Patent ID: 12247963

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portion is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

An analysis system100according to a first embodiment is an analysis system in which a system is constructed by a combination of a plurality of devices (hereinafter, also referred to as a “unit”) executing physical or chemical analysis on the sample. For example, analysis system100is a liquid chromatograph analysis system.

FIG.1is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of analysis system100of the first embodiment.

Referring toFIG.1, analysis system100of the first embodiment includes an analyzer1and an analysis workstation (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a “workstation”)3.

Analyzer1is a liquid chromatograph analyzer, and includes a system controller2, an eluent tank11, a pump unit4, an automatic sampler13, a column oven14, and a detector15. Analyzer1executes the analysis on the sample according to analysis conditions (an operation state, a setting value, and the like, described later in detail) set in workstation3, and acquires data necessary for the analysis of the sample. Workstation3executes predetermined analysis (arithmetic processing) on the data acquired by analyzer1and integrally manages the acquired data and the analyzed data. In the example ofFIG.1, each of pump unit4, automatic sampler13, column oven14, and detector15corresponds to the “unit” described above.

For example, workstation3is a general-purpose personal computer, and software (hereinafter, also referred to as “control software”) related to control and data processing of analyzer1is installed in workstation3. When the control software is executed in workstation3, the control of analyzer1and the data analysis are executed. Workstation3transmits a “method file” (described later) to system controller2of analyzer1. The method file includes information related to the analysis in analyzer1, such as a signal indicating which unit is used among a plurality of units connected to system controller2and a control signal controlling the setting and operation related to the unit to be used. Workstation3may be a dedicated data processing device. Workstation3corresponds to an embodiment of the “setting device”.

In the liquid chromatograph analyzer, various detectors such as a detector, an ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic detector, an electrical conductivity detector, and a refractive index detector are appropriately selected and used according to a purpose of the analysis and the type of the sample.

System controller2is connected to workstation3and each unit in a wired or wireless manner. System controller2receives the method file from workstation3, and transmits the received method file to each unit. In addition, system controller2receives a signal from each unit, executes predetermined arithmetic processing of the signal as necessary, and then transmits the signal to workstation3.

Eluent tank11is a container in which an eluent (mobile phase) is accumulated.

Pump unit4is controlled by system controller2, and is configured to suck the eluent from eluent tank11and supply the eluent to automatic sampler13at a constant flow rate.

Automatic sampler13injects a sample liquid into the eluent at predetermined timing. Accordingly, the sample is introduced together with the eluent into a column (not illustrated) installed in column oven14. Automatic sampler13includes a cooler (not illustrated), and the cooler adjusts temperature in automatic sampler13.

Column oven14has a function of warming the column to a desired temperature. Column oven14separates and elutes the components in the liquid passing through the column using a property that the time (retention time) for passing through the column is different for each component.

Detector15sequentially detects a light intensity signal indicating an absorbance spectrum of a predetermined wavelength range corresponding to a sample component eluted in column oven14. Detector15converts the light intensity signal into digital data (detection data). Detector15further transmits the detection data for each retention time to workstation3through system controller2.

Workstation3generates a three-dimensional chromatogram based on the detection data, and executes qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis of the components in the sample using the generated three-dimensional chromatogram. Furthermore, workstation3displays an analysis result on a display32(described later).

FIG.2is a view schematically illustrating configurations of workstation3and analyzer1.

(Description of Workstation)

Referring toFIG.2, workstation3includes a CPU33, a memory34, an input interface (hereinafter, also referred to as an input I/F)35, a display controller36, and a communication interface (hereinafter, also referred to as a communication I/F)37. The devices of workstation3are connected to each other by a common system bus, and are configured to be able to transmit and receive signals to and from each other through the system bus.

Workstation3is configured to operate according to a program stored in memory34. Memory34includes a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a hard disk drive (HDD) (not illustrated).

The ROM can store a program executed by CPU33. The program includes a program related to the control of analyzer1and a program related to arithmetic processing of data obtained by analyzer1. The RAM can temporarily store data used during the execution of the program in CPU33and function as a temporary data memory used as a work area. The HDD is a nonvolatile storage device, and can store the data received from system controller2, the data subjected to the arithmetic processing, and the like. A semiconductor storage device such as a flash memory may be adopted in addition to the HDD or instead of the HDD.

CPU33loads the program stored in the ROM of memory34into the RAM or the like and executes the program.

