Unlock instant, AI-driven research and patent intelligence for your innovation.

System and method for continuous, asynchronous autofocus of optical instruments

A technology of automatic focusing and optical instruments, which is applied to the focusing device of cameras, focusing devices of projectors, instruments, etc., and can solve problems such as distance fluctuations of imaging optical components

Active Publication Date: 2015-04-01
LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH
View PDF4 Cites 0 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The focus of an optical instrument may change over time due to, for example, thermal and electromechanical instabilities, and the stage translates in the x-y plane as the sample is scanned or data is collected from the sample over a period of time, even with very precise electromechanical microscopes. The object stage may also fluctuate in distance relative to the imaging optics

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • System and method for continuous, asynchronous autofocus of optical instruments
  • System and method for continuous, asynchronous autofocus of optical instruments
  • System and method for continuous, asynchronous autofocus of optical instruments

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0021] Figure 1A-Figure 1C Schematic illustration of the light path within a fluorescence microscope. A light path and a fluorescence microscope containing the light path are used as a context for describing one embodiment of the invention. However, as also mentioned below, in many cases the method and system of the present invention can be incorporated into a wide variety of different types of in optical instruments.

[0022] The optical path of the fluorescence microscope includes an excitation light source 102 (generally a visible light or UV light laser), a polychroic mirror 104 that reflects the excitation light 106 to an objective lens or lens 108, and the objective lens or lens 108 focuses the excitation light on a mechanical object platform. Point 110 within the sample is supported on the distal side of coverslip 112 at 114 , mechanical stage 114 has aperture 116 through which excitation light passes. Exciting light stimulates the fluorescence emission of the fluoro...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

PUM

No PUM Login to View More

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to autofocus subsystems within optical instruments that continuously monitor the focus of the optical instruments and adjust distances within the optical instrument along the optical axis in order to maintain a precise and stable optical-instrument focus at a particular point or surface on, within, or near a sample. Certain embodiments of the present invention operate asynchronously with respect to operation of other components and subsystems of the optical instrument in which they are embedded.

Description

[0001] Related Application Cross Reference [0002] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 61 / 256,242, filed October 29, 2009, and Provisional Application No. 61 / 267,353, filed December 7, 2009. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to optical instruments, and more particularly, to a continuously, asynchronously operating autofocus subsystem within an optical instrument that maintains an alignment between an objective lens and a point or surface on, in, or near an imaged object. A constant distance from the optical axis. Background technique [0004] For hundreds of years, while optical microscopes and other optics-based methods have been exploited in many areas of human activity from scientific research to warfare, the advent of microprocessors, modern computing, and molecular biology has led to new optical instruments and optical imaging Further accelerated development of technology. For example, fluorescent labeling of protei...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to View More
Patent Type & Authority Patents(China)
IPC IPC(8): G02B7/28G02B26/00G03B3/10G03B13/36G02B21/00
CPCG02B21/245G02B21/16
Inventor J·库珀P·古德文
Owner LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH