JP3318014B2 - Lens tube and microscope - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a microscope having a binocular observation unit and a plurality of image output ports, and more particularly to a lens barrel thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a so-called composite observation method in which images obtained from different microscope observation methods are superimposed has attracted attention. FIG. 9 shows an example of an apparatus capable of performing such observation.

[0003] When observing the outline of the cell nucleus and cell membrane stained with a fluorescent dye, transmission differential interference observation and epifluorescence observation are generally used in combination. In transmission differential interference observation, lamp 2
02 are collected by a collector lens 204, a condenser lens 206, a field stop 208, a condenser lens 210,
Folding mirror 212, window lens 214, polarizer 216, Nomarski prism 218, aperture stop 22
0, the light passes through a condenser lens 222 and is focused on a sample 226 (see FIG. 10) mounted on a slide glass 224. The light transmitted through the sample passes through the objective lens 228, the Nomarski prism 230, the analyzer 232, and the imaging lens 234, and is observed by the eyepiece 236. In the epi-fluorescence observation, the excitation light emitted from the lamp 238 is
A collector lens 240, a condenser lens 242, a brightness stop 244, a field stop 246, a field lens 248,
Excitation filter 250, dichroic mirror 252,
The light passes through the objective lens 228 and irradiates the sample on the slide glass 224. The fluorescence from the sample is
8, dichroic mirror 252, absorption filter 25
4. The light passes through the imaging lens 234 and is observed by the eyepiece 236.

Conventionally, an image obtained by superimposing images of transmission differential interference observation and epi-illumination fluorescence observation has been obtained by double exposure using a still camera. However, recently, with the development of TV cameras, importance has been placed on quantitative evaluation by image processing of images observed by a microscope. In transmission differential interference observation, fine irregularities of the sample can be obtained with high contrast, so that the TV camera has a high resolution (for example, a high-resolution CCD camera).
Is used, and in epi-illumination fluorescence observation, since the fluorescence of the sample shines on a dark background and is observed, a high-sensitivity TV camera (for example, a SIT camera) is used.

[0005] These different types of cameras are mounted on an adapter 260 as shown in FIG. 11, and the adapter 260 is mounted on the upper part of the lens barrel (FIG. 9) through a round dovetail groove 262. Inside the adapter 260, various lenses 264 for changing the magnification of the image are rotatably held by a turret mechanism 266 that rotates about the axis A, and the desired magnification is changed by changing the lens 264 arranged in the optical path. Image can be obtained. Above it, various mirrors 268 for splitting light into two at an arbitrary wavelength or an arbitrary illuminance are rotatably held by a similar turret mechanism 270, so that a desired mirror 268 can be arranged in the optical path. ing. One light from the mirror 268 is transmitted to the mirror 272, the relay lens 274,
The light passes through a mirror 276 and a camera mount 278 (for example, a C mount) and enters a high-sensitivity TV camera 280. The other light passes through the relay lens 282, the lens 284, the mirror 286, the lens 288, and the camera mount 290, and enters the high-resolution TV camera 292. Here, the lens 282 can move two-dimensionally from the outside of the adapter in a direction in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, and can move an observation image in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. Further, the lens 288 can be moved in the optical axis direction from outside the adapter, and the imaging position can be adjusted. The camera mounts 278 and 290 can rotate with respect to the adapter, and can rotate the observation image about the optical axis. When two images of different TV cameras 280 and 292 are superimposed and observed, the images of the respective TV cameras 280 and 292 are sent to an IP (image processing device) 298 via CCUs (camera control units) 294 and 296, respectively. Here, after being combined into one image, it is displayed on the monitor 300.

[0006] The images of the two TV cameras obtained in this manner are deviated from the virtual optical axis of the microscope when the adapter is mounted on the lens barrel and the TV camera is mounted on the camera mount, the image formation position by the lens and the TV. Due to a shift from a pin due to a difference in the position of an image sensor of the camera, a rotational shift of an image generated when the TV camera is mounted on a camera mount, etc., simply overlapping does not match. Therefore, the images between the TV cameras are corrected by using the respective adjustment mechanisms in the adapter, whereby the two images can be matched to some extent.

