US 7,733,488 B1 · Compact multi-wavelength optical reader and method of acquiring optical data on clustered assay samples using differing-wavelength light sources

Abstract

An optical reader having an array of differing-color light sources and a controller for controlling the light sources and acquisition of optical data. The light sources are arranged, and the controller is configured, to allow rapid acquisition of optical data regarding individual sample wells of a cluster of such wells. In some embodiments, multiple ones of the differing-color light sources are illuminated simultaneously for acquiring optical data on a corresponding number of sample wells. Depending on the configuration of the array and number of differing-color light sources illuminated simultaneously, the optical reader can acquire optical data for several wavelengths in a fraction of the time of conventional optical readers. Other embodiments include one or more non-contact temperature sensors for acquiring temperature data substantially simultaneously with the optical data. The temperature data can be used, for example, to adjust the optical data or warn a user of out-of-specification temperature conditions.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An optical reader for acquiring optical data corresponding to each of a plurality of sample wells of a cluster of sample wells, the optical reader comprising:

an illuminating array including a plurality of light sources of predetermined differing-wavelength outputs;
a detector operatively configured and located to detect light from said predetermined differing-wavelength outputs from said illuminating array;
a reading region located between said illuminating array and said detector during operation of the optical reader;
and
a controller operatively configured to control movement of one, the other, or both, of said illuminating array and the cluster of sample wells and to control pulsing of said plurality of light sources so as to illuminate simultaneously corresponding respective ones of the plurality of sample wells with said predetermined differing-wavelength outputs.

2 more elements

A method of acquiring optical data corresponding to each of a plurality of sample wells of a cluster of sample wells, the method comprising:

positioning the cluster of sample wells in a reading region located between a light-source array and a light detector during reading, the light-source array including at least two light sources having differing output wavelengths and located relative to one another so that when the cluster is in a reading position within the reading region, the at least two light sources are located proximate corresponding respective ones of the plurality of sample wells;
when the at least two light sources are located adjacent corresponding respective ones of the plurality of sample wells, simultaneously pulsing the at least two light sources so as to direct light toward a first side of the cluster;
in coordination with the simultaneous pulsing, sensing via the detector, from a second side of the cluster opposite the first side, light from the at least two light sources that passed through the corresponding respective ones of the plurality of wells;
and
acquiring optical data corresponding to the light detected by the detector.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Compact multi-wavelength optical reader and method of acquiring optical data on clustered assay samples using differing-wavelength light sources

Life of this patent

Compact multi-wavelength optical reader and method of acquiring optical data on clustered assay samples using differing-wavelength light sources

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20