JP2003230154A - Digital camera for microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera for a microscope in which an effective color reproduction can be realized by a faithful color reproduction or a user by a simple calculating process. <P>SOLUTION: The digital camera for the microscope mounted in the microscope (1) for obtaining an optical image of a sample comprises an imaging element (2) for imaging the image of the sample obtained by the microscope (1), a color correcting means (6) for processing to correct the color of the image data of the image of the sample imaged by the element (2), a color correction parameter changing means (12) for changing the color correction parameter of the means (6), and an a sample optical image information detecting means (11) for detecting a state of the image of the sample and outputting the information to the means (6). The means (12) changes the parameter based on the detected result of the means (11). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera for a microscope, in which an observation image of a specimen by a microscope is picked up by an image pickup device such as a CCD and recorded, and more particularly to a color correction process thereof.

[0002]

12 and 13 are block diagrams showing a schematic configuration of a conventional digital camera for microscopes.
The digital camera for microscopes shown in FIG.
Image sensor 2, its drive unit 3, signal processing unit 6, operation unit 1
It is a type to which a digital camera main body 100 including 3, a recording unit 14, a display unit 13 and the like is attached. The microscope digital camera shown in FIG. 13 is a type that has an image pickup device 2, a drive unit 3 thereof, a signal processing unit 6 and the like in a digital camera body 100 and is connected to a personal computer 16 via an I / F unit 15. The personal computer 16 operates, displays, and records. In this type, a part of the image processing may be performed by the personal computer 16.

[0003]

In such a digital camera for a microscope, an observation image of a stained specimen by a microscope is recorded, but it is not always expressed in a color desired by the user. In some cases, the user may want to faithfully reproduce the colors seen by the naked eye,
In addition, in some cases, it is desired to reproduce by emphasizing colors in order to identify a subtle difference in color of the stained sample.

For example, when a faithful color reproduction is desired, a difference between the color of an image observed through an eyepiece of a microscope and the reproduced color is pointed out. This is a problem commonly pointed out not only to microscope digital cameras, but also to digital cameras for photographing people and landscapes. This is due to the difference between the spectral sensitivity characteristic of the image pickup device such as CCD for picking up the color of the object and the spectral sensitivity characteristic of the human eye.

C as a function representing the spectral sensitivity characteristic of the human eye
There is a so-called color matching function defined by the IE (International Commission on Illumination). When the spectral sensitivity characteristic of the image sensor and the color matching function have a linear relationship, the output of the image sensor can be linearly converted to faithfully represent the color of any subject to the color visible to the human eye. The spectral sensitivity characteristic of the image sensor and the color matching function are not linearly related.

In order to solve this problem, conventionally, the output signal of the image pickup device is non-linearly converted by LUT or arithmetic processing to realize faithful color reproduction. An example of such a technique is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-204041. In this method, the lightness value, saturation value, and
The difference between the hue angle and the lightness value, saturation value, and hue angle of the image data of the digital camera is calculated for a plurality of predetermined colors, and the image data of the digital camera is color-corrected so that the differences are within the predetermined values. There is.

However, such a color correction by a non-linear process requires a long processing time when it is performed by a calculation process, and the data size of the LUT itself becomes enormous when an LUT is used.

Further, when it is desired to emphasize and reproduce a color in order to identify a subtle difference in color of a dyed specimen, a conventional microscope digital camera can be adjusted only by changing the color balance and gradation characteristics of the camera. Yes, it is often insufficient to enhance colors until subtle color differences can be identified.

The object of the present invention is to enable a simple calculation process to
An object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera for a microscope that can realize faithful color reproduction or effective color reproduction for a user.

[0010]

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the digital camera for a microscope of the present invention is constructed as follows.

(1) A digital camera for a microscope of the present invention is a digital camera for a microscope, which is attached to a microscope for obtaining a light image of a specimen, wherein the image pickup device picks up the light image of the specimen obtained by the microscope, and the image pickup. Color correction means for performing color correction processing on the image data of the optical image of the sample taken by the element, color correction parameter changing means for changing the color correction parameter of the color correcting means, and detecting the state of the optical image of the sample. And a sample light image information detecting means for outputting the information to the color correcting means, wherein the color correction parameter changing means changes the color correction parameter based on a detection result of the sample light image information detecting means. To do.

(2) The digital camera for microscopes of the present invention is the camera described in (1) above, and the color correction means performs color correction processing by a color conversion matrix, and the color correction parameter changing means, Change the color conversion matrix.

(3) The digital camera for microscopes of the present invention is the camera described in (1) or (2) above, and the sample light image information detecting means determines the color component contained in the image data. .

(4) The microscope digital camera of the present invention is the camera described in (1) or (2) above, and the specimen optical image information detecting means inputs the staining method of the specimen.

(5) The microscope digital camera of the present invention is the camera described in (1) or (2) above, and the specimen optical image information detecting means inputs the observation method of the specimen.

(6) The digital camera for microscopes of the present invention is the camera described in (5) above, and the observation methods are bright field observation, phase difference observation, differential interference observation, dark field observation, polarized light observation, And fluorescence observation.

(7) The microscope digital camera of the present invention is the camera described in (1) or (2) above, and the specimen optical image information detecting means inputs the fluorescence observation method of the specimen.

(8) The digital camera for microscopes of the present invention is the camera described in (7) above, and the fluorescence observation method comprises at least one of a fluorescent dye name and a fluorescent cube name.

(9) The digital camera for microscopes of the present invention is the camera described in (2) above, and the color conversion matrix is designed to reproduce the optical image of the sample.

(10) The digital camera for a microscope of the present invention is the camera described in (2) above, and the color conversion matrix enlarges the color difference between two points designated on the image of the sample to obtain a color. Designed to reproduce.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic arrangement of a microscope digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a microscope main body, and this microscope main body 1 allows an observation image of a sample (not shown) to be visually observed and can be led out to the outside along an observation optical path a1. On the observation optical path a1 outside the microscope body 1,
An image pickup device 2 such as a CCD is arranged as an image pickup means at a position where an observation image from the microscope body 1 is projected.

The image pickup device 2 is driven for the exposure time based on the drive signal from the image pickup device drive section 3 and outputs an output signal to the preprocessing section 4. The preprocessing unit 4 converts the output signal from the image pickup device 2 into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the A / D conversion unit 5 by the control pulse given from the image pickup device drive unit 3. A
The / D conversion unit 5 digitizes the signal from the preprocessing unit 4 based on the clock signal from the image pickup device driving unit 3.

The video signal digitized by the A / D converter 5 is input to the signal processor 6 and the controller 8. The signal processing unit 6 performs signal processing such as color correction and gradation correction by a color conversion matrix on the input video signal, and outputs it to the control unit 8 via the bus 7. The signal from the signal processing unit 6 is converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion unit 9 and displayed on the display unit 10 as a moving image.

The control section 8 has a color discriminating means 11 and a color conversion matrix changing means 12. Here, the color discrimination unit 11 discriminates the color component contained in the sample based on the video signal output from the A / D conversion unit 5. Further, the color conversion matrix changing unit 12 changes the color conversion matrix on which the signal processing unit 6 performs color correction based on the determination result of the color determining unit 11. The determination of the color components included in the sample by the color determination unit 11 and the change of the color conversion matrix by the color conversion matrix changing unit 12 are performed by an instruction from the operation unit 13.

Further, the control section 8 records the image data as a still image in the recording section 14 as a recording means from the signal processing section 6 via the bus 7 according to an instruction from the operation section 13.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, a case of observing / photographing a specimen by hematoxylin / eosin (HE) staining will be described.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the operation procedure of the microscope digital camera having the above-mentioned configuration. An optical image of the sample taken by the microscope 1 is picked up by the image pickup device 2, digitized through the preprocessing unit 4 and the A / D conversion unit 5, and RG
The B image data is sent to the signal processing unit 6 and the control unit 8. When the operator replaces the sample observed by the microscope 1 and the color correction processing in the signal processing unit 6 is not appropriate and faithful color reproduction is not performed, the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is executed. It

First, the operator of the microscope 1 gives an instruction to change the color conversion matrix from the operation unit 13 (step 20).
1). In response to this change instruction, the control unit 8 acquires RGB image data from the A / D conversion unit 5 (step 20).
2).

