Abnormality sensing method and abnormality sensing device

Abstract

To accurately sense an abnormality in a device to be monitored for abnormalities, this abnormality sensing device, between a voltage source and a physical path over which voltage applied by a voltage source is conducted, reads a first current value from a first ammeter connected in series to the voltage source and the physical path. The abnormality sensing device is characterized by executing: a step (S103) of calculating a standard deviation of the first current value; and a step (S104) of, if the standard deviation is greater than a first threshold value that is a predetermined threshold value, outputting that discharge is occurring in an insulating portion that is a path other than the physical path.

Description

Anomaly detection method and anomaly detection device

[0001] The present invention relates to an anomaly detection method and an anomaly detection device.

[0002] A capillary electrophoresis apparatus analyzes the chemical properties of a sample by electrophoresing the sample in a capillary filled with a polymer (electrophoretic separation medium). One example of such a capillary electrophoresis apparatus is one that is configured to detect a current flowing between an electrode in a cathode buffer solution and a high-voltage power supply, and a current flowing between an electrode in an anode buffer solution and ground. Another commonly known example of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus is one that can interrupt electrophoresis based on fluctuations in the current flowing between an electrode in an anode buffer solution and ground.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electrophoresis device and electrophoresis method that "measures the current flowing in the current path during electrophoresis, detects the state of the separation medium, and interrupts the application of voltage to the current path. Preferably, the presence or absence of bubbles in the separation medium is detected by the change in current value over time, and if bubbles are generated, the application of voltage to the current path is interrupted" (see abstract).

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a capillary electrophoresis device that "has a capillary 02 and analyzes a sample by electrophoresis, characterized in that it has a heater assembly 60 for heating the capillary, which includes a heater 62 as a heat source and a conductive member 63 at least a portion of which is made of metal, and the conductive member 63 is in contact with a grounded portion and is insulated" (see abstract).

[0005] JP 2003-344356 A JP 2020-38233 A

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a method for detecting bubbles in a capillary electrophoresis apparatus based on fluctuations in the value of a current detected by a second ammeter that flows between an electrode in an anode buffer solution and ground.

[0007] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is configured to detect the presence or absence of bubbles or the like from a temporal change in the current value detected by the second ammeter. In other words, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is configured to detect discharges and poor continuity caused by bubbles or the like generated within the flow path. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 needs improvement in terms of detecting discharges generated outside the flow path. At the time Patent Document 1 was written, the voltage applied to the flow path of a capillary electrophoresis device was kept low within a predetermined range, and the size of each component of a capillary electrophoresis device was larger than it currently is. Therefore, at the time Patent Document 1 was written, the risk of discharges occurring outside the flow path was extremely small.

[0008] Therefore, the bubble detection method described in Patent Document 1 was sufficiently effective as a countermeasure against discharge (electric leakage). However, in recent years, the circumstances surrounding capillary electrophoresis devices have been changing. Specifically, the inventors independently discovered that, with increasing demands for higher voltages applied to flow paths and smaller capillary electrophoresis devices, countermeasures against electric leakage within flow paths alone are no longer sufficient. Therefore, measures are needed to address the growing trend toward higher voltages applied to flow paths and smaller electrophoresis devices. It is generally believed that higher voltages applied to flow paths and smaller capillary electrophoresis devices increase the likelihood of electric discharge. Electric discharge in a capillary electrophoresis device is undesirable because it increases the likelihood of poor electrophoresis results.

[0009] Considering countermeasures against discharge in capillary electrophoresis apparatuses, it can be seen that there are roughly two types of countermeasures for discharge. One is to improve the capillary electrophoresis apparatus so that discharge itself does not occur or is extremely unlikely to occur. The other is to understand that discharge can occur. In this case, when a discharge occurs, the effects of the discharge on the capillary electrophoresis apparatus can be minimized by accurately detecting it and safely shutting down the capillary electrophoresis apparatus.

[0010] Patent Document 2 is an example of the former. Patent Document 2 discloses a capillary electrophoresis device that is less likely to generate discharge. However, Patent Document 2 does not describe a configuration for detecting discharge when it occurs and shutting down the capillary electrophoresis device based on the detection results. This is because the technology described in Patent Document 2 is based on the premise that discharge basically does not occur, or that extremely small discharges occur only rarely, with little impact on the safety of the device. In situations where the voltage applied to the flow path is kept low within a predetermined range, or when the capillary electrophoresis device is large enough to prevent discharge, the configuration described in Patent Document 2 is considered to be sufficient to prevent discharge.

[0011] However, as mentioned above, the circumstances surrounding capillary electrophoresis devices have changed in recent years, with increasing demands for higher voltages applied to the flow channels and for smaller capillary electrophoresis devices. Considering this, it is necessary to take safety measures to anticipate the possibility of unexpected discharges occurring outside the flow channels due to extremely high applied voltages and the proximity of components resulting from the miniaturization of capillary electrophoresis devices. Therefore, merely improving the capillary electrophoresis device itself to a configuration that is sufficiently resistant to discharges is insufficient; further improvements are required. In such circumstances, it is undesirable to rely solely on a configuration that does not generate discharges or that is extremely resistant to discharges, as described in Patent Document 2. Therefore, it is necessary to implement some form of configuration that accurately detects discharges when they occur and safely shuts down the capillary electrophoresis device.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object of the present invention is to accurately detect abnormalities in a device that is a target of abnormality monitoring.

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is characterized in that an anomaly detection device, which is disposed between a first path through which a voltage applied by a voltage source is conducted and the voltage source, reads a first current value from a first ammeter connected in series to the first path and the voltage source, and executes the following steps: a standard deviation calculation step of calculating a standard deviation of the first current value; and a first determination step of outputting, if the standard deviation is greater than a first threshold value that is a predetermined threshold value, that indicates that a discharge is occurring in a second path that is a path other than the first path. Other solutions will be described as appropriate in the embodiments.

[0014] According to the present invention, an abnormality in a device that is a target of abnormality monitoring can be accurately detected.

[0015] 10 is a conceptual diagram of a general anomaly detection system to which the anomaly detection method is applied. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing device. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing changes over time in applied voltage and source current values ​​when no discharge is occurring in an insulating part. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing changes over time in applied voltage and source current values ​​when discharge is occurring in an insulating part. FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view of a diagram showing changes over time in applied voltage and source current values ​​when discharge is occurring in an insulating part. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a method for acquiring a source current value. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of an example of a capillary electrophoresis system used in the seventh embodiment. FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a tip portion of a hollow electrode. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a voltage control circuit for controlling the voltage of a capillary electrophoresis device. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure from the start of analysis to the end of analysis by a capillary electrophoresis device. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for checking a current value according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure according to the ninth embodiment. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure according to the tenth embodiment. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure according to the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure according to the twelfth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure according to the thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an anomaly detection screen.

[0016] Hereinafter, an anomaly detection method according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0017] [First embodiment] First, an overview of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. (Outline of anomaly detection system Z) Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a general anomaly detection system Z to which the anomaly detection method of the first embodiment is applied. Figure 1 shows that a processing device 1, which is an anomaly detection device, is connected to an anomaly monitoring target device 2 and detects an anomaly in the anomaly monitoring target device 2.

[0018] The abnormality monitoring target device 2 is provided with a physical path 26, which is a first path. The abnormality monitoring target device 2 also has a positive terminal 25 to which a positive voltage is applied and a negative terminal 24 to which a negative voltage is applied. A voltage source 23 is connected to either the positive terminal 25 or the negative terminal 24. The voltage source 23 is a DC voltage source. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the voltage source 23 is connected to the positive terminal 25. The voltage source 23 applies a voltage to the positive terminal 25 or the negative terminal 24. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the voltage source 23 is connected to the positive terminal 25. The source current is a current observed by a source ammeter 21, which is a first ammeter, directly connected to the voltage source 23. The current observed by a return ammeter 22, which is a second ammeter, connected to the voltage source 23 via a physical path 26 through which the voltage applied by the voltage source 23 is conducted, is referred to as the return current. The voltage source 23 is grounded, and the side opposite to the side to which the voltage source 23 is connected (the side of the return ammeter 22) is also grounded.

