Information processing method, sample analysis method, program and processing support device

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of comparing and collating whether a measurement result about a sample corresponds to measurement request contents and performing the comparison and collation with high reliability without requiring excessive time.SOLUTION: An information processing method includes the procedures of: acquiring a measurement request form being an electronic document describing request content data of a measurement request for a sample with a prescribed format; acquiring a measurement chart being an electronic document describing measurement result data by measuring apparatuses 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e... in an intrinsic format of the measurement apparatuses; and reproducing the request content data in the measurement request form and the measurement result data in the measurement chart on a check list being an electronic document in a standard format that does not depend on the prescribed format and the intrinsic format, and comparing and collating the request content data with the measurement result data on the check list.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, a sample analysis method, a program, and a processing support device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, for samples such as powders, various measurements are performed using various measuring devices such as a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or a thermogravimetric differential thermal analyzer (TG-DTA), and the sample is analyzed based on the measurement results (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-163153 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-124272 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In many cases, the measurement department that measures samples and the requesting department that requests the measurements are separate departments (divisions, organizations, companies, etc.). In such cases, the requesting department requests the measurement department to measure samples, but the measurement results should be confirmed by the measurement department as to whether they correspond to the request content before being presented to the requesting department. However, it is not necessarily desirable for the confirmation to take a lot of time. On the other hand, it is desirable for the confirmation to be highly reliable and free from human error. These are very important matters, particularly when there are a large number of samples to be measured or when there are many types of measurement devices used to measure the samples.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technology that can compare whether the measurement results for the samples correspond to the measurement request content regardless of the number of samples or the number of types of measurement devices, and that enables this comparison to be performed with high reliability without requiring an excessive amount of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, 1. An information processing method used when measuring a sample using at least one of a plurality of types of measuring devices in response to a measurement request for the sample, comprising: A step of acquiring a measurement request form, which is an electronic document in which the request content data of the measurement request is written in a predetermined format; A step of acquiring a measurement chart, which is an electronic document in which measurement result data from the measurement device is written in a format specific to the measurement device; a step of transcribing the request content data in the acquired measurement request form and the measurement result data in the acquired measurement chart into a checklist, which is an electronic document in a standard format independent of the predetermined format and the inherent format, and comparing and matching the request content data and the measurement result data on the checklist; An information processing method is provided, comprising:

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer used for measuring a sample using at least one of a plurality of types of measuring devices in response to a measurement request for the sample, A step of acquiring a measurement request form, which is an electronic document in which the request content data of the measurement request is written in a predetermined format; A step of acquiring a measurement chart, which is an electronic document in which measurement result data from the measurement device is written in a format specific to the measurement device; a step of transcribing the request content data in the acquired measurement request form and the measurement result data in the acquired measurement chart into a checklist, which is an electronic document in a standard format independent of the predetermined format and the inherent format, and comparing and matching the request content data and the measurement result data on the checklist; A program for executing the above is provided.

[0008] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, A processing support device used when performing a measurement of a sample using at least one of a plurality of types of measurement devices in response to a measurement request of the sample, a request acquisition unit for acquiring a measurement request, which is an electronic document in which the measurement request content data is described in a predetermined format; a chart acquisition unit that acquires a measurement chart, which is an electronic document in which measurement result data from the measurement device is written in a format specific to the measurement device; a checklist determination unit that transfers the request content data in the measurement request form acquired by the request form acquisition unit and the measurement result data in the measurement chart acquired by the chart acquisition unit into a checklist, which is an electronic document in a standard format independent of the predetermined format and the inherent format, and compares and collates the request content data and the measurement result data on the checklist; A processing support device is provided, comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the technology disclosed herein, it is possible to compare and verify whether the measurement results for a sample correspond to the measurement request content, and this comparison and verification can be performed with high reliability without requiring excessive time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example format of a measurement request form handled by an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example format of a measurement chart handled by an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is an example format of a measurement chart output from a TG-DTA. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example format of a measurement chart handled by an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is an example format of a measurement chart output from a particle size distribution measuring device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) showing an example format of a measurement chart handled by an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is an example format of a measurement chart output from a BET specific surface area measurement device. [Figure 6] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example format of a checklist handled in an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] <One embodiment of the present disclosure> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (1) Information Processing System Configuration First, a configuration of an information processing system including a processing assistance device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0013] The information processing system of this embodiment is used when measuring a sample using at least one of multiple types of measuring devices in response to a request to measure the sample, and is a system that includes a processing support device for supporting the information processing associated with the measurement.

[0014] There are no particular limitations on the sample to be measured, and it can be a powder, solid, liquid (fluid), or a mixture of these. The sample is to be provided by the requester together with the measurement request. The number of samples provided for one measurement request may be one, but more often than not, multiple samples are provided.

[0015] In order to support information processing accompanying such sample measurement, the information processing system is configured to include at least measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e..., an information terminal device 2, and a processing support device 3, as shown in Fig. 1. The measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e... and the processing support device 3, and the information terminal device 2 and the processing support device 3 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a wired or wireless communication line (not shown). If communication is possible, each of these devices may be installed in a remote location, for example, the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e... and the processing support device 3 are installed in a measurement department that performs sample measurement, and the information terminal device 2 is installed in a requesting department that requests the measurement.

