JP2002196245A - Microscopic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a microscopic device capable of easily enhancing the reliability of observation. SOLUTION: This microscopic device has supporting members (15 and 16) which support an optical system block (618-1) arranged with a prescribed optical system insertably and removably into and from the optical path of the microscope, a sensor (12) which detects the presence or absence of the optical system block and control means (14 and 22) which emit a warning outside when the control means recognize the insertion and removal of the optical system block. Consequently, an operator is able to detect the presence or absence of the possibility that the optical system block is exchanged with another block by the presence or absence of the warning.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a microscope apparatus in which an optical system block provided with a predetermined optical system is replaceable.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a fluorescence microscope system. The fluorescence microscope device 61 shown in FIG. 11 is a laser scanning fluorescence microscope device. The fluorescence microscope device 61 condenses the light beam emitted from the light source 611 on the sample 612, and detects the fluorescence generated in the sample 612 by the photodetectors 613a and 613b (by the way, the number of photodetectors is two. The reason for this is that two types of fluorescence having different wavelengths are individually detected, and the number may be 1.)

Here, depending on the type of the reagent injected into the specimen 612, the type of the substance to be observed in the specimen 612, etc., the wavelength of the excitation light (excitation wavelength) necessary for generating the fluorescence, The wavelength of the fluorescent light (fluorescent wavelength) to be used also differs. Therefore, the fluorescence microscope system 60 includes a plurality of types of light sources 611-1, 611-2,..., 611-k and a plurality of types of dichroic mirror blocks 616-k so that the excitation wavelength and the fluorescence wavelength can be appropriately changed. 1,616-2,616
, 616-m, and a plurality of types of fluorescent filter blocks 618-1, 618-2, 618-3,.
Is prepared.

Among them, a plurality of types of light sources 611-1 and 611
-2,..., 611-k for the fluorescence microscope 6
1, shutters 614-1, 614-2,
, 614-k can be switched to switch the wavelength of the emitted light. On the other hand, a plurality of types of dichroic mirror blocks 616-1, 616-2, 616-3.
..And a plurality of types of fluorescent filter blocks 618-1,
618-2, 618-3,... Are not shown in detail, but are prepared separately from the fluorescence microscope device 61 (block exchange type) or mounted in the fluorescence microscope device 61. Case (block switching type).

First, when the fluorescence microscope system 60 is a block exchange type, when an operator exchanges a block, the operator can input to the computer which type of block has been exchanged. Screen 63a shown in FIG. 11 is an input screen for the operator to input the type (filter block data) of the fluorescent filter block).

On the other hand, when the fluorescence microscope system 60 is of a block switching type, the switching of the blocks is generally motorized, so that at the same time as the blocks are switched, the computer 62 automatically switches to what type of block. It is a mechanism to recognize. In any case, the computer 62 always recognizes the type of the block set in the fluorescence microscope device 61 and displays it on the monitor 63, for example.
(The screen 63b shown in FIG. 11 is a screen (normal screen) in which the type of the fluorescent filter block is displayed together with the image of the specimen).

[0007] Therefore, even if the operator forgets the type of the block set by switching or exchanging by himself, or when the block is set by another operator, the contents displayed by the computer 62 are displayed. Thereby, the observation conditions set in the fluorescence microscope device 60 can be immediately recognized.

[0008]

However, in the above-described block exchange type, there is a possibility that the operator forgets to input even though the blocks are exchanged. There is a possibility that the observation may not be performed under the wrong observation conditions because the observation does not match the set contents.

Therefore, in the block exchange type, it is difficult to ensure the reliability of observation unless the confirmation work described below is frequently performed. In the checking operation, the block is once taken out from the fluorescence microscope device 61, and the identification display (not shown) on the block surface is visually observed.
If the display contents according to No. 2 do not match the actual setting contents, it is a complicated operation to input again.

[0010] On the other hand, although such a problem does not occur in the block switching type, a plurality of blocks and any one of the blocks is selectively inserted into and removed from the optical path in the fluorescence microscope apparatus 61. Since a mechanism is required, the size of the apparatus is increased. In addition, a plurality of electric components such as an actuator such as a motor are required for electric operation. Therefore, the block switching type is generally expensive.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive microscope device which can easily enhance the reliability of observation.

[0012]

Here, in order to show the correspondence with the embodiments (FIGS. 1 to 10) described later, the same reference numerals as those of the corresponding elements are shown in parentheses.

A microscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optical system block (618-1) in which a predetermined optical system is arranged is supported so as to be insertable into and removable from the optical path of the microscope. A member (15, 16), a sensor (12) for detecting the presence / absence of insertion / removal of the optical system block, and an alarm is issued to the outside when the detection signal of the sensor recognizes that the optical system block has been inserted / removed. Control means (14, 2
2).

Therefore, the operator can detect whether or not there is a possibility that the optical system block has been replaced with another one by the presence or absence of the warning. In the microscope device according to claim 2 or 3, the sensor includes a switch whose detection state changes by insertion and removal of the optical system block,
When the control means detects that the detection state of the switch has changed from the previous detection state, it determines that the optical system block has been inserted or removed since the previous detection.

Such a switch can store information indicating the presence / absence of the insertion / removal, so that even if the optical system block is replaced at any timing, the fact is surely detected. 4. The microscope apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the switch is configured to store an electrical contact that is activated by insertion and removal of the optical system block, and to change to a predetermined detection state in accordance with the activation of the electrical contact and to maintain the detection state. When the control unit detects that the storage circuit is in the predetermined detection state, the control unit determines that the optical system block has been inserted or removed since the previous detection, and each time the detection is completed. Initializing the storage circuit. Such a configuration can be realized at lower cost.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a microscope device in which a predetermined optical system is disposed and an optical system block provided with an identification label is supported so as to be insertable into and removable from an optical path of the microscope. And a sensor (23, 33, 43, 5) for reading the identification label provided on the optical system block.
3) and control means (25) for determining whether or not the optical system block has been replaced, based on a change in the read content, based on a read signal of the sensor. I do. That is, whether or not the optical system block has been replaced with another one is detected using the identification label.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] First, FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG.
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

(Configuration) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a fluorescence microscope system 10 of the present embodiment. 1, the same components as those of the conventional fluorescence microscope system 60 shown in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Fluorescence microscope system 10
Differs from the conventional fluorescence microscope system 60 shown in FIG.
, And is the same as that having the computer 22 instead of the computer 62. As will be described later in detail, the fluorescence microscope system 10 is of a block exchange type.

That is, the fluorescence microscope system 10 includes:
Fluorescence microscope device 11, computer 22, monitor 63,
Dichroic mirror blocks 616-1 and 616-2, which can be inserted into and removed from the input device 64 and the fluorescence microscope device 11,
616-3 ..., 616-m, fluorescent filter block 61
8-1, 618-2, 618-3,..., 618-n.

The fluorescence microscope apparatus 11 is provided with a fluorescence filter block detection module 12 and a dichroic mirror block detection module 13 for detecting the presence / absence of the insertion / removal of the fluorescence filter block 618 and the dichroic mirror block 616, respectively. 11 is different from the fluorescence microscope device 61 shown in FIG. That is, the fluorescence microscope apparatus 11 includes a plurality of types of light sources 611-1 and 611- in addition to the fluorescence filter block detection module 12 and the dichroic mirror block detection module 13.
, 611-k, XY stage 621 supporting sample 612, collimator lens 617 for converting light from a light source into parallel light, objective lens 620 for forming spot light on sample 612, optical axis Two-dimensional scanning device (consisting of two galvanometer mirrors, etc.) 6
15, a condenser lens 619 for condensing the fluorescence generated in the sample 612, photodetectors 613a and 613b for detecting mutually different wavelength components of the fluorescence, and a controller 14 (CPU 14a, Memory 14c, a frame memory 14b, etc.).

In the fluorescence microscope apparatus 11 having such a configuration, light is emitted from a set one of the light sources 611-1, 611-2,..., 611-k (reference numeral 611-1 in the figure). The laser light becomes parallel light via the collimator lens 617, and becomes a dichroic mirror block 616-1, 61-6.
.., 616-m are reflected by a dichroic mirror (first dichroic mirror) 616a inside the mounted state (reference numeral 616-1 in the figure), and the scanning device 615, And objective lens 6
Specimen 6 placed on XY stage 621 through 20
12, a spot light is formed. Since the laser light is deflected in the X and Y directions by the scanning device 615, the sample 612 is two-dimensionally scanned in the X and Y directions by the spot light. From the area of the specimen 612 irradiated with the spot light, fluorescence having a wavelength corresponding to the reagent injected beforehand is generated. This fluorescence passes through the objective lens 620 in the reverse direction of the optical path as return light, is scanned by the scanning device 615, passes through the first dichroic mirror 616a, and enters the condenser lens 619. The fluorescent light collected by the collecting lens 619 is converted into fluorescent filter blocks 618-1, 618-2, 618-3,.
, 618-n in the mounted state (reference numeral 6 in the figure)
18-1), and after being separated into two kinds of wavelengths of fluorescence, the light is guided to the photodetectors 613a and 613b, respectively. In the photodetectors 613a and 613b, these fluorescences are converted into electric signals (image information of the specimen 612). The CPU 14a in the control unit 14
The image information of the specimen 612 thus obtained is transmitted to the computer 22.

