JP2000083184A - Electronic camera for microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera for a microscope of space-saving and inexpensive constitution capable of easily photographing digital photographs. SOLUTION: This electronic camera 40 mounted to the microscope is provided with an imaging device 43 for picking up optical images branched by an optical path division prism, a signal processing part for processing image pickup signals from the imaging device 43, a storage part for recording image data based on the image pickup signals signal-processed by the signal processing part, a liquid crystal monitor 45 adjacent to an eyepiece 21 for displaying images based on the image pickup signals signal-processed by the signal processing part and a casing for integrally providing the imaging device 43, the signal processing part, the storage part and the liquid crystal monitor 45.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a microscope system including an electronic camera for electronically capturing an image observed by a microscope.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital photography has been increasingly used in the field of microscopes with the development of digital technology.
Digital photography has the advantage over silver halide photography that it can be easily taken without the need for development, and digital photography data can be stored as data on a personal computer or the like. There is an advantage that there is no deterioration and no place for storing is separately required.

[0003] In the past, digital photographs were inferior to silver salts in terms of image quality, and were often unpractical due to low image quality. However, with the development of the image pickup device (CCD), digital photographic images have been improved in image quality as much as silver halide photographs, and thus are expected to become more widespread in the field of microscopes in the future.

[0004] FIG. 16 shows a conventional electronic camera (digital camera) for a microscope. Normally, a trinocular tube 10 is mounted on the microscope main body 1, and a spectator 90 observes an image via a binocular eyepiece tube 20. Trinocular tube 10
Has another optical path (port) at the top, and this port is used to obtain photos and images for TV monitors.

A TV camera adapter 30 is mounted on this port, and a CCD camera 80 is mounted thereon. Since an electronic camera is structurally similar to a CCD video camera for a TV monitor, an adapter for a TV camera is often used instead of a normal camera adapter. The television camera adapter 30 includes an optical system for relaying an image coming out of the trinocular tube 10 and correctly forming an image on a CCD in the CCD camera 80.
It is a cylindrical unit.

[0006] A signal from the CCD camera 80 is sent to a television monitor 81 via a cable so that an image can be monitored. The final framing and focusing of the photograph to be taken are performed through this monitor 81. This is not a television monitor 81 but a personal computer 82
Then, the image can be stored as a file in the personal computer 82 as it is. The operation of the CCD camera 80 can be performed from the keyboard 83 via the personal computer 82 when connected to the personal computer 82, and can be performed with the hand switch 51 attached to the monitor 81 when connected to the monitor 81. The photograph taken is stored in a memory device in the CCD camera 80, and later taken into a personal computer by some method,
When it is connected to a personal computer, it is sent directly to the personal computer 82 and stored in the memory device of the personal computer 82.

[0007] One of the problems of the conventional microscope electronic camera is that the occupied space on the desk increases due to the large number of systems. Microscopes have been diversified and peripheral equipment has increased, resulting in complicated desks and space.
2. If the keyboard 83 is installed, the workability on the desk naturally deteriorates. In order to take a picture, at least the television monitor 81 must be placed near the microscope. Conversely, if the television monitor 81 cannot be placed near the microscope due to the space on the desk, framing and framing at the time of shooting can be performed. This may cause a problem in focusing.

Further, since the number of parts constituting the electronic camera is large, the electronic camera lacks flexibility when it is desired to use the electronic camera in another microscope or another room. That is, the television monitor 81, the personal computer 82,
The keyboard 83 and the like must all be carried.

[0009] Another problem is the cost of the system. You cannot take a picture just by buying the CCD camera 80 and the hand switch 51. It is necessary to buy expensive television monitors 81 and personal computers 82 only for framing and focusing.

On the other hand, when observing a specimen with a microscope,
Various filters and optical elements are often used depending on the purpose of the observation. When an image observed by the microscope at this time is captured by an electronic camera, various image processes corresponding to various observation states when various filters and optical elements are used are obtained by the electronic camera in order to obtain a suitable image. Must be applied to the video signal.

In various types of image processing corresponding to the observation state, for example, in white balance correction, when a sample is observed with a light amount suitable for observation, when adjusting the light amount of illumination light to the sample, the light amount adjustment is performed. Correction is required to obtain a constant white balance regardless of the accompanying color temperature change of the illumination light. Therefore, when a change in color temperature occurs in the illumination light due to insertion and removal of a filter on the optical path of the illumination light and a change in the light amount of the illumination light source, a white balance is set and observed each time.

On the other hand, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 6-351
As described in Japanese Patent No. 027, there is a technique for creating correction data for white balance correction at the time of initialization of a microscope. This technique changes the light intensity of the illumination light source when the microscope is initialized, and measures the spectral transmission characteristics based on the video signal obtained by the image sensor while sequentially inserting and removing the filter to be used, and determines the light intensity of the illumination light source. Create white balance correction data for all combinations with filters. When observing a sample, white balance is performed based on white balance correction data corresponding to the light amount of the illumination light source and the state of the filter at that time.

However, the technique of performing white balance based on white balance correction data as described above can be used during transmission observation with a microscope, and it is difficult to create white balance correction data during epi-illumination observation. For this reason, at the time of epi-illumination observation, it is not always possible to image a sample with appropriate correction. In addition, since the measurement is performed via the imaging processing system, the measurement does not always match the correction amount for the illumination light color temperature. Further, in recent years, there is a microscope that can control the entire microscope such as setting of a microscopy method, for example, as described in JP-A-7-199077. However, in order to obtain a suitable image, an observer must perform a wide variety of processes according to the observation state such as a microscopic method.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera for a microscope which has a space-saving and inexpensive structure and can easily take a digital photograph.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera for a microscope capable of obtaining an optimum image according to the observation state of a microscope, a specimen, and the like.

[0016]

The above object can be achieved by the following electronic camera for a microscope. That is, the present invention relates to an electronic camera mounted on a microscope, which includes an image sensor, a signal processing unit that processes signals from the image sensor, a memory unit that records captured image data, and light received by the image sensor. And display means for displaying an image.

With such a configuration, in the electronic camera for a microscope according to the present invention, the signal from the image pickup device is processed by the signal processing section, and is displayed by the display means provided integrally. Therefore, by operating while viewing the image on the display means, a digital photograph can be taken without requiring a separate television monitor, personal computer, or the like.

The above object can be achieved by the following electronic camera for microscope. That is, when mounted on a microscope having a function of changing the setting of the observation state of the sample, in an electronic camera for a microscope that captures an observation image of the sample with an image sensor, when the setting of the observation state in the microscope is changed, According to the recognition means for recognizing the information whose setting has been changed, and the information provided by the recognition means,
Signal processing means for performing signal processing on a video signal output from the image sensor.

According to such a configuration, an optimum image can be obtained according to the observation state of the microscope and the specimen.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic camera 40 is mounted on a microscope main body 1 via an adapter 30 for a television camera. In front of the electronic camera 40, a liquid crystal color monitor 45 for monitoring an image obtained by a microscope is provided toward the line of sight of the spectator 90. While the speculum 90 examines the image with the eyepiece 21,
When taking a picture, the user can turn the eyes a little upward on the spot, perform framing and focusing work while watching the image on the liquid crystal color monitor 45, and operate the hand switch 51 to take a digital photograph. .

Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. That is, as shown in FIG.
The side surface has a U-shape, and the base portion 1a and the column portion 1
b, an arm portion 1c. A stage 3 on which the sample S is placed is supported by the column portion 1b via a focusing mechanism so as to be vertically movable. Focusing mechanism is focusing handle 2
, The specimen S is focused. A transmission illumination optical system and an epi-illumination optical system for illuminating the sample S with light from the light sources 4 and 5 are arranged on the arm 1c and the base 1a, respectively. A rotary revolver 7 on which a plurality of objective lenses 6 can be mounted is provided on the lower surface of the arm 1c, and the objective lenses 6 can be arbitrarily switched.

A trinocular tube 10 having a built-in optical path splitting prism (beam splitter) 11 is mounted on the upper surface of the arm 1c. An eyepiece tube 20 having an eyepiece 21 is mounted on the front surface of the trinocular tube 10.
An electronic camera 40 is mounted on an upper surface of the electronic camera 0 via a television camera adapter 30. Observation light from the objective lens 6 is transmitted by the imaging lens 31 in the television camera adapter 30 to the CC as an image sensor in the electronic camera 40.
An image is formed on D43. The television camera adapter 30 is provided with a confocal adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of the imaging lens 31 in the optical axis direction, whereby the imaging position can be adjusted.

The electronic camera 40 is mounted as shown in FIGS.
And FIG. The liquid crystal color monitor 45 is provided on the casing 40A so as to be located near the eyepiece 31. Specifically, the liquid crystal color monitor 45 is placed on the front surface (the surface on the side of the examiner 90) of the casing 40A in a state where the display surface is inclined downward so as to face the direction of the line of sight of the observer 90. It is provided integrally. The tilt angle U of the display surface is set in the range of 5 degrees or 10 degrees to 25 degrees. In the system of the present embodiment, the angle is set to 15 degrees as the most preferable angle for improving the ease of observing an image and the convenience of operation of switches and the like. The casing 40A has a structure in which a box 40A3 is fixed to a bottom plate 40A2 having a hole 40A1 for introducing a light image from the adapter 30 with screws 40A4. A terminal 41 for connecting a hand switch and a slot 42 for a memory card for storing image data are arranged on the outside right side surface of the casing 40A. Inside the casing 40A, there are arranged a CCD 43 as an image sensor, a signal processing unit 44 for processing an output signal from the CCD, and the like. Symbol 40A5
Is a spacer for mounting the CCD 43.

Here, the liquid crystal color monitor 45 is close to the eyepiece 31, but the eyepiece 21 and the electronic camera 4 are provided in consideration of the convenience of image observation and operation of switches and the like.
The relationship with the liquid crystal color monitor 45 of 0 is set as shown in FIG. The inclination angle W of the eyepiece tube 20 is 20 degrees or 30 degrees.
It is set in the range of 45 degrees to 45 degrees. The tilt angle U of the display surface is
As described above, the angle is set in the range of 5 degrees or 10 degrees to 25 degrees (in the system of the present embodiment, the angle is set to 15 degrees). The optical axis (axis in the direction of the line of sight of the observer 90) 301 in the eyepiece 21 and the liquid crystal color monitor 4
5 is the first intersection V1 at which the axis 302 perpendicular to the display surface intersects
, A second intersection point V2 where the display surface of the liquid crystal color monitor 45 and the axis 302 intersect, and an eyepiece point V3 of the eyepiece lens 21 form a triangle, and the optical axis 301 and the axis 302
And the eyepiece point V3 of the eyepiece lens 21
3 connecting the point and the intersection V2 on the liquid crystal color monitor 45
03 and the axis 302, the optical axis 301 and the line 30
3, the inclination angle W of the eyepiece tube 20
Is in a range from 20 degrees to 45 degrees, and the tilt angle U of the liquid crystal color monitor 45 is in a range from 5 degrees to 25 degrees, the angle X in FIG. 4 is a value in a range from 25 degrees to 75 degrees. Will be taken.

On the other hand, the angle Y depends on the positional relationship between the eyepiece tube 20 and the electronic camera 45 (the height relationship between them and the front-back relationship between them).
Range up to degrees. The angle Z is calculated as 180- (X + Y) degrees. Therefore, these can be summarized as follows.

Angle W = 20 degrees to 45 degrees Angle U = 5 degrees to 25 degrees Angle X = 25 degrees to 70 degrees Angle Y = 20 degrees to 60 degrees Next, referring to FIG. explain. The electronic camera 40 includes an imaging device (CCD) 43 and a signal processing unit 4 that processes signals from the imaging device (CCD) 43.
4. The display unit 45 is provided. The signal processing unit 44 is connected to a bus line 46 and is controlled by a system control unit 47 also connected to the bus line 46. Further, a recording medium (memory card) 49, a switch interface 48, an external interface 5
0 is connected.

As shown in FIG. 5, the signal processing unit 44 includes a sample and hold unit 441 for sampling a signal from the CCD 43 as an image pickup device, and an A / D converter for performing A / D conversion.
A D converter 442, a memory controller 444 for controlling the input and output of data to and from a memory 443 for temporarily storing image data, and a D / A converter 445 for performing D / A conversion are sequentially connected. The data is output to a liquid crystal color monitor 45. The output signal from the timing generator 446 is input to the CCD 43 and the sample hold unit 441, and the output signal from the sync generator 447 is input to the A / D converter 442, the D / A converter 445, and the memory controller 444. The timing generator 446 and the sink generator 447 are connected to the bus line 46, respectively.
By receiving a command from the system control unit 47 via the bus line 46 and outputting a timing signal, the operation of each block is controlled.

The system control unit 47 includes a CPU 471,
It has a ROM 473 containing an operation program and a working RAM 472, each of which is individually connected to the bus line 46. The CPU 471 performs various controls of the electronic camera 40 according to the operation program stored in the ROM 473.

The storage medium (memory card) 49 stores and reads out image data via the bus line 46. Of course, a recording medium other than the memory card can be used.

