JP2010055004A - Microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To check the inside of a box by a simple operation without increasing the size of the device. <P>SOLUTION: In a microscope 20, a specimen 10 located outside a light shielding space 31 where external light is blocked is placed on a stage 21 in the light shielding space 31 through a take-out port 32, and the specimen 10 on the stage 21 is imaged while the take-out port 32 is closed by an opening/closing door 40. The microscope 20 imaging the specimen 10 on the stage 21 includes: an opening 41 through which the inside of the light shielding space 31 can be seen from the outside; and a light shielding door 50 which is structured to be movable between a light shielding position and a non-light-shielding position, and blocks light entering the light shielding space 31 through the opening 41 when disposed in the light shielding position, and allows the inside of the light shielding space 31 to be seen from the outside through the opening 41 when disposed in the non-light-shielding position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a microscope.

  In the case of performing luminescent observation or weak light observation with weak illumination light, it is required that the room in which the observation is performed be a dark room that is shielded from the outside in order to prevent deterioration in the image quality (contrast) of the observation image. Also, when performing fluorescence observation of a biological sample, in order to prevent a situation in which the fluorescent dye used in the biological sample fades or a phototoxic reaction occurs, the observation room is a dark room that is shielded from the outside. It is required to do.

  In order to meet such a demand, for example, a microscope provided with a light shielding member is provided. The light shielding member defines a box that is shielded from the outside by being arranged in a manner surrounding the stage and the objective lens. The light shielding member is formed with an outlet for taking in and out the sample between the outside and the box, and an opening / closing door for opening and closing the outlet is provided.

  In this type of microscope, if an image is picked up by the image pickup means with the open / close door closed, the incidence of light on the box is blocked, so that a situation in which the image quality of the observation image of the sample is deteriorated can be prevented. . Therefore, there is no need to make the room for observation a box that is shielded from the outside, and this is not hindered when other operations are performed in the room for observation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-207177 A

  By the way, a general microscope is configured such that a stage on which a sample is placed can be moved with respect to an objective lens. In such a microscope, it is possible to image an arbitrary position of the sample without changing the position of the sample through the outlet by capturing an image while appropriately moving the stage.

  However, with the conventional microscope, it is difficult to check the inside of the box when the door is closed. Therefore, it is difficult to change the position of the sample with respect to the objective lens to a desired position. In this case, if the open / close door is opened, the inside of the box can be confirmed through the outlet. However, it is necessary to secure a size that allows the sample to be taken in and out, and there has been a limit to downsizing the open / close door that opens and closes the sample outlet. For this reason, it has been difficult to facilitate the opening and closing movement of the door. Even if the opening / closing movement of the opening / closing door is facilitated by using a driving mechanism such as a motor, there is a possibility that a large driving mechanism having an ability suitable for opening / closing the opening / closing door may be required. Therefore, there is a possibility that the apparatus becomes large.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a microscope capable of checking the inside of a box by an easy operation without increasing the size of the apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the microscope according to claim 1 of the present invention places a sample outside the box shielded from the outside on the stage inside the box through the outlet. In the microscope that images the sample on the stage with the opening being closed by the open / close door, the microscope can move the inside of the box from the outside to the light shielding position and the non-light shielding position. Configured to prevent light from being incident on the box through the transmission part when disposed at the light shielding position, and from outside through the transmission part when disposed at the non-light shielding position. A light-shielding body that can be visually recognized is provided.

  The microscope according to claim 2 of the present invention is characterized in that, in claim 1 described above, the transmitting portion is closed by a transmitting member that transmits light.

  The microscope according to a third aspect of the present invention is the microscope according to the first aspect, wherein the transmission portion is closed by a polarizing plate that transmits only light in the first vibration direction, and the light shielding body is in a light shielding position. When arranged, it is arranged in such a manner that it is superposed on the polarizing plate, and at least prevents light in the first vibration direction from entering the box.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a microscope in which a sample is placed on a stage in a box that is shielded from the outside and an image of the sample is picked up, and only the light in the first vibration direction is transmitted. A polarizing unit that allows the body to be visually recognized from the outside, and a mode of being superimposed on the polarizing unit, and configured to be switchable between a light-shielding state and a non-light-shielding state by applying a voltage, and at least when in a light-shielding state A light-blocking body that prevents light in the first vibration direction from entering the box body, and transmits at least the light in the first vibration direction when in the non-light-shielding state. And

  The microscope according to claim 5 of the present invention operates the light-shielding body in the case of receiving the predetermined imaging signal in the above-described claim 1 or 4 and allowing the box to be visually recognized from the outside. And an image pickup means for picking up an image of the sample on the stage after blocking light from entering the box.

