JP4806875B2 - Microscope equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a microscope apparatus provided with a transmission-type bright field observation microscope that transmits illumination light to a transparent member on which an object to be observed is placed and forms an image of light transmitted through the transparent member.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A transmission-type bright-field observation microscope generally observes a specimen (object to be observed) such as a specimen collected from a living body. For observation, a staining reagent or the like is dropped on the specimen, and the specimen is placed on a preparation (transparent member) in a state of being enclosed with a cover glass.
[0003]
In recent years when information is advanced, there is an increasing demand for imaging an image formed by a microscope (microscope image) with an imaging device and storing it in a computer or displaying it on a monitor or the like.
For this reason, an imaging element is often provided for a transmission-type bright field observation microscope.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in an environment where many types of specimens are handled, for the purpose of managing those specimens, a label in which each specimen's unique information is described in each preparation, for example, a barcode label or a label on which characters are drawn. May be affixed.
It is desirable that images of these labels can be captured by the image sensor together with the above-described microscope image. This is because both the microscope image and the specific information of the specimen can be managed.
[0005]
However, in general, these labels reflect light, but do not transmit light (that is, non-transparent labels), so even if an image is picked up with an image sensor in a transmission-type bright-field observation microscope, Since the illumination method is a transmission type, the image of the label cannot be properly exposed and becomes black, and no information can be read from the image.
[0006]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a transmission type bright field observation microscope apparatus that can acquire an image of a non-transparent label together with a microscope image without providing an optical system for reflected illumination.
[0008]
The microscope apparatus according to the present invention is formed by a transmission-type bright-field observation microscope that forms an image of light transmitted through the transparent member and transmits the illumination light to the transparent member on which the object is placed. An image pickup unit that picks up an image to acquire an image, and an image pickup control that causes the image pickup unit to perform the image pickup under two types of exposures, an appropriate exposure for the object to be observed and a predetermined exposure higher than the appropriate exposure. Means, Label detecting means for detecting whether or not an impermeable label is affixed to the transparent member And The imaging control means omits the imaging under the predetermined exposure when the label detection means detects that an impermeable label is not attached.
[0009]
In addition, The imaging control means performs the setting of the two types of exposure by setting the intensity of the illumination light to two types. May .
Also, And a discriminator that discriminates whether or not a bar code label is affixed to the transparent member based on an image acquired under the predetermined exposure. May .
[0010]
Further, when it is determined by the determining means that a barcode label has been affixed, there is further provided decoding means for decoding the content of the barcode indicated by the barcode label. May .
In the present specification, the terms “transparency” and “non-transmission” are used to mean “transparency to light” and “non-transparency to light”, respectively.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
[0012]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a microscope system 1 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a bird's-eye view of a microscope apparatus 10 constituting the microscope system 1, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the microscope system 1 includes a microscope device 10, a host computer 50, a display device 60, and an input device 70 such as a keyboard 70a and a mouse 70b.
[0013]
Inside the host computer 50, a control board of the microscope apparatus 10, a CPU, a memory, a nonvolatile storage unit such as a hard disk, and the like are provided. The host computer 50 is equipped with a user interface such as a GUI (Graphical User Interface), for example, and an operator can give various instructions to the microscope apparatus 10 via the input device 70 (hereinafter, GUI). Is installed).
[0014]
1, 2, and 3, the host computer 50, the microscope apparatus 10, and the display device 60 are separately configured, but some of them may be configured integrally. .
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the microscope apparatus 10 is a microscope apparatus for transmissive bright field observation.
[0015]
The microscope apparatus 10 is also a box-type microscope apparatus in which elements (such as those indicated by reference numerals 11, 17, 15, 14, 16) are accommodated in a box-shaped housing 10a, for example.
The present invention can also be applied to a non-box-type microscope apparatus. However, the box-type microscope apparatus cannot directly observe the preparation 10A stored in the housing 10a. The effect of applying the invention is great. Therefore, in the following description, it is assumed that the box-type microscope apparatus 10 is used.
