Analysis system, information processing system, control device, and computer program

Abstract

Provided are an analysis system, an information processing system, a control device, and a computer program with which a predetermined analysis condition can be obtained.　An analysis system comprising a control device that controls an analysis device, a storage device that stores an analysis recipe including an analysis condition, and an authentication device that performs authentication, wherein: the control device, the storage device, and the authentication device are capable of communicating with each other using a communication network; the control device transmits authentication information necessary for authentication to the authentication device; the authentication device performs authentication on the basis of the authentication information; and, when the authentication has been performed, the control device controls the analysis device to download the analysis recipe from the storage device and perform an analysis using the downloaded analysis recipe.

Description

Analysis system, information processing system, control device and computer program

[0001] The present invention relates to an analysis system, an information processing system, a control device, and a computer program for analyzing a sample.

[0002] Various analytical devices are used to analyze samples. For example, analytical devices include particle size distribution measuring devices that analyze the diameters of particles contained in powder samples, and Raman spectroscopy devices that analyze Raman light emitted from samples. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for performing various analyses by controlling analytical devices via a communication network.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-166954

[0004] To properly analyze a sample, it is necessary to determine appropriate analytical conditions. For example, in a particle size distribution analyzer that uses laser diffraction and scattering, it is necessary to determine analytical conditions such as the type of dispersant used to disperse the sample, the concentration of the dispersed sample, the speed at which the sample is stirred, and the laser intensity. Appropriate analytical conditions vary depending on the type of sample or the purpose of the analysis. Users of analytical instruments must put in a lot of effort to determine appropriate analytical conditions. If predetermined analytical conditions could be obtained externally from the analytical instrument, the necessary analytical conditions could be easily obtained.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an analysis system, an information processing system, a control device, and a computer program that are capable of acquiring predetermined analysis conditions.

[0006] The analytical system according to the present invention is an analytical system comprising a control device that controls an analytical device, a storage device that stores an analytical recipe including analytical conditions, and an authentication device that performs authentication, wherein the control device, the storage device, and the authentication device are capable of communicating with each other using a communication network, the control device transmits authentication information required for authentication to the authentication device, and the authentication device performs authentication based on the authentication information, and when authentication is performed, the control device controls the analytical device to download an analytical recipe from the storage device and perform analysis using the downloaded analytical recipe.

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a storage device stores an analytical recipe including analytical conditions, an authentication device authenticates the control device or a user, and the control device downloads the analytical recipe from the storage device and controls the analytical device using the downloaded analytical recipe. A user of the analytical device can perform an analysis using the analytical recipe stored in advance in the storage device. Because the control device can use a predetermined analytical recipe, it can easily obtain the analytical conditions necessary for the analysis.

[0008] The analysis system of the present invention is characterized in that the authentication device counts the number of times the control device downloads an analysis recipe from the storage device or the number of times the control device controls the analysis device using the downloaded analysis recipe, and performs processing related to billing associated with the control device depending on the counted number.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, the authentication device counts the number of times the control device downloads an analytical recipe or the number of times the control device controls an analytical device using an analytical recipe, and charges according to the counted number. In this way, the authentication device charges according to the number of times the analytical recipe is used. The analytical system can realize a business that provides analytical recipes and receives payment for the provided analytical recipes.

[0010] The analysis system of the present invention is characterized in that the authentication device performs processing related to billing associated with the control device each time the control device downloads an analysis recipe from the storage device or each time the control device controls the analysis device using the downloaded analysis recipe.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, the authentication device charges a fee each time the control device downloads an analytical recipe or each time the control device controls an analytical device using an analytical recipe. The analytical system can realize a business that provides analytical recipes and receives payment for the provided analytical recipes.

[0012] The analysis system according to the present invention is characterized in that the control device transmits analysis data including analysis results obtained using the analysis device using a downloaded analysis recipe to the storage device, and the storage device stores the analysis data.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, the control device transmits analysis data including the analysis results to the storage device, and the storage device stores the analysis data. By storing the analysis data, the analysis results according to the analysis recipe are saved.