[0019] The processing device 1 detects abnormalities in the physical path 26 and the insulating portion 27, which is a second path other than the physical path 26. In this embodiment, the physical path 26 is a portion through which a current flows when a voltage is applied by the voltage source 23. The insulating portion 27 is a portion other than the physical path 26, and in particular, a portion where a discharge occurs, as described below. The physical path 26 is formed between the positive terminal 25 and the negative terminal 24. The insulating portion 27 is a portion other than the physical path 26 that may be affected by the applied voltage.

[0020] 1, the source ammeter 21 is connected in series between the physical path 26 and the voltage source 23. On the other hand, the return ammeter 22 is connected in series with the physical path 26 and the voltage source 23 on the opposite side of the physical path 26 from the voltage source 23.

[0021] The voltage source 23 and the return ammeter 22 are grounded in order to equalize the potentials of the voltage source 23 and the return ammeter 22, for example.

[0022] Incidentally, in the first to third embodiments, the return ammeter 22 can be omitted.

[0023] (Processing Device 1) Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example configuration of the processing device 1. Refer to Fig. 1 as appropriate. The processing device 1 is a PC or the like, and includes a memory 11 configured with a RAM or the like, an arithmetic unit 12 configured with a CPU, a GPU or the like, and a storage device 13 configured with a HDD, an SSD or the like. The processing device 1 also includes an input device 14 such as a keyboard or a mouse, an output device 15 which is an output unit such as a display, and a communication device 16 which exchanges information with the abnormality monitoring target device 2.

[0024] Then, the program stored in the storage device 13 is loaded into the memory 11 and executed by the arithmetic unit 12. As a result, the processing unit 110, and the current value acquisition unit 111, calculation unit 112, determination processing unit 113, control processing unit 114, and output processing unit 115 that constitute the processing unit 110 are realized.

[0025] The current value acquisition unit 111 acquires a source current value, which is a first current value, and a return current value, which is a second current value, from the source ammeter 21 and the return ammeter 22 via the communication device 16. The calculation unit 112 calculates the standard deviation of the source current value and the fluctuation value of the return current value. The determination processing unit 113 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the insulating part 27 or the physical path 26 based on the standard deviation of the source current value and the fluctuation value of the return current value. The control processing unit 114 stops the abnormality monitoring target device 2, etc., depending on the determination result of the determination processing unit 113. The output processing unit 115 outputs an error, an alert, etc. to the output device 15, depending on the determination result of the determination processing unit 113.

[0026] The control processing unit 114 is used in the fifth, eighth, and twelfth embodiments. The output processing unit 115 is used in the second, third, sixth, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth embodiments.

[0027] The inventors have independently discovered that abnormalities that cause current fluctuations do not occur only in the physical path 26, but also occur in the form of discharge in the insulating portion 27. A method for observing discharges that occur in the insulating portion 27 will be described below with reference to Figures 3A to 3C.

[0028] (Temporal Change of Source Current) Fig. 3A is a diagram showing temporal changes of the applied voltage and the source current value when no discharge is occurring in the insulating portion 27. Fig. 3B is a diagram showing temporal changes of the applied voltage and the source current value when a discharge is occurring in the insulating portion 27. Fig. 3C is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the symbol X in Fig. 3B. In Figs. 3A to 3C, the first vertical axis represents the source current value (unit: μA), the second vertical axis represents the applied voltage value (voltage) (unit: kV), and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time (hours) since the voltage was applied (unit: 10 ２ msec) are shown. In Figures 3A to 3C, the solid lines indicate source current values, and the dashed lines indicate applied voltages. In Figures 3A to 3C, the applied voltage is shown as being applied in a stepped manner, but this is because the voltage is applied in a stepped manner for the purpose of the experiment; in reality, the applied voltage is applied in one step. In Figures 3A to 3C, the applied voltage is applied in a stepped manner, so the source current also changes in a stepped manner.

[0029] Comparing the graphs shown in Figures 3A and 3B reveals the following. First, Figure 3A shows that when no discharge occurs in the insulating portion 27, the source current value appears as a flat curve. This indicates that the source current value is stable. This is because no current leaks to the outside (to the insulating portion 27), and the source current value is stable. In contrast, as shown in Figures 3B and 3C, when a discharge occurs in the insulating portion 27, the source current value appears as a curve that fluctuates slightly up and down. In other words, it can be seen that the source current value is unstable. This is because a discharge occurs outside the physical path 26 (i.e., in the insulating portion 27), causing the source current value to leak, and therefore the source current value is unstable.

[0030] This embodiment is characterized by detecting a discharge occurring in the insulating portion 27 based on the behavior of the source current value, utilizing the characteristics of the source current value as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C. A specific example of the anomaly detection method of this embodiment will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. Also, FIGS. 3A to 3C show that the source current value also increases almost vertically immediately after the applied voltage increases. This is a normal phenomenon that occurs according to Ohm's law, because, for the same resistance value, the source current also increases with an increase in applied voltage. Therefore, this upward fluctuation in the source current value is not associated with an abnormal discharge. Therefore, the inventors independently discovered that one of the challenges is to distinguish between fluctuations in the source current value associated with an abnormal discharge in the insulating portion 27 and other fluctuations in the source current value. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3C, the source current value for a predetermined period (period T11) immediately after a large, almost vertical fluctuation in the applied voltage is excluded from the basis for detecting a discharge. One of the features of the anomaly detection method of this embodiment is that discharge detection is performed based on source current values ​​other than the source current values ​​in a period other than the excluded period (period T12). A change in the source current value that appears immediately after a voltage fluctuation may be a change caused by a voltage change.

[0031] The voltage change is performed by an instruction from an operator or an instruction from a control computer 400 (see FIG. 7A ) that controls the voltage source 23. However, the processing device 1 can detect the timing of the voltage change by receiving an instruction from the control computer 400. However, as will be described later, fluctuations in the source current value occur due to discharge in the insulating portion 27, making it impossible to determine whether the fluctuations in the measured source current value are due to the voltage change. For this reason, in this embodiment, the source current value immediately after the voltage change is excluded from the discharge determination.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for acquiring source current values. In this embodiment, the standard deviation of the source current values ​​is used to distinguish small fluctuations in the source current value associated with discharge in the insulating portion 27 from fluctuations according to Ohm's law. The fluctuations according to Ohm's law refer to fluctuations due to voltage changes by the control computer 400 (see FIG. 7A ). For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the source current value is measured every 100 msec (measurement times "t0" to "t10"), resulting in 10 samples of source current values ​​per second. That is, the source current value is measured (sampled) over a 1-second sampling period, with a sampling cycle of 100 msec. The processing device 1 then calculates the standard deviation based on the 10 source current values ​​acquired during the 1-second measurement. When a discharge occurs in the insulating portion 27, variations in the source current value occur, resulting in a larger standard deviation of the source current value compared to when no discharge occurs in the insulating portion 27. The sampling period of the source current value is not limited to 1 second, the sampling cycle of the source current value is not limited to 100 msec, and the number of samplings is not limited to 10 times as shown in FIG.

[0033] Therefore, in this embodiment, a first threshold value is set, and if the standard deviation of the source current value exceeds the set first threshold value, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the source current value. The first threshold value is determined by the user in consideration of parameters that affect the source current value.

[0034] (Flowchart) Next, the anomaly detection method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 will be referenced as appropriate. The flowchart of FIG. 5 illustrates processing performed each time the source current value is read by the source ammeter 21. The current value acquisition unit 111 reads the source current value from the source ammeter 21 (S101). The source current value is read using a sampling method such as that shown in FIG. 4. That is, the source current value is read at times t0 to t10 shown in FIG. 4. Step S101 is a source current value reading step in which the current value acquisition unit 111 reads the source current value at a predetermined sampling period (every time interval). Then, the calculation unit 112 determines whether the source current value has been read a set number of times (10 times in the example shown in FIG. 4) (S102). If the source current value has not been read the set number of times (No in S102), the processing device 1 returns to step S101.

