of a smear are not required as a result of the determination of S 203  and S 204  (S 205 : NO, S 211 : NO), the transport controller  8  determines whether or not the determination of the necessity of the re-examination and smear preparation has been performed on the samples in all the sample containers T held in the sample rack L (S 215 ). In this determination, when a sample container T which is not subjected to the necessity determination remains (S 215 : NO), the transport controller  8  return to S 202  and waits for the transmission of the measurement result relating to a next sample container T. 
     In the determination of S 215 , the transport controller  8  inquires of the information processing apparatus  42  whether or not the measurement has been completed in all the sample containers T held in the sample rack L. Regarding this inquiry, when a response of the end of the measurement is gotten from the information processing apparatus  42 , the transport controller  8  determines the result is YES in S 215 . 
     When the determination result in S 203  is “the re-examination is required” (S 205 : YES), the transport controller  8  transmits a measurement instruction indicating that the re-examination in M 3  is required, measurement items of the re-examination and bar-code information for specifying a re-examination target sample container T to the information processing apparatus  42 . Continuously, the transport controller  8  determines whether a value of the flag A is set to 1 or not (S 207 ). When the value of the flag A is 1 (S 207 : YES), the process proceeds to S 211 , and when the value of the flag A is not 1 (S 207 : NO), the process proceeds to S 208 . When the value of the flag A is 1, a transmitting process of the estimated arrival time in S 209  is already completed and thus the processes of S 208  and S 209  are skipped. 
     In S 208 , depending on the holding position of the sample container T storing the sample which becomes a re-examination target in the sample rack L, the estimated time of arrival to M 3  of the sample rack L holding the sample container T under measurement is calculated. 
     For example, such a calculation of the estimated arrival time is performed as follows. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , ten holding sections are formed in the sample rack L. Accordingly, when the sample containers T held in the sample rack L are sequentially subjected to the measurement from the end, the time required for the sample rack L to reach M 3  is changed depending on the holding section of the sample container T (hereinafter, this sample container will be particularly referred to as “the sample container Tf”) storing the sample which is initially required to be re-examined among the sample containers T. 
     For example, when the sample container Tf is held in a holding section (holding position  1 ) closest to M 3 , the sample rack L is not transported toward M 3  until all the samples in the sample containers T stored in the remaining holding sections are measured. In this case, the time required from when it is determined that the sample container Tf is required to be re-examined until the sample rack L arrives at M 3  is increased. On the other hand, when the sample container Tf is held in a holding section (holding position  10 ) most distant from M 3 , there are no remaining sample containers T to be measured in the sample rack L and thus the sample rack L is directly transported toward M 3 . Accordingly, the time required from when it is determined that the sample container Tf is required to be re-examined until the sample rack L arrives at M 3  is decreased. 
     In addition, the time required for the sample rack L to reach M 3  is also changed depending on the number of other sample racks L which are present on the transport path to M 3 . That is, when many other sample racks L are present on such transport path, these sample racks L block the transport path and thus the transport of the sample rack L holding the sample container Tf is disrupted. In this case, the period of time from when the sample rack L is transported toward M 3  until the sample rack L arrives at M 3  is increased. 
     The time required until the sample rack L arrives at M 3  is also changed depending on from which one of M 1  and M 2  the sample rack L is transported. That is, since M 1  is more distant from M 3  than M 2 , the period of time from when the sample rack L is transported from M 1  until the sample rack L arrives at M 3  is longer than the period of time from when the sample rack L is transported from M 2  until the sample rack L arrives at M 3 . 
     In S 208 , in consideration of these change factors, the amount of time required for the sample rack L holding the sample container Tf to reach M 3  is obtained by the transport controller  8 , and the estimated arrival time is calculated from this amount of time and the required time. The estimated arrival time is transmitted to the information processing apparatus  42  (S 209 ). Continuously, the flag A is set to 1 (S 210 ). In this manner, the transmission of the estimated time of arrival to M 3  is stored. 