Next, in the control section 8, the color discrimination means 11 creates a histogram of the hue angle (step 20).
3). For each position on the image of the sample, RGB data is cumulatively plotted on the (RG) / G and (BG) / G planes, for example, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the angle formed by the (BG) / G component of the RGB data and the (RG) / G axis,
That is, tan ⁻¹ ({(B−G) / G} / {(R−
G) / G}) is the hue angle, and the section of the hue angle is A: -18
0 ° to −90 °, B: −90 ° to −30 °, C: −30
° ~ -7 °, D: -7 ° ~ 0 °, E: 0 ° ~ 13 °,
F: 13 ° to 44 °, G: 44 ° to 75 °, H: 75 °
~ 85 °, I: 85 ° -115 °, J: 115 ° -14
When divided by 0 ° and K: 140 ° to 180 °, the histogram for the hue angle is as shown in FIG. 4 for each sample. Here, the histogram is not necessarily created from all the image data, and may be created from data thinned out to some extent.

Next, the color discriminating means 11 discriminates the color contained in the sample by setting a threshold value in the histogram thus created and comparing the threshold value with the intensity of the phase angle (step 204). When the threshold is set to 1500 for the histogram created in FIG. 4, when a certain sample is observed, the color determining unit 11 determines that the sample includes the colors E, F, and G, for example.

Next, the color conversion matrix changing means 12
Based on the discrimination result of the color discriminating means 11, the color conversion matrix used for the color correction processing in the signal processing unit 6 is changed (step 205). For example, when observing the above sample, the color conversion matrix changing means 12 uses the color determining means 1
The color conversion matrix for EFG is changed based on the determination result in 1. The color conversion matrix changed here is stored in the color conversion matrix changing unit 12 and the color discrimination unit 1
It is stored corresponding to the determination result of 1.

As a result of executing the flowchart of FIG. 2 in this way, the color conversion matrix is changed in the signal processing unit 6, and color correction processing is performed by the changed color conversion matrix thereafter. Thereafter, the moving image displayed on the display unit 10 and the still image recorded on the recording unit 14 according to an instruction from the operation unit 13 are subjected to color correction processing by the newly set color conversion matrix.

Since the still image thus photographed is color-processed by the color conversion matrix designed for a specific color, it is recorded with high fidelity color reproducibility.

The above-mentioned color conversion matrix is converted into a chromaticity value conversion matrix for converting the image signal RGB from the camera into XYZ chromaticity values and RGB data for displaying the colors of the XYZ chromaticity values on the monitor. Can be represented by the product of the monitor signal conversion matrix. That is, the color conversion matrix is M and the chromaticity value conversion matrix is Mc.
amera, monitor signal conversion matrix Mmoni
If it is tor, M = Mmonitor · Mcamer
It can be represented as a.

The color conversion matrix for the color EFG described above is
It can be designed as follows. (R-G) / G,
The division according to the above-mentioned hue angle on the (BG) / G plane is as shown in FIG. The XYZ chromaticity value and R by the image sensor are used as representative colors of the respective sections from A to K and their boundaries.
The GB photographing signal value is measured. When designing a color conversion matrix for EFG, first, a chromaticity value conversion matrix for EFG is obtained from a combination of E, F, and G and illumination light that is the origin. That is, the representative colors of E, F, G and X of the illumination light
There is the following relationship between the YZ chromaticity value and the RGB photographing data.

[0038]

[Equation 1] Therefore, the chromaticity value conversion matrix for EFG is

[0039]

[Equation 2] Becomes

[0040]

[Equation 3] Is not regular, so

[0041]

[Equation 4] Is obtained by least-squares estimation.

Next, the monitor signal conversion matrix is obtained. (255,0,0) as RGB data on the monitor,
The XYZ chromaticity values when (0, 255, 0), (0, 0, 255) are displayed are (XR, YR, ZR), (XG,
When YG, ZG) and (XB, YB, ZB), the following relationships are established.

[0043]

[Equation 5] So Mmonitor

[0044]

[Equation 6]

Therefore, the color conversion matrix for color EFG is

[Equation 7] Is obtained as.

