DE10259009B3 - Control unit for an optical system - Google Patents

Abstract

Operating unit (2) for an optical system, in particular for microscopes, which has several dominant operating elements (20, 21, 22). A trackball (20) is responsible for the movement of the xy table of the optical system. A first rotating ring (21) arranged after the trackball (20) changes the focus position of the microscope (1) or of the optical system when it rotates. It is particularly advantageous if the rotating ring (21) is conical in such a way that the rotating ring (21) tapers in the direction of the trackball. The trackball (20) signals "control of a two-dimensional movement".

Description

The present invention relates to an operating unit for an optical system. In particular, the invention relates to a Control unit for an optical system, the control unit having a base part, with several rotating controls for controlling and changing Settings of the optical system is provided, and one the rotatable controls include a trackball.

For the control of optical systems, preferably in microscopy it makes sense in addition to the control and provided on the microscope Setting elements a separate control element, a so-called Control unit to be provided. Such devices are used in routine laboratories (e.g. permanent material testing, many hundreds of samples per day) and in research laboratories (e.g. cell research in biotechnology laboratories, possibly will even be a sample over one long period is observed).

The Nikon Eclipse E1000, the Olympus BX 61 and the Zeiss Axioskop 2FS use control units that essentially only the controls found on the microscope transferred to the remote control. The user receives no information about the relationship between control and function. Almost consistently become push buttons for the primary Movements table up / down (= focus) and table forward / back as well left / right shift used where traditionally rotary actuators on the microscope be used. Furthermore, all models mentioned above exist not optimal handling because of the geometric conditions the remote control is angular, angular and too voluminous: added comes that not always a completely equal suitability for left and right-handed is present.

Leica already sells an operating unit for microscopes (see e.g. Leica DM RXA2 and DM RA2). This can be done with a the edge of the hand on the table surface propped Hand position when operating the primary control parts for the x, y- and z-axis, as well as the possibility the simultaneous operation of the three axes can be used. Here will the conventional operating pattern used for a table drive. To are the two rotary actuators for the adjustment of the xy tables coaxially one above the other arranged. Furthermore, the control unit has a compact Design and can be operated almost equally by left and right-handers become. Nevertheless, this proven control unit has some disadvantages. There is a risk of unintentional operation of the table (x- / y-axis) when operating the focus wheel and the ambiguous assignment of the Table axes to the controls. There is also no assignment between the direction of rotation of the controls and moving the Image section or the xy table. Especially in the case of focus movement This can lead to collisions between high magnifications Guide lens and sample.

The German publication DE 195 48 091 A1 discloses a one-hand control for movement control of optical instruments. The one-hand control element comprises a mouse ball and a rotary encoder as rotatable control elements. Furthermore, several pushbutton switches are provided on the one-hand control element. The mouse ball and the rotary encoder are not arranged coaxially around an axis that is perpendicular to the contact surface of the one-hand control element.

The German publication DE 196 37 755 A1 discloses a microscope system to simplify the execution of certain functions. The microscope system is also assigned an operating unit that is modeled on a hand. The control unit only comprises a thumb wheel which is designed to be rotatable about an axis. However, this axis is not perpendicular to the support for the control unit. All other controls are only designed as switches. Use for left and right-handed people is excluded.

The Japanese patent application with the publication number 2000162507 A only mentions that the microscope an input unit is assigned which comprises input switches. It is nothing about Rotating elements and their arrangement mentioned.

The invention is therefore the object based on creating an operating unit that addresses the problems of the stand the technology solves. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an operating unit which is a full suitability for Left and right handed possesses and enables optimal handling for every operator.

The object is achieved with an operating unit solved, comprising the features of claim 1.

The invention has the advantage that a clear relationship between the control elements of the control unit and the optical functions resulting from their operation System is recognizable. Added to that is that between the sense of rotation and movement of the control element and the triggered change in value a clear connection on the microscope or optical system is present, which avoids incorrect operation and damage to the sample and the optical System prevented. For example, the collisions when focusing excluded by operating in the wrong direction.

