JP2010128078A - Microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To visually observe a specimen with sufficient brightness even when the quantity of light from a light source is small, and to prevent deterioration of the quality of an image captured by a camera. <P>SOLUTION: When observation light from the specimen 13 is guided to an eyepiece lens 27, a lighting control box 17 controls a lighting power source 18, thereby blinking illumination light from a light source 15 and increasing apparent brightness of the specimen 13 perceived by an observer. In addition, when observation light from the specimen 13 is guided to the observation camera 14, the lighting control box 17 controls the lighting power source 18, thereby continuously emitting illumination light from the light source 15 and making constant the brightness of the observation light incident on the observation camera 14. This prevents deterioration of the quality of the image of the specimen 13 photographed by the observation camera 14. The present invention can be applied to a microscope. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a microscope suitable for use when the amount of light applied to a sample is small.

  Conventionally, a microscope that uses an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as a light source and observes a sample is known. However, an LED can obtain light with sufficient brightness to visually observe a sample from an eyepiece. There wasn't. Therefore, it is conceivable to secure the brightness of the visual field during visual observation using a phenomenon called the Blocker-Salzer effect.

  The Blocker-Salzer effect is a phenomenon in which when the light blinks at a predetermined frequency, an observer who sees the light feels brighter than the actual brightness of the light. For example, as a technique using the Blocker-Zalzer effect, the apparent brightness of light from the laser is kept constant by changing the laser lighting frequency according to the distance from the laser to the observation position. The technique which makes is proposed (for example, refer patent document 1).

JP-A-2005-331464

  By the way, in recent years, when observing a sample with a microscope, not only visual observation of the sample from an eyepiece, but also digital observation of taking an observation image of the sample with a camera and observing the captured image is becoming indispensable. In digital observation, since the brightness of an observation image can be adjusted by exposure at the time of photographing an observation image and image processing after photographing, even if the amount of light irradiating the sample is small, it does not matter so much.

  However, if the light applied to the sample is blinked in order to ensure the brightness in visual observation, the effect of the blinking light is reflected in the observed image, and the image quality is deteriorated. Specifically, for example, when the image of an observation image with a frame rate of 30 frames / sec is taken with a camera in a state where the LED light irradiated on the sample is blinking at 60 Hz, the brightness of the entire observation image changes for each frame. The displayed observation image flickers.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation. Even when the amount of light from the light source is small, the sample can be visually observed with sufficient brightness, and the image quality of the image acquired by the camera can be improved. It is intended to prevent deterioration.

  The first microscope of the present invention includes an optical path switching unit that switches an optical path of the observation light so that observation light from a sample is guided to an eyepiece lens or a camera, and when the observation light is guided to the eyepiece lens, The light source of the illumination light is controlled so that the illumination light irradiated to the sample blinks at a predetermined cycle, and when the observation light is guided to the camera, the illumination light is continuously turned on. And a lighting control means for controlling the lighting.

  The second microscope of the present invention includes an observation optical system that guides observation light from a sample to an eyepiece lens and a camera, detection means that detects an approach of the observer to the eyepiece lens, and the eyepiece lens of the observer. If the approach to the eyepiece of the observer is not detected, the light source of the illumination light is controlled so that the illumination light applied to the sample blinks. And a lighting control means for controlling the light source so that the illumination light is continuously lit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to visually observe a sample with sufficient brightness, and it is possible to prevent deterioration in image quality of an image acquired by a camera.

  Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a microscope system to which the present invention is applied.

  In the microscope system, a microscope 11 and a personal computer 12 are connected to each other. The microscope 11 includes an observation camera 14 that captures observation light from a sample 13 to be observed, and a light source that irradiates the sample 13 with illumination light. 15-1 and the light source 15-2 are attached.

  The light source 15-1 is an LED light source for fluorescence excitation used when the sample 13 is observed with fluorescence, and emits excitation light as illumination light. The light source 15-2 is a transmissive LED light source used for bright-field observation of the sample 13, and emits light of three colors, for example, R (red), G (green), and B (blue). It consists of LEDs. For example, the light source 15-2 emits white light composed of light of three primary colors as illumination light irradiated on the sample 13. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the light source 15-1 and the light source 15-2, they are also simply referred to as the light source 15.

  The personal computer 12 controls the operation of the entire microscope system. For example, the personal computer 12 controls the observation camera 14 via the camera controller 16 to cause the observation camera 14 to capture an observation image that is a moving image of the sample 13 or to acquire and display the captured observation image. Or The personal computer 12 instructs the lighting control box 17-1 and the lighting control box 17-2 to control the lighting of the light source 15.

  The lighting control box 17-1 and the lighting control box 17-2 supply power to the light source 15-1 and the light source 15-2 of the lighting power source 18-1 and the lighting power source 18-2 in accordance with instructions from the personal computer 12. Control.

  Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish the lighting control box 17-1 and the lighting control box 17-2, they are also simply referred to as the lighting control box 17, and the lighting power source 18-1 and the lighting power source 18-2 are individually distinguished. When it is not necessary to do this, it is also simply referred to as a lighting power source 18.

  The microscope 11 is provided with a stage 21 on which the sample 13 is placed. The illumination light from the light source 15-1 is transmitted through an illumination optical system 24-1 including an objective lens 22, a dichroic mirror 23, a lens, and the like. The sample 13 is irradiated through.

