JP6391340B2 - microscope - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a microscope technique for observing a specimen placed on a stage, and particularly to a microscope suitable for microinsemination.

  Conventionally, microinsemination in the field of advanced reproductive medicine is known as an application of a microscope. Microinsemination is a method of fertilizing sperm and ovum under a microscope. In general, sperm injection in the cytoplasm is performed by inserting a micropipette containing sperm into an egg fixed with a holding pipette and injecting sperm into the egg. (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: hereinafter referred to as “ICSI”). In this ICSI, in order to operate a specimen on the stage, it is common to use an inverted microscope having a large working space above the stage.

  In the field of micro insemination, in order to improve the fertilization rate of the ovum, when injecting the sperm into the ovum, a relief contrast observation method (hereinafter referred to as “RC observation method”) that allows the ovum to be observed in three dimensions, A technique for injecting sperm into an ovum while avoiding the first polar body in the ovum is known (see Patent Document 1).

  In recent years, in the field of micro insemination, in order to improve the insemination rate of eggs, a method of micro insemination using a microscope while appropriately switching a plurality of observation methods has attracted attention. For example, a method of using the RC observation method and the polarization observation method (hereinafter referred to as “PO observation method”) while switching according to the observation purpose is becoming widespread. The PO observation method is suitable for observing an ovum spindle having birefringence, and is used when confirming the position of the spindle.

JP 51-29149 A

  By the way, in the conventional microinsemination, when injecting sperm into an ovum, avoiding the spindle and first polar body in the ovum is a point in making a normal fertilized egg. However, the spindle can be observed only by PO observation, while the first polar body can be observed only by RC observation. For this reason, when inject | pouring a sperm into an ovum, the technique which can grasp | ascertain the positional relationship of the spindle in a ovum and a 1st polar body intuitively was desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a microscope capable of intuitively grasping the positional relationship between the spindle in the ovum and the first polar body when sperm is injected into the ovum. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a microscope according to the present invention includes a light source that generates light for irradiating a specimen, and a light source that is disposed on the optical path of the light and collects light emitted from the light source. A condenser lens that irradiates the specimen, an objective lens that has a modulator that is disposed on the optical path facing the condenser lens across the specimen and that has a plurality of regions having different transmittances, and the light source A first polarizing plate disposed on the optical path between the condenser lens and the condenser lens so as to be rotatable about the optical axis of the condenser lens and transmitting only one-direction polarized component of the light emitted from the light source; A second polarization that is disposed on the optical path on the observation side at the rear stage of the objective lens and transmits only one-direction polarization component of the light transmitted through the sample according to the relative positional relationship with the first polarizing plate. A plurality of optical elements and a third polarizing plate that are switched according to an observation method, and the plurality of optical elements and the first polarizing plate on the optical path between the condenser lens and the first polarizing plate. A condenser turret in which any one of the three polarizing plates is arranged; and the optical polarization between the condenser turret and the first polarizing plate is arranged to be rotatable about the optical axis as the rotation axis. A compensator that changes the retardation of light transmitted through the plate, an imaging unit that captures an observation image of the sample incident through the second polarizing plate, and generates image data of the sample, and the imaging unit generates A display unit capable of displaying an image corresponding to the image data, and a light that is transmitted through the first polarizing plate by the imaging unit and is relative to a third polarizing plate disposed in the capacitor turret A first observation image corresponding to the image data generated by receiving light transmitted according to a positional relationship and transmitted through a modulator in the objective lens, and light transmitted by the imaging unit through the first polarizing plate. Imaging light in which retardation of light transmitted through the first polarizing plate is adjusted by the compensator in a crossed Nicol state in which the vibration direction of the polarized light component and the vibration direction of the polarized light component of the light transmitted through the second polarizing plate are orthogonal And a display control unit that displays on the display unit at a timing set for each of the second observation image images corresponding to the image data generated in this manner.

  In the above invention, the microscope according to the present invention is characterized in that the first observation image and the second observation image are simultaneously displayed on the display unit.

  In the microscope according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the display control unit causes the display unit to alternately display the first observation image and the second observation image.

  The microscope according to the present invention is the microscope according to the above aspect, wherein the position of the first polarizing plate disposed on the optical path, the optical element on the optical path in the condenser turret, and the compensator disposed on the optical path. A recording unit that records the setting information indicating the position and the position of the second polarizing plate disposed on the optical path for each observation method, the first polarizing plate, the condenser turret, the compensator, and the second polarized light. A drive unit that moves each of the plates; and a drive control unit that changes the observation method by controlling the drive unit with reference to the setting information recorded by the recording unit, the drive control unit comprising: The driving unit is driven such that an observation state corresponding to the first observation image and an observation state corresponding to the second observation image are alternately switched. The features.

  The microscope according to the present invention has an effect that the positional relationship between the spindle and the first polar body in the ovum can be intuitively grasped when sperm is injected into the ovum.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a microscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the microscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the condenser turret of the microscope shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a petri dish including a specimen. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the operation input unit of the microscope shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the display unit of the microscope shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit in the recording unit of the microscope shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of units in the PO observation method performed by the microscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of units in the RC observation method performed by the microscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the microscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the operation input unit of the microscope according to the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the microscope according to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of the PO image update process of FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the microscope according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed by the display unit of the microscope according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the microscope according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed by the display unit of the microscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a microscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the microscope according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed by the display unit of the microscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. The drawings referred to in the following description only schematically show the shape, size, and positional relationship so that the contents of the present invention can be understood. That is, the present invention is not limited only to the shape, size, and positional relationship illustrated in each drawing.

(Embodiment 1)
[Configuration of microscope]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a microscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the microscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 and 2, the plane on which the microscope 1 is placed will be described as an XY plane, and a direction perpendicular to the XY plane will be described as a Z direction.

