Flow Cytometry Data Gain Application Without Hardware Reruns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry systems require adjustments to hardware settings and re-running of cell samples to present data at desired locations on a fixed display, which can be imprecise and result in lost valuable data, especially when dealing with particles of varying intensities.
Innovation Solution
A method that applies a mathematical or software gain to flow cytometry data, allowing it to be presented at alternate locations on a display without adjusting hardware settings, using a processor to shift data values while maintaining their relationship.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hardware settings (gain, light source intensity, PMT voltage) are adjusted to present flow cytometry data at desired locations on display, then data can be presented at alternate locations, but the cell sample must be rerun through the flow cytometer which results in loss of valuable data and reduced precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardware adjustment system (gain controls, light source intensity, PMT voltage) with a software-based solution. The processor applies digital gain to the acquired flow cytometry data to shift particle positions on the display without requiring any physical hardware changes or re-running the cell sample through the flow cytometer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the flow cytometry data and applies gain to this copy. The processor generates display information from the acquired data by applying a gain factor, allowing multiple presentations of the same data at different locations without consuming or depleting the original cell sample.
2Ease of operation
If hardware settings are adjusted to present flow cytometry data at desired locations, then data can be displayed at alternate locations, but multiple reruns are required which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardware adjustment system with a software-based gain application. The processor applies digital gain to the acquired data, enabling rapid repositioning of particles on the display without the time-consuming process of rerunning samples through the flow cytometer multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the data transformation (gain application) as a preliminary step in the data processing pipeline. The processor applies gain to the acquired data during the initial data processing phase, so that all subsequent display operations work with the already-transformed data, eliminating the need for repeated reruns.
3Measurement precision
If hardware settings are adjusted to improve measurement precision for particles of varying intensities, then data can be presented accurately, but the cell sample must be rerun which may not always be possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware adjustment mechanisms with software-based gain application. This allows precise positioning of particles with varying intensities on the display by applying appropriate digital gain factors during data processing, without requiring physical hardware changes or re-running the cell sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the data parameter (channel values) by applying a gain factor during processing. This transforms the acquired data channel values to new values that position particles at desired locations on the display, maintaining measurement precision without requiring sample rerun or hardware modification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient presentation of cytometry data in alternate locations without re-running samples, maintaining data integrity and reducing the need for hardware adjustments, thus preserving valuable data and improving precision.
Implementation Method 1
a photo detector configured to generate an output signal in response to light scattering of sample particles
Implementation Method 2
a photo detector configured to generate an output signal in response to light scattering of sample particles
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a flow cytometer system and method to apply a gain to data measurements to improve the display of the data measurements. The method for applying a gain to data detected in a flow cytometer, involves obtaining measurements from a detector in a flow cytometer, applying a gain to the measurements to produce shifted measurements to allow for improved display of the shifted measurements while maintaining the relationship between data points of the shifted measurements and displaying the shifted measurements on a display.