Visual Protocol Builder for Flow Cytometry Code Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developing protocols for flow cytometry machines is a time-consuming and complex process that requires programming knowledge, limiting the ability of non-specialists to create and implement protocols for tasks like pathogen detection.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface allows users to build protocols using drag-and-drop graphical elements, which are then translated into executable code, enabling non-programmers to design and execute complex protocols without needing programming expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protocols are developed using traditional programming languages, then the flow cytometer can execute precise instructions, but the development time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation system that converts natural language protocol descriptions into executable code. This mediator layer allows users to write protocols in plain English or pseudocode, which is then automatically translated into the precise machine-executable instructions needed by the flow cytometer, resolving the contradiction between ease of use and execution precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual programming with an automated translation system. Instead of requiring users to manually write and debug code, the system automatically translates high-level protocol descriptions into executable instructions, eliminating the time-consuming manual coding process while maintaining execution accuracy
2Reliability
If protocols are developed by specialists with programming knowledge, then accurate and reliable protocols can be created, but the accessibility and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The translation system acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between non-programmer users and the machine-executable code requirements. Users can describe protocols in natural language without needing programming expertise, while the system ensures accurate translation into reliable executable instructions, making the system accessible to specialists and non-specialists alike
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service protocol development by providing automated translation capabilities that allow any user to create accurate protocols independently. The translation system automatically handles the complex code generation process, eliminating the need for users to seek specialized programming assistance while maintaining protocol accuracy
3Reliability
If comprehensive testing and implementation procedures are followed, then reliable particle identification can be achieved, but the overall implementation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The translation system performs preliminary action by automatically generating and validating executable code before the protocol is executed on the flow cytometer. This pre-processing step includes compiling, error-checking, and optimizing the translated code, ensuring reliability is established beforehand rather than through time-consuming post-implementation testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual testing and debugging with automated translation and validation systems. The translation process itself incorporates validation checks that ensure the generated code is correct and executable, eliminating the need for extensive manual testing while maintaining high reliability standards
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a graphical user interface to quickly build a graphical representation defining the set of instructions in a protocol without the user needing the programming knowledge to encapsulate those instructions in executable code. The graphical representation may include an arrangement of one or more graphical elements, with each graphical element corresponding to instructions or program logic. The user may also specify the set of parameters associated with each of the graphical elements. The arrangement of the one or more graphical elements, along with the set of parameters for each of the graphical elements, may be used to translate the graphical representation of the protocol into executable code for the protocol. The executable code for the protocol may then be executed by various flow cytometry machines in order to perform the protocol.