Patent Description:
Various analytical instruments have been developed for making optics-based measurements (e.g., fluorescence, luminescence, absorbance, microscopy, etc.) on samples (e.g., chemical compounds, biological material, etc.) as part of assays useful in the life science industry. Many analytical instruments are designed to carry out only one or a few dedicated types of measurements. On the other hand, multimode analytical instruments, also referred to as multimode readers, are designed to perform multiple analytical assays in a single instrument. Multimode analytical instruments may be designed to be re-configurable to enable a user to select different types of measurements to be performed. Some multimode analytical instruments utilize application-specific cartridges to enable re-configuration. The samples analyzed or measured by an analytical instrument typically supported in a multi-well microtiter plate (also known as microplate or optical plate), although other types of sample holders or containers may be utilized. The microplate containing the samples is typically loaded into the interior of the analytical instrument, and the interior is isolated from the ambient to enable optical-based measurement or imaging to be performed.

Depending on the type(s) of analysis an analytical instrument is capable of performing on a sample, the analytical instrument may include various types of movable components, such as fluidic components (e.g., nozzles, pipettes, etc.), optical components (e.g., lenses, etc.), and mechanical components (e.g., motorized stages, microtiter plate transports, etc.) that operate in the closed interior of the analytical instrument. It would be desirable to be able to monitor these movable components, including determining the presence and position of such components.

<CIT> discloses a specimen processing system comprising a specimen putting apparatus, specimen transport apparatuses, a processed specimen accommodating apparatus, a blood cell analyzing apparatus, a smear preparing apparatus, and a system control apparatus. An accommodation unit of the putting apparatus comprises a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element to detect whether a specimen container is positioned at an imaging position. The specimen container is held in a sample rack such that a cap section of the container is at the imaging position. The container is illuminated by a LED and imaged by a camera, wherein the image data is transmitted to the system control apparatus. According to a flow cytometry method using semiconductor lasers are used for detecting e.g. white blood cells.

The invention is defined in claims <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

To address the foregoing problems, in whole or in part, and/or other problems that may have been observed by persons skilled in the art, the present disclosure provides methods, processes, systems, apparatus, instruments, and/or devices, as described by way of example in implementations set forth below.

According to an embodiment, a sample analyzing apparatus for performing an optical-based measurement on a sample includes: a housing; a first light source disposed in the housing and configured for generating excitation light; excitation optics disposed in the housing and configured for directing the excitation light from the first light source to the sample, wherein the sample emits emission light in response to being irradiated by the excitation light; a first light detector disposed in the housing and configured for measuring the emission light; emission optics disposed in the housing and configured for directing the emission light from the sample to the first light detector; and a monitoring system configured for monitoring a movable component disposed in the housing, the monitoring system including: a second light source disposed in the housing and configured for illuminating the movable component; and a second light detector disposed in the housing and configured for detecting light reflected from the movable component in response to being illuminated.

According to another embodiment, a method is provided for monitoring a movable component of a sample analyzing apparatus. The sample analyzing apparatus includes a housing in which the movable component is disposed, a first light source disposed in the housing and configured for generating excitation light, excitation optics disposed in the housing and configured for directing the excitation light from the first light source to a sample disposed in the housing, a first light detector disposed in the housing and configured for measuring emission light emitted from the sample in response to being irradiated by the excitation light, and emission optics disposed in the housing and configured for directing the emission light from the sample to the first light detector. The method includes: operating a monitoring system to monitor the movable component by: operating a second light source disposed in the housing to illuminate the movable component; and operating a second light detector disposed in the housing detect light reflected from the movable component in response to being illuminated.

The invention can be better understood by referring to the following figures. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

As used herein, the term "analyte" generally refers to a substance to be detected or measured by an optical-based technique. Examples of analytes include, but are not limited to, proteins (including membrane-bound proteins), antigenic substances, haptens, antibodies, toxins, organic compounds, peptides, microorganisms, amino acids, nucleic acids, hormones, steroids, vitamins, drugs (including those administered for therapeutic purposes as well as those administered for illicit purposes), drug intermediaries or byproducts, bacteria, virus particles and metabolites of or antibodies to any of the foregoing (as applicable), and combinations of two or more of any of the foregoing.

As used herein, the term "sample" generally refers to a material known or suspected of containing the analyte. In implementing the subject matter disclosed herein, the sample may be utilized directly as obtained from the source or following a pretreatment to modify the character of the sample. The sample may be derived from any biological source, such as a physiological fluid, including for example blood, interstitial fluid, saliva, ocular lens fluid, cerebral spinal fluid, sweat, urine, milk, ascites fluid, raucous, synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, vaginal fluid, amniotic fluid or the like. The sample may be pretreated prior to use, such as preparing plasma from blood, diluting viscous fluids, and the like. Methods of pretreatment can involve filtration, precipitation, dilution, distillation, concentration, inactivation of interfering components, chromatography, separation steps, and the addition of reagents. Besides physiological fluids, other liquid samples may be used such as water, food products and the like for the performance of environmental or food production assays. In addition, a solid material known or suspected of containing the analyte may be used as the sample. In some instances it may be beneficial to modify a solid sample to form a liquid medium or to release the analyte from the solid sample.

As used herein, the term "light" generally refers to electromagnetic radiation, quantizable as photons. As it pertains to the present disclosure, light may propagate at wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet (UV) to infrared (IR). In the present disclosure, the term "light" is not intended to be limited to electromagnetic radiation in the visible range. In the present disclosure, the terms "light," "photons," and "radiation" are used interchangeably.

As used herein, in relation to the detection or measurement of optical signals emanating from a sample, terms such as "emission light" or "emitted light" refer to light emitted from the sample as a consequence of fluorescence or luminescence. Additionally, for convenience terms such as "emission light" or "emitted light" also refer to light that is transmitted through a sample and collected for the purpose of measuring absorbance.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an example of a sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> according to some embodiments. In <FIG>, the various components of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> are schematically arranged generally in the overall direction of light transmission from one component to another component. <FIG> is another schematic view of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>. <FIG> may generally be taken to be an elevation view, with the understanding that the components generally have been arranged in an arbitrary manner. In actual embodiments, the relative positions of the components to each other may differ significantly from what is schematically depicted or suggested in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> is configured for performing one or more types of optical-based measurements on a sample (or on multiple samples) to detect or measure analytes of interest. In some embodiments, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> is configured to enable a user to select a desired type of optical measurement to be performed, such as measurements based on fluorescence, absorbance, luminescence, cell imaging, etc. For example, the user may be able to reconfigure the optics of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> to perform a desired type of optical measurement. Thus, in some embodiments the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> may be a multi-mode reader. For example, as a multi-mode reader the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> may be reconfigurable by enabling a user to select an application-specific cartridge among a number of different cartridges available, and load the selected cartridge into the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> so as to establish optical and electrical circuits specific to the desired application. In this manner, the selected cartridge may be operatively coupled to the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> whereby the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> is properly configured for carrying out the selected experiment. Each cartridge may contain internal optics specific to or optimized for a particular type of experiment (e.g., fluorescence, absorbance, luminescence, etc.). The internal optics housed within the cartridge may communicate with external optics housed within the housing of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> through optical ports of the cartridge's housing. Some cartridges may additionally include one or more internal light sources and/or one or more internal light detectors. The sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> may be configured to receive and support more than one cartridge at the same time, and a particular cartridge may thereafter be selected for coupling into the optical path defined by the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>, such as by moving the selected cartridge to an operative position in the interior of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>. Examples of cartridge-based multi-mode readers are described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