  According to the present invention, it is configured to be able to move between a transmissive part that allows the inside of the box to be visually recognized from the outside, and a light shielding position and a non-light shielding position, and when arranged at the light shielding position, light to the box through the transmissive part. And a light shielding body that allows the inside of the box to be visually recognized from the outside through the transmission portion when it is disposed at a non-light shielding position. Therefore, if the light shielding body is disposed at the light shielding position, it is possible to prevent light from entering the box through the transmission part. On the other hand, if the light shielding body at the light shielding position is arranged at the non-light shielding position, the inside of the box can be confirmed from the outside through the transmission part. And since the permeation | transmission part was formed separately from the taking-out port, when confirming the inside of a box, it is not necessary to carry out opening movement of the opening / closing door conventionally. In addition, the transmission part does not need to have a size that allows the sample to be taken in and out like the outlet, and can be made as small as possible, and the light shielding body that shields the transmission part is correspondingly small. It becomes possible to do. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the movement of the light shielding body to the non-light shielding position. Even if it is intended to facilitate the movement of the light shielding body to the non-light shielding position using a driving mechanism such as a motor, it is possible to apply a small driving mechanism as compared with the case of opening and closing the door. Become. Therefore, the inside of the box can be confirmed by an easy operation without increasing the size of the apparatus.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the polarizing portion that transmits only the light in the first vibration direction so that the inside of the box can be visually recognized from the outside is disposed in an overlapping manner with the polarizing portion. It is configured to be switchable between a light shielding state and a non-light shielding state, and at least prevents light in the first vibration direction from entering the box when in the light shielding state, while at least the first in the non light shielding state. And a light shield that transmits light in the vibration direction. Therefore, if the light blocking body is in a light blocking state, it is possible to prevent light from entering the box through the polarizing section and the light blocking body. On the other hand, if the light shielding body in the light shielding state is switched to the non-light shielding state, the inside of the box can be confirmed from the outside through the polarizing portion and the light shielding body. In addition, since the light shielding body can be switched from the light shielding state to the non-light shielding state only by applying a voltage, it is not necessary to open and close the opening / closing door as in the prior art when checking the inside of the box. Further, for example, even if the light shielding body is configured to be as large as possible, the light shielding body can be switched from the light shielding state to the non-light shielding state without moving. Therefore, the inside of the box can be confirmed with an easy operation.

  Exemplary embodiments of a microscope according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing a microscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The microscope 20 exemplified here is used, for example, when imaging the sample 10 and performing fluorescence observation. As shown in FIG. 1, a stage 21, an objective lens 22, a dichroic mirror 23, a light source 24, and image generation Means 25 are provided.

  The stage 21 is for placing the sample 10 and is configured in a flat plate shape. The objective lens 22 is for condensing the fluorescence emitted from the sample 10, and is disposed above the stage 21 in a posture in which the tip 22a is directed vertically downward. The dichroic mirror 23 reflects light in a predetermined wavelength range and transmits light outside the wavelength range. The dichroic mirror 23 is disposed above the objective lens 22 on the optical axis of the objective lens 22. is there. The light source 24 emits light for exciting the sample 10 when power is supplied, and is disposed above the dichroic mirror 23 on the optical axis of the objective lens 22. The image generation means (imaging means) 25 generates image data from the light reflected by the dichroic mirror 23 and outputs the image data to a control means (imaging means) 60 described later. Has a shutter 25b for controlling the incidence of light.

  The shutter 25b covers a light transmitting window (not shown) provided in the box-shaped housing 25a when closed, and prevents light from entering the housing 25a, but only when opened. The light transmitting portion (not shown) is opened to allow light to enter the housing 25a. Although not clearly shown in the figure, the housing 25a includes a photoelectric conversion element that converts incident light into an electric signal when the shutter 25b is opened, and an electric signal converted by the photoelectric conversion element. An image processing unit that generates image data and outputs the image data to a control unit 60 described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the microscope 20 includes a light shielding member 30 that defines a light shielding space (box) 31 that is shielded from the outside. The light shielding member 30 is configured in a box shape surrounding all of the above-described stage 21, objective lens 22, dichroic mirror 23, light source 24, and image generating means 25 by appropriately combining light-shielding plate-like members. Although not shown in the drawing, the stage 21 is configured to be horizontally movable with respect to the light shielding member 30 by operating an XY handle (not shown) provided outside the light shielding space 31. Although not clearly shown in the figure, the objective lens 22 is also configured to be movable up and down with respect to the light shielding member 30 by operating a Z handle (not shown) provided outside the light shielding space 31. is there.

  The light shielding member 30 has an outlet 32 formed on one side. The take-out port 32 is an opening for taking in and out the sample 10 between the outside and the light shielding space 31. For example, the outlet 32 is formed to have a sufficient size to allow a member for receiving the sample 10 such as a petri dish to pass therethrough.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light shielding member 30 is provided with an opening / closing door 40 that opens and closes the outlet 32. The opening / closing door 40 is a plate-like member having a light shielding property, and is held by the light shielding member 30 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction with respect to the light shielding member 30.

