JP2014197091A - Microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a microscope which offers reduced time required for switching between observation methods in ICSI.SOLUTION: A microscope 1 includes; a condenser turret 13 which has a disk-like shape, has a plurality of holes, each being capable of holding an optical element, formed on a main surface thereof along a circumferential direction, and allows one of the plurality of holes to be positioned on a light path by rotating about a predetermined rotation axis; and a revolver 17 which has a plurality of holders, each being capable of holding an object lens 18, formed on a main surface thereof along a circumferential direction and allows one of the plurality of holders to be positioned on the light path.

Description

  The present invention relates to a microscope technique for observing a specimen placed on a stage, and particularly to a microscope suitable for microinsemination.

  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 fertilizing sperm and ovum under a microscope. In general, sperm injection in the cytoplasm is performed by inserting a micropipette containing sperm into an egg fixed with a holding pipette and injecting 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, in the microscope which performs the conventional ICSI, the operation time until switching the observation method is shortened by electrically switching each optical unit. However, the time taken until the objective lenses mounted on the revolver and the optical elements of the condenser turret are actually switched is not considered. For this reason, in a microscope that performs ICSI, depending on the arrangement of the objective lens in the revolver or the optical element in the condenser turret, the amount of rotation of the revolver or condenser turret increases, and it takes time to switch the observation method. there were.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a microscope that can further shorten the switching time of the observation method in ICSI.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a microscope according to the present invention includes a light source that generates light for illuminating a specimen, and each of the light sources can be disposed on the optical path of the light. A microscope for switching the arrangement of each of the plurality of optical units on the optical path in accordance with each of a plurality of observation methods used in an intracytoplasmic sperm injection method, A plurality of hole portions, each of which can hold an optical element, are formed along the circumferential direction of the main surface, and any one of the plurality of hole portions is formed by rotating about a predetermined axis. A condenser turret that can be arranged on the optical path and a plurality of holding parts each capable of holding an objective lens are formed along the circumferential direction of the main surface, and any one of the plurality of holding parts can be arranged on the optical path Nare And the condenser turret has a plurality of application magnifications that are sequentially increased along the circumferential direction of the main surface when viewed from a predetermined hole that does not hold an optical element among the plurality of holes. Relief contrast observation aperture plates are respectively held in the plurality of holes, and the revolver is mainly used when viewed from the first objective lens having the minimum magnification held in any one of the plurality of holding portions. A plurality of relief contrast observation objective lenses whose magnifications are sequentially increased along the circumferential direction of the surface are respectively held by the plurality of holding portions.

  Further, the microscope according to the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein the condenser turret is formed in the order of the bright field observation method, the relief contrast observation method, and the differential interference observation method in the order of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection method, A DIC prism is further held by the hole after a plurality of relief contrast observation aperture plates, and the revolver is provided with a magnification of each of the plurality of relief contrast observation objective lenses after the plurality of relief contrast observation objective lenses. A higher objective lens is further held by the holding unit.

  Further, the microscope according to the present invention is the microscope according to the above invention, wherein the revolver has a magnification larger than that of the first objective lens after the first objective lens when the microscope performs polarization observation by the sperm injection method in the egg cytoplasm. The polarization observation method objective lens is held by the holding unit.

  The microscope according to the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein the plurality of relief contrast observation aperture plates include a first relief contrast observation aperture plate and a second relief contrast observation aperture plate, and the plurality of relief contrast observation apertures. The observation objective lens has a first relief contrast observation objective lens and a second relief contrast observation objective lens, and the condenser turret has a plurality of relief contrasts having different magnifications according to the microscope's intracytoplasmic sperm injection method. When performing the observation method, after the hole, a second relief contrast observation aperture plate having a smaller numerical aperture than the first relief contrast observation aperture plate is further held by the hole, and the revolver In the egg cytoplasm sperm injection method, a plurality of relics having different magnifications are used. When performing the contrast contrast observation method, a second relief contrast observation objective lens having a magnification higher than that of the first objective lens and lower than that of the first relief contrast observation objective lens is provided after the first objective lens. Furthermore, it is characterized by being held by the holding part.

  Further, the microscope according to the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein the condenser turret is formed in the order of the bright field observation method, the relief contrast observation method, and the differential interference observation method in the order of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection method, After the first relief contrast observation aperture plate having the smallest numerical aperture among the plurality of relief contrast observation aperture plates, a DIC prism is further held by the hole, and the revolver is adapted to inject the sperm into the egg cytoplasm. When performing the bright field observation method, the relief contrast observation method, and the differential interference observation method in this order, the plurality of the relief contrast observation objective lenses are arranged after the first relief contrast observation objective lens having the lowest magnification. Objective relief higher than the magnification of each objective lens for relief contrast observation 'S is characterized in that it is further held by the holding portion.

