Atomic absorption spectrophotometer

Abstract

When analyzing multiple samples consecutively using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, the system allows users to easily understand the correspondence between the peaks on the real-time graph and each of the samples. [Solution] An atomic absorption spectrophotometer comprising: an absorbance measuring unit that measures absorbance by passing measurement light through a predetermined space; an atomization unit that generates atomic vapor in the space by heating the sample to be measured; a sample introduction unit that introduces the sample to be measured into the atomization unit; and a display control unit that displays a graph (611) on the screen of a display device in real time, showing the time change of absorbance measured by the absorbance measuring unit over a period from the start to the end of a series of analyses in which each of a plurality of samples is the sample to be measured, and superimposes sample marks (615), which are marks corresponding to each of the plurality of samples, on the graph at positions corresponding to the measurement timing of each of the plurality of samples.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Background Art

[0002] An atomic absorption spectrophotometer is an apparatus that measures the concentration of a predetermined element in a sample by heating the sample to atomize it and measuring the absorption of light by the atoms. When analyzing a plurality of samples using such an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, a sample table describing what samples are to be measured in what order is registered in advance by a user. Thereafter, in accordance with the description in the sample table, each of the plurality of samples is sequentially introduced into the atomization unit, and absorbance values within a predetermined time range after each sample is introduced into the atomization unit are acquired as measurement data. Then, the concentration of the element to be measured in each sample is determined based on the measurement data acquired for each sample.

[0003] Some conventional atomic absorption spectrophotometers are provided with a function to display not only the measurement data acquisition period as described above (that is, the predetermined time range after each sample is introduced into the atomization unit), but also a graph that represents the change in absorbance in real time from the start to the end of a series of measurements registered in the sample table (hereinafter referred to as a real-time graph) (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). By referring to such a real-time graph, a user can grasp the overall trend of absorbance in the series of measurements (for example, baseline fluctuation), or compare the peak of each sample with the peaks of preceding and following samples to check for any abnormal data.

Prior Art Document

Non-Patent Document

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0005] In atomic absorption spectrophotometers equipped with a real-time graph display function as described above, the real-time graph becomes longer as the measurement time increases, such as when analyzing a large number of samples. Therefore, some conventional atomic absorption spectrophotometers automatically delete the absorbance data used for generating the real-time graph in chronological order, displaying only the most recent data within a predetermined time range. However, in this case, it becomes impossible to refer to data older than the most recent predetermined time range.

[0006] Therefore, some systems store all absorbance data for real-time graph generation without erasing it, allowing the user to scroll the real-time graph to display a graph for a desired time range. However, the real-time graph displays multiple peaks corresponding to multiple samples, and each peak has a similar shape. As a result, when the user performs the aforementioned scrolling operation, it becomes difficult to determine which sample the currently displayed peak belongs to.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its objective is to enable the user to easily grasp the correspondence between peaks on a real-time graph and each of the multiple samples when analyzing multiple samples consecutively using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to the present invention, which was developed to solve the above problems, An absorbance measuring unit that measures absorbance by passing measurement light through a predetermined space, An atomization unit that generates atomic vapor originating from the sample to be measured in a predetermined space by heating the sample to be measured, The atomization section includes a sample introduction section for introducing the sample to be measured, A display control unit displays a graph in real time on the screen of a display device that shows the time change of absorbance measured by the absorbance measurement unit over a period from the start to the end of a series of analyses in which each of the multiple samples is the sample to be measured, and superimposes sample marks, which are marks corresponding to each of the multiple samples, on the graph at positions corresponding to the measurement timing of each of the multiple samples. It possesses the following characteristics. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the atomic absorption spectrophotometer of the present invention having the above configuration, when analyzing multiple samples consecutively, the user can easily grasp the correspondence between the peaks on the real-time graph and each of the multiple samples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the initial state of the measurement screen in the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. [Figure 4] This figure shows the state after sample information has been entered into the sample table on the measurement screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows the state in which graph drawing has started in the real-time graph display area of ​​the measurement screen. [Figure 6] This figure shows the graph with operation marks added. [Figure 7]This figure shows the graph with sample marks added to it. [Figure 8] This figure shows the graph with additional measurement period markers added. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the screen display when a sample mark attached to the graph is selected on the measurement screen. [Figure 10] This figure shows another example of the screen display when a sample mark attached to the graph is selected on the measurement screen. [Figure 11] This figure shows the state in which the sample mark is selected from the pull-down menu on the measurement screen. [Figure 12] This figure shows the display state of the graph after selecting a sample mark from the aforementioned pull-down menu. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to this embodiment. This atomic absorption spectrophotometer includes an atomization unit 100 that atomizes a sample, a light source unit 200 that emits light toward the atomized sample, a spectrometer 301 that spectrally analyzes the light absorbed by atoms, a photodetector 302 that detects light of a predetermined wavelength obtained by the spectrometer 301, an amplifier 303 that amplifies the output signal from the photodetector 302, an A / D converter 304 that converts the output signal from the amplifier 303 into digital data, and a control / processing unit 400 that controls each of the above units and processes the digital data.

