JP2019066461A - Analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

To take images of a sample at different focal lengths by a plurality of cameras at the same time.SOLUTION: The present invention includes: a dividing unit for dividing light which has passed through a sample having a formed element into a plurality of optical paths; a plurality of imaging means for taking images of a sample in a flow passage at different focal lengths, using the light divided into the optical paths; and a controller for processing the taken images.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an analyzer.

  In the examination of collected urine, analysis of sediment components (tangible components) in urine was performed by centrifuging conventionally collected urine and observing urine particles directly with a microscope. I needed it. Therefore, automation of urine sedimentation analysis proceeds, and urine components flowing in the flow channel formed of a transparent member are imaged and the captured image is analyzed to analyze the sediment component in the urine The method of performing analysis of (minutes) is known (for example, refer patent document 1). The apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has a review function that allows a user to display an arbitrary image, correct automatic classification, and reclassify by visual observation.

Patent No. 4948647 gazette

  The examination of the sediment component in urine includes an operation of determining the type of the sediment component in urine and an operation of counting the amount of the sediment component. In the discrimination operation, a device for discriminating the type of sediment component in urine extracts the feature amount from the image of the sediment component, and the type of sediment component is determined by pattern matching of the feature amount. When the type can not be determined, a person visually determines the type using a microscope. In the counting operation, sediment components are extracted from the image of the urine sample flowing through the flow cell and the number is counted.

  In the discrimination work using the device, the type is discriminated using the image of the sediment component in the image captured at a fixed focal length. At this time, if the image is not in focus, the feature amount can not be properly extracted, and there has been a case where an appropriate determination can not be made. In this case, it was inefficient to visually discriminate using a microscope.

  On the other hand, in the counting operation, the urine sample flowing in the flow cell flows with a predetermined thickness, and the sediment component is distributed in the thickness direction. The distribution range of sediment components in the thickness direction is wider than the depth of field imaged by the device. When imaging is performed at a fixed focal length, it may not be possible to image sediment components outside the range of the depth of field, and proper counting may not be performed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an analyzer which simultaneously captures images of a plurality of specimens having different focal lengths with a plurality of cameras.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flow cell having a flow path of a sample containing a tangible component, a branch portion for branching light transmitted through the sample containing the tangible component into a plurality of light paths, and a plurality of light paths It is an analyzer provided with a plurality of image pickup means which simultaneously picks up images with different focal positions of the sample in the flow path using branched light, and a control unit which processes the picked up image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the analysis accuracy of the sample flowing through the flow cell by simultaneously imaging images of a plurality of samples having different focal lengths by a plurality of cameras.

It is the figure which showed schematic structure of the analyzer which concerns on embodiment. It is the figure which showed schematic structure of the flow cell. It is sectional drawing of the Y-axis direction which showed the schematic structure of a junction part and taper part vicinity. It is the figure which showed distribution of the sheath fluid and the sample which distribute | circulate a 4th flow path. It is a figure showing a schematic structure of a variable mechanism. It is the figure which showed the relationship between the position of the imaging surface of a camera, and a focus position. It is a figure for demonstrating an imaging range. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relationship of imaging ranges when the shift amount of the focal position between the imaging units is adjusted so that the imaging ranges between the imaging units partially overlap. It is a drawing substitute photograph which showed the cut-out image of the tangible component classified into white blood cells as an example. It is the flowchart which showed the flow which identifies the tangible component in 1st mode. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship of imaging ranges when the shift amount of the focal position between the imaging units is adjusted so that the imaging ranges of the imaging units do not overlap. It is the flowchart which showed the flow which identifies the tangible component in 2nd mode. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of change control of focus position.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to them unless otherwise specified. In addition to urine, it is also possible to analyze tangible components in body fluids such as blood, spinal fluid and serous fluid as a sample.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of an analyzer 20 according to the embodiment. The analysis device 20 includes the imaging device 1. The imaging device 1 images, for example, urine as a sample. The analysis device 20 analyzes, for example, the captured image to detect a tangible component in urine (red blood cells, white blood cells, squamous cells, other epithelial cells, solid components in urine such as casts, crystals, bacteria, etc.) Perform an analysis. This analysis can include qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis. However, the imaging device 1 can also be applied to analysis of tangible components in liquid samples other than urine, such as blood and body fluid.

  The imaging device 1 includes an objective lens 11A, a light source 12 for imaging, a flow cell unit 13, a first branch 21A, a second branch 21B, a first variable mechanism 22A, a second variable mechanism 22B, a third variable mechanism 22C, One camera 23A, a second camera 23B, and a third camera 23C are provided. Furthermore, the imaging device 1 includes a first lens barrel 24A, a second lens barrel 24B, and a third lens barrel 24C, and the first lens barrel 24A accommodates the first branch portion 21A and the second branch portion 21B. . The objective lens 11A is disposed at one end of the first lens barrel 24A, and the first camera 23A is disposed at the other end of the first lens barrel 24A. The second lens barrel 24B and the third lens barrel 24C are connected to the first lens barrel 24A in order from the objective lens 11A side so that the central axis is orthogonal to the first lens barrel 24A. The second camera 23B is disposed at the end of the second lens barrel 24B, and the third camera 23C is disposed at the end of the third lens barrel 24C.

The first camera 23A, the second camera 23B, and the third camera 23C as an imaging unit perform imaging using an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, for example. . The first camera 23A, the second camera 23B, and the third camera 23C may have the same performance, but may have different performances.

  Hereinafter, the objective lens 11A, the first branch 21A, the second branch 21B, the first variable mechanism 22A, and the first camera 23A are collectively referred to as a first imaging unit 10A, and the objective lens 11A, the first branch 21A, The second variable mechanism 22B and the second camera 23B are collectively referred to as a second imaging unit 10B, and the objective lens 11A, the first branch 21A, the second branch 21B, the third variable mechanism 22C, and the third camera 23C are combined. It is called the third imaging unit 10C.

  An imaging lens 11B is provided closer to the objective lens 11A than the first branch 21A in the first lens barrel 24A. The objective lens 11A, the imaging lens 11B, and the light source 12 are shared by the first imaging unit 10A, the second imaging unit 10B, and the third imaging unit 10C. The first imaging unit 10A, the second imaging unit 10B, and the third imaging unit 10C are connected to the first camera 23A, the second camera 23B, and the second from the imaging lens 11B (the objective lens 11A when there is no imaging lens 11B). When the optical distances to the three cameras 23C are the same, the depth of field, the field of view, and the magnification are the same.

  In the following, when the first imaging unit 10A, the second imaging unit 10B, and the third imaging unit 10C are not distinguished from one another, they are simply referred to as the imaging unit 10. When the first branch 21A and the second branch 21B are not distinguished from one another, they are simply referred to as the branch 21. When the first variable mechanism 22A, the second variable mechanism 22B, and the third variable mechanism 22C are not distinguished from one another, they are simply referred to as the variable mechanism 22. When the first camera 23A, the second camera 23B, and the third camera 23C are not distinguished from one another, they are simply referred to as the camera 23. When the first barrel 24A, the second barrel 24B, and the third barrel 24C are not distinguished from one another, they are simply referred to as the barrel 24.

  The first branch 21A and the second branch 21B are beam splitters such as half mirrors, for example, and split light in two directions. The first branch 21A and the second branch 21B are disposed on the optical axis 110 of the objective lens 11A. The first branching portion 21A transmits a part of the light having passed through the objective lens 11A and reflects the rest, thereby branching the light in two directions. The first branch 21A is disposed such that the optical axis 111B of the light reflected by the first branch 21A coincides with the central axis of the second lens barrel 24B. By arranging the first branch portion 21A in this manner, the light reflected by the first branch portion 21A is incident on the imaging surface of the imaging element of the second camera 23B, and is provided for imaging in the second imaging unit 10B. Ru.

  The second branch portion 21B transmits a part of the light transmitted through the first branch portion 21A and reflects the rest, thereby further branching the light in two directions. The second branch 21B is disposed such that the optical axis 111C of the light reflected by the second branch 21B coincides with the central axis of the third lens barrel 24C. By arranging the second branching portion 21B in this manner, light transmitted through the second branching portion 21B is incident on the imaging surface of the imaging element of the first camera 23A, and is provided for imaging in the first imaging portion 10A. Ru. The light reflected by the second branch 21B is incident on the imaging surface of the imaging device of the third camera 23C, and is provided for imaging in the third imaging unit 10C.

  The path of light transmitted through the second branch 21B and incident on the first camera 23A is referred to as a first optical path, and the path of light reflected on the first branch 21A and incident on the second camera 23B is referred to as a second optical path. The path of light reflected by the second branch portion 21B and incident on the third camera 23C is referred to as a third optical path. The optical axis of the first optical path coincides with the optical axis 110 of the objective lens 11A. In FIG. 1, the optical axis of the first optical path is indicated by 111A, the optical axis of the second optical path is indicated by 111B, and the optical axis of the third optical path is indicated by 111C. When the optical axis of the first optical path, the optical axis of the second optical path, and the optical axis of the third optical path are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as the optical axis 111.

As shown in FIG. 1, since the first camera 23A, the second camera 23B, and the third camera 23C share the objective lens 11A and the imaging lens 11B, the optical axis 110 of the objective lens 11A passes through the subject. The position (referred to as the center of the field of view) is common among these multiple cameras. However, as described later, the optical distances between the imaging lens 11B and the imaging surfaces of the first camera 23A, the second camera 23B, and the third camera 23C are different. Therefore, in the direction of the optical axis 110 of the objective lens 11A, the focal positions on the subject side of the first camera 23A, the second camera 23B, and the third camera 23C are shifted (see FIG. 6).

  The analyzer 20 is provided with a controller 14 as a control unit. The controller 14 includes a CPU 14A, a ROM 14B, a RAM 14C, an EEPROM 14D, and an interface circuit 14E, which are mutually connected by a bus line 14F.

A central processing unit (CPU) 14A operates based on a program stored in a read only memory (ROM) 14B and read in a random access memory (RAM) 14C, and controls the entire analyzer 20. The ROM 14B stores programs and data for operating the CPU 14A. The RAM 14C provides a work area to the CPU 14A and temporarily stores various data and programs. An EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory) 14D stores various setting data and the like. The interface circuit 14E controls communication between the CPU 14A and various circuits.

  In the interface circuit 14E, the display unit 16, the operation unit 17, the first variable mechanism 22A, the second variable mechanism 22B, the third variable mechanism 22C, the first camera 23A, the second camera 23B, the third camera 23C, the light source 12, Control lines of the first pump 15A and the second pump 15B are connected, and these devices are controlled by a control signal from the controller 14. The first pump 15A supplies the sheath fluid to the flow cell 13A through the first supply pipe 132A, and the second pump 15B supplies the sample to the flow cell 13A through the second supply pipe 133A. . The sheath fluid is a fluid that controls the flow of the sample in the flow cell 13A, and for example, when the sample is urine, physiological saline is applied. However, solutions other than physiological saline may be used as the sheath fluid.

  The light source 12 may employ, for example, a xenon lamp or a white LED, but not limited to this, it is also possible to employ another light source. The display unit 16 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a light emitting diode, and the like, and is controlled by the CPU 14A to display various information, inspection results, an image obtained by capturing a tangible component, and the like. The operation unit 17 is an interface when the user operates the analyzer 20, and includes, for example, a switch, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The operation unit 17 supplies an operation signal corresponding to the user's operation to the CPU 14A.

  The flow cell unit 13 includes a stage (not shown) on which the flow cell 13A in which the sample flows is fixed. The flow cell 13A may be detachable with respect to the stage. The flow cell 13A is disposed between the light source 12 and the objective lens 11A.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the flow cell 13A. The flow cell 13A is formed by bonding (for example, thermocompression bonding) the first plate 130 and the second plate 131. FIG. 2 is a view of the flow cell 13A viewed from the first plate 130 side. The width direction of the flow cell 13A shown in FIG. 2 is taken as the X axis direction in the orthogonal coordinate system, the length direction as the Y axis direction, and the thickness direction as the Z axis direction. The sample to be imaged flows in the Y-axis direction in the flow cell 13A. The optical axis 110 of the objective lens 11A is disposed in the Z-axis direction.

  As the material of the flow cell 13A, a material having a visible light transmittance of, for example, 90% or more, such as PMMA (acrylic resin), COP (cycloolefin polymer), PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), PP (polypropylene), quartz glass, etc. is adopted. be able to.

