JP6637370B2 - Mass spectrometer and image generation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a mass spectrometer and an image generation method.

  As a device for analyzing odor, a sniffing device attached to a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC / MS) for use is known.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a chromatographic means for separating and developing components in a sample having an odor in a time direction, and a part of the components separated and developed by the chromatograph means in parallel with mass spectrometry. A sniffing-chromatograph mass spectrometer including a sniffing port for taking out and allowing a measurer to smell is disclosed.

  In the sniffing-chromatography mass spectrometer disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a separation column is installed inside a GC oven controlled to increase the temperature at a predetermined rate, and an analysis sample is introduced from the sample introduction unit into the separation column. The introduced sample is separated and developed in the time direction for each component by a combined action such as the temperature gradient of the temperature rise of the GC oven, the flow rate of the mobile phase gas, and the type and size of the liquid phase of the separation column. . The components separated and developed in the time direction are introduced into a mass spectrometer via a splitter, the mass-to-charge ratio and the intensity of molecular ions and their fragment ions are measured, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of the components is performed.

  In addition, some of the components separated and expanded in the time direction are also sent to a sniffing port via a transfer line. At the sniffing port, the measurer can smell. When the measurer senses the smell, the measurer expresses the type of the smell and the intensity of the smell using a level switch, a microphone, or the like.

  In the sniffing-chromatography mass spectrometer disclosed in Patent Document 1, by performing measurement in which GC / MS and human olfaction are combined, identification of odor components, odor intensity and qualitative / quantitative information of the components can be performed. Can be obtained at the same time.

JP 2008-170333 A

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a result display image showing a result of an odor analysis in a conventional sniffing-chromatography mass spectrometer.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the result display image, the name of the odor component and a bar indicating the odor intensity (odor intensity) are displayed on the chromatogram. However, the result of the odor analysis is difficult to understand in the result display image shown in FIG. Therefore, in the result display image shown in FIG. 17, for example, it is difficult to compare the results of the odor analysis of a plurality of substances to determine the tendency or similarity of the odor.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and one of the objects according to some aspects of the present invention is to generate an image that can easily show the result of an odor analysis. To provide a mass spectrometer and an image generation method.

(1) The mass spectrometer according to the present invention
A gas chromatograph section for separating components in the sample having an odor in a time direction,
A mass spectrometer that mass-analyzes a part of the sample components separated in the gas chromatograph unit,
An input unit for a measurer to input odor data of a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit, and detecting the odor substance by extracting a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit and detecting the odor substance At least one of an odor sensor for acquiring odor data,
Based on the odor data, a processing unit that performs processing to generate an image indicating the result of the odor analysis,
Including
In the processing of generating the image, the processing unit generates the image including the bubble chart in which the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle and the intensity of the odor component corresponds to the size of the circle. And
The odor data includes odor component type data, odor component odor intensity data, odor start time data, and odor end time data,
The processing unit includes:
Based on the results of the mass spectrometry, a process of creating a chromatogram having a time axis and an intensity axis,
Based on at least one of the start time data and the end time data, on the chromatogram, processing to arrange the circle of the bubble chart,
Do.

In such a mass spectrometer, the processing unit causes the type of the odor component to correspond to the color of the circle, and the intensity of the odor of the odor component to correspond to the size of the circle as an image showing the result of the odor analysis. Generate an image containing a bubble chart. In the image, since the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle and the intensity of the odor component corresponds to the size of the circle, for example, the type of the odor component is described in characters and the odor intensity of the odor component is The user can easily grasp the type of the odor component and the intensity of the odor as compared with the case where the bar is displayed. As described above, the mass spectrometer can generate an image that can easily show the result of the odor analysis. Further, in such a mass spectrometer, the processing unit performs a process of creating a chromatogram based on the result of the mass analysis and a process of arranging a circle of a bubble chart on the chromatogram. In the image generated by the processing unit in this way, information on the time of the odor component can be obtained from the position of the circle of the bubble chart on the time axis of the chromatogram. Therefore, the user can easily associate the result of mass spectrometry with the result of smell analysis from the image. In this way, the mass spectrometer can understand the results of odor analysis.
An image that can be easily shown can be generated.

( 2 ) In the mass spectrometer according to the present invention,
In the processing for arranging the circle of the bubble chart on the chromatogram, the processing unit may cause a center position of the circle of the bubble chart with respect to the time axis of the chromatogram to correspond to an odor start time. .

  In such a mass spectrometer, in the processing in which the processing unit arranges the circle of the bubble chart on the chromatogram, the center position of the circle of the bubble chart with respect to the time axis of the chromatogram corresponds to the start time of the odor. In the image generated by the processing unit in this manner, the start time of the smell can be known from the position of the circle of the bubble chart on the time axis of the chromatogram. Therefore, the user can easily associate the result of mass spectrometry with the result of smell analysis from the image. As described above, the mass spectrometer can generate an image that can easily show the result of the odor analysis.

( 3 ) In the mass spectrometer according to the present invention,
The processing unit, in the process of arranging the circle of the bubble chart on the chromatogram, the position of the center of the circle of the bubble chart with respect to the time axis of the chromatogram, corresponding to the center of the continuation time of the odor Is also good.

  In such a mass spectrometer, in the processing in which the processing unit arranges the circle of the bubble chart on the chromatogram, the position of the center of the circle of the bubble chart with respect to the time axis of the chromatogram corresponds to the center of the continuation time of the odor. In the image generated by the processing unit in this way, the center time of the odor continuation time can be known from the position of the circle of the bubble chart on the time axis of the chromatogram. Therefore, the user can easily associate the result of mass spectrometry with the result of smell analysis from the image. Thus, in the mass spectrometer,
Thus, it is possible to generate an image that can easily show the result of the odor analysis.