  The microscope 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a microscope main body 2 that observes the petri dish 100 in which the specimen Sp is accommodated, an operation input unit 3 that receives inputs of various operations of the microscope 1, and the microscope main body 2 captures images. A display unit 4 for displaying an image corresponding to the image data and a live image, a recording unit 5 for recording various programs and parameters for driving the microscope 1, and a control unit 6 for controlling the microscope body 2 and the display unit 4. And comprising. The microscope main body 2, the operation input unit 3, the display unit 4, the recording unit 5, and the control unit 6 are connected by wire or wireless so that data can be transmitted and received.

[Configuration of microscope body]
First, the configuration of the microscope main body 2 will be described in detail.
The microscope main body 2 includes a light source 10, a polarizer 11, a motor 11a, a compensator 12, a motor 12a, a condenser turret 13, a motor 13a, a condenser lens 14, a stage 15, a motor 15a, and a stage position. Detection unit 16, revolver 17, objective lens 18, motor 18a, revolver position detection unit 19, DIC prism 20, motor 20a, analyzer 21, motor 21a, imaging lens 22, and optical path division A prism 23, an imaging unit 24, a mirror 25, an eyepiece lens 26, and a drive control unit 27 are provided.

  The light source 10 generates light that irradiates the specimen Sp under the control of the control unit 6. The light source 10 includes a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), or the like.

  The polarizer 11 is disposed between the light source 10 and the compensator 12 and transmits only the polarization component in one direction of the illumination light emitted by the light source 10. The polarizer 11 is disposed so as to be rotatable about the optical axis XA of the condenser lens 14. The polarizer 11 is configured using a polarizing plate that is one of optical elements such as a filter. The polarizer 11 is rotated about the optical axis XA as a rotation axis by a motor 11a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive control unit 27. In the first embodiment, the polarizer 11 functions as the first polarizing plate.

  The compensator 12 is configured using a liquid crystal or a wave plate. Specifically, the compensator 12 is configured using a bereak compensator, a senal mon type compensator, a brace scaler compensator, a quartz wedge compensator, and a liquid crystal modulation element. The compensator 12 is preferably a liquid crystal modulation element, a senalmon type compensator, or a brace scaler compensator because it is desirable that the retardation of the visual field be substantially uniform when performing PO observation for observing the ovum spindle. When a liquid crystal modulation element is used as the compensator 12, the retardation can be changed by electrically controlling the liquid crystal molecules.

  When a Senalmon type compensator is used as the compensator 12, the retardation of the compensator 12 can be changed by the rotation of the polarizer 11 with respect to the wave plate in the compensator 12. Further, when a brace scaler compensator is used as the compensator 12, the retardation of the compensator 12 can be changed by the rotation of the prism in the compensator 12. The compensator 12 is rotated about the optical axis XA as a rotation axis by a motor 12 a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive control unit 27.

  The condenser turret 13 has a plurality of optical elements that are used by switching according to the observation method and the magnification of the objective lens 18, and is rotatably arranged on the optical axis XA between the polarizer 11 and the condenser lens 14. The condenser turret 13 is rotated about the optical axis XA as a rotation axis by a motor 13 a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor or the like under the drive control of the drive control unit 27. By rotating according to the observation method, any one of the optical elements is detachably arranged on the optical path.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the capacitor turret 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the capacitor turret 13 includes an opening 130, an RC observation aperture plate 131, an RC observation aperture plate 132, and a DIC prism 133.

  The opening 130 is arranged on the optical path by the rotation of the condenser turret 13. The opening 130 together with the capacitor turret 13 constitutes an opening plate (hole). The opening 130 is formed with a sufficient size that does not block the illumination light from the light source 10, and realizes illumination with a high numerical aperture. The opening 130 is used, for example, when the microscope 1 performs the bright field observation method (BF observation method) or the PO observation method. Specifically, when the microscope 1 performs the bright field observation method, the opening 130 is used by a user to search for a place in the petri dish 100 or a manipulator using a 4x or 10x objective lens 18 in preparation for microinsemination. It is used when positioning the tip of a micropipette to be operated.

  The RC observation aperture plate 131 is disposed on the optical path by the rotation of the condenser turret 13. The RC observation aperture plate 131 is an aperture plate used for RC observation, and is disposed on a part of the aperture 131a formed at a position shifted (eccentric) from the optical axis XA when arranged on the optical path. (Third polarizing plate). The opening 131a is formed at a position shifted from the center of the RC observation opening plate 131, thereby realizing oblique illumination. The polarizing plate 131b transmits only the polarization component in one direction of the light transmitted through the polarizer 11. The RC observation aperture plate 131 configured in this way is used, for example, when the microscope 1 performs a 20-fold RC observation method.

  The RC observation aperture plate 132 is arranged on the optical path by the rotation of the condenser turret 13. The RC observation aperture plate 132 is an aperture plate used for RC observation, and when placed on the optical path, a polarizing plate 132b (fourth polarizing plate) is formed on a part of the aperture 132a formed at a position eccentric from the optical path. Have The opening 132a is formed at a position shifted from the center of the RC observation opening plate 132, thereby realizing oblique illumination. The polarizing plate 132b transmits only the polarization component in one direction of the light transmitted through the polarizer 11. The thus configured RC observation aperture plate 132 is used, for example, when the microscope 1 performs a 40-fold RC observation method.

  The DIC prism 133 is arranged on the optical path by the rotation of the condenser turret 13. The DIC prism 133 is paired with a DIC prism 20 disposed on the image side on the objective lens 18 side, which will be described later, and constitutes a differential interference optical system. The DIC prism 133 is configured using a Nomarski prism or the like. The DIC prism 133 is used, for example, when the microscope 1 performs a 60-fold DIC observation method.

  In the thus configured condenser turret 13, the optical element disposed on the optical path is switched by rotating the condenser turret 13 by the motor 13a according to the observation method. Specifically, when performing the RC observation method, the condenser turret 13 has the RC observation aperture plate 131 or the RC observation aperture plate 132 disposed on the optical path. When performing the DIC observation method, the DIC prism 133 is disposed on the optical path. When the bright field observation method or the PO observation method is performed, the opening 130 is disposed on the optical path.

