DE102017217385A1 - Optical observation device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical observation device (1) having at least one eyepiece (2) and a beam path (3.1) comprising an intermediate image plane (4), in which visually perceptible data is displayed or can be displayed in an intermediate image plane (ZB). According to the invention, an aperture (6) is arranged in an intermediate image plane (4), the effect of which generates a shaded area (8) in a field of view (7) of a user (B),
a device for virtual representation of the information (9) is present in data fields (10), wherein the data fields (10) are respectively delimited sections of the shaded area (8), so that the information in the shaded area (8) can be displayed or displayed become.

Description

The invention relates to an optical observation device according to the preamble of claim 1.

In the operation of observation devices, such as microscopes, it is disadvantageous for a user if he often has to take his eyes off the eyepieces to use controls of the observation device. In doing so, the user repeatedly has to accom- modate his eyes when using the operating elements and subsequently re-observing, for example, a sample, which quickly leads to signs of fatigue.

Various solutions are known from the prior art, by means of which the user information can be displayed, which can see through the eyepieces. Only exemplary is the WO 2001/88591 A1 called, which has an aperture with a self-luminous display in an intermediate image plane.

The possibility of operating individual functions of the observation device by the selection of virtually mirrored in the beam path buttons is, for example, in EP 1 498 760 A1 described.

Both of the above-mentioned solutions adversely affect the representation of the actual image by either overshooting and / or covering information.

The invention is based on the object to propose a further and compared to the prior art improved way to operate an optical observation device.

The object is achieved by an optical observation device according to claim 1. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The optical observation device has at least one eyepiece and a beam path, wherein in the beam path at least one intermediate image plane is present.

In the intermediate image plane or in one of the intermediate image planes, in addition to acquired image data, for example a sample, visually perceptible data is displayed or data can be displayed.

According to the invention, the optical observation device, also referred to below as the observation device, is characterized in that an aperture is arranged in an intermediate image plane through which a shadowed region is effected in the field of vision of a user.

Furthermore, a device for the virtual representation of the information in virtual data fields is present, wherein the data fields are respectively delimited sections of the shaded area, so that the information in the shaded area can be displayed or displayed. The virtual data fields are shaped and dimensioned to correspond to distinct portions of the shadowed area. The delimitation of the data fields is realized in respective display modes. Of course, if the display mode is changed, data fields can also be defined in sections of the shaded area in which other data fields are displayed or displayable during another display mode.

The shadowed area advantageously provides a background against which the data can be displayed with high contrast without adversely affecting the captured image. In addition, the brightness value of the shaded area varies only slightly or is constant, so that the user has little additional eye strain.

Illustrated data may be, for example, the following information: current magnification, current resolution, illumination mode, displayed depth range (referred to as Z-range or Z-direction), current positions of the image data / focal plane in Z-direction, positional data relative to any existing coverslip, size scale , Shooting mode and a currently used immersion (if applicable).

In order to not only display information to the user, but also to be able to control the observation device, in an advantageous embodiment of the observation device at least one of the data fields visualizes a control or input function. The relevant data field is designed as a command field for inputting a control command. If the user selects the data field designed as a command field and triggers the control function, a corresponding trigger signal is generated and provided.

The selection of a command field and / or its operation can, in possible embodiments of the invention, trigger a fade-in of a submenu of the corresponding command field, from which specific functions can be selected and / or function values can be set.

As control or input functions, for example, focus functions, positioning a sample table, selection of intensity and / or wavelength (n) of a radiation source, filter functions, observation modes, settings of the lighting variants (eg Köhlerbeleuchtung) and zoom functions.

The selection of the data field and the triggering of the respective control or input function in a command field by the trigger signal can be effected by means of a control unit. This is for example a hand or foot operated switch, a computer mouse, a joystick, an input surface of a touch-sensitive screen (touch pad), a speech recognition software and microphone or other suitable device. By means of the operating unit, each of the existing command fields can be selected and the relevant control or input function can be triggered.

The observation device advantageously has a control unit, by means of which a specific control signal is generated on the basis of a triggering signal of a triggered control or input function.

