Method for displaying absorbance profile of absorption photometer, absorption photometer, and program

Abstract

To provide an absorbance profile display method of an absorptiometer, the absorptiometer, and a program capable of displaying an absorbance profile with time as a horizontal axis so as to be identifiable for each measured element when continuously measuring a plurality of elements by the absorptiometer.SOLUTION: Repeating, for a plurality of types of elements, a procedure of heating and atomizing a sample, a procedure of detecting a light amount of transmitted light obtained by irradiating the atomized sample with measurement light corresponding to an element to be measured, a procedure of obtaining an absorbance of the element on the basis of the detected light amount of the transmitted light and a reference light amount obtained in advance, and a procedure of generating an absorbance profile representing a temporal change in the absorbance; An absorbance profile is displayed on a screen in a display form distinguished for each measured element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer, an absorptiometer, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, the measurement results of frame atomic absorption spectrophotometers were displayed simply as a line plotting the real-time signal, with time on the horizontal axis and absorbance on the vertical axis (hereafter referred to as an absorbance profile). Conventional atomic absorption spectrophotometers measure each element individually, so displaying an absorbance profile in this manner presented no particular inconvenience. However, in recent years, flame atomic absorption spectrophotometers capable of continuous measurement of multiple elements have come into use. Because these spectrophotometers measure multiple elements continuously during the aspiration of a single sample, the signals for each element are displayed consecutively. Therefore, when performing continuous measurements using the conventional absorbance profile display format, it became difficult to distinguish which profile corresponds to which element. This also led to the problem of being unable to distinguish elements when displaying absorbance profiles on analytical instruments other than atomic absorption spectrophotometers.

[0003] Generally, a prior art for visually displaying designated elements on a profile is, for example, the technology described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that enables simultaneous display of markers corresponding to multiple elements by outputting a display command to a display means to display multiple markers indicating the logical wavelengths or positions of theoretical energy values ​​of the spectra emitted by each designated element in superimposed fashion on a profile in response to the designation of multiple elements by a designation means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-318836 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, although Patent Document 1 refers to a spectrum in which the horizontal axis represents wavelength or energy level, it does not refer to a profile in which the horizontal axis represents time.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer, which, when measuring a plurality of elements continuously with an absorptiometer, can display an absorbance profile with time on the horizontal axis in a manner that allows each measured element to be identified. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention comprises the following configurations. (1) A method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer, which displays an absorbance profile on a screen obtained by measuring the absorbance of elements contained in a sample using the absorptiometer, comprising the steps of: heating and atomizing the sample; a step of irradiating the atomized sample with measurement light corresponding to the element to be measured and detecting the amount of transmitted light obtained; determining the absorbance of the element based on the detected amount of transmitted light and a predetermined reference amount of light; generating an absorbance profile representing a change in the absorbance over time for a plurality of types of the elements; The absorbance profile is displayed on the screen in a display format distinguished for each of the elements measured. How an absorptiometer displays an absorbance profile. (2) An absorptiometer that displays an absorbance profile on a screen, the absorbance of elements contained in a sample being measured by the absorptiometer, a heating unit that heats the sample to atomize it; a spectroscopic unit that extracts measurement light corresponding to the element to be measured; a detection unit for detecting the amount of transmitted light obtained by irradiating the atomized sample with the measurement light; an absorbance calculation unit that calculates the absorbance of the element based on the detected amount of transmitted light and a reference amount of light that has been calculated in advance; a profile generating unit that generates an absorbance profile that represents a change in the absorbance over time; a display unit that displays information about the absorbance profile output from the profile generation unit on a screen; Equipped with the profile generating unit displays the absorbance profile on the screen of the display unit in a display format distinguished for each of the measured elements; Spectrophotometer. (3) A program for executing a procedure of a method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer on a screen, the method displaying an absorbance profile of an element contained in a sample measured by the absorptiometer, the program comprising: On the computer, heating and atomizing the sample; a step of irradiating the atomized sample with measurement light corresponding to the element to be measured and detecting the amount of transmitted light obtained; determining the absorbance of the element based on the detected amount of transmitted light and a predetermined reference amount of light; a step of generating an absorbance profile representing a change in absorbance over time for a plurality of types of the elements, and a step of displaying the absorbance profile on the screen in a display format distinguishable for each of the measured elements; A program to execute. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when a plurality of elements are measured consecutively using an absorptiometer, an absorbance profile with time on the horizontal axis can be displayed so that each measured element can be identified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an atomic absorption photometer. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure as an example of a method for displaying an absorbance profile of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen of an absorbance profile displayed on the display unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) partially showing an example of a display format in which the absorbance profile is made different for each measured element. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) partially showing an example of a display format in which the absorbance profile is made different for each measured element. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) partially showing an example of a display format in which the absorbance profile is made different for each measured element. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen in which the absorbance profile is color-coded for each measured element and a legend for the colors is displayed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen in which the background of the display area of ​​the absorbance profile is color-coded. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure for displaying the absorbance profile obtained by successively measuring a plurality of elements for each of a plurality of samples. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen displaying an absorbance profile obtained by the procedure shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing how only the measurement results for a specific element are selectively extracted and displayed from the information on the absorbance profile obtained by measuring a plurality of samples. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the measurement results for the specific elements shown in FIG. 11 displayed for each type of measured element, excluding the time axis information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is one embodiment for explaining the present invention and is not intended to be interpreted as limiting the present invention. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in each embodiment are necessarily essential configurations for solving the problems of the present invention. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same components are assigned the same reference numerals to indicate corresponding relationships.