( 4 ) In the mass spectrometer according to the present invention,
In the processing for arranging the circle of the bubble chart on the chromatogram, the processing unit may determine the position of the circle of the bubble chart with respect to the intensity axis of the chromatogram based on the intensity of the chromatogram. Good.

  In such a mass spectrometer, in the process of arranging the circle of the bubble chart on the chromatogram, the position of the circle of the bubble chart with respect to the intensity axis of the chromatogram is determined based on the intensity of the chromatogram. In the image generated by the processing unit in this manner, the intensity of the chromatogram can be known from the position of the circle of the bubble chart on the intensity axis of the chromatogram. Therefore, the user can easily associate the result of mass spectrometry with the result of smell analysis from the image. As described above, the mass spectrometer can generate an image that can easily show the result of the odor analysis.

( 5 ) The mass spectrometer according to the present invention comprises:
A gas chromatograph section for separating components in the sample having an odor in a time direction,
A mass spectrometer that mass-analyzes a part of the sample components separated in the gas chromatograph unit,
An input unit for a measurer to input odor data of a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit, and detecting the odor substance by extracting a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit and detecting the odor substance At least one of an odor sensor for acquiring odor data,
Based on the odor data, a processing unit that performs processing to generate an image indicating the result of the odor analysis,
Including
In the processing of generating the image, the processing unit generates the image including the bubble chart in which the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle and the intensity of the odor component corresponds to the size of the circle. And
The odor data includes odor component type data, odor component odor intensity data, odor start time data, and odor end time data,
The processing unit includes:
A process of calculating a difference between the start time data and the end time data, and calculating odor duration data;
A process of calculating the product of the odor intensity data and the duration data to calculate the intensity of the odor;
Based on the calculated odor intensity, a process of determining the size of the circle of the bubble chart,
Do.

  In such a mass spectrometer, it is possible to generate an image in which the size of the circle in the bubble chart corresponds to the odor intensity.

( 6 ) The mass spectrometer according to the present invention comprises:
A gas chromatograph section for separating components in the sample having an odor in a time direction,
A mass spectrometer that mass-analyzes a part of the sample components separated in the gas chromatograph unit,
An input unit for a measurer to input odor data of a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit, and detecting the odor substance by extracting a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit and detecting the odor substance At least one of an odor sensor for acquiring odor data,
Based on the odor data, a processing unit that performs processing to generate an image indicating the result of the odor analysis,
Including
In the processing of generating the image, the processing unit generates the image including the bubble chart in which the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle and the intensity of the odor component corresponds to the size of the circle. And
The odor data includes odor component type data, odor component odor intensity data, odor start time data, and odor end time data,
The processing unit determines a position of a circle on the bubble chart based on the type data.

  In such a mass spectrometer, the processing unit determines the position of the circle on the bubble chart based on the type data of the odor component. In the image generated by the processing unit in this manner, the position of the circle in the bubble chart corresponds to the type of the odor component, so that the nature of the odor of the substance can be visually and easily understood. As described above, the mass spectrometer can generate an image that can easily show the result of the odor analysis.

(7) The mass spectrometer according to the present invention comprises:
A gas chromatograph section for separating components in the sample having an odor in a time direction,
A mass spectrometer that mass-analyzes a part of the sample components separated in the gas chromatograph unit,
An input unit for a measurer to input odor data of a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit, and detecting the odor substance by extracting a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit and detecting the odor substance At least one of an odor sensor for acquiring odor data,
Based on the odor data, a processing unit that performs processing to generate an image indicating the result of the odor analysis,
Including
In the processing of generating the image, the processing unit generates the image including the bubble chart in which the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle and the intensity of the odor component corresponds to the size of the circle. And
The odor data includes odor component type data, odor component odor intensity data, odor start time data, and odor end time data,
The processing unit determines a position of a circle on the bubble chart based on the odor intensity data .

In such a mass spectrometer, the processing unit determines the position of the circle on the bubble chart based on the odor intensity data of the odor component. In the image generated by the processing unit in this way, since the position of the circle in the bubble chart corresponds to the odor intensity of the odor component, the nature of the odor of the substance can be visually and easily understood. As described above, the mass spectrometer can generate an image that can easily show the result of the odor analysis.

(8) The image generation method according to the present invention includes:
A gas chromatograph section for separating components in the sample having an odor in a time direction,
A mass spectrometer that mass-analyzes a part of the sample components separated in the gas chromatograph unit,
An input unit for a measurer to input odor data of a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit, and detecting the odor substance by extracting a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit and detecting the odor substance At least one of an odor sensor for acquiring odor data,
An image generation method in a mass spectrometer including:
Based on the odor data, including generating an image showing the result of the odor analysis,
In the step of generating the image, the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle, and the image including a bubble chart corresponding to the size of the circle the intensity of the odor of the odor component, to generate the image,
The odor data includes odor component type data, odor component odor intensity data, odor start time data, and odor end time data,
Create a chromatogram having a time axis and an intensity axis based on the results of the mass spectrometry.
Process,
Based on at least one of the start time data and the end time data, on the chromatogram, a step of arranging the circle of the bubble chart,
Including .

