JP2014092640A - Microscope and method of controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a microscope which offers reduced manipulation time and allows a user to interlock movement of a stage and selection of an observation method through simple manipulation, and a method controlling the same.SOLUTION: A microscope 1 includes; a drive unit 27 which moves a stage 15 and/or a plurality of optical elements; a recording unit 5 which records position information representing coordinate information of a position of a sample S placed on the stage 15 in association with each observation method and/or arrangement information on arrangement of each of the plurality of optical elements required for each observation method; and a control unit 6 which refers to the position information and/or combination information stored by the recording unit 5 and switches from one observation method to another by switching the plurality of optical elements in accordance with a selected observation method and interlockingly controlling the stage 15, or by identifying an observation method corresponding to a position of the stage 15 and switching the optical elements in accordance with arrangement information of each of the plurality of optical elements.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique of a microscope for observing a sample placed on a stage, and more particularly to a microscope suitable for microinsemination and a method for controlling the microscope.

  In recent years, microinsemination in the field of advanced reproductive medicine has been known as an application of a microscope. Microinsemination is a method of insemination of sperm and ovum under a microscope. In general, sperm injection in the egg cytoplasm is performed by inserting a micropipette containing sperm into an egg fixed with a holding pipette and injecting the sperm into the egg. (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: hereinafter referred to as “ICSI”). In this ICSI, in order to operate a specimen on the stage, it is common to use an inverted microscope having a large working space above the stage.

  In the field of micro insemination, a relief contrast observation method (hereinafter referred to as “RC observation method”) capable of observing an egg three-dimensionally is known in order to improve the insemination rate of the egg (refer to Patent Document 1). .

  In recent years, in the field of micro insemination, in order to improve the insemination rate, a micro insemination method using a microscope while appropriately switching a plurality of observation methods has attracted attention. For example, a method of using an RC observation method, a differential interference observation method (hereinafter referred to as “DIC observation method”) and a polarization observation method (hereinafter referred to as “PO observation method”) while switching depending on the observation purpose is becoming widespread. .

  The DIC observation method can observe an object at a higher magnification than the RC observation method, and is suitable for observing small sperm as compared to an egg, and is therefore used when selecting high-quality sperm.

  In addition, the PO observation method is suitable for observing an ovum spindle having birefringence, so that when the sperm is injected into the ovum, the spindle is prevented from being damaged accidentally, Used when confirming the position.

JP 51-29149 A

  By the way, the ovum and sperm collected for microinsemination are usually managed in an optimal temperature environment for the ovum and sperm by an incubator or the like. However, when the operation of injecting sperm is performed, the egg and sperm are removed from the incubator and placed on the microscope. Since the environment on the microscope is not necessarily the optimum environment for the ovum and sperm, it is necessary to complete the work performed in the microscope in a short time in order to suppress stress on the ovum and sperm.

  In microinsemination, eggs and sperm are generally arranged in predetermined dedicated drops in a petri dish, and ICSI is generally applied to a plurality of eggs. However, in microinsemination, the stage must be manually reciprocated between the sperm sorting drop and the ICSI drop for each ovum, and an observation method suitable for each of the sperm sorting drop and the ICSI drop is used. There is a problem in that the optical elements must be switched and the operations are complicated due to the wide range of repeated operations. For this reason, a technique that can link the movement of the stage and the switching of the observation method with a simple operation has been desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and a microscope and a driving method capable of shortening the operation time of the microscope and interlocking the movement of the stage and the switching of the observation method with a simple operation. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a microscope according to the present invention is capable of being inserted into and removed from a light source that irradiates a specimen and an optical path of light emitted from the light source, or around the optical axis of the optical path. A microscope capable of setting a plurality of observation methods and switching the arrangement of each of the plurality of optical elements on the optical path in accordance with the observation method. A stage on which the specimen is placed and movable at least in the horizontal direction, a drive unit for moving the stage and / or the plurality of optical elements, and the optical elements on the optical path for each observation method. A recording unit that records setting information in which the arrangement information is associated with coordinate information indicating a position where the sample is placed on the stage for each observation method, and the setting that the recording unit records The stage is moved so that the optical path coincides with the position corresponding to the coordinate information by driving the driving unit according to the observation method, or according to the position of the stage. And a controller that changes the observation method by switching the arrangement of each of the plurality of optical elements on the optical path by driving a drive unit.

  The microscope according to the present invention further includes a position detection unit that detects the position of the stage in the above invention, and the control unit is configured to detect the position on the optical path based on a detection result detected by the position detection unit. The observation method is changed by switching a plurality of optical elements.

