Methods and systems for identifying polymerase chain reaction sites

A method for identifying a reaction site associated with an amplification curve from a plurality of amplification curves is provided. Amplification data is received from a plurality of reaction sites, wherein each reaction site contains a sample. A plurality of amplification curves is generated from the amplification data and a first portion of the plurality of amplification curves is displayed on a display screen. A list of indications of reaction sites associated with the first portion of amplification curves is displayed alongside the first portion of amplification curves on the display screen. Then the view is adjusted to display a second portion of the plurality of amplification curves, and the list is dynamically adjusted to display indications of reaction sites associated with the second portion of amplification curves alongside the second portion of amplification curves on the display screen, wherein the list is configured to be scrollable.

BACKGROUND

Generally, users perform biological studies by gathering and comparing various sets of biological data. For example, a user may run various qPCR-based experiments to gather distinct types of biological data, such as genotyping data or gene expression data, about a gene of interest to the study. If the user wishes to compare various types of biological data, it is often done manually. The number of samples needed for one experiment may also be great and it is often difficult to isolate a particular sample for a user to examine and visualize so that a user may quickly and easily get valuable information from the data. Further, labs or facilities often operate several biological instruments. It may be difficult to track maintenance or calibration of the instruments

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, a method for identifying a reaction site associated with an amplification curve from a plurality of amplification curves is provided. The method includes receiving amplification data from a plurality of reaction sites, wherein each reaction site contains a sample and generating a plurality of amplification curves from the amplification data. The method further includes displaying a first portion of the plurality of amplification curves on a display screen, and displaying a list of indications of reaction sites associated with the first portion of amplification curves alongside the first portion of amplification curves on the display screen. The method includes adjusting the view to display a second portion of the plurality of amplification curves, and dynamically adjusting the list to display indications of reaction sites associated with the second portion of amplification curves alongside the second portion of amplification curves on the display screen. The list is configured to be scrollable.

In another exemplary embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium encoded with processor-executable instructions, the instruction for identifying a reaction site associated with an amplification curve from a plurality of amplification curves, is provided. The instructions comprising instructions for receiving amplification data from a plurality of reaction sites, wherein each reaction site contains a sample, and generating a plurality of amplification curves from the amplification data. The instructions further include instructions for displaying a first portion of the plurality of amplification curves on a display screen and displaying a list of indications of reaction sites associated with the first portion of amplification curves alongside the first portion of amplification curves on the display screen. The instructions further include instructions for adjusting the view to display a second portion of the plurality of amplification curves, and dynamically adjusting the list to display indications of reaction sites associated with the second portion of amplification curves alongside the second portion of amplification curves on the display screen. The list is configured to be scrollable.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a system for identifying a reaction site associated with an amplification curve from a plurality of amplification curves is provided. The system includes a processor; and a memory. The memory is encoded instructions, executable by the processor. The instructions include instructions for receiving amplification data from a plurality of reaction sites, wherein each reaction site contains a sample, and generating a plurality of amplification curves from the amplification data. The instructions further include instructions for displaying a first portion of the plurality of amplification curves on a display screen and displaying a list of indications of reaction sites associated with the first portion of amplification curves alongside the first portion of amplification curves on the display screen. The instructions further include instructions for adjusting the view to display a second portion of the plurality of amplification curves, and dynamically adjusting the list to display indications of reaction sites associated with the second portion of amplification curves alongside the second portion of amplification curves on the display screen. The list is configured to be scrollable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, the following description sets forth numerous specific details, such as specific configurations, parameters, examples, and the like. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present invention, but is intended to provide a better description of the exemplary embodiments.

Researchers use biological instrument to perform various experiments to study genes of interest. The present teachings are described with reference to Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) instruments. In particular, an embodiment of the present teachings is implemented for RT-PCR instruments employing optical imaging of well plates. Such instruments can be capable of simultaneously measuring signals from a plurality of samples, spots, or reaction sites for analytical purposes.