When the sample contains more color components, the same calculation is performed as follows.

[0047]

[Equation 8]

When the color component contained in the sample is one color, for example, only C, the matrix is obtained from the boundary color. Ie

[0049]

[Equation 9] Becomes

Other color combinations are obtained by the same method, and the color conversion matrix changing means has
A, B, C ... ABCDEFGHIJK total 2
¹¹ = 2048 color conversion matrices are stored.

Most of the stained specimens observed with a microscope do not contain much color components, such as 2 to 3 colors at most, so the color conversion matrix designed as described above is used as the discrimination result of the color discrimination means 11. It is possible to improve color reproducibility by selecting and using.

(Modification) In the above-described first embodiment,
Although the color conversion matrix that faithfully reproduces the color of the sample is used, the color conversion matrix is not limited to this, and if the color conversion matrix has a color reproducibility effective for the user of the microscope, it depends on the color contained in the sample. Any combination may be used. For example, in a color histogram, for a sample in which only one color component is extracted, a color conversion matrix that has no fidelity but emphasizes a subtle difference in color is used.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the schematic arrangement of a microscope digital camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 6, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the second embodiment, the color conversion matrix changing means 12 of the control section 8 stores color conversion matrices corresponding to various dyeing methods. A personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as PC) 16 is provided in the control unit 8 via an I / F (interface) unit 15.
Are connected. The PC 16 includes a monitor 18 and has the same display, recording, and operation functions as those of the digital camera body 100 shown in FIG. PC16
Can input the staining method of the specimen by an input instruction from a mouse or a keyboard (not shown). That is, the staining method input means 17 is configured as software in the PC 16.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, as in the case of the first embodiment, a case of observing and photographing a specimen stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operating procedure of the microscope digital camera having the above-mentioned configuration. An optical image of the sample taken by the microscope 1 is picked up by the image pickup device 2, digitized through the preprocessing unit 4 and the A / D conversion unit 5, and RG
It is sent to the signal processing unit 6 as B image data. If the operator does not replace the sample being observed and the color correction processing in the signal processing unit 6 is not appropriate and faithful color reproduction is not performed, the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

When the operator performs an input operation on the PC 16 and the staining method of the specimen being observed is input by the staining method input means 17, the control section 8 causes the PC 16 to input the I / F section 15 to the control section 8.
The staining method of the specimen is input via (step 7).
01). For example, when observing the sample, the HE staining method is input from the staining method input means 17, and the I / F unit 15
It is set in the control unit 8 via.

Next, the color conversion matrix changing means 12 of the control section 8 changes the color conversion matrix used for the color correction processing of the signal processing section 6 based on the staining method input from the PC 16 (step 702). . For example, when the HE staining method is set in the control unit 8 from the staining method input means 17, the color conversion matrix for HE staining is changed.

As a result of executing the flowchart of FIG. 7 in this manner, the color conversion matrix is changed in the signal processing unit 6, and the color correction processing is performed by the changed color conversion matrix thereafter. Thereafter, the moving image displayed on the monitor of the PC 16 and the still image stored in a recording medium (not shown) such as a hard disk device in the PC 16 according to an instruction from the PC 16 are color-corrected by the newly set color conversion matrix. Be seen.

The color conversion matrix corresponding to the dyeing method can be designed as follows. First, a microscope spectroscopic imaging device (for example, Kawatetsu Techno Research Co., Ltd .: a plane spectrophotometer PSAM-70 for microscope).
XYZ of the sample obtained from the spectral imaging data of the sample measured in 0), the spectral characteristics of the illumination light of the microscope, and the color matching function.
R obtained from the chromaticity value, the spectral sensitivity characteristic of the image sensor, the spectral imaging data described above, and the spectral characteristic of the illumination light of the microscope.
A chromaticity value conversion matrix determined from the relationship with the GB value is obtained. Then, the spectral imaging data of the sample stained by the desired staining method is measured, and the spectral data at each position on the sample is subjected to the principal component analysis to obtain the basis function e _i (λ).

A sample whose spectral transmittance is f (λ) is Es
Illuminating with an illumination spectrum of (λ), k-th (k = R,
The video signal when the band of G, B) is taken by a camera having a spectral sensitivity of S _k (λ) is

[Equation 10] It is represented by.

