JP3798539B2 - Spectrophotometer - Google Patents

Description

【０１３１】
そして、この論理式に基づき一連の測定値の判断を行い、ＤＤ（ｋ）＝０であれば良、ＤＤ（ｋ）＝１であれば不良と判断して、その結果を出力する。
ただし、上記論理式において、Ｍ（ｋ，ｍ，ｎ）は測定値、ｋは試料番号、ｍは層番号、ｎは測定点番号、Ｄ（ｋ、ｍ、ｎ）は異常判断結果、ＳＵＭ（ｋ）は異常判断結果の集計、ＤＤ（ｋ）は試料の良否判断結果とした。
また、各層の正常範囲は、第１層を、ａ（１）≦Ｍ（ｋ，１，ｎ）≦ｂ（１）、
第２層を、第２層を、ａ（２）≦Ｍ（ｋ，２，ｎ）≦ｂ（２）、第３層を、ａ（３）≦Ｍ（ｋ，３，ｎ）≦ｂ（３）とした。
また、Ｋｍａｘは最大試料番号、Ｌａｙｅｒは層数、Ｐｏｉｎｔは測定点数とした。
さらに、判断結果の初期値をゼロ、異常判断結果が異常のものは１、良否判断結果が不良のものは１とした。
【０１３２】
つぎに、本実施形態においては、機器にエラーが生じた場合、それを使用者に知らせる方法としては、種々の方法が考えられるが、例えば、次に掲げるものが好適である。
本実施形態においては、前記増設カードとして、機器にエラーが発生した場合、そのエラー内容を表示可能なプログラムが記憶されていることが好ましい。
【０１３３】
図３２には、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュールの概略構成を表すブロック図が示されている。なお、前記図７と対応する部分には、符号１１００を加えて示し説明を省略する。
同図に示すリモートモジュール１４２６において、前記増設カード１４６６は、プログラム等記憶部１４２９、キー情報記憶部１４４１、エラー情報記憶部１４４３を含む。
【０１３４】
前記プログラム等記憶部１４２９は、上記機能を実行するために必要な基本的なプログラムが記憶されている。
前記キー情報記憶部１４４１は、機器にエラーが発生した場合、表示手段１４５２に表示させるキー情報を記憶する。
前記エラー情報記憶部１４４３は、前記エラーに対応する説明等が記憶されている。
そして、ＣＰＵ１４３０は、前記プログラム等記憶部１４３９に記憶されたプログラムに基づき、キー情報記憶部１４４１、エラー情報記憶部１４４３に適宜アクセスし、機器にエラーが発生した場合、表示手段１４５２に、そのエラー内容を表示させることができる。
【０１３５】
本実施形態に係るリモートモジュール１４２６は概略以上のように構成され、以下にその作用について説明する。
図３３には、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュール１４２６の処理内容を表すフローチャートが示されている。
同図に示すように、例えば、増設カード１４６６を差し込み（ｓ１）、本体のＰｏｗｅｒスイッチをＯＮすると（ｓ２）、又は本体のＰｏｗｅｒスイッチをＯＮし（ｓ３）、標準プログラムを起動した後（ｓ４）、増設カード１４６６を差し込み（ｓ５）、カードプログラムの起動を指示する信号が入力されると、ＣＰＵ１４３０は、該カードプログラムを起動する（ｓ６）。
【０１３６】
上記カードプログラムが起動すると、ＣＰＵ１４３０は、機器エラー信号が有るか否かの監視を開始する。
ここで、ＣＰＵ１４３０は、リモートモジュール１４２６に接続されている機器よりエラー信号が入力されると、キー情報記憶部１４４１にアクセスし、表示手段１４５２に、まず、Ｅｒｒｏｒキー１４４５（図３４（ａ）参照）を表示させる（ｓ８）。
そのＥｒｒｏｒキー１４４５がタッチパネル１４７０等により選択されると（ｓ９）、ＣＰＵは１４３０、キー情報記憶部１４４１にアクセスし、表示手段１４５２に、前記Ｅｒｒｏｒキー１４４５に代えて、Ｎｏｔｉｃｅキー１４４７（図３４（ｂ）参照）を表示させる（ｓ１０）。
そのＮｏｔｉｃｅキー１４４７が選択されると（ｓ１１）、ＣＰＵ１４３０は、前記エラー信号に対応するエラーの内容を、エラー情報記憶部１４４３より検索し、表示手段１４５２に、そのエラー内容、即ち、どういうエラーが生じたのか、又は注意をすべき点は何かを表示させることとした（ｓ１２）。
【０１３７】
また、ＣＰＵ１４３０は、機器にエラーが生じた場合、表示手段１４５２には、常にＥｒｒｏｒキー１４４５を表示することができるような状態とすることにより、従来のように、何らかの機能を実行したとき、はじめてエラメッセージを表示させるものに比較し、機器のエラーに対し迅速に対応することができる。
また、ＣＰＵ１４３０は、機器にエラーが生じた場合、いちいち長い文章を表示させずに、まずＥｒｒｏｒキー１４４５を表示させ、使用者の判断によりこのエラーの内容を表示するか否かを選択することができるので、試料のモニタ中でもその作業を邪魔することがない。
【０１３８】
また、ＣＰＵ１４３０は、二以上のエラーが同時に出たとき、入力手段１４３２等を用い、表示手段１４５２のエラーメッセージの表示領域を固定せず変更可能とすることにより、その表示領域が固定されたものに比較し、エラーメッセージが見やすいものとなる。
また、本実施形態においては、表示手段１４５２に、機器にどのようなエラーが生じたのか、又は注意をすべき点は何かが表示されたとき、リモートモジュール１４２６に接続されている光度計本体及びその他の外部機器の状態をスイッチ・キーとして表示手段１４５２に表示させる。そして、そのスイッチ・キーが入力されると、その機器の状態を変更させることが好ましい。
このために本実施形態においては、ＣＰＵ１４３０は、キー情報記憶部１４４１にアクセスし、表示手段１４５２には、例えば、図３５に示すように光度計本体の光源の「Ｏｎ」スイッチ・キー１４４９、「Ｏｆｆ」スイッチ・キー１４５１をトグル（白黒反転等）で表示させる。
【０１３９】
ここで、使用者が、表示手段１４５２に表示されたエラーメッセージの内容に従い、タッチパネル１４７０より「Ｏｎ」スイッチ・キー１４４９を押すと、光源をＯｎし、また「Ｏｆｆ」スイッチ・キー１４５１を押すと、光源をＯｆｆすることができる。
これにより、前記トグル表示等の工夫のないものに比較し、その表示手段に表示された画面の内容が見やすいものとなる。この結果、誤入力等を大幅に低減することができ、また操作性の向上を図ることができる。また、リモートモジュール１４２６より、該モジュールに接続されている機器の状態を変更することができるので、操作容易化を図ることができる。
【０１４０】
ヘルプ
従来、この種の分野では、使用者は、その操作方法についてわからないことがあると、マニュアルブックよりその操作方法を見つけ出すことが一般的であった。
しかしながら、分光光度計の多機能化に伴って、その操作方法のマニュアルブックも分厚いものとなってしまい、所望の操作方法のページを見つけ出すことも、次第に面倒になってしまった。
そこで、本実施形態においては、前記増設カードとして操作方法に関するヘルプ機能を備えることが好ましい。
【０１４１】
図３６には、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュールの概略構成を表すブロック図が示されている。なお、前記図７と対応する部分には、符号１２００を加えて示し説明を省略する。
同図に示すリモートモジュール１５２６において、増設カード１５６６は、プログラム等記憶部１５５３と、キーワード記憶部１５５５と、マニュアル記憶部１５５７を含む。
【０１４２】
前記プログラム等記憶部１５５３は、上記ヘルプ機能を行うために必要な基本的なプログラムが記憶されている。
前記キーワード記憶部１５５５は、操作方法に関連するキーワードが記憶されている。
前記マニュアル記憶部１５５７は、各キーワードに対応した操作方法が記憶されている。
そして、キーボード１５６８により、知りたい操作方法のキーワードを直接入力したり、タッチパネルにより、一覧よりキーワード等を選択する。
ＣＰＵ１５３０は、入力手段１５３２より入力されたキーワードに対応した操作方法を、前記マニュアル記憶部１５５７より検索して表示手段１５５２に表示させる。
【０１４３】
本実施形態に係るリモートモジュール１５２６は、概略以上のように構成され、以下にその作用について説明する。
図３７には、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュール１５２６の処理内容を表すフローチャートが示されている。
同図に示すように、例えば、増設カード１５６６を差し込み（ｓ１）、本体のＰｏｗｅｒスイッチをＯＮすると（ｓ２）、又は本体のＰｏｗｅｒスイッチをＯＮし（ｓ３）、標準プログラムを起動した後（ｓ４）、増設カード１５６６を差し込み（ｓ５）、カードプログラムの起動を指示する信号が入力されると、ＣＰＵ１５３０は、該カードプログラムを起動する。
【０１４４】
上記カードプログラムが起動すると、ヘルプ画面が表示されるので（ｓ６）、キーボード１５６８よりキーワードを直接入力したり、タッチパネル１５７０により、一覧よりキーワードを選択する。
ここで、前記タッチパネル１５７０により選択されるキーワードの一覧は、選択されると、トグル表示されるものが好ましい。これにより、使用者は、選択されたキーワードを容易に確認するとができ、また誤入力を大幅に低減することができるからである。
【０１４５】
キーワードが入力されると、ＣＰＵ１５３０は、キーワード記憶部１５５５に記憶されているキーワードの一覧を読み出し、表示手段１４５２に表示させる（ｓ７）。
ここで、使用者は、表示手段１４５２の画面に表示されたキーワードより、みたい操作方法に関するキーワードを見つけ出し、タッチパネル１５７０等で選択する（ｓ８）。
キーワードが選択されると、ＣＰＵ１５３０は、該キーワードに対応する操作方法を、マニュアル記憶部１５５７より検索し、表示手段１４５２に表示させる（ｓ９）。
【０１４６】
本実施形態に係るリモートモジュール１５２６によれば、上述のように増設カード１５６６として、機器等の操作方法を検索することができるプログラムが記憶されているものを用いることにより、キーワードよりその操作方法を検索することができ、その工夫のないものに比較し、操作容易化を図ることができる。
また、その内容を書き換え可能な増設カードを用いることにより、機器の機能の変更のあった場合は、一から印刷をし直さなければならないマニュアルブックに比較し、紙の省資源化を図ることができる。
【０１４７】
なお、本発明の分光光度計としては、前記各構成に限定されるものでなく、発明の要旨の範囲内で種々の変形が可能である。
例えば、前記図２においては、図中左方より、リモートモジュール、光度計本体、外部機器の順に、各機器を数珠つなぎした場合について説明したが、これに代えて、例えば、リモートモジュール、外部機器、光度計本体の順でも良い。
【０１４８】
また、最後の機器、例えば、前記図２に示す外部機器の空きのインタフェースには、さらに一又は二以上の外部機器を数珠つなぎしても良い。
また、前記リモートモジュールのＣＰＵの各機能を、光度計本体のＣＰＵで代行しても良い。
【０１４９】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明に係る分光光度計によれば、前述のように、光度計本体、外部機器及びリモートモジュール等の各機器を、それぞれ数珠つなぎした。そして、各機器は、リモートモジュールから直接に授受されたコマンド又はその他の機器を介して授受されたリモートモジュールからのコマンドのうち、各機器に対応するコマンドのみを授受し、該コマンドに基づき、その機器自体を動作させる。これに対し、前記リモートモジュールからのコマンドが、その機器に対応するコマンドを含まない場合は、そのコマンドの内容を解釈せず後段の機器に出力することとしたので、一のリモートモジュールの処理能力の低減を図ることができ、システム全体の処理効率の向上を図ることができる。
なお、前記外部機器と同様の機能を有し、ＣＰＵを含まない付属機器を、前記光度計本体に対し接続した場合は、光度計本体のＣＰＵは、前記リモートモジュールから直接に授受されたコマンド又はその他の機器を介して授受されたリモートモジュールからのコマンドのうち、前記付属機器と同様の機能を有する外部機器を制御するコマンドを授受し、該コマンドに基づき、付属機器を動作させることとしたので、一のコマンドで、同様の機能を有する二以上の機器の動作を制御することができ、例えば、同様の機能を有しても、別個独立のコマンドで制御していた従来のものに比較し、操作容易化、システム全体の処理効率の向上等を図ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】図１（ａ）は、一般的な分光光度計の概略構成の説明図、図１（ｂ）は、該分光光度計のブロック図である。
【図２】図２（ａ）は、本発明の一実施形態に係る分光光度計の概略構成の説明図、図２（ｂ）は、該分光光度計のブロック図である。
【図３】図３は、図２に示す分光光度計の処理内容を表すフローチャートである。
【図４】図４は、図２に示す分光光度計の各機器間でのコマンドの授受方法の説明図である。
【図５】図５は、図２に示す分光光度計の変形例の概略構成を表すブロック図である。
【図６】図６は、図５に示す分光光度計の各機器間でのコマンドの授受方法の説明図である。
【図７】図７は、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュールの説明図である。
【図８】図８は、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュールの一例を示すブロック図である。
【図９】図９は、図８に示すリモートモジュールの処理内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図１０】図１０は、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュールの一例を示すブロック図である。
【図１１】図１１は、図１０に示すリモートモジュールの処理内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図１２】図１２は、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュールの一例を示すブロック図である。
【図１３】図１３は、図１２に示すリモートモジュールの処理内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図１４】図１４は、図１２に示すリモートモジュールによる入力モードの変更例である。
【図１５】図１５は、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュールの一例を示すブロック図である。
【図１６】図１６は、図１５に示すリモートモジュールの処理内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図１７】図１７は、図１５に示すリモートモジュールによる各メニュー画面の一例である。
【図１８】図１８は、図１５に示すリモートモジュールによる各メニュー画面の一例である。
【図１９】図１９は、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュールの一例を示すブロック図である。
【図２０】図２０は、図１９に示すリモートモジュールの処理内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図２１】図２１は、図１９に示すリモートモジュールの印字設定画面の一例である。
【図２２】図２２は、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュールの一例を示すブロック図である。
【図２３】図２３は、図２２に示すリモートモジュールの処理内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図２４】図２４は、図２２に示すリモートモジュールによる観測データの保存方法の説明図である。
【図２５】図２５は、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュールの一例を示すブロック図である。
【図２６】図２６は、図２５に示すリモートモジュールの処理内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図２７】図２７は、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュールの一例を示すブロック図である。
