Interactive Tree Plot for Flow Cytometry Data Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cytometry systems face challenges in efficiently displaying and analyzing large amounts of polychromatic data, particularly with 6 or more colors, as they do not allow for interactive and dynamic updating of graphs, leading to difficulties in identifying biologically significant events within numerous scatter plots.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) is developed to display and analyze flow cytometry data using interactive tree plots, histograms, contour plots, density plots, and scatter plots, allowing users to dynamically select and update subpopulations, enabling rapid generation and display of updated plots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional scatter plots and histograms are used to display flow cytometry data, then the data can be visualized, but the system cannot efficiently handle large amounts of polychromatic data (6 or more colors) and does not allow interactive dynamic updating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex polychromatic flow cytometry data into multiple hierarchical levels of scatter plots, where each plot represents a specific color combination. This segmentation allows the system to manage large amounts of data by dividing it into manageable subsets while maintaining interactive updating capabilities through the hierarchical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the traditional scatter plots by implementing real-time interactive updating. When users modify plot parameters or select new data subsets, the system dynamically regenerates the plots immediately, transforming static visualizations into interactive, time-dependent displays that respond to user actions.
2Loss of information
If conventional flow cytometry systems display multiple scatter plots for polychromatic data, then more data can be visualized, but it becomes difficult to identify biologically significant events within the numerous plots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual scatter plots representing different color combinations into a unified hierarchical display structure. This consolidation allows users to navigate through related plots systematically and compare data across different parameter combinations without being overwhelmed by the sheer number of separate visualizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal plotting framework that can display multiple types of scatter plots (different color combinations, different parameter pairings) within a single integrated interface. This multi-functional system allows users to switch between different data representations while maintaining consistent interaction patterns and visualization standards.
3Productivity
If flow cytometers operate at very high speeds to collect large amounts of data, then data collection efficiency is improved, but the data display and analysis systems cannot operate at matching speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary organization of flow cytometry data into hierarchical structures and pre-computed statistical parameters during the data collection phase. This preliminary processing reduces the computational burden during real-time display operations, allowing the analysis system to keep pace with high-speed data collection by having data ready for immediate visualization.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products can be used for displaying and analyzing data. A method operates by receiving and displaying flow cytometry data in a tree plot, which represents multiple variations of classified flow cytometry data within an interface of computer that includes an input device. The interface permits a user to select, using the input device, portions of the tree plot associated with characteristics and sub-sets of the data. In an example, one or more histograms, contour plots, density plots, radar plots, and scatter plots representing the data are displayed within the interface. The interface permits a user to select, using the input device, portions of the histograms, contour plots, density plots, radar plots, and scatter plots, corresponding to characteristics and sub-sets of the data. Li an example, updated histograms and plots are displayed in the interface substantially immediately based upon selected characteristics and subsets of the data.