The measured signals include fluorescence data acquired from the plurality of reaction sites to detect the amount of nucleic acid within the reaction site over time as the sample within the reaction site is amplified. The fluorescence data for each reaction site is plotted to generate an amplification curve. Since fluorescence data is measure from every reaction site, there are often hundreds, sometimes thousands, of generated amplification curves. As one could imagine, to view a single amplification curve and associated information related to the sample, is challenging. According to various embodiments described herein, methods and systems allow a user to easily select a particular amplification curve that is of interest and view information associated with the amplification curve so that the user is able to quickly get useful information from the real-time amplification curves or mark the curves for further analysis later.

With reference toFIG. 1, a graphical user interface100displaying a plurality of amplification curves104within amplification curve plot102is depicted. For the portion of the plurality of amplification curves104visible in amplification curve plot102, the details of each well associated with the amplification curve can be viewed by activating well detail button106. Further, different portions of the plurality of amplification curves may be viewed by zooming or unzooming the amplification curve plot102by activating zoom button108.

In another embodiment shown inFIG. 2, an example of a graphical user interface200for viewing a selection of amplification curves204is illustrated. In this example, amplification curve plot202displays a portion of amplification curves204. The view of amplification curve plot202may be shifted by activating arrows206. Further, the view of amplification curve plot202may be zoomed in by activating zoom button308or zoomed out using unzoom button210. By changing the view of amplification curve plot202, the portion of amplification curves displayed may dynamically change. In well scroll bar216, further information for the viewable amplification curves are displayed. For example, well locations of amplification curves204are indicated by color in well scroll bar216. If the number of amplification curves visible in amplification curve plot202exceeds the amount of available space in well scroll bar216, the user may scroll down or up to view the information about the other amplification curve s. If more information is desired about a particular amplification curve, a user may select the associated well location information in well scroll bar216to view further details, such as sample type loaded into the well. In this way, individual amplification curves may be more easily selected and information associated with the selected amplification curve can be quickly and easily identified.

Additionally, according to various embodiments, a comment button212and tag button214may be provided to a user for the user to choose to add in a comment or a tag for a specific amplification curve. For example, a user may notice an amplification curve has an unusual characteristic and would like to make a comment associated with the amplification curve to store for future reference. Comment button212and tag button214may be selected by the user to input tags and/or comments.

Arrows206, zoom in button208, zoom out button210, and well scroll bar216may be activated by touch control. In various embodiments, a user may also be able to perform pinch-to-zoom touch screen gestures on amplification curve plot202to zoom in and zoom out the viewable area of amplification curve plot202. Well scroll bar216may also be controlled by touch screen gestures, such as flicking upwards to move well scroll bar216up or flicking downwards to move well scroll bar216down.

FIG. 3illustrates another example of a graphical user interface300for identifying amplification curves according to various embodiments described herein. In this example, amplification curve plot302displays a portion of amplification curves304. The view of amplification curve plot302may be shifted by activating arrows306. Further, the view of amplification curve plot302may be zoomed in by activating zoom button308or zoomed out using zoom out button310. By changing the view of amplification curve plot302, the portion of amplification curves displayed may dynamically change. In well scroll bar316, further information for the viewable amplification curves are displayed. For example, well locations of amplification curves304are indicated by color in well scroll bar316. If the number of amplification curves visible in amplification curve plot302exceeds the amount of available space in well scroll bar316, the user may scroll down or up to view the information about the other amplification curve s. If more information is desired about a particular amplification curve, a user may select the associated well location information in well scroll bar316to view further details, such as sample type loaded into the well. In this example, A27is selected from well scroll bar316. Other information associated with A27is displayed adjacent to well scroll bar316. Furthermore, the amplification curve associated with A27may be highlighted in amplification curve plot302so that the user is able to easily identify all associated information to well A27. In this way, individual amplification curves may be more easily selected and information associated with the selected amplification curve can be quickly and easily identified.

Additionally, according to various embodiments, a comment button312and tag button314may be provided to a user for the user to choose to add in a comment or a tag for a specific amplification curve. For example, a user may notice an amplification curve has an unusual characteristic and would like to make a comment associated with the amplification curve to store for future reference. Comment button312and tag button314may be selected by the user to input tags and/or comments.