     On the basis of the measurement result received from the information processing apparatus  42 , when it is determined that the preparation of a smear is required in S 204  (S 211 : YES), the process proceeds to S 212 . When it is determined that the preparation of a smear is not required (S 211 : NO), the process proceeds to S 215 . 
     In S 212 , the transport controller  8  determines whether a value of the flag B is 1 or not. Here, when the value of the flag B is 1 (S 212 : YES), the process proceeds to S 215 , and when the value of the flag B is not 1 (S 212 : NO), the process proceeds to S 213 . When the value of the flag B is 1, the calculation of the estimated arrival time in S 213  is already completed and thus the process of S 213  is skipped. 
     In S 213 , depending on the holding position of the sample container T storing the sample which becomes a target of the preparation of a smear in the sample rack L, the estimated time of arrival of the sample rack L holding the sample container T under measurement to the smear preparation apparatus  6  is calculated as in the above-described S 208 . The estimated arrival time is held by the transport controller  8  and the flag B is set to 1 (S 214 ). In this manner, the calculation and holding of the estimated time of arrival to the smear preparation apparatus  6  is stored. 
     In accordance with the above-described processes, when the necessity of the re-examination in M 3  and the necessity of the preparation of a smear are determined (S 215 : YES) in all the samples of the sample rack L in which the measurement is performed, the necessity determination process (S 102 ) of  FIG. 5B  is completed. 
     As described above, the calculation of the estimated arrival time in S 208  and S 213  is performed when the sample container T storing the sample in which it is initially determined that the re-examination is required or the preparation of a smear is required is generated among a plurality of the sample containers T stored in the sample rack L. 
     Returning to  FIG. 5B , in accordance with the above-described processes, when the determination process of the necessity of the re-examination in M 3  and the necessity of the preparation of a smear is completed in S 102 , the transport controller  8  refers to the state of the flag A (S 103 ). Here, when a value of the flag A is 1 (S 103 : YES), the sample container T which is required to be re-examined is held in the sample rack L as a transport target, so the transport controller  8  transports the sample rack L, in which the measurement in M 1  or M 2  has been completed to the sample transport apparatus  3  in front of M 3  (S 104 ). In response to this, the sample rack L is transported along the measurement line L 1 , the sample which is required to be re-examined is measured by M 3  and the measurement result is transmitted to the transport controller from the information processing apparatus  42  ( FIG. 7 : S 313 ). When the value of the flag A is not 1 (S 103 : NO), the process proceeds to S 106 . 
     In S 105 , on the basis of the measurement result received from the information processing apparatus  42 , the necessity of the preparation of a smear in the smear preparation apparatus  6  is determined. In S 105 , the process in which the processing steps of S 201 , S 203 , and S 205  to S 210  are omitted in  FIG. 6  is performed. 
     Next, the transport controller  8  refers to the value of the flag B (S 106 ). When the value of the flag B is 1 (S 106 : YES), the transport controller  8  transports the sample rack L in which the measurement of M 1  to M 3  has been completed to the smear preparation apparatus  6  to prepare a smear (S 107 ). When the value of the flag B is not 1 (S 106 : NO), the process proceeds to S 108 . That is, when the value of the flag B is 1, the sample container T in which it is determined that the preparation of a smear is required is included in all the sample containers T held in the sample rack L as a transport target. In this case, the sample rack L is transported to the smear preparation apparatus  6  to prepare a smear of the target sample. The smear preparing process will be described with reference to  FIG. 8B . 
     In S 108 , the transport controller  8  transports the sample rack L to the sample storage apparatus  7 . So, the process relating to the sample rack L is completed. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a processing flow of the information processing apparatus  42 . 
     By the control operation of the transport controller  8 , the sample rack L is pushed to the pre-analysis rack holding section  310  of M 1  or M 2 . The information processing apparatus  42  transports the sample rack L pushed to the pre-analysis rack holding section  310  to the sample supply position in M 1  or M 2  (S 301 ) and the sample stored in a sample container T is measured (S 302 ). M 1  or M 2  transmits the data detected from the sample container T to the information processing apparatus  42 . 
