Assay instrument for detecting optical signals from samples having a controlled optics adjustment system based on the priority statuses of the samples
First Claim
1. An assay system for biological or chemical analysis, the assay system comprising:
- an optical assembly having a plurality of optical components, the optical assembly configured to receive first and second optical signals from different first and second samples, respectively, and direct the first and second optical signals to a detector assembly for detection;
an optics adjustment system configured to selectively move at least one of the optical components to change the optical assembly between a first collective arrangement for detecting the first optical signals and a different second collective arrangement for detecting the second optical signals; and
a system controller configured to control the optics adjustment system, wherein each of the first and second samples in configured to have a priority status during operation of the assay system, the system controller configured to control the optics adjustment system to change the optical assembly to the first collective arrangement or to the second collective arrangement based on the priority statuses of the first and second samples.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An optical system configured to detect optical signals during imaging sessions. The optical system includes an objective lens that has a collecting end that is positioned proximate to a sample and configured to receive optical signals therefrom. The optical system also includes a removable path compensator that is configured to be located at an imaging position between the collecting end of the objective lens and the sample. The path compensator adjusts an optical path of the light emissions when in the imaging position. Also, the optical system includes a transfer device that is configured to move the path compensator. The transfer device locates the path compensator at the imaging position for a first imaging session and removes the path compensator from the imaging position for a second imaging session.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An assay system for biological or chemical analysis, the assay system comprising:
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an optical assembly having a plurality of optical components, the optical assembly configured to receive first and second optical signals from different first and second samples, respectively, and direct the first and second optical signals to a detector assembly for detection; an optics adjustment system configured to selectively move at least one of the optical components to change the optical assembly between a first collective arrangement for detecting the first optical signals and a different second collective arrangement for detecting the second optical signals; and a system controller configured to control the optics adjustment system, wherein each of the first and second samples in configured to have a priority status during operation of the assay system, the system controller configured to control the optics adjustment system to change the optical assembly to the first collective arrangement or to the second collective arrangement based on the priority statuses of the first and second samples. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of operating an assay system, the method comprising:
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providing first and second samples to the assay system, the assay system including an optical assembly having a plurality of optical components and an optics adjustment system configured to selectively move at least one of the optical components to change the optical assembly between a first collective arrangement for detecting the optical signals from the first sample and a different second collective arrangement for detecting the optical signals from the second sample; and identifying a priority status of the first and second samples; automatically determining whether the first sample or the second sample has a higher priority based on the priority statuses; changing the optical assembly to the first collective arrangement or to the second collective arrangement based on which of the first sample or the second sample has the higher priority; and detecting the optical signals of the sample that was determined to have the higher priority. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification