An analysis device management system and a computer-readable medium storing a program

Abstract

Provided is an analysis device management system and a computer-readable medium storing a program, which can grasp the state of each analysis device while searching for a device capable of performing analysis processing requiring a plurality of analysis devices. The analysis device management system of the present invention is a system for managing one or more analysis devices, and includes: a first generation unit that generates a module that corresponds one-to-one to each analysis device and manages state information of the corresponding analysis device; a storage device that stores the module; a reception unit that receives an analysis execution request using one or more analysis devices; and a state management unit that updates the state information of one or more modules corresponding to one or more analysis devices for which the analysis execution request has been received.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a management system of an analysis device and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program for executing the management system. BACKGROUND

[0002] There is a management system of an analysis device such as a liquid chromatograph or a mass spectrometer. The management system manages information such as a model name and a serial number of the analysis device, state information of the analysis device, and usage information of consumables included in the analysis device. By using the management system, a user can search for an analysis device capable of performing a desired analysis process or obtain statistical information such as usage rate of the analysis device.

[0003] As a method of managing the analysis device by the management system, there is a method of managing a single analysis device and a method of managing a plurality of analysis devices as one virtual device. In the former management method, when performing an analysis process requiring a plurality of analysis devices, the user needs to study a connection method, a cooperation method, and the like among the analysis devices based on information of the analysis devices managed respectively and determine whether the analysis process can be performed. In the latter management method, when performing an analysis process requiring a plurality of analysis devices, the user can operate the plurality of analysis devices integrally by referring to information of the virtual device. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-148992 relates to a network-type analysis device system using a data management server that manages files associated with a plurality of analysis devices. SUMMARY

[0004] As described above, the method of managing a combination of a plurality of analysis devices is advantageous in searching for a device capable of performing an analysis process requiring a plurality of analysis devices. On the other hand, the management method has a problem that it is difficult to grasp the state of each analysis device. For example, in a case where two different virtual devices share one analysis device, there is a problem that it is not possible to accurately grasp the state of the shared analysis device or the usage status of consumables, and the like.

[0005] An object of the present application is to provide a system capable of grasping the state of each analysis device while being able to search for a device capable of performing an analysis process requiring a plurality of analysis devices.

[0006] The analysis device management system according to one aspect of the present application is a system that manages one or more analysis devices, including: a first generation section that generates modules that each correspond one-to-one to an analysis device and manage state information of the corresponding analysis device; a storage section that stores the modules; a reception section that receives an analysis execution request that uses one or more analysis devices; and a state management section that updates the state information of one or more modules that correspond to one or more analysis devices for which the analysis execution request has been received.

[0007] The analysis device management system can also include a second generation section that generates a hypothetical device that includes one or more modules.

[0008] The non-transitory computer readable medium storing an analysis device management program according to another aspect of the present application is a computer readable medium that stores a program that manages one or more analysis devices, and causes a computer to perform: a process of generating modules that each correspond one-to-one to an analysis device and manage state information of the corresponding analysis device; a process of receiving an analysis execution request that uses one or more analysis devices; and a process of updating the state information of one or more modules that correspond to one or more analysis devices for which the analysis execution request has been received.

[0009] The non-transitory computer readable medium storing an analysis device management program can also cause the computer to perform a process of generating a hypothetical device that includes one or more modules. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an analysis system including the analysis device management system of the present embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the management device of the present embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing the management device of the present embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the management method of the analysis device of the present embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between a hypothetical device specified by an analysis execution request and modules. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Next, the analysis device management system and program of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] (1) Overall configuration of analysis system

[0017] Figure 1 is an overall diagram of an analysis system including the analysis device management system 10 of the present embodiment. The analysis system includes the management device 1, the terminal 5A, the terminal 5B, and the analysis device 6X, the analysis device 6Y, and the analysis device 6Z. The management device 1, the terminal 5A, the terminal 5B, and the analysis device 6X, the analysis device 6Y, and the analysis device 6Z are connected to the network 7. The analysis device management system 10 is constituted by the management device 1 and the terminal 5A, the terminal 5B. Hereinafter, the terminal 5A and the terminal 5B are collectively referred to as the terminal 5 as appropriate. In addition, the analysis device 6X, the analysis device 6Y, and the analysis device 6Z are collectively referred to as the analysis device 6 as appropriate.

[0018] As the management device 1, the terminal 5A, and the terminal 5B, for example, a personal computer (PC) can be used. The analysis device 6X to the analysis device 6Z are, for example, a liquid chromatograph, a gas chromatograph, a mass spectrometer, and the like. The network 7 is, for example, a local area network (LAN).

