JP4245696B2 - microscope - Google Patents

Description

よって、対物レンズの切換時における明るさ変化は、徐々に明るくなるか、または徐々に暗くなるので、現状の対物レンズもしくは目標の対物レンズで観察像以上の明るさが一瞬でも観察者に入ることがない。
【００１７】
（２）本発明の顕微鏡によれば、対物レンズの切換えが高倍率から低倍率への切換えである場合、まず目標対物レンズに合わせた調光または減光を行い、その後に対物レンズを切換える。対物レンズの切換えが低倍率から高倍率への切換えである場合、まず対物レンズの切換えを行い、その後に目標対物レンズに合わせた調光または減光を行なう。すなわち、対物レンズの切換えと照明光量の切換えの順番を以下のように変化させる。
【００１８】

よって、対物レンズの切換時における明るさ変化は、明→暗→明となり、現状の対物レンズもしくは目標の対物レンズで観察像以上の明るさが一瞬でも観察者に入ることがない。
【００１９】
（３）本発明の顕微鏡によれば、開口絞りを任意に可変した時に、調光手段または減光手段によりその径に対する適切な明るさの調節を行う。すなわち、同一の対物レンズにおいて、開口絞り径を小さくする場合照明光量を上げ、開口絞り径を大きくする場合光量を下げるため、常に安定した明るさが得られる。
【００２０】
開口絞りの調整が小さい径から大きい径への切換えである場合、まず目標開口絞り径に合わせた調光または減光を行い、その後に開口絞りを切換える。開口絞り調整が大きい径から小さい径への切換えである場合は、まず開口絞りを切換え、その後に目標開口絞り径に合わせた調光または減光を行う。すなわち、開口絞りの切換えと照明光量の切換えの順番を以下のように変化させる。
【００２１】

よって、開口絞りの切換時における明るさ変化は、明→暗→明となり、現状の開口絞径もしくは目標の開口絞り径で観察像以上の明るさが一瞬でも観察者に入ることがない。
【００２２】
【発明の実施の形態】
（第１の実施の形態）
図１は、本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る顕微鏡の構成を示す側面図である。この顕微鏡は落射照明観察用顕微鏡であり、顕微鏡本体３に光源部１、電動レボルバ２、ステージ１２、及び鏡筒１４が備えられている。
【００２３】
図１において、光源部１の照明光源４から射出された落射照明光ａは、コレクタレンズ５、リレーレンズ６を介し、開口絞りユニット７、視野絞り８を通り、リレーレンズ９を介してハーフミラー１０に入射する。ハーフミラー１０は明視野照明用のミラーであり、ハーフミラー１０による反射光は対物レンズ１１の瞳の位置に光源４の像を結像させ、電動レボルバ２及び対物レンズ１１を介してステージ１２上の試料１３にケーラー照明を行なう。試料１３からの反射光は観察像として、光軸ｂ上の対物レンズ１１及びハーフミラー１０を透過し鏡筒１４へ導かれ、鏡筒１４に装着されている接眼レンズ１５、ＴＶ観察装置１６等に入射されて観察される。
【００２４】
電動レボルバ２、開口絞りユニット７は、それぞれモータＭ１，Ｍ２、センサＳ１，Ｓ２を備えている。図示しない制御回路の制御により、電動レボルバ２は電動で回転し対物レンズの選択を行ない、開口絞りユニット７はそれぞれ径の異なる複数の孔７１の回転切換（または、開口絞りユニット７が一つの孔を設け、複数の羽根絞りにより前記孔の径を可変切換するようにしてもよい）を電動で行なう。また光源４は、前記制御回路により電圧による調光が可能となっている。あるいは、光源４に対してＮＤユニットとして複数のフィルタの挿脱を行なうことで調光が可能となるようにしてもよい。
【００２５】
図２は、本顕微鏡における電気回路のブロック図であるとともに、対物レンズ及び開口絞りの切換えに係る概念図である。図２において、各電動部は制御回路／電源回路２１に接続され、操作部２２のスイッチ類により自在に動作可能となっている。操作部２２は、対物レンズ切換えのための正逆回転用のレボルバースイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｈ１，Ｌ１）２３１，２３２、開口絞り切換スイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｈ２，Ｌ２）２４１，２４２等を備え、制御回路／電源回路２１を介して各電動部に動作指示を与える。
【００２６】
制御回路／電源回路２１は、操作部２２のレボルバースイッチ２３１，２３２からの指示に応じて、レボルバ制御／駆動回路２６によりモータＭ１を駆動しレボルバ２を回転させるとともにセンサＳ１を用いて、所望の対物レンズを光軸ｂの位置へ移動させる。このとき、センサＳ１により現状の対物レンズ及び目標の対物レンズの倍率（孔位置）を認識することが可能である。
【００２７】
また、開口絞り制御／駆動回路２８によりモータＭ２を駆動するとともにセンサＳ２を用いて、所望の開口絞りを光軸ｂ´の位置へ移動させる。このとき、センサＳ２により現状の開口絞り径及び目標の開口絞り径（孔位置）を認識することが可能である。
【００２８】
図２において、レボルバ２に取付けられた複数の対物レンズの倍率はＡが最も低く、Ａ、Ｂ、Ｃ、Ｄ、Ｅの順で徐々に高くなっている。レボルバースイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｈ１）２３１が操作されると、光軸ｂ上にある対物レンズが倍率の高いものに切換わる。また光軸ｂ上に対物レンズＥがある場合、レボルバースイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｈ１）２３１により、対物レンズＡに切換えられる。一方、レボルバースイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｌ１）２３２が操作されると、光軸ｂ上にある対物レンズが倍率の低いものに切換わる。また光軸ｂ上に対物レンズＡがある場合、レボルバースイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｌ１）２３２により、対物レンズＥに切換えられる。
【００２９】
また、開口絞りユニット７に設けられた複数の孔の径はＡ´が最も大きく、Ａ´、Ｂ´、Ｃ´、Ｄ´、Ｅ´の順で徐々に小さくなっている。開口絞り切換スイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｈ２）２４１が操作されると、光軸ｂ´上にある孔が径の大きいものに切換わる。また光軸ｂ´上に孔Ａ´がある場合、開口絞り切換スイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｈ２）２４１により、孔Ｅ´に切換わる。一方、開口絞り切換スイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｌ２）２４２が操作されると、光軸ｂ´上にある孔が径の小さいものに切換わる。また光軸ｂ´上に孔Ｅ´がある場合、開口絞り切換スイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｌ２）２４２により、孔Ａ´に切換わる。
【００３０】
図３（ａ）〜（ｃ）は、本顕微鏡における開口絞りユニット７の詳細図である。図３（ａ）は照明光源４側から見た図、同図（ｂ）は側面図、同図（ｃ）は視野絞り８側から見た図である。なお、図３（ｂ）におけるセンサ基板７９は、センサＳ２´の側面図を図示するために別の向きから見た図を２点鎖線で書き込んだものである。開口絞りユニット７には、それぞれ異なる孔径を有する複数の開口絞り７１ａ〜７１ｆが形成された開口絞りターレット７２が備えられている。この開口絞りターレット７２は、ベアリング７３を介して回転軸７４を中心に回転し、各開口絞り７１ａ〜７１ｆのうち所望の径の開口絞り７１ａ〜７１ｆを落射照明光Ｑの光軸７５（ｂ´）に選択配置するものとなっている。
【００３１】
これら開口絞りは、一般的に複数の羽根絞りによる連続変化のものが多いが、開口絞りユニット７のように固定絞りを段階的に切換るものも増えている。羽根絞りでは、繰り返し動作による耐久性の不安、発塵の可能性などがあることから、観察像の定量的な評価のためには、絞り径として再現性のよい固定絞りが好まれる傾向がある。そして、羽根絞りによる連続可変は、径の精度、再現性に難がある。
【００３２】
しかるに、開口絞り７１ａ〜７１ｆは、最大径（光学的開放）の開口絞り７１ａから順番に孔径が小さく形成され、対物レンズ１１の瞳径に応じて選択され位置を制御系に記憶するものとなっている。なお、対物レンズ１１は、一般的に高倍率の対物レンズほど瞳径が小さくなっている。