  When the sample 13 is irradiated with excitation light as illumination light from the light source 15-1, fluorescence as observation light appears from the sample 13. Observation light from the sample 13 is guided to at least one of the eyepiece lens 27 and the observation camera 14 through an observation optical system 26 including an objective lens 22, a dichroic mirror 23, an optical path switching unit 25, a lens, and a mirror. The observation optical system 26 has an optical path common to the illumination optical system 24-1 in a part thereof.

  The illumination light from the light source 15-2 is irradiated to the sample 13 through an illumination optical system 24-2 including a condenser lens 28, a mirror, a lens, and the like. The illumination light applied to the sample 13 from the light source 15-2 is directly observed light, passes through the sample 13, passes through the observation optical system 26, and is guided to at least one of the eyepiece lens 27 and the observation camera 14. . Hereinafter, the illumination optical system 24-1 and the illumination optical system 24-2 are also simply referred to as the illumination optical system 24 when it is not necessary to distinguish them individually.

  Further, the microscope 11 is provided with an operation unit 29 that is operated when instructing the optical path switching unit 25 to switch the optical path of the observation light. The observer can cause the observation light incident on the optical path switching unit 25 from the sample 13 to enter at least one of the eyepiece lens 27 and the observation camera 14 by operating the operation unit 29.

  Specifically, the optical path switching unit 25 includes a half mirror and a total reflection mirror, and a half mirror, a total reflection mirror, or nothing is arranged on the optical path of the observation optical system 26. The optical path of the observation light is switched.

  That is, when the total reflection mirror is arranged on the optical path of the observation light, the observation light from the sample 13 is reflected by the total reflection mirror and guided only to the observation camera 14. When a half mirror is arranged on the optical path of the observation light, a part of the observation light from the sample 13 is transmitted through the half mirror and guided to the eyepiece lens 27, and the remaining observation light is reflected by the half mirror. Guided to the observation camera 14. For example, 20% of the observation light incident on the half mirror is guided to the eyepiece lens 27, and the remaining 80% of the observation light is guided to the observation camera 14.

  Further, when neither the half mirror nor the total reflection mirror of the optical path switching unit 25 is arranged on the optical path of the observation light, that is, when nothing is arranged, the observation light from the sample 13 passes through the optical path switching unit 25 as it is and is an eyepiece. To 27.

  In such a microscope system, the light source 15-1 for fluorescence excitation and the light source 15-2 for transmission are provided, so that an observer can observe the sample 13 with fluorescence or bright field. it can.

  At the time of fluorescence observation, the illumination light from the light source 15-1 is irradiated to the sample 13 through the illumination optical system 24-1, and the observation light from the sample 13 passes through the observation optical system 26 to the eyepiece lens 27 or the observation camera 14. Incident. In bright field observation, the illumination light from the light source 15-2 is applied to the sample 13 through the illumination optical system 24-2, and the observation light from the sample 13 passes through the observation optical system 26 or the eyepiece 27 or the observation. The light enters the camera 14.

  In any observation method, the observer operates the operation unit 29 to instruct switching of the optical path of the observation light, and visually observes the sample 13 from the eyepiece lens 27 or is photographed by the observation camera 14 and photographed by the personal computer 12. The observation image displayed on the screen can be viewed.

  By the way, the observer operates the personal computer 12 to appropriately change the intensity (brightness) of illumination light applied to the sample 13, so that the brightness of the sample 13 and the observation image observed with the eyepiece lens 27 can be changed. Adjustments can be made.

  The brightness of the illumination light emitted from the light source 15 increases in proportion to the magnitude of the drive signal supplied from the lighting power supply 18 to the light source 15 to emit the illumination light, that is, the drive voltage of the drive signal. The voltage is set to any value between the minimum value 0 and the maximum value V, for example.

  However, since the light source 15 is an LED light source, when the sample 13 is to be visually observed, even if the illumination light is the brightest, that is, the drive voltage is V, the brightness of the observation light may be insufficient. . In such a case, the illumination light is blinked at a predetermined frequency (period) by setting the drive signal as a signal of a predetermined drive frequency, and the apparent light of the observation light perceived by the observer is caused by the blocker-Salzer effect. The brightness is made brighter.

  Here, the drive frequency refers to the frequency of the drive signal (for example, 60 Hz) in which one cycle is a period from when the illumination light is turned on until the illumination light is turned off and then turned on again. By appropriately changing this drive frequency, the frequency at which the illumination light blinks changes, and the apparent brightness of the illumination light, that is, the apparent brightness of the observation light is adjusted (changed). Note that the frequency of the illumination light is also set to a frequency in which one cycle is from when the illumination light starts to turn on until it is once turned off and then turned on again.

  Hereinafter, the state in which the light source 15 continuously emits illumination light, that is, the state in which the illumination light is continuously lit is also referred to as continuous lighting, and the light source 15 can obtain the blocker-Salzer effect. A state in which the illumination light is repeatedly turned on and off at intervals as short as possible, that is, a state in which the illumination light blinks is also referred to as pulse lighting.