[0011] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Here, an atomic absorption spectrophotometer will be used as an example of the absorptiometer, but the type of absorptiometer is not limited to this.

[0012] (Configuration of atomic absorption spectrophotometer) 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an atomic absorption photometer 100. The atomic absorption photometer 100 includes a control unit 101, an operation unit 102, a display unit 103, a storage unit 104, an IF (interface) unit 105, and a measurement unit 110.

[0013] The control unit 101 controls the entire atomic absorption photometer 100. The control unit 101, for example, instructs the measurement unit 110 to measure a sample and performs analytical processing based on the obtained measurement results. The control unit 101 may be configured to include devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 101 may be configured to implement various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 104.

[0014] Furthermore, the control unit 101 receives setting parameters and various information via the operation unit 102 and operates the atomic absorption photometer 100 based on that information. Note that in this embodiment, the control unit 101 for controlling each part of the atomic absorption photometer 100 is described as comprehensively controlling each part, but a configuration in which separate control units are provided for each part and the atomic absorption photometer 100 operates by linking these control units may also be used. Also, in this embodiment, an example of a device configuration in which the control unit 101 and the measurement unit 110 are integrated is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit (e.g., an information processing device) and the measurement unit may be configured as separate devices that link together to perform the operations described below.

[0015] The operation unit 102 has a UI (User Interface) unit for receiving various instructions and settings from a user of the atomic absorption spectrophotometer 100. The display unit 103 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel that displays measurement results, input parameters, etc. Note that a touch panel display or the like in which the operation unit 102 and display unit 103 are integrated may also be used. The memory unit 104 is a storage area that stores various programs, setting data, databases, measurement data, etc. used in measurement operations in the atomic absorption spectrophotometer 100. The memory unit 104 is configured by a storage device including, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and memories such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The IF unit 105 is an input / output interface configured by a communication unit or the like that communicates with external devices.

[0016] The measurement unit 110 measures the sample based on instructions from the control unit 101. The measurement unit 110 includes a hollow cathode lamp 111, a burner 112, a diffraction grating 113, a slit 114, and a detector 115. In addition, a plurality of reflecting members are installed on the optical path of the light from the hollow cathode lamp 111, which is the light source.

[0017] The hollow cathode lamp 111 functions as a light source for the measurement unit 110 and is detachably attached to a fixed socket. The hollow cathode lamp 111 is a hollow cathode lamp that emits an emission line spectrum specific to the metal element used in the hollow cathode, and there are multiple types of lamps available depending on the type of element used in the cathode. In this embodiment, multiple types of hollow cathode lamps 111 can be installed simultaneously, and the hollow cathode lamp 111 to be used can be switched depending on the element to be measured. The hollow cathode lamps 111 control the amount and timing of light emission based on instructions from the control unit 101.

[0018] The burner 112 has the function of burning the sample to be measured and converting it into an atomic state, and operates as an atomization unit using the so-called flame method. Here, the flame method will be described as an example of the sample atomization method, but the present invention is not limited to this. Other atomization methods include, for example, the graphite furnace method, the hydride generation method, and the reduction vaporization method. The sample atomized by the burner 112 is irradiated with light of an emission line spectrum from the hollow cathode lamp 111.