Generally, the structure and operation of the various components provided in optical-based sample analysis instruments are understood by persons skilled in the art, and thus are only briefly described herein to facilitate an understanding of the presently disclosed subject matter. In the illustrated embodiment, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> includes a sample carrier <NUM> configured for supporting one or more samples under analysis, a light source <NUM> for generating excitation light, a light detector <NUM> for receiving and measuring emission light propagating from the sample (e.g., by fluorescence or luminescence), excitation optics <NUM> configured for directing the excitation light along an excitation light path from the light source <NUM> to the sample and processing or modifying the excitation light in one or more ways, and emission optics <NUM> configured for directing emission light along an emission light path from the sample (e.g., emitted by the sample by fluorescence or luminescence) to the light detector <NUM> and processing or modifying the excitation light in one or more ways. When configured as a multi-mode reader, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> may further include a cartridge module <NUM> configured to removably receive and support and plurality of application-specific cartridges configured for implementing specific optics-based measurements (e.g., fluorescence, absorbance, luminescence, etc.) as described above, and intermediate or interface optics <NUM> configured for providing optical interfaces between a selected cartridge and the excitation optics <NUM> and emission optics <NUM>. The sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> further includes an apparatus housing <NUM> that encloses the sample carrier <NUM> and cartridge module <NUM> (when in operative positions for carrying out optical measurements on the sample), as well as other components of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> such as the light source <NUM>, light detector <NUM>, excitation optics <NUM>, and emission optics <NUM>. The apparatus housing <NUM> may include one or more panels, doors, drawers, etc. for allowing access to interior regions of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>, including for loading samples onto the sample carrier <NUM> and cartridges into the cartridge module <NUM>. The sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> may further include an incubation chamber <NUM> (<FIG>) in the apparatus housing <NUM>, at which the sample(s) (supported on the sample carrier <NUM>) may be operatively located.

Generally, the sample carrier <NUM> is configured for moving one or more samples along one or more axes. For example, the sample carrier <NUM> may be an X-Y stage movable in two dimensions in a horizontal plane, although in other embodiments may also be movable in a third vertical (Z) dimension. The sample carrier <NUM> may be a manually actuated, semi-automated, or fully-automated (motorized) stage or platform. In typical embodiments, one or more samples are supported or held by a suitable sample support <NUM> (<FIG>), which is in turn supported by the sample carrier <NUM>. Generally, the sample support <NUM> may be one or more containers configured for holding one or more samples during an analysis. As non-limiting examples, the sample support <NUM> may be a multi-well plate (also known as a microtiter plate, microplate, or optical plate), one or more cuvettes or vials, a substrate supporting spots or blots containing respective samples, etc. The sample carrier <NUM> may be movable into and out from the apparatus housing <NUM>. Thus a sample, or sample support <NUM> that supports one or more samples, may be mounted onto the sample carrier <NUM> while the sample carrier <NUM> is at an outside position, e.g., where the sample carrier <NUM> is positioned at least partially outside the apparatus housing <NUM>. The sample carrier <NUM> may then be moved to an inside position at which the sample carrier <NUM> is positioned entirely in the apparatus housing <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>) so as to align the sample (or successively align multiple samples) with one or more optical components of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>.

The light source <NUM> is utilized in embodiments requiring excitation (irradiation) of the sample, such as fluorescence and absorbance detection techniques. In some embodiments, the light source <NUM> is a broadband light source such as a flash lamp (e.g., a xenon flash lamp, deuterium flash lamp, halogen flash lamp, metal halide flash lamp, etc.), which may be configured to produce a pulsed light beam. In other embodiments, other light sources such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), laser diodes (LDs), lasers, etc. may be provided, and the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> may be configured to enable switching between different types of light sources, as appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

Generally, the excitation optics <NUM> may include, for example, one or more lenses, apertures, filters, light guides (e.g., optical fibers), mirrors, beam splitters, monochromators, diffraction gratings, prisms, optical path switches, etc. In the present embodiment, the excitation optics <NUM> may include an excitation monochromator <NUM> and/or an excitation filter holder <NUM>. As appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the excitation monochromator <NUM> and the excitation filter holder <NUM> both function as wavelength selectors for controlling the specific wavelength (or narrow band of wavelengths) of the excitation light to be passed further through the optical system. That is, the excitation monochromator <NUM> and the excitation filter holder <NUM> both function to receive the excitation light from the light source <NUM> and transmit the excitation light onwards at a desired wavelength or narrow band of wavelengths (colors), but operate on different principles.

The excitation monochromator <NUM> comprises one or more diffraction gratings that spatially separate the different wavelengths of the excitation light. The excitation monochromator <NUM> transmits the component of the excitation light having a selected wavelength by rotating the diffraction grating(s) to a position that aligns the excitation light having the selected wavelength with an exit slit. All components of the excitation light having non-selected wavelengths are not aligned with the exit slit, and thus are blocked from propagating in the optical path beyond the excitation monochromator <NUM>.

On the other hand, the excitation filter holder <NUM> supports a plurality of optical filters composed of materials having different optical transmission characteristics. That is, the optical filters are formulated to pass different wavelengths of the excitation light. The excitation filter holder <NUM> is configured so as to be movable, either by rotation or (in the illustrated embodiment) linear translation (i.e., sliding). Hence, the excitation filter holder <NUM> may be actuated so as to move a selected filter into the optical path, whereby the selected filter allows passage of only the selected wavelength (or narrow band of wavelengths) onward in the optical path beyond the excitation filter holder <NUM>, while blocking all other wavelengths. In one embodiment the excitation filter holder <NUM> comprises eight positions, including up to six positions occupied by optical filters (e.g., long pass, short pass, band pass, etc.), another position being an open aperture through which the excitation light can pass without any interference, and another position presenting a material that blocks the excitation light completely.

In an embodiment including both the excitation monochromator <NUM> and the excitation filter holder <NUM>, the optical path provided for excitation light to be transmitted from the light source <NUM> to the excitation filter holder <NUM> may be split into a first excitation light path <NUM> and a second excitation light path <NUM>. As schematically illustrated in <FIG>, the excitation monochromator <NUM> is in (i.e., optically communicates with, or operates in) the first excitation light path <NUM> only. Thus, the first excitation light path <NUM> directs excitation light from the light source <NUM>, through the excitation monochromator <NUM>, through the selected excitation filter of the excitation filter holder <NUM>, and onward to the sample (appropriately positioned at the sample carrier <NUM>). The second excitation light path <NUM> directs excitation light from the light source <NUM>, through the selected excitation filter of the excitation filter holder <NUM>, and to the sample while bypassing the excitation monochromator <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> is configured for switching the optical path between the first excitation light path <NUM> and the second excitation light path <NUM>. In other words, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> is configured for selecting whether the excitation light generated by the light source <NUM> is directed through the first excitation light path <NUM> or through the second excitation light path <NUM>, and thereby selects whether or not the excitation monochromator <NUM> is bypassed. For this purpose, the excitation optics <NUM> include an excitation path selection device <NUM>. As described further below, the excitation path selection device <NUM> is movable (can be actuated to move) so as to direct the excitation light from the light source <NUM> into either the first excitation light path <NUM> or the second excitation light path <NUM>. As will also become evident, the excitation path selection device <NUM> may comprise only a single movable component, i.e., only a single movable component is needed to guide the excitation light into the selected (first or second) excitation light path <NUM> or <NUM>.