[0019] The management device 1 has a role as a server in the analysis device management system 10. A user can use various functions of the analysis device management system 10 by operating the terminal 5 and accessing the management device 1 via the network 7. Alternatively, the user can use various functions of the analysis device management system 10 by directly operating the management device 1.

[0020] The analysis device management system 10 manages the analysis devices 6 as virtual devices on the system. In the example shown in Figure 1 , a combination of the analysis device 6X and the analysis device 6Y is managed as a virtual device, that is, a device P. A combination of the analysis device 6Y and the analysis device 6Z is managed as a virtual device, that is, a device Q. The analysis device 6Z is managed as a virtual device, that is, a device R, as a single analysis device.

[0021] (2) Configuration of management device

[0022] Next, the configuration of the management device 1 will be described with reference to Figure 2 . Figure 2This is a structural diagram of the management device 1 according to this embodiment. The management device 1 includes: a central processing unit (CPU) 11, a random access memory (RAM) 12, a read-only memory (ROM) 13, an input unit 14, a monitor 15, a storage device 16, a communication unit 17, and a device interface 18. The CPU 11, RAM 12, ROM 13, input unit 14, monitor 15, storage device 16, communication unit 17, and device interface 18 are connected to a bus 19.

[0023] The input unit 14 includes an input device such as a keyboard or mouse. The storage device 16 is, for example, a storage medium such as a hard disk. The storage device 16 stores the management program P1 and management data D1. The CPU 11 executes the analysis device management method of this embodiment by executing the management program P1 while using the RAM 12 as a working area.

[0024] The communication unit 17 transmits and receives data via network 7. The management device 1 uses the communication unit 17 to perform communication processing with the terminal 5. The device interface 18 is an interface with external devices. The CPU 11 can access the storage medium M1 via the device interface 18. The storage medium M1 is, for example, a compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc-read-only memory (DVD-ROM), or a digital versatile disc-random access memory (DVD-RAM).

[0025] (3) Functional structure of the management device

[0026] Next, the functional configuration of management device 1 will be explained. Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the management device 1 in this embodiment. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the management device 1 includes a control unit 100. The control unit 100 is used to control the management device 1 by means of a control unit 100. Figure 2 The CPU 11 shown is a functional unit that executes the management program P1 while using RAM 12 as its working area. The control unit 100 includes: a receiving unit 101, a status management unit 102, a consumable management unit 103, a prompting unit 104, a first generation unit 105, and a second generation unit 106.

[0027] Storage device 16 stores modules JX, JY, and JZ. Modules JX, JY, and JZ are data structures generated one-to-one with analysis devices 6X, 6Y, and 6Z. Modules JX, JY, and JZ are data structures generated by the management program P1 while referencing management data D1. Hereinafter, modules JX, JY, and JZ are appropriately referred to as module J. Module J includes status information and usage information related to analysis device 6. As status information for analysis device 6, the status of analysis device 6 is set for module J, such as being able to analyze, analyzing, preparing, or encountering an error. As usage information for analysis device 6, the number of times all consumables included in analysis device 6 have been used and the remaining number of executions are set for module J. In addition, statistical information such as the utilization rate and failure rate of analysis device 6 is set for module J. This information set for module J is recorded in management data D1.

[0028] The receiving unit 101 receives the analysis execution request sent from the terminal 5 via the communication unit 17. The status management unit 102, based on the analysis execution request received by the receiving unit 101, performs reference processing and update processing of the status information set in module J. The consumables management unit 103, based on the analysis execution request received by the receiving unit 101, performs reference processing and update processing of the usage information set in module J. The prompting unit 104 displays a prompt message if the analysis execution request received by the receiving unit 101 cannot be executed.

[0029] The first generation unit 105 generates module J. The first generation unit 105 generates modules JX, JY, and JZ corresponding to analysis devices 6X, 6Y, and 6Z. That is, the first generation unit 105 generates modules J that correspond one-to-one with analysis devices 6. The second generation unit 106 generates a hypothetical device including one or more modules J. Specifically, the hypothetical device is information that sets a combination of one or more modules J. The setting information for modules J and the hypothetical device is stored in the storage device 16.

[0030] (4) Analytical device management methods

[0031] Next, refer to Figure 4 The method for managing the analysis device in this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the management method of the analytical device. Figure 4 The analysis device management method shown is executed by CPU 11 executing management program P1.

[0032] In step S1, the receiving unit 101 determines whether an analysis execution request has been received from the terminal 5 via the communication unit 17. In the described embodiment, as... Figure 1As shown, two terminals 5A, 5B are illustrated, but the number of terminals 5 accessing the management apparatus 1 is not particularly limited. The analysis execution request can also be accepted from other terminals 5 connected to the network 7. Alternatively, in a case where the user is operating the management apparatus 1, the reception unit 101 can also accept the analysis execution request from the input unit 14.

