Patent Publication Number: US-2021190807-A1

Title: Sample plate supply control device, sample plate supply control system, sample plate supply control method and sample plate supply control program

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a sample plate supply control device including a sample plate holder that holds a sample plate to be supplied to an autosampler, and a sample plate supply control system. The present invention further relates to a sample plate supply control method and a sample plate supply control program. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     There is an analysis system including a liquid chromatograph. The analysis system includes a plurality of function units, a control device and a computer. The control device controls the plurality of function units. The computer examines chromatogram data. The plurality of function units have a pump, an oven, a detector and so on that are included in the liquid chromatograph. Further, the plurality of function units include an autosampler that injects a sample to be analyzed into the liquid chromatograph, a plate changer that supplies a sample plate containing a sample to the autosampler, etc. A program for controlling the analysis system and examining chromatogram data are installed, whereby the computer that examines chromatogram data functions as a CDS (Chromatography Data System). 
     A user places a sample plate containing a sample vial in the plate changer in advance in order to start an analysis process. Next, the user operates the computer functioning as the CDS to select a sample plate for which the analysis process is to be started. In response to this operation, a subject sample plate is taken out from the plate changer and supplied to the autosampler. Thus, the autosampler injects a sample into the liquid chromatograph, and the analysis process is started. 
     A plurality of sample plates can be contained in the plate changer. In a case where 30 sample plates can be contained in the plate changer, for example, the numbers from 1 to 30 are displayed on the plate changer to correspond to sample plate containers. When operating the computer to start the analysis process, the user designates the number of a sample plate container using the computer. When placing a sample plate in the sample plate container numbered 10, for example, the user provides an instruction for starting the analysis process with respect to the sample plate container numbered 10 using the computer. 
     The below-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses an analysis system comprising a rack waiting place (plate changer) that can contain a plurality of racks (sample plates). 
     [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-189362 A 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     As described above, the plate changer that can contain the plurality of sample plates may be attached to the autosampler. The plate changer can contain the plurality of sample plates at the same time. Therefore, the user may erroneously select a position at which a sample plate is to be contained in the plate changer. Alternatively, the user may erroneously designate a position at which a sample plate is contained when operating the computer. 
     The user may have an analysis instruction, etc. that may designate a position at which a sample plate is to be contained in advance. Even in such a case, in an environment in which a plurality of users use a common analysis system, another user may have already placed another sample plate at a position, where a sample plate is to be contained, designated by the analysis instruction. Under such a circumstance, the user must replace the sample plate with the other sample plate. 
     In a case where another user has already placed another sample plate at a position, where a sample plate is to be contained, designated by the analysis instruction, the user may place the sample plate in another available sample plate container. In this case, the user must operate the computer to change a set plate position. 
     Further, after placing a sample plate in the plate changer, the user must move to the location of the computer and again operate the computer to provide an instruction for starting an analysis. In a case where the plate changer and the computer are located at a distance from each other, work is complicated and requires an unnecessary time. 
     An object of the present invention is optimization of work for placing a sample plate and provision of an instruction for supplying the sample plate in a sample plate supply control device including a sample plate holder that can contain a plurality of sample plates, and a sample plate supply control system. 
     Solution to Problem 
     (1) A sample plate supply control device according to one aspect of the present invention controls supply of a sample plate from a sample plate holder having a plurality of sample plate containers to an autosampler, and includes an identification information recognizer that recognizes identification information of a contained sample plate when a sample plate is contained in one sample plate container among the plurality of sample plate containers, and a supply instructor that instructs the sample plate holder to supply the sample plate contained in the one sample plate container to the autosampler in a case where identification information of a subject sample plate to be analyzed matches the identification information recognized by the identification information recognizer. 
     This sample plate supply control device recognizes the identification information of the sample plate contained in the one sample plate container among the plurality of sample plate containers. Then, in a case where the identification information of the subject sample plate matches the recognized identification information of the sample plate, the sample plate supply control device supplies the sample plate contained in the one sample plate container to the autosampler. Thus, even in a case where the sample plate is contained in any sample plate container, the subject sample plate is supplied to the autosampler. 
     The user does not have to be conscious of which sample plate container the sample plate is to be contained in, in the sample plate holder. The user may place the sample plate in an available sample plate container. An analysis process does not start with respect to a different sample plate due to an erroneous operation. Even in a case where a plurality of users use a common sample plate holder, each user can freely utilize an available sample plate container. 
     (2) The supply instructor may notify the autosampler of process information and may provide an instruction for executing a process on the sample plate contained in the one sample plate container based on the process information in a case where the identification information of the subject sample plate matches the identification information recognized by the identification information recognizer. 