[0016]
Within the housing 10a, the support stage 11a of the moving stage 11 (the stage for supporting the slide 10A) is kept horizontal (hereinafter referred to as the XY plane).
In the microscope apparatus 10, a stroke (maximum movement amount) in a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as X direction) in the horizontal plane of the support base 11a is sufficiently long. With the movement of the support base 11a in the X direction, the preparation 10A is fed from the observation area E1 (see FIG. 2, which is a normal observation area where the objective lens is disposed opposite) to the outside of the housing 10a. On the contrary, it is possible to feed toward the observation area E1 from the outside of the housing 10a.
[0017]
A plurality of objective lenses (a high-power objective lens 14a, a low-power objective lens 14b, etc.) for generating microscopic images at different magnifications are mounted inside the housing 10a and any one of them is installed. An objective lens holder section 15 that faces the observation area E1, and a plurality of different optical systems (a high-power observation optical system 17a, a low-power observation optical system 17b, and an imaging optical system 17c), of which An optical system support unit 17 is inserted in a predetermined optical path from any one of the slide 10A to the imaging element 18 (described later), and an optical image formed on the imaging surface is captured at a predetermined position. An image sensor 18 that generates image data, a transmission illumination unit 16 that illuminates the slide 10A from the side opposite to the objective lenses 14a and 14b, and the like are provided.
[0018]
Here, among the optical systems supported by the optical system support unit 17, the optical path into which the high-magnification observation optical system 17a and the low-magnification observation optical system 17b are inserted is in the observation region E1 of the objective lenses 14a and 14b. This is an optical path from the opposing objective lens to the image sensor 18.
The high-magnification observation optical system 17a and the low-magnification observation optical system 17b form an image of the light beam obtained through the objective lens on the image sensor 18 at different magnifications.
[0019]
The observation optical systems 17a and 17b are optical systems for acquiring a partial microscope image on the preparation 10A together with the objective lenses 14a and 14b.
On the other hand, the optical path into which the imaging optical system 17c is inserted is an optical path from the predetermined area E2 corresponding to the feeding path between the observation area E1 and the insertion / removal port 10b to the image sensor 18.
The predetermined area E2 corresponds to the position of the preparation 10A when the entire image of the preparation 10A is acquired.
[0020]
The imaging optical system 17c is an optical system for acquiring the entire image of the preparation 10A, and forms an image of light from the predetermined region E2 on the image sensor 18.
The field-of-view range e1 (see FIG. 8) of the imaging optical system 17c is the objective lens (14a or 14b) and the observation optical system (17a or 17b) in order to acquire the entire image with as few imaging times as possible in the preparation 10A. ) And the visual field range set by
[0021]
The field-of-view range e1 of the imaging optical system 17c is wide enough to acquire the entire image of the preparation 10A, for example, by capturing two shots.
The imaging optical system 17c has a long depth of focus, that is, a so-called fixed focus type imaging optical that can generate an optical image of the preparation 10A on the imaging surface of the image sensor 18 without requiring focus adjustment. A system is preferred.
[0022]
The transmitted illumination unit 16 includes a light source lamp 16a, a neutral density filter 16b, a special filter 16c, a field stop 16d, an aperture stop 16e, and the like. The transmitted illumination unit 16 guides the illumination light emitted from the light source lamp 16a to the observation region E1 through the neutral density filter 16b, the special filter 16c, the field stop 16d, the aperture stop 16e, and a predetermined optical system.
[0023]
However, the transmission illumination unit 16 of the present embodiment can illuminate not only the observation region E1 but also the predetermined region E2. That is, the transmission illumination unit 16 includes a light source lamp 16a ′ that illuminates the predetermined area E2 in addition to the light source lamp 16a, or the illumination light emitted from the light source lamp 16a is not limited to the predetermined area E1 but the predetermined area. It is configured so that it can be guided to E2 (hereinafter, it is assumed that an illumination lamp 16a ′ is provided).
[0024]
Further, the above-described support 11a is at least near the observation region E1, in addition to the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction (the Z direction is also the optical axis direction of the objective lens facing the observation region E1, and the focal point) The movement direction for adjustment) is also configured to be movable. Incidentally, the focus adjustment can also be performed by moving the optical system with respect to the support base 11a.
