Dynamic qPCR Genotyping Data Visualization Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Quantitative PCR systems typically only display useful data at the end-point of experiments, limiting real-time analysis and requiring manual entry of parameters for each batch, which hampers high-throughput workflows and efficient data interpretation.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system for dynamic visualization of qPCR genotyping data, allowing end-users to interactively analyze data sets in real-time, generate plots, and troubleshoot ambiguous results by displaying probe intensity over cycles, facilitating genotype assignment and optimization of experimental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If qPCR systems display data only at the end-point of experiments, then data analysis is simplified, but real-time analysis capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime for data analysisVSAvoidreal-time analysis capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary data processing and visualization during the PCR experiment execution, preparing dynamic plots and statistical analyses in advance so that real-time viewing is immediately available without post-run processing delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A network communication intermediary enables data transfer between the qPCR instrument and remote processors, allowing real-time data access and analysis while the experiment is running, bridging the gap between instrument operation and data interpretation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual entry of experimental parameters is required for each batch, then system control is precise, but high-throughput workflow efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem control precisionVSAvoidhigh-throughput workflow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements universal parameter templates that can be applied across multiple batches and instruments, allowing a single set of experimental parameters to control multiple qPCR runs simultaneously, thereby maintaining precision while enabling high-throughput processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Experimental parameter templates are copied and reused across different batches and instruments, eliminating redundant manual entry while maintaining system control precision through consistent parameter application across multiple experiments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If each qPCR system operates independently with one instrument and one processor, then system management is simple, but data collection capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem management simplicityVSAvoiddata collection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple qPCR instruments are merged into a unified networked system that shares a common processor and data repository, allowing simultaneous data collection from multiple instruments while maintaining simple centralized management through a single control interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If only end-point data is displayed, then data interpretation is straightforward, but ambiguous results cannot be troubleshooted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata interpretation simplicityVSAvoidtroubleshooting information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The data display is segmented into multiple views: simplified end-point summaries for straightforward interpretation, and detailed dynamic cycle-by-cycle plots for troubleshooting ambiguous results, allowing users to switch between simplicity and information depth as needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2556458B1VISUALIZATION TOOL FOR qPCR GENOTYPING DATA
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORP
  • EP2556458B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2556458B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2556458B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods are used to display data obtained from a qPCR instrument. Each of two or more samples is probed with a first labeling probe and a second labeling probe. A first data set is received from a qPCR instrument at a first cycle number that includes for each sample a first labeling probe intensity, and a second labeling probe intensity. A second data set is received at a second cycle number that includes for each sample a first labeling probe intensity and a second labeling probe intensity. A first plot of first labeling probe intensity as a function of second labeling probe intensity is created using the first data set. A second plot of first labeling probe intensity as a function of second labeling probe intensity is created using the second data set. The first plot and the second plot are displayed in response to user defined input to provide dynamic and real-time analysis of genotyping data.