     When receiving the detection data from M 1  or M 2  (S 303 : YES), the information processing apparatus  42  analyzes the detection data and obtains the measurement result (S 304 ). Next, the information processing apparatus  42  transmits the obtained measurement result to the transport controller  8  and inquires of the transport controller  8  whether or not re-examination in M 3  is required (S 305 ). When the re-examination in M 3  is required, a re-examination instruction and measurement items of the re-examination are transmitted from the transport controller  8  in S 206  of  FIG. 6 . 
     After that, the information processing apparatus  42  determines whether the measurement of all the sample containers T held in the sample rack L has been completed or not in M 1  or M 2  (S 306 ). When the measurement of all the sample containers T held in the sample rack L has been completed (S 306 : YES), the process proceeds to S 307 . When the measurement of all the sample containers T held in the sample rack L has not been completed (S 306 : NO), the process returns to S 301  and the steps S 301  to S 305  are repeatedly performed until the measurement of all the sample containers T held in the sample rack L is completed. 
     The information processing apparatus  42  determines whether or not a sample in which it is determined that the re-examination in M 3  is required is included in the sample rack L on the basis of the response to the inquiry in S 305  (S 307 ). When the re-examination is required, the sample rack L is transported to the pre-analysis rack holding section  310  of M 3  in S 104  of  FIG. 5B . The information processing apparatus  42  issues a command to the sample transport apparatus  3  such that the sample rack L which is pushed to the pre-analysis rack holding section  310  as described above is transported toward the sample supply position (S 308 ). When the re-examination in M 3  is not required (S 307 : NO), the process of the information processing apparatus  42  with respect to the sample rack L is completed. 
     In response to S 308 , when the sample container T storing the sample in which it is determined that the re-examination is required is positioned at the sample supply position of M 3 , the information processing apparatus  42  determines whether M 3  is in an inactive state or not (S 309 ). If M 3  is in an inactive state when it is determined that the re-examination is required in S 102  of  FIG. 5B , M 3  is subjected to a process of releasing the inactive state. The inactive state releasing process will be described with reference to  FIG. 8A . The information processing apparatus  42  advances a process of S 310  when M 3  is not in an inactive state (S 309 : NO), and waits for the completion of the release of the inactive state of M 3  when M 3  is in an inactive state (S 309 : YES). In this embodiment, since the release of the inactive state is started at an appropriate timing, M 3  is in an active state when the sample container is transported to the sample supply position of M 3 . Accordingly, the step S 309  for waiting for the completion of the release of the inactive state of M 3  can be omitted. However, by executing this step, taking the sample in M 3  in an inactive state can be prevented when the release of the inactive state takes more time than an assumed time. 
     In S 310 , the information processing apparatus  42  issues an instruction so as to advance the measurement of the sample in which it is determined that the re-examination is required. In response to this, when receiving detection data from M 3  (S 311 : YES), the information processing apparatus  42  analyzes the detection data in terms of the designated measurement items and obtains the measurement result (S 312 ). Then, the information processing apparatus  42  transmits the obtained measurement result to the transport controller  8  (S 313 ). The transmitted measurement result is used in the determination of the necessity of the preparation of a smear in S 105  of  FIG. 5B . 
     Then, the information processing apparatus  42  determines whether the measurement has been completed in all the sample containers T which are held in the sample rack L and required to be re-examined (S 314 ). When the measurement has been completed in these all sample containers T (S 314 : YES), the process of the information processing apparatus  42  with respect to the sample rack L is completed. When the measurement of all the sample containers T which are required to be re-examined has not been completed (S 314 : NO), the process returns to S 308 . In this case, the steps S 308  to S 313  are repeatedly performed until the measurement of all the sample containers T which are required to be re-examined is completed. 
       FIG. 8A  is a flowchart of the process for releasing the inactive state of M 3 . 