[0025]
The optical system support 17 is a support member (for example, arranged in the Y direction) that supports the high-magnification observation optical system 17a, the low-magnification observation optical system 17b, and the imaging optical system 17c (the structure is clearly shown in FIG. 3). And a guide mechanism that moves the support member (for example, in the Y direction) and is inserted into the optical path by driving the guide mechanism. The power imaging optical system is switched among the high-magnification observation optical system 17a, the low-magnification observation optical system 17b, and the imaging optical system 17c.
[0026]
By this switching, the single image sensor 18 can be shared in acquiring a microscope image and an entire image at different observation magnifications.
As described above, each unit housed in the housing 10a is driven under the instruction of the host computer 50 (see FIG. 1), and its state is detected by the host computer 50.
[0027]
That is, the transmitted illumination unit 16 is provided with actuators 116b, 116c, 116d, and 116e that drive the respective units in the transmitted illumination unit 16, and position sensors 126b, 126c, 126d, and 126e that detect the states of the respective units. .
The sample stage 11, the objective lens holder unit 15, and the optical system support unit 17 are also provided with an actuator 115 and a position sensor 125, an actuator 111 and a position sensor 121, an actuator 117 and a position sensor 127, respectively.
[0028]
Furthermore, the light source lamps 16a and 16a ′, the actuators 116b, 116c, 116d, 116e, 115, 111, 117, the position sensors 126b, 126c, 126d, 126e, 125, 121, 127, and the image sensor 18 are connected via the connector 19. And electrically connected to the control board of the host computer 50.
Further, in the housing 10a, an opening / closing opening 10b that can be opened and closed is formed at a position corresponding to the feeding path of the support 11a so that the support 11a can go in and out of the housing 10a.
[0029]
The optical system used to acquire the entire image of the preparation 10A may be a microscope image optical system (objective lenses 14a and 14b, observation optical systems 17a and 17b), but the entire image is as wide as possible. Since it is desirable to capture an image with a small range, as described above, a dedicated optical system (imaging optical system 17c) is prepared in this embodiment.
[0030]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, an opening for daylighting with respect to the preparation 10 </ b> A is formed in the support base 11 a of the moving stage 11. The preparation 10A is placed so as to cover the opening.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the preparation 10A and its surroundings.
The preparation 10A is a permeable member, and the specimen 10h is placed thereon.
[0031]
However, a label 10f (generally a white label) on which the unique information of the specimen 10h is written may be attached to the preparation 10A for management or the like.
Since this label 10f is generally for visual observation, it is a “non-transparent label” that reflects light but hardly transmits light.
The “non-transparent label” as used in the present specification is a label having a low transmittance such that an image with sufficient brightness cannot be obtained under appropriate exposure (described later) with respect to the specimen 10h. A label made of a material that transmits light somewhat, such as paper, is also included in the “non-transparent label”.
[0032]
In a conventional transmission-type bright-field observation microscope, it has been difficult to acquire such an image of the label 10f.
The host computer 50 according to the present embodiment performs a process for acquiring the image of the label 10f.
In the microscope apparatus 10 of this embodiment, a label sensor 10g is attached in the vicinity of the feeding path of the preparation 10A, for example, between the predetermined region E2 and the insertion / removal port 10b (FIGS. 2, 3, and 5). 4). The output i of the label sensor 10g is connected to the host computer 50 through the connector 19.
[0033]
Here, the label sensor 10g is attached to some of the preparations 10A where the label 10f is not attached. In this case, the processing for acquiring the image of the label 10f by the host computer 50 is as follows. This is because it is preferably omitted (details will be described later).
The label sensor 10g is an optical sensor that detects the transmittance of an object, such as a transmissive photo interrupter or a reflective photo interrupter.
[0034]
3 and 4, a transmissive photo interrupter is shown as the label sensor 10g. 3 and 4, reference numerals 10ga and 10gb denote a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit.