  The microscope according to the present invention further includes an operation input unit that receives an input of an instruction signal instructing one of the plurality of observation methods in the above invention, and the control unit receives the instruction signal from the operation input unit. Is input, the stage is moved so that the optical path coincides with a position corresponding to the coordinate information corresponding to the observation method of the instruction signal.

  In the microscope according to the present invention, in the above invention, the stage is movable in the vertical direction, and the coordinate information includes plane information in the horizontal plane of the stage and height information in the vertical direction, and the control is performed. The unit adjusts the focus of the microscope by moving the stage in the vertical direction based on the position corresponding to the height coordinate indicated by the instruction signal.

  The microscope according to the present invention further includes a position detection unit that detects the position of the stage in the above invention, wherein the operation input unit is capable of receiving an input of a registration signal for registering the coordinate information, When the registration signal is input, the control unit records the detection result detected by the position detection unit as the coordinate information in the recording unit.

  The microscope according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the microscope is used for an intracytoplasmic sperm injection method in which sperm is injected into an egg.

  Further, the control method according to the present invention includes a light source that irradiates a specimen, and a plurality of optical elements that can be inserted into and removed from the optical path of light emitted from the light source or can be rotated about the optical axis of the optical path. A stage on which the specimen is placed and movable at least in the horizontal direction, and a plurality of observation methods can be set, and the arrangement of each of the plurality of optical elements on the optical path is switched according to the observation method A control method executed by a possible microscope, the arrangement information of each of the plurality of optical elements on the optical path for each observation method, and the position where the sample is placed on the stage for each observation method The setting information is acquired from a recording unit that records setting information associated with coordinate information, and the acquired setting information is referred to, and according to the observation method, the optical path is located at a position corresponding to the coordinate information. The stage is moved so as to, or in accordance with the position of the stage, characterized in that it comprises a control step of changing the observation method by switching the plurality of optical elements each disposed in the optical path.

  According to the present invention, the control unit refers to the position information recorded by the recording unit and drives the driving unit according to the observation method so that the optical path emitted by the light source matches the position corresponding to the coordinate information. By switching the optical observation method of the microscope by moving the stage or switching the multiple optical elements on the optical path emitted by the light source by driving the drive unit according to the position of the stage, shortening the operation time of the microscope In addition, the movement of the stage and the switching of the observation method can be linked with a simple operation.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a microscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the microscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the condenser turret of the microscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a petri dish including a specimen. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation input unit of the microscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit of the microscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the microscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the microscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Further, in the description of the drawings, the same portions will be described with the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a microscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the microscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 and 2, the plane on which the microscope 1 is placed will be described as an XY plane, and a direction perpendicular to the XY plane will be described as a Z direction.

  The microscope 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a microscope main body 2 that observes the petri dish 100 in which the specimen S is accommodated, an operation input unit 3 that receives input of various operations of the microscope 1, and the microscope main body 2 captures images. A display unit 4 for displaying an image corresponding to the image data, a recording unit 5 for recording various programs and parameters for driving the microscope 1, and a control unit 6 for controlling the microscope main body unit 2 and the display unit 4. Prepare. The microscope main body 2, the operation input unit 3, the display unit 4, the recording unit 5, and the control unit 6 are connected by wire or wireless so that data can be transmitted and received.

  First, the microscope main body 2 will be described in detail. The microscope main body 2 includes a light source 10, a polarizer 11, a compensator 12, a condenser turret 13, a condenser lens 14, a stage 15, a stage position detector 16, a revolver 17, an objective lens 18, and a revolver position. A detection unit 19, a DIC prism 20, an analyzer 21, an imaging lens 22, an optical path splitting prism 23, an imaging unit 24, a mirror 25, an eyepiece lens 26, and a drive unit 27 are provided.

  The light source 10 includes a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), or the like. The light source 10 emits illumination light toward the sample S.

  The polarizer 11 is disposed on the optical path XA between the light source 10 and the compensator 12 and transmits only the polarization component in one direction of the illumination light emitted by the light source 10. The polarizer 11 is disposed so as to be rotatable about the optical axis of the optical path XA of the light source 10. The polarizer 11 is configured using a polarizing plate that is one of optical elements such as a filter. Further, the polarizer 11 is rotated around the optical axis of the optical path XA by a motor 11a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor or the like under the drive control of the drive unit 27.

