RT-PCR Amplification Curve Analysis Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Researchers face challenges in efficiently viewing and analyzing large numbers of amplification curves generated by RT-PCR instruments, as well as managing the maintenance and calibration of multiple biological instruments, due to the manual nature of data comparison and instrument tracking.

Innovation Solution

A graphical user interface is developed that allows users to easily select, view, and annotate amplification curves, with features like zooming, commenting, and tagging, as well as a system for monitoring instrument status and maintenance schedules, utilizing touch controls and pinch-to-zoom gestures for intuitive interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual methods are used to compare and analyze biological data, then users can examine individual samples in detail, but the time required to analyze large numbers of samples increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata analysis accuracyVSAvoidsample analysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates visual copies of biological data through graphical representations. Amplification curves are displayed as visual plots, and samples are represented as selectable items in a results table. This allows users to quickly scan and compare multiple samples visually rather than examining raw numerical data for each sample individually, significantly reducing analysis time while maintaining the ability to inspect details of selected samples.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the large set of biological data into individual, selectable sample entries in a results table. Each sample can be independently selected and examined, allowing users to navigate through data in manageable units rather than being overwhelmed by the entire dataset at once. This segmentation enables efficient browsing and focused analysis of specific samples of interest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple biological instruments are operated simultaneously, then productivity increases, but tracking maintenance and calibration becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexperiment throughputVSAvoidinstrument management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the management of multiple biological instruments into a single integrated system. The results table consolidates data from multiple qPCR instruments, and the system provides unified access to instrument status, maintenance schedules, and calibration information. This consolidation allows researchers to manage multiple instruments through one interface rather than separately tracking each device, reducing management complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If detailed information about each sample is displayed, then data completeness is improved, but the interface becomes cluttered and harder to navigate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiological data completenessVSAvoidinterface usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts detailed sample information from the main results table and presents it in a separate, dedicated panel. When a user selects a sample in the results table, the sample information panel displays comprehensive details including amplification curves, genotyping data, and other biological information. This extraction allows the main interface to remain clean and navigable while providing complete data access through the separate panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional table view to a multi-dimensional display by adding graphical amplification curves and sample information panels. Selected samples are highlighted in the results table, and their corresponding amplification curves are displayed in a separate graphical region. This dimensional expansion allows comprehensive data presentation without cluttering the primary data table, improving both information completeness and interface usability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3254086B1Methods and systems for identifying a real-time polymerase chain reaction site
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORP
  • EP3254086B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3254086B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3254086B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for identifying a reaction site associated with an amplification curve from a plurality of amplification curves (104, 204, 304, 404) is provided. The method includes receiving amplification data from a plurality of reaction sites, wherein each reaction site contains a sample. The method further includes generating a plurality of amplification curves (104, 204, 304, 404) from the amplification data and displaying a first portion of the plurality of amplification curves (104, 204, 304, 404) on a display screen (1212). The method includes displaying a list of indications of reaction sites (A24-A29) associated with the first portion of amplification curves (104, 204, 304, 404) alongside the first portion of amplification curves (104, 204, 304, 404) on the display screen (1212). Then, the method includes adjusting the view to display a second portion of the plurality of amplification curves (104, 204, 304, 404). The method further includes dynamically adjusting the list to display indications of reaction sites (A24-A29) associated with the second portion of amplification curves (104, 204, 304, 404) alongside the second portion of amplification curves (104, 204, 304, 404) on the display screen (1212), wherein the list is configured to be scrollable.