( 9 ) The image generation method according to the present invention includes:
A gas chromatograph section for separating components in the sample having an odor in a time direction,
A mass spectrometer that mass-analyzes a part of the sample components separated in the gas chromatograph unit,
An input unit for a measurer to input odor data of a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit, and detecting the odor substance by extracting a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit and detecting the odor substance At least one of an odor sensor for acquiring odor data,
An image generation method in a mass spectrometer including:
Based on the odor data, including generating an image showing the result of the odor analysis,
In the step of generating the image, the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle, and the image including a bubble chart corresponding to the size of the circle the intensity of the odor of the odor component, to generate the image ,
The odor data includes odor component type data, odor component odor intensity data, odor start time data, and odor end time data,
Calculating a difference between the start time data and the end time data, to calculate odor duration data,
Calculating the product of the odor intensity data and the duration data to calculate the intensity of the odor;
Based on the calculated intensity of the smell, the step of determining the size of the circle of the bubble chart,
Including .

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the mass spectrometer according to the embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of generating a first result display image by the processing unit of the mass spectrometer according to the embodiment. 9 is a table showing an example of odor data. The figure which shows a bubble chart creation dialog. The figure which shows a bubble chart creation dialog. The figure which shows an example of a chromatogram. The figure which shows a 1st result display image. The figure which shows the modification of a 1st result display image. The figure which shows the modification of a 1st result display image. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of generating a second result display image by the processing unit of the mass spectrometer according to the embodiment. The figure which shows a 2nd result display image. The figure for demonstrating the characteristic of a 2nd result display image. The figure which shows typically the result display image which concerns on a 1st modification. The figure which shows typically the result display image which concerns on a 2nd modification. 9 is a table showing odor data in a second modified example. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of a mass spectrometer according to a third modification. The figure which shows an example of the result display image which shows the result of the smell analysis in the conventional sniffing-chromatography mass spectrometer.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. In addition, all of the configurations described below are not necessarily essential components of the invention.

1. First, a mass spectrometer according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the mass spectrometer 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The mass spectrometer 100 according to the present embodiment is a device in which a gas chromatograph (GC) and a mass spectrometer (MS) are connected. The mass spectrometer 100 according to the present embodiment is further provided with an odor sniffing unit 40 for identifying and evaluating odors using human olfaction. That is, the mass spectrometer 100 according to the present embodiment is a sniffing-gas chromatograph mass spectrometer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the mass spectrometer 100 includes a preprocessing unit 10, a gas chromatograph unit 20, a mass spectrometry unit 30, a smell unit 40, an input unit 50, a processing unit 60, a display unit 70 And

  In the pre-processing unit 10, pre-processing of the sample is performed. The preprocessing unit 10 introduces a sample (sample gas) into the gas chromatograph unit 20 by a so-called headspace method. The headspace method is a method in which a sample is heated at a constant temperature and a volatilized component is introduced into the gas chromatograph unit 20. The method of pretreating the sample (sample gas) introduced into the gas chromatograph unit 20 is not particularly limited.

  The gas chromatograph unit 20 separates components (sample components) in the sample in the time direction. The gas chromatograph unit 20 includes a separation column (not shown), and separates and develops each component of a sample (sample gas) in the separation column unit in the time direction. Each sample component is separated and developed in the time direction for each sample component by a combined action such as the flow rate of the mobile phase gas and the type and size of the liquid phase in the separation column. Each sample component separated and developed in the time direction is introduced into the mass spectrometer 30.

  The mass spectrometer 30 performs mass spectrometry on the sample components separated in the time direction by the gas chromatograph unit 20. The mass spectrometry unit 30 separates ions generated from the sample components separated in the time direction by a quadrupole mass filter or the like according to the mass-to-charge ratio, and detects the ions.

  In the mass spectrometer 100 according to the present embodiment, a part of each sample component separated and developed in the time direction by the gas chromatograph unit 20 is sent to the smell unit 40.

  The scent unit 40 is a sniffing port for the measurer to smell the sample component. The measurer smells the smell of the sample component sent to the smelling section 40 and evaluates the smell.

  The input unit 50 is for the measurer to input the result (odor data) of the evaluation of the odor of the sample component. The input unit 50 outputs odor data (input information) from the measurer to the processing unit 60. The input unit 50 includes, for example, a microphone for inputting the type data of the odor component, and a level switch for inputting the odor intensity data of the odor component. The level switch can also input, for example, odor start time data and odor end time data.

  The input unit 50 may be an input device such as a touch panel, a touch pad, a mouse, a trackball, a button, and a keyboard.

  The processing unit 60 creates a chromatogram (mass chromatogram) based on the result of mass spectrometry in the mass spectrometry unit 30 and generates an image indicating the result of the odor analysis based on the odor data (input information) from the input unit 50. Processing such as generation processing, control processing for displaying the generated chromatogram or an image indicating the result of the odor analysis on the display unit 70, and the like are performed. The function of the processing unit 60 may be realized by executing a program by various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), or may be realized by a dedicated circuit such as an ASIC (gate array, etc.).

  The display unit 70 displays an image generated by the processing unit 60, and its function can be realized by a display such as an LCD and a CRT.

2. Next, an example of the processing of the processing unit 60 of the mass spectrometer 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  The processing unit 60 performs a process of generating an image indicating a result of the odor analysis based on the odor data. Specifically, the processing unit 60 generates an image including a bubble chart in which the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle and the intensity of the odor of the odor component corresponds to the size of the circle.

  The processing unit 60 generates a first result display image in which a bubble chart is displayed on a chromatogram and a second result display image in which only a bubble chart is displayed, as images indicating the results of the odor analysis.

2.1. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of generating a first result display image by the processing unit 60.