  The first plate 130 is provided with a first supply port 132 for supplying a sheath liquid, a second supply port 133 for supplying a sample, and a discharge port 134 for discharging the sheath liquid and the sample. The first supply port 132, the second supply port 133, and the discharge port 134 respectively penetrate the first plate 130. The first supply port 132 is provided on one end side of the first plate 130 in the longitudinal direction, the second supply port 133 is provided on the other end side of the first plate 130 in the longitudinal direction, and the discharge port 134 is a first It is provided between the first supply port 132 and the second supply port 133 in the longitudinal direction of the plate 130.

  The first supply port 132, the second supply port 133, and the discharge port 134 are in communication with one another by the flow paths 135A, 135B, 136, 138. These flow channels 135A, 135B, 136, 138 are formed to be recessed from the surface on the bonding surface side of the first plate 130 so that the cross section becomes rectangular. The cross sections of the flow paths 135A, 135B, 136, and 138 are formed to be larger in the width direction (X-axis direction in FIG. 2) than in the depth direction (Z-axis direction in FIG. 2). When the first plate 130 and the second plate 131 are joined, the second plate 131 becomes a wall material that forms the flow channels 135A, 135B, 136, 138.

  A first flow passage 135A and a second flow passage 135B are connected to the first supply port 132. The first flow path 135A and the second flow path 135B respectively rotate in the reverse direction along the outer edge of the first plate 130 toward the second supply port 133 and merge at the merging portion 137. In addition, the third flow path 136 is connected to the second supply port 133, and the third flow path 136 merges with the first flow path 135A and the second flow path 135B in the merging portion 137. The merging portion 137 is connected to the discharge port 134 via the fourth flow path 138. In the fourth flow path 138, a taper in which the depth of the fourth flow path 138 (the length in the thickness direction of the first plate 130 (Z-axis direction)) gradually decreases from the merging portion 137 toward the discharge port 134 A tapered portion 138A formed in a shape is formed. The taper portion 138A is provided with, for example, an inclination of 2 ° to 8 °.

  The first supply pipe 132A shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the first supply port 132, the second supply pipe 133A shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the second supply port 133, and the discharge port 134 is A discharge pipe (not shown) is connected. The sheath fluid supplied from the first supply pipe 132A to the first supply port 132 flows through the first flow path 135A and the second flow path 135B. The sample supplied from the second supply pipe 133A to the second supply port 133 flows through the third flow path 136. Then, the sheath fluid and the sample merge at the merging portion 137 and flow through the fourth flow path 138 and are discharged from the discharge port 134 to the discharge pipe.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the Y-axis direction showing a schematic configuration in the vicinity of the merging portion 137 and the taper portion 138A. In the merging portion 137, the third flow path 136 is disposed to be biased toward the second plate 131 side, and the sample flows along the second plate 131 in the merging portion 137.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the distribution of the sheath fluid and the sample flowing through the fourth flow path 138. The sheath fluid and the sample are separately supplied from the upper side in FIG. Immediately after the sheath fluid and the specimen merge at the junction portion 137, the specimen in the sheath fluid is concentrated in a relatively narrow range on the wall surface side of the second plate 131 (see the cross section A-A in FIG. 4). Thereafter, when the sample flows through the tapered portion 138A, the sample is pushed by the sheath liquid and spreads flat along the wall near the wall of the second plate 131 (see a cross section B-B in FIG. 4). When the sample further flows, the sample is separated from the wall surface of the second plate 131 by the Tubular-Pinch effect, and is lifted toward the center of the fourth flow path 138 (refer to the cross section C-C in FIG. 4).

The distribution of tangible components is affected by the distribution of the analyte fluid in the sheath fluid. By performing imaging at a position where more tangible components can be imaged, analysis accuracy of tangible components can be enhanced. In the flow cell 13A, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, the flow of the sample changes depending on the position in the Y-axis direction. At the position of the C-C cross section in FIG. 4, the width of the sample in the Z-axis direction is larger than the position of the B-B cross section. At the position of the C-C cross section in FIG. 4, since the tangible component in the sample spreads and distributes in the Z-axis direction, it is not suitable for imaging the tangible component.

On the other hand, at the position of the B-B cross section of FIG. 4, the sheath fluid flows from above to press the sample onto the second plate 131, and the sample is crushed by the sheath fluid and spreads thinly. Therefore, at the position of the B-B cross section in FIG. 4, the tangible component in the sample is present without spreading in the Z-axis direction, and it is easy to focus. The sheath fluid and the sample fluid both form a laminar flow, and they hardly mix together. Since the position of such a BB cross section is a position in the Y-axis direction suitable for imaging a tangible component, the subject is imaged at the position in the Y-axis direction. This position is called an imaging position, and the optical axis 110 of the objective lens 11A is aligned with this imaging position.

  Although the sample after passing through the taper portion 138A of the flow cell 13A has been described as an example in which the wall surface of the flow cell 13A is in contact, the structure of the flow cell and the flow of the sample are not limited to this mode. For example, after passing through the taper portion 138A of the flow cell 13A, a sheath liquid may surround the sample and the sample may be thinly stretched at the center of the sheath liquid.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the first variable mechanism 22A changes the optical distance from the imaging lens 11B to the imaging surface of the first camera 23A (hereinafter also referred to as the first optical distance), and the second variable mechanism 22B forms an image. The optical distance from the lens 11B to the imaging surface of the second camera 23B (hereinafter also referred to as the second optical distance) is changed, and the third variable mechanism 22C is an optical from the imaging lens 11B to the imaging surface of the third camera 23C. The distance (hereinafter, also referred to as a third optical distance) is changed. When the distance from the imaging lens 11B is referred to, the distance from the front end portion, the rear end portion, or the central portion of the imaging lens 11B is used. The same applies to the objective lens 11A. The optical distance from the objective lens 11A to the imaging lens 11B is constant.

  The imaging device may not have the imaging lens 11B. In this case, the first variable mechanism 22A changes the optical distance from the objective lens 11A to the imaging surface of the first camera 23A, and the second variable mechanism 22B changes the optical distance from the objective lens 11A to the imaging surface of the second camera 23B. The third variable mechanism 22C changes the optical distance from the objective lens 11A to the imaging surface of the third camera 23C.

