Analytical instrument, program for analytical instrument, and analytical method

Abstract

The present invention pertains to an analysis apparatus 1 that performs measurement after performing various types of processes upon a sample, the apparatus performing a series of mutually different processes upon a sample and thereafter measuring a prescribed component contained in the sample in order to allow unforeseen anomalies to be detected without the need for expert assistance, and the apparatus comprising: a plurality of analysis devices including a processing means 2a used in a process and a measuring means 2b that measures the prescribed component; a monitoring unit 33 that monitors and stores an output value outputted from one or more of the analysis devices; and a threshold setting unit 34 that acquires output values for a plurality of past instances of measurement stored via the monitoring unit 33, and, on the basis of the output values, sets a threshold for one or more analysis devices for use in new measurements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an analyzer for analyzing a sample (such as water quality).

Background Art

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1, for this type of analyzer, for each measurement of a predetermined component contained in a sample, various steps are included, such as a step of weighing a certain amount of the sample, a step of injecting a reagent into the sample, a step of reacting the sample and the reagent, and a step of measuring the predetermined component contained in the sample.

[0003] Thus, in an analyzer that measures after performing various processes, when an unexpected measurement result is obtained, it is presumed that an abnormality has occurred in some of the various devices constituting the apparatus.

[0004] Therefore, as a method for identifying the occurrence of an abnormality and the location of the abnormality, the output values of various devices are monitored, and when this output value exceeds a threshold value preset, for example, at the time of product shipment, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in that device.

[0005] However, the abnormalities detected by the preset threshold values in this way are abnormalities in which deterioration gradually appears as an output value, such as wear of parts. For example, sudden abnormalities such as clogged pipes or malfunctioning solenoid valves are not detected unless the output value at that time exceeds the threshold value.

[0006] Therefore, in order to notice the occurrence of such a sudden abnormality or a sign that it is likely to occur, or to find out where the cause of the abnormality is in the apparatus, for example, the output values at the time of abnormality and the immediately preceding normal time are compared across all steps, and the cause of the abnormality is identified from the slight differences.

[0007] This means that it is difficult for users to detect sudden anomalies on-site, and problems arise such as having to request data analysis from experts on the manufacturing side. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-25794 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, the present invention was made to solve the above problems, and its main objective is to enable the detection of sudden anomalies in an analytical device that measures samples after various treatments, without relying on experts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In other words, the analytical apparatus according to the present invention is an analytical apparatus that measures a predetermined component contained in a sample after applying a series of different processes to the sample, and is characterized by comprising: a plurality of analytical instruments including processing means used in the processing and measuring means for measuring the predetermined component; a monitoring unit that monitors and stores output values ​​output from one or more of the analytical instruments; and a threshold setting unit that acquires the output values ​​over a plurality of past measurements stored by the monitoring unit and sets threshold values ​​for one or more of the analytical instruments in a new measurement based on those output values.

[0011] With an analytical instrument configured in this way, the threshold for a new measurement is set based on the output values ​​from multiple past measurements. Therefore, unlike thresholds that are pre-set at the time of product shipment, it is possible to set a threshold that takes into account, for example, the most recent state of the analytical instrument. Therefore, for example, if the threshold value is set so that the output value of an analytical instrument exceeds the threshold during a sudden anomaly, the anomaly can be detected. Conversely, if the threshold is set with a margin greater than that, the signs (tendencies) that indicate the occurrence of such an anomaly can be noticed. This means that when various anomalies, including sudden anomalies, occur in new measurements, it becomes possible to notice the occurrence of such anomalies or their precursors without having to rely on experts, and consequently, to identify the cause of the anomaly or take countermeasures before the anomaly occurs.

[0012] If we focus on a pump used to transport samples as one of the analytical instruments, we see that within a series of processes, some processes are carried out with little to no pressure fluctuation in the pump, while others are carried out with large pressure fluctuations. Therefore, the threshold setting unit sets the acceptable range of the output value as the threshold, and it is preferable that the width of the acceptable range varies throughout the series of processes. With this configuration, as explained using the pump example above, the tolerance range can be widened for processes with large fluctuations in output values ​​and narrowed for processes with small fluctuations in output values. By setting appropriate thresholds for each process, sudden anomalies can be detected more reliably.

