Control method of an automatic analysis device

Abstract

The present invention provides a control method for an automatic analysis device having a liquid chromatograph with a plurality of analysis flow paths provided in parallel, which can avoid throughput reduction and solvent consumption increase caused by solvent replacement. Using any of the plurality of analysis flow paths (105-107), it is determined whether to introduce a plurality of separation processes using mutually different types of solvents with a time difference therebetween. The solvent used in the next separation process performed at a timing after the plurality of separation processes introduced with a time difference therebetween have started is compared with the various solvents used in the plurality of separation processes introduced with a time difference therebetween. It is determined whether a solvent replacement process is required for the analysis flow paths (105-107) used in the plurality of separation processes. Based on the determination, the analysis flow path used in the next separation process is determined from the plurality of analysis flow paths (105-107), and an analysis schedule is prepared.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control method for an automated analytical apparatus for quantitative or qualitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine. Background Technology

[0002] In automated analytical apparatus, a chromatograph is sometimes used to separate the analyte from biological samples.

[0003] A chromatograph is an analytical device that separates analytes by passing a sample and a mobile phase (solvent) through a separation column packed with a stationary phase. The components in the sample are separated through interactions with the stationary and mobile phases. The separated components are detected by a detector, allowing the determination of the sample's composition. Specifically, chromatographs using a liquid mobile phase are called liquid chromatographs.

[0004] In recent years, the use of automated liquid chromatography (LC) analyzers has increased to quantitatively determine drug components and metabolites in biological samples. These automated LC analyzers often perform continuous analyses, and high throughput is desirable.

[0005] However, in conventional automated analytical devices using liquid chromatography, the separation process takes a long time, resulting in a significant amount of time when the detector is not acquiring data, thus limiting throughput.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, an automated analytical device is proposed that incorporates multiple analytical flow paths, each equipped with a chromatographic column, arranged in parallel within the liquid chromatograph section. By connecting these paths to a single detector, the detector's operating rate is improved, thereby increasing throughput. In such an automated analytical device with multiple analytical flow paths arranged in parallel, the analytical flow path required to perform the separation process for each analysis needs to be selected when generating the analysis schedule.

[0007] A liquid chromatograph (LC) includes at least a chromatographic column for separating the analyte and a liquid delivery device for feeding the liquid into the column within an analytical flow path. When an automated LC analyzer performs multiple different separation processes, the solvent compositions used in two consecutive separation processes within a single analytical flow path may differ. In such cases, a solvent change is required between two consecutive separation processes to ensure the analytical flow path is ready for subsequent separation processes.

[0008] When solvent replacement is required, a processing cycle for solvent replacement must be inserted between two consecutive separation processes. Therefore, in addition to the reduced throughput of the automated analysis device, there is also the problem of increased solvent consumption and increased operating costs due to the need to replace the solvent in the analysis flow path.

[0009] To address this issue, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for generating an analysis schedule by changing the analysis order to perform continuous analysis of multiple samples under the same separation conditions.

[0010] Therefore, by reducing the number of times the analytical flow path needs to be cleaned (including solvent replacement), the time required for analysis can be shortened. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0011] Patent Document 1: WO2014 / 068786A1 Summary of the Invention The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, in order to change the analysis order of the samples, space is needed for temporarily storing the samples and making way for them. When the samples are managed with a support, a mechanism is needed to change the order of the support.

[0013] However, considering the size and cost of automated analysis devices, the aforementioned space or mechanisms may not be available.

[0014] Therefore, in automated analysis devices that lack the aforementioned space or mechanisms, avoiding the decrease in throughput and increase in solvent consumption caused by solvent replacement without changing the analysis sequence of the samples has become a challenge.

[0015] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a control method and an automatic analysis device for an automatic analysis apparatus of a liquid chromatograph having multiple analytical flow paths arranged in parallel, which avoids the decrease in throughput and the increase in solvent consumption caused by solvent replacement. Technical means for solving technical problems

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following structure.

[0017] A control method for an automated analytical apparatus, the automated analytical apparatus comprising: a pretreatment unit for sample pretreatment; a separation unit for separation treatment of the sample treated by the pretreatment unit using a liquid chromatograph having multiple analytical flow paths arranged in parallel with each other, using multiple solvents; a detection unit for detecting the sample separated by the separation unit; and a control unit, wherein the control unit formulates an analysis schedule before performing analysis, and analyzes the sample. In this control method for the automated analytical apparatus, using any one of the multiple analytical flow paths, it is determined whether to introduce multiple separation processes using different types of solvents by setting a time difference between them; the solvent used in the next separation process, which is scheduled to begin after the multiple separation processes for which a time difference has been set, is compared with the various solvents used in the multiple separation processes; it is determined whether the analytical flow path used in the multiple separation processes needs solvent replacement; based on the determination, the analytical flow path used in the next separation process is determined from the multiple analytical flow paths, and the analysis schedule is formulated.