[0035] If the source current values ​​have been read the set number of times (S102→Yes), the calculation unit 112 calculates the standard deviation of the source current values ​​using each of the read source current values ​​(S103). Step S103 is a standard deviation calculation step. That is, in step S103, the calculation unit 112 calculates the standard deviation based on the source current values ​​read at predetermined time intervals. Then, the determination processing unit 113 determines whether the standard deviation calculated in step S103 is greater than a first threshold value (S104: first determination step). If the standard deviation value is equal to or less than the first threshold value (S104→No), the determination processing unit 113 determines that no discharge is occurring in the insulating portion 27 (no discharge) (S105).

[0036] If the standard deviation value exceeds the first threshold (S104 → Yes), the determination processing unit 113 determines whether the current time has just been changed in the applied voltage (S106). The determination in step S106 is performed by the determination processing unit 113 determining whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the applied voltage was changed. As described above, if the current time has just been changed in the applied voltage, the source current value also changes according to Ohm's law as the applied voltage is changed. Therefore, if step S106 returns "Yes," the determination processing unit 113 determines that the change in the source current value is not due to discharge in the insulating portion 27 and suspends the determination (S107: exclusion step). In this way, the exclusion step is performed, in which source current values ​​read within a predetermined period after the voltage applied by the voltage source 23 was changed are excluded from the discharge determination.

[0037] The period of the source current value to be excluded from the change in the applied voltage can be set to a different value depending on the condition of the abnormality monitoring target device 2. Furthermore, the first threshold value used in step S104 is a predetermined threshold value that can be set by the operator, and is set to, for example, σ or 2σ (σ is the standard deviation).

[0038] On the other hand, in step S106, if the read source current value is not obtained immediately after the applied voltage is changed (S106→No), the determination processing unit 113 determines that a discharge is occurring in the insulating part 27 (S108). In this case, as will be described later, the control processing unit 114 may stop the abnormality monitoring target device 2, and the output processing unit 115 may output an error to the output device 15 or output an alert.

[0039] As described above, in the first embodiment, even if the standard deviation of the source current values ​​is greater than the first threshold, which is a predetermined threshold, the processing device 1 excludes the source current value from the basis for determining an abnormality if the source current value is immediately after a change in the applied voltage. Furthermore, if the standard deviation of sampled source current values ​​other than the excluded source current values ​​is smaller than the first threshold, the processing device 1 determines that "no discharge has occurred." This makes it possible to accurately detect a discharge in the physical path 26. This also makes it possible to selectively and accurately extract fluctuations in the source current values ​​related to a discharge in the insulating portion 27.

[0040] In the first embodiment, when the standard deviation of the source current value is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that a discharge is occurring, which makes it possible to safely shut down the abnormality monitoring target device 2 as in a second embodiment described later, or to accurately notify the operator of the abnormality monitoring target device 2 as in a third embodiment described later.

[0041] The processes of steps S104 and S106 may be interchanged.

[0042] Second Embodiment The first embodiment described above describes an abnormality detection method for checking whether or not a discharge is occurring in the insulating portion 27. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the output processing unit 115 outputs an error or the like when a discharge is occurring in the insulating portion 27.

[0043] Although not shown, the determination processing unit 113 outputs an error and adds a process of forcibly stopping the abnormality monitoring target device 2 immediately after determining "discharge has occurred" in step S108 of FIG. 6 in the first embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in this respect, but the process is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the abnormality monitoring target device 2 is forcibly stopped when it is determined that discharge has occurred in the insulating portion 27. In this way, the operator does not operate the abnormality monitoring target device 2 while discharge is occurring in the insulating portion 27, thereby preventing damage to the components of the abnormality monitoring target device 2. The process performed in the second embodiment is the same as the process shown in FIG. 12, which will be described later.

[0044] [Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment, an anomaly detection method for checking whether or not a discharge is occurring in the insulating portion 27 is described. In the third embodiment, an alert is output as a specific example of an error output. Although not shown, the output processing unit 115 performs processing to output an alert when it determines that a discharge is occurring in step S108 of FIG. 5 of the first embodiment. In this respect, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment, but is otherwise common to the first embodiment. Note that in the processing of the third embodiment, step S408B in FIG. 12 (described later) is replaced with the output of an alert. The alert output may be a buzzer (not shown), or an alert may be displayed on the output device 15.

[0045] According to the third embodiment, the output processing unit 115 outputs an alert as a specific example of an error output, thereby enabling the operator to become aware that a discharge is occurring in the insulating part 27 of the abnormality monitoring target device 2.

[0046] [Fourth Embodiment] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure according to the fourth embodiment. Refer to Fig. 1 as appropriate. The first embodiment described an anomaly detection system Z that can detect and confirm the detection of a discharge occurring in the insulating portion 27 by measuring the source current value. In contrast, the fourth embodiment includes steps S201 to S204, which are an anomaly detection process for the return current value.

[0047] The source current is hardly affected by the state of the physical path 26. Therefore, the source current appears as a current value derived from the applied voltage and Ohm's law almost as it is. In contrast, the return current is significantly affected by the state of the physical path 26. In other words, if there is some abnormality in the physical path 26 and this abnormality causes a discharge or poor continuity, the return current will be affected by the abnormality. Taking advantage of this property, in the fourth embodiment, an abnormality in the physical path 26 is detected by observing the return current.

[0048] Specifically, first, the return current value is read by the return current meter 22 (S201: second current value reading step). Next, the calculation unit 112 calculates the fluctuation value of the return current value (S202). Specifically, the determination processing unit 113 calculates the difference between the previously read return current value and the currently read return current value. Then, the determination processing unit 113 determines whether the fluctuation value of the return current value is greater than a second threshold value (S203: second determination step).

[0049] If the fluctuation value of the return current value is greater than the second threshold value (S203 → Yes), the determination processing unit 113 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the physical path 26 (S204: second determination step). If the abnormality monitoring target device 2 is the capillary electrophoresis device 300 shown in Figure 7A, the abnormality means that an air bubble has occurred in the capillary 312, causing discharge or poor conductivity in the capillary 312, etc.

[0050] If the fluctuation value of the return current value is equal to or less than the second threshold value in step S203 (S203→No), the source current value is read by the source ammeter 21 (S101). The process from step S101 onwards is the same as the process in FIG.

[0051] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes steps S201 to S204 for detecting an abnormality in the return current value, but is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. By including steps S201 to S204 for detecting an abnormality in the return current value, the fourth embodiment can detect an abnormality in the physical path 26. Furthermore, by displaying the abnormality detection based on the return current value and the discharge detection based on the source current value separately, the operator can more easily identify where the abnormality has occurred.

[0052] Fifth Embodiment The fourth embodiment described above describes a detection method for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the physical path 26 shown in FIG. 1. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, if a discharge occurs in the insulating portion 27, the control processing unit 114 (see FIG. 2) performs a process of forcibly shutting down the abnormality monitoring target device 2. Although not shown, a process of forcibly shutting down the abnormality monitoring target device 2 when a "No" is determined in step S106 of FIG. 6 of the fourth embodiment is added. In this respect, the fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment, but is otherwise common to the fourth embodiment. The process of the fifth embodiment is the same as the process of FIG. 15 described below.

[0053] According to the fifth embodiment, when the determination processing unit 113 (see FIG. 2 ) determines that a discharge is occurring in the insulating part 27, the control processing unit 114 forcibly stops the abnormality monitoring target device 2. In this way, the processing device 1 can detect a discharge in the insulating part 27 and safely stop the abnormality monitoring target device 2. Furthermore, because the operator will not operate the abnormality monitoring target device 2 while a discharge is occurring in the insulating part 27, damage to the components of the abnormality monitoring target device 2 can be prevented.

