Autofocusing Optimal Search Algorithm for a Telescope System

TL;DR

This paper evaluates various search algorithms for auto-focusing in astronomical telescopes, identifying the binary search as the most effective based on accuracy and efficiency in star-cluster observations.

Contribution

It compares multiple search algorithms for auto-focus systems and selects the optimal one for astronomical telescopes based on empirical performance.

Findings

Binary search outperforms other algorithms in accuracy.

Binary search requires fewer steps to find optimal focus.

Study provides a validated method for selecting auto-focus algorithms.

Abstract

Focus accuracy affects the quality of the astronomical observations. Auto-focusing is necessary for imaging systems designed for astronomical observations. The automatic focus system searches for the best focus position by using a proposed search algorithm. The search algorithm uses the image's focus levels as its objective function in the search process. This paper aims to study the performance of several search algorithms to select a suitable one. The proper search algorithm will be used to develop an automatic focus system for Kottamia Astronomical Observatory (KAO). The optimal search algorithm is selected by applying several search algorithms into five sequences of star-clusters observations. Then, their performance is evaluated based on two criteria, which are accuracy and number of steps. The experimental results show that the Binary search is the optimal search algorithm.