Microplate reader

Abstract

The invention relates to a microplate reader (1) comprising: a receiving device (2) for mechanically receiving a microplate (3) which has a plurality of recesses (4), in which recesses (4) samples to be analysed can be arranged, wherein the receiving device (2) is designed to be movable into an analysis position within a housing (13) of the microplate reader (1) and out of the housing (13) into a receiving position; and an optical detector (5) arranged within the housing (13) for detecting optical radiation at each individual recess (4) of the microplate (3) received in the receiving device (2), wherein the receiving device (2) and the optical detector (5) are arranged so as to be movable relative to one another in order to position the received microplate (3) relative to the optical detector (5) for successive measurements at different recesses (4). The microplate reader according to the invention is characterised in that at least one optical sensor (10), in particular a camera, is arranged or can be arranged on the housing (13) in such a manner that at least one partial region of the receiving device (2) and / or of the microplate (3) is detected, in particular via image capture, outside the housing (13), in particular in the receiving position, and / or in that the optical sensor (10) is designed to detect ambient conditions.

Description

[0001] title

[0002] microplate reader

[0003] Description

[0004] The invention relates to a microplate reader according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] Microplate readers for the analysis of chemical and / or biological samples are well-known in the art. A microplate is a sample carrier for performing photometric or other measurements, featuring a multitude of regularly spaced wells in which the individual samples are formed. A microplate reader serves to "read" microplates by performing photometric measurements on the individual wells. For this purpose, the microplate reader has measuring and analysis modules, such as a photomultiplier tube, which determines the luminescence, fluorescence, and / or absorption of the samples in the individual wells.Furthermore, microplate readers can also include cameras that enable the capture of an image of the microplate, and especially of the samples in the individual wells of the microplate, within the housing of the microplate reader, particularly during measurements. For this purpose, the microplate is placed in a recording position within a mechanical mounting device, which is movable in the X and Y directions via a positioning mechanism. For sequential reading of the individual wells, these are moved one after the other by the positioning mechanism into the detection area of ​​the optical element or the detector.

[0006] Optical examination of samples in a microplate using a microplate reader is used in a wide range of applications, including the detection of biological, chemical, biochemical or physical reactions of the samples, particularly by measuring absorption, luminescence and fluorescence.

[0007] The optical investigations require extensive documentation, especially regarding the microplate and the samples arranged within it, so that even the individual

[0008] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 Measurements can be assigned to the different samples within a microplate. Since a microplate typically has 24 to 384 wells or more, it is essential to know how and which microplate was inserted into the receiving device and whether the individual wells are filled with samples. It is possible that individual wells of the microplate do not contain a sample to be analyzed, for example, to serve as a reference for the samples in the other wells. However, usually not all wells of the microplate are filled with a sample to be analyzed. This transfer of information to the instrument, in particular the input of the microplate type for further processing, and the documentation are currently carried out by the individual users of the microplate reader or the laboratory staff and are therefore very time-consuming and costly.

[0009] Based on the state of the art, the task is to overcome the known disadvantages, in particular to improve the automation of the analysis of samples in the wells of the microplates, to simplify the handling and analysis of samples, and to determine additional analytical results.

[0010] The aforementioned problem is solved by a microplate reader according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the microplate reader are set out in claims 2 to 18.

[0011] The microplate reader according to the invention comprises a receiving device for mechanically receiving a microplate having a plurality of wells in which samples to be analyzed can be arranged, wherein the receiving device is designed to be movable into an analysis position within a housing of the microplate reader and out of the housing into a receiving position. The microplate reader further comprises an optical detector arranged within the housing for detecting optical radiation at each of the wells of the microplate received in the receiving device, wherein the receiving device and the optical detector are arranged to be movable relative to each other in order to detect the received samples.

[0012] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 Position the microplate with respect to the optical detector for successive measurements at different wells.

[0013] The microplate reader according to the invention is characterized in that at least one optical sensor, in particular a camera, is arranged or can be arranged on the housing in such a way that a detection, in particular the generation of an image, of at least a partial area of ​​the recording device and / or the microplate takes place outside the housing and / or that the optical sensor is designed to detect environmental conditions.