[0054] Sixth Embodiment The fourth embodiment described an anomaly detection method for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the physical path 26 of the abnormality monitoring target device 2. In contrast, the sixth embodiment adds a process in which the output processing unit 115 (see FIG. 2) outputs an error when a discharge is detected in the insulating portion 27. Although not shown, a process in which the output processing unit 115 outputs an error when the determination processing unit 113 determines "No" in step S106 of FIG. 6 of the fourth embodiment has been added. This difference between the sixth embodiment and the fourth embodiment is significant, but the remaining differences are common to the fourth embodiment. According to the sixth embodiment, the output processing unit 115 outputs an error when a discharge is detected in the insulating portion 27. This allows the operator to become aware of a situation in which a discharge has occurred in the insulating portion 27 of the abnormality monitoring target device 2. The process performed in the sixth embodiment is similar to the process shown in FIG. 16, which will be described later.

[0055] Seventh Embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 9. In the seventh embodiment, a case will be described in which the anomaly detection method shown in the first embodiment is implemented in a capillary electrophoresis device 300. In the following embodiments, a source current is used to detect discharge in an insulating portion 27 (see FIG. 1), which is outside the sample flow path, in the capillary electrophoresis device 300 shown in FIG. 7A. The processing device 1 then calculates a standard deviation using the source current value. The processing device 1 then determines whether or not the calculated standard deviation exceeds a threshold value to determine discharge in the insulating portion 27. The processing device 1, which performs this determination, is connected to the capillary electrophoresis device 300, allowing the processing device 1 to detect discharge occurring in the capillary electrophoresis device 300.

[0056] (Capillary Electrophoresis System 3) Fig. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a capillary electrophoresis system 3 used in the seventh embodiment. Fig. 7B is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the symbol Y in Fig. 7A, that is, an enlarged view of the tip portion of the hollow electrode 313. The capillary electrophoresis system 3 is composed of a capillary electrophoresis device 300 and a control computer 400.

[0057] The capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 includes a detection unit 301 for optically detecting a sample and an oven (constant temperature bath) 351 for maintaining the temperature of the capillary 312. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 also includes an autosampler 330 for transporting various containers to the cathode end 312A (see FIG. 7B ) of the capillary 312. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 also includes a high-voltage power supply 23A for applying a high DC voltage to the capillary 312.

[0058] (Abnormality Detection System) The capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 is equipped with a source ammeter 21 for detecting a current generated by application of a voltage by the high-voltage power supply 23A. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 is also equipped with a return ammeter 22 for detecting a current flowing through the anode electrode 342A. The high-voltage power supply 23A, source ammeter 21, and return ammeter 22 are originally equipped in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300. The high-voltage power supply 23A corresponds to the voltage source 23 in FIG. 1.

[0059] (Capillary Array 311) The capillary electrophoresis device 300 further includes a capillary array 311 composed of one or more capillaries 312. The capillary electrophoresis device 300 also includes a pump mechanism 320 or a polymer transport unit for injecting a highly viscous polymer solution (hereinafter referred to as polymer) as an electrophoresis medium into the capillary array 311. The capillary electrophoresis device 300 also includes a load header 331 and a capillary head 321.

[0060] As described above, the capillary array 311 includes one or more capillaries 312. In the example shown in Fig. 7A, the capillary array 311 is made up of eight capillaries 312. The capillary array 311 is a replaceable member.

[0061] When changing the measurement method, that is, when changing the sample, the operator replaces the capillary array 311 and adjusts its length. Furthermore, when the capillary array 311 is damaged or its quality deteriorates, the operator replaces it with a new one. The capillary 312 is made of a glass tube with an inner diameter of several tens to several hundred microns and an outer diameter of several hundred microns. The surface of the capillary 312 is coated with polyimide to improve its strength. However, the polyimide coating has been removed from the detection unit 301, which is irradiated with laser light, to allow the internal light emission to easily leak to the outside.

[0062] The inside of the capillary 312 is filled with a polymer, which is a separation medium for imparting a difference in migration speed during electrophoresis. Polymers can be either fluid or non-fluid.

[0063] A metal hollow electrode 313 is attached to the load header 331 for each capillary 312 (see FIG. 7B). As shown in FIG. 7B, the tip of the capillary 312 protrudes from the hollow electrode 313 by about 0.5 mm.

[0064] All of the hollow electrodes 313 are electrically connected to a high-voltage power supply 23A mounted on the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300. The hollow electrodes 313 function as cathode electrodes when voltage application is required, such as during electrophoresis or sample introduction.

[0065] The load header 331 is fixed to an oven 351. The ends (anode ends) of the capillaries 312 located opposite to the cathode ends 312A (see FIG. 7) of the capillaries 312 are bundled together by a capillary head 321. The capillaries 312 are pressure-tight and detachable from the capillary head 321.

[0066] (Pump Mechanism 320) The pump mechanism 320 includes a pump 322 having a plunger, and a block 323 having a flow path therein.

[0067] The inner diameter of the flow path provided inside the block 323 is 0.5 to 2 mm, which is several to several tens of times larger than the inner diameter of the capillary 312. This is to avoid voltage loss during electrophoresis. The pump 322, the capillary head 321, the first tube 343a, and the second tube 343b are connected to the block 323. The pump 322, the capillary head 321, the first tube 343a, and the second tube 343b are connected to each other by the flow path provided inside the block 323. The first tube 343a connects the block 323 and the polymer contained in the polymer bottle 341.

[0068] The pump 322 sucks polymer from a polymer bottle 341 storing the polymer through a first pipe 343a. The pump 322 also sucks buffer solution from an anode buffer container 342 through a second pipe 343b. An anode electrode 342A is immersed in the buffer solution in the anode buffer container 342. The polymer bottle 341 stores a volume of polymer necessary and sufficient for continuous operation. The polymer bottle 341 is provided with an exhaust valve (not shown) so that negative pressure does not occur inside the polymer bottle 341 even when polymer is sucked from the polymer bottle 341. Alternatively, a sufficient gap is provided at the insertion opening of the first pipe 343a in the polymer bottle 341.

[0069] The first pipe 343a is provided with a check valve 344. The second pipe 343b connects the block 323 to the buffer solution contained in the anode buffer container 342. The second pipe 343b is provided with an electrically operated buffer valve 345. Although not clearly shown in FIG. 7A , the polymer bottle 341 is positioned lower than the anode buffer container 342. This is to prevent the polymer from flowing back from the polymer bottle 341 to the anode buffer container 342 by utilizing the pressure caused by the difference in elevation. Conversely, the check valve 344 prevents the polymer or buffer solution from flowing back from the anode buffer container 342 to the polymer bottle 341.

[0070] When injecting a polymer into the capillaries 312 of the capillary array 311, the buffer valve 345 is closed. This closes the flow path between the capillary array 311 and the anode buffer container 342. Then, the pump 322 is driven to inject the polymer stored in the polymer bottle 341 into the capillaries 312. When electrophoresis is performed, the buffer valve 345 is opened, and the flow path between the capillary array 311 and the anode buffer container 342 is connected.

[0071] (Optical Detection System) The optical detection system is composed of a light source 302 for irradiating the detection unit 301 with light, and an optical detector 303 for detecting the light emitted by the detection unit 301 .

[0072] The detection unit 301 is a component that acquires information dependent on a sample, such as DNA to which a fluorescent substance has been added. The capillaries 312 are arranged and fixed to an optically flat surface with a height precision of several microns near the detection unit 301. During electrophoresis, a coaxial laser beam is emitted from the light source 302. The irradiated laser beam passes continuously through all of the capillaries 312. This laser beam generates information light (fluorescence having a wavelength dependent on the sample) from the sample, which is then emitted to the outside from the detection unit 301. This information light is detected by the optical detector 303. The sample is then analyzed by an analytical device (not shown) that analyzes the information light.