[0033] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the relationship of the hypothetical apparatus specified by the analysis execution request and the module J. The reception unit 101 gives the selection interface of the hypothetical apparatus to the terminal 5 upon accepting access from the terminal 5 via the network 7. In Figure 5 , the selection interfaces of three apparatuses P, Q, R are exemplified as hypothetical apparatuses. The apparatus P is a hypothetical apparatus combining the analysis apparatus 6X and the analysis apparatus 6Y. The apparatus Q is a hypothetical apparatus combining the analysis apparatus 6Y and the analysis apparatus 6Z. The apparatus R is a hypothetical apparatus corresponding to the single analysis apparatus 6Z.

[0034] Although the illustration is omitted in Figure 5 , on the selection interface, information on the apparatus P, the apparatus Q, and the like is displayed. For example, with respect to the apparatus P, the content of the analysis processing that can be executed by the combination of the analysis apparatus 6X and the analysis apparatus 6Y, and the like are displayed. Thereby, the user can find a desired hypothetical apparatus in which the desired analysis processing requiring a plurality of analysis apparatuses 6 can be executed. In Figure 5 , a case is exemplified in which the user A operates the terminal 5A to make an analysis execution request for the apparatus P. In addition, a case is exemplified in which the user B operates the terminal 5B to make an analysis execution request for the apparatus Q.

[0035] When the reception unit 101 accepts the analysis execution request from the terminal 5 in step S1 of Figure 4 , the processing shifts to step S2. In step S2, the state management unit 102 determines whether at least one analysis apparatus 6 constituting the hypothetical apparatus selected by the analysis execution request cannot be executed. The state management unit 102 accesses the module J corresponding to all analysis apparatuses 6 constituting the hypothetical apparatus selected by the analysis execution request. When the state in which the analysis processing cannot be executed is set as the state information in at least one of the referred modules J, the state management unit 102 determines that the analysis execution request cannot be executed. For example, in a case where the state of analysis in progress, preparation, error, or the like is set to the module J, it is determined that the corresponding analysis apparatus 6 cannot execute the analysis processing.

[0036] Using Figure 5The example illustrates step S2. If user A operates terminal 5A to make an analysis execution request for device P, the status management unit 102 determines whether the analysis device 6X or analysis device 6Y constituting device P selected by the analysis execution request cannot be executed. That is, when referring to module JX or module JY, the status information of either module J is set as the state that analysis processing cannot be executed, the status management unit 102 determines that the analysis execution request cannot be executed.

[0037] When in Figure 4 If, in step S2, it is determined that at least one analysis device 6 cannot execute, in step S3, the prompting unit 104 prompts the terminal 5 with an execution failure message. The prompting unit 104 sends the execution failure message to the terminal 5 via the communication unit 17. The terminal 5 causes the monitor included in the terminal 5 to display a message indicating that the analysis execution request cannot be executed. When a user of the management device 1 makes an analysis execution request, the monitor 15 of the management device 1 may also display an execution failure message.

[0038] When in Figure 4 If, in step S2, it is not determined that at least one analysis device 6 cannot be executed, that is, if it is determined that all analysis devices 6 required for analysis execution can be executed, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the consumables management unit 103 determines whether at least one consumable of at least one analysis device 6 constituting the hypothetical device specified by the analysis execution request is unusable. The consumables management unit 103 accesses the modules J corresponding to all analysis devices 6 constituting the hypothetical device specified by the analysis execution request. When information indicating that a consumable is unusable is set as usage information in at least one referenced module J, the consumables management unit 103 determines that the analysis execution request cannot be executed.

[0039] use Figure 5 The example illustrates step S4. If user A operates terminal 5A to make an analysis execution request for device P, the consumables management unit 103 determines whether at least one consumable of analysis device 6X or analysis device 6Y constituting the device P specified in the analysis execution request is unusable. When referring to module JX or module JY, if information indicating that a consumable is unusable is set as usage information in either module J, the consumables management unit 103 determines that the analysis execution request cannot be executed.

[0040] When it is determined in step S4 that at least one consumable of at least one analysis device 6 is unusable, in step S5, the prompting section 104 prompts the terminal 5 with a message that execution is impossible. The prompting section 104 transmits the message that execution is impossible to the terminal 5 via the communication section 17. The terminal 5 causes the monitor included in the terminal 5 to display the message that the analysis execution request is impossible. In the case where the user operating the management device 1 makes the analysis execution request, the monitor 15 of the management device 1 can also be caused to display the message that execution is impossible.