  In addition, the opening / closing door 40 has an opening (transmission portion) 41 at a lower portion thereof. The opening 41 is an opening for enabling the inside of the light shielding space 31 to be visually recognized from the outside in a state where the open / close door 40 is closed. The opening 41 has a size that allows the stage 21 and the objective lens 22 to be visually recognized.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the opening / closing door 40 is provided with a light shielding door (light shielding body) 50 for opening and closing the opening 41. The light shielding door 50 is arranged in parallel to the open / close door 40 outside the light shielding space 31. The light shielding door 50 is a plate-like member having light shielding properties, and is configured to be slidable in the vertical direction with respect to the opening / closing door 40 by being held by the opening / closing door 40 with the driving roller 51 interposed. It is. The driving roller 51 is appropriately rotated by driving of the electric motor 52 so that the light shielding door 50 is moved to the light shielding position shown in FIG. 2C and the non-light shielding position shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. It is to be slid. The light shielding door 50 covers the opening 41 when disposed at the light shielding position shown in FIG. 2C in a state in which the opening / closing door 40 is closed, and together with the light shielding member 30 and the opening / closing door 40, the light shielding space 31. To prevent the light from entering. On the other hand, when the light shielding door 50 is disposed at the non-light shielding position shown in FIG. 2A in a state where the opening / closing door 40 is closed, the opening 41 is opened, and the stage 21 is opened through the opening 41. And the objective lens 22 are visible from the outside.

  Further, the light shielding member 30 is provided with an open / close sensor 53 at a position where the light shielding door 50 moves. The open / close sensor 53 detects whether or not the light shielding door 50 is in the light shielding position according to the contact state of the light shielding door 50 and outputs the detection result to the control means 60 described later.

  Furthermore, the microscope 20 includes a control means (imaging means) 60 as shown in FIG. The control unit 60 controls the operations of the image generation unit 25, the light shielding door 50, and the output unit 72 based on the output result of the open / close sensor 53 and the imaging signal transmitted from the input unit 71. The input means 71 is for performing an operation necessary for operating the microscope 20 outside the light shielding space 31, and transmits a predetermined operation to the control means 60 as an imaging signal. is there. The input means 71 is composed of, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The output unit 72 is for displaying information necessary for operating the microscope 20 outside the light-shielding space 31 and an observation image generated based on the image data output from the image generation unit 25. The output means 72 is constituted by a liquid crystal display, for example.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the control means 60 includes a motor control unit 62, a shutter control unit 63, a position determination unit 64, and an image storage unit 65. The motor control unit 62 is for controlling the operation of the electric motor 52. The shutter control unit 63 is for controlling the operation of the shutter 25b of the image generating means 25. The position determination unit 64 is for determining whether or not the light blocking door 50 is in the light blocking position based on the output result of the open / close sensor 53 when a predetermined imaging signal is received. The image storage unit 65 stores image data output from an image generation unit (not shown) in the image generation unit 25 in the memory 61, generates an observation image based on the image data, and displays the observation image on the output unit 72. Is to do.

  Hereinafter, a case where fluorescence observation of the sample 10 is performed using the microscope 20 described above will be described. In this description, the light source 24 is turned on and the light shielding door 50 is in the non-light shielding position as an initial state. First, as shown in FIG. 2B, the opening / closing door 40 is opened, the sample 10 outside the light shielding space 31 is placed on the stage 21 through the outlet 32, and then the opening / closing door 40 is closed. To do.

  Next, by operating an XY handle (not shown), the stage 21 is moved horizontally with respect to the light shielding member 30, and an arbitrary position of the sample 10 is arranged at a position on the optical axis of the objective lens 22. . Thereafter, by operating a Z handle (not shown), the objective lens 22 is moved up and down on the light shielding member 30 to focus on the sample 10. While operating the XY handle (not shown) and the Z handle (not shown), the stage 21 and the objective lens 22 are visible from the outside through the opening 41 as shown in FIG. is there. Therefore, the positional relationship between the sample 10 and the objective lens 22 can be confirmed as appropriate.

  In this state, the light emitted from the light source 24 passes through the dichroic mirror 23 and is then irradiated onto the sample 10 while being collected by the objective lens 22. The sample 10 irradiated with the light emitted from the light source 24 is excited and emits fluorescence. The fluorescence emitted from the sample 10 is collected by the objective lens 22, reflected by the dichroic mirror 23, and guided to the image generation unit 25. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 2A, the inside of the light shielding space 31 is visible from the outside through the opening 41, and the fluorescence emitted from the sample 10 can be observed.

  Here, when the sample 10 on the stage 21 is imaged under such a situation, the observation space is required to be shielded from the outside in order to prevent deterioration of the image quality (contrast) of the observation image. Is done. Therefore, in the microscope 20, when predetermined information is input via the input unit 71 by the operator of the microscope 20, the control unit 60 displays an imaging process menu (not shown) on the output unit 72 and performs imaging. Processing will be carried out. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of the imaging process performed by the control means shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the imaging process will be described with reference to FIG. In this description, it is assumed that the shutter 25b of the image generation unit 25 is closed as an initial state.

  First, in the imaging process shown in FIG. 3, the control means 60 determines whether an imaging signal has been received (step S101). When the imaging signal is not received (step S101: No), the control unit 60 continues the imaging signal reception standby state. The imaging signal is an electric signal received when the operator of the microscope 20 performs a predetermined operation via the input unit 71 on the screen of the output unit 72 on which an imaging process menu (not shown) is displayed.