  FIG. 5 is a view showing a schematic structure of the variable mechanism 22. As shown in FIG. The variable mechanism 22 includes a movable portion 221, a pedestal 222, a feed screw 223, and a motor 224. The movable portion 221 is formed in a tubular shape, and is inserted into the lens barrel 24 so as to be movable back and forth. The central axis of the lens barrel 24 and the central axis of the movable portion 221 are on the optical axis 111. The movable portion 221 is fixed to one surface of a plate-like pedestal 222, and the camera 23 is fixed to the other surface of the pedestal 222. A hole 222A is provided in the pedestal 222 at the mounting position of the camera 23, and the hole 222A is formed such that light passing through the pedestal 222 enters the camera 23.

A nut 223A of the feed screw 223 is fixed to one surface of the pedestal 222, and a screw shaft 223B is attached to the nut 223A. The axial direction of the screw shaft 223B is parallel to the optical axis 111 direction. The screw shaft 223B is connected to the motor 224, and rotating the motor 224 rotates the screw shaft 223B. The rotation of the motor 224 is controlled by the CPU 14A. The motor 224 is fixed so as not to move relative to the lens barrel 24. Therefore, when the screw shaft 223B rotates, the nut 223A moves in the axial direction of the screw shaft 223B. The movement distance at this time is determined according to the rotation angle of the screw shaft 223B and the pitch of the screw. The movement of the nut 223A moves the movable portion 221, the pedestal 222, and the camera 23 in the axial direction of the screw shaft 223B, that is, in the direction of the optical axis 111, whereby the imaging lens 1 is formed.
Change the optical distance from 1B to the camera. The means for changing the optical distance from the imaging lens 11B to the camera 23 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the user may manually rotate the screw shaft 223B to change the optical distance from the imaging lens 11B to the camera 23.

  In the above description, the first imaging unit 10A, the second imaging unit 10B, and the third imaging unit 10C all include the variable mechanism 22, but the imaging unit 10 may not include the variable mechanism 22. In this case, since the optical distance from the imaging lens 11B to the camera 23 in the imaging unit 10 that does not include the variable mechanism 22 is fixed, another imaging that includes the variable mechanism 22 is based on the fixed optical distance. The optical distance from the imaging lens 11B in the unit 10 to the camera 23 may be changed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the position of the imaging surface of the camera 23 and the focal position. The relationships in the first imaging unit 10A, the second imaging unit 10B, and the third imaging unit 10C are shown in order from the left. When the optical distance from the imaging lens 11B to the imaging surface becomes short, the optical distance from the objective lens 11A to the focal position on the object side becomes long. As the optical distance from the imaging lens 11B to the imaging surface increases, the optical distance from the objective lens 11A to the focal position on the subject side decreases. As described above, there is a correlation between the optical distance from the imaging lens 11B to the imaging surface and the optical distance from the objective lens 11A to the focal position on the subject side. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the focus or focus position refers to the focus or focus position on the subject side. When the imaging lens 11B is not provided, the longer the optical distance between the objective lens 11A and the imaging surface, the shorter the optical distance between the objective lens 11A and the focal position on the object side.

  For example, the CPU 14A operates the second variable mechanism 22B such that the second optical distance is shorter than the first optical distance based on the first optical distance. Further, the CPU 14A operates the third variable mechanism 22C so that the third optical distance is longer than the first optical distance. By using the first optical distance as a reference, the first optical distance by the first variable mechanism 22A is fixed and is not changed. (In this case, the first variable mechanism 22A is unnecessary.) The focal position of the second imaging unit 10B is farther from the objective lens 11A in the direction of the optical axis 110 than the focal position of the first imaging unit 10A. Side, and the focal position of the third imaging unit 10C is closer to the optical axis 110 (closer to the objective lens 11A) than the focal position of the first imaging unit 10A.

  The CPU 14A changes the shift amount of the focal position in each imaging unit 10 according to the analysis mode. The analysis mode is provided with a first mode and a second mode. However, three or more modes may be prepared. The CPU 14A switches between the first mode and the second mode in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 17 by the user or the program stored in the ROM 14B. At this time, the shift amount of the focal position in each imaging unit 10 is changed according to the size of the tangible component to be analyzed. If the relationship between the focal position shift amount and the rotational angle of the motor 224 in each variable mechanism 22 is obtained in advance and stored in the ROM 14B, the CPU 14A rotates the motor 224 based on this relationship, The amount of deviation can be changed to a desired amount of deviation. In the following description, the amount of deviation of the focal position of the second imaging unit 10B from the focal position of the first imaging unit 10A and the amount of deviation of the focal position of the third imaging unit 10C from the focal position of the first imaging unit 10A Although each focus position is adjusted so as to be the same, the shift amounts of these focus positions may be different. Hereinafter, the first mode and the second mode will be described.

<First mode>
In the first mode, the shift amount of the focal position between the imaging units 10 (cameras 23) is changed so that the same tangible component can be imaged by a plurality of imaging units 10, and based on each image imaged in that state Analyze the tangible ingredients. In the first mode, the focus position of each imaging unit 10 is set such that the shift amount of the focus position (first shift amount) between the imaging units 10 is smaller than the size of the tangible component to be analyzed by the CPU 14A. Adjust the deviation amount of The maximum value of the width or thickness of the tangible component may be the size of the tangible component, or the average value of the width or thickness of the tangible component may be the size of the tangible component. In the case of a urine sample, the shift amount of the focus position is adjusted to, for example, less than 10 μm, preferably 1.5 to 5 μm, in consideration of the size of the tangible component contained in the urine sample. adjust. The sizes of typical tangible components contained in urine samples are as follows.
Red blood cells: 8 μm or less, thickness 2 μm or less White blood cells: 12 to 15 μm spherical (neutrophils)
Squamous epithelium (surface type): 60 to 100 μm, thickness 3 to 5 μm
Squamous epithelium (middle layer, deep layer type): 20 to 70 μm, thickness 5 μm or more Column: Various sizes exist Bacteria: 1 μm or less of bacteria, 3 to 6 μm of fungus

  For example, when it is assumed that the first imaging unit 10A is focused on the center of the tangible component to be analyzed, the second imaging unit 10B and the third imaging unit 10C have the same tangible component. The amount of shift of the focal position between the imaging units 10 is adjusted so that different positions are in focus.

