Analysis device management system

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention is an analysis device management system for managing multiple analysis devices of various types, comprising: an information collection unit (21) that collects information from each of the multiple analysis devices (1) regarding the start and end times of a unit analysis performed in the analysis device; a preparation time setting unit (23, 24) that sets a predetermined value for the preparation time required for a unit analysis for each type of analysis device; a usage time calculation unit (25) that calculates the total usage time for each analysis device or each type of analysis device during a specified monitoring period, wherein the total usage time is obtained by adding the value of the analysis time calculated based on the information collected by the information collection unit to the predetermined value of the preparation time set by the preparation time setting unit; and a display processing unit (26) that displays the total usage time calculated by the usage time calculation unit for each analysis device or each type of analysis device on a display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an analytical device management system for managing the operation of various analytical devices such as liquid chromatographs, gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometers. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, pharmaceutical manufacturers, chemical / chemical product manufacturers, or companies providing contract analytical services possess a wide variety of analytical equipment using various analytical methods, and often have a considerable number of such devices. However, not all of these devices are used frequently; some are used infrequently or almost never. Therefore, these companies and organizations have a strong need to accurately monitor the operational status of their analytical equipment in order to operate their large numbers of devices efficiently, utilize the space available for their installation, and plan for the introduction and upgrading of such equipment.

[0003] Failures or defects in analytical devices are often caused by degradation over time. Therefore, traditionally, the cumulative usage time of each analytical device is tracked, and this is used as a basis for issuing warnings, for example, indicating that the replacement period for specific components is approaching. To track the cumulative usage time of analytical devices, in conventional analytical systems, a control / management device connected to the analytical device collects information about the start and end times of analyses within that device (start time, end time, etc.) and calculates the analysis time based on this information. Furthermore, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, a system is known that detects the power consumption from the power supply to each analytical device and calculates the analysis time for each unit constituting the analytical device based on this power consumption. In this system, even when the control / management device cannot collect information about the start and end times of analyses from the analytical devices, the analysis time of the analytical device can still be predicted.

[0004] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 020655 Summary of the Invention

[0007] [Technical problem to be solved]

[0008] In the conventional system described above, the actual time for the analytical apparatus to analyze the sample can be determined. On the other hand, when performing analysis in the analytical apparatus, the person in charge of the analysis needs to perform various preparatory tasks before the analysis, and during this preparation period, the person in charge of the analysis also occupies the analytical apparatus. Such preparatory tasks may include, for example: installing the sample to be analyzed in the analytical apparatus; confirming whether the consumables required for the analysis (e.g., various reagents, solutions, gases, etc.) are prepared and replenishing them as needed; or checking the status of the components required for the analysis and replacing or cleaning them as needed.

[0009] During the preparatory work for such an analysis performed by analysis supervisor A on a certain analytical device, although the analysis itself has not been performed, the device can be considered to be being used by analysis supervisor A because it cannot be used by other analysis supervisors B. Therefore, managers of analytical devices or systems would like to consider the time required for such preparatory work as the time the device is being used, thus gaining a better understanding of its usage. However, in traditional analytical systems, while the analysis time of each analytical device can be tracked, there is a problem in not being able to specifically and appropriately track the usage time, including the preparatory time before the analytical device performs any analytical actions.

[0010] The present invention was proposed in view of such problems, and its main purpose is to provide an analysis device management system that can appropriately control the usage time of analysis devices, including the time for preparatory work other than the actual analysis performed by the analysis device, for various types of analysis devices.

[0011] [Technical solution to the problem]

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems is an analysis device management system for managing multiple analysis devices of various types, comprising:

[0013] The information collection unit collects information from each of the plurality of analysis devices regarding the start and end times of a unit analysis performed in that analysis device;

[0014] The preparation time setting department sets the expected value of the preparation time required for each unit of analysis for each type of analytical device;

[0015] The usage time calculation unit calculates the total usage time for each analysis device or each type of analysis device within a specified monitoring period. This total usage time is obtained by adding the analysis time calculated based on information collected by the information collection unit to the expected value of the preparation time set by the preparation time setting unit.

[0016] The display processing unit displays the total usage time of each analysis device or each type of analysis device, calculated by the usage time calculation unit, on the display unit.

