DEVICE AND METHODS FOR PREDICTIVE TRACKING OF FOCUS Russian patent published in 2019 - IPC G02B21/00 

FIELD: image forming devices.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to devices and methods for predictive focus tracking. Imaging system includes sample platform having surface for supporting sample container, wherein sample cassette has multiple sample locations; an optical platform comprising a lens, wherein the optical platform is configured to position relative to the sample platform to obtain an image of samples in sample locations; a drive physically connected to at least one of the sample platform and the optical platform to move the sample platform relative to the optical platform in order to focus the optical platform on the current location of the sample; a control circuit for determining focus adjustment for the next sample location and for supplying a control signal to the drive before positioning the optical platform to obtain a sample image at the next sample location. At least one control signal parameter is determined using the difference between the focus setting for the current sample location and the focus setting determined for the next sample location.

EFFECT: invention provides faster focusing.

31 cl, 10 dwg