Arrows306, zoom button308, zoom out button310, and well scroll bar316may be activated by touch control. In various embodiments, a user may also be able to perform pinch-to-zoom touch screen gestures on amplification curve plot302to zoom and zoom out the viewable area of amplification curve plot302. Well scroll bar316may also be controlled by touch screen gestures, such as flicking upwards to move well scroll bar316up or flicking downwards to move well scroll bar316down.

FIG. 4illustrates another example of a graphical user interface400for identifying amplification curves according to various embodiments of described herein. In this example, a selected amplification curve is shown highlighted in amplification plot402. Well scroll bar418displays well location of the portion of a plurality of amplification curves404. A user can select a particular well, in this case, A27and view sample name, target name, well ID, and dye associated with A27. The amplification curve associated with A27is shown to be in green. In addition to the color to identify the associated amplification curve, the system also displays the amplification curve associated with A27406in a highlighted manner so that the other curves are dimmed to highlight amplification curve406.

FIG. 5illustrates an example of a graphical user interface500for inputting tags or comments according to various embodiments described herein. With reference back toFIG. 4, comment button414and tag button416allow a user to choose to input a comment or tag for a selected amplification curve. Once a user selects comment button414or tag button416, a keyboard is displayed to the user. The user may enter a comment or tag in the input field box502using the keyboard. The keyboard may also be displayed on a touch screen so that the user may directly interact with the images displayed.

FIG. 6illustrates an example of a graphical user interface for displaying and editing a thermal cycling protocol according to various embodiments described herein. A user may set up the thermal cycling protocol using graphical user interface600. The user may adjust the protocol before the run is started on the instrument. The user may also adjust the protocol after the run has started. If the user wants to revise/adjust the thermal cycling protocol, the user may select the portion of the graphical representation of the thermal cycling protocol602they wish to edit and then select the edit button610. The user may then adjust the temperature or length of a particular portion of the cycle, for example. This feature allows a user to make on the fly changes without having to stop the entire experiment run.

Additionally, the user is able to view the start time606, end time608and time remaining for the experiment604. GUI600may also be displayed on a touch screen capable of being activated by a user interacting directly with GUI600.

FIG. 7illustrates another example of a graphical user interface for displaying and editing a thermal cycling protocol according to various embodiments described herein. In this example, the user can add or delete from the graphical representation of the thermal cycling protocol702by activating the addition buttons704or deletion button706.

In a laboratory setting, there is often multiple instruments used by the researchers using the lab. It is often difficult to monitor that status, and routine maintenance and calibration schedules of the instruments. According to various embodiments described herein, GUI800may be displayed to a user to indicate the status of each of the instruments in the network of instruments used by a lab, for example. With reference toFIG. 8, a graphical user interface800for displaying a plurality of instrument statuses802according to various embodiments described herein is depicted. A user viewing GUI800can view the instruments within the same network and easily view the instrument status, such as available or in use, and other information such as calibration status. More detailed information about an individual instrument may also be viewed.

FIG. 9illustrates an example of a graphical user interface900for displaying information about an instrument according to various embodiments described herein. GUI900illustrates a summary page902for an individual instrument. The various calibration statuses and expiration dates are viewed in the calibration status table904. A user may also choose to view event history tab906, calibration history tab908, and statistics tab910. In summary page902, a user is able to view the calibration status of the instrument.

FIG. 10illustrates an example of a graphical user interface1000for displaying statistical information about an instrument according to various embodiments described herein. The statistic page1010shows the type of runs this particular instrument for which this instrument has been used. Statistics page1010also indicates the number of hours of usage of this experiment.

