Biopolymer array substrate thickness dependent automated focus-distance determination method for biopolymer array scanners
US7361906B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 22, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/276
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for determining a biopolymer array substrate thickness dependent optimal focus distance for scanning a molecular array by a molecular array scanner are provided. A reference substrate is automatically scanned at successively greater distances of the stage from a light gathering medium, such as an optical fiber, or z-positions, to produce data providing a functional relationship between z-position and measured signal intensities. The data is then processed by an array substrate thickness dependent focus-finding routine that selects an optimal focus-distance for data scans which is optimized for the thickness of the reference substrate. Also provided are methods of determining the thickness of a biopolymer array substrate using a position sensitive device (PSD) component of a biopolymer array scanner. Further methods include determining the thickness of said biopolymeric array and automatically selecting an optimal focus distance using the determined thickness and a calibration function on thickness versus optimal focus distance. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including both genomic and proteomic applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.