[0014] The optical sensor, arranged or attachable to the housing and preferably designed as a camera, enables the acquisition of at least a portion of the microplate, preferably the entire microplate, which is arranged in the receiving device, both before and after analysis in the microplate reader. This allows for simple documentation of the microplate currently in use. The acquisition of at least a portion of the microplate serves, in particular, to capture its geometry and / or to assign a microplate type to a known geometry of a tabulated microplate type from a database, in order to use this geometry for positioning within the instrument.Advantageously, the entire microplate and / or receiving device is detected by the optical sensor; however, it is also possible to detect only a partial area, for example, a row of the microplate with its wells or a label on the microplate. Furthermore, the detection of the microplate serves, in particular, as a basis for assigning subsequent measurement results during the analysis of the microplate in the microplate reader, without requiring manual input. Especially when using a microplate magazine, by means of which the microplates are fed to the microplate reader one after the other for analysis, the optical sensor according to the invention enables automated detection of the microplates as they are being inserted into or removed from the microplate reader.

[0015] Alternatively or preferably in addition to detecting the recording device and / or the microplate, the optical sensor can also detect environmental conditions, wherein it

[0016] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 The environmental conditions are characteristics or properties of the external environment of the microplate reader. These environmental conditions can be properties of the environment, such as temperature, and / or features of the environment, such as people, objects, and / or movements in the immediate vicinity of the microplate reader. All these environmental conditions can influence the microplate reader and the measurements to be performed or have been performed, which is why detection enables better measurement and classification of measurement results. Furthermore, other environmental conditions, such as an operator in the room or the initiation of a measurement by gesture recognition using the optical sensor, can be detected and processed. Preferably, the optical sensor for detecting environmental conditions is a camera or an infrared sensor.

[0017] A preferred embodiment of the microplate reader is characterized by the optical sensor being detachably, foldably, or rotatably mounted on the housing. Alternatively, or preferably additionally, the optical sensor is integrated into a handle of the microplate reader and / or into an opening flap of the housing. This allows the optical sensor to be easily mounted on the housing or integrated into the housing in a space-saving manner. In particular, it is not essential that the optical sensor be permanently mounted on the housing. For example, the optical sensor can be mounted on the housing only when needed, such as in a holder, and otherwise stored on the housing or separately. However, it is advantageous if the optical sensor is permanently mounted on the housing.

[0018] Preferably, the optical sensor is designed to detect the receiving device and / or the microplate in the receiving position. In particular, the optical sensor is arranged on the housing above the receiving position. Thus, the microplate can be detected by the optical sensor in the receiving position.

[0019] A preferred embodiment is characterized by the fact that the microplate reader includes at least one illumination means for illuminating the recording device and / or the

[0020] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 comprises a microplate. Preferably, the illumination means is integrated into the optical sensor and / or the recording device. Alternatively, or preferably additionally, the illumination means is arranged below the recording position. The illumination means improves the image acquisition of the recording device or microplate by means of the optical sensor, in particular the camera, thereby resulting in a better representation of its contour. In particular, the illumination means increases the contrast and enables image acquisition regardless of the type and design of the microplate and the microplate reader or its surroundings. Preferably, two illumination means are used, one above the recording device and one below the recording device. This ensures optimal illumination, especially for different modes and microplates.

[0021] Preferably, the field of view of the optical sensor comprises at least one area of ​​a microplate and / or one area of ​​the image-capturing device for the microplate. In particular, the field of view measures at least 13 cm x 9 cm, preferably 16 cm x 22 cm. The 13 cm x 9 cm field of view essentially corresponds to the size of a standardized microplate, whereas the 16 cm x 22 cm size essentially corresponds to the size of a DIN A5 sheet. A sufficiently large field of view allows for the capture of the entire microplate or the microplate inserted in the image-capturing device in its capture position.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the optical sensor is designed to acquire information on and / or from the microplate. In particular, the acquired information may be a QR code, a barcode, or similar. The additional acquisition of information on and / or from the microplate serves, in particular, to uniquely identify the microplate type and the individual microplate, as well as its contents, especially individual samples in the wells of the microplate. By acquiring this information, the photometric measurements can be specifically tailored or selected with regard to the samples present in the wells.

