JP4300601B2 - Binocular microscope and imaging method using binocular microscope - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a binocular microscope having a pair of left and right optical systems and an imaging method using the binocular microscope, and more particularly to a compact and lightweight binocular microscope and an imaging method using the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A binocular microscope has a pair of left and right optical systems corresponding to both eyes, and is an optical device for magnifying and observing a small object. In general, observing an image with one eye causes fatigue on the eyes and makes observation for a long time difficult. Therefore, a binocular microscope that can be observed with both eyes is also popular. Among stereo microscopes capable of observing stereoscopic images among binocular microscopes, so-called endoclinic stereo microscopes generally consist of a pair of objective lens systems, a pair of erecting prism systems, and a pair of eyepiece systems. The left and right eyes have independent imaging optical systems.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Most of the conventional binocular microscopes as described above were developed on the assumption that they were used indoors, and it was virtually impossible to take them out of the field because they were large and heavy. In addition, the photographing apparatus added to such a binocular microscope has a complicated mechanism, is not portable and is expensive.
[0004]
However, recently, with the development of a binocular microscope that is light and small and can be easily carried outside, it has been necessary to use a magnifying glass with a relatively low magnification or a monocular microscope. It has become possible to easily observe small objects outside the field, such as insects, plants and ores. Accordingly, not only observation by eyes but also recording of an image of an observation object, simultaneous observation by a plurality of persons, and the like are required, and an imaging apparatus that can be added to a small binocular microscope is required. However, when a conventional binocular microscope imaging device is added to such a small microscope, the structure becomes complicated and large and expensive, and the advantages of a lightweight and compact binocular microscope are impaired.
[0005]
Therefore, in view of the above technical problem, the present invention is a portable binocular microscope that can easily perform image recording and simultaneous observation while being small and light, and can be taken out and used outdoors. It aims at providing the imaging method using it.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a binocular microscope according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a pair of left and right eyepiece optical systems 4a and 4b for observing an image of one object 10 as shown in FIG. An image forming optical system 6 that forms an image of the test object 10 and is disposed on the eye side of at least one of the pair of eyepiece optical systems 4a and 4b (for example, 4a). An imaging device 5 including an imaging plane 7 to be arranged; the imaging device 5 is configured to be detachable from at least one eyepiece optical system (for example, 4a); and a pair of left and right eyepiece optical systems 4a and 4b. Correspondingly, it has optical axes AX1 and AX2 that intersect at the position of the test object 10, respectively, and includes a pair of left and right objective optical systems 2a and 2b that form an image of one test object 10; An optical system 4a, 4b and a pair of left and right objective optical systems 2a, 2b Is configured as a structure of the body, the structure of the integral, rotatable about an axis X1 perpendicular to the plane including the optical axis AX1, AX2 crossing, among the optical axes of the crossing, the imaging One optical axis AX1 on which the apparatus 5 is arranged is configured to be set perpendicular to the placement surface 1a on which the test object 10 is placed . At this time, the objective optical systems 2a and 2b collect the light from the object to be examined 10 and form an image in cooperation with the eyepiece optical systems 4a and 4b. At this time, the objective optical systems 2a and 2b collect the light from the object 10 and form an image in cooperation with the eyepiece optical systems 4a and 4b.
Here, the imaging optical system 6 may be a single lens represented by the structure of a camera with a lens, or may be an optical system constituted by a plurality of lens groups. In the case of being composed of groups, an imaging optical system having high imaging performance such as reducing aberration can be obtained. If the imaging surface is an image sensor, display can be performed by a liquid crystal display device or a CRT connected to the image sensor, and observation by a large number of people is possible. Electronic recording is also possible. Furthermore, if the imaging surface is made of a film, for example, an image of the test object can be recorded. The imaging device may be arranged not only in one of the pair of eyepiece optical systems, but in that case, the left and right images can be recorded on a film or a magnetic recording device, or displayed on a liquid crystal display device or the like. . This binocular microscope is a stereo microscope having a pair of eyepiece systems and a pair of objective lens systems, for example, even a binocular microscope having two eyepiece systems but only one objective lens system. Good.
