Patent ID: 7027221

Claim:
An auto focus method for a microscope, the microscope being configured such that a continuous relative motion in the Z direction can be achieved between a microscope stage and an objective located in a working position, characterized by the following steps: a) acquiring an image with a camera during continuous relative motion in the Z direction between the microscope stage and the objective; b) determining the Z position, reached by way of the continuous relative motion, at which the image was read out from the camera; c) calculating a contrast value for the read-out image; d) storing the Z position reached by way of the relative motion, and the associated contrast value; e) performing steps a) through d) until a defined final position has been reached by way of the continuous relative motion in the Z direction; f) ascertaining a continuous contrast value function from the various Z positions, and the contrast value belonging to the respective Z position; g) calculating, from the continuous contrast value function, a maximum contrast value and the associated Z position; and h) arriving at the Z position that is associated with the maximum contrast value.