Patent ID: 7768638
Filing Date: 2010-08-03
Classification: G01N,G02B

Abstract:
1. A method of facilitating focusing of an imaging system, comprising: a) obtaining a dynamic profile for a scanline of an array of probes at a specific time via a light source and a confocal scanning system, wherein the scanline of the array of probes is extended across one dimension of a two-dimensional scan area of the test array of probes, and wherein the dynamic profile includes values for at least one parameter at two or more points along the one dimension of the two-dimensional scan area; b) associating the dynamic profile to a profile selected from a set of stored baseline profiles, wherein each of the stored baseline profiles includes values for at least one parameter at two or more points along the one dimension of the two-dimensional scan area, and wherein each of the stored baseline profiles is associated with a correction; c) applying the correction associated with the selected profile; d) repeating steps b) and c) for the scanline of the test array of probes until a desired focus has been obtained; and e) repeating steps a) through d) for additional scanlines of the array of probes at subsequent specific times for each scanline.