[0014] The information processing system according to the present invention is an information processing system comprising a storage device that stores an analysis recipe including analysis conditions for analyzing a sample, and an authentication device that performs authentication, wherein the authentication device receives authentication information required for authentication from the outside and performs authentication based on the received authentication information, and the storage device transmits the stored analysis recipe to the outside when authentication is performed.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, a storage device stores an analytical recipe including analytical conditions, an authentication device performs authentication, and when authentication is successful, the storage device transmits the analytical recipe to an external device. The transmitted analytical recipe can be used by an analytical device to analyze a sample. Since a predetermined analytical recipe can be used for the analysis, the analytical conditions required for the analysis can be easily obtained.

[0016] The control device according to the present invention is a control device for controlling an analytical device, and is equipped with a calculation unit and a communication unit. The calculation unit uses the communication unit to transmit authentication information required for authentication to an external authentication device, and when authentication is performed by the authentication device, uses the communication unit to download an analysis recipe from an external storage device that stores an analysis recipe including analysis conditions, and controls the analytical device to perform analysis using the downloaded analysis recipe.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, the control device is authenticated by an external authentication device, downloads an analytical recipe including analytical conditions from an external storage device, and controls the analytical device using the downloaded analytical recipe. Because the control device can use a predetermined analytical recipe, it can easily obtain the analytical conditions necessary for the analysis.

[0018] The control device according to the present invention further comprises a display unit, and the calculation unit does not display at least a part of the contents of the analysis conditions included in the analysis recipe on the display unit.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, the control device does not display at least a portion of the analytical conditions on the display unit when controlling the analytical device. By not displaying the portion of the analytical conditions, the analytical conditions are kept secret.

[0020] The control device according to the present invention is characterized in that the analysis recipe includes the details of the work that must be performed by a person for the analysis, and the calculation unit accepts that the work has been completed and causes the analysis device to perform the analysis.

[0021] In one aspect of the present invention, the analytical recipe includes the details of the tasks that must be performed by a person for the analysis. The control device accepts that the tasks have been completed and causes the analytical device to perform the analysis. Analyses that require manual tasks, such as sample preparation, can also be performed using the analytical recipe.

[0022] In the control device according to the present invention, the calculation unit outputs an analysis report including the analysis results after the analysis by the analysis device using the downloaded analysis recipe is completed.

[0023] In one aspect of the present invention, the control device outputs an analysis report including the analysis results. By outputting the analysis report, the user can confirm the analysis results according to the analysis recipe.

[0024] The computer program according to the present invention is characterized in that it causes a computer controlling an analytical device to execute a process of controlling the analytical device so that the computer transmits authentication information required for authentication to an external authentication device, and when authentication is performed by the authentication device, downloads an analytical recipe including analytical conditions from an external storage device, and performs analysis using the downloaded analytical recipe.

[0025] In one aspect of the present invention, the computer controlling the analytical device or the user is authenticated, an analytical recipe including analytical conditions is downloaded from an external storage device, and the analytical device is controlled using the downloaded analytical recipe. This makes it possible to use a predetermined analytical recipe and easily obtain the analytical conditions required for analysis.

[0026] The present invention has excellent effects such as the ability to acquire predetermined analysis conditions.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis system for controlling an analysis device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a control device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an authentication device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a storage device. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the contents of an analysis recipe. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a process executed by the analysis system to perform an analysis. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the content of analysis data. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a first example of a process for charging executed by the analysis system. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a second example of a process for charging executed by the analysis system.