  According to the microscope of the present invention, the condenser turret is provided with a plurality of relief contrast observation aperture plates along the circumferential direction from the air holes, and the revolver is circumferential when viewed from the first objective lens having the minimum magnification. Are provided with a plurality of relief contrast observation objective lenses having successively higher magnifications. Thereby, there exists an effect that the switching time of the observation method in ICSI can be shortened more.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of a microscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the microscope according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the condenser turret of the microscope according to the 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 schematically showing the configuration of the revolver of the microscope according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of the operation input unit of the microscope according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit of the microscope according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of the condenser turret and revolver switching process executed by the microscope according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method and the RC observation method in the microscope according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the PO observation method in the microscope according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10D is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, the PO observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of optical elements attached to the holes of the condenser turret of the microscope according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of the objective lenses attached to the holes of the revolver of the microscope according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13A illustrates the immobilization and suction of sperm when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows a procedure when using 20 times RC observation. FIG. 13B shows the immobility of sperm when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, the PO observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the procedure when using 20 times RC observation for conversion and aspiration. FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram illustrating immobilization and suction of sperm when a user performs ICSI using a BF observation method, an RC observation method, and a DIC observation method in the microscope according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the procedure when using DIC observation. FIG. 14B shows the sperm immobility when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, the PO observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the procedure when using DIC observation for conversion and aspiration. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating the arrangement of the objective lenses attached to the holes of the revolver of the microscope according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit of the recording unit of the microscope according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method and the RC observation method in the microscope according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17B is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the PO observation method in the microscope according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17C is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17D is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, the PO observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. It is. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of optical elements attached to the holes of the condenser turret of the microscope according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically illustrating the arrangement of the objective lenses attached to the holes of the revolver of the microscope according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit of the recording unit of the microscope according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21A is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method and the RC observation method in the microscope according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21B is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the PO observation method in the microscope according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21C is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21D is a diagram showing a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, the PO observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. It is. FIG. 22A is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method and the RC observation method in the microscope according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22B is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the PO observation method in the microscope according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22C is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22D is a diagram showing a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, the PO observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. It is.

  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.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic configuration of a microscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the microscope according to the 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 Sp is accommodated, an operation input unit 3 that receives inputs 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 turret 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 control unit 27 are provided.

  The light source 10 generates light that irradiates the specimen Sp under the control of the control unit 6. The light source 10 includes a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), or the like.

  The polarizer 11 is disposed on the optical path 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 on the optical path so as to be rotatable about the optical axis XA as a rotation axis. The polarizer 11 is configured using a polarizing plate that is one of optical elements. Further, the polarizer 11 is rotated around the optical axis XA by a motor 11 a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive control unit 27. In the first embodiment, the polarizer 11 functions as the first polarizing plate.

  The compensator 12 is an optical element for measuring the phase difference due to the anisotropy of the specimen Sp, and has a structure for changing the retardation. The compensator 12 changes the retardation of the light transmitted through the polarizer 11. The compensator 12 is disposed on the optical path between the polarizer 11 and the condenser turret 13. The compensator 12 is disposed on the optical path so as to be rotatable about the optical axis XA as a rotation axis.

  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 XA by a motor 12a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive control unit 27.

  The capacitor turret 13 has a disk shape, and a plurality of holes each capable of holding an optical element are formed along the circumferential direction of the main surface. By rotating about a predetermined axis as a rotation axis, a plurality of holes are formed. Either one is placed on the optical path. The condenser turret 13 holds a plurality of optical elements that are used by switching according to the observation method and the magnification of the objective lens 18 in a plurality of holes. The condenser turret 13 is rotatably disposed on the optical path between the polarizer 11 and the condenser lens 14. The condenser turret 13 is rotated in accordance with the observation method, so that one of the optical elements is detachably disposed on the optical path. Further, 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 control unit 27.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the capacitor turret 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the capacitor turret 13 has a disk shape and is applied along the circumferential direction of the main surface when viewed from a predetermined hole 130 that does not hold an optical element among the plurality of holes 130. A plurality of relief contrast observation aperture plates having successively higher magnifications are held. Specifically, the capacitor turret 13 includes a 20 × RC opening plate 131 (first RC opening plate), a 40 × RC opening plate 132 (second RC opening plate), and 60 The double DIC prism 133 is held. More specifically, the capacitor turret 13 has a 20 × RC opening plate 131 (No. 2) and a 40 × RC opening plate 132 (3) along the circumferential direction when viewed from the air hole 130 (No. 1). No.) and 60 × DIC prism (No. 4) in this order.

  The air hole 130 is arranged on the optical path by the rotation of the condenser turret 13. The air holes 130 constitute an aperture plate together with the capacitor turret 13. The air hole 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 holes 130 are used, for example, when the microscope 1 performs a bright field observation method (hereinafter referred to as “BF observation method”) or a PO observation method. Specifically, when the microscope 1 performs the BF observation method, the hole 130 is used for searching for a place in the petri dish 100 or using a manipulator by using a 4 × or 10 × objective lens 18 in preparation for microinsemination. It is used when positioning the tip of a micropipette to be operated.

  The RC observation aperture plate 131 is disposed on the optical path by the rotation of the condenser turret 13. The RC observation aperture plate 131 is an aperture plate used for RC observation, and is disposed on a part of the aperture 131a formed at a position shifted (eccentric) from the optical axis XA when arranged on the optical path. Have 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 configured in this way is used, for example, when the user performs a 20-fold RC observation method with the microscope 1.

  The RC observation aperture plate 132 is arranged on the optical path by the rotation of the condenser turret 13. The RC observation aperture plate 132 is an aperture plate used for RC observation, and is disposed on a part of the aperture 132a formed at a position shifted (eccentric) from the optical axis XA when placed on the optical path. Have 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 configured in this way is used, for example, when the user performs a 40-fold RC observation method with the microscope 1.

  The DIC prism 133 is arranged on the optical path 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 user performs a DIC observation method of 60 times with the microscope 1.

  In the thus configured condenser turret 13, the optical element disposed on the optical path 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 disposed on the optical path. When performing the DIC observation method, the DIC prism 133 is disposed on the optical path. When the BF observation method or the PO observation method is performed, the hole 130 is disposed on the optical path.