The CPU 14a of the present embodiment refers to the fluorescence filter block detection module 12 and the dichroic mirror block detection module 13 in addition to the processing for acquiring the image information, and performs the exchange monitoring processing (described later). 4 (see FIG. 4). Meanwhile, computer 2
2 is a CPU 22 similar to the conventional computer 62.
a, memory 22b, hard disk drive (HD) 2
2c, etc., under the control of the CPU 22a, based on the image information transmitted from the fluorescence microscope device 11,
A sample image or the like is displayed above.

In particular, in addition to the process of displaying the sample image, the CPU 22a of the present embodiment performs a later-described replacement monitoring process (see FIG. 4) in response to a warning notification transmitted from the fluorescence microscope device 61. The computer 22 has G
OS (Op) with UI (Graphical User Interface) introduced
In addition to the sample image, an image for receiving various instructions and various inputs from the operator is added to the image displayed by the CPU 22a (see FIG. 5). The operator can perform various instructions and various inputs on this image via the input device 64.

Here, each of the above blocks will be described in detail. First, each dichroic mirror block 616-1, 616-2, 616-3,.
Each block is a block in which a dichroic mirror (first dichroic mirror) 616a is fixed in a predetermined posture (see FIG. 1). These dichroic mirror blocks 616-1, 616-2, 616-3, ..., 616-m
(Determined by the type of the first dichroic mirror 616a) have different excitation wavelengths.

The fluorescent filter blocks 618-1 and 618-1
, 618-n are dichroic mirrors (second dichroic mirrors) 618c for separating incident fluorescence according to their wavelengths, and the two types of separated fluorescence. Are fixed in a predetermined posture (see FIG. 1) with fluorescent filters 618a and 618b that transmit only fluorescent light in a specific wavelength range. These fluorescent filter blocks 618-1, 618-
, 618-n (the type of the second dichroic mirror 618c, the fluorescent filter 618).
a) and the combination of the types of the fluorescent filters 618b) differ from each other in the combination of detectable fluorescent wavelengths.

Each dichroic mirror block 6
.., 616-m have the same configuration and outer shape except that they have different characteristics from each other. . Similarly, each fluorescent filter block 618-1,6
, 618-n have the same configuration, outer shape, etc. except that they have different characteristics from each other.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show the fluorescent filter block 618 and the fluorescent filter block detection module 1.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a peripheral device and a peripheral portion thereof; Note that the configuration and operation of the fluorescent filter block 618 described below and its peripheral parts are the same as those of the dichroic mirror block 6.
The same applies to the configuration and operation of the device 16 and its peripheral parts.

The fluorescent filter block 618 has
A guide groove 618d for restricting the direction of insertion and removal (FIG. 2)
(Refer to (a)).
Is a guide rail 1 formed on the fluorescence microscope apparatus 11 side.
6 (see FIG. 2B). The fluorescence filter block 618 is inserted into the fluorescence microscope device 11 in the direction indicated by the white arrow shown in FIG.
And is fixed by a fixing tool (not shown) (not shown) in a state of contact with. The state of the fluorescent filter block indicated by reference numeral 618-1 in FIG. 1 corresponds to the state (mounting state) in FIG. 2B.

Further, in the present embodiment, on the fluorescence microscope apparatus 11 side, the fluorescence filter block 61 in the mounted state.
A fluorescent filter block detection module 12 (see FIG. 2B) is attached at a position where the module 8 comes into contact with the fluorescent filter block detection module 8. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the fluorescence filter block detection module 12.