By the way, in order to measure the effect of calcium ions of cells on the living body, cells are stained with a fluorescent reagent (for example, Indo-1) using epi-fluorescence observation and excited with ultraviolet light (for example, light with a wavelength of 360 nm). Then, the fluorescence emitted from the sample is separated by a dichroic mirror into two different wavelengths (for example, 405 nm and 465 nm), and the measurement for calculating the ratio of the respective intensities to determine the calcium ion concentration has attracted attention. This measurement can be performed using the above-described adapter by holding a dichroic mirror on a rotating turret mechanism and attaching a photometric device to each camera mount.

[0008]

As described above, the calcium ion concentration can be measured by using the above-mentioned adapter, but has the following disadvantages.

In the case of measuring the concentration of calcium ions, a weak fluorescent image is divided into arbitrary wavelengths by a dichroic mirror and is incident on each of the photometric devices, so that each light is very weak. However, the above-mentioned adapter has a large number of optical elements such as mirrors and lenses, which causes a decrease in the intensity of observation light and an increase in flare, which causes a decrease in the S / N ratio in the concentration measurement of calcium ions. .

[0010] Further, since each light after division passes through several different lens systems, an error occurs in the magnification of the observed image. Errors also occur in the magnification of the observed image due to a slight difference in the size of the image sensor of each TV camera. For this reason, it is difficult to accurately superimpose two images of each TV camera on a monitor.

According to the present invention, there is provided a microscope lens barrel which can easily perform optical correction of an observation image between a binocular observation unit and an image output port and between image output ports, with a small loss of observation light due to an optical system. The purpose is to provide. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a lens barrel that can correct the magnification of an observation image between a binocular observation unit and an image output port, and between image output ports.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides, in part,
An eyepiece and a microscope barrel to which a plurality of observation systems are attached, an input port formed in the barrel for taking in light from a sample, and an input port formed in the barrel for attaching the eyepiece. Eyepiece output port, and at least two observation system output ports formed in the lens barrel to guide light from the sample obtained through the input port to the observation system, An adapter that guides light from the output port for the observation system to the observation system, and that is mounted on at least one of the adapters and that rotatably mounts the observation system on the output port for the observation system. Means for changing the incident position of light on the observation system to adjust the misalignment, means for guiding light taken from the input port to a predetermined output port in the lens barrel, and at least the observation system And a means for changing the magnification of the image formed by one.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lens barrel of a microscope to which an eyepiece and a plurality of observation systems are attached, and an input port formed in the lens barrel for capturing light from a sample, and the mirror. An optical path switching means for switching an optical path of the light taken in from the input port to a predetermined output port in the cylinder, and a contact formed on the lens barrel for mounting an eyepiece on the optical path switched by the optical path switching means. An eye output port, a first observation system output port formed in the lens barrel for guiding the light switched by the optical path switching means to the observation system, and light from the optical path switching means. A zoom optical system for correcting magnification, and a second observation system output port formed at least one in the lens barrel to guide the magnification-corrected light to the observation system via the zoom optical system; The first and the first The light from the observation system output port is guided to the observation system, and at least one of the first and second observation system output ports is connected to the first and second observation system output ports. An adapter for rotatably mounting the system; and means provided on at least one of the adapters for changing a light incident position on the observation system in order to adjust misalignment obtained in each observation system.

[0014] The observation system is, for example, a TV camera or a measuring instrument. The preferred adapter further comprises means for changing an optical distance from the lens barrel to the observation system.

The present invention is, in part, a microscope provided with a lens barrel to which an eyepiece and a plurality of observation systems are attached, and an input port formed in the lens barrel for taking in light from a sample; An eyepiece output port formed in the lens barrel for attaching the eyepiece, and formed in the lens barrel to guide light from the sample obtained through the input port to the observation system. At least two observation system output ports, and guide the light from the observation system output port to the observation system, and an adapter that rotatably attaches the observation system to the observation system output port, Means for changing the incident position of light on the observation system for adjusting the misalignment obtained in each observation system, provided on at least one of the adapters, output Comprises a means for guiding the over preparative, a lens barrel comprising a means for changing the magnification of the image formed in at least one of the observation system.