  The compensator 12 is an optical element for measuring the phase difference due to the anisotropy of the sample S, and has a structure in which the retardation is variable. The compensator 12 is disposed on the optical path between the condenser lens 14 and the polarizer 11 so as to be rotatable about the optical axis of the objective lens 18. The compensator 12 is configured using a liquid crystal or a wave plate. Specifically, the compensator 12 is configured using a bereak compensator, a senal mon type compensator, a brace scaler compensator, a quartz wedge compensator, and a liquid crystal modulation element. The compensator 12 is preferably a liquid crystal modulation element, a senalmon type compensator, or a brace scaler compensator because it is desirable that the retardation of the visual field be substantially uniform when performing PO observation for observing the ovum spindle. When a liquid crystal modulation element is used as the compensator 12, the retardation can be changed by electrically controlling the liquid crystal molecules. When a Senalmon type compensator is used as the compensator 12, the retardation of the compensator 12 can be changed by the rotation of the polarizer 11 with respect to the wave plate in the compensator 12. Further, when a brace scaler compensator is used as the compensator 12, the retardation of the compensator 12 can be changed by the rotation of the prism in the compensator 12. Furthermore, the compensator 12 is rotated around the optical axis of the optical path XA by a motor 12a configured by a stepping motor or a DC motor under the drive control of the drive unit 27.

  The condenser turret 13 has a plurality of optical elements that are used by switching according to the observation method and the magnification, and is arranged rotatably on the optical path XA. The condenser turret 13 is rotated in accordance with the observation method, thereby placing any one of the optical elements on the optical path XA. The capacitor turret 13 is rotated by a motor 13 a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive unit 27.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the capacitor turret 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the capacitor turret 13 includes an opening 130, an RC observation aperture plate 131, an RC observation aperture plate 132, and a DIC prism 133.

  The opening 130 together with the capacitor turret 13 constitutes an opening plate (hole). The opening 130 is formed with a sufficient size that does not block the illumination light from the light source 10, and realizes illumination with a high numerical aperture. The opening 130 is used, for example, when the microscope 1 performs bright field observation or PO observation method. Specifically, when the microscope 1 performs bright field observation, the opening 130 is operated by a user searching for a place in the petri dish 100 or using a manipulator using a 4 × or 10 × objective lens 18 in preparation for microinsemination. This is used when positioning the tip of a micropipette to be performed.

  The RC observation aperture plate 131 is an aperture plate used for RC observation, and has a polarizing plate 131b in a part of the aperture 131a formed at a position eccentric from the optical path XA when arranged on the optical path XA. The opening 131a is formed at a position shifted from the center of the RC observation opening plate 131, thereby realizing oblique illumination. The RC observation aperture plate 131 is used, for example, when the microscope 1 performs a 20-fold RC observation method.

  The RC observation aperture plate 132 is an aperture plate used for RC observation, and has a polarizing plate 132b in a part of the aperture 132a formed at a position eccentric from the optical path XA when arranged on the optical path XA. The opening 132a is formed at a position shifted from the center of the RC observation opening plate 132, thereby realizing oblique illumination. The RC observation aperture plate 132 is used, for example, when the microscope 1 performs a 40-fold RC observation method.

  The DIC prism 133 is disposed on the optical path XA by the rotation of the condenser turret 13. The DIC prism 133 is paired with a DIC prism 20 disposed on the image side on the objective lens 18 side, which will be described later, and constitutes a differential interference optical system. The DIC prism 133 is configured using a Nomarski prism or the like. The DIC prism 133 is used, for example, when the microscope 1 performs a 60-fold DIC observation method.

  In the thus configured condenser turret 13, the optical element arranged on the optical path XA is switched by rotating the condenser turret 13 by the motor 13a according to the observation method. Specifically, when performing the RC observation method, the condenser turret 13 has the RC observation aperture plate 131 or the RC observation aperture plate 132 arranged on the optical path XA, and when performing the DIC observation method, the DIC prism 133 is disposed in the optical path. When the bright field observation method or the PO observation method is performed on the XA, the opening 130 is disposed on the optical path XA.

  The condenser lens 14 collects the illumination light emitted from the light source 10 and uniformly irradiates the area including the sample S in the petri dish 100. The condenser lens 14 may include a field stop that can adjust the amount of illumination light emitted from the light source 10 and a field stop operation unit that changes the diameter of the field stop.

  The stage 15 is configured to be movable in the XYZ directions. The stage 15 is moved in the XY plane and in the Z direction by the drive unit 27. On the stage 15, the petri dish 100 on which the specimen S is placed is placed. Under the control of the control unit 6, the stage 15 detects a predetermined origin position on the XY plane by the stage position detection unit 16, and the driving amount of the drive unit 27 is limited based on this origin position, thereby allowing the sample Move to a desired observation location (observation region) on S. Further, the stage 15 is detected by the stage position detection unit 16 in the Z direction under the control of the control unit 6, and the drive amount of the drive unit 27 is limited based on this position, whereby the stage 15 is controlled with respect to the sample S. The condenser lens 14 and the objective lens 18 are moved to a focus position (focus position). The stage 15 is moved in the XY plane and in the Z direction by a motor 15a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive unit 27. The stage 15 may be provided with a heating unit that holds the petri dish 100 at a constant temperature.