Input I/F35is connected to operation unit31in the wired or wireless manner.

Input I/F35is an interface through which workstation3communicates with operation unit31, and receives various signals from operation unit31.

Operation unit31is an operation device used to remotely operate each unit from workstation3. For example, operation unit31is a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse. Typically, various commands can be input to workstation3by selecting a button on an operation screen displayed on display32using operation unit31(seeFIG.3). When display32(described later) is a touch panel, display32and operation unit31are integrated. Operation unit31includes a direct button39and an analysis start button38.

Direct button39is a button used to remotely operate start (ON) and stop (OFF) of each unit from workstation3. A start signal is output from workstation3to the corresponding unit by selecting “ON” for the target unit on direct button39. Direct button39is used for preparation operation (warm-up operation) of each unit prior to the actual analysis. Specifically, when direct button39is turned on, the execution unit of each unit is started to start the warm-up operation. The execution unit is a unit that actually executes a function of a unit, and corresponds to an embodiment of the “execution device”. When the execution unit of each unit is simply referred to as an “execution unit”, the execution unit indicates the execution unit of each unit. The start, operation, and stop of the execution unit of each unit are also simply referred to as start, operation, and stop of each unit. By executing the warm-up operation of the unit, the function of each unit can be brought into a state suitable for the analysis. For example, in pump unit4, the rotation speed of the pump can be stabilized by the warm-up operation, and a stable discharge flow rate can be secured. In column oven14, an inside temperature can be raised to a predetermined temperature suitable for the analysis. Detector15stabilizes a light amount of a light source, and executes temperature control to raise the inside of detector15to a predetermined temperature by a heater.

Analysis start button38is a button used to start the analysis of the sample. Normally, the user operates analysis start button38in the state where the warm-up operation is completed to satisfy a desired analysis condition. As a result, an analysis start command is output from workstation3, a unit used for the analysis executes predetermined operation, and the analysis is started. When the analysis start command is output, the unit used for analysis is forcibly started when the unit is stopped.

Display controller36is connected to display32in the wired or wireless manner. Display controller36outputs a signal instructing a display content to display32according to a command from CPU33. When display32is a touch panel, input I/F35receives a signal indicating a touch operation of an analyst from the touch panel. Display32provides information related to the control of analyzer1, the analysis result by analyzer1, and the like to the analyst.

Communication I/F37is connected to communication I/F27of system controller2. Communication I/F37is an interface through which workstation3communicates with system controller2, and inputs and outputs various signals to and from system controller2.

(Description of System Controller)

System controller2includes a CPU23, a memory24, and communication I/F27. System controller2is configured to operate according to a program stored in the memory24. Memory24includes a ROM, a RAM, and an HDD (not illustrated). The devices of system controller2are connected to each other by a common system bus, and are configured to be able to transmit and receive signals to and from each other through the system bus.

CPU23loads the program stored in the ROM of memory24into the RAM or the like and executes the program.

Communication I/F27is connected to communication I/F37of workstation3and the communication I/F of each unit. Communication I/F27is an interface through which system controller2communicates with workstation3and each unit, and communication I/F27transmits and receives various signals to and from workstation3and each unit.

(Description of Unit)

A configuration of the unit will be described with pump unit4as an example.

Pump unit4includes a controller40, an operation unit41, a display42, and a pump51. Pump51corresponds to an embodiment of the “execution device”, and hereinafter, sometimes also be referred to as an “execution unit51”.

Controller40includes a CPU43, a memory44, an input I/F45, a display controller46, and a communication I/F47. Pump unit4executes operation related to the analysis according to a program stored in memory44and instructions from workstation3and system controller2. Memory44includes a ROM, a RAM, and an HDD (not illustrated). The devices of controller40are connected to each other by a common system bus, and are configured to be able to transmit and receive signals to and from each other through the system bus.

The CPU43loads the program stored in the ROM of memory44into the RAM or the like and executes the program.

Input I/F45is connected to operation unit41in the wired or wireless manner. Input I/F45is an interface through which pump unit4communicates with operation unit41, and receives various signals from operation unit41.

Display controller46is connected to display42in the wired or wireless manner. Display controller46outputs a signal instructing a display content to display42according to a command from CPU43. When display42includes a touch panel, display controller46receives the signal indicating the touch operation of the analyst from display42.