[0023] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 Alternatively, or preferably additionally, the optical sensor is designed to generate or capture images of the microplate and / or individual wells. On the one hand, images of the entire microplate can be captured to provide an overview, and on the other hand, images of individual wells can be generated selectively. The image captures generate both specific information about the individual wells and an overall image.

[0024] A preferred embodiment is characterized by the fact that at least one mirror element is arranged laterally on the receiving device in such a way as to allow viewing of the side surface of the microplate when a microplate is inserted. In particular, the mirror element is inclined outwards at approximately 45° relative to the plane of the receiving device. The mirror element enables the optical sensor, especially the camera, to also capture information on the side surfaces of the microplate. This information can include, in particular, labels, the contents of the individual wells, or barcodes or QR codes. Displaying information about the microplate on the side surfaces is generally preferred because the surface area of ​​the microplate in which the individual wells are arranged and formed is usually very limited, making it impossible to provide sufficient information about the respective microplate there.There is more space available on the side surfaces, allowing more information about the microplate to be provided.

[0025] Preferably, a mirror element is arranged on all sides of the receiving device, with the mirror element preferably extending over the entire side length of the receiving device or the microplate. Regardless of the arrangement of information on the side surfaces of the microplate, the information can be read by the optical sensor, since all side surfaces are detectable by the optical sensor due to the surrounding mirror elements.

[0026] Preferably, an optical system for telecentric and / or pericentric imaging of the recording device and / or the microplate is arranged in conjunction with the optical sensor and the microplate. Alternatively, or preferably additionally, a corresponding optical system is arranged on or spaced apart from the optical sensor.

[0027] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 of a telecentric arrangement in which the optical sensor is directed directly at the microplate or receiving device, the optics are in particular arranged between the optical sensor and the microplate.

[0028] In a pericentric arrangement with a mirror, the optical sensor can be directed towards the optics and not directly at the microplate. A mirror, as part of a pericentric optic, is preferably positioned above the optical sensor. A pericentric optic allows for space-saving image acquisition of the entire microplate or parts thereof, since a larger area can be captured using the optics in a smaller installation space. A preferred embodiment of the mirror, together with the camera lens, enables a combination of telecentric imaging of the microplate's recesses and pericentric imaging of the microplate's side surfaces.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the microplate reader comprises a control device, wherein the individual components of the microplate reader, in particular the receiving device and the optical sensor, can be controlled by means of the control device.

[0030] Preferably, the control device is further configured to store, generate, and / or assign data from the microplate and / or the samples arranged in the microplate to a captured image and / or to data from the optical sensor. This data includes, in particular, the microplate type and the individual data of the microplate. The latter includes, in particular, the layout with information on the (individual) samples in the individual wells, as well as, if applicable, the data from the (individual) processing operations or measurements in the instrument. The control device assigns data acquired by the microplate reader in a simple and automatic manner. In particular, data for measuring the individual microplate can be directly or at least indirectly and unambiguously assigned to the respective image or information from the optical sensor.

[0031] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 Preferably, the control device also makes it possible to regulate or control the individual components of the microplate reader depending on the acquired information about the microplate. For example, the control device can select the optical detector from the acquired information about the microplate and perform a specific type of photometric measurement.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, data acquired by the optical sensor, such as the captured images, can be evaluated in the control device. Preferably, the evaluation is performed using pattern recognition, image recognition, algorithmic image analysis, mathematical models, or other algorithms, particularly those based on artificial intelligence. This enables simple and rapid analysis and evaluation of the data. In particular, image analysis allows the detection of, for example, artifacts and / or objects in the individual wells of the microplate and / or the degree of filling of the individual wells of the microplate. Artifacts can be, for example, bubbles or lint. Objects can be, in particular, biological cells; however, the term "objects" is not limited to this.Image analysis can also extend to a photographically captured document or an information code, particularly a QR code or barcode. In principle, any type of information can be transmitted to the instrument, including, for example, a handwritten measurement program or the identification of an individual user, such as via a QR code or barcode. This can include data and / or information that is not directly tied to a microplate.