As also illustrated in <FIG>, in some embodiments the excitation optics <NUM> may further include an additional optics holder <NUM> that holds a plurality of different optics components. The additional optics holder <NUM> is movable (by rotation or sliding) so as to insert a selected optics component into the first excitation light path <NUM> between the excitation monochromator <NUM> and the excitation filter holder <NUM>, and into the second excitation light path <NUM> between the light source <NUM> and the excitation filter holder <NUM>. The additional optics holder <NUM> may include one or more attenuation filters providing different attenuation factors (e.g., no attenuation, 10D, 20D, 30D, etc.) to reduce the energy of the excitation light in the event that samples with a high response are measured that would saturate the light detector <NUM>. A reference beam splitter (not shown) following the additional optics holder <NUM> may split off a portion of the excitation light beam as a reference beam that is directed to a reference photodiode (note shown). The reference photodiode may be utilized to track the energy of the excitation light. Based on the intensity of the excitation light measured by the reference photodiode, a system controller (computing device) <NUM> (<FIG>) of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> may attenuate the excitation light by actuating the additional optics holder <NUM> to move so as to insert an attenuation filter of a selected attenuation factor into the active excitation light path <NUM> or <NUM>. Such technique of dynamic range extension may be implemented as described in U. Patent Application Publication No. <CIT>.

In addition or as an alternative to attenuation filters, other examples of optics components that may be positioned at the additional optics holder <NUM> include, but are not limited to, beam-shaping apertures, open apertures (i.e., apertures that do not attenuate or modify the light beam passing therethrough), and filters with specialized functions (e.g., long pass, short pass, band pass, etc.).

Generally, the emission optics <NUM> may include, for example, one or more lenses, apertures, filters, light guides (e.g., optical fibers), mirrors, beam splitters, monochromators, diffraction gratings, prisms, optical path switches, etc. In the present embodiment, the emission optics <NUM> may include an emission monochromator <NUM> and/or an emission filter holder <NUM>. The emission filter holder <NUM> may support a plurality of emission filters having different light transmission characteristics. The emission monochromator <NUM> and the emission filter holder <NUM> may generally be similar to the excitation monochromator <NUM> and the excitation filter holder <NUM> described herein, and may be optimized as needed for use in the emission light path.

In an embodiment including both the emission monochromator <NUM> and the emission filter holder <NUM>, the optical path provided for emission light to be transmitted from the sample (or intervening cartridge and/or interface optics <NUM>, depending on the measurement technique being implemented) to the light detector <NUM> may be split into a first emission light path <NUM> and a second emission light path <NUM>. As schematically illustrated in <FIG>, the emission monochromator <NUM> is in (i.e., optically communicates with, or operates in) the first emission light path <NUM> only. Thus, the first emission light path <NUM> directs emission light through the emission monochromator <NUM>, through the selected emission filter of the emission filter holder <NUM>, and onward to the light detector <NUM>. The second emission light path <NUM> directs emission light through the selected emission filter of the emission filter holder <NUM>, and to the light detector <NUM> while bypassing the emission monochromator <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> is configured for switching the emission light path between the first emission light path <NUM> and the second emission light path <NUM>. In other words, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> is configured for selecting whether or not the emission monochromator <NUM> is bypassed. In the present embodiment, the interface optics <NUM> include a main optical path selection device <NUM> configured for switching between the first emission light path <NUM> and the second emission light path <NUM>.

Generally, the light detector <NUM> is configured to generate electrical measurement signals in response to receiving emission light signals from the emission optics <NUM>, and transmit the measurement signals to signal processing circuitry (e.g., data acquisition circuitry) provided with or external to the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> (e.g., as generally represented by a system controller <NUM>, described below). Depending on the embodiment, the light detector <NUM> may be a photomultiplier tube (PMT), a photodiode, a charge-coupled device (CCD), an active-pixel sensor (APS) such as a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) device, etc., as needed to optimize sensitivity to the emission wavelengths to be detected. In a typical embodiment, the illustrated light detector <NUM> comprises one or more PMTs optimized for processing fluorescence and/or luminescence emission light signals. A separate light detector (not shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) optimized for processing absorbance emission light signals, such as a photodiode, may be provided.

As described above, the cartridge module <NUM> is configured to removably receive and support and plurality of application-specific cartridges configured for implementing specific optics-based measurements (e.g., fluorescence, absorbance, luminescence, cell imaging, etc.). For this purpose, the cartridge module <NUM> may include a plurality of receptacles or slots into which individual cartridges may be installed (loaded) and thereafter uninstalled (removed). The cartridge module <NUM> may be movable in an automated, semi-automated, or manual manner. For example, the cartridge module <NUM> may be movable through a door of the apparatus housing <NUM> to an at least partially outside position that facilitates installation and uninstallation of cartridges. As another example, the cartridge module <NUM> may be movable within the interior of the apparatus housing <NUM> to enable a selected cartridge to be optically aligned with the optical system of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> (i.e., placed in optical communication with the excitation optics <NUM> and emission optics <NUM>). Depending on the type of experiment for which a given cartridge is utilized, the internal optics enclosed by the cartridge housing of the cartridge may include various components such as, for example, mirrors, filters, prisms, diffraction gratings, internal light sources, and/or internal light detectors.

Generally, the interface optics <NUM> may include, for example, one or more lenses, optical read heads, apertures, filters, light guides (e.g., optical fibers), mirrors, beam splitters, optical path switches, etc. In the present embodiment, the interface optics <NUM> include the main optical path selection device <NUM>. In addition to being configured to switch between the first emission light path <NUM> and the second emission light path <NUM>, the main optical path selection device <NUM> may be configured to select a measurement method by selecting appropriate optical paths between the excitation optics <NUM> and the sample, and between the sample and the emission optics <NUM>. The main optical path selection device <NUM> may also be configured to select whether the cartridge module <NUM> (i.e., a specific cartridge installed in the cartridge module <NUM>) is placed in optical communication with (is inserted into) the optical path (excitation light path and/or emission light path). For these purposes, the main optical path selection device <NUM> may include a structural body at which various optical components are mounted, attached, or formed, such as, for example, one or more lenses, apertures, light guides (e.g., optical fibers), mirrors, beam splitters, etc. The structural body of the main optical path selection device <NUM> may provide a plurality of selectable positions, and may be movable (e.g., slidable) to select which position is to be the operable or active position in the optical path.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the interface optics <NUM> may further include a top absorbance lens <NUM> (a lens utilized for absorbance measurements) positioned above the sample carrier <NUM> (in alignment with a selected sample supported on the sample carrier <NUM>), a top fluorescence/luminescence lens <NUM> (a lens utilized for fluorescence and luminescence measurements) positioned above the sample carrier <NUM> (in alignment with a selected sample supported on the sample carrier <NUM>), a bottom absorbance read head <NUM> positioned below the sample carrier <NUM> (in alignment with a selected sample supported on the sample carrier <NUM>), and a bottom fluorescence read head <NUM> positioned below the sample carrier <NUM> (in alignment with a selected sample supported on the sample carrier <NUM>). In some embodiments, the top fluorescence/luminescence lens <NUM> may be movable toward and away from the sample to accommodate different multi-well plate sizes, fill volumes, sample heights, etc., and to avoid cross-talk among neighboring wells of the multi-well plate.