  Here, the petri dish 100 in which the specimen S is arranged will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the petri dish 100 including the specimen S. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the petri dish 100 used for microinsemination is an ICSI drop R1 (culture solution) for fertilizing sperm S11 to an ovum S10 and a sperm selection drop R2 (culture solution) for selecting sperm S11. And each drop is covered with mineral oil Wa that prevents the bacteria from being exposed to the air and drying. The number of drops on the petri dish 100 can be changed as appropriate.

  The stage position detection unit 16 is configured using an encoder, an optical photo interrupter, or the like, detects the stage position of the stage 15 in the XY plane and the Z direction of the stage 15, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 6. The stage position detection unit 16 detects the stage position of the stage 15 based on the number of pulses of the drive unit 27 that is driven according to the drive signal input from the control unit 6, and sends the detection result to the control unit 6. It may be output.

  The revolver 17 is equipped with a plurality of objective lenses 18. The revolver 17 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the optical path XA, and the objective lens 18 is disposed below the sample S. The revolver 17 is configured using a swing revolver or the like. The revolver 17 is rotated by a motor 17 a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive unit 27. In addition, the revolver 17 is provided so as to be movable along the optical path XA direction, and is moved in the vertical direction in the Z direction by the drive unit 27. A focusing mechanism for moving the revolver 17 in the optical path XA direction may be provided separately.

  The objective lens 18 includes an objective lens 181, an objective lens 182, and an objective lens 183. The objective lens 181 is an objective lens having a magnification suitable for observing an egg, for example, a low magnification such as 10 times or 20 times, and is used for the RC observation method. The objective lens 181 has a modulator 1811 having three regions with different transmittances at the pupil position of the objective lens 181. The modulator 1811 includes a region 1811a having a transmittance of 100%, a region 1811b having a transmittance of approximately 25%, and a region 1811c having a transmittance of 0%. The modulator 1811 has an optically conjugate relationship with the RC observation aperture plate 131 and the RC observation aperture plate 132 disposed at the pupil position of the condenser lens 14. The objective lens 181 is also applied to a PO observation method in which an ovum spindle is a main observation target and approximately the same magnification is required. The objective lens 182 is an objective lens having a magnification suitable for sperm observation, for example, a high magnification such as 60 times or 100 times, and is used in the DIC observation method. The objective lens 183 is an objective lens having a magnification suitable for observing the tip of a micropipette, for example, a low magnification of 4 times, and is used for a bright field observation method.

  The revolver position detector 19 detects the position of the revolver 17 in the Z direction and outputs the detection result to the controller 6. The revolver position detector 19 is configured using an encoder, an optical photo interrupter, or the like. The revolver position detection unit 19 detects the position of the revolver 17 in the Z direction based on the number of pulses of the drive unit 27 driven in accordance with the drive signal input from the control unit 6, and the detection result is used as a control unit. 6 may be output.

  The DIC prism 20 is paired with the DIC prism 133 and constitutes a differential interference optical system. The DIC prism 20 is configured using a Nomarski prism or the like. The DIC prism 20 is detachably disposed on the optical path XA between the objective lens 18 and the analyzer 21. Further, the DIC prism 20 is arranged on the optical path XA by a motor 20a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive unit 27.

  The analyzer 21 is disposed on the observation-side optical path XA at the subsequent stage of the objective lens 18 and transmits only one-direction polarization component of the light transmitted through the sample S according to the relative positional relationship with the polarizer 11. Specifically, the polarizer 11 and the analyzer 21 are arranged so as to be in a crossed Nicols state in which the polarization directions are orthogonal to each other. Further, the analyzer 21 is arranged so as to be in a 45-degree direction with respect to the vibration direction of the polarizing plate 131 b of the RC observation aperture plate 131 of the capacitor turret 13. Thereby, the microscope 1 can perform the RC observation method without any trouble in the observation. The analyzer 21 may be disposed on the optical path XA so as to be detachable.

  The imaging lens 22 condenses the light emitted from the objective lens 18 and forms an observation image. The imaging lens 22 is configured using one or a plurality of lenses.

  The optical path dividing prism 23 divides the light of the observation image formed by the imaging lens 22 into the imaging unit 24 and the mirror 25. The optical path splitting prism 23 is configured by using a prism having a coating for splitting light on the joint surface.