[0018] An automated analytical apparatus includes: a pretreatment unit for sample pretreatment; a separation unit for separating samples treated by the pretreatment unit using multiple solvents via a liquid chromatograph having multiple analytical flow paths arranged in parallel; a detection unit for detecting samples separated by the separation unit; and a control unit. The control unit formulates an analysis schedule before performing analysis and analyzes the sample based on the formulated analysis schedule. In this automated analytical apparatus, the control unit uses any one of the multiple analytical flow paths to determine whether to introduce multiple separation processes using different types of solvents with time differences between them. It compares the solvent used in the next separation process, which is scheduled to begin after the time difference is determined, with the various solvents used in the multiple separation processes, determines whether solvent replacement is required for the analytical flow paths used in the multiple separation processes, and, based on the determination of whether solvent replacement is required, determines the analytical flow path to be used in the next separation process from the multiple analytical flow paths, thus formulating the analysis schedule. Invention Effects

[0019] According to the present invention, a control method and an automatic analysis apparatus for an automated analysis device having multiple analytical flow paths arranged in parallel can be provided to avoid the decrease in throughput and the increase in solvent consumption caused by solvent replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the automatic analysis device to which the present invention is applied. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the overall scheduling process of the automatic analysis device in the embodiment. Figure 3 It is a more detailed expression Figure 2 The flowchart shows the scheduling process steps in the separation section. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the scheduling in Example 1. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the scheduling in Example 2. Figure 6 This is a more detailed explanation of the scheduling method in Example 3, where two methods can be selected. Figure 2 The flowchart shows the scheduling process steps in the separation section. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the scheduling in Example 3. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention are illustrated using the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, but can be applied within the scope of the technical concept.

[0023] In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention, a liquid chromatograph is used as the chromatograph, but other chromatographs, such as a gas chromatograph, can also be used to apply the present invention.

[0024] The automatic analysis device control method and automatic analysis device of the present invention are as follows: the automatic analysis device includes: a pretreatment unit 101, which pretreatments a sample; a separation unit 102, which separates the sample treated by the pretreatment unit 101 using a variety of solvents through a chromatograph having multiple analytical flow paths 105-107 arranged in parallel with each other; a detection unit 103, which detects the sample separated by the separation unit 102; and a control unit 104, which controls the pretreatment unit 101, the separation unit 102 and the detection unit 103, and formulates an analysis schedule before performing analysis, and analyzes the sample according to the formulated analysis schedule.

[0025] Furthermore, for multiple separation processes using different types of solvents, it is determined which of the multiple analytical flow paths 105-107 will be used and with time differences set between them for each separation process. The solvent used in the next separation process, which will be scheduled after the start of the separation processes using the determined analytical flow paths 105-107 with time differences set, is compared with the various solvents used in the separation processes using the determined analytical flow paths 105-107 with time differences set to determine whether solvent replacement is needed for the analytical flow paths 105-107 used in the multiple separation processes. Then, based on the determination of whether solvent replacement is needed, the analytical flow paths 105-107 to be used in the next separation process are determined from the multiple analytical flow paths 105-107, and an analysis schedule is established. [Example]

[0026] (Example 1) Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the automatic analysis device to which the present invention is applied.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic analysis device includes: a pretreatment unit 101 for pretreating samples; a separation unit 102 for separating the samples treated by the pretreatment unit 101 using a liquid chromatograph with multiple analytical flow paths connected in parallel; a detection unit 103 for detecting the samples separated by the separation unit 102; and a control unit 104 for controlling the pretreatment unit 101, the separation unit 102, and the detection unit 103. An input / output device 126 displays information and allows the user to input commands to the control unit 104.

[0028] The separation unit 102 includes analytical flow paths 105, 106, and 107 arranged in parallel with each other, as well as a valve 108 for switching the analytical flow path of the sample processed by the pretreatment unit 101, a valve 109 for switching the analytical flow path connected to the detection unit 103, and tanks 110, 111, 112, and 113 respectively containing different solvents.

[0029] The analytical flow path 105 includes an analytical column 114, a liquid delivery device 115 for high-pressure delivery of solvent to the analytical column 114, an injection valve 116 connected to the liquid delivery device 115 and introducing the sample into the analytical column 114, and a valve 117 for switching the amount of solvent introduced into the liquid delivery device 115. The valve 117 is connected to solvent tanks 110, 111, 112, and 113, respectively.

[0030] Analysis flow path 106 and analysis flow path 107 also have the same structure as analysis flow path 105. That is, the analytical flow path 106 includes an analytical column 118, a liquid delivery device 119 for high-pressure delivery of solvent to the analytical column 118, an injection valve 120 connected to the liquid delivery device 119 and introducing the sample into the analytical column 118, and a valve 121 for switching the solvent introduced into the liquid delivery device 119. The valve 121 is connected to solvent tanks 110, 111, 112, and 113, respectively.

[0031] Additionally, the analytical flow path 107 includes an analytical column 122, a liquid delivery device 123 for high-pressure delivery of solvent to the analytical column 122, an injection valve 124 connected to the liquid delivery device 123 and for introducing the sample into the analytical column 122, and a valve 125 for switching the amount of solvent introduced into the liquid delivery device 123. The valve 125 is connected to solvent tanks 110, 111, 112, and 113, respectively.