The label sensor 10g is arranged at a position where the exit port faces the vicinity of the center in the Y direction of the preparation 10A in a state of being supported by the support base 11a, that is, the emitted light of the label sensor 10g is Y of the preparation 10A. The position is projected near the center of the direction.
[0035]
Therefore, when the preparation 10A supported by the support 11a is fed in the X direction, the light emitted from the label sensor 10g scans the center of the preparation 10A in the X direction.
Since the output i of the label sensor 10g changes according to the transmittance of the emitted light, the output i when the light is scanning on the label 10f is obtained by scanning other parts on the preparation 10A. It changes significantly compared to when you are.
[0036]
Therefore, based on the output i of the label sensor 10g at the time of feeding the preparation 10A, the host computer 50 can detect whether or not the label 10f is stuck on the preparation 10A.
Incidentally, since the host computer 50 of this embodiment can recognize the position of the preparation 10A from the output of the position sensor 125 (see FIG. 3) or the like, not only whether or not the label 10f is attached to the preparation 10A but also the label. The length in the X direction of 10f and the affixed position can also be detected.
[0037]
Note that the length of the preparation 10A in the Y direction is sufficiently shorter than the length in the X direction, and the label 10f and the specimen 10h are unlikely to be arranged in the Y direction. As for, it was decided not to be detected.
Note that the wiring path for electrically connecting the label sensor 10g and the connector 19 is appropriately selected so as not to interfere with the speculum.
[0038]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation screen displayed on the display device 60 by the host computer 50 according to the present embodiment.
On this operation screen, images 72 and 74 of the preparation 10A acquired by the image sensor in the microscope apparatus 10 are displayed.
Reference numeral 72 is an entire image of the preparation 10A, and reference numeral 74 is a partial microscopic image on the preparation 10A.
[0039]
Here, in the present embodiment, not only the image 10h ′ of the specimen 10h but also the image 10f ′ of the label 10f appears clearly in the entire image 72 (details will be described later).
Further, in order for the operator to operate each part of the microscope apparatus 10 on the host computer 50, images for receiving various inputs from the operator (reference numerals 71, 79a, 79b, FIG. 5) are displayed on the operation screen. 76, 77, 75, 79c, etc.) are also displayed.
[0040]
Reference numeral 71 denotes a sample for pulling out the support base 11a inside the housing 10a of the microscope apparatus 10 to the outside and drawing the support base 11a drawn out of the housing 10a into the inside of the housing 10a. An insertion / removal button.
Incidentally, as a button having the same function as the sample insertion / removal button 71, a sample insertion / removal button 78 (including a mechanical switch such as a limit switch) is provided in the vicinity of the insertion / removal port 10b on the outer surface of the housing 10a of the microscope apparatus 10. 1, 2, and 3) may be provided. The output indicating the connection state of the sample insertion / removal button 78 is connected to the control board of the host computer 50 via the connector 19 (see FIG. 3) (that is, the operator inserts the sample insertion / removal button 71 or the sample insertion / removal button). The instruction to insert / remove the slide 10A can be given to the host computer 50 via the unbutton 78.)
[0041]
When the host computer 50 recognizes that the instruction to insert / remove the slide 10A is given, the host computer 50 instructs the actuator 115 in the microscope apparatus 10 (the actuator that drives the moving stage 11; see FIGS. 2 and 3). Thus, when the support base 11a is inside the housing 10a, the support base 11a is moved toward the outside of the housing 10a. When the support base 11a is outside the housing 10a, the support base 11a is moved outside the housing 10a. 11a is moved toward the inside of the housing 10a.
[0042]
FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of the host computer 50 of the first embodiment that operates based on the control program of the microscope apparatus 10. This control program is preinstalled in the host computer 50.
In FIG. 6, only the process related to the acquisition of the entire image is described among the operations of the host computer 50. Actually, in addition to this process, the host computer 50 drives each part in the microscope apparatus 10 in accordance with various instructions given by the operator on the operation screen (see FIG. 5), and performs various processes related to the speculum. Execute.