[0012] The atomization unit 100 includes a chamber 101, a nebulizer 102 for atomizing the sample liquid, a sample suction tube 103 connected to the nebulizer 102, a fuel gas supply unit 104 for supplying fuel gas (e.g., acetylene) into the chamber 101, a combustion support gas supply unit 105 for supplying combustion support gas (e.g., air or nitrous oxide) to the nebulizer 102, and a burner head 107 that forms a flame 106 by blowing upward and burning the atomized sample liquid, fuel gas, and combustion support gas mixed in the chamber 101.

[0013] The combustion-supporting gas not only functions to support combustion, but also acts as a nebulizer gas for nebulizing the sample liquid. That is, in a state where the tip of the sample suction tube 103 is inserted into the sample container 108, when the combustion-supporting gas is supplied from the combustion-supporting gas supply unit 105 to the nebulizer 102, the combustion-supporting gas is ejected into the chamber 101, and due to the negative pressure generated thereby, the sample liquid in the sample container 108 is drawn up into the nebulizer 102 through the sample suction tube 103 and nebulized into the chamber 101. That is, the combustion-supporting gas supply unit 105, the nebulizer 102 and the sample suction tube 103 in the present embodiment correspond to the sample introduction unit in the present invention.

[0014] The light source unit 200 is provided with a measurement light source 201 (for example, a hollow cathode lamp) that emits measurement light including the emission line spectrum of the resonance line of the element to be measured, a correction light source 202 (for example, a deuterium lamp) that emits light including a continuous spectrum (continuous light) for background correction, and a half mirror 203. The measurement light emitted from the measurement light source 201 passes through the half mirror 203 and enters the space above the burner head 107 (hereinafter referred to as the atomization space 110). This atomization space 110 corresponds to the predetermined space in the present invention. On the other hand, the continuous light emitted from the correction light source 202 is reflected by the half mirror 203 and enters the atomization space 110 coaxially with the measurement light. The measurement light source 201 and the correction light source 202 are configured to be pulse-lit alternately, and the measurement light from the measurement light source 201 and the continuous light from the correction light source 202 are alternately detected by the photodetector 302 through the atomization space 110 and the spectroscopic unit 301, and a time division multiplexed (TDM) signal is output from the photodetector 302.

[0015] The control and processing unit 400 includes, as functional blocks, an analysis control unit 401, an absorbance calculation unit 402, a real-time graph generation unit 404, a measurement data acquisition unit 405, a mark generation unit 408, and a display control unit 409. Further, the control and processing unit 400 includes an absorbance storage unit 403, a measurement data storage unit 406, and a sample information storage unit 407.

[0016] The control and processing unit 400 is a computer such as a personal computer equipped with a CPU, memory, and a large-capacity storage device (HDD or SSD, etc.), and the functions of each of the above-described functional blocks are realized by executing a predetermined program pre-installed on the computer using the CPU. The absorbance storage unit 403, the measurement data storage unit 406, and the sample information storage unit 407 are located within the large-capacity storage device provided in the computer. The computer constituting the control and processing unit 400 is connected to a display unit 501 including a liquid crystal display, and an operation unit 502 including a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, or predetermined operation buttons.

[0017] The operation of the atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 2. First, the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 502, instructing the control / processing unit 400 to display the measurement screen 600. As a result, under the control of the display control unit 409, the measurement screen 600 shown in Figure 3 is displayed on the screen of the display unit 501 (Step 1). This measurement screen 600 includes a real-time graph display area 610, a measurement profile display area 620, a calibration curve display area 630, and a sample table display area 640. The measurement profile display area 620 is an area where measurement data acquired by the measurement data acquisition unit 405, which will be described later, is displayed, and the calibration curve display area 630 is an area where a calibration curve created by measuring a standard sample, which will be described later, is displayed, but since it is not directly related to the present invention, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0018] The user inputs information for each sample into the sample table 641 in the sample table display area 640 for the analysis of multiple samples to be performed (hereinafter referred to as a series of analyses) via the operation unit 502 (Step 2). Here, we will explain using as an example the case in which the series of analyses involves measuring three standard samples containing the target element at different concentrations and five unknown samples in which the concentration of the target element is unknown.