[0019] The diffraction grating 113 functions as a spectroscope and separates light to obtain monochromatic light of a desired wavelength. The diffraction grating 113 is configured to be able to adjust the light receiving angle under the control of the control unit 101. More specifically, the diffraction grating 113 is attached to a rotation drive mechanism (not shown), and extracts monochromatic light of a desired wavelength from incident light by changing the direction of the grating plane of the diffraction grating 113 through the rotation drive mechanism. The rotation drive mechanism includes, for example, a motor and a speed reducer. Note that while the example of the spectroscope shown in FIG. 1 illustrates a reflective diffraction grating, a transmissive diffraction grating, or a spectroscopic element such as a prism may also be used. The slit 114 adjusts the resolution of the measurement unit 110. The slit 114 is configured to function in both the optical paths before and after the diffraction grating 113, and adjusts the resolution of the measurement unit 110 on each optical path. The detector 115 receives the light from the slit 114 and detects the amount of light. The parameter of the detected amount of light is notified to the control unit 101.

[0020] Therefore, in the measurement unit 110 of the atomic absorption spectrophotometer 100 according to this embodiment, the light of the bright line spectrum emitted from the hollow cathode lamp 111 forms an optical path that passes through the sample atomized by the burner 112, the slit 114, the diffraction grating 113, the slit 114, and the detector 115 in this order.

[0021] (control parameters) The atomic absorption spectrophotometer 100 (flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer) of this embodiment is capable of continuously measuring multiple elements in a single sample, and appropriate control parameters are set during measurement depending on the element to be measured. The control parameters include various setting items, such as the measurement wavelength, the slit width of the slit 114, the flow rate of the fuel gas in the burner 112, the type of hollow cathode lamp 111 used for measurement, the lighting current of the hollow cathode lamp 111, and the applied voltage to the detector 115. Note that the setting items are not limited to these and may include other setting items.

[0022] Specific examples of changing the control parameters for each setting item as described above include adjusting the flow rate of fuel gas supplied to burner 112 using a valve (not shown) or mechanically controlling the angle of diffraction grating 113 when setting a measurement wavelength depending on the element to be measured. Furthermore, by performing various operations such as changing the slit width by rotating slit 114, attaching or detaching hollow cathode lamp 111 or adjusting the lighting current by a current adjuster (not shown), and changing the voltage applied to detector 115 by a voltage adjuster (not shown), atomic absorption photometer 100 changes the measurement conditions according to each control parameter.

[0023] First Embodiment (control processing) The absorbance measurement using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer of this embodiment is generally carried out in the following steps (1) to (5). (1) Heat the sample to atomize the elements. (2) Irradiate the atomized element with measurement light corresponding to the element to be measured, and detect the transmitted light. (3) The absorbance of the element is determined based on the detected amount of transmitted light and a predetermined reference amount of light. (4) Generate an absorbance profile that shows the change in absorbance over time. (5) Repeat steps (2) and (3) above for multiple types of the elements. (6) The absorbance profile is displayed on the screen in a format that distinguishes each measured element.

[0024] 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for displaying an absorbance profile of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The steps of this processing flow may be executed by the control unit 101 shown in FIG. 1 reading out and executing a program stored in the storage unit 104, or may be executed manually.

[0025] First, the control unit 101 receives instructions related to the measurement and sets the measurement conditions (step S1, hereinafter abbreviated as S1). The instructions related to the measurement here include designation of the measurement elements, the measurement order, etc. The measurement element is not particularly limited, and at least one of 69 metal elements (Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Te, Cs, Ba, La, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Th, and U) is specified. The measurement instruction may be generated, for example, by the control unit 101 providing a user with a UI (User Interface) screen via the display unit 103 and based on information input by the user viewing the UI screen. Alternatively, instructions regarding measurement may be received based on information registered in a preset list.

[0026] Then, the control unit 101 sets the measurement order and control parameters for the specified measurement elements based on the acquired instruction. If the control parameters corresponding to the measurement elements described above are stored as a database (DB) in the storage unit 104, the control unit 101 may read out the control parameters corresponding to the measurement elements specified in S1 from the storage unit 104 and set them.

[0027] Next, control unit 101 adjusts each component of measurement unit 110 according to the set measurement order of the measurement elements and control parameters (S2). That is, measurement unit 110 adjusts the type of hollow cathode lamp 111 used for measurement, the lighting current of hollow cathode lamp 111, the measurement wavelength set by diffraction grating 113, the slit width of slit 114, the flow rate of fuel gas in burner 112, the applied voltage to detector 115, and the like, so as to achieve measurement conditions according to the measurement element to be measured first.