[0043]
The host computer 50 acquires, for example, a microscope image and displays it on the display device 60, or the setting contents of the microscope device 10 (that is, the driving voltage of the light source lamp 16a, the dimming degree of the neutral density filter 16b, the filter of the special filter 16c). The type, the aperture diameter of the field stop 16d, the aperture diameter of the aperture stop 16e, the position in the X direction and the position in the Y direction, the position in the Z direction, the observation magnification, etc.) of the support base 11a.
[0044]
The process shown in FIG. 6 will be described below with reference to FIGS.
Here, to simplify the description, it is assumed that the support base 11a is located inside the housing 10a before step S1 is executed, for example, as shown in FIG.
In this state, when the host computer 50 recognizes that the instruction to insert / remove the slide 10A is given (YES in step S1), the host computer 50 moves the support base 11a in the X direction, and the operator places the slide 10A with fingers. The support base 11a is protruded to the outside of the insertion / removal port 10b to a position where it can be (see FIG. 2) (step S2).
[0045]
Thereafter, when recognizing that the instruction to insert / remove the slide 10A is given again (YES in step S3), the host computer 50 moves the support base 11a in the X direction and starts to be accommodated in the housing 10a (step S4). .
[0046]
In the present embodiment, the host computer 50 refers to the change in the output i of the label sensor 10g during the movement of the support base 11a (step S5).
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a change in the output i of the label sensor 10g.
FIGS. 7A and 7B show a state where the mounting directions of the same preparation 10A with respect to the support base 11a are opposite to each other.
[0047]
The horizontal axis in FIG. 7 indicates the position X of the support base 11a, and the vertical axis indicates the output i of the label sensor 10g.
FIG. 7 shows a view of the preparation 10A as viewed from the side. This indicates at which position on the preparation 10A the emitted light of the label sensor 10g is incident when the support base 11a is at each position X.
[0048]
The change in the output i of the label sensor 10g represents the presence or absence of the label 10f in the preparation 10A, the length of the label 10f in the X direction, and the label 10f in the X direction.
Here, a case where the label sensor 10g is a transmissive photo interrupter will be described.
[0049]
Since the light emitted from the label sensor 10g is blocked by the presence of the label 10f, the output i is greatly reduced (in the case where the label sensor 10g is a reflective photo interrupter, it is increased).
The host computer 50 detects the presence or absence of the label 10f depending on whether or not the output i falls below a predetermined value i0 during the period in which the light emitted from the label sensor 10g is incident on the preparation 10A.
[0050]
Further, the host computer 50 can recognize the length and position of the label 10f in the X direction from the position range (X1, X2) of the support base 11a when the output i of the label sensor 10g falls below the predetermined value i0. .
[0051]
Then, the host computer 50 stores information indicating the presence / absence, length, and position of the label sensor 10g recognized as described above (step S5).
Further, the host computer 50 executes the processing in step S5 and acquires the entire image as follows (steps S6 to S8).
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the process of acquiring the entire image.
[0052]
FIGS. 8A and 8B show a state where the mounting directions of the same preparation 10A with respect to the support 11a are opposite to each other.
First, when acquiring the entire image, the optical system set in the optical system support unit 17 is the imaging optical system 17c for acquiring the entire image. Therefore, the range captured by the image sensor 18 is the visual field range e1 of the imaging optical system 17c.
[0053]
In step S6, the illumination intensity for the predetermined area E2 (that is, the illumination intensity by the illumination lamp 16a ′) is set to a predetermined value I1.
The illumination intensity I1 is an intensity at which the image of the specimen 10h is expressed with sufficient brightness. Thereby, an appropriate exposure for the specimen 10h is set.
In this state, the host computer 50 acquires the entire image data of the slide 10A by performing imaging for two shots while moving the support base 11a in the X direction.
[0054]
That is, the support base 11a is stopped at a position where the visual field range e1 of the imaging optical system 17c includes a half region of the preparation 10A, and at that time, the image sensor 18 is driven to capture image data, and the imaging optical system 17c. The support base 11a is stopped at a position where the visual field range e1 includes the other half of the preparation 10A, and the image pickup device 18 is driven at that time to capture image data. JP-A-10-333056).