[0019] Figure 4 shows an example of input into the sample table 641 in step 2. For simplification, the figure omits illustrations of all areas included in the measurement screen 600 except for the sample table display area 640. The sample table 641 is a table that describes which samples to analyze and in what order, with each row corresponding to one sample. The first column of each row is pre-filled with an analysis number indicating the order in which the analyses will be performed. The second column of each row allows input of the sample type, the third column of the sample ID, and the fourth column of the set concentration. Here, the sample type distinguishes whether the sample is a standard sample (STD) or an unknown sample (UNK), and the sample ID is a unique identifier for each sample. The set concentration is the concentration (known) of the target element contained in each standard sample. The fourth and fifth columns of each row are automatically filled with the concentration and absorbance of the sample obtained from the measurement after the measurement of each sample has been performed. The contents entered into the sample table 641 are stored in the sample information storage unit 407.

[0020] Next, the user instructs the burner head 107 of the atomization unit 100 to ignite via the control unit 502. As a result, under the control of the analysis control unit 401, fuel gas and combustion-supporting gas are supplied from the fuel gas supply unit 104 and the combustion-supporting gas supply unit 105 to the chamber 101, and these gases (mixed gas) mixed in the chamber 101 are ejected from the burner head 107. Then, by igniting the mixed gas using an ignition mechanism (not shown), the mixed gas is burned, and a flame 106 is formed in the atomization space 110.

[0021] Next, the user instructs the light source unit 200 to light up via the operation unit 502. This initiates pulsed lighting of the measurement light source 201 and the correction light source 202, and light from these light sources 201 and 202 is alternately emitted from the light source unit 200. After passing through the atomization unit 100, this light is received by the photodetector 302 via the spectroscopic unit 301. The photodetector 302 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light, and this detection signal is amplified by the amplifier 303. The A / D converter 304 samples the detection signal amplified by the amplifier 303 at a predetermined sampling period (hereinafter referred to as the first sampling period) and converts it into a digital signal. The signal output from the amplifier 303 alternately contains signals originating from the light from the measurement light source 201 (measurement light) and signals originating from the light from the correction light source 202 (continuous light). Therefore, the A / D converter 304 separates these two signals by performing sampling synchronized with the lighting period of each light source 201 and 202.

[0022] The ignition of the burner head 107 and the lighting of the light sources 201 and 202, as described above, may be performed before step 1 or before step 2.

[0023] Next, when the user inputs via the operation unit 502 that they wish to start the series of analyses, the real-time graph generation unit 404 starts drawing the graph (step 3). That is, the digital signal derived from the measurement light and the digital signal derived from the continuous light, which have been separated and sampled by the A / D converter 304, are respectively taken into the absorbance calculation unit 402. The absorbance calculation unit 402 holds a relational expression that shows the relationship between signal intensity and absorbance, and calculates the absorbance of the measurement light and the absorbance of the continuous light from the intensity of the digital signal derived from the measurement light and the digital signal derived from the continuous light, respectively. In other words, in the present invention, the light source unit 200, the spectroscopic unit 301, the photodetector 302, the amplifier 303, the A / D converter 304, and the absorbance calculation unit 402 cooperate to function as the absorbance measurement unit in the present invention.

[0024] The absorbance of the measured light and the absorbance of the continuous light, which are sequentially output from the absorbance calculation unit 402, are stored in the absorbance storage unit 403 and sent to the real-time graph generation unit 404. The real-time graph generation unit 404 plots the absorbance of the measured light and the absorbance of the continuous light against time, respectively, to generate a graph showing the time change in the absorption of the measured light by the atomization space 110 and a graph showing the time change in the absorption of the continuous light (i.e., background absorption) by the atomization space 10. These graphs generated by the real-time graph generation unit 404 are displayed in the real-time graph display area 610 of the measurement screen 600 under the control of the display control unit 409.