Fluorescent filter block detection module 12
Is composed of a contact-type switch 12a that is turned on only when the fluorescent filter block 618 contacts, and a detection circuit 12b. The detection circuit 12b is a circuit that changes its state each time the switch 12a is turned on and stores the state. The detection circuit 12b includes, for example, a flip-flop circuit. When the switch 12a is turned on, the flip-flop is latched, and the filter replacement flag FILTER # F
LG becomes "1" (below, it is assumed that the flip-flop circuit is employed).

Therefore, the fluorescent filter block 618
Is inserted / removed, the filter exchange flag FILTER # FLG becomes “1”. In the present embodiment, a built-in battery 12c may be provided in the detection circuit 12b so that the detection circuit 12b operates even when the main power supply (not shown) of the fluorescence microscope device 11 is off. Instead of providing the built-in battery 12c, a large-capacity capacitor is attached to the power supply line to accumulate electric charge, or a standby power supply is prepared, so that power is supplied to the detection circuit 12b regardless of whether the main power supply is on or off. Supply may be possible.

The fluorescent filter block detection module 12 having the above-described configuration can be configured with an existing substrate and existing several parts, and thus is inexpensive. (Operation) FIG. 4 shows the CPU 14a of the fluorescence microscope device 11 side.
6 is an operation flowchart of an exchange monitoring process by the CPU 22a and an operation flowchart of an exchange monitoring process by the CPU 22a of the computer 22. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating various screens displayed on the monitor 63 by the CPU 22a in the replacement monitoring process.

The CPU 14a of the fluorescence microscope device 11
When the replacement monitoring process is started, the value of the filter replacement flag FILTER_FLG in the fluorescent filter block detection module 12 is read (step S1). The reading operation (step S1) is performed at predetermined time intervals (for example, one minute) while measuring time (steps S5 and S6).

Here, since the detection circuit 12b of the fluorescence filter block detection module 12 has a storage function as described above, the fluorescence filter block 618 has a timing different from the reading operation by the CPU 14a.
Even if the exchange is performed, the fact of the exchange is detected. That is, as a result of step S1, when recognizing that the value of the filter replacement flag FILTER # FLG is "1" (step S2YES), the CPU 14a determines that there is a possibility that the fluorescent filter block 618 has been replaced, and Is issued (step S3), and the flip-flop is cleared (initialized) so that the fluorescence filter block detection module 12 can operate again (step S4).

When the CPU 14a confirms that the value of the filter replacement flag FILTER # FLG is "0" as a result of step S1 (step S2NO), the CPU 14a determines that there is no possibility that the fluorescent filter block 618 has been replaced. No warning notice is issued. On the other hand, C on the computer 22 side
As long as the PU 22a does not receive a warning notification from the CPU 14a of the fluorescence microscope device 11, the PU 22a displays an input screen (FIG. 5A) and a normal screen (FIG. 5B) as in the related art.

The input screen shown in FIG. 5A is a screen for allowing the operator to input filter block data (block type). The input filter block data is transmitted to the computer 22 by the CPU 22a.
Is stored in a predetermined storage area such as the hard disk drive 22c. The normal screen shown in FIG. 5B is a screen that displays the sample image 63d. CPU
22a displays the type of the currently mounted fluorescent filter block and the like on the normal screen together with the sample image 63d based on the filter block data stored in the computer 22 (reference numeral 63e in FIG. 5B). .

However, in the present embodiment, when a warning notice is received from the CPU 14a (step S21 YES), there is a possibility that the fluorescent filter block 618 has been replaced.
The CPU 22a displays a warning screen 19 as shown in FIG. 5C on the monitor 63 (Step S22). The warning screen 19 is displayed prior to another screen, and is displayed, for example, so as to overlap the screen displayed immediately before step S22.

Therefore, even if the operator replaces the fluorescent filter block 618 and forgets to input the filter block data even though the user needs to input the filter block data, the warning screen 19 warns the operator. Since it evokes, forgetting to input is prevented with an extremely high probability. Similarly, even if the fluorescent filter block 618 is replaced while the operator is away from the seat, the warning screen 1
The display of 9 allows the operator to recognize that the fluorescent filter block 618 may have been replaced while not present.

Even if the main power supply of the fluorescence microscope device 11 is turned off due to an accident or the like, if the built-in battery 12c is provided, the detection circuit 12b is provided.
Operates normally, and if the fluorescent filter block 618 is replaced during the off period, the warning screen 19 is displayed.
Is always displayed. On the other hand, the fluorescent filter block 6
If the cable 18 is not inserted or removed, no change occurs in the detection circuit 12b, and the warning screen 19 is not displayed. Therefore, unless the warning screen 19 is displayed, the operator can regard that there is no possibility that the fluorescent filter block has been replaced.