[0016] The measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e... are used to measure samples. There are multiple types of measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e... in the system, and each of them is designed to perform a different type of measurement. For example, the measuring device 1a is a TG-DTA that performs thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis, the measuring device 1b is a SEM-EDX that performs elemental analysis on the field of view while observing an image with a SEM, the measuring device 1c is an ICP optical emission spectrometer that performs optical emission spectroscopic analysis using a high-frequency inductively coupled plasma (ICP) as a light source, the measuring device 1d is a particle size distribution measuring device that measures particle size distribution, and the measuring device 1e is a BET specific surface area measuring device that measures BET specific surface area. However, these are merely examples, and the system may further include measuring devices that perform measurements of other types. In addition, it is preferable that there are multiple types of measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e..., but this is not necessarily limited to this, and it is sufficient that there is at least one in the system.

[0017] When the measurement of the sample is completed, each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e... outputs a measurement chart describing the measurement result data for each measurement. The measurement result data and the measurement chart will be described in detail later.

[0018] The information terminal device 2 inputs and outputs information on the side of the sample measurement requester. For this purpose, the information terminal device 2 is, for example, a computer device having an information input function and an information output function, or a portable terminal device equivalent thereto, such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. As long as the information terminal device 2 can communicate with the processing support device 3, multiple information terminal devices 2 may exist in the system.

[0019] Prior to the measurement of the sample, a measurement request form in which request content data of the measurement request is described is output from the information terminal device 2. The request content data and the measurement request form will be described in detail later.

[0020] The processing support device 3 supports information processing associated with the measurement of samples by each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. For this purpose, the processing support device 3 is configured with a computer device having an information processing function. More specifically, the processing support device 3 is configured with a computer section 10 combining hardware resources such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), and a data storage section 20 using a storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive).

[0021] The computer unit 10 can execute a predetermined program (software) installed in the data storage unit 20. When the software is executed, information processing by the software is specifically realized using the hardware resources of the computer unit 10. This enables the computer unit 10 to function as a request form acquisition unit 11, a chart acquisition unit 12, a checklist determination unit 13, and a report creation unit 14.

[0022] The request acquisition unit 11 is a function for acquiring a measurement request output from the information terminal device 2. The measurement request is acquired electronically. Therefore, the request acquisition unit 11 acquires the measurement request, which is an electronic document.

[0023] The chart acquisition unit 12 is a function for acquiring the measurement chart output from each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. The measurement chart is acquired electronically. Therefore, the chart acquisition unit 12 acquires the measurement chart, which is an electronic document.

[0024] The checklist determination unit 13 is a function for comparing and matching the request content data described in the measurement request form acquired by the request form acquisition unit 11 with the measurement result data described in the measurement chart acquired by the chart acquisition unit 12. Hereinafter, the request content data and the measurement result data to be compared and matched are sometimes simply referred to as "each data". The comparison and matching of each data is performed using a checklist, which is an electronic document separate from the measurement request form and the measurement chart. The comparison and matching of the checklist and each data will be described in detail later.

[0025] The report creation unit 14 has a function of creating a measurement report, which is an electronic document summarizing the contents of the measurement results of the sample obtained by each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, ..., and outputting the measurement report to the information terminal device 2 that has requested the measurement. The measurement report will be described in detail later.

[0026] The functions of the above-mentioned units 11 to 14 are specifically realized by executing a predetermined program (software) in the computer unit 10. In other words, the predetermined program that realizes the functions of the units 11 to 14 corresponds to one embodiment of the "program" in the present disclosure. In this case, the program is provided from the outside via a communication line or a storage medium and installed in the data storage unit 20.

[0027] In addition to the above-mentioned programs (software), the data storage unit 20 stores format information 21. The format information 21 specifies information about the formats of the measurement request form, the measurement chart, the checklist, and the measurement report. The details of each format will be described later.

[0028] (2) Specific examples of formats Next, specific examples of measurement requests, measurement charts, checklists, and measurement reports handled by the information processing system according to this embodiment will be described, focusing particularly on the formats of each.

[0029] (Measurement request form) The measurement request output from the information terminal device 2 is for requesting measurement of a sample using at least one of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, ..., and further for specifying the request content. In order to specify the request content, data on the request content (hereinafter referred to as "request content data") is described in a predetermined format in the measurement request. The predetermined format is assumed to be uniquely determined within the system. However, the predetermined format is not necessarily limited to one type, and multiple types may exist within the system as long as the correspondence between the measurement request and the format can be identified.

[0030] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a format of a measurement request form handled by the information processing system according to this embodiment. The measurement request form in the figure is configured by describing data specifying the contents of multiple predetermined items such as "reception date," "reception number," "request date," "requester," "subject," "sample name, quantity," "measurement item," etc. For example, for "measurement item," data (check mark) specifying which of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. will be used to perform the measurement is described, as well as data specifying the specific conditions for performing the measurement. For these multiple items, at least one of the data description order and data description position on the measurement request form is predetermined by a predetermined format. In other words, the predetermined format specifies the format of the measurement request form. Therefore, for example, when there are multiple measurement requests with different request content data, if each of them is in the same type of format, each request content data will be described in a common format. Furthermore, according to the measurement request form in the example, it is possible to request that measurements be performed on multiple samples (samples A, B, etc.) using multiple measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. with one measurement request (i.e., one measurement request form).