  When the observation light is guided only to the observation camera 14, it is not necessary to pulse the illumination light because the exposure time at the time of photographing the observation image and the brightness of the entire observation image can be adjusted by image processing after photographing. . Conversely, when the observation light is guided to the observation camera 14 and the eyepiece lens 27, it is necessary to pulse the illumination light in order to ensure brightness during visual observation. In this case, since the observation image flickers when the observation image is captured with the illumination light pulsed, the observation camera 14 determines the timing of acquiring the observation image of each frame and the timing of blinking of the illumination light. Need to synchronize.

  Therefore, in the microscope system, driving of the light source 15 and photographing of an observation image by the observation camera 14 are controlled according to the switching destination of the optical path of the observation light, as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, “observation light”, “mirror”, and “LED” are columns for switching the optical path of the observation light, optical elements arranged on the optical path of the observation optical system 26 by the optical path switching unit 25, And the lighting state of the light source 15 is shown. In addition, the columns “Synchronization with the camera frame rate” and “At capture” indicate whether synchronization with the driving frequency of the frame rate of the observation image is necessary, and one frame of the observation image as a moving image is a still image. It shows the lighting state of the illumination light when capturing.

  That is, when the observation light is guided only to the observation camera 14, a total reflection mirror constituting the optical path switching unit 25 is disposed on the optical path of the observation light. In addition, since visual observation of the sample 13 is not performed, and only the observation image is captured, the illumination light is continuously turned on, so that the brightness of the observation light incident on the observation camera 14 is constant, and thus the frame rate. And synchronization of the driving frequency is not necessary. Furthermore, the illumination light is kept continuously lit when the observation image is captured.

  Further, when the observation light is guided to both the observation camera 14 and the eyepiece lens 27, a half mirror constituting the optical path switching unit 25 is disposed on the optical path of the observation light. In this case, since the sample 13 is visually observed, the illumination light is either continuously lit or pulsed according to the instructed brightness. That is, when the specified brightness is the brightness corresponding to the drive voltage V, the illumination light is continuously lit. When the brightness exceeding the brightness corresponding to the drive voltage V is specified, the specified brightness is set. Illumination light is pulsed by a drive signal having a drive frequency corresponding to the above. Here, the brightness corresponding to the drive voltage V is the brightness of the illumination light emitted from the light source 15 when the drive voltage is the maximum value V.

  Further, when the illumination light is pulsed, the brightness of the observation light incident on the observation camera 14 changes with time. Therefore, in order to eliminate flickering of the observation image, the frame rate and the drive frequency are synchronized. That is, it is necessary to synchronize the acquisition timing of the observation image frame with the blinking of the illumination light. Further, when capturing the observation image, it is necessary to temporarily turn on the illumination light temporarily.

  When the observation light is guided only to the eyepiece lens 27, neither the half mirror nor the total reflection mirror constituting the optical path switching unit 25 is disposed on the optical path of the observation light. In this case, since the visual observation of the sample 13 is performed, the illumination light is continuously lit or pulsed according to the instructed brightness as in the case where the observation light is guided to both the observation camera 14 and the eyepiece lens 27. Either. Further, in this case, since the observation image is not captured, the synchronization between the frame rate and the driving frequency is unnecessary, and the observation image is not captured.

  Next, the observation process by the microscope system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This observation process is started when the observer operates the personal computer 12 and gives an instruction to start observation of the sample 13.

  In step S11, the microscope system starts observation of the sample 13. That is, the personal computer 12 instructs the lighting control box 17 to turn on the illumination light with the brightness specified by the observer according to the operation of the observer, and the lighting control box 17 lights up according to the instruction. The power source 18 is controlled to supply a driving signal to the light source 15.

  When a drive signal is supplied from the lighting power supply 18 to the light source 15, the light source 15 emits illumination light with brightness specified by the observer in accordance with the supplied drive signal. At this time, whether the illumination light is continuously lit or pulsed is determined by the brightness of the illumination light designated by the observer and the switching destination of the optical path of the observation light at the start of observation. For example, when the switching destination of the optical path of the observation light is only the observation camera 14, the illumination light is continuously turned on.

  Thus, when the observation of the sample 13 is started, the observer operates the operation unit 29 to switch the optical path of the observation light, or operates the personal computer 12 to change the brightness of the illumination light. Or give instructions.

  In step S <b> 12, the optical path switching unit 25 determines whether to switch the optical path of the observation light to the observation camera 14. For example, when the operation unit 29 is operated by an observer and an instruction to switch only the observation light path to the observation camera 14 is given, it is determined to switch to the observation camera 14.

  If it is determined in step S12 to switch to the observation camera 14, in step S13, the optical path switching unit 25 arranges a total reflection mirror that constitutes the optical path switching unit 25 on the optical path of the observation light.

  When the optical path of the observation light is switched to the observation camera 14, the optical path switching unit 25 notifies the personal computer 12 to that effect, and the personal computer 12 receives the notification from the optical path switching unit 25 and illuminates the lighting control box 17. Instructs continuous lighting of light. This is because it is not necessary to blink the illumination light when the observation light is guided only to the observation camera 14.

  In step S <b> 14, the lighting control box 17 controls the lighting power supply 18 in accordance with an instruction from the personal computer 12 to cause the light source 15 to continuously light the illumination light. Under the control of the lighting control box 17, the lighting power supply 18 supplies a driving signal for continuously lighting the illumination light with a specified brightness to the light source 15 and causes the light source 15 to emit the illumination light. Thereby, the illumination light from the light source 15 is continuously turned on, and the illumination light is irradiated to the sample 13. The observation light from the sample 13 is reflected by the total reflection mirror and guided only to the observation camera 14.