[0073] (Autosampler 330) The autosampler 330 is movable in three directions: up and down, left and right, and depth. A cathode buffer container 332, a sample container 333, etc. are placed on a moving stage 334 of the autosampler 330. This allows the autosampler 330 to transport the cathode buffer container 332, the sample container 333, etc. as needed. The sample container 333 contains a sample liquid mixed with a sample.

[0074] (Control System and Processing System) The capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 is used while connected to a control computer 400 via a communication cable. An operator controls the functions of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 by operating the control computer 400. The control computer 400 can also send and receive data detected by a detection unit 301 provided in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300. The control computer 400 can also stop the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300.

[0075] In the example shown in FIG. 7A, the control computer 400 and the capillary electrophoresis device 300 are separate devices, but the control computer 400 may be integrated with the capillary electrophoresis device 300 .

[0076] The processing device 1 also acquires a source current value from the source ammeter 21 and a return current value from the return ammeter 22. Based on the acquired source current value and return current value, the processing device 1 detects discharge in the insulating part 27 and an abnormality in the physical path 26. When the processing device 1 detects discharge in the insulating part 27, it outputs an error and / or instructs the control computer 400 to stop the capillary electrophoresis device 300.

[0077] 7A, the source ammeter 21 is connected to the load header 331. The return ammeter 22 is connected to an anode electrode 342A immersed in the buffer solution in the anode buffer container 342.

[0078] In this embodiment, the processing device 1 and the control computer 400 are installed as separate devices, but the processing device 1 and the control computer 400 may be integrated into one device.

[0079] The anode electrode 342A → buffer solution contained in the anode buffer container 342 → second tube 343b → capillary head 321 → capillary 312 → load header 331 corresponds to the physical path 26 shown in FIG. 1 . The insulating portion 27 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds mainly to the portion between the load header 331 and the cathode buffer container 332, or between the loader header and the buffer solution contained in the buffer container. The position of the cathode buffer container 332 is controlled by the autosampler 330, but in this case, the distance between the cathode buffer container 332 and the load header 331 may become too large due to some setting error or the like. When this occurs, discharge occurs between the load header 331 and the cathode buffer container 332, or between the loader header and the buffer solution contained in the buffer container.

[0080] The load header 331 corresponds to the negative terminal 24 in FIG. 1 , and the anode electrode 342A corresponds to the positive terminal 25 in FIG. 1 . Also, in FIG. 1 , the source ammeter 21 and the voltage source 23 are connected to the positive terminal 25, and the return ammeter 22 is connected to the negative terminal 24. In contrast, in the example shown in FIG. 7A , the return ammeter 22 is connected to the anode electrode 342A, which corresponds to the positive terminal 25 in FIG. 1 . The source ammeter 21 and the high-voltage power supply 23A (voltage source 23 in FIG. 1 ) are connected to the load header 331, which corresponds to the negative terminal 24 in FIG. 1 . As described above, any configuration is possible as long as the source ammeter 21 is connected to the voltage source 23 side of the physical path 26 and the return ammeter 22 is connected to the opposite side. For example, the source ammeter 21 and the return ammeter 22 may be connected to either the negative terminal 24 or the positive terminal 25.

[0081] (Voltage Control Circuit) Figure 8 is a diagram showing a voltage control circuit for controlling the voltage of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300. The voltage control circuit includes the processing device 1, a control computer 400, a high-voltage power supply 23A, a source ammeter 21, and a return ammeter 22. The high-voltage power supply 23A applies a voltage to the physical path 26 based on the control of the processing device 1. The high-voltage power supply 23A corresponds to the voltage source 23 in Figure 1. The physical path 26 is as described above.

[0082] The electrophoresis path is the capillary array 311, the flow path provided inside the block 323, and the polymer filled in the second tube 343b.

[0083] The high-voltage power supply 23A is electrically connected to the electrode 361 via the source ammeter 21, the hollow electrode 313, and the return ammeter 22. The electrode 361 corresponds to the negative electrode terminal 24 in FIG. 1 or the anode electrode 342A in FIG. 7A. When the high-voltage power supply 23A applies a voltage of several tens of kilovolts to one end of the source ammeter 21, a voltage difference of several tens of kilovolts is generated between both ends of the source ammeter 21 and the electrode 361. At this time, an electric field is generated from the hollow electrode 313 toward the electrode 361. The sample, negatively charged by this electric field, moves from the cathode end 312A of the capillary 312 (see FIG. 7B) toward the detection unit 301.

[0084] The source ammeter 21 measures the value of the source current flowing from the high-voltage power supply 23A to the hollow electrode 313 and transmits the measured source current value to the processing device 1. The return ammeter 22 measures the value of the return current flowing from the electrode 361 to GND and transmits the measured return current value to the processing device 1.

[0085] The processing device 1 reads the source current value from the source ammeter 21 and the return current value from the return ammeter 22, and performs calculations, i.e., an anomaly detection method. The processing device 1 then sends instructions to the control computer 400 according to the results of the anomaly detection method. The control computer 400 forcibly shuts off the voltage of the high-voltage power supply 23A, thereby stopping the capillary electrophoresis device 300. The processing device 1 can also communicate with the control computer 400, which is located outside the capillary electrophoresis device 300.

[0086] 7A and 7B, the preparations before starting electrophoresis will be described. Before starting measurement using the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300, the operator sets the following items in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300: an anode buffer container 342 containing a buffer solution; a cathode buffer container 332 which combines a capillary cleaning solution and a waste container for discharging the polymer in the capillary 312; a polymer container 116 containing a polymer to serve as a separation medium, and a sample container 333 containing the sample to be measured.

[0087] The operator fills the anode buffer reservoir 342 with enough buffer solution to fully immerse both the anode electrode 342A and the second tube 343b. The operator also verifies that the cathode buffer reservoir 332 contains enough buffer solution to fully immerse the hollow electrode 313 and the cathode end 312A of the capillary 312.

[0088] If measurement is started without a sufficient amount of buffer solution, discharge may occur between the negative electrode with a high potential and another electrode with a low potential when a high voltage is applied. Also, the electrophoresis path or the channel used to transport the polymer should all be filled with polymer before starting measurement.

[0089] (Analysis Process) Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure from the start to the end of analysis by the capillary electrophoresis device 300. Figures 1, 7A, and 7B are referenced as appropriate. The capillary electrophoresis device 300 starts analysis in response to a command sent from the control computer 400 (S301). Next, in preparation for injecting a polymer into the capillary 312, the autosampler 330 mounted on the capillary electrophoresis device 300 carries the cathode buffer container 332 to the cathode end 312A of the capillary 312 (S302).

[0090] Thereafter, a polymer is injected into the capillaries 312 (S303) by the pump mechanism 320 provided in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300. Furthermore, the cathode ends 312A of the capillaries 312 (capillaries 311) of the capillary array 311 are washed (S304).

[0091] Then, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the capillary electrophoresis device 300 is checked. To check for an abnormality, the high-voltage power supply 23A applies a weak voltage (S305). The processing device 1 then performs a current value check (S306) to determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the capillary electrophoresis device 300. Details of the current value check performed in step S306 will be described later. The current value checked in step S306 is the source current value or the return current value. By performing the current value check in step S306, if an abnormality is detected in step S306, the operator can stop subsequent processing. This prevents a high voltage from being applied to the physical path 26 when an abnormality has occurred and prevents sample waste, etc.

[0092] If the processing device 1 determines that an abnormality has occurred as a result of the current value check (S306 → abnormality detected), the processing device 1 outputs an abnormality detection signal (S321). The abnormality detection signal is an error signal or an alert signal. After step S321, an abnormality response is performed (S322). The abnormality response is an operator response or the shutdown of the capillary electrophoresis device 300.

[0093] However, steps S321 and S322 do not have to be executed.