[0028] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of an analysis system 100 for controlling an analysis device 4. The analysis system 100 includes an analysis device 4, a control device 1 that controls the analysis device 4, a storage device 2, and an authentication device 3. The analysis system 100 also includes an information processing system 20 that includes the storage device 2 and the authentication device 3. The control device 1 communicates with the storage device 2 and the authentication device 3 via a communication network 5 such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet. The analysis device 4 is an instrument that performs chemical or physical analysis of a sample, measures phenomena occurring in the sample, and analyzes the measurement results. For example, the analysis device 4 is a particle size distribution measurement device that uses laser diffraction / scattering. The control device 1 may be configured to control multiple analysis devices 4. The analysis system 100 may include multiple control devices 1. The storage device 2 stores an analysis recipe that defines the content of the analysis to be performed by the analysis device. The authentication device 3 authenticates the control device 1.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the control device 1. The control device 1 is configured using a computer such as a personal computer. The control device 1 includes a calculation unit 11, a memory 12, a storage unit 13, a reading unit 14, an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, and a communication unit 17. The control device 1 is also connected to an analysis device 4. The calculation unit 11 is a processor and is configured using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a multi-core CPU. The calculation unit 11 may also be configured using a quantum computer. The memory 12 stores temporary data generated during calculation. The memory 12 is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 13 is non-volatile and is, for example, a hard disk or non-volatile semiconductor memory. The reading unit 14 reads information from a recording medium 10 such as an optical disk or a portable memory.

[0030] The operation unit 15 receives input of information such as text by receiving operations from the user. The operation unit 15 is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, or a touch panel. The display unit 16 displays images. The display unit 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an EL display (Electroluminescent Display). The operation unit 15 and the display unit 16 may be integrated. The communication unit 17 communicates with the storage device 2 and the authentication device 3 via the communication network 5 by wired or wireless communication. The analysis device 4 is connected to the control device 1, and the calculation unit 11 executes processing to control the operation of the analysis device 4.

[0031] The calculation unit 11 causes the reading unit 14 to read a computer program (program product) 131 recorded on the recording medium 10, and stores the read computer program 131 in the storage unit 13. The calculation unit 11 executes processing to realize the functions of the control device 1 in accordance with the computer program 131. The computer program 131 may be stored in the storage unit 13 in advance, or may be downloaded from outside the control device 1. In this case, the control device 1 does not need to be equipped with the reading unit 14.

[0032] The computer program 131 can be deployed to run on a single computer or on multiple computers located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network. That is, the control device 1 may be configured with multiple computers, and the computer program 131 may be executed on multiple computers connected via a communications network. The control device 1 may be configured using a cloud server.

[0033] The processing of each step described below for executing the information processing method can be executed by multiple computers. The processing of each step can also be executed by different computers. Data used during the processing can be stored in multiple computers. The processing of each step can also be executed using a virtual machine. The processing of each step can be executed by multiple computing units. The processing of each step can also be executed by different computing units. For example, part of the processing can be executed by one computer, and another part of the processing can be executed by another computer.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the authentication device 3. The authentication device 3 is configured using a computer such as a server device. The authentication device 3 includes a calculation unit 31, a memory 32 that stores temporary data generated during calculations, a storage unit 33, and a communication unit 34. The calculation unit 31 is configured using, for example, a CPU, a GPU, or a multi-core CPU. The calculation unit 31 may also be configured using a quantum computer. The memory 32 is, for example, a RAM. The storage unit 33 is non-volatile, for example, a hard disk or non-volatile semiconductor memory. The communication unit 34 communicates with the control device 1 via the communication network 5 by wired communication or wireless communication.

[0035] The storage unit 33 stores a computer program 331. The calculation unit 31 executes processing to realize the functions of the authentication device 3 in accordance with the computer program 331. For example, the computer program 331 recorded on a recording medium (not shown) is read from the recording medium and stored in the storage unit 33. The computer program 331 may be pre-stored in the storage unit 33 or downloaded from outside the authentication device 3. The computer program 331 can be deployed to be executed on a single computer, located at one site, or distributed across multiple sites and on multiple computers interconnected by a communications network. That is, the authentication device 3 may be composed of multiple computers, and the computer program 331 may be executed on multiple computers connected via a communications network. The authentication device 3 may be configured using a cloud server.

[0036] The storage unit 33 stores device data related to the control device 1. The device data includes authentication data required to authenticate the control device 1. The device data also includes billing data required to perform billing related to the control device 1, such as an account number associated with identification information that identifies the control device 1.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the storage device 2. The storage device 2 is configured using a computer such as a server device. The storage device 2 includes a calculation unit 21, a memory 22 that stores temporary data generated during calculations, a storage unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The calculation unit 21 is configured using, for example, a CPU, a GPU, or a multi-core CPU. The calculation unit 21 may also be configured using a quantum computer. The memory 22 is, for example, a RAM. The storage unit 23 is non-volatile, for example, a hard disk or non-volatile semiconductor memory. The communication unit 24 communicates with the control device 1 via the communication network 5 by wired communication or wireless communication.

