BioTek Gets US Patent for Autofocus Reader, Software

Life science instrumentation developer BioTek Instruments Inc. was issued a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its User-Trained Autofocus feature in its Gen5 Microplate Reader and Imager Software integrated with advanced cell imaging systems.

This autofocus method allows users to overcome imaging challenges arising from debris or dead cells, thick biology, overexposure, and fluorescent dye bleaching. The method works by capturing a user-defined reference scan and applying it to automatically determine comparable focal locations in subsequent images.

Patented user-trained autofocus is available for fluorescence and bright-field image capture, montage, and z-stacking processes in BioTek’s Cytation Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Readers and Lionheart Automated Cell Imagers, including existing systems via a software upgrade.

BioTek Instruments develops cell imaging systems, microplate readers, washers, dispensers, automated incubators, stackers, and pipetting systems.