[0017] [Invention Effects]

[0018] The analytical device management system of the present invention, according to the above embodiments, can not only inform the user of the actual analysis time for the sample analysis, but also inform the user of the total actual usage time of the analytical devices, including the time required for pre-analysis preparation for each analytical device or type of analytical device. Therefore, the user can accurately grasp the usage status of each analytical device or type of analytical device during a desired monitoring period, such as one week, one month, or six months. As a result, it enables efficient operation or management of the entire analytical system, such as promoting the reduction of the number of analytical devices with low usage frequency, or conversely, exploring the addition of analytical devices with high usage frequency. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an overall configuration diagram of an analysis system including an analysis device management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a summary block diagram of the management PC in the analysis system of this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an example of a screen displaying the usage time monitoring settings.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an example of a screen displaying the results of usage time monitoring (table display).

[0023] Figure 5 This is an example of a screen displaying usage time monitoring results (shown as a chart by type).

[0024] Figure 6 It is a display Figure 5 The usage time monitoring results shown are a graph displaying the migration status of a portion of the screen.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an example of a screen displaying the results of usage time monitoring (as shown in the device chart).

[0026] Explanation of icon numbers

[0027] 1: Analytical apparatus

[0028] 2: PC Management

[0029] 20: Device Information Storage Unit

[0030] 21: Analysis and Management Information Collection Department

[0031] 22: Analysis and Management Information Storage Department

[0032] 23: Usage Time Monitoring Information Setting Department

[0033] 24: Default Information Storage Department

[0034] 25: Usage Time Calculation Department

[0035] 26: Display Processing Unit

[0036] 3: Operations Department

[0037] 4: Display Section

[0038] 5: Communication line Detailed Implementation

[0039] [Supplementary explanation of the above embodiments]

[0040] In one embodiment of the analytical device management system of the present invention described above, "analytical device" refers to a device that performs a predetermined physical or chemical analysis on a sample or analyte. Furthermore, the "type" of analytical device usually or standardly refers to the analytical method; in this case, different types of analytical devices can be interpreted as analytical devices employing different analytical methods. Therefore, for example, liquid chromatographs, gas chromatographs, liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometers, gas chromatograph-mass spectrometers, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometers, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometers, X-ray analysis devices, etc., can all be considered as different types of analytical devices. Of course, as will be described later, the analytical methods can be further subdivided to determine the classification of similar or dissimilar analytical devices.

[0041] Furthermore, the "unit analysis" in the above embodiments can be the analysis of a single sample or the analysis of multiple samples. For example, in the case of batch processing in which multiple pre-prepared samples are automatically analyzed sequentially under pre-set conditions, the analysis performed on multiple samples in a single batch is a unit analysis.

[0042] Furthermore, the "preparation time required for unit analysis" in the above embodiments is usually the time required for preparatory work such as installing the sample to be analyzed into the analytical device, but it may also include the time required for the work immediately following the completion of an analysis in order to perform the next analysis after the completion of an analysis.

[0043] [The structure of the analysis system as one implementation method]

[0044] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an analysis system including an analysis device management system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 This is an overall configuration diagram of the analysis system in this embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A summary block diagram of the management PC in the system.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the analytical system includes a management PC (personal computer) 2 and multiple analytical devices 1. Here, the analytical devices 1 are liquid chromatographs (LC), gas chromatographs (GC), liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometers (LC-MS), liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometers (GC-MS), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometers (UV), and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometers (IR), which are different types of analytical devices. However, the type of analytical device 1 is not limited to these. Furthermore, although one of each type of analytical device 1 is described here, the number of each type of analytical device 1 can be multiple.

[0047] The management PC 2 is connected to each analysis device 1 via a communication line 5. This communication line 5 only needs to be capable of sending and receiving data; therefore, it can be either wired or wireless. The management PC 2 is equipped with an operation unit 3 consisting of a keyboard, mouse, etc., and a display unit 4, such as an LCD screen. Of course, the operation unit 3 can also be a touch screen. Furthermore, the management PC 2 can consist of a single computer or multiple computers.