  The condenser lens 14 collects the illumination light emitted from the light source 10 and uniformly irradiates the region including the sample Sp 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 or in the Z direction by a motor 15 a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive control unit 27. On the stage 15, the petri dish 100 on which the specimen Sp is placed is placed. The stage 15 moves to a desired observation location (observation region) on the specimen Sp by calculating the driving amount of the motor 15a based on a predetermined origin position on the XY plane under the control of the control unit 6. . Further, the stage 15 moves to a position (focus position) where the condenser lens 14 and the objective lens 18 are in focus with respect to the sample Sp under the control of the control unit 6. The stage 15 may be provided with a heating unit that holds the petri dish 100 at a constant temperature. Moreover, the stage 15 does not need to be electrically driven and may be manually movable.

  Here, the petri dish 100 in which the specimen Sp is arranged will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the petri dish 100 including the specimen Sp. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the petri dish 100 used for microinsemination is an ICSI drop R1 (culture solution) for fertilizing sperm Sp12 to an egg Sp11 and a sperm selection drop R2 (culture solution) for selecting sperm Sp12. And is covered with mineral oil Wa that prevents each drop from touching the air and infecting bacteria. Note that the number of drops in the petri dish 100 can be changed as appropriate.

  The turret position detection unit 16 detects the optical element (hole number) of the condenser turret 13 arranged on the optical path, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 6. The turret position detection unit 16 is configured using an encoder, an optical photo interrupter, or the like. The turret position detection unit 16 detects the optical element of the capacitor turret 13 arranged on the optical path based on the number of pulses of the motor 13a that is driven according to the drive signal output from the drive control unit 27 to the motor 13a. The detection result may be output to the control unit 6.

  The revolver 17 is disposed on the optical path facing the condenser turret 13 with the sample Sp interposed therebetween. In the revolver 17, a plurality of holding portions 170 (holes) each capable of holding the objective lens 18 are formed along the circumferential direction of the main surface. The revolver 17 arranges any of the plurality of holding units 170 on the optical path. The revolver 17 is rotated by a motor 17a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive control unit 27, thereby arranging the objective lens 18 corresponding to the observation method on the optical path. The revolver 17 is configured using a swing revolver or the like.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the arrangement of the objective lenses held by the plurality of holding units 170 of the revolver 17. As shown in FIG. 6, the revolver 17 includes a 20 × RC objective lens 182 (No. 2) having a magnification increased along the circumferential direction when viewed with the objective lens 181 (No. 1) having the minimum magnification as a reference. The 40 × RC objective lens 183 (No. 3) and the maximum magnification objective lens 184 (No. 4) are respectively held by the holding units 170.

  The objective lens 181 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 the BF observation method.

  The objective lens 182 is a 20 × RC objective lens suitable for observing an egg or sperm, and is used in a 20 × RC observation method. The objective lens 182 has a modulator 1821 having three regions with different transmittances at the pupil position of the objective lens 182. The modulator 1821 includes a region 1821a having a transmittance of 100%, a region 1821b having a transmittance of approximately 25%, and a region 1821c having a transmittance of 0%. The modulator 1821 has an optically conjugate relationship with the 20 × RC observation aperture plate 131 disposed at the pupil position of the condenser lens 14. The objective lens 182 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 183 is a 40 × RC objective lens suitable for observing an egg or sperm, and is used in a 40 × RC observation method. The objective lens 183 has a modulator (not shown) having three regions with different transmittances at the pupil position of the objective lens 183.

  The objective lens 184 is an objective lens having a magnification suitable for selection of high-quality sperm, for example, a high magnification such as 60 times or 100 times, and is used in the DIC observation method.

  The revolver position detector 19 detects the objective lens 18 (hole number of the revolver 17) arranged on the optical path, 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. Note that the revolver position detector 19 is configured so that the objective lens 18 (hole of the revolver 17) disposed on the optical path is based on the number of pulses of the motor 17a that is driven according to the drive signal output from the drive controller 27 to the motor 17a. Number) may be detected, and the detection result may be output to the control unit 6.

  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 between the objective lens 18 and the analyzer 21. Further, the DIC prism 20 is arranged on the optical path by a motor 20 a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive control unit 27.

  The analyzer 21 is disposed on the optical path on the observation side after the objective lens 18. The analyzer 21 is disposed on the optical path so as to be rotatable about the optical axis XA as a rotation axis. The analyzer 21 transmits only the polarization component in one direction of the light transmitted through the sample Sp according to the relative positional relationship with the polarizer 11. Further, the polarizer 11 and the analyzer 21 are arranged so as to be in a crossed Nicol state in which the polarization directions are orthogonal to each other when the microscope 1 performs PO observation. Further, the analyzer 21 is rotated about the optical axis XA as a rotation axis by a motor 21 a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive control unit 27. The analyzer 21 may be arranged to be detachable on the optical path. In the first embodiment, the analyzer 21 functions as the second polarizing plate.