     When the transport controller  8  determines that the re-examination in M 3  is required, in S 208  of  FIG. 6 , the estimated time of arrival of the sample rack L under measurement to M 3  is calculated and transmitted to the information processing apparatus  42 . When receiving the estimated arrival time (S 401 : YES), the information processing apparatus  42  determines whether M 3  is in an inactive state or not (S 402 ). When M 3  is not in an inactive state (S 402 : NO), the information processing apparatus  42  transmits an instruction for prohibiting the transition to the inactive state to M 3  (S 403 ) and the processing flow is completed. When M 3  is in an inactive state (S 402 : YES), it is determined whether or not the present time has reached a predetermined time earlier than the estimated arrival time (S 404 ). The step S 403  for prohibiting shifting of M 3  to the inactive state can be omitted. However, by executing this step, the need for starting the release of an inactive state being generated soon after M 3  enters the inactive state can be prevented. Accordingly, it is possible to cut power consumption caused by frequent repetition of the transition to an inactive state and the release. 
     The information processing apparatus  42 , when it is determined that the present time has reached a predetermined time earlier than the estimated arrival time (S 404 : YES), M 3  is instructed to start the release of the inactive state (S 405 ) and the process is completed. The predetermined time in S 404  is set on the basis of the period of time from when M 3  starts the release of the inactive state until the release is completed. 
       FIG. 8B  is a flowchart showing the content of the smear preparing process in S 107  of  FIG. 5B . Such a process is performed by the transport controller  8 . 
     On the basis of S 102  or S 105  of  FIG. 5B , when the sample rack L includes a sample in which it is determined that the preparation of a smear is required, the transport controller  8  transports the sample container T storing the sample in which it is determined that the preparation of a smear is required to the sample suction position of the smear preparation apparatus  6  (S 221 ). 
     When the sample container T storing the sample in which it is determined that the preparation of a smear is required is positioned at the sample suction position of the smear preparation apparatus  6 , the transport controller  8  determines whether the smear preparation apparatus  6  is in an inactive state or not (S 222 ). 
     In the case where the smear preparation apparatus  6  is in an inactive state when it is determined that the preparation of a smear is required in S 102  or S 105  of  FIG. 5B , a process of releasing the inactive state of the smear preparation apparatus  6  is performed. Such inactive state releasing process is performed by the same process as in  FIG. 8A . That is, the transport controller  8  determines whether the smear preparation apparatus  6  is in an inactive state or not, and prohibits shifting of the smear preparation apparatus  6  to the inactive state when the smear preparation apparatus is not in the inactive state. When the smear preparation apparatus  6  is in the inactive state, the transport controller determines whether or not the present time has reached a predetermined time earlier than the estimated arrival time calculated in S 102  or S 105  of  FIG. 5B . When the present time has reached a predetermined time earlier than the estimated arrival time, the transport controller  8  releases the inactive state of the smear preparation apparatus  6 . 
     When the smear preparation apparatus  6  is not in the inactive state (S 222 : NO), the process proceeds to S 223 , and when the smear preparation apparatus is in the inactive state (S 222 : YES), the process stands by until the release of the inactive state is completed. The step S 222  can be omitted as in the case of the above-described step S 309 . However, by executing this step, taking the sample into the smear preparation apparatus  6  is prevented in an inactive state when the release of the inactive state takes more time than an assumed time. 
     In S 223 , the transport controller  8  causes the smear preparation apparatus  6  to prepare a smear of the sample in which it is determined that the preparation of a smear is required. In addition, the transport controller  8  determines whether or not the process has been completed in all the sample containers T in which it is determined that the preparation of a smear is required (S 224 ). When the process has been completed in these all sample containers T (S 224 : YES), the preparation of a smear is completed. When the process has not been completed in all the sample containers T in which it is determined that the preparation of a smear is required (S 224 : NO), the process returns to S 221 . In this case, the steps S 221  to S 224  are repeatedly performed until the preparation of a smear is completed in all the sample containers T which are held in the sample rack L and in which it is determined that the preparation of a smear is required. 