【図２８】図２８は、図２７に示すリモートモジュールの処理内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図２９】図２９は、本実施形態に係る分光光度計の概略構成の説明図である。
【図３０】図３０は、図２９に示す分光光度計の変形例の説明図である。
【図３１】図３１は、図３０に示す分光光度計で用いた試料の説明図である。
【図３２】図３２は、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュールの一例を示すブロック図である。
【図３３】図３３は、図３２に示すリモートモジュールの処理内容を示すフローチャートである。
【図３４】図３４は、図３２に示すリモートモジュールによるトグル表示の一例である。
【図３５】図３５は、図３２に示すリモートモジュールによるトグル表示の一例である。
【図３６】図３６は、本実施形態に係るリモートモジュールの一例を示すブロック図である。
【図３７】図３７は、図３６に示すリモートモジュールの処理内容を示すフローチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１１０ 分光光度計
１１４ ポンプ（外部機器）
１２６ リモートモジュール
１２８ 光度計本体
１６６ 増設カード[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a spectrophotometer, and more particularly to an improvement in its control mechanism.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, spectrophotometers that collect spectral data of a sample and perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of the components of the sample from the spectral data are well known.
FIG. 1A shows a schematic configuration of a general spectrophotometer.
The spectrophotometer 10 shown in the figure sucks a part of the sample solution from the sample water tank 12 by the pump 14 and guides it to the flow cell 16.
The measurement signal converted into an electrical signal by the photometry unit 18 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 20 and converted into values such as transmittance, absorbance, concentration, etc. by the arithmetic processing unit 22.
[0003]
By configuring the spectrophotometer 10 in this manner, qualitative and quantitative analysis of sample components can be performed.
A water discharge channel 24 is provided downstream of the flow cell 16, and the measured sample solution that has exited the flow cell 16 is discharged into the water discharge channel 24.
[0004]
Incidentally, in a general spectrophotometer, devices such as a photometer main body and other external devices are connected in parallel to a personal computer or the like.
That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, in the spectrophotometer 10 having the conventional configuration, for example, a photometry unit 18, an A / D conversion unit 22, an arithmetic processing unit are compared with a remote module 26 such as a personal computer. The photometer main body 28 such as 22 and the external device such as the pump 14 were connected in parallel. Then, the remote module 26 is operated according to a predetermined procedure to control each device such as the photometer main body 28 and the pump 14 which is an external device.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the spectrophotometer, with the development of hardware such as the main body and the external device, it is important to develop software for controlling these devices.
However, in recent years, the development of software for controlling these devices has not caught up with the development of hardware such as the photometer body and other external devices, and there are various conventional information processing technologies. However, it has been difficult to use it as it is for controlling a spectrophotometer due to various circumstances.
Thus, in this type of field, for example, development of the following technologies has been strongly desired.
That is, in the spectrophotometer 10, each device is connected to the remote module 26 in parallel.
[0006]
However, for example, if these devices are moved at the same time, the burden on the CPU of the remote module is large, and the operation of each device cannot be performed at a predetermined timing, and there are cases where measurement cannot be performed properly.
Thus, although development of a technique capable of increasing the speed of the entire system has been strongly desired, there has been no appropriate technique for solving this problem in this type of field.
[0007]
The spectrophotometer 10 requires one command for one device.
However, for example, when two or more external devices having the same function are used, these commands are troublesome because they are necessary for each device even though the contents are the same. .
Thus, although development of a technique capable of facilitating the operation of the entire system has been strongly desired, there has not been an appropriate technique for solving this problem in this type of field.
The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a spectrophotometer capable of obtaining effects such as speeding up and ease of operation of the entire system.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a spectrophotometer according to the present invention includes a photometer main body including a CPU and one or more external devices including the CPU, and the CPU of the photometer main body has a predetermined CPU. In a spectrophotometer that operates according to a procedure and controls the photometer body itself and an external device, the photometer body includes input means for inputting a command for controlling the photometer body itself and the external device, and the external An interface capable of transmitting at least the command to a CPU of the device, and the external device can exchange at least the command with a CPU of the photometer main body or a CPU of another external device. Including an interface, and connecting the photometer body and one or more external devices via the interface, and the CPU of the photometer body includes the input means Of al the command to transfer only the body for commands to control the light level meter body itself, on the basis of the command for the body to operate the optical Meter body,
The CPU of the external device transmits / receives only an external device command for controlling the external device itself among commands from the photometer body, and operates the external device based on the external device command. And
In the spectrophotometer, it is preferable that a remote module that includes a CPU, operates the CPU in a predetermined procedure, and controls the photometer main body and external devices is connected to the CPU of the photometer main body. It is.
[0009]
In the spectrophotometer, an accessory device that has the same function as the external device and does not include a CPU is connected to the CPU of the photometer body, and the photometer body sends the command to the accessory device. The photometer main body and the accessory device are connected via the interface, and the CPU of the photometer main body is directly transferred from the input means of the photometer main body. The command or the command for external device that controls the external device having the same function as that of the accessory device among the commands from the input means of the remote module transmitted / received via the remote module, and the external It is preferable to operate the accessory device based on the device command.
The “command” here refers to, for example, a program for executing a time program or the like already set in each device, not the time program itself.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2A shows a schematic configuration of a spectrophotometer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by reference numeral 100 and description thereof is omitted.
