Patent ID: 7486329
Filing Date: 2009-02-03
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. An autofocus system comprising: a focusing state signal output apparatus; a stage on which a sample is set; a focusing part which adjusts a relative distance between the stage and an objective lens; and an external control unit, which is external to the focusing state signal output apparatus, and which controls the focusing part; wherein the focusing state signal output apparatus comprises: wherein the control unit is configured to transform the focusing state signal to an arbitrary wave form based on waveform setting information from the external control unit, the control unit sets a threshold with respect to the focusing state signal according to at least one of (i) a change in inclination of the focusing state signal and (ii) the magnification of the objective lens and the type of microscopy of the microscope, and the control unit outputs a focusing judgment signal to the external control unit based on a result of a comparison between the focusing state signal and the set threshold.