Abstract: A DNA flow cell processing method including positioning the flow cell on a stage at a predetermined location relative to a camera, illuminating the flow cell from a side with a first light source to reflect light off the DNA fragment bead locations, obtaining a first image of the flow cell and identifying a first reference pattern of bead locations in the first image, moving at least one of the flow cell and the stage relative to the camera, attempting to reposition the stage at the predetermined location, obtaining a second image of the flow cell, identifying the first reference pattern in the second image, and evaluating a first offset, relative to the camera, between the first reference pattern in the first image and the first reference pattern in the second image.

Abstract: A DNA flow cell processing method including positioning the flow cell on a stage at a predetermined location relative to a camera, illuminating the flow cell from a side with a first light source to reflect light off the DNA fragment bead locations, obtaining a first image of the flow cell and identifying a first reference pattern of bead locations in the first image, moving at least one of the flow cell and the stage relative to the camera, attempting to reposition the stage at the predetermined location, obtaining a second image of the flow cell, identifying the first reference pattern in the second image, and evaluating a first offset, relative to the camera, between the first reference pattern in the first image and the first reference pattern in the second image.

Abstract: Imagers and alignment methods for use by imagers imaging deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments on a flow cell are disclosed. The imagers capture intensity values at DNA fragment bead locations in tiles with each tile having a reference location in the flow cell. Flow cells may be aligned by obtaining a dark field image of each tile during a first imaging session, identifying dark field constellations of bead locations within two separate tiles during the first imaging session, identifying corresponding constellations during a second imaging session, altering the reference location of at least one tile during the second imaging session to correct for a linear offset in the corresponding constellations, and applying at least one correction factor for reading out intensity values from the imager for the bead locations in the flow cell to correct for an angular offset determined from offsets in the corresponding constellations.

Abstract: Imagers and alignment methods for use by imagers imaging deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments on a flow cell are disclosed. The imagers capture intensity values at DNA fragment bead locations in tiles with each tile having a reference location in the flow cell. Flow cells may be aligned by obtaining a dark field image of each tile during a first imaging session, identifying dark field constellations of bead locations within two separate tiles during the first imaging session, identifying corresponding constellations during a second imaging session, altering the reference location of at least one tile during the second imaging session to correct for a linear offset in the corresponding constellations, and applying at least one correction factor for reading out intensity values from the imager for the bead locations in the flow cell to correct for an angular offset determined from offsets in the corresponding constellations.

Abstract: Imagers and alignment methods for use by imagers imaging deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragments on a flow cell are disclosed. The imagers capture intensity values at DNA fragment bead locations in tiles with each tile having a reference location in the flow cell. Flow cells may be aligned by obtaining a dark field image of each tile during a first imaging session, identifying dark field constellations of bead locations within two separate tiles during the first imaging session, identifying corresponding constellations during a second imaging session, altering the reference location of at least one tile during the second imaging session to correct for a linear offset in the corresponding constellations, and applying at least one correction factor for reading out intensity values from the imager for the bead locations in the flow cell to correct for an angular offset determined from offsets in the corresponding constellations.

Abstract: A non-contact imaging apparatus for examining an object having complex surfaces or shape deformations. The imaging apparatus includes at least one imaging device for obtaining a scanned image of the exterior surfaces of the object being examined. A predetermined reference image) of an ideal model for the object is stored in a memory. An image register is coupled to the imaging device and to the memory containing the reference image of the ideal model for the object. A transformation estimator compares the scanned image to the reference image and provides a transform which maps the scanned image to the reference image and provides a set of registered object data points. One or more filter modules process the registered object data points with a priori information to reduce noise and to further enhance the accuracy and precision of the registration. A gauge estimator is coupled to the filter module.

Abstract: A non-contact imaging apparatus for examining an object having complex surfaces or shape deformations. The imaging apparatus includes at least one imaging device for obtaining a scanned image of the exterior surfaces of the object being examined. A predetermined reference image) of an ideal model for the object is stored in a memory. An image register is coupled to the imaging device and to the memory containing the reference image of the ideal model for the object. A transformation estimator compares the scanned image to the reference image and provides a transform which maps the scanned image to the reference image and provides a set of registered object data points. One or more filter modules process the registered object data points with a priori information to reduce noise and to further enhance the accuracy and precision of the registration. A gauge estimator is coupled to the filter module.