[0013] It is preferable that the threshold setting unit sets the threshold using the output value of the most recent measurement as one of the output values ​​across multiple past measurements. With this configuration, the threshold values ​​set for the analytical instrument can be configured to take into account the instrument's recent state and the recent measurement environment. This prevents the system from mistakenly detecting fluctuations in output values ​​caused by differences in the measurement environment, such as day and night or weather conditions, as abnormalities.

[0014] In order to more reliably detect sudden anomalies, it is preferable that the threshold setting unit updates and sets the threshold each time a new measurement is taken.

[0015] In a specific embodiment, it is preferable that the threshold setting unit sets the threshold based on the average value and standard deviation of the output values ​​over the past multiple measurements. This approach allows for setting appropriate thresholds for each process, even for analytical instruments where the range of output value fluctuations varies with each process, as explained earlier using the pump as an example.

[0016] Another embodiment involves the threshold setting unit predicting the output value in a new measurement based on the output values ​​from multiple past measurements, and setting the threshold based on that predicted value.

[0017] Preferably, the analytical instrument is equipped with a display unit that graphically displays the threshold value set for the analytical instrument along with the change in the output value over time, and when the output value exceeds the threshold value, the display unit displays that output value in a manner that can be distinguished from other output values. In this configuration, where the output values ​​change over time and are displayed graphically, output values ​​that exceed a threshold (abnormal values) are displayed in a way that allows them to be distinguished from other output values ​​(normal values), making it possible to identify which process caused the sudden anomaly.

[0018] Preferably, the system further includes an anomaly prediction unit that predicts whether the output value in a new measurement will exceed the threshold based on the output value over multiple measurements stored by the monitoring unit, and the display unit outputs a warning on the same screen as the graph when the anomaly prediction unit predicts that the output value will exceed the threshold. With this configuration, the on-screen warning display allows users to know that there is a high probability that the output value in a new measurement will exceed the threshold, thus preventing sudden anomalies and other problems.

[0019] Further, the program for an analyzer according to the present invention is an analyzer that performs a series of different processes on a sample and then measures a predetermined component contained in the sample, and is a program used for an analyzer including a plurality of analysis devices including processing means used for the processes and measurement means for measuring the predetermined component, and monitors and stores output values output from one or more of the analysis devices, and causes a computer to function as a threshold setting unit that acquires the output values over a plurality of past measurements stored by the monitoring unit and sets thresholds for one or more of the analysis devices in a new measurement based on those output values. According to such a program for an analyzer, the same operational effects as those of the above-described analyzer can be exhibited.

[0020] Furthermore, the analysis method according to the present invention is an analysis method that performs a series of different processes on a sample and then measures a predetermined component contained in the sample, and monitors and stores output values output from one or more of a plurality of analysis devices including processing means used for the processes and measurement means for measuring the predetermined component, acquires the output values over a plurality of past measurements that have been stored, and sets thresholds for one or more of the analysis devices in a new measurement based on those output values. According to such an analysis method, the same operational effects as those of the above-described analyzer can be exhibited.

Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention configured as described above, in an analyzer that measures a sample after performing various processes on it, sudden abnormalities can be detected without relying on experts.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of an analyzer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]A flowchart illustrating an analysis method using the analytical apparatus of the same embodiment. [Figure 3] A functional block diagram showing the functions of the information processing device of the same embodiment. [Figure 4] A graph showing the output values ​​of the pump in the analytical apparatus of the same embodiment. [Figure 5] A graph showing the output values ​​of the photodetector in the analytical device of the same embodiment. [Figure 6] This graph shows an example of the output value when the standard deviation is large in this embodiment. [Figure 7] This graph shows an example of the output value when the standard deviation is small in this embodiment. [Figure 8] A graph showing the output values ​​of the pump in the analytical apparatus of the same embodiment. [Figure 9] A graph showing the output values ​​of the pump in the analytical apparatus of the same embodiment. [Figure 10] A graph showing the output values ​​of the pump in an analytical apparatus of another embodiment. [Figure 11] A graph showing the output values ​​of the pump in an analytical apparatus of another embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0023] 1...Analyzer 2 ···Analytical Instrument Unit 2a ... Processing means 2b...Measurement means 3. Information Processing Device 31 ···Analysis and Control Section 32...Concentration calculation section 33 ···Monitoring Department 34. Threshold setting section 35 ···Actual data storage unit 36...Display section 37 ···Anomaly Prediction Department [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] An embodiment of the analytical apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] The analytical apparatus 1 according to this embodiment measures the concentration of predetermined components such as nitrogen and phosphorus contained in a liquid sample (sample), such as tap water or sewage. As shown in Figure 1, it comprises an analytical instrument unit 2 having various analytical instruments and an information processing device 3 that exchanges various signals with the analytical instrument unit 2.

[0026] The analytical instrument unit 2 measures the concentration of a predetermined component in a sample after subjecting it to a series of different treatments, for example, using ultraviolet spectrophotometry.

[0027] Specifically, as described above, this analytical instrument unit 2 is equipped with various analytical instruments, which are, for example, indicated by reference numerals 4 to 11 in Figure 1. These analytical instruments 4 to 11 are broadly classified into processing means 2a for performing a series of processes and measuring means 2b for measuring the concentration of a predetermined component, as shown in Figure 1.

[0028] First, let's explain the processing means 2a. This processing means 2a is for performing a series of processes while transferring the sample to multiple locations, and specifically includes a sample weighing mechanism 4, a reagent weighing mechanism 5, a pressure adjustment mechanism 6, and the like.

[0029] The sample weighing mechanism 4 weighs a predetermined amount of the sample. In this case, the sample is diluted to a predetermined concentration, and then a predetermined amount of the diluted sample is weighed. Specifically, this device comprises a sample container (not shown) for containing the sample, a dilution cell (not shown) to which a fixed amount of sample and a fixed amount of diluent are supplied from the sample container, and a measuring unit 4a to which the diluted sample, diluted to a predetermined concentration in the dilution cell, is supplied, and the diluted sample is temporarily stored and measured in a fixed amount. The diluted sample measured in the measuring unit 4a is configured to be introduced into the measuring cell 7 via a sample pipe 4b, and a first on-off valve 4c for opening and closing the inside of the sample pipe 4b is provided.

[0030] The reagent weighing mechanism 5 weighs a predetermined amount of reagent used to measure the concentration of a predetermined component in a sample. In this case, it weighs reagents for analyzing nitrogen components contained in the sample, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium peroxodisulfate, and hydrochloric acid. Specifically, this device comprises a reagent container (not shown) for containing the reagent, and a measuring unit 5a that receives the reagent from the reagent container, temporarily stores the reagent, and measures a fixed amount. The reagent measured in the measuring unit 5a is introduced to the measurement cell 7 via a reagent pipe 5b, and this reagent pipe 5b is equipped with a second on-off valve 5c that opens and closes the pipe. Although Figure 1 illustrates the configuration of one reagent measuring mechanism 5, this reagent measuring mechanism 5 is provided for each reagent.

[0031] The pressure adjustment mechanism 6 is for transferring various liquids such as samples, diluents, diluted samples, and reagents from one location to another, and includes a pump P that adjusts the internal pressure of sample containers (not shown), diluent cells (not shown), reagent containers (not shown), and measurement cells 7 to positive or negative pressure.

[0032] Next, the measurement means 2b will be described. This measurement means 2b measures the concentration of a predetermined component contained in the sample after processing by the processing means 2a described above, and specifically includes a measurement cell 7, a light source 8, a photodetector 9, a heater 10, an ultraviolet light source 11, and the like.

[0033] The measurement cell 7 is injected with a fixed amount of sample measured by the sample weighing mechanism 4, and also with a fixed amount of reagent measured by the reagent weighing mechanism 5, after which the sample injection step, reagent injection step, reaction step, pH adjustment step, measurement step, and waste liquid step, which will be described later, are performed.