The spectrophotometer 110 shown in the figure draws a part of the sample solution from the sample water tank 112 by the pump 114 and guides it to the flow cell 116.
[0011]
Then, the measurement signal converted into an electric signal by the photometry unit 118 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 120 and converted into values such as transmittance, absorbance, concentration, etc. by the arithmetic processing unit 122.
By configuring the spectrophotometer 110 according to the present embodiment in this way, qualitative and quantitative analysis of sample components can be performed.
[0012]
What is characteristic in the present invention is that each device such as a photometer main body, an external device, and a remote module is connected in a daisy chain. For example, the CPU of the photometer main body includes the main body itself among commands from the remote module. Only the command to control is sent and received, and the main body is operated based on the command. The CPU of the external device sends and receives only the command for controlling the device itself among the commands from the remote module. , Operating the external device.
For this purpose, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the remote module 126, the photometer main body 128, and the external devices such as the pump 114 are connected in a daisy chain.
[0013]
The remote module 126 includes a CPU 130 (central processing unit), input means 132, and an interface 134.
The input means 132 is for inputting a command for controlling each device.
The interface 134 can transmit at least the command to the CPU 136 of the photometer main body 128.
[0014]
The photometer main body 128 includes a CPU 136 and interfaces 138 and 140.
The interfaces 138 and 140 can exchange at least the command between the CPU 130 of the remote module 126 and the CPU 142 of the pump 114.
The pump 114 includes a CPU 142 and an interface 144.
[0015]
The interface 144 can exchange at least the command with the CPU 136 of the photometer main body 128.
Then, the CPU 136 of the photometer main body 128 exchanges only the main body command for controlling the photometer main body itself among the commands directly received from the remote module 126, and the photometer main body 128 is changed based on the main body command. Make it work.
The CPU 142 of the external device such as the pump 114 transmits / receives only an external device command for controlling the external device itself among the commands from the remote module 126 transmitted / received via the photometer main body 128. The external device is operated based on the command for use.
[0016]
The spectrophotometer 110 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above. Next, the operation thereof will be described.
FIG. 3 shows a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the spectrophotometer 110 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, when a power ON signal is input, the connection state of the device is first detected (s1).
[0017]
That is, the CPU 130 of the remote module 126 outputs a detection signal for detecting the connection state of the device, for example. Here, when a normally connected device transmits and receives the detection signal, information on the device is returned to the CPU 130 of the remote module 126. On the other hand, information on the device is not returned to the CPU 130 of the remote module 120 from a device in which the power is off or an error has occurred in the connection state. Therefore, the CPU 130 of the remote module 126 determines that the device to which the device information is returned is normally connected after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection signal for detecting the connection state of the device is output. In addition, the type of the device is specified.
[0018]
As described above, when the power supply ON signal is input, the CPU 130 of the remote module 126 first detects the connection state of the device, and the connection state, that is, which device is connected is connected to the CPU 130, for example. It was possible to check easily with a display (not shown).
The connection state may be detected not only when a power ON signal is input but also at all times.
When the detection of the connection state of the device ends, the device enters a standby state (s2) and waits for a command input from the user.
[0019]
Here, when the user inputs a command for controlling each device from the input means 132 (s3), the CPU 130 of the remote module 126 outputs the command to the CPU 136 of the photometer main body 128 (s4). For example, if the command input from the input means 132 includes a main body command for controlling the photometer main body 128, a main body label is automatically attached to the command from the input means 132, and similarly. When each external device command is included, each corresponding device label is automatically attached.
[0020]
When the command is transferred to the CPU 136 of the photometer main body 128, the CPU 136 first determines whether the command from the remote module 126 includes the photometer based on whether or not the main body label is included in the command. Check if there is a command for the main unit that controls the main unit itself.
[0021]
Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, the command C from the CPU 130 of the remote module 126 is displayed._AIs the body command c₀And external device command c₁The CPU 136 of the photometer main body 128 first checks the presence or absence of the main body label, and if it is confirmed that the main body label is present, the main body command c for controlling the photometer main body itself.₀Only the command c for the main body₀Based on the above, the photometer body 128 is operated. Further, the CPU 136 executes the external device command c.₁Is not interpreted, and the main body command c₀Command C without_A'Is output to the CPU 142 of the external device.
[0022]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, a command C from the CPU 130 of the remote module 126 is obtained._BIs the body command c₀Command c for external equipment not included₁The CPU 136 of the photometer main body 128 first checks for the presence of a main body label, and the main body label is the command C._BCommand C_BThe command C is not interpreted._BIs directly output to the CPU 142 of the pump 114 which is an external device.
[0023]
When the command C is transferred to the CPU 142 of the pump 114 which is an external device, the CPU 142 first passes the command C through the CPU 136 of the photometer main body 128 based on whether or not the external device label is included in the command C. Among the commands C sent from the CPU 130 of the remote module 126, the external device command c for controlling the external device itself₁Check if there is any.
[0024]
Here, as shown in FIG._A′ Is an external device command c₁If the external device label is included, the CPU 142 checks the presence / absence of the external device label.₁The external device command c₁Based on the above, the pump 114 as the external device is operated.
[0025]
In addition, as shown in FIG._CIs the body command c₀Command c for external equipment₁If the main body label is not included, the CPU 128 checks the presence or absence of the main body label.₀At this point, the command C_CCommand c for external device₁Is not included, the CPU 128 sends the command C to the CPU 142._CIs not output.
When the input / output of the command C is completed, the CPU 130 of the remote module 126 executes the program (s6) and controls the operation of each device (s7).
When the program is finished, all operations are finished.
[0026]
As mentioned above, according to the spectrophotometer 110 which concerns on this embodiment, each apparatus was connected in a rosary. Then, the CPU 136 of the photometer main body 128 sends and receives only a main body command for controlling the photometer main body itself among the commands directly sent and received from the remote module 126. Based on the command, the CPU 136 of the photometer main body 128 Make it work. In addition, the CPU 142 of the external device 114 transmits / receives only an external device command for controlling the external device itself among commands from the remote module 126 transmitted / received via the photometer main body 128, and based on the command, The pump 114 which is an external device is operated.
[0027]
That is, each device transmits / receives only a command for controlling the device itself among commands from the remote module 126 transmitted / received via the preceding device, and operates the device based on the command. On the other hand, if the command for controlling the device itself is not included, the command is sent as it is to the subsequent device without interpreting the contents, so that the processing capability of the CPU 136 of one remote module 126 is determined. Can be reduced, and the processing efficiency of the entire system can be improved.
[0028]
Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a pump 246 that has the same function as the pump 214 that is an external device and does not include a CPU is connected to the CPU 236 of the photometer main body 228. It is also possible. The parts corresponding to those in FIG.
The spectrophotometer 210 shown in the figure includes an I / O interface 248, for example.
[0029]
The interface 248 can exchange commands from the CPU 236 of the photometer main body 228 with the accessory device 246. Then, the CPU 236 of the photometer main body 228 and the pump 246 which is an accessory device were connected via the interface 248.
In this case, the CPU 236 of the photometer main body 228 checks whether or not there is a command for controlling the photometer main body itself among commands directly received from the CPU 230 of the remote module 226 as described above. It is also checked whether there is an external device command for controlling the pump 214 which is an external device having the same function as the pump 246 which is an accessory device connected to the.
[0030]
Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, the command C from the remote module 230_AIs the body command c₀And external device command c₁When the CPU 236 confirms that there is a label for the main body and a label for the external device of the pump 214 having the same function as the pump 246 that is an accessory device, the CPU 236₀And external device command c₁The command c for the main body₀The photometer main body 228 is operated based on the external device command c.₁Based on the above, the pump 246 which is the accessory device is operated.
[0031]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG._BIs the command c for the external device of the pump 246₁However, if the functions of the pump 232 that is an accessory device and the pump 246 that is an external device are different, the CPU 236 of the photometer main body has no label for the main body and is for an external device having the same function as the accessory device. If there is no label, the command c₁Command C without interpreting the contents of_BIs output to the CPU 242 as it is.
[0032]
Thus, according to the spectrophotometer 210 according to the present embodiment, when the pump 246, which is an accessory device having the same function as the pump 214, which is an external device, is connected to the CPU 236 of the photometer body 228, the photometer The CPU 236 of the main body 228 exchanges commands for the external device that controls the pump 214, which is an external device having the same function as the pump 246, which is an accessory device, among the commands from the CPU 230 of the remote module 226. The pump 246 which is the accessory device is operated.
[0033]
As a result, it is possible to control two or more devices having the same function with one command. For example, even a device having the same function is compared with one controlled with a separate command. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the operation and improve the processing efficiency of the entire system.
Also in this case, when the power ON signal is input, the connection state of the device is first detected.
[0034]
That is, the CPU 230 of the remote module 226 outputs a detection signal for detecting the connection state of the device, for example. Here, when a device that is normally connected to the CPU 236 of the photometer main body 228 transmits and receives the detection signal, information on the device is returned to the CPU 236 of the photometer main body 228. On the other hand, information on the device is not returned to the CPU 236 from a device in which the power is off or an error has occurred in the connection state. Accordingly, the CPU 230 of the remote module 226 normally connects the device information whose device information has been returned via the CPU 236 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection signal for detecting the connection state of the device has been output. The device type is also identified.
[0035]
As described above, when the power ON signal is input, the CPU 230 of the remote module 226 has a connection state of not only the external device but also an attached device such as the pump 246 connected to the CPU 236 of the photometer main body 228. The connection state, that is, which device is connected, can be easily confirmed on the display (not shown) of the remote module 226, for example.
The connection state may be detected not only when a power ON signal is input but also at all times.
[0036]
Further, the operation of the accessory device is not controlled by the accessory device itself but by the CPU 236 of the photometer main body 228. That is, measurement data is input from the accessory device to the CPU 236 of the photometer main body 228, and the CPU 236 controls the operation of the accessory device such as the pump 246 based on the measurement data. For example, when the accessory device is a heater, temperature information from the heater, which is the accessory device, is input to the CPU 236 of the photometer main body 228, and the CPU 236 receives the temperature information sent from the heater as a predetermined set value. The heater is turned on and off so as to match.