[0016]

Next, an embodiment of a lens barrel according to the present invention, that is, an embodiment of a lens barrel peripheral portion including a lens barrel of the present invention and an adapter of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lens barrel 12 has a round dovetail structure 14, through which it is positioned and fixed on the microscope main body 10. An imaging lens 16 is screwed into the opening of the round dovetail structure 14. A switching unit 20 for selectively deflecting or separating light incident from the microscope main body 10 is provided above the imaging lens 16.
On the optical path of the light deflected rightward from the switching unit 20,
A relay lens 50, a zoom lens system 52, and a prism 72 for deflecting light from the zoom lens system 52 upward are arranged. Further, the housing 40 of the lens barrel 12 has an eyepiece output port 42 for attaching an eyepiece 44,
Two image output ports 46 and 48 for attaching a TV camera or the like are provided. One image output port 46 is located above the switching unit 20, and the other image output port 48 is located above the prism 72. An adapter 100 is inserted into these image output ports 46 and 48, and, for example, TV cameras 74 and 76 are mounted thereon.

The zoom lens system 52 includes lenses 54 and 56.
have. The lenses 54 and 56 are housed in cylindrical lens holders 58 and 60, respectively. The lens holders 58 and 60 are provided with cam pins 62 and 64 on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The lens holders 58 and 60 are housed inside the cylindrical member 66 and have their cam pins 6
2 and 64 are inserted into the cam groove of the member 66. The cylindrical member 66 includes a member 68 fixed to the housing 40.
And is rotatably accommodated inside the
When 0 is rotated, the lens holders 58 and 60 move to predetermined positions according to the cam grooves. As a result, 0.5 times
The magnification can be changed between 1.5 times.

As shown in FIG. 4, the switching section 20 has a slide member 22 which is slidably supported by two round bars 24 and 26. The slide member 22 is provided with three through holes 28, and the prism 30 is fixed on the central through hole. This prism 3
0 deflects light from the sample toward the eyepiece output port when placed on the optical path. Further, an optical element 34 is disposed on the through hole at one end. The optical element 34 has a groove that engages with the mounting member 32 fixed to the slide member 22 and is held exchangeably. An operation rod 36 extending parallel to the round bars 24 and 26 is fixed to the slide member 22.
Is provided. The operation knob 38 is located outside the lens barrel, and can be operated to move the slide member 22.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the adapter 100 includes a cylindrical lower body 102, a cylindrical upper body 104, and a camera mount 106 for mounting a TV camera 74 (or 76). Have. The lower main body 102 has a small-diameter projection 110, and the projection 110 is connected to the image output port 46 provided on the housing 40.
(Or 48), the step bottom surface 112 contacts the upper surface of the housing 40, and is supported rotatably with respect to the housing 40. Then, the small-diameter protrusion 110 is fixed to the housing 40 by tightening the side surface of the small-diameter protrusion 110 using an immobilizer 126 (omitted in FIG. 1). The lower main body 102 has an inner space 1 having a diameter larger than that of the lower end opening 114.
The lens holder 120 holds a lens 118 therein. The lens holder 120 has a trapezoidal cross section, and a screw 1
22 is fixed by tightening. Three screws 1
By adjusting 22, the lens holder 120 can move two-dimensionally in the internal space 116, and can move the lens 118 to a plane perpendicular to its central axis. On the other hand, the upper main body 104 houses and fixes the lens 124 therein, and is connected to the lower main body 102 by the screw portion 108. The camera mount 106 is fixed to the upper main body 104.

The light that has entered the lens barrel 12 passes through the lens 16 and enters the switching section 20, as shown in FIG.
In the switching unit 20, when the optical element is not arranged on the optical path, the light passes through the through hole 28 and the image output port 4
6 and enter the TV camera 74 through the inside of the adapter 100. When the switching unit 20 arranges the prism 30 on the optical path, the light is deflected toward the eyepiece output port. In the switching unit 20,
For example, when an optical element 34 that separates light by wavelength or illuminance is arranged on an optical path, light transmitted through the optical element 34 goes to an image output port 46, enters the TV camera 74 through the inside of the adapter 100, and The light reflected by the element 34 passes through the relay lens 50 and the zoom lens system 52, is reflected by the prism 72, goes to the image output port 48, passes through the inside of the adapter 100, and enters the TV camera 76. If there is any misalignment, rotation, or defocus between the image obtained by the TV camera 74 and the image obtained by the TV camera 76, the
By adjusting the position of the lens 118 using the lens 22, the misalignment obtained by the TV camera 74 (or 76) can be reduced. Upper body 1
By rotating the lens 04, it is possible to correct the defocus. Also, the image obtained by the TV camera 74 and the TV
If there is a difference in magnification between the image obtained by the camera 76 and the image, it can be corrected by turning the bundle unit 70 of the zoom lens system 52.