[0055]
Here, if the image data obtained by the two-shot imaging are connected together, the entire image of the preparation 10A is obtained.
However, since the exposure set in step S6 is an appropriate exposure for the specimen 10h, the acquired whole image clearly represents the specimen 10h, but the label 10f on which the label 10f is pasted on the preparation 10A is shown. It can only be expressed in black.
[0056]
That is, the image acquired here is an image mainly showing the specimen 10h (step S6).
Therefore, when the result of executing step S5 indicates that the label 10f is affixed on the preparation 10A (YES in step S7), the host computer 50 images the label 10f (step S8).
[0057]
At this time, the illumination intensity for the predetermined area E2 (that is, the illumination intensity by the illumination lamp 16a ′) is set to a predetermined value I2.
This illumination intensity I2 is an intensity at which the image of the label 10f is expressed with sufficient brightness. This strength is preferably obtained by experiments in advance.
The illumination intensity I2 is extremely high compared to I1, and is such an intensity that a contrast on the label 10f can be obtained. Thereby, the appropriate exposure for the label 10f is set.
[0058]
In this state, the host computer 50 moves the support base 11a in the X direction, and when the preparation 10A is placed on the side of the preparation 10A on which the label 10f is attached (as shown in FIG. 8A). Imaging of the left shot, or the right shot when the preparation 10A is placed as shown in FIG. 8B, is performed again.
[0059]
However, since the exposure set here is an appropriate exposure for the label 10f, the acquired image can express the label 10f clearly, but the sample 10h can be expressed only in white (out of focus).
[0060]
That is, the image acquired here is an image mainly showing the label 10f (step S8).
In addition, when the area | region to which the label 10f was affixed straddles both above-mentioned two shots, the imaging in step S8 is also performed about these two shots.
Alternatively, the shot in step S8 need not be the same as one of the two shots in step S6, and may be another shot including the label 10f.
[0061]
Here, since the host computer 50 recognizes the length and position of the label 10f in the slide 10A, which part of the image data acquired in step S8 indicates the label 10f. It can be recognized (note that this recognition can be made from the image data alone, but it is more reliable based on the length and position).
[0062]
Therefore, the host computer 50 acquires the image data (mainly indicating the specimen 10h) acquired in step S6, the image data acquired in step S8 (mainly indicating the label 10f), and the information stored in step S5 (the position of the label 10f). And image data of the whole image in which both the specimen 10h and the label 10f are clearly expressed are generated and displayed on the operation screen of the display device 60 (step S9, FIG. 5 reference 72).
[0063]
Such generation of the image data of the entire image is performed by the host computer 50 by the following processing, for example.
That is, a portion indicating the label 10f is extracted from the image data obtained in step S8. Further, the two image data obtained in step S6 are connected to generate image data of the entire image. Further, the portion indicating the label 10f in the image data of the entire image is replaced with the extracted image data.
[0064]
Note that when the determination in step S7 is NO, step S8 is omitted, so that the entire image is a combination of the two shot images acquired in step S6.
In addition, after the above processing related to the entire image acquisition is executed, the host computer 50 moves the support base 11a in the X direction so as to acquire the microscope image, and stops in a state where the preparation 10A is positioned in the predetermined region E1. In addition, depending on the state of each operation button on the operation screen (see FIG. 5), any one of the high-magnification observation optical system 17a and the low-magnification observation optical system 17b is applied to the optical system support unit 17. The system is set, and the setting content of the microscope apparatus 10 is changed as appropriate every time each operation button on the operation screen is adjusted.
[0065]
As described above, in the microscope system 1 according to the present embodiment, the host computer 50 has two types of appropriate exposure (illumination intensity I1) with respect to the brightness of the specimen 10h and predetermined exposure (illumination intensity I2) higher than the appropriate exposure. Therefore, the image data that clearly represents both the specimen 10h and the label 10f can be acquired even though the microscope apparatus 10 does not include the optical system for reflected illumination.
[0066]
Therefore, the operator can visually recognize the information described on the label 10 f on the display device 60.
