Abstract: Optical reader systems and methods with rapid microplate position detection capability are disclosed. The optical reader system includes a scanning optical system configured to scan select position-detecting features to accurately determine the microplate position within the optical reader system. The method includes measuring positions of the position-detecting features in order of their respective amounts of position tolerance, from smallest to largest. The position measurement is carried out for a number of position-detecting features sufficient to determine the microplate position with the optical reader system to within a select microplate position tolerance.

Abstract: Motion control system and method for biosensor scanning that include inputting to a multi-axis motion controller move commands associated with the scan path as defined by multiple axes. The multiple axes including an x-baseline coordinate x0, a y-baseline coordinate y0, an x-direction oscillation amplitude x1, a y-direction oscillation amplitude y1, an oscillation frequency f and a phase ?. The multi-axis motion controller outputs digital commanded positions for each of the multiple axes. A post-processor receives the commanded positions and generates parameterized commanded positions x and y that each include a baseline motion component and an oscillating motion component. The parameterized commanded positions cause the scanning optical system to deflect the light beam to scan the beam spot over the scan path to scan the biosensor.