The selection of a measurement method may entail operating the excitation path selection device <NUM> to select the first excitation light path <NUM> or the second excitation light path <NUM> as described herein, in conjunction with operating the main optical path selection device <NUM> to select a position. The main optical path selection device <NUM> may also be configured to select whether the emission light is transmitted through the emission monochromator <NUM> or through the emission filter holder <NUM>. As one non-limiting example, the main optical path selection device <NUM> may provide the following selectable positions:.

One or more positions utilized to couple an application-specific cartridge of the cartridge module <NUM> into the optical path to provide extended system capabilities, such as time-resolved fluorescence, multiplexed time-resolved fluorescence, fluorescence polarization, ALPHASCREEN® assays, NANO-TRF® assays, etc..

One or more positions utilized for absorbance measurements in conjunction with a selected combination of excitation and/or emission wavelength selectors (e.g., excitation monochromator <NUM>, excitation filter holder <NUM>, emission monochromator <NUM>, and/or emission filter holder <NUM>). The excitation light beam is directed to the top absorbance lens <NUM>. The top absorbance lens <NUM> is a focusing lens that collimates the excitation light beam such that the focal point of the beam is in the center of the sample. The emission light (in this case, the light transmitted through the sample) is collected by the bottom absorbance read head <NUM>. The transmitted light may then be directed to an absorbance-specific light detector (e.g., a photodiode, not shown in <FIG>).

One or more positions utilized for luminescence measurements in conjunction with the emission monochromator <NUM> and/or emission filter holder <NUM>. As appreciated by persons skilled in the art, luminescence measurements do not utilize excitation light, but rather luminescence is initiated by adding an appropriate reagent to the sample. Luminescent emission light from the sample is collected by the top fluorescence/luminescence lens <NUM>, and is directed through the emission optics <NUM> to the light detector <NUM>.

One or more positions utilized for bottom-read fluorescence measurements in conjunction with a selected combination of excitation and/or emission wavelength selectors (e.g., excitation monochromator <NUM>, excitation filter holder <NUM>, emission monochromator <NUM>, and/or emission filter holder <NUM>). The excitation light is directed via an excitation optical fiber (not shown) to the bottom fluorescence read head <NUM>, which focuses the excitation light beam on the sample (thereby irradiating the sample from the bottom of the multi-well plate). The emission light (in this case, the fluorescence light emitted from the sample) is collected by the bottom fluorescence read head <NUM>. The emission light may then be directed to main optical path selection device <NUM> via an emission optical fiber (not shown), and then onward through the emission optics <NUM> to the light detector <NUM>.

One or more positions utilized for top-read fluorescence measurements in conjunction with the excitation monochromator <NUM> and the emission monochromator <NUM>, or in conjunction with the excitation filter holder <NUM> and the emission monochromator <NUM>. At this position, the emission light is directed to the top fluorescence/luminescence lens <NUM>, which focuses the excitation light beam on the sample (thereby irradiating the sample from the top of the multi-well plate). The emission light may then be collected by the same top fluorescence/luminescence lens <NUM>, and then onward through the emission optics <NUM> to the light detector <NUM>.

One or more positions utilized for microscopy (e.g., cell imaging), which may be fluorescence-based microscopy. At this position, optical elements defining light paths utilized for microscopy are coupled into the optical system of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> as needed to illuminate/excite the sample and acquired images from the sample.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> may further include a liquid injecting system. The liquid injecting system may include one or more injector nozzle(s) (or needle(s)) <NUM>, and associated fluid conduits (tubing), pump(s), reservoir(s), etc. (not shown) configured for adding a liquid to the sample (e.g., into selected wells of the sample support <NUM> or onto selected blots of the sample support <NUM> disposed on the sample carrier <NUM>) before or after the sample has been operatively positioned in the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>. For example, a labeling agent may be added to the sample for fluorescence, luminescence or other types of measurements, as appreciated by persons skilled in the art. In some embodiments, two or more different types of reagents may be added. As depicted by an arrow in <FIG>, the injector nozzle <NUM> may be movable in the vertical direction (along the z-axis) toward and away from a sample supported on the sample support <NUM>. For this purpose, the injector nozzle <NUM> may be mounted to a motorized stage. The motorized stage may also be configured to move the injector nozzle <NUM> in horizontal directions (along the x-axis and y-axis) to precisely locate the injector nozzle <NUM> above a selected sample container (e.g., microplate well or blot) of the sample support <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> may further include a liquid pipetting system. The liquid pipetting system may include one or more pipette tips <NUM>, and associated fluid conduits (tubing), pump(s), reservoir(s), etc. (not shown), configured for transporting liquids (e.g., solutions) to and from the sample carrier <NUM>, particularly to and from a sample support <NUM> disposed on the sample carrier <NUM> before or after the sample support <NUM> has been mounted on the sample carrier <NUM>. The liquid pipetting system is further configured for dispensing precise amounts of liquid into selected wells of the sample support <NUM> (or onto selected blots of the sample support <NUM> disposed on the sample carrier <NUM>) and/or aspirating precise amounts of liquid therefrom, which may be done before or after the sample has been operatively positioned in the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>. As depicted by an arrow in <FIG>, the pipette tip <NUM> may be movable in the vertical direction (along the z-axis) toward and away from a sample supported on the sample support <NUM>. For this purpose, the pipette tip <NUM> may be mounted to a motorized stage (e.g., a pipettor head). The motorized stage may also be configured to move the pipette tip <NUM> in horizontal directions (along the x-axis and y-axis) to precisely locate the pipette tip <NUM> above a selected sample container (e.g., microplate well or blot) of the sample support <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> may further include a microscopy (e.g., cell imaging) system. The microscopy system may include an objective lens <NUM> (or other type of movable optical lens) and associated optics (e.g., other types of lenses, diaphragms, apertures, mirrors, beam splitters, excitation filters, emission filters, etc., not shown), and also a light source and a light detector. The microscopy system is configured for establishing an excitation path from the light source to a selected sample supported on the sample carrier <NUM> to illuminate the sample (or to excite fluorophores of the sample in the case of fluorescence microscopy), establishing an emission path from the sample to the light detector to carry emission light emitted from the sample (which may be in response to fluorescent excitation in the case of fluorescence microscopy), and acquiring images from the sample based on the emission light received by the light detector. The light source utilized for the microscopy system may different from the illustrated light source <NUM> utilized for fluorescence or absorbance measurements. Alternatively, the interface optics <NUM> (<FIG>) may be adjustable (e.g., to another position of the main optical path selection device <NUM>) to couple the light beam produced by the light source <NUM> into the microscopy system. The light detector utilized for the microscopy system may different from the illustrated light detector <NUM> utilized for fluorescence measurements. The light detector utilized for the microscopy system is typically a multi-pixel light detector such as a camera. Additionally or alternatively, a microscopy-specific cartridge loaded into the cartridge module <NUM> (<FIG>, if provided) containing some or all of the components of the microscopy system may be utilized.

