JP2000227403A - X-ray analyzer with voice output function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To quickly inform an operator separated from an analyzer main body of a detail item as to abnormality generated. SOLUTION: This analyzer is provided with an X-ray analyzer main body 3 for irradiating a sample 50 with an X-ray B1 to analyze the sample 50, abnormality detecting means 10, 11 for detecting at least one out of abnormality in a result of sample analysis and abnormality of this X-ray analyzer, a speech output means 6 for outputting information by a voice, and a speech output control means 12 for controlling the speech output means 6 based on detection of the abnormality by the abnormality detecting means 10, 11 to make the output means 6 output the information for announcing the abnormality. Since the abnormality of the analytical result or the analyzer is output by the speech output means 6, an operator working apart from the analyzer is informed quickly of the abnormality.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention measures the intensity of secondary X-rays such as fluorescent X-rays generated from a sample irradiated with primary X-rays, analyzes the sample, and anomalies to the operator by voice. And an X-ray analyzer capable of notifying the end of analysis.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An X-ray analyzer measures the intensity of secondary X-rays, for example, fluorescent X-rays generated from a sample irradiated with primary X-rays, and analyzes the sample. Are automatically analyzed without operator intervention. In addition, a large number of samples set in the sample changer are continuously and automatically analyzed.

Therefore, conventionally, during analysis, the operator performs another operation in the analysis room or in another place away from the analysis room, and sometimes checks the progress of the analysis.

[0004] On the other hand, when an abnormality of the apparatus or an abnormality of the analysis result is detected, conventionally, a red lamp attached to the X-ray analyzer or a buzzer sounds to alert the operator. Was. At the completion of the analysis, X
A chime attached to the X-ray analyzer was sounded to notify the operator of completion.

[0005]

However, when the abnormality is notified only by turning on the lamp, an operator who has left the analysis room and is performing another operation at another place does not notice the abnormality. Also, even if the operator is working in the analysis room, if the lamp is not in the operator's view,
The operator does not notice. Furthermore, even if the buzzer sounds, it is difficult for the operator to judge whether the buzzer is caused by an abnormality of the apparatus or the analysis result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an X-ray analyzer capable of promptly notifying an operator who is away from the analyzer main body of a detailed matter relating to the occurred abnormality.

[0007]

To achieve the above object, an X-ray analyzer according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an X-ray analyzer main body for irradiating a sample with X-rays and analyzing the sample. An abnormality detecting means for detecting at least one of an abnormality in the result of the sample analysis and an abnormality of the X-ray analyzer; a voice output means for outputting information by voice; Sound output control means for controlling the means to output information for notifying the abnormality to the sound output means.

According to this configuration, the abnormality of the analysis result or the abnormality of the apparatus is output by the audio output means, so that the operator working away from the analyzer can be quickly notified of the abnormality. Can be. In addition, since the operator can be notified of detailed matters relating to the abnormality that has occurred and measures to be taken by the operator with the audio output means, the operator can take appropriate measures for various abnormalities. .

An X-ray analyzer according to a second configuration of the present invention irradiates a sample with X-rays and analyzes the sample, an X-ray analyzer main body, analysis end detecting means for detecting the end of analysis, and information Voice output means for outputting a voice by voice, and voice output control means for controlling the voice output means by detecting the end of the analysis by the analysis end detection means and outputting information notifying the end of the analysis to the voice output means. And

According to this configuration, the end of the analysis is output by the audio output means, so that the operator who is working away from the analyzer can be notified of the end of the analysis. Therefore, the operator does not need to frequently check the progress of the analysis, and can concentrate on another task.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the X-ray analyzer according to the present invention, the audio output means is disposed apart from the X-ray analyzer main body. According to this configuration, the operator
Even when the user works away from the analysis room, if the user works near the audio output means, the abnormality is quickly notified. Therefore, the operator can work at any place during the sample analysis without being restricted to a specific place such as in the analysis room.

In a preferred embodiment of the X-ray analyzer according to the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a voice input unit for inputting the information to be output to the voice output unit. According to this configuration, since any information can be input from the voice input unit, it is possible to notify the information in a form desired by the operator without being restricted by the specific contents stored in advance by the manufacturer of the apparatus. it can.

In a preferred embodiment of the X-ray analyzer according to the present invention, based on a selection command from outside, the voice output control means transmits only the selected information from the plurality of pieces of information input by voice to the voice. Output to output means. According to this configuration, only the selected information can be output as voice, so that only necessary information can be notified according to the type of analysis and the situation.