The switch interface 48 connects the hand switch 51 to the system control unit 47 via the bus line 46, and transmits various operation instructions such as release to the system control unit 47 by the hand switch 51. The external interface 50 is for exchanging data with an external personal computer.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. That is, the observation light from the specimen S illuminated by the transmission illumination or the epi-illumination is collected by the objective lens 6 and enters the optical path splitting prism 11 via the half mirror 8. Here, the observation light is divided into two directions. One is in the direction of the eyepiece tube 20, which is directly examined by the examiner 90 via the eyepiece 21. The other is guided to an electronic camera 40 via a television camera adapter 30 attached to a mount above the trinocular tube 10.

The observation light enters the CCD 43 in the electronic camera 40 and is converted into an electric signal. This signal is subjected to sample-and-hold and A / D conversion processing in order, sent to the memory controller 444, and temporarily stored in the memory 443. When displaying on the liquid crystal color monitor 45, the image data stored in the memory 443 is read out by the memory controller 444, subjected to D / A conversion processing, sent to the liquid crystal color monitor 45, and displayed. When a photograph is taken, the hand switch 51 is operated to give a photographing instruction to the system control unit 47 via the switch interface 48, and photographing is performed. The image data is stored in the memory 443 or the recording medium (memory card) 49.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image entering the electronic camera 40 is displayed on the liquid crystal color monitor 45 when photographing with the electronic camera. The speculum examiner 90 looks through the eyepiece tube 20 at the time of a normal speculum, but at the time of photographing with an electronic camera, merely moving his / her gaze upward without changing the microscopic posture, sees the image to be photographed, and performs framing. And focus adjustment.

Of course, by adjusting the eyepiece 21 and the image on the liquid crystal color monitor 45 in advance by using the confocal adjustment mechanism of the adapter 30 for the television camera, the focus of the eyepiece 21 is adjusted. Although the focusing of the electronic camera can be substituted, the magnification of the TV camera adapter 30 varies depending on the type, and some of them have a zoom function. Therefore, the framing cannot be performed by the eyepiece 21.

According to the present invention, digital photography can be performed only by the microscope main body equipped with the electronic camera 40, and the personal computer 82 (and the television monitor 8) can be photographed.
1. It is not necessary to place the keyboard 83) near the microscope, so that the space occupied by the dark room can be minimized even when the microscopic work is performed in a dark room, for example, for fluorescence observation. When performing processing such as image processing on captured data, the processing may be performed by reading the captured image data into a personal computer installed at a location different from the microscope using a memory card on which the captured image data is recorded.

Further, by separately preparing a printer 84 capable of reading out image data recorded on the memory card and outputting the read out data to paper, an OHP sheet, a slide of 35 mm film size, etc., image processing is unnecessary and image data is simply printed. If the user wants to print out, the output processing can be performed only by this printer. (The television monitor 81, the personal computer 82, and the keyboard 83 are not required.) In this case, a memory card on which image data is recorded is inserted into the slot 85 of the printer 84 to read or write data. Of course, in this case, the printer 84 does not need to be installed near the microscope.

The electronic camera 40 is operated by the hand switch 5
In step 1, the digital photograph data is stored in the memory device inside the electronic camera 40. Electronic camera 40
To the personal computer 82 via the external interface 50 to directly
It is also possible to communicate with the user and to operate the electronic camera 40 from the personal computer 82. Even in this case, the personal computer 82 and the television monitor 81 do not need to be close to the microscope main body 1 when taking a picture, so that the space around the microscope main body 1 can be widened.

Furthermore, since a digital photograph can be taken simply by purchasing the electronic camera 40 and the hand switch 51, the expensive personal computer 82 and the television monitor 81 do not need to be purchased unless image processing is required. When setting the electronic camera to a different microscope or a microscope in another room, it is not necessary to carry the personal computer 82 or the television monitor 81, so that it is very easy. Although the brightness of the liquid crystal color monitor 45 may change or become invisible depending on the viewing angle, if the liquid crystal color monitor 45 is tilted downward toward the spectator 90, the line of sight enters the liquid crystal screen obliquely, making it difficult to see. Can be prevented.

FIG. 6 shows a modification of the first embodiment. Normally, the electronic camera 40 is operated by using the hand switch 51 or connected to a personal computer 82 for inputting to the keyboard 83 or by an input device such as a mouse (not shown) of the personal computer 82. The work can be accomplished by connecting a cable to the cable 40, and even the cable and the hand switch 51 can be a hindrance on the desk, which may hinder the compactness of the electronic camera.

In FIG. 6, an operation switch 64 is provided on the side of the casing of the electronic camera 40 to make the system of the electronic camera simple and compact. In addition, since the release operation is not performed by the hand switch 51 or the personal computer 82 and the release switch is provided at a position very close to the liquid crystal color monitor 45, after framing or focusing, the release operation is immediately performed without turning the eyes. Sometimes you can do it. If the release switch is set to a feather touch type, it is possible to prevent the microscope body 1 from vibrating due to the release operation and blurring the photograph.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment. On the lower side of the electronic camera 40 attached to the television camera adapter 30 on the side of the examiner 90, a hinge member 61 is provided which has an appropriate weight and can change the angle of the liquid crystal color monitor 45. . The electronic camera 40 and the liquid crystal color monitor 45 via the hinge member 61
Are connected, and the examiner 90 can freely change the angle of the liquid crystal color monitor 45 as indicated by the arrow with the hinge member 61 as a fulcrum. At this time, since the hinge member 61 has an appropriate weight, the liquid crystal color monitor 45 does not move after the angle is determined.

Since the electronic camera 40 is used for various microscopes, the height at which it is mounted is not always constant. In the first embodiment, the angle at which the liquid crystal color monitor 45 is tilted is constant. However, when the height at which the electronic camera 40 is attached changes depending on the height of the spectator 90 and the length of the TV camera adapter 30, In this embodiment, a sharper image can be obtained by finely adjusting the angle of the liquid crystal color monitor 45, and this is effective for simple and accurate framing and focusing.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment. The LCD color monitor 45 is connected to the hinge member 62
The second embodiment is the same as the second embodiment up to the point where the liquid crystal color monitor 45 and the electronic camera 40 are electrically connected to the electronic camera 40. The third embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that the electrical connection between the liquid crystal color monitor 45 and the electronic camera 40 is made by a curl cord 63 through the outside.