Communication I/F47is connected to communication I/F27of system controller2. Communication I/F47is an interface through which pump unit4communicates with system controller2, and inputs and outputs various signals to and from system controller2.

Operation unit41is an operation device used to operate each unit individually. Operation unit41is used to operate various power supplies and change a setting of a parameter. Operation unit41is provided in a unit body or in a vicinity of the unit.

Operation unit41is typically constructed with a touch panel, a switch, a button, and the like. For example, operation unit41includes a main power button52, a local and remote switching button53, a standby mode selection button48, a direct button49, and a setting change button50.

Main power button52is a button used to switch ON and OFF of power supply to entire pump unit4. When main power button52is ON, the power is supplied to devices (controller40, operation unit41, display42, and execution unit51) included in pump unit4. On the other hand, when main power button52is OFF, the power to the devices included in pump unit4is cut off. Accordingly, when main power button52is OFF, pump unit4does not receive any input from the outside (for example, the input from system controller2and the input from a button other than main power button52of operation unit41), and does not operate at all.

Local and remote switching button53is a button that switches between a local mode and a remote mode. The local mode is a mode that operates according to the input from operation unit41. The local mode is used when pump51is started on site at the time of maintenance, test operation, or the like of pump unit4, or when various settings are changed on site. On the other hand, the remote mode is a mode in which pump unit4operates according to the signal from workstation3based on the operation of operation unit31by the analyst. When the sample analysis is executed, the remote mode is used.

Standby mode selection button48is a button used to select a mode (hereinafter, referred to as a “standby mode”) in which the power supplied to execution unit51is stopped to supply only the control power. That is, only controller40, operation unit41, and display42are enabled in the standby mode. Accordingly, in the standby mode, pump unit4can communicate with system controller2and workstation3, but cannot drive execution unit51. For example, the standby mode is used to reduce power consumption when the analysis is not executed.

Direct button49is a button that switches between the start (ON) and the stop (OFF) of pump (execution unit)51. Direct button49has the same function as direct button39provided on operation unit31that communicates with workstation3. That is, the analyst can switch the start and the stop of pump51using operation unit31of the workstation or operation unit41of the unit. The states of the direct buttons on operation unit31and operation unit41are displayed in conjunction with each other, “ON” is displayed when pump51is in operation, and “OFF” is displayed when pump51is stopped. For example, direct button49is used in temporarily stopping pump51when the component of the unit is replaced during the warm-up operation before the start of the analysis.

Setting change button50is a button that changes the settings of various parameters and the like of the unit. For example, pump unit4is used to change setting values such as a flow rate and a pressure.

InFIG.2, the configuration of pump unit4has been described as the example of the unit. However, in automatic sampler13, column oven14, and detector15, which are other units, the content of the operation is different from each other, but are controlled similarly to pump unit4.

FIGS.1and2show each unit (that is, pump unit4, automatic sampler13, column oven14, and detector15) as a single unit. However, the present invention is not limited to the example illustrated inFIGS.1and2, and the number of units may be plural. For example, when two column ovens14are provided, one column oven14may be warmed to prepare for the next analysis while the other column oven14is used for the analysis. When a plurality of pump units4are provided, the sample can be injected into one column oven using a plurality of pumps. Furthermore, other types of units not illustrated inFIGS.1and2can be used. As described above, for each of the plurality of types of units, one or the plurality of units are connected to system controller2, so that the units can appropriately be used according to the situation, which is highly convenient.

Direct button49of operation unit41having such a configuration is used to stop individual units for maintenance or the like after each unit is remotely started from workstation3in executing the warm-up operation for the preparation of the analysis. For example, a situation in which the column of column oven14is replaced during the warm-up operation of column oven14is considered. In such a situation, the operator (for example, the analyst or a third party) first turns off direct button49of pump unit4to stop the inflow of the sample into column oven14. Then, the operator turns off the direct button of column oven14to stop heating of column oven14, and replaces the column in column oven14. When the column replacement is completed, the operator turns on the direct button of each of pump unit4and column oven14to restart the warm-up operation.

