Sample processing apparatus and data processing apparatus

A data processing apparatus, comprising:

• a memory for storing an operating system and a control program for controlling an operating device of a sample processing apparatus for processing a sample;
• wherein the control program is stored in the memory and is executable at a kernel level of the operating system;
• a processor for executing a control program stored in the memory, and generating, at fixed time intervals, control data defining a content of an operation by the operating device;
• and
• a communication part which is connected so as to be capable of communication with the sample processing apparatus, for transmitting the control data generated by the processor to the sample processing apparatus.

A sample processing apparatus, comprising:

• a sample processing unit for processing a sample;
• and
• a data processing unit for processing data output from the sample processing unit, wherein the sample processing unit includes a memory under control of a processor, the memory storing a first program for generating, at fixed time intervals, control data defining a content of an operation by the sample processing unit, a second program for processing the data output from the sample processing unit, and an operating system which determines priority of program execution, wherein
• the first program and the second program are stored in the memory such that the first program is executed by interrupting execution of the second program under control of the operating system.