  On the other hand, when the imaging signal is received (step S101: Yes), the control unit 60 determines whether or not the light shielding door 50 is in the light shielding position through the position determination unit 64 (step S102). When the light shielding door 50 is not in the light shielding position (step S102: No), the control unit 60 drives the electric motor 52 through the motor control unit 62 to start the movement of the light shielding door 50 to the light shielding position (step S103). The procedure returns to step S102 again. That is, the processing after step S104 is suspended until the light shielding door 50 is arranged at the light shielding position.

  On the other hand, when the light shielding door 50 is in the light shielding position (step S102: Yes), the control unit 60 opens the shutter 25b of the image generation unit 25 through the shutter control unit 63 (step S104), and simultaneously starts time measurement. (Step S105). Then, the control means 60 determines whether or not a predetermined exposure time has elapsed (step S106), and if it has elapsed (step S106: Yes), the shutter 25b of the image generation means 25 is moved through the shutter control section 63. It is closed (step S107). Here, as the exposure time, for example, a preset time is acquired from the memory 61 and used.

  Here, the light incident on the inside of the housing 25a from the shutter 25b of the image generation means 25 opened in step S104 is converted into an electric signal by a photoelectric conversion element (not shown), and the electric signal converted by the photoelectric conversion element. Thus, image data is generated by an image processing unit (not shown). Then, the generated image data is output to the control means 60 by an image processing unit (not shown).

  Thereafter, the control unit 60 stores the image data output from the image generation unit 25 through the image storage unit 65 in the memory 61 (step S108). Further, the control unit 60 generates an observation image based on the image data through the image storage unit 65 and displays it on the output unit 72 (step S109). And the control means 60 drives the electric motor 52 through the motor control part 62, and starts the movement to the non-light-shielding position of the light shielding door 50 (step S110). Thereafter, the control means 60 displays whether or not to continue the work on the output means 72 (step S111), and when a continuation instruction is input (step S111: Yes), the procedure returns to step S101 again. On the other hand, when an end instruction is input (step S111: No), the current process is ended and the procedure is returned.

  In the imaging process described above, the control unit 60 receives a predetermined imaging signal and, when the light shielding door 50 is in the non-light shielding position, moves the light shielding door 50 and arranges the light shielding door 50 at the light shielding position, and then generates an image. The opening operation of the shutter 25b of the means 25 is performed. That is, when the inside of the light shielding space 31 is visible from the outside, after the light is prevented from entering the light shielding space 31, the light shielding door 50 is moved, and the opening operation of the shutter 25b of the image generating means 25 is performed. Will be. Therefore, according to such a microscope 20, when the shutter 25b of the image generating means 25 is opened, the light shielding space 31 is formed by the light shielding member 30, the opening / closing door 40 and the light shielding door 50 as shown in FIG. The light is reliably prevented from entering. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent a situation where the quality of the observation image is deteriorated.

  In the imaging process described above, the light shielding door 50 is moved to the non-light shielding position after the shutter 25b of the image generating means 25 is closed in step S107. Therefore, when changing the position of the sample 10 with respect to the objective lens 22 to continue imaging, the stage 21 and the objective lens 22 are visible from the outside through the opening 41 in step S101. As a result, the positional relationship between the sample 10 and the objective lens 22 can be confirmed as appropriate. If the stage 21 is moved as described above, the position of the sample 10 relative to the objective lens 22 can be changed to a desired position. . Therefore, according to such an imaging process, when the sample 10 is continuously imaged while being horizontally moved as appropriate, the light shielding door 50 does not have to be moved each time the positional relationship between the sample 10 and the objective lens 22 is confirmed. The positional relationship between the sample 10 and the objective lens 22 can be confirmed.

  According to the microscope 20 configured as described above, since the opening 41 is formed separately from the outlet 32, the opening / closing door is opened and moved as in the prior art when the inside of the light shielding space 31 is confirmed. There is no need to do. In addition, the opening 41 does not need to have a size that allows the sample 10 to be taken in and out like the outlet 32, and can be made as small as possible. 50 can be reduced accordingly. In particular, in the first embodiment, the opening 41 only needs to be able to confirm the positional relationship between the sample 10 and the objective lens 22, and at least the sample 10 and the tip 22a of the objective lens 22 can be visually recognized from the outside. You only need to secure the size you want. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the movement of the light shielding door 50 to the non-light shielding position. Further, when the opening / closing door 40 is opened / closed as in the first embodiment, the driving roller 51 is driven to rotate by driving the electric motor 52 to facilitate the moving operation of the light shielding door 50. Compared to the above, it becomes possible to apply a small electric motor. Therefore, the inside of the light shielding space 31 can be confirmed by an easy operation without increasing the size of the apparatus.

  In the first embodiment described above, the control unit 60 is configured to move the light blocking door 50 to the non-light blocking position in step S110 after the shutter 25b of the image generating unit 25 is closed in step S107. The control means 60 may be configured so that the procedure proceeds from step S109 to step S111 without performing step S110.

  In the first embodiment described above, the opening 41 is a hole opened in the opening / closing door 40, but a member may be disposed in the opening 41.