[0033] Preferably, the optical sensor, in particular the camera, can have different detection modes. These detection modes can differ, for example, in the type of radiation detected, especially reflected and / or transmitted radiation, and / or in the detection time, and / or in setting parameters, such as the detected wavelength range, and / or in detection dependent on movement of the microplate, for example, shaking. The different modes and / or settings allow the detection of different features of the microplate or the samples arranged in the microplate, which can then be evaluated in the control unit. Thus, depending on the mode and / or settings, it is possible to

[0034] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 to take different images of the microplate or parts of the microplate, for example to better recognize and determine artifacts, objects, fill levels or areas.

[0035] A preferred embodiment is characterized by the optical sensor being configured as a line sensor or line scanner. In particular, the line camera, line sensor, or line scanner can include integrated line illumination. Preferably, the optical sensor is configured to coordinate image acquisition with the movement of the microplate. A corresponding configuration of the optical sensor as a line sensor or line scanner enables the capture of the recording device or microplate in individual lines, the width of which essentially corresponds to the width of the microplate. This makes it possible to capture the microplate in individual lines across its entire width. The integrated line illumination also enables a compact device that allows image capture of the recording device or microplate outside the housing, independent of external lighting conditions. The individually captured lines or lines...Lines generated by the line sensor or line scanner can then be combined into a complete image in the control device, so that an image of the entire microplate can be created from the multitude of individual images of the lines.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the optical sensor is configured as a camera, wherein preferably one lens of the camera is interchangeable and / or replaceable. Alternatively or preferably additionally, the camera is equipped with a wide-angle lens and / or telephoto lens.

[0037] A preferred embodiment is characterized by the fact that the camera is designed to capture a reflection image and / or a transmission image of at least one microplate or parts thereof inserted in the recording device.

[0038] Alternatively, or preferably additionally, the camera is designed to capture an image sequence or video, particularly during movement of the microplate. Individual parts of the microplate can be captured using the image sequence, which can then be assembled into a complete image by the control device. This allows the

[0039] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 required minimal installation space for microplate capture without compromising microplate capture.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, the camera is configured to capture documents. The camera can not only capture the microplate or parts thereof, but can also capture documents such as laboratory reports. In particular, these documents can be interpreted via the control device and / or assigned back to the microplate.

[0041] Preferably, the microplate reader includes a motion detector for detecting movement of the receiving device and / or movement in the immediate vicinity of the microplate reader. The motion detector automatically detects movement in the immediate vicinity of the microplate reader, for example, a hand, which preferably activates the optical sensor so that it can optically capture the microplate or parts thereof, or an object such as a document. In particular, the optical sensor can be triggered depending on the motion detector and movement of the receiving device. The process of capturing the microplate and generating images using the optical sensor is further automated. Preferably, the motion detector is designed as a separate element or integrated into the optical sensor, or forms an assembly with the optical sensor.

[0042] A preferred embodiment of the microplate reader is characterized by the fact that the microplate reader includes a microphone, the microphone being designed in particular for capturing spoken text. The microphone allows the operator to automatically capture information, and in particular text, related to the microplate, and the control device automatically assigns this text to the corresponding microplate or to other information and / or data.

[0043] Alternatively, or preferably additionally, the microplate reader includes a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor for monitoring ambient conditions. The ambient conditions can be monitored using the temperature sensor and / or the humidity sensor.

[0044] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 Factors outside the microplate reader that could influence the analysis of the samples are determined. Preferably, the humidity sensor is designed to determine the absolute and / or relative humidity.