As depicted by an arrow in <FIG>, the objective lens <NUM> may be movable in the vertical direction (along the z-axis) toward and away from a sample supported on the sample support <NUM>, for focusing images and scanning the sample through its thickness along the z-axis. For this purpose, the objective lens <NUM> may be mounted to a motorized stage. The motorized stage may also be configured to move the objective lens <NUM> in horizontal directions (along the x-axis and y-axis) to precisely locate the objective lens <NUM> above a selected sample container (e.g., microplate well or blot) of the sample support <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> may further include a system controller (e.g., a computing device) <NUM>. As appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the system controller <NUM> may include one or more modules configured for controlling, monitoring and/or timing various functional aspects of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>, and/or for receiving data or other signals from the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> such as measurement signals from the light detector <NUM> and transmitting control signals to the light detector <NUM> and/or other components. For example, the system controller <NUM> may be configured for coordinating the operations (e.g., movements and positions) of the sample carrier <NUM>, the cartridge module <NUM> (if provided), the excitation monochromator <NUM>, the excitation filter holder <NUM>, the excitation path selection device <NUM>, the emission monochromator <NUM>, the emission filter holder <NUM>, the main optical path selection device <NUM>, the injector nozzle <NUM>, the pipette tip <NUM>, and the objective lens <NUM>. For all such purposes, the system controller <NUM> may communicate with various components of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> via wired or wireless communication links. In typical embodiments, the system controller <NUM> includes a main electronic processor providing overall control, and may include one or more electronic processors configured for dedicated control operations or specific signal processing tasks. The system controller <NUM> may also include one or more memories and/or databases for storing data and/or software. The system controller <NUM> may also include a computer-readable medium that includes instructions for performing any of the methods disclosed herein. The functional modules of the system controller <NUM> may comprise circuitry or other types of hardware (or firmware), software, or both. For example, the modules may include signal processing (or data acquisition) circuitry for receiving measurement signals from the light detector <NUM> and software for processing the measurement signals such as for generating graphical data. The system controller <NUM> may also include or communicate with one or more types of user interface devices, such as user input devices (e.g., keypad, touch screen, mouse, and the like), user output devices (e.g., display screen, printer, visual indicators or alerts, audible indicators or alerts, and the like), a graphical user interface (GUI) controlled by software, and devices for loading media readable by the electronic processor (e.g., logic instructions embodied in software, data, and the like). The system controller <NUM> may include an operating system (e.g., Microsoft Windows® software) for controlling and managing various functions of the system controller <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a microplate <NUM> that may be utilized in the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The microplate <NUM> may correspond to the sample support <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, and thus may be mounted on the sample carrier <NUM>. The microplate <NUM> includes a two-dimensional array of wells <NUM> utilized to contain respective samples to be analyzed. In a typical embodiment, the two-dimensional array is a <NUM>:<NUM> rectangular matrix. Typical examples include <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> wells <NUM>, although the total number of wells <NUM> may be less than <NUM> or more than <NUM>. The wells <NUM> may be polygonal (as illustrated) or cylindrical. Depending on the analysis to be performed, the wells <NUM> may contain various solutions and reagents. The wells <NUM> are individually addressable by various optical-related components (e.g., the top absorbance lens <NUM>, top fluorescence/luminescence lens <NUM>, bottom absorbance read head <NUM>, bottom fluorescence read head <NUM>, and objective lens <NUM>) and fluidic components (e.g., the injector nozzle <NUM> and pipette tip <NUM>) described herein. For optical reading from the bottom of the microplate <NUM>, the wells <NUM> are optically transparent. Depending on the analysis to be performed, a plate lid <NUM> may be mounted to the top of the microplate <NUM> to cover the wells <NUM>. The lid <NUM> may be opaque to block light from propagating into or out from the top of the microplate <NUM>. The lid <NUM> may be utilized, for example, in conjunction with optical reading from the bottom of the microplate <NUM>.

As also illustrated in <FIG>, the microplate <NUM> may include one or more barcode labels <NUM> on which barcode (e.g., one-dimensional (1D) barcode, two-dimensional (2D) barcode such as QR barcode) is printed. The barcode labels <NUM> may be provided on one or more sides of the microplate <NUM>. The barcodes may contain various types of information such as, for example, the identity of the microplate <NUM> and/or samples contained in the microplate <NUM>. The barcodes may be read by an appropriate reading device, as appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

According to some embodiments, an experiment entailing optical measurement utilizing the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> may be implemented as follows. The sample or samples are introduced into the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> and placed in a proper operating position relative to optics and other components of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>. Generally, the "operating" position of the sample is an "optically aligned" position, i.e., a position that establishes an optical path sufficient for optical data acquisition from the sample. Depending on the experiment, the operating position may also correspond to the sample being "fluidly aligned" with the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>, i.e., positioned so as to be able to dispense fluid onto the sample such as by operating a liquid injecting system as described above, and/or operating a liquid pipetting system to dispense fluid into and/or aspirate fluid from sample containers or blots of the sample support <NUM>. Sample introduction may entail loading one or more samples in one or more wells of a microplate or other type of sample support <NUM> (e.g., preparing samples in accordance with blotting techniques such as Western Blot, as appreciated by persons skilled in the art), and loading or mounting the sample support <NUM> in the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>, such as with the use of the sample carrier <NUM> described above. Depending on the sample and the type of measurement to be made, the sample may be subjected to preparation or treatment (incubation, mixing, homogenization, centrifuging, buffering, reagent addition, analytical separation such as solid phase extraction, chromatography, electrophoresis, etc.) prior to being positioned in the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>, as appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

In addition to sample introduction, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> or certain components thereof (optics, electronics, etc.) may need to be configured for implementing the specific type of measurement to be made. For example, if cartridge-based, the appropriate cartridge (or cartridges) may be installed in the cartridge module <NUM> of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>. After installing a cartridge, optics provided in the cartridge become part of the optical circuit within the apparatus housing <NUM> of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>. For example, the cartridge optics may be aligned with (in optical communication with) the excitation optics <NUM>, emission optics <NUM>, and/or interface optics <NUM>. Installing the cartridge results in establishing electrical paths for transmitting power, data and control signals to and/or from the cartridge.