[0094] The weak voltage applied in step S305 is lower than the voltage applied by the high-voltage power supply 23A in the pre-electrophoresis, sample introduction, and electrophoresis described below. However, the voltage applied in step S305 is several kV, which is generally considered to be a high voltage.

[0095] If the operator notices that an abnormality has occurred in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 at step S306, damage to the components of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 can be reduced.

[0096] In step S306, if there is no abnormality in the capillary electrophoresis device 300 (S306 → Normal), the high-voltage power supply 23A applies a predetermined voltage to the sample flow path, causing the processing device 1 to perform a preliminary run. At this time (during the preliminary run), a current value check is performed (S307). The preliminary run is performed to prepare the polymer filled inside the capillary 312 for analysis, prior to the actual analysis process, which involves sample introduction and electrophoresis. In the preliminary run, a voltage of several to several tens of kilovolts is typically applied to the current path for several to several tens of minutes.

[0097] If the current check during the preliminary electrophoresis determines that the processing device 1 has an abnormality (S307 → abnormality detected), steps S321 and S322 are executed. The current value check is performed in step S307, which means that the current value check is performed before sample introduction. In other words, an abnormality determination for the capillary electrophoresis device 300 can be performed simultaneously with the preliminary electrophoresis. Furthermore, by detecting an abnormality in the capillary electrophoresis device 300 during the preliminary electrophoresis introduction, electrophoresis can be stopped before sample introduction. This prevents sample waste.

[0098] When the preliminary electrophoresis is completed (the current check during the preliminary electrophoresis determines that the processing device 1 is normal: S307), the cathode end 312A of the capillary 312 is washed with a buffer solution (S308). After that, the autosampler 330 transports the sample container 333 to the cathode end of the capillary 312 (S309).

[0099] When the high-voltage power supply 23A applies a voltage of about several kV to the cathode electrode of the capillary 312 for the sample liquid contained in the sample container 333, an electric field is generated between the sample liquid and the anode electrode. This electric field causes the sample in the sample liquid to be introduced into the capillary 312. At this time, the processing device 1 checks the current value at the time of sample introduction (S310).

[0100] If the current value check at the time of sample introduction determines that there is an abnormality (S310 → abnormality detected), the processes of steps S321 and S322 are performed. By checking the current value at step S310, the current value is checked before electrophoresis is performed. In other words, an abnormality determination of the capillary electrophoresis device 300 can be performed simultaneously with sample introduction. Furthermore, by detecting an abnormality in the capillary electrophoresis device 300 at the time of sample introduction, electrophoresis can be stopped before electrophoresis begins.

[0101] When the introduction of the sample is completed (the current check during the sample introduction determines that the processing device 1 is normal: S310 → normal), the cathode end 312A of the capillary 312 is washed with a buffer solution (S311).

[0102] Thereafter, the autosampler 330 transports the cathode buffer container 332 to the cathode end 312A of the capillary 312 (S312). Thereafter, the high-voltage power supply 23A applies a predetermined voltage to the buffer solution contained in the cathode buffer container 332, thereby starting electrophoresis. At this time, the voltage value during electrophoresis is checked (S313).

[0103] If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the voltage value check during electrophoresis (S313->abnormality), the processes of steps S321 and S322 are performed.

[0104] In electrophoresis, the sample in the capillary 312 is given mobility by the action of an electric field generated between the cathode end 312A and the anode electrode 342A of the capillary 312. As a result, the samples are separated due to differences in mobility that depend on the properties of the sample. The separated and moving samples are optically detected in the order in which they reach the detection unit 301. For example, if the sample is DNA, differences in mobility occur depending on the base length, so DNA with short base lengths and fast migration speeds pass through the detection unit 301 in order. Since a fluorescent substance is attached to the DNA in advance, it is optically detected in the detection unit 301. Usually, the measurement time and voltage application time are set to match the sample with the longest migration time.

[0105] As shown in step S313 of FIG. 9 , a current value check can also be performed during the electrophoresis stage. Furthermore, electrophoresis requires the application of a high voltage for a long period of time. If a high voltage continues to be applied to an abnormality location for a long period of time while an abnormality is occurring in the capillary electrophoresis device 300, damage will occur to the abnormality location and surrounding components. If an abnormality is detected in the capillary electrophoresis device 300 during electrophoresis, damage to components can be avoided by stopping the capillary electrophoresis device 300 or notifying the operator of an error.

[0106] If the current value check during electrophoresis determines that the processing device 1 is normal (S313 → normal), and a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of voltage application, the analyzer (not shown) finishes acquiring the planned data. Then, the high-voltage power supply 23A stops applying voltage, and electrophoresis ends (S314). The analyzer analyzes the acquired data (electrophoresis results), thereby completing the analysis. This completes the measurement sequence.

[0107] The current value checks performed in steps S307, S310, and S313 can be omitted. However, by performing the current value checks in steps S307, S310, and S313, it is possible to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 at each stage.

[0108] (Current Value Check) Next, a method for checking the current value will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The current value check shown in Fig. 10 to Fig. 16 is performed in step S306 of Fig. 9, and is also performed in S307, S310, and S314 as necessary.

[0109] 10 to 16 is performed before the preliminary run of capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 (step S306 in FIG. 9). The current value checks performed in FIGS. 10 to 16 are performed at least at one of the following times: the preliminary run of capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300, the sample introduction, and the electrophoresis run. The current value checks performed in FIGS. 10 to 16 include the standard deviation calculation step, the first determination step, the second current value reading step, and the second determination step.

[0110] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for checking a current value. In the explanation of Figs. 10 to 16, Fig. 2 and Fig. 7A will be referred to as appropriate. The series of processes shown in Fig. 10 is a process in which the process shown in Fig. 5 is applied to the capillary electrophoresis system 3.

[0111] When voltage application (e.g., S305 in FIG. 9 ) is performed in the capillary electrophoresis device 300, measurement of the source current value and the return current is initiated, and the source current value is read (S401). Step S401 is the first current value reading step. However, in the capillary electrophoresis system 3 shown in FIG. 7A , the return current meter 22 is connected to GND, so discharge hardly occurs. Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, the return current value is not used. The source current value is sampled using the method shown in FIG. 4 .

[0112] Next, the calculation unit 112 determines whether the source current value has been read a sufficient number of times, i.e., a set number of times (10 times in the example shown in FIG. 4) (S402). If the source current value has not been read the set number of times (S402), the processing device 1 returns to step S401.

[0113] If the source current values ​​have been read the set number of times (S402→Yes), the calculation unit 112 calculates the standard deviation per unit time using each of the read source current values ​​(S403). Step S403 is a standard deviation calculation step. Then, the determination processing unit 113 determines whether the standard deviation per unit time is greater than a first threshold value (S404: first determination step).

[0114] In the seventh embodiment, while a voltage is applied to the physical path 26, the processing device 1 reads and checks fluctuations in the source current value at 100-msec intervals (see FIG. 4 ). The calculation unit 112 calculates the standard deviation based on several sampled source current values ​​(S403). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4 , the source current value is sampled at 10 points every 1 sec, and the calculation unit 112 calculates the standard deviation of the 10 sampled source current values. As a result, the calculation unit 112 calculates the standard deviation per 1 sec (i.e., per unit time). As described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C , when a discharge occurs in the insulating portion 27 (i.e., between the load header 331 and the cathode buffer container 332 or buffer solution in FIG. 7A ), variations (standard deviations) occur in the source current value. Therefore, the standard deviation of the source current value is larger than when no discharge occurs in the insulating portion 27.

[0115] Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, a first threshold is set, and the determination processing unit 113 determines whether the standard deviation calculated in step S403 is greater than the first threshold (S404). The first threshold is determined by an operator. For example, parameters that affect the source current value, such as the type of capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 (CCE, 3500, etc.), the length of the capillaries 312, the number of capillaries 312, the type of polymer used, etc., are taken into consideration.