     According to this embodiment, when M 3  and the smear preparation apparatus  6  are not used for a predetermined time, M 3  and the smear preparation apparatus  6  are shifted to an inactive state. Accordingly, it is possible to cut power consumption in M 3  and the smear preparation apparatus  6 . In addition, when the re-examination in M 3  is required by the measurement result of M 1  or M 2 , the inactive state of M 3  is released, and when the preparation of a smear is required by the measurement result of M 1  to M 3 , the inactive state of the smear preparation apparatus  6  is released. Accordingly, even when M 3  and the smear preparation apparatus  6  are in an inactive state, the re-examination in M 3  and the preparation of a smear in the smear preparation apparatus  6  can be performed without delay. 
     In addition, according to this embodiment, when it is determined that the re-examination or the preparation of a smear is required, the estimated time of arrival of the sample rack L to M 3  or the smear preparation apparatus  6  is calculated, and on the basis of the estimated time, the inactive state of M 3  and the smear preparation apparatus  6  is released. Accordingly, power consumption of M 3  and the smear preparation apparatus  6  can be more effectively cut and the re-examination or the preparation of a smear can be smoothly performed. 
     2. Second Embodiment 
     In the first embodiment, the transport controller  8  determines the necessity of the re-examination and the necessity of the preparation of a smear. However in this embodiment, the information processing apparatus  42  determines these necessities. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a process of the information processing apparatus  42 . The steps S 305  and S 313  (see  FIG. 7 ) shown in the first embodiment are replaced with steps S 331  and S 333 , respectively, in this embodiment. In addition, steps S 332  and S 334  are added. The processing flow is the same as in the above-described first embodiment, except for them. 
     In S 331 , on the basis of the measurement result of M 1  or M 2 , the information processing apparatus  42  determines the necessity of the re-examination in M 3  and the necessity of the preparation of a smear in the smear preparation apparatus  6 , and in S 332 , the information processing apparatus  42  transmits the determination result of the necessities of the re-examination and the preparation of a smear and the bar-code data of the corresponding sample container T to the transport controller  8 . In addition, in S 333 , on the basis of the measurement result of M 3 , the information processing apparatus  42  determines the necessity of the preparation of a smear in the smear preparation apparatus  6 , and in S 334 , the information processing apparatus transmits the determination result and the bar-code data of the corresponding sample container T to the transport controller  8 . 
     In this first embodiment, the determination of S 307  is carried out on the basis of the command received from the transport controller  8 . However, in this embodiment, the determination of S 307  is carried out on the basis of the result of the determination of the information processing apparatus  42  in S 331 . 
       FIG. 10A  is a flowchart showing a process of the transport controller  8  according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the steps S 102  and S 105  shown in the first embodiment (see  FIG. 5B ) are omitted and the steps S 103  and S 106  are changed into steps S 111  and S 112 , respectively. The processing flow is the same as in the above-described first embodiment, except for these changes. 
     In S 111 , the transport controller  8  determines whether the re-examination in M 3  is required or not on the basis of the determination result transmitted from the information processing apparatus  42  in S 332  of  FIG. 9 . In addition, in S 112 , the transport controller  8  determines whether the re-examination in M 3  is required or not on the basis of the determination result transmitted from the information processing apparatus  42  in S 332  or S 334  of  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 10B  is a flowchart of processing for releasing the inactive state of M 3  or the smear preparation apparatus  6 . The releasing process for M 3  is performed by the information processing apparatus and the releasing process for the smear preparation apparatus  6  is performed by the transport controller  8 . 
     In the inactive state releasing process shown in the first embodiment (see  FIG. 8A ), when the present time has reached a predetermined time earlier than the estimated arrival time of the sample rack L, the inactive state of M 3  or the smear preparation apparatus  6  is released. However, in this embodiment, in response to the generation of a sample container Tf in which it is initially determined that the re-examination or the preparation of a smear is required among the sample containers T held in the sample rack L, the inactive state of M 3  or the smear preparation apparatus  6  is released. That is, when the sample container Tf is generated (S 411 ), it is determined whether M 3  or the smear preparation apparatus  6  is in an inactive state or not (S 412 ). When M 3  or the smear preparation apparatus  6  is not in an inactive state (S 412 : NO), the transition to the inactive state is prohibited S 414 ), and when M 3  or the smear preparation apparatus  6  is in an inactive state (S 412 : YES), the inactive state is released (S 413 ). 
