Microbial Identification Matrix Display for Credibility Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for displaying identification results of microorganisms, such as heat maps, do not facilitate easy assessment of the credibility or validity of the identification.

Innovation Solution

An analytical apparatus and system that display identification results in a table format using a matrix with axes representing biological sample names and phylogenetic classifications, along with cells showing identification counts, enabling easy validation of results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a heat map display of identification results is used, then the identification results can be visualized, but it is not easy to check the credibility (validity) of the identification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation on identification credibilityVSAvoidease of assessing identification validity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into multiple rows, where each row corresponds to a biological sample and contains multiple cells representing different identification results. This segmentation allows users to systematically review each identification result and its credibility on an individual basis, making it easier to assess validity while preserving complete information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary display structure (the matrix with rows and cells) that mediates between the raw identification data and the user's assessment needs. This intermediary structure organizes the information in a way that highlights credibility indicators without requiring users to process complex data directly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If identification results are displayed in a traditional format, then the data can be presented, but the concentration and dispersion of identification counts are not visually clear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual information on concentration and dispersionVSAvoiddisplay format complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs color-coding within the cells to represent different identification counts. By changing colors to indicate concentration and dispersion patterns, the display visually communicates statistical information without requiring complex numerical presentations, thus avoiding excessive complexity while preserving visual information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The display transforms numerical identification counts into visual parameters (color intensity, cell highlighting) that directly represent concentration and dispersion. This parameter transformation makes the statistical characteristics of identification results immediately visible while maintaining a simple table structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4704089A1Analysis device, analysis system, display method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SHIMADZU CORP
  • EP4704089A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4704089A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4704089A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A controller produces a matrix (M) defined by a first axis and a second axis and representing identification results in a table format. A display displays the matrix (M). The matrix (M) contains one or more first items (L1) arranged on the first axis, a plurality of second items (L2) arranged on the second axis, as well as cells (C) each positioned corresponding to a certain first item (L1) and a certain second item (L2). The one or more first items (L1) are names of the biological samples that underwent identification. The plurality of second items (L2) are biological names arranged based on phylogenetic classification. Each cell (C) displays an identification count which is the number of times a biological sample specified by a corresponding first item (L1) was identified as a biological name specified by a corresponding second item (L2).