Tecan Trading Ag

Alexander Kaser

Markus Schürf

Andreas Erlbacher

Josef Grassl

Frank Münchow

Christian Oberdanner

A systemand method are provided for imaging a sample in a sample holder. For providing autofocus, a 2D pattern is projected onto the sample holdervia an astigmatic optical element. Image dataof the sample is acquired by an image sensorvia magnification optics. A difference in sharpness of the two-dimensional pattern in the image data is measured along a first axis and a second axis. Based on the difference, a magnitude and direction of defocus of the camera subsystem is determined with respect to the sample holder. This enables the sample holder, and thereby the sample, to be brought into focus in a fast and reliable manner.

Imaging a sample in a sample holder

An imaging system and method are provided in which a well of a microplateis imaged by a cameracomprising magnification optics. The camera is controlled to acquire a series of images of the well with different exposures. The series of images comprise a base image with a base exposure and at least one further image with a larger exposure than the base exposure. The series of images are then merged into an output image which comprises in a center region of the well image content from the base image and at a peripheral region of the well image content from the at least one further image. Advantageously, the output image may allow for better assaying or analysis of the samples in the well than any of the individual images.

Growing community of inventors

Puch bei Hallein, Austria

Alexander Kaser