[0025] An example of the screen display at this time is shown in Figure 5. For simplicity, in this figure, all areas included in the measurement screen 600 except for the real-time graph display area 610 are omitted from the illustration (the same applies to Figures 6 to 9, 11, and 12 described later). In this figure, the graph showing the time change of the absorption of the measurement light in real time (hereinafter simply referred to as the real-time graph 611) is represented by a thick line, and the graph showing the time change of the background absorption in real time (hereinafter referred to as the background graph 612) is represented by a thin line, but these may be displayed in different colors. These graphs 611 and 612 displayed in the real-time graph display area 610 are updated each time a new absorbance value is output from the absorbance calculation unit 402 in conjunction with sampling by the A / D converter 304. In Figure 5, the point 613 at the right end of each graph 611 and 612 represents the absorbance value at that time (i.e., the latest value). The position of this point 613 moves to the right within the real-time graph display area 610 each time graphs 611 and 612 are updated. When these points 613 reach the right end of the real-time graph display area 610, graphs 611 and 612 are automatically scrolled along the time axis. This ensures that even after a long period of time has elapsed since the start of the series of analyses, the points 613 are always displayed within the real-time graph display area 610.

[0026] After the generation and display of the real-time graph 611 (and background graph 612) as described above has started, if the user inputs an instruction to perform an auto-zero operation from the operation unit 502 (i.e., if the answer is Yes in step 4 of Figure 2), the relational expression in the absorbance calculation unit 402 is calibrated so that the absorbance value at that time is set to 0. At this time, the operation unit 502 corresponds to the instruction receiving unit in the present invention. Furthermore, a graphic indicating that an auto-zero operation has been performed (hereinafter referred to as the operation mark 614) is generated by the mark generation unit 408 and, under the control of the display control unit 409, is superimposed on the real-time graph 611 at the position corresponding to the time when the auto-zero operation was performed (step 5).

[0027] Figure 6 shows the operation mark 614 superimposed on the real-time graph 611 of the measurement screen 600. In this figure, the operation mark 614 is shown as consisting of the string "auto zero" and an arrowhead indicating the execution time of the auto zero operation. However, the operation mark 614 is not limited to this and may be anything as long as it includes at least an identifier indicating the operation content (a string of characters such as the operation name, or a symbol, etc.).

[0028] If, after step 3, the user does not input an instruction to perform an auto-zero operation (i.e., step 4 in Figure 2 is No), the system proceeds to step 6, described below, without performing the auto-zero operation and assigning the operation mark 614 as described above.

[0029] When the user inserts the tip of the sample suction tube 103 into the sample container 108 containing the first sample on the sample table 641 (i.e., the sample listed in the first row of the sample table 641) and performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 502 to instruct the introduction of the sample into the atomization unit 100 (i.e., when step 6 in Figure 2 becomes Yes), a predetermined amount of sample liquid is drawn from the sample container 108 into the sample suction tube 103 under the control of the analysis control unit 401. The drawn sample liquid is sprayed into the chamber 101 by the nebulizer 102, mixed with the combustion support gas and fuel gas in the chamber 101, and then introduced into the flame 106. As a result, the sample is heated and atomized, and atomic vapor derived from the sample is generated in the atomization space 110.

[0030] After the user gives the instruction to introduce a sample, once a predetermined time (for example, 2 to 5 seconds) has elapsed (i.e., when step 7 in Figure 2 becomes Yes), the measurement data acquisition unit 405 starts acquiring measurement data (step 8). Here, acquiring measurement data means changing the sampling period in the A / D converter 304 to a second sampling period that is shorter than the first sampling period described above, and inputting the absorbance values ​​of the measurement light and the absorbance values ​​of the continuous light, which are sequentially calculated by the absorbance calculation unit 402 based on the digital signals sampled at the second sampling period, into the measurement data storage unit 406 for storage.

[0031] Furthermore, the absorbance values ​​output from the absorbance calculation unit 402 during the acquisition of measurement data are sent not only to the measurement data storage unit 406, but also to the absorbance storage unit 403 and the real-time graph generation unit 404. Therefore, even while the acquisition of measurement data is in progress, the real-time graph 611 and background graph 612 displayed in the real-time graph display area 610 on the measurement screen 600 are updated.

[0032] Next, a graphic representing the introduced sample (hereinafter referred to as the sample mark 615) is generated by the mark generation unit 408 and, under the control of the display control unit 409, is superimposed on the real-time graph 611 at a position corresponding to the time when the acquisition of the measurement data began (or the time when the introduction of the sample into the atomization unit 100 began) (step 9).