[0028] Once the adjustment is complete, the measurement unit 110 detects a reference light intensity, which serves as a reference for the light intensity, using the detector 115 (S3). This reference light intensity is the light intensity detected when a blank solution not containing the element to be measured, such as pure water, is supplied, and for example, the light intensity of the measurement wavelength emitted from a hollow cathode lamp is detected. Information about this reference light intensity is input to the control unit 101 and incorporated as information about the baseline BL1 (see FIG. 2) of the absorbance profile.

[0029] Then, the measurement unit 110 mixes the atomized sample with fuel gas (and combustion supporting gas) and sends the mixture to the burner 112, where the sample is heated by the flame of the burner 112 and the elements are atomized (S4).

[0030] Next, measurement unit 110 starts outputting the detection data detected by detector 115 to control unit 101 (S5). That is, the transmitted light obtained by irradiating the flame containing the sample with the light emitted from hollow cathode lamp 111 is detected by detector 115 via slit 114 and diffraction grating 113. Then, control unit 101 receives the measurement result of the detected light amount output from detector 115, and starts measuring the absorbance based on the obtained detection data (S6).

[0031] The control unit 101 measures absorbance by identifying detection data such as the type of measurement element (S7) and sequentially generating absorbance profiles in a display format corresponding to the type of measurement element in a predetermined measurement order of the measurement elements. The absorbance profile information generated by the control unit 101 is output to the display unit 103, which displays the input absorbance profile information on a monitor (S8). The measurement operation by the measurement unit 110 and control unit 101 continues in real time for a predetermined measurement period for each measurement element, outputting detection data, and generating and displaying an absorbance profile Prf. After the predetermined measurement period, if there is a next measurement element to be measured, preparation for measurement of that element begins, and the above measurement operation is repeated until measurement of all measurement elements is completed (S9, S10).

[0032] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen DS1 of the absorbance profile Prf displayed on the display unit 103. The display screen DS1 shown here includes a graph of the absorbance profile Prf, with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing absorbance. Here, the period from time t0 to t1 is a transient period Tp until the detection data stabilizes, and is not treated as absorbance measurement data for the measured element (first measured element: Ni).

[0033] On the display screen DS1, the absorbance profile Prf is distinguished by a different color for each type of measured element. For example, if the measurement order of the elements to be measured is Ni, Na, Cd, Pb, K, and Cr, the portion of the absorbance profile Prf corresponding to the measured element Ni is displayed in black (Bk). Furthermore, Na, which will be measured subsequently, is displayed in red (RD), Cd in blue (BL), Pb in purple (VL), K in green (GR), and Cr in pink (PK). Note that, for the sake of simplicity, in FIG. 4, the absorbance profile Prf of each measured element is shown schematically with a thick solid line at a constant absorbance, but in reality, a profile representing the same measured value as the transient period Tp is displayed.

[0034] After measuring the first measurement element (Ni) and displaying the absorbance profile Prf in the above-described measurement and display procedure, the measurement unit 110 adjusts each part of the measurement unit 110 to the measurement conditions for the next measurement element (Na) in accordance with the predetermined measurement order of the measurement elements (S10).Then, the measurement unit 110, the control unit 101, and the display unit 103 repeat the steps (S4 to S8) for atomizing the various measurement elements described above and displaying the absorbance profile Prf.

[0035] After the measurement of all the measurement elements is completed, the measurement unit 110 preferably detects a reference light intensity, which serves as a reference for the light intensity, using the detector 115 (S11). This reference light intensity, together with the result of the measurement in step S3, is incorporated as information on the baseline BL2 (see FIG. 3) of the absorbance profile Prf.

[0036] After the above steps are performed, the entire absorbance profile Prf shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 103. According to this display format of the absorbance profile Prf, even when multiple elements are measured consecutively, the absorbance profile Prf is displayed in a different color for each element. In other words, because the absorbance profile Prf is displayed in a format that distinguishes each element, the user can clearly distinguish the measurement results for each element. As a result, even when multiple elements are measured consecutively, the measurement results for each element can be easily identified, preventing the user from misidentifying the type of element being measured. Furthermore, because the measurement results for multiple elements for the same sample can be viewed together, it is easy to determine whether the intensity of the absorbance profile Prf relative to the baseline BsL (the line connecting baselines BL1 and BL2) is attributable to the sample. Furthermore, by displaying the transient period Tp during the initial measurement period in the absorbance profile Prf, the reliability of the measurement results for the elements can be easily confirmed.

