Single-Cell Data Visualization With Hierarchical Clustering Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cytometry techniques face challenges in analyzing complex multidimensional datasets due to manual variability, subjectivity, and non-reproducibility, especially when dealing with large volumes of cytometric data, necessitating intuitive and interactive data visualization tools for effortless exploration of biological data patterns and relationships.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for visualizing and optionally clustering single cell-type data using a hierarchical structure, enabling interactive selection and manipulation of classes through a graphical user interface, allowing users to explore data without prior knowledge of specific populations, and facilitating intuitive data representation changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automated clustering methods are used to eliminate manual gating, then objectivity and reproducibility improve, but interpretability and user understanding of data structure deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereproducibilityVSAvoidinterpretability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an interactive visualization interface as an intermediary between automated clustering algorithms and users. This interface displays clustered data points with hierarchical groupings and allows users to explore cluster structures, select regions of interest, and interpret results visually, thereby recovering interpretability while maintaining automated clustering reproducibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where user interactions with the visualization (such as selecting regions, adjusting parameters, or exploring clusters) provide feedback that refines and clarifies the clustering results. This iterative feedback loop enhances user understanding and interpretability of the automated clustering output

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of information

If manual gating is used for data analysis, then interpretability and user control are maintained, but time consumption and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterpretabilityVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary automated clustering to organize data points into groups before user analysis. This preliminary action creates a structured foundation that reduces the time and effort required for manual gating, while the subsequent interactive visualization allows users to efficiently review and interpret the pre-organized data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the large dataset into smaller, manageable clusters automatically. This segmentation reduces the complexity of manual analysis by breaking down the overwhelming task of analyzing all data points into reviewing and interpreting smaller, organized groups, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining interpretability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If the number of cytometric parameters increases, then measurement precision and biological insight improve, but data complexity and analysis difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter resolutionVSAvoiddata complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses high-dimensional data complexity by projecting clustered data points into lower-dimensional visual spaces while preserving cluster structures. The interactive visualization displays data in 2D or 3D plots where users can explore relationships between multiple parameters through interactive filtering and parameter selection, making high-dimensional data comprehensible without losing measurement precision

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by allowing users to focus on specific regions or clusters of interest within the high-dimensional data space. The interactive visualization enables users to select and examine particular clusters in detail, adjusting parameter displays and exploration depth locally, rather than requiring comprehension of the entire high-dimensional dataset at once

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4645321A1Method for clustering, visualization and interpretation of single cell data
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 METAFORA BIOSYST
  • EP4645321A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4645321A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4645321A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system (1) for clustering and visualization of single cell-type data, the system comprising: a visual display device (60); a user interface (50), and at least one computer processor (10) coupled to the visual display device (60) and the user interface (50) programmed to perform a computer-implemented method for clustering and visualization of single-cell type data associated with a plurality of biological objects.