Sample measurement system and reagent supply device

Abstract

Provided are a sample measurement system and a reagent supply device capable of reducing the burden of a user on reagent replacement in a large-scale facility. This sample measurement system is provided with a plurality of sample measurement devices and a reagent supply device (50), the reagent supply device (50) being provided with: piping (210) connected to each of a plurality of reagent containers (60) in which a first reagent is housed; a reagent storage unit (201) for storing the first reagent transferred through the pipe (210); a pipe (210) connected to each of a plurality of reagent containers (60) containing a second reagent; and a reagent storage unit (201) for storing the second reagent transferred through the pipe (210). The first reagent stored in the reagent storage unit (201) is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measurement devices, and the second reagent stored in the reagent storage unit (201) is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measurement devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sample measurement system and a reagent supply device. Background Art

[0002] In the measurement of samples such as blood and urine, reagents are used to measure the samples. If the reagent is insufficient during the sample measurement process, the sample measurement cannot be continued. Therefore, when the reagent is insufficient, the user will replace the empty reagent container with a new one. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system comprising: a reagent table having multiple liquid containers; a buffer chamber connected to the multiple liquid containers; and a supply chamber connected to the buffer chamber and ventilated.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-511818 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0007] The system of Patent Document 1 uses a reagent table equipped with multiple liquid containers of a single type, which reduces the risk of reagent shortages during the measurement process. However, the system of Patent Document 1 does not take into account the user burden of reagent replacement in large-scale facilities (such as specialized hospitals and testing centers) that consume large quantities of multiple types of reagents.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of this problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sample measurement system and a reagent supply device that can reduce the burden on users of reagent replacement in large-scale facilities.

[0009] Technical solutions to solve technical problems

[0010] The sample measuring system (1) of the present invention includes: a plurality of sample measuring devices (32-L, 32-R) for measuring a sample using a first reagent and a second reagent of a different type from the first reagent; and a reagent supply device (50) having: a first pipe (210) connected to a plurality of first reagent containers (60) containing the first reagent; a first reagent storage unit (201) storing the first reagent transported via the first pipe (210); a second pipe (210) connected to a plurality of second reagent containers (60) containing the second reagent; and a second reagent storage unit (201) storing the second reagent transported via the second pipe (210). The first reagent stored in the first reagent storage unit (201) is supplied to the plurality of sample measuring devices (32-L, 32-R), and the second reagent stored in the second reagent storage unit (201) is supplied to the plurality of sample measuring devices (32-L, 32-R).

[0011] According to the sample measurement system of the present invention, when reagents in various reagent containers are depleted, reagents can be temporarily supplied from the first or second reagent storage unit. This allows the user to replace the depleted reagent container with a new one at a convenient time, rather than immediately replacing the reagent. This reduces the user's burden of monitoring reagent replacement and the frequency of reagent replacement. Consequently, it can reduce the user burden of reagent replacement in large-scale facilities.

[0012] The sample measuring system (1) of the present invention includes: a sample measuring device (32-L, 32-R) for measuring a sample using a reagent; a pipe (210) connected to a plurality of reagent containers (60) containing the reagent, and having a plurality of flow paths (211 to 218, 214a, 214b); a reagent storage unit (201) for storing the reagents respectively contained in the plurality of reagent containers (60) and transported via the pipe (210); and a reagent transport unit (241, 242, 251, 252, 253) for transporting the reagents in a manner such that the reagents are stored in a flow path among the plurality of flow paths (211 to 218, 214a, 214b) that is used to transport the reagent from an empty reagent container (60) but not used to transport the reagent from other reagent containers (60) that have not been emptied. The reagents stored in the reagent storage unit (201) are supplied to the sample measuring devices (32-L, 32-R).

[0013] According to the sample measurement system of the present invention, by storing the reagent in the flow path connected to the empty reagent container, it is possible to prevent the composition from precipitating or clogging in the piping.

[0014] The reagent supply device (50) of the present invention comprises: a first pipe (210) connected to a plurality of first reagent containers (60) containing a first reagent; a first reagent storage unit (201) storing the first reagent transported via the first pipe (210) and contained in the plurality of first reagent containers (60); a second pipe (210) connected to a plurality of second reagent containers (60) containing a second reagent of a different type from the first reagent; and a second reagent storage unit (201) storing the second reagent transported via the second pipe (210) and contained in the plurality of second reagent containers (60). The first reagent stored in the first reagent storage unit (201) is supplied to a plurality of sample measuring devices (32-L, 32-R), and the second reagent stored in the second reagent storage unit (201) is supplied to a plurality of sample measuring devices (32-L, 32-R).

[0015] The reagent supply device of the present invention includes: a first reagent storage unit for storing a first reagent from a plurality of first reagent containers; and a second reagent storage unit for storing a second reagent from a plurality of second reagent containers, wherein the first reagent in the first reagent storage unit and the second reagent in the second reagent storage unit are supplied to a plurality of sample measuring devices. Thus, when the reagent in each reagent container is exhausted, the user does not need to immediately replace the reagent; instead, the exhausted reagent container can be replaced with a new one at a convenient time. This reduces the user's burden of monitoring reagent replacement and the frequency of reagent replacement. Consequently, the burden on users of reagent replacement in large-scale facilities can be reduced.

[0016] The reagent supply device (50) of the present invention comprises: a pipe (210) connected to a plurality of reagent containers (60) containing reagents, respectively, and having a plurality of flow paths (211 to 218, 214a, 214b); a reagent storage unit (201) storing the reagents respectively contained in the plurality of reagent containers (60) and transferred via the pipe (210); and a reagent transfer unit (241, 242, 251, 252, 253) transferring the reagents in a manner such that the reagents are stored in a flow path among the plurality of flow paths (211 to 218, 214a, 214b) that is used to transfer the reagent from an empty reagent container (60) but not to transfer the reagent from other reagent containers (60) that have not been emptied. The reagents stored in the reagent storage unit (201) are supplied to the sample measuring device (32-L, 32-R).

[0017] According to the reagent supply device of the present invention, the reagent is stored in the flow path connected to the empty reagent container, thereby preventing the composition from precipitating or clogging in the piping.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, the burden on users of reagent replacement in large-scale facilities can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the sample measurement system according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the holder and the container according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a plan view schematically showing the communication connection structure of each device in the sample measurement system according to the first embodiment and the transport path of the rack.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a front view schematically showing four sample analyzers, four storage units, and the structures arranged in the storage units according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a fluid circuit diagram schematically showing the transfer paths of reagents and pure water in the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a front view schematically showing the structure of the reagent supply device according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a fluid circuit of a reagent supply device and a transfer device according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of transferring a reagent from the reagent container RC1 to the reagent storage unit according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of transferring the reagent from the reagent container RC2 to the reagent storage unit in the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a storage operation when the reagent in the reagent container RC1 according to the first embodiment is exhausted.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a storage operation when the reagent in the reagent container RC2 according to the first embodiment is exhausted.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the storage operation performed on the entire pipe according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing the reagent transporting operation based on the transfer structure of the transfer device according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 14 It is a diagram schematically showing a screen displayed on the display input unit of the control device C1 according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 15 This is a diagram schematically showing the display content of the reagent information area when the reagent container is replaced according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 16 This is a diagram schematically showing a screen displayed on the display input unit of the control device C2 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 17 This is a diagram schematically showing a screen displayed on the display input unit of the control device C1 when the reagent in one of the two reagent containers forming a pair has run out in the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 18 This is a diagram schematically showing a screen displayed on the display input unit of the control device C1 when reagents in both of two paired reagent containers have run out in the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 19 This is a diagram schematically showing a screen displayed on the display input unit of the control device C2 when reagents in both of two paired reagent containers are exhausted in the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 20 This is a diagram schematically showing the display contents of a screen displayed on the display input unit of the control device C1 when the reagent remaining amounts of the two reagent containers forming a pair in the first embodiment decrease.

[0040] Figure 21 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the sample analyzer and reagent supply device according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 22 This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the smear preparation apparatus and the introduction device according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 23 This is a flowchart showing the processes related to activation and termination performed by the control unit of the input device according to the first embodiment.

[0043] Figure 24 This is a flowchart showing a process related to startup performed by the control units of the control devices C1 and C2 in the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 25 This is a flowchart showing a process related to termination performed by the control units of the control devices C1 and C2 in the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 26 This is a flowchart showing a process related to measurement performed by the control units of the control devices C1 and C2 in the first embodiment.

[0046] Figure 27 This is a flowchart showing the processing related to the reagent supply device performed by the control unit based on the control device C1 in the first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 28 This is a flowchart showing the measurement stop process due to reagent exhaustion, which is performed by the control unit of the control device C2 in the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 29 This is a flowchart showing a display process related to reagent replacement performed by the control unit of the control device C1 in the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 30 This is a flowchart showing a warning display process related to reagent replacement performed by the control unit of the control device C1 in the first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 31 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the startup operation and shutdown operation of the reagent supply device performed by the control unit of the control device C1 in the first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 32 This is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a fluid circuit of a reagent supply device according to a second embodiment.

[0052] Figure 33 This is a diagram illustrating a storage operation when the reagent in the reagent container RC1 according to the second embodiment is exhausted.

[0053] Figure 34 This is a front view schematically showing the structure of a sample measurement system according to a third embodiment.

[0054] Figure 35 1 is a flowchart showing a process for lighting a warning lamp performed by the control unit of the control device C1 according to the third embodiment.

[0055] Figure 36 It is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the sample measurement system when the warning light according to the third embodiment is controlled to be illuminated in the first notification mode.

[0056] Figure 37 It is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the sample measurement system when the warning light according to the third embodiment is controlled to be illuminated in the second notification mode.

[0057] Figure 38 This is a front view schematically showing the structure of the reagent supply device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0058] Figure 39 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a sample processing system according to a fifth embodiment.

[0059] Figure 40This is a fluid circuit diagram schematically showing the transfer paths of reagents and pure water in the fifth embodiment.

[0060] Reference numerals

[0061] 1: Sample measurement system; 2: Sample processing system; 22, 23: Transport device; 31b: Display input unit; 32-L, 32-R: Sample measurement device (blood cell measurement device); 41: Smear specimen preparation device (sample processing device); 50: Reagent supply device; 51: Frame; 51a: Upper area; 51b: Lower area; 52: Partition member; 53: Circuit board (substrate); 60: Reagent container (first reagent container, second reagent container, third reagent container); 61: Reagent storage unit (first reagent storage unit, second reagent storage unit); 91, 92: Warning light; 100: Bracket; 110: Sample container; 201: Reagent storage unit (first reagent storage unit, second reagent storage unit, third reagent storage unit); 201a: Float sensor (1st detection section, 2nd detection section); 210: piping (1st piping, 2nd piping, 3rd piping); 211, 212, 213, 214, 215: flow path (1st flow path, 2nd flow path); 216, 217, 218, 214a, 214b: flow path (1st flow path, 2nd flow path); 231, 232: bubble monitoring sensor (1st detection section, 2nd detection section); 241, 242, 252, 253: switching section (1st reagent transport section, 2nd reagent transport section, reagent transport section, 1st switching section, 2nd switching section); 251: liquid supply section (1st reagent transport section, 2nd reagent transport section, reagent transport section, 1st liquid supply section, 2nd liquid supply section); 501: control section; 513: measuring section; 521: control section; 523: display input section DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] <Implementation Method 1>

[0063] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the sample measurement system 1 .

[0064] Figure 1 : The left side is the downstream direction of the sample measurement system 1, and the right side is the upstream direction of the sample measurement system 1. The user approaches the sample measurement system 1 from the front.

[0065] The sample measurement system 1 is a system for measuring and processing samples. The sample is whole blood collected from a subject. The sample measurement system 1 includes a container 11, four containers 12, two containers 13, two containers 14, a container 15, an input device 21, four transport devices 22, two transport devices 23, two transport devices 24, a recovery device 25, a transport controller 26, a pure water device 27, four sample analysis devices 30, two smear specimen preparation devices 41, two imaging devices 42, and a reagent supply device 50. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As described later, the sample measurement system 1 includes ten transfer devices 70 and five dilution devices 80 .

[0066] The container 11, four containers 12, two containers 13, two containers 14, and container 15 are delivery vehicles capable of storing items. The containers are arranged in a straight line adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The loading device 21 is located above the container 11, the transport devices 22, 23, and 24 are located above the containers 12, 13, and 14, respectively. The recovery device 25 is located above the container 15, the sample analyzer 30 is located above the container 12, and the smear preparation device 41 and the imaging device 42 are located above the containers 13 and 14, respectively. The transport controller 26, pure water device 27, and reagent supply device 50 are located behind the containers 11 to 15.

[0067] The loading device 21 , the transport devices 22 , 23 , and 24 , and the recovery device 25 are devices for transporting the rack 100 holding the sample container 110 .

[0068] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the rack 100 and the sample container 110 .

[0069] The rack 100 includes ten holes 101 capable of holding a sample container 110 and a barcode label 102. The barcode label 102 is attached to the rear surface of the rack 100. A barcode indicating the rack ID is printed on the barcode label 102 as identification information that can uniquely identify the rack 100.

[0070] The sample container 110 includes a main body 111, a barcode label 112, and a lid 113. The main body 111 is a tubular container with an open top, housing the sample. The barcode label 112 is affixed to the side of the main body 111. The barcode label 112 is printed with a barcode representing the sample ID, which serves as identification information that allows the sample inside to be uniquely identified. The lid 113 is attached to the upper end of the main body 111 to seal the interior of the main body 111.

[0071] Back to Figure 1The rack 100 placed by the user on the loading device 21 is transported by the transport devices 22 to 24 to the sample measuring devices 32 -L and 32 -R and the smear preparation device 41 , and is finally recovered by the recovery device 25 .

[0072] The sample analyzer 30 includes a control device 31, a sample measuring device 32-L, and a sample measuring device 32-R. The sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R are arranged side by side and have identical structures. The sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R measure blood cell components in a sample to generate measurement data. The control device 31 counts the blood cells in the sample based on the measurement data obtained by the sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R.

[0073] The smear preparation device 41 is used to prepare a smear based on a sample. A smear transfer mechanism is provided between the smear preparation device 41 and the imaging device 42. The smear prepared by the smear preparation device 41 is transferred to the imaging device 42 via this mechanism. The imaging device 42 is used to photograph the smear prepared by the smear preparation device 41.

[0074] The loading device 21 is provided with a start button 21 a for starting the sample measurement system 1 and an end button 21 b for ending the sample measurement system 1 .

[0075] Figure 3 It is a plan view schematically showing the communication connection structure of each device in the sample measurement system 1 and the transport path of the rack 100.

[0076] exist Figure 3 In the figure, for convenience, a communication cable based on the Ethernet standard is shown by a single-dot chain line, and a communication cable based on the USB standard is shown by a dotted line.

[0077] The control device 31, smear preparation device 41, and transport controller 26 are interconnected for communication based on the Ethernet standard. The loading device 21, transport devices 22 to 24, and collection device 25 are interconnected for communication based on the Ethernet standard. One control device 31 is interconnected for communication with its corresponding two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R, and one transport device 22, based on the USB standard.

[0078] Furthermore, among the four sample analyzers 30, the control device 31 of the leftmost sample analyzer 30 and the reagent supply device 50 are communicatively connected to each other based on the USB standard. Hereinafter, for convenience, the control device 31 connected to the reagent supply device 50 will be referred to as "control device C1," and the three control devices 31 other than control device C1 will be referred to as "control devices C2."

[0079] The transport path of the rack 100 placed on the loading device 21 ( Figure 3 The solid arrow (shown in FIG. 1 ) is selected based on the measurement command set for the sample. Consequently, the rack 100 holding the sample container 110 is transported by the transport device 22 to the sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R, then transported by the transport device 23 to the smear preparation device 41, and finally recovered by the recovery device 25.

[0080] Figure 4 FIG2 is a front view schematically showing four sample analyzers 30, four receiving portions 12, and the structure arranged in the receiving portions 12. Figure 4 , for convenience, the interior of the accommodation portion 12 is shown in a see-through state.

[0081] The control device 31 includes a main body 31a and a display input unit 31b. The main body 31a is provided in the storage unit 12, and the display input unit 31b is arranged above the conveying device 22. The display input unit 31b is, for example, a touch panel display.

[0082] Each storage section 12 houses a main body 31a, multiple reagent containers 60, two transfer devices 70, and a diluting device 80. The storage sections 12 are configured to be openable and closable from the front, allowing the user to open the front of the storage section 12 to replace the reagent containers 60. In the first embodiment, the four storage sections 12 are equipped with a total of 14 reagent containers 60 of seven different types used for processing in the sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R and the smear preparation device 41.

[0083] Specifically, in the four holding sections 12, there are arranged two reagent containers 60 containing concentrated phosphate buffer (hereinafter referred to as "CPB reagent"), two reagent containers 60 containing cellpack (registered trademark) DST (hereinafter referred to as "DST reagent"), two reagent containers 60 containing lysercell (registered trademark) WNR (hereinafter referred to as "WNR reagent"), two reagent containers 60 containing cellpack (registered trademark) DFL (hereinafter referred to as "DFL reagent"), two reagent containers 60 containing sulfolyser (registered trademark) (hereinafter referred to as "SLS reagent"), two reagent containers 60 containing lysercell (registered trademark) WPC (hereinafter referred to as "WPC reagent") and two reagent containers 60 containing lysercell (registered trademark) WDF II (hereinafter referred to as "WDF reagent").

[0084] 14 reagent containers 60 are connected to the reagent supply device 50 so that they can be connected to the reagent supply device 50 (see Figure 1) between the reagent supply device 50 and the sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R. Furthermore, each transfer device 70 is connected to the reagent supply device 50 and the sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R so as to receive the reagent from the reagent supply device 50 and transfer the received reagent to the corresponding sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R. Each diluting device 80 is connected to the reagent supply device 50, the sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R, and the pure water device 27 so as to receive the reagent from the reagent supply device 50 and the pure water from the pure water device 27 and transfer the received reagent and pure water to the corresponding sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R.

[0085] In addition, two smear preparation devices 41 are provided with two storage units 13 (see Figure 1 ) accommodates one diluting device 80. The sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R accommodate five reagent containers therein, each of which contains five types of staining solutions.

[0086] The sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R use WNR reagent, DFL reagent, SLS reagent, WPC reagent, WDF reagent, DST reagent diluted with pure water, and five different staining solutions, as appropriate, to measure the sample. The smear preparation device 41 uses CPB reagent, DST reagent diluted with pure water, pure water, and staining solutions to prepare the smear.

[0087] Figure 5 This is a fluid circuit diagram schematically showing the transport routes of reagents and pure water.

[0088] Figure 5 The solid lines show the flow paths through which the reagents and pure water pass, and the intersections of the flow paths are marked with black circles. In addition, the dotted lines show the position of the reagent supply device 50 relative to the flow paths. Figure 6 、 7 The structure of the reagent supply device 50 will be described.

[0089] One transfer device 70 is connected to each sample measuring device 32-L, and one transfer device 70 is connected to each sample measuring device 32-R. One diluting device 80 is connected to the paired sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R, and one diluting device 80 is connected to the two smear preparation devices 41.