It also provides a complete new operating concept with partial adoption of known operating patterns represents what getting used to facilitated.

Furthermore: Compound operating steps are not necessarily necessary, but possible and often advantageous in practice. In particular, free movement of the table with simultaneous focusing is easily possible and can save time, especially in routine use.

And the control unit offers optimal Handling both for Users with small hands, for as well those with large ones.

The control unit has the decisive advantage that all rotatable controls of the control unit are coaxial an axis are arranged. In addition, the control unit symmetrical with respect a longitudinal axis is built up and thus equally from a legal or a left-hander is operable. The control unit has a bottom part on which the Axis is vertical, around which the rotating controls of the control unit are arranged, The multiple rotatable controls are one Trackball, a first rotating ring and a second rotating ring.

It is particularly advantageous that intuitive operation combined with easy identification the controls and their function, the settling-in period shortened and makes operation safe. This plays a role especially in research laboratories Role where many users look at the microscopes or microscopic Sharing systems and only limited time for instruction on the device. The instruction time is generally shorter. The compatibility of the table adjustment in the x and y direction through the trackball accelerates the correct one Setting the desired one Image section, because it doesn't have to be tried which one Rotation movement which triggers image shift. So there is a time saving before and a positive user experience for the user because he is frustrating and repeated incorrect settings are spared. Added to this is the compatibility of the table adjustment in the z direction by the haptic explanation of which direction of rotation up the table and which moves it down. This prevents Incorrect settings and thus prevents collisions, what the loss of the sample (possibly irretrievable) and damage to the Lens (expensive) avoids. The compatibility of the narrow is just as positive Rotating ring for the nosepiece and immediately sets the correct direction of rotation when actuating for sure. Because the alignment of the rotating ring and the nosepiece base correspond. In this case too, the correct setting is accelerated and up Done right the first time. All primary functions (x, y, z, nosepiece) are due to the unique feel and the intuitive operation can be operated completely blind. It doesn't have to Labels can be read to properly trigger the function. The hand-friendly shape allows long work without fatigue, because no static holding work has to be applied. At the same time support the palm of your hand designed so that the user has a lot of freedom of movement. this will especially due to the strong side waists and recessed grips reached. Moreover the shape allows many hand positions to be realized. Is supported this through the function "Setting the coordinates of the trackball " which even allows the operating satellite to be rotated through 180 ° Posture to use. All of these freedoms make for varied Hand postures and thus prevent symptoms of fatigue such as RSI syndromes, tendonitis etc. before. The shape of the control unit has no corners and edges prevents injuries and makes cleaning easier. This aspect of hygiene is particularly important in biology laboratories.

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention the subclaims be removed.

The invention is illustrated below the examples schematically illustrated in the figures. Show:

1 : a microscope to which an operating unit according to the invention is assigned;

2 : a perspective view of a first embodiment of the control unit;

3 : a top view of the first embodiment of the control unit;

4 : a side view of the first embodiment of the control unit;

5 : a perspective view of a second embodiment of the control unit;

6 : a plan view of a third embodiment of the control unit;

7 : a detailed view of an embodiment of the first rotary ring; and

8th : A detailed view of an embodiment of the second rotary ring together with the bottom part of the control unit.

1 shows a microscope, the control unit according to the invention 2 assigned. The microscope 1 includes a tripod that consists of a base part 3 consists: The base part 3 is divided into three main sections, which consist of a cross main section 3a , a tripod column section 3b and a tripod foot section 3c put together. On the column section 3b is a microscope stage holder 4 attached. Opposite the microscope stage holder 4 is on the column section 4 at least one light source 5 intended. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, there are two light sources 5 intended. It is one of the light sources 5 for transmitted light illumination and the other light source 5 responsible for the reflected light. The cross head section 3a , the tripod foot section 3b and the tripod column section 3c are designed in such a way that they have essentially the same width. On the tripod in the area of the tripod column section 3c is a support element on both sides 6 educated. Of particular importance is that of the support elements 6 in the area of the stand base 3c towering over its breadth.