(1) Acquisition of odor data (step S10)
The processing unit 60 first obtains the odor data transmitted from the input unit 50. Further, the processing unit 60 acquires the result data of the mass analysis in the mass analysis unit 30.

  FIG. 3 is Table 2 showing an example of the odor data.

  The odor data includes odor component type data, odor component odor intensity data, odor start time data, and odor end time data. The odor data may further include the comment of the measurer.

  The odor component type data is data for identifying the odor. Examples of the types of odor components include "fishy", "fish", "fruit", "sweet and sour", "kamaboko", "odor", "mellow smell", "spice" and the like.

  The odor intensity data of the odor component is data of the odor intensity felt by the measurer. The odor intensity of the odor component is represented in three stages in the example shown in FIG. For example, the odor intensity “1” is “a odor that can be finally detected”, the odor intensity “2” is “an odor that can be easily detected”, and the odor intensity “3” is a “strong odor”. The odor intensity of the odor component may be in two stages or in four or more stages.

  The odor start time is the time when the measurer senses the odor. The end time of the smell is the time when the measurer stops sensing the smell. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the odor start time and the odor end time are represented based on the measurement start time (that is, the measurement start time is 0 minute). For example, the time when the user senses the smell of “fish” (the start time of the smell) is 3.30 minutes (3.30 minutes after the measurement start time), and the user does not sense the smell of “fish”. The time (end time of the smell) is 3.40 minutes (3.40 minutes after the measurement start time).

(2) Setting of Color of Circle in Bubble Chart (Step S20)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a bubble chart creation dialog 4. The bubble chart creation dialog 4 is a dialog for setting bubble chart creation conditions. The bubble chart creation dialog 4 is displayed on the display unit 70.

  The bubble chart creation dialog 4 displays a button A for selecting “Differentiate by odor type” and a button B for selecting “Select from odor data”.

  When button A is selected, a table for distinguishing odors by type is displayed on display unit 70. In the example shown in FIG. 4, six types of odor types are given, namely, “savory odor”, “flower fragrance”, “fruit fragrance”, “resin odor”, “burnt odor”, and “rot odor”. A color is set for each of these odor types. For example, green for "spicy odor", pink for "flower fragrance", yellow for "fruit fragrance", ocher for "resin odor", brown for "dark odor", purple for "rot odor", Is set.

  Using the bubble chart creation dialog 4 shown in FIG. 4, the user sorts each odor component of the odor data shown in FIG. 3 into applicable odor types. Thereby, a color is assigned to each odor component. For example, when the user sets “fishish” to “rot odor”, purple is assigned to “fishish”. For example, when the user sets “fruit” to “fruit incense”, “fruit” is assigned a yellow color.

  When the button B is selected, the bubble chart creation dialog 5 shown in FIG. The user uses the bubble chart creation dialog 5 to select the type of odor component to be displayed on the bubble chart, and assigns a color to each of the selected odor components.

  The processing unit 60 uses the bubble chart creation dialog 4 or the bubble chart creation dialog 5 to set the color assigned to each odor component by the user to the color of the bubble chart circle of each odor component.

(3) Setting of the size of the circle of the bubble chart (step S30)
The processing unit 60 sets the size of the circle of the bubble chart based on the start time data, the end time data, and the odor intensity data.

Specifically, first, the processing unit 60 calculates the difference between the start time data and the end time data, and calculates the odor duration time data. The odor duration refers to the length of time that the measurer has sensed the odor. For example, since the start time of the “fish” is 3.30 minutes and the end time is 3.40 minutes, the duration of the “fish” is 0.10 minutes (3.40-3. 30). In addition, for example, the start time of “Kamaboko” smell is 5.7.
Is 3 minutes, for the end time is 5.79 minutes, the duration of the "bite Thud" odor, is 0.06 minutes (5.79-5.73).

  Next, the processing unit 60 calculates the product of the odor intensity data and the duration data to calculate the odor intensity. For example, the odor intensity of the “fishy” odor is “1” and the duration of the “fishy” odor is 0.10 minutes, so the intensity of the “fishy” odor is 0.1 (1 × 0) .1). Further, for example, the odor intensity of “Kamaboko” is “3” and the duration of “Kamaboko” odor is 0.06 minutes, so the intensity of “Kamaboko” odor is 0.18.

  The processing unit 60 determines the size (diameter) of the circle of the bubble chart based on the calculated odor component odor intensity. The processing unit 60 determines the size of the circle of the bubble chart, for example, in proportion to the odor intensity of the odor component. For example, the processing unit 60 sets the size of the circle of the bubble chart of “fishy” to 0.1 (relative value) because the intensity of “fishy” is 0.1. In addition, for example, since the intensity of “kamaboko” is 0.18, the processing unit 60 sets the size of the circle of the bubble chart of “kamaboko” to 0.18 (relative value).

  Through the above processing, the size of the circle of the bubble chart can be set.

(4) Creation of a chromatogram (Step S40)
Next, the processing unit 60 creates a chromatogram based on the result of the mass analysis in the mass analysis unit 30.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the chromatogram 101 created by the processing unit 60.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the chromatogram 101 has a time axis (horizontal axis) and an intensity axis (vertical axis) representing the output (ion intensity) of the detector of the mass spectrometer 30. In the mass spectrometer 100, the sample components separated by the gas chromatograph unit 20 are simultaneously sent to the mass spectrometry unit 30 and the smell unit 40 in parallel. Therefore, the time axis of the chromatogram 101 corresponds to the odor start time and the odor end time.

