The Discovery VP Automated system is entirely the result of
user-required features and control options. The program was created
by a customer based on what he and his group wanted from an HPLC
system: queue based sample submission, basic gradient profiles,
automatic report printing, and a simple interface that anyone could
walk up to and understand how to use, but was structured behind the
scenes by a designated Administrator.
As more systems were sold, other customers contributed to both the
system functionality and design of its user interface to give
Discovery VP more flexibility and make it even easier to use. All
suggestions from customers are evaluated for possible inclusion in
future software versions, and dedicated programmers constantly work
to improve its functionality.
Several system protect features are built into the program to
minimize downtime and protect samples. E-mail notification or a
text message to a cell phone or pager can alert users when runs are
complete, and numerous system and sample logs are available to the
System Administrator as monthly reports.
Highlights of the Discovery VP system are listed below. Visit the
Analytical and Preparative system pages to explore the unique
features of each.
Features
Queue-based Sample Submission
The Discovery VP software has a simple interface for sample
submission. Users add samples to the run queue on a first come,
first served basis. The 'walk-up, walk-away' design allows busy
chemists to focus on their primary tasks instead of assembling and
configuring an HPLC system.
Gradient Profiles
Samples can be run isocratically, with a simple linear gradient, or
with a 'complex' multi-step gradient for more challenging
separations. Discovery VP will flush and equilibrate the column
before every run so you are assured of column integrity and
stability before sample injection. click for picture
Automatic Report Printing
Shimadzus data acquisition software runs in the background to
collect analog signal from multiple detectors such as UV, RID,
ELSD, and MS. The printed report is totally customizable to display
desired run information. PDA systems yield spectral information
about compounds, and individual chromatograms from multiple
wavelengths can be included with their own run reports.
Simple Interface
Users will access the Method Builder screen to add one or more
samples to the run queue with only a few mouse clicks. Anyone can
intuitively create a new method or select from a directory of
stored methods. Control options for all system components are on a
single page, and a Sequence Preview screen allows for a final check
of run parameters.
Administrator
The System Administrator controls the 'behind the scenes'
operational parameters for Discovery VP. In password-protected menu
options, the Administrator identifies the hardware present,
establishes column identity and limitations for flow rate,
solvents, etc., configures the network interface for email, and
manages a number of other options for setting up the system. The
administrator receives notification from Discovery VP about any
system abnormalities interfering with operation, and monthly status
reports on system usage.
Customers Contributed
Customer input from 'real world' situations gives all users
practical functions that simplify operation and make Discovery VP a
powerful tool for method development and day-to-day operation by
multiple users. Some features that came directly from customer
requests are: 10 column capacity with solvent selection in
Analytical mode, a 'default' method for columns to store frequently
used run conditions, standby mode when the system is not running
samples for quick startup and equilibration, a stacked plot report
to overlay and compare multiple chromatograms, and control of the
ELSD-LT and Shimadzus mass spectrometer for HPLC.
Future Software Versions
The Discovery VP software is constantly being updated and improved
to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers. Shimadzu is
committed to providing solutions for scientific challenges, and
feedback from users results in new features for system ruggedness
and ease of use.
System Protect Features
If the system is unattended, precautions are in place to handle
situations such as column overpressure, full fraction collectors,
unstable baseline, and many others. Discovery VP will pause the
sample queue and stop solvent flow, display a message on the
screen, and send an email to the Administrator to check the system.
After Administrator intervention, Discovery VP resumes the sample
queue.
E-mail notifica