[0033] Figure 7 shows the sample mark 615 superimposed on the real-time graph 611. In this figure, the sample mark 615 is shown as consisting of the string "Standard1" and an arrowhead indicating the time when the acquisition of measurement data for the sample began. However, the sample mark 615 is not limited to this and may be any as long as it includes at least an identifier unique to the sample (for example, the sample ID or analysis number listed in the sample table 641). The identifier is identified by the mark generation unit 408 referring to the sample information stored in the sample information storage unit 407.

[0034] Subsequently, after a predetermined time (for example, 2 to 5 seconds) has elapsed since the start of data acquisition (i.e., when step 10 in Figure 2 becomes Yes), the data acquisition by the data acquisition unit 405 ends (step 11). That is, the sampling period in the A / D converter 304 is returned from the second sampling period to the first sampling period, and the acquisition of absorbance values ​​into the data storage unit 406 is stopped.

[0035] Next, a graphic (hereinafter referred to as the measurement period mark 616) indicating the measurement period of the sample (i.e., the period from the start to the end of acquiring measurement data for the sample) is generated by the mark generation unit 408 and, under the control of the display control unit 409, is superimposed on the real-time graph 611 at the position corresponding to the measurement period (step 12).

[0036] Figure 8 shows the measurement period mark 616 superimposed on the real-time graph 611. In this figure, the measurement period mark 616 is shown as a filled-in area within the peak corresponding to the sample in the real-time graph 611, specifically the portion corresponding to the measurement period. However, the measurement period mark 616 only needs to indicate the start time and end time of acquisition of the measurement data. For example, it could be a straight line or arrow extending horizontally (in the time axis direction), with the acquisition start time as the starting point and the acquisition end time as the ending point. Alternatively, the background of the real-time graph 611 could be colored (or shaded) differently from other time ranges only for the time range from the acquisition start time to the recording end time, or the color (or thickness) of the lines constituting the real-time graph 611 could be different from other time ranges only for that time range.

[0037] After that, return to step 4 and repeat steps 4-12 until all samples listed in sample table 641 have been measured (i.e., until step 13 in Figure 2 is marked as Yes).

[0038] As described above, in the atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to this embodiment, sample marks 615 are automatically added to the real-time graph 611, making it easy for the user to understand the correspondence between each peak on the real-time graph 611 and each of the multiple samples included in the series of analyses. In addition, by adding measurement period marks 616 in addition to the sample marks 615, the user can grasp at a glance the acquisition period of measurement data for the sample corresponding to the sample mark 615. Furthermore, by adding the operation marks 614 as described above, when a characteristic absorbance change is observed on the real-time graph 611, the user can easily determine whether the absorbance change is the result of an operation performed intentionally by the user (in this case, an auto-zero operation) or due to some kind of error.

[0039] Furthermore, in the atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to this embodiment, during or after the series of analyses, the user can select a sample mark 615 or a measurement period mark 616 attached to the real-time graph 611 via the operation unit 502, thereby displaying information about the sample corresponding to the mark in a pop-up window near the mark. In this case, the display unit 501, the display control unit 409, and the operation unit 502 correspond to the sample mark selection reception unit or the measurement period mark selection reception unit in the present invention.

[0040] An example of such a pop-up display is shown in Figure 9. In the example shown in the figure, one operation mark 614, three sample marks 615, and three measurement period marks 616 are assigned to the real-time graph 611. In this state, if the user selects any of the sample marks 615 or measurement period marks 616, for example by clicking via the operation unit 502, the display control unit 409 extracts information about the sample corresponding to the selected mark (hereinafter referred to as the selected mark) from the sample information storage unit 407, and displays a pop-up screen 617 containing the extracted information near the selected mark (the sample mark 615 labeled "Standard2" in the example of Figure 9). This makes it easy for the user to refer to the information of the sample corresponding to the selected mark.

[0041] Alternatively, instead of the pop-up display described above, the row corresponding to the selected mark for the sample may be highlighted on the sample table 641. An example of the display of the measurement screen 600 in this case is shown in Figure 10. In the example shown in the figure, one sample mark 615 (specifically, the "Standard2" sample mark) is selected in the real-time graph display area 610, and accordingly, the row corresponding to that sample mark 615 is highlighted in the sample table 641 within the sample table display area 640. This makes it easy for the user to understand the correspondence between each peak on the real-time graph 611 and the samples listed in each row of the sample table 641.

[0042] Furthermore, the aforementioned highlighting is not limited to the inverted display described above. For example, the relevant line may be shaded or colored, or the color or font of the text in that line may be different from that of other lines. Alternatively, a predetermined mark (such as an arrow or asterisk) may be placed on the line.