[0037]
Further, in each of the above-described configurations, since the connection state of each device is automatically detected when the power ON signal of the remote modules 126 and 226 is input and thereafter, the maintenance of each device is performed. It can be done easily and quickly.
[0038]
<Remote module>
Conventionally, as the remote module, a personal computer such as a desktop type or a tower type in which an input means such as a keyboard and a mouse and a display means such as a CRT display are connected to a CPU (central processing unit) is generally used. It was.
However, in order to use the personal computer as a remote module of a spectrophotometer, there is still room for improvement in terms of size, weight, operability, and the like.
[0039]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, various modules can be used as the remote module. For example, the following modules are preferably used.
(1) A thin and light touch panel is used as the input means.
(2) A thin and light liquid crystal display is used as the display means.
(3) The processing contents of the CPU (central processing unit) can be changed.
[0040]
FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of the remote module according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7B shows a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the module. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are denoted by reference numeral 200 and description thereof is omitted. The remote module 326 shown in the figure includes a CPU 330, storage means 350, input means 332, display means 352, interfaces 334 and 354, and a PC card slot 356.
[0041]
The CPU 330 is central to executing or processing a program or procedure. In other words, in the present embodiment, the CPU 330 operates the remote module 326 according to a predetermined procedure, controls the module itself, and controls operations of the photometer main body and external devices.
The CPU 330 is connected with a storage unit 350, an input unit 330, a display unit 352, interfaces 334 and 354, a PC card slot 356, and the like.
[0042]
The storage unit 350 includes a read-only memory (ROM 358) and a memory (RAM 360) capable of writing and reading data at any time.
The ROM 358 stores various programs.
The RAM 360 includes an observation data storage unit 362 and a program storage unit 364.
[0043]
The observation data storage unit 362 stores observation data obtained by the photometer main body.
The program storage unit 364 reads, for example, a program stored in the expansion card 366.
Then, the CPU 330 operates the remote module 326 in a predetermined procedure based on the program stored in the ROM 358, the program read into the program storage unit 362, etc., and controls the operation of each device, or performs data processing. Etc.
[0044]
The input unit 330 includes a function key 368 and a touch panel 370 provided on the screen of the display unit 352, and is used for inputting characters, selection commands, and the like.
The display unit 352 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays a screen such as a main menu based on an instruction from the CPU 330.
[0045]
The PC card slot 356 is used for connecting various expansion cards 366 to be described later and connecting the expansion card 366 and the CPU 330.
Then, when a power ON signal is input, the CPU 330 first reads a program stored in the ROM 358 and displays a main menu or the like on the display means 352 based on the program.
[0046]
Next, when a signal instructing activation of the card program stored in the expansion card 366 or the like is input from the input means 330 such as a touch panel, the CPU 330 stores the card program stored in the expansion card 366 or the like. The program is read into the program storage unit 364 of the RAM 360, and based on the program, the operation of each device is controlled and data processing is executed.
[0047]
According to the spectrophotometer according to the present embodiment, a thin and light touch panel is adopted as the input means 330 of the remote module 326, and a thin and light liquid crystal display or the like is adopted as the display means 352. Can be achieved.
Further, the remote module 326 is provided with a PC card slot 356 for connecting between the CPU 330 and various expansion cards 366 to be described later, and thus has excellent expandability.
[0048]
<Expansion card>
In the present embodiment, various cards can be used as the expansion card 366, but the remote module 326 preferably executes, for example, the following processing based on the program stored in the card 366. .
[0049]
Automatic measurement, data processing
Conventionally, setting of measurement conditions, data processing conditions, and the like has generally been performed by the user at the end of each measurement.
However, in the spectrophotometer, measurement and data processing are often performed under the same conditions, and it is troublesome to make the same setting every time measurement is completed as described above.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, as the expansion card, a card that stores a procedure from measurement of a sample to calculation of a value specific to the sample is used, and the procedure can be changed.
[0050]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the remote module according to the present embodiment. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 7 are denoted by reference numeral 100 and description thereof is omitted.
In the remote module 426 shown in the figure, the input means 432 is for inputting a command or the like necessary for performing from the measurement of the sample to the calculation of a value specific to the sample. The procedure and the like can be rewritten from the input means 432. The expansion card 466 shown in the figure includes a program storage unit 472, a measurement method storage unit 274, an arithmetic operation storage unit 476, and an output method storage unit 478.
[0051]
The program storage unit 472 stores a basic program for performing from the measurement of a sample to the calculation of a value specific to the sample.
The measurement method storage unit 474 stores the setting of the measurement method and the coefficients related thereto input from the input unit 432.
[0052]
The four arithmetic operation method storage unit 476 stores a calculation formula for calculating a value unique to the sample, which is input from the input unit 432, and settings related to coefficients.
The output method storage unit 478 stores settings related to output processing such as screen display by the display unit and printing by the printing unit, which are input from the input unit 432.
The CPU 430 controls the remote module itself, the photometer main body, other external devices, and the like based on the contents stored in each storage unit of the expansion card 466.
The contents of each storage unit of the expansion card 466 can be rewritten from the input means 432.
[0053]
The remote module 426 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described below.
FIG. 9 shows a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module 426 according to the present embodiment.
For example, when the expansion card 466 is inserted (s1) and the power switch of the main body is turned on (s2), or the power switch of the main body is turned on (s3) and the standard program is started (s4), the expansion card 466 is inserted ( s5) When a signal instructing activation of the free calculation program is input, the CPU 430 activates the free calculation program (s6).
That is, the CPU 430 reads the program, setting contents, and the like stored in each storage unit of the expansion card 466 into the program storage unit 464 of the RAM 460 and displays the setting menu screen on the screen of the display unit 452.
[0054]
When the menu screen is displayed, each device enters a standby state and waits for key input (s7).
Here, when the user inputs a signal instructing the execution of the free calculation program from the input unit 432 (s8), the CPU 430 selects each device based on the setting contents stored in the storage units 472 to 478. Control and sequentially perform the procedure from the measurement of the sample to the calculation of the value specific to the sample.
That is, the sample is measured based on the conditions set in the measurement method storage unit 474 (s9), and observation data is obtained.
[0055]
When the observation data is stored in the observation data storage unit 462, the observation data obtained by the observation data storage unit 462 is observed for a predetermined wavelength or time based on the conditions set in the four arithmetic operation method storage unit 476. Data is read and the observed data is calculated by a predetermined calculation formula (s10).
When the data processing is completed, based on the conditions stored in the output method storage unit 478, a predetermined calculation result or the like is displayed on the display means 452 or printed on the printing means (not shown) (s11).
[0056]
According to the remote module 426 according to the present embodiment, the expansion card 466 is a card that stores the procedure from the measurement of the sample to the calculation of the value specific to the sample. When measurement, data processing, and the like are repeated under conditions, it is possible to greatly reduce calculation mistakes and facilitate operations, compared to those without such devices.
Further, the contents of the procedure can be appropriately rewritten from the input means 432, so that various specifications can be changed.
[0057]
hard copy
Conventionally, in a spectrophotometer, in order to make a hard copy of the screen of the display means, it is common to input a command for that purpose from the input means.
However, in order to input the above command, many key operations are required.
Also, in this spectrophotometer field, since the spectrum and the like are handled, the number of hard copies is larger than that of other information processing fields, which is troublesome.
Therefore, in this embodiment, an expansion card that stores a program for making a hard copy of the screen of the display means is used.
[0058]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the remote module 526 according to the present embodiment. The parts corresponding to those in FIG.
In the remote module 526 shown in the figure, a printer (not shown) such as an ESC / P printer or a PCL printer is connected to the interface 554. The expansion card 566 includes a program storage unit 580, a command registration unit 582, and a screen information storage unit 584.
[0059]
The program storage unit 580 stores a basic program for hard copy.
The command registration unit 582 stores a series of commands for performing a hard copy input from the input unit 532, and the contents of the command operation are assigned to keys.
[0060]
The screen information storage unit 584 stores the screen contents when the key assigned by the command registration unit 582 is input.
When the key assigned by the command registration unit 582, that is, the key for instructing the start of hard copy is input from the input unit 532, the CPU 530 displays the screen information displayed on the display unit 552 as the screen information. The information is stored in the information storage unit 584.
[0061]
When the screen information is stored, the CPU 530 outputs the screen information stored in the screen information storage unit 584 to a printer (not shown) such as an ESC / P printer or a PCL printer via the interface 554.
The remote module 526 according to the present embodiment is configured as outlined above, and the operation thereof will be described below.
[0062]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module 526.
As shown in the figure, for example, an expansion card 566 is inserted (s1) and the power switch of the main body is turned on (s2), or the power switch of the main body is turned on (s3) and the standard program is started (s4). When the expansion card 566 is inserted (s5) and a signal instructing activation of the hard copy program is input, the CPU 530 activates the hard copy program.
[0063]
That is, the CPU 530 reads the program, setting contents, and the like stored in the storage units 580 to 584 of the expansion card 566 into the program storage unit 564 of the RAM 560, and displays the setting menu on the screen of the display unit 552. (S6).
Here, the user inputs a command for performing hard copy from the input means 532, and assigns the contents of the command operation to a desired key (s7).
When the command or the like is input, CPU 530 stores the setting content in command registration unit 582.
[0064]
Next, for example, when a key set in the command registration unit 582 is input (s9) during sample measurement or data processing (s8), the CPU 540 displays screen information displayed on the display unit 552. Is stored in the screen information storage unit 584 (s10).
When the screen information is stored in the screen information storage unit 584, the CPU 540 causes the screen information stored in the screen information storage unit 584 to be output to a printer such as an ESC / P printer or a PCL printer via the interface 554.