In the present embodiment, the label sensor 10g for detecting the presence or absence of the label 10f on each preparation 10A is provided. When the label 10f is not attached, the host computer 50 omits the procedure of step S8, so that the processing efficiency is improved. Is kept high.
[0067]
In the present embodiment, since the label sensor 10g is used to detect the length and position of the label 10f on each slide 10A, the above-described image data can be reliably generated. Yes.
In the present embodiment, the two types of exposure (illumination intensities I1 and I2) are set by setting the intensities of the illumination lamps 16a ′ to two types. Easy to implement without change.
[0068]
Further, in the present embodiment, the illumination intensity I2 is set to a predetermined value (for example, a value obtained experimentally in advance), but according to the transmittance of the label 10f indicated by the output i of the label sensor 10g. It may be determined as follows. In this way, image data indicating the label 10f can always be obtained satisfactorily regardless of variations in the transmittance of the individual labels 10f.
[0069]
In the present embodiment, the illumination intensity of the entire predetermined area E2 is set / changed all at once. However, the object illuminated with the illumination intensity I2 may be limited only to the label 10f attachment position.
Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG.
[0070]
Here, only differences from the first embodiment will be described, and description of the same parts will be omitted.
In the microscope system of this embodiment, the processing executed by the host computer 50 is partially different from that of the first embodiment. That is, the contents of the control program for the microscope apparatus 10 installed in the host computer 50 are partially different from those in the first embodiment.
[0071]
First, among the labels 10f attached to the preparation 10A, there is a barcode label 20f as shown in FIG.
The barcode label 20f is a label that describes a barcode in which information related to the specimen 10h is coded based on a predetermined rule. The barcode label 20f is also generally a “non-transparent” label.
FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of the host computer 50 of the present embodiment that operates based on the control program of the microscope apparatus 10.
[0072]
In FIG. 10, the same steps as those shown in FIG.
As is apparent from FIG. 10, the host computer 50 according to the present embodiment executes steps S21 to S23 (dotted line frame) between steps S8 and S9. These processes are processes related to bar code decoding of the bar code label 20f.
In step S21, the host computer 50 refers to the image data acquired in step S8, and determines whether or not a barcode characteristic (for example, a linear pattern that repeatedly appears in the same direction) appears in the image data. .
[0073]
If the bar code feature appears, the host computer 50 regards the label 10f as the bar code label 20f (YES in step S21), binarizes the image data, and decodes (decodes) the image data based on a predetermined rule (step S22). ).
As a result of the decoding in step S22, when recognizing the unique information (for example, control number, collection date, staining method, etc.) of the specimen 10h, the host computer 50 displays it as character information on the operation screen of the display device 60 ( Step S9).
[0074]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation screen displayed on the display device 60 by the host computer 50 according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 11, what is indicated by reference numeral 80 is the unique information of the specimen 10h displayed in this way. Reference numeral 20f ′ is an image of the barcode label 20f.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the host computer 50 determines whether or not the label 10f is the barcode label 20f based on the image of the label 10f, and when it is determined that the label 10f is a barcode label, Decodes the contents of the barcode.
[0075]
That is, in the present embodiment, the image of the label 10f acquired in the same manner as in the first embodiment is effectively used.
In the present embodiment, the barcode is decoded by the host computer 50. However, a barcode reader (having a barcode detection unit and a decoding unit) is provided in the microscope apparatus 10, and the barcode is provided. You may make a reader perform. The bar code reader is preferably provided between the predetermined area E2 in the microscope apparatus 10 and the insertion / removal port 10b.
[0076]
In the present embodiment, the image data of the entire image 72 displayed on the operation screen may be generated based only on the image data acquired in step S6 for simplicity, but the barcode label 20f. Since there is a possibility that not only a barcode but also character information is recorded on the top, it is preferable that it is generated in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
[0077]
<Others>
In each of the above-described embodiments, it is assumed that the label 10f attached to the preparation 10A is non-permeable, but actually, there is a possibility that the label 10f is transmissive.