[0034] The light source 8 irradiates the measurement cell 7 with light of a predetermined wavelength (for example, light having an ultraviolet wavelength band such as 220 nm). For this light source, for example, a UV lamp such as a xenon lamp or an ultraviolet LED could be used.

[0035] The photodetector 9 detects light that is irradiated from the light source 8 onto the measurement cell 7 and passes through the measurement cell 7. As this photodetector 9, for example, a photomultiplier tube (PMT) can be used to convert light of a predetermined wavelength (light having an ultraviolet wavelength band) that has passed through the measurement cell 7 into an electrical signal (photodetection data) according to its light intensity.

[0036] The heater 10 heats the sample and reagents mixed in the measurement cell 7. Specifically, the heater 10 is used in a process in which the sample is hydrolyzed by the reagent and in a process in which the concentration of a predetermined component contained in the sample is measured, and it adjusts the temperature of the measurement cell 7 to a preset temperature range in each process.

[0037] The ultraviolet light source 11 irradiates the sample and reagents mixed in the measurement cell 7 with ultraviolet light. This ultraviolet light source 11 is used in the hydrolysis process together with the heater described above, and can be a UV lamp, LED, etc., that irradiates with the wavelength necessary for the hydrolysis reaction, and in this embodiment, a mercury lamp may be used.

[0038] The analytical instrument unit 2 configured in this way is controlled by control signals output from the information processing device 3.

[0039] The information processing device 3 is a dedicated or general-purpose computer having a CPU, memory, AD converter, etc., and is configured to operate according to a program stored in a predetermined area of ​​the memory, thereby performing functions as at least an analysis control unit 31 and a concentration calculation unit 32, as shown in Figure 1.

[0040] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 3 is configured to sequentially control the analytical instrument unit 2, and repeatedly executes a series of analytical processes consisting of a sample injection step, a reagent injection step, a reaction step, a pH adjustment step, a measurement step, and a waste liquid step. In other words, this series of analytical processes includes not only the measurement of the sample, but also pre-treatment before the measurement step and post-treatment after the measurement step.

[0041] The sample injection step is a process in which the analytical control unit 31 controls the sample weighing mechanism 4 to inject the weighed sample into the measurement cell 7. In this embodiment, as described above, the sample is diluted to a predetermined concentration, and a fixed amount of the diluted sample is weighed and injected into the measurement cell 7.

[0042] The reagent injection step is a process in which the analytical control unit 31 controls the reagent metering mechanism 5 to inject the metered reagents (sodium hydroxide and potassium peroxodisulfate) into the measurement cell 7.

[0043] The reaction step involves the analytical control unit 31 controlling the heater 10 to heat the solution consisting of the mixed sample and reagent in the measurement cell 7, and controlling the ultraviolet light source 11 to irradiate the solution with ultraviolet light, thereby hydrolyzing the sample contained in the solution with the reagent.

[0044] The pH adjustment step is a process in which the analytical control unit 31 controls the reagent metering mechanism 5 to add the metered reagent (hydrochloric acid) to the solution and neutralize the solution.

[0045] The measurement step involves the analysis control unit 31 controlling the light source 8 to irradiate the measurement cell 7 with light, and the transmitted light emitted from the measurement cell 7 being detected by the photodetector 9. The photodetection data obtained by the photodetector 9 is output to the concentration calculation unit 32, which uses the photodetection data to measure the nitrogen concentration contained in the sample.

[0046] The waste liquid step is a processing step that discharges the solution in the measurement cell 7 after the measurement step.

[0047] Therefore, the information processing device 3 of this embodiment operates according to a program stored in a predetermined area of ​​the memory, and as shown in Figure 3, it further includes a monitoring unit 33 that monitors and stores output values ​​from one or more analytical instruments, and a threshold setting unit 34 that sets threshold values ​​for one or more analytical instruments.