【００３３】
また、開口絞りターレット７２は、暗視野観察時に全ての対物レンズ１１で最大径の開口絞り７１ａ、明視野観察時に各対物レンズ１１に適応した径の開口絞り７１ａ〜７１ｆを選択するように制御される。
【００３４】
ステッピングモータＭ２の回転軸にはピニオン７６が設けられ、このピニオン７６が開口絞りターレット７２の外周付近に設けられたギア７７に螺合している。各孔の切換え選択の電気的な原点検出、切換えを行なうための機構を説明する。開口絞りターレット７２の孔間のスペースにマグネット２０２が埋め込み接着されている。開口絞りユニット７にはホール素子基板２０１があり、ホール素子のセンサＳ２”が用いられている。
【００３５】
図中、開口絞り７１ａが光路に入っているときに、開口絞りターレット７２のマグネット２０２は丁度ホール素子基板２０１の位置に重なり、この状態が原点であることを認識する。
【００３６】
本顕微鏡の電源投入時、開口絞りユニット７は開口絞りターレット７２を回転させ、マグネット２０２とホール素子２０１の位置を合致させ開口絞り７１ａの位置を認識する。また、開口絞りターレット７２の最外周には、センサ板突起部７８が開口絞り７１ａ〜７１ｆの孔数だけ配置されており、センサ基板７９により各開口絞り７１ａ〜７１ｆが光軸付近であることを検出する。なお、センサ基板７９には、通過型フォトインタラプタ等のセンサＳ２´が用いられている。
【００３７】
また、この開口絞りターレット７２の停止位置精度を高めるために、板バネ８１とコロ８２によりクリック機構を設けている。開口絞りターレット７２の一方の側面の外周部には、各絞り孔に対応させてクリック溝８３が設けられており、板バネ８１に付勢されたコロ８２が、このクリック溝８３に落ち込むことにより開口絞りターレット７２が位置決めされる。
【００３８】
したがって、ステッピングモータＭ２に一定のパルスが送られると開口絞りターレット７２が回転し、センサＳ２´によりセンサ板突起部７８を検出したときにステッピングモータＭ２を停止させることにより、各絞り孔７１ａ〜７１ｆを照明光路７５上に移動することができる。このとき、電源投入時に定められた原点（開口絞り７１ａが照明光路７５上にある状態）から、どちらの方向にいくつのパルスを送ったか、またはセンサＳ２´がどちらに何回検出されたかを制御することで、観察法または対物レンズ１１に適応した径の開口絞り７１ａ〜７１ｆが選択されるものとなっている。
【００３９】
本顕微鏡では、操作部２２のレボルバースイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｈ１、ＳＷ−Ｌ１）２３１，２３２からの指示により対物レンズを切換える際に、記憶回路２７に記憶されている対物レンズ、観察法毎の最適な開口絞り径に応じて、開口絞り制御／駆動回路２８によりモータＭ２、センサＳ２（Ｓ２´，Ｓ２”）を用いて開口絞りを自動的に切換えるものであり、その時の切換えの順番を定義したことを特徴とする。
【００４０】
図４は、本第１の実施の形態における対物レンズ切換えと開口絞り切換えの連動に関する動作シーケンスを示すフローチャートである。制御回路／電源回路２１は、まずステップＳ１で、操作部２２からの入力を検出し、ステップＳ２で、レボルバースイッチ２３１，２３２のいずれかがＯＮであることを確認すると、ステップＳ３で、対物レンズの切換が高倍率側から低倍率側への切換であるか、あるいは低倍率側から高倍率側への切換であるかを判定する。（図２に示すセンサＳ１及びレボルバ制御／駆動回路２６により、現状の対物レンズと目標の対物レンズを認識する。）
上記ステップＳ３で、対物レンズの切換が高倍率側から低倍率側への切換である場合、現状の開口絞り径のまま、以下のように対物レンズを切換え、目標対物レンズに到達させる。まずステップＳ４で、制御回路／電源回路２１はレボルバ制御／駆動回路２６によりレボルバーモータ（Ｍ１）を駆動してレボルバー２を回転させ、ステップＳ５で、光軸ｂ上に位置する対物レンズを検出する。この検出は、ステップＳ６で目標の対物レンズが光軸ｂ上に到達するまで行なわれる。そして、上記ステップＳ６で目標の対物レンズが光軸ｂ上に到達した場合、ステップＳ７でレボルバーモーターを停止させる。
【００４１】
このとき、対物レンズは高倍率側から低倍率側へ切換わっているので、切換わった目標対物レンズは透過率が良くなり観察光量が上がるが、開口絞りが高倍率用のままであるため、この時点では目標対物レンズ本来の明るさには達していない。
【００４２】
上記ステップＳ７で、対物レンズの切換が終わりレボルバーモータが停止すると、ステップＳ８で、制御回路／電源回路２１は開口絞りが切換わっているか否かを判断する。この場合、開口絞りはまだ切換わっていないので、以下のように開口絞りを目標対物レンズに合わせたものに切換える。なお、開口絞りが切換わっている場合、上記ステップＳ１以降の動作を行なう。
【００４３】
まずステップＳ９で、制御回路／電源回路２１は開口絞り制御／駆動回路２８により開口絞りモータ（Ｍ２）を駆動して開口絞りターレット７２を回転させ、ステップＳ１０で、光軸ｂ´上に位置する開口絞りを検出する。この検出は、ステップＳ１１で目標の開口絞りが光軸ｂ´上に到達するまで行なわれる。そして、上記ステップＳ１１で目標の開口絞りが到達した場合、ステップＳ１２で開口絞りモータを停止させる。
【００４４】
このとき、初めて目標対物レンズとそれに適した開口絞り径が得られることになり、光量は増加することになるが、切換え途中においても観察像が徐々に明るくなっていくので、作業者にとって不都合のない自然な切換となる。
【００４５】
上記ステップＳ１２で、開口絞りの切換が終わり開口絞りモータが停止すると、ステップＳ１３で、制御回路／電源回路２１はレボルバーの切換えが終わっているか否かを判断する。ここで、レボルバーの切換えが終わっていなければ上記ステップＳ４以降の動作を行ない、終わっていれば上記ステップＳ１以降の動作を行なう。
【００４６】
なお上記と異なり、低倍率側から高倍率側への切換の場合は、まず開口絞りの切換から始まる。透過率が高く、開口絞り径も大きい明るい観察像から、先に高倍率用の小さい絞り径に切換わることで、まずは観察像が暗くなる。次に対物レンズが切換わるため、目標対物レンズの適切な明るさになるまでの経過で徐々に暗くなることになり、作業者にとって不都合がなく自然である。
【００４７】
本第１の実施の形態によれば、対物レンズの切換えとそれに連動した開口絞りの切換に際し、対物レンズの切換が低倍率側から高倍率側であるか、あるいは高倍率側から低倍率側であるかに関わらず、観察像の明るさの変化が自然であり作業者に違和感を与えない。また、切換え動作自体は各切換部の動作のみであり、無駄のない構成をなしているといえる。
【００４８】
（第２の実施の形態）
本第２の実施の形態に係る顕微鏡の構成は図１〜図３に示したものと同一であるため、その説明を省略する。
【００４９】
図２に示す記憶回路３１は各対物レンズに最適な光量比からなるテーブルを有し、調光回路３２は光源４へ印加する電圧を制御回路／電源回路２１からの指示により調整する。制御回路／電源回路２１は、レボルバスイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｈ１、ＳＷ−Ｌ１）２３１，２３２からの信号により対物レンズの切換が指示されたとき、調光回路３２及び記憶回路３１により目標の対物レンズに最適な光量に切換える。
【００５０】
上述したように、対物レンズは高倍率になるほど透過率が低くなるため、同様の明るさで観察するためには、高倍率では光量を上げ、低倍率では光量を下げる必要がある。本第２の実施の形態では、各対物レンズの倍率、透過率の光量比テーブルにより、各対物レンズで同様の明るさの観察像を得ることができる。本第２の実施の形態は、対物レンズの切換えと調光機能の連動に際し、切換えの順番を定義する。
【００５１】
図５は、本第２の実施の形態における対物レンズ切換えと調光の連動に関する動作シーケンスを示すフローチャートである。制御回路／電源回路２１は、まずステップＳ２１で、操作部２２からの入力を検出し、ステップＳ２２で、レボルバースイッチ２３１，２３２のいずれかがＯＮであることを確認すると、ステップＳ２３で、対物レンズの切換が低倍率側から高倍率側への切換であるか、あるいは高倍率側から低倍率側への切換であるかを判定する。（図２に示すセンサＳ１及びレボルバ制御／駆動回路２６により、現状の対物レンズと目標の対物レンズを認識する。）