FIG. 11illustrates another example of a graphical user interface1100for displaying statistical information about an instrument according to various embodiments described herein. In this example, pie chart1104graphically shows the amount of use of the instrument by user. Pie chart1104shows that this instrument has been used most often by user1.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the operations of the various embodiments may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof, as appropriate. For example, some processes can be carried out using processors or other digital circuitry under the control of software, firmware, or hard-wired logic. (The term “logic” herein refers to fixed hardware, programmable logic and/or an appropriate combination thereof, as would be recognized by one skilled in the art to carry out the recited functions.) Software and firmware can be stored on non-transitory computer-readable media. Some other processes can be implemented using analog circuitry, as is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, memory or other storage, as well as communication components, may be employed in embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system1200that may be employed to carry out processing functionality, according to various embodiments. Instruments to perform experiments may be connected to the exemplary computing system1200. Computing system1200can include one or more processors, such as a processor1204. Processor1204can be implemented using a general or special purpose processing engine such as, for example, a microprocessor, controller or other control logic. In this example, processor1204is connected to a bus1202or other communication medium.

Further, it should be appreciated that a computing system1200ofFIG. 12may be embodied in any of a number of forms, such as a rack-mounted computer, mainframe, supercomputer, server, client, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, hand-held computing device (e.g., PDA, cell phone, smart phone, palmtop, etc.), cluster grid, netbook, embedded systems, or any other type of special or general purpose computing device as may be desirable or appropriate for a given application or environment. Additionally, a computing system1200can include a conventional network system including a client/server environment and one or more database servers, or integration with LIS/LIMS infrastructure. A number of conventional network systems, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), and including wireless and/or wired components, are known in the art. Additionally, client/server environments, database servers, and networks are well documented in the art. According to various embodiments described herein, computing system1200may be configured to connect to one or more servers in a distributed network. Computing system1200may receive information or updates from the distributed network. Computing system1200may also transmit information to be stored within the distributed network that may be accessed by other clients connected to the distributed network.

Computing system1200may include bus1202or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and processor1204coupled with bus1202for processing information.

Computing system1200also includes a memory1206, which can be a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory, coupled to bus1202for storing instructions to be executed by processor1204. Memory1206also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor1204. Computing system1200further includes a read only memory (ROM)1208or other static storage device coupled to bus1202for storing static information and instructions for processor1204.

Computing system1200may also include a storage device1210, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solid state drive (SSD) is provided and coupled to bus1202for storing information and instructions. Storage device1210may include a media drive and a removable storage interface. A media drive may include a drive or other mechanism to support fixed or removable storage media, such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a CD or DVD drive (R or RW), flash drive, or other removable or fixed media drive. As these examples illustrate, the storage media may include a computer-readable storage medium having stored therein particular computer software, instructions, or data.

In alternative embodiments, storage device1210may include other similar instrumentalities for allowing computer programs or other instructions or data to be loaded into computing system1200. Such instrumentalities may include, for example, a removable storage unit and an interface, such as a program cartridge and cartridge interface, a removable memory (for example, a flash memory or other removable memory module) and memory slot, and other removable storage units and interfaces that allow software and data to be transferred from the storage device1210to computing system1200.

Computing system1200can also include a communications interface1218. Communications interface1218can be used to allow software and data to be transferred between computing system1200and external devices. Examples of communications interface1218can include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet or other NIC card), a communications port (such as for example, a USB port, a RS-232C serial port), a PCMCIA slot and card, Bluetooth, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface1218are in the form of signals which can be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or other signals capable of being received by communications interface1218. These signals may be transmitted and received by communications interface1218via a channel such as a wireless medium, wire or cable, fiber optics, or other communications medium. Some examples of a channel include a phone line, a cellular phone link, an RF link, a network interface, a local or wide area network, and other communications channels.