     In a case where the identification information of the subject sample plate matches the recognized identification information of the sample plate, this sample plate supply control device supplies the sample plate contained in the one sample plate container to the autosampler. At this time, the sample plate supply control device notifies the autosampler of process information in regard to the subject plate. Thus, even in a case where the sample plate is contained in any sample plate container, the process is started with respect to the subject sample plate based on the process information. 
     (3) The supply instructor may wait until a process with respect to another sample plate is completed and may instruct the sample plate holder to supply the sample plate contained in the one sample plate container to the autosampler in a case where the identification information of the subject sample plate matches the identification information recognized by the identification information recognizer, and the process is being executed on the another sample plate in the autosampler. 
     In a case where the identification information of the subject sample plate matches the recognized identification information of the sample plate, this sample plate supply control device determines whether the autosampler is executing a process with respect to another sample plate. When the autosampler is executing a process with respect to another sample plate, the sample plate supply control device supplies the sample plate contained in the one sample plate container to the autosampler after the process with respect to the other sample plate is completed. Thus, even when the autosampler is executing a process with respect to the other sample plate, reservation of execution of a process with respect to the subject sample plate is made. The user can make settings for the subject sample plate regardless of whether the autosampler is executing a process with respect to another sample plate. 
     (4) The supply instructor may instruct the sample plate holder to supply the sample plate contained in the one sample plate container to the autosampler in a case where identification information of any subject sample plate among a plurality of subject sample plates matches the identification information recognized by the identification information recognizer. 
     In a case where any identification information of the plurality of subject sample plates matches the recognized identification information of the sample plate, this sample plate supply control device supplies the sample plate contained in the one sample plate container to the autosampler. Thus, even in a case where the sample plate is contained in any sample plate container, any subject sample plate among the plurality of subject sample plates is supplied to the autosampler. The user can make reservation for the analysis process with respect to the plurality of subject sample plates at the same time. 
     (5) A print module that prints the identification information of the subject sample plate to be attached to the subject sample plate may further be included. 
     The identification information to be attached to the subject sample plate is printed. The user can make settings for the subject sample plate and print the identification information to be attached to the subject sample plate. 
     (6) The identification information of the subject sample plate may be attached to the subject sample plate as a barcode image. 
     The identification information is attached to the subject sample plate as a barcode image. The identification information of the subject sample plate can be read with use of a barcode reading function. 
     (7) A sample plate supply control system according to another aspect of the present invention includes an autosampler that injects a sample to be analyzed into an analysis device, a sample plate holder that has a plurality of sample plate containers, and a terminal device that controls the sample plate holder, wherein the sample plate holder includes an identification information recognizer that recognizes identification information of a contained sample plate when the sample plate is contained in one sample plate container among the plurality of sample plate containers, and an identification information presenter that supplies the identification information of the contained sample plate to the terminal device, and the terminal device includes an identification information acquirer that acquires the identification information of the contained sample plate from the sample plate holder, and a supply instructor that instructs the sample plate holder to supply the sample plate contained in the one sample plate container to the autosampler in a case where identification information of a subject sample plate to be analyzed matches the identification information acquired by the identification information acquirer. 
     This sample plate supply system recognizes the identification information of the sample plate contained in the one sample plate container among the plurality of sample plate containers. Then, in a case where the identification information of the subject sample plate matches the recognized identification information of the sample plate, the sample plate supply control system supplies the sample plate contained in the one sample plate container to the autosampler. Thus, even in a case where the sample plate is contained in any sample plate container, the subject sample plate is supplied to the autosampler. 
     (8) The sample plate holder may have a plurality of displays provided to correspond to the plurality of sample plate containers, and each display may display a processing state in regard to each sample plate contained in each sample plate container. 
     The display displays a processing state of a sample plate in each sample plate container. The user can identify an available sample plate container. 
     (9) A sample plate supply control method according to yet another aspect of the present invention of controlling supply of a sample plate from a sample plate holder having a plurality of sample plate containers to an autosampler, includes the steps of acquiring identification information of a contained sample plate from the sample plate holder when the sample plate is contained in one sample late container among the plurality of sample plate containers, and instructing the sample plate holder to supply the sample plate contained in the one sample plate container to the autosampler in a case where identification information of a subject sample plate to be analyzed matches the identification information acquired from the sample plate holder. 