  During continuous lighting, when the brightness of the illumination light specified by the observer exceeds the brightness corresponding to the drive voltage V, the drive voltage is set to V and the illumination light is set to the drive voltage V. Lights continuously at the corresponding brightness.

  The personal computer 12 instructs the camera controller 16 to shoot an observation image, and the observation camera 14 shoots the observation light incident through the observation optical system 26 under the control of the camera controller 16. Thus, an observation image of each frame is acquired. The observation image acquired by the observation camera 14 is supplied to the personal computer 12 via the camera controller 16 and displayed. Therefore, the observer can observe the sample 13 by looking at the observation image displayed on the personal computer 12.

  If the illumination light is continuously turned on by the process of step S14, the process proceeds to step S20.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the optical path is not switched to the observation camera 14, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S <b> 15, the optical path switching unit 25 determines whether to switch the optical path of the observation light to the eyepiece lens 27. For example, when the operation unit 29 is operated by the observer and an instruction to switch only the optical path of the observation light to the eyepiece lens 27 is given, it is determined to switch to the eyepiece lens 27.

  If it is determined in step S15 to switch to the eyepiece lens 27, an optical path switching process to the eyepiece lens is performed in step S16. Although details of the optical path switching process to the eyepiece lens will be described later, in the optical path switching process to the eyepiece lens, the optical path of the observation light is switched only to the eyepiece lens 27. Then, the process proceeds to step S20.

  If it is determined in step S15 that switching to the eyepiece lens 27 is not performed, in step S17, the optical path switching unit 25 determines whether to switch the optical path of the observation light to the eyepiece lens 27 and the observation camera 14. For example, when the operation unit 29 is operated by the observer and switching to the eyepiece lens 27 and the observation camera 14 in the optical path of the observation light is instructed, it is determined to switch to the eyepiece lens 27 and the observation camera 14.

  If it is determined in step S17 that switching to the eyepiece lens 27 and the observation camera 14 is performed, optical path switching processing to the eyepiece lens and the observation camera is performed in step S18. Although details of the optical path switching process to the eyepiece lens and the observation camera will be described later, the optical path of the observation light is switched to the eyepiece lens 27 and the observation camera 14 in the optical path switching process to the eyepiece lens and the observation camera. Then, the process proceeds to step S20.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S17 that switching to the eyepiece 27 and the observation camera 14 is not performed, in step S19, the microscope system performs processing according to the operation of the observer.

  For example, when the observer operates the personal computer 12 to give an instruction to change the brightness of the illumination light, the lighting control box 17 controls the lighting power source 18 according to the instruction from the personal computer 12, and the light source 15. The brightness of the illumination light emitted from the camera is changed. At this time, when the brightness instructed by the observer exceeds the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V of the drive voltage, and the observation light is also guided to the eyepiece lens 27, the lighting power supply 18 has the drive voltage of V, and a drive signal having a specific drive frequency determined for the designated brightness is supplied to the light source 15.

  Then, the light source 15 blinks the emitted illumination light based on the drive signal from the lighting power supply 18. As a result, the illumination light whose apparent brightness is brighter is applied to the sample 13, so that the observer can feel the observation light incident on the eyepiece lens 27 from the sample 13 more brightly.

  In step S19, when the process according to the operation of the observer is performed, the process proceeds to step S20.

  If the illumination light is continuously turned on in step S14, the optical path of the observation light is switched in step S16 or step S18, or the process according to the operation of the observer is performed in step S19, the personal computer 12 is selected in step S20. Determines whether the capture of the observation image is instructed.

  For example, if the observer operates the personal computer 12 and is instructed to capture one frame of the observation image, which is a moving image, as a still image, it is determined that the capture has been instructed.

  If it is determined in step S20 that capture has not been instructed, the observation image is not captured, so the processing in steps S21 to S23 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S24.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that capture has been instructed, in step S21, the personal computer 12 determines whether or not the illumination light from the light source 15 is being pulsed.

  For example, when the observation light is guided to the eyepiece 27 and the observation camera 14 and the brightness exceeding the brightness corresponding to the drive voltage V is specified as the brightness of the illumination light, the illumination light is in a pulse-lit state. It is determined that the pulse is being lit.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the pulse is being lit, the personal computer 12 causes the lighting control box 17 to continuously illuminate the illumination light for the time necessary to capture the observation image captured by the observation camera 14. Instruct. The lighting control box 17 controls the lighting power source 18 in accordance with an instruction from the personal computer 12 to continuously light the illumination light for a designated period, and the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S <b> 22, the lighting power supply 18 supplies a driving signal whose driving voltage is V and continuously illuminates illumination light for a predetermined period to the light source 15 according to the control of the lighting control box 17. Is injected.

  Thereby, the illumination light is continuously turned on temporarily, and the brightness of the observation light incident on the observation camera 14 is constant while the illumination light is continuously turned on. Therefore, the observation image obtained while being photographed while the illumination light is continuously lit has a uniform brightness of the entire image regardless of the photographing time, and the image quality of the captured observation image can be improved. . That is, a dark observation image is not captured.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the pulse is not lit, the illumination light is continuously lit, so the process in step S22 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S23.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the pulse is not being lit, or if the illumination light is continuously lit in step S22, the observation camera 14 in step S23 is one of the observation images as a moving image obtained by photographing. The observation image for the frame is captured as a still image. The observation camera 14 supplies the observation image obtained by the capture to the personal computer 12 via the camera controller 16. The personal computer 12 displays an observation image from the observation camera 14.