[0037] The color coding of the measurement elements is preferably such that the greater the difference in at least one of hue, saturation, and brightness between adjacent colors in the measurement order, the easier it is to distinguish them.

[0038] 4 to 6 are explanatory diagrams partially illustrating examples of display formats in which the absorbance profile Prf is displayed differently for each measured element. In addition to displaying the absorbance profile Prf in different colors in the ranges C1, C2, and C3 for each measured element, as in the display screen DS1 shown in FIG. 4, the absorbance profile Prf may also be displayed in a format in which a different line type is used for each measured element, as in the display screen DS2 shown in FIG. 5. Examples of line types include solid lines, dotted lines, dashed lines, one-dot chain lines, and two-dot chain lines, and the line thickness may also be different. In this case, since the measurement order is known, the different colors and line types of the absorbance profile Prf make it possible to read the timing at which the measured element was switched, and it becomes clear which part of the absorbance profile Prf represents the measurement result of which element.

[0039] Furthermore, a label indicating the element name for each measured element may be displayed, as in the display screen DS3 shown in Fig. 6. For example, the measured portions of the absorbance profile Prf for each element, Ni, Na, and Cd, may be indicated by a leader line or arrow, and the name, symbol, mark, etc. of the measured element may be displayed at the base of the leader line or arrow. In other words, identification information corresponding to the measured element is added to the absorbance profile Prf and displayed. In Fig. 6, the measured elements "Ni," "Na," and "Cd" are displayed, which allows the user to easily understand the absorbance profile Prf corresponding to the measured element.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen DS4 in which the absorbance profile Prf is color-coded for each measured element and a legend 11 for each color is displayed. As in FIG. 3, FIG. 7 also uses bold lines to schematically represent the color coding of the absorbance profile Prf. However, in reality, the display color of the absorbance profile Prf is different for each measured element. The absorbance profile Prf itself is the same as that shown in FIG. 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In this display screen DS4, the legend 11 as identification information is displayed in the order in which each measured element was measured, from top to bottom. Displaying all measured elements in the legend 11 from the start of measurement allows the user to easily grasp the progress of the measurement, such as the position of the currently measured element in the overall measurement. Alternatively, only measured elements may be displayed in the legend 11; the display format is not particularly limited.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a display screen DS5 in which the background of the display region of the absorbance profile Prf is color-coded. As described above, the absorbance profile Prf is displayed on the display screen sequentially along the horizontal axis (time axis) in the measurement order of the measurement elements as the measurement progresses. In this display screen DS5, the background (base) of the display intervals for each measurement element arranged along the horizontal axis, such as between t1 and t2, between t2 and t3, and between t3 and t4 shown in FIG. 3, is displayed in a different color depending on the measurement element. As a result, the absorbance profile Prf is displayed sequentially on a background of a different color for each measurement element. In this case, the absorbance profile Prf may be displayed in a single color as in the past, or in a color that is easy to see depending on the background color. In addition to using different colors for the backgrounds as described above, it is also possible to use different densities (shades) or patterns (e.g., grid patterns, checkerboard patterns, etc.), or to use different colors, densities, or patterns.

[0042] The display of the absorbance profile Prf may be appropriately combined with the above-mentioned color coding, change of line type, label, legend, background, and other displays.

[0043] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, an example of a procedure for continuously measuring a plurality of elements in one sample was described. Next, in the second embodiment, an example of a procedure for continuously measuring a plurality of elements in each of a plurality of samples will be described.

[0044] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for displaying an absorbance profile Prf obtained by successively measuring a plurality of elements for each of a plurality of samples. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen DS6 displaying an absorbance profile Prf obtained by the procedure shown in Fig. 9.

[0045] The flowchart shown in Fig. 9 is the same as the flowchart shown in Fig. 2, except that it includes step S21 for measuring multiple measurement samples in setting the measurement conditions, and that multiple samples are measured consecutively in steps S22, S23, and S24 (S24 is the same as S11) after steps S2 to S9 shown in Fig. 2 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, only S21 and the steps from S22 onwards will be described here.

[0046] In this embodiment, in S21, the number of samples to be measured is set, and the measurement elements described above are specified and the measurement order for each element is set. Then, after measurement of all planned elements for the first sample is completed (S10), the measured sample is replaced with the next prepared sample (S22, S23). Next, in the same procedure as for the first sample, the measurement unit 110 is adjusted according to the measurement elements (S10), and the processes of steps S4 to S9 are performed. Then, absorbance profiles Prf for multiple samples and multiple elements are generated sequentially and continuously, and the generated absorbance profiles Prf are displayed on the display unit 103.