  The imaging unit 24 is configured by using an imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and captures an observation image of the sample S incident through the imaging lens 22 and the optical path splitting prism 23. Then, image data is generated, and this image data is output to the control unit 6.

  The mirror 25 reflects the observation image emitted from the imaging lens 22 toward the eyepiece lens 26. A plurality of relay lenses may be provided on the optical path between the mirror 25 and the eyepiece lens 26.

  The eyepiece 26 enlarges the observation image incident through the imaging lens 22, the optical path splitting prism 23, and the mirror 25. The eyepiece 26 is configured using one or a plurality of lenses.

  The drive unit 27 is configured using a drive driver, and moves or rotates each optical element of the microscope body 2 under the control of the control unit 6. Specifically, the drive unit 27 drives the motor 11a, the motor 12a, the motor 13a, the motor 15a, the motor 18a, and the motor 20a under the control of the control unit 6, thereby causing the polarizer 11, the compensator 12, and the capacitor to be driven. The turret 13, the stage 15, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 are rotated or moved to predetermined positions.

  The operation input unit 3 receives input of various operations of the microscope 1. The operation input unit 3 is configured using a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch panel, various buttons, and the like, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to operation inputs of various switches to the control unit 6.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation input unit 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation input unit 3 includes buttons B <b> 1 to B <b> 5 that receive input of instruction signals for instructing each observation method, buttons B <b> 6 and B <b> 7 that receive input of instruction signals for adjusting contrast, and magnification of the objective lens 18. Buttons B8 to B13 for receiving an input of an instruction signal for instructing, a button B14 for receiving an input of an instruction signal for registering the position of the stage 15, a button B15 for receiving an input of an instruction signal for instructing movement of the XY plane of the stage 15, and There is a button B16 for receiving an input of an instruction signal instructing the movement of the stage 15 in the Z direction.

  The display part 4 is comprised using the display panel which consists of a liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence). The display unit 4 displays an image corresponding to the image data input from the imaging unit 24 via the control unit 6.

  The recording unit 5 records various programs to be executed by the microscope 1 and various data used during the execution of the programs. The recording unit 5 is configured using a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The recording unit 5 also includes information on the arrangement of each optical element on the optical path XA for each observation method, and the position where the sample S is placed on the stage 15 for each observation method, such as the ICSI drop R1 and the sperm selection drop. A setting information recording unit 51 that records setting information associated with coordinate information indicating the position of R2 is provided. Here, the coordinate information includes plane information (XY information) on the horizontal plane and height information (Z information) in the vertical direction of the ICSI drop R1 and the sperm sorting drop R2.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit 51. As shown in FIG. 7, in the setting information T1, position information of each optical element corresponding to each observation method is recorded. As shown in FIG. 7, when the bright field observation method is performed, the polarizer 11 is arranged in a paranicol state with respect to the analyzer 21, and the compensator 12 is on the optical path XA and the hole (opening 130) of the capacitor turret 13 is disposed. Is disposed on the optical path XA, the objective lens 18 is quadrupled, the DIC prism 20 is disposed outside the optical path XA, the analyzer 21 is disposed on the optical path XA, and the stage 15 is disposed on the ICSI drop R1. Has been.

  The control unit 6 is configured using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, and comprehensively controls the operation of each unit configuring the microscope 1. The control unit 6 drives each unit constituting the microscope 1 according to the operation signal input from the operation input unit 3. Specifically, when an instruction signal instructing the bright field observation method is input from the operation input unit 3, the control unit 6 refers to the setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit 51, and according to the observation method, The polarizer 11, the compensator 12, the condenser turret 13, the stage 15, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 are driven and arranged on the optical path XA to change to the observation method of the instruction signal, and the optical path XA becomes the observation method. The stage 15 is moved so as to coincide with the position corresponding to the coordinate information associated therewith. For example, when the DIC observation method is instructed according to the instruction signal input from the operation input unit 3, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to rotate the revolver 17 to move the objective lens 182 to the optical path XA. The turret 13 is rotated and the condenser turret 13 is rotated to place the DIC prism 133 and the DIC prism 20 on the optical path XA, and the stage 15 is moved so that the optical path XA coincides with the sperm selection drop R2. Further, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to place the objective lens 181 on the optical path XA, and rotate the polarizer 11 around the optical axis of the optical path XA, so that the polarizer 11, the analyzer 21, To the crossed Nicols state.

