Abstract: A method for the acquisition of images by means of confocal microscopy in which a new image is calculated which is constituted by the "maxima" among the corresponding elements of each captured image. The new image contains mainly the signal coming from the most luminous and in focus areas and even the signal coming from the less luminous areas, as being out of focus or laterally displaced with respect to the grid positions. A further image is then calculated which is constituted by the "minima" among the corresponding elements of each captured image and the requested confocal image is then obtained by calculating the difference between the "maxima" image and the "minima" image.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for automatic focusing of a lens system, including a space dissector (17) for analyzing the space frequency components of the image planes close to the ideal focus plane, and devices (53, 57) for detecting the position of the plane at which the maximum of space frequencies occurs, close to the ideal focus plane. An electronic device is provided for obtaining a suitable signal from said space dissector (17), to provide an adjustment control signal actuating a servo-control unit controlling the lens focusing, and for thus leading to the image plane having the maximum of high frequency components being placed in coincidence with the ideal focus plane.