In the switching section 20, the optical element 34 to be exchangeably mounted may be a prism type or a mirror type. Therefore, the optical system is an optical element 3
It is preferable to design the prism 4 assuming a prism type. With such a design, a mirror-type optical element can be used by adding glass or the like for correcting the optical path length. An example of such an optical element 34 is shown in FIG. The optical element 34 includes the slide member 22
Has a holder member 78 which engages with the mounting member 32 provided at the above, and the mirror type optical element 80 is mounted on the holder member 78 at a predetermined angle. Further, glass members 82 and 84 for correcting the optical path length are provided on the holder member 78 with the mirror type optical element 8.
It is provided on the optical path of light from zero.

When it is desired to avoid a decrease in the S / N ratio due to an optical element such as a lens, as in the case of measuring the concentration of calcium ions, as shown in FIG. ) May be changed to an adapter 86 composed of a cylindrical member. In this case, the difference between the images obtained by the two TV cameras may be adjusted using the other adapter 100. When two photometric devices are used, two adapters 100 may be used.

As described above, according to the lens barrel of this embodiment, misalignment, rotation misalignment between images obtained by two TV cameras,
Correction of the focus shift and the magnification shift can be performed, and the two images can be displayed accurately overlapping each other.

Another embodiment of the lens barrel according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. In the drawing, members equivalent to those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, an optical element 90 is provided instead of the prism 72 of FIG. 1, and a third image output port 88 is provided behind the optical element 90. Optical element 9
Reference numeral 0 denotes a triangular prism-shaped holding member 92 having a through hole, and a mirror-type separation optical element 94 attached to the slope. The optical element 90 is detachably attached to the support member 96 via a slide dovetail mechanism. The support member 96 is screwed to the housing 40. The replacement of the optical element 90 is performed by removing the support member 96 from the housing 40. The mounting portion of the support member 96 includes:
It is preferable that the structure is the same as that of the mounting portion 32 of the switching section 20, and the optical element 34 of the switching section 20 can be commonly used as the optical element 90.

The image output ports 46, 48, 88 are connected to TV cameras 74, 76,
98 is attached. This adapter 130
As shown in FIG. 8, a lower body 132 having a cylindrical shape, an intermediate body 134 having a cylindrical shape, an upper body 136 connected to the lower body 132 by screws, and a camera mount fixed thereto are provided. The lower body 132 has a small diameter protrusion 140,
This is inserted into the image output port 46 (or 48, 88), is rotatably disposed with respect to the housing 40, and is fixed by the immobilizer 126. The intermediate body 134 has a tapered small-diameter end 144 which is received in the internal space 146 of the lower
And is fixed to the lower main body 132. Further, by adjusting the three screws 142, the intermediate main body 134 is moved in a plane orthogonal to the central axis to the lower main body 132.
It is movable with respect to. The upper main body 136 is connected to the intermediate main body 134 by screws, and the total length of the adapter 130 can be changed by rotating the upper main body 136 with respect to the intermediate main body 134. A camera mount 138 is fixed to the upper main body 136. The camera mount 138 has a TV camera 74 (or 7).
6, 98) are attached.

In this embodiment, each TV camera 74, 76,
The center shift, focus shift, and rotation shift between the images obtained at 98 can be corrected by the adapter 130. In other words, the misalignment is adjusted by adjusting the screw 142 to the lower main body 132.
By moving the intermediate main body 134 with respect to the main body 134, the defocus is caused by rotating the upper main body 136 with respect to the intermediate main body 134 to change the entire length, and the rotational deviation is caused by rotating the lower main body 132 relative to the housing 40. Can be corrected. Further, a shift in magnification between an image obtained by the TV camera 74 and an image obtained by the TV camera 76 or 98 can be corrected by the zoom lens system 52.