[0048] The monitoring unit 33 monitors the output values ​​from multiple analytical instruments and stores them in the actual data storage unit 35, which is set in a predetermined area of ​​the memory.

[0049] Specifically, this monitoring unit 33 monitors the pump pressure, which is the output value from the pump P, which is an analytical instrument, and the light intensity, which is the output value from the photodetector 9, which is also an analytical instrument.

[0050] The monitoring unit 33 here stores the time-series data of the output values ​​output from the analytical instruments during the series of analysis processes described above as a set of data in the actual data storage unit 35. In other words, the monitoring unit 33 stores the time-series data of the output values ​​from the analytical instrument when measuring the concentration of a predetermined component contained in the sample once, as a set of data in the actual data storage unit 35. The actual data storage unit 35 then stores multiple sets of time-series data corresponding to multiple measurements.

[0051] A set of time-series data consists of output values ​​from an analytical instrument that change over time, linked to the time at which each output value was output. In other words, the time-series data here consists of output values ​​from the analytical instrument during pre-processing, measurement, and post-processing.

[0052] The threshold setting unit 34 acquires output values ​​from multiple past measurements stored by the monitoring unit 33, and sets threshold values ​​for one or more analytical instruments in a new measurement based on those output values.

[0053] The threshold setting unit 34 is configured to use at least the output value of the most recent measurement as one of several output values ​​from the past. More specifically, the threshold setting unit 43 acquires multiple sets of time-series data corresponding to multiple past measurements, and one of these sets includes the time-series data of the most recent measurement. Here, the threshold for a new measurement is calculated and set using the time-series data of the output values ​​of each measurement from the most recent measurement to a predetermined number of past measurements (e.g., several to several hundred times).

[0054] Here, the threshold value indicates the acceptable range for the output value of an analytical instrument. It is a value set so that, in the event of a sudden malfunction in the analytical instrument or equipment related to (connected to) it, the output value at that time exceeds the threshold value.

[0055] In this embodiment, as described above, the output value from the analytical instrument changes over time. Therefore, the threshold setting unit 34 is configured to set a threshold that changes over time for this output value that changes over time. In other words, the threshold set by this threshold setting unit 34 is also time-series data that changes over time.

[0056] In this embodiment, the threshold setting unit 34 is configured to set upper and lower limits as thresholds for the output value of the analytical instrument, and the thresholds are updated and set each time a new measurement is taken. However, the threshold setting unit 34 may be configured to set only one of the upper or lower limits as the threshold, or it may be configured to update the thresholds each time a predetermined number of new measurements are taken.

[0057] Specifically, the threshold setting unit 34 here sets a threshold based on the average value and standard deviation of output values ​​over multiple past measurements. It is configured to set the upper limit as the average value plus the standard deviation, and the lower limit as the average value minus the standard deviation.

[0058] Here, the threshold set by the threshold setting unit 34 will be explained using, for example, the pump pressure in the sample injection step and reagent injection step described above (see Figure 4). In these steps, when samples and reagents are supplied to the weighing units 4a and 5a and weighed, these liquids are transported by the pump P, resulting in large fluctuations in pump pressure (output value), and consequently, a large standard deviation of pump pressure (output value). Therefore, the threshold range for pump pressure in these steps is relatively wide. Note that the physical properties (e.g., viscosity) of the liquids being transported differ between the sample injection step and the reagent injection step, resulting in different average and standard deviation values.

[0059] Furthermore, in the pH adjustment step and waste liquid step, various liquids are transported by pump P, so, similar to the sample injection step and reagent injection step described above, the threshold range for pump pressure is relatively wide.

[0060] On the other hand, in the reaction step, since no liquid is transported by pump P, such as when stirring the sample and reagent, the fluctuation in pump pressure (output value) is small, and as a result the standard deviation of pump pressure (output value) is small. Therefore, the threshold range for pump pressure in this reaction step is relatively narrow.

[0061] Furthermore, in the measurement step, as in the reaction step, pump P is not used, so fluctuations in pump pressure (output value) are small, and consequently, the standard deviation of pump pressure (output value) is small. Therefore, the threshold range for pump pressure in this measurement step is relatively narrow.