上記ステップＳ２３で、対物レンズの切換が低倍率側から高倍率側への切換である場合、光源の明るさは現状のまま、以下のように対物レンズを切換え、目標対物レンズに到達させる。まずステップＳ２４で、制御回路／電源回路２１はレボルバ制御／駆動回路２６によりレボルバーモータ（Ｍ１）を駆動してレボルバー２を回転させ、ステップＳ２５で、光軸ｂ上に位置する対物レンズを検出する。この検出は、ステップＳ２６で目標の対物レンズが光軸ｂ上に到達するまで行なわれる。そして、上記ステップＳ２６で目標の対物レンズが光軸ｂ上に到達した場合、ステップＳ２７でレボルバーモータを停止させる。このとき、対物レンズは低倍率側から高倍率側へ切換わっているので、透過率が悪いため観察光量が下がっている。
【００５２】
上記ステップＳ２７で、対物レンズの切換が終わりレボルバーモータが停止すると、ステップＳ２８で、制御回路／電源回路２１は明るさが切換わっているか否かを判断する。この場合、調光はまだ行なわれていないので、調光回路３２により光源４の明るさを、記憶回路３１のデータに基づき以下のように目標対物レンズに合わせたものに調光する。なお、調光が終わっている場合、上記ステップＳ１以降の動作を行なう。
【００５３】
まずステップＳ２９で、調光回路３２は目標対物レンズの明るさデータを記憶回路３１から読み出し、ステップＳ３０で光源４の明るさを設定する。このとき、初めて目標対物レンズとそれに適した光源４の明るさが得られることになり、光量は増加することになるが、切換え途中においても、観察像が一度暗くなってまた明るくなるので、作業者は必要以上の明るさを一瞬でも感じることがない。
【００５４】
調光が終わると、ステップＳ３１で、制御回路／電源回路２１はレボルバーの切換えが終わっているか否かを判断する。ここで、レボルバーの切換えが終わっていなければ上記ステップＳ２４以降の動作を行ない、終わっていれば上記ステップＳ２１以降の動作を行なう。
【００５５】
なお上記と異なり、高倍率側から低倍率側への切換の場合は、まず光源の明るさの切換から始まる。高倍率の対物レンズは透過率が低いため、光源が明るい状態から、先に低倍率の対物レンズにおいて充分に明るい光量まで落とすことで、まずは観察像が暗くなる。次に対物レンズが切換わるため、目標対物レンズにおいて適切な明るさになるまでの経過で、一度暗くなってからまた明るくなるため（元の明るさに戻る）、作業者にとって便利な上、必要以上の明るさを一瞬でも感じることがない。
【００５６】
本第２の実施の形態によれば、対物レンズの切換えとそれに連動した調光に際し、対物レンズの切換が低倍率側から高倍率側であるか、あるいは高倍率側から低倍率側であるかに関わらず、観察像の明るさの変化が自然であり作業者に違和感を与えない。また、切換え動作自体は各切換部の動作のみであり、無駄のない構成をなしているといえる。
【００５７】
（第３の実施の形態）
本第３の実施の形態に係る顕微鏡の構成は図１〜図３に示したものと同一であるため、その説明を省略する。
【００５８】
図２に示す開口絞りユニット７は、対物レンズの切換えに連動して最適な径を選択するための開口絞り制御／駆動回路２８、記憶回路２９を有するが、操作部２２の開口絞りスイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｈ２、Ｌ２）２４１，２４２により、同一の対物レンズの径を記憶された径より大きくまたは小さくすることも可能である。開口絞りを瞳径に対して絞り込むことで、深度が増大したりコントラストが上がったりするので、状況に応じて調整することができる。開口絞りスイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｈ２）２４１を押すと開口絞りは径の大きくなる方に、開口絞りスイッチ（ＳＷ−Ｌ２）２４２を押すと径の小さくする方に切換わる。
【００５９】
記憶回路３１には、各対物レンズの設定明るさのテーブルとともに、各開口絞り径での明るさのデータを記憶させておく。この場合、同一の対物レンズで開口絞り径を開口絞りスイッチ２４１で大きくすると、観察像は明るくなるので、制御回路／電源回路２１からの指示により調光回路３２で光源４の照明光量を下げる。また、開口絞りスイッチ２４２で開口絞り径を小さくすると、観察像が暗くなるので、制御回路／電源回路２１からの指示により調光回路３２で光源４の照明光量を上げる。したがって、作業者は同一の対物レンズで開口絞りを切換えることができ、切換え前後で同様の明るさにて観察することが可能であり、不自然な光量変化を感じることがない。
【００６０】
（第４の実施の形態）
本第４の実施の形態に係る顕微鏡の構成は図１〜図３に示したものと同一であるため、その説明を省略する。本第４の実施の形態は、開口絞りの切換えと調光機能の連動に際し、切換えの順番を定義する。
【００６１】
図６は、本第４の実施の形態における開口絞り切換えと調光の連動に関する動作シーケンスを示すフローチャートである。制御回路／電源回路２１は、まずステップＳ４１で、操作部２２からの入力を検出し、ステップＳ４２で、開口絞りスイッチ２４１，２４２のいずれかがＯＮであることを確認すると、ステップＳ４３で、開口絞りの切換が大きい径から小さい径への切換であるか、あるいは小さい径から大きい径への切換であるかを判定する（図２に示すセンサＳ２及び開口絞り制御／駆動回路２８により、現状の開口絞り径と目標の開口絞り径（位置）を認識する。）。
【００６２】
上記ステップＳ４３で、開口絞りの切換が大きい径から小さい径への切換である場合、光源の明るさは現状のまま、以下のように開口絞りを切換え、目標開口絞り径に到達させる。まずステップＳ４４で、制御回路／電源回路２１は開口絞り制御／駆動回路２８により開口絞りモータ（Ｍ２）を駆動して開口絞りターレット７２を回転させ、ステップＳ４５で、光軸ｂ´上に位置する開口絞りを検出する。この検出は、ステップＳ４６で目標の開口絞りが光軸ｂ´上に到達するまで行なわれる。そして、上記ステップＳ４６で目標の開口絞りが光軸ｂ´上に到達した場合、ステップＳ４７で開口絞りモータを停止させる。このとき、開口絞り径は小さくなる方向へ切換わっているので、照明効率が悪いため観察光量が下がっている。
【００６３】
上記ステップＳ４７で、開口絞りの切換が終わり開口絞りモータが停止すると、ステップＳ４８で、制御回路／電源回路２１は明るさが切換わっているか否かを判断する。この場合、調光はまだ行なわれていないので、調光回路３２により光源４の明るさを、記憶回路３１のデータに基づき以下のようにその対物レンズの目標開口絞り径に合わせた光量に調光する。なお、調光が終わっている場合、上記ステップＳ１以降の動作を行なう。
【００６４】
まずステップＳ４９で、調光回路３２はその対物レンズの目標開口絞り用の明るさデータを記憶回路３１から読み出し、ステップＳ５０で、光源４の明るさを設定する。このとき、初めて目標開口絞りとそれに適した光源４の明るさが得られることになり、光量は増加することになるが、切換え途中においても、観察像が一度暗くなってまた明るくなる（元と同様の明るさに戻る）ので、作業者は必要以上の明るさを一瞬でも感じることがない。
【００６５】
調光が終わると、ステップＳ５１で、制御回路／電源回路２１は開口絞りの切換えが終わっているか否かを判断する。ここで、開口絞りの切換えが終わっていなければ上記ステップＳ４４以降の動作を行ない、終わっていれば上記ステップＳ４１以降の動作を行なう。
【００６６】
なお上記と異なり、開口絞りの小さい径から大きい径への切換の場合は、まず光源の明るさの切換から始まる。絞り径が小さく照明効率が低いため、光源が明るい状態から、先に大きい絞り径の時の充分な明るさまで光量を落とすことで、まずは観察像が暗くなる。次に開口絞りが切換わるため、目標開口絞り用の適切な明るさになるまでの経過で、一度暗くなってからまた明るくなるため、作業者にとって便利な上、必要以上の明るさを一瞬でも感じることがない。
【００６７】
本第４の実施の形態によれば、開口絞りのみの切換とそれに連動した調光に際し、開口絞りの径の増減の方向に関わらず、観察像の明るさ変化が自然であり最終的には同様の明るさを得ることができ、作業者に違和感を与えない。また、切換え動作自体は各切換部、調光部の動作のみであり、無駄のない構成をなしているといえる。
【００６８】