[0090] The transfer device 70 is a device for facilitating the transfer of fluid between two devices that are far apart. Figure 7The structure of the transfer device 70 will be described. Each transfer device 70 connected to the sample measuring device 32-L and 32-R is connected to two reagent containers 60 containing WNR reagent, two reagent containers 60 containing DFL reagent, two reagent containers 60 containing SLS reagent, two reagent containers 60 containing WPC reagent, and two reagent containers 60 containing WDF reagent via the reagent supply device 50. The sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R draw WNR reagent, DFL reagent, SLS reagent, WPC reagent, and WDF reagent through the transfer device 70. Each transfer device 70 connected to the smear preparation device 41 is connected to the pure water device 27. The smear preparation device 41 draws pure water from the pure water device 27.

[0091] The diluting device 80 is used to dilute the DST reagent with pure water. Each diluting device 80 is connected to two reagent containers 60 containing the DST reagent via the reagent supply device 50 and is also connected to the pure water device 27. The sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R and the smear preparation device 41 aspirate the diluted DST reagent through the diluting device 80.

[0092] Furthermore, each smear preparation device 41 is connected to two reagent containers 60 containing a CPB reagent via a reagent supply device 50 , and the CPB reagent is sucked through the reagent supply device 50 .

[0093] Figure 6 FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing the structure of the reagent supply device 50. Figure 6 , for convenience, the interior of the reagent supply device 50 is shown in a see-through state.

[0094] The reagent supply device 50 includes a housing 51, a partition member 52, a circuit board 53, and seven supply units 200. The interior of the housing 51 is divided into an upper area 51a and a lower area 51b by the partition member 52, which is parallel to the horizontal plane. The circuit board 53 is located in the upper area 51a, and the seven supply units 200 are located in the lower area 51b. The supply units 200 include reagent storage units 201 for storing corresponding reagents. Two reagent containers 60 containing the same type of reagent are connected to each reagent storage unit 201, and each reagent storage unit 201 shares the two reagent containers 60 containing the same type of reagent.

[0095] exist Figure 6In the example shown, the reagent storage section 201 on the far left is connected to two reagent containers 60 containing CPB reagent and stores CPB reagent. The second reagent storage section 201 from the left is connected to two reagent containers 60 containing DST reagent and stores DST reagent. The third reagent storage section 201 from the left is connected to two reagent containers 60 containing WNR reagent and stores WNR reagent. The fourth reagent storage section 201 from the left is connected to two reagent containers 60 containing DFL reagent and stores DFL reagent. The fifth reagent storage section 201 from the left is connected to two reagent containers 60 containing SLS reagent and stores SLS reagent. The sixth reagent storage section 201 from the left is connected to two reagent containers 60 containing WPC reagent and stores WPC reagent. The rightmost reagent storage section 201 is connected to two reagent containers 60 containing WDF reagent and stores WDF reagent.

[0096] use Figures 7 to 13 The structure and operation of the fluid circuit of the reagent supply device 50 and the transfer device 70 will be described.

[0097] like Figure 5 、 Figure 6 As shown, the five supply units 200 for supplying WNR reagent, DFL reagent, SLS reagent, WPC reagent and WDF reagent are all connected to eight transfer devices 70. In order to process the five reagents, the transfer device 70 has five transfer structures 70a inside it. Figure 7 The connection between the supply unit 200 for supplying the WNR reagent and one transfer device 70 for transferring the WNR reagent is schematically shown. The relationship between the supply unit 200 and the transfer device 70 for handling other reagents is substantially the same as that for the WNR reagent, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0098] In addition, if Figure 5 、 Figure 6 As shown, the supply unit 200 for supplying DST reagent is connected to five diluting devices 80. The supply unit 200 for supplying CPB reagent is connected to two smear preparation devices 41. These supply units 200 are also connected to the Figure 7 The supply unit 200 for supplying the WNR reagent has the same structure as that shown, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0099] Hereinafter, two reagent containers 60 of the same type connected to the supply unit 200 will be referred to as “reagent container RC1 ” and “reagent container RC2 ”.

[0100] The supply unit 200 includes a reagent storage unit 201 , a pipe 210 , tubes 221 and 222 , bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232 , switching units 241 and 242 , a liquid supply unit 251 , and a switching unit 252 .

[0101] The reagent storage unit 201 is a sealed chamber used to temporarily store reagents. It includes a float sensor 201a and an air vent 201b. The float sensor 201a detects whether the reagent storage unit 201 is full of reagents. The air vent 201b allows the air inside the reagent storage unit 201 to flow to the outside.

[0102] The capacity of the reagent storage unit 201 in Embodiment 1 is approximately 240 mL to 300 mL. In Embodiment 1, for example, if the reagent storage unit 201 storing the DST reagent is not replenished from the reagent container 60, the time it takes to go from a full state to an empty state is at least approximately 8 minutes.

[0103] Piping 210 includes flow paths 211 to 216. Tubes 221 and 222 are made of, for example, a hard resin material, while flow paths 211 to 216 are made of a soft resin material. Tubes 221 and 222 have a larger diameter (e.g., an inner diameter of 4 mm), while flow paths 211 to 216 have a smaller diameter (e.g., an inner diameter of 2.4 mm).

[0104] One end of flow path 211 is connected to tube 221, and the other end of flow path 211 is connected to flow paths 213 and 215 at intersection 211a. One end of flow path 212 is connected to tube 222, and the other end of flow path 212 is connected to flow paths 213 and 214 at intersection 212a. One end and the other end of flow path 213 are connected to intersections 211a and 212a, respectively. One end of flow path 214 is connected to liquid delivery section 251, and the other end of flow path 214 is connected to intersection 212a. One end of flow path 215 is connected to intersection 211a, and the other end of flow path 215 is connected from the upper end of reagent storage section 201 to the interior of reagent storage section 201. One end of flow path 216 is connected to the interior of reagent storage section 201 at the lower end of reagent storage section 201, and the other end of flow path 216 is connected to flow path 311 of transfer device 70.

[0105] When replacing the reagent container RC1, the tube 221 is pulled out of the reagent container RC1 that has run out of reagent and inserted from the top of the new reagent container RC1. As a result, the lower end of the tube 221 is positioned near the bottom surface inside the reagent container RC1. The bubble monitoring sensor 231 and the switching unit 241 are arranged in the flow path 211. The bubble monitoring sensor 231 is equipped with a transmission-type photoelectric sensor and a prism. It is a sensor for receiving light from the flow path 211 using the prism to monitor the bubbles in the flow path 211. The bubble monitoring sensor 231 detects whether there is a reagent passing through the flow path 211 and outputs the detection result as a detection signal. The switching unit 241 switches the flow path 211 to one of a state in which the reagent passes (open state) and a state in which the reagent cannot pass (closed state). The switching unit 241 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve.

[0106] Similarly, when replacing the reagent container RC2, the tube 222 is pulled out of the reagent container RC2 that has run out of reagent and inserted from the top of the new reagent container RC2. As a result, the lower end of the tube 222 is positioned near the bottom surface inside the reagent container RC2. The bubble monitoring sensor 232 and the switching unit 242 are arranged in the flow path 212. The bubble monitoring sensor 232 includes a transmission-type photoelectric sensor and a prism. It is a sensor for receiving light from the flow path 212 using the prism to monitor bubbles in the flow path 212. The bubble monitoring sensor 232 detects the presence of reagent passing through the flow path 212 and outputs the detection result as a detection signal. The switching unit 242 switches the flow path 212 to either an open state or a closed state. The switching unit 242 is, for example, a solenoid valve.

[0107] The liquid delivery unit 251 transports the reagent within the pipe 210. The liquid delivery unit 251 is, for example, a diaphragm pump. By switching between positive and negative pressure generated by an air pressure source, the liquid delivery unit 251 performs a suction operation (sucking) and a discharge operation (discharging) of the reagent into the pipe 210, thereby transporting the reagent within the pipe 210. The switching unit 252 switches the flow path 215 between an open state and a closed state. The switching unit 252 is, for example, a solenoid valve.

[0108] Furthermore, the switching units 241, 242, and 252 are not limited to solenoid valves and may be other structures as long as they can switch the flow path between an open state and a closed state. For example, the switching units 241, 242, and 252 may be valves that can be electrically switched. The liquid delivery unit 251 is not limited to a diaphragm pump and may be other structures as long as it can transport the reagent in the piping. For example, the liquid delivery unit 251 may be a syringe pump, a peristaltic pump, an air pump, or other pumps.

[0109] The transfer device 70 includes a reagent storage unit 301 and a pipe 310 .

[0110] The reagent storage unit 301 is a sealed chamber. The reagent storage unit 301 includes a float sensor 301 a. The float sensor 301 a is a sensor for detecting whether the reagent stored in the reagent storage unit 301 is full.

[0111] The piping 310 includes flow paths 311 and 312. One end of the flow path 311 is connected to the flow path 216 of the corresponding supply unit 200 of the reagent supply device 50, and the other end of the flow path 311 is connected from the upper end of the reagent storage unit 301 to the interior of the reagent storage unit 301. One end of the flow path 312 is connected to the interior of the reagent storage unit 301 at the lower end of the reagent storage unit 301, and the other end of the flow path 312 is connected to the corresponding sample measuring device 32-L or 32-R.

[0112] Furthermore, the dilution device 80 connected to the sample measuring devices 32-L, 32-R and the smear preparation device 41 is also connected to the sample measuring device 32-L, 32-R and the smear preparation device 41. Figure 7 It also has a transfer structure 70a for introducing reagents and pure water.

[0113] Reference Figure 8 、 Figure 9 , the operation of transferring the reagent from the reagent container 60 to the reagent storage unit 201 will be described.

[0114] Figure 8 This figure shows the operation of transferring the reagent from the reagent container RC1 to the reagent storage unit 201. Here, the reagent container RC1 is set to be in use.

[0115] like Figure 8 As shown in the flow path state 1-1 in the upper part, the switch unit 241 is in the open state, and the liquid feeding unit 251 performs the suction operation. As a result, the reagent in the reagent container RC1 is introduced into the liquid feeding unit 251, and the flow paths 211, 213, and 214 are filled with the reagent. Figure 8 As shown in the flow path state 1-2 in the lower portion, the switch 241 is closed, the switch 252 is open, and the liquid delivery unit 251 is performing a discharge operation. As a result, the reagent introduced into the liquid delivery unit 251 is transferred to the reagent storage unit 201 via the flow path 215. In this case, the reagent is stored in the flow path 211 as indicated by the thick dashed line.

[0116] Figure 9 This figure shows the operation of transferring the reagent from the reagent container RC2 to the reagent storage unit 201. Here, the reagent container RC2 is set to be in use.

[0117] like Figure 9 As shown in the flow path state 2-1 at the top, the switch 242 is in the open state, and the liquid delivery unit 251 performs a suction operation. As a result, the reagent in the reagent container RC2 is introduced into the liquid delivery unit 251, and the flow paths 212 and 214 are filled with the reagent. Figure 9 As shown in the flow path state 2-2 in the lower portion, the switch 242 is closed, the switch 252 is open, and the liquid delivery unit 251 is performing a discharge operation. As a result, the reagent introduced into the liquid delivery unit 251 is transferred to the reagent storage unit 201 via the flow path 215. In this case, the reagent is stored in the flow path 212 as indicated by the thick dashed line.

[0118] Reference Figures 10 to 12 Explain the storage procedures for reagents.

[0119] Typically, if a reagent container becomes depleted of reagent and this condition is left unattended for a long period of time, the piping connected to the reagent container will dry out, causing a composition derived from the residual reagent in the piping to precipitate. This can lead to problems such as blockage when the reagent supply is restarted. In contrast, in this embodiment, when the reagent in one reagent container 60 is depleted, the reagent in another reagent container 60 is stored in the flow path connected to the first reagent container 60. This prevents the composition from precipitating or clogging the flow path connected to the empty reagent container 60. Hereinafter, the action of filling a predetermined area of ​​the piping 210 with reagent to prevent composition precipitation or clogging will be referred to as a "storage action."

[0120] Figure 10 1 is a diagram showing the storage operation when the reagent in the reagent container RC1 is exhausted. In this example, the reagent container RC2 is set to be in use.

[0121] like Figure 10 As shown in the flow path state 3-1 at the top, the switch 242 is in the open state, and the liquid delivery unit 251 performs a suction operation. As a result, the reagent in the reagent container RC2 is introduced into the liquid delivery unit 251, and the flow paths 212 and 214 are filled with the reagent. Figure 10 As shown in the flow path state 3-2 at the bottom, switch 242 is closed, switch 241 is open, and liquid delivery unit 251 is performing a discharge operation. As a result, the reagent introduced into liquid delivery unit 251 is transferred to reagent container RC1 via flow path 211. Then, switch 241 is closed, and flow path 211 from tube 221 to switch 241 is filled with reagent, completing the storage operation.

[0122] Furthermore, since the reagent is stored in the flow path 211 from the switching portion 241 to the intersection portion 211a when the reagent is transferred from the reagent container RC2 to the reagent storage portion 201, precipitation or clogging of the composition in this portion is prevented as long as the reagent is transferred.

[0123] Figure 11 1 is a diagram showing the storage operation when the reagent in the reagent container RC2 is exhausted. In this example, the reagent container RC1 is set to be in use.

[0124] like Figure 11 As shown in the flow path state 4-1 at the top, the switch 241 is in the open state, and the liquid delivery unit 251 performs a suction operation. As a result, the reagent in the reagent container RC1 is introduced into the liquid delivery unit 251, and the flow paths 211, 213, and 214 are filled with the reagent. Figure 11As shown in the flow path state 4-2 at the bottom, switch 241 is closed, switch 242 is open, and liquid delivery unit 251 is performing a discharge operation. As a result, the reagent introduced into liquid delivery unit 251 is transferred to reagent container RC2 via flow path 212. Then, switch 242 is closed, and flow path 212 from tube 222 to switch 242 is filled with reagent, completing the storage operation.

[0125] Furthermore, since the reagent is stored in the flow path 212 from the switching portion 242 to the intersection portion 212a when the reagent is transferred from the reagent container RC1 to the reagent storage portion 201, precipitation or clogging of the composition in this portion is prevented as long as the reagent is transferred.

[0126] In Embodiment 1, because the inner diameters of tubes 221 and 222 are relatively large, at 4 mm, even if the reagent in reagent container 60 containing tubes 221 and 222 is depleted, little reagent remains in tubes 221 and 222. Therefore, during the storage operation in Embodiment 1, as described above, it is sufficient to fill the flow path 211 from tube 221 to switching unit 241 with reagent, and to fill the flow path 212 from tube 222 to switching unit 242 with reagent. On the other hand, if the inner diameters of tubes 221 and 222 are relatively small, at approximately 2.4 mm, reagent is likely to remain in tubes 221 and 222, so in this case, tubes 221 and 222 are also filled with reagent.

[0127] As Figure 10 、 Figure 11 The storage operation shown is executed not only when the reagent in the reagent container 60 is exhausted, but also when the sample measurement system 1 is terminated or started. In this case, the storage operation is performed on the entire pipe 210.

[0128] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the storage operation performed on the entire pipe 210. In this example, the reagent container RC2 is set to be in use.

[0129] like Figure 12 As shown in the flow path state 5-1 at the top, the switch 242 is in the open state, and the liquid delivery unit 251 performs a suction operation. As a result, the reagent in the reagent container RC2 is introduced into the liquid delivery unit 251, and the flow paths 212 and 214 are filled with the reagent. Figure 12 As shown in the lower flow path state 5-2, switch 242 is closed, switches 241 and 252 are open, and liquid delivery unit 251 is discharging. As a result, the reagent introduced into liquid delivery unit 251 also fills flow paths 211, 213, and 215. Switches 241 and 252 are then closed, completing the storage operation. Furthermore, flow path 216 is directly connected to the reagent storage unit 201, so reagent is always stored there.

[0130] By performing the storage operation on the entire pipe 210 in this manner, even when the pipe 210 is not used for a long period of time after the sample measurement system 1 is terminated, it is possible to prevent the entire pipe 210 from being precipitated or clogged with the composition.

[0131] Reference Figure 13 The reagent transfer operation of the transfer structure 70a of the transfer device 70 will be described.

[0132] When the sample measuring device 32-L or 32-R connected to the transfer device 70 is used to aspirate the reagent, Figure 13 As shown in the flow path state 6-1 at the top, the reagent stored in the reagent storage unit 301 is transferred to the sample measuring device 32-L or 32-R. As a result, the air inside the reagent storage unit 301 expands, and the expanded air tries to return to its original state, thereby Figure 13 As shown in the flow path state 6-2 at the bottom, the reagent is automatically transferred from the reagent storage unit 201 of the reagent supply device 50 to the reagent storage unit 201 of the transfer device 70. Therefore, even when the distance between the reagent supply device 50 and the sample measuring device 32-L or 32-R is far, the reagent is automatically transferred from the reagent supply device 50 to the reagent storage unit 201 of the transfer device 70. Figure 13 As shown, the reagent is smoothly supplied from the reagent supply device 50 to the sample measuring device 32 -L or 32 -R via the relay device 70 .

[0133] Next refer to Figures 14 to 20 The following describes a screen 400 for managing reagents displayed on the display input unit 31b of the control device 31. The display of the screen 400 shown below is controlled by the control unit 501 (see FIG. 5 ) of the corresponding control device 31. Figure 21 )control.

[0134] Figure 14 1 is a diagram schematically showing a screen 400 displayed on the display input unit 31 b of the control device 31 ( C1 ) to which the reagent supply device 50 is connected.

[0135] The screen 400 displayed on the display input unit 31 b of the control device C1 includes two device information areas 410L and 410R and a device information area 430 .

[0136] The two device information areas 410L and 410R are arranged adjacent to each other on the left and right sides of the screen 400, respectively corresponding to the following: Figure 1The two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R are actually arranged. A button 411L for turning the display of the reagent window 420L on and off is displayed in the device information area 410L. Furthermore, the name of the sample measuring device 32-L, such as "XR-L," is displayed in the device information area 410L. Similarly, a button 411R for turning the display of the reagent window 420R on and off is displayed in the device information area 410R. Furthermore, the name of the sample measuring device 32-R, such as "XR-R," is displayed in the device information area 410R.

[0137] When the user operates the left button 411L, a reagent window 420L appears above the left device information area 410L. This reagent window 420L displays the reagents contained in the sample measuring device 32-L. The reagent window 420L includes five reagent information areas 421L corresponding to the five types of staining solutions contained within the sample measuring device 32-L. The reagent information areas 421L display the name, expiration date, lot number, and remaining number of uses of the corresponding staining solution.

[0138] When the user operates the right button 411R, a reagent window 420R appears above the right device information area 410R. This reagent window 420R displays the reagents contained in the sample measuring device 32-R. The reagent window 420R includes five reagent information areas 421R corresponding to the five types of staining solutions contained within the sample measuring device 32-R. The reagent information areas 421R display the name, expiration date, lot number, and remaining number of uses of the corresponding staining solution.

[0139] The device information area 430 corresponds to the reagent supply device 50. Displayed in the device information area 430 is a button 431 for turning on / off the display of the reagent window 440. In addition, the device information area 430 displays the name of the reagent supply device 50, such as "RM-10".