[0062] Next, we will focus on the output value of the analytical instrument, specifically the light intensity, which is the output value of the measurement means 2b described above, or more specifically, the output value of the photodetector 9, and explain the threshold value for the photodetector 9 (see Figure 5). The output value of the photodetector 9 fluctuates more significantly in the reaction step and measurement step than in other steps due to light irradiation from the light source 8, resulting in a larger standard deviation of the output value of the photodetector 9. Consequently, the threshold range of the photodetector 9 in these reaction and measurement steps becomes relatively wide.

[0063] On the other hand, in steps other than the reaction step and measurement step, such as the sample injection step, reagent injection step, pH adjustment step, and waste liquid step, there is no light irradiation from the light source 8. Therefore, the output value of the photodetector 9 has small fluctuations and a small standard deviation, and the threshold range of the photodetector 9 is relatively narrow.

[0064] For example, Figure 6 shows a series of output values ​​(e.g., 100 output values) in a step with a large standard deviation, while Figure 7 shows a series of output values ​​(e.g., 100 output values) in a step with a small standard deviation.

[0065] Thus, the difference between the upper and lower limits set by the threshold setting unit 34, that is, the width of the acceptable range set as the threshold, will fluctuate over time.

[0066] Here, as shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 3 of this embodiment further includes a display unit 36 ​​that graphically displays the change in output values ​​over time from the analytical instrument, and an anomaly prediction unit 37 that predicts whether or not the output value in a new measurement will exceed a threshold.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4, the display unit 36 ​​displays a graph on the screen in which one axis is set to time and the other axis to the output value, and also outputs the change in the output value of the analytical instrument over time to this graph.

[0068] The display unit 36 ​​is configured to also display the time-dependent change of the threshold set by the threshold setting unit 34 on the graph, and the average value used to set the threshold is also displayed on the graph.

[0069] Furthermore, the display unit 36 ​​is configured to display the output value in a way that distinguishes it from other output values ​​when the output value in a new measurement exceeds a threshold.

[0070] More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the display unit 36 ​​is configured to display output values ​​that exceed a threshold (abnormal values) in a graph showing the change in output values ​​over time differently from other output values ​​(normal values), such as the color and plot shape. This allows for intuitive recognition of when the output value exceeds the threshold, i.e., at which process the output value exceeds the threshold. In Figure 4, the output value plotted as a black circle is displayed as an abnormal value that exceeds the threshold. The display unit 36 ​​may also change the display characteristics, such as the color and shape of the plot displayed, according to the number of times the output value of the analytical instrument exceeds the threshold. In this way, the priority and urgency of checking the analytical instrument can be grasped based on the display characteristics of the plot.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the display unit 36 ​​is configured to enlarge or reduce the graph based on operation signals input via input means such as a mouse or touch panel.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the output value exceeding the threshold can be selected using an input means such as a mouse or touch panel, and the display unit 36 ​​displays the abnormal details, such as the processing step and output value that produced the selected output value, on the same screen as the graph (in this case, on the graph).

[0073] The anomaly prediction unit 37 predicts whether the output value in a new measurement will exceed a threshold, based on the output values ​​from multiple past measurements stored by the monitoring unit 33.

[0074] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the anomaly prediction unit 37 is configured to predict whether the output value of a new measurement will exceed a threshold by comparing the output value of each measurement from the most recent measurement to a predetermined number of past measurements (for example, several times) with the average value obtained by the threshold setting unit 34 described above.

[0075] Specific prediction methods include predicting that subsequent output values ​​will exceed a threshold if, for example, all output values ​​in a predetermined number of measurements are lower than the average value, or if all output values ​​in a predetermined number of measurements are higher than the average value.

[0076] Thus, if the anomaly prediction unit 37 predicts that the subsequent output value will exceed a threshold, the display unit 36, as shown in Figure 9, outputs a warning display X on the same screen as the graph to indicate this.