[0041] When it is not determined in step S4 that at least one consumable of at least one analysis device 6 is unusable, that is, when it is determined that all of the consumables of all of the analysis devices 6 required for analysis execution are usable, the process shifts to step S6. In step S6, the state management section 102 updates the state information of the module J. Specifically, the state management section 102 changes the states of all of the analysis devices 6 started in accordance with the analysis execution request in analysis. Also in step S6, the consumable management section 103 updates the usage information of the module J. Specifically, the consumable management section 103 increases the usage count of all of the consumables of all of the analysis devices 6 started in accordance with the analysis execution request by an amount corresponding to the number of analyses.

[0042] Examples of use Figure 5 The case where the user A operates the terminal 5A to make the analysis execution request of the device P is described as an example of step S6. If the user A operates the terminal 5A to make the analysis execution request of the device P, the state management section 102 updates the state information of the module JX and the module JY and changes the states set to the module JX and the module JY in analysis. Also in step S6, the consumable management section 103 updates the usage information of the module JX and the module JY and increases the usage count of all of the consumables set to the module JX and the module JY by an amount corresponding to the number of analyses. When the user B operates the terminal 5B to make the analysis execution request of the device Q after the state management section 102 changes the states of the module JX and the module JY in analysis, the state of the module JY is in analysis, and thus the analysis process displays the message that execution is impossible in step S3 of the case where the analysis execution request of the device Q is made. Figure 4

[0043] ​As explained above, the analysis device management system 10 of this embodiment generates a module J corresponding one-to-one with the analysis device 6, and manages the analysis device 6 using the module J. When the analysis device management system 10 receives an analysis execution request from a user using multiple analysis devices 6, it can prompt the user whether the analysis processing can be executed by referring to the module J. In addition, since the consumables of the analysis device 6 are managed using the module J generated one-to-one with the analysis device 6, the number of times the consumables of the analysis device 6 have been used can be accurately tracked. As a result, the remaining number of times the consumables of the analysis device 6 can be accurately tracked, and thus, by referring to the module J, the user can be prompted whether the analysis processing can be executed.

[0044] Furthermore, since the analysis device management system 10 of this embodiment manages a hypothetical device including multiple analysis devices 6, even when there is an analysis device 6 shared by multiple hypothetical devices, the status of each analysis device 6 and the usage of consumables can be monitored from each hypothetical device. Even when a hypothetical device is using a shared analysis device, other hypothetical devices can monitor the status of the analysis device and the usage of consumables.

[0045] (5) Other implementation methods

[0046] In the described embodiment, the case of managing two analysis devices 6X and 6Y as device P and two analysis devices 6Y and 6Z as device Q is used as an example. In other embodiments, three or more analysis devices may be managed as a single hypothetical device. For example, when three analysis devices are managed as a single hypothetical device, the analysis device management system 10 can perform update processing for the three modules J by referring to the three modules J.

[0047] In the described embodiment, the analysis device management system 10 manages the analysis device 6 by referring to the module J stored in the storage device 16 of the management device 1. Therefore, the management device 1 does not need to directly obtain information from or directly control the analysis device 6. Alternatively, the management device 1 may also have the function of obtaining information from or controlling the analysis device 6 via the network 7.

[0048] In the embodiment, the case where the hypervisor P1 is stored in the storage device 16 is described. As another embodiment, the hypervisor P1 can be stored in the storage medium M1 to be provided. The CPU 11 of the management device 1 can access the storage medium M1 via the device interface 18, and store the hypervisor P1 stored in the storage medium M1 in the storage device 16 or the ROM 13. Alternatively, the CPU 11 can access the storage medium M1 via the device interface 18, and execute the hypervisor P1 stored in the storage medium M1. Alternatively, the CPU 11 can download the hypervisor P1 via the network 7, and store in the storage device 16 or the ROM 13. In the case where the communication section 17 is connected to the Internet, the hypervisor P1 can be downloaded from a server on the Internet.

[0049] (6) Mode

[0050] As understood by those skilled in the art, the above-described various exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following modes.

[0051] (First)

[0052] An analysis device management system of one mode of the present application is a system that manages one or more analysis devices, including:

[0053] a first generation section that generates modules that correspond one-to-one to each analysis device and manage state information of the corresponding analysis device;

[0054] a storage section that stores the modules;

[0055] a reception section that receives an analysis execution request that uses the one or more analysis devices; and

[0056] a state management section that updates the state information of one or more modules that correspond to the one or more analysis devices for which the analysis execution request is received.