[0140] When the user operates button 431, a reagent window 440 is displayed above device information area 430. This reagent window 440 shows the reagents whose supply is controlled by the reagent supply device 50. Specifically, reagent window 440 includes seven reagent information areas 441 corresponding to the 14 reagents (CPB reagent, DST reagent, WNR reagent, DFL reagent, SLS reagent, WPC reagent, and WDF reagent) connected to the reagent supply device 50, an execute button 442, and a cancel button. The name of the corresponding reagent is displayed at the bottom of the reagent information area 441, and reagent information 441a and 441b are displayed at the top.

[0141] The reagent containers RC1 and RC2 are displayed in the reagent information 441a and 441b, respectively (see Figure 7 ) expiration date and lot number, etc. In addition, as reagent information, information indicating which of the reagent containers RC1 and RC2 is currently in use, information indicating that the reagent has run out, and information indicating the remaining amount of the reagent are also displayed.

[0142] Figure 15 This is a diagram schematically showing the display content of the reagent information area 441 when the reagent container 60 is replaced.

[0143] exist Figure 15 In the example shown, as an initial state, of the two reagent containers RC1 and RC2 containing the DFL reagent, the reagent in the reagent container RC1 is exhausted and the reagent container RC2 is in use. Figure 15 As shown in display state 1 , the reagent information 441 a displays an icon 452 indicating that the reagent container RC1 needs to be replaced, and the reagent information 441 b displays an icon 451 indicating that the reagent container RC2 is in use.

[0144] In addition, in order to indicate that the reagent remaining amount in the reagent container RC1 is 0, the entire vertical background area of ​​the reagent information 441a is displayed in gray. Figure 15 For convenience, gray is displayed using halftone dots. To indicate that the reagent remaining in reagent container RC2 is approximately 30%, approximately 30% of the vertical background area of ​​reagent information 441b is displayed in white, and approximately 70% of the vertical background area of ​​reagent information 441b is displayed in gray. By referring to the vertical white background ratio of reagent information 441a and 441b, the user can intuitively understand the remaining reagent level in reagent container 60.

[0145] like Figure 15 As shown in the display state 1, when the reagent in the reagent container RC1 is exhausted, the user uses the barcode reader 31c (refer to Figure 21 ), read the barcode from the barcode label attached to the new reagent container 60 containing the same reagent. Figure 15 As shown in display state 2 , an icon 453 is displayed in the reagent information 441 a instead of the icon 452 . The icon 453 indicates that the acceptance of a new reagent container 60 has started.

[0146] After that, the user removes the tube 221 from the reagent container RC1 in which the reagent has been exhausted (see Figure 7 ), and takes out the reagent container RC1 from the storage section 12. Then, the user sets the new reagent container 60 whose barcode has been read as the reagent container RC1 in the storage section 12, and attaches the tube 221 to the reagent container 60.

[0147] Next, when the user operates the execution button 442 (see Figure 14) Figure 15 As shown in display state 3, icon 454 is displayed in the reagent information 441a instead of icon 453. This icon 454 shows the progress rate of the bubble elimination operation in real time. The bubble elimination operation is the operation in which the reagent supply device 50 aspirates the reagent from the newly installed reagent container 60 and transfers it to the reagent storage unit 201 to eliminate bubbles in the flow path connected to the reagent container 60.

[0148] When the work of eliminating bubbles in the newly installed reagent container RC1 is completed, Figure 15 As shown in display state 4, icon 454 disappears from reagent information 441a. Since the remaining amount of reagent container RC1 is the maximum, the entire vertical background area of ​​reagent information 441a is displayed in white. In this way, replacement of reagent container 60 is completed.

[0149] Figure 16 1 is a diagram schematically showing a screen 400 displayed on the display input unit 31 b of the control device 31 ( C2 ) to which the reagent supply device 50 is not connected.

[0150] Compared to the control device C1, the control device C2 is not connected to the reagent supply device 50. Figure 14 In contrast, the device information area 430 related to the reagent supply device 50 is omitted, and therefore the reagent window 440 showing the reagent whose supply is controlled by the reagent supply device 50 is also omitted.

[0151] As such, information related to the reagent in the reagent supply device 50 is as follows: Figure 14 and Figure 16 As shown, the screen 400 is displayed only on the display input unit 31b of the control device C1, but not on the display input unit 31b of the control device C2. Thus, the user can centrally manage the reagent supply device 50 and the 14 reagent containers 60 by referring to and operating the screen 400 displayed on the display input unit 31b of the control device C1.

[0152] Figure 17 4 is a diagram schematically showing a screen 400 displayed on the display input unit 31b of the control device C1 when the reagent in one of the two reagent containers RC1 and RC2 forming a pair has run out.

[0153] When the reagent in one of the two reagent containers RC1 and RC2 is exhausted, an error window 460 is displayed above the device information area 430 on the screen 400 of the display input unit 31b of the control device C1. Figure 17In the example shown, since one of the two reagent containers RC1 and RC2 corresponding to the DFL reagent has run out of reagent, the error window 460 displays a message prompting the user to replace the reagent container 60 with a new one and a procedure for resolving the error.

[0154] When the error window 460 is displayed, a button 432 for turning on / off the display of the error window 460 is added to the device information area 430. When the user operates the execution button 461 in the error window 460 or the button 431 in the device information area 430, the error window 460 is displayed. Figure 14 The reagent window 440 shown is used instead of the error window 460. In this case, in the corresponding reagent information area 441, an icon 452 indicating that the reagent is exhausted is displayed in one of the reagent information 441a and 441b (see Figure 15 ). When the reagent window 440 is displayed, the user Figure 15 The described steps are to replace the reagent container 60 in which the reagent has been exhausted.

[0155] In addition, when the reagent in one of the two reagent containers RC1 and RC2 is exhausted, Figure 16 Likewise, the screen 400 of the control device C2 does not display that the reagent in one of the reagent containers RC1 and RC2 has run out.

[0156] Figure 18 4 is a diagram schematically showing a screen 400 displayed on the display input unit 31b of the control device C1 when the reagents in both of the two reagent containers RC1 and RC2 forming a pair have run out.

[0157] When the reagents in both reagent containers RC1 and RC2 are exhausted, the eight sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R and the two smear preparation devices 41 may no longer be able to perform measurements and prepare smears properly. Therefore, in this case, the control device C1 stops the measurements of all sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R and the smear preparation of all smear preparation devices 41. As a result, since the measurements of the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R corresponding to the control device C1 are stopped, Figure 18 As shown, on the screen 400 of the control device C1, error windows 470 are displayed above the two device information areas 410L and 410R, respectively. Error windows 470 display a message indicating that the measurement of the sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R has been suspended due to reagent depletion. Alternatively, error window 470 may display a message stating that the reagent supply from the reagent supply device has been suspended.

[0158] When the error window 470 is displayed, buttons 412L and 412R for turning on and off the display of the error window 470 are added to the device information areas 410L and 410R, respectively. Figure 18 The error window 470 shown and Figure 14 The display of reagent windows 420L and 420R is shown.

[0159] In addition, if Figure 18 As shown in FIG. 4 , in the screen 400 of the control device C1 , an error window 480 is displayed above the device information area 430 . Figure 18 In the example shown, since the reagents in both the two reagent containers RC1 and RC2 corresponding to the DFL reagent are exhausted, a message prompting replacement with a new reagent container 60 containing the DFL is displayed.

[0160] As described above, when the error window 480 is displayed, a button 432 for turning on / off the display of the error window 480 is added to the device information area 430. This allows the user to easily switch between the two modes. Figure 18 The error window 480 and Figure 14 The reagent window 440 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. In addition, when the user operates the execution button 481 in the error window 480 or the button 431 in the device information area 430, the display Figure 14 Reagent window 440 is shown.

[0161] When the reagents in both the reagent containers RC1 and RC2 are exhausted, an icon 452 indicating that the reagents are exhausted is displayed on both the reagent information 441a and 441b in the corresponding reagent information area 441 (see Figure 15 ). When the reagent window 440 is displayed, the user Figure 15 The described steps are to replace the reagent container 60 in which the reagent has been exhausted.

[0162] Figure 19 4 is a diagram schematically showing a screen 400 displayed on the display input unit 31b of the control device C2 when the reagents in both of the two reagent containers RC1 and RC2 forming a pair have run out.

[0163] When the reagents in both reagent containers RC1 and RC2 are exhausted, Figure 16 In contrast, the screen 400 of the control device C2 displays Figure 18 Error window 470 and buttons 412L, 412R are shown.

[0164] As information related to the exhaustion of the reagent in the reagent supply device 50, Figure 17 、 18 The display is only displayed in the control device C1, as shown in Figure 19 Thus, the user can collectively manage the reagent supply device 50 and the 14 reagent containers 60 by referring to and operating the screen 400 of the control device C1.

[0165] Figure 20 4 is a diagram schematically showing the display content of a screen 400 displayed on the display input unit 31b of the control device C1 when the reagent remaining amounts in the two reagent containers RC1 and RC2 forming a pair become low.

[0166] When Figure 15 As shown in display state 1, after the replacement icon 452 is displayed on the screen 400 of the control device C1, if the remaining amount in the other reagent container 60 currently in use falls below a predetermined value, it is expected that the remaining amount of the reagent will soon reach zero, and the processing of the sample measuring devices 32-L, 32-R and the smear preparation device 41 will be stopped. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly replace the reagent container 60 that has run out of reagent.

[0167] In this regard, in embodiment 1, as Figure 20 As shown in the display state 5, the error window 460 displayed on the screen 400 of the control device C1 displays a message indicating that the remaining amount of the reagent is decreasing. Figure 20 As shown in the display state 6, an icon 455 indicating that the remaining amount of the reagent is decreasing is displayed in the corresponding reagent information area 441 of the screen 400 displayed on the control device C1. For example, when the remaining amount of the reagent container 60 in use is less than 25% and the reagent in another reagent container 60 has run out of reagent, the following is performed. Figure 20 Display states 5 and 6 show warning displays for the remaining reagent amount.

[0168] Through Figure 20 As shown, a warning regarding the remaining amount of the reagent is displayed, and the user can recognize that the reagent container 60 needs to be replaced quickly before the remaining amount of the reagent reaches zero.

[0169] Next refer to Figure 21 、 Figure 22 The functional configuration of each unit of the sample measurement system 1 will be described.

[0170] Figure 21 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the sample analyzer 30 and the reagent supply device 50 .

[0171] The control device C1 includes a control unit 501, a storage unit 502, a display input unit 31b, a communication unit 503, and a barcode reader 31c. The control unit 501, the storage unit 502, and the communication unit 503 are housed in the main body 31a (see Figure 4 ).

[0172] The control unit 501 includes, for example, a CPU. The control unit 501 executes various processes by executing computer programs stored in the storage unit 502, and controls the control of the two corresponding sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R, as well as the reagent supply device 50. The storage unit 502 includes, for example, an SSD, an HDD, or RAM. The display and input unit 31b includes, for example, a touch panel display. The display and input unit 31b can be divided into a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and an input unit such as a mouse or keyboard.

[0173] The communication unit 503 includes a connection terminal based on the Ethernet standard, a connection terminal based on the USB standard, and a communication adapter based on Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 503 and the line hub 28 are connected by a cable based on the Ethernet standard. The line hub 28 is, for example, a network hub (HUB). The communication unit 503 and the corresponding two sample measurement devices 32-L and 32-R communication units 511 and the communication unit 53b of the reagent supply device 50 are connected by a cable based on the USB standard. The barcode reader 31c is configured to be able to communicate with the communication unit 503, and the communication unit 503 and the barcode reader 31c are connected by wireless communication.

[0174] In the control device C2 , compared to the control device C1 , the barcode reader 31 c is omitted, and the communication unit 503 is not connected to the reagent supply device 50 .

[0175] Both the sample measurement devices 32-L and 32-R include a communication unit 511, a sample preparation unit 512, and a measurement unit 513. The communication unit 511 includes a connection terminal based on the USB standard.

[0176] The sample preparation unit 512 takes the sample container 110 (see Figure 2 ) Aspirate the sample, as shown in Figure 5 As described above, the reagent is aspirated from the transfer device 70, and the diluted DST reagent is aspirated from the diluting device 80. Furthermore, the sample preparation unit 512 mixes the aspirated sample and reagent to prepare a measurement sample. Based on the measurement sample prepared by the sample preparation unit 512, the measurement unit 513 measures blood cells using the sheath flow DC detection method, hemoglobin using the SLS-hemoglobin method, and blood cells using flow cytometry. The measurement data acquired by the measurement unit 513 is transmitted to the corresponding control unit 31. The control unit 501 of the control unit 31 analyzes the sample based on the received measurement data and generates an analysis result.

[0177] The reagent supply device 50 includes a circuit board 53, a float sensor 201a, bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232, switching units 241, 242, 252, and a liquid supply unit 251. The float sensor 201a, bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232, switching units 241, 242, 252, and liquid supply unit 251 are respectively arranged in the seven supply units 200 (see Figure 7 ).

[0178] The circuit board 53 includes a control unit 53a and a communication unit 53b. The control unit 53a includes, for example, an FPGA. The communication unit 53b includes a connection terminal based on the USB standard. The control unit 53a transmits the detection signals of the float sensor 201a and the bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232 as detection results to the control unit 501 of the control device C1. Based on the detection results received from the control unit 53a, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 transmits a drive signal for driving the switching units 241, 242, 252 and the liquid supply unit 251 to the control unit 53a of the reagent supply device 50. The control unit 53a drives the switching units 241, 242, 252 and the liquid supply unit 251 based on the drive signal received from the control unit 501 of the control device C1.

[0179] Figure 22 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the smear preparation device 41 and the input device 21.

[0180] The smear preparation device 41 includes a control unit 521 , a storage unit 522 , a display input unit 523 , a communication unit 524 , a suction unit 525 , and a preparation unit 526 .

[0181] The control unit 521 includes, for example, a CPU. The control unit 521 performs various processes by executing computer programs stored in the storage unit 522. The storage unit 522 includes, for example, an SSD, an HDD, or RAM. The display and input unit 523 includes, for example, a touch panel display. The display and input unit 523 can be divided into a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and an input unit such as a mouse or keyboard.

[0182] The communication unit 524 includes, for example, an Ethernet connection terminal and a USB connection terminal. The communication unit 524 and the hub device 28 are connected by an Ethernet cable. The communication unit 524 and a corresponding imaging device 42 are connected by a USB cable.

[0183] The suction unit 525 extracts the sample from the sample container 110 (see Figure 2 ) Aspirate the sample, as shown in Figure 5 As described above, pure water is sucked from the transfer device 70, and the diluted DST reagent is sucked from the diluting device 80. The preparation unit 526 prepares a smear on a slide based on the sample sucked by the suction unit 525.

[0184] The input device 21 includes a control unit 531 , a storage unit 532 , a communication unit 533 , a transport unit 534 , a start button 21 a , and an end button 21 b .

[0185] The control unit 531 includes, for example, a CPU. The control unit 531 performs various processes by executing computer programs stored in the storage unit 532. The storage unit 532 includes, for example, an SSD, an HDD, a RAM, etc. The communication unit 533 includes, for example, a connection terminal based on the Ethernet standard. The communication unit 533 and the transport controller 26 are connected by a cable based on the Ethernet standard. The transport unit 534 has a function of transporting the rack 100 placed by the user on the input device 21 to the adjacent transport device 22 (see Figure 1 ) institutions.

[0186] like Figure 1 As shown, a start button 21a and an end button 21b are provided on the front end of the loading device 21. When the user presses the start button 21a, the control unit 531 transmits a start instruction to the transport controller 26 to activate each component of the sample measurement system 1. This activates the sample measurement system 1. When the user presses the end button 21b, the control unit 531 transmits an end instruction to the transport controller 26 to shut down each component of the sample measurement system 1. This shuts down the sample measurement system 1.

[0187] In addition, except for the start button 21a and the end button 21b, the transport device 22 and the collection device 25 are also configured similarly to the input device 21. The transport controller 26 and the line hub 28 are also connected by a cable based on the Ethernet standard.

[0188] Next refer to Figures 23 to 31 The flowchart shown explains the control performed by the sample measurement system 1.

[0189] Figure 23 1 is a flowchart showing the processes related to activation and termination performed by the control unit 531 of the input device 21 .

[0190] When the user presses the start button 21a (step S101: Yes), in step S102, the control unit 531 of the loading device 21 transmits a start instruction to the transport controller 26. The start instruction is, for example, a packet based on Wake-on-LAN.

[0191] When the transport controller 26 receives the start instruction, the power of the transport controller 26 is turned on. Then, the transport controller 26 sends a start instruction to the four transport devices 22, the two transport devices 23, the two transport devices 24, the recovery device 25, the four control devices 31 and the two smear specimen preparation devices 41. The start instruction is, for example, a data packet based on network wake-up. When each device receives the start instruction, the power of the device is turned on. At this time, the control device C2 starts the corresponding two sample measurement devices 32-L and 32-R, and the control device C1 starts the reagent supply device 50 and the corresponding two sample measurement devices 32-L and 32-R. The smear specimen preparation device 41 starts the corresponding imaging device 42. In this way, the sample measurement system 1 is started.

[0192] When it is detected that the end button 21 b is pressed (step S103 : Yes), in step S104 , the control unit 531 sends an end instruction to the transport controller 26 .

[0193] Upon receiving the termination instruction, the transport controller 26 sends the termination instruction to the four transport devices 22, the two transport devices 23, the two transport devices 24, the recovery device 25, the four control devices 31, and the two smear preparation devices 41. The device that receives the termination instruction from the transport controller 26 shuts down that device. At this time, the control device C2 shuts down the corresponding two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R, and the control device C1 shuts down the reagent supply device 50 and the corresponding two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R. The smear preparation device 41 shuts down the corresponding imaging device 42. The transport controller 26 then shuts down itself.

[0194] The control unit 531 causes the input device 21 to execute a shutdown operation in step S105, and in step S106, causes the input device 21 to shut down. In this manner, the sample measurement system 1 is shut down.

[0195] Figure 24 1 is a flowchart showing a process related to startup performed by the control unit 501 of the control devices C1 and C2.

[0196] When the control device C1 is activated (step S111: Yes), in step S112, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 activates the reagent supply device 50 and the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R connected to the control device C1. In step S113, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 activates the reagent supply device 50 and the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R connected to the control device C1.

[0197] When the start-up operation of the reagent supply device 50 is completed, the reagent supply device 50 becomes operable. Figure 31The startup operation of the reagent supply device 50 will be described. During the startup operation, the sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R aspirate a predetermined amount of all reagents from the transfer device 70 and the diluting device 80 and perform a test measurement using the aspirated reagents. When the test measurement is completed, the sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R are ready for measurement.

[0198] Next, in step S114, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 transmits a notification of completion of the activation of the reagent supply device 50 to the three control devices C2 and the two smear preparation devices 41. The control unit 501 of the control device C1 then drives the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R connected to the control device C1 to perform sample measurements.

[0199] When the control device C2 is activated (step S121: Yes), the control unit 501 of the control device C2 activates the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R connected to the control device C2 in step S122. In step S123, the control unit 501 of the control device C2 activates the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R connected to the control device C2.