[0032] After pretreating the sample, the pretreatment unit 101 introduces the sample into the separation unit 102. The separation unit 102, via valve 108, introduces the pretreated sample from the pretreatment unit 101 into any one of the analytical flow paths 105, 106, or 107 to perform separation. The separated sample is then introduced into the detection unit 103 via valve 109. The detection unit 103 detects the analyte components from the sample introduced from the separation unit 102.

[0033] Figure 1 The diagram shows a valve 108 for introducing the sample processed by the pretreatment unit 101 into each of the analytical flow paths 105, 106, and 107, and also shows a valve 109 for switching the analytical flow paths 105, 106, and 107 connected to the detection unit 103.

[0034] Additionally, a liquid delivery device and a solvent switching valve are shown in analytical flow paths 105, 106, and 107, respectively. However, the valve and liquid delivery device are not limited to one. Furthermore, instead of valve 108, nozzles may be provided in each analytical flow path to allow sample introduction into each path.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a flowchart representing the overall analysis and scheduling process of the automatic analysis device. Figure 2 The following is a summary of the processing steps in the flowchart shown.

[0036] In step 201, the control unit 104 begins to analyze the scheduling.

[0037] In step 202, the control unit 104 calculates the idle loop of the preprocessing of the above analysis in the current analysis schedule and then can start the analysis preprocessing.

[0038] In step 203, the control unit 104 determines whether the detection unit 103 can perform sample detection if the analysis starts with the cycle calculated in step 202. The sample separation unit 102 has multiple analytical flow paths 105, 106, and 107, while the detection unit 103 has only one detector. Therefore, scheduling is required to prevent timing overlap of sample introduction from each analytical flow path 105 to 107 to the detector. In step 203, if it is determined that sample detection cannot be performed in the detection unit 103, the process proceeds to step 205. In step 203, if it is determined that the detection unit 103 can perform sample detection, the process proceeds to step 204.

[0039] In step 204, if the analysis has started based on the cycle calculated in step 202, the control unit 104 determines whether the separation unit 102 can perform the sample separation process. If, in step 204, the separation unit 102 is determined to be unable to perform the sample separation process, the process proceeds to step 205. If, in step 204, the separation unit 102 is determined to be able to perform the sample separation process, the process proceeds to step 206.

[0040] If either step 203 or step 204 is determined to be unexecutable, the control unit 104 will delay the analysis start loop by one cycle in step 205. Then, the process returns to step 203.

[0041] In step 206, if the analysis has started in the cycle calculated in step 202, and if both the sample separation unit 102 and the detection unit 103 are able to perform the processing, the control unit 104 registers the analysis in that cycle.

[0042] In step 207, the control unit 104 terminates the scheduling of the above analysis.

[0043] Figure 3 It means equivalent to Figure 2 The flowchart shown is a flowchart of step 204, which involves scheduling the sample separation unit 102. A summary of the processing in each step is as follows.

[0044] In step 301, the control unit 104 begins scheduling the sample separation unit 102 that performs sample separation processing.

[0045] In step 302, the control unit 104 determines whether there is an analytical flow path among the analytical flow paths 105-107 capable of performing sample separation processing. If no analytical flow path exists, the process proceeds to step 303. Otherwise, if an analytical flow path exists, the process proceeds to step 304.

[0046] In step 303, if the control unit 104 determines that the sample separation process cannot be registered in the analysis schedule if there is no analytical flow path in the analytical flow paths 105 to 107 capable of performing the sample separation process, then the process proceeds to step 309.

[0047] In step 304, the control unit 104 determines whether there are two or more analytical flow paths 105-107 capable of performing sample separation processing. If there are no two or more analytical flow paths, proceed to step 305. Otherwise, if there are two or more analytical flow paths, proceed to step 306.

[0048] In step 305, if there is only one analytical flow path capable of performing sample separation processing, the control unit 104 registers the sample separation processing into the analysis schedule of that analytical flow path. Then, the process proceeds to step 309.

[0049] In step 306, if multiple analytical flow paths capable of performing sample separation processing exist, the control unit 104 determines whether any of these analytical flow paths does not require solvent replacement. If no analytical flow path does not require solvent replacement, the process proceeds to step 307. If an analytical flow path does not require solvent replacement, the process proceeds to step 308.

[0050] In step 307, if there is no analytical flow path that does not require solvent replacement, the control unit 104 registers the sample separation process into the analytical scheduling of the analytical flow path with the minimum (shortest) processing cycle required for solvent replacement. Then, the process proceeds to step 309.

[0051] In step 308, when there is an analytical flow path that does not require solvent replacement, the control unit 104 registers the sample separation process in the analytical scheduling of that flow path. Then, the process proceeds to step 309.

[0052] In step 309, the control unit 104 terminates the scheduling of the separation unit 102 that performs the separation process on the sample.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of scheduling the separation unit 102. Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing the overview of the analysis scheduling status of each analysis flow path 105, 106 and 107 at the start of scheduling.