If comprised in this way, since the imaging device arrange | positioned at the eye side of one eyepiece optical system is provided, a to-be-examined object can be image | photographed thru | or image | photographed with an imaging device, For example, a recording device and a monitor are connected to an imaging device. In this case, it is possible not only to observe directly by eyes but also to record an image or display it on a monitor.
[0010]
If comprised in this way, since it equips with a pair of objective optical system which each has the optical axis which cross | intersects in the position of a to-be-examined object corresponding to a pair of eyepiece optical system, it can comprise as what is called a stereomicroscope which observes a stereo image. it can. If the imaging device is placed on both the left and right eyepieces, and a recording device or a monitor is connected to each of these imaging devices, for example, a stereoscopic image can be recorded as a photograph or displayed on a monitor, as well as being directly observed by eyes. Thus, a stereoscopic image can be observed by a large number of people using stereoscopic glasses.
[0011]
If comprised in this way, since it is comprised so that it can rotate centering | focusing on the axis line orthogonal to the plane containing the crossed optical axis, one optical axis can be made perpendicular | vertical to a to-be-tested surface. In this way, it is possible to obtain a flat image having no left-right focus difference in the visual field, and to realize a binocular microscope that can be easily stored and carried by being rotatable.
[0013]
Furthermore, as described in claim 3 , in the binocular microscope according to claim 1 , when the imaging device 5 is arranged on the eye side of one eyepiece optical system, for example, 4a, the eyepiece side of the other eyepiece optical system 4b is placed on the eye side. An illuminating device 19 that is disposed and illuminates the object 10 to be inspected via the other eyepiece optical system 4b is provided, and the illuminating device 19 is configured to be detachable from the other eyepiece optical system 4b. (Figure 3). In this case, the object surface to be examined can be illuminated with the illumination optical system, which is suitable for observation in a dark place.
[0014]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging method using the binocular microscope according to the first to fourth aspects, the integrated structure is placed on a plane including the intersecting optical axes AX1 and AX2. The optical axis (for example, AX1) of the objective optical system corresponding to one eyepiece optical system in which the imaging device 5 is disposed among the intersecting optical axes AX1 and AX2 by rotating about the axis X1 orthogonal to the center. The test object 10 may be imaged so as to be substantially perpendicular to the placement surface 1a on which the test object 10 is placed.
[0015]
In general, as an imaging method using a binocular microscope, when imaging the test object 10 with a pair of left and right optical systems each having optical axes AX1 and AX2 that intersect at the position of the test object 10, the pair of left and right opticals is used. The system is rotated about an axis orthogonal to the plane including the intersecting optical axes AX1 and AX2, and one of the intersecting optical axes AX1 and AX2 (for example, AX1) is placed on the test object 10. The object to be inspected 10 may be imaged from an optical system having an optical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface 1a. In this way, it is possible to obtain a flat image having no left-right focus difference in the visual field.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the mutually same or equivalent member, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0017]
1 and 2 are schematic views of a first embodiment of a binocular microscope according to the present invention. The binocular microscope of the present embodiment has a pair of right and left inner oblique optical systems for forming and observing an image of one object to be examined, and the main configuration thereof is as a pair of objective optical systems. It has objective lens systems 2a and 2b, a pair of erecting prism systems 3a and 3b, and eyepiece lens systems 4a and 4b as a pair of eyepiece optical systems, and further places an observation object 10 as a test object. A stage 1 is provided. The imaging device 5 is disposed at the eye side position of one eyepiece lens system 4a, and this imaging device 5 is configured to be easily detachable from the lens barrel portion of the eyepiece lens system 4a.
[0018]
The stage 1 is a base for placing the observation object 10, and the placement surface 1 a for placing the observation object 10, which is a surface on the optical system side, is a horizontal plane when the stage 1 is placed on the horizontal plane. It is provided to become. In addition, the stage 1 is provided in a substantially inverted T shape, and when placed on a substantially horizontal desk or table, the binocular microscope itself can be supported upright. The stage 1 is connected to an objective lens housing 2c that internally supports a pair of objective lens systems 2a and 2b. During the connection, the stage 1 is mounted on the stage 1 from the pair of objective lens systems 2a and 2b. A stage moving mechanism 1b that can change the distance to 1a is provided. By operating the knob 1c provided on the stage moving mechanism 1b, the observation object 10 can be observed by moving relatively in the vertical direction when the stage 1a is placed on a horizontal plane.
[0019]
The stage 1 including the stage moving mechanism 1b is attached to the objective lens housing 2c so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis X1. The rotation axis X1 is orthogonal to the plane on which the optical axes AX1 and AX2 of the left and right objective lens systems 2a and 2b of the binocular microscope exist. The stage moving mechanism 1b of the stage 1 is provided so as to be shifted from the objective lens housing 2c in the direction of the rotation axis X1, and the stage 1 portion can be rotated 180 degrees and bent to be more compact when stored. This is very advantageous for carrying.
[0020]
A pair of objective lens systems 2a, 2b housed in the objective lens housing 2c are inclined obliquely at an angle θ1, as shown in FIG. 1, the reference position of the stage 1 is the focal position, and both optical axes. AX1 and AX2 are configured to intersect there. On the upper part of the objective lens housing 2c, prism housings 3c and 3d, in which the right and left erecting prism systems 3a and 3b are housed, are fixedly attached. Objective lens images are formed on the left and right sides at required positions in the prism housings 3c and 3d.
[0021]
The pair of eyepiece systems 4a and 4b are housed in substantially cylindrical eyepiece cylinders 4c and 4d, and are attached to the upper portions of the prism housings 3c and 3d, respectively, with inclined angles. Enlarging and ejecting. At the upper end on the eye side of the eyepieces 4c and 4d, annular projecting parts 41a and 41b having diameters slightly larger than the diameters of the substantially cylindrical eyepieces 4c and 4d are provided. The projecting portions 41a and 41b may be formed integrally with the eyepiece lens cylinders 4c and 4d, or may be formed by attaching a separately produced annular member hardware to the eyepiece lens cylinders 4c and 4d. .
[0022]
In such a binocular microscope, in the present embodiment, an imaging device 5 is further detachably attached to one eyepiece lens system 4a side. The image pickup device 5 includes an image pickup device 7 such as a CCD provided inside an image pickup device main body 51, and an imaging optical system 6 composed of a required lens or lens group on the light receiving side of the image pickup device 7. At the lower end of the image pickup apparatus main body 51, a groove 52 that is detachable from the overhanging portion 41a is formed. By fitting the groove 52 into the overhanging portion 41a, the image pickup apparatus 5 is a part of the binocular microscope. It becomes. The mechanism for fitting the groove 52 may be, for example, a snap mechanism provided with a leaf spring or the like using a strobe mechanism attached to the camera. The imaging device 5 is provided with a terminal (not shown) for outputting a signal, but a small monitor made of liquid crystal or the like for simultaneous observation by a plurality of observers may be provided.
[0023]
The imaging optical system 6 forms an image of the light beam emitted from the eyepiece lens system 4a on the light receiving portion of the image sensor 7. At this time, the light beam of each angle of view emitted from the eyepiece lens system 4a Since it passes through the exit pupil of the system 4a, the image pickup device 5 is placed so that the position of the entrance pupil of the imaging optical system 6 of the image pickup device 5 is arranged at or near the exit pupil position of the eyepiece system 4a of the binocular microscope. It is preferable to arrange. Further, since the light beam from the observation object 10 is emitted as a parallel light beam from the eyepiece lens system 4b, the observer images the object with the imaging device 5 and at the same time enlarges and observes the object with the naked eye from the eyepiece lens system 4b. be able to. In this way, by observing with the eyepiece lens system 4b, positioning observation that determines the position on the observation object 10 to be imaged by the imaging device 5 can be performed.