  The microscope 1 configured in this manner switches the arrangement positions of the polarizer 11, the compensator 12, the capacitor turret 13, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 on the optical path XA under the control of the control unit 6. Bright field observation method, RC observation method, and DIC observation method can be performed. For example, when the microscope 1 performs the observation method by the RC observation method, the control unit 6 rotates the revolver 17 to place the objective lens 181 on the optical path XA and rotate the condenser turret 13 to thereby change the optical path. An RC observation aperture plate 131 is placed on XA. Further, the control unit 6 arranges the DIC prism 20 outside the optical path XA. Thereby, the observation method of the microscope 1 can be switched to the RC observation method. In the case of the RC observation method, the DIC prism 20 may be disposed on the optical path XA.

  In addition, when the microscope 1 performs the observation method by the DIC observation method, the control unit 6 rotates the revolver 17 to place the objective lens 182 on the optical path XA and rotate the condenser turret 13 to perform illumination. A DIC prism 133 is disposed on the optical path L1. Further, the control unit 6 places the DIC prism 20 on the optical path XA and rotates the polarizer 11 around the optical axis of the optical path XA, thereby bringing the polarizer 11 and the analyzer 21 into a crossed Nicols state. Thereby, the observation method of the microscope 1 can be switched to the DIC observation method.

  In addition, when the microscope 1 performs the observation method by the PO observation method, the control unit 6 rotates the revolver 17 to place the objective lens 181 on the optical path XA and rotate the condenser turret 13 to rotate the optical path. Place a hole on XA. Further, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to place the objective lens 181 on the optical path XA, and rotate the polarizer 11 around the optical axis of the optical path XA, so that the polarizer 11, the analyzer 21, To the crossed Nicols state. Thereby, the observation method of the microscope 1 can be switched to the PO observation method.

  Next, processing executed by the microscope 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the microscope 1.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when an instruction signal instructing an observation method is input from the operation input unit 3 (step S <b> 101: Yes), the control unit 6 records observation method setting information corresponding to the instruction signal in the recording unit 5. Is acquired from the setting information recording unit 51 (step S102).

  Subsequently, the control unit 6 drives each optical element based on the setting information acquired from the setting information recording unit 51 (step S103). For example, when the observation method is the RC observation method, the control unit 6 rotates the revolver 17 to place the objective lens 181 on the optical path XA and rotate the condenser turret 13 to open the optical path XA. A plate 131 is disposed. Further, the control unit 6 disposes the DIC prism 20 outside the optical path XA and shifts the stage 15 to the ICSI drop R1.

  Thereafter, the control unit 6 determines whether or not driving of all the optical units has been completed (step S104). When the control unit 6 determines that the driving of all the optical units has been completed (step S104: Yes), the microscope 1 ends this process. On the other hand, when the control unit 6 determines that driving of all the optical elements is not completed (step S104: No), the control unit 6 continues this determination.

  In step S101, when the instruction signal instructing the observation method is not input from the operation input unit 3 (step S101: No), the microscope 1 stands by until the instruction signal is input.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, each of the optical elements and the stage 15 is switched to a predetermined position according to the instruction signal instructing the observation method input from the operation input unit 3 by the control unit 6. Arrange. As a result, the operation time of the microscope 1 can be shortened, and the movement of the stage 15 and the switching of the observation method can be linked with a simple operation.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, when the objective lens 18 is switched from the low-magnification objective lens 181 to the high-magnification objective lens 182, the control unit 6 moves the stage 15 in the Z direction so that the specimen S is in focus. It may be moved. At this time, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 based on the height information included in the coordinate information of the setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit 51, thereby causing the stage 15 to correspond to the height information. It may be moved to a position in the direction. Thereby, the user can omit the work of adjusting the focus of the microscope 1 with respect to the specimen S. Further, every time the magnification of the objective lens 18 is changed, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 based on the height information included in the coordinate information of the setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit 51. The stage 15 may be moved to a position in the Z direction corresponding to the height information.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The microscope according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the microscope according to the first embodiment described above, and the processing executed by the microscope is different. For this reason, only the process which the microscope concerning this Embodiment 2 performs is demonstrated below. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the structure same as the microscope 1 concerning Embodiment 1 mentioned above.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by the microscope 1 according to the second embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, when an instruction signal that instructs the position of the stage 15 is input from the operation input unit 3 (step S <b> 201: Yes), the control unit 6 acquires position information of the stage 15 according to the instruction signal. (Step S202). At this time, the control unit 6 acquires the stage position information of the stage 15 that has been moved manually or automatically detected by the stage position detection unit 16. On the other hand, when the instruction signal for instructing the position of the stage 15 is not input from the operation input unit 3 (step S201: No), the microscope 1 continues this determination.

  Subsequently, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the stage 15 is within the range of the sperm sorting drop R2 based on the setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit 51 of the recording unit 5 and the position information of the stage 15. Judgment is made (step S203). When the control unit 6 determines that the stage 15 is within the range of the sperm sorting drop R2 (step S203: Yes), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S204 described later. On the other hand, when the control unit 6 determines that the stage 15 is not within the range of the sperm sorting drop R2 (step S203: No), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S210 described later.

  In step S204, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 based on the setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit 51, thereby bringing the 40 × RC element and the 40 × RC objective lens 18 onto the optical path XA. Arrange. Specifically, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to rotate the condenser turret 13 to place the RC observation aperture plate 131 on the optical path XA. Further, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to place the objective lens 182 on the optical path XA.

  Subsequently, when an instruction signal for 60 × DIC observation is input (step S205: Yes), the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 based on the setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit 51. The 60 × DIC prism and the 60 × objective lens 18 are arranged on the optical path XA (step S206). Specifically, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to rotate the sensor turret 13 to place the DIC prism 133 on the optical path XA. Further, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to place the objective lens 182 on the optical path XA, and rotate the polarizer 11 around the optical axis of the optical path XA, whereby the polarizer 11, the analyzer 21, To the crossed Nicols state. Furthermore, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to place the DIC prism 20 on the optical path XA. After step S206, the microscope 1 proceeds to step S207.

  In step S205, when the instruction signal for 60 × DIC observation is not input (step S205: No), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S207.

  When an instruction signal for bright field observation is input in step S207 (step S207: Yes), the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 based on the setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit 51, thereby The holes and the 4 × objective lens 18 are arranged on the optical path XA (step S208). Specifically, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to place the compensator 12 on the optical path XA and rotate the condenser turret 13 to place the opening 130 on the optical path XA. Further, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to place the objective lens 183 on the optical path XA, and rotates the polarizer 11 about the optical path XA, so that the polarizer 11 and the analyzer 21 are in a paranicol state. To. Furthermore, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to retract the DIC prism 20 from the optical path XA. After step S208, the microscope 1 proceeds to step S209.

  In step S207, when the instruction signal for the bright field observation method is not input (step S207: No), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S209.

  In step S209, when an instruction signal for ending the observation of the specimen S is input from the operation input unit 3 (step S209: Yes), the microscope 1 ends this process. On the other hand, when the instruction signal for ending the observation of the sample S is not input from the operation input unit 3 (step S209: No), the microscope 1 returns to step S201.

  In step S210, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the stage 15 is within the range of the ICSI drop R1 based on the position information detected by the stage position detection unit 16. When the control unit 6 determines that the stage 15 is within the range of the drop for ICSI R1 (step S210: Yes), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S211 described later. On the other hand, when the control unit 6 determines that the stage 15 is not within the range of the ICSI drop R1 (step S210: No), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S214 described later.

  In step S211, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 based on the setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit 51 to place the 20 × RC element and the 20 × RC objective lens 18 on the optical path XA. Deploy. Specifically, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to rotate the capacitor turret 13 to place the aperture plate 132 on the optical path XA. Further, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to place a 20 × objective lens (not shown) on the optical path XA. Furthermore, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to retract the DIC prism 20 from the optical path XA. After step S211, the microscope 1 proceeds to step S212.

  Subsequently, when a PO observation instruction signal is input from the operation input unit 3 (step S212: Yes), the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 based on the setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit 51. Thus, the 20 × PO element and the 20 × RC objective lens 18 are arranged on the optical path XA (step S213). After step S213, the microscope 1 proceeds to step S209. Further, the control unit 6 drives the drive unit 27 to place the objective lens 181 on the optical path XA, and rotate the polarizer 11 around the optical axis of the optical path XA, so that the polarizer 11, the analyzer 21, To the crossed Nicols state.

  In step S212, when the instruction signal for the PO observation method is not input from the operation input unit 3 (step S212: No), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S209.

  In step S214, when a position registration signal for registering the position of the stage 15 is input from the operation input unit 3 (step S214: Yes), the control unit 6 uses the position information of the stage 15 detected by the stage position detection unit 16 as the position information. Recording is performed in the stage position information recording unit 52 (step S215). After step S215, the microscope 1 proceeds to step S209.

  In step S214, when the position registration signal for registering the position of the stage 15 is not input from the operation input unit 3 (step S214: No), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S209.

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, each unit is automatically switched based on the instruction signal for selecting the drop position input from the operation input unit 3 by the control unit 6. As a result, the operation time of the microscope 1 can be shortened, and stress generated when sperm is injected into the ovum can be reduced.