  The condenser lens 14 collects the illumination light emitted from the light source 10 and uniformly irradiates the region including the sample Sp in the petri dish 100. The condenser lens 14 may include a field stop that can adjust the amount of illumination light emitted from the light source 10 and a field stop operation unit that changes the diameter of the field stop.

  The stage 15 is configured to be movable in the XYZ directions. The stage 15 is moved in the XY plane or in the Z direction by a motor 15 a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under drive control by the drive control unit 27. On the stage 15, the petri dish 100 on which the specimen Sp is placed is placed. Under the control of the control unit 6, the stage 15 detects a predetermined origin position on the XY plane by the stage position detection unit 16, and calculates the driving amount of the motor 15 a using the origin position as a base point. Move to the desired observation location (observation region) above. Further, the stage 15 is detected by the stage position detection unit 16 under the control of the control unit 6, and the drive amount of the drive control unit 27 is limited based on this position, whereby the specimen Sp To the position where the condenser lens 14 and the objective lens 18 are in focus (focus position). The stage 15 may be provided with a heating unit that holds the petri dish 100 at a constant temperature.

  Here, the petri dish 100 in which the specimen Sp is arranged will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the petri dish 100 including the specimen Sp. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the petri dish 100 used for microinsemination is provided with an ICSI drop R1 (culture solution) and a sperm Sp11 that inseminate a sperm Sp11 into an egg Sp10 having a spindle K2 and a first polar body K1. A sperm sorting drop R2 (culture solution) to be sorted is formed, and each drop is covered with mineral oil Wa that prevents air from being infected by bacteria. Note that the number of drops in the petri dish 100 can be changed as appropriate.

  The stage position detection unit 16 detects the stage position of the stage 15 in the XY plane and the Z direction of the stage 15 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 6. The stage position detection unit 16 is configured using an encoder, an optical photo interrupter, or the like. The stage position detection unit 16 detects the stage position of the stage 15 based on the number of pulses of the motor 15a that is driven according to the drive signal output from the drive control unit 27 to the motor 15a, and controls the detection result. You may output to the part 6.

  The revolver 17 is equipped with a plurality of objective lenses 18. The revolver 17 is provided to be rotatable with respect to the optical path, and the objective lens 18 is disposed below the sample Sp. The revolver 17 is configured using a swing revolver or the like. The revolver 17 is rotated by a motor 17 a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive control unit 27. A focusing mechanism that moves the revolver 17 in the optical path direction may be provided separately.

  The objective lens 18 is disposed at a position on the optical path facing the condenser lens 14 with the sample Sp interposed therebetween. The objective lens 18 includes an objective lens 181, an objective lens 182, and an objective lens 183.

  The objective lens 181 is an objective lens having a magnification suitable for observing an egg, such as 20 times or 40 times, and is used for the RC observation method. The objective lens 181 has a modulator 1811 having three regions with different transmittances at the pupil position of the objective lens 181. The modulator 1811 includes a region 1811a having a transmittance of 100%, a region 1811b having a transmittance of approximately 25%, and a region 1811c having a transmittance of 0%. The modulator 1811 has an optically conjugate relationship with the RC observation aperture plate 131 and the RC observation aperture plate 132 disposed at the pupil position of the condenser lens 14. The objective lens 181 is also applied to a PO observation method in which an entire image of an ovum is a main observation target and approximately the same magnification is required.

  The objective lens 182 is an objective lens having a magnification suitable for sperm observation, for example, a high magnification such as 60 times or 100 times, and is used in the DIC observation method.

  The objective lens 183 is an objective lens having a magnification suitable for observing the tip of a micropipette, for example, a low magnification of 4 times, and is used for a bright field observation method.

  The revolver position detector 19 detects the position of the revolver 17 in the Z direction and outputs the detection result to the controller 6. The revolver position detector 19 is configured using a magnetic sensor, an optical photo interrupter, or the like. The revolver position detection unit 19 detects the position of the revolver 17 in the Z direction based on the number of pulses of the drive control unit 27 driven according to the drive signal input from the control unit 6, and controls the detection result. You may output to the part 6.

  The DIC prism 20 is paired with the DIC prism 133 and constitutes a differential interference optical system. The DIC prism 20 is configured using a Nomarski prism or the like. The DIC prism 20 is detachably disposed on the optical path between the objective lens 18 and the analyzer 21. Further, the DIC prism 20 is arranged on the optical path by a motor 20 a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive control unit 27.

  The analyzer 21 is disposed on the optical path on the observation side after the objective lens 18. The analyzer 21 is disposed on the optical path so as to be rotatable about the optical axis XA as a rotation axis. The analyzer 21 transmits only the polarization component in one direction of the light transmitted through the sample Sp according to the relative positional relationship with the polarizer 11. Further, the polarizer 11 and the analyzer 21 are arranged so as to be in a crossed Nicol state in which the polarization directions are orthogonal to each other when the microscope 1 performs PO observation. Further, the analyzer 21 is rotated about the optical axis XA as a rotation axis by a motor 21 a configured by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like under the drive control of the drive control unit 27. The analyzer 21 may be arranged to be detachable on the optical path. In this case, the analyzer 21 may be arranged so as to be in a 45-degree direction with respect to the vibration direction of the polarizing plate 131b of the RC observation aperture plate 131 of the capacitor turret 13 in order to perform the RC observation method without hindering observation. preferable. In the first embodiment, the analyzer 21 functions as the second polarizing plate.

  The imaging lens 22 condenses the light emitted from the objective lens 18 and forms an observation image. The imaging lens 22 is configured using one or a plurality of lenses.

  The optical path dividing prism 23 divides the light of the observation image formed by the imaging lens 22 into the imaging unit 24 and the mirror 25. The optical path splitting prism 23 is configured by using a prism having a coating for splitting light on the joint surface.