  For example, as shown in Modification 1 in FIG. 4, even if the transmitting member 142 that transmits light is disposed in a manner that closes the opening 41, the same effect can be obtained. Moreover, in the first modification shown in FIG. 4, since the opening 41 is always closed, it is possible to prevent a foreign matter such as dust from entering the light shielding space 31 through the opening 41. The transmission member 142 is made of, for example, a transparent glass plate.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the single light-shielding member prevents light from entering the light-shielding space 31 through the opening 41, but a plurality of members are used to pass through the opening 41. It is also possible to prevent light from entering the light shielding space 31.

  FIG. 5 is a sectional side view showing a modification 2 of the microscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The microscope according to the second modification differs from the first embodiment described above only in that the opening 41 of the opening / closing door 40 includes a polarizing plate and the configuration of the light shielding door. In addition, in the modified example 2, the same configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the polarizing plate 242 provided in the opening 41 is disposed in such a manner as to close the opening 41. This polarizing plate 242 is a plate-like member having polarization characteristics, and transmits only light whose vertical direction is the vibration direction. The light-shielding door (light-shielding body) 250 of Modification 2 is a plate-like member having polarization characteristics, and transmits only light whose vibration direction is the direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG.

  Further, the light shielding door 250 covers the opening 41 when the light shielding door 250 is disposed at the light shielding position in a state where the opening / closing door 40 is closed. In this state, the polarizing plate 242 and the light shielding door 250 are in a so-called crossed Nicol state in which the vibration directions of the transmitted light are orthogonal to each other, and light enters the light shielding space 31 through the polarizing plate 242 and the light shielding door 250. Is blocked. On the other hand, when the light-shielding door 50 is disposed at the non-light-shielding position in a state where the opening / closing door 40 is closed, the opening 41 is opened, and the stage 21 and the objective lens 22 are externally connected through the polarizing plate 242. Visible from.

  Also in this modified example 2, when the door 40 is closed, the stage 21 and the objective lens 22 are visible from the outside through the polarizing plate 242 of the opening 41 if the light shielding door 250 is in the non-light shielding position. It is. Therefore, the positional relationship between the sample 10 and the objective lens 22 can be confirmed as appropriate. On the other hand, if the light shielding door 250 is in the light shielding position in a state where the door 40 is closed, light is incident on the light shielding space 31 by the light shielding member 30, the door 40, the polarizing plate 242 and the light shielding door 250. Will be blocked. Therefore, even when the sample 10 on the stage 21 is imaged, it is possible to prevent a situation where the image quality of the observation image is deteriorated.

  Also in the second modified example, the opening 41 is formed separately from the outlet 32 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, when the inside of the light shielding space 31 is confirmed, it is not necessary to open and move the open / close door as in the prior art. In addition, the opening 41 does not need to have a size that allows the sample 10 to be taken in and out like the outlet 32, and can be made as small as possible. 250 can be reduced accordingly. In particular, in the second modification as well, as in the first embodiment, the opening 41 only needs to be able to confirm the positional relationship between the sample 10 and the objective lens 22, and at least the tip of the sample 10 and the objective lens 22. It is only necessary to secure a size that makes 22a visible from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the movement of the light shielding body 250 to the non-light shielding position. Further, as in the second modification example, when the driving roller 51 is driven to rotate by driving the electric motor 52 to facilitate the moving operation of the light shielding door 250, the opening and closing door 40 is opened and closed. In comparison, a small electric motor can be applied. Therefore, the inside of the light shielding space 31 can be confirmed by an easy operation without increasing the size of the apparatus.

  Furthermore, in the second modification, the opening 41 is always closed by the polarizing plate 242, and therefore, it is possible to prevent a foreign matter such as dust from entering the light shielding space 31 through the opening 41. .

  In the above-described first embodiment and its modification, when the imaging signal is received in the imaging process performed by the control unit 60, the electric motor 52 is driven through the motor control unit 62 to shield the light shielding doors 50 and 250 from light. Although it has moved to a position and a non-light-shielded position, in other cases, it can be operated from the outside of the light-shielded space 31 and includes an operation button that can individually drive the electric motor 52 by the operation. Also good.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment and its modification, the open / close sensor 53 that detects whether or not the light shielding doors 50 and 250 are in the light shielding position according to the contact state of the light shielding doors 50 and 250 is illustrated. However, an opening / closing sensor that can detect whether or not the light shielding doors 50 and 250 are in the light shielding position may be used without necessarily contacting the light shielding doors 50 and 250. For example, a photo interrupter is used as an open / close sensor, and the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged so that light emitted from the light emitting element to the light receiving element is blocked when the light shielding doors 50 and 250 are in the light shielding position. It may be detected whether 50 and 250 are in the light shielding position.