[0047] Thus, the results of measurements of multiple elements for, for example, five samples SP1 to SP5 are displayed on the display screen DS6 shown in FIG. 10. The absorbance profile Prf on the display screen DS6 lists the measurement results for the samples SP1 to SP5 in the order of measurement, and the measurement results for each sample are listed in the order of measurement for multiple elements. In this way, the absorbance profile Prf is a continuous profile of measurement results for multiple elements, the number of which is equal to the number of samples. Even in this case, the absorbance profile Prf is displayed on the screen in a manner that distinguishes each element, such as by color-coding each measured element, so that the user can easily identify the type of measured element. Furthermore, the measured samples SP1 to SP5 can be easily identified from the repetition period of the color-coded profiles arranged in the order of measurement. The first sample SP1 may be used as a sample for setting the baseline BsL.

[0048] The above is an example of a display format in which the absorbance profile Prf is color-coded, but the display format may also be one in which the line type is changed, labels, legends, backgrounds, etc. as described above are displayed, or these may be combined appropriately.

[0049] The atomic absorption spectrophotometer of this embodiment has a function of displaying the absorbance profile Prf generated by the control unit 101 on the display unit 103 in real time while measuring a plurality of samples in the measurement unit 110. In addition, the control unit 101 may further have a function of storing information about the obtained absorbance profile Prf as profile data in the storage unit 104 after measuring a plurality of samples, and reading out the profile data after the measurement and reproducing and displaying it on the display unit 103.

[0050] In this case, profile data may be generated that stores information about the absorbance profile Prf in a display format distinguished for each measured element, such as by color coding. Alternatively, information such as detection data for the absorbance profile Prf may be generated as profile data, and information for changing the display format for each measured element may be generated separately as metadata. In the latter case, the display format information does not affect the original measured absorbance data, so the display format can be easily changed to any other display format, improving the convenience of checking data after measurement.

[0051] Furthermore, the content of the reproduced display of the absorbance profile Prf stored in the profile data can be in various forms. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing how only the measurement results for a specific element are selectively extracted and displayed from the information on the absorbance profiles obtained by measuring multiple samples. In the playback display example shown here, the control unit 101 reads out the profile data stored in the storage unit 104, extracts only the measurement results for Ni from the stored absorbance profile Prf, and displays it with the horizontal axis position unchanged. The type of element to be displayed can be set arbitrarily, and the samples to be displayed can also be set arbitrarily.

[0052] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the measurement results for specific elements shown in Figure 11, displayed for each type of measured element, excluding time axis information. In this case, too, the type of element to be displayed can be set arbitrarily, and the samples to be displayed can also be set arbitrarily. This display format makes it easy to compare the measurement results for the desired elements of each sample.

[0053] <Other embodiments> The configuration of the atomic absorption spectrophotometer 100 shown in the above embodiment is merely an example, and the atomic absorption spectrophotometer 100 may further include additional components to improve measurement accuracy, measurement sensitivity, and the like. For example, the atomic absorption spectrophotometer 100 may further include a magnetic field generator for generating the Zeeman effect. By performing correction using the Zeeman effect, the signal stabilization time can be shortened, thereby shortening the measurement time (the time required for stabilization) and ensuring data stability. Note that the magnetic field generator for generating the Zeeman effect may be configured using a known configuration, and may include, for example, a permanent magnet.

[0054] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment has been described using an atomic absorption photometer 100 as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) may also be used. In this ICP optical emission spectrometer, for example, argon plasma at 6000 to 10000 K is used as the light source, and an atomized solution sample is introduced into the plasma to emit an element-specific spectrum. The type of contained element is identified from the emitted spectrum, and the element concentration is determined from the light emission intensity. In this device, when multiple elements are continuously measured and the measurement results are displayed with time as the horizontal axis, the display format of the absorbance profile described above can be changed for each element, allowing the user to clearly distinguish the measurement results for each element when multiple elements are continuously measured.

[0055] Furthermore, in the present invention, a program (or application) for realizing the functions of one or more of the above-mentioned embodiments can be supplied to a device using a network or a storage medium, etc., and one or more processors in the computer of the device can read and execute the program.

