Analog circuit for an autofocus microscope system

Details Analog circuit for an autofocus microscope system Analog circuit for an autofocus microscope system

1997-02-07

1999-11-30

Ho, Tuan

Television

Camera, system and detail

Optics

H04N 5202

Patent

active

059951435

ABSTRACT:
An analog circuit for an autofocus microscope system measures a degree of focus of an object directly from the video signal of a microscope CCD camera. The circuit then returns an index to a host computer for the purpose of adjusting the position of the microscope's objective lens to bring the object in focus. Best focus is found by comparing indices at several different vertical positions. The criterion adopted for determining the degree of focus is derived from the energy distribution of the video signal spectrum. The high frequency energy of the video spectrum is a maximum at best focus and as the optics defocus, the distribution shifts to lower frequencies. Low cost, real time autofocus is achieved with the analog circuitry of this invention, replacing more expensive dedicated, real time image processing hardware.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5357280 (1994-10-01), Yajima et al.
patent: 5499097 (1996-03-01), Ortyn et al.
patent: 5745172 (1998-04-01), Miyashita
L.F. McKeogh, J.P. Sharpe & K.M. Johnson, "Design Note--A low-cost automatic translation and autofocusing system for a microscope", Meas. Sci. Technol., No. 6, pp. 583-587, 1995.
E. Johnson et al., "Metaphase Spread Detection and Focus Using Closed Circuit Television", The J. of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, 22:7, pp. 536-545, XP002064321, 1974.
PCT--Notification of Transmittal of the International Search Report (Form PCT/ISA/220) International Appl. No. PCT/US/98/00318.
PCT--International Search Report (Form PCT/ISA/210).
"Comparison of Phase-COntrast and Fluorescence Digital Autofocus For Scanning Microscopy", Jeffrey H. Price & David A. Gough, Cytometry 16:283-297 (1994).

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Analog circuit for an autofocus microscope system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Analog circuit for an autofocus microscope system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Analog circuit for an autofocus microscope system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1679439