Patent ID: 6823079
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: G01N,G02B

Abstract:
An arrangement for examination of one or more specimens arranged in specimen vessels, a plurality of specimen vessels being located on a microtiter plate, by transmitted light or incident light comprising: a CCD camera for imaging and/or detecting fluorescence signals coming from at least a portion of the specimen volume through the specimen vessel in response to a fluorescence excitation beam; an evaluating unit responsive to said CCD camera; and an autofocus system for accurate focusing of the imaging, which is arranged immediately downstream of an imaging objective in the imaging direction; said autofocus system further illuminating the specimen vessel from below by at least one focusing beam; a CCD receiver for evaluating the beam components reflected by the specimen vessel to locate the boundary of the specimen vessel; and said autofocus system further generating a correction value to focus on the specimen or into the interior of the specimen vessel during focusing and when the boundary of the specimen vessel is located; said imaging and/or detection being done on a side remote of a filling or charging device through said specimen vessel by said CCD camera followed by said evaluating unit.