  Also, for example, the depth of field of the image captured by the second imaging unit 10B and the depth of field of the image captured by the first imaging unit 10A partially overlap, and the third imaging unit 10C Amount of shift of the focal position between the imaging units 10 so that the depth of field of the imaged image and the depth of field of the image imaged by the first imaging unit 10A partially overlap The deviation amount may be adjusted. However, even if the tangible component exists at a position slightly deviated from the depth of field, it may be possible to analyze the tangible component from the image. A range in which a predetermined margin is further added to the depth of field is defined as an imaging range, and the shift amount of the focal position between the imaging units 10 is adjusted so that the imaging ranges of the respective images partially overlap. Good.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an imaging range. The imaging range is a range in which the tangible component can be analyzed or the tangible component can be extracted by the image captured by the imaging unit 10, and is a range determined from the visual field range of the camera 23 and the depth in which the tangible component can be extracted. . The field of view range of the camera 23 is determined by the size of the imaging surface and the magnification of the optical system related to imaging. The depth to which the tangible component can be extracted is a range obtained by adding a predetermined margin to the depth of field. The predetermined margin is preset as a range in which the tangible component can be analyzed or a range in which the tangible component can be extracted.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship of the imaging ranges when the shift amount of the focal position between the imaging units 10 is adjusted so that the imaging ranges between the imaging units 10 partially overlap. The relationships in the third imaging unit 10C, the first imaging unit 10A, and the second imaging unit 10B are shown in order from the left. When the focal position is adjusted by changing the optical distance from the imaging lens 11B to the imaging surface of the camera 23, the imaging range is shifted according to the adjustment of the focal position. In the state shown in FIG. 8, the imaging range of the third imaging unit 10C and the imaging range of the first imaging unit 10A partially overlap in the range indicated by "overlap", and the imaging range of the first imaging unit 10A And the imaging range of the second imaging unit 10B partially overlap.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, when the focal position of each imaging unit 10 is adjusted so that the imaging range partially overlaps, although it depends on the tangible component to be analyzed, the size of the tangible component Also, the shift amount of the focal position between the imaging units 10 tends to be small.

  After adjusting the shift amount of the focal position between the imaging units 10, the CPU 14A simultaneously captures the same image having the common optical axis 110 by the first imaging unit 10A, the second imaging unit 10B, and the third imaging unit 10C. Hereinafter, the image captured by the first imaging unit 10A is also referred to as a first image, the image captured by the second imaging unit 10B is also referred to as a second image, and the image captured by the third imaging unit 10C is It is also called an image.

  Specifically, the first camera 23A, the second camera 23B, and the third camera 23C simultaneously capture still images of tangible components in the sample flowing through the flow cell 13A. The imaging is an enlarged imaging, and the lighting time of the light source 12 and the imaging time (exposure time) of the first camera 23A, the second camera 23B, and the third camera 23C are synchronized by the controller 14. Parallel light is incident from the light source 12 to the flow cell 13A. The light source 12 is turned on one or more times during imaging. The lighting time of the light source 12 depends on the flow velocity of the sample, and is set so that the subject blur is within the allowable range. In the case where the light source 12 emits light multiple times for one exposure, the number of tangible components contained in one image increases, so that the analysis accuracy of the tangible components can be further enhanced. The blinking timing of the light source 12 in this case is determined in consideration of the relationship between the flow velocity of the sample and the lighting time of the light source 12 so that the same sample is not imaged. A plurality of such images may be captured by each camera 23.

  For example, the CPU 14A grasps the position, size, and number of tangible components from the first image, determines the cutout size of the image from the size of the grasped tangible components, and generates a cutout image. Hereinafter, the cutout image generated from the first image is also referred to as a first cutout image. The first cut-out image is an image obtained by cutting out the image inside by comparing the background image and the captured image, and enclosing a portion having a difference with a square.

  Prior to the generation of the first cut-out image, the CPU 14A creates, as a background image, an average of pixel values of respective pixels for each first image, using data of the stored first image. The pixel value may be the luminance of each pixel or an RGB value. The first cut-out image is generated by the CPU 14A executing a program (cut-out processing) stored in the ROM 14B. The first cutout image is stored in the RAM 14C together with the cutout position and the cutout size. For example, the CPU 14A generates a first cutout image for all of the tangible components included in each of the first images captured.

  Also in the second image, the CPU 14A cuts out the tangible component from the position corresponding to the first cut-out image (specifically, the position where the X-axis and Y-axis coordinates are the same) and generates a cut-out image. Furthermore, also in the third image, the CPU 14A cuts out the tangible component from the position corresponding to the first cut-out image to generate the cut-out image. Hereinafter, the cutout image generated from the second image is also referred to as a second cutout image, and the cutout image generated from the third image is also referred to as a third cutout image.

  Then, the CPU 14A associates the first cut-out image, the second cut-out image, and the third cut-out image cut out from the same position of the first image, the second image, and the third image, and stores them in the RAM 14C. The first cutout image, the second cutout image, and the third cutout image are subjected to various analyzes by the CPU 14A. Thereby, in visual observation with a microscope, the same thing as an observer manually changes a focus position and observes a tangible component can be realized also by continuous image photography using a flow cell.

  FIG. 9 is a view showing a cutout image of tangible components classified into white blood cells as an example. However, tangible components other than white blood cells are also analyzed. The third cut-out image, the first cut-out image, and the second cut-out image are shown in order from the top, and the images obtained by cutting out the same tangible component (the same individual) are vertically arranged. As described above, the cutout images are associated with each other and stored in the RAM 14C. In other words, the images of the tangible components of the same individual are arranged in the short order or the long order of the optical distance from the objective lens 11A to the focal position (one in ascending order and the other in descending order).

The CPU 14A analyzes (identifies) the tangible component by comparing the feature of each cutout image with the feature of each tangible component stored in advance in the ROM 14B. The feature amount can be exemplified by color, shape, and size. If only one imaging unit 10 is provided, if a tangible component exists at a position out of focus of the imaging unit 10, only an image in which the tangible component is out of focus can be obtained. . Therefore, an appropriate feature amount can not be obtained from the captured image, and there is a possibility that the type of the tangible component can not be determined by the CPU 14A. If the tangible component can not be determined, the user needs to perform visual observation using a microscope to identify the tangible component.

  On the other hand, it is possible to obtain a feature amount sufficient for discrimination of the type of the tangible component from any of the images having different focus positions by simultaneously acquiring a plurality of images whose focal positions are shifted by using a plurality of imaging units 10. This makes it possible to reduce the rate of indeterminacy and reduce the number of times of visual observation by the user.