  The imaging unit 24 captures a sample image (observation image) of the sample Sp incident through the imaging lens 22 and the optical path dividing prism 23 to generate image data, and outputs the image data to the control unit 6. The imaging unit 24 is configured using an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

  The mirror 25 reflects the observation image emitted from the imaging lens 22 toward the eyepiece lens 26. A plurality of relay lenses may be provided on the optical path between the mirror 25 and the eyepiece lens 26.

  The eyepiece 26 enlarges the observation image incident through the imaging lens 22, the optical path splitting prism 23, and the mirror 25. The eyepiece 26 is configured using one or a plurality of lenses.

  The drive control unit 27 is configured using a drive driver, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the like, and moves or rotates each optical unit of the microscope main body 2 under the control of the control unit 6. Specifically, the drive control unit 27 drives the polarizer 11, the motor 11 a, the motor 12 a, the motor 13 a, the motor 15 a, the motor 18 a, the motor 20 a, and the motor 21 a under the control of the control unit 6. The compensator 12, the condenser turret 13, the stage 15, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 are rotated or moved to predetermined positions.

[Configuration of operation input section]
Next, the configuration of the operation input unit 3 will be described.
The operation input unit 3 receives input of various operations of the microscope 1 and outputs an instruction signal corresponding to the input operation to the control unit 6. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the operation input unit 3 includes an RC observation method switch 31 that instructs an RC observation method and a PO observation method switch 32 that instructs a PO observation method. The operation input unit 3 may be configured using a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch panel, and the like.

[Configuration of display section]
Next, the configuration of the display unit 4 will be described.
The display unit 4 displays an image corresponding to the image data input from the imaging unit 24 under the control of the control unit 6. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the display unit 4 includes an RC image display area 41 that displays an RC image W1 (first observation image) corresponding to image data generated by the imaging unit 24 during RC observation. The PO image display area 42 displays a PO image W2 (second observation image) corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24 during PO observation. The display part 4 is comprised using the display panel which consists of a liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence).

[Configuration of recording unit]
Next, the configuration of the recording unit 5 will be described.
The recording unit 5 records various programs to be executed by the microscope 1 and various data used during the execution of the programs. The recording unit 5 is configured using a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory and a RAM (Random Access Memory). In addition, the recording unit 5 includes a setting information recording unit 51 that records setting information indicating the position of each of the plurality of optical units arranged on the optical path for each observation method.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the setting information recorded by the setting information recording unit 51. As shown in FIG. 8, in the setting information T1, position information of each optical unit corresponding to each observation method is recorded. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, when performing the 20 times RC observation method, the polarizer 11 is arranged to be rotated at an arbitrary angle, and the compensator 12 is arranged with respect to the polarizing plate 131b of the RC observation aperture plate 131. The RC observation aperture plate 131 of the condenser turret 13 is arranged on the optical path, the objective lens 18 is for 20 × RC, the DIC prism 20 is arranged outside the optical path, and the analyzer 21 is arranged. It is described that it is arranged on the optical path.

(Configuration of control unit)
Next, the configuration of the control unit 6 will be described.
The control unit 6 is configured using a CPU or the like, and comprehensively controls the operation of each unit configuring the microscope 1. The control unit 6 outputs an instruction signal corresponding to the operation signal input from the operation input unit 3 to the drive control unit 27, thereby driving each motor under the drive control by the drive control unit 27, thereby causing a microscope. Each optical unit constituting 1 is moved. Specifically, the control unit 6 refers to the setting information T1 recorded by the setting information recording unit 51, and causes the drive control unit 27 to move the plurality of optical units to positions on the optical path according to the observation method. To output an instruction signal for changing the observation method. The control unit 6 includes a display control unit 61.

  The display control unit 61 controls the display mode of the display unit 4. Specifically, the display control unit 61 is light that has been transmitted through the polarizer 11 by the imaging unit 24, and is relative to the polarizing plate 131 b (third polarizing plate) in the opening 131 a disposed in the capacitor turret 13. The RC image (first observation image) corresponding to the image data generated by receiving the light transmitted according to the general positional relationship and transmitted through the modulator 1811 in the objective lens 181 and the imaging unit 24 are transmitted through the polarizer 11. Generated by imaging the light adjusted by the compensator 12 with the retardation of the light transmitted through the polarizer 11 in a crossed Nicol state in which the vibration direction of the polarization component of the transmitted light is orthogonal to the vibration direction of the polarization component of the light transmitted through the analyzer 21 Displayed on the display unit 4 at a timing set for each PO image (second observed image) corresponding to the image data. For example, the display control unit 61 causes the display unit 4 to simultaneously display the RC image and the PO image.

  The microscope 1 configured as described above switches the position and angle of each of the polarizer 11, the compensator 12, the condenser turret 13, the revolver 17, the DIC prism 20, and the analyzer 21 on the optical path under the control of the control unit 6. Bright field observation method, RC observation method, PO observation method and DIC observation method can be performed. Specifically, when the instruction signal instructing the PO observation method is input from the operation input unit 3, the control unit 6 refers to the setting information T <b> 1 recorded by the setting information recording unit 51, and is driven by the drive control unit 27. Under the control, by driving the motor, the revolver 17 is rotated to place the objective lens 181 on the optical path, and the condenser turret 13 is rotated to place a hole in the optical path. Furthermore, the control unit 6 rotates the polarizer 11 about the optical axis XA as a rotation axis, thereby bringing the polarizer 11 and the analyzer 21 into a crossed Nicols state (see FIG. 9). Thereby, the control part 6 can switch the observation method of the microscope 1 to PO observation method. In the case of the PO observation method, the compensator 12 is rotated at an arbitrary angle around the optical axis XA passing through the sample Sp.

  Further, when an instruction signal instructing the RC observation method is input from the operation input unit 3, the control unit 6 refers to the setting information T <b> 1 recorded by the setting information recording unit 51 and drives the drive control unit 27. The revolver 17 is rotated to place the objective lens 181 on the optical path, and the condenser turret 13 is rotated to place the RC observation aperture plate 131 on the optical path. Further, the control unit 6 arranges the DIC prism 20 outside the optical path (see FIG. 10). Thereby, the control part 6 can switch the observation method of the microscope 1 to RC observation method. In the case of the RC observation method, the polarizer 11 is rotated with an arbitrary accuracy around the optical axis XA passing through the specimen Sp. In the case of the RC observation method, the DIC prism 20 may be disposed on the optical path.