[0048] exist Figure 1 In the analysis system shown, each analysis device 1 is used independently for analysis. The management PC 2 may also have the function of centrally controlling the operation of each analysis device 1, or centrally processing or managing the data acquired through the analysis of these analysis devices 1. However, such functions are not necessary here. In the analysis system of this embodiment, the management PC 2 has the function of centrally managing the usage time of each analysis device 1. This function will be explained next.

[0049] Additionally, in the following description, for convenience, the person responsible for analysis in analysis device 1 will be referred to as the analysis supervisor, and the person managing the analysis device or analysis system will be referred to as the manager; however, the analysis supervisor and the manager may be the same person. Furthermore, including the analysis supervisor and the manager, everyone who uses the analysis device or analysis system is sometimes referred to as the user.

[0050] [The composition and general operation of the management PC]

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the management PC 2, as a functional block, includes a device information storage unit 20, an analysis and management information collection unit 21, an analysis and management information storage unit 22, a usage time monitoring information setting unit 23, a default information storage unit 24, a usage time calculation unit 25, and a display processing unit 26. These functions can be implemented by the computer through dedicated application software (computer programs) installed in the management PC 2. In this case, the application software can be integrated into one unit or divided into multiple units.

[0052] The device information storage unit 20 stores device information for all analysis devices 1 used in the analysis system, including the type of analysis device, device name (or a number used to identify each analysis device, etc.). This device information is typically registered by the administrator. Each analysis device 1 can be identified through this registered device information.

[0053] When an analyst uses an analytical device 1 for analysis, after installing one or more samples of the analyte into the device, they set or select analytical conditions and begin the analysis by instructing the analysis to proceed. Alternatively, the analysis can be scheduled in the control PC (which can also function as a management PC 2) used to control the analytical device 1, and the analysis will begin automatically at the scheduled time.

[0054] When analysis begins in analysis device 1, information indicating the start of analysis is sent from analysis device 1 to management PC 2. Similarly, when analysis ends, information indicating the end of analysis is sent from analysis device 1 to management PC 2. Regardless of which analysis device 1 is used, information indicating the start and end times of analysis is similarly sent from analysis device 1 to management PC 2.

[0055] In the management PC 2, the analysis management information collection unit 21 collects information from each analysis device 1 indicating the start and end times of a unit analysis, typically the start and end times. The analysis management information collection unit 21 identifies the analysis device 1 by referring to the device information stored in the device information storage unit 20, and stores the start and end times of the unit analysis as log information in the analysis management information storage unit 22 for each analysis device 1. Therefore, whenever a unit analysis is performed in the analysis device 1, the start and end times of that unit analysis are accumulated as log information in the analysis management information storage unit 22. Here, as described above, a unit analysis can be an analysis of a single sample or a continuous and automated series of analyses of multiple samples.

[0056] When the manager wants to confirm the usage status of the analytical device during the expected monitoring period, a predetermined operation is performed through the operation unit 3. Upon receiving this operation, the usage time monitoring information setting unit 23 sets calculation information, such as the usage time required to calculate the usage time during the monitoring period. This calculation information includes expected values ​​for preparation time required for pre-analysis preparation work, such as sample mounting, categorized by analytical device type. As will be described later, although the manager can also input the expected value for preparation time, the default value stored in the default information storage unit 24 can also be used directly as the expected value for preparation time.

[0057] When the aforementioned calculation information is set and the monitoring period for the object used to calculate usage time is further specified, the usage time calculation unit 25 obtains log information corresponding to the monitoring period from the analysis management information storage unit 22. Then, using the analysis start time and end time of each analysis device 1 contained in the log information, the actual analysis time in a unit analysis is calculated. The usage time calculation unit 25 calculates the usage time of the analysis device in the unit analysis by adding a preparation time expectation value corresponding to the type of analysis device to the calculated analysis time value corresponding to the unit analysis. The usage time calculation unit 25 calculates the total usage time for each analysis device 1 during the monitoring period in this manner, and further sums the total usage time according to the analysis device type to obtain a total value.