Incidentally, since the permeable label can be imaged under exposure equivalent to that of the specimen 10h, the imaging can be handled in the same manner as the specimen 10h in each of the above embodiments. Further, when the transparent label is a barcode label, the decoding can be handled in the same manner as the barcode label 20f in the second embodiment.
[0078]
Further, the information acquired in each of the above embodiments (image data in the first embodiment, image data and specimen specific information in the second embodiment) is stored by the host computer 50 in association with the microscope image of the specimen 10h. Is preferred. In this way, it is possible to manage the microscopic image of each specimen 10h according to the unique information of each specimen 10h.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a transmission type bright field observation microscope apparatus that can acquire an image of a non-transparent label together with a microscope image without providing an optical system for reflected illumination.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a microscope system 1. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a bird's eye view of a microscope apparatus 10 constituting the microscope system 1;
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the microscope apparatus 10;
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a preparation 10A and its surroundings.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation screen displayed on the display device 60 by the host computer 50 according to the first embodiment.
6 is an operation flowchart of the host computer 50 of the first embodiment that operates based on a control program of the microscope apparatus 10. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a change in an output i of a label sensor 10g.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a process for acquiring an entire image.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a preparation 10A and its surroundings.
10 is an operation flowchart of the host computer 50 of the second embodiment that operates based on a control program of the microscope apparatus 10. FIG.
11 is a diagram illustrating an operation screen displayed on the display device 60 by the host computer 50 according to the second embodiment. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Microscope system
10 Microscope equipment
10a case
10A preparation (corresponding to transparent member in claims)
10h specimen
10f label (corresponds to the non-transparent label in the claims)
10g label sensor (corresponding to label detection means in claims)
10b insertion / removal opening
10c Lid
10d hinge
10e opening
11 Sample stage
11a Support stand
111, 115, 116b, 116c, 116d, 116e, 117 Actuator
121, 125, 126b, 126c, 126d, 126e, 127 Position sensor
14a, 14b Objective lenses (corresponding to the microscope in the claims)
15 Objective lens holder
16 Transmitting illumination unit (corresponding to the microscope in the claims)
16a, 16a 'Lighting lamp
17 Optical system support (corresponds to microscope in claims)
18 Imaging device (corresponding to imaging means in claims)
19 Connector
20f barcode label (corresponds to non-transparent label in claims)
50 Host computer (corresponding to the imaging control means, discrimination means, and decoding means in the claims)
60 Display device
70 Input device
71 Sample insertion / removal button
72 Overall image
73 Cursor
74 Microscopic image
75,76 radio button
77a Lamp adjustment bar
77b Dimming level adjustment bar
77d Field stop adjustment bar
77e Aperture adjustment bar
77x X position adjustment bar
77y Y position adjustment bar
77z Focus adjustment bar
77f Zoom adjustment bar
78 Sample insertion / removal button
79 Save button
79b Read button
80 work bench
E2 Predetermined area
E1 observation area
e1 Field of view

Claims (4)

A transmission-type bright-field observation microscope that transmits illumination light to a transparent member on which an object to be observed is placed, and forms an image of light transmitted through the transparent member;
An imaging means for capturing an image formed by the microscope and acquiring the image;
An impermeable label is affixed to the imaging control means and the transparent member that cause the imaging means to perform the imaging under two types of exposures of appropriate exposure to the object to be observed and predetermined exposure higher than the appropriate exposure. a label detecting means for detecting whether it has,
The imaging control means includes
When it is detected by the label detection means that an impermeable label is affixed, the imaging means is made to take an image under the two types of exposure, and an impermeable label is not affixed When the detection is performed, the imaging device is caused to perform imaging under the appropriate exposure and prohibit imaging under the predetermined exposure. The microscope apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein
The imaging control means includes
2. The microscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two types of exposure are set by setting the intensity of the illumination light to two types. In the microscope apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A microscope apparatus, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not a barcode label is attached to the transparent member based on an image acquired under the predetermined exposure. The microscope apparatus according to claim 3 ,
A microscope apparatus, further comprising: a decoding means for decoding the content of the barcode indicated by the barcode label when the determination means determines that the barcode label has been attached.

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