Optical reader systems and methods with rapid microplate position detection

摘要

Optical reader systems and methods with rapid microplate position detection capability are disclosed. The optical reader system includes a scanning optical system configured to scan select position-detecting features to accurately determine the microplate position within the optical reader system. The method includes measuring positions of the position-detecting features in order of their respective amounts of position tolerance, from smallest to largest. The position measurement is carried out for a number of position-detecting features sufficient to determine the microplate position with the optical reader system to within a select microplate position tolerance.

主权项

1. A method of determining a position of a microplate within an optical reader system, the microplate having multiple position-detecting features each with a position tolerance, the method comprising:
a) measuring a position of one of the position-detecting features having a least amount of position tolerance, thereby reducing the position tolerances of the remaining position-detecting features; b) assessing the position tolerances of the remaining position-detecting features and selecting one of the remaining position-detecting features that has a least amount of position tolerance; c) measuring a position of the selected position-detecting feature in b), thereby further reducing the position tolerances of the remaining position-detecting features; and d) repeating acts b) and c) until the position of the microplate is determined to within a select microplate position tolerance.