Method for determining reference points in automated pipetting system

摘要

A method for determining reference points in automated pipet­ting system by defining a coordinate system with two horizontal axes and one vertical axis; generating a map of the nominal positions of reference points in the coordinate system; automatically detecting the actual posi­tion of the reference points by moving sensors; comparing the actual and nominal positions and adjusting the position of the reference points within the coordinate system if deviations are detected. Capacity or force feedback sensors may be used and they may be part of the automatic pipetting system. At least four reference points may be detected. The reference points may be the inner sides of a bore or outer sides of a cylinder. The axes may be scanned consecutively and the method may be repeated. Intersecting lines or planes may be detected and positions in the vertical axis may be fitted in a plane or a non-flat surface.