(5) Arrangement of circle of bubble chart on chromatogram (step S50)
Next, the processing unit 60 generates a first result display image 102 by arranging a circle of the bubble chart on the chromatogram 101 based on the start time data and the end time data.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the first result display image 102. FIG. 7 shows the odor data No. shown in FIG. Circle 6, No. 1 corresponding to the “smell of fish” of No. 1 Circle No. 5 corresponding to the “Kamaboko” odor of No. 5 Circle 6, No. 10 corresponding to the "spice" odor of No. 10 Circles 6 corresponding to 11 "sweet and sour" odors are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the processing unit 60 places the circle 6 on the chromatogram 101 such that the position of the center of the circle 6 of the bubble chart with respect to the time axis of the chromatogram 101 corresponds to the center of the odor duration. Deploy. Accordingly, on the time axis of the chromatogram 101, the position of the center of the circle 6 of the bubble chart represents the center of the continuation time of the odor.

For example, since the start time of the “fish” is 3.30 minutes and the end time is 3.40 minutes, the center of the duration of the “fish” is 3.35 minutes. Therefore, the center of the circle 6 corresponding to the “fish-like” odor is located at 3.35 minutes on the time axis of the chromatogram 101. Also, for example, the start time of “Kamaboko” is 5.73 minutes and the end time is 5.79 minutes, so the center of the duration of “Kamaboko” is 5.76 minutes. Therefore, the center of the circle 6 corresponding to the “kamaboko” odor is located at a position of 5.76 minutes on the time axis of the chromatogram 101. Further, for example, the center of the circle 6 corresponding to the “spicy” odor is arranged at a position of 7.15 minutes on the time axis of the chromatogram 101, and the center of the circle 6 corresponding to the “sweet and sour” odor is the chromatogram. On the 101 time axis, it is located at 8.415 minutes.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the processing unit 60 determines the position of the center of the circle 6 of the bubble chart with respect to the intensity axis of the chromatogram 101 based on the intensity of the chromatogram. Specifically, the processing unit 60 arranges the circle 6 on the chromatogram 101 such that the position of the center of the circle 6 of the bubble chart corresponds to the integrated value of the intensity of the chromatogram during the duration of the odor. . Thus, on the intensity axis of the chromatogram 101 shown in FIG. 7, the position of the center of the circle 6 of the bubble chart represents the intensity (integrated value) of the chromatogram.

  For example, the integrated value of the chromatogram intensity during the continuation time of “fish-like” can be obtained by integrating the chromatogram intensity from 3.30 minutes to 3.40 minutes. Further, for example, the integrated value of the chromatogram intensity during the continuous time of “Kamaboko” can be obtained by integrating the chromatogram intensity from 5.73 minutes to 5.79 minutes. The same applies to the "spice" odor and the "sweet and sour" odor.

  Further, the processing section 60 may display the odor intensity of the odor component on the chromatogram 101 as shown in FIG. Thereby, information on the odor intensity of the odor component can be obtained from the first result display image 102. The processing unit 60 arranges the odor intensity of the odor component in the vicinity of the circle 6, for example, as shown in FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the processing unit 60 may display an arrow 7 on the chromatogram 101 connecting the odor start time and the odor end time. Thereby, information on the start time of the odor and information on the end time of the odor can be obtained from the first result display image 102. The processing unit 60 arranges the arrow 7 at the center of the circle 6, for example.

  Through the above processing, the first result display image 102 in which the bubble chart is displayed on the chromatogram 101 can be generated. The processing unit 60 performs control to display the generated first result display image 102 on the display unit 70.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the processing unit 60 determines that the position of the circle 6 of the bubble chart with respect to the time axis of the chromatogram 101 corresponds to the center of the odor duration, and the position of the circle 6 with respect to the intensity axis of the chromatogram 101. Has been described in which the circles 6 are arranged on the chromatogram 101 so as to correspond to the integrated value of the intensity of the chromatogram, but the arrangement of the circles 6 on the chromatogram 101 is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 60 draws the circle 6 on the chromatogram 101 such that the position of the center of the circle 6 of the bubble chart with respect to the time axis of the chromatogram 101 corresponds to the start time of the smell. It may be arranged. In this case, the center of the circle 6 corresponding to the “fish-like” odor is located at 3.30 minutes on the time axis of the chromatogram 101. Similarly, the centers of the circles 6 corresponding to the “kamaboko”, “spice”, and “sweet and sour” odors are located at 5.73 minutes, 7.13 minutes, and 8.38 minutes on the time axis of the chromatogram 101, respectively. Is done.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the processing unit 60 may make the position of the center of the circle 6 of the bubble chart with respect to the intensity axis of the chromatogram 101 constant. That is, the position of each circle 6 of the bubble chart with respect to the intensity axis of the chromatogram 101 may be the same.

2.2. Generation Process of Second Result Display Image FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of generating a second result display image by the processing unit 60.

  The processing unit 60 first obtains odor data (step S110). The processing in step S110 is the same as the processing in step S10 described above.

  Next, the processing unit 60 sets the color of the circle in the bubble chart (step S120) and sets the size of the circle in the bubble chart (step S130). The processing in step S120 and the processing in step S130 are the same as the processing in step S20 and step S30 described above, respectively.

  Next, the processing unit 60 performs a process of determining the arrangement of the circles in the bubble chart (step S140).

  The processing unit 60 determines the arrangement of the circles in the bubble chart based on the information on the types of the odor components. Specifically, the processing unit 60 collects and arranges circles of odor components of the same system, and generates a second result display image.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the second result display image 104.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the second result display image 104, “fishish” and “fish” are arranged close to each other because they are odor components of the same system. For example, odor components of the same system are arranged so as to be in contact with each other. “Spice” and “sweet and sour” are located away from the other circles 6 because there is no odor component of the same line. As described above, the processing unit 60 arranges the circles according to the closeness of the system of the odor components.