[0038] The storage unit 23 stores a computer program 231. The calculation unit 21 executes processing to realize the functions of the storage device 2 in accordance with the computer program 231. For example, the computer program 231 recorded on a recording medium (not shown) is read from the recording medium and stored in the storage unit 23. The computer program 231 may be pre-stored in the storage unit 23 or downloaded from outside the storage device 2. The computer program 231 can be deployed to be executed on a single computer, or on multiple computers located at one site, or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network. That is, the storage device 2 may be composed of multiple computers, and the computer program 231 may be executed on multiple computers connected via a communications network, with the stored contents being stored on the multiple computers. The storage device 2 may also be configured using a cloud server.

[0039] The memory unit 23 stores a plurality of analysis recipes 232. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the content of an analysis recipe 232. The "****" and "****" included in the diagram represent character information or numerical values. The analysis recipe 232 is data that defines the content of the analysis to be performed by the analysis device. The analysis recipe 232 includes information that specifies the analysis device that will perform the analysis. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the analysis device is a particle size distribution measurement device that uses laser diffraction / scattering. The analysis recipe 232 includes information that specifies the sample to be analyzed. For example, the information specifying the sample includes the name and material of the sample.

[0040] The analysis recipe 232 includes analysis conditions. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the analysis recipe 232 includes, as analysis conditions, measurement conditions for measuring the particle size distribution of particles contained in a sample and calculation conditions for performing calculations on the measurement results. The measurement conditions include the cell type, the type and amount of dispersion material, concentration, circulation speed, stirring speed, laser intensity, etc. The cell type is the type of cell that holds the sample, such as a flow cell, a batch cell, or a dry cell. The dispersion material is a substance that disperses the sample to measure the particle size distribution, such as a solvent such as water. The concentration is the concentration of the sample dispersed in the dispersion material, the circulation speed is the speed at which the sample dispersed in the dispersion material is circulated during measurement, the stirring speed is the speed at which the sample is stirred during measurement, and the laser intensity is the intensity of the laser light used in the measurement. The calculation conditions include the laser wavelength, refractive index, etc. The laser wavelength is the wavelength of the laser light, and the refractive index is the refractive index of the sample held in the cell.

[0041] The analysis recipe 232 includes a measurement procedure. The measurement procedure includes a measurement procedure to be executed by the analysis device (particle size distribution measurement device), allowing the analysis device to perform the measurement according to the measurement procedure. Just as the measurement procedure includes conditions for continuing, terminating, or branching off the measurement, such as "until D90 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value," the analysis recipe 232 includes processing conditions for continuing, terminating, or branching off the analysis process. The control device 1 is capable of controlling the analysis device 4 in accordance with the processing conditions included in the analysis recipe 232.

[0042] Just as a measurement procedure includes tasks that must be performed by a person, such as "preparing the sample and introducing it into the device," the analysis recipe 232 includes details of the tasks that must be performed by a person for the analysis. When tasks that must be performed by a person, such as manual sample preparation, are required to perform the analysis, the analysis recipe 232 includes the details of the tasks. The analysis can be performed by the user referring to the details of the tasks included in the analysis recipe 232 and performing the tasks in accordance with the analysis recipe 232. The analysis recipe 232 may also include other information that defines the details of the analysis.

[0043] The processing executed by the analysis system 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure executed by the analysis system 100 to perform analysis. Hereinafter, steps are abbreviated as S. The control device 1 executes the following processing by the calculation unit 11 executing information processing according to the computer program 131. Furthermore, the storage device 2 executes processing by the calculation unit 21 executing information processing according to the computer program 231, and the authentication device 3 executes processing by the calculation unit 31 executing information processing according to the computer program 331.