[0057] A system that can grasp the state of each analysis device in a system that can perform analysis processing using a plurality of analysis devices can be provided.

[0058] (Second)

[0059] The analysis device management system according to the first, wherein:

[0060] further includes a second generation section that generates a hypothetical device that includes the one or more modules,

[0061] the storage section stores the hypothetical device.

[0062] One or more analysis devices can be managed as one virtual device in the storage device.

[0063] (Third)

[0064] The analysis device management system according to the second aspect, wherein

[0065] The receiving unit can also receive the analysis execution request in which the virtual device is selected.

[0066] The user can make an execution request for analysis processing that requires multiple analysis devices by selecting a virtual device.

[0067] (Fourth)

[0068] The analysis device management system according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein

[0069] The module manages usage information of consumables included in each analysis device,

[0070] The analysis device management system further includes a consumable management unit that updates usage information of one or more modules corresponding to the one or more analysis devices for which the analysis execution request is received.

[0071] A system can be provided that, in a system capable of performing analysis processing that requires multiple analysis devices, even in the presence of analysis devices shared by multiple virtual devices, the state of each analysis device or the usage status of consumables can be grasped from each virtual device.

[0072] (Fifth)

[0073] The analysis device management system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein

[0074] The user can quickly grasp whether the analysis processing of the analysis execution request can be performed.

[0075] (Sixth)

[0076] The analysis device management system according to the fourth aspect, wherein

[0077] The user can quickly grasp whether the analysis processing of the analysis execution request can be executed.

[0078] (Seventh)

[0079] Another aspect of the computer readable medium storing the analysis device management program of the present application is a computer readable medium storing a program for managing one or more analysis devices, which causes a computer to execute the following processing:

[0080] processing of generating modules that correspond one-to-one to the respective analysis devices and manage state information of the corresponding analysis devices;

[0081] processing of accepting an analysis execution request that uses the one or more analysis devices; and

[0082] processing of updating the state information of one or more modules that correspond to the one or more analysis devices for which the analysis execution request is accepted.

[0083] A system can be provided that can judge whether analysis processing that requires multiple analysis devices can be executed while grasping the state of each analysis device.

[0084] (Eighth)

[0085] The computer readable medium storing the analysis device management program according to the seventh aspect, wherein the computer can also be caused to execute processing of generating a hypothetical device that includes the one or more modules.

[0086] One or more analysis devices can be managed as one hypothetical device in a computer.

Claims

1. An analytical device management system, which manages multiple analytical devices, characterized in that, include: The first generation unit generates a first module and a second module that respectively manage the status information of the first analysis device and the second analysis device; The second generation unit generates a first imaginary device and a second imaginary device, wherein the first imaginary device corresponds to the first module and the second module, and the second imaginary device corresponds to the second module; The storage unit stores the first module, the second module, the first hypothetical device, and the second hypothetical device. The receiving department received the analysis execution request that designated the first hypothetical device; as well as The status management department updates and processes the status information of the first module and the second module corresponding to the first hypothetical device that has accepted the analysis execution request. The first generation unit further generates a third module for managing the status information of the third analysis device. In addition to the second module, the second generation unit also establishes a correspondence between the third module and the second hypothetical device, and generates a third hypothetical device that corresponds to the third module. The analysis device management system also includes a consumables management department, which updates the usage information of the first module and the second module. The first module and the second module correspond to each analysis device that has accepted the analysis execution request.

2. The analysis device management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first module, the second module, and the third module manage the usage information of the consumables included in each analytical device.

3. The analysis device management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a prompting unit that prompts an execution failure message when: by referring to the status information of the first module and the second module, the status management unit determines that at least one analysis device cannot be executed.

4. The analysis device management system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a prompting unit that displays an execution failure message when: by referring to the usage information of the first module and the second module, the consumables management unit determines that at least one of the consumables of at least one analysis device is unusable.

5. A computer-readable medium storing an analysis device management program, wherein the computer-readable medium stores a program for managing multiple analysis devices, characterized in that, The computer will perform the following processes: The process generates a first module, a second module, and a third module. The first module and the second module manage the status information of the first analysis device and the second analysis device, respectively, and the third module manages the status information of the third analysis device. The process of generating a first hypothetical device, a second hypothetical device, and a third hypothetical device, wherein the first hypothetical device corresponds to the first module and the second module, the second hypothetical device corresponds to the second module and the third module, and the third hypothetical device corresponds to the third module; The processing of the analysis execution request designated for the first hypothetical device; The processing of the status information of the first module and the second module corresponding to the first hypothetical device that has accepted the analysis execution request; as well as Update the status information of the first module and the second module, which correspond to each analysis device that has accepted the analysis execution request.

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