[Microscope treatment]
Next, processing executed by the microscope 1 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by the microscope 1. Note that the microscope 1 can perform the bright field observation method, the RC observation method, the PO observation method, and the DIC observation method. In the following, processing in the case of performing the RC observation method and the PO observation method will be described. Description of the visual field observation method and the DIC observation method is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, first, when an instruction signal for instructing switching of the observation method is input from the operation input unit 3 (step S101: Yes), the control unit 6 displays the live image currently displayed on the display unit 4. Is stopped (step S102).

  Subsequently, when the current observation method is the PO observation method (step S103: Yes), the display control unit 61 causes the imaging unit 24 to capture an image and obtains a still image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24 ( In step S104, the acquired still image is output and displayed on the PO image display area 42 of the display unit 4 (step S105). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the display control unit 61 displays the PO image W <b> 2 corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24 in the PO image display area 42 of the display unit 4.

  Thereafter, the control unit 6 acquires position information of each unit (step S106), and acquires position information of each unit of the observation method selected via the operation input unit 3 from the setting information recording unit 51 (step S107). ).

  Subsequently, the control unit 6 drives each unit by controlling the drive control unit 27 (step S108). For example, when the observation method selected via the operation input unit 3 is the RC observation method, the control unit 6 rotates the revolver 17 to place the objective lens 181 on the optical path and rotate the condenser turret 13. Thus, the RC observation aperture plate 131 is arranged on the optical path, and the DIC prism 20 is arranged outside the optical path.

  Thereafter, when the driving of each unit is completed (step S109: Yes), when the observation method selected via the operation input unit 3 is the PO observation method (step S110: Yes), the control unit 6 performs imaging. The PO image corresponding to the image data generated by the unit 24 is displayed live in the PO image display area 42 of the display unit 4 (step S111). After step S111, the microscope 1 proceeds to step S113 described later.

  In step S110, when the observation method selected via the operation input unit 3 is not the PO observation method (step S110: No), the control unit 6 displays an RC image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24. 4 is displayed live on the RC image display area 41 (step S112). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the display control unit 61 displays an RC image W1 corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24 in the RC image display area 41 of the display unit 4. Thereby, since the RC image W1 and the PO image W2 are displayed in parallel on the display unit 4, when the operator injects the sperm Sp11 into the ovum Sp10, the operator can connect the first polar body K1 and the spindle K2. The positional relationship can be grasped intuitively.

  Subsequently, when an instruction signal for instructing the end of observation is input from the operation input unit 3 (step S113: Yes), the microscope 1 ends this process. On the other hand, when the instruction signal for instructing the end of observation is not input from the operation input unit 3 (step S113: No), the microscope 1 returns to step S101.

  In step S101, when the instruction signal instructing switching of the observation method is not input from the operation input unit 3 (step S101: No), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S110.

  In step S103, when the current observation method is not the PO observation method (step S103: No), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S106.

  In step S109, when the driving of each unit is not completed (step S109: No), the microscope 1 stands by until the driving of each unit is completed.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the display control unit 61 simultaneously displays the RC image W1 in the RC image display area 41 of the display unit 4 and the PO image W2 live in the PO image display area 42 simultaneously. Therefore, when the operator performs ICSI, the positional relationship between the first polar body K1 and the spindle K2 in the ovum Sp10 can be intuitively grasped.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, in the case of the RC observation method, the compensator 12 and the polarizer 11 may be rotated at the same time while maintaining the paranicol state.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the analyzer 21 may be moved out of the optical path in the case of RC observation.

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 1)
Next, Modification 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. The modification 1 which concerns on this Embodiment 1 differs in the structure of the operation input part 3 of the microscope 1 which concerns on Embodiment 1 mentioned above, and the process to perform. For this reason, below, after demonstrating the structure of the operation input part of the microscope which concerns on the modification 1 of this Embodiment 1, the process which the microscope which concerns on the modification 1 of this Embodiment 1 performs is demonstrated. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as the microscope 1 which concerns on Embodiment 1 mentioned above, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Configuration of operation input section]
FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the operation input unit 3 a included in the microscope 1.
As shown in FIG. 12, the operation input unit 3a includes an RC observation method switch 31 that receives an input of an instruction signal that instructs an RC observation method, and a PO observation method switch 32 that receives an input of an instruction signal that instructs a PO observation method. And a PO image update switch 33 for receiving an input of an instruction signal for instructing an update of the PO image in the PO observation image display area of the display unit 4.

[Microscope treatment]
Next, processing executed by the microscope 1 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by the microscope 1.

  In FIG. 13, Steps S201 to S212 correspond to Steps S101 to S112 of FIG. 11 described above, respectively.

  When the PO image update switch 33 is operated in step S213 (step S213: Yes), the microscope 1 executes PO image update processing for updating the PO image (step S214). Details of the PO image update process will be described later. After step S214, the microscope 1 proceeds to step S215.

  In step S213, when the PO image update switch 33 is not operated (step S213: No), the microscope 1 proceeds to step S215.

  Subsequently, when an instruction signal instructing the end of observation is input from the operation input unit 3a (step S215: Yes), the microscope 1 ends the present process. On the other hand, when the instruction signal for instructing the end of the observation is not input from the operation input unit 3a (step S215: No), the microscope 1 returns to step S201.

  Next, the PO image update process described in step S214 in FIG. 13 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of PO image update processing.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the current observation method is RC observation (step S301: Yes), the control unit 6 stops the live image currently displayed on the display unit 4 (step S302).

  Subsequently, the control unit 6 acquires the position information of each unit in the PO observation method from the setting information recording unit 51 (step S303), and controls the drive control unit 27 so that each position corresponding to the PO observation method is set. The unit is driven (step S304).