     (10) A sample plate supply control program according to yet another aspect of the present invention controls supply of a sample plate from a sample plate holder having a plurality of sample plate containers to an autosampler, wherein the sample plate supply control program causes a computer to execute the processes of acquiring identification information of a contained sample plate from the sample plate holder when the sample plate is contained in one sample plate container among the plurality of sample plate containers, and instructing the sample plate holder to supply the sample plate contained in the one sample plate container to the autosampler in a case where identification information of a subject sample plate to be analyzed matches the identification information acquired from the sample plate holder. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     The present invention can optimize work for placing a sample plate and provision of an instruction for supplying the sample plate in a sample plate supply control device including a sample plate holder that can contain a plurality of sample plates and a sample plate supply control system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an overview of an analysis system according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 2(A)  is a plan view of a sample plate, and  FIG. 2(B)  is a back view of a sample template. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram showing a plate changer and an autosampler according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of the functions of a sample plate supply control system according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a plate setting screen displayed in a monitor of a computer according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a process executed in the computer according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of the process executed in the computer according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of the process executed in the computer according to the present embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     A sample plate supply control device, a sample plate supply control system, a sample plate supply control method and a sample plate supply control program according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. 
     [1] First Embodiment 
     (1) Overall Configuration of Analysis System 
       FIG. 1  is an overview of an analysis system  10  according to the present embodiment. The analysis system  10  shown in  FIG. 1  includes a computer  1 , a network  2 , a server  3 , a control device  4 , a plurality of function units  5  and a printing machine  9 . In the present embodiment, a liquid chromatograph  50  is constituted by the plurality of function units  5 . The liquid chromatograph  50  is a high-performance liquid chromatograph, for example. 
     The computer  1  is a general personal computer, for example. The computer  1  executes a process of controlling the analysis system  10 , a process of examining chromatogram data, etc. 
     The network  2  is a computer network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The computer  1  and the server  3  are connected to each other via the network  2 . 
     The server  3  is a general computer server, for example. A batch table data base  30  (hereinafter abbreviated as a batch table DB  30 ) is saved in a storage of the server  3 . The batch table DB  30  accumulates a plurality of batch tables. The batch table is the data in which the execution procedure and execution conditions of an analysis process to be executed in the analysis system  10  are written. The batch table is set in regard to a sample plate  8  (see  FIG. 3 ) that contains a plurality of sample vials. 
     The batch table includes a plurality of records. One record is a record corresponding to one sample vial contained in a sample plate. In one record, the identification information of a sample plate  8 , the number of a sample vial, a sample type and the name of a method file are written. A method file is a data file in which the execution procedure and execution conditions of the analysis process are written. That is, in the batch table, a method file in which the content of an analysis process is written is set for each sample vial. Because a plurality of sample vials are contained in the sample plate  8 , the records corresponding to all of the sample vials contained in the sample plate  8  are included in the batch table. 
     The control device  4  is connected to the computer  1  via a communication cable. Further, the control device  4  is connected to the plurality of function units  5  via communication cables. The analysis system  10  includes the plurality of function units  5 . The plurality of function units  5  include a pump, an oven, a detector and so on in the liquid chromatograph  50 . Further, the plurality of function units  5  include an autosampler  7  (see  FIG. 2 ) that injects a sample to be analyzed into the liquid chromatograph  50 , a plate changer  6  (see  FIG. 2 ) that supplies a sample plate containing a sample to the autosampler  7 , etc. 
     (2) Configuration of Sample Plate and Plate Changer 
       FIG. 2(A)  shows a plan view of the sample plate  8 .  FIG. 2(B)  shows a back view of the sample plate  8 .  FIG. 3  is a diagram showing the configuration of the plate changer  6 . First, the sample plate  8  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2(A) , a plurality of holes  81  in which sample vials are contained are provided in the sample plate  8 . As shown in  FIG. 2(B) , a barcode  91  is attached to the back surface of the sample plate  8  of the present embodiment. The information for identifying the sample plate  8  is written in the barcode  91  as identification information. Although details will be described below, the barcode  91  is read when the sample plate  8  is contained in the plate changer  6 , so that the contained sample plate  8  is specified. 
     As show in  FIG. 3 , the plate changer  6  is provided next to the autosampler  7  as a device attached to the autosampler  7 . The plate changer  6  can hold a plurality of sample plates  8 . The sample plate  8  can contain a plurality of sample vials containing samples to be analyzed. 