[0200] Next, in step S124, the control unit 501 of the control device C2 places the process on standby until receiving a completion notification of the startup operation of the reagent supply device 50. Upon receiving the completion notification from the control device C1 (step S124: Yes), the control unit 501 of the control device C2 drives the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R connected to the control device C2 to perform sample measurement.

[0201] Furthermore, the control unit 521 of the smear preparation device 41 also performs processing substantially similar to steps S121 to S124. Specifically, when the smear preparation device 41 is activated, the control unit 521 activates the imaging device 42 connected to the smear preparation device 41, causing the smear preparation device 41 and the imaging device 42 connected to the smear preparation device 41 to perform a startup operation. The control unit 521 places the processing on standby until receiving a completion notification from the reagent supply device 50 indicating the completion of the startup operation. Upon receiving the completion notification from the control device C1, the control unit 521 drives the smear preparation device 41 and the imaging device 42 connected to the smear preparation device 41 to prepare and capture the smear.

[0202] Figure 25 1 is a flowchart showing a process related to termination performed by the control unit 501 of the control devices C1 and C2.

[0203] When receiving the Figure 23When the end instruction is sent in step S104 (step S131: Yes), the control unit 501 of the control device C1 executes the shutdown operation of the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R connected to the control device C1 in step S132, and shuts down the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R in step S133. Next, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 executes the shutdown operation of the reagent supply device 50 in step S134. Figure 31 The shutdown operation of the reagent supply device 50 will be described. When the shutdown operation of the reagent supply device 50 is completed, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 shuts down the reagent supply device 50 in step S135.

[0204] When receiving the Figure 23 When the end instruction is sent in step S104 (step S141: Yes), the control unit 501 of the control device C2 causes the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R connected to the control device C2 to perform a shutdown operation in step S142, and shuts down the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R in step S143.

[0205] Furthermore, the control unit 521 of the smear preparation device 41 also performs substantially the same processing as steps S141 to S143. Specifically, upon receiving the termination instruction, the control unit 521 of the smear preparation device 41 causes the smear preparation device 41 and the corresponding imaging device 42 to execute a shutdown operation, thereby shutting down the smear preparation device 41 and the imaging device 42.

[0206] Figure 26 This is a flowchart showing the processing related to measurement performed by the control unit 501 of the control device 31 (C1, C2). Figure 26 processing.

[0207] When the control unit 501 of the control device 31 performs a sample measurement on the sample measuring device 32-L or 32-R connected to the control device 31, in step S151, it controls the corresponding sample preparation unit 512 to aspirate a predetermined amount of reagent corresponding to the type of measurement. In step S152, the control unit 501 controls the corresponding sample preparation unit 512 to mix the sample with the reagent aspirated in step S151 to prepare a measurement sample. In step S153, the control unit 501 controls the corresponding measurement unit 513 to perform a measurement on the measurement sample prepared in step S152.

[0208] Furthermore, the control unit 521 of the smear preparation device 41 also performs substantially the same processing as steps S151 to S153. Specifically, the control unit 521 controls the suction unit 525 to aspirate predetermined amounts of DST reagent, CPB reagent, and pure water. The control unit 521 controls the preparation unit 526 to apply the sample to the slide glass, transfers the prepared smear to the imaging device 42, and controls the imaging device 42 to photograph the smear.

[0209] Figure 27 Flowchart showing the processing related to the reagent supply device 50 performed by the control unit 501 of the control device C1. Figure 27 processing.

[0210] In step S201, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 determines whether the reagent storage unit 201 is full based on the detection result of the float sensor 201a provided in the reagent storage unit 201 of the supply unit 200. If the reagent storage unit 201 is not full (step S201: No), in step S202, Figure 8 、 Figure 9 As shown, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 replenishes the reagent from the reagent container 60 currently in use, of the two reagent containers 60 connected to the supply unit 200, to the reagent storage unit 201. Here, the storage unit 502 of the control device C1 stores information indicating which of the two reagent containers 60 connected to each supply unit 200 is currently in use. The control unit 501 of the control device C1 refers to this information to perform the process of step S202.

[0211] In step S203, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 determines whether the reagent container 60 in use contains reagent based on the detection results of the bubble monitoring sensor 231 or 232 during the reagent replenishment in step S202. The detection results of the bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232 respectively reflect whether the reagent is properly flowing in the flow path at the location of the bubble monitoring sensor. Therefore, when replenishing reagent from the reagent container 60 in use to the reagent storage unit 201, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 can determine whether the reagent container 60 in use contains reagent based on the detection results of the bubble monitoring sensor 231 or 232 on the side of the reagent container 60 in use.

[0212] Furthermore, in step S203, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 may determine whether the reagent storage unit 201 is full within a predetermined time period due to the replenishment operation in step S202 based on the detection result of the float sensor 201a, thereby determining whether there is reagent in the reagent container 60 in use. Alternatively, in step S203, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 may determine that there is reagent in the reagent container 60 in use only when both the detection result of the bubble monitoring sensor 231 or 232 and the detection result of the float sensor 201a indicate that there is reagent in the reagent container 60.

[0213] If it is determined in step S203 that the reagent container 60 in use contains reagent (step S204: Yes), the control unit 501 of the control device C1 returns the process to step S201. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S203 that the reagent container 60 in use contains no reagent (step S204: No), the control unit 501 of the control device C1 sets the status of the reagent container 60 in use to "no reagent" in step S205.

[0214] Here, the storage unit 502 of the control device C1 stores the status of each reagent container 60 connected to the reagent supply device 50. The status of the reagent container 60 is "reagent present", "reagent absent", or "waiting for reagent replacement".

[0215] Next, in step S206 , the control unit 501 of the control device C1 refers to the state of another reagent container 60 that is not in use, and determines whether or not there is a reagent in the other reagent container 60 .

[0216] If it is determined that there is reagent in another reagent container 60 (step S206: Yes), the control unit 501 of the control device C1 performs a storage operation on the reagent container 60 in use, that is, the reagent container 60 determined to be empty in step S203. Figure 10 As shown in FIG, when the reagent in the reagent container RC1 is exhausted, the reagent is transferred from the reagent container RC2 to the reagent container RC1 through the storage operation, and the reagent is stored in the flow path 211 connected to the reagent container RC1. Figure 11 As shown, when the reagent in the reagent container RC2 is exhausted, the reagent is transferred from the reagent container RC1 to the reagent container RC2 by the storage operation, and the reagent is stored in the flow path 212 connected to the reagent container RC2.

[0217] In step S208, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 sets another reagent container 60, that is, the reagent container 60 used as the reagent transfer source in step S207, as being in use, and displays the icon 451 indicating that the corresponding reagent information 441a or 441b is in use (see Figure 15 ), returning the process to step S201.

[0218] If it is determined that there is no reagent in the other reagent container 60 (step S206: No), the control unit 501 of the control device C1 advances the process to step S209. In other words, if both reagent containers 60 have run out of the target reagent, the required reagent may not be properly supplied. Therefore, as described below, the processing of all devices using the reagent supplied from the reagent supply device 50 is stopped.

[0219] In step S209, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 stops the measurement of the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R connected to the control device C1. In step S210, the display input unit 31b of the control device C1 displays that the measurement of the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R is stopped. Specifically, Figure 18 As shown, an error window 470 including a message indicating that the measurement is stopped due to the exhaustion of the reagent is displayed above each of the device information areas 410L and 410R.

[0220] Next, in step S211, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 causes the display input unit 31b of the control device C1 to display that both of the two reagent containers 60 forming a pair in the reagent supply device 50 have run out of reagents. Figure 18 As shown, an error window 480 including a message indicating the type of reagent has run out is displayed. Then, in step S212, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 sends a notification indicating that the reagent supply device 50 has run out of reagent to the three control devices C2 and the two smear preparation devices 41.

[0221] Figure 28 This is a flowchart showing the measurement stop process based on the exhaustion of the reagent by the control unit 501 of the control device C2. Figure 25 processing.

[0222] When received Figure 27 When a notification indicating that the reagent supply device 50 has run out of reagent is transmitted from the control device C1 in step S212 (step S221 : Yes), the control unit 501 of the control device C2 advances the process to step S222 .

[0223] The control unit 501 of the control device C2 stops the measurement of the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R connected to the control device C2 in step S222, and in step S223, causes the display input unit 31b of the control device C2 to display that the measurement of the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R has stopped. Specifically, Figure 19 As shown, an error window 470 including a message indicating that the measurement is stopped due to the exhaustion of reagents is displayed above the device information areas 410L and 410R.

[0224] Furthermore, the control unit 521 of the smear preparation device 41 also performs substantially the same processing as steps S221 to S223. Specifically, upon receiving a notification indicating that the reagent supply device 50 has run out of reagent, the control unit 521 stops the smear preparation by the corresponding smear preparation device 41 and causes the display input unit 523 of the smear preparation device 41 to indicate that the smear preparation device 41 has stopped.

[0225] Figure 29 This is a flowchart showing the display processing related to reagent replacement performed by the control unit 501 of the control device C1. Figure 29 processing.

[0226] In step S301, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 determines whether the storage operation based on the exhaustion of the reagent is completed. Figure 27 When it is determined that the reagent container 60 in use contains no reagent (step S204: No) and the storage operation for the reagent container 60 is completed (step S207), it is determined in step S301 that the storage operation due to the exhaustion of the reagent is completed.

[0227] When the storage operation based on the exhaustion of the reagent is completed (step S301: Yes), in step S302, as shown in FIG. Figure 15 As shown in the display state 1, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 displays the icon 452 indicating that the reagent container 60 needs to be replaced on the corresponding reagent information 441a or 441b. Figure 17 As shown, an error window 460 is displayed indicating that a reagent container 60 has run out of reagent. After confirming the icon 452 and the display of the error window 460, the user places a new reagent container 60 to replace the reagent container 60 that has run out of reagent, and operates the barcode reader 31c to read the barcode of the new reagent container 60.

[0228] When the barcode of the reagent container 60 is read by the barcode reader 31c (step S303: Yes), the control unit 501 of the control device C1 reads the barcode of the reagent container 60 in step S304 as shown in FIG. Figure 15 As shown in the display state 2, an icon 453 indicating that the reagent replacement has been accepted is displayed in the corresponding reagent information 441a or reagent information 441b. After the user confirms the icon 453, he operates the execution button 442 (see Figure 14 ).

[0229] When it is detected that the execution button 442 is operated (step S305: Yes), the control unit 501 of the control device C1 stores the barcode information of the new reagent container 60 to be replaced in the storage unit 502. In step S306, the status of the reagent container 60 to be replaced is set to "waiting for reagent replacement". Then, in step S307, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 eliminates bubbles in the reagent container 60 waiting for reagent replacement. Specifically, Figure 8 、 Figure 9 Similarly, the reagent is transferred from the reagent container 60 waiting for reagent replacement to the reagent storage unit 201 at a predetermined time. This eliminates bubbles in the piping 210 connected from the reagent container 60 waiting for reagent replacement to the reagent storage unit 201, allowing for smooth subsequent reagent transfer.

[0230] In step S308, Figure 15 As shown in display state 3 of FIG3 , the control unit 501 of the control device C1 displays an icon 454 indicating the progress of the bubble elimination operation started in step S307 on the corresponding reagent information 441a or 441b. The progress status is generated based on, for example, the ratio of the time since the bubble elimination operation started to the predetermined time for the bubble elimination operation.

[0231] After the predetermined time required for the bubble elimination operation has elapsed, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 determines whether the reagent replacement has been successful in the reagent container 60 waiting for reagent replacement in step S309. Specifically, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 determines whether the reagent is properly flowing through the flow path at the location of the bubble monitoring sensor 231 or 232 during the bubble elimination operation, based on the detection results of the bubble monitoring sensor 231 or 232, and thus determines whether the reagent replacement has been successful.

[0232] Furthermore, in step S309 , the control unit 501 of the control device C1 may determine whether the reagent storage unit 201 is full after a predetermined period of reagent transfer based on the detection result of the float sensor 201 a during the bubble elimination operation, thereby determining whether the reagent replacement is successful.

[0233] When it is determined that the reagent replacement is successful (step S310: Yes), the control unit 501 of the control device C1 deletes the icon 454 indicating the progress of the bubble elimination operation in step S311, for example, Figure 15 As shown in the reagent information 441a of display status 4, the reagent container 60 is in a normal state. Then, in step S312, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 sets the state of the reagent container 60 waiting for reagent replacement to "having reagent".

[0234] On the other hand, when it is determined that the reagent replacement has failed (step S310: No), the control unit 501 of the control device C1 deletes the icon 454 indicating the progress of the bubble elimination operation in step S313, as shown in FIG. Figure 15 As shown in the reagent information 441a of display status 1, the icon 452 indicating that the reagent container 60 needs to be replaced is displayed again. Then, in step S314, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 sets the status of the reagent container 60 waiting for reagent replacement to "no reagent".

[0235] Figure 30 FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a warning display process related to reagent replacement performed by the control unit 501 of the control device C1. The process is repeated in parallel for each pair of two reagent containers 60. Figure 30 processing.

[0236] In step S321, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 determines whether, of the two paired reagent containers 60, the remaining amount in the active reagent container 60 is below a predetermined value and the status of the other reagent container 60 is "out of reagent." The predetermined value for determining the remaining amount is, for example, 25%. The storage unit 502 of the control device C1 stores the remaining amounts of reagents in all reagent containers 60. The remaining amounts are updated in real time based on the known remaining amounts of reagents in the new reagent containers 60 and the amount of reagent transferred from the reagent containers 60 to the reagent storage unit 201. For example, the amount of reagent transferred is determined based on the number of times the reagent has been transferred from the reagent container 60 to the reagent storage unit 201.

[0237] In addition, the amount of reagent transported can be obtained based on the time it takes for the reagent to pass through the bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232, based on the number of times the liquid delivery part 251 is driven, or based on the number of measurements performed by the eight sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R and the number of smear specimens prepared by the two smear specimen preparation devices 41.

[0238] When the remaining amount of the two reagent containers 60 forming a pair is almost gone (step S321: Yes), in step S322, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 controls the reagent container 60 to be removed. Figure 20 As shown in display states 5 and 6 , the error window 460 displays that the remaining amount is less than a predetermined value, and the icon 455 indicating that the remaining amount of the reagent is almost empty is displayed in the reagent information area 441 .

[0239] Next, in step S323, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 determines whether the other reagent container 60 has been replaced with a new one and the status of the other reagent container 60 is "containing reagent." If the status of the other reagent container 60 has changed to "containing reagent" (step S323: Yes), in step S324, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 cancels the reagent exhaustion warning displayed in step S322. As a result, the display prompting the replacement of the reagent disappears from the error window 460, and the icon 455 disappears from the reagent information area 441.

[0240] Figure 31 This is a flowchart showing the processing of the start-up operation and the shutdown operation of the reagent supply device 50 by the control unit 501 of the control device C1. Figure 31 processing.

[0241] In step S401, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 determines whether the reagent storage unit 201 is full based on the detection result of the float sensor 201a. If the reagent storage unit 201 is not full (step S401: No), in step S402, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 drives the supply unit 200 to transfer the reagent from the currently used reagent container 60 of the two paired reagent containers 60 to the reagent storage unit 201, thereby filling the reagent storage unit 201. On the other hand, if the reagent storage unit 201 is full (step S401: Yes), the processing of step S402 is omitted.

[0242] In step S403, Figure 12 As shown, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 drives the supply unit 200 so as to transfer the reagent to the entire pipe 210 using the reagent container 60 in use, and store the reagent in the entire pipe 210 .

[0243] <Effects of the Sample Measurement System and Reagent Supply Device of Embodiment 1>

[0244] Hereinafter, one of the CPB reagent, DST reagent, WNR reagent, DFL reagent, SLS reagent, WPC reagent, and WDF reagent will be referred to as the "first reagent," and the other reagent of the CPB reagent, DST reagent, WNR reagent, DFL reagent, SLS reagent, WPC reagent, and WDF reagent that is a different type from the first reagent will be referred to as the "second reagent." The other reagent of the CPB reagent, DST reagent, WNR reagent, DFL reagent, SLS reagent, WPC reagent, and WDF reagent that is a different type from the first and second reagents will be referred to as the "third reagent."

[0245] The sample measurement system 1 includes a plurality of sample measurement devices 32-L and 32-R and a reagent supply device 50. The sample measurement devices 32-L and 32-R use a first reagent and a second reagent to measure a sample. The reagent supply device 50 includes: a pipe 210 (first pipe) connected to a plurality of reagent containers 60 (first reagent containers) containing a first reagent; a reagent storage unit 201 (first reagent storage unit) storing the first reagent transported via the pipe 210 (first pipe); a pipe 210 (second pipe) connected to a plurality of reagent containers 60 (second reagent containers) containing a second reagent; and a reagent storage unit 201 (second reagent storage unit) storing the second reagent transported via the pipe 210 (second pipe). The first reagent stored in the reagent storage unit 201 (first reagent storage unit) is supplied to the plurality of sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R, and the second reagent stored in the reagent storage unit 201 (second reagent storage unit) is supplied to the plurality of sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R.

[0246] Large-scale facilities are equipped with multiple sample measurement devices, each using a variety of reagents to perform sample measurements. Typically, if a particular reagent runs out, the measurement by the sample measurement device ceases. Furthermore, when reagents are consumed by multiple sample measurement devices, each type of reagent is prone to running out. Therefore, users need to monitor the status of each reagent and frequently replace it to prevent it from running out.

[0247] In contrast, according to the above-described structure, the reagent supply device 50 includes a reagent storage unit 201 in each supply unit 200. This reagent storage unit 201 stores reagents from multiple reagent containers 60, and the reagents in each reagent storage unit 201 are supplied to multiple sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R. Thus, when the reagent in each reagent container 60 is exhausted, the reagent can be temporarily supplied from the reagent storage unit 201 in each supply unit 200. This allows the user to replace the exhausted reagent container 60 with a new one at a convenient time, without having to immediately replace the reagent. This reduces the user's burden of monitoring reagent replacement and the frequency of reagent replacement. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the user's burden of reagent replacement in large-scale facilities.

[0248] The reagent supply device 50 further includes: switching units 241, 242, 252 and a liquid supply unit 251 (first reagent transport unit) for transporting the first reagent contained in a plurality of reagent containers 60 (first reagent containers) to the reagent storage unit 201 (first reagent storage unit) via the piping 210 (first piping) corresponding to the first reagent; and switching units 241, 242, 252 and a liquid supply unit 251 (second reagent transport unit) for transporting the second reagent contained in a plurality of reagent containers 60 (second reagent containers) to the reagent storage unit 201 (second reagent storage unit) via the piping 210 (second piping) corresponding to the second reagent.

[0249] According to this configuration, the operation of transferring each reagent to the reagent storage unit 201 can be performed independently.