  Thereafter, when the driving of each unit is completed (step S305: Yes), the display control unit 61 causes the imaging unit 24 to capture an image and obtains a still image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24 (step S306). The acquired still image is output and displayed on the PO image display area 42 of the display unit 4 (step S307).

  Subsequently, the control unit 6 acquires position information of each unit in the RC observation method from the setting information recording unit 51 (step S308), and controls the drive control unit 27 to set each unit at a position corresponding to the RC observation method. The unit is driven (step S309).

  Thereafter, when the driving of each unit is completed (step S310: Yes), the control unit 6 sequentially displays RC images corresponding to the image data continuously generated by the imaging unit 24 in the RC image display area 41 of the display unit 4. The live display to be displayed is started (step S311). After step S311, the microscope 1 returns to the main routine of FIG.

  In step S301, when the current observation method is not RC observation (step S301: No), the microscope 1 returns to the main routine of FIG.

  In step S305, when the driving of each unit is not completed (step S305: No), the microscope 1 stands by until the driving of each unit is completed.

  In step S310, when driving of each unit is not completed (step S310: No), the microscope 1 stands by until driving of each unit is completed.

  According to the first modification of the first embodiment described above, the display control unit 61 displays the PO displayed on the PO image display area 42 of the display unit 4 only when the PO image update switch 33 is operated by the operator. Since the image W2 is updated and displayed on the display unit 4, when the operator performs ICSI, the positional relationship between the first polar body K1 and the spindle K2 in the egg Sp10 can be intuitively grasped.

(Modification 2 of Embodiment 1)
Next, Modification 2 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. The microscope according to the second modification of the first embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above, and only the processing to be executed is different. For this reason, in the following, only processing executed by the microscope according to the second modification according to the first embodiment will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as the microscope which concerns on Embodiment 1 mentioned above, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by the microscope according to the second modification of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, first, when an instruction signal instructing switching of the observation method is input from the operation input unit 3 (step S <b> 401: Yes), the control unit 6 displays the live image currently displayed on the display unit 4. Is stopped (step S402).

  Subsequently, when the current observation method is the PO observation method (step S403: Yes), the control unit 6 causes the imaging unit 24 to capture an image and obtains a still image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24 (step). In S404, the acquired still image is output and displayed on the PO image display area 42 of the display unit 4 (step S405). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 16, the control unit 6 displays the still image of the PO image W2 immediately before switching in the PO image display area 42 only when, for example, the RC observation method is switched to the PO observation method, and otherwise. The live image of the observation method is displayed in the RC image display area 41 (FIG. 16 (a) → FIG. 16 (b)). As a result, when the operator performs ICSI, the positional relationship between the first polar body K1 and the spindle K2 in the ovum Sp10 can be intuitively grasped.

  Steps S406 to S409 correspond to steps S106 to S109 of FIG. 11 described above, respectively.

  After step S409, the control unit 6 starts live display in which RC images corresponding to the image data continuously generated by the imaging unit 24 are sequentially displayed in the RC image display area 41 of the display unit 4 (step S410).

  Subsequently, when an instruction signal for instructing the end of observation is input from the operation input unit 3 (step S411: Yes), the microscope 1 ends this process. On the other hand, when the instruction signal for instructing the end of the observation is not input from the operation input unit 3 (step S411: No), the microscope 1 returns to step S401.

  According to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the display control unit 61 adds the PO image W2 to the PO image display area 42 of the display unit 4 and the live RC image W1 to the RC image display area 41. Since it displays on the display part 4, when an operator performs ICSI, the positional relationship of the 1st polar body K1 in the ovum Sp10 and the spindle K2 can be grasped | ascertained intuitively.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The microscope according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the microscope 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and the processing to be executed is different. Specifically, although the microscope 1 according to the first embodiment described above displays the RC image and the PO image in parallel on the display unit 4, the microscope according to the second embodiment does not perform the predetermined time. At intervals, the RC image and the PO image are alternately switched and displayed on the display unit. For this reason, below, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as the microscope 1 which concerns on Embodiment 1 mentioned above, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Microscope treatment]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing executed by the microscope 1 according to the second embodiment. In the following, the microscope 1 is executed when an instruction signal for automatically and alternately switching the PO observation method and the RC observation method is input from the operation input unit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 6 acquires the position information of each unit (step S501), and acquires the position information of each unit from the setting information recording unit 51 (step S502).

  Subsequently, the control unit 6 controls the drive control unit 27 to drive each unit (step S503). When driving of each unit is completed (step S504: Yes), the microscope 1 operates as an operation input unit. The number of frames of the PO image in the PO observation method set in advance through 3 is acquired from the recording unit 5 (step S505), and the number of frames of the PO image acquired from the recording unit 5 is substituted into the variable N (step S506). .

  Thereafter, the display control unit 61 acquires a PO image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24 (step S507), and causes the display unit 4 to display the PO image (step S508). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18B, the display control unit 61 causes the display unit 4 to display the PO image W2.

  Subsequently, the control unit 6 subtracts 1 from the variable N (step S509), and when the variable is 0 (N = 0) (step S510: Yes), the process proceeds to step S511 described later. On the other hand, when the variable is not 0 (step S510: No), the microscope 1 returns to step S507.

  In step S511, the control unit 6 acquires the position information of each unit, and acquires the position information of each unit from the setting information recording unit 51 (step S512).

  Subsequently, the control unit 6 controls the drive control unit 27 to drive each unit (step S513). When driving of each unit is completed (step S514: Yes), the microscope 1 operates as an operation input unit. The number of frames of the RC image in the RC observation method set in advance via 3 is acquired from the recording unit 5 (step S515), and the number of frames of the RC image acquired from the recording unit 5 is substituted into the variable N (step S516). .

  Thereafter, the display control unit 61 acquires an RC image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24 (step S517), and causes the display unit 4 to display the RC image (step S518). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 18A, the display control unit 61 causes the display unit 4 to display the RC image W1.