Computing system1200may be coupled via bus1202to a display1212, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD), for displaying information to a computer user. An input device1214, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus1202for communicating information and command selections to processor1204, for example. An input device may also be a display, such as an LCD display, configured with touchscreen input capabilities. Another type of user input device is cursor control1216, such as a mouse, a trackball or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to processor1204and for controlling cursor movement on display1212. This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane. A computing system1200provides data processing and provides a level of confidence for such data. Consistent with certain implementations of embodiments of the present teachings, data processing and confidence values are provided by computing system1200in response to processor1204executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in memory1206. Such instructions may be read into memory1206from another computer-readable medium, such as storage device1210. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in memory1206causes processor1204to perform the process states described herein. Alternatively hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement embodiments of the present teachings. Thus implementations of embodiments of the present teachings are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The term “computer-readable medium” and “computer program product” as used herein generally refers to any media that is involved in providing one or more sequences or one or more instructions to processor1204for execution. Such instructions, generally referred to as “computer program code” (which may be grouped in the form of computer programs or other groupings), when executed, enable the computing system1200to perform features or functions of embodiments of the present invention. These and other forms of non-transitory computer-readable media may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, solid state, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device1210. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as memory1206. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus1202.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor1204for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to computing system1200can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitter to convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector coupled to bus1202can receive the data carried in the infra-red signal and place the data on bus1202. Bus1202carries the data to memory1206, from which processor1204retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by memory1206may optionally be stored on storage device1210either before or after execution by processor1204.

Distributed System

Some of the elements of a typical Internet network configuration1300are shown inFIG. 13, wherein a number of client machines1302possibly in a remote local office, are shown connected to a gateway/hub/tunnel-server/etc1310which is itself connected to the internet1308via some internet service provider (ISP) connection1310. Also shown are other possible clients1312similarly connected to the internet1308via an ISP connection1314, with these units communicating to possibly a central lab or office, for example, via an ISP connection1316to a gateway/tunnel-server1318which is connected1320to various enterprise application servers1322which could be connected through another hub/router1326to various local clients1330. Any of these servers1322could function as a development server for the analysis of potential content management and delivery design solutions as described in the present invention, as more fully described below.

PCR Instruments

As mentioned above, an instrument that may be utilized according to various embodiments, but is not limited to, is a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) instrument.FIG. 14is a block diagram that illustrates a PCR instrument1400, upon which embodiments of the present teachings may be implemented. PCR instrument1400may include a heated cover1410that is placed over a plurality of samples1412contained in a substrate (not shown). In various embodiments, a substrate may be a glass or plastic slide with a plurality of sample regions, which sample regions have a cover between the sample regions and heated cover1410. Some examples of a substrate may include, but are not limited to, a multi-well plate, such as a standard microtiter 96-well, a 384-well plate, or a microcard, or a substantially planar support, such as a glass or plastic slide. The reaction sites in various embodiments of a substrate may include depressions, indentations, ridges, and combinations thereof, patterned in regular or irregular arrays formed on the surface of the substrate. Various embodiments of PCR instruments include a sample block1414, elements for heating and cooling1416, a heat exchanger1418, control system1420, and user interface1422. Various embodiments of a thermal block assembly according to the present teachings comprise components1414-1418of PCR instrument1400ofFIG. 14.

Real-time PCR instrument1400has an optical system1424. InFIG. 14, an optical system1424may have an illumination source (not shown) that emits electromagnetic energy, an optical sensor, detector, or imager (not shown), for receiving electromagnetic energy from samples1412in a substrate, and optics1440used to guide the electromagnetic energy from each DNA sample to the imager. For embodiments of PCR instrument1400inFIG. 14and real-time PCR instrument1400inFIG. 14, control system1420, may be used to control the functions of the detection system, heated cover, and thermal block assembly. Control system1420may be accessible to an end user through user interface1422of PCR instrument1400inFIG. 14and real-time PCR instrument1400inFIG. 14. Also a computer system1400, as depicted inFIG. 14, may serve as to provide the control the function of PCR instrument1400inFIG. 14, as well as the user interface function. Additionally, computer system400ofFIG. 4may provide data processing, display and report preparation functions. All such instrument control functions may be dedicated locally to the PCR instrument, or computer system400ofFIG. 4may provide remote control of part or all of the control, analysis, and reporting functions, as will be discussed in more detail subsequently.