Another difference is that the liquid crystal color monitor 45 is detachably fastened to the hinge member 62, and if necessary, the examiner 90 removes the liquid crystal color monitor 45 from the hinge member 62, and only uses the angle. No, you can even change the orientation and position. This is effective, for example, when a port (optical path) for mounting the television camera adapter 30 is on the side of the main body, such as an inverted microscope. In this case, the TV camera adapter 30 and the electronic camera 40
Can also be mounted horizontally, so the LCD color monitor 45
Will be difficult to see. In such a case, if the liquid crystal color monitor 45 is detached and the direction and position are changed so that the examiner 90 can easily see it, the framing and focusing operations can be performed very easily. If the liquid crystal color monitor 45 is provided with fixing means such as a hook and a strap, a magnet for attaching the liquid crystal color monitor 45, or a stand for the monitor is separately prepared, the liquid crystal color can be easily located at a position easily viewable by the examiner 90. The monitor 45 can be fixed. The curl cord 63 is usually shortened and contracted, but can be extended when the position is changed, so that the curl cord 63 does not become an obstacle even when the liquid crystal color monitor 45 is attached to the hinge member 62.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an electronic camera for a microscope. Electronic camera 102 for microscope of the present embodiment
Is an apparatus mounted on the microscope 101 having a function of changing various settings of the observation state of the specimen, and capturing an image observed by the microscope 101.

The microscope 101 is provided with a transmission illumination light source 103 as a transmission observation optical system, and a collector lens for condensing the transmission illumination light on an optical path of the transmission illumination light output from the transmission illumination light source 103. 104 and a plurality of N for dimming without changing the color temperature of the transmitted light source 103.
A transmission filter unit 105 including a D filter and a plurality of color temperature conversion filters for converting the illumination light color temperature,
A transmission field stop 106 and a reflection mirror 107 are arranged. Further, the transmission aperture stop 108 and the condenser optical element unit 10 are placed on the reflection optical path of the reflection mirror 107.
9. The top lens unit 110 is provided.

An epi-illumination light source 111 is provided as an epi-illumination observation optical system, and the epi-illumination light source 11 is provided on the optical path of the epi-illumination light output from the epi-illumination light source 111.
1, an epi-illumination filter unit 112, an epi-illumination shutter unit 113, an epi-illumination shutter 113, an epi-illumination field stop 114, and a plurality of ND filters for dimming without changing the color temperature and a plurality of color temperature conversion filters for converting the illumination light color temperature. Incident aperture stop 11
5 are arranged.

The sample stage 1 on which the sample is placed is placed on the observation optical path where the transmission observation and the epi-illumination observation overlap.
16, a revolver 117 for selecting a plurality of mounted objective lenses by a rotating operation, a cube unit 118 for switching a microscopic method, and a beam splitter 119 for branching an optical path between an eyepiece lens side and an imaging side.

In such a microscope, a transmission illumination color temperature detecting section 120 is arranged in the transmission observation optical system, and an epi-illumination color temperature detection section 121 is arranged in the epi-illumination observation optical system. The transmitted illumination color temperature detector 120 detects the color temperature of transmitted illumination light on the sample, and the reflected illumination color temperature detector 121 detects the color temperature of incident illumination light on the sample.

The microscope control unit 122 controls the microscope 1
The light source 103 for transmitted illumination, the light source 111 for epi-illumination, the transmitted illumination color temperature detection unit 120, the epi-illumination color temperature detection unit 121, and the driving unit 123 are connected. The microscope control unit 122 performs dimming control on the transmission illumination light source 103 and the epi-illumination illumination light source 111 according to operations such as switching of observation magnification, dimming, and microscopy, and controls the driving unit 123. And has a function of issuing a control instruction.

The microscope control unit 122 recognizes a change in the setting of the observation state in the microscope 101 in response to operations such as switching of the observation magnification, dimming, and switching of the microscopic method. Temperature information of transmitted illumination light detected by the camera or the epi-illumination color temperature detector 1
The electronic camera 102 has a function of transmitting the color temperature information of the incident illumination light detected by the electronic camera 21 to the electronic camera 102.

On the other hand, the electronic camera 102 has the microscope 10
An image sensor 124 for capturing the observation image from No. 1 is provided. A pre-processing unit 125 is connected to an output terminal of the image sensor 124. The pre-processing unit 125 converts an output signal of the image sensor 124 into a video signal and separates the output signal into RGB color signals. Among the outputs of the preprocessing unit 125, an R output terminal and a B output terminal are respectively provided with respective amplifying units 126 for adjusting the white balance of the video signal,
127 are connected. A temporary image storage unit 129 is connected to the G output terminal of the preprocessing unit 125 and the output terminals of the amplification units 126 and 127 via the A / D conversion unit 128.
Is connected.

The imaging control section 130 controls the operation of the electronic camera 102, and includes a gain setting section 131,
The temporary image storage unit 129, the image recording medium 132, and the microscope control unit 122 in the microscope 101 are connected. Of these, the gain setting unit 131
It has a function of setting gains of 26 and 127.

Further, the imaging control unit 130 receives the color temperature information of the transmitted illumination light or the incident illumination light transmitted from the microscope control unit 122, and changes the gain of the gain setting unit 131 according to the color temperature information. Has a function.

Further, the imaging control section 130 has a function of recording the image data stored in the temporary image storage section 129 on the image recording medium 132 when a still image acquisition instruction is given.

Next, the operation of the device configured as described above will be described.

The case of performing the transmitted bright field observation will be described. The observer sets the transmitted bright field, the observation magnification, and the dimming for the microscope control unit 122 as a microscopic method. The microscope control unit 122 lights the transmitted illumination light source 103 to the brightness set by the observer in response to the dimming setting. At this time, the epi-illumination light source 111 is turned off. At the same time, the microscope control unit 122 adjusts the microscope 1 to the specified microscopic method and observation magnification.
A control command is issued to the drive unit 123 so as to set the observation state 01.

The driving unit 123 receives a control command from the microscope control unit 122 and inserts the objective lens having the specified observation magnification into the observation optical path so as to insert the objective lens into the observation optical path.
7 and the cube unit 118 for transmission observation. Further, the drive unit 123 controls the transmission aperture stop 108, the condenser optical element unit 109, and the condenser top lens unit 110, and further controls the transmission filter unit 105 and the transmission field stop 10.
6 is drive-controlled.

In the observation state of the microscope 101, the transmitted illumination light output from the transmitted illumination light source 103 is condensed by a collector lens 104 for condensing, and passes through a transmission filter unit 105 and a transmission field stop 106. Reflected by the reflection mirror 107 and further transmitted through the aperture stop 1
08, the light is irradiated on the sample placed on the sample stage 116 via the condenser optical element unit 109 and the top lens unit 110.

At this time, the transmitted illumination color temperature detecting section 120
The color temperature of the transmitted illumination light for the specimen is detected, and the color temperature information is sent to the microscope control unit 122.