That is, the operator only needs to examine whether the input is necessary only when the warning screen 19 is displayed. By the way, the warning screen 19 is provided with a call button 19a for calling the input screen 63a together with a warning message (for example, "Caution").

That is, after the warning screen 19 is displayed, when the operator recognizes that a new block type has not been input (necessity of input) even though the fluorescent filter block 618 has been replaced. The input screen 63a is called by selecting the call button 19a (step S24), the type of block is selected, and the OK button 63c is selected (step S25YE).
S), the type of block can be input to the device side (step S26).

The CPU 22a in step S26
Reads the block type input by the operator and updates the filter block data stored in the hard disk drive 22c or the like. Thereafter, the type (reference numeral 63e) of the fluorescent filter block displayed on the normal screen (FIG. 5B) corresponds to the updated filter block data.

The warning screen 19 is also provided with an OK button 19b, and when the necessity of input is not recognized, the operator selects the OK button 19b (step S27 YES). 19 can be canceled (step S28). As described above, the present embodiment is configured so that the warning screen 19 is displayed only when necessary, so that the reliability can be easily increased without requiring frequent confirmation work. .

In addition, the present embodiment employs an inexpensive block exchange type configuration, and the switch 12a and the detection circuit 12b for the fluorescence filter block detection module 12 added to the fluorescence microscope apparatus 11.
(Flip-flop circuit), which can be realized at very low cost because it is composed of low-cost components. In the present embodiment, an example in which the warning screen is displayed in response to the warning notification has been described. However, a warning sound may be emitted together with (or instead of) the display of the warning screen. Further, instead of displaying the warning screen, a configuration may be adopted in which a warning lamp provided on the outer edge of the fluorescence microscope device 11 is turned on.

In this embodiment, the contact type switch is described as the switch 12a used in the fluorescent filter block detection module 12, but may be replaced by a photoelectric sensor, a magnetic sensor, an electrostatic sensor, or the like. It is preferable that the type of switch to be used is determined according to the material of the surface of the fluorescent filter block 618.

In this embodiment, instead of using the switch 12a and the detection circuit 12b, a mechanical switch that memorizes the change of state can be used (in this case, the built-in battery 12c Is also unnecessary.). For example, a digital switch (a switch having a plurality of contacts and opening and closing the contacts according to the number of times pressed) is applied, and the state of each contact of the digital switch is referred to by the CPU 14a. Only when the state of those contacts has changed, it may be considered that the fluorescent filter block 618 may have been replaced.

By the way, when a digital switch that can be changed to ten kinds of states is adopted, the operation is performed during the period from the time of reference by the CPU 14a (at the time of execution of step S1) to the time of the next reference (at the time of execution of subsequent step S1). If the number of insertions / removals coincides with a multiple of 10, the block is regarded as having no insertion / removal. However, if the frequency of reference is made sufficiently high (the threshold value of the determination in step S6 is made small (for example, one minute)), there is no possibility that insertion and removal will be performed ten times in a short time, and thus the detection certainty is high. Is kept.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9. (Configuration) FIG. 6 shows a fluorescence microscope system 20 of the present embodiment.
FIG. 6, the same components as those of the fluorescence microscope system 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The fluorescence microscope system 20 includes the fluorescence microscope device 21 in place of the fluorescence microscope device 11 and the computer 32 in place of the computer 22 in the fluorescence microscope system 10.
618-n, instead of the fluorescent filter blocks 28-1, 28-2, 28-3,.
-n, and dichroic mirror blocks 616-1 and 6
16-2, 616-3,..., 616-m and dichroic mirror blocks 26-1, 26-2, 26-3,.
Equivalent to one with 26-m.

The fluorescence microscope device 21 includes the fluorescence microscope device 1
1, the fluorescent filter block detection module 12
And a block number detection module 24 instead of the dichroic mirror block detection module 13, and a control unit 25 (CPU 25a) instead of the control unit 14.