The tripod foot section 3c is in the area opposite the tripod column section 3b convexly curved and has in the convexly curved area 7 a display 8th , the display 8th can also be designed as a touchscreen, which allows the user to make parameter entries or to call up certain measurement methods. Is the display 8th not designed as a touchscreen, so the display 8th current setting data of the microscope 1 represented visually. In addition, in the transition area between the tripod foot section 3c and the support member 6 a drive button on at least one side 9 is provided, for example the microscope stage holding element 4 adjusted in height. The drive button 9 consists of a first and a second, coaxially arranged rotating element 9a and 9b , One of the rotary elements is for the fine adjustment of the microscope table or the microscope holding element 4 responsible. The other rotating element is responsible for the rough adjustment. It has proven to be particularly advantageous, the first rotating element 9a the fine adjustment and the second rotating element 9b assign the rough adjustment. It is also conceivable on the drive button 9 to add other functions. In the area around the drive button 9 are several actuators 10 provided, via which microscope functions can also be switched. The actuators 10 are designed as push buttons. The microscope functions include filter change, aperture selection, turret movement, etc. on the front part 11 of the cross head section 3a is an eyepiece flange 12 trained of an optical connection with a revolver 13 manufactures on which at least one lens (not shown) can be attached. On a support element 6 is a power switch 14 and a connector 15 intended. Via the connection element 15 can the microscope 1 can be connected to several external control elements. There is also a connection element 15 the possibility of connecting data lines (not shown).

The microscope is an external control element 1 an operating unit 2 assigned by an electrical wire 17 with the microscope 1 connected is. A wireless connection between the control unit is also conceivable 2 and the microscope 1 provided. This can be done via radio or infrared. For reasons of shielding and to avoid electrosmog, there is a line in most laboratories 17 between the control unit 2 and the microscope 1 proven to be the most suitable.

2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the control unit 2 , The operator satellite 2 has several dominant controls. A trackball 20 is responsible for the movement of the xy table. A trackball 20 subordinate first rotating ring 21 changes the focus position of the microscope when rotating 1 or the optical system. It is particularly advantageous if the rotating ring 21 is conical in such a way that the rotating ring 21 towards the trackball 20 tapered towards. The trackball 20 signals "control of a 2-dimensional movement" and thus directly indicates the control of the x / y movement of the xy table or microscope table. The rotating ring 21 conveys the function of the drive button by its size and conical design 9 (please refer 1 ), which is the most striking control element even with standard microscopes. As with the arrangement on the microscope 1 it is also on the control unit 2 executed as a rotary actuator. Also the shape of the rotating ring 21 is based on the historically grown model (drive button 9 ) and supports the association with the first rotating ring 21 with the function "focus drive". This can be regarded as a so-called shape coding. Only the installation position is rotated by 90 ° with respect to the ordinary microscope 1. In these, the drive button was 9 attached to the side of the microscope stand for mechanical reasons in a horizontal axis position. The vertical position of the axis of rotation of the first rotating ring shown here 21 was chosen for ergonomic reasons. The first rotating ring 21 is a second rotating ring 22 downstream. The second rotating ring 22 is narrow, but at least narrower than the first rotating ring 21 , With the second rotating ring 22 the different lenses on the revolver 13 of the microscope 1 can be controlled. Again, a well-known picture is taken up. For older and newer microscopes, whose nosepiece is not motorized, the lenses are selected by the user turning the nosepiece by hand. For this, the revolver has a narrow, usually knurled or rubberized heel 18 that serves as a target (see 1 ). The user recognizes this image and assigns it to the second rotating ring 22 intuitively the function for the "nosepiece". This can also be regarded as a so-called shape coding. The control unit 2 also has a palm rest 24 trained in the field of trackball 20 is slightly wider than this. The palm rest 24 has in the field of trackball 20 a circular recess 25 trained the trackball 20 partially towered over. The control unit 2 lies in normal use on a table surface 26 on. The palm rest 24 is in the area of the table surface 26 widened.