[0058] Furthermore, since the preparation time is the same regardless of the type of analytical device 1, it is obviously not necessary to calculate the usage time separately for each unit analysis as described above. Instead, the total number of analyses can be calculated for each analytical device 1 or each type of analytical device 1. The total number of analyses can be multiplied by the preparation time to obtain the total preparation time. This total preparation time can then be added to the total analysis time alone to obtain the total usage time for each analytical device 1 or each type of analytical device 1.

[0059] The display processing unit 26 displays the total usage time of the monitoring period, divided by the type of analysis device 1, calculated by the usage time calculation unit 25, on the screen of the display unit 4 in a predetermined format and provides it to the administrator.

[0060] In the analytical system of this embodiment, the total usage time of various analytical devices, such as liquid chromatographs and gas chromatographs, during a monitoring period such as a certain month can be displayed on the screen of the display unit 4. This usage time includes not only the actual analysis time performed in each analytical device 1, but also the time spent by the person in charge of analysis installing the sample to be analyzed, and the preparation time for the person in charge of analysis to confirm the various consumables or parts required for the analysis and replenish them as needed. Here, the preparation time included in the usage time is not the actual time required for preparation work, but rather a pre-planned prediction. However, by setting appropriate pre-planned preparation time values ​​for each analytical device type, taking into account the actual situation at the analytical site (e.g., workflow or work content, the proficiency level of the person in charge of analysis), the manager can obtain the total usage time with sufficient accuracy for the purpose of understanding the usage status of the analytical devices.

[0061] [Specific processing actions in usage time monitoring]

[0062] Reference Figures 3-7 This section provides an example of the processing actions involved in the aforementioned usage time monitoring. Figure 3 This is an example image showing the usage time monitoring settings screen. Figure 4 This is an example of a screen displaying the results of usage time monitoring (in a table format). Figure 5 This is an example of a screen displaying usage time monitoring results (shown as a chart by type). Figure 6 It is a display Figure 5 The usage time monitoring results shown are a graph displaying the migration status of a portion of the screen. Figure 7 This is an example of a screen displaying the results of usage time monitoring (as shown in the device chart).

[0063] When the administrator performs a scheduled operation on the operation unit 3, the time monitoring information setting unit 23 displays the following on the screen of the display unit 4: Figure 3 The usage time monitoring settings screen shown is 6. Figure 3 As shown, a setting table 60 is configured in the usage time monitoring setting screen 6. In the setting table 60, the items "Instrument Type" 61, "Display in Dashboard" 62, "Expected Time" 63, "Historical Records" 64, and "Preparation Time (Minutes)" 65 are configured horizontally.

[0064] "Instrument Type" 61 is a column displaying the types of analytical devices. The types of analytical devices, based on the device information stored in the device information storage unit 20, are displayed in the vertical columns. "Display in Dashboard" 62 is a column configured with checkboxes for specifying whether to display results for each analytical device type shown in "Instrument Type" 61. Figure 3In the example, since all analysis device types are selected, results are displayed for all of these analysis device types. If there are types for which results should not be displayed, simply uncheck the corresponding option in the "Display in Dashboard" section 62. "Expected Time" 63 is a field for setting, for example, the total expected usage time for each analysis device type. "Preparation Time (minutes)" 65 is a field for setting the expected preparation time value for the aforementioned unit analysis. "History" 64 is a field for confirming historical records such as dates of inputs or changes related to "Expected Time" 63 or "Preparation Time (minutes)" 65. This history will be displayed in a pop-up window by the administrator clicking the marker shown in this field.

[0065] In the initial state when the analysis system of this embodiment is first used, the columns of "Preparation Time (minutes)" 65 display the default values ​​of the expected preparation time stored in the default information storage unit 24. These default values ​​are, for example, preset by the manufacturer providing this analysis system as standard values. After confirming these default values, the administrator keeps them as is if no changes are needed, and rewrites the expected preparation time values ​​if changes are required. To calculate usage time as accurately as possible, as described above, it is desirable to set appropriate expected preparation time values ​​based on the actual situation of each user.

[0066] When the calculation information is set on the time monitoring setting screen 6 as described above, and the administrator performs a predetermined operation through the operation unit 3, the display processing unit 26 displays, for example, on the screen of the display unit 4, as described above. Figure 4 The usage time monitoring results display (table display) screen 7 is shown. At the top of this usage time monitoring results display (table display) screen 7 is a monitoring period specification section 70, where the administrator sets the period for which they want to monitor usage time. Figure 4 In the example, a one-month period from November 1, 2024 to November 30, 2024 was set as the monitoring period, but any period such as one week, one month, half a year, or one year can also be set.