  Note that when the observation light is guided only to the eyepiece lens 27, the observation light is not incident on the observation camera 14, and thus the observation image is not captured. In addition, when the illumination light is temporarily continuously turned on, the illumination light is turned on again after a certain time has elapsed after the observation image is captured.

  If it is determined in step S23 that an observation image is captured or that it is not instructed to capture in step S20, the personal computer 12 determines in step S24 whether or not to end the observation of the sample 13. For example, when the personal computer 12 is operated by the observer and the end of the observation of the sample 13 is instructed, it is determined that the observation is ended.

  If it is determined in step S24 that the observation is not terminated, the process returns to step S12, and the above-described process is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that the observation is to be terminated, the observation process is terminated.

  In this way, the microscope system switches the optical path of the observation light in accordance with the observer's operation on the operation unit 29, and controls lighting and blinking of the illumination light in the light source 15 according to the switching destination.

  Next, the optical path switching process to the eyepiece lens corresponding to the process of step S16 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S51, the optical path switching unit 25 is in a state where no optical elements constituting the optical path switching unit 25 are arranged on the optical path of the observation light. That is, when the operation unit 29 is operated by the observer and the switching of the optical path of the observation light to the eyepiece lens 27 is instructed, the operation unit 29 instructs the optical path switching unit 25 to switch the optical path of the observation light. In response to the instruction, the optical path switching unit 25 places neither the half mirror nor the total reflection mirror constituting the optical path switching unit 25 on the optical path of the observation light.

  When the optical path of the observation light is switched, the optical path switching unit 25 notifies the personal computer 12 of the switching destination of the optical path of the observation light. In response to the notification, the personal computer 12 instructs the lighting control box 17 to control lighting of the illumination light in accordance with the brightness of the illumination light designated by the observer and the observation light switching destination.

  Then, the lighting control box 17 controls lighting of the illumination light in accordance with an instruction from the personal computer 12. That is, in step S52, the lighting control box 17 determines whether or not the brightness of the illumination light specified by the observer exceeds the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V of the drive voltage.

  If it is determined in step S52 that the brightness exceeds the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V, in step S53, the lighting control box 17 controls the lighting power supply 18 to correspond to the maximum value V for the light source 15. Illumination light is pulsed at a brightness level. After that, the optical path switching process to the eyepiece is completed, and the process proceeds to step S20 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S52 that the brightness does not exceed the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V, in step S54, the lighting control box 17 controls the lighting power source 18 to the light source 15. The illumination light is continuously turned on at the brightness specified by the observer. After that, the optical path switching process to the eyepiece is completed, and the process proceeds to step S20 in FIG.

  In this way, the microscope system is in a state where nothing is arranged on the optical path of the observation light so that the observation light is guided only to the eyepiece lens 27, and further, the light source 15 has a brightness specified by the observer. Control lighting of illumination light. For example, by causing the illumination light to blink at a predetermined frequency with a brightness corresponding to the maximum value V, the sample 13 observed from the eyepiece lens 27 appears brighter to the observer. That is, even when the brightness exceeding the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V is specified, the apparent brightness of the illumination light can be further increased, and the brightness specified by the illumination light can be given to the observer. You can feel like it has been changed.

  Further, the optical path switching process to the eyepiece lens and the observation camera corresponding to the process of step S18 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S91, the optical path switching unit 25 arranges a half mirror constituting the optical path switching unit 25 on the optical path of the observation light. That is, when the operation unit 29 is operated by the observer to instruct the switching of the optical path of the observation light to the eyepiece lens 27 and the observation camera 14, the operation unit 29 switches the optical path of the observation light to the optical path switching unit 25. Instruct. In response to the instruction, the optical path switching unit 25 arranges a half mirror on the optical path of the observation light, and switches the optical path of the observation light to the eyepiece lens 27 and the observation camera 14.

  When the optical path of the observation light is switched, the optical path switching unit 25 notifies the personal computer 12 of the switching destination of the optical path of the observation light. In response to the notification, the personal computer 12 instructs the lighting control box 17 to control lighting of the illumination light in accordance with the brightness of the illumination light designated by the observer and the observation light switching destination.

  Then, the lighting control box 17 controls lighting of the illumination light in accordance with an instruction from the personal computer 12. That is, in step S92, the lighting control box 17 determines whether or not the brightness of the illumination light specified by the observer exceeds the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V of the drive voltage.

  When it is determined in step S92 that the brightness exceeds the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V, in step S93, the lighting control box 17 controls the lighting power source 18 to pulse the illumination light to the light source 15. Let That is, the driving voltage is V, and a driving signal having a driving frequency determined by the brightness designated by the observer is supplied from the lighting power supply 18 to the light source 15, thereby having a brightness corresponding to the maximum value V, and The illumination light blinks at a frequency determined by the specified brightness.