本発明は上記各実施の形態のみに限定されず、要旨を変更しない範囲で適宜変形して実施できる。上記各実施の形態では、開口絞りの切換えを段階切換のターレットで行ない、調光を光源の電圧可変により行なったが、開口絞りを複数の絞り羽根の電動による連続可変、調光を複数のＮＤフィルタの挿脱、無段階ＮＤホイールでの連続調光とするよう構成することも可能である。この場合、開口絞り、調光とも対物レンズ毎の最適値データ、テーブルをさらに細分化できるので、様々な観察像、明るさの設定が可能である。また、本発明は落射照明による実施の形態を示したが、透過照明でも全く同様の効果が得られる。
【００６９】
本発明は、連動する各動作の順番を定義したものであるが、これらの切換時間は合わせて１ｓｅｃ以内程度に達成可能であり、作業者にとって連動がほぼ同時になされたと思える程度の制御が行なわれる。
【００７０】
【発明の効果】
本発明の顕微鏡によれば、対物レンズの切換えとそれに連動した開口絞りの切換えに際し、対物レンズの切換え途中における観察像の明るさの変化が自然であり、作業者は一瞬でも眩しいと感じることがない。
【００７１】
本発明の顕微鏡によれば、対物レンズの切換えとそれに連動した調光に際し、対物レンズを切換えても同様の明るさが得られるとともに、切換え途中における明るさの変化が自然である。
【００７２】
本発明の顕微鏡によれば、同じ対物レンズで開口絞りのみを切換えても、同様の明るさで観察することが可能であり、不自然な光量変化を生じない。さらに、開口絞りのみの切換えとそれに連動した調光に際し、開口絞りの径の増減の方向に関わらず、観察像の明るさの変化が自然であり、最終的には同様の明るさを得ることができる。
【００７３】
よって本発明の顕微鏡によれば、製造コストを上げる専用のシャッタや耐久性に不安のある減光装置さらには切換え動作以外の動作を伴わずに、対物レンズの切換え時、開口絞りの切換時における防眩を達成できる。また、開口絞りの調節時も適切な明るさを維持し、さらに同様な防眩機能を持たせることができる。また、各切換え動作は各切換部の最低必要な動作、機能のみで行なわれるため、無駄のない構成になる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態に係る顕微鏡の構成を示す側面図。
【図２】本発明の実施の形態に係る顕微鏡における電気回路のブロック図。
【図３】本発明の実施の形態に係る顕微鏡における開口絞りユニットの詳細図。
【図４】本発明の第１の実施の形態における対物レンズ切換えと開口絞り切換えの連動に関する動作シーケンスを示すフローチャート。
【図５】本発明の第２の実施の形態における対物レンズ切換えと調光の連動に関する動作シーケンスを示すフローチャート。
【図６】本発明の第４の実施の形態における開口絞り切換えと調光の連動に関する動作シーケンスを示すフローチャート。
【符号の説明】
１…光源部
２…電動レボルバ
３…顕微鏡本体
４…照明光源
５…コレクタレンズ
６…リレーレンズ
７…開口絞りユニット
８…視野絞り
９…リレーレンズ
１０…ハーフミラー
１１…対物レンズ
１２…ステージ
１３…試料
１４…鏡筒
１５…接眼レンズ
１６…ＴＶ観察装置
Ｍ１，Ｍ２…モータ
Ｓ１，Ｓ２…センサ
２１…制御回路／電源回路
２２…操作部
２３１，２３２…レボルバースイッチ
２４１，２４２…開口絞り切換スイッチ
２６…レボルバ制御／駆動回路
２７…記憶回路
２８…開口絞り制御／駆動回路
３１…記憶回路
３２…調光回路[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a microscope provided with an electric revolver, and more particularly to an epi-illumination observation microscope.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the epi-illumination observation microscope, the sample is irradiated with illumination light from the illumination light source, and the reflected light is observed through the objective lens. This type of microscope is provided with a plurality of objective lenses in a revolver, and observation is performed by changing the magnification by rotating the revolver.
[0003]
In recent microscopes, many revolvers are electrically switched, and in addition to the revolver, many microscopes that reduce the operation by electrically driving various operation units are provided. In particular, the field stop and aperture stop of the illuminating device can be maximized in optical performance by setting the diameter appropriately according to the objective lens and observation method. Therefore, these controls are electrically controlled in conjunction with the revolver. Things are introduced.
[0004]
Also known is a technique of minimizing the change in brightness upon switching of the objective lens by electrically controlling the brightness of the light source or the dimming means such as an ND filter in accordance with the magnification and transmittance of the objective lens. ing. These functions are functions that are selectively provided depending on usage frequency, price range, and the like.
[0005]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-21957 discloses a microscope that controls an aperture stop, a dimming (ND) unit, and the like in an optimal state based on data of an objective lens. The transmittance of an objective lens varies depending on its magnification and numerical aperture (NA). Generally, the transmittance of a high-magnification objective lens is low (dark), and the transmittance of a low-magnification objective lens is high (bright). In addition, it is appropriate that the aperture stop for maximizing the performance of the objective lens is reduced to a diameter of about 70% with respect to the pupil diameter of each objective lens. In this case, the pupil diameter of a high-magnification objective lens is generally small, and the pupil diameter of a low-magnification objective lens is large.