[0054] exist Figure 4In (a), in the control unit 104, separation process 404 using solvent A is registered in the analysis scheduling 401 for analysis flow path 105, separation process 405 using solvent B is registered in the analysis scheduling 402 for analysis flow path 106, and separation process 406 using solvent C is registered in the analysis scheduling 403 for analysis flow path 107. In this state, at the end of separation processes 404, 405, and 406 (i.e., at timing 407), the next separation process using solvent C, i.e., separation process 408, is scheduled. Figure 3 The flowchart describes each step of the processing procedure at this time.

[0055] In step 301, the control unit 104 begins scheduling the separation unit 102 for the separation process 408. Then, the process moves to step 302.

[0056] In step 302, since the separation process can be performed in the three analysis flow paths 105, 106 and 107, the control unit 104 determines that there is an analysis flow path that can perform the separation process and proceeds to step 304.

[0057] In step 304, since the separation process can be performed in the three analysis flow paths 105, 106 and 107, the control unit 104 determines that there are multiple analysis flow paths that can perform the separation process and proceeds to step 306.

[0058] In step 306, when separation process 408 is registered in analysis scheduling 401, since the solvents used in separation process 404 and separation process 408, which were just performed in analysis flow path 105, are different, therefore... Figure 4 As shown in (b), a solvent replacement process 409 needs to be inserted before separation process 408. When separation process 408 is registered in the analysis schedule 402, since the solvents used in separation process 405 and separation process 408, which were just performed in the analysis flow path 106, are different, therefore... Figure 4 As shown in (c), solvent replacement process 410 needs to be inserted before separation process 408.

[0059] On the other hand, when separation process 408 is registered in analysis scheduling 403, since the solvent used in separation process 406 and separation process 408, which were just performed in analysis flow path 107, is the same, therefore... Figure 4 As shown in (d), solvent replacement is not required. Therefore, the control unit 104 determines that there is an analytical flow path for which solvent replacement is not required and proceeds to step 308.

[0060] In step 308, the control unit 104 registers the separation process 408 in the analysis scheduling 403 of the analysis flow path 107, which does not require solvent replacement. Then, the process proceeds to step 309.

[0061] In step 309, the control unit 104 terminates the scheduling of the separation unit 102 for the separation process 408.

[0062] Therefore, solvent C used in the next separation process 408 performed after timing 407 is compared with solvents A, B and C used in separation processes 404, 405 and 406 performed before timing 407. By selecting the analysis flow path 107 that performed separation process 406 using solvent C to perform separation process 408 after timing 407, solvent replacement processing is not required, thus avoiding solvent replacement processing and suppressing the decrease in throughput and solvent consumption.

[0063] That is, a control method and an automatic device are provided for an automatic analysis apparatus of a liquid chromatograph having multiple analytical flow paths arranged in parallel, which avoids the decrease in throughput and the increase in solvent consumption caused by solvent replacement.

[0064] (Example 2) Next, Example 2 will be described.

[0065] Example 2 is an example in which the separation section 102 is scheduled differently than in Example 1, using the same device structure as Example 1.

[0066] The structure of the automatic analysis device in Example 2 and Figure 1 The structure of Embodiment 1 shown is the same, therefore illustrations and detailed descriptions are omitted. Additionally, the overall scheduling processing steps of the automatic analysis device ( Figure 2 ) and the processing steps for scheduling the separation unit 102 ( Figure 3 The general outline is the same in both Example 1 and Example 2, so the illustrations are omitted.

[0067] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of scheduling the separation unit 102. Figure 5 (a) is a diagram showing the overview of the analysis scheduling status of each analysis flow path 105, 106 and 107 at the start of scheduling.

[0068] exist Figure 5In (a), in the control unit 104, separation process 504 using solvent A is registered in the analysis scheduling 501 for analysis flow path 105, separation process 505 using solvent B is registered in the analysis scheduling 502 for analysis flow path 106, and separation process 506 using solvent C is registered in the analysis scheduling 503 for analysis flow path 107. In this state, at the time of completion of separation process 504, separation process 505, and separation process 506, i.e., at time 507, the next separation process using solvent D, i.e., separation process 508, is scheduled.

[0069] Here, in analytical flow paths 105, 106, and 107, for the processing cycles required to change solvents from solvent A, solvent B, and solvent C to solvent D, based on the properties of each solvent, solvent A is defined as 2 cycles, solvent B as 2 cycles, and solvent C as 1 cycle. Figure 3 The flowchart describes each step of the processing procedure at this time.

[0070] In step 301, the control unit 104 begins scheduling the separation unit 102 for the separation process 508. Then, the process is transferred to step 302.

[0071] In step 302, since all three analysis paths 105, 106 and 107 can perform separation processing, the control unit 104 determines that there is an analysis path capable of performing separation processing and proceeds to step 304.

[0072] In step 304, since all three analysis paths 105, 106 and 107 can perform separation processing, the control unit 104 determines that there are multiple analysis paths capable of performing separation processing and proceeds to step 306.

[0073] In step 306, the control unit 104 determines that the solvent needs to be replaced in the analysis flow path 105, analysis flow path 106, and analysis flow path 107, and then proceeds to step 307.

[0074] In step 307, when the separation process 508 using solvent D is registered in the analysis schedule 501, since the additional processing cycle for changing the solvent is 2 cycles, therefore... Figure 5 (b) shows the additional solvent replacement process 509. Similarly, when the separation process 508 is registered in the analysis schedule 502, since the additional processing cycle for solvent replacement is two cycles, it is also as follows... Figure 5 (c) shows the solvent replacement process 510.

[0075] On the other hand, when the separation process 508 is registered in the analysis schedule 503, since the additional processing cycle for solvent replacement is one cycle, therefore, Figure 5 (d) shows the additional solvent replacement process 511.

[0076] Therefore, the control unit 104 decides to register the separation process 508 in the analysis scheduling 503 of the analysis flow path 107, which has the fewest additional processing cycles for solvent replacement, and register the solvent replacement process 511 together. Then, the process is transferred to step 309.

[0077] In step 309, the control unit 104 terminates the scheduling of the separation unit 102 for the separation process 508.

[0078] Therefore, by comparing the solvent D used in the separation process 508 performed after timing 507 with the solvents A, B, and C used in the separation processes 504, 505, and 506 performed before timing 507, and by selecting the analysis flow path 107 of the separation process 506 that has undergone the shortest cycle required to replace with solvent D, the separation process 508 performed after timing 507 can minimize the time required for solvent replacement and suppress the decrease in throughput and the amount of solvent consumed.

[0079] In Example 2, similar to Example 1, the control method and automatic analysis device of the automatic analysis device having multiple analytical flow paths provided in parallel with a liquid chromatograph can provide a control method and automatic analysis device that avoids the decrease in throughput and the increase in solvent consumption caused by changing solvents.

[0080] (Example 3) Next, Example 3 will be described. Example 3 is an example in which the separation section 102 is scheduled differently from that in Examples 1 and 2, in the same device structure as Example 1.

[0081] The structure of the automatic analysis device in Example 3 and Figure 1 The embodiments shown are identical to Example 1, therefore illustrations and detailed descriptions are omitted. Additionally, the overall scheduling processing steps of the automatic analysis device ( Figure 2 The summary is the same as that of Example 1, so the illustrations are omitted.

[0082] During scheduling, depending on the nature of the analysis to be registered and the status of the analysis scheduling of each analytical path, if an analytical path that does not require solvent replacement is registered, the completion of the analysis may be slower compared to the case where it is registered in other analytical paths, i.e., the throughput is reduced.

[0083] Therefore, in Embodiment 3, the user can select a first scheduling mode that prioritizes minimizing processing cycles that do not involve solvent changes or require additional processing cycles due to solvent changes, and a second scheduling mode that prioritizes throughput over minimizing additional processing cycles due to solvent changes. That is, the analysis scheduling has both a first and a second scheduling mode. The user can select either the first or second scheduling mode via the input / output device 126 and issue a command to the control unit 104.

[0084] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the scenario where a scheduling method can be selected from the first scheduling method and the second scheduling method described above. Figure 6 The flowchart shown is equivalent to Figure 2 The flowchart shown is a flowchart of the processing steps for scheduling the separation unit 102, step 204.

[0085] Figure 7 This is an example of scheduling the separation unit 102. Figure 7 (a) is a diagram showing the overview of the analysis scheduling status of each analysis path 105, 106, and 107 at the start of the scheduling. In the control unit 104, separation process 704 using solvent A is registered in analysis scheduling 701 for analysis path 105, separation process 705 using solvent B is registered in analysis scheduling 702 for analysis path 106, and separation process 706 using solvent C is registered in analysis scheduling 703 for analysis path 107. In this state, at the time when separation process 704 ends, i.e., at the time when separation process 705 and separation process 706 are in progress, the next separation process using solvent C, i.e., separation process 708, is scheduled.

[0086] Here, in analytical flow path 105 and analytical flow path 106, based on the properties of various solvents, each processing cycle required to perform solvent replacement from solvent A and solvent B to solvent C is defined as one cycle.

[0087] according to Figure 6 The flowchart describes the processing steps when the first scheduling method is selected.

[0088] In step 601, the control unit 104 begins scheduling the separation unit for the separation process 708. The process then proceeds to step 602.

[0089] In step 602, the control unit 104 determines whether any of the three analysis flow paths (analysis flow path 105, analysis flow path 106, and analysis flow path 107) is capable of performing the separation process. If no analysis flow path is capable of performing the separation process, the process proceeds to step 603. Otherwise, if an analysis flow path capable of performing the separation process exists, the process proceeds to step 604. Figure 7 In the example shown, since the separation process can be performed in the three analysis flow paths 105, 106, and 107, the process proceeds to step 604.

[0090] In step 603, if the control unit 104 determines that the sample separation process cannot be registered in the analysis schedule if there is no analytical flow path in the analytical flow paths 105 to 107 capable of performing the sample separation process, then the process proceeds to step 611.