The sample is then processed as necessary to induce the emission of photons from the sample for measurement. In the case of luminescence measurement, reagents may be added to induce a luminescent response, such as by operating a liquid injecting system as described above. In the case of fluorescence measurement, the light source <NUM> and associated excitation optics <NUM> (and possibly a cartridge and/or the interface optics <NUM>, as described above) are utilized to irradiate or excite the sample to induce a fluorescent response. Fluorescence measurement may additionally entail the addition of reagents to induce the fluorescent response. In the case of either luminescence or fluorescence measurement, the emission optics <NUM> (and possibly a cartridge and/or the interface optics <NUM>, as described above) are utilized to collect the emission light from the sample and direct the emission light to the light detector <NUM>. The light detector <NUM> converts these optical signals into electrical signals (detector signals, or measurement signals) and transmits the electrical signals to signal processing circuitry, such as may be provided by a system controller <NUM> of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> as described above.

In the case of absorbance measurement, the light source <NUM> and associated excitation optics <NUM> (and possibly a cartridge and/or the interface optics <NUM>, as described above) are utilized to irradiate the sample. In this case, the "emission" light is the light transmitted through the sample, which is attenuated in comparison to the excitation light incident on the sample due to absorbance by the sample of some of the light. The transmitted ("emission") light may be directed to an absorbance detector that may be separate from the illustrated light detector <NUM>, as described above.

Depending on the embodiment, the method may include operation and/or use of other components of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>, such as one or more cartridges of the cartridge module <NUM>, the interface optics <NUM>, the excitation path selection device <NUM>, the excitation monochromator <NUM>, the excitation filter holder <NUM>, the main optical path selection device <NUM>, the emission monochromator <NUM>, the emission filter holder <NUM>, etc., all as described elsewhere herein.

For any of the optical measurement techniques implemented, multiple samples may be processed. For example, the sample support <NUM> on or in which the multiple samples are provided may be moved (such as by using the sample carrier <NUM>) to sequentially align each sample with the optics being utilized for the experiment, whereby measurements are taken from all samples sequentially.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> may further include an optical-based monitoring system <NUM> configured to monitor one or more operating conditions (or states) present in the interior enclosed by the apparatus housing <NUM> of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>. The monitoring system <NUM> includes one or more light sources and one or more light detectors. The light source(s) are positioned to illuminate region(s) or surface(s) in the interior of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> at which monitoring is desired by the light detector(s). Depending on the particular operating condition or state being monitored, a given light detector may be configured to make an optical-based measurement or to acquire images viewable by a user in real time. The light sources utilized in the monitoring system <NUM> are typically LEDs, but more generally may be any appropriate type of light sources, such as the other examples noted herein. The light detectors utilized in the monitoring system <NUM> are typically cameras to enable the capturing of images (still images, or both still images and video). However, for monitoring functions involving detection or measurement not requiring multi-pixel imaging, another type of light detector may be utilized, such as the other examples noted herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> includes two light sources <NUM> and <NUM> and a camera <NUM> utilized for monitoring. In other embodiments, more than two light sources <NUM> and <NUM> and more than one may camera <NUM> be included. The light sources <NUM> and <NUM> may be positioned and oriented to emit respective light beams <NUM> and <NUM> in different directions or angles relative to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the light beam <NUM> is oriented horizontally and the light beam <NUM> is oriented vertically, but more generally the light beams <NUM> and <NUM> may be oriented at any angles useful for carrying out the monitoring functions. The camera <NUM> may be positioned and oriented to receive light reflected or emitted from surfaces or regions illuminated by the light sources <NUM> and/or <NUM>, and thereby make optical-based measurements to enable a user to view the illuminated surfaces or regions, such as on a display screen communicating with the system controller <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the monitoring system <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an example of the positions of the light sources <NUM> and <NUM> and the camera <NUM>, relative to each other and to other interior components such as the sample carrier <NUM> and the objective lens <NUM>. The light sources <NUM> and <NUM> and the camera <NUM> may be mounted to appropriate inside surfaces in the housing <NUM> of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>. The light sources <NUM> and <NUM> and the camera <NUM> may communicate with the system controller <NUM> (<FIG>) as needed for implementing the monitoring functions of the monitoring system <NUM>. For example, the system controller <NUM> may transmit control signals to the light sources <NUM> and <NUM> and the camera <NUM>, and the camera <NUM> may transmit output signals (measurement signals) to the system controller <NUM> for signal processing as needed for optical-based measurement or imaging. The light sources <NUM> and <NUM> and the camera <NUM> may be mounted to appropriate inside surfaces in the housing <NUM> of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>. The light sources <NUM> and <NUM> and the camera <NUM> may be mounted to respective printed circuit boards (PCBs) containing electronics. In some embodiments, such PCBs may be considered as being part of the system controller <NUM>.

Depending the monitoring function(s) to be implemented, the monitoring system <NUM> may operate before, during, or after a sample analysis as described herein is performed, and may operate in one or more iterations during such time periods to perform one or more different monitoring functions. Notably, the illumination and detecting/imaging functions implemented by the monitoring system <NUM> are completely internal, i.e., inside the apparatus housing <NUM>. Thus, the operation of the monitoring system <NUM> does not require opening the apparatus housing <NUM> and exposing sensitive optical components (e.g., the light detector <NUM>) to the ambient. Examples of monitoring functions, and operating conditions that may be monitored by the monitoring system <NUM>, include, but are not limited to, the following.

Plate presence detection: In an embodiment, the monitoring system <NUM> is configured to detect the presence of the microplate <NUM> (or other type of sample support) on the sample carrier <NUM>. If the monitoring system <NUM> determines that the microplate <NUM> is not present, the monitoring system <NUM> may prevent the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> (or certain components of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> that would be affected by the absence of the microplate <NUM>) from operating. The monitoring system <NUM> may take other actions such as, for example, outputting an audio and/or visual indication that informs the user of the absence of the microplate <NUM>. For these functions, the camera <NUM> may communicate with the system controller <NUM>, as described above. In one embodiment, the light source <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) is utilized. The light source <NUM> is positioned above the region of the sample carrier <NUM> where the microplate <NUM> is intended to be mounted. The light source <NUM> is activated to emit the light beam <NUM> toward this region. The light beam <NUM> may be oriented vertically or an angle to the vertical. The camera <NUM> (or another camera located in a different position in the apparatus housing <NUM>, not shown in <FIG>) is activated to detect light reflected from a surface of the microplate <NUM>. If the camera <NUM> detects reflected light, the monitoring system <NUM> determines that the microplate <NUM> is present. If, on the other hand, the camera <NUM> does not detect reflected light (i.e., detects the absence of a reflection signal), the monitoring system <NUM> determines that the microplate <NUM> is not present, and may initiate further actions as described above.

Additionally, the camera <NUM> may provide images of the region illuminated by the light source <NUM>. A user may view these images on a display screen, in real time or not, and make a manual determination as to whether the microplate <NUM> is present or absent.