[0044] The control device 1 transmits authentication information for authenticating the control device 1 to the authentication device 3 (S101). The authentication information is information unique to each individual control device 1, such as an ID and password, or an IP address. The authentication information is, for example, input to the control device 1 by a user operating the operation unit 15, or is pre-stored in the storage unit 13. In S101, the calculation unit 11 transmits the authentication information from the communication unit 17 to the authentication device 3 via the communication network 5.

[0045] The authentication device 3 receives the authentication information transmitted from the control device 1 (S102). In S102, the authentication device 3 receives the authentication information via the communication unit 34. The authentication device 3 authenticates the control device 1 using the received authentication information (S103). In S103, the calculation unit 31 performs authentication using the received authentication information and authentication data included in the device data stored in the memory unit 33. For example, the calculation unit 31 compares the authentication information with the authentication data. By performing authentication, the calculation unit 31 identifies the control device 1 and determines whether the control device 1 is a legitimate control device authorized to obtain the analysis recipe 232. The authentication device 3 transmits the authentication result to the control device 1 (S104). In S104, the calculation unit 31 transmits the authentication result from the communication unit 34 to the control device 1.

[0046] The analysis system 100 may be configured to authenticate the user of the control device 1 rather than the control device 1. In this configuration, the authentication information is information unique to each user, such as an ID and password. The device data stored in the authentication device 3 includes authentication data necessary to authenticate the user. In S101, the user inputs authentication information unique to the user into the control device 1, and the control device 1 transmits the authentication information to the authentication device 3. The authentication device 3 receives the authentication information in S102, authenticates the user using the authentication information in S103, and transmits the authentication result to the control device 1 in S104.

[0047] The control device 1 receives the authentication result via the communication unit 17 (S105). If the authentication determines that the control device 1 is not a legitimate control device or that the user is not a legitimate user, the control device 1 terminates the process without accessing the storage device 2. If the authentication determines that the control device 1 is a legitimate control device authorized to obtain the analysis recipe 232 or that the user is a legitimate user authorized to use the analysis recipe 232, the control device 1 accesses the storage device 2 (S106). In S106, the calculation unit 11 transmits and receives information to and from the storage device 2 via the communication unit 17 and the communication network 5.

[0048] The control device 1 then selects an analytical recipe to be used (S107). In S107, for example, the calculation unit 11 acquires from the storage device 2 a list of the analytical recipes 232 stored therein, displays the acquired list of the analytical recipes 232 on the display unit 16, and the user operates the operation unit 15 to select an analytical recipe to be used. For example, an analytical recipe may be selected based on the analytical device 4 to be performed. In this case, the calculation unit 11 may use information identifying the analytical device 4, such as the type of analytical device 4, to search the analytical recipes 232 stored in the storage device 2 for an analytical recipe containing information corresponding to the information identifying the analytical device 4. If multiple analytical recipes 232 are searched for, a further selection may be made from the searched analytical recipes 232. Similarly, an analytical recipe may be selected based on the sample to be analyzed.

[0049] The control device 1 downloads the selected analysis recipe (S108). In S108, the calculation unit 11 sends an instruction to the storage device 2 to transmit the selected analysis recipe. The storage device 2 reads out the selected analysis recipe from the plurality of stored analysis recipes 232 and transmits the read analysis recipe to the control device 1. The control device 1 receives the analysis recipe transmitted from the storage device 2 via the communication unit 17. The control device 1 stores the downloaded analysis recipe (S109). In S109, the calculation unit 11 stores the downloaded analysis recipe in the storage device 13.

[0050] The control device 1 determines whether the analytical recipe includes details of tasks that must be performed by a person for analysis (S110). In S110, for example, the calculation unit 11 determines whether the measurement procedure included in the analytical recipe includes a task that must be performed by a person, such as "preparing a sample and introducing it into the device." If the analytical recipe includes details of tasks that must be performed by a person (S110: YES), the control device 1 displays the details of the tasks (S111). In S111, the calculation unit 11 displays the details of the tasks that must be performed by a person included in the analytical recipe on the display unit 16. For example, text or an image representing the details of the tasks is displayed on the display unit 16. The user performs the tasks according to the displayed details. For example, the user prepares a sample, sets up the analytical device 4, and places a cell containing the sample in a predetermined position within the analytical device 4.

