The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 08, 2006
Filed:
Jan. 28, 2005
William E. Ortyn, Bainbridge Island, WA (US);
Michael J. Seo, Mercer Island, WA (US);
David A. Basiji, Seattle, WA (US);
Keith L. Frost, Seattle, WA (US);
David J. Perry, Woodinville, WA (US);
William E. Ortyn, Bainbridge Island, WA (US);
Michael J. Seo, Mercer Island, WA (US);
David A. Basiji, Seattle, WA (US);
Keith L. Frost, Seattle, WA (US);
David J. Perry, Woodinville, WA (US);
Amnis Corporation, Seattle, WA (US);
Abstract
A pair of optical gratings are used to modulate light from an object, and the modulated light from either grating is used to determine the velocity of the object. Each optical grating is offset from a reference focal point by the same distance, one grating being offset in a positive direction, the other in a negative direction. Signals produced in response to the modulated light can be processed to determine a direction in which a primary collection lens should be moved in order to improve a focus of the imaging system on the object. The lens is moved incrementally in the direction so determined, and the process is repeated until an optimal focus is achieved. In a preferred embodiment, the signals are weighted, so that the optical grating disposed closest to the optimal focus position contributes the most to velocity detection.