Additionally or alternatively, the monitoring system <NUM> may be configured to detect the presence of the microplate <NUM> by detecting (measuring) the height of the microplate <NUM>. In the present context, the "height" of the microplate <NUM> is the position of a part of the microplate <NUM> (typically the top surface or top edge of the microplate <NUM>) along the vertical axis. The height as a value may be calculated relative to any reference datum, such as a point in the apparatus housing <NUM>. If the height detected is lower than a minimum threshold value, the monitoring system <NUM> may determine that the microplate <NUM> is not present, and may initiate further actions as described above. For example, if the microplate <NUM> is not present, then the height measured may be the height of the sample carrier <NUM> (e.g., the top surface thereof, or a surface on which the microplate <NUM> is supported when present), which will be lower than the minimum threshold value. A reference point on the surface of the sample carrier <NUM> may be defined as corresponding to a plate height of zero. The sample carrier <NUM> may be configured as needed to provide a line of sight between the zero reference point and the light source <NUM>, and a line of sight between the zero reference point and the camera <NUM>.

Monitoring for the presence of the microplate <NUM> is useful, for example, in a situation where the user forgets to mount the microplate <NUM> on the sample carrier <NUM> before initiating sample measurement/analysis operations. This monitoring function is especially important when an injector nozzle <NUM> or a pipette tip <NUM> is in use. The injector nozzle <NUM> or pipette tip <NUM> could dispense liquid directly onto optical components of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> and damage such optical components.

Plate height detection: In an embodiment, the monitoring system <NUM> is configured to measure the height of the microplate <NUM> to determine that the height is correct according to a predetermined height specified for the operation of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>. In one embodiment, the light source <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) is utilized. The light source <NUM> is positioned to emit the light beam <NUM> toward the top edge of the microplate <NUM>, thereby creating a light pattern or profile detectable by the camera <NUM>. The detected light pattern may be utilized to calculate the height of the microplate <NUM>. For example, the system controller <NUM> may process output signals received from the camera <NUM>, and execute an appropriate algorithm, to calculate the height of the microplate <NUM>. The monitoring system <NUM> may also be configured to measure the distance between the upper surface of the microplate <NUM> and components operating proximate to the upper surface of the microplate <NUM> such as, for example, the injector nozzle <NUM>, the pipette tip <NUM>, and the objective lens <NUM>. If the height detected, or the distance between the microplate <NUM> and another component, is lower than a minimum, the monitoring system <NUM> may prevent the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> (or certain components of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> that would be affected by this operating condition) from operating. This monitoring function of the monitoring system <NUM> is useful, for example, to avoid collisions between the microplate <NUM> and the injector nozzle <NUM>, the pipette tip <NUM>, the objective lens <NUM>, or other component, thereby preventing damage to such components.

Plate lid presence detection: In an embodiment, the monitoring system <NUM> is configured to detect the presence of a plate lid <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) on the microplate <NUM>. If the use of the plate lid <NUM> is not prescribed for a particular sample analysis procedure, and the monitoring system <NUM> detects the presence of the plate lid <NUM>, the monitoring system <NUM> may prevent the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> (or certain components of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> that would be affected by this operating condition) from operating and/or initiate other appropriate actions. This monitoring function is useful, for example, in a situation where the user forgets to remove the plate lid <NUM> before starting the prescribed measurement on the sample. This monitoring function is especially important when an injector nozzle <NUM> or a pipette tip <NUM> is in use. The injector nozzle <NUM> or pipette tip <NUM> could dispense liquid onto the plate lid <NUM>, and the liquid could then flow into contact with optical components of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> and damage such optical components. Similarly, if the use of the plate lid <NUM> is prescribed for a particular sample analysis procedure, and the monitoring system <NUM> determines that the plate lid <NUM> is not present, the monitoring system <NUM> may initiate appropriate actions in response to such operating condition.

Barcode reading: In an embodiment, the monitoring system <NUM> is configured to operate as barcode reading device to read one or more barcodes printed on one or more barcode labels <NUM> (<FIG>) positioned on one or more sides of the microplate <NUM> mounted on the sample carrier <NUM>. The sample carrier <NUM> is configured such that when the microplate <NUM> is mounted on the sample carrier <NUM>, a given barcode label <NUM> can be adequately illuminated by the light source and light reflected from the barcode label <NUM> can be fully and accurately captured by the camera so that the barcode can be properly read. For example, the microplate <NUM> may be sufficiently elevated above the top surface of the sample carrier <NUM> that large portions of the sides of the microplate <NUM> potentially containing barcode labels <NUM> are in the lines of sight of the light source(s) and the camera(s) utilized for barcode reading. As another example, the body of the sample carrier <NUM> may be structured with features (e.g., recesses, openings, etc.) providing or improving lines of sight with the light source(s) and the camera(s). The light source and the camera may be positioned relative to each other such that the light beam incident on the barcode label <NUM> and the light beam reflected from the barcode label <NUM> are not coincident. In one embodiment, the light source <NUM> and the camera <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) may be utilized for barcode reading. Additionally, a given microplate <NUM> may have barcode labels <NUM> on two or more sides of the microplate <NUM>. If it is desired to read such additional barcode labels <NUM>, the monitoring system <NUM> may include additional light sources and cameras as needed.

Injector monitoring: In an embodiment, the monitoring system <NUM> is configured to monitor the operation of the liquid injecting system, particularly the injector nozzle(s) <NUM> (<FIG>) during rinsing and priming operations of the liquid injecting system. As appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the fluidic circuitry of the liquid injecting system, including the injector nozzle <NUM> and associated tubing, are typically rinsed and primed in preparation for an injection operation, such as the injection of reagents or other liquids onto a sample or into a sample container such as the well of a microplate <NUM>. It is desirable to avoid the formation of liquid droplets and liquid-air bubbles on the injector nozzle <NUM> and nearby tubing. Liquid droplets and bubbles may contaminate one or more wells of the microplate <NUM>, and may spill onto the microplate <NUM> and flow into contact with optical components of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> and damage such optical components. Liquid droplets and bubbles also may impair the ability of the liquid injecting system to precisely inject predetermined quantities of liquid. One or more light sources <NUM> and <NUM> and cameras <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) of the monitoring system <NUM> may be utilized to monitor the injector nozzle <NUM> and nearby tubing for the presence of liquid droplets and air bubbles. In one embodiment, images of the injector nozzle <NUM> and its surrounding region are acquired by the camera(s) <NUM> and displayed on a display screen, thereby allowing the user to monitor the injector nozzle <NUM> and nearby tubing. If the user determines that liquid droplets and/or bubbles are present, the user may shut down further operation of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> so that appropriate efforts can be made to address the problem.

Pipettor monitoring: In an embodiment, the monitoring system <NUM> is configured to monitor the operation of the liquid pipetting system, particularly the pipette tip(s) <NUM> (<FIG>). Pipette tips <NUM> are typically removable from the pipettor head of the liquid pipetting system so that they can be replaced. During movement and/or use of the pipette tip <NUM> in the apparatus housing <NUM>, it is possible for the pipette tip <NUM> to become unsecured and fall from the pipettor head onto the microplate <NUM> or other components of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>, thereby contaminating or damaging such components and/or creating an obstruction into which other moving components may collide. One or more light sources <NUM> and <NUM> and cameras <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) of the monitoring system <NUM> may be utilized to monitor the pipette tip <NUM> and ensure it is securely coupled to the pipettor head, and to detect the event of the pipette tip <NUM> becoming separated from the pipettor head. In one embodiment, images of the pipette tip <NUM> and its surrounding region are acquired by the camera(s) <NUM> and displayed on a display screen, thereby allowing the user to monitor the pipette tip <NUM>. If the user determines that pipette tip <NUM> is not securely coupled or has fallen away from the pipettor head, the user may shut down further operation of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> so that appropriate efforts can be made to address the problem.

