Methods and apparatus for evaluating image focus
US7469160B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG16H50/20
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides methods of focusing an instrument for the acquisition of optical data from a tissue sample. Methods of the invention allow rapid focusing in the context of a diagnostic procedure in which rapid data acquisition is desirable. For example, inventive methods allow a user to focus an optical instrument quickly enough to obtain data within an optimal window of time following application of a chemical agent to the tissue. In one embodiment, a user focuses an optical instrument by aligning laser spots projected onto a tissue sample within rings that are superimposed at predetermined locations within the user's visual field. Preferred methods of the invention further comprise automatic validation to detect whether the spots are sufficiently well-aligned.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.