  In Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the setting information recording unit 51 records when switching from the low magnification objective lens 18 to the high magnification objective lens 18 or from the high magnification objective lens 18 to the low magnification objective lens 18. Based on the position information of the stage 15 in the Z direction or the position information of the revolver 17 in the setting information, the driving unit 27 is driven and the revolver 17 or the stage 15 is moved in the Z direction to adjust the focus on the sample S. Also good. Thereby, the operation time of the microscope 1 can be further shortened.

  In the present invention, a microscope provided with a microscope main body, an operation input unit, a display unit, a recording unit, and a control unit has been described as an example. For example, an objective lens for enlarging a sample, and imaging a sample via the objective lens The present invention can also be applied to an imaging apparatus having an imaging function and a display function for displaying an image, such as a video microscope.

  In the present invention, an inverted microscope apparatus used for ICSI for injecting sperm into an egg is described as an example of the microscope apparatus. However, for example, an upright microscope apparatus can also be applied. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to various systems such as a line apparatus incorporating a microscope apparatus.

  In the present invention, the polarizer is rotated in order to bring the polarizer and the analyzer into a crossed Nicol state. However, the present invention can be applied even when the analyzer is rotated, for example. Of course, the present invention can be applied even when the polarizer and the analyzer are rotated.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Microscope 2 Microscope main-body part 3 Operation input part 4 Display part 5 Recording part 6 Control part 10 Light source 11 Polarizer 12 Compensator 13 Condenser turret 14 Condenser lens 15 Stage 16 Stage position detection part 17 Revolver 18 Objective lens 19 Revolver position detection part 20 DIC Prism 21 Analyzer 22 Imaging lens 23 Optical path splitting prism 24 Imaging unit 25 Mirror 26 Eyepiece 27 Drive unit 51 Setting information recording unit 100 Petri dish R1 Drop for ICSI R2 Drop for sperm selection

Claims (7)

A plurality of optical elements arranged to be able to be inserted into and removed from the optical path of light emitted from the light source or to be rotatable about the optical axis of the optical path, and to set a plurality of observation methods A microscope capable of switching the arrangement of each of the plurality of optical elements on the optical path according to an observation method,
A stage on which the specimen is mounted and movable at least in a horizontal direction;
A drive unit for moving the stage and / or the plurality of optical elements;
For each observation method, setting information in which the arrangement information of each of the plurality of optical elements on the optical path is associated with the coordinate information indicating the position where the sample is placed on the stage for each observation method is recorded. A recording section;
Refer to the setting information recorded by the recording unit and drive the driving unit according to the observation method, thereby moving the stage so that the optical path coincides with the position corresponding to the coordinate information, or A controller that changes an observation method by switching the arrangement of each of the plurality of optical elements on the optical path by driving the driving unit according to the position of the stage;
A microscope comprising: A position detector for detecting the position of the stage;
2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the observation method by switching the plurality of optical elements on the optical path based on a detection result detected by the position detection unit. microscope. An operation input unit that receives an input of an instruction signal instructing one of the plurality of observation methods;
When the instruction signal is input from the operation input unit, the control unit moves the stage so that the optical path coincides with a position corresponding to the coordinate information according to the observation method of the instruction signal. The microscope according to claim 1, wherein The stage is movable in the vertical direction,
The coordinate information includes plane information on the horizontal plane of the stage and height information in the vertical direction,
The control unit adjusts the focus of the microscope by moving the stage in a vertical direction based on a position corresponding to the height coordinate indicated by the instruction signal. The microscope described. A position detector for detecting the position of the stage;
The operation input unit can accept an input of a registration signal for registering the coordinate information,
The microscope according to claim 4, wherein, when the registration signal is input, the control unit records a detection result detected by the position detection unit as the coordinate information in the recording unit.   The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is used for an intracytoplasmic sperm injection method in which sperm is injected into an egg. A light source that irradiates the specimen, a plurality of optical elements that can be inserted into and removed from the optical path of the light emitted from the light source, or that can rotate around the optical axis of the optical path, and the specimen is placed, and at least horizontal And a stage that can move in a direction, a plurality of observation methods can be set, and a control method executed by a microscope that can switch the arrangement of each of the plurality of optical elements on the optical path according to the observation method. And
For each observation method, setting information in which the arrangement information of each of the plurality of optical elements on the optical path is associated with the coordinate information indicating the position where the sample is placed on the stage for each observation method is recorded. The setting information is acquired from a recording unit, the acquired setting information is referred to, and the stage is moved according to the observation method so that the optical path matches the position corresponding to the coordinate information, or the stage A control method comprising a control step of changing an observation method by switching the arrangement of each of the plurality of optical elements on the optical path according to the position of the optical path.

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