This control signal can be used to control a unit, by means of which at least one operating parameter of the observation device can be varied controlled. For example, such a unit is a light source, a motor drive for example for a lens zoom, a changer optical filter, a motor drive for a sample table and / or a changer of diaphragms (pinhole, DIC slide). The so controllable unit is designed to receive the specific control signal and to its execution.

In order to be able to provide the user with information about a current operating state of the unit, the current operating state of the unit can be visualized or displayed in one of the data fields (information field).

In a further embodiment, the observation device has optical detectors such as cameras, photomultipliers, CCD chips and / or CMOS chips. In addition, an insertable into the beam path of the observation device cover (shutter) may be present. The cover can be inserted or pivoted, for example, in the beam path. It causes a covered area of the field of view in addition to the area shaded by the panel. The cover can cover the field of view partially or completely.

In one possible embodiment, the diaphragm in the intermediate image plane is designed to also function as a cover element. For example, the aperture may have a breakthrough. Is the breakthrough in the beam path in the intermediate image plane, the beam path - and thus the field of view - at the edges, although circumcised, but not covered. If the aperture is moved out of the beam path, for example by the diaphragm being displaced transversely to the beam path, the edge of the diaphragm can largely or completely cover the beam path. In the field of view, the image appears dark or black.

The aperture can be formed in other embodiments in the form of an iris diaphragm with variable opening width. When the opening is largely or completely closed, the panel also serves as a cover element.

On a covered area of the field of view caused by the introduced cover element, data of at least one of the detectors is displayed or data of at least one of the detectors can be displayed.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Strahlengangs eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Beobachtungsgeräts,
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines abgeschatteten Bereichs mit eingeblendeten Datenfeldern
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines Strahlengangs eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Beobachtungsgeräts und,
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Beobachtungsgeräts.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures and embodiments. Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a beam path of a first embodiment of an observation device according to the invention,
• 2 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a shaded area with superimposed data fields
• 3 a schematic representation of a beam path of a second embodiment of an observation device according to the invention and,
• 4 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an observation device according to the invention.

In the 1 is schematically the beam path 3.1 an observation device according to the invention 1 shown. A user B sees through at least one eyepiece 2 of the observation device 1 and along the beam path 3.1 on one in an intermediate image plane 4 existing intermediate image For example, ,

In the intermediate image plane 4 is a blind 6 arranged through the opening of the light passage of light from a sample chamber 20 (please refer 4 ) is limited. The aperture 6 effects in a field of view 7 the user B a shaded area 8th in the form of a dark or black ring around the picture. field of view 7 and shaded area 8th are in 1 symbolic of the user's eye B shown.

Furthermore, a device for virtual representation of the information 9 in the form of a display 9 available. The on display 9 Information displayed is via a further beam path 3.2 and a beam splitter 5 in the beam path 3.1 of the observation device 1 coupled, so that the user B next to the intermediate picture For example, can also visually capture the information. the display 9 is with a control unit 14 connected and controlled by them by means of control signals.

The device for virtual representation of the information 9 is designed and acts in such a way with the beam splitter 5 and the other optical elements in the beam path 3.1 put together that information for the user B against the background of the shaded area 8th you can see. In 1 This is due to the white crosses within the shaded area 8th symbolized by way of example.

The field of view of the user is in the 2 explained in more detail on an embodiment. The shaded area 8th surrounds the image of a sample shown schematically 22 , Within the shaded area 8th is a number of virtual data fields 10 given in which by the device for virtual representation of the information 9 displayed information and are visually detectable. The data fields 10 can each as an information field 11 or as a command field 12 be educated. In the information fields 11 For example, information about currently set operating parameters, magnifications and / or focus positions is displayed to the user. The delimitation of the command fields 12 against each other is shown by virtual boundary lines. This delimitation reduces operator errors, especially if the command fields 12 can be operated by means of a pointer, for example a virtual pointer which can be operated by means of a PC mouse or a joystick.