Microplate monitoring for liquid droplets: In an embodiment, the monitoring system <NUM> is configured to monitor the microplate <NUM>. In particular, the monitoring system <NUM> may be utilized to monitor for the presence of liquid droplets on one or more surfaces of the microplate <NUM>. Such liquid droplets, which may have resulted from operation of the injector nozzle <NUM> or the pipette tip <NUM>, may contaminate the samples or optical components of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM>. One or more light sources <NUM> and <NUM> and cameras <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) of the monitoring system <NUM> may be utilized to monitor the microplate <NUM> for the presence of liquid droplets. In one embodiment, images of the microplate <NUM> are acquired by the camera(s) <NUM> and displayed on a display screen, thereby allowing the user to monitor the microplate <NUM>. If the user determines that liquid droplets are present on the microplate <NUM>, the user may shut down further operation of the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> so that appropriate efforts can be made to address the problem.

Microplate monitoring for debugging: In an embodiment, the monitoring system <NUM> is configured to monitor the respective positions and motions of movable components disposed in the apparatus housing <NUM> to assist a user in evaluating the operation of the movable components and debugging any errors found in their positions and motions. As described herein, the sample analyzing apparatus <NUM> includes various fluidic components, optical components, and mechanical components that are movable in the apparatus housing <NUM> toward and away from the microplate <NUM>. These components include, for example, the injector nozzle <NUM>, the pipette tip <NUM>, the objective lens <NUM>, and the sample carrier <NUM> on which the microplate <NUM> is mounted. Typically for a given sample analysis, the positions and respective paths of travel along which these components move (and the timing of such movements) are carefully predetermined by programming, as may be executed and controlled by the system controller <NUM> (<FIG>), so that collisions between fluidic/optical/mechanical components, and between fluidic/optical/mechanical components and the microplate <NUM>, are avoided. Due to mechanical malfunctions (e.g., in a drive mechanism, a mechanical coupling, etc.), electronics malfunctions (e.g., in an electrical signal path), and/or programming errors (e.g., in software instructions), it is possible for a component to deviate from its intended travel path or from the intended time during which it is move, thereby risking collision with another component. One or more light sources <NUM> and <NUM> and cameras <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) of the monitoring system <NUM> may be utilized to monitor one or more such components, determining whether an error in position or motion exists (or has occurred), debug the error (e.g., repair or replace such components or electronics controlling such components, fix errors in programming, etc.), and subsequently verify that such components are operating as prescribed. In one embodiment, images of such components are acquired by the camera(s) <NUM> and displayed on a display screen, thereby allowing the user to monitor the components. As part of this aspect of monitoring, the light sources <NUM> and <NUM> and cameras <NUM> may be utilized to determine the positions of the components being monitored such as, for example, the heights (positions) of the injector nozzle <NUM>, the pipette tip <NUM>, the objective lens <NUM>, and the microplate <NUM>, as described above.

In other embodiments, the monitoring system <NUM> is configured to perform any combination of two or more of the foregoing monitoring functions. By providing one or a few light sources <NUM> and <NUM> and cameras <NUM>, the monitoring system <NUM> is able to perform a combination of different monitoring functions, thereby avoiding the increased cost, complexity, and space requirement that would be associated with providing dedicated devices to perform such monitoring functions individually.

It will be understood that one or more of the processes, sub-processes, and process steps described herein may be performed by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of two or more of the foregoing, on one or more electronic or digitally-controlled devices. The software may reside in a software memory (not shown) in a suitable electronic processing component or system such as, for example, the system controller (computing device) <NUM> schematically depicted in <FIG>. The software memory may include an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions (that is, "logic" that may be implemented in digital form such as digital circuitry or source code, or in analog form such as an analog source such as an analog electrical, sound, or video signal). The instructions may be executed within a processing module, which includes, for example, one or more microprocessors, general purpose processors, combinations of processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Further, the schematic diagrams describe a logical division of functions having physical (hardware and/or software) implementations that are not limited by architecture or the physical layout of the functions. The examples of systems described herein may be implemented in a variety of configurations and operate as hardware/software components in a single hardware/software unit, or in separate hardware/software units.

The executable instructions may be implemented as a computer program product having instructions stored therein which, when executed by a processing module of an electronic system (e.g., the system controller <NUM> shown in <FIG>), direct the electronic system to carry out the instructions. The computer program product may be selectively embodied in any non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as an electronic computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that may selectively fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is any non-transitory means that may store the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may selectively be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of non-transitory computer readable media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires (electronic); a portable computer diskette (magnetic); a random access memory (electronic); a read-only memory (electronic); an erasable programmable read only memory such as, for example, flash memory (electronic); a compact disc memory such as, for example, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW (optical); and digital versatile disc memory, i.e., DVD (optical). Note that the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory or machine memory.

It will also be understood that the term "in signal communication" as used herein means that two or more systems, devices, components, modules, or sub-modules are capable of communicating with each other via signals that travel over some type of signal path. The signals may be communication, power, data, or energy signals, which may communicate information, power, or energy from a first system, device, component, module, or sub-module to a second system, device, component, module, or sub-module along a signal path between the first and second system, device, component, module, or sub-module. The signal paths may include physical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, electrochemical, optical, wired, or wireless connections. The signal paths may also include additional systems, devices, components, modules, or sub-modules between the first and second system, device, component, module, or sub-module.

More generally, terms such as "communicate" and "in. communication with" (for example, a first component "communicates with" or "is in communication with" a second component) are used herein to indicate a structural, functional, mechanical, electrical, signal, optical, magnetic, electromagnetic, ionic or fluidic relationship between two or more components or elements. As such, the fact that one component is said to communicate with a second component is not intended to exclude the possibility that additional components may be present between, and/or operatively associated or engaged with, the first and second components.

Claim 1:
A sample analyzing apparatus (<NUM>) for performing an optical-based measurement on a biological sample supported by a multi-well microplate (<NUM>, <NUM>), the sample analyzing apparatus comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a first light source (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>) and configured for generating excitation light;
excitation optics (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>) and configured for directing the excitation light from the first light source (<NUM>) to the biological sample placed in an operating position, wherein the biological sample emits emission light in response to being irradiated by the excitation light;
a first light detector (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>) and configured for measuring the emission light; and
emission optics (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>) and configured for directing the emission light from the biological sample to the first light detector (<NUM>);
characterized by
a monitoring system (<NUM>) configured for monitoring inside said housing (<NUM>) a movable component (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) disposed in the interior of the housing (<NUM>) and movable towards and away from the biological sample in its operating position, the monitoring system comprising:
a second light source (<NUM>; <NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>) and configured for illuminating the movable component (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>); and
a second light detector (<NUM>) disposed in the housing (<NUM>) and configured for detecting light reflected from the movable component (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) in response to being illuminated.