     In this manner, when M 3  or the smear preparation apparatus  6  is in an inactive state, the inactive state of M 3  or the smear preparation apparatus  6  can be released as in the first embodiment. 
     Here, the inactive state is directly released in S 413 , but in place of this, the inactive state may be released after a certain period of time has elapsed from when it was determined that the re-examination or the preparation of a smear is required. In this case, regarding the certain period of time, a fixed period of time is set by assuming the arrival time of the sample rack L to M 3  or the smear preparation apparatus  6 . In addition, the certain period of time may be changed depending on whether the sample rack L is transported to M 3  from M 1  or M 2 , or whether the sample rack L is transported to the smear preparation apparatus  6  from M 1 , M 2  or M 3 . 
     According to this embodiment, the information processing apparatus  42  determines the necessity of the re-examination in M 3  and the necessity of the preparation of a smear in the smear preparation apparatus  6 . Accordingly, the re-examination in M 3  and the preparation of a smear in the smear preparation apparatus  6  can be performed without delay while cutting power consumption of M 3  and the smear preparation apparatus  6 . 
     3. Third Embodiment 
     A sample processing apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram showing a sample processing system  1 . In this embodiment, a host computer  9  determines the necessity of the re-examination in M 3  and the necessity of the preparation of a smear in the smear preparation apparatus  6 . 
     The host computer  9  has the same configuration as in the information processing apparatus  42  shown in  FIG. 4 . The host computer  9  is connected to a communication network and can communicate with the information processing apparatus  42 , sample input apparatus  2 , sample transport apparatus  3 , sample storage apparatus  7  and transport controller  8 . 
     In addition, on the hard disk of the host computer  9 , measurement orders are stored. When receiving request data of a measurement order including a sample ID from another apparatus, the host computer  9  reads measurement data corresponding to the sample ID from the hard disk and transmits the measurement data to the request source apparatus. 
       FIG. 12  is a diagram showing a processing flow of the information processing apparatus  42 . The steps S 331  and S 333  (see  FIG. 9 ) shown in the above-described second embodiment are replaced with steps S 341  and S 342 , respectively, in this embodiment. The processing flow is the same as in the above-described first embodiment, except for this change. 
     In S 341 , the information processing apparatus  42  transmits the measurement result of M 1  or M 2  and inquires of the host computer whether or not the re-examination in M 3  is required and whether or not the preparation of a smear in the smear preparation apparatus  6  is required. In response to this, when receiving the determination result from the host computer  9 , the information processing apparatus  42  transmits the determination result of the necessity of the preparation of a smear to the transport controller  8  (S 332 ). In addition, in S 342 , the information processing apparatus  42  transmits the measurement result of M 3  to the host computer  9  and inquires of the host computer whether or not the preparation of a smear in the smear preparation apparatus  6  is required. In response to this, when receiving the determination result from the host computer  9 , the information processing apparatus  42  transmits the determination result to the transport controller  8  (S 334 ). 
     As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. 
     For example, in the above-described three embodiments, blood is exemplified as a measurement target. However, urine may be a measurement target. That is, the present invention also can be applied to sample processing apparatuses examining urine and can be further applied to clinical sample examining apparatuses examining other clinical samples. 