  When the illumination light is pulse-lit, the lighting control box 17 supplies the blinking frequency of the illumination light, that is, the drive frequency of the drive signal to the camera controller 16 to instruct the synchronization between the drive frequency and the frame rate of the observation image.

  In step S94, the camera controller 16 controls the observation camera 14 in accordance with an instruction from the lighting control box 17, and synchronizes the frame rate of the observation image with the driving frequency of the driving signal of the lighting power source 18. As a result, the lighting timing when the illumination light blinks and the observation image capturing timing of the observation camera 14 are synchronized, and flickering of the observation image is prevented.

  When the drive frequency and the frame rate are synchronized, the optical path switching process to the eyepiece and the observation camera is completed, and then the process proceeds to step S20 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S92 that the brightness does not exceed the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V, in step S95, the lighting control box 17 controls the lighting power source 18 to the light source 15 to the observer. The illumination light is lit continuously at the brightness specified by. Thereafter, the optical path switching process to the eyepiece lens and the observation camera ends, and the process proceeds to step S20 in FIG.

  In this way, the microscope system arranges the half mirror on the optical path of the observation light so that the observation light is guided to the eyepiece lens 27 and the observation camera 14. Further, the microscope system controls lighting of the illumination light of the light source 15 so that the brightness specified by the observer is obtained. When the illumination light is blinked, the blinking frequency and the frame rate of the observation image are set. Synchronize. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the image quality of the observation image displayed on the personal computer 12 while ensuring the brightness of the sample 13 that can be seen from the eyepiece lens 27.

  As described above, in the microscope system, when the observation light is guided only to the eyepiece lens 27, the illumination light is continuously lit or pulsed according to the designated brightness, and when the observation light is guided only to the observation camera 14. Turn on the illumination light continuously. Therefore, even when the amount of illumination light from the light source 15 is small, the sample 13 can be visually observed with sufficient brightness, and deterioration of the image quality of the observed image can be prevented.

[Modification of First Embodiment]
In the above description, it has been described that the illumination light is pulse-lit when the observation light is guided to the eyepiece lens 27 and the brightness of the designated illumination light exceeds the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V.

  However, for example, when the light source 15-2 is a white light source that emits white illumination light, which includes LEDs of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), the drive voltage of the drive signal is changed. Then, the wavelength of the emitted illumination light changes, and as a result, the color temperature of the illumination light may change.

  Therefore, the illumination light is continuously lit between the maximum value V ′ of the driving voltage at which the color temperature of the illumination light becomes a color temperature within a predetermined range and 0, and the brightness of the designated illumination light reaches the maximum value V ′. The illumination light may be pulsed when the corresponding brightness is exceeded.

  In this case, in the processing of step S52 of FIG. 4 and step S92 of FIG. 5, the brightness of the illumination light specified by the observer is a brightness exceeding the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V ′ of the drive voltage. It is determined whether or not there is. That is, it is determined whether or not the brightness is a color temperature within a predetermined range. If it is determined that the brightness exceeds the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V ′, the illumination light is pulsed.

  Specifically, when the drive voltage is a value between 0 and V ′, the color temperature of the illumination light is within a predetermined range. The light source 15 is assumed to be composed of three LEDs of R (red), G (green), and B (blue).

  In this case, if the brightness of the illumination light designated by the observer does not exceed the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V ′, the lighting control box 17 sends the illumination light to the lighting power supply 18 with the designated brightness. A driving signal for continuously lighting is supplied to the light source 15 to continuously light the illumination light. At this time, the color temperature of the illumination light is a color temperature within a predetermined range.

  On the other hand, when the observation light is guided to the eyepiece lens 27 and the brightness of the illumination light designated by the observer is higher than the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V ′, the lighting control box 17 is turned on by the lighting power supply. 18 is controlled to light the illumination light in pulses.

  At this time, the driving signal supplied from the lighting power source 18 to each LED constituting the light source 15 is a driving frequency predetermined for the (apparent) brightness of the illumination light for each LED constituting the light source 15. And a driving signal having a driving voltage of V ′.

  The driving frequency for the brightness of the illumination light for each LED is such a value that the white light as the illumination light has a color temperature within a predetermined range, and the white light apparently has the specified brightness. Is done. In other words, by adjusting the blinking frequency of light of each color (wavelength) emitted from each LED, the brightness of the white light, that is, the illumination light, and the color temperature are adjusted.

  In this way, when the brightness of the illumination light designated by the observer is such that the color temperature is within a predetermined range, the illumination light is continuously lit at the designated brightness. The light source 15 is controlled. Further, when the brightness of the illumination light specified by the observer is such that the color temperature of the illumination light is a color temperature outside the predetermined range, the illumination light has a color temperature within the predetermined range. And the light source 15 is controlled to blink at a frequency determined for the specified brightness.

  In this way, by switching between continuous lighting and pulse lighting with reference to the maximum value V ′ determined from the color temperature of the illumination light, the color temperature of the illumination light, that is, the color temperature of the observation light is always in a certain range. The observation environment of the sample 13 can be improved. Note that the maximum value V ′, that is, the constant color temperature range may be specified by the observer.

[Second Embodiment]
In the above description, the illumination light is controlled to be switched according to the switching of the optical path of the observation light. However, when the observation light is always guided to both the eyepiece lens 27 and the observation camera 14, the observer However, the illumination light may blink only when the sample 13 is visually observed.