If the spectral transmittance of the sample is represented by the statistical property as a linear sum of the basis functions e _i (λ),

[0063]

[Equation 11] Becomes Here, a _i is the expansion coefficient by the basis function of the spectral transmittance of the sample.

Substituting (2) into (1),

[0065]

[Equation 12] Becomes

Here,

[Equation 13] Then,

[0067]

[Equation 14] Becomes

Therefore,

[Equation 15] Next to

[0069]

[Equation 16] Becomes

Therefore, the spectral transmittance of the sample is

[Equation 17] Becomes However,

[0071]

[Equation 18] Is. E is a matrix representing the basis function.

Since H ^-1 is not generally regular, H ^-1 is obtained as a pseudo inverse matrix (general inverse matrix).
The pseudo-inverse of the matrix R is

[0073]

[Formula 19] Can be asked as

Further, the color matching function is x _l (l = x, y,
z), the chromaticity value X _l (l = x, y, z) is

[0075]

[Equation 20] Becomes However, Eo is an illumination light spectrum at the time of observation.

[0076]

[Equation 21]

However,

[Equation 22] Is.

Therefore, the relationship between the video signal of the digital camera and the chromaticity value of the sample is

[Equation 23] Becomes

As described above, by substituting the basis function E of the subject, the illumination light spectrum, and the camera spectral sensitivity into the equation (16), the matrix Mat1 for estimating the spectral transmittance of the subject from the video signal value of the camera can be obtained. it can. Furthermore, from the color matching function X and the illumination light spectrum Eo at the time of observation to Mat2
Can be asked. Ma obtained in this way
Matrix Mcam for obtaining the chromaticity value X of the sample from the video signal g of the digital camera by taking the product of t1 and Mat2
era can be obtained.

Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the color conversion matrix can be obtained from the product of the chromaticity value conversion matrix and the monitor signal conversion matrix. Since the color conversion matrix corresponding to the dyeing method can be obtained in this way, the dyeing method that may be photographed by the microscope digital camera of the second embodiment will be described.
A color conversion matrix is created and stored in the color conversion matrix changing means.

With the configuration and operation described above,
Color correction processing can be performed with a color conversion matrix that is optimal for the dyeing method being observed, and more faithful color reproduction is possible.

In the second embodiment, the color correction processing / gradation correction processing is performed by the signal processing unit 6, but the color correction processing / gradation correction processing may be performed by the PC 16. In this case, the color conversion matrix changing means 12 is also configured as software in the PC 16.

(Modification) In the second embodiment described above,
A color conversion matrix that faithfully reproduces the color of the sample was used, but the color conversion matrix is not limited to this, and any combination of color conversion matrices with effective color reproduction for microscope users can be used. Good.

For example, the color distribution of the HE-stained sample is L^*a^*
b^*The spatial distribution is a^*b^*When the plane mapping is done,
Although it is made of cloth, the color to be identified is indicated by ○ and × in the figure.
If these two colors (R₁, G₁, B₁), (R_Two, G
_Two, B_Two) ○ '(X₁, Y ₁, Z₁), × '(X_Two, Y
_Two, Z_Two) To a color conversion matrix
The color of interest is emphasized and separated according to the staining method.
A color conversion matrix such as

In this case, the color conversion matrix is changed in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 9, for example. First P
C16 displays the photographed image of the sample processed by the normal color conversion matrix on the monitor 18 (step 90).
1). Next, the operator performs an input operation on the PC 16 and designates two points to be identified on the image displayed on the monitor 18 (step 902). Then, the operator performs an input operation on the PC 16 and inputs the color difference to be displayed for the two points designated in step 902 (step 903).

The control unit 8 includes an I / F unit 15 from the PC 16.
The designated two points and the color difference are input via. The control unit 8 sets the two points specified in step 902 to step 90.
The color conversion matrix displayed with the color difference input in 3 is calculated, and the color conversion matrix changing unit 12 changes the calculated color conversion matrix (step 90).
4). Then, in the signal processing unit 6, the color conversion matrix is changed, color correction processing is performed on the captured image using the new color conversion matrix, and the image is displayed on the monitor 18 (step 905).

