Methods, Software, and Apparatus for Focusing an Optical System Using Computer Image Analysis

• US 20080285879A1
• Filed: 07/01/2008
• Published: 11/20/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Applied Biosystems, Inc. (Thermo Fisher Scientific Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Applied Biosystems, Inc. (Thermo Fisher Scientific Incorporated)
• Inventors: Kinney, Patrick D., King, Howard G., Naley, Mark, Pallas, Michael C.
• Application Number:
  US12/166,197
• Publication Number:
  US 20080285879A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/255
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 21/244 using image analysis techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/38 measured at different points on the optical axis , e.g. focussing on two or more planes and comparing image data

Abstract

Methods, software, and apparatus for focusing an image in biological instrument are disclosed. Focusing elements are moved to various focus positions within a focus element travel range, and sample images are captured at the various focus positions. The sample images are resolved into subregions and an optimal focus position is determined based on the image intensity statistical dispersions within the identified subregions.

Claims

1. A method for focusing an image in a biological instrument, the method comprising:

moving a focusing element to a plurality of focus positions within a focusing element movement range;

capturing a sample image of a target sample at the plurality of focus positions;

resolving the sample image into a plurality of subregions;

calculating image intensity statistical dispersion values within the plurality of subregions;

identifying subregion focus positions for the plurality of subregions based on the calculated image intensity statistical dispersion values; and

determining an optimal focus position based on the identified subregion focus positions,

wherein the target sample is a high-density microarray.