[0067] When a monitoring period is set, the usage time calculation unit 25 calculates the total usage time for each analytical device 1 and the type of each analytical device 1, and the display processing unit 26 displays the calculation result in the result table 71 within the usage time monitoring result display (table display) screen 7. In the result table 71, the items for "instrument type" 72 and "expected time" are compared with... Figure 3 The “instrument type” 61 and “expected time” 63 are the same.

[0068] "Planned Time" 74 is a column displaying the scheduled analysis times categorized by the type of analysis device 1. As described above, when an analysis task is scheduled in each analysis device 1, the analysis management information collection unit 21 also collects the scheduling information and stores it in the analysis management information storage unit 22. The usage time calculation unit 25 calculates the total scheduled time based on the stored scheduling information and displays it in the "Planned Time" 74 column. "Total Usage Time Including Preparation Time" 75 is a column displaying the total usage time, including preparation time categorized by the type of analysis device 1, calculated using the usage time calculation unit 25. Figure 4 In the example shown, the total usage time of the liquid chromatograph (LC) alone is 18.552 hours.

[0069] "Average Usage Including Preparation Time" 76 is a column that displays the average usage time per unit of analysis, categorized by the type of analytical apparatus 1. This average value is obtained by dividing the value in the "Total Usage Time Including Preparation Time" column 75 by the number of analyses (units). "Usage Rate Including Preparation Time" 77 displays the percentage (%) of the value shown in the "Total Usage Time Including Preparation Time" 75, categorized by analytical apparatus type, relative to the value shown in the "Expected Time" 73.

[0070] In addition, a "Show preparation time" checkbox 78 is provided in the upper right corner of the results table 71. Figure 4 In the example shown, because checkbox 78 is checked, result table 71 displays the calculated usage time, including preparation time. When the administrator unchecks the "Show Preparation Time" checkbox 78, the display in result table 71 will change to show only the calculated analysis time, excluding preparation time. Specifically, Figure 4 The "Total Usage Time Including Preparation Time" 75 is changed to "Total Usage Time Excluding Preparation Time," and the "Average Usage Including Preparation Time" 76 and "Usage Rate Including Preparation Time" 77 are also changed to "Average Usage Excluding Preparation Time" and "Usage Rate Excluding Preparation Time," respectively, and the corresponding values ​​for each item are displayed. In this way, the results table 71 can switch between displaying usage time including preparation time and usage time excluding preparation time (i.e., analyzing only time).

[0071] When the administrator performs a scheduled operation, for example, on the time monitoring results display (table display) screen 7, the display processing unit 26 switches the display on the display unit 4 screen to, as shown in the table display. Figure 5Screen 8 shows the usage time monitoring results display (chart by type). Screen 8 includes a chart 81 that displays the total usage time categorized by analytical device type within a specified monitoring period. In this chart 81, in addition to the total hours of use and the total preparation time, the planned and expected times are also displayed. For example, in the chart display bar 82 corresponding to the liquid chromatograph (LC), a bar chart 84 representing the total usage time and a bar chart 83 representing the planned time are displayed side-by-side, along with a plotted graph and line graph 85 representing the expected time.

[0072] The usage time monitoring results display (by type chart) screen 8 allows for a clear visual assessment of usage time differences for each type of analytical device 1. However, while chart 81 on screen 8 provides a general overview, numerical values ​​such as the total preparation time are difficult to ascertain. Therefore, to obtain a detailed understanding of the total preparation time, the administrator uses the mouse or other operating unit 3 to move the cursor on screen 8 to the upper part of the preparation time on bar chart 84. Thus, as... Figure 6 As shown, a pop-up window 86 temporarily displays an estimated total preparation time. Furthermore, vertical lines 87 and horizontal lines 88 are displayed overlapping the bar chart 84, with text 871 indicating the type of analysis device overlapping on the extension of vertical line 87, and text 881 indicating the accurate total preparation time overlapping on the extension of horizontal line 88. Through this display, managers can easily grasp the various detailed values ​​within chart 81.