By changing the color conversion matrix in this way, it becomes possible to display the designated two points with a desired color difference, and it is possible to reproduce the color by emphasizing (enlarging) the color difference of the two parts to be noticed. . This makes it possible to identify and observe the two parts separated in color.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the schematic arrangement of a microscope digital camera according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 10, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

The microscope 1 of the third embodiment is a microscope capable of performing observations such as bright field observation, phase difference observation, differential interference observation, polarized light observation, dark field observation, and fluorescence observation. The color conversion matrix changing means 12 of the control unit 8 stores color conversion matrices corresponding to various observation methods. An operation unit 13 having an observation method input means 19 is connected to the control unit 8.

From the observation method input means 19, the operator can input the observation method to be performed by the microscope 1. For example, an observation method such as bright field observation, phase difference observation, differential interference observation, polarized light observation, dark field observation, and fluorescence observation can be input. Color conversion matrix changing means 1
The color conversion matrix stored in 2 corresponds to these observation methods, and is a matrix for performing color reproduction suitable for each observation method.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described. The operator of the microscope 1 inputs an observation method for observing the sample from the observation method input means 19 of the operation unit 13. The observation method input means 19 outputs the input observation method to the control unit 8. The color conversion matrix changing unit 12 of the control unit 8 changes the color conversion matrix used for the color correction processing of the signal processing unit 6 according to the input observation method.

After this operation, in the microscope digital camera of the third embodiment, the color correction processing is performed by the changed color conversion matrix, and the moving image displayed on the display unit 10 and the operation unit 13 are used. Recording unit 1
The still image recorded in 4 can realize color reproduction suitable for the input observation method.

In the third embodiment, the operation unit 1
3, the recording unit 14, and the display unit 10 are connected to the digital camera body 10
Although the example provided for 0 is shown, the PC 16 may be connected to the control unit 8 via the external I / F unit 15 to perform operation / recording / display as in the second embodiment. The same effect can be obtained.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the schematic arrangement of a microscope digital camera according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 11, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

The microscope 1 according to the fourth embodiment is a microscope for observing fluorescence. The color conversion matrix changing means 12 of the control unit 8 stores color conversion matrices corresponding to various fluorescence observations. Further, the control unit 8 has
An operation unit 13 having a fluorescence observation method input means 20 is connected.

From the fluorescence observation method input means 20, the operator can input the name of the fluorescent dye to be observed by the microscope 1 or the name of the fluorescent cube used in the microscope 1. Fluorescent dyes include GFP, FITC, DAPI, Pho
There are various types such as damine Phalloidin. Various names are given to fluorescent cubes by microscope manufacturers, but there are some that correspond to fluorescent dyes.

They can be input from the fluorescence observation method input means 20. Color conversion matrix changing means 1
The color conversion matrix stored in 2 corresponds to these fluorescent dyes and fluorescent cubes, and is a matrix for performing color reproduction suitable for each fluorescence observation method. In the fourth embodiment, both the fluorescent dye and the fluorescent cube can be input, but either one may be input.

Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described. The operator of the microscope 1 inputs a fluorescent dye name or a fluorescent cube name used for fluorescence observation from the fluorescence observation method input means 20 of the operation unit 13. Fluorescence observation method input means 20
Controls the input fluorescent dye name or fluorescent cube name.
Output to. Color conversion matrix changing means 1 of the control unit 8
2 changes the color conversion matrix used for the color correction processing of the signal processing unit 6 according to the input fluorescent dye name or fluorescent cube name.

After this operation, in the microscope digital camera of the fourth embodiment, the color correction processing is performed by the changed color conversion matrix, and the moving image displayed on the display unit 10 and the operation unit 13 are used. Recording unit 1
The still image recorded in 4 can realize color reproduction suitable for the input fluorescence observation method.

In the fourth embodiment, the operation unit 1
3, the recording unit 14, and the display unit 10 are connected to the digital camera body 10
Although the example provided for 0 is shown, the PC 16 may be connected to the control unit 8 via the external I / F unit 15 to perform operation / recording / display as in the second embodiment. The same effect can be obtained.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned respective embodiments, and can be carried out by appropriately modifying it without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0102]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a digital camera for a microscope capable of realizing faithful color reproduction or effective color reproduction for a user by a simple calculation process.

