Location-Specific Heat Map GUI for Flow Cytometry Data Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cytometry data analysis tools fail to provide a visual comparison of multiple location-specific data sets, making it difficult for users to correlate output data with sample locations and compare multiple sets of output data from one or more sample locations, especially in applications involving flow or scanning cytometers.

Innovation Solution

A graphical user interface (GUI) that utilizes a multiplexed, location-specific heat map to visually represent and compare two or more output data sets, where icons are arranged to resemble the physical arrangement of samples, allowing users to interactively control analysis parameters and display results in a format that tracks changes associated with these parameters, using visual tone or color to represent data values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional cytometry data analysis tools are used, then data analysis can be performed, but visual comparison of multiple location-specific data sets is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloss of spatial correlation informationVSAvoiddifficulty in comparing multiple data sets
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interface segments the display into multiple panes, with each pane showing a heat map representation of a different data set. Each heat map is divided into cells corresponding to physical locations, allowing users to visually compare multiple data sets while preserving spatial correlation information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a visual dimension to data representation by using heat maps where color intensity encodes data values. This transforms tabular or numerical data into a spatial visual format, enabling intuitive comparison across multiple data sets while maintaining location-specific information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If data is displayed in traditional formats, then data analysis is possible, but correlation between output data and sample locations is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloss of location correlationVSAvoidprecision of data-location correlation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The interface creates a visual copy of the physical sample carrier arrangement in the heat map display. Each cell in the heat map corresponds to a specific physical location on the sample carrier, preserving the spatial relationships and enabling direct visual correlation between data values and sample positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If multiple data sets are analyzed separately, then detailed analysis is achieved, but comparison efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis detailVSAvoiddata comparison efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple data set visualizations into a single interface display, showing heat maps of different data sets in adjacent panes. This allows users to maintain detailed analysis capabilities for each data set while simultaneously enabling efficient visual comparison across all data sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2149081B1Graphical user interface for analysis and comparison of location-specific multiparameter data sets
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 LUMINEX CORP
  • EP2149081B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2149081B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2149081B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A graphical user interface on a computer provides for the analysis of location specific data and the presentation of analysis results for visual comparison by a user. Results of the analysis are visually presented as icons subdivided into regions and arranged in such a way that the user is able to associate each icon with a data location. A visual presentation of results in the icons and regions allows a user to visually compare the analysis results in two or more data sets according to location. The graphical user interface further provides for the definition and adjustment of an analysis through the interaction of a user with a graphical representation of the analysis. In some cases, the visual presentation of results tracks the analysis adjustments so the user can visually observe the effects that the adjustments have on the results. A method of interacting with the interface to define an analysis and represent results and a method of presenting two or more data sets using the interface are described. The interface can be used to analyze and visually compare the results of location specific data from a number of sources and is illustrated in a flow cytometry application.