JP2004085357A - Data management device for chromatographic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to automatically manage the usage history of a column and to save labor.
A chip in which a unique column ID is stored is attached to each column, and a reading unit for reading the column ID is attached to a data processing unit. The data storage unit 18 managed by the database management server 17 interconnected with the data processing unit 14 has a column history management including data indicating the usage history of the column in association with the column identification information 181 including the column ID. A DB 182, a column performance DB 183 including data indicating the performance of the column, and an analysis DB 184 including analysis data obtained by analysis using the column are stored. As a result, at the time of analysis, the column use history and the analysis result are automatically registered corresponding to the column ID of the column used for the analysis, and can be used for search and the like.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a chromatographic apparatus, such as a liquid chromatograph (LC) or a gas chromatograph (GC), for separating and analyzing a sample component using a column. The present invention relates to a data management device for a chromatographic device for performing
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a chromatographic analysis such as LC and GC, columns of various types and sizes are used depending on the type of the sample, the purpose of the analysis, and the like. In addition, even for columns of the same type and size, there may be slight individual differences in performance depending on the lot, and the performance etc. may change due to column usage conditions, the number of sample injections, etc. May also occur. Therefore, in order to perform highly accurate and reliable analysis, information such as use conditions, number of injections, amount of injection, type of sample to be analyzed, and user is provided for each column, or provided by a maker at the time of column purchase. Alternatively, it is necessary to record information on column performance independently measured by the user in a record and use it for reference when using or selecting a column.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, such management of the usage history and performance of columns is performed by recording them on paper or by using general-purpose spreadsheet software or database management software on a personal computer. However, such information management is troublesome, and entry omissions and entry errors are likely to occur. In addition, it is useless if records are not thoroughly known, but it is difficult to properly operate various research facilities and companies because of the large number of users of the device. For this reason, there is a case where the column management is abandoned from the beginning, and if the column is used to a certain extent, that is, the column is discarded before the column is used for a period in which the performance changes. However, in that case, the column that can still be used is discarded, and a large cost burden is required.
[0004]
Therefore, in order to automatically perform such column management, a semiconductor chip (CIM: Column ID Module or CMD: Column Management Device) capable of reading and writing information is attached to each column, and the information is attached to the semiconductor chip. A system that records column history management data, column performance data, and the like in a memory of a semiconductor chip using a chromatographic apparatus having a readable / writable function has also been developed. However, in such a method, column management can be performed only by a chromatographic apparatus capable of reading and writing information, and therefore, effective column management cannot be performed in an analysis site where a conventional chromatographic apparatus is mixed. As a result, these systems are not widely used.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to easily manage information about a column such as a column use history and performance, and to provide such information to a user as necessary. Another object of the present invention is to provide a data management device for a chromatographic device which can be effectively presented.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects]
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, a data management device for a chromatographic device that performs analysis by freely changing columns,
a) linking each column with column identification information assigned to be identifiable, and acquiring column history management data relating to the usage history of the column, column performance data indicating the performance of the column, and analysis using the column. Data storage means having a storage area for respectively storing analysis data including
b) When column identification information is given, search and read out column history management data, column performance data, and / or analysis data corresponding to the column identification information in each storage area of the data storage means, or Data management means for writing new data on the storage area,
It is characterized by having.
[0007]
The data storage means of the data management device for a chromatographic device according to the present invention stores column history management data, column performance data, and analysis data in association with column identification information specifying each column. Using the identification information as a key, information related to the column can be easily accessed. Therefore, it becomes easy to mutually refer to the use history and performance of a certain column, the analysis result using the column, and the like. To give a specific example, for example, when there is doubt about the validity of analysis data obtained using a certain column, use history and column performance of the column, or using the column in the past The collected valid analysis data and the like can be collectively and quickly read out and checked easily. Therefore, the reliability of column management can be improved, which in turn contributes to the improvement of analysis reliability.
[0008]
Further, since column history management data and performance data can be centrally managed by a server or the like that manages analysis data, column management can be performed using a conventionally used chromatographic apparatus. Furthermore, it is not necessary to individually manage with general-purpose software such as paper and spreadsheet software.
[0009]
The data management device for a chromatographic device according to the present invention further includes a column recognizing unit that reads column identification information from a column attached to the chromatographic device, wherein the data managing unit is a column read by the column recognizing unit. It is preferable that data is accessed using the identification information.
[0010]
According to this configuration, when a certain column is attached to the chromatographic apparatus at the time of analysis, the column identification information given to the column can be automatically detected and transferred to the data management means. Can save the trouble of inputting column identification information, and can also eliminate forgetting or erroneous input, thereby improving the reliability of the data itself. Eliminating manual input is also effective in preventing intentional addition or falsification of data by a malicious person.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a data management device for a chromatographic device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a liquid chromatograph (LC) analysis system including a data management device according to the present embodiment.