[0091] In step 604, the control unit 104 determines whether there are two or more analysis flow paths (analysis flow path 105, analysis flow path 106, and analysis flow path 107) capable of performing separation processing. If it is determined that there are no two or more analysis flow paths capable of performing separation processing, the process proceeds to step 605. If it is determined that there are two or more analysis flow paths capable of performing separation processing, the process proceeds to step 606. Figure 7 In the example shown, since the analysis flow path capable of performing separation processing has more than two states, the process proceeds to step 606.

[0092] In step 605, if there is only one analytical flow path capable of performing sample separation processing, the control unit 104 registers the sample separation processing into the analysis schedule of that analytical flow path. Then, the processing proceeds to step 611.

[0093] In step 606, the control unit 104 determines whether the first scheduling mode is selected. If the first scheduling mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step 607. If the first scheduling mode is selected, the process proceeds to step 608.

[0094] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, since the first scheduling method is selected, the process proceeds to step 608.

[0095] In step 607, the control unit 104 registers the analysis schedule for the analysis path that completes the analysis earliest, including solvent replacement. Then, the process proceeds to step 611.

[0096] In step 608, the control unit 104 determines whether there is an analytical flow path that does not require solvent replacement. If it is determined that there is no analytical flow path that does not require solvent replacement, the process proceeds to step 609. If it is determined that there is an analytical flow path that does not require solvent replacement, the process proceeds to step 610.

[0097] exist Figure 7In the example shown, when separation process 708 is registered in analysis scheduling 701, since the solvents used in separation process 704 and separation process 708, which were just performed in analysis flow path 105, are different, therefore... Figure 7 As shown in (b), solvent replacement process 709 needs to be inserted before separation process 708.

[0098] Furthermore, when separation process 708 is registered in analysis scheduling 702, since the solvents used in separation process 705 and separation process 708, which were just performed in analysis flow path 106, are different, therefore... Figure 7 As shown in (c), solvent replacement process 710 needs to be inserted before separation process 708.

[0099] On the other hand, when separation process 708 is registered in analysis scheduling 703, since the solvent used in separation process 706 and separation process 708, which were just performed in analysis flow path 107, is the same, therefore... Figure 7 (d) In that case, solvent replacement is not required. Therefore, the control unit 104 determines that there is an analytical flow path that does not require solvent replacement and proceeds to step 610.

[0100] In step 609, if there is no analytical flow path that does not require solvent replacement, the control unit 104 registers the sample separation process into the analytical scheduling of the analytical flow path with the minimum (shortest) processing cycle required for solvent replacement. Then, the process proceeds to step 611.

[0101] In step 610, the control unit 104 registers the separation process 708 in the analysis scheduling 703 of the analysis flow path 107, which does not require solvent replacement. Then, the process is transferred to step 611.

[0102] In step 611, the control unit 104 terminates the scheduling of the separation unit 102 for the separation process 708.

[0103] On the other hand, according to Figure 6 The flowchart describes the processing steps when the second scheduling method is selected. The steps before step 604 are the same as when the first scheduling method is selected, and are therefore omitted. In step 606, the second scheduling method is selected, and the processing steps after step 606 are explained.

[0104] In step 606, since the second scheduling method is selected instead of the first scheduling method, the process proceeds to step 607.

[0105] In step 607, when separation process 708 is registered in analysis scheduling 701, since the solvents used in separation process 704 and separation process 708, which were just performed in analysis flow path 105, are different, therefore... Figure 7 As shown in (b), a solvent replacement process 709 needs to be inserted before the separation process 708. Therefore, the separation process 708 is expected to be completed at timing 711.

[0106] When separation process 708 is registered in analysis scheduling 702, since the solvents used in separation process 705 and separation process 708, which were just performed in analysis flow path 106, are different, therefore... Figure 7 As shown in (c), solvent replacement process 710 needs to be inserted before separation process 708, so separation process 708 is expected to be completed at time 712 after time 711.

[0107] On the other hand, when separation process 708 is registered in analysis scheduling 703, since the solvent used in separation process 706 and separation process 708, which were just performed in analysis flow path 107, is the same, therefore... Figure 7 As shown in (d), no solvent replacement process is required, so the separation process 708 is expected to be completed at time 712.

[0108] Timing 712 is the timing after timing 711. Therefore, control unit 104 decides to register separation process 708 in analysis scheduling 701 of analysis flow path 105, which is expected to complete separation process 708 earliest, and register solvent replacement process 709 together. Then, the process is transferred to step 611.

[0109] In step 611, the control unit 104 terminates the scheduling of the separation unit for the separation process 708.

[0110] As described above, by selecting the first scheduling method, the additional processing required for solvent replacement is minimized, thereby reducing solvent consumption. On the other hand, by selecting the second scheduling method, the analysis can be completed more quickly, increasing the throughput of the automated analysis device.

[0111] Therefore, by allowing users to select between the first scheduling method and the second scheduling method, a scheduling method suitable for the user's usage can be provided.