[0250] The first reagent transport unit corresponding to the first reagent includes: switching units 241 and 242 (first switching unit) for switching the flow path of the piping 210 (first piping) from one reagent container 60 (first reagent container) containing the first reagent to another reagent container 60 (first reagent container); and a liquid supply unit 251 (first liquid supply unit) for delivering the first reagent to the flow path of the piping 210 (first piping) switched by the switching units 241 and 242 (first switching unit). The second reagent transport unit corresponding to the second reagent includes: switching units 241 and 242 (second switching unit) for switching the flow path of the piping 210 (second piping) from one reagent container 60 (second reagent container) containing the second reagent to another reagent container 60 (second reagent container); and a liquid supply unit 251 (second liquid supply unit) for delivering the second reagent to the flow path of the piping 210 (second piping) switched by the switching units 241 and 242 (second switching unit).

[0251] According to this configuration, when the reagent in the reagent container 60 in use is exhausted, the flow path of the pipe 210 can be smoothly switched to another reagent container 60 to transfer the reagent to the reagent storage unit 201 .

[0252] The reagent supply device 50 further includes: bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232 and a float sensor 201a (first detection unit) for detecting the supply status of the first reagent contained in the plurality of reagent containers 60 (first reagent containers); bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232 and a float sensor 201a (second detection unit) for detecting the supply status of the second reagent contained in the plurality of reagent containers 60 (second reagent containers); and a control unit 501 of the control device C1. Figure 27As shown, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 switches the reagent container 60 in use. Specifically, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 controls the switching units 241 and 242 and the liquid supply unit 251 (first reagent transport unit) based on the detection results (first detection results) of the bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232 and the float sensor 201a (first detection unit) to switch the flow path of the pipe 210 (first pipe) from one reagent container 60 containing the first reagent (first reagent container) to another reagent container 60 (first reagent container). Based on the detection results (second detection results) of the bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232 and the float sensor 201a (second detection unit), the control unit 501 controls the switching units 241 and 242 and the liquid supply unit 251 (second reagent transport unit) to switch the flow path of the pipe 210 (second pipe) from one reagent container 60 containing the second reagent (second reagent container) to another reagent container 60 (second reagent container).

[0253] According to this configuration, the supply state of the reagent can be detected based on the detection result, and thus the necessary flow path can be switched reliably.

[0254] The control unit 501 of the control device C1 controls the switching units 241, 242 and the liquid supply unit 251 (first reagent transport unit) to transport the first reagent through the flow path of the piping 210 (first piping) switched by the switching units 241, 242 (first switching unit) based on the detection results (first detection results) of the bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232 and the float sensor 201a. The control unit 501 controls the switching units 241, 242 and the liquid supply unit 251 (second reagent transport unit) to transport the second reagent through the flow path of the piping 210 (second piping) switched by the switching units 241, 242 (second switching unit) based on the detection results (second detection results) of the bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232 and the float sensor 201a.

[0255] According to this configuration, the reagent is transferred while switching the flow path based on the detection result in each supply unit 200 , so that the reagent can be smoothly transferred to the reagent storage unit 201 .

[0256] The float sensor 201a (first detection unit) is provided in the reagent storage unit 201 (first reagent storage unit) corresponding to the first reagent, and the float sensor 201a (second detection unit) is provided in the reagent storage unit 201 (second reagent storage unit) corresponding to the second reagent.

[0257] According to this configuration, in each supply unit 200 , since the float sensor 201 a is provided in the reagent storage unit 201 , it is possible to detect the reagent supply status to the reagent storage unit 201 and also detect the reagent storage status in the reagent storage unit 201 .

[0258] The bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232 (first detection unit) are provided in the piping 210 (first piping) corresponding to the first reagent, and the bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232 (second detection unit) are provided in the piping 210 (second piping) corresponding to the second reagent.

[0259] According to this configuration, in each supply unit 200, since the bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232 are provided in the piping 210, the supply status of the reagent can be directly detected based on the status of the reagent flowing through the piping 210. Therefore, the supply status of the reagent contained in each reagent container 60 connected to each supply unit 200 and the supply status of the reagent contained in each of these reagent containers 60 can be reliably grasped.

[0260] Alternatively, the float sensor 201a may serve as a first detection unit that detects the supply status of the first reagent contained in the plurality of first reagent containers, while the bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232 may serve as a second detection unit that detects the supply status of the second reagent contained in the plurality of second reagent containers.

[0261] The piping 210 (first piping) corresponding to the first reagent includes a plurality of flow paths 211 to 215 (first flow paths), and the piping 210 (second piping) corresponding to the second reagent includes a plurality of flow paths 211 to 215 (second flow paths). The control unit 501 of the control device C1 controls the switching units 241, 242, 252 and the liquid feeding unit 251 (first reagent transport unit) to transport the first reagent so that the first reagent is stored in the flow path (i) among the plurality of flow paths 211 to 215 (first flow paths) that is used to transport the first reagent from an empty reagent container 60 (first reagent container) but is not used to transport the first reagent from other reagent containers 60 (first reagent containers) that have not been emptied. Figure 27 In addition, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 controls the switching units 241, 242, 252 and the liquid feeding unit 251 (second reagent transporting unit) to transport the second reagent so that the second reagent is stored in the flow path ( ) among the plurality of flow paths 211 to 215 (second flow paths) that is used to transport the second reagent from one of the empty reagent containers 60 (second reagent containers) but is not used to transport the second reagent from the other reagent containers 60 (second reagent containers) that have not been emptied. Figure 27 Step S207).

[0262] Normally, when the reagent container 60 becomes empty and this state is left unattended for a long time, the inside of the pipe 210 connected to the reagent container 60 will dry out, and a composition of the reagent remaining in the pipe 210 will precipitate out, which may cause problems such as blockage when the reagent supply is restarted. In contrast, according to the above structure, by storing the reagent in the flow path connected to the empty reagent container 60, for example Figure 10The flow path 211 or the flow path 212 connected to the reagent container RC1 is shown Figure 11 The flow path 212 connected to the reagent container RC2 shown can prevent the composition from precipitating or clogging in the pipe 210.

[0263] During the control for storing the first reagent, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 causes the switching units 241, 242, 252 and the liquid feeding unit 251 (first reagent transport unit) to transfer the first reagent from the other reagent container 60 (first reagent container) to the one reagent container 60 (first reagent container). Furthermore, during the control for storing the second reagent, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 causes the switching units 241, 242, 252 and the liquid feeding unit 251 (second reagent transport unit) to transfer the second reagent from the other reagent container 60 (second reagent container) to the one reagent container 60 (second reagent container).

[0264] According to this structure, Figure 10 、 Figure 11 As shown, when storing reagents, the reagents in other reagent containers 60 are used instead of the reagents in the reagent storage unit 201. This maintains the remaining amount of reagents in the reagent storage unit 201, and thus allows the subsequent sample measuring devices 32-L, 32-R and the smear preparation device 41 to continue operating stably.

[0265] At the termination and startup timing of the sample measurement system 1, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 Figure 12 and Figure 31 As shown in step S403 , the control for storing the first reagent and the control for storing the second reagent are executed.

[0266] This structure makes it less likely that the storage operation will interfere with the measurement operation. Therefore, the measurement operation can be performed smoothly. Furthermore, if the sample measurement system 1 is not used for a long period of time after completion, the composition may easily precipitate or cause clogging in the piping 210. In contrast, if the control for storing the reagent is executed at the end of the sample measurement system 1, the piping 210 will be filled with reagent before the long period of non-use, thus preventing composition precipitation or clogging.

[0267] In the embodiment, the storage operation is performed at both the termination and startup of the sample measurement system 1. However, the storage operation may be performed at at least one of the termination and startup of the sample measurement system 1. However, as described above, if the piping 210 is not used for a long period of time, precipitation or clogging of the composition may occur. Therefore, it is preferable to perform the storage operation at the termination of the sample measurement system 1.

[0268] The reagent supply device 50 further includes: bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232 and a float sensor 201a (first detection unit) for detecting exhaustion of the first reagent in each of the plurality of reagent containers 60 (first reagent containers); and bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232 and a float sensor 201a (second detection unit) for detecting exhaustion of the second reagent in each of the plurality of reagent containers 60 (second reagent containers). In response to determining that the first reagent in one of the reagent containers 60 (first reagent container) has been exhausted based on the detection results of the bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232 and the float sensor 201a (first detection unit), the control unit 501 of the control device C1 controls the reagent container 60 (first reagent container) to be exhausted. Figure 10 、 11 and Figure 27 In step S207, the control for storing the first reagent is executed. In response to the determination that the second reagent in one reagent container 60 (the second reagent container) has been exhausted based on the detection results of the bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232 and the float sensor 201a (the second detection unit), the control unit 501 of the control device C1 performs the following operation: Figure 10 、 11 and Figure 27 As shown in step S207 , the above-described control for storing the second reagent is executed.

[0269] According to this configuration, since the empty pipe 210 is filled with the reagent in response to the exhaustion of the reagent in one reagent container 60 , precipitation or clogging of the composition can be reliably prevented.

[0270] After it is determined that the first reagent in one reagent container 60 (first reagent container) has been exhausted based on the detection results of the bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232 and the float sensor 201a (first detection unit), Figure 27 Step S204: No), the process of reporting that the first reagent in one reagent container 60 (the first reagent container) has been exhausted is performed ( Figure 29 Before step S302 of the control unit C1, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 executes the above-mentioned control for storing the first reagent ( Figure 27 After it is determined that the second reagent in one reagent container 60 (second reagent container) has been used up based on the detection results of the bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232 and the float sensor 201a (second detection unit), ( Figure 27 Step S204: No), the process of reporting that the second reagent in one reagent container 60 (the second reagent container) has been exhausted is performed ( Figure 29 Before step S302 of the control unit C1, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 executes the above-mentioned control for storing the second reagent ( Figure 27 Step S207).

[0271] When a notification is received that the reagent container 60 is empty, the user may immediately replace the reagent container 60. If the reagent is transferred from another reagent container 60 to one reagent container 60 during the replacement, reagent leakage may occur. According to the above structure, since the reagent is stored before the notification is issued, reagent leakage can be avoided.

[0272] The reagent supply device 50 includes a reagent storage unit 201 (third reagent storage unit) that stores a third reagent that is transferred via a pipe 210 (third pipe) connected to a plurality of reagent containers 60 (third reagent containers) each containing the third reagent. The third reagent stored in the reagent storage unit 201 (third reagent storage unit) is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R.

[0273] Generally, when three types of reagents are used to perform sample measurement, the user needs to replace the reagents more frequently. Even when three types of reagents are used, the above configuration can reduce the burden on the user of replacing the reagents.

[0274] The sample measurement system 1 further includes a smear preparation device 41 for preparing a sample smear, and transport devices 22 and 23 for transporting a rack 100 capable of holding a plurality of sample containers 110 containing the sample. The transport devices 22 and 23 are configured to transport the rack 100 to each of the plurality of sample measurement devices 32-L and 32-R and the smear preparation device 41.

[0275] According to this configuration, the sample can be automatically transported to the sample measuring devices 32 -L and 32 -R and the smear preparation device 41 , thereby eliminating the need for the user to manually transport the sample and improving the sample processing speed.

[0276] The reagent supply device 50 further includes: bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232 and a float sensor 201a (first detection unit) for detecting exhaustion of the first reagent in each of the plurality of reagent containers 60 (first reagent container); bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232 and a float sensor 201a (second detection unit) for detecting exhaustion of the second reagent in each of the plurality of reagent containers 60 (second reagent container); a control unit 501 for the control device C1; and a display input unit 31b (display unit) of the control device C1. The control unit 501 of the control device C1 responds to a determination that the first reagent in the reagent container 60 (first reagent container) has been exhausted based on the detection results of the bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232 and the float sensor 201a (first detection unit). Figure 29 Step S301: Yes), the display input unit 31b (display unit) of the control device C1 displays a message indicating that the reagent in the reagent container 60 (first reagent container) has been exhausted ( Figure 15 Icon 452 and Figure 17 In addition, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 responds to the situation where the second reagent in the reagent container 60 (second reagent container) is determined to be exhausted based on the detection results of the bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232 and the float sensor 201a (second detection unit). Figure 29 Step S301: Yes), the display input unit 31b (display unit) displays a message indicating that the reagent in the reagent container 60 (second reagent container) has been exhausted ( Figure 15 Icon 452 and Figure 17 Error window 460).

[0277] According to this configuration, the user can quickly recognize that the reagent has run out.

[0278] In response to the determination that the first reagent in all the reagent containers 60 (first reagent containers) has been used up ( Figure 27 Step S206: No) or when it is determined that the second reagent in all reagent containers 60 (second reagent containers) has been used up ( Figure 27 Step S206: No), the process of stopping the measurement operations of the plurality of sample measurement devices 32-L and 32-R is executed ( Figure 27 Steps S209 and S212 of the control device C1 are executed, and the display input unit 31b (display unit) of the control device C1 is caused to display a message indicating that the measurement operation has stopped ( Figure 18 、 19 Error window 470)( Figure 27 Step S210 and Figure 28 Step S223).

[0279] When all the reagent containers 60 of a predetermined type have run out of reagents, appropriate measurement may not be possible. According to the above configuration, inappropriate measurement can be prevented, and the user can quickly recognize that the measurement operation has stopped.

[0280] The sample measurement system 1 includes a plurality of display input units 31b and 523 (display units). The control unit 501 of the control device C1 causes any one of the plurality of display input units 31b and 523 (display units), for example, the display input unit 31b (display unit) of the control device C1 to display a message indicating that the reagent has been exhausted ( Figure 15 Icon 452 and Figure 17 Error window 460).

[0281] According to this configuration, the user can easily understand that the reagent has run out by referring to only one of the plurality of display input units 31 b and 523 .

[0282] Furthermore, the information indicating that the reagent has been exhausted may be displayed on all the display input units 31b and 523. However, if the information indicating that the reagent has been exhausted is displayed on only one display input unit, the user can smoothly grasp other information (such as measurement status) on other display input units.

[0283] like Figure 6 As shown, the reagent supply device 50 further includes a frame 51, the interior of which is divided into an upper region 51a and a lower region 51b by a partition member 52. A circuit substrate 53 (a substrate including a circuit) is provided in the upper region 51a. Figure 7 As shown, a piping 210 (first piping) corresponding to the first reagent, a reagent storage unit 201 (first reagent storage unit), bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232, and a float sensor 201a (first detection unit) are provided; a piping 210 (second piping) corresponding to the second reagent, a reagent storage unit 201 (second reagent storage unit), bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232, and a float sensor 201a (second detection unit) are provided.

[0284] According to this structure, the circuit board 53 is arranged in the upper region 51a, and the fluid circuit for transporting the reagent is arranged in the lower region 51b. This can prevent the circuit board 53 from malfunctioning due to leakage of the reagent into the circuit portion.

[0285] <Implementation Method 2>

[0286] In embodiment 1, as Figure 7 As shown, in each supply unit 200, the lower end of the reagent storage unit 201 is connected to the transfer device 70, the smear preparation device 41 or the diluting device 80 via the flow path 216. In contrast, in embodiment 2, the lower end of the reagent storage unit 201 is connected to the transfer device 70, the smear preparation device 41 or the diluting device 80 and the flow path of the supply unit 200 on the liquid delivery unit 251 side via the flow paths 216, 217, and 218. Figure 7 The differences from the first embodiment shown will be described.

[0287] Figure 32 This is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a fluid circuit of a reagent supply device 50 according to the second embodiment.

[0288] The lower end of flow path 216 is connected to flow paths 217 and 218 at intersection 216a. The end of flow path 217 on the side opposite to intersection 216a is connected to flow paths 214a and 214b at intersection 217a. The end of flow path 218 on the side opposite to intersection 216a is connected to transfer device 70, smear specimen preparation device 41, or dilution device 80. One end of flow path 214a is connected to flow paths 212 and 213 at intersection 212a, and the other end of flow path 214a is connected to intersection 217a. One end of flow path 214b is connected to liquid supply unit 251, and the other end of flow path 214b is connected to intersection 217a. Switching unit 253 switches flow path 217 between an open state and a closed state.

[0289] The switching unit 253 is not limited to a solenoid valve and may be other structures as long as it can switch the flow path 217 between an open state and a closed state. For example, the switching unit 253 may be an electrically switchable valve.

[0290] Figure 33 1 is a diagram showing the storage operation when the reagent in the reagent container RC1 is exhausted. In this example, the reagent container RC2 is set to be in use.

[0291] like Figure 33 As shown in the flow path state 7-1 at the top, the switch 253 is in the open state, and the liquid delivery unit 251 performs the suction operation. As a result, the reagent in the reagent storage unit 201 is introduced into the liquid delivery unit 251, and the flow paths 216, 217, and 214b are filled with the reagent. Figure 33 As shown in the lower flow path state 7-2, switch 253 is closed, switch 241 is open, and liquid delivery unit 251 performs a discharge operation. Consequently, the reagent introduced into liquid delivery unit 251 is transferred to reagent container RC1 via flow paths 214b, 214a, 213, and 211. Then, switch 241 is closed, and flow path 211 from tube 221 to switch 241 is filled with reagent, completing the storage operation.

[0292] In embodiment 2, Figure 27 In step S207, as Figure 33 As shown, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 controls the switching units 241 , 242 , 252 , 253 and the liquid feeding unit 251 to transfer the reagent in the reagent storage unit 201 to the empty reagent container 60 , thereby performing the storage operation.

[0293] In addition, in the case of a storage operation in which the reagent is stored in the entire pipe 210, Figure 31In step S403 , the control unit 501 of the control device C1 controls the switching units 241 , 242 , 252 , 253 and the liquid feeding unit 251 to transfer the reagent in the reagent storage unit 201 to the entire piping 210 , thereby performing the storage operation.

[0294] Alternatively, the upper end of the flow path 216 may be connected to a position about 1 / 4 to 1 / 5 of the height of the reagent storage unit 201 from the lowest part (the lower end of the interior) of the reagent storage unit 201. In this case, the reagent in the reagent storage unit 201 can be smoothly transferred to the flow path of the supply unit 200 on the liquid delivery unit 251 side via the flow paths 216 and 217. However, Figure 32 As shown, the upper end of the flow path 216 is preferably connected to the lowermost portion of the reagent storage section 201. This allows the reagent in the reagent storage section 201 to be transferred to the flow path 216 more smoothly.

[0295] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the end of the flow path 215 on the reagent storage unit 201 side may extend to near the bottom surface of the inside of the reagent storage unit 201. In this case, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 can control the switching units 241, 242, 252 and the liquid feeding unit 251 to perform storage by transporting the reagent in the reagent storage unit 201 through the flow path 215.

[0296] <Effects of the Sample Measurement System and Reagent Supply Device of Embodiment 2>

[0297] The piping 210 corresponding to the first reagent (first piping) includes a plurality of flow paths 211 to 213, 214a, 214b, and 215 to 218 (first flow paths). The piping 210 corresponding to the second reagent (second piping) includes a plurality of flow paths 211 to 213, 214a, 214b, and 215 to 218 (second flow paths). The control unit 501 of the control device C1 controls the switching units 241, 242, 252, and 253 and the liquid delivery unit 251 (first reagent transport unit) to transport the first reagent so that the first reagent is stored in the flow path among the plurality of flow paths 211 to 213, 214a, 214b, and 215 to 218 (first flow paths) that is used to transport the first reagent from an empty reagent container 60 (first reagent container) but is not used to transport the first reagent from other reagent containers 60 (first reagent containers) that are not empty. Furthermore, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 controls the switching units 241, 242, 252, and 253 and the liquid feeding unit 251 (second reagent transport unit) to transport the second reagent so that the second reagent is stored in a flow path among the plurality of flow paths 211 to 213, 214a, 214b, and 215 to 218 (second flow paths) that is used to transport the second reagent from one of the empty reagent containers 60 (second reagent containers) but is not used to transport the second reagent from other reagent containers 60 (second reagent containers) that have not been emptied.

