Visualization and processing of multidimensional data using prefiltering and sorting criteria

Abstract

Complex multidimensional datasets generated by digital imaging spectroscopy can be organized and analyzed by applying software and computer-based methods comprising sorting algorithms. Combinations of these algorithms to images and graphical data, allow pixels or features to be rapidly and efficiently classified into meaningful groups according to defined criteria. Multiple rounds of pixel or feature selection may be performed based on independent sorting criteria. In one embodiment sorting by spectral criteria (e.g., intensity at a given wavelength) is combined with sorting by temporal criteria (e.g., absorbance at a given time) to identify microcolonies of recombinant organisms harboring mutated genes encoding enzymes having desirable kinetic attributes and substrate specificity. Restriction of the set of pixels analyzed in a subsequent sort based on criteria applied in an earlier sort (“sort and lock” analyses) minimize computational and storage resources. User-defined criteria can also be incorporated into the sorting process by means of a graphical user interface that comprises a visualization tools including a contour plot, a sorting bar and a grouping bar, an image window, and a plot window that allow run-time interactive identification of pixels or features meeting one or more criteria, and display of their associated spectral or kinetic data. These methods are useful for extracting information from imaging data in applications ranging from biology and medicine to remote sensing.

1 - 22 . (canceled)  
   
   
       23 . A graphical user interface for display and analysis of digital image data comprising: 
 (a) a reference window for displaying a reference image comprising pixels;    (b) a contour plot window for indicating pixel location along a first dimension, indicating a non-positional variable along a second dimension, and indicating pixel intensity by a variable signal appearing along the second dimension, said contour plot window further comprising (i) a grouping bar for grouping together pixels for analysis; and (ii) a selection bar for selecting pixels that are thereby indicated in the reference window and plotted in the plot window;    (c) a plot window for displaying a plot of pixel intensity as a function of the non-positional variable.    
   
   
       24 . The graphical user interface of  claim 23 , wherein the non-positional variable is selected from the group consisting of a spectral parameter, a temporal parameter, a thermal parameter, a pH parameter, a chemical activity parameter, a pressure parameter, a partial pressure parameter, and an ionic strength parameter.  
   
   
       25 . The graphical user interface of  claim 24 , wherein the non-positional variable is a spectral parameter.  
   
   
       26 . The graphical user interface of  claim 24 , wherein the non-positional variable is a temporal parameter.  
   
   
       27 . The graphical user interface of  claim 23 , wherein said indicating in the reference window comprises a step selected from the group consisting of pseudocoloring the pixel, creating a border around the pixel, and alternating between different levels of pixel intensities.  
   
   
       28 . The graphical user interface of  claim 23 , wherein said variable signal is selected from the group consisting of color variation, intensity variation, stipple variation, and cross-hatch variation.