     In the plate changer  6  of the present embodiment, three changers  6 A,  6 B,  6 C are provided. Each of the three changers  6 A,  6 B,  6 C can contain a plurality of sample plates  8  (fourteen sample plates  8  can be contained in this example). The changer  6 A includes sample plate containers  61  numbered 3 to 16. The changer  6 B includes sample plate containers  61  numbered 17 to 30. The changer  6 C includes sample plate containers  61  numbered 31 to 44. Since sample plate containers numbered 1 and 2 are provided in the autosampler  7 , numbering of the sample plate containers  61  in the changer  6 A starts from 3. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a display  62  is provided next to each sample plate container  61 . An LED is used in a display  62  in the present embodiment. A display  62  displays a processing state of a sample plate  8  contained in a sample plate container  61 . In the present embodiment, in a case where an analysis process of a sample plate  8  contained in a sample plate container  61  is not completed, a display  62  lights up in red. In a case where a display  62  next to a sample plate container  61  numbered 25 lights up in red, for example, the user can judge that a sample plate  8  contained in the sample plate container  61  numbered 25 has not been processed. That is, the user can judge that the sample plate  8  contained in the sample plate container  61  numbered 25 is in a standby state. 
     While a display  62  lights up in red in a case where an unprocessed sample plate  8  is contained in the present embodiment, another processing state of the sample plate  8  may be identified. For example, in regard to a sample plate container  61  containing a sample plate  8  for which an analysis process is completed, an adjacent display  62  may light up in green. Alternatively, in a case where a sample plate  8  is being transported and carried into the autosampler  7 , that is, in regard to a sample plate container  61  corresponding to a sample plate for which an analysis process is being executed, an adjacent display  62  may light up in orange. 
     (3) Functional Configuration of Sample Plate Supply Control System 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram of the functions of the sample plate supply control system  20 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the plate changer  6  includes a reader  63 , a plate transport device  64 , an identification information recognizer  65  and an identification information presenter  66 . The plate changer  6  has a controller  60  constituted by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory) and so on. A computer program such as a first control program is stored in the ROM. The CPU executes the first control program stored in the ROM on the RAM, whereby functions of the identification information recognizer  65  and the identification information presenter  66  are implemented. Part or all of the identification information recognizer  65  and the identification information presenter  66  may be implemented by hardware such as an electronic circuit. 
     The reader  63  acquires the information written in the barcode  91  by reading the barcode  91  attached to a sample plate  8  contained in each sample plate container  61 , and supplies the acquired information and the number of a sample plate container  61  storing the sample plate  8  to the identification information recognizer  65 . 
     The plate transport device  64  takes out a sample plate  8  contained in any one of a plurality of sample plate containers  61 , and supplies the taken sample plate  8  to the autosampler  7 . The plate transport device  64  receives the sample plate  8  from the autosampler  7  after an analysis process is completed, and places the received sample plate  8  in an original sample plate container  61 . 
     In the present embodiment, a sample plate  8  contained in each sample plate container  61  is taken out once from the sample plate container  61  by the plate transport device  64  for reading of a barcode  91  by the reader  63 . The plate transport device  64  moves the sample plate  8  taken out from the sample plate container  61  to a position where the reader  63  can perform an operation of reading the barcode  91 . When the operation of reading the barcode  91  with respect to the sample plate  8  is completed, the plate transport device  64  transports the sample plate  8  to the original sample plate container  61 . A reader  63  may be provided individually for each sample plate container  61 . 
     The identification information recognizer  65  recognizes identification information of a sample plate  8  contained in a sample plate container  61 . Specifically, the identification information recognizer  65  acquires the identification information of a contained sample plate  8  from the information received from the reader  63 . Then, the identification information recognizer  65  supplies the recognized identification information of the sample plate  8  and the number of the sample plate container  61  containing the sample plate  8  to the identification information presenter  66 . 
     The identification information presenter  66  transmits the identification information of the sample plate  8  received from the identification information recognizer  65  and the number of the sample plate container containing the sample plate  8  to the control device  4 . The control device  4  transmits the identification information of the sample plate  8  and the number of the sample plate container  61  containing the sample plate  8 , which are received from the identification information presenter  66 , to the computer  1  via the control device  4 . 
     The computer  1  includes a subject plate setter  11 , a subject plate storage  12 , an identification information acquirer  13 , a supply instructor  14 , a print module  15 , a monitor  18  and an operation unit  19 . The supply instructor  14  has a process instructor  141 . The computer  1  is constituted by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a storage device such as a hard disc. A computer program such as a second control program is stored in the ROM. The CPU executes the second control program stored in the ROM or the storage device on the RAM, whereby functions of the subject plate setter  11 , the identification information acquirer  13 , the supply instructor  14  and the print module  15  are implemented. Part or all of these functions  10  may be implemented by hardware such as an electronic circuit. Further, an examination program for examining chromatogram data is installed in the computer  1 . In this manner, the computer  1  functions as a CDS (Chromatography data system) using the second control program and the examination program. The subject plate storage  12  is constituted by a storage device such as a RAM or a hard disc. 
