Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer Auto-Create Measurement Conditions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chromatograph mass spectrometers face challenges in efficiently and accurately setting measurement conditions for simultaneous scan/SIM measurements, particularly when dealing with multiple compounds, leading to increased operator workload and potential errors due to the complexity of inputting and correcting time ranges.
Innovation Solution
A chromatograph mass spectrometer with a display controller that shows a compound table and total ion chromatogram on the same screen, allowing operators to select compounds for simultaneous scan/SIM measurement and automatically define time ranges, with graphical indicators for measurement types, enabling intuitive and error-reduced setting and correction of measurement conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If simultaneous scan/SIM measurement is performed on multiple compounds including compounds that do not actually need this mode, then comprehensive measurement coverage is achieved, but too large an amount of ions are introduced into the detector per unit time which deteriorates detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different measurement modes (scan or SIM) for different compounds within the same measurement cycle. The measurement mode is locally optimized for each compound based on its specific requirements, allowing compounds needing high sensitivity to use SIM mode while others use scan mode, thus avoiding unnecessary ion load on the detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the measurement mode flexible and adjustable for each compound. The system dynamically selects between scan and SIM measurement modes based on the specific needs of each compound, rather than applying a fixed measurement mode to all compounds, thereby optimizing both coverage and sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If manual selection and specification of measurement conditions is performed for each compound, then measurement accuracy can be optimized, but operator workload increases and input errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine and set measurement conditions for each compound based on pre-stored information such as retention times and characteristic mass-to-charge ratios. The system serves itself by automatically selecting appropriate measurement modes and parameters without requiring manual intervention for each compound, thereby reducing operator workload while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing information about compounds including retention times, characteristic mass-to-charge ratios, and measurement conditions. This preliminary preparation allows the system to automatically retrieve and apply appropriate measurement settings when analyzing samples, eliminating the need for manual condition specification during actual measurements.
3Measurement precision
If measurement time ranges are manually set for each compound, then accurate coverage of target compound peaks can be achieved, but complexity of inputting and correcting time ranges increases operator workload and potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically calculate and set measurement time ranges for each compound based on pre-stored retention time information. The system autonomously determines the appropriate time windows to capture compound peaks without requiring manual input, thereby simplifying the operation while ensuring accurate peak coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing retention time data for each compound. This preliminary information is used by the system to automatically calculate measurement time ranges when analyzing samples, eliminating the need for manual time range specification and reducing the complexity of measurement condition setting.
4Adaptability or versatility
If scan measurement is performed on all compounds, then qualitative analysis capability is maintained, but signal-to-noise ratio for quantitative analysis of target ions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different measurement modes to different compounds based on their specific analytical requirements. Compounds requiring quantitative analysis are measured using SIM mode for high sensitivity, while other compounds are measured using scan mode to maintain qualitative analysis capability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between maintaining versatility and achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the measurement mode flexible and compound-specific. The system dynamically selects between scan and SIM modes based on whether qualitative or quantitative analysis is needed for each compound, rather than using a fixed mode for all compounds, thereby optimizing both qualitative capability and quantitative sensitivity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a chromatograph mass spectrometer capable of defining an appropriate measurement time range and selectively performing a scan measurement, selected ion monitoring (SIM) measurement or simultaneous scan/SIM measurement in that time range, a total ion chromatogram 51 obtained by a scan measurement of a standard sample and a previously-created compound table 52 are displayed on the screen of a display unit in the process of setting parameters in a measurement condition table. An operator selects a compound that should undergo the simultaneous scan/SIM measurement, then places a checkmark in an appropriate check box in the compound table 52, and finally clicks the “Auto-Create” button 54. Then, a measurement time range for the selected compound is defined by adding a time span before and after the retention time of that compound, respectively, and a measurement condition table 53 is automatically created and displayed on the screen. This table includes instructions for performing a simultaneous scan/SIM measurement at specific mass-to-charge ratios characteristic of the selected compound during the aforementioned measurement time range.