[0056] Furthermore, instead of a program, the functions may be realized by a circuit that realizes one or more functions, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0057] As such, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention also contemplates the mutual combination of the various components of the embodiments, as well as modifications and applications by those skilled in the art based on the description in the specification and well-known techniques, and these modifications and applications are included in the scope of protection sought.

[0058] As described above, the present specification discloses the following: (1) A method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer, which displays an absorbance profile on a screen obtained by measuring the absorbance of elements contained in a sample using the absorptiometer, comprising the steps of: heating and atomizing the sample; a step of irradiating the atomized sample with measurement light corresponding to the element to be measured and detecting the amount of transmitted light obtained; determining the absorbance of the element based on the detected amount of transmitted light and a predetermined reference amount of light; generating an absorbance profile representing a change in the absorbance over time for a plurality of types of the elements; The absorbance profile is displayed on the screen in a display format distinguished for each of the elements measured. How an absorptiometer displays an absorbance profile. According to this configuration, when a plurality of elements are measured consecutively using an absorptiometer, an absorbance profile with time on the horizontal axis can be displayed on the screen in a display format that allows each measured element to be identified.

[0059] (2) repeatedly generating the absorbance profile for each of the plurality of samples; The absorbance profile display method for an absorptiometer according to (1), further comprising: displaying on the screen an integrated profile in which the generated plurality of absorbance profiles are arranged in the order of measurement. With this configuration, the absorbance profiles of multiple samples are displayed on the screen in the order of measurement, allowing the user to easily identify the type of element being measured. Furthermore, the user can easily identify the measured sample from the repetition period of the profiles arranged in the order of measurement.

[0060] (3) The method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer according to (1) or (2), wherein the display format includes a format in which the absorbance profile is displayed in a different color for each element. According to this configuration, the absorbance profile is displayed on the screen in a different color for each element, making it easier for the user to visually recognize the measurement results for each element.

[0061] (4) The method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the display format includes a format in which the absorbance profile is displayed using a different line type for each element. According to this configuration, the absorbance profile is displayed on the screen using a different line type for each element, making it easier for the user to visually recognize the measurement results for each element.

[0062] (5) The method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the display format includes a format in which identification information corresponding to the element is added to the absorbance profile and displayed. According to this configuration, the identification information for each element is displayed on the screen, making it easier for the user to visually recognize the measurement results for each element.

[0063] (6) The method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the display format includes a format in which the background of the display portion for each element is displayed in at least one of a different color, density, and pattern. According to this configuration, a different background is displayed on the screen for each element, making it easier for the user to visually recognize the measurement results for each element.

[0064] (7) The reference light amount is detected either before the measurement of the element to be measured first, or both before the measurement of the element to be measured first and after the measurement of the element to be measured last, The method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the detection result of the reference light amount is included in the absorbance profile. According to this configuration, by including information on the reference light intensity in the absorbance profile, the user can grasp the amount of change from the baseline when the absorbance profile is displayed, which allows the user to easily determine whether the intensity of the absorbance profile is derived from the sample.

[0065] (8) storing profile data including information on the absorbance profile obtained by measuring the absorbance of the plurality of elements in a storage unit; The absorbance profile display method for an absorptiometer according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the absorbance profile data is read from the storage unit and is reproduced and displayed on the screen. According to this configuration, by storing the profile data in the storage unit, the profile data can be read out at any time and the absorbance profile can be reproduced and displayed on the screen.

[0066] (9) extracting information on the absorbance profile of a portion corresponding to the designated element from the profile data read from the storage unit; The absorbance profile display method for an absorptiometer according to (8), wherein the extracted information of the absorbance profile is reproduced and displayed on the screen. According to this configuration, the information on the absorbance profile of the specified element can be selectively reproduced and displayed on the screen, making it easier to compare the measurement results for the element to be confirmed.

[0067] (10) An absorptiometer that displays an absorbance profile on a screen obtained by measuring the absorbance of elements contained in a sample using the absorptiometer, a heating unit that heats the sample to atomize it; a spectroscopic unit that extracts measurement light corresponding to the element to be measured; a detection unit for detecting the amount of transmitted light obtained by irradiating the atomized sample with the measurement light; an absorbance calculation unit that calculates the absorbance of the element based on the detected amount of transmitted light and a reference amount of light that has been calculated in advance; a profile generating unit that generates an absorbance profile that represents a change in the absorbance over time; a display unit that displays information about the absorbance profile output from the profile generation unit on a screen; Equipped with the profile generating unit displays the absorbance profile on the screen of the display unit in a display format distinguished for each of the measured elements; Spectrophotometer. According to this configuration, when multiple types of elements are measured continuously using an absorptiometer, the absorbance profile generated by the profile generation unit can be displayed on the screen of the display unit in a display format that allows each measured element to be identified.