• - RL: Beleuchtungsmodus (Auflicht/Durchlicht);
• - Res. 280 nm: Auflösung nach Rayleigh;
• - Mag. 630x: Vergrößerung 630-fach;
• - Water: Immersionstyp (Wasser, Öl, Festkörper);
• - FL: Aufnahmemodus (Fluoreszenz, alternativ: DIC [Digital Interference Contrast], PHaCo [Phasenkontrast], Durchlicht, Auflicht, Varel-Kontrast, Hoffman-Kontrast, Dunkelfeld, Polarisations-Kontrast);
• - Maßstab, Skala mit Bemaßung; Pfeil mit Bemaßung 20 µm;
• - Fokusbereich (Z-Range, aktuelle Z-Position mit Zeiger und Maßzahlen entlang des Pfeils angegeben; Pfeil mit Volllinie);
• - Position des Deckglases in Z-Richtung; Querbalken;
• - Positionen innerhalb bzw. unterhalb des Deckglases; Pfeil mit unterbrochener Volllinie.

In the 2 are exemplary as information fields 11 displayed:

• - RL: Illumination mode (reflected light / transmitted light);
• Res. 280 nm: Rayleigh resolution;
• - Mag. 630x: magnification 630x;
• - Water: immersion type (water, oil, solids);
• - FL: recording mode (fluorescence, alternatively: DIC [Digital Interference Contrast], PHaCo [phase contrast], transmitted light, reflected light, Varel contrast, Hoffman contrast, dark field, polarization contrast);
• - scale, scale with dimensions; Arrow with dimension 20 μm;
• - focus area (Z-range, current Z-position with pointer and measures indicated along the arrow, arrow with solid line);
• - Position of the cover glass in the Z direction; Transom;
• - Positions inside or below the cover glass; Arrow with broken solid line.

• - Geräteeinstellungen: z. B. Auswahl Köhler-Beleuchtung, Autosetup, ...;
• - Filter: Filtersatzauswahl, Wellenlängenauswahl;
• - Stage: Bewegungen im Bild/Sichtfeld 7 in der Bildebene (z. B. XY-Ebene), Bewegungsgeschwindigkeit, Anzeige besuchter Regionen, Positionsauswahl, Speichern von Positionen, Anfahren von Positionen;
• - Fokus: Bewegung in Z-Richtung, Geschwindigkeit, Autofokus, Haltefokus, Deckglasposition definieren;
• - Beleuchtung: Helligkeit, Shutter, Abdeckelement 17;
• - Vergrößerung: Objektivauswahl, optionale Nachvergrößerung durch wechselbare Tubuslinsen oder Zooms, Autokorrektureinstellungen;
• - Positionen: speichern, anfahren, löschen, verwalten.

As command fields 12 are displayed (from left to right):

• - Device settings: z. B. Choosing Köhler Lighting, Autosetup, ...;
• - Filter: filter set selection, wavelength selection;
• - Stage: Movements in the picture / field of view 7 in the image plane (eg XY plane), movement speed, visited regions visited, position selection, storing positions, approaching positions;
• - Focus: Z-direction movement, speed, autofocus, hold focus, define cover glass position;
• - Lighting: brightness, shutter, cover element 17 ;
• - Magnification: Lens selection, optional additional magnification by exchangeable tube lenses or zooms, autocorrection settings;
• - Positions: save, move, delete, manage.

• - bereits betrachteter Bereich; mit schraffiertem Feld überdeckt
• - einblendbares, benutzerdefiniertes Feld, Overlay (Kreis mit unterbrochener Volllinie)
• - Darstellung des Bildbereichs einer an das Mikroskop angeschlossenen Kamera (mit unterbrochener Volllinie umrandetes Rechteck).

The picture shows:

• - already considered area; covered with hatched field
• - expandable, custom field, overlay (broken solid line)
• - Representation of the image area of a camera connected to the microscope (rectangle bordered by a broken solid line).

About the further beam path 3.2 can add more image data to the beam path 3.1 displayed, in particular mirrored. This image data may be from one or more other detectors 16 provided and to the control unit 14 be transmitted (see also 3 ). The device for virtual representation of the information 9 , here the display 9 , according to the image data and the settings of the observation device 1 through the control unit 14 controlled and the image data via the beam splitter 5 in the beam path 3.1 appears.