  Subsequently, the control unit 6 subtracts 1 from the variable N (step S519), and when the variable is 0 (N = 0) (step S520: Yes), the process proceeds to step S521 described later. On the other hand, when the variable is not 0 (step S520: No), the microscope 1 returns to step S517.

  In step S521, when an instruction signal for instructing the end of the operation is input from the operation input unit 3 (step S521: Yes), the microscope 1 ends the process. On the other hand, when the instruction signal for instructing the end of the operation is not input from the operation input unit 3 (step S521: No), the microscope 1 returns to step S501.

  In step S504, when the driving of each unit is not completed (step S504: No), the microscope 1 stands by until the driving of each unit is completed.

  In step S514, when the driving of each unit is not completed (step S514: No), the microscope 1 stands by until the driving of each unit is completed.

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, the display control unit 61 causes the RC image W1 and the PO image W2 to be alternately displayed on the display unit 4, so that the first pole in the ovum Sp10 during ICSI. The positional relationship between the body K1 and the spindle K2 can be intuitively grasped.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the display area of the display unit 4 may be provided at one place, and the display control unit 61 may alternately display the PO image and the RC image on the display unit 4.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the observation method is automatically switched between the PO observation method and the RC observation method. However, according to the instruction signal from the operation input unit 3, the PO observation method and the RC observation method are switched. And may be switched.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the display control unit 61 automatically updates the PO image and the RC image at predetermined time intervals. For example, the RC image is always displayed on the display unit 4 and the PO image is displayed. Only the image may be updated once at a predetermined time interval, for example, 10 sec, and displayed on the display unit 4. Of course, the display control unit 61 may cause the display unit 4 to display the PO image so that the number of frames of the PO image is a fixed ratio (for example, 3: 1) with respect to the number of frames of the RC image.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The microscope according to the third embodiment has a configuration different from that of the microscope 1 according to the first embodiment described above, and a different process. For this reason, below, after demonstrating the structure of the microscope which concerns on this Embodiment 3, the process which the microscope which concerns on this Embodiment 3 performs is demonstrated. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as the microscope 1 which concerns on Embodiment 1 mentioned above, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Configuration of microscope]
FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the microscope according to the third embodiment.
A microscope 1a shown in FIG. 19 includes a control unit 6a instead of the control unit 6 of the microscope 1 described above.

(Configuration of control unit)
The control unit 6a is configured using a CPU or the like, and comprehensively controls the operation of each unit constituting the microscope 1a. The control unit 6 a includes at least a display control unit 61 and an image processing unit 62.

  The image processing unit 62 performs image processing such as binarization processing and matching processing on the image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24. Specifically, the image processing unit 62 performs binarization processing on the PO image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24, and detects a place where the contrast is inverted in the ovum as a spindle. At the same time, color information of the spindle is detected, and based on the detection result, matching processing is performed using the PO image and the RC image for the image data generated by the imaging unit 24, and the position of the spindle is detected in the RC image. Combine (combine) color information.

[Microscope treatment]
Next, processing executed by the microscope 1a will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by the microscope 1a. The following process outlines the process executed by the microscope 1a when an instruction signal for switching the observation method is input from the operation input unit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 20, first, when the current observation method is switching from the PO observation method (step S601: Yes), the image processing unit 62 displays a PO image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24. Acquired (step S602), and detects spindle information related to the position of the spindle and the color of the spindle from the PO image (step S603), and the spindle position and color information are related to the magnification of the objective lens 18. The magnification information is associated and recorded in the recording unit 5 (step S604). Specifically, the image processing unit 62 performs binarization processing on the PO image, and detects (extracts) a place where the contrast is inverted in the ovum as a spindle. Further, the image processing unit 62 detects the color information of the spindle from the PO image before binarization processing. Furthermore, the image processing unit 62 records the spindle location (position) and color information detected from the PO image in the recording unit 5 in association with the magnification of the objective lens 18.

  Subsequently, the control unit 6a acquires position information of each unit (step S605), and acquires position information of each unit of the observation method selected via the operation input unit 3 from the setting information recording unit 51 (step S605). S606).

  Thereafter, the control unit 6a drives each unit by controlling the drive control unit 27 (step S607).

  Subsequently, when the driving of each unit is completed (step S608: Yes), the current observation method selected via the operation input unit 3 is the RC observation method (step S609: Yes), and the current objective lens When there is spindle information having the same magnification as 18 (step S610: Yes), the image processing unit 62 performs a matching process between the RC image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24 and the PO image, A live image obtained by synthesizing the spindle with the RC image is generated (step S611).

  Subsequently, the display control unit 61 displays the live image generated by the image processing unit 62 on the display unit 4 (step S612). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the display control unit 61 displays the live image W <b> 10 generated by the image processing unit 62 on the display unit 4. Thereby, it is possible to intuitively grasp the positional relationship between the first polar body K1 and the spindle K2 of the egg Sp10 with one image. The image processing unit 62 performs matching processing on a live RC image corresponding to the image data continuously generated by the imaging unit 24 at predetermined intervals (periodically, for example, one frame for 10 frames). The display control unit 61 causes the display unit 4 to display the live image W10 generated by the image processing unit 62 by generating a live image in which the position of the spindle in the RC image is updated. Thereby, when performing ICSI, the positional relationship of the 1st polar body K1 in the ovum Sp10 and the spindle K2 can be grasped | ascertained intuitively.

  Thereafter, when an instruction signal for instructing the end of observation is input from the operation input unit 3 (step S613: Yes), the microscope 1a ends the process. On the other hand, when the instruction signal for instructing the end of observation is not input from the operation input unit 3 (step S613: No), the microscope 1a returns to step S601.

  In step S601, when the current observation method is not switching from the PO observation method (step S601: No), the microscope 1a proceeds to step S605.

  In step S608, when the driving of each unit is not completed (step S608: No), the microscope 1a waits until the driving of each unit is completed.