[0065]
According to the remote module 526 according to the present embodiment, as described above, as the expansion card 566, a command that stores a hard copy command or the like is used, and the setting contents can be appropriately rewritten. Since the user can make a hard copy of the screen information displayed on the display means to the printer only by inputting the assigned key, the spectrophotometer with a large number of hard copies such as spectrum data can be used. In the field, it is possible to greatly facilitate the operation as compared with those without such devices.
[0066]
Kana-Kanji conversion
In spectrophotometers, comments such as measurement conditions and data processing conditions are often entered for observation data or its calculation results, and it is common to use only uppercase or lowercase letters for the comments. Met.
However, with the increased functionality of equipment, the measurement conditions, data processing conditions, etc. can now be set in detail, so that satisfactory information cannot be obtained using only uppercase or lowercase letters in the conventional alphabet. was there.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, a card that stores a program for performing kana-kanji conversion is used as the expansion card.
[0067]
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the remote module 626 according to the present embodiment.
In the remote module 626 shown in the figure, the expansion card 666 includes a program storage unit 686 and a conversion character storage unit 688 such as conversion characters and symbols.
[0068]
The program storage unit 686 stores a basic program for inputting comments and the like.
The conversion character storage unit 688 stores conversion characters such as kanji and symbols corresponding to input characters such as hiragana and romaji.
Then, from the input means 632, for example, a reading (kana) input in hiragana or romaji is input.
Further, based on an instruction from the CPU 630, for example, a reading (kana) input in hiragana or romaji, a kanji kana mixed sentence, or the like is displayed on the display means 652. That is, the CPU 630 searches the converted character storage unit 688 for kanji, symbols, and the like corresponding to “kana” input from the input unit 632, and causes the display unit 652 to display them.
[0069]
The remote module 626 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be described below.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module 626 according to this embodiment.
As shown in the figure, for example, after inserting an expansion card 666 (s1) and turning on the power switch of the main body (s2), or turning on the power switch of the main body (s3) and starting the standard program (s4) When the expansion card 666 is inserted (s5) and a signal for instructing activation of a program for inputting a comment is input, the CPU 630 activates a screen for inputting a comment.
[0070]
That is, the CPU 630 reads a program, setting contents, and the like stored in each storage unit of the expansion card 666 into the program storage unit 664 of the RAM 660 and displays a comment input screen on the display unit 652 (s6). ). The user inputs a comment or the like according to the input screen.
That is, when a reading (kana) input in hiragana or romaji is input from the input means 632 (s7), the CPU 630 reads conversion characters such as kanji and symbols stored in the conversion character storage unit 688.
The read converted characters such as kanji and symbols are displayed on the display means (s8).
Here, when the conversion key is input from the input means, the kanji, symbols and the like of the same sound with respect to the input (kana) are sequentially displayed on the display means 652.
[0071]
On the other hand, when the confirmation key is input (s9), the selected kanji is output.
According to the remote module 626 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the expansion card 666 stores a program that can input a comment in kanji or the like with respect to observation data or a calculation result thereof. By using, the user can obtain more detailed information than a comment written only in uppercase or lowercase letters.
[0072]
In this embodiment, the input mode at the time of the kana input process (s7) includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, a lowercase letter input mode (see FIG. 14A), uppercase letter input mode (see FIG. 14B). And a symbol input mode (see (d) in the figure), etc., and the button 690 on the upper right corner of the screen of the display means 652 is sequentially clicked by the touch panel 670 or the like. Thus, the input mode can be changed as appropriate.
[0073]
Memory card
Conventionally, the flow from measurement to printing of calculation results has been one flow.
However, if the flow from measurement to printing of the calculation result is one flow, even if only desired processing, for example, only measurement, only calculation, or only printing is desired, this cannot be performed and it is difficult to use.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is preferable to use the expansion card in which the following programs are stored.
[0074]
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the remote module according to the present embodiment. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the reference numeral 400 and description thereof is omitted.
In the remote module 726 shown in the figure, the expansion card 766 includes a program storage unit 792 and an observation data storage unit 794.
The program storage unit 792 tabulates observation data of a predetermined wavelength (time) stored in the observation data storage unit 794 as a table, statistical calculation such as average, standard deviation, variation coefficient, etc., and a predetermined wavelength (time). Basic programs necessary for editing observation data, displaying calculation results of observation data of a predetermined wavelength (time), and the like are stored.
[0075]
The observation data storage unit 794 stores observation data obtained by the photometer main body. For example, after the measurement is completed, the CPU 730 reads a program stored in each storage unit of the expansion card 766 and appropriately accesses the observation data stored in the observation data storage unit 794 based on the program. Search observation data of a predetermined wavelength (time), and perform desired processing such as calculation only, printing only, or calculation to printing of the calculation result for the observation data of the predetermined wavelength (time). .
[0076]
Note that the CPU 730 can store observation data obtained by the photometer main body in the observation data storage unit 762 of the RAM 760 instead of the observation data storage unit 794 of the expansion card 766.
In addition, the CPU 730 can replace observation data of an arbitrary wavelength (time) stored in the observation data storage unit 794 or 764 with remeasured data.
[0077]
The remote module 726 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be described below.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module 726 according to this embodiment.
As shown in the figure, for example, an expansion card 766 is inserted (s1) and the power switch of the main body is turned on (s2), or the power switch of the main body is turned on (s3) and the standard program is started (s4). When the expansion card 766 is inserted (s5) and a signal for instructing activation of the program stored in the card is input, the CPU activates the card program.
[0078]
When the card program is started, the card menu is displayed on the display means (s6). Here, the user uses the input means to select a desired menu from the condition edit menu, result display menu, statistical calculation menu, and the like. Is selected (s7).
When a menu is selected, each process is performed according to the menu.
For example, when the condition editing menu is selected (s8), the measurement conditions and the like can be edited (s9).
[0079]
When the measurement condition result display menu is selected (s10), the display section of the measurement condition is displayed on the display means. When the sample number, memory number, file number, or the like of the observation data to be displayed is input, FIG. The measurement condition screen shown in (a) is displayed (s11).
When the statistical calculation menu is selected (s12), the statistical calculation menu screen shown in FIG. 17B is displayed, and an edit key, display key, calculation key, and print key (not shown) are selected from the menu screen. Edit (s13), display (s14), calculation (s15), and printing (s16).
Here, when the edit key is selected, a menu screen shown in FIG. 18C is displayed. For example, a measurement key, a valid key, an invalid key, an all erase key, and an end key are displayed on the menu screen.
[0080]
When the measurement key is selected, the sample can be remeasured, and the observation data of a predetermined wavelength (time) already stored in the observation data storage unit is replaced with the observation data remeasured here. You can also.
When the valid key is selected, the observation data of the sample number, for example, the sample number 4-5 can be validated.
When the invalid key is selected, the observation data of the sample number displayed on this screen, for example, the sample number 4-5 can be invalidated.
[0081]
When the all deletion key is selected, all observation data stored in the observation data storage unit can be deleted.
When the delete key is selected, the observation data of the sample number displayed on this screen, for example, the sample number 4-5, can be deleted from the observation data storage unit.
When the end key is selected, this menu screen is terminated, and the previous menu screen, that is, the menu screen shown in FIG.
Here, when the calculation key is selected, the calculation menu screen is opened, and the sample number, memory number or file number of the observation data to be calculated is selected, the predetermined observation data can be calculated. When the display key or the like is selected after the calculation is completed, for example, the calculation result shown in FIG. 17D can be displayed.
[0082]
According to the remote module 726 according to the present embodiment, as described above, by using the expansion card 766 in which the program is stored, for example, a certain routine operation can be performed without interlocking from measurement to printing. After the (measurement), only desired processing, for example, only calculation, only printing, etc. can be performed. Also, the same sample can be measured again and summarized in a table. Since measurement and printing can be performed independently without being linked, for example, during measurement, a continuous measurement can be performed without connecting a printer, and a desired process such as calculation can be performed after the measurement is completed. Because it can, it will be easier to use than the one without it.
[0083]
Print control
Conventionally, when printing is performed, all information related to observation data, calculation results, measurement conditions, comments, and the like is generally printed.
However, as described above, when all the information related to the observation data or the calculation result is printed, there is a problem that necessary information is difficult to see.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is preferable to use a card that stores a program that can print only desired information among the observation data or information related to the calculation result as the expansion card.
[0084]
FIG. 19 shows a block diagram of a remote module 826 according to the present embodiment. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 7 are denoted by reference numeral 500 and description thereof is omitted.
In the remote module 826 shown in the figure, the expansion card 866 includes a program storage unit 896, a comment information storage unit 898, and an output information storage unit 899.
[0085]
The program storage unit 896 stores a basic program necessary for print control.
The comment storage unit 898 stores all information related to measurement data and calculation results thereof.
The output information storage unit 899 stores which information is printed out of the information stored in the comment storage unit 898.
When a command for instructing printing of observation data, a calculation result thereof, or the like is input from the input unit 832, the CPU 830 receives information stored in the output information storage unit 899 from information stored in the comment information storage unit 898. Is retrieved and printed on the printing means.
[0086]
The remote module 826 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be described below.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module 826 according to this embodiment.
As shown in the figure, for example, after inserting an expansion card 866 (s1) and turning on the power switch of the main body (s2), or turning on the power switch of the main body (s3) and starting the standard program (s4) When the expansion card 866 is inserted (s5) and a signal instructing activation of the card program is input, the CPU activates the card program.
[0087]
That is, the CPU 830 reads the program, setting contents, and the like stored in each storage unit of the expansion card 866 into the program storage unit 864 of the RAM 860 and displays the setting menu screen on the screen of the display unit 852 (s6). ).
Here, the user selects which information is to be printed using the input means 832 such as a touch panel (s7).
That is, since the screens shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B are sequentially displayed on the screen of the display means 852, the user checks items to be printed and unchecks items that are not to be printed.
[0088]
For example, on the first page of the setting menu screen, the sample number, optical rotation, and date fields are checked using the touch panel as shown in FIG. 6A, and then the Next switch key is pressed. As shown in b), the second page of the setting menu screen is displayed, but in this embodiment, the integration time and light source items were not selected.