FIG. 7 shows the fluorescent filter blocks 28-1 and 28-2.
8-2, 28-3,..., 28-n, a block number detection module 23, and peripheral parts thereof. Note that the fluorescent filter blocks 28-1 and 28 described below are used.
,..., 28-n, and the configuration and operation of their peripheral parts are described in dichroic mirror blocks 26-1, 26-2,.
.., 26-m, and the configuration and operation of the periphery thereof, and so forth.

First, each of the fluorescent filter blocks 28-1 and 28-2
, 28-n include fluorescent filter blocks 618-1, 618-2, 618-3,.
Same as 28-n. However, each of the fluorescent filter blocks 28-1, 28-2, 28-3,..., 28-n of the present embodiment has an identification label 2 indicating a number (block number).
8a is provided. Each fluorescent filter block 28-
Each identification label 28a assigned to 1, 28-2, 28-3,..., 28-n indicates a different number.

Here, each of the fluorescent filter blocks 28-1 and 28-1,
, 28-n have the same internal configuration and outer shape except that the block numbers indicated by the identification labels 28a are different from each other. A description will be given by giving a representative reference numeral 28. As shown in FIG. 7, the identification label 28a is provided on the outer surface of the fluorescent filter block 28, which is in contact with the block number detecting module 23 when the fluorescent filter block 28 is in the mounted state.

One block number detection module 23
Comprises a circuit for electrically reading the block number of the identification label 28a. Accordingly, the control unit 25 of the present embodiment
The CPU 25a reads the block number with reference to the block number detection module 23 and determines whether or not the read block number has changed from the block number read at the time of the previous reference. It is determined whether or not it has been replaced.

Each time the block number is read, the CP
The U25a needs to store the block number in the memory 14c or the like. However, it is sufficient that the data can be stored at least during the period up to the next reference. Regarding other operations of the CPU 25a, the CPU 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
4a (steps S3, S5, S6).

However, in this embodiment, since the type of the currently used fluorescent filter block 28 can be recognized by the block number, the block number read together with the warning notice by the CPU 25a is transmitted to the computer 32.
To the CPU 32a on the
U32a may be set to automatically update the filter block data. This eliminates the need for the operator to input the filter block data.

That is, the CPU 32a of the present embodiment
Unlike the CPU 22a of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the operation of prompting the operator for input or attention (steps S22, S2
3, S24, S25, S27, S28) can be omitted. Here, in the present embodiment, any principle may be adopted as the principle of detecting the block number. For example, the principle as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 can be adopted.

FIG. 8 shows a block number detecting module 23.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example in which a contact sensor 33 is used.
The fluorescent filter block 38 used in this case includes:
An identification label 38a representing the block number by the arrangement pattern of the conductive coat is provided. In the identification label 38a, assuming that the area where the conductive coat is arranged is “0” and the area where the conductive coat is not arranged is “1”, the block number indicated by the identification label 38a shown in FIG. −
0 ".

The contact sensor 33 has a plurality of contacts that individually contact each area on the identification label 38a. Therefore, the CPU 25a refers to the conduction pattern of each contact of the contact sensor 33,
The block number "0-1--" indicated by the identification label 38a.
0 "can be read.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 8, the number of areas on the identification label 38a is three, and the contact sensor 3
When the number of three contacts is three, eight types of block numbers can be identified. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which a magnetic sensor 43 is used for the block number detection module 23.

The fluorescent filter block 48 used in this case is provided with an identification label 48a indicating the block number by an arrangement pattern of magnets (number identification magnets).
In the identification label 48a, assuming that the area where the number identification magnet is formed is “0” and the area where the number identification magnet is not formed is “1”, the block number indicated by the identification label 48a shown in FIG. -1-1 ".

The magnetic sensor 43 has a plurality of sensor portions individually facing each area on the identification label 48a. Accordingly, the CPU 25a
3, the block number “0-1-1” indicated by the identification label 48a is referred to.
Can be read.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 9, when the number of areas on the identification label 48a is three and the number of sensor portions of the magnetic sensor 43 is three, eight kinds of block numbers can be identified. . FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the photoelectric sensor 53 is used for the block number detection module 23.

The fluorescent filter block 58 used in this case is provided with an identification label 58a indicating the block number by the arrangement pattern of the reflection coat. In the identification label 58a, assuming that the area where the reflection coat is arranged is “0” and the area where the reflection coat is not arranged is “1”, the block number indicated by the identification label 58a shown in FIG. −0 ”.