  In such a case, the microscope system is configured as shown in FIG. 6, for example. In FIG. 6, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. That is, the microscope system of FIG. 6 is different from the microscope system of FIG. 1 in that the optical path switching unit 25 is not provided in the microscope 11 but the half mirror 61 and the eyepiece observation detection sensor 62 are provided.

  In the microscope system of FIG. 6, the observation optical system 26 is provided with a half mirror 61, and part of the observation light from the sample 13 passes through the half mirror 61 and is guided to the eyepiece lens 27. The observation light is reflected by the half mirror 61 and guided to the observation camera 14. For example, 20% of the observation light incident on the half mirror 61 is guided to the eyepiece lens 27, and the remaining 80% of the observation light is guided to the observation camera 14.

  Further, an eyepiece observation detection sensor 62 for detecting the approach of the observer to the eyepiece lens 27 is provided in the vicinity of the eyepiece lens 27 of the microscope 11. The eyepiece observation detection sensor 62 is a detection result of the approach of the observer. Is supplied to the personal computer 12.

  For example, when the observer approaches from the eyepiece lens 27 to a distance within a predetermined distance, it is assumed that the observer has approached and is being visually observed. In this way, by detecting the proximity of the observer to the eyepiece lens 27 by the eyepiece observation detection sensor 62, it is possible to determine whether or not the observer is visually observing the sample 13 from the eyepiece lens 27.

  Next, the observation process by the microscope system of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S131, the microscope system starts observation of the sample 13. That is, the personal computer 12 instructs the lighting control box 17 to turn on the illumination light with the brightness specified by the observer according to the operation of the observer, and the lighting control box 17 lights up according to the instruction. The power source 18 is controlled to supply a driving signal to the light source 15. When a drive signal is supplied from the lighting power supply 18 to the light source 15, the light source 15 continuously turns on the illumination light with the brightness specified by the observer according to the supplied drive signal.

  In step S <b> 132, the eyepiece observation detection sensor 62 determines whether or not the observer is visually observing the sample 13 with the eyepiece lens 27. For example, when the eyepiece observation detection sensor 62 detects the approach of the observer to the eyepiece lens 27, it is determined that visual observation is being performed.

  If it is determined in step S132 that visual observation is not being performed, the personal computer 12 instructs the lighting control box 17 to continuously turn on the illumination light according to the detection result from the eyepiece observation detection sensor 62, and the processing is step. The process proceeds to S135.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S132 that visual observation is in progress, the personal computer 12 turns on the illumination light continuously at the brightness specified by the observer according to the detection result from the eyepiece observation detection sensor 62. Alternatively, pulse lighting is instructed to the lighting control box 17.

  Then, the lighting control box 17 controls lighting of the illumination light in accordance with an instruction from the personal computer 12. That is, in step S133, the lighting control box 17 determines whether or not the brightness of the illumination light specified by the observer exceeds the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V of the drive voltage.

  When it is determined in step S133 that the brightness exceeds the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V, in step S134, the lighting control box 17 controls the lighting power source 18 to pulse the illumination light to the light source 15. Let Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S136.

  When the observer is observing the sample 13 visually and the brightness of the illumination light specified by the observer is higher than the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V of the drive voltage, the drive voltage is set to V or higher. Even with this value, the brightness of the illumination light cannot be further increased. Therefore, the lighting control box 17 specifies the apparent brightness of the illumination light by keeping the drive voltage at the maximum value V and lighting the illumination light at a frequency determined by the brightness specified by the observer. Brightness.

  If it is determined in step S133 that the brightness does not exceed the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V, the process proceeds to step S135.

  If it is determined in step S133 that the brightness does not exceed the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V, or if it is determined in step S132 that visual observation is not being performed, in step S135, the lighting control box 17 sets the lighting power supply 18 And the illumination light is continuously lit at the brightness specified by the observer.

  When the observer is observing the sample 13 visually, and the brightness of the illumination light specified by the observer is brightness that does not exceed the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V of the drive voltage, the drive voltage is set to the current state. If the value is increased or decreased from this value, the illumination light can be set to the designated brightness. When the observer is not visually observing, the drive voltage may be changed so that the illumination light has a designated brightness. Therefore, the lighting control box 17 sets the brightness of the illumination light to the designated brightness while continuously lighting the illumination light.

  Note that when the brightness of the illumination light designated by the observer exceeds the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V when the observer is not visually observing, the brightness of the illumination light corresponds to the maximum value V. Brightness.

  In step S134 or step S135, when lighting of the illumination light is controlled, the processing of step S136 to step S140 is performed thereafter. These processing are the same as the processing of step S20 to step S24 of FIG. Therefore, the description is omitted.

  That is, when the observer instructs to capture the observation image, when the illumination light is in the pulse lighting state, the illumination light is temporarily lit continuously to prevent deterioration of the image quality of the captured observation image. If it is determined in step S140 that the observation is not terminated, the process returns to step S132. If it is determined that the observation is terminated, the observation process is terminated.

  As described above, in the microscope system, when the observer is visually observing the sample 13, the illumination light is continuously lit or pulsed according to the designated brightness. When the observer is not visually observing, the illumination light is continuously lit. Light up.

