Mass Spectrometer Tuning Display for Analysis Feasibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometers require extensive time for autotuning and may miss optimizing certain analysis conditions, making it difficult for users to determine if the instrument is correctly tuned for specific analyses, especially with numerous possible combinations of analysis conditions.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometer with a display unit that shows all tuning items and their status, allowing users to easily identify if necessary tuning has been performed and if the analysis is possible, enabling immediate action on unoptimized items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autotuning is performed for all possible analysis condition combinations, then comprehensive optimization is achieved, but tuning time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tuning process by dividing all possible analysis conditions into multiple groups, where each group contains a subset of conditions. Instead of tuning all conditions simultaneously, the system performs autotuning on one group at a time, significantly reducing the time required for each tuning operation while still covering comprehensive conditions across multiple tuning sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary organization of analysis conditions into groups before the actual tuning process. By pre-defining condition groups and determining their optimal sequences, the system prepares the tuning framework in advance, allowing efficient execution of multiple targeted tuning operations rather than one exhaustive tuning process.
2Loss of time
If limited analysis conditions are specified for normal autotuning, then tuning time is reduced, but some tuning items remain untuned for certain analysis conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tuning approach where the system adaptively determines which condition groups to tune based on the user's actual analysis requirements. The tuning process is not static but flexibly adjusts to prioritize relevant conditions, ensuring that necessary tuning items are covered without unnecessarily tuning all possible conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of analysis conditions by organizing them into different groups with different priorities. By varying which condition set is active for tuning at any given time, the system ensures comprehensive coverage of all tuning items across multiple operations while maintaining efficient individual tuning sessions.
3Ease of operation
If conventional tuning display is used showing only tuning mode, then display simplicity is maintained, but users cannot easily determine if necessary tuning has been performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to the display by showing not only the tuning mode (autotuning/manual tuning) but also the current condition group being tuned and the tuning status of each item. This multi-dimensional display provides comprehensive information without overwhelming the user, enabling quick assessment of whether necessary tuning has been performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to users about the tuning status by displaying which condition groups have been tuned and which items require attention. This feedback mechanism allows users to quickly understand the current state of tuning and make informed decisions about whether to proceed with analysis or perform additional tuning.
Data Source
AI summary
A display area 60 of a display unit of a mass spectrometer shows a result of tuning. The display area 60 includes: a tuning-item displaying section 62 configured to display all tuning items and a result of whether each tuning item has been tuned; and an analyzable-condition displaying section 63 configured to display a condition under which an analysis is possible based on the result. The tuning items may be displayed respectively and individually. Alternatively, the tuning items may be displayed in a grouped manner with a plurality of tuning items in a group. Consequently, a user knows, at a glance, whether the tuning necessary for an analysis that the user intends to perform has been performed. If a necessary tuning item has not been tuned, the user immediately starts to tune (only) the tuning item. Further, a user immediately knows in a current state of tuning whether the analysis that the user intends to perform is possible. Therefore, when the analysis is possible, the user can start the analysis. When the analysis is impossible, the user can tune only the tuning item that has not been tuned and is displayed on the tuning-item displaying section 62.