  In addition, since the same tangible component (the same individual) is imaged by a plurality of imaging units 10 having different focal positions, the amount of information that can be acquired in the same tangible component is increased, so that the analysis accuracy of the tangible component can be further enhanced. it can. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, cut-out images from which the same tangible component has been extracted are arranged at the same position on the display unit 16 in order from the cut-out image on the back side (ie, second cut-out image, first cut-out image, The order of the third cut-out image, in order from the bottom of FIG. 9) or from the cut-out image in front of the focus position (that is, in order of the third cut-out image, the first cut-out image, and the second cut-out image) By switching and displaying in order from the top of FIG. 9, it is possible to switch the cutout image in the same way as the user manually shifts the focus of the microscope and observes it. Therefore, even when the user himself identifies the tangible component with reference to the display unit 16, the tangible component can be easily identified. The time and effort for inspection can be reduced compared to the case of using a microscope.

  For example, even if it is not possible to identify one cutout image, by switching to another cutout image and displaying it, identification can be performed in consideration of information included in other cutout images. It can be made easy. Further, the user can confirm whether or not the identification has been correctly performed by switching and displaying the cutout image for the tangible component identified by the CPU 14A. When switching the cut-out image, the CPU 14A may switch automatically, or the user may switch manually using a mouse or the like. In addition, identification may be performed by displaying the first cutout image, the second cutout image, and the third cutout image so as to be superimposed on the same position. Even in this case, the information included in each cutout image can be viewed at one time, which may make identification easier. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the first cutout image, the second cutout image, and the third cutout image may be displayed in parallel at different positions.

  Here, since a general microscope has a shallow depth of field with respect to the size of a tangible component, it may be difficult to grasp the whole tangible component at one time. In this case, the user manually adjusts the focus position to grasp the entire tangible component. On the other hand, when the focal position of each imaging unit 10 is adjusted so that the shift amount of the focal position between the imaging units 10 is smaller than the size of the tangible component to be analyzed, It is possible to acquire a plurality of images whose focal positions are shifted. Then, by sequentially switching and displaying a plurality of acquired images, it is possible to observe images with different focal positions even in continuous measurement using a flow cell.

  The CPU 14A can also count the number of tangible components based on the number of cutout images. In the first mode, when counting the number of tangible components, an image captured by one imaging unit 10 (for example, the first imaging unit 10A) is used.

For example, the CPU 14A identifies the tangible component by comparing the feature of the first cutout image with the feature of each tangible component stored in advance in the ROM 14B. With respect to tangible components that could not be identified at this time, identification based on the corresponding second cutout image is performed. That is, the tangible component is identified by comparing the feature of the second cutout image with the feature of the tangible component stored in advance in the ROM 14B. The identification based on the third cutout image is similarly tried for the tangible component which could not be identified. In this way, multiple attempts at identification based on multiple images with different focal positions can reduce the number of tangible components that the user must visually observe for identification.

  The identification method of the tangible component is not limited to this, and the tangible component is identified by comprehensively judging the feature amounts obtained from each of the first cutout image, the second cutout image, and the third cutout image. May be The identification in this case is also performed according to the program stored in the ROM 14B.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of identifying a tangible component in the first mode. The flowchart is executed by the CPU 14A.

  In step S101, the CPU 14A operates each variable mechanism 22 to adjust the focal position of each imaging unit 10. At this time, the focal position of each imaging unit 10 is adjusted so that the shift amount of the focal position between the imaging units 10 is smaller than the size of the tangible component. At this time, the focal position of each imaging unit 10 is adjusted such that a part of the imaging range of each imaging unit 10 overlaps.

  In step S102, the CPU 14A acquires an image captured by the first imaging unit 10A, the second imaging unit 10B, and the third imaging unit 10C.

  When the process of step S102 is completed, the process proceeds to step S103, where the CPU 14A cuts out the tangible component from the first image to generate a first cut-out image, and stores it in the RAM 14C. The first cutout image is generated by the number of tangible components captured in the first image.

  When the process of step S103 is completed, the process proceeds to step S104, and the CPU 14A acquires position information and feature amounts of the first cutout image. The position information and feature amount of the first cutout image are stored in the RAM 14C in association with the first cutout image. A program stored in advance in the ROM 14B is used to acquire the feature amount.

  When the process of step S104 is completed, the process proceeds to step S105, and the CPU 14A cuts out the tangible component from the second image and the third image to generate a second cut image and a third cut image. The second cut-out image and the third cut-out image are generated by cutting out the tangible component at the same position as that of the first cut-out image based on the respective positional information of the plurality of first cut-out images. The second clipped image and the third clipped image in which the same position as the first clipped image is clipped are stored in the RAM 14C in association with the first clipped image.

  When the process of step S105 is completed, the process proceeds to step S106, and the CPU 14A acquires feature amounts of the second cutout image and the third cutout image. The feature amounts of the second clipped image and the third clipped image are stored in the RAM 14C.

When the process of step S106 is completed, the process proceeds to step S107, and the CPU 14A identifies a tangible component based on the feature amount of each cutout image acquired in steps S104 and S106. For identification, a program stored in advance in the ROM 14B is used. For example, the CPU 14A includes at least one of the feature of the first cut-out image, the feature of the second cut-out image, and the feature of the third cut-out image, and the feature of each tangible component stored in advance in the ROM 14B. Tangible components are identified by comparison. In S105 and S106, for example, the feature quantity of the second clipped image may be acquired before clipping of the third image, and the order of the steps in S105 and S106 is not particularly limited.

  When the process of step S107 is completed, the process proceeds to step S108, where the CPU 14A counts tangible components for each type of tangible component identified in step S107, and then proceeds to step S109 to output the counting result in step S108. . The CPU 14A may perform various analyzes based on the counting result. In addition, when the tangible component which can not be identified in step S107 exists, that is displayed on the display part 16. FIG.

  Thus, the position and number of tangible components can be specified based on the first cutout image, and the analysis of the tangible components is performed based on the first cutout image, the second cutout image, and the third cutout image. By doing this, the analysis accuracy of the tangible component can be enhanced. Further, when acquiring different images such as the first image, the second image, and the third image, only one light source 12, one objective lens 11A, and one imaging lens 11B may be sufficient.