  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 captures an observation image of the specimen Sp incident through the imaging lens 22 and the optical path dividing prism 23 to generate image data, and outputs the image data to the control unit 6. The imaging unit 24 is configured using an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

  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 control unit 27 is configured using a drive driver, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like, and moves or rotates each optical unit of the microscope main body 2 under the control of the control unit 6. Specifically, the drive control unit 27 drives the polarizer 11, the motor 12 a, the motor 13 a, the motor 15 a, the motor 17 a, the motor 20 a, and the motor 21 a under the control of the control unit 6. The compensator 12, the condenser 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 instruction signals according to operations of various switches to the control unit 6.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation input unit 3. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation input unit 3 includes buttons B1 to B5 that receive input of instruction signals for instructing each observation method, buttons B6 and B7 that receive input of instruction signals for adjusting contrast, and the objective lens 18. Buttons B8 to B13 for receiving an input of an instruction signal for instructing the magnification.

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

  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 includes a setting information recording unit 51 that records setting information in which position information of each optical unit on the optical path is associated with each observation method.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit 51. As shown in FIG. 8, in the setting information T1, combinations of the objective lens 18 of the revolver 17 and the optical elements of the condenser turret 13 corresponding to each observation method are recorded. As shown in FIG. 8, when performing the BF observation method, a combination of the first objective lens 181 and the air hole 130 is described.

  The control unit 6 is configured using a CPU or the like, and comprehensively controls the operation of each unit configuring the microscope 1. The control unit 6 moves each optical unit constituting the microscope 1 by driving the drive control unit 27 in accordance with the operation signal input from the operation input unit 3. Specifically, the control unit 6 refers to the setting information T1 recorded by the setting information recording unit 51 and causes the drive control unit 27 to move the plurality of optical units to positions on the optical path corresponding to each observation method. Change the observation method.

  The microscope 1 configured as described above switches the position and angle of each of the polarizer 11, the compensator 12, the condenser turret 13, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 on the optical path under the control of the control unit 6. BF observation method, RC observation method, PO observation method and DIC observation method can be performed.

  Next, a driving process for the condenser turret 13 and the revolver 17 executed by the microscope 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline of switching processing of the condenser turret 13 and the revolver 17 executed by the microscope 1. Hereinafter, the driving of the revolver 17 will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when an instruction signal instructing an observation method is input from the operation input unit 3, the control unit 6 acquires the current hole number of the revolver 17 on the optical path via the revolver position detection unit 19. (Step S101).

  Subsequently, when the value obtained by subtracting the current hole number from the instruction hole number to which the objective lens 18 is attached according to the observation method is negative ((instruction hole number−current hole number) <0) (step S102). : Yes), the microscope 1 proceeds to Step S103 described later. On the other hand, when the value obtained by subtracting the current hole number from the instruction hole number in which the objective lens 18 according to the observation method is attached is not negative (step S102: No), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S106 described later. Transition.

  In step S103, the absolute value of the difference between the indicated hole number and the current hole number is smaller than half of the maximum hole number ((indicated hole number−current hole number) <(maximum hole number / 2)). ) (Step S103: Yes), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S104 described later. On the other hand, when the absolute value of the difference between the designated hole number and the current hole number is not smaller than half of the maximum hole number (step S103: No), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S105 described later. .

  In step S104, the control unit 6 causes the drive control unit 27 to move the revolver 17 counterclockwise to the designated hole number. Thereafter, the microscope 1 ends this process.

  In step S105, the control unit 6 causes the drive control unit 27 to move the revolver 17 clockwise to the designated hole number. Thereafter, the microscope 1 ends this process.

  In step S106, the absolute value of the difference between the indicated hole number and the current hole number is smaller than half of the maximum hole number ((indicated hole number−current hole number) <(maximum hole number / 2)). ) (Step S106: Yes), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S107 described later. On the other hand, when the absolute value of the difference between the designated hole number and the current hole number is not smaller than half of the maximum hole number (step S106: No), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S108 described later. .

  In step S107, the controller 6 causes the drive controller 27 to move the revolver 17 clockwise to the indicated hole number. Thereafter, the microscope 1 ends this process.

  In step S108, the controller 6 causes the drive controller 27 to move the revolver 17 counterclockwise to the indicated hole number. Thereafter, the microscope 1 ends this process.

  In this way, the control unit 6 determines the rotation direction for rotating the revolver 17 from the relationship between the current hole number and the indicated hole number by executing the switching process described above on the revolver 17 via the drive control unit 27. Then, the revolver 17 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. Thereby, even when the hole number corresponding to the observation method of the instruction signal input from the operation input unit 3 is inserted on the optical path, the movement amount (rotation amount) of the revolver 17 can be minimized. Note that the control unit 6 performs the same switching process even in the case of the capacitor turret 13. Thereby, the movement amount of the capacitor turret 13 can be minimized.

  Next, the movement of the condenser turret 13 and the revolver 17 when the observation method is switched when the ICSI is performed in the microscope 1 will be described in detail. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method and the RC observation method in the microscope 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the PO observation method in the microscope 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10C is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10D is a diagram illustrating a procedure when the microscope 1 according to the first embodiment performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, the PO observation method, and the DIC observation method with the microscope 1.

  First, a case where the user performs ICSI with the microscope 1 using the BF observation method and the RC observation method will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the microscope 1 is turned on by the user, the microscope 1 executes an initialization process (A1).

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10A (1), the control unit 6 drives the drive control unit 27 to observe the polarizer 11, the compensator 12, the capacitor turret 13, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 by BF observation. Move to the legal position (A2). In this case, the control unit 6 inserts No. 1 of the revolver 17 on the optical path and inserts No. 1 of the capacitor turret 13 on the optical path. After the movement of the revolver 17 and the condenser turret 13 is completed, the user adjusts the position of the holding pipette attached to the manipulator (not shown) (A3).