[0045] More preferably, the microplate reader comprises a distance measuring device, wherein the distance measuring device is configured, in particular, to determine the upper edge of the microplate and, more specifically, the distance between the optical sensor and the microplate. The distance measuring device can determine how far the microplate is from an objective measuring position, thus enabling the assignment of an image scale to the microplate. This may be particularly necessary when microplates of different heights or thicknesses are used with the microplate reader, as this changes the image scale in the image captured by the optical sensor. The distance measuring device can be implemented in a single assembly with the optical sensor.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment, the microplate reader comprises an image generation unit within the housing for capturing the samples in the individual wells of the microplate at or near the analysis position. Additionally, the image generation unit creates an image of individual wells of the microplate within the housing.

[0047] Preferably, the optical sensor, optics, illumination, and motion detector are designed such that physical, in particular photometric, quantities can be derived from the images and assigned to the individual wells. The optical sensor captures information about the individual samples in the wells of the microplate, allowing it to be derived. Particularly preferably, the sensor detects whether a well in the microplate is filled with a sample. Detecting a filled well is important for determining the layout of the microplate and for performing individual photometric measurements, since photometric measurements are not necessarily required for unfilled wells. This accelerates the measurement of a microplate in which not all wells are filled.

[0048] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 In a preferred embodiment, the optical sensor is part of an assembly consisting of one or more elements, wherein, for example, the camera, the line scan camera, the QR code reader, the illumination device, the rangefinder, or the motion detector can each form an element of the assembly. Preferably, the assembly can be modular in design.

[0049] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures.

[0050] They show:

[0051] Figures a) and b) show a microplate reader in a schematic sectional view in the acquisition position and in the analysis position;

[0052] Figure 2 shows another embodiment of a microplate reader; and

[0053] Figure 3 shows yet another embodiment of a microplate reader with pericentric optics.

[0054] Figures 1a) and 1b) show a schematic sectional view of a microplate reader 1. The microplate reader 1 comprises a receiving device 2 by means of which a microplate 3 can be inserted into and removed from the housing 13 of the microplate reader 1. The receiving device 2 can be designed to mechanically receive different microplates 3 or adapted accordingly. The microplates 3 are mechanically received in the receiving device 2 in a receiving position as shown in Figure 1a). For this purpose, the receiving device 2 is extended from the housing 13 of the microplate reader 1.

[0055] The microplate 3 itself has a multitude of wells 4, in each of which individual samples are arranged or formed. For example, the microplate 3 has a total of 96 wells 4. The individual samples in the wells 4 are

[0056] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025, for example, chemical or biological samples which are analyzed and examined using the microplate reader 1.

[0057] To perform the corresponding measurements on the biological or chemical samples, the microplate 3 is moved from the receiving position into the housing 13 by means of the receiving device 2 and brought into an analysis position as shown in Figure 1b). For the measurements on the individual wells 4 of the microplate 3, the microplate reader 1 comprises at least one detector 5 for detecting the radiation absorbed, reflected, and / or scattered by the sample in the well 4 and / or the radiation emitted by the sample itself, for example, by excitation of the sample. A filter 5a can be arranged in front of the detector 5, which only transmits certain wavelengths or certain wavelength ranges.Furthermore, the microplate reader 1, for generating images of the samples in the individual wells 4 of the microplate 3 in the analysis position, has an image generation unit 8, which is arranged within the housing 13 below the receiving device 2 or the microplate 3. The image generation unit 8 includes, in particular, a camera for generating corresponding images of the samples in the individual wells 4 of the microplate 3 in the analysis position.

[0058] To capture images of the radiation transmitted and / or scattered by the sample, an illumination system 9 is provided within the housing 13. This system illuminates the samples in the individual wells 4 of the microplate 3 in the analysis position to capture and generate corresponding images. The illumination system 9, as well as the image generation unit 8 and the detector 5, can be moved relative to the microplate 3 or the receiving device 2, allowing for the targeted measurement of individual wells 4. For this purpose, the microplate reader 1 includes, among other things, a control device 7, which is used to move and control the individual components of the microplate reader 1. Alternatively, the radiation within the microplate reader 1 can be deflected to the individual wells 4 by means of suitable devices, such as mirrors, and in particular controlled by the control device 7.

