Patent ID: 7473877
Filing Date: 2009-01-06
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A method for adjusting focus in an automated microscope, the method comprising: providing an optical detector for image acquisition, wherein the optical detector comprises an array of sensor pixels; directing a light beam to illuminate an object according to a line pattern, thereby forming a line-shaped image at the optical detector; designating a region of interest in the array of sensor pixels, wherein the designated region of interest crosses the line-shaped image; determining, based on detection data collected from sensor pixels located within the designated region of interest, a width of the line-shaped image and a light intensity associated with the line-shaped image; adjusting a relative focal position of an objective lens based on the width and the light intensity, wherein the width of the line-shaped is changed and the light intensity is changed; and determining how far an objective lens has its optimal focal position based on the change of the width of the line-shaped image.