  Through the above processing, the second result display image 104 on which the bubble chart is displayed can be generated. The processing unit 60 performs control to display the generated second result display image 104 on the display unit 70.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining features of the second result display image. FIG. 12 shows a second result display image 104A showing the result of the odor analysis of the substance a, a second result display image 104B showing the result of the odor analysis of the substance b, and a second result showing the result of the odor analysis of the substance c. The display image 104C is illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 12, by collecting and arranging circles of odor components of the same system, it is possible to visualize the odor tendency and the odor similarity of each substance. Therefore, the user can easily compare the odor properties of each substance using the second result display images 104A, 104B, and 104C.

Note that, in the example shown in FIG. 12, an example in which the difference in the odor properties between substances is evaluated using the second result display image 104 has been described. It is also effective when evaluating. For example, the perfume immediately after touching the air, the perfume 10 minutes after touching the air, and the perfume one day after touching the air are measured by the mass spectrometer 100, and the second result display image 104 is generated. This makes it possible to visualize the difference in the odor properties of perfume over time.

  The mass spectrometer 100 according to the present embodiment has, for example, the following features.

  In the mass spectrometer 100, the processing unit 60 causes the type of the odor component to correspond to the color of the circle in the process of generating an image indicating the result of the odor analysis based on the odor data, and reduces the intensity of the odor component. An image including a bubble chart corresponding to the size of the circle is generated. In the image, since the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle and the intensity of the odor component corresponds to the size of the circle, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the type of the odor component is described in characters. As compared with the case where the odor intensity of the odor component is displayed as a bar, the user can easily grasp the type of the odor component and the intensity of the odor. As described above, the mass spectrometer 100 can generate an image that can easily show the result of the odor analysis.

  In the mass spectrometer 100, the processing unit 60 arranges the circle of the bubble chart on the chromatogram based on the process of creating a chromatogram based on the result of the mass analysis and the start time data and the end time data. Processing. For example, the processing unit 60 may make the position of the center of the circle of the bubble chart with respect to the time axis of the chromatogram correspond to the center of the continuation time of the odor (see FIG. 7), or make it correspond to the start time of the odor. (See FIG. 8).

  In the image generated by the processing unit 60 in this manner, information on the time of the odor component such as the start time of the odor and the time of the center of the odor continuation time is obtained from the position of the circle of the bubble chart on the time axis of the chromatogram. Obtainable. Therefore, the user can easily associate the result of mass spectrometry with the result of smell analysis from the image. As described above, the mass spectrometer 100 can generate an image that can easily show the result of the odor analysis.

  In the mass spectrometer 100, in the processing in which the processing unit 60 arranges the circle of the bubble chart on the chromatogram, the position of the circle of the bubble chart with respect to the intensity axis of the chromatogram is determined based on the intensity of the chromatogram. In the image (see FIG. 7) generated by the processing unit 60 in this manner, the intensity of the chromatogram can be known from the position of the circle of the bubble chart on the intensity axis of the chromatogram. Therefore, the user can easily associate the result of mass spectrometry with the result of smell analysis from the image. As described above, the mass spectrometer 100 can generate an image that can easily show the result of the odor analysis.

  In the mass spectrometer 100, the processing unit 60 determines the position of the circle on the bubble chart based on the type data of the odor component. In the image generated by the processing unit 60 in this manner (see FIG. 11), since the position of the circle in the bubble chart corresponds to the type of the odor component, the nature of the odor of the substance should be shown in a visually understandable manner. Can be. As described above, the mass spectrometer 100 can generate an image that can easily show the result of the odor analysis.

The image generating method according to the present embodiment includes a gas chromatograph unit 20 for separating components in a sample having an odor in a time direction, and a mass spectrometric unit 30 for mass-analyzing a part of the sample components separated by the gas chromatograph unit 20. An image generating method in the mass spectrometer 100, which includes an input unit 50 for the measurer to input the odor data of a part of the sample components separated by the gas chromatograph unit 20, and based on the odor data, Including a step of generating an image showing the result of the odor analysis, in the step of generating the image, the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle, and the intensity of the odor component of the odor corresponds to the size of the circle Generate an image containing a bubble chart. Therefore, according to the image generation method according to the present embodiment, it is possible to generate an image that can easily show the result of the odor analysis.

3. Modifications The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

(1) First Modified Example In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the processing unit 60 generates the first result display image 102 and the second result display image 104 as the result display images indicating the results of the odor analysis. However, the result display image generated by the processing unit 60 is not limited to these.

  For example, the processing unit 60 may create a bubble chart by using the arrangement of the circles of the bubble chart arranged on the chromatogram 101 shown in FIG. 7 and generate a result display image.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating the result display image 106 according to the first modification.

  In the result display image 106 shown in FIG. 13, the horizontal axis corresponds to the time axis of the mass chromatogram, and the vertical axis corresponds to the intensity axis of the mass chromatogram. Therefore, the processing unit 60 can generate the result display image 106 by the same processing as in “2.1. First Result Display Image Generation Processing” described above.

(2) Second Modification In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the processing unit 60 generates the result display images 102 and 104, and in the first modification, the processing unit 60 generates the result display image 106. Are not limited to these.

  For example, the processing unit 60 may create a bubble chart based on the odor component type data and the odor intensity data to generate a result display image. Hereinafter, the case where the smell analysis of “coffee” is performed in the mass spectrometer 100 will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating the result display image 108 according to the second modification. FIG. 15 is a table showing odor data in the second modification.