  Thereafter, when an instruction signal for instructing a 20-fold RC observation method is input from the button B2 of the operation input unit 3 (A4), the control unit 6 drives the drive control unit 27 to thereby connect the polarizer 11 and the compensator 12. Then, the condenser turret 13, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 are moved to the position of the RC observation method 20 times (A5). In this case, as shown in FIG. 10A (2), the control unit 6 inserts the second of the revolver 17 on the optical path and inserts the second of the capacitor turret 13 on the optical path. At this time, the amount of movement of each of the revolver 17 and the capacitor turret 13 is one hole. After completing the movement of the revolver 17 and the condenser turret 13, the user moves the stage 15 manually or electrically to observe the sperm sorting drop R2 containing the sperm Sp12 (A6). After the movement of the stage 15, the user selects the sperm Sp12 to be injected (A7).

  Subsequently, when an instruction signal for instructing a 40-fold RC observation method is input from the button B3 of the operation input unit 3 (A8), the control unit 6 drives the drive control unit 27, whereby the polarizer 11, the compensator 12, the condenser turret 13, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 are moved to the position of the RC observation method 20 times (A9). In this case, as shown in FIG. 10A (3), the control unit 6 inserts the third of the revolver 17 on the optical path and inserts the third of the condenser turret 13 on the optical path. At this time, the amount of movement of each of the revolver 17 and the capacitor turret 13 is one hole. After the movement of the revolver 17 and the condenser turret 13 is completed, the user damages the tail of the sperm Sp12 with the injection pipette, immobilizes the sperm Sp12, and sucks the immobilized sperm Sp12 with the ink injection pipette (A10).

  Thereafter, when an instruction signal for instructing a 20-fold RC observation method is input from the button B2 of the operation input unit 3 (A11), the control unit 6 drives the drive control unit 27, whereby the polarizer 11 and the compensator 12 are driven. Then, the condenser turret 13, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 are moved to the position of the RC observation method 20 times (A12). In this case, as shown in FIG. 10A (4), the control unit 6 inserts the second of the revolver 17 on the optical path and inserts the second of the condenser turret 13 on the optical path. At this time, the amount of movement of each of the revolver 17 and the capacitor turret 13 is one hole. After completing the movement of the revolver 17 and the condenser turret 13, the user moves the stage 15 manually or electrically to observe the ICSI drop R1 containing the egg Sp11 (A13). After the stage 15 is moved, the user fixes the egg Sp11 to be inseminated with a holding pipette (A14), stabs the injection pipette into the egg Sp11, and injects the sperm Sp12 into the egg Sp11 (A15).

  Subsequently, the user moves the stage 15 manually or electrically in order to observe the sperm sorting drop R2 containing the sperm Sp12 (A16). In this case, as shown in FIG. 10A (5), the control unit 6 maintains the revolver 17 with the second number inserted on the optical path, and maintains the second state with the capacitor turret 13 inserted on the optical path. Let For this reason, the revolver 17 and the condenser turret 13 do not move. Thereafter, the microscope 1 repeats the above-described FIGS. 10A (2) to 10A (5) (A7 to A15).

  As described above, when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method and the RC observation method with the microscope 1, the movement amount of the revolver 17 and the capacitor turret 13 is a maximum of one hole.

  Next, a case where the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, RC observation method, and PO observation method with the microscope 1 will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10B, FIGS. 10B (1) to 10B (4) correspond to FIGS. 10A (1) to 10A (4), respectively.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10B (5), when an instruction signal instructing 20 times PO observation is input from the button B4 of the operation input unit 3 (B15), the control unit 6 controls the drive control unit 27. By driving, the polarizer 11, the compensator 12, the condenser turret 13, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 are moved to the position of the 20 times PO observation method (B16). In this case, the control unit 6 keeps the revolver 17 No. 2 inserted in the optical path and inserts the condenser turret No. 1 No. 1 in the optical path. At this time, the moving amount of the condenser turret 13 is equivalent to one hole, while the objective lens 18 does not move. After the movement of the condenser turret 13, the user searches for the spindle in the ovum Sp11 and specifies the position of the spindle (B17).

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10B (6), when an instruction signal instructing 20 times RC observation is input from the button B2 of the operation input unit 3 (B18), the control unit 6 drives the drive control unit 27. By doing so, the polarizer 11, the compensator 12, the condenser turret 13, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 are moved to the position of the 20 times RC observation method (B19). In this case, the control unit 6 maintains the revolver 17 in the state in which the revolver 17 is inserted in the optical path, and inserts the capacitor turret 13 in the optical path. At this time, the moving amount of the condenser turret 13 is equivalent to one hole, while the objective lens 18 does not move. After moving the condenser turret 13, the user avoids the spindle of the ovum Sp11 and inserts an injection pipette into the ovum Sp11, and injects the sperm Sp12 into the ovum Sp11. Subsequently, the microscope 1 repeats the above-described FIGS. 10B (2) to 10B (6).

  As described above, when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the PO observation method with the microscope 1, the movement amount of each of the revolver 17 and the capacitor turret 13 is a maximum of one hole.