  Further, in the first embodiment and the modification thereof described above, the light shielding doors 50 and 250 are configured to open and close the opening 41 formed in the opening / closing door 40. For example, an opening is formed in the light shielding member 30. The light shielding doors 50 and 250 may be configured to open and close the opening. In this case, it is not necessary to form the opening 41 in the opening / closing door 40.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is a sectional side view showing a microscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The microscope according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that a light shielding door is not provided, a light sensor is provided in place of the open / close sensor, and a polarizing plate and a light shield are provided in the opening 41 of the open / close door 40. The arrangement is different from the content of the imaging process performed by the control means. Hereinafter, this difference will be described in detail. In the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the polarizing plate (polarizing portion) 342 disposed in the opening 41 is disposed in such a manner as to close the opening 41. The polarizing plate 242 is a plate-like member having polarization characteristics, and transmits only light whose vertical direction is the vibration direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the light shield 350 disposed in the opening 41 is arranged in parallel so as to overlap the polarizing plate 342 outside the light shielding space 31. Although not clearly shown in the drawing, the light shielding body 350 is, for example, a plate in which the peripheral edges of the pair of glass substrates are bonded and sealed in a state where liquid crystal is interposed between the pair of glass substrates facing each other. It is a shaped member. The light-shielding body 350 is configured so that the polarization characteristics can be switched by appropriately changing the molecular arrangement of a liquid crystal (not shown) by applying a voltage to a glass substrate (not shown) by a voltage application circuit 351. is there. Specifically, when a voltage is applied, a light-blocking state in which only the light whose vibration direction is the left-right direction in FIG. 7 is transmitted, whereas when no voltage is applied, the vertical direction is the vibration direction. It is configured so as to be in a non-shielding state in which only the light to be transmitted is transmitted. The voltage application circuit 351 is an electric circuit configured by connecting the glass substrate in the light shield 350 and the power source 351a, and is switched to a glass substrate (not shown) by a switching operation of a circuit switch 352 provided in the circuit. This switches whether or not voltage is applied.

  Further, the light shield 350 transmits only light whose vibration direction is the left-right direction in FIG. 7 when the voltage application circuit 351 enters the light-shielded state shown in FIG. In this light shielding state, the polarizing plate 342 and the light shielding body 350 are in a so-called crossed Nicol state in which the vibration directions of the transmitted light are orthogonal to each other, and the light to the light shielding space 31 through the polarizing plate 342 and the light shielding body 350 is transmitted. Incident is blocked. On the other hand, the light-shielding body 350 transmits only light whose vibration direction is the up-down direction when the light-shielding state in FIG. In this non-light shielding state, the polarizing directions of the light transmitted through the polarizing plate 342 and the light shielding body 350 are the same, and the stage 21 and the objective lens 22 are externally connected through the polarizing plate 342 and the light shielding body 350. Visible.

  The light shielding member 30 is provided with an optical sensor 353 that detects light. The optical sensor 353 detects whether or not the light shield 350 is in a non-light-shielded state according to the incident state of light that enters the light-shielding space 31 through the polarizing plate 342 and the light shield 350, and the detection result will be described later. This is output to the control means 360.

  Further, the microscope 320 includes a control means (imaging means) 360 as shown in FIG. The control unit 360 controls the operations of the image generation unit 25, the light shield 350, and the output unit 72 based on the output result of the optical sensor 353 and the imaging signal transmitted from the input unit 71. The input unit 71 is for performing an operation necessary for operating the microscope 320 outside the light-shielding space 31, and transmits a predetermined operation to the control unit 360 as an imaging signal. is there. The input means 71 is composed of, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The output unit 72 is for displaying information necessary for operating the microscope 320 and an observation image generated based on the image data output from the image generation unit 25 outside the light shielding space 31. The output means 72 is constituted by a liquid crystal display, for example.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 360 includes a switch control unit 362, a shutter control unit 363, a state determination unit 364, and an image storage unit 365. The switch control unit 362 is for controlling the operation of the circuit switch 352. The shutter control unit 363 is for controlling the operation of the shutter 25b of the image generation means 25. The state determination unit 364 is for determining whether or not the light shield 350 is in a non-light-shielded state based on the output result of the optical sensor 353 when a predetermined imaging signal is received. The image storage unit 65 stores image data output from an image generation unit (not shown) in the image generation unit 25 in the memory 61, generates an observation image based on the image data, and displays the observation image on the output unit 72. Is to do.

  Hereinafter, a case where fluorescence observation of the sample 10 is performed using the above-described microscope 320 will be described. In this description, it is assumed that the light source 24 is turned on and the light-shielding body 350 is in a non-light-shielding state as an initial state. First, as shown in FIG. 7B, after opening and closing the door 40 and placing the sample 10 outside the light shielding space 31 on the stage 21 through the outlet 32, the door 40 is closed. To do.

  Next, by operating an XY handle (not shown), the stage 21 is moved horizontally with respect to the light shielding member 30, and an arbitrary position of the sample 10 is arranged at a position on the optical axis of the objective lens 22. . Thereafter, by operating a Z handle (not shown), the objective lens 22 is moved up and down with respect to the light shielding member 30 to focus on the sample 10. While the XY handle (not shown) and the Z handle (not shown) are operated, the stage 21 and the objective lens 22 are externally connected through the polarizing plate 342 and the light shield 350 as shown in FIG. Visible. Therefore, the positional relationship between the sample 10 and the objective lens 22 can be confirmed as appropriate.