[0031] Regarding the format of the measurement request form handled within the system, information regarding the format (particularly, information such as the order in which data for each item is written and the position where the data is written) is predefined, and the defined information is stored in the data memory unit 20 in the processing support device 3 as "measurement request form format information."

[0032] When such a measurement request is output from the information terminal device 2, in the processing support device 3, the function of the request acquisition unit 11 in the computer unit 10 electronically acquires the measurement request. For example, if the measurement request is output from the information terminal device 2 as an electronic document, the request acquisition unit 11 may receive the measurement request, which is an electronic document, directly from the information terminal device 2 via a wired or wireless communication line. Also, for example, if the measurement request is output on paper, the request acquisition unit 11 may receive the electronic version through optical character recognition using an OCR (Optical Character Reader). In either case, the request acquisition unit 11 is able to acquire the measurement request, which is an electronic document. The electronic document referred to here is an electromagnetically recorded document, and its data format (file format) is not particularly limited.

[0033] (Measurement chart) The measurement charts output from the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e... describe data on the specific contents of the measurement results (hereinafter referred to as "measurement result data") for the measurement results of samples made by the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e.... The measurement charts describing the measurement result data are output for each sample that is the subject of measurement and each time the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e... perform a measurement. Therefore, for example, if a certain measuring device 1a performs two measurements on two samples each, four measurement charts will be output as the measurement results.

[0034] Moreover, the measurement chart is output separately from each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc., each time the device performs a measurement. The measurement charts output separately describe the measurement result data of each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, in a format specific to each of the measuring devices. The specific format is predefined for each model or manufacturer of each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc., and each format is uniquely defined within the system. However, the specific formats do not necessarily need to be all different, and some may be common between multiple devices.

[0035] 3 to 5 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of formats of measurement charts handled in the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows an example of the format of a measurement chart output from the measurement device 1a, which is a TG-DTA. The measurement chart in the figure is composed of data that specifies the contents of multiple predetermined items such as "reception number," "ID (identification information)," "sample name," "measurement date and time," "measurer," "equipment," "gas type," "gas flow rate," "sample container," "data sampling," "sample weight," "heating rate," "arrival rate," etc. Furthermore, the measurement chart in the figure also includes a graph showing the specific results of the measurement. For these multiple items and graphs, at least one of the data entry order and data entry position on the measurement chart is predetermined by the inherent format of the measurement device 1a. In other words, the inherent format of the measurement device 1a specifies the format of the measurement chart output from the measurement device 1a.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows an example of the format of a measurement chart output from a measuring device 1d which is a particle size distribution measuring device. The measurement chart in the example is composed of data that specifies the contents of multiple predetermined items such as "reception number," "ID (identification information)," "sample name," "measurement date and time," "measurer," "equipment," "transmittance," "circulation / mixing / ultrasonic intensity," "particle size standard," etc. In addition, the measurement chart in the example also includes graphs showing the specific results of the measurement, representative values, and data. For these multiple items and graphs, at least one of the data entry order and data entry position on the measurement chart is predetermined by the inherent format of the measurement device 1d. In other words, the inherent format of the measurement device 1d specifies the format of the measurement chart output from the measurement device 1d.

[0038] FIG. 5 shows an example of the format of a measurement chart output from a measurement device 1e which is a BET specific surface area measurement device. The measurement chart in the example is composed of data that specifies the contents of multiple predetermined items such as "reception number," "id (identification information)," "sample name," "measurement date and time," "measurer," "measurement device," "sample weight," etc. Furthermore, the measurement chart in the example also contains specific data for items that show the specific results of the measurement, such as "correlation coefficient," "C value," "BET specific surface area," etc. For these multiple items, at least one of the data description order and data description position on the measurement chart is predetermined by the inherent format of the measurement device 1e. In other words, the inherent format of the measurement device 1e specifies the format of the measurement chart output from the measurement device 1e.

[0039] As described above, each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e... outputs a measurement chart written in a format unique to each of them. Regarding the format of the measurement chart handled in the system, information on the format (particularly, information on the data entry order of each item, the data entry position, etc.) is predefined for each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e..., and the predefined information is stored in the data storage unit 20 in the processing support device 3 as "measurement chart format information" for each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e....

[0040] When such a measurement chart is output from any of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e..., in the processing support device 3, the function of the chart acquisition unit 12 in the computer unit 10 electronically acquires the measurement chart. The electronic acquisition is the same as in the case of the measurement request form described above. This allows the chart acquisition unit 12 to acquire the measurement chart, which is an electronic document. The electronic document here is the same as in the case of the measurement request form. The measurement charts acquired from each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e... may each be in a different data format (file format).

[0041] (Checklist) The checklist used by the checklist determination unit 13 in the computer unit 10 of the processing support device 3 is for comparing and matching the request content data described in the measurement request form acquired by the request form acquisition unit 11 with the measurement result data described in the measurement chart acquired by the chart acquisition unit 12. For this purpose, the request content data of the measurement request form and the measurement result data of the measurement chart are each copied onto the checklist by the checklist determination unit 13.

[0042] The checklist on which the request content data and the measurement result data are reproduced is constructed as an electronic document in a unique format that is independent of the predetermined format and the inherent format, taking into consideration that the measurement request form is in a predetermined format, while the measurement chart is in a format specific to each measuring device 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, and that these do not necessarily match. The format of the checklist is preset so that it can be used in a uniform manner as a standard within the system. For this reason, the format of the checklist is also referred to as the "standard format" below.