[0073] In addition, in this analysis system, besides such Figure 4 , Figure 5 In addition to displaying the total usage time categorized by analytical device type, the total usage time of each analytical device can also be displayed. That is, for example, when a manager performs a pre-defined operation on the usage time monitoring result display (type-based chart display) screen 8 on the operation unit 3, the display processing unit 26 displays the following on the screen of the display unit 4: Figure 7 The usage time monitoring results are shown in screen 9 (displayed by device chart). Figure 7The usage time monitoring results display (shown by device chart) screen 9 shows a chart 91 displaying the total usage time of each liquid chromatograph registered as a liquid chromatograph during the monitoring period. Specifically, the horizontal axis of chart 91 displays the device name of each liquid chromatograph, and for each device name, it displays a corresponding... Figure 5 Similar bar charts and line charts.

[0074] This allows us to not only understand the usage status of major analytical instrument types, such as liquid chromatographs, but also to gain a detailed understanding of the usage status of individual analytical instruments. For example, even though they are all called liquid chromatographs, their models, performance, and specifications vary. Therefore, in the analytical field, there are often instruments that are difficult to use due to their outdated models or whose specifications are not suitable for the analytical purpose. As mentioned above, by visualizing the usage status of each analytical instrument in an easy-to-understand way, we can identify instruments that are used very infrequently or have not been used at all recently.

[0075] In addition, Figure 7 In the chart 91 shown, the analytical devices are arranged from left to right in descending order of the total usage time. However, this is just one example. For example, they can also be arranged in descending order of the total preparation time, or in order of device name. The arrangement can be changed appropriately, that is, it can also be set to be able to sort.

[0076] As described above, the analysis system according to this embodiment can present the total usage time during the monitoring period desired by the manager, either by the type of analysis device or by the analysis device itself. Therefore, even in the presence of a large number of analysis devices, or even in the presence of many types of analysis devices, the manager can accurately grasp the usage status of the analysis devices and appropriately operate and manage them.

[0077] [Variation Example]

[0078] In the above description, analytical apparatus types are broadly categorized into liquid chromatographs (LC), gas chromatographs (GC), etc., but more detailed classifications are also possible. For example, taking liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) as an example, a single quadrupole mass spectrometer may be used for different purposes than a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer or a quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer capable of MS / MS analysis. Therefore, even with the same LC-MS, it is sometimes more convenient to treat the former and the latter as different analytical apparatus types as described here. This applies not only to mass spectrometers but also to analytical apparatuses for other analytical methods. That is, the analytical apparatus types mentioned here are ultimately for convenience. Therefore, users can appropriately configure analytical apparatuses to be treated as the same type.

[0079] Furthermore, while the above description defines preparation time as the time required for pre-analytical preparations such as installing the sample or verifying consumables, depending on the type of analytical apparatus or the workflow, sometimes the person in charge of the analysis needs to perform certain tasks on the apparatus, such as disassembling specific components or cleaning, to ensure the smooth execution of the next analysis after the current analysis. Since such work is equivalent to actually using the analytical apparatus, it is reasonable to include the time spent on these post-analytical tasks within the preparation time. In other words, preparation time can be included for any work related to the current analysis that cannot be performed without the analytical apparatus, or for any work that substantially occupies the analytical apparatus, in addition to the analysis time itself.

[0080] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and variations are merely examples of the present invention, and appropriate modifications, additions, and alterations made without departing from the spirit of the present invention are obviously included within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0081] [Multiple implementation methods]

[0082] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above illustrative embodiments are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0083] (Item 1) One embodiment of the present invention is an analysis device management system for managing multiple analysis devices of various types, comprising:

[0084] The information collection unit collects information from each of the plurality of analysis devices regarding the start and end times of a unit analysis performed in that analysis device;

[0085] The preparation time setting department sets the expected value of the preparation time required for each unit of analysis for each type of analytical device;

[0086] The usage time calculation unit calculates the total usage time for each analysis device or each type of analysis device within a specified monitoring period. This total usage time is obtained by adding the analysis time calculated based on information collected by the information collection unit to the expected value of the preparation time set by the preparation time setting unit.