[0006]
From the above, since the high magnification objective lens has low transmittance and it is necessary to reduce the aperture stop diameter, the illumination efficiency is poor and the observation image becomes dark. On the other hand, a low magnification objective lens has a high transmittance and a large aperture stop diameter, so that a bright observation image can be obtained. The aperture stop is also used for a predetermined objective lens to reduce the diameter, decrease the numerical aperture of the illumination, increase the depth of the image, and enhance the contrast.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The above-mentioned microscope according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-21957 maximizes the optical performance of each objective lens, and at the same time corrects the difference in brightness with the ND unit. It is possible to observe at a brightness of.
[0008]
However, when switching the objective lens, there is a problem that an observation image that exceeds the brightness even for a moment, including during switching, feels dazzling, and this problem must be avoided. For example, when switching from a high-magnification objective lens to a low-magnification objective lens, it is necessary to prevent an observation image with a brightness higher than necessary from entering the operator even for a moment.
[0009]
As a publicly known example for such a problem, a method of inserting and removing a dedicated shutter together with switching of the objective lens is taken, but a shutter mechanism and members for that purpose are required, which is disadvantageous in terms of cost. is there. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-337359 discloses a microscope illumination device that shuts off the power of illumination light when the objective lens is switched to prevent stray light. Furthermore, as a similar technique, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-20958 discloses a microscope control device that rotates a revolver after waiting for a light amount to surely drop.
[0010]
According to each of the above proposals, although the effect is improved, the light source is frequently turned ON / OFF, and the life of the light source is shortened (in particular, halogen bulbs generally used for the light source are repeatedly turned on and off) It is known that the life is shortened.) Some light sources cannot be easily turned on and off repeatedly (for example, an arc light source such as a mercury lamp). Furthermore, each of the above techniques adds other operations to various switching operations, and is inefficient in terms of power and durability.
[0011]
On the other hand, when the aperture stop is appropriately adjusted in a predetermined objective lens, if the aperture stop is made smaller, the image becomes darker, and if the aperture stop is made larger, the image becomes brighter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a microscope that can prevent glare when switching an objective lens and switching an aperture stop with a simple configuration.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the microscope of the present invention is configured as follows.
(1) In the microscope of the present invention, the illumination light emitted from the illumination light source is guided to the objective lens attached to the revolver through the diaphragm, and the observation method or the operation of the revolver at the time of switching of the objective lens is linked with the operation described above. In the microscope for switching the diameter of the stop, one of the revolver switching and the stop switching is performed first by recognizing the switching direction of the objective lens in the revolver or the type of the current objective lens and the target objective lens. Control means for controlling is provided.
[0013]
(2) The microscope according to the present invention guides the illumination light emitted from the illumination light source to the objective lens attached to the revolver through the stop, and operates the light source in conjunction with the observation method or the operation of the revolver when the objective lens is switched. In the microscope that operates the dimming means or the dimming means, the revolver switching and the dimming means are performed by recognizing the switching direction of the objective lens in the revolver or the type of the current objective lens and the target objective lens. Control means is provided for controlling to perform either dimming or dimming by the dimming means first.
[0014]
(3) The microscope of the present invention guides the illumination light radiated from the illumination light source to the objective lens attached to the revolver through the diaphragm, and interlocks with the operation of the revolver at the time of observation method or switching of the objective lens. In a microscope interlocking with the light control means or the light reduction means, a switching means for switching the diameter of the diaphragm, and a direction in which the diameter of the diaphragm changes or a target diameter and a target when the diameter is switched by the switching means According to the comparison result of the diameters of the apertures, there is provided control means for performing control so that one of the switching of the diameters of the diaphragms and the dimming by the dimming means or the dimming by the dimming means is performed first.
[0015]
As a result of taking the above-mentioned means, the following actions are produced.
(1) According to the microscope of the present invention, when the switching of the objective lens is switching from the high magnification to the low magnification, the objective lens is switched first, and then the aperture stop has a diameter matched to the objective lens. When the switching and the switching of the objective lens are switching from the low magnification to the high magnification, first, the objective lens is switched after switching the aperture stop to one having the diameter for the target objective lens. That is, the order of switching of the objective lens and switching of the aperture stop is changed as follows.
[0016]

Therefore, the brightness change at the time of switching of the objective lens gradually becomes brighter or darker, so that the brightness beyond the observation image can enter the observer even for a moment with the current objective lens or the target objective lens. There is no.
[0017]
(2) According to the microscope of the present invention, when the switching of the objective lens is switching from the high magnification to the low magnification, the dimming or dimming according to the target objective lens is performed first, and then the objective lens is switched. When the switching of the objective lens is switching from the low magnification to the high magnification, the objective lens is switched first, and then the light adjustment or dimming according to the target objective lens is performed. That is, the order of switching of the objective lens and switching of the illumination light amount is changed as follows.
[0018]

Therefore, the brightness change at the time of switching of the objective lens is bright → dark → bright, and the brightness higher than the observation image by the current objective lens or the target objective lens does not enter the observer even for a moment.
[0019]
(3) According to the microscope of the present invention, when the aperture stop is arbitrarily changed, the brightness is appropriately adjusted with respect to the diameter by the light control means or the light reduction means. That is, in the same objective lens, the illumination light quantity is increased when the aperture stop diameter is reduced, and the light quantity is reduced when the aperture stop diameter is increased, so that stable brightness can be obtained at all times.
[0020]
When the adjustment of the aperture stop is switching from a small diameter to a large diameter, first the light adjustment or dimming is performed according to the target aperture stop diameter, and then the aperture stop is switched. When the aperture stop adjustment is switching from a large diameter to a small diameter, the aperture stop is first switched, and then light adjustment or dimming according to the target aperture stop diameter is performed. That is, the order of switching the aperture stop and switching the amount of illumination light is changed as follows.
[0021]

Therefore, the brightness change at the time of switching the aperture stop is bright → dark → bright, and the brightness beyond the observation image does not enter the observer even for a moment with the current aperture stop diameter or the target aperture stop diameter.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of the microscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This microscope is an epi-illumination observation microscope. The microscope main body 3 includes a light source unit 1, an electric revolver 2, a stage 12, and a lens barrel 14.
[0023]
In FIG. 1, incident illumination light a emitted from the illumination light source 4 of the light source unit 1 passes through the collector lens 5 and the relay lens 6, passes through the aperture stop unit 7 and the field stop 8, and passes through the relay lens 9 to be a half mirror. 10 is incident. The half mirror 10 is a mirror for bright-field illumination, and the reflected light from the half mirror 10 forms an image of the light source 4 at the pupil position of the objective lens 11, and is on the stage 12 via the electric revolver 2 and the objective lens 11. Koehler illumination is performed on the sample 13. Reflected light from the sample 13 is transmitted as an observation image through the objective lens 11 and the half mirror 10 on the optical axis b and guided to the lens barrel 14, an eyepiece 15 mounted on the lens barrel 14, a TV observation device 16, and the like. To be observed.
[0024]
The electric revolver 2 and the aperture stop unit 7 include motors M1 and M2 and sensors S1 and S2, respectively. Under the control of a control circuit (not shown), the electric revolver 2 is electrically rotated to select an objective lens, and the aperture stop unit 7 is configured to switch the rotation of a plurality of holes 71 having different diameters (or the aperture stop unit 7 has one hole). And the diameter of the hole may be variably switched by a plurality of blade diaphragms). The light source 4 can be dimmed by voltage by the control circuit. Alternatively, dimming may be performed by inserting and removing a plurality of filters as an ND unit with respect to the light source 4.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electric circuit in the present microscope and a conceptual diagram related to switching of an objective lens and an aperture stop. In FIG. 2, each electric unit is connected to a control circuit / power supply circuit 21 and can be freely operated by switches of the operation unit 22. The operation unit 22 includes forward and reverse revolver switches (SW-H1, L1) 231, 232, aperture stop changeover switches (SW-H2, L2) 241, 242 and the like for objective lens switching. Operation instructions are given to the respective motorized parts via the power supply circuit 21.