     The subject plate setter  11  makes settings of an analysis process with respect to a sample plate  8  to be analyzed. A sample plate  8  to be analyzed is referred to as a subject sample plate  8 T for the sake of explanation in the following description. The subject plate setter  11  sets plate identification information of a subject sample plate  8 T, the number of a sample vial, a sample type and the name of a method file in association with one another as one record. The subject plate setter  11  can set a plurality of records in which plate identification information pieces of subject sample plates  8 T, the numbers of sample vials, sample types and the names of method files are respectively associated with one another. The subject plate setter  11  puts a plurality of records having the same plate identification information of a subject sample plate  8 T into a group and sets the group as a batch table. 
     The subject plate storage  12  stores a batch table that is set with respect to subject sample plates  8 T in the subject plate setter  11 . 
     The identification information acquirer  13  receives identification information of a sample plate  8  and the number of a sample plate container  61  containing the sample plate  8 , which have been transmitted by the identification information presenter  66  via the control device  4 . 
     The supply instructor  14  compares the identification information of a subject sample plate  8 T stored in the subject plate storage  12  with the identification information of a sample plate  8  acquired by the identification information acquirer  13 . In a case where the identification information of the subject sample plate  8 T stored in the subject plate storage  12  matches the identification information of the sample plate  8  acquired by the identification information acquirer  13 , the supply instructor  14  determines that the sample plate  8  contained in the sample plate container  61  is a subject sample plate  8 T to be processed. In a case where determining that the subject sample plate  8 T is contained in the sample plate container  61 , the supply instructor  14  provides an instruction for supplying the sample plate by the sample plate supply control system  20 . The content of a process of providing an instruction for supplying a sample plate will be described below in detail. 
     The print module  15  generates a barcode  91  to be attached to a subject sample plate  8 T and provides an instruction for printing. The print module  15  instructs the printer  9  to print the barcode  91 . 
     (4) Behavior of Setting Plate by Computer 
     Next, a plate setting operation of setting a subject sample plate  8  will be described. The plate setting operation is performed by the subject plate setter  11  included in the computer  1 .  FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a plate setting screen  100  displayed in the monitor  18  of the computer  1  when the subject plate setter  11  is executed. 
     The plate setting screen  100  includes a plate identification information field  101  in which identification information of a subject sample plate  8 T is input, a batch table name field  102  for designation of the name of a batch table, a barcode print instruction button  103  and a standby instruction button  104 . 
     In the plate identification information field  101 , the identification information for specifying a subject sample plate  8 T is input by the user. The user operates the operation unit  19  of the computer  1  and inputs the identification information for specifying a subject sample plate  8 T using characters, numerals, symbols or a combination of these. The user may set any identification information to be input. Alternatively, the identification information to be input is set in accordance with an analysis manual or the like. 
     In the batch table name field  102 , the name of a batch table selected by the user is input. In the present embodiment, the subject plate setter  11  acquires a batch table from the batch table DB  30  stored in the server  3  shown in  FIG. 1 . The user operates the operation unit  19  and can cause a screen showing a list of batch tables to be displayed by adjusting a pointer to the batch table name field  102 . The subject plate setter  11  accesses the batch table DB  30  of the server  3 , acquires a prepared list of a plurality of batch tables and causes the monitor  18  to display the list in the screen. 
     In the present embodiment, the subject plate setter  11  accesses the batch table DB  30  of the server  3 , whereby the user can set a batch table. That is, the user can select a prepared batch table. For example, the user may be able to create a batch table in the plate setting screen  100 . Alternatively, the user may be able to edit a batch table, which the user has acquired from the server  3 , in the plate setting screen  100 . 
     The barcode print instruction button  103  generates a barcode  91  and provides an instruction for printing the barcode  91 . In a case where the user operates the operation unit  19  to select the barcode print instruction button  103 , the print module  15  generates image data of the barcode  91 . The print module  15  converts the identification information input in the plate identification information field  101  into a barcode and generates image data of the barcode  91 . The print module  15  transmits an instruction for printing the image data of the generated barcode  91  to the printer  9 . 
     The printer  9  generates a sticker on which the image of the barcode  91  is printed. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the user attaches the sticker on which the barcode  91  is printed to a predetermined position on the back surface of a sample plate  8 . In the present embodiment, the reader  63  performs a reading operation with respect to the back surface of a sample plate  8 , so that the sticker of the barcode  91  is attached to the back surface of the sample plate  8 . Depending on the configuration of the reader  63 , the sticker of the barcode  91  may be attached to the side surface or the upper surface of a sample plate  8 . 