3 shows a plan view of the first embodiment of the control unit 2 , As can be seen from this top view, the control unit is 2 symmetrically along a longitudinal axis 28 designed. It runs through the longitudinal axis 28 an axis 29 , in the 3 is indicated by two concentric, dashed circles. A bottom part can be seen in the top view 30 the control unit 2 the shape of a first and a second circular segment ment 32 and 34 owns, both over a straight section 36 are interconnected. The first circle segment 32 is provided in the area of the trackball and the second circle segment 34 is 180 ° from the first segment of the circle 32 intended. The first circle segment 32 has a smaller diameter than the second circle segment 34 , The palm rest 24 ends in the area of the table surface in the second circle segment 34 , The palm rest 24 has on both sides of the longitudinal axis 28 several pads designed for the user's fingers. Add to that the palm rest 24 also on both sides of the longitudinal axis 28 handholds 40 has formed. In the palm rest 24 is a circular recess 25 trained by which the trackball 20 is accessible to a user and can thus be actuated. The palm rest 24 is formed such that it has a continuously curved shape from the bottom part 30 to the trackball 20 leads. The term continuously means that an uppermost surface of the hand rest that comes into contact with the hand of the user has no sharp edges or angular transitions in its surface.

4 shows a side view of the first embodiment. Completely new is the use of the trackball 20 in microscopy the coaxial arrangement of all elementary controls, such as trackball, first rotating ring 21 and second rotating ring 22 , on top of each other. The coaxial arrangement makes operation considerably easier, since no hand gripping is required. At the same time, the staggering of the three control elements ensures a clear differentiation between the individual control elements. All three primary functions can be triggered safely and intuitively with one hand position and with the wrist relaxed. The trackball 20 is intended for moving the microscope stage in the x direction and in the y direction. The microscope is focused with a rotation of the first rotating ring 21 reached, whereby the microscope stage is moved up and down accordingly. The lenses are changed by rotating the revolver 13 , the rotation of the revolver 13 by rotating the second rotating ring 22 is initiated. In addition, in the case of the focus drive and the rotating ring for the nosepiece, components were used which, in terms of form and operating technology, are similar to existing controls with the same function. So the first rotating ring points 21 structurally very similar to today's conventional focus drive components and the second rotating ring 22 for the nosepiece is similar to the nosepiece sales for common revolvers without motorization. In addition, he takes up the surface's haptic qualities here, since the second rotating ring 22 can also be provided with a rubber coating or corrugation. In microscopes without motorization, a rubber coating or corrugation is also provided on the nosepiece for gripping. And a well-known operating pattern is also the familiar and familiar principle of the trackball from office applications, which immediately establishes the association "control of a 2-dimensional movement" and thus the user without a doubt on the trackball 20 Operation indicates intended function or movement. How out 3 you can see the palm rest 24 designed such that they are in the area of the trackball 20 a substantially parallel section 42 to the bottom part 30 has. The parallel section 42 goes in a concave section 44 above and ends at the second segment of the circle 34 , In a preferred embodiment, a push button can be in the convexly shaped recessed grips 46 be provided for the step size adjustment of a function on the microscope 1 can be used (e.g. to adjust the step size of the focus drive in the microscope). By pressing the pushbutton 46 becomes the sensitivity of the response behavior of the first rotating ring 21 changed.

5 shows a further embodiment of the invention. On the palm rest 24 the control unit 2 is near the trackball 20 a left button 50 , a central button 51 and a right button 52 intended. The left and right buttons 50 and 52 is used to adjust the sensitivity of the adjustment movement of the microscope stage by pressing the trackball 20 is effected. This results in a "step size adjustment" of the microscope stage. The central button 51 switches the ortho function on and off. The latter allows the user to use the trackball 20 perform rectangular table movements, the preferred direction being determined when the trackball moves, ie manipulation largely in the x direction only moves the microscope table in the x direction. An analog function or actuation can be generated for the y direction of the microscope stage.