[0077] This warning indicator X could, for example, display the output values ​​of multiple past measurements used when it was predicted that the subsequent output value would exceed a threshold, in a way that makes them distinguishable from other output values. The display method for the output value could include color, plot shape, etc. This warning indicator X is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 9 and may be modified as appropriate.

[0078] According to the analytical device 1 described above, the threshold for a new measurement is set based on the output values ​​from multiple past measurements. Therefore, unlike thresholds that are pre-set at the time of product shipment, etc., the threshold can be set to take into account, for example, the most recent state of the analytical instrument. This allows, for example, when the behavior of the output value in a new measurement differs from the behavior of the output value in a past measurement, a threshold value can be set so that the behavior of the new output value exceeds the threshold. This makes it possible to identify the anomaly and its cause without relying on experts when a sudden anomaly occurs in a new measurement.

[0079] Furthermore, since the threshold setting unit 34 sets the threshold based on the average value and standard deviation of the output values ​​over multiple past measurements, the range of the tolerance set as the threshold will fluctuate throughout the series of processes. This makes it possible to set an appropriate threshold for each process in analytical instruments, such as pump P, where the range of fluctuation in output values ​​changes with each process.

[0080] Furthermore, since the threshold setting unit 34 sets the threshold using the output value of the most recent measurement as one of the output values ​​from multiple past measurements, the threshold is set taking into account the most recent state of the analytical instrument and the measurement environment. This prevents, for example, the system from mistakenly detecting fluctuations in output values ​​caused by differences in the measurement environment as abnormalities.

[0081] Furthermore, since the threshold setting unit 34 updates and sets the threshold each time a new measurement is taken, sudden abnormalities occurring in the analytical instrument can be detected more reliably.

[0082] In addition, the display unit 36 ​​displays the output value in a way that distinguishes it from other output values ​​when the output value in a new measurement exceeds a threshold, so that it is possible to intuitively understand which process caused the sudden anomaly.

[0083] Furthermore, if the anomaly prediction unit 37 predicts that the output value will exceed a threshold, the display unit 36 ​​outputs a warning display X on the same screen as the graph. This warning display X allows the user to know that there is a high probability that the output value in a new measurement will exceed the threshold, thus preventing sudden anomalies and other problems.

[0084] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0085] For example, in the above embodiment, the threshold setting unit 34 set the threshold using the average value and standard deviation of output values ​​over multiple past measurements. However, as shown in Figure 10, it may also be configured to predict the output value in a new measurement from the output values ​​over multiple past measurements and set the threshold based on that predicted value. With this configuration, it becomes possible to predict, for example, when a malfunction might occur, and to plan repairs and maintenance accordingly.

[0086] In the above-described configuration, the threshold setting unit 34 may generate a learning algorithm that uses appropriately selected machine learning methods such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning, for example, with the output values ​​from past measurements as explanatory variables and the predicted output values ​​from new measurements as the target variable.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the threshold setting unit 34 set the threshold using the average value and standard deviation of output values ​​over multiple past measurements. However, it may also be configured to set the threshold using an indicator representing variability, such as the variance value, instead of the standard deviation.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the analytical instrument may also have a second threshold value set, which is different from the threshold value set by the threshold value setting unit 34 in the above embodiment. In this case, the second threshold could be, for example, an upper and / or lower limit set in advance at the time of product shipment, and could be a threshold for detecting abnormalities such as wear and tear on parts, where gradual deterioration manifests as an output value.

[0089] In addition, the information processing device 3 may also include a notification unit (not shown) that notifies the user when the output value of the analytical instrument exceeds a threshold. Specifically, the notification unit may be configured to notify when the number of abnormal occurrences, which is the number of times the output value exceeds a threshold, reaches a predetermined upper limit. In such a configuration, it is desirable to pre-determine an urgency level for each analytical instrument, and to set a lower upper limit on the number of uses for instruments with a higher urgency level. For example, one possible urgency level could be set higher for components related to waste liquid.

[0090] Furthermore, some of the functions of the information processing device 3 described in the above embodiment may be provided on a computer or the like, separate from the information processing device 3. For example, the actual data storage unit 35 may be provided on a cloud server or the like, separate from the information processing device 3.