[0298] In this structure, the reagent is stored in a flow path connected to the empty reagent container 60, for example, Figure 33 The flow path 211 connected to the reagent container RC1 can prevent the composition from precipitating or clogging in the pipe 210.

[0299] Furthermore, as in Embodiment 2, when a reagent storage operation is performed using the reagent in the reagent storage unit 201, the amount of reagent in the reagent storage unit 201 temporarily decreases during the storage operation. Therefore, depending on the capacity of the reagent storage unit 201, it may be impossible to stably supply reagent to the subsequent sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R and the smear preparation device 41. Therefore, when such a problem arises, it is preferable to perform the storage operation using the reagent container 60 that is not empty, as in Embodiment 1.

[0300] <Implementation Method 3>

[0301] In the third embodiment, warning lights 91 and 92 are provided in each sample measuring device 32-L, 32-R and each smear preparation device 41. Figure 1 The differences from the first embodiment shown will be described.

[0302] Figure 34 It is a front view schematically showing the structure of a sample measurement system 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0303] A warning light 91 is provided on the top surface of the left sample measuring device 32-L of the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R corresponding to the control device C1. The warning light 91 is connected to the control device C1 and is directly controlled by the control device C1. A warning light 92 is provided on the top surface of each sample measuring device 32-L, 32-R and each smear preparation device 41. The warning light 92 provided on each sample measuring device 32-L and 32-R is connected to the corresponding control device 31 and is directly controlled by the control device 31. The warning light 92 provided on each smear preparation device 41 is connected to the smear preparation device 41 and is directly controlled by the smear preparation device 41.

[0304] The control unit 501 of control device C1 controls the lighting of all warning lights 91 and 92. The control unit 501 of control device C1 directly controls the lighting of the warning lights 91 and 92 connected to control device C1. When controlling the lighting of the warning light 92 connected to control device C2, the control unit 501 of control device C1 sends a lighting instruction to control device C2, causing the control unit 501 of control device C2 to perform lighting control. Furthermore, when controlling the lighting of the warning light 92 connected to the smear preparation device 41, the control unit 501 of control device C1 sends a lighting instruction to the control unit 521 of the smear preparation device 41, causing it to perform lighting control.

[0305] The warning lights 91 and 92 are configured to emit light upward and illuminate the ceiling of the room where the sample measurement system 1 is installed.

[0306] Figure 35 1 is a flowchart showing a process for lighting the warning lamps 91 and 92 by the control unit 501 of the control device C1. Figure 35 The process is executed repeatedly.

[0307] In step S501, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 refers to the status of each reagent container 60 and determines whether the reagent is exhausted in one reagent container 60 in any pair of two reagent containers 60 and not in both reagent containers 60 in all pairs of two reagent containers 60. Through step S501 and step S503, described later, a reagent container 60 is determined to be exhausted if its status is "No Reagent" or "Waiting for Reagent Replacement." If the determination in step S501 is yes, all measurements and smear preparation continue without interruption, as described in Embodiment 1.

[0308] If the determination result in step S501 is yes, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 controls the warning light 91 to light up in the first notification mode in step S502. The first notification mode is, for example, lighting up in green. Figure 36 As shown, only the warning light 91 is lit in the first reporting mode, and all the warning lights 92 are off. Figure 36 Such a lighting state allows the user to understand that the measurement and smear preparation are not stopped, and that it is desirable to replace the reagent container 60 that has run out of reagent as soon as possible.

[0309] In addition, in step S502 , together with or instead of the lighting control of the warning lamp 91 , an alarm sound corresponding to the first notification mode may be output from the speaker provided in the control device C1 .

[0310] In step S503, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 refers to the status of each reagent container 60 and determines whether the reagents in any pair of two reagent containers 60 have been exhausted. If the determination in step S503 is yes, all measurements and all smear preparations are stopped as described in the first embodiment.

[0311] If the determination in step S503 is yes, the control unit 501 of the control device C1 controls the lighting of all the warning lights 91 and 92 in the second reporting mode in step S504. The second reporting mode is, for example, lighting in red. Figure 37 As shown, all warning lights 91 and 92 are lit in the second reporting mode. Figure 37 Such a lighting state can be used to understand that the measurement and smear preparation have been stopped, and can be used to understand that the reagent container 60 that has run out of reagent needs to be quickly replaced.

[0312] Furthermore, in step S504 , an alarm sound corresponding to the second notification mode may be output from speakers provided in all control devices 31 and all smear preparation devices 41 together with or instead of controlling the lighting of the warning lights 91 , 92 .

[0313] If both the determinations in steps S501 and S503 are negative, the status of all reagent containers 60 is "reagent present", and therefore the control unit 501 of the control device C1 controls all warning lights 91 and 92 to be turned off in step S505. Figure 34 As shown, all warning lights 91 and 92 are off.

[0314] Furthermore, the first and second notification methods may be other notification methods as long as the user can distinguish and discern between the two methods. For example, the first and second notification methods may be illuminated in colors other than those described above, or may flash, repeatedly turning on and off at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, the warning lights 91 and 92 are not limited to warning lights; they may also be other devices that emit light. For example, rotating lights or indicator lights may be used in place of the warning lights.

[0315] In addition, when the dyeing liquid reagent contained in the two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R connected to the control device 31 has run out, the control device 31 can also control the lighting of the warning light 92 arranged on the upper surface of the sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R where the reagent has run out in other reporting methods.

[0316] <Effects of the Sample Measurement System and Reagent Supply Device of Embodiment 3>

[0317] In response to the detection results of the bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232 and the float sensor 201a (first detection unit) being determined that the first reagent in the reagent container 60 (first reagent container) is exhausted ( Figure 35 Step S501: Yes) or when it is determined based on the detection results of the bubble monitoring sensors 231, 232 and the float sensor 201a (second detection unit) that the second reagent in the reagent container 60 (second reagent container) is exhausted ( Figure 35 Step S501: Yes), if Figure 36 As shown, the warning light 91 is controlled to be illuminated in the first reporting mode ( Figure 35 Step S502).

[0318] According to this configuration, the user can quickly recognize that the reagent has run out by referring to the lighting of the warning light 91. In addition, since the warning light 91 is illuminated on the ceiling, the user can quickly recognize that the reagent has run out even if the user is far away from the sample measurement system 1.

[0319] In response to the determination that the first reagent in all the reagent containers 60 (first reagent containers) has been used up ( Figure 35 Step S503: Yes) or when it is determined that the second reagent in all reagent containers 60 (second reagent containers) has been used up ( Figure 35 Step S503: Yes), the process of stopping the measurement operations of the plurality of sample measurement devices 32-L and 32-R is executed ( Figure 27 Steps S209, S212), and as Figure 37 As shown, the warning lights 91 and 92 are controlled to light up in the second reporting mode ( Figure 35 Step S504).

[0320] When all reagent containers 60 of a predetermined type have run out of reagent, appropriate measurement can no longer be performed. According to the above configuration, inappropriate measurement can be prevented, and the user can quickly grasp that the measurement operation has stopped.

[0321] <Implementation Method 4>

[0322] In embodiment 1, as Figure 4 As shown, all reagent containers 60 are arranged in four storage sections 12. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, all reagent containers 60 are arranged in the reagent supply device 50. The following describes the structure that is different from the first embodiment.

[0323] Figure 38 : is a front view schematically showing the structure of the reagent supply device 50 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 38, for convenience, the interior of the reagent supply device 50 is shown in a see-through state.

[0324] In embodiment 4, Figure 6 Compared to the first embodiment shown, all reagent containers 60 are arranged in the lower area 51b of the reagent supply device 50 rather than in the storage section 12. Seven reagent storage sections 61 are provided in the lower area 51b. The seven reagent storage sections 61 contain two reagent containers 60 containing CPB reagent, two reagent containers 60 containing DST reagent, two reagent containers 60 containing WNR reagent, two reagent containers 60 containing DFL reagent, two reagent containers 60 containing SLS reagent, two reagent containers 60 containing WPC reagent, and two reagent containers 60 containing WDF reagent.

[0325] <Effects of the Sample Measurement System and Reagent Supply Device of Embodiment 4>

[0326] like Figure 1 As shown, the sample measurement system 1 includes a plurality of sample measurement devices 32-L and 32-R and a reagent supply device 50 for supplying reagents to the plurality of sample measurement devices 32-L and 32-R. Figure 38 As shown, the reagent supply device 50 includes: a reagent storage section 61 (first reagent storage section) for storing a plurality of reagent containers 60 (first reagent containers) containing a first reagent; a reagent storage section 61 (second reagent storage section) for storing a plurality of reagent containers 60 (second reagent containers) containing a second reagent; a reagent storage section 201 (first reagent storage section) for temporarily storing the first reagent; a reagent storage section 201 (second reagent storage section) for temporarily storing the second reagent; switching sections 241, 242, 252 and a liquid feeding section 251 (see Figure 7 )(first reagent transport unit), transports the first reagents in the plurality of reagent containers 60 (first reagent containers) contained in the reagent storage unit 201 (first reagent storage unit) to the reagent storage unit 201 (first reagent storage unit); and the switching units 241, 242, 252 and the liquid feeding unit 251 (refer to Figure 7 )(Second reagent transport unit) transports the second reagents in the plurality of reagent containers 60 (second reagent containers) contained in the reagent storage unit 201 (second reagent storage unit) to the reagent storage unit 201 (second reagent storage unit). The plurality of sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R each have a measuring unit 513 (see Figure 21 ), the measuring unit 513 measures the sample using the first reagent supplied from the reagent storage unit 201 (first reagent storage unit) of the reagent supply device 50 and the second reagent supplied from the reagent storage unit 201 (second reagent storage unit).

[0327] This configuration, similar to Embodiment 1, can reduce the burden on users of reagent replacement in large-scale facilities that consume large quantities of multiple reagent types. Furthermore, this configuration reduces the distance between the reagent storage section 61 and the reagent reservoir 201, as the reagent supply device 50 is provided with a reagent container 61 that accommodates multiple reagent containers 60. This allows for a streamlined configuration of the piping 210 between the reagent containers 60 and the reagent reservoir 201. Furthermore, since the reagent containers 60 are located in a centralized location within the reagent supply device 50, users can smoothly perform reagent replacement.

[0328] <Implementation Method 5>

[0329] In embodiment 1, as Figure 1 As shown, the reagent supply device 50 is disposed in the sample measurement system 1 including a plurality of sample measurement devices 32-L and 32-R. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, the reagent supply device 50 is disposed in the sample processing system 2 including a plurality of sample processing devices.

[0330] Figure 39 This is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a sample processing system 2 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0331] The sample processing system 2 has Figure 1 The sample measurement system 1 of the illustrated embodiment 1 is constructed without the four storage units 12, four transport devices 22, and four sample analyzers 30. The smear preparation device 41 included in the sample processing system 2 is a sample processing device for processing samples. The sample processing device included in the sample processing system 2 is not limited to the smear preparation device 41.

[0332] The reagent supply device 50 of the fifth embodiment is communicatively connected to one of the two smear preparation devices 41 based on the USB standard. The control and display processing of the reagent supply device 50 performed in the first embodiment is performed by the control unit 521 of the smear preparation device 41 to which the reagent supply device 50 is connected.

[0333] Figure 40 This is a fluid circuit diagram schematically showing the transfer paths of reagents and pure water in the fifth embodiment.

[0334] In embodiment 5, Figure 5Compared to the embodiment 1 shown, the eight sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R, the transfer device 70 connected to the eight sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R, the diluting device 80 connected to the four pairs of sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R, the two reagent containers 60 containing the WNR reagent, the two reagent containers 60 containing the DFL reagent, the two reagent containers 60 containing the SLS reagent, the two reagent containers 60 containing the WPC reagent, and the two reagent containers 60 containing the WDF reagent are omitted. The two reagent containers 60 containing the CPB reagent and the two reagent containers 60 containing the DST reagent are stored in the two storage units 13 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 39 ).

[0335] <Effects of the Sample Measurement System and Reagent Supply Device of Embodiment 5>

[0336] The sample processing system 2 includes multiple smear preparation devices 41 (sample processing devices) and a reagent supply device 50. The multiple smear preparation devices 41 (sample processing devices) use CPB reagent (first reagent) and DST reagent (second reagent) of a different type from the CPB reagent (first reagent) to prepare smears of the sample as sample processing. The reagent supply device 50 includes: a reagent storage unit 201 (first reagent storage unit) that stores the CPB reagent (first reagent) transported via a pipe 210 (first pipe), the pipe 210 (first pipe) being connected to multiple reagent containers 60 (first reagent containers) containing the CPB reagent; and a reagent storage unit 201 (second reagent storage unit) that stores the DST reagent (second reagent) transported via a pipe 210 (second pipe), the pipe 210 (second pipe) being connected to multiple reagent containers 60 (second reagent containers) containing the DST reagent (second reagent). The CPB reagent (first reagent) stored in the reagent storage section 201 (first reagent storage section) is supplied to multiple smear specimen preparation devices 41 (sample processing devices) respectively, and the DST reagent (second reagent) stored in the reagent storage section 201 (second reagent storage section) is supplied to multiple smear specimen preparation devices 41 (sample processing devices) respectively.

[0337] This configuration can also reduce the burden on users of monitoring reagent replacement and the frequency of reagent replacement, thereby reducing the burden on users of reagent replacement in large-scale facilities that consume large quantities of multiple types of reagents.

[0338] <Change Example>

[0339] In Embodiments 1 to 5, two reagent containers 60 containing the same type of reagent are arranged, but three or more reagent containers may be arranged. This can reduce the burden on the user to monitor reagent replacement and the frequency of reagent replacement.

[0340] In embodiments 1 to 4, Figure 1 As shown, the reagent supply device 50, the pure water device 27, and the transport controller 26 are arranged at a position separated from the structure of the sample measurement system 1 other than these devices in the rear, but they can also be arranged integrally with the structure of the sample measurement system 1 other than these devices. Figure 39 As shown, the reagent supply device 50 , the pure water device 27 , and the transport controller 26 are arranged at a position spaced apart from the other components of the sample processing system 2 , but may be arranged integrally with the other components of the sample processing system 2 .

[0341] In Embodiments 1 to 4, when any reagent is depleted in both of the paired reagent containers 60, measurements by all sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R and smear preparation by all smear preparation devices 41 are stopped. However, this is not limiting; even in the above situation, rather than stopping all devices, only the devices performing measurements and smear preparation using the depleted reagent may be stopped. For example, when the reagents in the two reagent containers 60 corresponding to the CPB reagent are depleted, measurements by the eight sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R may be stopped, while only the two smear preparation devices 41 may be stopped.

[0342] In Embodiments 1 to 4, the reagent supply device 50 is connected to a control device C1 included in one of the four sample analyzers 30. Control and display processing related to the reagent supply device 50 is performed by the control device C1. In other words, the control device C1 also performs control and display processing related to the reagent supply device 50. However, this is not limiting. Control and display processing related to the reagent supply device 50 may also be performed by another control device separately provided in the sample measurement system 1. Similarly, in Embodiment 5, control and display processing related to the reagent supply device 50 may also be performed by another control device separately provided in the sample processing system 2.

[0343] In Embodiments 1 to 5, the presence of reagent flowing through flow paths 211 and 212 is detected by bubble monitoring sensors 231 and 232. However, this is not limited to this and other detection units such as flow rate sensors may also be used for detection. Furthermore, the presence of reagent stored in the reagent storage unit 201 is detected by float sensor 201a. However, this is not limited to this and other detection units such as a camera that captures the liquid level in the reagent storage unit 201 may also be used for detection. Similarly, the presence of reagent stored in the reagent storage unit 301 is detected by float sensor 301a. However, this is not limited to this and other detection units such as a camera that captures the liquid level in the reagent storage unit 301 may also be used for detection.

[0344] In Embodiments 1 to 5, a float sensor for detecting the amount of reagent in the reagent container 60 can be pre-installed in the reagent container 60. In this case, the float sensor installed in each reagent container 60 is connected to the control device C1 or the reagent supply device 50. This allows accurate detection of the amount of reagent in each reagent container 60. However, it is preferable that the float sensor is not installed in the reagent container 60, as in Embodiments 1 to 5. In this case, since no circuit is installed in the reagent container 60, which is an external structure of the sample measurement system 1 and the sample processing system 2, the structure of the reagent container 60 can be simplified, the trouble of connecting the float sensor to the reagent container 60 can be eliminated, and the circuit structure of the sample measurement system 1 and the sample processing system 2 can be simplified.

[0345] In the storage operation of Embodiments 1 to 5, the liquid supply unit 251 can transfer the reagent to a predetermined area of ​​the pipe 210 after repeating the suction and discharge operation, and store the reagent in the predetermined area.

[0346] In Embodiments 1 to 4, one sample analyzer 30 includes two sample measuring devices 32-L and 32-R, but may also include one or three or more sample measuring devices. Furthermore, while the sample measuring system 1 includes four sample analyzing devices 30, it may also include one to three or five or more sample analyzing devices 30. In Embodiments 1 to 5, the sample measuring system 1 and the sample processing system 2 each include two smear preparation devices 41, but may also include one or three or more smear preparation devices 41.

[0347] The embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept shown in the claims.

[0348] (Note)

[0349] According to the above embodiments, the following inventions can be extracted.

[0350] (Technical Solution 1)

[0351] A sample measurement system, comprising:

[0352] a plurality of sample measuring devices for measuring samples using a first reagent and a second reagent of a different type from the first reagent; and

[0353] The reagent supply device comprises: a first pipe connected to each of a plurality of first reagent containers containing the first reagent; a first reagent storage portion storing the first reagent transferred via the first pipe; a second pipe connected to each of a plurality of second reagent containers containing the second reagent; and a second reagent storage portion storing the second reagent transferred via the second pipe.

[0354] wherein the first reagent stored in the first reagent storage portion is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices;

[0355] The second reagent stored in the second reagent storage section is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices.

[0356] (Technical Solution 2)

[0357] The sample measurement system according to technical solution 1 further comprises:

[0358] a first reagent transporting unit that transports the first reagents contained in the plurality of first reagent containers to the first reagent storage unit via the first pipe; and

[0359] The second reagent transporting portion transports the second reagents contained in the plurality of second reagent containers to the second reagent storage portion via the second pipe.

[0360] (Technical Solution 3)

[0361] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 2,

[0362] The first reagent transport unit includes:

[0363] a first switching unit that switches the flow path of the first pipe from one of the first reagent containers to another of the first reagent containers; and

[0364] The first liquid feeding unit feeds the first reagent to the flow path of the first pipe switched by the first switching unit.

[0365] The second reagent transport unit includes:

[0366] a second switching unit for switching the flow path of the second pipe from one of the second reagent containers to the other second reagent container; and

[0367] The second liquid feeding unit feeds the second reagent to the flow path of the second pipe switched by the second switching unit.