[0012]
The LC analysis unit 10 includes a liquid sending pump, an autosampler, a detector, and the like in addition to the column 11 shown in the drawing, and performs an actual analysis on the liquid sample to collect data necessary for the analysis. The column 11 can be exchanged for the LC analysis unit 10, and the user can select an appropriate column (for example, select another column 11 'as described in FIG. 1) and switch to the LC analysis unit 10. Can be installed. A column management IC chip 12 is attached to each column 11, and a unique identification number is written in a memory of the column management IC chip 12 as a column ID unique to the column.
[0013]
The data processing unit 14 is generally configured around a personal computer. By executing a processing program installed in the computer, the data processing unit 14 performs predetermined waveform processing and arithmetic processing on the data acquired by the LC analysis unit 10. And derives the result of qualitative analysis or quantitative analysis. The data processing unit 14 is provided with a column ID reading unit 13 which reads a column ID stored in the memory of the column management IC chip 12 and uses it as described later. An operation unit 15 such as a keyboard and a display unit 16 as a display are connected to the data processing unit 14, and a user gives an appropriate instruction to the data processing unit 14 using the operation unit 15 while viewing the display unit 16. Can be given.
[0014]
The database management server 17 is a computer connected to the data processing unit 14 so as to be able to perform data communication with each other. By executing a predetermined server program installed in the computer, the database management server 17 controls reading and writing of data from and to the data storage unit 18. In addition, it achieves basic management functions such as data search processing.
[0015]
The data storage unit 18 stores a column history management database (DB) 182, a column performance database (DB) 183, and an analysis database (DB) 184, respectively. The column history management DB 182 stores data for knowing the past use history regarding the use of the column, such as the use condition of each column, the number of injections, the amount of injection, the type of mobile phase, the type of sample to be used, and the user name. Including. The column performance DB 183 includes data indicating the separation performance of the column, such as the number of theoretical plates and HETP. The analysis DB 184 includes data (raw data) obtained as a result of the analysis performed in the LC analysis unit 10, data obtained by processing or analyzing the raw data, and the like.
[0016]
In general, column performance data is presented by the manufacturer as performance that is initially guaranteed when the column is shipped from the manufacturer. However, since the performance changes with the use of the column, the performance is changed by the user. May be measured, and in such a case, the column performance data is newly acquired on the user side.
[0017]
In the column history management DB 182, the column performance DB 183, and the analysis DB 184, each data is associated with the column identification information 181. Here, the column identification information 181 includes at least the column ID of each column, but other appropriate information such as a column name can be added. Since each data is associated with the column identification information 181 in the data storage unit 18, using the column ID as a key, the history management data, performance data, and analysis data of the analysis using the column having the column ID are used. It can be quickly accessed and read.
[0018]
Next, a processing procedure at the time of executing the analysis in the above system will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.
[0019]
At the time of analysis, when the data processing unit 14 issues a column ID reading command to the column ID reading unit 13 (S1), the column ID reading unit 13 reads a column ID from the column management IC chip 12 (S2, S3). It is sent to the unit 14 (S4). Further, at the time of analysis, column use conditions, sample names, user (analyzer) names, and the like are input and set from the operation unit 15, and such data is collected as part of column history management data. The number of injections and the amount of injection using the column during the analysis are obtained by calculation or by actually integrating (S5). Then, these column history management data are sent together with the column ID to the database management server 17 (S6), and the database management server 17 stores the data in the column history management DB in the data storage unit 18 in association with the column ID (S7). ). Here, if there is data stored in the past for the same column ID, column history management data is additionally stored without erasing the data.
[0020]
At the time of analysis, the raw data collected by the LC analysis unit 10 is sequentially sent to the data processing unit 14. The data processing unit 14 creates, for example, a chromatogram based on such data, and performs qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis by further executing an analysis process. All the analysis data thus obtained is sent to the database management server 17 together with the column ID, and the database management server 17 stores the analysis data in the analysis DB 184 in association with the column ID.
[0021]
In this manner, new data is acquired for the column history management data and the analysis data each time the chromatographic apparatus performs an analysis operation, and is stored in the data storage unit 18 in association with the column ID. Since the collection and storage of the column history management data and the analysis data are performed automatically, there is almost no need for the user's hand and there is no omission of data registration.
[0022]
On the other hand, the column performance data is often initially presented by the column supplier as the guaranteed performance of the column, as described above. Therefore, at an appropriate time before using this column, the input from the operation unit 15 is performed. It can be registered by setting.