[0087] The display processing unit displays the total usage time of each analysis device or each type of analysis device, calculated by the usage time calculation unit, on the display unit.

[0088] According to the analytical device management system described in item 1, it can not only present the user with the actual analysis time of the sample analysis, but also the total value of the actual usage time of each analytical device or each type of analytical device, including the time required for analysis preparation. Thus, the user can grasp the usage status of each analytical device or each type of analytical device during a desired monitoring period, such as one week, one month, or six months. By utilizing the information obtained in this way, the user can efficiently operate or manage the entire analytical system, such as reducing the number of infrequently used analytical devices, removing unused analytical devices, and adding frequently used analytical devices.

[0089] (Item 2) The analysis device management system according to Item 1, wherein the preparation time setting unit sets a desired value for the preparation time based on user input or modification operations.

[0090] In the analysis device management system described in item 1, the preparation time setting unit may set a value (default value) predetermined for each analysis device or for each analysis device type as the expected value of the preparation time. However, in the analysis device management system described in item 2, the user may input the expected value of the preparation time itself, or appropriately change the default value or the set value.

[0091] The time required for pre-analytical preparations, such as sample preparation, varies greatly depending on the workflow or method. In this regard, the analytical device management system described in item 2 allows users to more accurately determine the usage time for each analytical device or type of analytical device because users can appropriately set expected values ​​for preparation time based on workflow or actual performance.

[0092] (Item 3) The analysis device management system according to Item 1 or Item 2, wherein the display processing unit simultaneously or selectively displays the total value of the usage time of each analysis device or each type of analysis device and the total value of the analysis time only excluding preparation time.

[0093] According to the analysis device management system described in item 3, users can not only know the total usage time during the expected monitoring period, but also know the total analysis time excluding preparation time as needed.

[0094] (Item 4) The analysis device management system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the information collection unit also collects information on the scheduled time of the analysis appointment set for each analysis device.

[0095] The usage time calculation unit also calculates the total scheduled time within the monitoring period for each analytical device or each type of analytical device.

[0096] The display processing unit displays the total of the reservation time together with the total of the usage time for each analysis device or each type of analysis device.

[0097] According to the analysis device management system described in item 4, since the total reservation time for each analysis device or each type of analysis device is displayed, users can, for example, understand not only how much analysis was performed without a reservation, but also situations where an analysis reservation was made but little analysis was actually performed. This allows verification of the accuracy and appropriateness of the analysis reservation system or method.

[0098] (5) An analytical device management system according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the type of the analytical device includes one or more of a liquid chromatograph, a gas chromatograph, a liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer, a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer, an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, and an infrared spectrophotometer.

Claims

1. An analytical device management system that manages a plurality of types of a plurality of analytical devices, characterized by, have: The information collection unit collects information from each of the plurality of analysis devices regarding the start and end times of a unit analysis performed in the analysis device; The preparation time setting department sets the expected value of the preparation time required for each unit of analysis for each type of analytical device; The usage time calculation unit calculates the total usage time for each analysis device or each type of analysis device within a specified monitoring period. The total usage time is obtained by adding the analysis time calculated based on the information collected by the information collection unit to the expected value of the preparation time set by the preparation time setting unit. as well as The display processing unit displays the total usage time of each analysis device or each type of analysis device, calculated by the usage time calculation unit, on the display unit.

2. The analytical device management system of claim 1, wherein, The preparation time setting unit sets the expected value of the preparation time based on the user's input or modification operation.

3. The analytical device management system of claim 1, wherein, The display processing unit simultaneously or selectively displays the total usage time of each analysis device or each type of analysis device and the total analysis time only, excluding preparation time.

4. The analytical device management system of claim 1, wherein, The information collection unit also collects information on the scheduled analysis times for each analysis device. The usage time calculation unit also calculates the total scheduled time within the monitoring period for each analytical device or each type of analytical device. The display processing unit displays the total of the reservation time together with the total of the usage time for each analysis device or each type of analysis device.

5. The analytical device management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The analytical apparatus includes one or more of the following: liquid chromatograph, gas chromatograph, liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer, gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, and infrared spectrophotometer.

Images