[0043] Since such a checklist is intended to compare and collate each piece of reproduced data, it is preferable that it is generated by a spreadsheet software capable of implementing a function (calculation function) corresponding to the comparison and collation. If the checklist is an electronic document generated by a spreadsheet software, it becomes possible to automatically compare and collate each piece of reproduced data and determine whether the comparison results are correct or not by using the function.

[0044] Moreover, it is preferable that the checklist is configured to perform comparison of each data item by item of the data. This is because the request content data and the measurement result data are composed of a plurality of items. Specifically, it is preferable that the checklist is configured to perform comparison of each data item for each of several items (including the case where all items are extracted) that are extracted in advance as needing comparison from among the multiple items that compose the request content data and the measurement result data.

[0045] When comparing and matching each data item by item, the checklist is set to correspond to each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. This is because the measurement charts output from each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. are in a format specific to each device, and it is assumed that the configuration items are different from each other. Therefore, the checklist determination unit 13 uses the checklist corresponding to the measuring device 1a, the checklist corresponding to the measuring device 1b, the checklist corresponding to the measuring device 1c, the checklist corresponding to the measuring device 1d, or the checklist corresponding to the measuring device 1e depending on which of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. the measurement chart is output from.

[0046] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the format of a checklist handled by the information processing system according to this embodiment. The example shows a checklist set up for the measuring device 1a, which is a TG-DTA. The checklist in the figure is composed of a column for writing "measurement request form information," a column for writing "judgment for each item," and a column for writing "final judgment." In the "Measurement Request Information" field, data specifying the contents of each of several predetermined items, such as "reception number," "heat rise rate," "gas type," and "sample name," is copied from the measurement request. In the "Judgment for each item" entry field, data specifying the contents of each of a number of predetermined items, such as "ID (identification information)," "sample name," "gas type," "heating rate," etc., are copied from the measurement request form and the measurement chart. Furthermore, in the "Judgment for each item" entry field, the result of the comparison for each item, whether or not the data copied from the measurement request form and the measurement chart for each item match, is written. In the "Final Judgment" description field, the results of comparison and matching in the "Judgment for Each Item" description field for multiple predefined items such as "ID (identification information)," "sample name," "gas type," "heating rate," etc. are recorded as the final judgment results.

[0047] Such checklists are generated as electronic documents by the checklist determination unit 13 as necessary. Information on the spreadsheet software and standard format required for this is assumed to be stored in advance in the data storage unit 20 of the processing support device 3. In other words, for the standard format of the checklist, information on the format (particularly information on the configuration of each entry field, the order of entries for each item, the data transfer position, etc.) is predefined for each corresponding measuring device 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, ..., and the predefined information is stored in the data storage unit 20 as "checklist format information."

[0048] (Measurement report) The measurement report created by the report creation unit 14 in the computer unit 10 of the processing support device 3 is a summary of the measurement results of the sample from each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. More specifically, the measurement report lists the measurement result data in the measurement chart obtained by the measurements from the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc., and the request content data in the measurement request form on which the measurement result data is based, in a state where they are associated with each other. Such a measurement report is created as an electronic document by the report creation unit 14, but the format, data format, etc., of the report are not particularly limited.

[0049] However, the measurement report shall also include the results of the comparison between the request data on the checklist and the measurement result data (i.e., the contents written in the "Final Judgment" column on the checklist). If the results of the comparison are for multiple items, it is preferable that the results be published in a list format.

[0050] (3) Procedure for processing information Next, an example of the processing operation in the information processing system according to this embodiment, that is, the procedure of an information processing method used when measuring a sample in the information processing system, will be described.

[0051] The information processing system according to this embodiment is used when measuring a sample using at least one of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e..., more specifically, when performing various measurements required for analyzing the sample using at least one of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e.... In other words, the procedure described below can constitute a part of a sample analysis method.

[0052] When analyzing the components of a sample, it is common to perform various measurements using various measuring devices such as SEM and TG-DTA, and to analyze the sample from multiple angles based on the measurement results. In such cases, it is possible that there are many samples to be measured, and many types of measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. used to measure the samples. Even in such cases, it is preferable to be able to confirm whether the measurement results correspond to the requested measurement content without spending much time and with high reliability. For this reason, in this embodiment, the procedure described below is performed as a part of the sample analysis method.

[0053] In the information processing system according to this embodiment, when measuring a sample using at least one of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e..., first, the sample to be measured is provided from the requesting department that manages the information terminal device 2 to the measuring department that manages the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e.... At the same time, a measurement request form that specifies the request content for the measurement of the sample is output from the information terminal device 2 (see step 1 in FIG. 1, hereinafter step is abbreviated as "S").

[0054] At this time, the information terminal device 2 outputs a measurement request form in which the request content data, for example as shown in FIG. 2, for one sample A and one sample B is requested to perform thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis by measuring device 1a, measurement of particle size distribution by measuring device 1d, and measurement of BET specific surface area by measuring device 1e, is written in a predetermined format unique within the system.

[0055] When such a measurement request is output, the request acquisition unit 11 of the computer unit 10 in the processing support device 3 electronically acquires the measurement request. Then, information such as the reception date and reception number is automatically added, and the measurement request, which is an electronic document, is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 20.