[0024]
Further, when the observer does not observe the object from the eyepiece lens system 4b, the parallel light rays incident on the binocular microscope from the eyepiece lens system 4b are imaged on the object surface to be observed through the optical system of the microscope. . That is, when a light beam from a distant light source is incident from the eyepiece lens system 4b side, the image is formed on the object surface of the observation target and reflected on the image. Therefore, if a switchable or detachable light-shielding member that can block the light beam incident from the eyepiece lens system 4b in the optical path of the optical axis AX2 is disposed, it is possible to eliminate the reflection of the excessive light beam on the object surface. Can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the light shielding member for blocking such extra light rays is the light shielding cap 9 fitted to the protruding portion 41b at the upper end of the eyepiece lens system 4b. In addition to the light shielding cap 9, the light shielding member may be a simple mechanism that simply inserts a plate that does not transmit light from the slot, or may be a rotary type or a shutter mechanism. The position where the light shielding cap 9 is provided is not limited to the upper end side of the eyepiece lens system 4b, and may be a portion in the optical path of another optical axis AX2.
[0025]
With this configuration, the observation object 10 on the object plane of the binocular microscope can be easily imaged, the configuration of the binocular microscope and the imaging device can be simplified, and the imaging device 5 can be easily attached and detached. In particular, when the imaging device 5 is removed, the binocular microscope itself is small and portable, which is suitable for use in outdoor activities.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a schematic view when the microscope unit 8 of the first embodiment is inclined by an angle θ1 / 2 which is half of the internal oblique angle θ1. The microscope unit 8 is an optical block including a pair of objective lens systems 2a and 2b, a pair of erecting prism systems 3a and 3b, and a pair of eyepiece lens systems 4a and 4b. It is a member of the range. As described above, the microscope unit 8 of the binocular microscope can rotate with respect to the stage 1 around the rotation axis X1 orthogonal to the plane on which the optical axes AX1 and AX2 of the left and right optical systems exist. Reference numeral 5 denotes an eye side position of one eyepiece lens system 4a. When the microscope unit 8 is rotated counterclockwise in the drawing by θ1 / 2 which is half of the internal oblique angle θ1 of the optical system AX1 of the optical system of the binocular microscope and the optical axis AX, as shown in FIG. The optical axis AX1 of the optical system on the side having the imaging device 5 is substantially perpendicular to the stage 1 having the placement surface 1a of the observation object 10.
[0027]
In general, an inclining binocular microscope has a left-right optical axis that is tilted with respect to the object plane, resulting in a focus difference in the left-right direction of the field of view, especially when the object to be observed is a flat object. There is a disadvantage that the image is blurred at the periphery of the field of view. Therefore, the microscope unit 8 is configured to be rotatable as in the present embodiment, and the microscope unit 8 is rotated by an angle that is half the internal oblique angle θ1 of the left and right optical axes AX1 and AX2, and the imaging device 5 is disposed. If imaging can be performed with the optical axis AX1 of the optical system perpendicular to the stage 1 having the mounting surface 1a of the observation object 10, a flat image with no left-right focus difference in the field of view can be obtained. However, at this time, the position of the object to be observed is a position moved in the horizontal direction from the position before rotating the microscope unit. Although not shown, a guide mechanism that facilitates the introduction of the optical axis AX1 of the optical system of the microscope to which the imaging device 5 is attached to a position perpendicular to the stage 1 and a rotating part are fixed. The binocular microscope according to the present embodiment is provided with a mechanism for performing this operation, and the optical axis AX1 of the optical system for imaging can be easily supported at a vertical angle.
[0028]
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the binocular microscope according to the present invention.
The binocular microscope of the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration with respect to the binocular microscope of the first embodiment and its optical system and mechanism part, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. The duplicate description is omitted. The different part is that an illumination device 19 for illuminating the observation object 10 is arranged on the eyepiece lens system 4b side to which the imaging device 5 is not attached.
