User interface for a flow cytometer system

• US 20080228444A1
• Filed: 08/22/2006
• Published: 09/18/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/22/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Accuri Cytometers, Inc. (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Original Assignee: Accuri Cytometers, Inc. (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Inventors: Rich, Collin A., Olson, David, Goebel, Clement James
• Granted Patent: US 7,996,188 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/189
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/1429 Signal processing
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00712 Automatic status testing, e.g. at start-up or periodic
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/0092 Scheduling

Abstract

The flow cytometer user interface of the preferred embodiment comprises the steps of (1) running the sample and saving all collected data, (2) viewing the raw (or “unmodified”) data, (3) modifying the raw data (e.g., scaling and/or culling the raw data), (4) reviewing and saving the modified settings, and (5) exporting the saved data. Once the sample has been run and all collected data have been saved, the user can repeat the steps of modifying the raw data, saving the modified settings, and exporting the saved data as many times as necessary and/or desirable without the need to run an additional sample.

Claims

1. A method of extracting and analyzing data from a flow cytometer system comprising:

collecting a full dynamic range of input signals from a flow cytometer sample;

storing an initial data set of the full dynamic range of the input signals from the flow cytometer sample;

displaying the initial data set;

allowing modification of the initial data set;

saving the modified data set; and

exporting the saved data set.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein collecting the full dynamic range of input signals includes collecting the full dynamic range of input signals to an initial data set that includes a 1:

100,000 ratio between the faintest objects and the brightest objects

3. The method of claim 2 wherein collecting the full dynamic range of input signals further includes collecting the full dynamic range of input signals to an initial data set with an error rate induced by electric noise of less than one-percent.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein collecting the full dynamic range of input signals further includes collecting the input signals without accepting a gain amplification level selection from the user.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein storing an initial data set includes storing to an electronic storage unit.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein displaying the initial data set includes permitting a user to observe the initial data set from the full dynamic range of input signals, and permitting the user to identify the appropriate modifications for the initial data set.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein allowing modification of the initial data set includes permitting the user to manipulate the initial data set across the full dynamic range of input signals from the flow cytometer sample and to generate a modified data set.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein allowing modification of the initial data set further includes permitting the user to:

perform real-time comparisons between the initial data set and the modified data set on a single flow cytometer sample,

adjust or undo modifications, to make multiple adjustments on the same initial data set, and

generate at least one subset of data that corresponds to one or more sample populations contained within the initial data set.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein allowing modification of the initial data set further includes permitting the user to adjust the bounds of the data.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein allowing modification of the initial data set further includes permitting the user to identify the modifications made to the initial data set and to store the settings used to generate the desired subset of data.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein allowing modification of the initial data set further includes providing adjustable virtual instrument settings.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein allowing modifications of the initial data set further includes applying hierarchical scaling factors to independent data channels.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein allowing modification of the initial data set further includes utilizing a graphical, menu-driven format adapted to accept and display data sets.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein utilizing a graphical, menu-driven format includes displaying separate graphs that are generated from the initial data set and the modified data set in separate frames.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein utilizing a graphical, menu-driven format includes superimposing the initial data set and the modified data set on one another and displaying them in the same graph frame, distinguishing each data set.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein utilizing a graphical, menu-driven format includes displaying, in independent planes of the same graph frame, the consequences of each modification applied to the initial data set in the generation of the modified data set.

17. The method of claim 10 wherein allowing modification of the initial data set further includes utilizing a numerical display format.

18. The method of claim 10 wherein saving the modified data set further includes permitting the user to sequentially access the previously saved alterations made to the subset of data in the virtual settings.

19. The method of claim 10 wherein saving the modified data set further includes saving the corresponding modification parameters and saving the other pertinent information regarding the sample or data acquisition.

20. The method of claim 1 wherein exporting the saved data set includes permitting the user to transfer at least one of the initial data set and the modified data from the flow cytometer method to a different medium.