Here, when a signal instructing saving is input, the setting content is stored in the print information storage unit 899.
[0089]
When a print item is selected by the user, the CPU 830 searches the information stored in the print information storage unit 899 from the information stored in the comment information storage unit 898, and only the items checked on the setting menu screen are checked. Is printed on the printing means (s8).
According to the remote module 826 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to select which information is to be printed, and the setting contents can be easily changed, so that all information regarding the observation data and the calculation result is printed. The printed result is easy to see compared to what would be done.
[0090]
Data replacement
In the present embodiment, it is preferable to use a card that stores a data replacement program as the expansion card.
FIG. 22 is a block diagram of the remote module 926 according to the present embodiment. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 7 are denoted by reference numeral 700 and description thereof is omitted.
In the remote module 926 shown in the figure, the expansion card 966 includes a program storage unit 1001, a number storage unit 1003, and an observation data storage unit 1005.
[0091]
The program storage unit 1001 stores a basic program necessary for setting a method for storing observation data, a calculation program for calculating the observation data, and the like.
The number storage unit 1003 stores a sample number, a memory number, and the like of the observation data.
[0092]
The observation data storage unit 1005 stores observation data obtained by the photometer main body for each memory number.
Then, the sample number is assigned to the observation data from the input means 932, and the memory number is assigned. The setting contents are stored in the number storage unit 1003.
[0093]
When the sample number is input from the input unit 932, the CPU 930 searches for the memory number corresponding to the sample number, searches the observation data storage unit 1005 for the observation data stored in the memory number, A predetermined calculation is performed on the observation data.
Note that the CPU 930 can replace the observation data having an arbitrary memory number among the observation data stored in the observation data storage unit 1005 with the observation data having the memory number input from the input unit 932.
[0094]
The remote module 926 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described below.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module 926 according to this embodiment.
As shown in the figure, for example, when an expansion card 966 is inserted (s1) and the power switch of the main body is turned on (s2), or the power switch of the main body is turned on (s3) and the standard program is started (s4) When the expansion card 966 is inserted (s5) and a signal instructing activation of the card program is input, the CPU 930 activates the card program.
That is, the CPU 930 reads the program, setting contents, and the like stored in each storage unit of the expansion card 966 into the program storage unit 964 of the RAM 960 and displays the setting menu screen on the screen of the display unit 952 (s6). ).
[0095]
Here, the user can set whether to save observation data automatically or manually using input means such as the touch panel 970 (s7).
Here, when the user selects automatic storage, as shown in FIG. 24A, the observation data obtained by the photometer main body is automatically assigned the sample number in the order of measurement, and the observation of the sample number 1 is performed. The data is automatically saved in the memory number 1 area of the observation data storage unit 1005, and the observation data of the sample number 2 is automatically saved in the memory number 1 area. That is, the observation data of the sample number n is automatically allocated and stored in the memory number n (s8).
[0096]
On the other hand, when the user selects manual storage, the observation data is set to a desired sample number n as shown in FIG. 28B (s9), and the memory number m is also set to a desired number. (S10). The setting contents are stored in the number storage unit 1003 (s11).
Even after setting the sample number and the memory number as described above, the observation data of an arbitrary memory number can be replaced with the observation data of a predetermined memory number.
[0097]
According to the remote module 926 according to the present embodiment, the observation data is automatically stored in a one-to-one correspondence with a predetermined memory number, and the user can also store the sample number n of the observation data and its memory. Since the number m can be freely set, and the observation data of any memory number n can be replaced with the observation data of the predetermined memory number m, the sample number and memory number are automatically added to the observation data. Compared to those that cannot be changed, information processing of observation data becomes easier.
[0098]
Data conversion
The observation data obtained with the photometer itself is not in a file format that can be read by spreadsheet software or other data processing software. Therefore, when processing observation data, it must be converted with a file converter or the like. Met.
However, a conventional spectrophotometer such as a polarimeter has not been provided with such a function.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the expansion card has a function capable of data conversion between various computers and media.
[0099]
FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the remote module according to the present embodiment. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 7 are denoted by reference numeral 700 and description thereof is omitted.
In the remote module 1026 shown in the figure, a data processing computer (not shown) is connected to the interface 1054.
Further, the expansion card 1066 includes a program storage unit 1007, an observation data storage unit 1009, and a conversion data storage unit 1011.
[0100]
The program storage unit 1007 stores basic programs necessary for file format conversion.
The observation data storage unit 1009 stores observation data obtained by the photometer main body.
The converted data storage unit 1011 stores observation data whose file format has been converted.
The CPU 1030 converts the observation data stored in the observation data storage unit 1009 into a file format that can be read by the data processing software of the data processing computer based on the program stored in the program storage unit 1007. Next, this data is output to the data processing computer via the interface 1054.
[0101]
The remote module 1026 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described below.
FIG. 26 shows a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module 1026 according to this embodiment.
As shown in the figure, for example, after inserting the expansion card 1066 (s1) and turning on the power switch of the main body (s2), or turning on the power switch of the main body (s3) and starting the standard program (s4) When the expansion card 1066 is inserted (s5) and a signal instructing activation of the card program is input, the CPU activates the card program.
[0102]
That is, the CPU 1030 reads the program, setting contents, and the like stored in each storage unit of the expansion card 1066 into the program storage unit 1064 of the RAM 1060, and causes the display unit 1052 to display the setting menu screen (s6).
Here, the user sets the remote module by the input means 1032 such as the touch panel 1070, and also sets the data processing computer, for example, selects the conversion source file format (s7), and converts the conversion destination file format. Etc. can be selected (s8).
[0103]
When the file format is set as described above and a signal instructing the start of transfer is input, the CPU 1030 starts data exchange (s9).
That is, the CPU 1030 reads the observation data stored in the observation data storage unit into the RAM 1060.
[0104]
When the observation data is read, the CPU 1030 converts the file format into the setting file format (s10) and writes it in the converted data storage unit 1011.
When the conversion data is written, the CPU 1030 starts transferring the conversion data to a data processing computer (not shown) (s11).
That is, the CPU 1030 outputs the data stored in the conversion data storage unit 1011 to the data processing computer via the interface 1054.
When the data transfer is completed, the data processing computer can process the observation data alone.
[0105]
According to the remote module 1026 according to the present embodiment, since the expansion card 1066 is a card that stores a program for exchanging data, the observation data can be converted into various file formats. This makes it easy to exchange data between various computers and media.
An example of the file format of the conversion destination is the JCAMP-DX format, for example.
[0106]
According to the JCAMP-DX format, the following advantages can be obtained.
For example, data can be easily exchanged with a large computer, a general purpose computer for laboratories, a commercially available data processing system, a work station, a personal computer, or the like.
In addition, since it is a text file, you can view and change data using commercially available editors.
In addition to spectra, peak tables and three-dimensional data can also be handled.
[0107]
Abnormal measurement value alarm
In spectrophotometers, measurement values such as transmittance and absorbance, or a method of performing a certain calculation on these values and making a determination based on the result are often used.
In this case, the obtained result is generally a result as a numerical value itself, and a conventional spectrophotometer is based on this output. Some also perform wavelength scanning and output the result as a spectral pattern.
However, as an actual purpose of use, there are few cases where it is sufficient to use the spectrum pattern as it is, and there are many cases where it is converted into some numerical value and the quality is judged based on the result.
[0108]
Even when a measured value is handled as a numerical value, it is often necessary to determine whether the value is within an allowable range. In many cases, it is a yes / no judgment result indicating whether the measurement result is within an allowable range. For such a purpose, the measurer made a judgment by visually reading from the measurement result.
In this case, while the number of samples is small, the attention of the measurer can be concentrated and the possibility of misjudgment is low. However, in the case of measuring a large number of samples or monitoring a continuous fluid as in quality inspection, 1 When an abnormality occurs only a few times a year, it is easy for an error to occur in the judgment.
Therefore, in this embodiment, an abnormal value can be easily determined as an expansion card, and if there is an abnormal value, a program for performing necessary control on the device is stored in order to prevent an accident. It is preferable to use what is.
[0109]
FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the remote module 1126 according to the present embodiment. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 7 are denoted by reference numeral 800 and description thereof is omitted.
In the remote module 1126 shown in the figure, the expansion card 1166 includes a program storage unit 1113 and a normal range storage unit 1115.
The program storage unit 1113 determines whether the value is a normal value, and stores a basic program for causing a device to perform a necessary operation when an abnormal value is observed.
[0110]
The normal range storage unit 1115 stores a range of normal values input from the input unit 1132.
Then, the CPU 1130 of the remote module 1126 determines whether the observation data input to the observation data storage unit 1162 or the calculation result thereof is within the normal value range set in the normal range storage unit 1115.
The CPU 1130 attaches a symbol that alerts the user, such as an underline or an asterisk (*), to the numerical value, for example, to the observed data or the calculation result of the abnormal value outside the normal value range. It is displayed on the display means and printed on the printing means. In addition, the CPU 1130 generates an abnormal level signal, a command, or the like, and causes the device to perform necessary control.
[0111]
The remote module 1126 according to the present embodiment is configured as outlined above, and the operation thereof will be described below.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module 1126 according to this embodiment.
As shown in the figure, for example, after inserting the expansion card 1166 (s1) and turning on the power switch of the main body (s2), or turning on the power switch of the main body (s3) and starting the standard program (s4) When the expansion card 1166 is inserted (s5) and a signal instructing activation of the card program is input, the CPU 1130 activates the card program.
[0112]
When the card program is activated, its setting screen is displayed on the display means 1152 (s6), and the user inputs the normal value range, the observation data to be monitored, etc. from the input means 1132 (s7). When these settings are completed, the CPU 1130 stores the setting contents in the normal range storage unit 1115.
When the setting is completed and a signal instructing the start of monitoring is input, the CPU 1130 starts monitoring observation data based on the setting (s8).
That is, the CPU 1130 monitors whether the observation data input to the observation data storage unit of the RAM or the calculation result thereof is within the normal value range stored in the normal range storage unit 1115 (s9).