[0029]
The imaging device 5 is configured to be easily detachable from the lens barrel portion of the eyepiece lens system 4 a, but the illumination device 19 can be easily attached to and detached from the lens barrel portion of the eyepiece lens system 4 b as with the imaging device 5. It has a configuration. In other words, the illumination device 19 has an illumination light source 20 disposed in a hollow portion of the illumination device main body 21, and the light source 20 can be composed of, for example, a halogen lamp, and other light sources are also used. It is possible and is appropriately selected in consideration of portability, cost, lighting capability, and the like. At the lower end of the illuminating device main body 21, a groove 53 that is detachable from the overhanging portion 41b is formed in the same manner as the imaging device 5, and by fitting the groove 53 into the overhanging portion 41, The illumination device 19 becomes a part of the binocular microscope. The mechanism for fitting the groove 53 may be a snap mechanism in which a leaf spring or the like is arranged using a strobe mechanism attached to the camera, for example, similarly to the groove 52 of the imaging device 5.
[0030]
The light beam from the light source 20 of the illumination device 19 is irradiated onto the observation object 10 to be observed through the eyepiece lens system 4b, the erecting prism system 3b, and the objective lens system 2b. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily attach an illuminating device to a binocular microscope having no built-in illumination, and imaging in a dark place is possible. If the light source 20 of the illuminating device 19 is disposed at or near the exit pupil position of the eyepiece system 4b of the binocular microscope, the object plane is uniformly reflected even if the illumination of the light source 20 of the illuminating device 19 is not uniform. It is preferable because it can be illuminated.
[0031]
Further, the binocular microscope of the second embodiment is configured as a structure in which a pair of eyepiece optical systems 4a and 4b and a pair of objective optical systems 2a and 2b are integrated as in the first embodiment. The left and right optical axes AX1 are arranged around a rotation axis X1 orthogonal to a plane in which the optical axes AX1 and AX2 of the left and right optical systems of the binocular microscope exist. And the optical axis AX1 of the optical system on the side where the image pickup device 5 is arranged perpendicular to the mounting surface 1a of the stage 1 having the object plane. It can support and image, and can obtain a flat image without a left-right focus difference in the visual field. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, if the rotation axis X1 is substantially coincident with the axis corresponding to the observation point of the observation object 10, when rotated as described above, This is preferable because the observation point does not move. Further, the binocular microscope of the present embodiment can also rotate the microscope unit 8 at any angle of 180 degrees around the rotation axis X1, and can be made more compact when stored, which is very advantageous for carrying. Become.
[0032]
In the above embodiment, a stereo microscope having a pair of eyepiece systems 4a and 4b and a pair of objective lens systems, that is, two systems 2a and 2b has been described. However, other binocular microscopes in general, for example, an eyepiece system Can be applied to a single-line binocular microscope.
[0033]
If, for example, a CCD camera or a digital still camera is used as the imaging device 5 of the first and second embodiments described above, the captured image is stored by using a recording medium such as a video tape or a memory. If such an image signal is displayed on a monitor or the like, a plurality of persons can easily observe it simultaneously.
In order to achieve the above object, a binocular microscope according to the present invention comprises a pair of left and right eyepiece optical systems 4a and 4b for observing an image of one object 10 as shown in FIG. An image forming optical system 6 for forming an image of the test object 10 and an image plane position of the image forming optical system 6 are disposed on at least one of the systems 4a and 4b (for example, 4a). An imaging device 5 including an image plane 7; the imaging device 5 is configured to be detachable from at least one eyepiece optical system (for example, 4a); and the imaging device 5 is disposed on the eye side of one eyepiece optical system, for example, 4a. When arranged, it is provided with an illuminating device 19 that is arranged on the eye side of the other eyepiece optical system 4b and illuminates the object to be examined 10 via the other eyepiece optical system 4b. The illuminating device 19 is attached to and detached from the other eyepiece optical system 4b. It is configured to be possible. In this case, the object to be examined can be illuminated with the illumination optical system, which is suitable for observation in a dark place.