[0056] Meanwhile, the measurement department performs measurements on the provided samples using the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc., according to the instructions in the request data written in the measurement request. The same measurements are performed at least twice for each sample using the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc., to eliminate the effects of measurement errors, etc. For example, in the case of the instructions in the measurement request in Figure 2, thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis are performed twice for each of samples A and B using the measuring device 1a, particle size distribution measurement using the measuring device 1d, and BET specific surface area measurement using the measuring device 1e.

[0057] Then, when the measurement of the provided sample is completed, a measurement chart specifying the measurement results is output from the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e . . . that performed the measurement (see S2 in FIG. 1).

[0058] For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the measurement device 1a outputs a measurement chart in which measurement result data that specifically identifies the measurement result is written in a format specific to the measurement device 1a, together with a reception number, an ID (identification information) that identifies that it is the first measurement, etc. for the first of two measurements on sample A. In addition, measurement charts are output in exactly the same way for the second measurement result on sample A, and the first and second measurement results on sample B, each time a measurement is performed.

[0059] 4, for the first of two measurements on sample A, measurement device 1d outputs a measurement chart in which measurement result data that specifically identifies the measurement result is written in a format unique to the measurement device 1d, along with a reception number, an ID (identification information) that identifies the first measurement, etc. Also, for the second measurement result on sample A, and the first and second measurement results on sample B, measurement charts are output in exactly the same way each time a measurement is performed.

[0060] 5, for the first of two measurements on sample A, measurement device 1e outputs a measurement chart in which measurement result data that specifically identifies the measurement result is written in a format specific to the measurement device 1e, along with a reception number, an ID (identification information) that identifies the first measurement, etc. Also, for the second measurement result on sample A, and the first and second measurement results on sample B, measurement charts are output in exactly the same way each time a measurement is performed.

[0061] When the measurement chart as described above is output, the chart acquisition unit 12 of the computer unit 10 in the processing support device 3 electronically acquires the measurement request. Then, the measurement chart, which is an electronic document, is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 20.

[0062] After that, when the output of the measurement charts from the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e... is completed for all measurements requested in the measurement request form, the checklist determination unit 13 of the computer unit 10 in the processing support device 3 compares and collates the request content data described in the measurement request form with the measurement result data described in the measurement chart. At this time, the checklist determination unit 13 compares and collates each piece of data using a checklist.

[0063] For this purpose, the checklist determination unit 13, for example, when a predetermined operation is performed on the processing support device 3, reads out the measurement request and measurement chart to be compared from the data storage unit 20 using identification information for identifying the measurement request and measurement chart from other measurement requests and measurement charts as a key. For the identification information, for example, information commonly given to each of the measurement request and measurement chart, such as a reception number, may be used. In other words, when comparing each data, the checklist determination unit 13 extracts corresponding ones from each storage location based on the identification information given to the measurement request and measurement chart. Therefore, even if many measurement requests and measurement charts are stored and held, it is possible to reliably extract those to be compared without omission.

[0064] When the measurement request form and measurement chart to be compared are read, the checklist determination unit 13 transfers the request content data and measurement result data described therein onto a checklist, for example, in the following procedure.

[0065] The checklist determination unit 13 first reads out the checklist into which each data is to be transferred from the data storage unit 20 and expands it in the memory space of the computer unit 10. The checklist is used according to which of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. the measurement chart is output from. For example, when the measurement charts from the measuring devices 1a, 1d, and 1e are to be compared and collated, the checklist determination unit 13 prepares a checklist corresponding to the measuring device 1a, a checklist corresponding to the measuring device 1d, and a checklist corresponding to the measuring device 1e. In each of the checklists obtained in this manner, the configuration of each description column, the order of description of each item, the data transfer position, etc. are specified by the standard format for the checklist.

[0066] After the checklist is developed, the checklist determination unit 13 then transfers the request content data in the measurement request form read from the data storage unit 20 for data transfer onto the checklist. At this time, the order of data entry and data entry position of each item are specified by the predetermined format of the measurement request form. Therefore, based on the measurement request form format information and checklist format information stored in the data storage unit 20, the checklist determination unit 13 transfers the request content data in the measurement request form into the corresponding description column on the checklist for each item constituting the request content data.

[0067] Specifically, for example, if the data description order of each item is clear from the format information of the measurement request form, the checklist determination unit 13 extracts all text data from the measurement request form and classifies it into multiple character string data using the arrangement intervals (blank parts) etc. Then, while referring to the information on the data description order, it recognizes which item of request content data each character string data corresponds to. Based on the recognition result, the request content data (character string data) of the item to be transferred is transferred to the corresponding description column on the checklist. Also, for example, if the data description position of each item (cell position on the electronic document, etc.) is clear from the format information of the measurement request form, the checklist determination unit 13 recognizes which item of request content data is described at which position on the measurement request form based on the data description position. Then, based on the recognition result, the request content data (character string data) extracted from the data description position (corresponding cell, etc.) of the item to be transferred is transferred to the corresponding description column on the checklist.

[0068] Furthermore, for the measurement chart read from data storage unit 20 for data transfer, checklist determination unit 13 transfers the measurement result data of the measurement chart to the checklist. At this time, the measurement chart specifies the data entry order and data entry position of each item by the inherent format of the measurement chart. Based on the measurement chart format information and checklist format information stored in data storage unit 20, checklist determination unit 13 transfers the measurement result data of the measurement chart to the corresponding description column on the checklist for each item constituting the measurement result data.