By means of a manually and / or acoustically operated control unit 13 can the individual command fields 12 be selectively selected (see 4 ). For this purpose, the respectively selected data field 10 be highlighted by, for example, enlarged shown, shaded, edged, animated, highlighted in color and / or displayed changed in terms of its brightness. The command field selected in the relevant command field 12 Visualized control or input function is designed to be triggered when a control command for the command field 12 is entered. This can be particularly simple and user-friendly by pressing a button or on an area of the control unit 13 respectively. The triggered control or input function causes in the result that by the control unit 14 generates a specific control signal and to at least one unit to be controlled 15 (please refer 4 ) is transmitted. The unit 15 is for the controlled variation or adjustment of at least one operating parameter of the observation device 1 educated. For this purpose, the specific control signal is received and executed.

In the data fields 10 , especially in the information fields 11 , the current settings of the respective operating parameters of the observation device 1 and / or the unit 15 displayed and after entering a command field 12 updated.

In 3 is an operating state of the observation device 1 shown in which a cover 17 the beam path 3.1 in the intermediate image plane 4 completely interrupts. The aperture 6 is as a cover 17 trained and can, for example, a so-called shutter, an adjustable iris or Ringlochblende or in the beam path 3.1 be introduced element, by the action of the beam path 3.1 in or near the intermediate image plane 4 partially or completely interrupted.

From a detector 16 Captured and provided image data is provided by the control unit 14 captured and the display 9 controlled accordingly. Because the beam path 3.1 in the intermediate image plane 4 is interrupted appears to the user when looking through the eyepiece 2 the field of vision 7 as a covered area 21 black. Against this black background are using the beam splitter 5 the image data from the beam path 3.2 in the beam path 3.1 faded in, as shown schematically by the pattern. Alternatively or additionally, any other data may also be incorporated here, for example previously recorded and stored reference images, operating instructions or data from external sources such as cameras or measuring devices.

The observation device 1 Can a microscope with a tripod 18 be ( 4 ). The beam path 3.1 is through a lens 19 in the rehearsal room 20 directed, in which a sample to be observed 22 can be arranged. The control unit 14 is with a controllable unit 15 , For example, a zoom motor, a lighting unit, a motor-driven filter wheel and / or a servomotor for the aperture 6 and / or for the cover 17 (please refer 1 or 3). In addition, the control unit 14 in a manner suitable for transmitting data in the viewing device 1 networked (indicated indicated). The control unit 14 is with a control unit 13 connected. By means of the control unit 13 can a user B the observation device 1 Taxes. In particular, it is possible by means of the operating unit 13 in the shaded area 8th represented data fields 10 to select and trigger input and control functions.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

monitoring device

2

eyepiece

3.1

beam path

3.2

Second ray path

4

Intermediate image plane

5

beamsplitter

6

cover

7

field of view

8th

shaded area

9

Device for virtual representation of the information

10

data field

11

information field

12

command field

13

operating unit

14

control unit

15

unit

16

detector

17

cover

18

tripod

19

lens

20

sample space

21

covered area

22

sample

B

user

For example,

intermediate image

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2001/88591 A1 [0003]
• EP 1498760 A1 [0004]

Claims (7)

Optical observation device (1) with at least one eyepiece (2) and a beam path (3.1) comprising at least one intermediate image plane (4), in which visually perceptible data is displayed or representable in an intermediate image plane (4), characterized in that in one of Intermediate image plane (4) a diaphragm (6) is arranged, by the action of which in a field of view (7) of a user (B) a shaded area (8) is generated, a device for virtual representation of the information (9) in data fields (10) is present, wherein the data fields (10) are each delimited sections of the shaded area (8), so that the information in the shaded area (8) can be displayed or displayed. Optical observation device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that at least one of the data fields (10) visualizes a control or input function and is designed as a command field (12) for inputting a control command. Optical observation device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 characterized by an operating unit (13) by means of which (manually) each of the existing command fields (12) can be selected and the relevant control or input function can be triggered. Optical observation device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that a control unit (14) is provided, through which a specific control signal is generated due to a triggered control or input function. Optical observation device (1) according to Claim 4 characterized by at least one unit (15) for setting at least one operating parameter, the unit (15) being designed to receive the specific control signal and to carry it out. Optical observation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in one of the data fields (10) a current operating state of the unit (15) is shown or represented. Optical observation device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that detectors (16) are present, a cover element (17) which can be introduced into the beam path (3.1) is present and is provided on a covered area (FIG. 17) by the introduced cover element (17). 22) of the field of view (7) data of at least one of the detectors (16) are displayed or can be displayed.

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