[0113]
Here, when observing a value outside the normal value range, the CPU 1130 adds an underline, a symbol such as an asterisk (*) or the like to alert the user and displays it on the display means. Then, print on the printing means. Here, an abnormal level signal or a command may be generated to perform control necessary for the device (s10).
In this case, various spectrophotometers can be used. For example, the following can be used.
[0114]
FIG. 29 shows a schematic configuration of a spectrophotometer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 2 are denoted by reference numeral 1000 and description thereof is omitted. In this embodiment, a continuous fluid is used as a sample.
In the spectrophotometer 1110 shown in the figure, a remote module 1126, a display device 1117, a printing device 1119, and an abnormal signal generation circuit 1121 are connected to the CPU 1136 of the photometer body.
[0115]
Then, the CPU 1130 of the remote module 1126 shown in FIG. 27 indicates that the observation data input to the observation data storage unit 1164 via the CPU 1236 of the photometer main body or the calculation result is the normal value set in the normal range storage unit 1115. It is determined whether it is within the range. When the CPU 1130 determines that the observation data or the calculation result thereof is out of the normal value range, for example, the following processing (1) to (1) to the display device 1117, the printing device 1119, and the abnormal signal generation circuit 1121 are performed. Of (3), one or more processes are performed.
That is,
(1) An alarm is issued from a device such as a remote module.
(2) For an abnormal value displayed on the screen of the display device 1117 and an abnormal value printed by the printing device 1219, a symbol for alerting the user such as an underline or an asterisk is attached.
(3) The sample solution exiting the flow cell 1116 is stored in the reservoir 1123 without being discharged into the water discharge channel 1124.
[0116]
That is, a switching valve 1125 is connected to the abnormal signal generation circuit 1121, and when the CPU 1130 observes an abnormal value, the abnormal signal generation circuit 1121 generates an abnormal value level signal, and the abnormal value level signal Then, the switching valve is switched to allow the sample solution exiting the flow cell 1116 to flow into the reservoir 1123.
When the CPU 1130 confirms that the observation data input to the observation data storage unit 1162 or the calculation result thereof has returned to the normal value, the CPU 1130 stops the generation of the abnormal value level signal by the abnormal signal generation circuit 1121. . As a result, the switching valve 1125 is switched so that the data sample solution is discharged from the flow cell 1116 to the water discharge channel 1124.
[0117]
As described above, according to the spectrophotometer 1110 according to the present embodiment, whether the observation data input to the observation data storage unit 1162 of the remote module 1126 or the calculation result thereof is within the normal value range. When it is determined that the observed data is outside the normal value range, the above processes (1) to (3) are performed.
As a result, most of the continuous fluid measurements are within the normal range and can be easily detected even in abnormal situations that occur once a year or not. Moreover, since the method of discharging the sample in which an abnormality is found can be controlled, it can be processed at an early stage.
[0118]
FIG. 30 shows a schematic configuration in the case where a thin film multilayer film quality determination mechanism is applied to the spectrophotometer. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 29 are denoted by reference numeral 100 and description thereof is omitted. Moreover, in this embodiment, the thin film which consists of three layers was used as a sample.
In the spectrophotometer 1210 shown in the figure, the thin film sample 1229 supplied by the automatic sample changer 1227 is measured by the photometry unit 1218. The measurement signal obtained by the photometry unit 1318 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 1220, and is converted into values such as transmittance, absorbance, concentration, and the like by an arithmetic processing unit 1236 composed of, for example, a CPU.
[0119]
Here, for example, when determining the quality of a multilayer thin film, the number of samples itself is not so large, but a large number of measurement points are provided for one sample, and the determination criteria for each item are Because of the difference, there were many misunderstandings of the measurer. In addition, even if there is a product that exceeds the normal value range, it was not a lot out as a defective product, so that the judgment was particularly difficult.
Therefore, in the present invention, the range of the normal value is set for two or more measurement points of one sample, or one or two or more measurement points of two or more samples.
[0120]
For this reason, in this embodiment, one sample number is assigned to one thin film sample, and the thickness of three layers is measured at each of five measurement points of the thin film sample. The defective product was judged.
In other words, when the CPU 1230 of the remote module 1226 determines that there are two or more measurement points of the target thin film sample that exceed the normal value range, the abnormal value is set as described above. On the other hand, a symbol or the like for alerting the user is given or an abnormal value level signal is issued.
[0121]
FIG. 31 shows a three-layer thin film sample 1229 used as a sample in this embodiment. 2A is a top view and FIG. 2B is a side view.
In the thin film sample 1229 shown in the figure, for example, the first layer (S1) has five measurement points (S11, S12, S13, S14, S15), and the second layer (S2), Each of the three layers (S3) also has five measurement points (S2i, S3i). In this embodiment, the thickness of each layer from the first layer (S1) to the third layer (S3) at these measurement points was calculated.
An example of the normal value range is shown in Table 1 below.
[0122]
[Table 1]
Normal value range
First layer: ≧ 0.10 ≦ 0.15
Second layer: ≧ 0.50 ≦ 0.75
Third layer: ≧ 1.00 ≦ 1.50
In the present embodiment, when it is determined that two or more measurement values out of the normal value range shown in Table 1 above among the measurement values obtained from a total of 15 measurement points, the abnormality A symbol or the like that alerts the user to the value or an abnormal value level signal is issued.
[0123]
Next, the measurement results are shown in Tables 2 to 3 below.
[Table 2]
Sample number: 005 **
Measurement points: 1 2 3 4 5
First layer: 0.12 0.13 0.14 0.11 0.16
Second layer: 0.53 * 0.80 0.65 * 0.77 0.66
Third layer: 1.23 1.42 1.41 1.08 1.19
[0124]
[Table 3]
Sample number: 006
Measurement points: 1 2 3 4 5
First layer: 0.13 0.13 0.13 * 0.18 0.30
Second layer: 0.53 0.61 0.66 0.67 0.59
Third layer: 1.22 1.29 1.39 1.42 1.39
[0125]
As is apparent from Tables 2 to 3 above, those that are determined to be out of the normal value range by the CPU 1230 are marked with a warning symbol such as an asterisk for the abnormal value, As shown in Table 2, the side of the sample number 005 where two or more abnormal values are observed is marked with ** to indicate that it is a defective product, which is displayed on the display device 1217 or printed by the printing device. 1219 is printed.
[0126]
Thus, when determining whether these measured values are normal values or abnormal values, when a predetermined number of these measured values, for example, two or more measured values are out of the normal value range, the sample Is determined as a defective product, the degree of attention concentration required by the measurer is large. For example, according to the logical expression shown in Table 4 below, By outputting the determination result after the sample number, the measurer only needs to check the result portion to determine whether it is acceptable or not, and the operation can be facilitated.
[0127]
In the present embodiment, when an abnormal value is observed, it is preferable to generate an abnormal value level signal from the abnormal signal generation circuit, thereby operating the automatic sample selection device 1231 to automatically select the sample. .
That is, when an abnormal value is observed, an abnormal level signal is generated, and the automatic sample sorting device 1231 operates the driving unit 1233 to observe the abnormal value on the defective product tray 1235. Place the prepared sample.
[0128]
On the other hand, when the observation data or the calculation result is within the normal value range, no abnormal level signal is generated from the abnormal signal generation circuit, and the automatic sorting device 1231 operates the drive unit 1233 accordingly. The sample in the normal value range is placed on the non-defective tray 1237.
[0129]
As described above, according to the spectrophotometer 1210 according to the present embodiment, the number of samples is not so large as in the case of determining whether a thin film has a multi-layer thickness, but there are a large number of measurement points for one sample. Even if it is provided and the criterion is determined differently for each item, for example, it is calculated according to the logical expression shown in Table 4 below, and only abnormal ones are highlighted. It is possible to greatly reduce misjudgment.
[0130]
[Table 4]
An example of the above logical expression in the BASIC program language is shown below.
REM error judgment

[0131]
Then, a series of measurement values are determined based on this logical expression. If DD (k) = 0, it is determined to be good, and if DD (k) = 1, it is determined to be defective, and the result is output.
However, in the above logical expression, M (k, m, n) is a measurement value, k is a sample number, m is a layer number, n is a measurement point number, D (k, m, n) is an abnormality determination result, SUM ( k) is a summary of abnormality determination results, and DD (k) is a sample quality determination result.
Further, the normal range of each layer is that the first layer is a (1) ≦ M (k, 1, n) ≦ b (1),
The second layer is a (2) ≦ M (k, 2, n) ≦ b (2), the third layer is a (3) ≦ M (k, 3, n) ≦ b ( 3).
Kmax is the maximum sample number, Layer is the number of layers, and Point is the number of measurement points.
Further, the initial value of the determination result is set to zero, the abnormality determination result is 1 for the abnormal determination result, and the quality determination result is 1 for the defective determination result.
[0132]
Next, in the present embodiment, various methods can be considered as a method of notifying the user when an error occurs in the device. For example, the following methods are preferable.
In the present embodiment, it is preferable that a program capable of displaying the error contents when an error occurs in the device is stored as the expansion card.
[0133]
FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the remote module according to the present embodiment. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 7 are denoted by reference numeral 1100 and description thereof is omitted.
In the remote module 1426 shown in the figure, the expansion card 1466 includes a program storage unit 1429, a key information storage unit 1441, and an error information storage unit 1443.
[0134]
The program storage unit 1429 stores basic programs necessary for executing the above functions.
The key information storage unit 1441 stores key information to be displayed on the display unit 1452 when an error occurs in the device.
The error information storage unit 1443 stores an explanation corresponding to the error.
Then, the CPU 1430 accesses the key information storage unit 1441 and the error information storage unit 1443 as appropriate based on the program stored in the program storage unit 1439. When an error occurs in the device, the CPU 1430 displays the error on the display unit 1452. The contents can be displayed.
[0135]
The remote module 1426 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described below.
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module 1426 according to this embodiment.