Optical System for Imaging

FIG. 15depicts an exemplary optical system1500that may be used for imaging according to embodiments described herein. It should be recognized that optical system1500is an exemplary optical system and one skilled in the art would recognize that other optical systems may be used to capture images an object-of-interest. According to various embodiments, an object of interest may be a sample holder such as, for example, a calibration plate as described herein. An optical sensor1502included in a camera1504, for example, may image an object-of-interest1510. The optical sensor1502may be a CCD sensor and the camera1504may be a CCD camera. Further, the optical sensor includes a camera lens1506.

Depending on the object of interest, an emission filter1508can be chosen for imagining the object-of-interest1510according to various embodiments. Emission filter1508may be changed to image fluorescent emission emitted from the object-of-interest1501in other embodiments.

Optical system1500may use a reflected light source1512to image object-of-interest1510. The light from light source1512may be filtered through an asphere1514, a focuser/diverger1516, and excitation filter1518before being reflected to the object-of-interest1510by beamsplitter1520. Optical system1500may also include a field lens1522. Depending on the object of interest, the excitation filter1518can be chosen or changed for imagining the object-of-interest1510according to various embodiments.

In example 1, a method for identifying a reaction site associated with an amplification curve from a plurality of amplification curves is provided. The method comprises: receiving amplification data from a plurality of reaction sites, wherein each reaction site contains a sample; generating a plurality of amplification curves from the amplification data; displaying a first portion of the plurality of amplification curves on a display screen; displaying a list of indications of reaction sites associated with the first portion of amplification curves alongside the first portion of amplification curves on the display screen; adjusting the view to display a second portion of the plurality of amplification curves; dynamically adjusting the list to display indications of reaction sites associated with the second portion of amplification curves alongside the second portion of amplification curves on the display screen, wherein the list is configured to be scrollable.

In example 2, a computer-readable storage medium encoded with processor-executable instructions, the instruction for identifying a reaction site associated with an amplification curve from a plurality of amplification curves. The instructions comprise instructions for: receiving amplification data from a plurality of reaction sites, wherein each reaction site contains a sample; generating a plurality of amplification curves from the amplification data; displaying a first portion of the plurality of amplification curves on a display screen; displaying a list of indications of reaction sites associated with the first portion of amplification curves alongside the first portion of amplification curves on the display screen; adjusting the view to display a second portion of the plurality of amplification curves; dynamically adjusting the list to display indications of reaction sites associated with the second portion of amplification curves alongside the second portion of amplification curves on the display screen, wherein the list is configured to be scrollable.

In example 3, a system for identifying a reaction site associated with an amplification curve from a plurality of amplification curves. The system comprises: a processor; and a memory encoded instructions, executable by the processor, the instructions comprising instructions for: receiving amplification data from a plurality of reaction sites, wherein each reaction site contains a sample; generating a plurality of amplification curves from the amplification data; displaying a first portion of the plurality of amplification curves on a display screen; displaying a list of indications of reaction sites associated with the first portion of amplification curves alongside the first portion of amplification curves on the display screen; adjusting the view to display a second portion of the plurality of amplification curves; dynamically adjusting the list to display indications of reaction sites associated with the second portion of amplification curves alongside the second portion of amplification curves on the display screen, wherein the list is configured to be scrollable.

In example 4, the examples 1, 2, 3, or any of the preceding examples are provided, wherein the adjusting the view is zooming in on the plurality of amplification curves.

In example 5, the examples 1, 2, 3, or any of the preceding examples are provided, wherein the adjusting the view is zooming out from the plurality of amplification curves.

In example 6, the examples 1, 2, 3, or any of the preceding examples are provided, wherein a first portion of the list is viewable on the display screen.

In example 7, the examples 1, 2, 3, or any of the preceding examples are provided, wherein a second portion of the list is viewable after scrolling the list down.

In example 8, the examples 1, 2, 3, or any of the preceding examples are provided, further comprising providing information about the sample in a reaction site after a user selects an indication of a reaction site from the list.

In example 4, the examples 1, 2, 3, or any of the preceding examples are provided, wherein the display screen is a touch screen.

In example 5, a method for identifying a reaction site associated with an amplification curve from a plurality of amplification curves is provided comprising: receiving amplification data from a plurality of reaction sites, wherein each reaction site contains a sample; generating a plurality of amplification curves from the amplification data; displaying a first portion of the plurality of amplification curves on a display screen; displaying a list of indications of reaction sites associated with the first portion of amplification curves alongside the first portion of amplification curves on the display screen; adjusting the view to display a second portion of the plurality of amplification curves; dynamically adjusting the list to display indications of reaction sites associated with the second portion of amplification curves alongside the second portion of amplification curves on the display screen, wherein the list is configured to be scrollable.

In example 6, the example 5 is provided, wherein the adjusting the view is zooming in on the plurality of amplification curves.

In example 7, the example 5 is provided, wherein the adjusting the view is zooming out from the plurality of amplification curves.

In example 8, the example 5 is provided, wherein a first portion of the list is viewable on the display screen.

In example 9, the example 5 and 8 are provided, wherein a second portion of the list is viewable after scrolling the list down.

In example 10, the example 5 is provided, further comprising: providing information about the sample in a reaction site after a user selects an indication of a reaction site from the list.

In example 11, the example 5 is provided, where the display screen is a touch screen.

In example 12, a computer-readable storage medium encoded with processor-executable instructions, the instruction for identifying a reaction site associated with an amplification curve from a plurality of amplification curves, is provided. The instructions comprising instructions for: receiving amplification data from a plurality of reaction sites, wherein each reaction site contains a sample; generating a plurality of amplification curves from the amplification data; displaying a first portion of the plurality of amplification curves on a display screen; displaying a list of indications of reaction sites associated with the first portion of amplification curves alongside the first portion of amplification curves on the display screen; adjusting the view to display a second portion of the plurality of amplification curves; dynamically adjusting the list to display indications of reaction sites associated with the second portion of amplification curves alongside the second portion of amplification curves on the display screen, wherein the list is configured to be scrollable.

In example 13, the example 12 is provided, wherein the adjusting the view is zooming in on the plurality of amplification curves.

In example 14, the example 12 is provided, wherein the adjusting the view is zooming out from the plurality of amplification curves.

In example 15, the example 12 is provided, wherein a first portion of the list is viewable on the display screen.

In example 16, the example 15 is provided, wherein a second portion of the list is viewable after scrolling the list down.

In example 17, the example 12 is provided, further comprising instructions for: providing information about the sample in a reaction site after a user selects an indication of a reaction site from the list.

In example 18, the example 12 is provided, where the display screen is a touch screen.

In example 19, a system for identifying a reaction site associated with an amplification curve from a plurality of amplification curves is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory encoded instructions, executable by the processor, the instructions comprising instructions for: receiving amplification data from a plurality of reaction sites, wherein each reaction site contains a sample; generating a plurality of amplification curves from the amplification data; displaying a first portion of the plurality of amplification curves on a display screen; displaying a list of indications of reaction sites associated with the first portion of amplification curves alongside the first portion of amplification curves on the display screen; adjusting the view to display a second portion of the plurality of amplification curves; dynamically adjusting the list to display indications of reaction sites associated with the second portion of amplification curves alongside the second portion of amplification curves on the display screen, wherein the list is configured to be scrollable.

In example 20, the example 19 is provided, wherein the adjusting the view is zooming in on the plurality of amplification curves.

In example 21, the example 19 is provided, wherein the adjusting the view is zooming out from the plurality of amplification curves.

In example 22, the example 19 is provided, wherein a first portion of the list is viewable on the display screen.

In example 23, the example 22 is provided, wherein a second portion of the list is viewable after scrolling the list down.

In example 24, the example 19 is provided, further comprising instructions for: providing information about the sample in a reaction site after a user selects an indication of a reaction site from the list.

The following descriptions of various implementations of the present teachings have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the present teachings to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practicing of the present teachings. Additionally, the described implementation includes software but the present teachings may be implemented as a combination of hardware and software or in hardware alone. The present teachings may be implemented with both object-oriented and non-object-oriented programming systems.

Although various embodiments have been described with respect to certain exemplary embodiments, examples, and applications, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the present teachings.