In order to achieve the above object, a binocular microscope according to the present invention includes a pair of left and right eyepiece optical systems 4a and 4b for observing an image of an object to be examined, as shown in FIG. An image forming optical system 6 for forming an image of the test object 10 and an image forming surface 7 arranged at an image plane position of the image forming optical system 6 are arranged on at least one of the 4a and 4b, for example, the eye side 4a. The imaging device 5 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the at least one eyepiece optical system, for example, 4a; and corresponds to the pair of left and right eyepiece optical systems 4a and 4b. A pair of left and right objective optical systems 2a and 2b each having an optical axis AX1 and AX2 intersecting at positions and forming an image of one object 10; one eyepiece optical system, for example, on the eye side of 4a When the imaging device 5 is disposed, the eye side of the other eyepiece optical system 4b Is disposed through the other of the eyepiece optical system 4b includes a lighting device 19 for illuminating the object to be inspected 10, the illumination device 19 is characterized in that it is detachably attached to the other of the ocular optical system 4b. In this case, the object to be examined can be illuminated with the illumination optical system, which is suitable for observation in a dark place.
[0034]
In order to effectively use the present invention, a lightweight and compact portable binocular microscope has been described in the embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is limited to the embodiments described in the present specification. However, it is apparent that the configuration of the imaging device and the illumination device, the attachment / detachment mechanism, and the like can have various configurations that meet the spirit of the present invention.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in the binocular microscope capable of magnifying and observing a small object, the observation object is observed and photographed by attaching the imaging device with a simple operation, and an image and a recording are recorded. Can leave. In addition, since the imaging apparatus can be easily attached and detached, the portability of a compact and lightweight binocular microscope can be further enhanced. In particular, it is extremely useful when the binocular microscope of the present invention is taken out and used outdoors.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of a binocular microscope of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where the optical axis of the optical system on the side on which the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment is attached is vertical.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a second embodiment of the binocular microscope of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
0 observation object 1 stage 1a mounting surface 2a, 2b objective lens system 3a, 3b erecting prism system 4a, 4b eyepiece system 5 imaging device 6 imaging optical system 7 imaging element 8 microscope unit 9 light shielding cap 19 illumination device 20 Light source X1 Rotation axis AX1, AX2 Optical axis

Claims (5)

A pair of left and right eyepiece optical systems for observing an image of one object to be examined;
An imaging optical system that is arranged on at least one eye side of the pair of eyepiece optical systems and forms an image of the test object; and an imaging plane that is arranged at an image plane position of the imaging optical system; An imaging device including:
The imaging device is configured to be detachable from the at least one eyepiece optical system;
And a pair of left and right objective optical systems that correspond to the pair of left and right eyepiece optical systems and that respectively have optical axes that intersect at the position of the test object, and that form an image of the one test object;
The pair of left and right eyepiece optical systems and the pair of left and right objective optical systems are configured as an integral structure, and the integral structure is centered on an axis perpendicular to the plane including the intersecting optical axes. One of the intersecting optical axes is configured so that one of the optical axes on which the imaging device is disposed can be set perpendicular to the placement surface on which the object to be examined is placed. Characterized by:
Binocular microscope. The detachable portion of the one eyepiece optical system has a projecting portion larger than the diameter of the substantially cylindrical eyepiece lens housing the eyepiece optical system, and the imaging device is fitted through the projecting portion. Combine,
The binocular microscope according to claim 1. An illuminating device arranged on the eye side of the other eyepiece optical system to illuminate the object to be examined via the other eyepiece optical system when the imaging device is arranged on the eye side of the one eyepiece optical system; The illumination device is configured to be detachable from the other eyepiece optical system,
The binocular microscope according to claim 1. The detachable portion of the other eyepiece optical system has a protruding portion larger than the diameter of the substantially cylindrical eyepiece lens housing the eyepiece optical system, and the lighting device is fitted through the protruding portion. Combine,
The binocular microscope according to claim 3. An imaging method in the binocular microscope, wherein the integral structure is rotated about an axis orthogonal to a plane including the intersecting optical axes, so that the imaging apparatus among the intersecting optical axes is rotated. 5. The image of the test object is picked up with the one optical axis on which the test object is arranged being substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface on which the test object is mounted. Imaging method with binocular microscope.

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