Clinical Trial Data Merge System via Graphical User Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current clinical trial data management systems lack the capability to merge data from multiple sources without requiring complex programming, are not platform-agnostic, and do not provide an intuitive user interface for stakeholders to perform advanced data analysis, leading to bottlenecks in data preparation and analysis.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for merging clinical trial data from various sources using a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to create custom merged tables without writing code, supporting data from different formats and sources, and is implemented as a web or desktop application with plug-in architecture for flexibility and portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex programming is required to merge data from multiple sources, then data merging capability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata merging capabilityVSAvoidprogramming requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component that acts as a bridge between multiple data sources and the user. This intermediary automatically handles the complex data merging operations through configured rules and algorithms, eliminating the need for users to write complex programming code while still achieving comprehensive data merging capability from multiple sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service data merging by providing automated data integration capabilities that perform merging operations without requiring user programming. The system automatically discovers data sources, configures merging parameters, and executes the merging process, allowing users to benefit from complex data merging functionality through simple interface interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If systems are designed for specific platforms, then system stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidplatform compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal system architecture that can operate across multiple platforms. The system is designed with platform-agnostic interfaces and uses standardized communication protocols, allowing it to maintain stable performance while adapting to different operating systems and environments. This multi-functional design enables the same system to serve diverse platforms without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If intuitive user interface is provided for data analysis, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface intuitivenessVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complex data analysis system into distinct modular components, each handling specific functions. The user interface is segmented into separate panels and tools that provide intuitive access to different analysis capabilities. This segmentation allows the complex backend architecture to be managed through simple, focused interface elements, maintaining ease of operation while supporting sophisticated functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Quantity of substance

If data from multiple sources is merged, then data completeness is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata completenessVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by performing data preprocessing and preparation steps before the actual merging operation. Data sources are pre-configured, schemas are validated in advance, and merging parameters are pre-established. This preliminary work reduces the computational burden during the actual merging process, enabling comprehensive data integration from multiple sources while minimizing processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10586611B2Systems and methods employing merge technology for the clinical domain

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 REVVITY SIGNALS SOFTWARE INC

AI summary

Presented herein are systems and methods for merging and manipulating data from different sources of clinical trial data. Clinical trial data is collected using multiple different ‘forms’ and can be from either a single clinical trial or from multiple clinical trials. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein are provided in the form of an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) that enables a user to merge and manipulate data from two or more source tables of clinical trial data associated with one or more clinical studies to produce a custom merged table, without having to rely upon complex computer code.