Experimental Split Feature
Introduction
The Experimental Split feature in SoloDB allows users to divide a run into multiple parts, organize them in a hierarchical structure, and map elements on each part. This feature is particularly useful for complex experiments where samples need to be divided, tracked, and processed separately.
Key Concepts
Parts
A Part represents a physical portion of an experiment run. Parts are organized in a hierarchical tree structure:
Root Parts: Top-level parts directly associated with a run
Child Parts: Sub-parts created by splitting a parent part
Parent Parts: Parts that have been split into child parts
Each part has:
A unique ID
A part ID (sequential number within its level)
A short label (automatically generated)
An optional custom label
Relationships to other parts (parent/children)
Layouts
A Layout defines the physical arrangement of a part. Layouts have:
A title
A description
A format
Dimensions (width and height)
Mappings
Mappings define specific elements on a part's layout. Each mapping has:
A label
Dimensions (width and height)
Position (X and Y coordinates)
Using the Experimental Split Feature
Viewing Parts
To view a part's details:
Navigate to the run details page
Find the part in the parts list
Click on the part to view its details
The part details page shows:
Basic information (ID, labels)
Parent/child relationships
Layout information (if set)
Mapping information (if available)
Splitting Parts
To split a part into multiple child parts:
Navigate to the part details page
Click the "Split" button
Enter the total number of parts to split into (must be at least the current number of children + 1)
Click "Submit"
The system will create the specified number of child parts, each with:
A unique ID
A sequential part ID
An automatically generated short label
A relationship to the parent part
Mapping Parts
To map elements on a part:
Navigate to the part details page
Click the "Map" button
Select a layout for the part (if not already set)
Add, position, and size elements on the layout
Click "Submit" to save the mapping
Editing Parts
To edit a part's properties:
Navigate to the part details page
Click the "Edit" button
Modify the part's label or other properties
Click "Submit" to save the changes
Part Labeling
Parts are automatically labeled based on the run's label type setting:
Number: Uses sequential numbers (1, 2, 3...)
Letter: Uses sequential letters (A, B, C...)
Sample Type: Uses a custom format based on the run's sample type
For parts with parent-child relationships, labels may include:
The parent part's label
A suffix indicating the child part's position
Additional information to ensure uniqueness
Part Hierarchy Visualization
The part hierarchy can be visualized in two ways:
As a tree structure showing parent-child relationships
As a table with levels displayed from top to bottom
Use Cases
Sample Division
When a sample needs to be divided into multiple portions for different tests or processes:
Create a run with a single part
Split the part into the required number of portions
Process each child part separately
Multi-level Experiments
For experiments with multiple levels of division:
Create a run with the initial parts
Split parts as needed at each level
Track the hierarchy to maintain relationships between parts
Layout Mapping
When specific areas of a part need to be identified and tracked:
Create or select a part
Assign a layout to the part
Add mappings to identify specific elements or areas
Reference these mappings in measurements or processing steps