In a preferred embodiment of the X-ray analyzer according to the present invention, based on an external setting command, the audio output control means causes the audio output means to output the information a set number of times. According to this configuration, when the information is output as the voice for the set number of times, the voice output is stopped, so that it is possible to prevent the voice from being continuously output and causing noise.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an X-ray fluorescence analyzer according to one embodiment of the present invention. The X-ray fluorescence analyzer includes a computer 2 and an analyzer main body 3.

The analyzer main body 3 includes a sample table 51 on which an analysis sample 50 is placed, an X-ray tube 52 for irradiating the analysis sample 50 with primary X-rays B1, and a spectroscope for separating fluorescent X-rays B2 generated from the analysis sample 50. X-ray fluorescence analysis is automatically performed by the control device 30 and a control mechanism (not shown), which includes a detector 53, a detector 54 for detecting the separated fluorescent X-rays, and a counting circuit 55 for counting the output of the detector 54. Will be

The X-ray fluorescence analyzer is connected to the computer 2 and has a sound input means 4 comprising a microphone for converting an acoustic signal into an electric signal, and an A signal for converting an analog signal inputted from the sound input means 4 into a digital signal. / D converter 5
And an audio output unit 6 connected to the computer 2 and configured as a speaker for converting an electric signal into an acoustic signal, and a D / A converter 7 for converting an analog signal output to the speaker from a digital signal. The computer 2 also includes storage means 8 such as a hard disk, for example. The storage means 8 stores a digital signal which is an output of the A / D converter 5, and the stored digital signal is
It is input to the D / A converter 7. Therefore, the information which can be recognized by the human being input from the voice input means 4 is output from the voice output means 6. The audio output means 6
In the present embodiment, it is located away from the analysis device main body 3 and away from the analysis room in which the analysis device main body 3 and the computer 2 are stored.

The computer 2 also includes an analysis result abnormality detecting means 10 for detecting an abnormality in the result of the sample analysis,
A device abnormality detecting unit 11 for detecting an abnormality of the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, and a sound output control unit 12 for outputting the analysis result abnormality notification information and the device abnormality notification information to the audio output unit 6.
And The computer 2 further includes a data processing unit 13 for performing data processing on the measurement value obtained by the fluorescent X-ray analysis. The data processing means 13 performs data processing, for example, by performing a predetermined calculation on a measurement value obtained by the fluorescent X-ray analysis output from the counting circuit 55, and outputs a processing result. The data processing means 13 also uses a PHA adjustment result for adjusting the fluctuation of the peak value of the PHA (peak height analyzer), and a check sample having a known composition prior to the analysis of the sample, using each component. The analysis result of the check analysis for confirming that the analysis value falls within the predetermined standard is also output.

Analysis result abnormality detecting means 1 of computer 2
“0” checks the data processing result output from the data processing unit 13. In the results of the sample analysis,
If there is an analysis value of a component out of specification, an abnormality is detected. Further, in the case of PHA adjustment, an abnormality is detected when the peak value of the PHA is out of a predetermined range, and in the case of check analysis, an abnormality is detected when there is an analysis value of a component out of specification.

Device abnormality detecting means 11 of computer 2
When the device in the analyzer main body 3 and its control mechanism malfunction, for example, when the operation of the device is not completed within a predetermined time in response to the operation command or when the abnormality detection sensor is activated, the control device 30 An abnormality signal and an abnormality content are received, and an abnormality is detected.

The computer 2 also has an analysis end detecting means 14 for detecting the end of the analysis. The analysis end detection means 14 detects the end of a series of analysis, and if continuous analysis of many samples set in the sample exchanger is performed automatically, when all the analysis of many samples are completed, Detect the end of analysis.

Here, specific examples of a method in which the analysis end detecting means 14 detects the end of continuous automatic analysis of a sample
Are listed. Note that the arrows in FIG. 1 are in accordance with specific examples. The analysis sequence management means 15 of the computer 2 performs sample loading, measurement, data processing,
Controls a sequence of data output and sample ejection. When the sequence of one analysis sample is completed, the sequence is similarly controlled by the next analysis command. If the next analysis command has not been set, this fact is notified to the analysis end detecting means 14. Further, when the data processing of the measurement sample is completed, the data processing means 13 notifies the analysis end detecting means 14 to that effect. When receiving a signal indicating that the next analysis command has not been set and a signal indicating that the data processing of the measurement sample has been completed, the analysis end detecting means 14 detects the end of the analysis. A signal indicating that the next analysis command is not set, which is notified from the analysis sequence management unit 15 similar to the above, and the data processing unit 13
The data processing result of the measurement sample notified from
Upon receiving the CRT and a signal indicating that the output processing for outputting to the file has been completed, the analysis completion detecting means 14
Detects the end of the analysis. A signal indicating that the next analysis command notified from the analysis sequence management unit 15 similar to the above is not set, and a discharge process for carrying out the measurement sample notified from the control device 30 from the sample table to the sample exchanger are performed. Upon receiving the signal indicating that the analysis has been completed, the analysis end detecting means 14 detects the end of the analysis.