     With the above-mentioned operation, a batch table corresponding to a subject sample plate  8 T is set. Further, the identification information of a subject sample plate  8 T is converted into a barcode, and a sticker of a barcode  91  is printed. As shown in  FIG. 2(B) , the user attaches the sticker of the barcode  91  to a predetermined position on the back surface of a subject sample plate  8 T. 
     Reference is made to  FIG. 5  again. Next, the user operates the operation unit  19  to select the standby instruction button  104 . In response to this operation, the subject plate setter  11  stores the information set in the plate setting screen  100  in the subject plate storage  12 . The subject plate storage  12  stores the identification information of a subject sample plate  8 T and a batch table. 
     The user selects the standby instruction button  104  and then moves to the location of the plate changer  6 . The user places the subject sample plate  8 T in any sample plate container  61  in the plate changer  6 . At this time, the user may place the subject sample plate  8 T in any sample plate container  61 . While a large number of sample plate containers  61  are prepared as shown in  FIG. 3  in the present embodiment, the user may place the subject sample plate  8 T in any sample plate container  61 . 
     Preparation for an analysis process is completed by the above-mentioned operations and processes. That is, the user inputs the identification information of the subject sample plate  8 T in the plate setting screen  100 . The user sets the batch table in the plate setting screen  100 . The user prints the sticker of a barcode  91  and attaches the sticker to the subject sample plate  8 T. The user selects the standby instruction button  104 , whereby the subject plate storage  12  stores the identification information of the subject sample plate  8 T and the batch table. Then, the user places the subject sample plate to which the sticker of the barcode  91  is attached in any sample plate container  61 . Next, a process of supplying a sample plate  8  starts. 
     (5) Behavior of Supplying Sample Plate by Plate Changer and Computer 
     When the user places a subject sample plate  8 T in any sample plate container  61 , an operation of reading a barcode  91  is performed by the reader  63  in the plate changer  6 . The reader  63  supplies the information of the barcode  91  and the number of the sample plate container  61  containing the sample plate  8  to the identification information recognizer  65 . Since whether the sample plate  8  is a subject sample plate  8 T has not been recognized in the subsequent process, the sample plate  8  is not referred to as a subject sample plate  8 T but simply referred to as a sample plate  8 . The identification information recognizer  65  recognizes the identification information of the contained sample plate  8  from the received information of the barcode  91 . Then, the identification information recognizer  65  supplies the recognized identification information of the sample plate  8  and the number of the sample plate container  61  containing the sample plate  8  to the identification information presenter  66 . 
     The identification information presenter  66  transmits the identification information of the sample plate  8  and the number of the sample plate container  61  to the control device  4 . The control device  4  transmits the identification information of the sample plate  8  and the number of the sample plate container  61  to the computer  1 . Next, the behavior of providing an instruction for supplying the sample plate  8  by the computer  1  is described with reference to the flowchart of  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing a process executed by the identification information acquirer  13  and the supply instructor  14  of the computer  1 . First, the identification information acquirer  13  of the computer  1  checks whether the identification information of the sample plate  8  and the number of the sample plate container  61  have been acquired (step S 101 ). In a case where the identification information acquirer  13  acquires the identification information of the sample plate  8  and the number of the sample plate container  61 , the supply instructor  14  makes reference to the subject plate storage  12  (step S 102 ). In a case where the identification information acquirer  13  does not acquire the identification information of the sample plate  8  and the number of the sample plate container  61 , the process ends. 
     After the step S 102 , the supply instructor  14  determines whether the identification information of a subject sample plate  8 T stored in the subject plate storage  12  matches the identification information of the sample plate  8  acquired by the identification information acquirer  13  (step S 103 ). In a case where the identification information of the subject sample plate  8 T stored in the subject plate storage  12  matches the identification information of the sample plate  8  acquired by the identification information acquirer  13 , the supply instructor  14  determines that the sample plate  8  contained in the sample plate container  61  is a subject sample plate  8 T to be processed. In a case where determining that the subject sample plate  8 T is contained in the sample plate container  61 , the supply instructor  14  instructs the plate changer  6  to supply the subject sample plate  8 T. That is, the supply instructor  14  instructs the plate changer  6  to supply the sample plate  8  having the identification information acquired by the identification information acquirer  13  to the autosampler  7  (step S 104 ). Alternatively, the supply instructor  14  instructs the plate changer  6  to supply the sample plate  8  contained in the sample plate container  61  having the number acquired by the identification information acquirer  13  to the autosampler  7 . In a case where the identification information of the subject sample plate  8 T stored in the subject plate storage  12  does not match the identification information of the sample plate  8  acquired by the identification information acquirer  13 , the supply instructor  14  ends the process. 