[0059] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 Finally, the microplate reader 1 also includes an evaluation unit 6, by means of which the individual measurement results for the individual wells 4 in the microplate 3 are evaluated and analyzed. The evaluation unit 6 is part of the control unit 7 and integrated within it. In particular, however, the evaluation unit 6 can also form an independent module separate from the control unit 7, even outside the microplate reader 1.

[0060] To detect the microplate 3 outside the housing 13 of the microplate reader 1, an optical sensor 10 is arranged on the housing 13 of the microplate reader 1. The optical sensor 10 is designed as a camera and enables the detection of the entire microplate 3 in the receiving device 2 in the receiving position. The optical sensor 10 is also designed to detect at least sections of the microplate 3 during a movement of the receiving device 2 into the housing 13 of the microplate reader 1. In particular, the optical sensor 10 makes it possible to record an image sequence or a video during a movement of the microplate 3 from the receiving position to the analysis position or vice versa.

[0061] For example, only individual lines of the microplate 3 with its recesses 4 can be detected, with the optical sensor 10 being designed specifically as a line sensor or line scanner for this purpose. The individual images of the lines of the optical sensor 10 are combined in the control device 7 to form a complete image of the microplate 3, thus creating a complete image of the microplate 3.

[0062] The microplate reader 1 includes a motion detector 15 for detecting movement of the recording device 2, wherein the optical sensor 10 can be activated or triggered depending on the motion detector 15. The motion detector 15 automatically detects movement of the recording device 2, thereby triggering the optical sensor 10 via the control device 7 to detect the microplate 3 or parts thereof. The process of detecting the microplate 3 and creating images using the optical sensor 10 is further automated by the motion detector 15. In this case, the motion detector 15 is arranged below the recording device 2 on the housing 13. Alternatively, the motion detector 15 can be

[0063] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 can also be integrated into the housing 13. The motion detector 15 also serves to detect movements in the immediate vicinity of the microplate reader 1. A hand movement or similar action detected by the motion detector 15 can also activate the optical sensor 10, for example to start the movement of the empty recording device 2 into the recording position.

[0064] Using the images of the microplate 3 captured by the camera as an optical sensor 10, properties of the microplate 3 and / or the samples arranged in the wells 4 can be determined and analyzed. Both reflection images of the microplate 3 or parts thereof, as well as transmission or absorption images (with appropriate illumination of the microplate 3 or parts thereof), can be captured using the optical sensor 10. Different acquisition modes allow for the determination of various information or characteristics relating to the microplate 3 and / or the individual wells 4. For example, it can be determined whether a sample is actually located in a well 4 or whether the well 4 is empty. The detection of artifacts, such as bubbles or lint, as well as objects, such as cells, in the individual wells 4 is also possible.

[0065] The optical sensor 10 enables simple documentation of the microplate 3 currently in use. The captured images of the microplate 3 serve, in particular, as a basis for assigning the microplate type and subsequent measurement results during analysis of the microplate 3 in the microplate reader 1, thus reducing the effort required for manual input. The control device 7 allows a specific well 4 of the microplate 3 to be assigned to a measurement and a corresponding image section of the image captured by the optical sensor 10, enabling a better and faster analysis.

[0066] In particular, when using a magazine for microplates 3, which are automatically brought one after the other into the analysis position in the microplate reader 1, the optical sensor 10 enables automated detection of the individual microplates 3 before and / or after analysis in the microplate reader 1.

[0067] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 In addition to capturing the microplate 3 in the receiving device 2, the optical sensor 10 can also capture further data, for example documents such as laboratory reports or detailed information on individual microplates 3. These documents can be processed via the control device 7 and again specifically assigned to the microplate 3, so that a data record for the respective microplate 3 with all essential information can be created or changed easily, quickly and in particular also automatically.

[0068] Furthermore, the microplate reader 1 can include a microphone designed to capture spoken text. Laboratory personnel can use the microphone to automatically capture information, particularly text, relating to the microplate 3 or the analyses and settings performed. The control device 7 then automatically assigns this additional information to the corresponding microplate 3. The process for analyzing the microplates 3 is thus further digitized, as this information can be captured, assigned, and processed directly at the microplate reader 1 before, during, and / or after the analysis.