That is, according to the present invention, the color conversion matrix can be changed to an optimum one according to the color components contained in the sample, and the sample can be faithfully reproduced by simple linear calculation without complicated nonlinear processing. Can be reproduced in color.

Further, according to the present invention, the color conversion matrix can be changed to an optimum one according to the staining method of the sample, and the sample can be displayed in faithful colors by a simple linear calculation without complicated non-linear processing. Can be reproduced.

Further, according to the present invention, the color conversion matrix can be changed to a color conversion matrix which emphasizes and separates the color designated by the operator of the microscope according to the color components contained in the sample. By performing such a linear calculation, it is possible to perform color enhancement processing according to the sample.

Further, according to the present invention, the color conversion matrix can be changed to a color conversion matrix for emphasizing and separating the color designated by the operator of the microscope according to the staining method of the specimen, and a simple linear By the calculation, it is possible to perform the color enhancement processing according to the staining method of the sample.

Further, according to the present invention, the color conversion matrix can be changed based on the observation method, and the color processing suitable for the observation method can be performed by a simple linear calculation.

Further, according to the present invention, the color conversion matrix can be changed based on the fluorescence observation method, and color processing suitable for the fluorescence observation method can be performed by a simple linear calculation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a microscope digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the microscope digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram in which RGB data according to the first embodiment of the present invention is cumulatively plotted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a histogram of a hue angle according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is (RG) / according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The figure which shows the division | segmentation by the hue angle in G, (B-G) / G plane.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a microscope digital camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the microscope digital camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a color distribution of an HE-stained sample according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a microscope digital camera according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a microscope digital camera according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a microscope digital camera according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a microscope digital camera according to a conventional example.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a microscope digital camera according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Microscope body 100 ... Digital camera body a1 ... Observation optical path 2. Image sensor (CCD) 3 ... Image sensor driving unit 4 ... Pretreatment unit 5 ... A / D converter 6 ... Signal processing unit 7 ... bus 8 ... Control unit 9 ... D / A converter 10 ... Display 11 ... Color discrimination means 12 ... Means for changing color conversion matrix 13 ... Operation unit 14 ... Recording unit 15 ... I / F section 16 ... Personal computer 17 ... Dyeing method input means 18 ... Monitor 19 ... Observation method input means 20. Fluorescence observation method input means

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Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A digital camera for a microscope, which is attached to a microscope for obtaining a light image of a specimen, comprising: an image pickup element for picking up a light image of the specimen obtained by the microscope; and an optical image of the specimen picked up by the image pickup element. Color correction means for performing color correction processing on image data, color correction parameter changing means for changing color correction parameters of the color correction means, detecting the state of the optical image of the sample, and outputting the information to the color correction means And a sample light image information detecting unit, wherein the color correction parameter changing unit changes the color correction parameter based on a detection result of the sample light image information detecting unit. . 2. The microscope digital according to claim 1, wherein the color correction means performs color correction processing using a color conversion matrix, and the color correction parameter changing means changes the color conversion matrix. camera. 3. The digital camera for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the sample light image information detecting means determines a color component included in the image data. 4. The sample optical image information detecting means inputs a staining method of the sample.
The digital camera for a microscope according to 1. 5. The sample optical image information detecting means inputs a method of observing the sample.
The digital camera for a microscope according to 1. 6. The microscope according to claim 5, wherein the observation method is any one of bright field observation, phase difference observation, differential interference observation, dark field observation, polarized light observation, and fluorescence observation. Digital camera. 7. The microscope digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the specimen light image information detecting means inputs a fluorescence observation method of the specimen. 8. The microscope digital camera according to claim 7, wherein the fluorescence observation method comprises at least one of a fluorescent dye name and a fluorescent cube name. 9. The digital camera for microscopes according to claim 2, wherein the color conversion matrix is designed to reproduce the light image of the sample. 10. The microscope digital according to claim 2, wherein the color conversion matrix is designed to reproduce a color by enlarging a color difference between two points designated on the image of the sample. camera.