However, after the column replacement is completed, the operator may fail to operate the switch of the direct button of at least one of pump unit4and column oven14, and may forget a restart. In such a case, there is a possibility that the analyst selects analysis start button38at workstation3to start the analysis without noticing that some units are in the stopped state. In such a case, the stopped unit is also started by the operation of analysis start button38, and the analysis is started. At this point, for the unit in which the warm-up operation is interrupted due to forgetting to restart, the analysis may be started in the state where the state of each unit and the analysis condition (operation state, setting value, and the like) are not matched with each other. For example, in the case of pump unit4, the flow rate immediately after the start is not stable. In the case of column oven14, there is a possibility that the internal temperature does not reach the set temperature (for example, 50° C.). Consequently, in such a situation, there is a risk that the analysis cannot correctly be executed.

Similarly, for automatic sampler13, a cooler is stopped when the restart after the temporary stop is forgotten, so that the temperature of automatic sampler13may not be maintained at the predetermined temperature. Furthermore, in the case of detector15, when a light source such as a photodiode or a deuterium lamp remains turned off, there is a possibility that luminance (light amount) of the light source immediately after activation becomes unstable. In addition, when the heater is turned off in detector15and temperature control is not executed, a background noise increases immediately after the start, and analysis reproducibility is degraded.

For this reason, analysis system100of the embodiment is configured to determine whether the state of the unit used for the analysis is matched with the analysis condition set by the workstation to notify the analyst of the determination result. Consequently, the possibility that the analyst starts the analysis without noticing that the state of each unit and the analysis condition are not matched with each other to execute unintentionally improper analysis can be decreased.

FIG.3is a view illustrating a display example on display32.FIG.3illustrates an example in which a method file, a direct button39, a unit status, a total status, and an analysis start button38are displayed.

In the method file, the analysis condition that is a condition during the analysis (start) is set for each unit connected to system controller2. The analysis condition includes the setting of whether each unit is used for the analysis. The method file can be previously set by the user. For example, in the example ofFIG.3, because pump unit4, automatic sampler13, column oven14, and detector15are used for the analysis, the display corresponding to these units is displayed as “used”. Here, when another unit (for example, a second column oven) is connected to system controller2and the unit is not used for the analysis, “not used” is displayed for the another unit.

As an example of another analysis condition, the setting condition of each unit can be set in the method file. For example, in the example ofFIG.3, setting values of physical or chemical states such as the flow rate of pump unit4, the temperature of automatic sampler13, and the temperature of column oven14are set.

As described above, direct button39is a button used to remotely start or stop each unit from operation unit31. In each unit, when local and remote switching button53is selected as “remote”, the start and stop of each unit can be switched by the operating of direct button39. Direct button39also indicates the start and stop state of each unit.

The unit status displays a result of determination whether the state of the unit designated to be used is matched with the analysis condition set by the method file. Specifically, “ready” is displayed when the state of each unit and the analysis condition are matched with each other, and “not ready” is displayed when the state of each unit and the analysis condition are not matched with each other. In other words, the unit status is a status indicating whether each unit is in a state in which the analysis can appropriately be started.

FIG.4is a table illustrating a unit status determination method of the first embodiment. Referring toFIG.4, in the first embodiment, the case where the determination of the unit status is executed in each unit will be described as an example, but the determination may be executed in workstation3or system controller2. The CPU of each unit compares the used or not used information about the unit in the method file with the operation state of the unit (display of ON or OFF of the direct button) (comparison1). The CPU of each unit sets the unit status to “ready” when the used or not used information about the unit in the method file is matched with the operation state of the unit, and the CPU of each unit sets the unit status to “not ready” when the used or not used information about the unit in the method file is not matched with the operation state of the unit.

Specifically, as in the case1-2, in the unit designated to be used for the analysis by the method file, the unit status is “ready” when the unit is in the start state (that is, the state of the direct button is ON). On the other hand, as in Case1-1, when the unit is designated to be used for the analysis but the unit is currently stopped (the state of the direct button is OFF), the unit status is “not ready” because the appropriate analysis cannot be started.

The result of the determination of ready or not ready by the CPU of each unit is transmitted to workstation3through the communication I/F of the unit and system controller2. Workstation3displays the determination result on display32.

In the case1-0, the unit status is not determined because the unit is not used for the analysis. In the example of the first embodiment, the CPU of each unit corresponds to an embodiment of the “determination device”. The CPU of each unit and workstation3thus correspond to an embodiment of the “control device”. In the first embodiment, the functions as the “setting device” and the “determination device” are executed by workstation3and the CPU of each unit, but a device in charge of each function is not limited to workstation3and the CPU of each unit. For example, both the functions as the “setting device” and the “determination device” may be configured to be executed by any one of workstation3, system controller2, and the CPU of each unit.