[0069] Specifically, the measurement result data in the measurement chart may be transferred to the checklist in the same manner as the request content data in the measurement request form described above.

[0070] The checklist determination unit 13 transfers the request content data and measurement result data described in the measurement request form and measurement chart to be compared and collated onto a checklist, for example, by going through the above procedure. When there are multiple measurement charts corresponding to a certain measurement request form, the checklist determination unit 13 prepares a checklist for each measurement chart and transfers the request content data and measurement result data to each checklist. However, if the standard format of one checklist is set so that the measurement result data of multiple measurement charts can be transferred onto one checklist, there is no need to prepare a checklist for each measurement chart, and it is sufficient to transfer the request content data and the measurement result data of each measurement chart onto the one checklist.

[0071] The checklist determination unit 13 that transfers data as described above can be realized by using, for example, a so-called RPA (Robotic Process Automation) tool.

[0072] When the checklist determination unit 13 transfers data, the checklist to which the data is transferred is in a standard format that is unique within the system (i.e., it does not depend on either the predetermined format of the measurement request form or the inherent format of the measurement chart). Therefore, the checklist determination unit 13 can transfer data to the checklist only based on the format information 21 in the data storage unit 20, regardless of the predetermined format and the inherent format, without being affected by the predetermined format and the inherent format. As a result, even if there are various types of measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. and information terminal device 2 in the system and various electronic document formats are mixed in the system, the checklist determination unit 13 can reliably transfer the desired data and complete the checklist.

[0073] For example, if the checklist generated by the checklist judgment unit 13 corresponds to the measurement device 1a, which is a TG-DTA, as shown in Fig. 6, the request data of the measurement request is copied for each item in the description field of "measurement request information", and the request data of the measurement request and the measurement result data of the measurement chart are copied for each item in the description field of "judgment for each item". At this time, in the description field of "judgment for each item", each data is copied for each measurement result (for example, for each of the two measurements on samples A and B) for each item of "id (identification information)", "sample name", "gas type", and "heating rate" so that the request data of the measurement request and the measurement result data of the measurement chart are arranged in adjacent columns (cells).

[0074] When each data is transferred to an adjacent column (cell) on such a checklist, the checklist determination unit 13 performs a comparison of each transferred data for each item. The comparison of each data may be performed, for example, by using a function function of the spreadsheet software set in the adjacent column (cell). Specifically, when the transfer of each data to the adjacent column (cell) is completed, it is possible to determine whether each data matches each other by the function function set for each. Then, the checklist determination unit 13 describes the result of the comparison of each data as a result of "matching determination" for each item so as to accompany each adjacent column (cell). As the result of "matching determination", for example, if each data matches each other, a "○" mark is written, and if there is a difference between each data, a "×" mark is written. The description of such a result of "matching determination" may also be performed by using a function function of the spreadsheet software.

[0075] The checklist judgment unit 13 performs the above-mentioned comparison of each data for all items in the "Judgment for each item" description column. The "match judgment" results for each item obtained in this way are extracted and written as the final judgment results for each item in the "Final judgment" description column.

[0076] Through the above-mentioned procedures, the checklist determination unit 13 generates a checklist and compares each piece of data on the checklist. Therefore, the result of comparing each piece of data makes it clear whether the measurement result for the sample corresponds to the measurement request content or not. Moreover, the comparison of each piece of data can be performed with high reliability without taking an excessive amount of time by using, for example, a combination of an RPA tool and a function function of a spreadsheet software.

[0077] In particular, for the comparison of each data, the checklist determination unit 13 performs the comparison for each item constituting the request content data and the measurement result data on the checklist. Therefore, even if the request content data and the measurement result data are composed of a plurality of items, the comparison of each data for each item is very suitable for performing the comparison with high reliability without requiring an excessive amount of time. Moreover, even if the items constituting the measurement result data of the measurement chart differ depending on the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc., this can be flexibly and appropriately handled depending on the setting of the standard format of the checklist. Therefore, the versatility of the information processing system can be sufficiently ensured.

[0078] After the checklist evaluation unit 13 compares and collates each piece of data, or in parallel with the checklist evaluation unit 13, the report creation unit 14 of the computer unit 10 in the processing support device 3 creates a measurement report. The measurement report is a summary of the measurement results of the sample obtained by each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, .... More specifically, the measurement report is an electronic document that lists the measurement result data in the measurement chart obtained by the measurement by each of the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, ..., in association with the request content data in the measurement request form that was the basis for the measurement.

[0079] The measurement report created by the report creation unit 14 may be in a predetermined format. The format is not limited to a specific one and can be arbitrarily set within the system.

[0080] When the measurement report is created, the report creation unit 14 outputs the measurement report (see S3 in FIG. 1). The measurement report may be output to the information terminal device 2 electronically (i.e., by an electronic document) or may be printed out on a paper medium.

[0081] However, in any output mode, the result of comparing the request content data and the measurement result data on the checklist is also included in the measurement report created by the report creation unit 14. Specifically, for example, the content written in the "Final Judgment" description field in the checklist is written in a predetermined location on the measurement report (for example, near the location of the measurement result data on the measurement report) as the result of comparing each data.

