Abstract: A method for defining a z-range in a sample in which a z-stack of the sample is to be recorded by means of a microscope is provided, wherein the z-range is defined automatically on the basis of a z-value situated in the sample and taking at least one predetermined parameter into account.

Abstract: A focusing method for an optical instrument for magnified viewing of an object includes producing at least two images with different focal positions and applying several different sharpness functions. Each function has an absolute extremum which specifies the optimum focal position to be set for the viewing and which lies in a close focus range of the sharpness function adjoined on both sides by a far focus range which contains local secondary extrema. For each of the at least two images an evaluation thereof is performed with the focal position as a variable such that a sharpness function variation direction of the focal position is calculated for each sharpness function in order to arrive at the optimum focal position. A determination is made for main variation direction based on all sharpness function variation directions, which is then used during further focusing.

Abstract: A method for defining a z-range in a sample in which a z-stack of the sample is to be recorded by means of a microscope is provided, wherein the z-range is defined automatically on the basis of a z-value situated in the sample and taking at least one predetermined parameter into account.

Abstract: A computer-aided method, system and computer program product are provided for optical testing of a rope. Such method includes: providing an image data set for at least one portion of the rope; providing target values of a pictorial longitudinal extension of the representation of wires relative to a pictorial longitudinal extension of the rope in the image data set; determining a pictorial longitudinal extension of the wires in the image data set, including adapting an estimated longitudinal extension to the image data set; determining at least one quality value using a quality norm as a function of the determined pictorial longitudinal extension of the wires and the target values of the pictorial longitudinal extension of the wires; discriminating pictorial positions within the image data set of the rope, where at least one quality value exceeds or falls below a predetermined, assigned quality threshold value; and providing the discriminated pictorial positions.

Abstract: A setting unit for sequencing automatic recording of images with a recording device. The setting unit provides a first input interface via which a recording program can be set, provides a second input interface via which at least one parameter, which is to be monitored during the execution of the sequence, is proposed and can be selected in dependence on the recording program, provides a third input interface via which at least one condition, and at least one action upon fulfilment of the condition, can be set for the parameter, and generates control data for the control module.

Abstract: A focusing method for an optical instrument for magnified viewing of an object is disclosed. The instrument includes instrument optics, an adjusting unit for adjusting the focal position when viewing the object by means of the instrument optics, as well as a recording unit which records the object by means of the instrument optics.

Abstract: A computer-aided method, system and computer program product are provided for optical testing of a rope. Such method includes: providing an image data set for at least one portion of the rope; providing target values of a pictorial longitudinal extension of the representation of wires relative to a pictorial longitudinal extension of the rope in the image data set; determining a pictorial longitudinal extension of the wires in the image data set, including adapting an estimated longitudinal extension to the image data set; determining at least one quality value using a quality norm as a function of the determined pictorial longitudinal extension of the wires and the target values of the pictorial longitudinal extension of the wires; discriminating pictorial positions within the image data set of the rope, where at least one quality value exceeds or falls below a predetermined, assigned quality threshold value; and providing the discriminated pictorial positions.