[0112] As described above, in Embodiment 3, the analysis scheduling has a first scheduling mode and a second scheduling mode. The first scheduling mode is to determine the analysis flow path that is determined not to require solvent replacement processing among the multiple analysis flow paths 105 to 107 as the analysis flow path used in the next separation process 708. The second scheduling mode is to determine the analysis flow path 105, which is determined to be the earliest to complete the separation process among the multiple analysis flow paths 105 to 107, based on the separation process completion time 712 of the analysis flow path 107 that is determined not to require solvent replacement processing and the separation process completion time 711 and 712 of the analysis flow paths 105 and 106 that are determined to require solvent replacement processing, as the analysis flow path used in the next separation process 708.

[0113] The automatic analysis device includes an input / output device 126, which selects either a first scheduling mode or a second scheduling mode.

[0114] In Example 3, similar to Examples 1 and 2, a control method and an automatic analysis device for an automated analysis apparatus having multiple analytical flow paths provided in parallel with a liquid chromatograph can be provided to avoid a decrease in throughput and an increase in solvent consumption caused by solvent replacement. Label Explanation

[0115] 101…Pretreatment section, 102…Separation section, 103…Detection section, 104…Control section, 105, 106, 107…Analytical flow path, 108, 109, 116, 117, 120, 121, 124, 125…Valves, 110, 111, 112, 113…Solvent tanks, 114, 118, 122…Analytical column, 115, 119, 123…Liquid delivery device, 126…Input / output device, 401, 4 02, 403, 501, 502, 503, 701, 702, 703… Analysis and scheduling of the flow path; 404, 405, 406, 408, 504, 505, 506, 508, 704, 705, 706, 708… Separation processing; 407, 507, 707, 711, 712… Scheduling timer; 409, 410, 509, 510, 511, 709, 710… Solvent replacement processing.

Claims

1. A control method for an automatic analysis device, the automatic analysis device comprising: The pretreatment section is used to pretreat the samples. The separation unit uses a liquid chromatograph with multiple analytical flow paths arranged in parallel to perform separation processing of the sample treated by the pretreatment unit using a variety of solvents. The detection unit detects the sample separated by the separation section; and The control unit controls the pretreatment unit, the separation unit, and the detection unit. The control unit formulates an analysis schedule before performing the analysis, and analyzes the sample based on the formulated analysis schedule. The control method of this automatic analysis device is characterized by the following: Using any one of the multiple analytical flow paths, determine whether to set a time difference between them to introduce multiple separation processes using different types of solvents. The solvent used in the next separation process, which will be timed after the start of the plurality of separation processes following the decision on whether to establish the time difference between them, will be compared with the various solvents used in the plurality of separation processes following the decision on whether to establish the time difference between them. Determine whether solvent replacement is required for the analytical flow path used in the plurality of separation processes. Based on the determination of whether solvent replacement is required, the analytical flow path to be used in the next separation process is determined among the plurality of analytical flow paths, and the analytical scheduling is formulated. The analytical flow path to be used in the next separation process among the plurality of analytical flow paths is the analytical flow path determined to not require solvent replacement.

2. A control method for an automatic analysis device, the automatic analysis device comprising: The pretreatment section is used to pretreat the samples. The separation unit uses a liquid chromatograph with multiple analytical flow paths arranged in parallel to perform separation processing of the sample treated by the pretreatment unit using a variety of solvents. The detection unit detects the sample separated by the separation section; and The control unit controls the pretreatment unit, the separation unit, and the detection unit. The control unit formulates an analysis schedule before performing the analysis, and analyzes the sample based on the formulated analysis schedule. The control method of this automatic analysis device is characterized by the following: Using any one of the multiple analytical flow paths, determine whether to set a time difference between them to introduce multiple separation processes using different types of solvents. The solvent used in the next separation process, which will be timed after the start of the plurality of separation processes following the decision on whether to establish the time difference between them, will be compared with the various solvents used in the plurality of separation processes following the decision on whether to establish the time difference between them. Determine whether solvent replacement is required for the analytical flow path used in the plurality of separation processes. Based on the determination of whether solvent replacement is required, the analytical flow path to be used in the next separation process is determined from among the multiple analytical flow paths, and the analytical scheduling is formulated. Determine whether solvent replacement is required for the analytical flow path used in the plurality of separation processes. If it is determined that solvent replacement is required for all of the analytical flow paths, the analytical flow path with the fewest required cycles of solvent replacement is selected as the analytical flow path to be used in the next separation process.

3. A control method for an automatic analysis device, the automatic analysis device comprising: The pretreatment section is used to pretreat the samples. The separation unit uses a liquid chromatograph with multiple analytical flow paths arranged in parallel to perform separation processing of the sample treated by the pretreatment unit using a variety of solvents. The detection unit detects the sample separated by the separation section; and The control unit controls the pretreatment unit, the separation unit, and the detection unit. The control unit formulates an analysis schedule before performing the analysis, and analyzes the sample based on the formulated analysis schedule. The control method of this automatic analysis device is characterized by the following: Using any one of the multiple analytical flow paths, determine whether to set a time difference between them to introduce multiple separation processes using different types of solvents. The solvent used in the next separation process, which will be timed after the start of the plurality of separation processes following the decision on whether to establish the time difference between them, will be compared with the various solvents used in the plurality of separation processes following the decision on whether to establish the time difference between them. Determine whether solvent replacement is required for the analytical flow path used in the plurality of separation processes. Based on the determination of whether the solvent replacement process is required, the analytical flow path to be used in the next separation process is determined from the plurality of analytical flow paths, and the analytical schedule is formulated, the analytical schedule having: In the first scheduling method, the analytical flow path used in the next separation process is determined to be the analytical flow path that does not require solvent replacement. The second scheduling method involves determining the analytical flow path used in the next separation process from among the multiple analytical flow paths, selecting the analytical flow path that is determined not to require solvent replacement and the analytical flow path that is determined to complete the separation process earliest among the analytical flow paths that are determined to require solvent replacement. The automatic analysis device includes an input / output device, through which either the first scheduling mode or the second scheduling mode can be selected.