The light transmitted through the sample is projected onto the image sensor 124 via the objective lens, the cube unit 118 and the beam splitter 119. This image sensor 124 photoelectrically converts the projected observation image and outputs it. Preprocessing unit 1
25 converts the output signal of the image sensor 124 into a video signal,
The signals are separated into respective color signals of GB and output.

On the other hand, the microscope control unit 122 recognizes a change in the setting of the observation state in the microscope 101 in response to operations such as switching of observation magnification, dimming, and microscopy, and transmits the transmitted illumination color temperature detection unit 120. The color temperature information of the transmitted illumination light detected by the
To send to.

The imaging control section 130 receives the color temperature information of the transmitted illumination light transmitted from the microscope control section 122 and adjusts the gain of the gain setting section 131 so as to maintain an appropriate white balance according to the color temperature information. Change settings. This gain setting unit 131 is connected to each of the amplifying units 12.
6 and 127 are set to the changed gain.

However, the R and B color signals separated and output from the pre-processing unit 125 are amplified by the gains set and changed by the amplifying units 126 and 127, respectively. Thus, the R color signal amplified and output from the amplifier 126 and the G color separated and output from the preprocessor 125 are output.
And the B color signal amplified and output from the amplifier 127 become a video signal maintained at an appropriate white balance according to the color temperature of the transmitted illumination light applied to the sample.

The R color signal, the G color signal,
The B color signal is A / D converted by the A / D conversion unit 128 and stored in the temporary image storage unit 129 as image data.

Here, when an image recording operation is performed on the imaging control unit 130 to save the observation image as a still image, the imaging control unit 130 stores the image data stored in the temporary image storage unit 129. Is recorded on the image recording medium 132 and stored as a still image.

Next, a case where the observer observes the same specimen by changing the observation magnification by the same microscopic method and records the observed image as a still image will be described.

The observer changes the setting of the observation magnification for the microscope control unit 122. The microscope control unit 122 adjusts the microscope 10 to the observation magnification designated to change.
A control command is issued to the drive unit 123 so as to set the first observation state.

The drive unit 123 receives a control command from the microscope control unit 122, and inserts the objective lens having the specified observation magnification into the observation optical path so as to insert the objective lens into the observation optical path.
7 is drive-controlled. At the same time, the drive unit 123 controls the transmission aperture stop 10 if necessary in accordance with the changed objective lens.
8. Drive control of the condenser optical element unit 109 and the condenser top lens unit 110.

Here, when the magnification of the objective lens is changed, the specimen may not be observed with the optimal light quantity unless the light quantity irradiated on the specimen is changed. At this time, the observer obtains an observation light amount appropriate for observation by changing the light amount of the transmission illumination light source 103 or inserting and removing a filter in the transmission filter unit 105 from the optical path.

Such an operation is performed by the microscope control unit 1.
22, the microscope control unit 1
Reference numeral 22 adjusts the amount of transmitted illumination light output from the transmitted illumination light source 103, and controls the driving of the transmission filter unit 105 via the drive unit 123.

However, the color temperature of the transmitted illumination light applied to the sample by such light adjustment is different from the color temperature before adjustment. In such a case, the transmitted illumination color temperature detection unit 120 detects the color temperature of the transmitted illumination light on the sample and sends the color temperature information to the microscope control unit 122. In response to the switching operation, the setting change of the observation state in the microscope 101 is recognized, and the transmitted illumination color temperature detecting unit 12 is recognized.
The color temperature information of the transmitted illumination light detected by 0 is transmitted to the imaging control unit 130.

As described above, the imaging control unit 130 controls each of the amplifying units 126 and 1 via the gain setting unit 131 so as to maintain an appropriate white balance according to the color temperature information.
Change the setting of gain 27. However, the preprocessing unit 1
The R color signal and the B color signal separated and output from the amplifier 25 are amplified by the gains set and changed by the amplifiers 126 and 127, respectively. The G color signal separated and output from the placement processing unit 125 and the B color signal amplified and output from the amplifying unit 127 are maintained in proper white balance according to the color temperature of the transmitted illumination light applied to the sample. It becomes a video signal. Then, when an image recording operation is performed on the imaging control unit 130 to save the observation image as a still image, the imaging control unit 130 stores the image data stored in the temporary image storage unit 129 in an image recording medium. 13
2 and save it as a still image.

Next, a case will be described in which the observer observes the same specimen by changing to epi-illumination bright field observation by the same microscopy method and records the observed image as a still image.

The observer changes the setting of the reflected light bright field observation to the microscope control unit 122. The microscope control unit 122 issues a control command to the driving unit 123 to control the transmission illumination light source 103 to be turned off and the epi-illumination illumination light source 111 to be turned on with a predetermined light amount. Further, the microscope control unit 122 transmits the incident light filter unit 112 and the incident light shutter 11 through the driving unit 123.
3. Drive control of the epi-illumination field stop 114 and the epi-illumination aperture stop 115, and the color temperature information of the transmitted illumination light detected by the epi-illumination color temperature detection unit 121 is taken by the imaging control unit 13.
Send to 0.

The imaging control unit 130 controls each of the amplifying units 126, 1 via the gain setting unit 131 so as to maintain an appropriate white balance according to the color temperature information in the same manner as described above.
Change the setting of gain 27. However, the preprocessing unit 1
The R color signal and the B color signal separated and output from the amplifier 25 are amplified by the gains set and changed by the amplifiers 126 and 127, respectively. The G color signal separated and output from the placement processing unit 125 and the B color signal amplified and output from the amplifying unit 127 are maintained in proper white balance according to the color temperature of the transmitted illumination light applied to the sample. It becomes a video signal. Then, when an image recording operation is performed on the imaging control unit 130 to save the observation image as a still image, the imaging control unit 130 stores the image data stored in the temporary image storage unit 129 in an image recording medium. 13
2 and save it as a still image.

As described above, in the first embodiment,
The color temperature of the illumination for the sample is determined by the color temperature detectors 120 and 12.
1 and recognizes the change in the observation state of the change in dimming, the gain for the video signal of the electronic camera 102 is changed in accordance with the color temperature information of the illumination detected by the color temperature detection units 120 and 121. Even if the observation state is changed, such as changing the observation magnification and dimming settings, and further changing the setting to transmitted bright-field observation or epi-illumination bright-field observation, the observer automatically adjusts the image without making adjustments to the image. Observed images maintained in white balance can be obtained and recorded as still images.

In the first embodiment, the dimming when the observation magnification is changed is performed by the observer's operation on the microscope control unit 130. However, after the observation magnification is changed, the temporary image storage is performed. The image data stored in the unit 129 may be read by the imaging control unit 130, and an instruction may be issued to the imaging control unit 130 so that the brightness of the image data becomes an appropriate value. Thus, the observer can record a still image in which an appropriate amount of light and an appropriate white balance are maintained only by changing the observation magnification.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG.
In FIG. 9, the same parts as those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Particularly, since the microscope 1 has the same configuration, illustration thereof is omitted.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electronic camera for a microscope.