[0043] Furthermore, conversely, the user may select a predetermined row on the sample table 641, thereby highlighting the sample mark 615 or measurement period mark 616 assigned to the real-time graph 611 that corresponds to the selected row. Here, highlighting could be done, for example, by shading or coloring the corresponding sample mark 615 or measurement period mark 616, or by using a different color or font for the text within the mark compared to other marks. It is also possible to assign a further predetermined mark (such as an arrow or asterisk) to the mark.

[0044] Furthermore, in the atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to this embodiment, a pull-down menu 618 is provided on the measurement screen 600, as shown in Figure 11. This pull-down menu displays a list of identifiers for operation marks 614 and sample marks 615 that are currently assigned to the real-time graph 611. When a user selects an identifier for any operation mark or sample mark from this pull-down menu 618 via the operation unit 502, the real-time graph 611 (and background graph 612) is automatically scrolled so that the position (time) of the mark selected in the pull-down menu 618 is at a predetermined position (for example, the center, left edge, or right edge) within the real-time graph display area 610. In this case, the display unit 501, the display control unit 409, and the operation unit 502 correspond to the second sample mark selection receiving unit or operation mark selection receiving unit in the present invention. The example in Figure 11 shows the state after the auto-zero operation, measurement of three standard samples, and measurement of five unknown samples have been completed in a series of analyses. At this time, the portion of the real-time graph 611 corresponding to the time when the sample label "Standard3" was applied has already framed out to the left of the real-time graph display area 610. In this state, when "Standard3," one of the sample marks 615 related to the standard sample, is selected from the pull-down menu 618, the real-time graph 611 (and background graph 612) is automatically scrolled to the right under the control of the display control unit 409, and as shown in Figure 12, the position where the sample mark 615 for "Standard3" was applied to the real-time graph 611 is displayed in the center of the real-time graph display area 610. This makes it possible for the user to easily refer to the location where a predetermined sample mark 615 or operation mark 614 is applied to the graph, even if a long time has passed since the start of the series of analyses and the real-time graph 611 has become long.

[0045] In addition to this automatic scrolling, the operation marks 614 or sample marks 615 placed on the real-time graph 611 that correspond to the mark name selected in the pull-down menu 618 may also be highlighted.

[0046] The above description has included specific examples of embodiments for carrying out the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications are permitted as appropriate within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiments, when an auto-zero operation is performed, an operation label indicating that is performed is added to the real-time graph 611. However, not limited to the auto-zero operation, when other predetermined operations (especially those that affect the absorbance value) are performed, an operation label indicating the content of the operation may be added to the real-time graph 611 at a position corresponding to the time the operation was performed. Examples of other predetermined operations include, but are not limited to, a rinse operation (a flow path cleaning operation) or a line search operation (an operation to adjust the spectrometer 301 so that the emission line is measured at the strongest intensity).

[0047] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to the present invention was a flame-type atomic absorption spectrophotometer that atomizes the sample using a burner flame. However, it is not limited to this, and a flameless (furnace-type) atomic absorption spectrophotometer that atomizes the sample by heating it in an electric furnace may also be used.

[0048] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the user manually inserts the sample suction tube 103 into the sample container 108 and performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 502 to instruct the introduction of the sample into the atomization unit 100. However, the system is not limited to this configuration, and may also be equipped with an autosampler that holds multiple sample containers and automatically sequentially collects the sample liquid from the multiple containers and supplies it to the atomization unit 100.

[0049] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the acquisition of measurement data is automatically started when a predetermined time has elapsed since the introduction of the sample into the atomization unit 100 began. Alternatively, the user may instruct the start of measurement data acquisition via the operation unit 502. Or, the control and processing unit 400 may automatically determine the timing for starting measurement data acquisition based on the waveform of the real-time graph 611.

[0050] [Pattern] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0051] (Section 1) An atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to one aspect of the present invention is: An absorbance measuring unit that measures absorbance by passing measurement light through a predetermined space, An atomization unit that generates atomic vapor originating from the sample to be measured in a predetermined space by heating the sample to be measured, The atomization section includes a sample introduction section for introducing the sample to be measured, A display control unit displays a graph in real time on the screen of a display device that shows the time change of absorbance measured by the absorbance measurement unit over a period from the start to the end of a series of analyses in which each of the multiple samples is the sample to be measured, and superimposes sample marks, which are marks corresponding to each of the multiple samples, on the graph at positions corresponding to the measurement timing of each of the multiple samples. It possesses the following characteristics.