[0368] (Technical Solution 4)

[0369] The sample measurement system according to technical solution 3 further comprises:

[0370] a first detection unit for detecting a supply state of the first reagent contained in each of the plurality of first reagent containers;

[0371] a second detection unit that detects a supply state of the second reagent contained in each of the plurality of second reagent containers; and

[0372] Control Department,

[0373] Wherein, the control unit

[0374] Based on the first detection result of the first detection unit, the first reagent transport unit is controlled to switch the flow path of the first pipe from the one first reagent container to the other first reagent container.

[0375] Based on the second detection result of the second detection unit, the second reagent transport unit is controlled to switch the flow path of the second pipe from the one second reagent container to the other second reagent container.

[0376] (Technical Solution 5)

[0377] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 4,

[0378] The control unit

[0379] Based on the first detection result, the first reagent transport unit is controlled to transport the first reagent through the flow path of the first pipe switched by the first switching unit.

[0380] Based on the second detection result, the second reagent transport unit is controlled to transport the second reagent through the flow path of the second pipe switched by the second switching unit.

[0381] (Technical Solution 6)

[0382] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 4,

[0383] The first detection unit is disposed in the first reagent storage unit.

[0384] The second detection section is provided in the second reagent storage section.

[0385] (Technical Solution 7)

[0386] The sample measurement system according to technical solution 4 or 6, wherein:

[0387] The first detection unit is provided on the first pipe.

[0388] The second detection unit is provided in the second pipe.

[0389] (Technical Solution 8)

[0390] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 2,

[0391] The first pipe includes a plurality of first flow paths,

[0392] The second pipe includes a plurality of second flow paths,

[0393] The sample measurement system further comprises a control unit,

[0394] The control unit,

[0395] controlling the first reagent transporting unit to transport the first reagent so that the first reagent is stored in a flow path among the plurality of first flow paths that is used to transport the first reagent from an empty first reagent container but is not used to transport the first reagent from other first reagent containers that have not been emptied;

[0396] The second reagent transporting unit is controlled to transport the second reagent so that the second reagent is stored in a flow path among the plurality of second flow paths that is used to transport the second reagent from an empty second reagent container but is not used to transport the second reagent from other second reagent containers that are not empty.

[0397] (Technical Solution 9)

[0398] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 8,

[0399] The control unit

[0400] In the control for storing the first reagent, the first reagent transport unit is caused to transport the first reagent from the other first reagent container to the one first reagent container.

[0401] In the control for storing the second reagent, the second reagent transport unit is caused to transport the second reagent from the other second reagent container to the one second reagent container.

[0402] (Technical Solution 10)

[0403] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 8,

[0404] The control unit

[0405] executing the control for storing the first reagent at at least one of the termination and activation of the sample measurement system;

[0406] The control for storing the second reagent is executed at at least one of the termination and activation of the sample measurement system.

[0407] (Technical Solution 11)

[0408] The sample measurement system according to technical solution 8 further comprises:

[0409] a first detection unit for detecting exhaustion of reagent in each of the plurality of first reagent containers; and

[0410] The second detection unit detects the exhaustion of reagents in each of the plurality of second reagent containers, wherein the control unit

[0411] In response to a determination that the reagent in the one first reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the first detection unit, executing the control for storing the first reagent,

[0412] In response to a determination that the reagent in the one second reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the second detection unit, the control for storing the second reagent is executed.

[0413] (Technical Solution 12)

[0414] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 11,

[0415] The control unit

[0416] After determining that the reagent in the one first reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the first detection unit and before performing a process of reporting that the reagent in the one first reagent container is exhausted, the control for storing the first reagent is executed;

[0417] The control for storing the second reagent is executed after it is determined that the reagent in the one second reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the second detection unit and before a process of notifying that the reagent in the one second reagent container is exhausted is performed.

[0418] (Technical Solution 13)

[0419] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 1,

[0420] The reagent supply device further includes a third reagent storage portion for storing a third reagent of a different type from the first reagent and the second reagent, which is transported via a third pipe, and the third pipe is connected to a plurality of third reagent containers containing the third reagent, respectively.

[0421] The third reagent stored in the third reagent storage unit is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices.

[0422] (Technical Solution 14)

[0423] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 13,

[0424] It also includes a smear specimen making device, which makes a smear specimen of the sample.

[0425] The plurality of sample measuring devices are each a blood cell measuring device for measuring blood cell components in the sample, and the blood cell measuring device uses each of the first reagent and the second reagent to measure the blood cell components in the sample.

[0426] The smear preparation device prepares a smear of the sample using the third reagent.

[0427] (Technical Solution 15)

[0428] The sample measurement system according to technical solution 1 further includes:

[0429] a smear preparation device for preparing a smear of the sample; and

[0430] a transport device for transporting a rack capable of holding a plurality of sample containers containing the samples;

[0431] The transport device is configured to transport the rack to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices and the smear preparation device.

[0432] (Technical Solution 16)

[0433] The sample measurement system according to technical solution 1 further comprises:

[0434] a first detection unit for detecting exhaustion of reagents in each of the plurality of first reagent containers;

[0435] a second detection unit for detecting exhaustion of reagents in each of the plurality of second reagent containers;

[0436] Control Department; and

[0437] Display unit,

[0438] Wherein, the control unit

[0439] In response to a determination that the reagent in the first reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the first detection unit, the display unit displays a message indicating that the reagent in the first reagent container is exhausted,

[0440] In response to a determination that the reagent in the second reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the second detection unit, the display unit is caused to display a message indicating that the reagent in the second reagent container is exhausted.

[0441] (Technical Solution 17)

[0442] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 16,

[0443] In response to determining that all of the first reagent containers have been depleted of reagent or determining that all of the second reagent containers have been depleted of reagent, the control unit executes a process of stopping measurement operations by the plurality of sample measuring devices and causes the display unit to display a message indicating that the measurement operations have been stopped.

[0444] (Technical Solution 18)

[0445] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 16,

[0446] comprising a plurality of the display units,

[0447] The control unit causes any one of the plurality of display units to display information indicating that the reagent is exhausted.

[0448] (Technical Solution 19)

[0449] The sample measurement system according to technical solution 1 further comprises:

[0450] a first detection unit for detecting exhaustion of reagents in each of the plurality of first reagent containers;

[0451] a second detection unit for detecting exhaustion of reagents in each of the plurality of second reagent containers;

[0452] Control Department; and

[0453] warning lights,

[0454] The control unit controls the warning light to light up in a first reporting mode in response to a determination that the reagent in the first reagent container is exhausted based on a detection result of the first detection unit or a determination that the reagent in the second reagent container is exhausted based on a detection result of the second detection unit.

[0455] (Technical Solution 20)

[0456] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 19,

[0457] In response to determining that all the first reagent containers have been depleted of reagent or determining that all the second reagent containers have been depleted of reagent, the control unit stops the measurement operations performed by the plurality of sample measuring devices and controls lighting of the warning light in a second notification mode.

[0458] (Technical Solution 21)

[0459] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 4,

[0460] The device further comprises a frame, the interior of which is divided into an upper area and a lower area by a partition member.

[0461] Wherein, a substrate containing a circuit is provided in the upper region,

[0462] The first pipe, the first reagent storage portion, the second pipe, the second reagent storage portion, the first detection portion, and the second detection portion are provided in the lower region.

[0463] (Technical Solution 22)

[0464] A sample measurement system, comprising:

[0465] a sample assay device that uses a reagent to assay a sample;

[0466] a pipe connected to each of the plurality of reagent containers containing the reagents and having a plurality of flow paths;

[0467] a reagent storage unit for storing the reagents transported via the pipes and contained in the plurality of reagent containers; and

[0468] a reagent transporting unit that transports the reagent in a manner that stores the reagent in a flow path that is used to transport the reagent from an empty reagent container but not used to transport the reagent from other reagent containers that have not been emptied, among the plurality of flow paths;

[0469] The reagent stored in the reagent storage unit is supplied to the sample measuring device.

[0470] (Technical Solution 23)

[0471] A reagent supply device comprising:

[0472] a first pipe connected to each of a plurality of first reagent containers containing a first reagent;

[0473] a first reagent storage portion for storing the first reagent transferred via the first pipe and contained in the plurality of first reagent containers;

[0474] a second pipe connected to each of a plurality of second reagent containers containing a second reagent of a different type from the first reagent; and

[0475] The second reagent storage unit stores the second reagent transferred via the second pipe and contained in the plurality of second reagent containers.

[0476] wherein the first reagent stored in the first reagent storage portion is supplied to a plurality of sample measuring devices respectively;

[0477] The second reagent stored in the second reagent storage section is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices.

[0478] (Technical Solution 24)

[0479] The reagent supply device according to technical solution 23 further comprises:

[0480] a first reagent transporting unit that transports the first reagents contained in the plurality of first reagent containers to the first reagent storage unit via the first pipe; and

[0481] The second reagent transporting portion transports the second reagents contained in the plurality of second reagent containers to the second reagent storage portion via the second pipe.

[0482] (Technical Solution 25)

[0483] According to the reagent supply device of technical solution 24,

[0484] The first reagent transport unit includes:

[0485] a first switching unit that switches the flow path of the first pipe from one of the first reagent containers to another of the first reagent containers; and

[0486] The first liquid feeding unit feeds the first reagent to the flow path of the first pipe switched by the first switching unit.

[0487] The second reagent transport unit includes:

[0488] a second switching unit for switching the flow path of the second pipe from one of the second reagent containers to the other second reagent container; and

[0489] The second liquid feeding unit feeds the second reagent to the flow path of the second pipe switched by the second switching unit.

[0490] (Technical Solution 26)

[0491] The reagent supply device according to technical solution 25 comprises:

[0492] a first detection unit that detects a supply state of the first reagent contained in each of the plurality of first reagent containers; and

[0493] The second detection unit detects the supply status of the second reagent contained in the plurality of second reagent containers.

[0494] wherein, based on the first detection result of the first detection unit, the first reagent transport unit is controlled to switch the flow path of the first pipe from the one first reagent container to the other first reagent container;

[0495] Based on the second detection result of the second detection unit, the second reagent transport unit is controlled to switch the flow path of the second pipe from the one second reagent container to the other second reagent container.

[0496] (Technical Solution 27)

[0497] According to the reagent supply device of technical solution 26,

[0498] Based on the first detection result, the first reagent transport unit is controlled to transport the first reagent through the flow path of the first pipe switched by the first switching unit.

[0499] Based on the second detection result, the second reagent transport unit is controlled to transport the second reagent through the flow path of the second pipe switched by the second switching unit.

[0500] (Technical Solution 28)

[0501] According to the reagent supply device of technical solution 26,

[0502] The first detection unit is disposed in the first reagent storage unit.

[0503] The second detection section is provided in the second reagent storage section.

[0504] (Technical Solution 29)

[0505] The reagent supply device according to technical solution 26 or 28, wherein

[0506] The first detection unit is provided on the first pipe.

[0507] The second detection unit is provided in the second pipe.

[0508] (Technical Solution 30)

[0509] According to the reagent supply device of technical solution 24,

[0510] The first pipe includes a plurality of first flow paths,

[0511] The second pipe includes a plurality of second flow paths,

[0512] controlling the first reagent transporting unit to transport the first reagent so that the first reagent is stored in a flow path among the plurality of first flow paths that is used to transport the first reagent from an empty first reagent container but is not used to transport the first reagent from other first reagent containers that have not been emptied;

[0513] The second reagent transporting unit is controlled to transport the second reagent so that the second reagent is stored in a flow path among the plurality of second flow paths that is used to transport the second reagent from an empty second reagent container but is not used to transport the second reagent from other second reagent containers that are not empty.

[0514] (Technical Solution 31)

[0515] According to the reagent supply device of technical solution 30,

[0516] In the control of storing the first reagent, the first reagent transport unit is controlled to transport the first reagent from the other first reagent container to the one first reagent container.

[0517] In the control of storing the second reagent, the second reagent transport unit is controlled to transport the second reagent from the other second reagent container to the one second reagent container.

[0518] (Technical Solution 32)

[0519] According to the reagent supply device of technical solution 30,

[0520] executing the control for storing the first reagent at at least one of the timing of the termination and the activation of the reagent supply device,

[0521] The control for storing the second reagent is executed at at least one of the termination and activation of the reagent supply device.

[0522] (Technical Solution 33)

[0523] The reagent supply device according to technical solution 30 comprises:

[0524] a first detection unit for detecting exhaustion of reagent in each of the plurality of first reagent containers; and

[0525] The second detection unit detects the exhaustion of the reagent in each of the plurality of second reagent containers.

[0526] wherein, in response to a determination that the reagent in the one first reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the first detection unit, the control for storing the first reagent is executed;

[0527] In response to a determination that the reagent in the one second reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the second detection unit, the control for storing the second reagent is executed.

[0528] (Technical Solution 34)

[0529] The reagent supply device according to technical solution 23 further comprises:

[0530] a third pipe connected to each of a plurality of third reagent containers containing a third reagent of a different type from the first reagent and the second reagent; and

[0531] The third reagent storage unit stores the third reagent transferred via the third pipe and contained in the plurality of third reagent containers.

[0532] The third reagent stored in the third reagent storage unit is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices.

[0533] (Technical Solution 35)

[0534] According to the reagent supply device of technical solution 34,

[0535] Each of the first reagent and the second reagent is a reagent used in a blood cell measuring device for measuring blood cell components in the sample.

[0536] The third reagent is a reagent used in a smear preparation device for preparing a smear of the sample.

[0537] (Technical Solution 36)

[0538] According to the reagent supply device of technical solution 26,

[0539] A frame is provided, the interior of the frame being divided into an upper area and a lower area by a partition member,

[0540] A substrate containing a circuit is provided in the upper region.

[0541] The first pipe, the first reagent storage portion, the second pipe, the second reagent storage portion, the first detection portion, and the second detection portion are provided in the lower region.

[0542] (Technical Solution 37)

[0543] A reagent supply device comprising:

[0544] a pipe connected to a plurality of reagent containers containing reagents, respectively, and having a plurality of flow paths;

[0545] a reagent storage unit for storing the reagents transported via the pipes and contained in the plurality of reagent containers; and

[0546] a reagent transporting unit that transports the reagent in a manner that stores the reagent in a flow path that is used to transport the reagent from an empty reagent container but not used to transport the reagent from other reagent containers that have not been emptied, among the plurality of flow paths;

[0547] The reagent stored in the reagent storage unit is supplied to the sample measuring device.

[0548] (Technical Solution 38)

[0549] A sample measuring system includes a plurality of sample measuring devices and a reagent supply device for supplying reagents to the plurality of sample measuring devices, wherein:

[0550] The reagent supply device comprises:

[0551] a first reagent storage portion for storing a plurality of first reagent containers containing a first reagent;

[0552] a second reagent storage portion for storing a plurality of second reagent containers containing a second reagent;

[0553] a first reagent storage portion for temporarily storing the first reagent;

[0554] a second reagent storage portion for temporarily storing the second reagent;

[0555] a first reagent transporting section for transporting the first reagents contained in the plurality of first reagent containers in the first reagent containing section to the first reagent storage section; and a second reagent transporting section for transporting the second reagents contained in the plurality of second reagent containers in the second reagent containing section to the second reagent storage section.

[0556] Each of the plurality of sample measuring devices includes a measuring unit configured to measure a sample using the first reagent supplied from the first reagent storage unit of the reagent supply device and the second reagent supplied from the second reagent storage unit.

[0557] (Technical Solution 39)

[0558] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 38,

[0559] The first reagent transport unit includes:

[0560] a first switching unit that switches the flow path of the first pipe from one of the first reagent containers to another of the first reagent containers; and

[0561] The first liquid feeding unit feeds the first reagent to the flow path of the first pipe switched by the first switching unit.

[0562] The second reagent transport unit includes:

[0563] a second switching unit for switching the flow path of the second pipe from one of the second reagent containers to the other second reagent container; and

[0564] The second liquid feeding unit feeds the second reagent to the flow path of the second pipe switched by the second switching unit.

[0565] (Technical Solution 40)

[0566] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 39,

[0567] The reagent supply device further comprises:

[0568] a first detection unit that detects a supply state of the first reagent contained in each of the plurality of first reagent containers; and

[0569] The second detection unit detects the supply status of the second reagent contained in the plurality of second reagent containers.

[0570] It also has a control unit.

[0571] Wherein, the control unit

[0572] Based on the first detection result of the first detection unit, the first reagent transport unit is controlled to switch the flow path of the first pipe from the one first reagent container to the other first reagent container.

[0573] Based on the second detection result of the second detection unit, the second reagent transport unit is controlled to switch the flow path of the second pipe from the one second reagent container to the other second reagent container.

[0574] (Technical Solution 41)

[0575] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 40,

[0576] The control unit,

[0577] Based on the first detection result, the first reagent transport unit is controlled to transport the first reagent through the flow path of the first pipe switched by the first switching unit.

[0578] Based on the second detection result, the second reagent transport unit is controlled to transport the second reagent through the flow path of the second pipe switched by the second switching unit.

[0579] (Technical Solution 42)

[0580] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 40,

[0581] The first detection unit is disposed in the first reagent storage unit.

[0582] The second detection section is provided in the second reagent storage section.

[0583] (Technical Solution 43)

[0584] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 40 or 42,

[0585] The first detection unit is provided on the first pipe.

[0586] The second detection unit is provided in the second pipe.

[0587] (Technical Solution 44)

[0588] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 38,

[0589] The first pipe includes a plurality of first flow paths,

[0590] The second pipe includes a plurality of second flow paths,

[0591] It also has a control unit.

[0592] Wherein, the control unit

[0593] controlling the first reagent transporting unit to transport the first reagent so that the first reagent is stored in a flow path among the plurality of first flow paths that is used to transport the first reagent from an empty first reagent container but is not used to transport the first reagent from other first reagent containers that have not been emptied;

[0594] The second reagent transporting unit is controlled to transport the second reagent so that the second reagent is stored in a flow path among the plurality of second flow paths that is used to transport the second reagent from an empty second reagent container but is not used to transport the second reagent from other second reagent containers that are not empty.

[0595] (Technical Solution 45)

[0596] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 44,

[0597] The control unit,

[0598] In the control for storing the first reagent, the first reagent transport unit is caused to transport the first reagent from the other first reagent container to the one first reagent container.

[0599] In the control for storing the second reagent, the second reagent transport unit is caused to transport the second reagent from the other second reagent container to the one second reagent container.

[0600] (Technical Solution 46)

[0601] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 44,

[0602] The control unit,

[0603] executing the control for storing the first reagent at at least one of the termination and activation of the sample measurement system;

[0604] The control for storing the second reagent is executed at at least one of the termination and activation of the sample measurement system.

[0605] (Technical Solution 47)

[0606] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 44,

[0607] The reagent supply device further comprises:

[0608] a first detection unit for detecting exhaustion of reagent in each of the plurality of first reagent containers; and

[0609] The second detection unit detects the exhaustion of the reagent in each of the plurality of second reagent containers, and the control unit

[0610] In response to a determination that the reagent in the one first reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the first detection unit, executing the control for storing the first reagent,

[0611] In response to a determination that the reagent in the one second reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the second detection unit, the control for storing the second reagent is executed.