[0051] The control device 1 receives a notification of the completion of the work from the user (S112). For example, the displayed work content includes an instruction to operate the operation unit 15 at the end of the work to input to the control device 1 that the work has been completed. The user operates the operation unit 15 according to the instructions included in the analysis recipe to input that the work has been completed. In S112, the calculation unit 11 receives the notification of the completion of the work input using the operation unit 15.

[0052] After S112 is completed, or if the analysis recipe does not include any work to be performed by a human in S110 (S110: NO), the control device 1 controls the analysis device 4 to perform an analysis using the analysis recipe (S113). In S113, the calculation unit 11 causes the analysis device 4 to perform an analysis in accordance with the analysis recipe by transmitting a control signal corresponding to the analysis recipe to the analysis device 4. For example, the calculation unit 11 transmits a control signal corresponding to a measurement procedure included in the analysis recipe to the analysis device 4. The analysis device 4 measures the sample and analyzes the sample based on the measurement results. For example, if the analysis device 4 is a particle size distribution measurement device that uses laser diffraction and scattering, the analysis device 4 irradiates a laser beam onto the sample dispersed in a dispersion material, measures the intensity of the scattered light from the sample, and calculates the particle size distribution in the sample based on the measurement results.

[0053] When executing S112, the control device 1 may display the details of the analysis according to the analysis recipe on the display unit 16. At this time, the calculation unit 11 may be configured not to display part of the analysis conditions included in the analysis recipe, such as numerical values ​​included in the analysis conditions. For example, the calculation unit 11 may mask the numerical values ​​included in the analysis conditions before displaying the details of the analysis on the display unit 16. By not displaying part of the analysis conditions, the details of the analysis conditions are kept secret.

[0054] After the analysis by the analysis device 4 is completed, the control device 1 creates analytical data including the analysis results by the analysis device 4 (S114). In S114, the calculation unit 11 acquires the analysis results from the analysis device 4 and creates analytical data including the analysis results. Alternatively, the calculation unit 11 may acquire the measurement results from the analysis device 4, perform analysis based on the measurement results, and create analytical data including the analysis results.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the content of analysis data. The symbols "****" in the figure represent text information or numerical values. The analysis data includes measurement data that represents the analysis results. If the analysis device 4 is a particle size distribution measurement device that uses laser diffraction / scattering, the measurement data includes the particle size distribution and representative particle size that are the analysis results. The analysis data includes metadata related to the analysis. For example, the metadata includes the wavelength and intensity of the laser light irradiated during measurement, the set refractive index, the intensity and duration of the ultrasound applied during measurement, the type of dispersion material used in the analysis, etc.

[0056] The control device 1 transmits the created analysis data to the storage device 2 (S115). In S115, the calculation unit 11 transmits the analysis data from the communication unit 17 to the storage device 2. The storage device 2 receives the analysis data transmitted from the control device 1 via the communication unit 24 (S116) and stores the analysis data in the storage unit 23 (S117). For example, in S117, the calculation unit 21 stores analysis data including analysis results obtained using a certain analysis recipe 232 in association with the analysis recipe 232 in the storage unit 23. Storing the analysis data saves the analysis results corresponding to the analysis recipe 232. For example, the saved analysis results can be used to improve the analysis recipe 232.

[0057] The control device 1 then creates an analysis report including the analysis results (S118). In S118, the calculation unit 11 creates an analysis report including the analysis results and for reporting the analysis results. The analysis report may include a copy of some or all of the analysis data. The analysis report may include settings of the analysis device 4, an outline of the analysis recipe used, the analysis date and time, analysis conditions, or a description of the analysis results. In S118, the calculation unit 11 may create the analysis report using a language generation model such as a large-scale generative model. For example, the calculation unit 11 creates a query instructing the creation of an analysis report, creates a prompt including the created query and the analysis results, and inputs the prompt to the language generation model. The language generation model outputs the analysis report in response to the input of the prompt, and the calculation unit 11 acquires the analysis report.