[0052] (Paragraph 2) The atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to Paragraph 2 is, in the atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to Paragraph 1, Furthermore, the system includes a measurement data acquisition unit that acquires the absorbance measured by the absorbance measurement unit over a predetermined time range after the introduction of the sample to be measured into the atomization unit by the sample introduction unit, as measurement data for the sample to be measured. The display control unit further superimposes measurement period marks, which are marks representing the acquisition period of the measurement data for each of the plurality of samples, onto the graph.

[0053] (Paragraph 3) The atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to Paragraph 3 is, in the case of the atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2, Furthermore, it has an instruction receiving unit that receives instructions from the user, The display control unit further superimposes an operation mark, which corresponds to the predetermined operation, onto the graph at a position corresponding to the timing of the predetermined operation execution when the instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to execute a predetermined operation during the period from the start to the end of the series of analyses.

[0054] (Article 4) The atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to Article 4 is an atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to any one of Articles 1 to 3, Furthermore, it has a sample mark selection receiving unit that receives a sample mark selection operation from the user to select the sample mark superimposed on the graph, The display control unit further causes the display device to display information on the display device about the sample corresponding to the sample mark selected in the sample mark selection operation from among the plurality of samples, when the sample mark selection operation is received by the sample mark selection reception unit.

[0055] (Article 5) The atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to Article 5 is an atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to any one of Articles 2 to 4, Furthermore, it has a measurement period mark selection reception unit that receives a measurement period mark selection operation from the user to select the measurement period marks superimposed on the graph, The display control unit further causes the display device to display information on the sample corresponding to the measurement period mark selected in the measurement period mark selection operation, from among the plurality of samples, when the measurement period mark selection operation is received.

[0056] (Paragraph 6) The atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to paragraph 6 is an atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, Furthermore, a sample mark selection receiving unit receives a sample mark selection operation from the user to select the sample mark superimposed on the graph, The display control unit further displays a sample table containing information about each of the plurality of samples on the screen of the display device together with the graph, and when the sample mark selection operation is received by the sample mark selection reception unit, it highlights on the display device the information of the sample corresponding to the sample mark selected in the sample mark selection operation from among the information of the plurality of samples contained in the sample table.

[0057] (Paragraph 7) The atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to Paragraph 7 is an atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to any one of Paragraphs 2 to 6, Furthermore, it has a measurement period mark selection reception unit that receives a measurement period mark selection operation from the user to select the measurement period marks superimposed on the graph, The display control unit further displays a sample table containing information about each of the plurality of samples on the screen of the display device together with the graph, and when the measurement period mark selection operation is received by the measurement period mark selection reception unit, it highlights on the display device the information of the sample corresponding to the measurement period mark selected in the measurement period mark selection operation from among the information of the plurality of samples contained in the sample table.

[0058] (Paragraph 8) The atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to paragraph 8 is an atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, Furthermore, the system includes a second sample mark selection receiving unit that displays the sample marks assigned to the graph in a menu format on the display device and accepts a second sample mark selection operation from the user, which is the operation of selecting one of the options from the menu. The display control unit scrolls the graph in the time direction within a graph display area, which is a predetermined area on the screen of the display device, and when the second sample mark selection operation is received by the second sample mark selection reception unit, the display control unit scrolls the graph in the time direction so that the time on which the sample mark selected by the second sample mark selection reception unit was placed is at a predetermined position within the graph display area.

[0059] (Paragraph 9) The atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to paragraph 9 is an atomic absorption spectrophotometer relating to any one of paragraphs 3 to 8, Furthermore, the system includes an operation mark selection receiving unit that displays a list of operation marks assigned to the graph on the display device and accepts an operation mark selection operation from the user, which is the operation of selecting one of the operation marks from the menu. The display control unit scrolls the graph in the time direction within a graph display area, which is a predetermined area on the screen of the display device, and when the operation mark selection reception unit receives the operation mark selection operation, it scrolls the graph in the time direction so that the time on which the operation mark selected by the operation mark selection reception unit is placed is at a predetermined position within the graph display area. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 100…Atomization Department 101... chamber 102...Nebulizer 103... Sample suction tube 104...Fuel Gas Supply Unit 105...Fuel supply unit 106...frame 107... Burner head 108... Sample container 110…Atomization space 200...Light source section 301...Spectroscopy section 302... Photodetector 303... Amplifier 304…A / D converter 400...Control / Processing Unit 401…Analysis and Control Section 402...Absorbance calculation section 403…Absorbance storage unit 404...Real-time graph generation unit 405... Measurement data acquisition unit 406...Measurement data storage unit 407...Sample information storage unit 408...Mark generation unit 409...Display Control Unit 501...Display section 502...Operation unit 600... Measurement screen 610...Real-time graph display area 611…Real-time graph 612... Background graph 614... Operation mark 615… Sample mark 616...Measurement period mark 617... Pop-up screen 618... Pull-down menu 640...Sample table display area 641... Sample Table

