Automatic on-the-fly focusing for continuous image acquisition in high-resolution microscopy
AssigneeJeffrey H. Price
InventorsJeffrey H. Price, Miguel Bravo-Zanoguera
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Abstract
The invention provides an apparatus, and related method, for continuous volume imaging a specimen using imaging a plurality of image planes at predetermined focal depths. The focal depth for each image plane is adjustable in accordance with a variety of desired spatial configurations. The images generated at the image planes are processing in parallel and the image corresponding the an optimal focal depth at an specimen location is selected for imaging the specimen at that location. The volume imaging apparatus of the invention allows for rapid scanning of an entire microscope slide at high image resolution.
Claims3
An apparatus for generating a volume image, comprising:
- a plurality of imaging devices positioned at adjacent image planes;
- at least one image device configured for being adjustably displaced at a predetermined depth of focus;
- and
- a focusing device for selecting an optimum depth of focus at which to generate an image representation of an image object of the volume image, and for selecting the optimum depth of focus by selecting one of the imaging devices associated with the optimum depth of focus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.