[0082] In this way, if the results of comparing and matching each data are also included in the measurement report, by referring to the output results of the measurement report, it is possible to easily confirm whether the measurement result data (i.e., the measurement results of the sample performed using the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, ...) included in the measurement report corresponds to the contents of the measurement request. Therefore, it is possible to provide extremely excellent convenience to both the requesting department that receives the output results of the measurement report and the measuring department that submits the output results of the measurement report.

[0083] As described above, the checklist evaluation unit 13 compares each piece of data for each item constituting the request content data and the measurement result data. In this case, it is preferable that the measurement report lists the results of the comparison with each piece of data on the checklist in a list format for each item. If the results are listed in a list format, the results of each comparison are clear at a glance even when comparing each piece of data for each item. Therefore, it is possible to provide extremely excellent convenience, especially when the request content data and the measurement result data are composed of multiple items. This is also true when there are multiple samples to be measured, when multiple measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. are used to measure the samples.

[0084] In addition, when there is a difference between each data as a result of the comparison of each data by the checklist judgment unit 13 (when the result of the "match judgment" on the checklist is an "X" mark), the measurement department needs to review whether the measurement of the sample performed by the measurement devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, ... matches the request content. In order to be able to respond quickly to such a situation, when there is an "X" mark as a result of the "match judgment" on the checklist, the computer unit 10 of the processing support device 3 may determine that there is an abnormality in the result of the comparison of each data on the checklist and output an alarm to that effect. The alarm may be output at any time from the comparison of each data by the checklist judgment unit 13 to the output of the measurement report by the report creation unit 14. By outputting such an alarm, the measurement department can quickly respond to the review that should be performed in response to the alarm output. Therefore, it is very convenient for the measurement department. Furthermore, since a measurement report will not be submitted to the requesting department unless the sample measurements match the requested details, the reliability of the measurement report can be increased, resulting in extremely convenient results not only for the measurement department but also for the requesting department.

[0085] (4) Effects Obtained by the Present Embodiment According to this embodiment, one or more of the following advantages can be obtained.

[0086] (a) As explained in this embodiment, when a sample is measured using at least one of a plurality of types of measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. in response to a sample measurement request, the request content data in the measurement request form making the measurement request and the measurement result data in the measurement chart obtained by the measuring device 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. that performed the measurement are transferred to a checklist in a standard format that is independent of these formats. Therefore, even if there are many types of measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. and information terminal device 2 in the system and various electronic document formats are mixed in the system, the desired data can be reliably transferred to the checklist. Then, after the request content data and the measurement result data are transferred to a checklist, each piece of data is compared on the checklist. Therefore, the result of the comparison of each piece of data makes it clear whether the measurement result for the sample corresponds to the content of the measurement request. Moreover, the comparison of each piece of data can be performed with high reliability without taking an excessive amount of time by combining, for example, an RPA tool and a function function of a spreadsheet software. In other words, according to this embodiment, it is possible to compare and verify whether the measurement results for a sample correspond to the measurement request content, and this comparison and verification can be performed with high reliability without requiring excessive time.

[0087] (b) As described in this embodiment, when a measurement request is made to perform measurements using two or more of the multiple types of measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc., the measurement result data in the measurement charts obtained by each of the two or more measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. is transferred onto the checklist. In this case, the checklist may be prepared separately for each measuring device 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. or separately for each measurement chart from each measuring device, or may be a single checklist in which all of the measurement results are transferred together. In either case, all of the measurement result data from the two or more measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. is compared and collated with the request content data. Therefore, even when a sample is measured using each of the two or more measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc., it is possible to compare and collate whether or not each measurement result corresponds to the measurement request content, and this comparison and collation can be performed with high reliability without requiring excessive time. This is particularly useful when various measurements required for analyzing a sample are performed using the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. When analyzing the components of a sample, it is common to perform various measurements using various measuring devices such as SEM and TG-DTA, and analyze the sample from multiple angles based on the measurement results. In such cases, it is considered that there are many samples to be measured, and many types of measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. used to measure the samples. Even in such cases, according to this embodiment, it is possible to confirm whether the measurement results correspond to the requested measurement content without spending much time and with high reliability.

[0088] (c) As explained in this embodiment, the measurement result data in the measurement chart obtained by the measurement devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. is associated with the request content data in the original measurement request form, and a measurement report listing each of them is output. The measurement report also lists the results of comparison with each data on the checklist. In this way, according to this embodiment, the results of comparing and matching each data are also published in the measurement report, so by referring to the output result of the measurement report, it is possible to easily confirm whether the measurement result data published in the measurement report (i.e., the measurement results of the samples performed using the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, ...) corresponds to the request content of the measurement request form. Therefore, it is possible to provide extremely excellent convenience to both the requesting department that receives the output result of the measurement report and the measuring department that submits the output result of the measurement report.

[0089] (d) As described in this embodiment, the comparison of each data is performed for each item constituting the request content data and the measurement result data on the checklist. Therefore, even if the request content data and the measurement result data are composed of a plurality of items, the comparison of each data for each item is very suitable for performing the comparison with high reliability without requiring an excessive amount of time. Moreover, even if the items constituting the measurement result data of the measurement chart differ depending on the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc., this can be flexibly and appropriately handled depending on the setting of the standard format of the checklist. Therefore, the versatility of the information processing system can be sufficiently ensured.