Referring again toFIG.3, the total status is an index indicating whether entire analyzer1is in a state in which the appropriate analysis can be started. It is determined as the total status as “ready” when all the unit statuses of the units designated to be used by the method file are “ready”, and it is determined as the total status as “not ready” when even one unit status is “not ready”. That is, the total status is obtained by taking a logical product (AND) of the unit statuses. Thus, the analyst can confirm whether the state of any unit is matched with the analysis condition by the total status. Accordingly, the possibility that inappropriate analysis is started can be reduced.

As described above, analysis start button38is a button used to instruct the start of the actual analysis. When analysis start button38is operated with the total status as “ready”, the analysis is immediately started. On the other hand, when analysis start button38is operated with the total status as “not ready”, the analysis is not started, and a warning indicating that the total status is “not ready” (that is, any unit in which use is designated in the method file is stopped) is displayed on display32. At this point, in display32, the analyst may be notified of the specific state of the unit that is in the state of “not ready”. That is, display32corresponds to an example of the “notification device”. In the first embodiment, display32is exemplified as the notification device. However, the present invention is not limited to display32as long as the unit is capable of notifying and warning the analyst, and for example, a voice output unit that executes the notification and the warning by voice may be used.

As described above, the analyst can notice that any unit is not in the state of being able to appropriately start the analysis before the start of the analysis, and can prevent the start of the analysis in the inappropriate state.

When the total status is “not ready”, analysis start button38is interlocked such that the analysis operation is not started even when analysis start button38is operated, so that the analysis can certainly be prohibited from being started in the inappropriate state.

On the other hand, for example, for the test operation of the analysis operation or the like, there may be the case where it is desired to forcibly start the analysis even when it is not in the state suitable for the analysis. For this reason, when any one of the units is “not ready”, the analyst may arbitrarily select whether to cancel the start of the analysis or execute the analysis instead of prohibiting the start of the analysis.

FIG.5is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the controller of each unit in analysis system100of the first embodiment. The flowchart inFIG.5is repeatedly executed in the controller of each unit at predetermined control intervals.

Referring toFIG.5, in step101, the controller receives the method file from workstation3. In step102, the controller acquires the operation state (that is, the ON and OFF state of the direct button) of the unit.

In step103, the controller determines whether the use of the unit is designated in the method file. When the use of the unit is not designated in the method file (NO in step103), the unit is not used for the analysis, and thus the controller skips the subsequent processing and ends the processing.

When the use of the unit is designated in the method file (YES in step103), the processing proceeds to step104, and the controller determines whether the unit is in the standby mode. When the unit is not in the standby mode (NO in step104), the processing proceeds to step105, and the controller determines whether the unit is in the start state. When the unit is in the start state (YES in step105), the processing proceeds to step106, and the controller transmits information indicating that the state of the unit is “ready” to system controller2, and the processing proceeds to step108.

In step108, the controller determines whether the analysis start command has been received. When the analysis start command is not received (NO in step108), the controller returns the processing to step101. On the other hand, when the analysis start command is received (YES in step108), the analysis is started using the unit in step109.

When the unit is in the standby mode (YES in step104) or when the unit is not in the start state (NO in step105), the processing proceeds to step107, and the controller transmits information indicating that the state of the unit is “not ready” to system controller2.

Subsequently, in step110, the controller determines whether the analysis start command is received. When the analysis start command is not received (NO in step110), the controller returns the processing to step101. On the other hand, when the analysis start command is received (YES in step110), the controller starts the execution unit in step111, and starts the analysis using the unit in step109.

FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating processing of system controller2in analysis system100of the first embodiment. The flowchart inFIG.6is repeatedly executed by CPU23of system controller2at predetermined control intervals.

Referring toFIG.6, in step201, CPU23acquires a signal indicating ready or not ready from each unit connected to system controller2. In step202, CPU23receives the method file from workstation3. The method file includes the setting of which unit is used for the analysis among the units connected to system controller2.

In step203, CPU23determines whether at least one unit in the state of “not ready” exists among the units used for the analysis based on the signal indicating ready or not ready from each unit and the information about the method file. When at least one of the units used for the analysis is in the state of “not ready” (YES in step203), the total status is set to “not ready” in step204, and the processing proceeds to step206. On the other hand, when the states of all the units used for analysis are “ready” (NO in step203), the total status is set to “ready” in step205, and the processing proceeds to step206.