  Next, a case where the user performs ICSI with the microscope 1 using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the DIC observation method will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10C, FIGS. 10C (1) to 10C (2) correspond to FIGS. 10A (1) to 10A (2), respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 10C (3), when an instruction signal instructing the DIC observation method is input from the button B5 of the operation input unit 3 (C8), the control unit 6 drives the drive control unit 27 to The polarizer 11, the compensator 12, the condenser turret 13, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 are moved to the position of the DIC observation method (C9). In this case, the control unit 6 inserts No. 4 of the revolver 17 on the optical path and inserts No. 4 of the capacitor turret 13 on the optical path. At this time, the amount of movement of the revolver 17 and the condenser turret 13 is two holes, respectively. After the revolver 17 and the condenser turret 13 are moved, the user observes the state in the sperm Sp12 head, and selects the sperm Sp12 having no vacuole in the sperm Sp12 head (C10).

  As shown in FIG. 10C (4), when an instruction signal instructing a 40-fold RC observation method is input from the button B3 of the operation input unit 3 (C11), the control unit 6 drives the drive control unit 27. Accordingly, the polarizer 11, the compensator 12, the condenser turret 13, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 are moved to the position of the 40 times RC observation method (C12). At this time, the amount of movement of the revolver 17 and the capacitor turret 13 is one hole each. After the revolver 17 and the condenser turret 13 are moved, the user damages the tail of the sperm Sp12 with the injection pipette, immobilizes the sperm Sp12, and sucks it (C13). Thereafter, the microscope 1 repeats the above-described FIG. 10C (2) to FIG. 10C (6).

  As described above, when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the DIC observation method with the microscope 1, the movement amount of the revolver 17 and the movement amount of the capacitor turret 13 become a maximum of two holes, respectively. .

  Next, a case where the user performs ICSI with the microscope 1 using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, the PO observation method, and the DIC observation method will be described. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 10D, FIGS. 10D (1) to 10D (5) correspond to FIGS. 10C (1) to 10C (5) described above, respectively.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10D (6), when an instruction signal instructing 20 times PO observation is input from the button B4 of the operation input unit 3 (D19), the control unit 6 controls the drive control unit 27. By driving, the polarizer 11, the compensator 12, the condenser turret 13, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 are moved to the position of the 20 times PO observation method (D20). In this case, the control unit 6 keeps the revolver 17 No. 2 inserted in the optical path and inserts the condenser turret No. 1 No. 1 in the optical path. At this time, the moving amount of the condenser turret 13 is equivalent to one hole, while the objective lens 18 does not move. After moving the condenser turret 13, the user searches for the spindle in the egg Sp11 and specifies the position of the spindle (D21).

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10D (7), when an instruction signal instructing 20 times RC observation is input from the button B2 of the operation input unit 3 (D22), the control unit 6 drives the drive control unit 27. By doing so, the polarizer 11, the compensator 12, the condenser turret 13, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 are moved to the position of the RC observation method 20 times (D23). In this case, the control unit 6 maintains the revolver 17 in the state in which the revolver 17 is inserted in the optical path, and inserts the capacitor turret 13 in the optical path. At this time, the moving amount of the condenser turret 13 is equivalent to one hole, while the objective lens 18 does not move. After moving the condenser turret 13, the user avoids the spindle of the ovum Sp11 and inserts an injection pipette into the ovum Sp11, and injects the sperm Sp12 into the ovum Sp11. Subsequently, the microscope 1 repeats FIGS. 10C (2) to 10C (7).

  In this way, when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, RC observation method, PO observation method, and DIC observation method with the microscope 1, the movement amount of the revolver 17 and the capacitor turret 13 is a maximum of two holes. Become.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the arrangement of the objective lens mounted in each hole of the revolver 17 and the optical element provided in each hole of the condenser turret 13 are optimally arranged for ICSI. Thereby, the switching time of the observation method in ICSI can be minimized. As a result, the ICSI work time can be shortened, so that the time for taking out the egg out of the incubator can be minimized.

(Modification 1)
In one embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement of the objective lens mounted in each hole of the revolver 17 and the arrangement of the optical elements provided in each hole of the condenser turret can be changed. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the structure same as the microscope 1 concerning one Embodiment of this invention mentioned above.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of optical elements attached to the holes of the capacitor turret according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the capacitor turret 13 has a 20 × RC opening plate 131 (No. 2) and a 40 × RC opening plate 132 (No. 4) along the circumferential direction from the air hole 130 (No. 1). And are provided. Further, the capacitor turret 13 is provided with a 60 × DIC prism 133 (No. 3) between the 20 × RC opening plate 131 and the 40 × RC opening plate 132.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of the objective lenses mounted in the holes of the revolver according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the revolver 17 includes a 20 × RC observation objective lens 182 (No. 2) and a 40 × RC observation objective lens along the circumferential direction with reference to the 4 × objective lens 181 (No. 1). 183 (No. 4). Further, the revolver 17 is provided with a 60 × objective lens 184 (No. 3) on the circumference between the 20 × RC observation objective lens 182 and the 40 × RC observation objective lens 183.

  The movement of the condenser turret 13 and the revolver 17 when the observation method is switched when the ICSI is performed in the microscope 1 configured as described above will be described in detail.

  FIG. 13A shows the immobilization of sperm in the microscope 1 according to the first modification of the first embodiment when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the DIC observation method with the microscope 1. It is a figure which shows the procedure when using 20 times RC observation for attraction | suction. FIG. 13B shows immobilization of sperm when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, the PO observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope 1 according to the first modification of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the procedure when using 20 times RC observation for suction.

  As shown in FIGS. 13A (4) and 13B (4), when the user performs ICSI using the DIC observation method with the microscope 1, when immobilizing the sperm Sp12 and sucking with an injection pipette, 40 times RC Perform 20x RC observation instead of observation. In this case, the amount of movement of the revolver 17 and the capacitor turret 13 is a maximum of one hole. For example, when the microscope 1 is switched from the set observation method to the 20-fold RC observation method or the DIC observation method, the amount of movement of the revolver 17 and the capacitor turret 13 is one hole.

