Multivariate Analysis Visualization for MS Image Interpretation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging mass spectrometers require users to have experience and skill to determine characteristic plots for differential analysis, and it is difficult to grasp the relationship between multiple plots and corresponding MS images, making it burdensome for users to understand multivariate analysis results.

Innovation Solution

An analysis device that performs multivariate analysis, extracts characteristic parameters, creates corresponding images, and displays them with a consistent visual aspect, allowing users to easily identify and understand the results without requiring complex determinations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users manually determine characteristic plots on loading plots for differential analysis, then analysis accuracy can be achieved, but user burden increases and requires experience and skill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis accuracyVSAvoiduser burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic feature extraction and characteristic plot determination without requiring user intervention. The computer automatically identifies significant plots from multivariate analysis results, extracts characteristic ions, and generates differential diagnosis information, making the system self-sufficient in the determination process that previously required expert user input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual determination process by users is replaced with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms to identify characteristic plots, extract features, and generate diagnostic information. This substitution eliminates the need for users to manually examine loading plots and determine characteristic features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users designate multiple plots on loading plot for differential analysis, then comprehensive analysis can be achieved, but it becomes difficult to grasp the relationship between plots and corresponding MS images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive analysis capabilityVSAvoidrelationship understanding

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the display of loading plots with corresponding MS images by superimposing plot information onto the images. Characteristic ions extracted from multiple plots are visually integrated into a unified display that shows both the multivariate analysis results and their spatial distribution, allowing users to grasp relationships between multiple plots and their corresponding images simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a visual dimension by superimposing plot characteristics onto two-dimensional MS images. This dimensional transformation allows users to perceive the relationship between multiple plots and their corresponding spatial distributions in an integrated visual format rather than separate abstract plots

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Extent of automation

If conventional multivariate analysis methods are used, then statistical processing can be performed, but the results are difficult to understand without expert knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultivariate analysis processingVSAvoidresult interpretability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary visualization layer that translates abstract multivariate analysis results into intuitive visual forms. By superimposing characteristic ion information onto MS images and providing automated differential diagnosis information, the system mediates between complex statistical processing and user comprehension, making results understandable without requiring expert statistical knowledge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12176194B2Analysis device

Publication Date: 2024.12.24 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

An analysis device collects data by performing a predetermined analysis on each specimen and processes the data. The analysis device includes an analysis processing unit (23) configured to execute multivariate analysis processing based on collected data for analysis of a difference between a plurality of measurement targets or classification of the plurality of measurement targets, a feature extraction unit (24) configured to extract a characteristic parameter or element estimated to be mainly related to a difference or classification from a multivariate analysis result according to a predetermined criterion, an image creation unit (25) configured to create an image of a predetermined two-dimensional range corresponding to the parameter or element extracted by the feature extraction unit, and a display processing unit (26) configured to assign a same visual aspect to the characteristic parameter or element extracted on the multivariate analysis result and the image created correspondingly and display the multivariate analysis result and the image on a display unit (4).