In step206, CPU23transmits the unit status and the total status to workstation3.

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating processing of workstation3in analysis system100of the first embodiment. The flowchart inFIG.7is repeatedly executed by CPU33of the workstation at predetermined control intervals.

Referring toFIG.7, in step301, CPU33transmits the method file to system controller2and each unit. In step302, CPU33displays the unit status and the total status received from system controller2on display32.

In step303, CPU33determines whether analysis start button38is pressed. When analysis start button38is not pressed (NO in step303), CPU33returns the processing to step301.

When analysis start button38is pressed (YES in step303), CPU33determines whether the total status is “ready” in step304. When the total status is “ready” (YES in step304), CPU33outputs the analysis start command to the unit designated by the method file.

On the other hand, when the total status is “not ready” (NO in step304), in step306, CPU33displays the warning indicating that the total status is “not ready” on display32. In step307, after giving the warning, CPU33determines whether the start of the analysis is further instructed. The instruction to start the analysis is executed by operating the confirmation button in the warning display or by re-operating analysis start button38.

When the start of the analysis is instructed (YES in step307), CPU33advances the processing to step305and outputs the analysis start command to each unit. On the other hand, when the start of the analysis is not instructed (NO in step307), CPU33ends the processing.

By executing the processing in the flowcharts ofFIGS.5to7by each unit, system controller2, and workstation3, in the first embodiment, it is determined whether the unit designated by the method file is started (during the warm-up operation), and the analyst is notified whether the analysis of entire analyzer1can be started. Thus, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the analyst starts the analysis without noticing the state in which the analysis is not ready and inappropriate analysis is executed.

Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the configuration of determining whether each unit is in the “ready” state based on the fact that each unit is started has been described. However, even when each unit is in the operation, there may be a case where each unit is not in the state suitable for the start of the analysis by itself. For example, for the column oven, even during operation, when the analysis is started while the internal temperature does not reach a predetermined temperature, there is the case where the appropriate analysis cannot be executed.

In a second embodiment, a configuration for determining whether each unit is in the “ready” state in consideration of whether the setting condition for the unit is satisfied in addition to that each unit is in operation will be described.

FIG.8is a table illustrating a unit status determination method in analysis system100of the second embodiment. Referring toFIG.8, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the state of the direct button is OFF (that is, the unit is stopped) in the unit designated to be used for the analysis in the method file, it is determined that the used or not used information about the unit in the method file is not matched with the operation state of the unit, and the unit status is set to “not ready” (comparison1). Furthermore, when it is determined that the setting condition of the method file is not satisfied even when the state of the direct button is ON (that is, the unit is started) in the unit designated to be used for the analysis in the method file, the unit status is set to “not ready” because there is no state where the appropriate analysis can be executed (comparison2).

Specifically, as in case2-3, in the unit designated to be used for the analysis in the method file, when the state of the direct button is ON and when the setting condition of the method file is matched with the measurement value measured by the unit for the corresponding item, the unit status is “ready”. On the other hand, as in case2-2, in the unit designated to be used for the analysis in the method file, the unit status becomes “not ready” when the setting condition of the method file is not satisfied even when the state of the direct button is ON.

For example, when the setting condition of the method file is set to 50° C. in column oven14, the unit status is “not ready” when the actual temperature in column oven14is 25° C. even when column oven14is started. Such a configuration reduces the possibility that the analysis is started while the analyst does not notice that the setting condition of the method file is unsatisfied.

FIG.9is a flowchart illustrating processing of the controller of each unit in analysis system100of the second embodiment. The flowchart inFIG.9is repeatedly executed at predetermined control intervals in the controller of each unit.

FIG.9is a view corresponding toFIG.5, and steps401to405inFIG.9correspond to step101to step105. Steps406to411inFIG.9correspond to steps106to111. Consequently, inFIG.9, step405B different fromFIG.5will mainly be described, and other descriptions will not be repeated.

When the unit designated in step405is in the start state (YES in step405), in step405B, the controller of the unit determines whether the setting condition of the method file is matched with the measurement value in the unit for the item corresponding to the setting condition. When the setting condition of the method file is matched with the measurement value in the unit (YES in step405B), the processing proceeds to step406, and the controller transmits the information indicating that the state of the unit is “ready” to system controller2, and the processing proceeds to step408.