[0026]
In response to an instruction from the revolver switches 231 and 232 of the operation unit 22, the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 drives the motor M1 by the revolver control / drive circuit 26 to rotate the revolver 2 and uses the sensor S1 to perform a desired operation. The objective lens is moved to the position of the optical axis b. At this time, the magnification (hole position) of the current objective lens and the target objective lens can be recognized by the sensor S1.
[0027]
Further, the motor M2 is driven by the aperture stop control / drive circuit 28, and the desired aperture stop is moved to the position of the optical axis b 'using the sensor S2. At this time, it is possible to recognize the current aperture stop diameter and the target aperture stop diameter (hole position) by the sensor S2.
[0028]
In FIG. 2, the magnification of the plurality of objective lenses attached to the revolver 2 is lowest in A, and gradually increases in the order of A, B, C, D, and E. When the revolver switch (SW-H1) 231 is operated, the objective lens on the optical axis b is switched to one having a high magnification. When the objective lens E is on the optical axis b, the objective lens A is switched by the revolver switch (SW-H1) 231. On the other hand, when the revolver switch (SW-L1) 232 is operated, the objective lens on the optical axis b is switched to one having a low magnification. When the objective lens A is on the optical axis b, the objective lens E is switched by the revolver switch (SW-L1) 232.
[0029]
The diameter of the plurality of holes provided in the aperture stop unit 7 is largest at A ′, and gradually decreases in the order of A ′, B ′, C ′, D ′, and E ′. When the aperture stop switch (SW-H2) 241 is operated, the hole on the optical axis b 'is switched to one having a large diameter. When there is a hole A ′ on the optical axis b ′, it is switched to the hole E ′ by the aperture stop switch (SW-H2) 241. On the other hand, when the aperture stop switch (SW-L2) 242 is operated, the hole on the optical axis b ′ is switched to one having a small diameter. When there is a hole E ′ on the optical axis b ′, it is switched to the hole A ′ by the aperture stop switch (SW-L2) 242.
[0030]
3A to 3C are detailed views of the aperture stop unit 7 in this microscope. 3A is a view seen from the illumination light source 4 side, FIG. 3B is a side view, and FIG. 3C is a view seen from the field stop 8 side. In addition, the sensor board | substrate 79 in FIG.3 (b) writes the figure seen from another direction with the dashed-two dotted line, in order to illustrate the side view of sensor S2 '. The aperture stop unit 7 is provided with an aperture stop turret 72 in which a plurality of aperture stops 71a to 71f having different hole diameters are formed. The aperture stop turret 72 is rotated about a rotation shaft 74 via a bearing 73, and the aperture stops 71a to 71f having a desired diameter among the aperture stops 71a to 71f are moved to the optical axis 75 (b ′) of the incident illumination light Q. ) Is selected and arranged.
[0031]
In general, these aperture stops are often continuously changed by a plurality of blade stops, but the number of aperture stops that are switched in stages like the aperture stop unit 7 is increasing. With a blade diaphragm, there are concerns about durability due to repeated operations and the possibility of dust generation. Therefore, a fixed diaphragm with good reproducibility tends to be preferred for quantitative evaluation of observation images. . And continuous variable by a blade diaphragm has difficulty in the precision and reproducibility of a diameter.
[0032]
However, the aperture stops 71a to 71f are formed such that the aperture diameter becomes smaller in order from the aperture stop 71a having the maximum diameter (optically open), and the position selected according to the pupil diameter of the objective lens 11 is stored in the control system. ing. The objective lens 11 generally has a smaller pupil diameter as the objective lens with a higher magnification.
[0033]
The aperture stop turret 72 is controlled so as to select the aperture stop 71a having the maximum diameter for all the objective lenses 11 during dark field observation and the aperture stops 71a to 71f having a diameter suitable for each objective lens 11 during bright field observation. The
[0034]
A pinion 76 is provided on the rotation shaft of the stepping motor M <b> 2, and this pinion 76 is screwed into a gear 77 provided near the outer periphery of the aperture stop turret 72. A mechanism for detecting and switching the electrical origin for switching selection of each hole will be described. A magnet 202 is embedded and bonded in the space between the holes of the aperture stop turret 72. The aperture stop unit 7 has a Hall element substrate 201 and uses a Hall element sensor S2 ″.
[0035]
In the figure, when the aperture stop 71a is in the optical path, the magnet 202 of the aperture stop turret 72 just overlaps the position of the Hall element substrate 201, and recognizes that this state is the origin.
[0036]
When the power of the present microscope is turned on, the aperture stop unit 7 rotates the aperture stop turret 72 to match the positions of the magnet 202 and the Hall element 201 and recognize the position of the aperture stop 71a. Further, sensor plate protrusions 78 are arranged on the outermost periphery of the aperture stop turret 72 by the number of holes of the aperture stops 71a to 71f, and the sensor substrate 79 indicates that each of the aperture stops 71a to 71f is near the optical axis. To detect. For the sensor substrate 79, a sensor S2 ′ such as a passing photo interrupter is used.
[0037]
Further, in order to improve the stop position accuracy of the aperture stop turret 72, a click mechanism is provided by a leaf spring 81 and a roller 82. A click groove 83 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of one side surface of the aperture stop turret 72 so as to correspond to each aperture hole, and the roller 82 biased by the leaf spring 81 falls into the click groove 83. The aperture stop turret 72 is positioned.
[0038]
Accordingly, when a constant pulse is sent to the stepping motor M2, the aperture stop turret 72 rotates, and when the sensor plate protrusion 78 is detected by the sensor S2 ′, the stepping motor M2 is stopped, whereby each of the aperture holes 71a to 71f. Can be moved onto the illumination light path 75. At this time, how many pulses are sent in which direction from the origin determined when the power is turned on (a state where the aperture stop 71a is on the illumination optical path 75) or how many times the sensor S2 'is detected is controlled. Thus, the aperture stops 71a to 71f having diameters suitable for the observation method or the objective lens 11 are selected.
[0039]
In this microscope, when the objective lens is switched by an instruction from the revolver switches (SW-H1, SW-L1) 231 and 232 of the operation unit 22, the objective lens stored in the storage circuit 27 and the optimum for each observation method are selected. According to the aperture stop diameter, the aperture stop control / drive circuit 28 automatically switches the aperture stop using the motor M2 and the sensor S2 (S2 ′, S2 ″), and the switching order at that time is defined. It is characterized by.
[0040]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence related to interlocking of objective lens switching and aperture stop switching in the first embodiment. The control circuit / power supply circuit 21 first detects an input from the operation unit 22 in step S1, and confirms in step S2 that one of the revolver switches 231 and 232 is ON. In step S3, the objective lens Is switched from the high magnification side to the low magnification side or from the low magnification side to the high magnification side. (The current objective lens and the target objective lens are recognized by the sensor S1 and the revolver control / drive circuit 26 shown in FIG. 2).
If the objective lens is switched from the high-magnification side to the low-magnification side in step S3, the objective lens is switched as described below to reach the target objective lens with the current aperture stop diameter. First, in step S4, the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 drives the revolver motor (M1) by the revolver control / drive circuit 26 to rotate the revolver 2, and in step S5, the objective lens located on the optical axis b is detected. . This detection is performed until the target objective lens reaches the optical axis b in step S6. When the target objective lens reaches the optical axis b in step S6, the revolver motor is stopped in step S7.