According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained. In addition, the multiple staining method of simultaneously observing with three TV cameras (staining cells with several different types of fluorescent dyes,
In the method of simultaneously observing at several different wavelengths), the optical element 34 and the optical element 90 can be easily exchanged, and it is possible to easily cope with any multiple staining method in which the optical elements are exchanged for observation. Also, since there is no lens system in the adapter 130, S / N by a lens system such as calcium metering is used.
If the ratio is a concern, it can be used without replacing it with another adapter 86.

[0029]

According to the present invention, misalignment, defocus, rotation, and defocus between images obtained by two TV cameras can be corrected, and two images can be accurately superimposed and displayed. Become. The same can be achieved between the binocular observation unit and the image output port.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an entire embodiment of a lens barrel according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view showing the adapter in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIG. 2 taken along line CC and viewed from the direction of the arrow.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a switching unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows an example of an optical element having a mirror-type optical element and attached to a switching unit.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an adapter made of a cylindrical member.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the lens barrel according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view showing the adapter in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a configuration of an example of a microscope apparatus for performing a compound observation method.

FIG. 10 shows a sample placed on a slide glass.

FIG. 11 shows an adapter for attaching the camera to the lens barrel.

[Explanation of symbols]

102: Lower body, 104: Upper body, 106: Camera mount, 108: Screw part, 118: Lens, screw ... 1
22.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-54-124724 (JP, A) JP-A-57-124323 (JP, A) JP-A-4-31813 (JP, A) JP-A-3-124 240016 (JP, A) Fully open sho 60-44020 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G02B 19/00-21/00 G02B 21/04-21/36

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A microscope barrel to which an eyepiece and a plurality of observation systems are attached, wherein an input port formed in the barrel for taking in light from a sample, and an eyepiece for attaching the eyepiece. An eyepiece output port formed in the lens barrel; and at least two observation systems formed in the lens barrel for guiding light from the sample obtained through the input port to the observation system. An output port for guiding the light from the output port for the observation system to the observation system, and an adapter for rotatably mounting the observation system with respect to the output port for the observation system; and an adapter provided for at least one of the adapters. Means for changing the incident position of light to the observation system to adjust the misalignment obtained in each observation system, means for guiding the light taken from the input port in the lens barrel to a predetermined output port, Barrel of a microscope includes a means for changing the magnification of the image formed in at least one serial observation system, a. 2. A lens barrel of a microscope to which an eyepiece and a plurality of observation systems are attached, wherein: an input port formed in the lens barrel for capturing light from a sample; and the input port in the lens barrel. Optical path switching means for switching an optical path of light taken in from a port to a predetermined output port; and an eyepiece output port formed in the lens barrel for mounting an eyepiece on the optical path switched by the optical path switching means. A first observation system output port formed in the lens barrel for guiding the light switched by the optical path switching means to the observation system; and guiding the light from the optical path switching means and correcting the magnification. A zoom optical system; a second observation system output port formed at least one in the lens barrel to guide the light whose magnification has been corrected through the zoom optical system to the observation system; 2. Observation system Light from a port is guided to the observation system, and at least one of the first and second observation system output ports is configured to rotate the observation system with respect to the first and second observation system output ports. A lens barrel for a microscope, comprising: an adapter to be attached; and means provided on at least one of the adapters and for changing a light incident position on the observation system in order to adjust a misalignment obtained in each observation system. 3. The microscope tube according to claim 1, wherein the observation system is a TV camera, a measuring instrument, or the like. 4. The microscope lens barrel according to claim 1, wherein the adapter further includes a unit that changes an optical distance from the lens barrel to the observation system. 5. A microscope comprising an eyepiece and a lens barrel to which a plurality of observation systems are attached, comprising: an input port formed in the lens barrel for capturing light from a sample; An eyepiece output port formed in the lens barrel for attachment, and at least two eyelets formed in the lens barrel for guiding light from the sample obtained through the input port to the observation system. An observation system output port, an adapter that guides light from the observation system output port to the observation system, and that rotatably attaches the observation system to the observation system output port, and at least one of the adapters. Means for changing the incident position of light on the observation system to adjust the misalignment obtained in each observation system; and means for guiding light taken from the input port in the lens barrel to a predetermined output port And a means for changing the magnification of an image formed by at least one of the observation systems.