Graph Layout Memory for LC/MS Data Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data analysis systems face challenges in efficiently comparing multiple graphs by requiring users to manually reset layouts and inefficiently utilize display space, leading to increased workload and reduced information access.
Innovation Solution
A data analysis system with a layout memory to store and reproduce graph layouts, including a graph display unit, layout change unit, and layout memorizing unit, which allows users to easily arrange and recall preferred graph displays, and a display format change interlock unit for synchronized format changes across related graphs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually arrange and re-arrange graph layouts for comparison, then the comparison task can be completed, but the user workload increases and time is wasted due to repeated manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically arranging multiple graphs in an optimal layout before the user needs to compare them. The layout arrangement unit pre-processes the graph positioning, scaling, and spacing, so when comparison is needed, the graphs are already optimally positioned without requiring manual user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically generating and adjusting graph layouts without user intervention. The layout arrangement unit independently calculates optimal positions, handles graph overlapping, and adjusts display parameters, making the system self-sufficient in performing the layout arrangement task that would otherwise require manual user operation.
2Loss of information
If multiple graphs are displayed in a limited monitor area, then all analysis data can be viewed simultaneously, but the display area for each individual graph becomes small reducing information quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional graph representations to three-dimensional spatial arrangement on the monitor. The layout arrangement unit utilizes depth, layering, and multi-level positioning in the display space, allowing graphs to be organized in hierarchical structures and overlapping regions, effectively increasing the usable display area without requiring additional monitor real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
The graph display areas are made dynamic rather than fixed. The layout arrangement unit continuously adjusts graph sizes, positions, and visibility based on available screen space and importance weighting, allowing the display configuration to adapt automatically to different comparison scenarios and screen resolutions, maximizing information density while maintaining adequate detail.
3Productivity
If graphs are automatically arranged by the system, then user workload is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to additional layout arrangement functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The layout arrangement unit is designed as a universal module that can handle multiple types of graphs (chromatograms, spectra, contour plots) and various comparison scenarios through a single unified mechanism. Rather than creating separate arrangement functions for each graph type or comparison case, the system uses one multi-functional unit that adapts to different requirements, minimizing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the layout arrangement unit evaluates the quality of graph arrangements and automatically adjusts configurations based on predefined criteria such as graph overlap minimization, information visibility, and spatial efficiency. This self-evaluating and self-correcting approach reduces the need for complex manual control structures while maintaining high arrangement quality and comparison efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In a liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC/MS), three kinds of graphic data (or graphs) composed of an LC chromatogram, an MS chromatogram, and an MS spectrum should be mutually compared to perform a specific analysis. Conventionally, a plurality of graphs are arranged for comparison on one monitor in accordance with a user's purpose. However, when an operation is once terminated and then the graphs are displayed again or in other processes, their display formats are not reproduced. Hence, the user needs to manually set the desired layout every time, which is cumbersome. The data analysis system according to the present invention has been developed to solve this problem. The data analysis system has a layout memory for storing layout information including a plurality of kinds of graphs to be displayed on the monitor and the display position of each graph, and refers to the layout information when displaying the graphs.