  Thereby, when the observer is observing visually, the illumination light (observation light) is sufficiently bright, and when the observer is not observing visually, that is, when observing the observation image, illumination is performed. The brightness of the light is kept constant, and deterioration of the image quality of the observation image is prevented. Therefore, even when the amount of illumination light from the light source 15 is small, the sample 13 can be visually observed with sufficient brightness, and deterioration of the image quality of the observed image can be prevented.

  In the microscope system shown in FIG. 6 as well, the illumination light may be controlled so that the color temperature of the illumination light is kept constant. In such a case, in step S133, it is determined whether or not the brightness of the illumination light exceeds the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V ′ of the drive voltage, and the brightness corresponding to the maximum value V ′. If it is determined that the brightness is greater than, the illumination light is pulsed.

  Further, in the microscope system of FIG. 6, when the observer is visually observing, the frame rate of the observation image and blinking of the illumination light may be synchronized. By doing in this way, even when an observer is performing visual observation, other observers can see an observation image whose image quality has not deteriorated.

  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of one Embodiment of the microscope system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of operation | movement of a microscope system. It is a flowchart explaining an observation process. It is a flowchart explaining the optical path switching process to an eyepiece lens. It is a flowchart explaining the optical path switching process to an eyepiece and an observation camera. It is a figure which shows the structural example of other embodiment of the microscope system to which this invention is applied. It is a flowchart explaining an observation process.

Explanation of symbols

  11 microscope, 12 personal computer, 14 observation camera, 15-1, 15-2, 15 light source, 17-1, 17-2, 17 lighting control box, 24-1, 24-2, 24 illumination optical system, 25 optical paths Switching unit, 26 observation optical system, 27 eyepiece lens, 29 operation unit, 62 eyepiece observation detection sensor

Claims (9)

An optical path switching means for switching the optical path of the observation light so that the observation light from the sample is guided to an eyepiece or a camera;
When the observation light is guided to the eyepiece lens, the illumination light irradiated to the sample is controlled so that the illumination light blinks at a predetermined period, and when the observation light is guided to the camera, A microscope comprising: lighting control means for controlling the light source so that the illumination light is continuously lit. The lighting control means is configured such that, even when the observation light is guided to the eyepiece, when the brightness of the designated illumination light does not exceed a predetermined brightness, the illumination light is continuously at the designated brightness. The light source is controlled to turn on, and when the brightness of the specified illumination light exceeds the predetermined brightness, the illumination light is at the predetermined brightness and the specified brightness. The microscope according to claim 1, wherein the light source is controlled to blink at a frequency determined by: The optical path switching means further switches the optical path of the observation light so that the observation light is guided to both the eyepiece lens and the camera,
The lighting control means controls the light source so that the illumination light blinks when the observation light is guided to both the eyepiece lens and the camera, and obtains a frame of an image of the sample in the camera. The microscope according to claim 1, wherein the image is captured so as to be synchronized with blinking of the illumination light. When the observation light is guided to both the eyepiece lens and the camera, the lighting control unit is configured so that the illumination light is continuously lit for a predetermined period when the image capture is instructed. The microscope according to claim 3, wherein the microscope is controlled. The illumination light comprises light of different colors emitted from a plurality of the light sources,
When the observation light is guided to the eyepiece, the lighting control unit is configured such that the brightness of the designated illumination light is such that the color temperature of the illumination light is a color temperature within a predetermined range. Controlling the light source so that the illumination light is continuously lit at a specified brightness, and the brightness of the specified illumination light is a color temperature at which the color temperature of the illumination light is outside the predetermined range The brightness of the illumination light is a color temperature within the predetermined range, and the color temperature of the illumination light is predetermined for each of the light sources with respect to the specified brightness. The microscope according to claim 1, wherein the light source is controlled so as to blink at a frequency that keeps constant. An observation optical system that guides observation light from the sample to an eyepiece and a camera;
Detecting means for detecting an approach of the observer to the eyepiece;
When the observer's approach to the eyepiece is detected, the light source of the illumination light is controlled so that the illumination light irradiated on the sample blinks, and the observer approaches the eyepiece And a lighting control means for controlling the light source so that the illumination light is continuously turned on when the illumination light is not detected. The lighting control means, when the approach of the observer to the eyepiece is detected, when the brightness of the designated illumination light does not exceed a predetermined brightness, the illumination light designated When the brightness of the specified illumination light exceeds the predetermined brightness, the illumination light is at the predetermined brightness and the specified brightness. The microscope according to claim 6, wherein the light source is controlled to blink at a frequency determined by: When the lighting control unit controls the light source so that the illumination light blinks, the illumination light continues for a predetermined period when an instruction to capture an image of the sample acquired by the camera is given. The microscope according to claim 6, wherein the light source is controlled so as to be turned on. The illumination light comprises light of different colors emitted from a plurality of the light sources,
The lighting control means, when the approach of the observer to the eyepiece is detected, the brightness of the designated illumination light is a brightness at which the color temperature of the illumination light is a color temperature within a predetermined range. If so, the light source is controlled so that the illumination light is continuously lit at a designated brightness, and the brightness of the designated illumination light is such that the color temperature of the illumination light is within the predetermined range. The illumination light having a brightness at which the illumination light has a color temperature within the predetermined range and a predetermined brightness for each light source when the brightness is an outside color temperature. The microscope according to claim 6, wherein the light source is controlled to blink at a frequency at which the color temperature of the light is kept constant.

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