4. An automatic analysis device, comprising: The pretreatment section is used to pretreat the samples. The separation unit uses a liquid chromatograph with multiple analytical flow paths arranged in parallel to perform separation processing of the sample treated by the pretreatment unit using a variety of solvents. The detection unit detects the sample separated by the separation section; and The control unit controls the pretreatment unit, the separation unit, and the detection unit. The control unit formulates an analysis schedule before performing the analysis, and the sample is analyzed based on the formulated analysis schedule. The automatic analysis device is characterized in that... The control unit uses any one of the plurality of analytical flow paths to determine whether to set a time difference between them to introduce multiple separation processes using different types of solvents. The solvent used in the next separation process, which will be timed after the start of the plurality of separation processes following the decision on whether to establish the time difference between them, will be compared with the various solvents used in the plurality of separation processes following the decision on whether to establish the time difference between them. Determine whether solvent replacement is required for the analytical flow path used in the plurality of separation processes. Based on the determination of whether solvent replacement is required, the analytical flow path to be used in the next separation process is determined from among the plurality of analytical flow paths, and the analytical scheduling is formulated. The control unit determines the analytical flow path to be used in the next separation process from among the plurality of analytical flow paths as the analytical flow path that is determined not to require solvent replacement.

5. An automatic analysis device, comprising: The pretreatment section is used to pretreat the samples. The separation unit uses a liquid chromatograph with multiple analytical flow paths arranged in parallel to perform separation processing of the sample treated by the pretreatment unit using a variety of solvents. The detection unit detects the sample separated by the separation section; and The control unit controls the pretreatment unit, the separation unit, and the detection unit. The control unit formulates an analysis schedule before performing the analysis, and the sample is analyzed based on the formulated analysis schedule. The automatic analysis device is characterized in that... The control unit uses any one of the plurality of analytical flow paths to determine whether to set a time difference between them to introduce multiple separation processes using different types of solvents. The solvent used in the next separation process, which will be timed after the start of the plurality of separation processes following the decision on whether to establish the time difference between them, will be compared with the various solvents used in the plurality of separation processes following the decision on whether to establish the time difference between them. Determine whether solvent replacement is required for the analytical flow path used in the plurality of separation processes. Based on the determination of whether solvent replacement processing is required, the analytical flow path to be used in the next separation process among the plurality of analytical flow paths is determined, and the analytical scheduling is formulated. The control unit determines whether solvent replacement processing is required for the analytical flow path used in the plurality of separation processes. When it is determined that solvent replacement processing is required for all analytical flow paths, the analytical flow path with the minimum number of cycles required for solvent replacement processing among the plurality of analytical flow paths is determined as the analytical flow path to be used in the next separation process.

6. An automatic analysis device, comprising: The pretreatment section is used to pretreat the samples. The separation unit uses a liquid chromatograph with multiple analytical flow paths arranged in parallel to perform separation processing of the sample treated by the pretreatment unit using a variety of solvents. The detection unit detects the sample separated by the separation section; and The control unit controls the pretreatment unit, the separation unit, and the detection unit. The control unit formulates an analysis schedule before performing the analysis, and the sample is analyzed based on the formulated analysis schedule. The automatic analysis device is characterized in that... The control unit uses any one of the plurality of analytical flow paths to determine whether to set a time difference between them to introduce multiple separation processes using different types of solvents. The solvent used in the next separation process, which will be timed after the start of the plurality of separation processes following the decision on whether to establish the time difference between them, will be compared with the various solvents used in the plurality of separation processes following the decision on whether to establish the time difference between them. Determine whether solvent replacement is required for the analytical flow path used in the plurality of separation processes. Based on the determination of whether the solvent replacement process is required, the analytical flow path to be used in the next separation process is determined from the plurality of analytical flow paths, and the analytical schedule is formulated, the analytical schedule having: In the first scheduling method, the analytical flow path used in the next separation process among the multiple analytical flow paths is determined to be the analytical flow path that does not require the solvent replacement process. The second scheduling method involves determining the analytical flow path used in the next separation process from among the multiple analytical flow paths, based on the separation process completion timing of the analytical flow path determined not to require solvent replacement and the analytical flow path determined to complete the separation process earliest among the separation process completion timings of the analytical flow paths determined to require solvent replacement. The automatic analysis device includes an input / output device, and the control unit formulates the analysis schedule based on either the first scheduling mode or the second scheduling mode selected by the input / output device.

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