[0612] (Technical Solution 48)

[0613] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 47,

[0614] The control unit,

[0615] After determining that the reagent in the one first reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the first detection unit and before performing a process of reporting that the reagent in the one first reagent container is exhausted, the control for storing the first reagent is executed;

[0616] The control for storing the second reagent is executed after it is determined that the reagent in the one second reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the second detection unit and before a process of notifying that the reagent in the one second reagent container is exhausted is performed.

[0617] (Technical Solution 49)

[0618] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 38,

[0619] The reagent supply device further includes a third reagent storage portion for storing a third reagent of a different type from the first reagent and the second reagent, which is transported via a third pipe, and the third pipe is connected to a plurality of third reagent containers containing the third reagent, respectively.

[0620] The third reagent stored in the third reagent storage unit is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices.

[0621] (Technical Solution 50)

[0622] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 49,

[0623] It also includes a smear specimen making device, which makes a smear specimen of the sample.

[0624] The plurality of sample measuring devices are each a blood cell measuring device for measuring blood cell components in the sample, and the blood cell measuring device uses each of the first reagent and the second reagent to measure the blood cell components in the sample.

[0625] The smear preparation device prepares a smear of the sample using the third reagent.

[0626] (Technical Solution 51)

[0627] The sample measurement system according to technical solution 38 further includes:

[0628] a smear preparation device for preparing a smear of the sample; and

[0629] a transport device for transporting a rack capable of holding a plurality of sample containers containing the samples;

[0630] The transport device is configured to transport the rack to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices and the smear preparation device.

[0631] (Technical Solution 52)

[0632] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 38,

[0633] The reagent supply device further comprises:

[0634] a first detection unit for detecting exhaustion of reagent in each of the plurality of first reagent containers; and

[0635] The second detection unit detects the exhaustion of the reagent in each of the plurality of second reagent containers.

[0636] The sample measurement system further comprises:

[0637] Control Department; and

[0638] Display unit,

[0639] Wherein, the control unit

[0640] In response to a determination that the reagent in the first reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the first detection unit, the display unit displays a message indicating that the reagent in the first reagent container is exhausted,

[0641] In response to a determination that the reagent in the second reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the second detection unit, the display unit is caused to display a message indicating that the reagent in the second reagent container is exhausted.

[0642] (Technical Solution 53)

[0643] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 52,

[0644] In response to determining that all of the first reagent containers have been depleted of reagent or determining that all of the second reagent containers have been depleted of reagent, the control unit executes a process of stopping measurement operations by the plurality of sample measuring devices and causes the display unit to display a message indicating that the measurement operations have been stopped.

[0645] (Technical Solution 54)

[0646] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 52,

[0647] comprising a plurality of the display units,

[0648] The control unit causes any one of the plurality of display units to display information indicating that the reagent is exhausted.

[0649] (Technical Solution 55)

[0650] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 38,

[0651] The reagent supply device further comprises:

[0652] a first detection unit for detecting exhaustion of reagent in each of the plurality of first reagent containers; and

[0653] The second detection unit detects the exhaustion of the reagent in each of the plurality of second reagent containers.

[0654] The sample measurement system further comprises:

[0655] Control Department; and

[0656] warning lights,

[0657] The control unit controls the warning light to light up in a first reporting mode in response to a determination that the reagent in the first reagent container is exhausted based on a detection result of the first detection unit or a determination that the reagent in the second reagent container is exhausted based on a detection result of the second detection unit.

[0658] (Technical Solution 56)

[0659] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 55,

[0660] In response to determining that all the first reagent containers have been depleted of reagent or determining that all the second reagent containers have been depleted of reagent, the control unit stops the measurement operations performed by the plurality of sample measuring devices and controls lighting of the warning light in a second notification mode.

[0661] (Technical Solution 57)

[0662] According to the sample measurement system of technical solution 40,

[0663] The reagent supply device further includes a frame, the interior of which is partitioned into an upper area and a lower area by a partition member.

[0664] A substrate containing a circuit is provided in the upper region.

[0665] The first pipe, the first reagent storage section, the second pipe, the second reagent storage section, the first detection section, the second detection section, the first reagent storage section, and the second reagent storage section are provided in the lower region.

[0666] (Technical Solution 58)

[0667] A reagent supply device, comprising:

[0668] a first reagent storage portion for storing a plurality of first reagent containers containing a first reagent;

[0669] a second reagent storage portion for storing a plurality of second reagent containers containing a second reagent;

[0670] a first reagent storage portion for temporarily storing the first reagent;

[0671] a second reagent storage portion for temporarily storing the second reagent;

[0672] a first reagent transporting section that transports the first reagents contained in the plurality of first reagent containers in the first reagent containing section to the first reagent storage section; and

[0673] The second reagent transporting section transports the second reagents contained in the plurality of second reagent containers in the second reagent containing section to the second reagent storage section.

[0674] wherein the first reagent stored in the first reagent storage portion is supplied to a plurality of sample measuring devices respectively;

[0675] The second reagent stored in the second reagent storage unit is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices.

[0676] (Technical Solution 59)

[0677] A sample processing system comprising:

[0678] a plurality of sample processing devices for processing samples using a first reagent and a second reagent of a different type from the first reagent; and

[0679] The reagent supply device comprises: a first pipe connected to each of a plurality of first reagent containers containing the first reagent; a first reagent storage portion storing the first reagent transferred via the first pipe; a second pipe connected to each of a plurality of second reagent containers containing the second reagent; and a second reagent storage portion storing the second reagent transferred via the second pipe.

[0680] wherein the first reagent stored in the first reagent storage unit is supplied to the plurality of sample processing devices respectively;

[0681] The second reagent stored in the second reagent storage portion is supplied to each of the plurality of sample processing devices.

Claims

1. A sample measurement system, comprising: A plurality of sample measuring devices for measuring samples using a first reagent and a second reagent of a different type from the first reagent; as well as The reagent supply device comprises: a first pipe connected to a plurality of first reagent containers containing the first reagent, respectively; a first reagent storage unit storing the first reagent transported via the first pipe; and a second pipe connected to a plurality of second reagent containers containing the second reagent, respectively; and a second reagent storage unit storing the second reagent transferred via the second pipe, wherein the first reagent stored in the first reagent storage unit is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices; The second reagent stored in the second reagent storage section is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices.

2. The sample measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising: a first reagent transporting unit that transports the first reagents contained in the plurality of first reagent containers to the first reagent storage unit through the first pipe; and The second reagent transporting section transports the second reagents contained in the plurality of second reagent containers to the second reagent storage section via the second pipe.

3. The sample measurement system according to claim 2, wherein: The first reagent transport unit comprises: a first switching unit that switches the flow path of the first pipe from one of the first reagent containers to another of the first reagent containers; and a first liquid feeding unit that feeds the first reagent to the flow path of the first pipe switched by the first switching unit, The second reagent transport unit comprises: a second switching unit that switches the flow path of the second pipe from one of the second reagent containers to another of the second reagent containers; and The second liquid supply unit supplies the second reagent to the flow path of the second pipe switched by the second switching unit.

4. The sample measurement system according to claim 3, further comprising: a first detection unit for detecting a supply state of the first reagent contained in each of the plurality of first reagent containers; a second detection unit that detects a supply state of the second reagent contained in each of the plurality of second reagent containers; and Control Department, in, The control unit Based on the first detection result of the first detection unit, the first reagent transport unit is controlled to switch the flow path of the first pipe from the one first reagent container to the other first reagent container, Based on the second detection result of the second detection unit, the second reagent transport unit is controlled to switch the flow path of the second pipe from the one second reagent container to the other second reagent container.

5. The sample measurement system according to claim 4, wherein: The control unit Based on the first detection result, the first reagent transporting unit is controlled to transport the first reagent through the flow path of the first pipe switched by the first switching unit, Based on the second detection result, the second reagent transport unit is controlled to transport the second reagent through the flow path of the second pipe switched by the second switching unit.

6. The sample measurement system according to claim 4, wherein: The first detection unit is disposed in the first reagent storage unit. The second detection section is disposed in the second reagent storage section.

7. The sample measurement system according to claim 4 or 6, wherein: The first detection unit is provided on the first pipe. The second detection unit is provided in the second pipe.

8. The sample measurement system according to claim 2, wherein: The first pipe includes a plurality of first flow paths. The second pipe includes a plurality of second flow paths, The sample measurement system further comprises a control unit. The control unit controlling the first reagent transporting unit to transport the first reagent so that the first reagent is stored in a flow path among the plurality of first flow paths that is used to transport the first reagent from an empty first reagent container but is not used to transport the first reagent from other first reagent containers that have not been emptied, The second reagent transporting unit is controlled to transport the second reagent so that the second reagent is stored in a flow path among the plurality of second flow paths that is used to transport the second reagent from an empty second reagent container but is not used to transport the second reagent from other second reagent containers that are not empty.

9. The sample measurement system according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit In the control of storing the first reagent, the first reagent transport unit is caused to transport the first reagent from the other first reagent container to the one first reagent container, In the control of storing the second reagent, the second reagent transport unit is caused to transport the second reagent from the other second reagent container to the one second reagent container.

10. The sample measurement system according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit executing the control for storing the first reagent at the timing of at least one of the termination and the activation of the sample measurement system, The control for storing the second reagent is executed at the timing of at least one of termination and activation of the sample measurement system.

11. The sample measurement system according to claim 8, further comprising: a first detection unit for detecting exhaustion of reagents in each of the plurality of first reagent containers; and The second detection unit detects the exhaustion of reagents in each of the plurality of second reagent containers. in, The control unit In response to a determination that the reagent in the one first reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the first detection unit, executing the control for storing the first reagent, In response to a determination that the reagent in the one second reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the second detection unit, the control for storing the second reagent is executed.

12. The sample measurement system according to claim 11, wherein: The control unit After determining that the reagent in the one first reagent container has run out based on the detection result of the first detection unit and before performing processing to report that the reagent in the one first reagent container has run out, the control for storing the first reagent is performed; The control for storing the second reagent is performed after it is determined that the reagent in the one second reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the second detection unit and before a process of reporting that the reagent in the one second reagent container is exhausted is performed.

13. The sample measurement system according to claim 1, wherein: The reagent supply device further includes a third reagent storage unit that stores a third reagent of a different type from the first reagent and the second reagent and is transported via a third pipe, the third pipe being connected to a plurality of third reagent containers containing the third reagent, respectively. The third reagent stored in the third reagent storage unit is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices.

14. The sample measurement system according to claim 13, wherein: It also includes a smear specimen making device, which makes a smear specimen of the sample. The plurality of sample measuring devices are respectively blood cell measuring devices for measuring blood cell components in the sample, and the blood cell measuring devices use each of the first reagent and the second reagent to measure the blood cell components in the sample. The smear preparation device prepares a smear of the sample using the third reagent.

15. The sample measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising: a smear specimen making device for making a smear specimen of the sample; as well as a transport device for transporting a rack capable of holding a plurality of sample containers containing the samples; The transport device is configured to transport the rack to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices and the smear preparation device.

16. The sample measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising: a first detection unit for detecting the exhaustion of reagents in each of the plurality of first reagent containers; a second detection unit for detecting the exhaustion of reagents in each of the plurality of second reagent containers; Control Department; and Display unit, in, The control unit In response to determining that the reagent in the first reagent container has run out based on the detection result of the first detection unit, causing the display unit to display information indicating that the reagent in the first reagent container has run out, In response to a determination that the reagent in the second reagent container has run out based on the detection result of the second detection unit, the display unit is caused to display information indicating that the reagent in the second reagent container has run out.

17. The sample measurement system according to claim 16, wherein: In response to determining that all the first reagent containers have run out of reagent or determining that all the second reagent containers have run out of reagent, the control unit executes a process of stopping measurement operations performed by the plurality of sample measurement devices and causes the display unit to display information indicating that the measurement operations have been stopped.

18. The sample measurement system according to claim 16, wherein: A plurality of the display units are provided, The control unit causes any one of the plurality of display units to display information indicating that the reagent has been exhausted.

19. The sample measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising: a first detection unit for detecting the exhaustion of reagents in each of the plurality of first reagent containers; a second detection unit for detecting the exhaustion of reagents in each of the plurality of second reagent containers; Control Department; and Warning lights, in, The control unit controls lighting of the warning lamp in a first reporting mode in response to a determination that the reagent in the first reagent container is exhausted based on a detection result of the first detection unit or a determination that the reagent in the second reagent container is exhausted based on a detection result of the second detection unit.

20. The sample measurement system according to claim 19, wherein: In response to determining that all the first reagent containers have run out of reagent or determining that all the second reagent containers have run out of reagent, the control unit executes a process of stopping measurement operations by the plurality of sample measurement devices and controls lighting of the warning lamp in a second notification mode.

21. The sample measurement system according to claim 4, wherein: The device further comprises a frame, the interior of which is divided into an upper area and a lower area by a partition member. A substrate including a circuit is arranged in the upper region, The first pipe, the first reagent storage section, the second pipe, the second reagent storage section, the first detection section, and the second detection section are provided in the lower region.

22. A sample measurement system, comprising: a sample measuring device, using a reagent to measure a sample; a pipe connected to each of the plurality of reagent containers containing the reagent and having a plurality of flow paths; a reagent storage unit for storing the reagents transported via the pipes and contained in the plurality of reagent containers; as well as a reagent transporting section that transports the reagent in a manner that stores the reagent in a flow path among the plurality of flow paths for transporting the reagent from an empty reagent container but not for transporting the reagent from other reagent containers that have not been emptied, The reagent stored in the reagent storage unit is supplied to the sample measuring device.

23. A reagent supply device, comprising: A first pipe connected to each of a plurality of first reagent containers containing a first reagent; a first reagent storage unit for storing the first reagent transferred via the first pipe and contained in the plurality of first reagent containers; a second pipe connected to each of a plurality of second reagent containers containing a second reagent of a different type from the first reagent; and The second reagent storage unit stores the second reagent transferred via the second pipe and contained in the plurality of second reagent containers, in, The first reagent stored in the first reagent storage unit is supplied to a plurality of sample measuring devices respectively. The second reagent stored in the second reagent storage section is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices.

24. The reagent supply device according to claim 23, further comprising: a first reagent transporting unit that transports the first reagents contained in the plurality of first reagent containers to the first reagent storage unit through the first pipe; and The second reagent transporting section transports the second reagents contained in the plurality of second reagent containers to the second reagent storage section via the second pipe.

25. The reagent supply device according to claim 24, wherein: The first reagent transport unit comprises: a first switching unit that switches the flow path of the first pipe from one of the first reagent containers to another of the first reagent containers; and a first liquid feeding unit that feeds the first reagent to the flow path of the first pipe switched by the first switching unit, The second reagent transport unit comprises: a second switching unit that switches the flow path of the second pipe from one of the second reagent containers to another of the second reagent containers; and The second liquid supply unit supplies the second reagent to the flow path of the second pipe switched by the second switching unit.

26. The reagent supply device according to claim 25, comprising: a first detection unit that detects a supply state of the first reagent contained in each of the plurality of first reagent containers; and a second detection unit for detecting a supply state of the second reagent contained in each of the plurality of second reagent containers; in, Based on the first detection result of the first detection unit, the first reagent transport unit is controlled to switch the flow path of the first pipe from the one first reagent container to the other first reagent container, Based on the second detection result of the second detection unit, the second reagent transport unit is controlled to switch the flow path of the second pipe from the one second reagent container to the other second reagent container.

27. The reagent supply device according to claim 26, wherein: Based on the first detection result, the first reagent transporting unit is controlled to transport the first reagent through the flow path of the first pipe switched by the first switching unit, Based on the second detection result, the second reagent transport unit is controlled to transport the second reagent through the flow path of the second pipe switched by the second switching unit.

28. The reagent supply device according to claim 26, wherein: The first detection unit is disposed in the first reagent storage unit. The second detection section is disposed in the second reagent storage section.

29. The reagent supply device according to claim 26 or 28, wherein: The first detection unit is provided on the first pipe. The second detection unit is provided in the second pipe.

30. The reagent supply device according to claim 24, wherein: The first pipe includes a plurality of first flow paths. The second pipe includes a plurality of second flow paths, controlling the first reagent transporting unit to transport the first reagent so that the first reagent is stored in a flow path among the plurality of first flow paths that is used to transport the first reagent from an empty first reagent container but is not used to transport the first reagent from other first reagent containers that have not been emptied, The second reagent transporting unit is controlled to transport the second reagent so that the second reagent is stored in a flow path among the plurality of second flow paths that is used to transport the second reagent from an empty second reagent container but is not used to transport the second reagent from other second reagent containers that are not empty.

31. The reagent supply device according to claim 30, wherein: In the control of storing the first reagent, the first reagent transporting unit is controlled to transport the first reagent from the other first reagent container to the one first reagent container. In the control of storing the second reagent, the second reagent transport unit is controlled to transport the second reagent from the other second reagent container to the one second reagent container.

32. The reagent supply device according to claim 30, wherein: executing the control for storing the first reagent at the timing of at least one of the termination and the activation of the reagent supply device, The control for storing the second reagent is executed at the timing of at least one of the termination and the activation of the reagent supply device.

33. The reagent supply device according to claim 30, comprising: a first detection unit for detecting exhaustion of reagents in each of the plurality of first reagent containers; and The second detection unit detects the exhaustion of reagents in each of the plurality of second reagent containers. in, In response to a determination that the reagent in the one first reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the first detection unit, executing the control for storing the first reagent, In response to a determination that the reagent in the one second reagent container is exhausted based on the detection result of the second detection unit, the control for storing the second reagent is executed.

34. The reagent supply device according to claim 23, further comprising: a third pipe connected to each of a plurality of third reagent containers containing a third reagent of a different type from the first reagent and the second reagent; and a third reagent storage unit for storing the third reagent transferred via the third pipe and contained in the plurality of third reagent containers, in, The third reagent stored in the third reagent storage unit is supplied to each of the plurality of sample measuring devices.

35. The reagent supply device according to claim 34, wherein: Each of the first reagent and the second reagent is a reagent used in a blood cell measuring device for measuring blood cell components in the sample. The third reagent is a reagent used in a smear preparation device for preparing a smear preparation of the sample.

36. The reagent supply device according to claim 26, wherein: A frame is provided, the interior of the frame being divided into an upper area and a lower area by a partition member, A substrate including a circuit is arranged in the upper region, The first pipe, the first reagent storage section, the second pipe, the second reagent storage section, the first detection section, and the second detection section are provided in the lower region.

37. A reagent supply device, comprising: A pipe connected to a plurality of reagent containers containing reagents, respectively, and having a plurality of flow paths; a reagent storage unit for storing the reagents transported via the pipes and contained in the plurality of reagent containers; and a reagent transporting section that transports the reagent in a manner that stores the reagent in a flow path among the plurality of flow paths for transporting the reagent from an empty reagent container but not for transporting the reagent from other reagent containers that have not been emptied, in, The reagent stored in the reagent storage unit is supplied to the sample measuring device.

Images