  In the result display image 108, the horizontal axis is the axis representing the odor intensity of sweetness and sourness, and the vertical axis is the axis representing the odor intensity of a burning smell. The odor intensity of sweetness and sourness is represented by “0” when the sweet smell is strong, and “3” when the sour smell is strong, and is expressed in four stages from “0” to “3”. The odor intensity of the burning odor is represented by three levels from "0" to "3", where "0" indicates that the burning odor cannot be detected and "3" indicates that the burning odor is strong. In addition, the odor component is one type, and is a component containing “sweetness / sourness” and “burnt odor”.

  The processing unit 60 first performs the same process as “(1) Acquisition of odor data (Step S10)” in “2.1. First Result Display Image Generation Process” described above, To get.

Next, the processing unit 60 performs the same processing as “(2) setting the color of the circle of the bubble chart (step S20)” and “(3) setting the size of the circle of the bubble chart (step S30)”. , The color of the circle, and the size of the circle. In this modified example, the types of the odor components are only the odor components including sweetness / sourness and burnt odor. 1 to No. 4 all have the same color. In addition, No. The size (diameter) of the circle 1 is 0.03 (duration) × (0 + 2) (odor intensity) = 0.06 (relative value). In addition, No. The size of the circle 2 is 0.03 × (1 + 3) = 0.12. In addition, No. The size of the circle 3 is 0.02 × (3 + 2) = 0.1. In addition, No. The size of 4 is 0.02 × (3 + 1) = 0.08.

  Next, the processing unit 60 determines the position of the circle on the bubble chart based on the odor intensity data. For example, no. The odor intensity of sweetness / sourness of “1” is “0” and the odor intensity of burnt odor is “2”. The circle corresponding to 1 is arranged at the coordinates (0, 2) as shown in FIG. Similarly, no. The circle corresponding to No. 2 is arranged at coordinates (1, 3), The circle corresponding to No. 3 is arranged at coordinates (3, 2), The circle corresponding to 4 is located at coordinates (3, 1).

  Through the above processing, the processing unit 60 can generate the result display image 108.

  In the result display image 108 generated by the processing unit 60 in this manner, since the position of the circle in the bubble chart corresponds to the odor intensity of the odor of the odor component, the nature of the odor of the substance is shown in a visually easy-to-understand manner. be able to. For example, from the result display image 14 shown in FIG. 14, the odor of the target coffee includes a strong odor component having a strong sweetness and a strong odor, and a odor component having a strong sourness and a weak odor. It can be seen that it is configured.

  In the above example, as the coordinate axes for arranging the circles of the bubble chart, the axis of the odor intensity of sweetness and sourness and the axis of the odor intensity of burnt odor are used. Not limited. For example, a preferred (like or dislike) axis may be used as a coordinate axis for arranging the circles of the bubble chart.

(3) Third Modification In the embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 1, the mass spectrometer 100 is configured to include the smelling unit 40 and the input unit 50, and a sensory test by a measurer is performed. However, the configuration of the mass spectrometer is not limited to this.

  FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram of a mass spectrometer 300 according to the third modification.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the mass spectrometer 300 is configured to include an odor sensor 302, and the odor sensor 302 detects an odor substance and acquires odor data.

  The odor sensor 302 extracts a part of the sample component separated by the gas chromatograph unit 20 and detects an odor substance. The odor sensor 302 electrically (or optically) measures a physical change caused by, for example, odor components contained in the sample gas adhering to the sensitive surface of the odor sensor 302. As the odor sensor 302, for example, a sensor using an oxide semiconductor or a sensor using a conductive polymer can be used. The odor sensor 302 may be a combination of a method for detecting an odor substance and a plurality of sensors having different materials of the sensitive film.

  The result (odor data) of the odor analysis in the odor sensor 302 is sent to the processing unit 60.

  In a sensory test using human olfaction, the olfaction may fluctuate due to individual differences, physical condition of the day, etc., and accurate odor analysis may not be performed. Does not occur.

Although not shown, the mass spectrometer according to the present invention includes a sniffing unit 40 and an input unit 50.
, And the odor sensor 302. That is, the mass spectrometer according to the present invention may be configured such that odor data can be obtained by both a sensory test and a test using an instrument.

  It should be noted that the above-described embodiments and modified examples are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. For example, each embodiment and each modification can be appropriately combined.

  The invention includes substantially the same configuration as the configuration described in the embodiment (for example, a configuration having the same function, method, and result, or a configuration having the same object and effect). Further, the invention includes a configuration in which a non-essential part of the configuration described in the embodiment is replaced. Further, the invention includes a configuration having the same function and effect as the configuration described in the embodiment or a configuration capable of achieving the same object. Further, the invention includes a configuration in which a known technique is added to the configuration described in the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Preprocessing part, 20 ... Gas chromatograph part, 30 ... Mass spectrometry part, 40 ... Smell part, 50 ... Input part, 60 ... Processing part, 70 ... Display part, 100 ... Mass spectrometer, 101 ... Chromatogram, 300: mass spectrometer, 302: sensor

Claims (9)