  FIG. 14A shows DIC for immobilization and suction of sperm when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope 1 according to the first modification of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the procedure when using observation. FIG. 14B shows the immobilization of sperm when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, the PO observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope 1 according to the first modification of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the procedure when using DIC observation for suction.

  As shown in FIGS. 14A (4) and 14B (4), when the user uses the DIC observation method with the microscope 1, when the sperm Sp12 is immobilized and sucked with an injection pipette, the DIC is not a 40-fold RC observation. Make observations. In this case, the revolver 17 and the condenser turret 13 do not move.

  According to the modification 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, when using the DIC observation method for ICSI with the microscope 1, the observation method when immobilizing the sperm and sucking with the injection pipette is 40 times RC. When using the 20-fold RC observation method or the DIC observation method instead of the observation method, the switching time of the observation method in ICSI can be minimized, so that the ICSI work time can be shortened.

(Modification 2)
In one embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement of the objective lenses mounted in the holes of the revolver 17 can be further changed.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating the arrangement of the objective lenses mounted in the holes of the revolver 17 according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the revolver 17 includes a 20 × PO observation objective lens 185 (No. 2) and a 20 × RC observation objective lens 182 (3) from the 4 × objective lens 181 (No. 1) along the circumferential direction. No.), a 40 × RC observation objective lens 183 (No. 4) and a 60 × objective lens 184 (No. 5) are provided.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit 51 of the recording unit 5. As shown in FIG. 16, in the setting information T2, the combination of the objective lens 18 of the revolver 17 and the optical element of the condenser turret 13 corresponding to each observation method is recorded. In the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, in the case of the PO observation method, a combination of the 20 × PO observation objective lens 185 and the hole 130 is described.

  In the microscope 1 configured as described above, the movement of the capacitor turret 13 and the revolver 17 when the observation method is switched in the case of implementation to ICSI will be described in detail. FIG. 17A shows a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method and the RC observation method in the microscope 1 according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 17B shows a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the PO observation method in the microscope 1 according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 17C shows a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope 1 according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 17D shows a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, the PO observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope 1 according to the second modification of the first embodiment.

  17A (2), FIG. 17B (2), FIG. 17C (2), and FIG. 17D (2), when the user performs the PO observation method with the microscope 1, the second objective lens 182 is different. When the objective lens 18 is used, the amount of movement of the revolver 17 and the condenser turret 13 to be switched for each observation method is two holes only when switching from the BF observation method to the 20RC observation method, and the rest does not move for one hole or move. 17A to 17D correspond to FIGS. 10A to 10D described above, respectively.

  According to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention described above, when the user uses a 20 × RC observation objective lens 182 and another objective lens 185 in the PO observation method, the switching time of the observation method in ICSI is reduced. Since it can be minimized, ICSI work time can be shortened.

(Modification 3)
In the embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement of the optical elements arranged in the holes of the condenser turret 13 and the objective lens 18 attached to the holes of the revolver 17 can be further changed. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the structure same as the microscope 1 concerning one Embodiment of this invention mentioned above.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of optical elements attached to the holes of the capacitor turret 13 according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the capacitor turret 13 has a 10 × RC opening plate 134 (No. 2) and a 20 × RC opening plate 131 (No. 3) along the circumferential direction from the air hole 130 (No. 1). The 40 × RC aperture plate 132 (No. 4) and the 60 × DIC prism 133 (No. 5) are arranged in this order.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of the objective lenses 18 attached to the holes of the revolver 17 according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the revolver 17 includes a 10 × RC objective lens 185 (No. 2) and a 20 × RC objective lens 182 (#) along the circumferential direction with reference to the 4 × objective lens 181 (No. 1). No. 3), a 40 × RC objective lens 183 (No. 4), and a 60 × objective lens 184 (No. 5) are arranged.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit 51 of the recording unit 5. As shown in FIG. 20, the setting information T3 describes a combination of the objective lens 18 of the revolver 17 and the optical element of the condenser turret 13 according to each observation method. In the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention, in the case of the 10 × RC observation method, a combination of the 10 × RC observation objective lens 185 and the 10 × RC aperture plate 134 is described.

  The movement of the condenser turret 13 and the revolver 17 when the 10-fold RC observation method is used for needle alignment of the manipulator in the combination of the observation methods used for the ICSI of the microscope 1 configured as described above will be described in detail. FIG. 21A shows a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method and the RC observation method in the microscope 1 according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 21B shows a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the PO observation method in the microscope 1 according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 21C shows a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope 1 according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 21D shows a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, the PO observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope 1 according to the third modification of the first embodiment.

  21A (1), FIG. 21B (1), FIG. 21C (1) and FIG. 21D (1), when the microscope 1 aligns the manipulator, the observation is performed using the 10 × RC observation method. The amount of movement of the revolver 17 and the condenser turret 13 switched for each method is a maximum of two holes. 21A to 21D correspond to FIGS. 10A to 10D described above, respectively.

  The movement of the condenser turret 13 and the revolver 17 in the case of using 10-fold RC observation for egg holding and injection in the combination of observation methods used for ICSI of the microscope 1 will be described in detail. FIG. 22A shows a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method and the RC observation method in the microscope 1 according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 22B shows a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the PO observation method in the microscope 1 according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 22C shows a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope 1 according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 22D shows a procedure when the user performs ICSI using the BF observation method, the RC observation method, the PO observation method, and the DIC observation method in the microscope 1 according to the third modification of the first embodiment.

