Flow Cytometer Sorter Software Logic for Arbitrary Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow cytometers face limitations in flexibility and resolution when sorting particles due to hardware-based lookup table methods, which are not sufficient for accommodating arbitrary user-defined regions of interest with high resolution and dynamic range data.

Innovation Solution

A software-based system for particle sorting in flow cytometry that receives sort logic definitions, calculates decision-making parameters, and generates sort commands using conditional branching logic and mathematical functions, allowing for arbitrary user-defined regions of interest in multidimensional data space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hardware-based lookup table methods are used for sorting decisions, then sorting speed is maintained, but flexibility and resolution for user-defined regions of interest are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility for user-defined regions of interestVSAvoidhardware implementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hardware-based lookup table system with a software-based sorting decision system. The software system uses general-purpose processors to evaluate mathematical functions and regular expressions for sorting decisions, eliminating the need for complex hardware lookup tables while maintaining high sorting speeds through efficient software algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of sorting decision implementation from hardware lookup tables to software-based mathematical evaluation. This allows dynamic adjustment of sorting criteria through programmable functions and regular expressions, providing unlimited flexibility for user-defined regions of interest without being constrained by fixed hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If hardware lookup tables are used, then sorting decisions are made quickly, but resolution and dynamic range are reduced due to down-sampling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresolution of sort dataVSAvoidsorting speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes hardware lookup table evaluation with software-based mathematical function evaluation using general-purpose processors. This software system can process high-resolution data without down-sampling while maintaining sorting speeds through optimized algorithms and efficient use of processing power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic sorting criteria evaluation where mathematical functions and regular expressions can be adjusted in real-time based on experimental requirements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt sorting resolution and criteria without being constrained by fixed hardware configurations, enabling high-resolution sorting at varying speeds based on specific needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If arbitrary regular expressions are implemented in hardware, then sorting flexibility increases, but design complexity becomes prohibitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting logic flexibilityVSAvoidhardware design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hardware implementation of arbitrary regular expressions with software-based evaluation on general-purpose processors. This allows unlimited sorting logic flexibility through programmable regular expressions and mathematical functions while avoiding the prohibitive design complexity of hardwiring such functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a universal software-based sorting decision system that can handle any sorting logic requirement through programmable mathematical functions and regular expressions. This single software platform provides multi-functionality for all sorting scenarios, eliminating the need for specialized hardware designs for each sorting requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8889072B2Flow cytometer sorter

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 BECKMAN COULTER INC

AI summary

Disclosed are computer-implemented methods of sorting particles from a particle stream in a flow cytometer. The methods include: calculating sort decision making parameters using the raw event data values from a flow cytometer and a sort logic; performing sort logic computations using the sort logic definition and the sort decision making parameters to generate sort decisions; converting the sort decisions into sort commands; and sending the one or more sort commands to the flow cytometer. Sort logic computations may include algorithmically using conditional branching logic, and may include sort logic equations having mathematical functions characterizing one or more regions of interest in multidimensional data space. Such mathematical functions may be determined based on one or more parameters provided by a user. Also disclosed are corresponding systems having a flow cytometer and a computer.