The photoelectric sensor 53 has a plurality of sensor units individually facing each area on the identification label 58a. Therefore, the CPU 25 a
3, the block number “1-0-0” indicated by the identification label 58a is referred to by referring to the output pattern of each sensor unit.
Can be read.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 10, when the number of areas on the identification label 58a is three and the number of sensor parts of the photoelectric sensor 53 is three, eight types of block numbers can be identified. . The identification label 28a (3
8a, 48b, 58a) and the block number detection module 23 (33, 43, 53) realize block identification easily and inexpensively as compared with the case of using a barcode and a barcode reader.

8, 9, and 10, in particular, those using FIG. 8 (contact sensor 33)
This is preferable because it can be realized at low cost. In each of the embodiments described above, the targets for detecting the possibility of replacement are both the fluorescent filter block and the dichroic mirror block, but it is also possible to detect only one of them.

[0068]

As described above, claims 1 to 3 are described.
According to the invention described in any one of the above, the operator can be alerted by the warning and check the observation conditions set in the microscope apparatus, so that the reliability of the observation can be easily increased. it can. According to the second or third aspect of the invention, reliability can be reliably improved.

According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to increase reliability at a lower cost. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the reliability of observation can be enhanced using the identification label. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily increase the reliability of observation and realize an inexpensive microscope device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a fluorescence microscope system 10 according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a fluorescent filter block 618, a fluorescent filter block detection module 12, and peripheral portions thereof.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a fluorescence filter block detection module 12.

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of an exchange monitoring process by a CPU 14a in the fluorescence microscope apparatus 11, and a computer 2
6 is an operation flowchart of an exchange monitoring process by a CPU 22a in the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating various screens displayed on a monitor by a CPU in a replacement monitoring process.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a fluorescence microscope system 20 according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a fluorescent filter block 28, a block number detection module 23, and peripheral portions thereof.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which a contact sensor 33 is used for the block number detection module 23.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which a magnetic sensor 43 is used for the block number detection module 23.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a photoelectric sensor 53 is used for the block number detection module 23.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the fluorescence microscope system 60.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 20, 60 Fluorescence microscope system 11, 21, 61 Fluorescence microscope device 12 Fluorescence filter block detection module 13 Dichroic mirror block detection module 14, 25 Control unit 15 Stopper 16 Guide rail 22, 62, 32 Computer 23 Block number detection module 14 Block number detection modules 26-1, 26-2, 26-3,..., 26-m, 616-1,
616-2, 616-3, ..., 616-m dichroic mirror blocks 28-1, 28-2, 28-3, ..., 28-n, 618-1,
618-2, 618-3, ..., 618-n, 38, 48,
58 Fluorescent filter block 28a, 38a, 48a, 58a Identification label 33 Contact sensor 43 Magnetic sensor 53 Photoelectric sensor 611-1, ..., 611-k Light source 612 Sample 613a, 613b Photodetector 614-1, ..., 614-k Shutter 615 Scanning device 616a First dichroic mirror 617 Collimator lens 618a, 618b Fluorescence filter 618c Second dichroic mirror 619 Condensing lens 620 Objective lens 621 XY stage 63 Monitor 64 Input device 63a Input screen 63b Normal screen

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A support member for supporting an optical system block on which a predetermined optical system is disposed so as to be able to be inserted into and removed from an optical path of a microscope, a sensor for detecting whether the optical system block is inserted and removed, and detection of the sensor. A microscope device comprising: control means for issuing a warning to the outside when the insertion / removal of the optical system block is recognized by a signal. 2. The microscope device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a switch whose detection state changes when the optical system block is inserted or removed, and wherein the control unit detects that the detection state of the switch has been detected last time. When detecting that the state has changed from the state, the microscope apparatus determines that the optical system block has been inserted or removed since the previous detection. 3. The microscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the switch is operated by inserting and removing the optical system block, and the switch is changed to a predetermined detection state in accordance with the operation of the electrical contact, and the detection is performed. The control means, when detecting that the storage circuit is in the predetermined detection state, determines that the optical system block has been inserted and removed since the previous detection, A microscope apparatus, wherein the storage circuit is initialized each time detection is completed. 4. A support member for arranging a predetermined optical system and providing an identification label on the optical system block so that the optical system block can be inserted into and removed from an optical path of a microscope, and the identification label provided on the optical system block. And a control unit for determining whether or not the optical system block has been replaced based on whether or not the read content has changed based on a read signal from the sensor. apparatus.