     After the step S 104 , the process instructor  141  makes reference to the subject plate storage  12  and acquires a batch table corresponding to the subject sample plate  8 T. Then, the process instructor  141  notifies the autosampler  7  of the information relating to an analysis process based on the batch table (step S 105 ). With the process mentioned above, the plate changer  6  supplies the subject sample plate  8 T to the autosampler  7 . Then, a sample is extracted from a sample vial contained in the subject sample plate  8 T by the autosampler  7 , and the sample is injected into the analysis device. 
     As described above, the sample plate supply control system  20  of the present embodiment acquires the identification information of a sample plate  8  contained in any sample plate container  61  among the plurality of sample plate containers  61 . Then, in a case where the identification information of a subject sample plate  8 T matches the identification information of the sample plate  8  acquired by the identification information acquirer  13 , the sample plate supply control system  20  supplies the sample plate  8  the identification information of which has been acquired to the autosampler  7 . Thus, even in a case where the sample plate  8  is contained in any sample plate container  61 , the subject sample plate  8 T stored in the subject plate storage  12  is supplied to the autosampler  7 . 
     The user does not have to be conscious of which sample plate container  61  the sample plate  8  is to be contained in in the plate changer  6 . The user may place the sample plate  8  in an available sample plate container  61 . An analysis process does not start with respect to a different sample plate  8  due to an erroneous operation. Even in a case where a plurality of users use a common plate changer  6 , each user can freely utilize an available sample plate container  61 . 
     Further, in a case where the identification information of the subject sample plate  8 T matches the identification information of the sample plate  8  acquired by the identification information acquirer  13 , the sample plate supply control system  20  supplies the content of a batch table stored in the subject plate storage  12  to the autosampler  7 . Thus, even in a case where the sample plate  8  is contained in any sample plate container  61 , the analysis process is started with respect to the subject sample plate  8 T stored in the subject plate storage  12  based on the batch table stored in the subject plate storage  12 . 
     [2] Second Embodiment 
     Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, when an autosampler  7  is executing an analysis process, a plate changer  6  is in a waiting state.  FIG. 7  is a flowchart showing a process executed by an identification information acquirer  13  and a supply instructor  14  of a computer  1  in the second embodiment. First, the identification information acquirer  13  of the computer  1  checks whether the identification information of a sample plate  8  and the number of a sample plate container  61  have been acquired (step S 201 ). In a case where the identification information acquirer  13  has acquired the identification information of the sample plate  8  and the number of the sample plate container  61 , the supply instructor  14  makes reference to a subject plate storage  12  (step S 202 ). In a case where the identification information acquirer  13  does not acquire the identification information of the sample plate  8  and the number of the sample plate container  61 , the process ends. 
     After the step S 202 , the supply instructor  14  determines whether the identification information of the subject sample plate  8 T stored in the subject plate storage  12  matches the identification information of the sample plate  8  acquired by the identification information acquirer  13  (step S 203 ). In a case where the identification information of the subject sample plate  8 T stored in the subject plate storage  12  matches the identification information of the sample plate  8  acquired by the identification information acquirer  13 , the supply instructor  14  determines that the sample plate  8  contained in the sample plate container  61  is the subject sample plate  8 T to be processed. 
     In a case where determining that the subject sample plate  8 T is contained in the sample plate container  61 , the supply instructor  14  determines whether the autosampler  7  is executing a process with respect to another sample plate  8  (step S 204 ). The supply instructor  14  acquires a processing state of the autosampler  7  by making an inquiry to a control device  4 . Alternatively, the supply instructor  14  acquires a processing state of the autosampler  7  by making an inquiry to the autosampler  7  via the control device  4 . 
     In a case where the autosampler  7  is executing a process with respect to another sample plate  8 , the supply instructor  14  waits fora predetermined period of time (step S 205 ). In a case where the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the supply instructor  14  returns to the step S 204  and determines whether the autosampler  7  is executing a process with respect to another sample plate  8 . In a case where the autosampler  7  is executing a process with respect to another sample plate  8 , the process of the step S 204  and the step S 205  is repeated. 
     In a case where the autosampler  7  is not executing a process with respect to another sample plate  8 , the supply instructor  14  instructs the plate changer  6  to supply a sample plate  8 . The subsequent step S 206  and step S 207  will not be described since being similar to the step S 104  and the step S 105  of  FIG. 6  in the first embodiment. 