[0091] Furthermore, although the analytical device 1 in the above embodiment analyzed nitrogen, phosphorus, etc. contained in the liquid sample, it may also analyze TOC and COD contained in the liquid sample, or it may analyze gaseous samples, solid samples, or gel-like samples. An example of an analytical device 1 for analyzing gaseous samples is one that analyzes gaseous samples such as CO2, CO, SO2, N2, and H2 obtained by burning solid materials. More specifically, it measures impurities contained in solid materials and includes a combustion step for burning the solid material, a removal step for removing impurities, an extraction step for extracting predetermined components contained in the gaseous sample, and a measurement step for measuring the concentration of the predetermined components.

[0092] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit. [Industrial applicability]

[0093] In analytical instruments that perform various processing on samples before measurement, sudden anomalies can be detected without relying on experts.

Claims

1. An analytical apparatus that performs a series of analytical processes including pretreatment of a sample and measurement of predetermined components contained in the pretreated sample, A plurality of analytical instruments including processing means used in the aforementioned pretreatment and measuring means for measuring the predetermined components, A monitoring unit that monitors and stores output values ​​from one or more analytical instruments throughout the series of analytical processes, An analytical apparatus comprising: a monitoring unit that acquires the output values ​​over multiple past series of analytical processes stored by the monitoring unit, and a threshold setting unit that sets a threshold for detecting abnormalities in one or more analytical instruments in a new series of analytical processes, for each process included in the series of analytical processes, based on those output values.

2. The threshold setting unit sets the acceptable range of the output value as the threshold, The analytical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the width of the tolerance range varies over the series of analytical processes.

3. The analytical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the threshold setting unit sets the threshold using the output value of the most recent series of analytical processes as one of the output values ​​across multiple past series of analytical processes.

4. The analytical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the threshold setting unit updates and sets the threshold each time a new series of analytical processes is performed.

5. The analytical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the threshold setting unit sets the threshold based on the average value and standard deviation of the output values ​​over a series of past analysis processes.

6. The analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the threshold setting unit predicts the output value in a new series of analysis processes from the output values ​​over a series of past analysis processes, and sets the threshold based on the predicted value.

7. The system includes a display unit that graphically displays the threshold value set for the analytical instrument along with the change in the output value of the analytical instrument over time. The analytical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the output value exceeds the threshold, the display unit displays the output value in a manner that distinguishes it from other output values.

8. The monitoring unit further includes an anomaly prediction unit that predicts whether the output value in a new series of analysis processes exceeds the threshold, based on the output values ​​from multiple past series of analysis processes stored by the monitoring unit. The analysis apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the display unit outputs a warning display on the same screen as the graph when the abnormality prediction unit predicts that the output value will exceed the threshold.

9. A program used in an analytical apparatus that performs a series of analytical processes including pretreatment of a sample and measurement of predetermined components contained in the pretreated sample, and which includes processing means used for the pretreatment and a plurality of analytical instruments including measuring means for measuring the predetermined components, A monitoring unit that monitors and stores output values ​​from one or more analytical instruments throughout the series of analytical processes, A program storage medium for storing a program for an analytical device, which causes a computer to function as a threshold setting unit, acquiring the output values ​​from multiple past series of analytical processes stored by the monitoring unit, and setting thresholds for detecting abnormalities in one or more analytical instruments in a new series of analytical processes based on those output values, for each process included in the series of analytical processes.

10. An analytical method comprising a series of analytical processes including pretreatment of a sample and measurement of predetermined components contained in the pretreated sample, The output values ​​output from one or more analytical instruments, which include processing means used in the pretreatment and measuring means for measuring the predetermined components, are monitored and stored throughout the series of analytical processes. An analysis method comprising acquiring the output values ​​from multiple past series of analysis processes that have been stored, and setting a threshold value for detecting an abnormality in one or more analytical instruments in a new series of analysis processes, based on those output values, for each process included in the series of analysis processes.

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