6 shows a further embodiment of the invention in plan view. Here is the trackball 20 in a camp 55 that opposite the control unit 2 or the palm rest 24 can be twisted. There is therefore also the possibility of orienting the coordinates of the trackball 20 to change. This is particularly helpful when the user cannot or does not want to take the intended hand position, but when he is operating the control unit 2 wants to twist itself towards the operating hand. This change in orientation allows the control unit 2 To operate in every conceivable orientation and still to maintain the correct, fully compatible operation of the adjustment of the microscope stage in the x and y direction. The warehouse 55 is at 90 ° with a mark 57 provided with a corresponding marking if the orientation is not adjusted 58 on the palm rest 24 matches. 6 also shows an example of how a visual feedback about the set step wide could be realized. A first row 59 of display elements is the combination of the left button 50 , the central button 51 and the right button 52 on the palm rest 24 assigned. A second row 60 of display elements is in the vicinity of the second circle segment 34 intended. In a preferred embodiment, the display elements are of the first and the second row 59 and 60 designed as LEDs. The one on the left button 50 or the right button 52 The user can recognize the set sensitivity of the step size from the display means in the first row 59 of display elements lights up. The second row 60 of display elements serves to display the setting of the sensitivity of the step size of the focus adjustment. As already in 4 mentioned, the step size of the focus adjustment with the push buttons 46 in the recessed grips 40 changed. Analogous to the first row 59 of the display elements, the user recognizes the sensitivity based on the position of the currently illuminated display element. It is also particularly advantageous if the display elements of the second row 60 are designed as LEDs. The proximity of the push buttons 46 to the first rotating ring 21 creates an intuitively recognizable functional connection.

7 shows a detailed view of a further embodiment. This encompasses the first rotating ring 21 , which is responsible for the focus drive, on the edge, on the second rotating ring 22 borders, from below a spiral-like cuff firmly connected to the housing 62 , The cuff 62 is a separate component that does not rotate when the first rotating ring 21 is rotated. It is an integral part of the control unit housing 2 , The rotating ring 21 becomes relative to the cuff 62 emotional. Because the first rotating ring 21 is responsible for the focus adjustment, due to the spiral design of the cuff 62 even before actuating the rotating ring 21 The user can visibly and tangibly recognize which value change (adjustment of the microscope stage in the z direction) would occur on the microscope if it were turned to the left or right: the relative movement between the cuffs 62 and the first rotating ring 21 leads to the fingertips sliding along the edge of the cuff, which pushes the fingertips slightly upwards (signals "movement upwards") or gives space downwards (signals "movement downwards"). Because this effect can also be haptically predicted without the first rotating ring 21 incorrect operation (rotation in the wrong direction) is avoided.

8th shows a detailed view with respect to a further embodiment of the second rotary ring 22 for the adjustment of the revolvers 13 of the microscope 1 , The second rotating ring 22 is with a nose 64 Mistake. At one point the bottom part 30 are also several indicators 66 shaped each of which corresponds to a lens that just in the working position in the microscope 1 is pivoted. The working position is through the optical axis of the microscope 1 defined in which the respective lens is currently located. The user can through the nose 64 on the second rotating ring and the indicator 66 who's straight with his nose 64 is in cover, recognize which of the lenses is currently in the working position.

