Rotating Scanner Calibration for PCR Plate Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other detection systems, accurate alignment of sample well plates with optical detectors is crucial for precise fluorescence measurements, but existing systems face issues with spectral shifts and detection artifacts due to misalignment, leading to incorrect signal measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a rotating and translating two-dimensional scanner that captures fluorescent dye emissions to generate an accurate positional calibration of sample wells, using photodiodes or CCDs to record intensity peaks and locations, and employing a calibration analysis to correct geometric distortions, allowing for precise alignment and subsequent simplified optical scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a rotating scan head is used to scan sample wells, then the scanner can cover the entire plate area, but geometric distortions and positional inaccuracies occur in the scanned data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a calibration scan before actual sample analysis to pre-determine the geometric distortion characteristics of the rotating scan head. This preliminary action creates a correction map that is applied during subsequent scanning operations, eliminating positional inaccuracies without requiring mechanical precision adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital model (copy) of the distorted scan paths by scanning a plate with known well positions. This digital representation of the distortion is then used to correct subsequent scans through coordinate transformation, avoiding the need to physically adjust the scanning mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the scan head moves along an arc-shaped rotational sweep, then it can access all columns of the sample plate, but the raw scanned data contains positional distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the coordinate system parameters from the curved arc-based scan paths to a rectilinear grid coordinate system. By changing the mathematical parameters used to describe well positions, the system eliminates the arc-shaped distortion while preserving the ability to access all columns through the calibrated coordinate transformations.
3Productivity
If spectral filters are used on detection optics, then specific wavelength ranges can be detected, but spectral shifts occur when filter optics are skewed from alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the calibrated positional information from the rotating scan head to provide feedback on the actual detection location. This feedback allows real-time correction of spectral measurements by compensating for filter optic skew based on the known relationship between scan position and filter alignment, maintaining spectral accuracy across all columns.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy and consistency of spectral readings, increases data collection speed, and ensures accurate alignment of sample plates, reducing detection artifacts and improving measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
scanned using a photodiode or other detection device, to record intensity peaks and locations
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided that comprise calibration techniques and associated systems that identify the two-dimensional position, or other alignment or positioning, of sample wells or other calibration objects located in a sample well plate, or other surface or area of interest. In some embodiments, calibration of the plate and/or positioning and/or alignment with respect to detection optics can be performed in multiple stages for two or more dimensions.