As shown in the figure, for example, after inserting the expansion card 1466 (s1) and turning on the power switch of the main body (s2), or turning on the power switch of the main body (s3) and starting the standard program (s4) When the expansion card 1466 is inserted (s5) and a signal instructing activation of the card program is input, the CPU 1430 activates the card program (s6).
[0136]
When the card program is activated, the CPU 1430 starts monitoring whether there is a device error signal.
Here, when an error signal is input from a device connected to the remote module 1426, the CPU 1430 accesses the key information storage unit 1441, and first displays an error key 1445 (see FIG. 34A). ) Is displayed (s8).
When the Error key 1445 is selected by the touch panel 1470 or the like (s9), the CPU accesses the key information storage unit 1441 at 1430, and displays the Notice key 1447 (FIG. 34 (FIG. 34) in place of the Error key 1445). b) is displayed (s10).
When the Notice key 1447 is selected (s11), the CPU 1430 retrieves the error content corresponding to the error signal from the error information storage unit 1443, and the error content, that is, what kind of error is displayed on the display unit 1452. It was decided to display what occurred or what should be noted (s12).
[0137]
In addition, when an error occurs in the device, the CPU 1430 is in a state where the error key 1445 can always be displayed on the display unit 1452, so that when a function is executed as in the past, the CPU 1430 is the first time. Compared to those that display error messages, it is possible to respond quickly to device errors.
Further, when an error occurs in the device, the CPU 1430 may first display the Error key 1445 without displaying a long sentence, and select whether or not to display the content of the error according to the judgment of the user. Because it can, the work is not disturbed even during sample monitoring.
[0138]
In addition, when two or more errors occur at the same time, the CPU 1430 uses the input means 1432 and the like, and the display area of the error message of the display means 1452 can be changed without being fixed so that the display area is fixed. Compared to, error messages are easier to see.
In this embodiment, when the display means 1452 displays what kind of error has occurred in the device or what should be noted, the photometer main body connected to the remote module 1426 And the status of other external devices are displayed on the display means 1452 as switch keys. When the switch key is input, the state of the device is preferably changed.
To this end, in this embodiment, the CPU 1430 accesses the key information storage unit 1441, and the display unit 1452 has, for example, an “On” switch key 1449 of the light source of the photometer main body as shown in FIG. The “Off” switch key 1451 is displayed with toggle (black / white reversal, etc.).
[0139]
Here, when the user presses the “On” switch key 1449 from the touch panel 1470 according to the content of the error message displayed on the display unit 1452, the light source is turned on and the “Off” switch key 1451 is pressed. The light source can be turned off.
As a result, the contents of the screen displayed on the display means are easier to see than those without any device such as the toggle display. As a result, erroneous input and the like can be greatly reduced, and operability can be improved. Further, since the state of the device connected to the remote module 1426 can be changed, the operation can be facilitated.
[0140]
help
Conventionally, in this type of field, when a user may not know the operation method, it is common to find the operation method from a manual book.
However, as the spectrophotometer has become more multifunctional, the manual book for its operation method has become thicker, and finding pages for the desired operation method has become increasingly troublesome.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is preferable to provide a help function regarding an operation method as the expansion card.
[0141]
FIG. 36 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the remote module according to the present embodiment. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 7 are denoted by reference numeral 1200 and description thereof is omitted.
In the remote module 1526 shown in the figure, the expansion card 1566 includes a program storage unit 1553, a keyword storage unit 1555, and a manual storage unit 1557.
[0142]
The program storage unit 1553 stores a basic program necessary for performing the help function.
The keyword storage unit 1555 stores keywords related to operation methods.
The manual storage unit 1557 stores an operation method corresponding to each keyword.
Then, a keyword of an operation method desired to be known is directly input using the keyboard 1568, or a keyword or the like is selected from a list using the touch panel.
The CPU 1530 searches the manual storage unit 1557 for an operation method corresponding to the keyword input from the input unit 1532 and causes the display unit 1552 to display the operation method.
[0143]
The remote module 1526 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described below.
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module 1526 according to this embodiment.
As shown in the figure, for example, after inserting the expansion card 1566 (s1) and turning on the power switch of the main body (s2), or turning on the power switch of the main body (s3) and starting the standard program (s4) When the expansion card 1566 is inserted (s5) and a signal instructing activation of the card program is input, the CPU 1530 activates the card program.
[0144]
When the card program is activated, a help screen is displayed (s6). A keyword is directly input from the keyboard 1568 or a keyword is selected from the list by the touch panel 1570.
Here, it is preferable that the keyword list selected by the touch panel 1570 is toggle-displayed when selected. This is because the user can easily confirm the selected keyword and can greatly reduce erroneous input.
[0145]
When a keyword is input, the CPU 1530 reads a list of keywords stored in the keyword storage unit 1555 and displays it on the display unit 1452 (s7).
Here, the user finds a keyword related to the desired operation method from the keywords displayed on the screen of the display unit 1452 and selects it with the touch panel 1570 or the like (s8).
When a keyword is selected, the CPU 1530 retrieves the operation method corresponding to the keyword from the manual storage unit 1557 and displays it on the display unit 1452 (s9).
[0146]
According to the remote module 1526 according to the present embodiment, as described above, by using an expansion card 1566 that stores a program that can search for an operation method of a device or the like, the operation method is determined from a keyword. It is possible to search, and the operation can be facilitated as compared with a device without the device.
Also, by using an rewritable expansion card, it is possible to save paper resources compared to a manual book that must be reprinted from the beginning if the function of the device is changed. it can.
[0147]
The spectrophotometer of the present invention is not limited to the above-described configurations, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the invention.
For example, in FIG. 2, the case where the devices are connected in the order of the remote module, the photometer main body, and the external device from the left side in the figure has been described, but instead, for example, the remote module, the external device The order of the photometer body may be used.
[0148]
Further, one or two or more external devices may be further connected to the last device, for example, an empty interface of the external device shown in FIG.
The functions of the CPU of the remote module may be substituted for the CPU of the photometer main body.
[0149]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the spectrophotometer according to the present invention, as described above, each device such as the photometer main body, the external device, and the remote module is connected in a daisy chain. Then, each device transmits / receives only commands corresponding to each device out of commands directly transmitted / received from the remote module or commands transmitted / received via other devices. Operate the device itself. On the other hand, when the command from the remote module does not include a command corresponding to the device, the command content is not interpreted and output to the subsequent device. Can be reduced, and the processing efficiency of the entire system can be improved.
When an accessory device that has the same function as the external device and does not include a CPU is connected to the photometer main body, the CPU of the photometer main body receives a command directly received from the remote module or Among commands from remote modules sent and received via other devices, commands to control external devices having the same functions as the attached devices were sent and received, and the attached devices were operated based on the commands. It is possible to control the operation of two or more devices having the same function with one command, for example, compared with the conventional one that has a similar function but is controlled with a separate independent command. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the operation and improve the processing efficiency of the entire system.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 (a) is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of a general spectrophotometer, and FIG. 1 (b) is a block diagram of the spectrophotometer.
FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of a spectrophotometer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the spectrophotometer.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the spectrophotometer shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a command exchange method between the devices of the spectrophotometer shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a modification of the spectrophotometer shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a command exchange method between the devices of the spectrophotometer shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a remote module according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a remote module according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a remote module according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing contents of the remote module shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a remote module according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is an example of changing an input mode by the remote module shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a remote module according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module shown in FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is an example of each menu screen by the remote module shown in FIG. 15;
FIG. 18 is an example of each menu screen by the remote module shown in FIG. 15;
FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a remote module according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module shown in FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is an example of a print setting screen of the remote module shown in FIG. 19;
FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a remote module according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module shown in FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a method for storing observation data by the remote module shown in FIG. 22;
FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a remote module according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module shown in FIG. 25;
FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a remote module according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module shown in FIG. 27;
FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of a spectrophotometer according to the present embodiment.
30 is an explanatory diagram of a modification of the spectrophotometer shown in FIG. 29. FIG.
FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of a sample used in the spectrophotometer shown in FIG. 30;
FIG. 32 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a remote module according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing processing contents of the remote module shown in FIG. 32;
FIG. 34 is an example of toggle display by the remote module shown in FIG. 32;
35 is an example of a toggle display by the remote module shown in FIG. 32. FIG.
FIG. 36 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a remote module according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the remote module shown in FIG. 36;
[Explanation of symbols]
110 Spectrophotometer
114 Pump (external equipment)
126 Remote module
128 photometer body
166 Expansion card

Claims (3)

A spectrophotometer including a photometer main body including a CPU and one or more external devices including the CPU, operating the CPU of the photometer main body in a predetermined procedure, and controlling the photometer main body itself and the external devices. In the photometer,
The photometer body has input means for inputting commands for controlling the photometer body itself and external devices;
An interface capable of transmitting at least the command to the CPU of the external device,
The external device includes an interface that can exchange at least the command with a CPU of the photometer main body or a CPU of another external device,
The photometer body and one or more external devices are connected via the interface,
The CPU of the photometer main body sends and receives only a main body command for controlling the photometer main body itself among commands from the input means, and operates the photometer main body based on the main body command.
The CPU of the external device transmits / receives only an external device command for controlling the external device itself among commands from the photometer body, and operates the external device based on the external device command. A spectrophotometer. The spectrophotometer according to claim 1, comprising a CPU, operating the CPU in a predetermined procedure, and connecting a remote module for controlling the photometer body and external devices to the CPU of the photometer body. A spectrophotometer characterized by The spectrophotometer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an accessory device having a function similar to that of the external device and not including a CPU is connected to the CPU of the photometer main body,
The photometer body includes an interface that can exchange the command with the accessory device,
The photometer body and the accessory device are connected via the interface,
The CPU of the photometer main body includes the accessory device among commands sent / received directly from the input means of the photometer main body or commands sent from the input means of the remote module via the remote module. A spectrophotometer characterized in that an external device command for controlling an external device having the same function as the above is exchanged and the accessory device is operated based on the external device command.

Images