[0058] The control device 1 outputs the created analysis report (S119). In S119, the calculation unit 11 displays the analysis report on the display unit 16. The calculation unit 11 may output the analysis report using an output device (not shown), such as a printer. By outputting the analysis report, the user can check the analysis results according to the analysis recipe. By checking the analysis report, the user can evaluate the analysis recipe used. After S119 is completed, the control device 1 executes processing for performing the analysis.

[0059] The analysis system 100 executes the processes of S101 to S119 as needed. That is, the analysis system 100 executes the processes of S101 to S119 each time an analysis is performed by the analysis device 4. The control device 1 may leave the downloaded analysis recipe stored in the storage unit 13, and when performing an analysis using an already stored analysis recipe, control the analysis device 4 to perform the analysis using the stored analysis recipe. In this case, the control device 1 executes the processes from S110 onwards using the stored analysis recipe without performing the process for downloading the analysis recipe.

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, the storage device 2 stores multiple analysis recipes 232, the authentication device 3 authenticates the control device 1 or the user, and the control device 1 downloads the analysis recipes from the storage device 2 and controls the analysis device 4 using the downloaded analysis recipes. A user of the analysis device 4 can perform analysis using the analysis recipes 232 pre-stored in the storage device 2. The control device 1 can select and use an analysis recipe containing appropriate analysis conditions from multiple predetermined analysis recipes 232, making it possible to easily obtain the analysis conditions necessary for analysis. This allows the user of the analysis device 4 to significantly reduce the effort required to determine appropriate analysis conditions.

[0061] The analysis system 100 performs processing for billing for the use of analytical recipes. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a first example of the processing for billing performed by the analysis system 100. The authentication device 3 counts the number of times the control device 1 downloads an analytical recipe from the storage device 2 or the number of times the control device 1 controls the analytical device 4 using the analytical recipe (S21). For example, when an analytical recipe is downloaded, information notifying the download is transmitted from the storage device 2 or the control device 1 to the authentication device 3. Each time the authentication device 3 receives information notifying the download, it counts the number of times the download has been performed and stores the counted number in the storage unit 33 in association with the device data of the control device 1 that downloaded the analytical recipe. Alternatively, each time the control device 1 controls the analytical device 4 using the analytical recipe, it transmits information notifying the authentication device 3 that the analytical recipe has been used. Each time the authentication device 3 receives information notifying the use of the analytical recipe, it counts the number of times the analytical recipe has been used and stores the counted number in the storage unit 33 in association with the device data of the control device 1 that used the analytical recipe.

[0062] The authentication device 3 performs processing related to billing according to the counted number (S22). For example, when a predetermined date and time arrives, the authentication device 3 performs processing related to billing according to the number of times counted up to that point. For example, the authentication device 3 performs processing related to billing when the number of times counted reaches a predetermined number. In S22, the authentication device 3 performs financial processing via the communication network 5 to bill the control device 1 related to the device data associated with the counted number. For example, the authentication device 3 performs processing to withdraw money from an account related to the control device 1. For example, the authentication device 3 performs processing to request money from the owner of the control device 1. The analysis system 100 then ends the processing for billing. By the authentication device 3 performing the processing of S21 to S22, charging according to the number of times the analytical recipe is used is performed.

[0063] 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a second example of processing for billing performed by the analysis system 100. The authentication device 3 detects that the control device 1 has downloaded an analytical recipe from the storage device 2, or that the control device 1 has controlled the analytical device 4 using the analytical recipe (S31). For example, the authentication device 3 detects that the control device 1 has downloaded an analytical recipe from the storage device 2 by receiving information notifying that an analytical recipe has been downloaded. For example, the authentication device 3 detects that the control device 1 has controlled the analytical device 4 using the analytical recipe by receiving information notifying that an analytical recipe has been used. If there is no detection of an analytical recipe download or use of an analytical recipe, the authentication device 3 does not perform the subsequent processing.