[0090] (e) As described in this embodiment, the measurement report lists the results of comparison with each data on the checklist. This makes the results of each comparison clear at a glance, even when comparing each data item by item. Therefore, it is possible to provide extremely excellent convenience, especially when the request content data and the measurement result data are composed of multiple items. This is also true when there are multiple samples to be measured, when multiple measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. are used to measure the samples.

[0091] (f) As described in this embodiment, if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the results of the comparison of each data on the checklist, an alarm to that effect is output. By outputting such an alarm, the measurement department can quickly review the measurement content to be performed in response to the alarm output. This provides great convenience for the measurement department. Moreover, since the measurement report is not submitted to the requesting department without the sample measurement conforming to the requested content, the reliability of the measurement report can be increased, and as a result, it provides great convenience not only for the measurement department but also for the requesting department.

[0092] (g) As described in this embodiment, when comparing the request content data and the measurement result data on the checklist, corresponding data are extracted from the data storage unit 20, which is the storage location of the measurement request forms and measurement charts, based on the identification information given to the measurement request forms and measurement charts. Therefore, even if many measurement request forms and measurement charts are stored, it is possible to reliably extract those to be compared without omission. This means that multiple measurement requests can be processed simultaneously in parallel within the system. In general, it often takes a certain amount of time from when a measurement request is made using a measurement request form until the measurement results corresponding to the measurement request are obtained by the measuring devices 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. In such a case, efficient system operation cannot be performed unless multiple measurement requests can be processed simultaneously in parallel. In contrast, if corresponding measurement requests and measurement charts are extracted based on the identification information, efficient system operation can be achieved by processing multiple measurement requests simultaneously in parallel.

[0093] (5) Modifications, etc. Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been specifically described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0094] For example, in the above embodiment, specific examples of the formats of the measurement request form, measurement chart, checklist, etc. are given and explained, but it goes without saying that these are not limited to these specific examples and can be used with any format that is appropriately set. The same is true for each item that constitutes the request content data, measurement result data, etc.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the configuration of the information processing system is described using a specific example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number and type of each measuring device 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, etc. in the system can be set appropriately. The same is true for the information terminal device 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e...measuring device, 2...information terminal device, 3...processing support device, 10...computer section, 11...request form acquisition section, 12...chart acquisition section, 13...checklist judgment section, 14...report output section, 20...data storage section, 21...format information

Claims

1. 1. An information processing method used when measuring a sample using at least one of a plurality of types of measuring devices in response to a measurement request for the sample, comprising: A step of acquiring a measurement request form, which is an electronic document in which the request content data of the measurement request is written in a predetermined format; A step of acquiring a measurement chart, which is an electronic document in which measurement result data from the measurement device is written in a format specific to the measurement device; a step of transcribing the request content data in the acquired measurement request form and the measurement result data in the acquired measurement chart into a checklist, which is an electronic document in a standard format independent of the predetermined format and the inherent format, and comparing and matching the request content data and the measurement result data on the checklist; An information processing method comprising:

2. When the measurement request is for measurements to be performed using two or more of the plurality of types of measuring devices, the measurement result data in the measurement chart obtained using each of the two or more measuring devices is transferred onto the checklist. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. a step of outputting a measurement report which is an electronic document in which the measurement result data in the measurement chart obtained by the measurement using the measuring device is associated with the request content data in the original measurement request form, The measurement report also includes a comparison result between the request content data on the checklist and the measurement result data.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1.

4. On the checklist, the request content data and the measurement result data are compared and collated for each item constituting the request content data and the measurement result data. The information processing method according to claim 3.

5. The measurement report includes a list of the results of comparing the request content data on the checklist with the measurement result data. The information processing method according to claim 4.

6. and a procedure for outputting an alarm to that effect when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the result of comparing the request content data on the checklist with the measurement result data.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1.

7. When comparing and matching the request content data and the measurement result data, corresponding data are extracted from storage locations of the measurement request form and the measurement chart based on identification information given to the measurement request form and the measurement chart.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1.

8. A sample analysis method for analyzing a sample based on a measurement result of the sample, comprising: In order to obtain the measurement result, each step of the information processing method according to claim 1 or 2 is carried out. Sample analysis methods.

9. a computer used for measuring a sample using at least one of a plurality of types of measuring devices in response to a measurement request for the sample, A step of acquiring a measurement request form, which is an electronic document in which the request content data of the measurement request is written in a predetermined format; A step of acquiring a measurement chart, which is an electronic document in which measurement result data from the measurement device is written in a format specific to the measurement device; a step of transcribing the request content data in the acquired measurement request form and the measurement result data in the acquired measurement chart into a checklist, which is an electronic document in a standard format independent of the predetermined format and the inherent format, and comparing and matching the request content data and the measurement result data on the checklist; A program that executes the following.

10. A processing support device used when performing a measurement of a sample using at least one of a plurality of types of measurement devices in response to a measurement request of the sample, a request acquisition unit for acquiring a measurement request, which is an electronic document in which the measurement request content data is described in a predetermined format; a chart acquisition unit that acquires a measurement chart, which is an electronic document in which measurement result data from the measurement device is written in a format specific to the measurement device; a checklist determination unit that transfers the request content data in the measurement request form acquired by the request form acquisition unit and the measurement result data in the measurement chart acquired by the chart acquisition unit into a checklist, which is an electronic document in a standard format independent of the predetermined format and the inherent format, and compares and collates the request content data and the measurement result data on the checklist; A processing support device comprising:

Images