  In the case where the tangible component can not be identified because the feature amount of each cutout image does not match the feature amount for each tangible component stored in advance in the ROM 14B in step S107, each cutout relating to the tangible component Based on the image, the user performs identification. At this time, the second cut-out image, the first cut-out image, the third cut-out image, or the third cut-out image, the first cut-out image, and the second cut-out image are switched and displayed at the same position on the display unit 16 The CPU 14A displays the clipped images stored in the RAM 14C. The timing at which the cut-out image is switched may be determined by the CPU 14A according to the display time of each cut-out image stored in the ROM 14B, or may be determined according to the operation of the operation unit 17 by the user. When the user uses the scroll wheel of the mouse as the operation unit 17, the cutout image may be switched according to the rotation of the scroll wheel. When the user uses a keyboard as the operation unit 17, the cut-out image may be switched in accordance with pressing of any key.

  Thus, in the first mode, the focal position of each imaging unit 10 is adjusted by adjusting the focal position of the imaging units 10 so that the amount of deviation of the focal position between the imaging units 10 is smaller than the size of the tangible component to be analyzed. The analysis accuracy of the tangible component can be enhanced, or the tangible component can be easily identified. This can reduce the number of times the user visually observes the tangible component. In addition, even if there is a tangible component that can not be identified by the processing of the CPU 14A, the user can observe the tangible component with a microscope because the cut-out image of the tangible component can be sequentially switched and observed while shifting the focus position. The number can be reduced.

<Second mode>
In the second mode, the focal position on the subject side between the imaging units 10 (cameras 23) so that tangible components distributed in the flow cell can be imaged in a wider range in the direction of the optical axis 110 of the objective lens 11A. The amount of deviation (the second amount) is adjusted, and the number of tangible components is mainly counted based on each image captured in that state. Therefore, in the second mode, the shift amount of the focal position on the subject side between the imaging units 10 is made larger than the size of the tangible component to be analyzed. In the case of a urine sample, the shift amount of the focus position is adjusted to, for example, 10 μm or more, in consideration of the size of the tangible component contained in the urine sample.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship of the imaging ranges when the shift amount of the focal position between the imaging units 10 is adjusted so that the imaging ranges of the imaging units 10 do not overlap. The relationships in the third imaging unit 10C, the first imaging unit 10A, and the second imaging unit 10B are shown in order from the left. The imaging range of the first imaging unit 10A is present on the back side of the fourth flow path 138 (the position away from the objective lens 11A) in the direction of the optical axis 110 than the imaging range of the third imaging unit 10C. Both imaging ranges do not overlap. Further, the imaging range of the second imaging unit 10B is on the back side in the direction of the optical axis 110 than the imaging range of the first imaging unit 10A, and the two imaging ranges do not overlap. Each imaging range may be adjacent or separated.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, when the focal position of each imaging unit 10 is adjusted so that the imaging ranges do not overlap, although it depends on the tangible component to be analyzed, it is more than the size of the tangible component. The amount of deviation of the focal position between the imaging units 10 becomes large.

  In the direction of the optical axis 110 of the objective lens 11A, the thickness of the imaging range of each imaging unit 10 is thinner than the thickness of the specimen flowing through the flow cell 13A. Therefore, when imaging a sample with one imaging unit 10, there is a range that can not be imaged, and it is not possible to image tangible components present on the near side or the far side of the imaging range in the direction of the optical axis 110 . In this case, for example, assuming that the number of tangible components per unit volume of the specimen is the same at any part of the specimen, analysis based on the number of tangible components included in the imaged image is performed. Is considered.

  However, in the sample flowing through the flow cell 13A, the distribution of tangible components may be biased. As a result, the number of tangible components per unit volume of the sample is not uniform, so the number of tangible components to be imaged varies depending on the focal position when the tangible components are imaged. Then, the analysis result may differ depending on the focal position. Thus, when performing analysis based on the number of tangible components in a sample, the number of tangible components included in the imaged image is not correlated with the total number of tangible components included in the sample. , The accuracy of the analysis will be reduced.

  On the other hand, since the analysis apparatus 20 includes the plurality of imaging units 10, the focal position of each imaging unit 10 is included in a wider range by shifting in the direction of the optical axis 110 (Z axis direction) of the objective lens 11A. Tangible components can be imaged. Here, in the second mode, the shift amount (second amount) of the focal position on the subject side between the imaging units 10 is adjusted so that the imaging ranges between the imaging units 10 do not overlap. That is, as the second amount, the shift amount of the focus position is adjusted such that the shift amount of the focus position between the imaging units 10 is larger than the size of the tangible component to be analyzed. As a result, the deviation amount (second amount) in the second mode is larger than the deviation amount (first amount) in the first mode. In this way, in the first image, the second image, and the third image acquired by adjusting the focal position, tangible components present in imaging ranges different (non-overlapping) in the direction of the optical axis 110 are imaged. . Therefore, since the correlation between the number of tangible components included in the first image, the second image, and the third image, and the total number of tangible components included in the sample is higher, the analysis accuracy is improved. Is possible.

  In addition, even if the tangible component deviates from the depth of field and the image is blurred, if the tangible component can be grasped, the number of the tangible component can be counted, so the existence of the tangible component is confirmed. The shift amount of the focal position may be adjusted so as not to overlap within the range that can be made. Since the first mode and the second mode have different applications, an optimum imaging range is set according to each application. Further, in the second mode, the amount of deviation of the focal position may be simply adjusted so that the depth of field of each image does not overlap. The adjustment of the focus position is performed by the CPU 14A operating each variable mechanism 22.

  The CPU 14A creates a first cutout image, a second cutout image, and a third cutout image, respectively, and counts the total of these cutout images as the number of tangible components. Note that the first image, the second image, and the third image are compared with the background image corresponding to each image, and it is considered that there is a tangible component in a place where there is a difference, and this place is counted. The number of tangible components may be counted. The number of tangible components acquired in this manner is stored in the RAM 14C, and is subjected to various analyzes by the CPU 14A.

There is no overlap in the range imaged by each imaging unit 10, and since the sample can be imaged in a wider range, it is possible to suppress the count leakage of the tangible component (to improve the accuracy of counting the tangible component). Can) This can improve the accuracy of analysis based on the number of tangible components.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of identifying a tangible component in the second mode. The flowchart is executed by the CPU 14A.