A gas chromatograph section for separating components in the sample having an odor in a time direction,
A mass spectrometer that mass-analyzes a part of the sample components separated in the gas chromatograph unit,
An input unit for a measurer to input odor data of a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit, and detecting the odor substance by extracting a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit and detecting the odor substance At least one of an odor sensor for acquiring odor data,
Based on the odor data, a processing unit that performs processing to generate an image indicating the result of the odor analysis,
Including
In the processing of generating the image, the processing unit generates the image including the bubble chart in which the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle and the intensity of the odor component corresponds to the size of the circle. And
The odor data includes odor component type data, odor component odor intensity data, odor start time data, and odor end time data,
The processing unit includes:
Based on the results of the mass spectrometry, a process of creating a chromatogram having a time axis and an intensity axis,
Based on at least one of the start time data and the end time data, on the chromatogram, processing to arrange the circle of the bubble chart,
, Mass spectrometer. In claim 1 ,
The processing unit, in the process of arranging the circle of the bubble chart on the chromatogram, the center of the circle of the bubble chart with respect to the time axis of the chromatogram, corresponding to the start time of the smell, mass spectrometry apparatus. In claim 1 ,
The processing unit, in the process of arranging the circle of the bubble chart on the chromatogram, the center of the circle of the bubble chart with respect to the time axis of the chromatogram, the center of the continuation of the odor, Mass spectrometer. In any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The processing unit, in the process of arranging the circle of the bubble chart on the chromatogram, determine the position of the circle of the bubble chart with respect to the intensity axis of the chromatogram based on the intensity of the chromatogram, mass Analysis equipment. A gas chromatograph section for separating components in the sample having an odor in a time direction,
A mass spectrometer that mass-analyzes a part of the sample components separated in the gas chromatograph unit,
An input unit for a measurer to input odor data of a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit, and detecting the odor substance by extracting a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit and detecting the odor substance At least one of an odor sensor for acquiring odor data,
Based on the odor data, a processing unit that performs processing to generate an image indicating the result of the odor analysis,
Including
In the processing of generating the image, the processing unit generates the image including the bubble chart in which the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle and the intensity of the odor component corresponds to the size of the circle. And
The odor data includes odor component type data, odor component odor intensity data, odor start time data, and odor end time data,
The processing unit includes:
A process of calculating a difference between the start time data and the end time data, and calculating odor duration data;
A process of calculating the product of the odor intensity data and the duration data to calculate the intensity of the odor;
Based on the calculated odor intensity, a process of determining the size of the circle of the bubble chart,
, Mass spectrometer. A gas chromatograph section for separating components in the sample having an odor in a time direction,
A mass spectrometer that mass-analyzes a part of the sample components separated in the gas chromatograph unit,
An input unit for a measurer to input odor data of a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit, and detecting the odor substance by extracting a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit and detecting the odor substance At least one of an odor sensor for acquiring odor data,
Based on the odor data, a processing unit that performs processing to generate an image indicating the result of the odor analysis,
Including
In the processing of generating the image, the processing unit generates the image including the bubble chart in which the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle and the intensity of the odor component corresponds to the size of the circle. And
The odor data includes odor component type data, odor component odor intensity data, odor start time data, and odor end time data,
The mass spectrometer , wherein the processing unit determines a position of a circle of the bubble chart based on the type data . A gas chromatograph section for separating components in the sample having an odor in a time direction,
A mass spectrometer that mass-analyzes a part of the sample components separated in the gas chromatograph unit,
An input unit for a measurer to input odor data of a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit, and detecting the odor substance by extracting a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit and detecting the odor substance At least one of an odor sensor for acquiring odor data,
Based on the odor data, a processing unit that performs processing to generate an image indicating the result of the odor analysis,
Including
In the processing of generating the image, the processing unit generates the image including the bubble chart in which the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle and the intensity of the odor component corresponds to the size of the circle. And
The odor data includes odor component type data, odor component odor intensity data, odor start time data, and odor end time data,
The mass spectrometer , wherein the processing unit determines a position of a circle on the bubble chart based on the odor intensity data . A gas chromatograph section for separating components in the sample having an odor in a time direction,
A mass spectrometer that mass-analyzes a part of the sample components separated in the gas chromatograph unit,
An input unit for a measurer to input odor data of a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit, and detecting the odor substance by extracting a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit and detecting the odor substance At least one of an odor sensor for acquiring odor data,
An image generation method in a mass spectrometer including:
Based on the odor data, including generating an image showing the result of the odor analysis,
In the step of generating the image, the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle, and the image including a bubble chart corresponding to the size of the circle the intensity of the odor of the odor component, to generate the image ,
The odor data includes odor component type data, odor component odor intensity data, odor start time data, and odor end time data,
Based on the results of the mass spectrometry, creating a chromatogram having a time axis and an intensity axis,
Based on at least one of the start time data and the end time data, on the chromatogram, a step of arranging the circle of the bubble chart,
An image generation method , comprising: A gas chromatograph section for separating components in the sample having an odor in a time direction,
A mass spectrometer that mass-analyzes a part of the sample components separated in the gas chromatograph unit,
An input unit for a measurer to input odor data of a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit, and detecting the odor substance by extracting a part of the sample component separated in the gas chromatograph unit and detecting the odor substance At least one of an odor sensor for acquiring odor data,
An image generation method in a mass spectrometer including:
Based on the odor data, including generating an image showing the result of the odor analysis,
In the step of generating the image, the type of the odor component corresponds to the color of the circle, and the image including a bubble chart corresponding to the size of the circle the intensity of the odor of the odor component, to generate the image ,
The odor data includes odor component type data, odor component odor intensity data, odor start time data, and odor end time data,
Calculating a difference between the start time data and the end time data, to calculate odor duration data,
Calculate the product of the odor intensity data and the duration data to calculate the odor intensity
The process of
Based on the calculated intensity of the smell, the step of determining the size of the circle of the bubble chart,
An image generation method , comprising: