Image focusing in fluorescent imaging
US7141773B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 6, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B21/367
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An imaging apparatus with an autofocus mechanism for obtaining focused images. The apparatus comprises: an objective lens, a focus controller for altering a distance between the objective lens and a sample, an object finder for finding objects of interest within the sample, for example cells, and a light intensity measurement unit which measures light intensity levels of the thus identified objects of interest. The focus control alters the sample-objective distance to maximize the light intensity levels being measured, thereby to arrive at a focus position. Objects of interest may be identified by filtering out large objects and optionally by masking out background regions. The apparatus is useful for microscopy and particularly for fluorescent imaging in which light levels are low and noise is often high.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.