[0116] If the standard deviation exceeds the first threshold value in step S404 (S404→Yes), the determination processing unit 113 determines whether the current time is immediately after the applied voltage has been changed (S406: Exclusion step). If the current time is immediately after the applied voltage has been changed (S406→Yes), the determination processing unit 113 determines that the change in the source current value is not due to discharge in the insulating part 27. This is because, as described above, immediately after the applied voltage has been changed, the source current value (and the return current value) fluctuates in accordance with Ohm's law as the applied voltage is changed.

[0117] Therefore, if the current time is immediately after the applied voltage has been changed (S406 → Yes), the determination is suspended (S407: exclusion step). As a result, if the current time is immediately after the applied voltage has been changed, the measured source current value is excluded from the discharge determination of the insulating part 27.

[0118] For example, the source current value for 3 seconds (100 msec x 30 points) immediately after the applied voltage is changed is excluded from the discharge determination of the insulating portion 27. The operator determines how long the period immediately after the applied voltage is changed that is not used for the discharge determination. For example, parameters that affect the source current value, such as the type of capillary electrophoresis device 300 (CCE, 3500, etc.), the length of the capillary 312, the number of capillaries 312, the type of polymer used, etc., are taken into consideration.

[0119] If the result of step S406 indicates that the current time is not immediately after the applied voltage has been changed (S406→No), the determination processing unit 113 determines that a discharge is occurring in the insulating part 27 (S408). In this case, the control processing unit 114 may stop the capillary electrophoresis device 300, or the output processing unit 115 may output an error or an alert.

[0120] On the other hand, if the value of the standard deviation is equal to or less than the first threshold value in step S404 (S404→No), it is determined that no discharge is occurring in the insulating portion 27 (S408).

[0121] According to the seventh embodiment, the abnormality detection method performed in the first embodiment can be applied to the capillary electrophoresis system 3 .

[0122] Eighth Embodiment Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure according to the eighth embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, a detection method for determining whether or not the insulating part 27 is discharging in the capillary electrophoresis device 300 was described. In the eighth embodiment, a case where the capillary electrophoresis device 300 is stopped as a countermeasure when a discharge in the insulating part 27 is detected is described.

[0123] 11 , if the determination in step S406 is "No," the control processing unit 114 forcibly stops the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 (S408A: stop control processing step). That is, when it is detected that a discharge is occurring in the insulating part 27, the control processing unit 114 forcibly stops the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300, which is the abnormality monitoring target apparatus 2.

[0124] If the determination in step S404 is "No" or the determination in step S406 is "Yes," electrophoresis continues (S411). That is, in Fig. 10, if the determination is "suspended" (S407) or "no discharge" (S408), electrophoresis continues without stopping the capillary electrophoresis device 300. Note that electrophoresis is the process shown in Fig. 9.

[0125] The eighth embodiment differs from the seventh embodiment in the above respects, but is otherwise common to the seventh embodiment. According to the eighth embodiment, when it is determined that a discharge is occurring in the insulating part 27, the control processing unit 114 forcibly stops the capillary electrophoresis device 300. In this way, the processing device 1 can detect a discharge in the insulating part 27 and safely stop the capillary electrophoresis device 300. Furthermore, because the operator will not operate the capillary electrophoresis device 300 while a discharge is occurring in the insulating part 27, damage to components of the capillary electrophoresis device 300 can be prevented.

[0126] Ninth Embodiment Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure according to the ninth embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, the control processing unit 114 stops the capillary electrophoresis device 300 when a discharge occurs in the insulating part 27. In contrast, in the ninth embodiment, instead of stopping the capillary electrophoresis device 300, the output processing unit 115 outputs an error.

[0127] In this embodiment, if the determination in step S406 is "No," the output processing unit 115 causes the output device 15 (FIG. 2) to output an error (S408B: error output step), after which an operator takes action (S421).

[0128] The ninth embodiment differs from the eighth embodiment in the above respects, but is otherwise common to the eighth embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, when a discharge is detected in the insulating part 27, the output processing unit 115 outputs an error signal to the output device 15. This allows the operator to notice that the insulating part 27 of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 is discharging.

[0129] Tenth Embodiment Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 13 . FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure according to the tenth embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, if a discharge occurs in the insulating portion 27, the output processing unit 115 outputs an error. In the tenth embodiment, an alert is output as a specific example of the error to be output (S408C). The tenth embodiment differs from the ninth embodiment in the above respects, but is otherwise common to the ninth embodiment. In the tenth embodiment, if it is determined that the insulating portion 27 is discharging, the output processing unit 115 outputs an alarm as an error output. This allows the operator to notice that the insulating portion 27 of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 is discharging.

[0130] [Eleventh Embodiment] Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure according to the eleventh embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, only discharge detection in the insulating portion 27 is detected by measuring the source current value. The eleventh embodiment includes steps S501 to S505, which are used to detect an abnormality in the return current value. Note that in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, it is assumed that the return current meter 22 is not connected to GND.

[0131] That is, the return current value is read by the return current meter 22 (S501: second current value reading step). Then, the calculation unit 112 calculates the fluctuation value of the return current value (S502). Specifically, the determination processing unit 113 calculates the difference between the previously read return current value and the currently read return current value.

[0132] The determination processing unit 113 then determines whether the fluctuation value of the return current value is greater than a second threshold value (S503: second determination step). If the fluctuation value of the return current value is greater than the second threshold value (S503 → Yes), the determination processing unit 113 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the physical path 26, and the output processing unit 115 outputs an error (S504: second determination step). An abnormality in the physical path 26 is when air bubbles or the like are mixed in the flow path, causing discharge or poor conductivity. After step S504, the operator takes appropriate action, such as removing air bubbles (S505).

[0133] If the fluctuation value of the return current value is equal to or less than the second threshold value (S503→No), the source current value is read by the source ammeter 21 (S401). Steps S401 and after are the same as those in FIG. 10, and therefore will not be described again.

[0134] The eleventh embodiment differs from the seventh embodiment in that steps S501 to S505 are performed, but otherwise shares common features with the seventh embodiment. The eleventh embodiment detects only discharge by measuring the source current value. In contrast, the eleventh embodiment performs an abnormality detection process for the return current value, as shown in steps S501 to S504. An abnormality in the physical path 26 detected by fluctuations in the return current value refers to discharge or poor continuity caused by air bubbles or debris in the flow path, such as the capillary 312. The eleventh embodiment differs from the seventh embodiment in that steps S501 to S504 are performed, but otherwise shares common features with the seventh embodiment. By performing steps S501 to S504, if air bubbles or debris enter the sample flow path, an abnormal return current value originating from this flow path (physical path 26) is output as an error (S504). The operator can then take appropriate action, such as removing air bubbles (S505).

[0135] [Twelfth Embodiment] Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 15 . FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure according to the twelfth embodiment. The eleventh embodiment described a method for detecting whether an abnormality has occurred in the physical path 26. In the twelfth embodiment, if a discharge is occurring in the insulating portion 27, i.e., if step S406 returns "No," the control processing unit 114 forcibly stops the capillary electrophoresis device 300 (S408A). Furthermore, if step S404 returns "No" or step S406 returns "Yes," electrophoresis continues (S411). The twelfth embodiment differs from the eleventh embodiment in these respects, but is otherwise common to the eleventh embodiment. Thus, in the twelfth embodiment, if a discharge is determined to be occurring in the insulating portion 27, the control processing unit 114 forcibly stops the capillary electrophoresis device 300. In this way, the operator will not move the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 while discharging, and therefore damage to the components of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus 300 can be prevented.

[0136] [Thirteenth Embodiment] Next, a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure according to the thirteenth embodiment. The twelfth embodiment describes a method in which the control processing unit 114 stops the capillary electrophoresis device 300 when a discharge occurs in the insulating portion 27. In the thirteenth embodiment, an error is output instead of stopping the capillary electrophoresis device 300.

[0137] That is, in the thirteenth embodiment, if a discharge occurs in the insulating portion 27, i.e., if the determination in step S406 is "No," the output processing unit 115 outputs an error (S408B), after which the operator takes action (S421).