  In this state, the light emitted from the light source 24 passes through the dichroic mirror 23 and is then irradiated onto the sample 10 while being collected by the objective lens 22. The sample 10 irradiated with the light emitted from the light source 24 is excited and emits fluorescence. The fluorescence emitted from the sample 10 is collected by the objective lens 22, reflected by the dichroic mirror 23, and guided to the image generation unit 25. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 7A, the inside of the light shielding space 31 is visible from the outside through the polarizing plate 342 and the light shielding body 350, and the fluorescence emitted from the sample 10 can be easily observed.

  Here, when the sample 10 on the stage 21 is imaged under such a situation, the observation space is required to be shielded from the outside in order to prevent deterioration of the image quality (contrast) of the observation image. Is done. Therefore, in the microscope 320, when predetermined information is input via the input unit 71 by the operator of the microscope 320, the control unit 360 causes the output unit 72 to display an imaging process menu (not shown). Processing will be carried out. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the imaging process performed by the control means shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the imaging process will be described with reference to FIG. In this description, it is assumed that the shutter 25b of the image generation unit 25 is closed as an initial state.

  First, in the imaging process shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 360 determines whether an imaging signal has been received (step S201). When the imaging signal is not received (step S201: No), the control unit 360 continues the imaging signal reception standby state. The imaging signal is an electrical signal received when the operator of the microscope 320 performs a predetermined operation via the input unit 71 on the screen of the output unit 72 on which an imaging process menu (not shown) is displayed.

  On the other hand, when an imaging signal is received (step S201: Yes), the control unit 360 determines whether or not the light shield 350 is in a non-light-shielding state through the state determination unit 364 (step S202). When the light shielding body 350 is in the non-light shielding state (step S202: Yes), the control unit 360 switches the circuit switch 352 through the switch control unit 362 and applies the voltage by the voltage application circuit 351, and thereby the light shielding body 350. Is switched to the light shielding state (step S203), and the procedure returns to step S202 again. That is, the processing after step S204 is suspended until the light shielding body 350 is switched to the light shielding state. However, the time until the light-shielding body 350 is switched to the light-shielding state is, for example, less than 1 millisecond, and the suspended time is an extremely short time.

  On the other hand, when the light-shielding body 350 is not in the non-light-shielding state (step S202: No), the control unit 360 opens the shutter 25b of the image generation unit 25 through the shutter control unit 363 (step S204), and simultaneously measures time. Start (step S205). Then, the control unit 360 determines whether or not a predetermined exposure time has elapsed (step S206), and if it has elapsed (step S206: Yes), the shutter 25b of the image generation unit 25 is passed through the shutter control unit 363. Is closed (step S207). Here, for the exposure time, for example, a preset time is acquired from the memory 361 and used.

  Here, the light incident on the housing 25a from the shutter 25b of the image generation means 25 in step S204 is converted into an electric signal by a photoelectric conversion element (not shown), and an image (not shown) is converted from the electric signal converted by the photoelectric conversion element. Image data is generated by the processing unit. The generated image data is output to the control unit 360 by an image processing unit (not shown).

  Thereafter, the control unit 360 stores the image data output from the image generation unit 25 through the image storage unit 365 in the memory 361 (step S208). Further, the control unit 360 generates an observation image based on the image data through the image storage unit 365 and displays it on the output unit 72 (step S209). Then, the control unit 360 switches the circuit switch 352 through the switch control unit 362, stops the voltage application by the voltage application circuit 351, and starts switching the light shielding body 350 to the non-light shielding state (step S210). . Thereafter, the control means 360 displays whether or not to continue the work on the output means 72 (step S211), and when a continuation instruction is input (step S211: Yes), the procedure returns to step S201 again. On the other hand, if an end instruction is input (step S211: No), the current process is ended and the procedure is returned.

  In the above-described imaging processing, the control unit 360 receives a predetermined imaging signal, and when the light shield 350 is in a non-light-shielded state, the control unit 360 switches the light shield 350 and sets the light shield 350 to a light-shielded state, and then generates an image. The opening operation of the shutter 25b of the means 25 is performed. That is, when the inside of the light shielding space 31 is visible from the outside, the light shielding body 350 is switched after the light is prevented from entering the light shielding space 31, and the opening operation of the shutter 25b of the image generating means 25 is performed. Will be. Therefore, according to such a microscope 320, when the shutter 25b of the image generating means 25 is opened, the light shielding member 30, the door 40, the polarizing plate 342, and the light shielding body 350 are used as shown in FIG. Thus, the incidence of light into the light shielding space 31 is reliably prevented. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent a situation where the quality of the observation image is deteriorated.

  Further, in the above-described imaging process, after the shutter 25b of the image generation unit 25 is closed in step S207, the light shielding body 350 is switched to the non-light shielding state. Therefore, when changing the position of the sample 10 relative to the objective lens 22 to another position and continuing imaging, in step S101, the stage 21 and the objective lens 22 can be visually recognized from the outside of the polarizing plate 342 and the light shield 350. . As a result, the positional relationship between the sample 10 and the objective lens 22 can be confirmed as appropriate. If the stage 21 is moved as described above, the position of the sample 10 relative to the objective lens 22 can be changed to a desired position. . Therefore, according to such an imaging process, when the sample 10 is continuously imaged while being horizontally moved as appropriate, it is not necessary to switch the light shielding body 350 each time the positional relationship between the sample 10 and the objective lens 22 is confirmed. The positional relationship between the sample 10 and the objective lens 22 can be confirmed.