     In the above-described three embodiments, it can be initially determined that, for example, the sample in the third sample container T among ten sample containers T held in a sample rack L is required to be subjected to the “preparation of a smear only” and then it can be determined that the sample in the fifth sample container T is required to be subjected to a “re-examination”. In this case, regarding the third sample container T, when estimated arrival time is calculated on the assumption that the sample rack L passes through the skip line L 2  without passing through the measurement line L 1  of M 3  so as to be transported to the smear preparation apparatus  6 , the sample rack L actually passes through the measurement line L 1  of M 3  and thus the calculated estimated arrival time is earlier than the estimated arrival time of the case where a re-examination is performed in M 3 . Accordingly, in this case, at a timing at which it is determined that the sample in the fifth sample container T is required to be re-examined, the sample rack L may pass through the measurement line L 1  of M 3  such that the estimated time of arrival to the smear preparation apparatus  6  is modified. 
     In the above-described second and third embodiments, the estimated arrival time of a sample rack L is not calculated. However, also in the above-described second and third embodiments, the measurement result of M 1  to M 3  may be transmitted from the information processing apparatus  42  to the transport controller  8  and the transport controller  8  may calculate the estimated arrival time of a sample rack L as in the above-described first embodiment. In addition, such a calculation of the estimated arrival time may be performed in the information processing apparatus  42 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , a notch  3   a  may be provided in the sample transport apparatus  3  in front of M 3 . Accordingly, when a sample re-examined in M 3  is further subjected to the preparation of a smear, the rack slider  52  may be positioned at the position of  FIG. 13  so as to send the sample rack L to the rack transport passage  51   a  via the notch  3   a.    
     In the above-described three embodiments, the inactive state is a state in which the supply of electric power to the pneumatic pressure source is stopped. However, the supply of electric power to another constituent section may be stopped or decreased. As the other constituent section, a warming mechanism or the like for warming a sample, reagent and the like, a cooling mechanism for cooling a sample, reagent and the like, is exemplified. For example, when a warming mechanism is used, in an inactive state, electric power may be supplied such that the heater has a predetermined temperature lower than a temperature at the time of warming, and in addition, when the determination result showing that an additional process is required is obtained, the supply amount of electric power may be increased such that the heater has a temperature at the time of warming. In this manner, while cutting power consumption, the interruption of the sample process occurring waiting for the heater to warm up can be avoided. As the heater, a rubber heater can be used. Since the power consumption of the rubber heater is large, the effect of the present invention is particularly large. 
     In the above-described three embodiments, the inactive state is a state in which the supply of electric power to the pneumatic pressure source is stopped. However, the inactive state may be a state that the supply of electric power to the entire measuring unit or the entire smear preparation apparatus is stopped, that is, a state that the measuring unit or the smear preparation apparatus is powered-off. A transition process to a power-off state of the measuring unit or the smear preparation apparatus may be automatically executed when a predetermined time has elapsed after operation situations was monitored and a predetermined condition was met as in the above-described three embodiments, or may be executed in response to the operation of a power switch by a user of the sample processing system. The transition to an inactive state by a user also can be executed in response to a power-off instruction input to the information processing apparatus in place of the power switch. 
     In the case where the inactive state is a state in which the measuring unit or the smear preparation apparatus is powered-off, the release of the inactive state is executed when the measuring unit or the smear preparation apparatus is started and enters a state (standby state) in which the measurement or the preparation of a smear can be performed. 
     In the case where the inactive state is a state in which the measuring unit or the smear preparation apparatus is powered-off, the power consumption cutting effect is larger than in the case where the electric power supply is partially stopped, as in the case where only the supply of electric power to the pneumatic pressure source is stopped. 
     In addition, in the above-described three embodiments, the measuring unit or the smear preparation apparatus is shifted to an inactive state. However, the sample transport apparatus in front of the measuring unit M 3  or the sample transport apparatus in front of the smear preparation apparatus may be shifted to an inactive state. Regarding shifting of the sample transport apparatus to an inactive state and the release of an inactive state, as in the case of the measuring unit or the smear preparation apparatus, the transition to an inactive state may be carried out when a predetermined period of time elapses after a predetermined condition has been met, and the inactive state may be released when the determination result showing that an additional process is required is obtained. 
     Arbitrarily, the embodiments of the present invention may be variously modified in the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

Technology Category: 3