Patent ID: 8055450

Claim:
A method comprising: identifying a desired temperature path of a sample temperature of a sample as a function of time, wherein the sample temperature changes from a first temperature at a time t 0 to a target temperature at a time t 2 along the desired temperature path during a first time interval from t 0 to t 2 ; determining, with a computer, an additional amount of energy A b needed to have the sample temperature of the sample reach the target temperature at the time t 2 , wherein determining A b includes: determining a first area that is between the desired temperature path and a second temperature path over the first time interval from t 0 to t 2 and between the target temperature and the second temperature path over a second time interval from t 2 to t 1 , wherein the sample temperature of the sample follows the second temperature path from the first temperature to the target temperature during a third time interval from t 0 to t 1 when a temperature changing element that changes the sample temperature is constant at the target temperature during the third time interval, wherein t 2 is less than t 1 ; and storing data associated with the additional amount of energy A b and adapted to be used in a controlling of the temperature of the temperature changing element, the data specifying a second area between a third temperature path of the temperature changing element and the target temperature during the first time interval, the second area equal to the first area, wherein the third temperature path of the temperature changing element is adapted to have the sample temperature of the sample reach the target temperature at t 2 , the third temperature path of the temperature changing element exceeding the target temperature for at least a portion of the first time interval and being at the target temperature at t 2 .