[0023]
According to the sequence diagram of FIG. 3, when the operator inputs a column ID and column performance data on the operation unit 15 (U1), the data processing unit 14 sends the column performance data together with the column ID to the database management server 17 for storage. A command is issued (U2). In response to this, the database management server 17 stores the column performance data in the column performance DB 183 in association with the column ID (U3).
[0024]
Next, an example of using a database stored in the data storage unit 18 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.
[0025]
When the operator gives an instruction to display a list of already registered columns using the operation unit 15, the data processing unit 14 receives this instruction and requests the database management server 17 to create a column list (T1). The database management server 17 reads the data of the column identification information 181 or the column table created separately for management (T2, T3), and performs data processing on a column list listing the IDs and names of registered columns. The data is sent to the unit 14 (T4), and the data processing unit 14 displays this list on the screen of the display unit 16 (T5).
[0026]
When the operator looks at this display and selects an appropriate column and instructs the selection, the database management server 17 that has received the selection instruction via the data processing unit 14 uses the column ID as a key to store the data in the data storage unit 18. The column history data, performance data, and analysis data stored in each DB are searched and read (T6, T7, T8). The data processing unit 14 receiving these data from the database management server 17 displays information based on the data on the screen of the display unit 16 (T9, T10). Thereby, the operator can know various kinds of information on the desired column.
[0027]
In the above example, the column ID is selected from the column list. However, if the user wants to know the information of the column to be used, the column ID reading unit 13 reads the column management IC chip 12 of the column. May be used to automatically designate a column to be searched.
[0028]
In the above embodiment, the data processing unit 14 and the database management server 17 are connected one-to-one, but a plurality of data processing units are connected to one database management server 17 via a network such as a LAN. A possible system configuration is also conceivable. Furthermore, a configuration in which a plurality of LC analyzers are connected to one data processor can be considered.
[0029]
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of such an LC analysis system. That is, a plurality of data processing units 14a and 14b are connected to the database management server 17 via the network 19, and the data processing units 14a and 14b are connected to the plurality of LC analysis units 10a and 10b via the network 20. 10c and 10d are connected. In this system, as in the analysis system shown in FIG. 1, each column is managed based on the column ID stored in the column management IC chip. Even when the column 11a attached to the analysis unit 10a is detached and attached to another LC analysis unit 10c, exactly the same data can be read from the data storage unit 18 via the database management server 17.
[0030]
The above embodiment is merely an example of the present invention, and can be appropriately modified and modified within the scope of the present invention.
[0031]
Specifically, for example, since only the column ID is stored in the column management IC chip 12, the column management IC chip can be replaced with a column management IC chip as long as the column ID can be labeled. As an example, a barcode sticker may be attached to an appropriate portion of the column, and a barcode reader may be used as the column ID reading unit.
[0032]
In addition, it is preferable to prevent various data stored in the data storage unit 18 from being rewritten, deleted, or newly added by mistake or by a malicious third party. When performing an operation of changing, deleting, or adding the contents of the data storage unit 18 via the database management server 17, a function of requesting a password authentication to an operator may be provided.
[0033]
In addition, the data processing unit 14 or the database management server 17 may allow another device to have a function of importing / exporting column performance check data along with a column ID via a connected network. By using such a function, when a column is purchased, initial test data can be read from a supplier of the column via a network. In addition, we often ask other analytical institutions or companies to perform column regeneration and column performance measurement necessary to maintain column performance.However, we send the column performance check data before the request via a network. The data can be sent to such an institution or company, or conversely, the performance check data of the column after the reproduction processing or after the check can be received from the institution or company via the network and stored in the data storage unit 18.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an LC analysis system including a data management device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation procedure in the LC analysis system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation procedure in the LC analysis system of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation procedure in the LC analysis system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an overall configuration diagram of an LC analysis system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 10 LC analysis unit 11 Column 12 Column management IC chip 13 Column ID reading unit 14 Data processing unit 15 Operating unit 16 Display unit 17 Database management server 18 Data storage unit 181 Column identification information 182 ... Column history management database 183 ... Column performance database 184 ... Analysis database

Claims (2)

In a data management device for a chromatographic device that performs analysis by freely changing columns,
a) linking each column with column identification information assigned to be identifiable, and acquiring column history management data relating to the usage history of the column, column performance data indicating the performance of the column, and analysis using the column. Data storage means having a storage area for respectively storing analysis data including
b) When column identification information is given, search and read out column history management data, column performance data, and / or analysis data corresponding to the column identification information in each storage area of the data storage means, or Data management means for writing new data on the storage area,
A data management device for a chromatographic device, comprising: The apparatus further comprises column recognition means for reading column identification information from a column mounted on the chromatograph apparatus, wherein the data management means executes data access using the column identification information read by the column recognition means. The data management device for a chromatographic device according to claim 1.

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