In step408, the controller determines whether the analysis start command is received. When the analysis start command is not received (NO in step408), the controller returns the processing to step401. On the other hand, when the analysis start command is received (YES in step408), the analysis is started in step409, and the processing is ended.

On the other hand, when the setting condition of the method file and the measurement value in the unit is not matched with each other (NO in step405B), the processing proceeds to step407, and the controller transmits the information indicating that the state of the unit is “not ready” to system controller2.

Subsequently, in step410, the controller determines whether the analysis start command is received. When the analysis start command is not received (NO in step410), the controller returns the processing to step401. On the other hand, when the analysis start command is received (YES in step410), the controller starts the execution unit in step411, and starts the analysis using the unit in step409.

The processing of system controller2and workstation3in the second embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment. Accordingly, when analysis start button38is pressed while the total status is not ready, display32warns that the total status is not ready. At this point, the unit that is not ready, the cause of not ready, and the information accompanying the cause (for example, the setting condition of the method file is different from the measurement value of the unit, and the content of the setting condition and the measurement value) may be displayed.

In this way, in the second embodiment, it is determined whether the measurement values of the unit is matched with the measurement conditions designated by the method file, namely, whether the analysis can be started, and the analyst is notified of the result of the determination. Furthermore, when the unit designated for use at the start of the analysis is not ready, a warning is output to the analyst.

That is, in the first and second embodiments, it is determined whether the state (ON/and OFF of the direct button, the measurement value of the unit, and the like) of the unit is matched with the analysis condition (the use and non-use of the unit, the physical setting condition, and the like) set by workstation3, and display32notifies the analyst of the determination result.

Consequently, the analysis system that reduces the possibility of the inappropriate analysis in the analysis system in which the analysis unit including the plurality of units is controlled by a computer can be provided.

[Aspects]

It is understood by those skilled in the art that the plurality of exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the following aspects.

(Item 1)

An analysis system according to one aspect is analysis system that analyzes a sample by combining functions of a plurality of units, the analysis system includes: a setting device that sets an analysis condition for each of the plurality of units; an execution device that executes the function of each of the plurality of units prior to the analysis of the sample; a determination device that determines whether preparation for starting the analysis is completed for each of the plurality of units based on a comparison between a state of the unit and the analysis condition corresponding to the unit; and a notification device that notifies an analyst of a determination result by the determination device.

According to the analysis system described in item 1, the possibility that the analysis is executed under the inappropriate analysis condition can be reduced in the analysis system in which the analyzer including the plurality of units is controlled by the computer.

(Item 2)

According to the analysis system described in item 1, the determination device determines whether the preparation for starting the analysis is completed in all of the plurality of units, and the notification device notifies the analyst of the determination result.

(Item 3)

According to the analysis system described in item 1 or 2, when the start of the analysis is commanded while the determination device determines that the preparation for starting the analysis is not completed for any of the plurality of units, the notification device outputs a warning before the analysis is started.

(Item 4)

According to the analysis system described in any one of items 1 to 3, the analysis condition includes a setting of whether each of the plurality of units is used for the analysis, and the determination device determines whether the preparation for starting the analysis is completed for each of the plurality of units based on a comparison between a state of the execution device and the analysis condition.

(Item 5)

According to the analysis system described in any one of items 1 to 4, the analysis condition includes a setting value for a physical or chemical state in each of the plurality of units, and the determination device determines whether the preparation for starting the analysis is completed for each of the plurality of units based on a comparison between a measurement value of the physical or chemical state of the unit and the setting value.

(Item 6)

The analysis system described in any one of items 1 to 5, includes the plurality of units and a control device, wherein the control device includes the setting device and the determination device.

(Item 7)

According to the analysis system described in any one of items 1 to 6, the analysis system is a liquid chromatograph analysis system, and the plurality of units includes a pump, an automatic sampler, a column oven, and a detector.

It should be considered that the disclosed embodiments are an example in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by not the description above, but the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents are included in the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1: analyzer;2: system controller;3: workstation;4: pump unit;11: eluent tank;13: automatic sampler;14: column oven;15: detector;32,42: display;24,34,44: memory;31,41: operation unit;36,46: display controller;38: analysis start button;40: controller;52: main power button;53: local and remote switching button;48: standby mode selection button;50: setting change button;51: pump (execution unit);100: analysis system;39,49: direct button;35,45: input interface (input I/F);27,37,47: communication interface (communication I/F).