[0069] Figures 2 and 3 show further embodiments of the microplate reader 1 according to the invention in the recording position, which are essentially based on the embodiment according to Figures 1a) and 1b).

[0070] Figure 2 shows additional illumination elements 11, 11', which are arranged above and below the recording device 2. The illumination element 11 is integrated into the optical sensor 10 and ensures optimal illumination of the microplate 3 in the recording position, regardless of external conditions. Furthermore, another illumination element 11' is arranged below the recording device 2, which enables illumination of the microplate 3 from below. This allows, among other things, the acquisition of transmission images of the microplate 3 with the optical sensor 10.

[0071] The lighting element 11, 11' can, for example, be an LED lamp that emits white or colored light. In particular, the lighting element 11, 11' can be designed to have a variable color spectrum.

[0072] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 Figure 3 shows a microplate reader 1 with an optical sensor 10 in an embodiment with optics 14 for pericentric imaging. The pericentric optics 14 are arranged above the optical sensor 10, with the sensor 10 aligned towards the optics 14 and not directly directed at the receiving device 2 or the microplate 3. This design with the optics 14 makes it possible to capture the entire microplate 3 or parts thereof in a space-saving manner, since a larger area is captured via the optics 14 in a smaller installation space.

[0073] A design and arrangement of the optical sensor 10 and the optics 14 can allow a perpendicular view through the recess 4, as well as make symbols or text on the sides of the microplate detectable.

[0074] Furthermore, a mirror element 12 is arranged laterally on the receiving device 2. This mirror element is inclined at 45° relative to the plane through the receiving device 2 and extends over the entire side length of the receiving device 2. This mirror element 12 enables information on the side surfaces of the microplate 3 to be captured by the optical sensor 10. Opposite the surface of the microplate 3, in which the individual recesses 4 are located, the side surface of the microplate 3 offers sufficient space to provide information about the microplate 3. This information can be provided on the side surface of the microplate 3, for example, by means of a sticker. The sticker can contain the information in plain text, but it can also be a barcode or a QR code.

[0075] The mirror element 12 can be configured to surround the receiving device 2, or one or more mirror elements 12 can be arranged on each side of the receiving device 2. This allows the information to be determined and captured by the optical sensor 10, regardless of which side surface of the microplate 3 displays the information or on which a sticker is affixed.

[0076] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 Reference list

[0077] 1 microplate reader

[0078] 2 Recording device

[0079] 3 microplate

[0080] 4. Further Study

[0081] 5 Detector

[0082] 5a Filter

[0083] 6 Evaluation unit

[0084] 7 Control device

[0085] 8 Image generation unit

[0086] 9 Lighting system

[0087] 10 optical sensor, possibly with lens

[0088] 11.11' Lighting equipment

[0089] 12 mirror elements

[0090] 13 cases

[0091] 14 Optics

[0092] 15 motion detectors

[0093] 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025

Claims

Claims 1. Microplate reader (1) with a receiving device (2) for mechanically receiving a microplate (3) having a plurality of wells in which wells (4) to be analyzed can be arranged, wherein the receiving device (2) is designed to be movable into a housing (13) of the microplate reader (1) into an analysis position and out of the housing (13) into a receiving position, and with an optical detector (5) arranged within the housing (13) for detecting optical radiation at each of the wells (4) of the microplate (3) received in the receiving device (2), wherein the receiving device (2) and the optical detector (5) are arranged to be movable relative to each other in order to position the received microplate (3) with respect to the optical detector (5) for successive measurements at different wells (4), characterized in that at least one optical sensor (10), in particular a camera,on the housing (13) is arranged or can be arranged such that a detection, in particular the generation of an image, of at least a partial area of ​​the recording device (2) and / or the microplate (3) takes place outside the housing (13), in particular in the recording position, and / or that the optical sensor (10) is designed to detect environmental conditions.