The computer 2 further includes an input unit 20 including a keyboard and a mouse, a screen output unit 21 including a CRT or a liquid crystal display, and a printing unit 22 such as a printer. Data processing results from the data processing means 13 are output to the screen output means 21 and the printing means 22.

The voice output control means 12 causes the voice output means 6 to output only selected information from a plurality of pieces of information input by voice based on an external selection command. The voice output control means 12 also causes the voice output means 5 to output information a set number of times based on an external setting command. The selection command and the setting command from the outside are given by operating the input means 20 by an operator. The selection command, that is, the information selected from the plurality of pieces of information, and the setting command, that is, the number of outputs, are stored in the storage unit 8.

The computer 2 also serves as an operating device for X-ray fluorescence analysis, and the operator operates the input means 20 to give a command to start X-ray fluorescence analysis or to analyze the analysis result. It is used for the purpose of controlling the screen output means 21 and the printing means 22 for outputting. As described above, by utilizing the computer 2 conventionally provided in the fluorescent X-ray analyzer, it is possible to notify the operator of the abnormality of the sample analysis result or the abnormality of the apparatus without preparing a special apparatus. .

Next, the operation of the X-ray fluorescence analyzer will be described. First, an operation in an initial state in which information to be output as sound is not stored in the storage unit 8 of the computer 2 will be described. Before the X-ray fluorescence analysis, the operator or the administrator inputs the information illustrated in FIG.
Voice input from.

In the present embodiment, as shown in the item column A1, information is output with respect to the abnormality of the analysis result, the abnormality of the apparatus, and the end of the analysis. The major items “abnormal analysis results” include “abnormal sample analysis results” and “P
The sub-items such as “abnormality of the result of HA adjustment” are subdivided into small items such as “abnormalities of the apparatus”. As shown in the voice-input information column A2, the voice-input information corresponds to a small item, and can have contents corresponding to the type and details of each abnormality. For example, in the case of “abnormal sample analysis result”, the analysis result abnormality notification information I1 may be “An analysis result out of specification has occurred. Please report the abnormal result immediately to XX.” . Also, "PHA
The analysis result abnormality notification information I2 for notifying "abnormality of the adjustment result" and the analysis result abnormality notification information I3 for notifying "abnormality of the check analysis result" are also arbitrary analysis result abnormality notification information. be able to. Apparatus error notification information I4 for notifying "crystal exchanger error" and analysis end notification information I for notifying "end of analysis"
5 can likewise be arbitrary. in this way,
Since the information can be input by voice, the information can be notified in a form desired by the operator without being restricted by the specific contents stored in advance by the manufacturer of the apparatus.

[0028] Only the information that has been input as voice based on a selection command from the outside is information that is output as voice. Based on this selection command, each information indicates whether or not the information is output as shown in the output presence / absence column A3. Therefore, only the necessary information can be notified to the operator according to the type of analysis and the situation. In addition, these audio output information,
Based on a setting command from the outside, the number of times set, that is, the number of outputs is also described as shown in the number-of-outputs column A4.

As described above, prior to the fluorescent X-ray analysis, the information input by voice, the presence / absence of output, and the number of outputs are stored in the storage means 8 before the check analysis, PHA adjustment, and sample analysis. X-ray fluorescence analysis is started.

Next, the operation of the audio output control means 12 when an abnormality is detected in the sample analysis will be described. First, the result output from the data processing unit 13 in FIG. 1 is checked by the analysis result abnormality detection unit 10, and if there is an analysis value of a component that is out of specification, the audio output control unit 12 detects an abnormality in the analysis result. Is notified. Voice output control means 12
Detects an abnormality as shown in FIG. 3 (step S
1) It is determined which of the small items (FIG. 2) is abnormal (S2), and information corresponding to the small item is read from the storage means 8 (S3 to S5). Next, it is determined whether or not the information is output (S6 to S8). If the output is “absent”, that is, if the information is not selected as information to be output by an external command,
The process ends. On the other hand, if the output is “Yes”, that is, if the information is selected as the information to be output by the external command, the read information is output to the audio output unit 6 (S9). If the result of the sample analysis is abnormal, the audio output means 6 outputs the sound of "An out-of-specification analysis result has occurred. Please report the abnormal result immediately to XX."