  22A (4), (5), FIG. 22B (4), (5), FIG. 22C (4), (5) and FIG. 22D (4), (5) When performing the 10-fold RC observation method when performing Sp11 holding and injection, the amount of movement of the revolver 17 and the capacitor turret 13 switched for each observation method is a maximum of two holes. 21A to 21D correspond to FIGS. 10A to 10D described above, respectively.

  According to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention described above, the user replaces the BF observation method or the 20 × RC observation method with 10 × RC in the needle alignment of the manipulator or the holding and injection of the egg Sp11. When performing the observation method, the switching time of the observation method in ICSI can be minimized, so that the work time of ICSI can be shortened.

  Furthermore, according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention, since the 10-fold RC observation method is used in ICSI, various correspondences can be made to the specimen Sp.

  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, the arrangement of the optical element provided in the condenser turret and the objective lens provided in the revolver has been described clockwise. For example, the optical element provided in the condenser turret is counterclockwise in the circumferential direction with reference to the hole and the first objective lens. It can be applied even if it is arranged around the clock.

  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 11a, 12a, 13a, 15a, 17a, 20a, 21a Motor 12 Compensator 13 Condenser turret 14 Condenser lens 15 Stage 16 Turret position Detection unit 17 Revolver 18 Objective lens 19 Revolver position detection unit 20 DIC prism 21 Analyzer 22 Imaging lens 23 Optical path splitting prism 24 Imaging unit 25 Mirror 26 Eyepiece lens 27 Drive control unit 51 Setting information recording unit 100 Petri dish 130 Air holes 131, 132 RC observation aperture plate 131b, 132b Polarizing plate 133 DIC prism 181, 182, 183 Objective lens 401 Retardation information recording part Sp specimen Sp11 Egg Sp12 Sperm XA Optical axis

Claims (5)

A light source that generates light for irradiating the specimen, and a plurality of optical units that can be arranged on the optical path of the light, and that changes the optical characteristics of the incident light, A microscope that switches the arrangement of each of the plurality of optical units on the optical path according to each of a plurality of observation methods to be used,
A plurality of hole portions each having a disc shape and capable of holding an optical element are formed along the circumferential direction of the main surface, and any one of the plurality of hole portions is rotated by rotating about a predetermined axis. A condenser turret that can be placed on the optical path;
A plurality of holding portions each capable of holding the objective lens are formed along the circumferential direction of the main surface, and a revolver capable of arranging any of the plurality of holding portions on the optical path;
With
The capacitor turret includes a plurality of relief contrast observation aperture plates in which application magnifications are sequentially increased along the circumferential direction of the main surface when viewed from a predetermined hole that does not hold an optical element among the plurality of holes. Are respectively held in the plurality of holes,
The revolver has a plurality of relief contrast observations in which the magnification is sequentially increased along the circumferential direction of the main surface when viewed from the first objective lens having the minimum magnification held in any one of the plurality of holding units. A microscope, wherein objective lenses are respectively held by the plurality of holding portions. The condenser turret includes a DIC prism after the plurality of relief contrast observation aperture plates when the microscope performs the bright-field observation method, the relief contrast observation method, and the differential interference observation method in the order of sperm injection in the egg cytoplasm. Is further held by the hole,
2. The revolver is further characterized in that an objective lens having a higher magnification than each of the plurality of relief contrast observation objective lenses is further held by the holding unit after the plurality of relief contrast observation objective lenses. Microscope.   In the revolver, when the microscope performs the polarization observation method by the sperm injection method in the cytoplasm, the objective lens for the polarization observation method having a higher magnification than the first objective lens is provided by the holding unit after the first objective lens. The microscope according to claim 2, wherein the microscope is held. The plurality of relief contrast observation aperture plates have a first relief contrast observation aperture plate and a second relief contrast observation aperture plate,
The plurality of relief contrast observation objective lenses include a first relief contrast observation objective lens and a second relief contrast observation objective lens,
The condenser turret has a smaller numerical aperture than the first relief contrast observation aperture plate after the vacancy when the microscope performs a plurality of relief contrast observation methods with different magnifications by the intracytoplasmic sperm injection method. 2 Relief contrast observation aperture plate is further held by the hole,
The revolver has a higher magnification than the first objective lens after the first objective lens when the microscope performs a plurality of relief contrast observation methods with different magnifications by the intracytoplasmic sperm injection method, and the first 3. The microscope according to claim 2, wherein a second relief contrast observation objective lens having a magnification lower than that of the first relief contrast observation objective lens is further held by the holding unit. The condenser turret has the largest numerical aperture among the plurality of relief contrast observation aperture plates when the microscope performs the bright field observation method, the relief contrast observation method, and the differential interference observation method in the order of sperm injection in the egg cytoplasm. After the first relief contrast observation aperture plate is small, the DIC prism is further held by the hole,
The revolver has the lowest magnification among the plurality of relief contrast observation objectives when the microscope performs the bright field observation method, the relief contrast observation method, and the differential interference observation method in the order of sperm injection in the egg cytoplasm. 2. The microscope according to claim 1, wherein an objective lens having a higher magnification than each of the plurality of relief contrast observation objective lenses is further held by the holding unit after the first relief contrast observation objective lens.

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