A / D converter 1 in electronic camera 102
28 and a temporary image storage unit 129, a filter circuit 140 for performing edge enhancement processing on each of the RGB color signals
Are connected, and a filter coefficient is set by the filter setting unit 141.

The imaging control unit 142 controls the operation of the electronic camera 102, and includes a gain setting unit 131,
The temporary image storage unit 129, the image recording medium 132, the filter setting unit 141, and the microscope control unit 122 in the microscope 101 are connected.

The imaging control section 142 receives the information of the observation magnification or the change of the sample sent from the microscope control section 122, and according to this information, the gain setting section 1
31 and the filter setting unit 1
41 has a function of changing the filter coefficient setting.

Next, the operation of the device configured as described above will be described.

Since the transmission bright-field observation is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, its operation is omitted. In the transmission bright-field observation, when the observation magnification is relatively high, the contour of the sample can be clearly observed even in the observation state of the microscope 1 already set. However, the imaging control unit 142 receives the information on the observation magnification transmitted from the microscope control unit 122, changes the gain of the gain setting unit 131 according to the information, and includes the gain in the filter setting unit 141 in the image. The setting of the filter coefficient that has a noise removal effect is changed.

In this observation state, the image sensor 124 photoelectrically converts the projected observation image and outputs the converted image.
Converts the output signal of the image sensor 124 into a video signal,
And outputs the signals separately. This preprocessing unit 125
The R color signal and the B color signal separated and output from are amplified by the gains set and changed by the amplifying units 126 and 127, respectively, whereby the R color signal amplified and output from the amplifying unit 126 is output. The G color signal separated and output from the preprocessing unit 125 and the B color signal amplified and output from the amplification unit 127 are maintained in an appropriate white balance according to the color temperature of the transmitted illumination light applied to the sample. Video signal.

The R color signal, the G color signal,
The B color signal is A / D-converted by the A / D converter 128, after which the filter circuit 140 removes noise included in the image data, and is stored in the temporary image storage unit 129 as image data. Then, the imaging control unit 142 records the image data stored in the temporary image storage unit 129 on the image recording medium 132 and saves it as a still image.

Next, a case where the observer observes the same specimen as a macro image by the same microscopic method and records the observed image as a still image will be described.

The observer operates the microscope control unit 122 so as to change the observation magnification to a low magnification in order to perform macro observation. This microscope control unit 122
Issues a control command to the drive unit 123 to drive and control the revolver 117 so that an objective lens having an observation magnification for observing as a macro image is inserted into the observation optical path, and at the same time, the cube unit 118, the transmission aperture stop 108, The condenser optical element unit 109, the condenser top lens unit 110, the transmission filter unit 105, and the transmission field stop 106 are drive-controlled.

Further, the imaging control section 142 controls the amplification sections 126 and 127 via the gain setting section 131 so as to maintain an appropriate white balance in accordance with the color temperature information detected by the transmitted illumination color temperature detection section 120. The gain is changed and the video signal is maintained at an appropriate white balance according to the color temperature of the transmitted illumination light applied to the sample.

By the way, in the macro observation, the outline of a fine portion of the specimen may not be clearly observed in some cases. In this case, the imaging control unit 142 receives the observation magnification or sample change information transmitted from the microscope control unit 122, and according to this information, the filter setting unit 1
For 41, the setting of the filter coefficient having the contour enhancement effect is changed.

However, the R, G, and B color signals, which are maintained in an appropriate white balance in accordance with the color temperature of the transmitted illumination light applied to the sample, are converted by the A / D converter 12
8, the A / D conversion is performed, and thereafter the filter circuit 140
, And is stored in the temporary image storage unit 129 as image data. Then, the imaging control unit 142 records the image data stored in the temporary image storage unit 129 on the image recording medium 132 and saves it as a still image.

In the above description, the contour of the recorded image is automatically corrected by changing the observation magnification. However, by setting the specimen type under observation in the microscope control unit 122, the specimen type is changed. An appropriate contour correction can be performed.

For example, there is an enzyme antibody as a specimen, which is difficult to observe in normal observation because the outline of an observed image is not clear. Therefore, the observation state of the microscope 1 is set to the microscope control unit 122, and the specimen type is set at the same time. The microscope control unit 122 sends the specimen type information to the imaging control unit 142, so that the imaging control unit 142 generates a filter coefficient having an edge enhancement effect suitable for observing the enzyme antibody according to the specimen type information. This is set in the filter setting unit 141.
Thus, the observer can automatically record the observation image on which the contour correction has been performed without performing adjustment on the image generated by the sample type.

As described above, in the second embodiment,
When the change in the observation magnification or the specimen is recognized, the electronic camera 1
Since the filter coefficient of the filter circuit 140 that performs the outline emphasis processing on the video signal of No. 02 is changed, even if the sample is changed to a sample such as an enzyme antibody, the image generated by the sample type is automatically adjusted without being adjusted An observation image subjected to contour correction can be recorded. Further, even if the observation state such as the observation magnification is changed, the observer can automatically obtain an observation image with an appropriate white balance and record it as a still image without adjusting the image.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, the same parts as those in FIGS. 9 and 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Particularly, since the microscope 1 has the same configuration, the illustration is omitted.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an electronic camera for a microscope.

A / D converter 1 in electronic camera 102
28 and a temporary image storage unit 129, there is a gradation level conversion table for performing gradation correction on the video signal of the electronic camera with respect to each of the RGB color signals. An LUT circuit 150 for changing the gradation level of a signal is connected, and a conversion table is set by an LUT setting unit 151.

The imaging control section 152 controls the operation of the electronic camera 102, and includes a gain setting section 131,
The temporary image storage unit 129, the image recording medium 132, the LUT setting unit 151, and the microscope control unit 122 in the microscope 101 are connected.

The imaging control section 152 is provided with illumination color temperature information transmitted from the microscope control section 122,
It has a function of receiving speculum information or specimen change information, changing the gain of the gain setting unit 131 according to this information, and changing the setting of the conversion table of the LUT setting unit 151.

Next, the operation of the device configured as described above will be described.

First, the case where fluorescence observation is performed and the observation image is recorded as a still image will be described.

The observer changes the setting of the fluorescence observation to the microscope control unit 122. The microscope control unit 122 issues a control command to the driving unit 123 to control the epi-illumination light source 111 to be turned on at a predetermined light amount, and to set the cube unit 118 to epi-illumination radiated from the epi-illumination light source 111. Control is performed so that observation can be performed with desired excitation light among the lights, and further, drive control is performed on the epi-illumination filter unit 112, the epi-illumination shutter 113, the epi-illumination field stop 114, and the epi-illumination aperture stop 115, and by the epi-illumination color temperature detection unit 121. The detected color temperature information of the incident illumination light is sent to the imaging control unit 152.

