Plate Map Interface for Automatic Well Grouping and Parameter Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for configuring plate experiments are inefficient, prone to user errors, and discourage detailed parameter entry, leading to reduced instrument usage, data reproducibility issues, and delayed discoveries.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system providing a plate experiment interface with a tabbed user interface that allows users to intuitively assign parameters to wells, generate groups, and visualize parameter settings in real-time, using indicia to indicate groupings and allowing for automatic cleanup of redundant groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual data entry is used to configure plate experiments, then users can input parameter data, but the process takes much longer and is more susceptible to user errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic well grouping and parameter assignment based on user-defined criteria, eliminating the need for manual well-by-well configuration. The computer automatically processes the plate map, identifies patterns, and assigns parameters, making the system self-configure rather than requiring continuous user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Users define grouping criteria and parameters in advance before the actual plate configuration is needed. The system then automatically applies these pre-defined rules to generate the complete plate setup, performing the detailed assignment work beforehand rather than during the experiment setup phase.
2Ease of operation
If manual grouping of wells is performed, then users can organize wells into groups, but the process is tedious and encourages errors
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of dragging and dropping or manually assigning wells to groups is replaced with an automated computational system. The computer algorithm automatically analyzes the plate map data, applies grouping criteria, and assigns wells to groups based on logical rules rather than manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an automated grouping engine as an intermediary between the user's criteria and the final well assignments. This intermediary automatically processes the grouping logic, ensuring consistent and accurate application of grouping rules without direct user intervention in the assignment process.
3Loss of information
If detailed parameter data is entered manually, then comprehensive assay designs can be created, but the tedious input process reduces user motivation and causes downstream problems
Solution Approach 1:
The parameter configuration process is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) Users define high-level grouping criteria and parameter templates, and (2) The system automatically generates detailed parameter assignments for all wells. This segmentation allows users to input minimal information while the system handles the detailed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated configuration system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it groups wells, assigns parameters, generates plate maps, and validates data consistency all in one process. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple manual operations with a single automated system call.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface that includes a plate map that automatically updates to provide indicia descriptive of parameter assignments and parameter groups can provide an intuitive system for building experiments. For example, a user may provide one or more inputs to generate and assign a parameter setting to a plurality of cells that represent a plurality of wells. The user interface may update the plate map to depict one or more indicia to indicate which wells have been assigned the new parameter setting.