[0041]
At this time, since the objective lens has been switched from the high magnification side to the low magnification side, the switched target objective lens has improved transmittance and the amount of observation light is increased, but the aperture stop remains for high magnification, At this time, the original brightness of the target objective lens is not reached.
[0042]
When the switching of the objective lens is finished in step S7 and the revolver motor is stopped, in step S8, the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 determines whether or not the aperture stop is switched. In this case, since the aperture stop has not yet been switched, the aperture stop is switched to one that matches the target objective lens as follows. When the aperture stop is switched, the operations after step S1 are performed.
[0043]
First, in step S9, the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 drives the aperture stop motor (M2) by the aperture stop control / drive circuit 28 to rotate the aperture stop turret 72. In step S10, the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 is positioned on the optical axis b '. Detect the aperture stop. This detection is performed until the target aperture stop reaches the optical axis b ′ in step S11. If the target aperture stop is reached in step S11, the aperture stop motor is stopped in step S12.
[0044]
At this time, the target objective lens and the aperture stop diameter suitable for it will be obtained for the first time, and the amount of light will increase, but the observation image will gradually become brighter during switching, which is inconvenient for the operator. There will be no natural switching.
[0045]
In step S12, when the aperture stop is switched and the aperture stop motor is stopped, in step S13, the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 determines whether or not the revolver has been switched. Here, if the revolver switching is not completed, the operation after step S4 is performed, and if it is completed, the operation after step S1 is performed.
[0046]
Unlike the above, when switching from the low magnification side to the high magnification side, first the aperture stop is switched. First, the observation image becomes dark by switching from a bright observation image having a high transmittance and a large aperture stop diameter to a small aperture diameter for high magnification. Next, since the objective lens is switched, it gradually becomes dark until the target objective lens has an appropriate brightness, which is natural for the operator without inconvenience.
[0047]
According to the first embodiment, when the objective lens is switched and the aperture stop is switched in conjunction therewith, the objective lens is switched from the low magnification side to the high magnification side, or from the high magnification side to the low magnification side. Regardless of whether or not there is, the change in brightness of the observed image is natural and does not give the operator a sense of incongruity. Further, the switching operation itself is only the operation of each switching unit, and it can be said that the configuration has no waste.
[0048]
(Second Embodiment)
The configuration of the microscope according to the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS.
[0049]
The memory circuit 31 shown in FIG. 2 has a table having an optimum light amount ratio for each objective lens, and the dimming circuit 32 adjusts the voltage applied to the light source 4 according to an instruction from the control circuit / power supply circuit 21. When the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 is instructed to switch the objective lens by signals from the revolver switches (SW-H1, SW-L1) 231, 232, the dimming circuit 32 and the memory circuit 31 set the target objective lens. Switch to the optimal light intensity.
[0050]
As described above, since the transmittance of the objective lens decreases as the magnification increases, in order to observe with the same brightness, it is necessary to increase the light amount at high magnification and decrease the light amount at low magnification. In the second embodiment, an observation image having the same brightness can be obtained with each objective lens by using the light quantity ratio table of the magnification and transmittance of each objective lens. In the second embodiment, the order of switching is defined when the objective lens is switched and the light control function is linked.
[0051]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence related to the interlocking between objective lens switching and light control in the second embodiment. The control circuit / power supply circuit 21 first detects an input from the operation unit 22 in step S21, and confirms in step S22 that one of the revolver switches 231 and 232 is ON. In step S23, the objective lens Is switched from the low magnification side to the high magnification side, or from the high magnification side to the low magnification side. (The current objective lens and the target objective lens are recognized by the sensor S1 and the revolver control / drive circuit 26 shown in FIG. 2).
If the objective lens is switched from the low-magnification side to the high-magnification side in step S23, the objective lens is switched as described below to reach the target objective lens while maintaining the brightness of the light source. First, in step S24, the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 drives the revolver motor (M1) by the revolver control / drive circuit 26 to rotate the revolver 2, and in step S25, the objective lens located on the optical axis b is detected. . This detection is performed until the target objective lens reaches the optical axis b in step S26. When the target objective lens reaches the optical axis b in step S26, the revolver motor is stopped in step S27. At this time, since the objective lens is switched from the low-magnification side to the high-magnification side, the amount of observation is reduced because the transmittance is poor.
[0052]
In step S27, when the switching of the objective lens is completed and the revolver motor is stopped, in step S28, the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 determines whether or not the brightness is switched. In this case, since the dimming has not been performed yet, the dimming circuit 32 adjusts the brightness of the light source 4 to a value that matches the target objective lens based on the data in the storage circuit 31 as follows. When the light control is finished, the operations after step S1 are performed.
[0053]
First, in step S29, the light control circuit 32 reads the brightness data of the target objective lens from the storage circuit 31, and sets the brightness of the light source 4 in step S30. At this time, the brightness of the target objective lens and the light source 4 suitable for it will be obtained for the first time, and the amount of light will increase, but even during the switching, the observation image will once become darker and brighter. The person does not feel the brightness more than necessary even for a moment.
[0054]
When the dimming is finished, in step S31, the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 determines whether or not the switching of the revolver is finished. If the revolver switching has not been completed, the operation after step S24 is performed. If the revolver has been switched, the operation after step S21 is performed.
[0055]
Unlike the above, when switching from the high-magnification side to the low-magnification side, first the brightness of the light source is switched. Since the high-magnification objective lens has a low transmittance, the observation image is first darkened by reducing the light source from a bright state to a sufficiently bright light amount in the low-magnification objective lens first. Next, since the objective lens is switched, it becomes darker and then brighter (returns to the original brightness) until it reaches the appropriate brightness at the target objective lens, which is convenient and necessary for the operator. You can't feel the above brightness even for a moment.
[0056]
According to the second embodiment, whether the objective lens is switched from the low-magnification side to the high-magnification side or the high-magnification side to the low-magnification side during the switching of the objective lens and the dimming linked thereto. Regardless, the change in brightness of the observed image is natural and does not give the operator a sense of incongruity. Further, the switching operation itself is only the operation of each switching unit, and it can be said that the configuration has no waste.
[0057]
(Third embodiment)
Since the configuration of the microscope according to the third embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS.
[0058]
The aperture stop unit 7 shown in FIG. 2 includes an aperture stop control / drive circuit 28 and a storage circuit 29 for selecting an optimum diameter in conjunction with the switching of the objective lens. -H2, L2) 241, 242, the diameter of the same objective lens can be made larger or smaller than the stored diameter. By narrowing the aperture stop with respect to the pupil diameter, the depth increases or the contrast increases, so that it can be adjusted according to the situation. When the aperture stop switch (SW-H2) 241 is pressed, the aperture stop is switched to a larger diameter, and when the aperture stop switch (SW-L2) 242 is pressed, the switch is switched to a smaller diameter.
[0059]
The storage circuit 31 stores brightness data at each aperture stop diameter together with a table of brightness settings for each objective lens. In this case, if the aperture stop diameter is increased with the same objective lens by the aperture stop switch 241, the observation image becomes brighter, and the light intensity of the light source 4 is lowered by the dimming circuit 32 in accordance with an instruction from the control circuit / power supply circuit 21. Further, when the aperture stop diameter is reduced by the aperture stop switch 242, the observation image becomes dark, so that the illumination light amount of the light source 4 is increased by the dimming circuit 32 according to an instruction from the control circuit / power supply circuit 21. Therefore, the operator can switch the aperture stop with the same objective lens, and can observe with the same brightness before and after the switching, and does not feel an unnatural light amount change.