The operator working in the vicinity of the audio output means 6 hears the audio output and indicates that an abnormality has occurred, the type of abnormality is an abnormality in the analysis result, and a component out of the standard in the check analysis. It can be understood that there is an analysis value, and that the action of contacting should be taken. As described above, the operator is notified of the details of the abnormality that has occurred and the measures to be taken by the operator in response to the matter, so that the operator can take appropriate measures for various abnormalities. Further, since the audio output means 6 can be arranged near the place where the operator works, away from the analysis room, the operator is not limited to a specific place such as in the analysis room during the sample analysis. Can work in any place.

Next, the voice output control means 12 determines whether or not the voice has been output a number of times, that is, the number of times set by an external command (S10), and continues to output up to the set number of times. For example, the sound output unit 6 is caused to output the sound 10 times, and then the sound output is stopped. As described above, since the sound output is stopped ten times, it is possible to prevent the sound from being output forever and causing noise.

In this embodiment, the number of times of voice output is specified, but voice may be continuously output until the operator presses the stop button. When the stop button is pressed, the data necessary for the failure analysis is automatically saved in the hard disk, displayed on the screen output means 21 or printed on the printing means 24, so that the burden on the operator is reduced.

In the present embodiment, the X-ray analyzer capable of detecting both the abnormality of the analysis result and the abnormality of the apparatus has been described. However, only one of them may be detected. In this case, if only an abnormality in the analysis result is detected, the information output to the audio output means 6 is sample analysis result abnormality notification information, and if only an abnormality in the apparatus is detected, the audio output means 6 Is the device abnormality notification information.

Next, the operation of the audio output control means 12 when the end of the analysis is detected in the sample analysis will be described. When the analysis end detecting means 14 detects that a series of sample analysis has been completed, the sound output control means 12 is notified that the analysis has been completed, and the sound output control means 12 sets the item "end of analysis" in FIG. Is read from the storage means 8. If the output is “Yes”, that is, if it is selected as information to be output by an external command, the read information “speech analysis is completed” is output to the audio output unit 6. As described above, the end of the analysis is output by the audio output means, so that the operator who is working away from the analyzer does not need to frequently check the progress of the analysis, and can concentrate on another operation.

In this embodiment, the X-ray fluorescence analyzer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the X-ray fluorescence, but may be another X-ray analyzer such as a diffraction X-ray analyzer.

[0037]

As described above, according to the first configuration of the present invention, the abnormality of the analysis result or the abnormality of the apparatus is output by the voice output means, so that the operator working away from the analyzer is working. , The abnormality can be promptly notified. In addition, since the operator can be notified of detailed matters relating to the abnormality that has occurred and measures to be taken by the operator with the audio output means, the operator can take appropriate measures for various abnormalities. .

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the end of the analysis is output by the voice output means, so that the operator who is working away from the analyzer is notified of the end of the analysis. be able to. Therefore, the operator
You do not need to check the progress of the analysis frequently, and you can concentrate on other tasks.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an X-ray fluorescence analyzer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing contents stored in a storage unit of the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process of a sound output control unit of the X-ray fluorescence analyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

3: X-ray analyzer main body, 4: voice input means, 6: voice output means, 10, 11: abnormality detection means, 14: analysis end detection means, 12: voice output control means, 50: sample, I1,
I2, I3: sample analysis result abnormality notification information, I5: analysis end notification information, B1: primary X-ray, B2: secondary X-ray.

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Katsuhisa Toda 14-8 Akaoji-cho, Takatsuki-shi, Osaka Rigaku Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2G001 AA01 BA04 CA01 EA01 EA03 FA02 FA06 FA19 GA01 GA03 HA06 HA20 JA11 JA16 JA19 JA20 KA01 PA01 PA02 SA29

Claims (6)

[Claims] An X-ray for irradiating a sample with X-rays and analyzing the sample.
X-ray analyzer main body, abnormality detection means for detecting at least one of abnormality in the result of sample analysis or abnormality of the X-ray analysis apparatus, audio output means for outputting information by voice, and abnormality detection by the abnormality detection means And an audio output control means for controlling the audio output means to output information for notifying the abnormality to the audio output means. 2. An X-ray for irradiating a sample with X-rays and analyzing the sample.
A line analyzer main unit, an analysis end detecting unit for detecting the end of the analysis, a voice output unit for outputting information by voice, and controlling the voice output unit by detecting the end of the analysis by the analysis end detecting unit. An X-ray analysis apparatus comprising: an audio output control unit configured to output information notifying the end of the analysis to the audio output unit. 3. The X-ray analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the audio output unit is disposed apart from the X-ray analyzer main body. 4. The X-ray analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a voice input unit for inputting the information to be output to the voice output unit. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, based on a selection command from outside, the voice output control means causes the voice output means to output only selected information from the plurality of pieces of information input by voice. Line analyzer. 6. An X-ray analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the voice output control means causes the voice output means to output the information a set number of times based on an external setting command. .