Self-calibrating and directional focusing systems and methods for infinity corrected microscopes
US11086118B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B7/38
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods for autofocusing an objective lens in a microscope system. A self-calibrating autofocus system includes a light source, a decentered aperture, and image-capturing device. The system may be connected to the microscope system so that the light source generates a light on an optical path that includes the objective lens and a plate having a reference surface proximal to a sample holding component. The image capturing device images a reflection of light from the reference surface as the objective lens moves to a series of z-positions. A reference calibration slope is generated for the objective lens by determining positions of the images taken at the z-positions of the objective lens. At least one image having a particular attribute corresponds to a best focus position. The objective lens is moved to predicted best focus or preferred offset from calibrated best focus using the reference calibration slope.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.