Further, the microscope control unit 122 sends information on the microscopic method as the designated fluorescence observation to the imaging control unit 152. This imaging control unit 15
2 sets the LUT setting unit 151 in a conversion table that can obtain an image with appropriate brightness according to the microscopic information. Thus, in the LUT circuit 150, for example, a conversion table is set in which the luminance level of the low luminance portion that does not emit light with respect to the excitation light is decreased and the luminance level of the middle luminance portion is increased.

However, the image sensor 124 photoelectrically converts the projected observation image and outputs it. The preprocessing unit 125 converts the output signal of the image sensor 124 into a video signal, separates the output signal into RGB color signals, and outputs the image signal. I do. The R color signal and the B color signal separated and output from the preprocessing unit 125 are amplified by the gains set and changed by the amplifying units 126 and 127, respectively. , The G color signal separated and output from the preprocessing unit 125, and the B color signal amplified and output from the amplifying unit 127 are output in an appropriate white color according to the color temperature of the transmitted illumination light applied to the sample. The video signal is kept balanced.

The R color signal, the G color signal, and the B color signal are A / D-converted by the A / D converter 128, and thereafter the gradation level is changed by the LUT circuit 150. Thus, the image data is subjected to tone correction in which noise in a portion not emitting light with respect to the excitation light is suppressed, and only the light emitting portion can be clearly observed. Then, the image data is stored in the temporary image storage unit 129. The imaging control unit 152 records the image data stored in the temporary image storage unit 129 on the image recording medium 132 and saves it as a still image.

Next, a case will be described in which the microscopic method is changed to transmission or reflected bright-field observation, and the observation image is recorded as a still image.

The observer changes the setting of, for example, incident bright field observation to the microscope control unit 122. The microscope control unit 122 issues a control command to the drive unit 123 to control the epi-illumination light source 111 to be turned on with a predetermined light amount, and to control the cube unit 118.
Is controlled so that observation can be performed with the epi-illumination light emitted from the epi-illumination light source 111, and further, the epi-illumination filter unit 112, the epi-illumination shutter 113, the epi-illumination field stop 114, and the epi-illumination aperture stop 115 are drive-controlled. The color temperature information of the incident illumination light detected by the color temperature detection unit 121 is sent to the imaging control unit 152.

Further, the microscope control unit 122 sends the information of the speculum spectroscopy as the specified incident bright field observation to the imaging control unit 152. The imaging control unit 152 sets the LUT setting unit 151 in a conversion table that can obtain an image with appropriate brightness according to the microscopic information. Thus, in the LUT circuit 150, for example, a conversion table for increasing the luminance level from the low luminance portion to the middle luminance portion so that the dark portion can be observed in the reflected bright field observation is set.

However, the image pickup device 124 photoelectrically converts the projected observation image and outputs the converted image. The pre-processing unit 125 converts the output signal of the image pickup device 124 into a video signal, separates the output signal into RGB color signals, and outputs the signal. I do. The R color signal and the B color signal separated and output from the preprocessing unit 125 are amplified by the gains set and changed by the amplifying units 126 and 127, respectively. , The G color signal separated and output from the preprocessing unit 125, and the B color signal amplified and output from the amplifying unit 127 are output in an appropriate white color according to the color temperature of the transmitted illumination light applied to the sample. The video signal is kept balanced.

The R color signal, the G color signal, and the B color signal are A / D converted by the A / D converter 128, and thereafter the gradation level is changed by the LUT circuit 150. As a result, the image data is subjected to gradation correction that can be observed in the incident bright field. Then, the image data is stored in the temporary image storage unit 129. Imaging control unit 1
Reference numeral 42 records the image data stored in the temporary image storage unit 129 on the image recording medium 132 and stores it as a still image.

As described above, in the third embodiment,
When the change in the speculum method is recognized, gradation correction is performed on the video signal of the electronic camera 102. Therefore, for example, even if the speculum method is changed to transmission or incident bright field observation, the image is automatically displayed. Tone correction is performed on the signal, and an optimal observation image is obtained.

(Seventh Embodiment) Hereinafter, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
In the figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 9 to 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In particular, since the microscope 1 has the same configuration, the drawing is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 12, the seventh embodiment of the present invention is different from the sixth embodiment of the present invention in that the filter setting unit 141
And a filter circuit 140 are added.

With this configuration, illumination color temperature information, microscopic information, or sample change information is received, the gain of the gain setting unit 131 is changed according to this information, and the LU is changed.
In addition to being able to change the setting of the conversion table of the T setting section 151, it is possible to set a filter coefficient having an edge enhancement effect suitable for observing the enzyme antibody in the filter setting section 141 according to the sample type information. An observer can record an observation image on which contour correction has been automatically performed without making adjustments to an image generated by the sample type.

(Eighth Embodiment) Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG.
In FIG. 9, the same parts as those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In particular, since the microscope 1 has the same configuration, the drawing is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, the microscope control unit 122 and the imaging control units 130, 142, 152
, An external interface 160 may be connected, and a personal computer (PC) 161 may be connected thereto. Then, the personal computer 161 sends the setting of the observation state of the microscope 101 and the recording instruction to the electronic camera 102 via the external interface 160 to the microscope control unit 122 or the imaging control unit 130, 1.
42 and 152. Reference numeral 162 denotes a pre-processing unit 125, amplification units 126 and 127,
The circuit includes a temporary image storage unit 129, a gain setting unit 131, an image recording medium 132, a filter circuit 140, a filter setting unit 141, an LUT circuit 150, and an LUT setting unit 151.

(Ninth Embodiment) Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and FIG. 15, FIG. 5 and FIGS.
The same parts as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, an electronic camera 200 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention is different from the electronic camera 40 shown in FIG. 5 in that an amplifying section 448A1 and a gain setting section 448A are provided.
2, filter circuit 448B1, filter setting unit 448B
2, LUT circuit 448C1, LUT setting section 448C2,
This is a circuit to which an imaging control unit 152 is added.

According to such a configuration, the advantage of the first embodiment is that the speculum examines the image with the eyepiece lens 21 and, when taking a picture, simply turns his or her eyes slightly upwards on the spot. While viewing the image on the LCD monitor 45, framing and focusing can be performed.
By operating 1, the user can take a digital photograph.

Further, it is possible to receive illumination color temperature information, microscopic information, or information on specimen change, and change the gain of the gain setting section 448A2 according to this information.

Further, the setting of the conversion table of the LUT setting section 448C2 can be changed.

Further, a filter coefficient having a contour enhancement effect suitable for observing the enzyme antibody can be set in the filter setting section 448B2 according to the sample type information, and the observer can adjust the image generated by the sample type. , An observation image automatically contour-corrected can be recorded.

In summary, the present invention has at least an objective lens, an optical path splitting prism for splitting an optical image from the objective lens, and an eyepiece for introducing one optical image split by the optical path splitting prism. An electronic camera mounted on a microscope to capture another optical image branched by the optical path splitting prism, and an image sensor for capturing another optical image branched by the optical path splitting prism, and A signal processing unit for processing the image signal, a memory unit for recording image data based on the image signal processed by the signal processing unit, and an image displaying the image based on the image signal processed by the signal processing unit And a casing integrally provided with a display unit close to the eyepiece, the image pickup device, a signal processing unit, a memory unit and a display unit. An electronic camera for a microscope characterized by comprising: the display means may include a liquid crystal monitor, and the display means may be attached to the casing such that a display surface thereof is inclined toward the eyepiece. Can be provided.

Further, the memory means may include means for attaching and detaching a recording medium on which image data is recorded from the casing.

The microscope includes a light source and an objective lens arranged in a predetermined relationship with respect to the sample, a lens barrel, an optical path splitting prism provided in the lens barrel and branching an optical image from the objective lens. And an eyepiece for introducing one optical image split by the optical path splitting prism.

Further, the light source may include a transmission light source for illuminating the sample with transmitted light and a reflection light source for illuminating the sample with reflected light.

Further, the positional relationship between the eyepiece and the display means is as follows: a first intersection point where an optical axis of the eyepiece and an axis perpendicular to the display surface of the display means intersect; And a second intersection point where the axis intersects, and an eyepiece point of the eyepiece, form a triangle, and an angle X between an optical axis of the eyepiece and an axis perpendicular to the display surface of the display means, An angle Y formed between an axis perpendicular to the display surface of the display means and a line connecting an eyepiece point of the eyepiece and a second intersection point of the display means; an optical axis of the eyepiece and an eyepiece of the eyepiece; When an angle Z formed by a line connecting the second intersection in the display means is set, an angle X is set to 25 to 70 degrees, an angle Y is set to 20 to 60 degrees, and an angle Z is set to 180- (X + Y) degrees. Can be done.

Further, when the setting of the observation state in the microscope is changed, there is further provided a recognizing means for recognizing the changed information, and the signal processing means is adapted to perform the imaging in accordance with the information provided by the recognizing means. Means for signal processing of a video signal output from the element can be provided.

Further, the recognizing means includes a color temperature detecting means for detecting a color temperature of illumination on the specimen, and the signal processing means has a gain for the video signal in accordance with the color temperature detection information from the color temperature detecting means. May be provided.

Further, the recognizing means includes means for obtaining at least one of information on the change in the observation magnification and the change in the specimen, and the signal processing means operates the video signal in accordance with the information obtained by the means. Means for changing a filter coefficient for contour emphasizing processing on.

Further, the recognizing means includes means for obtaining information on a change in the speculum method, and the signal processing means includes: Means for changing the level can be provided.

The present invention relates to an electronic camera for a microscope which is mounted on a microscope having a function of changing the setting of the observation state of the sample and which picks up an observation image of the sample by an image pickup device. Recognition means for recognizing the changed information when
Signal processing means for performing signal processing on a video signal output from the image sensor according to the information provided by the recognition means.

Here, the recognizing means includes a color temperature detecting means for detecting a color temperature of illumination of the specimen, and the signal processing means responds to the video signal according to the color temperature detection information by the color temperature detecting means. Means for changing the gain can be provided.

The recognizing means includes means for obtaining at least one of the change in the observation magnification and the change in the specimen, and the signal processing means controls the video signal in accordance with the information obtained by the means. Means for changing a filter coefficient for the edge enhancement processing can be provided.

Further, the recognizing means includes means for obtaining information on a change in the speculum method, and the signal processing means includes: Means for changing the level can be provided.

[0138]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, an electronic camera system for a microscope can be configured in a space-saving and inexpensive manner, and framing and focusing at the time of photographing can be easily and accurately performed. .

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic camera for a microscope capable of obtaining an optimum image according to the observation state of the sum microscope, the specimen, and the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an electronic camera and a microscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view and a side view of the electronic camera.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic camera.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between an eyepiece of a microscope and a display surface of an electronic camera.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing a modification of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing an electronic camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing an electronic camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of an electronic camera for a microscope and a microscope according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electronic camera for a microscope according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an electronic camera for a microscope according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electronic camera for a microscope according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an electronic camera for a microscope and a microscope according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a ninth embodiment of the electronic camera for a microscope and the microscope according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the electronic camera for a microscope in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a microscopic photographing system using a conventional electronic camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Microscope main body, 10 ... Trinocular tube, 20 ... Eyepiece tube, 3
0: TV camera adapter, 40: Digital camera unit, 51: Hand switch, 90: Microscope, S: Sample, 101: Microscope, 102: Imaging device, 103: Light source for transmitted illumination, 105: Filter unit for transmission , 109
... condenser optical element unit, 110 ... top lens unit, 111 ... epi-illumination light source, 112 ... epi-illumination filter unit, 116 ... sample stage, 117 ... revolver, 118 ... cube unit, 120 ... transmitted illumination color temperature detector, 121 ... Epi-illumination color temperature detector 122
Microscope control unit, 123 drive unit, 124 imaging device, 125 preprocessing unit, 126, 127 amplification unit,
129: temporary image storage unit, 130, 142, 152: imaging control unit, 131: gain setting unit, 132: image recording medium, 140: filter circuit, 141: filter setting unit, 150: LUT circuit, 151: LUT setting unit .

Claims (3)

[Claims] A light path splitting prism for splitting an optical image from the objective lens; and an eyepiece for introducing one optical image split by the light path splitting prism, the microscope being mounted on a microscope, An electronic camera that captures another optical image branched by an optical path dividing prism, comprising: an image sensor that captures another optical image that is branched by the optical path dividing prism; and a signal that processes an image signal from the image sensor. A processing unit; a memory unit that records image data based on the image signal processed by the signal processing unit; and an image based on the image signal processed by the signal processing unit. A display unit close to the lens; and a casing integrally provided with the image sensor, the signal processing unit, the memory unit, and the display unit. Microscope for an electronic camera to be. 2. The electronic camera for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein said display means includes a liquid crystal monitor. 3. An electronic camera for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein said display means is provided on said casing such that a display surface thereof is inclined toward said eyepiece lens.