  In step S201, the CPU 14A operates each variable mechanism 22 to adjust the focal position of each imaging unit 10. At this time, for example, the focal position of each imaging unit 10 is adjusted such that the shift amount of the focal position between the imaging units 10 is larger than the size of the tangible component.

  In step S202, the CPU 14A acquires a first image, a second image, and a third image. When the process of step S202 is completed, the process proceeds to step S203, and the CPU 14A cuts out the tangible component from the first image, the second image, and the third image and performs the first cut image, the second cut image, and the third cut image. It is generated and stored in the RAM 14C.

  When the process of step S203 is completed, the process proceeds to step S204, and the CPU 14A calculates the sum of the numbers of the first cutout image, the second cutout image, and the third cutout image. This total value corresponds to the number of tangible components. The CPU 14A stores this total value in the RAM 14C. When the process of step S204 is completed, the process proceeds to step S205, and the CPU 14A outputs the counting result in step S204. The CPU 14A may perform various analyzes based on the counting result.

  As described above, in the second mode, the focal position of each imaging unit 10 is adjusted by adjusting the focal position of the imaging units 10 to be larger than the size of the tangible component to be analyzed. The number of tangible components can be counted more accurately.

<Analysis mode switching process>
Switching of the analysis mode is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 below. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of switching control of the focus position. The flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is executed by the CPU 14A.

  In step S301, the CPU 14A acquires an analysis mode set by the user. For example, the first mode and the second mode can be switched by the user operating the operation unit 17. Therefore, the CPU 14A acquires the analysis state set by the user by acquiring the operation state of the operation unit 17.

  When the process of step S301 is completed, the process proceeds to step S302, and the CPU 14A determines whether the analysis mode set by the user is the first mode. When an affirmative determination is made in step S302, the process proceeds to step S303, and the CPU 14A analyzes the tangible component in the first mode. At this time, the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is executed.

  On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in step S302, the process proceeds to step S304, and the CPU 14A analyzes the tangible component in the second mode. At this time, the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is executed. As described above, by switching the focal position of each imaging unit 10 according to the analysis mode desired by the user and performing imaging, it is possible to analyze the tangible component in a different manner.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, at least a part of the imaging units 10 includes the variable mechanism 22. However, instead of this, all the imaging units 10 may not include the variable mechanism 22. In this case, the user can not change the focal position of each imaging unit 10. For example, the camera 23 is fixed to the end of the lens barrel 24. Thereby, the first optical distance, the second optical distance, and the third optical distance are fixed. At this time, the first optical distance, the second optical distance, and the third optical distance are adjusted so that the focal positions of the imaging units 10 in the flow cell 13A are different. The imaging range and the focal position of each imaging unit 10 in this case may correspond to either the first mode or the second mode described in the above embodiment. Then, the CPU 14A simultaneously captures an image having a common optical axis 110 by the first imaging unit 10A, the second imaging unit 10B, and the third imaging unit 10C. The same method as the first mode or the second mode can be used for the imaging method and the subsequent processing method.

  Although three imaging units 10 are provided in the above embodiment, the number of imaging units 10 is not limited to this, and may be two, or four or more. The analysis accuracy of the tangible component can be enhanced as the number of imaging units 10 increases, so the number of imaging units 10 may be determined according to the required analysis accuracy.

  Further, switching of the analysis mode can be applied to any of the finite distance correction optical system and the infinity correction optical system. The imaging lens 11B is not an essential component.

  Also, when adjusting the optical distance of each imaging unit 10, the optical distance may be changed by inserting optical elements of different thicknesses into the respective optical paths instead of changing the physical distance. .

  In addition to the first mode and the second mode, it is also possible to further combine other modes in which the focal position of each imaging unit 10 is different from these modes. In addition, it is not necessary to perform imaging using all the imaging units 10, and imaging may be performed using some of the imaging units 10. In addition, when the tangible component to be analyzed is biased in the direction of the optical axis 110 in the sample, by executing the second mode, the location where the tangible component to be analyzed is relatively large is grasped, The focus position of the first imaging unit 10A may be aligned with the location and the first mode may be executed to analyze the tangible component.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging device 11A Objective lens 11B Imaging lens 12 Light source 13A Flow cell 14 Controller 16 Display part 17 Operation part 20 Analysis device 22A First variable mechanism 22B Second variable mechanism 22C Third variable mechanism 23A First camera 23B Second camera 23C Three cameras 110 light axis

Claims (11)

A flow cell having a flow path of a sample containing a tangible component;
A branching unit for branching light transmitted through the sample containing the tangible component into a plurality of optical paths;
A plurality of imaging means for simultaneously imaging images of different focal positions of the sample in the flow path using the light branched into the plurality of optical paths;
A control unit that processes the captured image;
Analyzer equipped with   The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the branching unit is a beam splitter.   The analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising at least one variable mechanism that changes the focal position of the imaging means.   The variable mechanism is an optical distance between an imaging lens corresponding to the plurality of imaging units and each imaging surface of the plurality of imaging units, or an objective lens corresponding to the plurality of imaging units and the plurality of imagings An analyzer as claimed in claim 3, wherein the optical distance between each of the imaging surfaces of the means is changed. The plurality of imaging means include three cameras,
The analyzer according to claim 3, wherein the light branched by the branch part is incident on at least two of the three cameras via the variable mechanism. The analyzer has a first mode and a second mode which are analysis modes;
The variable mechanism changes the focal position of the imaging means in the first mode and the second mode, and the deviation amount of the focal position between the imaging means in the first mode is the imaging in the second mode The analyzer according to any one of claims 3 to 5, which is smaller than the shift amount of the focal position between the means.   The analyzer according to claim 6, wherein the variable mechanism adjusts the focal position such that ranges captured by the plurality of imaging units in the first mode partially overlap each other.   The analyzer according to claim 6, wherein the variable mechanism adjusts the focal position so that ranges imaged by the plurality of imaging units do not overlap in the second mode. Further comprising a display unit,
The control unit causes the display unit to display the images of the same tangible component captured by the plurality of imaging units in the first mode, in a descending order or an ascending order based on the focal position. The analyzer according to any one of 8.   The analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein ranges imaged respectively by the plurality of imaging means partially overlap.   The analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit cuts out an image at a corresponding position from the images captured by the plurality of imaging units.