2. Microplate reader (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical sensor (10) is detachably, foldably or rotatably arranged on the housing (13) and / or that the optical sensor (10) is integrated in a handle of the microplate reader (1) and / or in an opening flap of the housing (13).

3. Microplate reader (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical sensor (10) for detecting the receiving device (2) and / or the microplate (3) is designed in the receiving position, in particular that the optical sensor (10) is arranged on the housing (13) above the receiving position. 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 4. Microplate reader (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microplate reader (1) comprises at least one illumination means (11, 11') for illuminating the receiving device (2) and / or the microplate (3), preferably that the illumination means (11, 11') is integrated in the optical sensor (10) and / or in the receiving device (2) and / or that the illumination means (11, 11') is arranged below the receiving position.

5. Microplate reader (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a field of view of the optical sensor (10) comprises at least one area of ​​a microplate (3) and / or one area of ​​the receiving device (2) and / or that the size of the field of view is at least 13 cm x 9 cm, preferably It measures 16 cm x 22 cm.

6. Microplate reader (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical sensor (10) is designed to detect information on and / or at the microplate (3), in particular to detect a QR code, a barcode or similar, and / or that the optical sensor (10) is designed to generate images of the microplate (3) and / or of individual wells (4).

7. Microplate reader (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one mirror element (12) is arranged laterally on the receiving device (2) in such a way as to view a side surface of the microplate (3) when the microplate (3) is inserted, in particular that the mirror element (12) is inclined outwards by about 45° relative to the plane of the receiving device (2).

8. Microplate reader (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an optic (14) for telecentric and / or optical measurement is provided between the optical sensor (10) and the microplate (3) and / or receiving device (2) and / or on or spaced apart from the optical sensor (10). 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 is arranged pericentrically in the imaging device (2) and / or the microplate (3) or parts of the microplate (3).

9. Microplate reader (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microplate reader (1) comprises a control device (7), wherein the individual components of the microplate reader (1), in particular the receiving device (2) and the optical sensor (10), can be controlled by means of the control device (7).

10. Microplate reader (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the control device (7) is further configured for storing and / or generating and / or assigning data of the microplate (3) and / or the samples arranged in the microplate (3) to a recording and / or to data of the optical sensor (10).

11. Microplate reader (1) according to one of the preceding claims 9 or 10, characterized in that data acquired by the optical sensor (10) can be evaluated in the control device (7), preferably by means of mathematical models or algorithms, in particular also on the basis of artificial intelligence.

12. Microplate reader (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical sensor (10) is configured as a line sensor or line scanner, in particular that the line sensor or line scanner comprises an integrated line illumination, and / or in particular that the optical sensor (10) is configured to coordinate the image acquisition with the movement of the microplate (3).

13. Microplate reader (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical sensor (10) is a camera, preferably that a lens of the camera is interchangeable and / or replaceable and / or that the camera is equipped with a wide-angle lens and / or telephoto lens.

14. Microplate reader (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the camera is used to capture a reflection image and / or a transmission image of at least one microplate (3) inserted into the receiving device (2) or parts thereof. 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025 22 is designed and / or that the camera is designed to capture a sequence of images or a video, in particular during movement of the microplate (3).

15. Microplate reader (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microplate reader (1) comprises a motion detector (15) for detecting movement of the recording device (2) and / or in a close vicinity of the microplate reader (1), in particular that the optical sensor (10) can be switched on and / or triggered depending on the motion detector (15).

16. Microplate reader (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microplate reader (1) comprises a microphone, in particular that the microphone is designed for capturing spoken text, and / or that the microplate reader (1) comprises a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor for the ambient conditions.

17. Microplate reader (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microplate reader (1) comprises a distance measuring device, in particular that the distance measuring device is designed to determine the upper edge of the microplate (3).

18. Microplate reader (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microplate reader (1) comprises an image generation unit within the housing (13) for detecting the samples in the individual wells (4) in the microplate (3) in or near the analysis position. 34474-P-WO Ga / sü 21.08.2025

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