[0068] (11) A program for executing a procedure of a method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer on a screen, the method comprising: On the computer, heating and atomizing the sample; a step of irradiating the atomized sample with measurement light corresponding to the element to be measured and detecting the amount of transmitted light obtained; determining the absorbance of the element based on the detected amount of transmitted light and a predetermined reference amount of light; a step of generating an absorbance profile representing a change in absorbance over time for a plurality of types of the elements, and a step of displaying the absorbance profile on the screen in a display format distinguishable for each of the measured elements; A program to execute. According to this configuration, when a plurality of types of elements are measured consecutively with an absorptiometer, the absorbance profile can be displayed on the screen in a display format that allows each measured element to be identified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 11 Legend 100 Atomic Absorption Photometer 101 Control section 102 Operation section 103 Display section 104 Storage section 105 IF Section 110 Measuring section 111 Hollow cathode lamp 112 Burner 113 Diffraction Grating 114 Slit 115 detector BsL Baseline DS1,DS2,DS3,DS4,DS5,DS6 display screen Prf absorbance profile

Claims

1. 1. A method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer, the method comprising: heating and atomizing the sample; a step of irradiating the atomized sample with measurement light corresponding to the element to be measured and detecting the amount of transmitted light obtained; determining the absorbance of the element based on the detected amount of transmitted light and a predetermined reference amount of light; generating an absorbance profile representing a change in the absorbance over time for a plurality of types of the elements; The absorbance profile is displayed on the screen in a display format distinguished for each of the elements measured. How an absorptiometer displays an absorbance profile.

2. repeatedly generating the absorbance profile for each of a plurality of the samples; an integrated profile in which the generated plurality of absorbance profiles are arranged in the order of measurement is displayed on the screen; The method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer according to claim 1.

3. The display format includes a format in which the absorbance profile is displayed in a different color for each element.

3. The method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The display format includes a format in which the absorbance profile is displayed using a different line type for each element.

3. The method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The display format includes a format in which identification information corresponding to the element is added to the absorbance profile and displayed.

3. The method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The display form includes a form in which the background of the display portion for each element is displayed in at least one of a different color, density, and pattern.

3. The method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The reference light amount is detected either before measuring the element to be measured first, or both before measuring the element to be measured first and after measuring the element to be measured last; The detection result of the reference light amount is included in the absorbance profile.

3. The method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer according to claim 1 or 2.

8. storing profile data including information on the absorbance profile obtained by measuring the absorbance of the plurality of elements in a storage unit; the absorbance profile data is read from the storage unit and is reproduced and displayed on the screen.

3. The method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer according to claim 1 or 2.

9. extracting information on the absorbance profile of a portion corresponding to the specified element from the profile data read from the storage unit; The extracted information of the absorbance profile is reproduced and displayed on the screen. The method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer according to claim 8.

10. An absorptiometer that displays an absorbance profile on a screen, the absorbance of an element contained in a sample being measured by the absorptiometer, a heating unit that heats the sample to atomize it; a spectroscopic unit that extracts measurement light corresponding to the element to be measured; a detection unit for detecting the amount of transmitted light obtained by irradiating the atomized sample with the measurement light; an absorbance calculation unit that calculates the absorbance of the element based on the detected amount of transmitted light and a reference amount of light that has been calculated in advance; a profile generating unit that generates an absorbance profile that represents a change in the absorbance over time; a display unit that displays information about the absorbance profile output from the profile generation unit on a screen; Equipped with the profile generating unit displays the absorbance profile on the screen of the display unit in a display format distinguished for each of the measured elements; Spectrophotometer.

11. A program for executing a procedure of a method for displaying an absorbance profile of an absorptiometer on a screen, the method comprising: On the computer, heating and atomizing the sample; a step of irradiating the atomized sample with measurement light corresponding to the element to be measured and detecting the amount of transmitted light obtained; determining the absorbance of the element based on the detected amount of transmitted light and a predetermined reference amount of light; a step of generating an absorbance profile representing a change in absorbance over time for a plurality of types of the elements, and a step of displaying the absorbance profile on the screen in a display format distinguishable for each of the measured elements; A program to execute.

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