     As described above, in a case where the identification information of the subject sample plate  8 T matches the identification information of the sample plate  8  acquired by the identification information acquirer  13 , the sample plate supply control system  20  of the present embodiment determines whether the autosampler  7  is executing a process with respect to another sample plate  8 . When the autosampler  7  is executing a process with respect to another sample plate  8 , the sample plate supply control system  20  supplies a sample plate  8  to the autosampler  7  after the process with respect to the other sample plate  8  is completed. Thus, even when the autosampler  7  is executing a process with respect to another sample plate  8 , reservation of execution of a process with respect to a subject sample plate  8 T is made. The user can make settings for a subject sample plate  8 T regardless of whether the autosampler  7  is executing a process with respect to another sample plate  8 . 
     [3] Third Embodiment 
     Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, a plurality of subject sample plates  8 T are put in a standby state. As a prerequisite for the third embodiment, the identification information of a plurality of subject sample plates  8 T is stored in a subject plate storage  12 . That is, a user makes settings in regard to a plurality of plate identification numbers and selects a standby instruction button  104  with respect to a plurality of settings, in the plate setting screen  100  shown in  FIG. 5 . Thus, the plurality of subject sample plates  8 T are put in the standby state. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing a process to be executed by an identification information acquirer  13  and a supply instructor  14  of a computer  1  in the third embodiment. First, the identification information acquirer  13  of the computer  1  checks whether the identification information of a sample plate  8  and the number of a sample plate container  61  have been acquired (step S 301 ). In a case where the identification information acquirer  13  has acquired the identification information of the sample plate  8  and the number of the sample plate container  61 , the supply instructor  14  makes reference to the subject plate storage  12  (step S 302 ). In a case where the identification information acquirer  13  does not acquire the identification information of the sample plate  8  and the number of the sample plate container  61 , the process ends. 
     After the step S 302 , the supply instructor  14  determines a result of reference to the subject plate storage  12 . The supply instructor  14  determines whether the identification information of any subject sample plate  8 T among the identification information of the plurality of subject sample plates  8 T stored in the subject plate storage  12  matches the identification information of the sample plate  8  acquired by the identification information acquirer  13  (step S 303 ). In a case where the identification information of any subject sample plate  8 T stored in the subject plate storage  12  matches the identification information of the sample plate  8  acquired by the identification information acquirer  13 , the supply instructor  14  determines that the sample plate  8  contained in the sample plate container  61  is a subject sample plate  8 T to be processed. 
     In a case where determining that the subject sample plate  8 T is contained in the sample plate container  61 , the supply instructor  14  instructs the plate changer  6  to supply the sample plate  8 . The subsequent step S 304  and step S 305  will not be described because being similar to the step S 104  and the step S 105  of  FIG. 6  in the first embodiment. 
     As described above, in a case where one of a plurality of stored identification information pieces of the subject sample plates  8 T matches the identification information of a sample plate  8  acquired by the identification information acquirer  13 , a sample plate supply control system  20  of the present embodiment supplies the sample plate  8  to the autosampler  7 . Thus, even in a case where a sample plate  8  is contained in any sample plate container  61 , any one of the plurality of subject sample plates  8 T stored in the subject plate storage  12  is supplied to the autosampler  7 . The user can make reservation for an analysis process with respect to a plurality of subject sample plates  8 T at the same time. 
     While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims. 
     [4] Correspondences Between Constituent Elements in Claims and Parts in Preferred Embodiments 
     In the following paragraphs, non-limiting examples of correspondences between various elements recited in the claims below and those described above with respect to various preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are explained. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the plate changer  6  is an example of a plate holder, the computer  1  is an example of a terminal device, and the batch table is an example of process information. 
     Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the device that functionally includes the identification information recognizer  65  of the plate changer  6  and the supply instructor  14  of the computer  1  is an example of a sample plate supply device. While one device that functionally includes the identification information recognizer  65  of the plate changer  6  and the supply instructor  14  of the computer  1  is not described by way of example in the above-mentioned embodiment, one device may include both functions. 
     Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the second control program is an example of a sample plate supply control program. 
     As each of constituent elements recited in the claims, various other elements having configurations or functions described in the claims can be also used. 
     [5] Other Embodiments 
     In the above-mentioned embodiment, the plate changer  6  which is an example of a sample plate holder is an another device attached to the autosampler  7 . While the sample plate holder may be another device attached to the autosampler  7 , a sample plate holder may be included in the autosampler  7 . 
     While the plate changer  6  is used as a device that supplies a sample plate  8  to the autosampler  7  for a liquid chromatograph in the above-mentioned embodiment, a plate changer  6  of the present embodiment can be used as a device that supplies a sample plate  8  to an autosampler used for various analysis devices. Further, an analysis system  10  of the present invention can be used not only for a liquid chromatograph but also for another analysis device such as another type of a liquid chromatograph.