1

microscope

2

operating unit

3

base

3a

Crosshead section

3b

Stand column section

3c

stand foot

4

Microscope stage holding element

5

light source

6

support element

7

convex curved Area

8th

display

9

drive knob

9a

first rotating member

9b

second rotating member

10

actuator

11

front part

12

Okularflansch

13

revolver

14

power switch

15

connecting element

17

electrical management

20

trackball

21

first rotating ring

22

second rotating ring

24

palmrest

25

circular recess

26

table surface

28

longitudinal axis

29

axis

30

the bottom part

32

first circular segment

34

second circular segment

36

straight section

38

pads

40

handholds

42

parallel section

44

concave section

46

pushbutton

50

left button

51

central button

52

right button

55

camp

57

mark

58

mark on palm rest

59

first Set of display elements

60

second Set of display elements

62

cuff

64

nose

66

indicator

Claims (14)

Operating unit for an optical system, the operating unit being a base part ( 30 ), is provided with a plurality of rotatable control elements for controlling and changing settings of the optical system, and one of the rotatable control elements comprises a trackball ( 20 ), characterized in that the rotatable controls ( 20 . 21 . 22 ) in addition to the trackball ( 20 ) a first rotating ring ( 21 ) and a second rotating ring ( 22 ) and that the trackball ( 20 ), the first rotating ring ( 21 ) and the second rotating ring ( 22 ) coaxial around an axis ( 29 ) are arranged vertically on the bottom part ( 30 ) stands. Control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical system is a microscope. Control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of rotatable control elements, from the bottom part ( 30 ) seen in the order of the second rotating ring ( 22 ), first rotating ring ( 21 ) and trackball ( 20 ) in the control unit ( 2 ) are arranged. Control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit ( 2 ) symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis ( 28 ) is constructed and can therefore be operated by a right-handed or left-handed person. Control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that a hand rest ( 24 ) is provided in which a circular recess ( 25 ) through which the trackball ( 20 ) is accessible to a user and that the hand rest ( 24 ) is designed such that it has a continuously curved shape from the base part ( 30 ) leads to the trackball. Control unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the hand rest ( 24 ) in the area of the trackball ( 20 ) one to the bottom part ( 30 ) parallel section ( 42 ) trains. Control unit according to claim 5, characterized in that in the hand rest ( 24 ) on both sides of the longitudinal axis ( 28 ) one convex support ( 38 ) and a convex shaped recessed grip ( 40 ) is trained. Control unit according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the hand rest ( 24 ) serves as a handle for the control unit. Control unit according to claim 5, characterized in that in each of the convexly curved recessed grips ( 40 ) the palm rest ( 24 ) a push button ( 46 ) is provided, which is used to adjust the step size of a function on the microscope ( 1 ) can be used. Control unit according to claim 5, characterized in that on the hand rest ( 24 ) of the control unit ( 2 ) near the trackball ( 20 ) a left button ( 50 ), a central button ( 51 ) and a right button ( 52 ) is provided, the central Button ( 51 ) on the longitudinal axis ( 28 ) of the control unit ( 2 ) lies. Control unit according to claim 10, characterized in that the left and right buttons ( 50 and 52 ) to adjust the sensitivity of the adjustment movement of the microscope ( 1 ) serves, whereby the adjustment movement by the actuation of the trackball ( 20 ) can be generated. Control unit according to one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the trackball ( 20 ) in a warehouse ( 55 ) is arranged opposite the control unit ( 2 ) or the palm rest ( 24 ) is rotatable. Control unit according to claim 5, characterized in that a first row ( 59 ) of display elements of the combination of the left button ( 50 ), the central button ( 51 ) and the right button ( 52 ) on the palm rest ( 24 ) is assigned and that a second row ( 60 ) of display elements in the vicinity of the second circle segment ( 34 ) of the control unit ( 2 ) is provided, the display elements of the first and second rows ( 59 and 60 ) are designed as LEDs and are used to display the sensitivity of the step size of a microscope function. Control unit according to one of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that the second rotary ring ( 22 ) with a nose ( 64 ) which, when rotated, is provided with one of several indicators ( 66 ) on the bottom part ( 30 ) of the control unit ( 2 ) coincides, whereby the indicators each have a lens on the revolver ( 13 ) assigned.