[0060]
(Fourth embodiment)
Since the configuration of the microscope according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the description thereof is omitted. In the fourth embodiment, the order of switching is defined when the aperture stop is switched and the dimming function is linked.
[0061]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence related to interlocking between aperture stop switching and dimming in the fourth embodiment. The control circuit / power supply circuit 21 first detects an input from the operation unit 22 in step S41, and confirms in step S42 that one of the aperture stop switches 241 and 242 is ON. In step S43, the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 opens the aperture. It is determined whether the diaphragm is switched from a large diameter to a small diameter or from a small diameter to a large diameter (the sensor S2 and the aperture diaphragm control / drive circuit 28 shown in FIG. Recognize aperture stop diameter and target aperture stop diameter (position)).
[0062]
When the aperture stop is switched from a large diameter to a small diameter in step S43, the aperture stop is switched as described below to reach the target aperture stop diameter with the brightness of the light source as it is. First, in step S44, the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 drives the aperture stop motor (M2) by the aperture stop control / drive circuit 28 to rotate the aperture stop turret 72. In step S45, the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 is positioned on the optical axis b '. Detect the aperture stop. This detection is performed until the target aperture stop reaches the optical axis b ′ in step S46. If the target aperture stop reaches the optical axis b ′ in step S46, the aperture stop motor is stopped in step S47. At this time, since the aperture stop diameter is switched in the direction of decreasing, the observation light quantity is lowered because the illumination efficiency is poor.
[0063]
In step S47, when the aperture stop is switched and the aperture stop motor is stopped, in step S48, the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 determines whether or not the brightness is switched. In this case, since dimming has not yet been performed, the dimming circuit 32 adjusts the brightness of the light source 4 to the amount of light that matches the target aperture stop diameter of the objective lens based on the data in the storage circuit 31 as follows. Shine. When the light control is finished, the operations after step S1 are performed.
[0064]
First, in step S49, the light control circuit 32 reads the brightness data for the target aperture stop of the objective lens from the storage circuit 31, and sets the brightness of the light source 4 in step S50. At this time, the brightness of the target aperture stop and the light source 4 suitable for it is obtained for the first time, and the amount of light increases. However, even during the switching, the observation image is once darkened and brightened (original and Therefore, the worker does not feel the brightness more than necessary for a moment.
[0065]
When the light control is finished, in step S51, the control circuit / power supply circuit 21 determines whether or not the aperture stop has been switched. Here, if the aperture stop has not been switched, the operation after step S44 is performed, and if it is completed, the operation after step S41 is performed.
[0066]
Unlike the above, when the aperture stop is switched from a small diameter to a large diameter, first the brightness of the light source is switched. Since the aperture diameter is small and the illumination efficiency is low, the observation image is first darkened by reducing the amount of light from a bright light source to a sufficient brightness when the aperture diameter is large. Next, since the aperture stop is switched, it becomes darker and then brighter again until it reaches the appropriate brightness for the target aperture stop. I don't feel it.
[0067]
According to the fourth embodiment, during the switching of only the aperture stop and the dimming linked thereto, the brightness change of the observation image is natural regardless of the direction of increase / decrease of the diameter of the aperture stop. Similar brightness can be obtained, and the operator does not feel uncomfortable. Further, the switching operation itself is only the operation of each switching unit and the dimming unit, and it can be said that the configuration has no waste.
[0068]
The present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. In each of the above embodiments, the aperture stop is switched by the step-switching turret, and the light control is performed by varying the voltage of the light source. It is also possible to configure such that the filter is inserted and removed and continuous light control is performed with a stepless ND wheel. In this case, the optimum value data and table for each objective lens can be further subdivided for both aperture stop and light control, so that various observation images and brightness can be set. Moreover, although the present invention shows an embodiment using epi-illumination, the same effect can be obtained even with transmitted illumination.
[0069]
The present invention defines the order of each operation to be interlocked, but the switching time can be achieved within about 1 sec in total, and control is performed to the extent that the operator seems to be interlocking almost simultaneously. .
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
According to the microscope of the present invention, the change of the brightness of the observation image during the switching of the objective lens is natural when switching the objective lens and the aperture stop interlocked therewith, and the operator may feel dazzling even for a moment. Absent.
[0071]
According to the microscope of the present invention, the same brightness can be obtained even when the objective lens is switched during the switching of the objective lens and the dimming interlocked therewith, and the brightness change during the switching is natural.
[0072]
According to the microscope of the present invention, even when only the aperture stop is switched with the same objective lens, it is possible to observe with the same brightness, and an unnatural light amount change does not occur. In addition, when switching only the aperture stop and dimming in conjunction with it, the brightness of the observation image changes naturally regardless of the direction of increase or decrease of the aperture stop diameter, and finally the same brightness can be obtained. Can do.
[0073]
Therefore, according to the microscope of the present invention, at the time of switching of the objective lens and switching of the aperture stop, without a dedicated shutter for increasing the manufacturing cost, a dimming device that is uneasy for durability, or an operation other than the switching operation. Anti-glare can be achieved. Further, it is possible to maintain appropriate brightness when adjusting the aperture stop, and to provide a similar anti-glare function. Further, since each switching operation is performed only with the minimum necessary operations and functions of each switching unit, the configuration is not wasteful.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a configuration of a microscope according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electric circuit in the microscope according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a detailed view of an aperture stop unit in the microscope according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence related to interlocking of objective lens switching and aperture stop switching according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence related to interlocking between objective lens switching and light control in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence related to interlocking between aperture stop switching and dimming according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Light source part
2 ... Electric revolver
3 ... Microscope body
4 ... Illumination light source
5 ... Collector lens
6 ... Relay lens
7 ... Aperture stop unit
8 ... Field stop
9 ... Relay lens
10 ... Half mirror
11 ... Objective lens
12 ... Stage
13 ... Sample
14 ... Tube
15 ... Eyepiece
16 ... TV observation device
M1, M2 ... Motor
S1, S2 ... Sensor
21. Control circuit / power supply circuit
22 ... operation unit
231,232 ... Revolver switch
241,242 ... Aperture aperture switch
26: Revolver control / drive circuit
27. Memory circuit
28 ... Aperture control / drive circuit
31. Memory circuit
32. Light control circuit

Claims (3)

In a microscope for guiding illumination light emitted from an illumination light source to an objective lens attached to a revolver through a diaphragm, and switching the diameter of the diaphragm in conjunction with an observation method or operation of the revolver at the time of switching the objective lens,
It is provided with a control means for controlling the revolver switching and the diaphragm switching first by recognizing the switching direction of the objective lens in the revolver or the type of the current objective lens and the target objective lens. A microscope characterized by The illumination light emitted from the illumination light source is guided to the objective lens attached to the revolver through the diaphragm, and the light source dimming means or dimming means is linked with the observation method or the operation of the revolver when the objective lens is switched. In the operating microscope,
By recognizing the switching direction of the objective lens in the revolver or the type of the current objective lens and the target objective lens, one of the switching of the revolver and the light control by the light control means or the light reduction by the light reduction means is performed. A microscope comprising control means for controlling to be performed first. The illumination light radiated from the illumination light source is guided to the objective lens attached to the revolver through the diaphragm, and the dimming means or dimming means of the light source is interlocked with the operation of the revolver at the time of observation method or switching of the objective lens. In the microscope
Switching means for switching the diameter of the diaphragm;
At the time of switching the diameter by the switching means, the switching of the diameter of the diaphragm and the dimming by the dimming means or the dimming means according to the direction in which the diameter of the diaphragm changes or the comparison result of the current diaphragm diameter and the target diaphragm diameter A microscope comprising control means for performing control so that one of light reduction by the light reduction means is performed first.

Images