[0064] When the authentication device 3 detects the downloading of an analytical recipe or the use of an analytical recipe, it performs processing related to billing (S32). In S32, the authentication device 3 performs processing related to billing associated with the control device 1 that downloaded the analytical recipe or controlled the analytical device 4 using the analytical recipe via the communication network 5. The analytical system 100 then completes the billing process. By performing the processing of S31 to S32 by the authentication device 3, billing is performed each time an analytical recipe is downloaded or the analytical device 4 is controlled using the analytical recipe. By performing the processing of S21 to S22 or S31 to S32, the analytical system 100 can realize a business model in which analytical recipes are provided and payment is received for the provided analytical recipes. By paying money, users of the analytical devices 4 can easily obtain appropriate analytical conditions and significantly reduce the effort required to determine appropriate analytical conditions.

[0065] In this embodiment, the authentication device 3 mainly performs processing related to billing, but the analysis system 100 may also be configured to include a device for performing processing related to billing separate from the authentication device 3. In this embodiment, the storage device 2 and the authentication device 3 are different devices, but the storage device 2 and the authentication device 3 may be the same device.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means modified appropriately within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0067] The matters described in each embodiment can be combined with each other. Furthermore, the independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims can be combined with each other in any and all combinations, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, the claims use a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), but this is not limited to this. A multiple claim (multi-multi claim) that references at least one other multiple claim may also be used.

[0068] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Analysis system 1 Control device 11 Calculation unit 13 Memory unit 16 Display unit 17 Communication unit 131 Computer program 20 Information processing system 2 Storage device 23 Memory unit 232 Analysis recipe 3 Authentication device 4 Analysis device 5 Communication network

Claims

1. An analytical system comprising: a control device that controls an analytical device; a storage device that stores an analytical recipe including analytical conditions; and an authentication device that performs authentication, wherein the control device, the storage device, and the authentication device are capable of communicating with each other using a communications network; the control device transmits authentication information required for authentication to the authentication device; the authentication device performs authentication based on the authentication information; and when authentication is successful, the control device downloads an analytical recipe from the storage device and controls the analytical device to perform analysis using the downloaded analytical recipe.

2. The analytical system described in claim 1, characterized in that the authentication device counts the number of times the control device downloads an analytical recipe from the storage device or the number of times the control device controls the analytical device using the downloaded analytical recipe, and performs processing related to billing associated with the control device depending on the counted number of times.

3. The analytical system described in claim 1, characterized in that the authentication device performs processing related to billing associated with the control device each time the control device downloads an analytical recipe from the storage device or each time the control device controls the analytical device using the downloaded analytical recipe.

4. The analytical system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control device transmits analytical data including analytical results obtained using the analytical device using the downloaded analytical recipe to the storage device, and the storage device stores the analytical data.

5. An information processing system comprising: a storage device that stores an analytical recipe including analytical conditions for analyzing a sample; and an authentication device that performs authentication, wherein the authentication device receives authentication information required for authentication from an external device and performs authentication based on the received authentication information; and the storage device transmits the stored analytical recipe to the external device when authentication is completed.

6. A control device for controlling an analytical device, comprising a calculation unit and a communication unit, wherein the calculation unit uses the communication unit to transmit authentication information required for authentication to an external authentication device, and when authentication is performed by the authentication device, uses the communication unit to download an analytical recipe including analytical conditions from an external storage device that stores the analytical recipe, and controls the analytical device to perform analysis using the downloaded analytical recipe.

7. The control device according to claim 6, further comprising a display unit, wherein the calculation unit does not display at least a portion of the contents of the analysis conditions included in the analysis recipe on the display unit.

8. The control device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the analysis recipe includes the details of the work that a person must perform for the analysis, and the calculation unit accepts that the work has been completed and causes the analysis device to perform the analysis.

9. The control device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the calculation unit outputs an analysis report including the analysis results after the analysis by the analysis device using the downloaded analysis recipe is completed.

10. A computer program that causes a computer that controls an analytical device to execute a process that transmits authentication information required for authentication to an external authentication device, and when authentication is successful from said authentication device, downloads an analytical recipe including analytical conditions from an external storage device, and controls said analytical device to perform analysis using the downloaded analytical recipe.

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