Claims

1. An absorbance measuring unit that measures absorbance by passing measurement light through a predetermined space, An atomization unit that generates atomic vapor originating from the sample to be measured in a predetermined space by heating the sample to be measured, The atomization section includes a sample introduction section for introducing the sample to be measured, A display control unit displays a graph in real time on the screen of a display device that shows the time change of absorbance measured by the absorbance measurement unit over a period from the start to the end of a series of analyses in which each of the multiple samples is the sample to be measured, and superimposes sample marks, which are marks corresponding to each of the multiple samples, on the graph at positions corresponding to the measurement timing of each of the multiple samples. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer having

2. Furthermore, the system includes a measurement data acquisition unit that acquires the absorbance measured by the absorbance measurement unit over a predetermined time range after the introduction of the sample to be measured into the atomization unit by the sample introduction unit, as measurement data for the sample to be measured. The atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit further superimposes on the graph measurement period marks, which are marks representing the acquisition period of the measurement data for each of the plurality of samples.

3. Furthermore, it has an instruction receiving unit that receives instructions from the user, The atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit further superimposes an operation mark, which is a mark corresponding to the predetermined operation, on the graph at a position corresponding to the timing of execution of the predetermined operation when the instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to execute a predetermined operation during the period from the start to the end of the series of analyses.

4. Furthermore, it has a sample mark selection receiving unit that receives a sample mark selection operation from the user to select the sample mark superimposed on the graph, The atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit further causes the display device to display information on the display device about the sample corresponding to the sample mark selected in the sample mark selection operation from among the plurality of samples when the sample mark selection operation is received by the sample mark selection reception unit.

5. Furthermore, it has a measurement period mark selection reception unit that receives a measurement period mark selection operation from the user to select the measurement period marks superimposed on the graph, The atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit further causes the display device to display information on the display device about the sample corresponding to the measurement period mark selected in the measurement period mark selection operation from among the plurality of samples.

6. Furthermore, a sample mark selection receiving unit receives a sample mark selection operation from the user to select the sample mark superimposed on the graph, The atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit further displays a sample table containing information about each of the plurality of samples on the screen of the display device together with the graph, and when the sample mark selection operation is received by the sample mark selection reception unit, the display device highlights the information of the sample corresponding to the sample mark selected in the sample mark selection operation from among the information of the plurality of samples contained in the sample table.

7. Furthermore, it has a measurement period mark selection reception unit that receives a measurement period mark selection operation from the user to select the measurement period marks superimposed on the graph, The atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit further displays a sample table containing information about each of the plurality of samples on the screen of the display device together with the graph, and when the measurement period mark selection operation is received by the measurement period mark selection reception unit, the display device highlights the information of the sample corresponding to the measurement period mark selected in the measurement period mark selection operation from among the information of the plurality of samples contained in the sample table.

8. Furthermore, the system includes a second sample mark selection receiving unit that displays the sample marks assigned to the graph in a menu format on the display device and accepts a second sample mark selection operation from the user, which is the operation of selecting one of the options from the menu. The atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit scrolls the graph in the time direction within a graph display area which is a predetermined area on the screen of the display device, and when the second sample mark selection operation is received by the second sample mark selection reception unit, the graph is scrolled in the time direction so that the time on which the sample mark selected by the second sample mark selection reception unit was applied is located at a predetermined position within the graph display area.

9. Furthermore, the system includes an operation mark selection receiving unit that displays a list of operation marks assigned to the graph on the display device and accepts an operation mark selection operation from the user, which is the operation of selecting one of the operation marks from the menu. The atomic absorption spectrophotometer according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit scrolls and displays the graph in the time direction within a graph display area which is a predetermined area on the screen of the display device, and when an operation mark selection operation is received by the operation mark selection reception unit, the graph is scrolled in the time direction so that the time on which the operation mark selected by the operation mark selection reception unit is placed is at a predetermined position within the graph display area.

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