  According to the microscope 320 configured as described above, the light shielding body 350 can be switched from the light shielding state to the non-light shielding state only by applying a voltage. There is no need to open the door. Further, for example, even if the light shielding body 350 is configured to be as large as possible, it can be switched from the light shielding state to the non-light shielding state without moving. Therefore, the inside of the light shielding space 31 can be confirmed with an easy operation.

  In the second embodiment described above, the control unit 360 is configured to switch the light shielding body 350 to the non-light shielding state in step S210 after the shutter 25b of the image generation unit 25 is closed in step S207. The control unit 360 may be configured to advance the procedure from step S209 to step S211 without performing step S210.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the opening 41 is always closed by the polarizing plate 342 and the light shielding body 350, so that foreign matter such as dust can be prevented from entering the light shielding space 31 through the opening 41. can do.

  Moreover, in the second embodiment, it is possible to switch from the light shielding state to the non-light shielding state without moving the light shielding body 350 only by applying a voltage. Therefore, the incidence of light into the light shielding space 31 can be quickly prevented.

  In the second embodiment described above, when an imaging signal is received in the imaging process performed by the control unit 360, the circuit switch 352 is switched through the switch control unit 362, and a voltage is applied by the voltage application circuit 351. The light-shielding body 350 is switched between the light-shielding state and the non-light-shielding state. However, in other cases, the operation can be performed from the outside of the light-shielding space 31, and the circuit switch 352 is individually switched by the operation. Possible operation buttons may be provided.

  In the second embodiment described above, the polarizing plate 342 and the light shielding body 350 are arranged in the opening 41 formed in the opening / closing door 40. For example, an opening is formed in the light shielding member 30, and this A polarizing plate 342 and a light shielding body 350 may be arranged in the opening. In this case, it is not necessary to form the opening 41 in the opening / closing door 40.

  In the first and second embodiments and their modifications, the microscopes 20, 120, 220, and 320 configured as an upright microscope in which the objective lens 22 is disposed above the stage 21 are illustrated. However, the microscopes 20, 120, 220, and 320 may be configured as an inverted microscope in which the objective lens 22 is disposed below the stage 21.

1 is a cross-sectional side view showing a microscope that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the state which the opening-and-closing door shown in FIG. 1 and the light-shielding door act | operated from the exterior of the light-shielding member. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the imaging process which the control means shown in FIG. 1 implements. It is a cross-sectional side view which shows the modification 1 of the microscope which is Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a cross-sectional side view which shows the modification 2 of the microscope which is Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a cross-sectional side view which shows the microscope which is Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which looked at the state which the opening-and-closing door and light-shielding body shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the imaging process which the control means shown in FIG. 6 implements.

Explanation of symbols

10 Sample 20 Microscope 25 Image generation means (imaging means)
30 light shielding member 31 light shielding space (box)
32 Exit 40 Opening door 41 Opening (transmission part)
50 Shading door (shading body)
60 Control means (imaging means)
120 Microscope 142 Transmission member 220 Microscope 242 Polarizing plate 250 Shading door (shading body)
320 Microscope 342 Polarizing plate (polarizing part)
350 Shading body 360 Control means (imaging means)

Claims (5)

In a microscope that images a sample on the stage in a state where a sample outside the box that is shielded from the outside is placed on the stage in the box through the outlet and the outlet is closed by an open / close door ,
A transmission part that allows the inside of the box to be visually recognized from the outside;
It is configured to be movable between a light shielding position and a non-light shielding position, and prevents light from being incident on the box through the transmission part when arranged at the light shielding position, while being arranged at a non-light shielding position. A microscope comprising: a light shielding body that allows the box to be visually recognized from the outside through the transmission portion.   The microscope according to claim 1, wherein the transmission portion is blocked by a transmission member that transmits light. The transmission part is
It is blocked by a polarizing plate that transmits only light in the first vibration direction,
The light shield is
2. The light source according to claim 1, wherein the light beam is disposed so as to overlap the polarizing plate when disposed at a light shielding position, and at least prevents light in the first vibration direction from entering the box. microscope. In the microscope that places the sample on the stage in the box that is shielded from the outside and images it,
A polarizing section that transmits only light in the first vibration direction and makes the box visible from the outside;
It is arranged in an overlapping manner with the polarizing section, and is configured to be switched between a light shielding state and a non-light shielding state by applying a voltage, and when in the light shielding state, at least light in the first vibration direction is applied to the box. And a light-shielding body that transmits at least light in the first vibration direction when it is in a non-light-shielding state.   When a predetermined imaging signal is received and the inside of the box is visible from the outside, the sample on the stage is picked up after operating the light blocking body and preventing light from entering the box. The microscope according to claim 1, further comprising an imaging unit configured to perform the imaging.

Images