[0138] The thirteenth embodiment differs from the twelfth embodiment in the above respects, but other points are common to the twelfth embodiment. In the thirteenth embodiment, when it is determined that the insulating portion 27 is discharging, an error is output, so that the operator can notice that a discharge is occurring in the insulating portion 27.

[0139] [Screen Example] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an abnormality detection screen 500. As shown in FIG. 17, the abnormality detection screen 500 has a source current value display section 501, a standard deviation display section 502, an insulated portion detection result display section 503, and a physical path detection result display section 504. The source current value display section 501 displays the source current value read in step S101 or the like in FIG. 5. The source current value display section 501 may also display a period T11 that was not used in detecting discharge in the insulated portion 27 and a period T12 that was used, as shown in FIG. 17. The standard deviation display section 502 displays the standard deviation calculated in step S103 or the like in FIG. 5. The insulated portion detection result display section 503 displays the detection result in step S108 or the like in FIG. 5. That is, the insulated portion detection result display section 503 outputs information indicating that discharge is occurring in the insulated portion 27.

[0140] 6 is displayed in the physical path detection result display unit 504. That is, the physical path detection result display unit 504 outputs information that an abnormality has occurred in the physical path 26.

[0141] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those having all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0142] 5, 6, 10 to 16 of this embodiment, after the standard deviation is calculated, it is determined whether or not the present time is immediately after the voltage fluctuation. However, this is not limiting, and the standard deviation may be calculated after it is determined that the present time is not immediately after the voltage fluctuation.

[0143] Furthermore, the above-described components, functions, processing unit 100, current value acquisition unit 111 to output processing unit 115, storage device 13, etc. may be partially or entirely implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. As shown in FIG. 2 , the above-described components, functions, etc. may be implemented in software by a processor, such as a CPU, interpreting and executing programs that implement the respective functions. Information such as programs, tables, and files that implement the respective functions can be stored in a hard disk (HD), or in a recording device such as memory 11, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, an SD (Secure Digital) card, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). In each embodiment, control lines and information lines are shown that are considered necessary for explanation, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily shown in the product. In reality, it is safe to assume that almost all configurations are interconnected.

[0144] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Processing device (abnormality detection device) 2 Abnormality monitoring target device 3 Capillary electrophoresis system 15 Output device (output section) 21 Source ammeter (first ammeter) 22 Return ammeter (second ammeter) 23 Voltage source 23A High voltage power supply 24 Negative terminal 25 Positive terminal 26 Physical path (first path) 27 Insulating part (second path) 110 Processing section 111 Current value acquisition section 112 Calculation section 113 Determination processing section 114 Control processing section 115 Output processing section 300 Capillary electrophoresis device 301 Detection section 302 Light source 303 Optical detector 311 Capillary array 312 Capillary 312A Cathode end 313 Hollow electrode 331 Load header 332 Cathode buffer container 333 Sample container 342 Anode buffer container 342A Anode electrode 343a First tube 343b Second tube 361 Electrode 400 Control computer 500 Abnormality detection screen 501 Source current value display section 502 Standard deviation display section 503 Insulation part detection result display section 504 Physical path detection result display section T11 Period T12 Period Z Abnormality detection system S101 Source current value reading (first current value reading step) S103, S403 Standard deviation calculation (standard deviation calculation step) S104, S404 Comparison of standard deviation and first threshold value (first determination step) S106, S406 Determination of whether or not the voltage has just been changed (exclusion step) S107,S407 Suspend (removal step) S408A Stop capillary electrophoresis apparatus (stop control processing step) S408B Error output (error output step) S201 Read return current value (second current value reading step) S203 Compare return current value with second threshold (second determination step) S306 Current value check (standard deviation calculation step performed before preliminary electrophoresis, the first determination step, second current value reading step, and second determination step performed during preliminary electrophoresis) S307 Current value check (standard deviation calculation step, the first determination step, second current value reading step, and second determination step performed during preliminary electrophoresis) S310 Current value check (standard deviation calculation step, the first determination step, second current value reading step, and second determination step performed during sample introduction) S313 Current value check (standard deviation calculation step performed during electrophoresis, the first determination step, the second current value reading step, and the second determination step) S401 source current value reading (first current value reading step),

Claims

1. an abnormality detection device that reads a first current value from a first ammeter connected in series to a first path through which a voltage applied by a voltage source is conducted and the voltage source, a standard deviation calculation step of calculating a standard deviation of the first current value; a first determination step of outputting, when the standard deviation is greater than a first threshold value that is a predetermined threshold value, that a discharge is occurring in a second path that is a path other than the first path and is an insulating portion; Run the abnormality monitoring target device in which the first path is provided is a capillary electrophoresis device, the first ammeter is connected to a load header; The second path is between the load header and the cathode buffer reservoir, or between the load header and the buffer solution contained in the cathode buffer reservoir. An anomaly detection method comprising:

2. The anomaly detection device performing a first current value reading step of reading the first current value at predetermined time intervals; In the standard deviation calculation step, The standard deviation is calculated based on the first current value read at a predetermined sampling period. The anomaly detection method according to claim 1 .

3. The abnormality detection device an exclusion step of excluding the first current value read within a predetermined period after the voltage applied by the voltage source is changed from the value to be determined as being discharged; 2. The anomaly detection method according to claim 1, wherein the following is executed:

4. The abnormality detection device a stop control processing step for stopping the abnormality monitoring target device in which the first path is provided when the occurrence of the discharge is detected; 2. The anomaly detection method according to claim 1, wherein the following is executed:

5. The abnormality detection device an error output step of outputting an error signal to an output unit when the occurrence of the discharge is detected; 2. The anomaly detection method according to claim 1, wherein the following is executed:

6. The error output is an alarm output. The anomaly detection method according to claim 5 .

7. The abnormality detection device a second current value reading step of reading a second current value from a second ammeter connected in series with the first path and the voltage source on the opposite side of the first path from the voltage source; a second determination step of calculating a fluctuation value of the second current value, and outputting a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the first path when the fluctuation value is greater than a second threshold value that is a predetermined threshold value; 2. The anomaly detection method according to claim 1, wherein the following is executed:

8. (delete)

9. The standard deviation calculation step and the first determination step are performed before a preliminary run of the capillary electrophoresis device. The anomaly detection method according to claim 1 .

10. The standard deviation calculation step and the first determination step are performed at least one of the following timings: during pre-electrophoresis, during sample introduction, and during electrophoresis of the capillary electrophoresis device. The anomaly detection method according to claim 9 .

11. a second ammeter connected to the anode electrode immersed in the buffer solution in the anode buffer container; The anomaly detection device a second current value reading step of reading a second current value from the second ammeter; a second determination step of calculating a fluctuation value of the second current value, and outputting a signal indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the first path when the fluctuation value is greater than a second threshold value that is a predetermined threshold value; 2. The anomaly detection method according to claim 1, wherein the following is executed:

12. The second current value reading step and the second determination step are performed before a preliminary run of the capillary electrophoresis device. The anomaly detection method according to claim 11 .

13. The second current value reading step and the second determination step are performed at least one of the following timings: during pre-electrophoresis, during sample introduction, and during electrophoresis of the capillary electrophoresis device. The anomaly detection method according to claim 11 .

14. a calculation unit that calculates a standard deviation of a first current value read from a first ammeter connected in series to a first path through which a voltage applied by a voltage source is conducted and the voltage source; a determination processing unit that outputs, when the standard deviation is greater than a first threshold value that is a predetermined threshold value, that a discharge is occurring in a second path that is a path other than the first path and is an insulating portion; and the abnormality monitoring target device in which the first path is provided is a capillary electrophoresis device, the first ammeter is connected to a load header; The second path is between the load header and the cathode buffer reservoir, or between the load header and the buffer solution contained in the cathode buffer reservoir. An anomaly detection device characterized by: