The present invention represents a new approach to data analysis for
multivariate classification, particularly as used in medical diagnostics.
The invention is in part an intuitive decision making tool for rapid
classification of "objects" (e.g., cell, tissue or tumor samples) from
evaluation of many simultaneous "variables" (e.g., quantitative gene
expression profiles). The data analysis methods of the invention provide
the end user with a simplified and robust output for diagnostic
classification of objects based on identifying and evaluating multiple
variables of predetermined diagnostic relevance. The raw data generated by
analysis of the variables is transformed by application or appropriate
algorithms to scaleless rank differentials between the variables. The rank
orders of variables are used to classify tissues based on readily
observable user interfaces, such as a graphical (e.g., visual) user
interface or an auditory user interface.