  In step S609, when the current observation method selected via the operation input unit 3 is not the RC observation method (step S609: No), in step S610, spindle information having the same magnification as the current objective lens 18 magnification. When there is no image (step S610: No), the display control unit 61 causes the display unit 4 to display the PO image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24 (step S614). After step S614, the microscope 1a proceeds to step S613.

  According to the third embodiment of the present invention described above, the positional relationship between the first polar body K1 and the spindle K2 in the ovum Sp10 can be intuitively grasped when performing ICSI.

  In the third embodiment, the image processing unit 62 performs binarization processing on the PO image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 24 to detect the spindle K2. The spindle K2 may be detected by performing image processing other than the above, for example, image processing such as pattern matching processing.

(Other embodiments)
In the present invention, a microscope provided with a microscope main body, an operation input unit, a display unit, a recording unit, and a control unit has been described as an example. For example, an objective lens for enlarging a sample, and imaging a sample via the objective lens The present invention can also be applied to an imaging apparatus having an imaging function and a display function for displaying an image, such as a video microscope.

  In the present invention, an inverted microscope apparatus used for ICSI for injecting sperm into an egg as a microscope has been described as an example. However, for example, an upright microscope apparatus can also be applied. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to various systems such as a line apparatus incorporating a microscope apparatus.

  In the present invention, the polarizer is rotated in order to bring the polarizer and the analyzer into a crossed Nicol state. However, the present invention can be applied even when the analyzer is rotated, for example. Of course, the present invention can be applied even when the polarizer and the analyzer are rotated.

  In the description of the flowchart in the present specification, the context of the processing between steps is clearly indicated using expressions such as “first”, “after”, “follow”, etc., in order to implement the present invention. The order of processing required is not uniquely determined by their representation. That is, the order of processing in the flowcharts described in this specification can be changed within a consistent range.

  As described above, the present invention can include various embodiments not described herein, and various design changes and the like can be made within the scope of the technical idea specified by the claims. Is possible. In this embodiment, PO observation is used as an observation method for recognizing the first polar body, but other observation methods that can observe the first polar body, such as DIC observation, may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1a Microscope 2 Microscope main-body part 3, 3a Operation input part 4 Display part 5 Recording part 6, 6a Control part 10 Light source 11 Polarizer 11a, 12a, 13a, 15a, 17a, 18a, 20a, 21a Motor 12 Compensator 13 Capacitor turret DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Condenser lens 15 Stage 16 Stage position detection part 17 Revolver 18 Objective lens 19 Revolver position detection part 20 DIC prism 21 Analyzer 22 Imaging lens 23 Optical path division | segmentation prism 24 Imaging part 25 Mirror 26 Eyepiece 27 Drive control part 31 RC observation method switch 32 PO observation method switch 33 PO image update switch 41 PO image display area 42 RC image display area 51 Setting information recording unit 61 Display control unit 62 Image processing unit 100 Petri dish K1 First polar body K2 Spindle Sp Specimen Sp10 Ovum Sp11 Sperm T1 Setting information W1 RC image W10 Live image W2 PO image

Claims (3)

A light source that generates light to illuminate the specimen;
A condenser lens that is disposed on the optical path of the light and collects the light emitted from the light source and irradiates the specimen;
An objective lens having a modulator disposed on the optical path facing the condenser lens across the sample and provided with a plurality of regions having different transmittances;
A first polarizing plate disposed on the optical path between the light source and the condenser lens so as to be rotatable about the optical axis of the condenser lens as a rotation axis, and transmitting only one-direction polarized light component of the light emitted from the light source; ,
Second polarization that is arranged on the optical path on the observation side at the rear stage of the objective lens and transmits only one-direction polarization component of the light transmitted through the sample according to the relative positional relationship with the first polarizing plate. The board,
A plurality of optical elements and a third polarizing plate that are used by switching according to an observation method, and the plurality of optical elements and the third polarizing plate on the optical path between the condenser lens and the first polarizing plate; A capacitor turret to place any one of
A compensator that is disposed on the optical path between the condenser turret and the first polarizing plate so as to be rotatable about the optical axis and changes the retardation of light transmitted through the first polarizing plate;
An imaging unit that captures an observation image of the specimen incident through the second polarizing plate and generates image data of the specimen;
A display unit capable of displaying an image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit;
The imaging unit transmits light according to a relative positional relationship with the third polarizing plate disposed in the condenser turret, and is transmitted through the first polarizing plate, and transmits a modulator in the objective lens. The first observation image corresponding to the image data generated by receiving the transmitted light and the vibration direction of the polarization component of the light transmitted by the imaging unit through the first polarizing plate and the light transmitted through the second polarizing plate A second observation image corresponding to the image data generated by imaging the light in which the retardation of the light transmitted through the first polarizing plate is adjusted by the compensator in a crossed Nicol state in which the vibration direction of the polarization component of the light is orthogonal said system is displayed on the display unit control part at the timing set for each image,
The position of the first polarizing plate disposed on the optical path, the optical element on the optical path in the condenser turret, the position of the compensator disposed on the optical path, and the second polarization disposed on the optical path A recording unit that records setting information indicating the position of each plate for each observation method;
A driving unit for moving the first polarizing plate, the condenser turret, the compensator, and the second polarizing plate;
A drive control unit that changes the observation method by controlling the drive unit with reference to the setting information recorded by the recording unit;
A first operation input unit for instructing to switch to an observation state corresponding to the first observation image;
A second operation input unit for instructing to switch to an observation state corresponding to the second observation image;
Equipped with a,
When the control unit is instructed by the first operation input unit to switch from an observation state corresponding to the second observation image to an observation state corresponding to the first observation image, the control unit Automatically acquiring a still image of the second observation image immediately before switching, and simultaneously displaying a live image of the first observation image and a still image of the second observation image on the display unit. A featured microscope. The microscope according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes a display area for the first observation image and a display area for the second observation image. A third operation input unit that instructs to update the second observation image in the display unit;
In the case where the control unit displays the live image of the first observation image and the still image of the second observation image on the display unit at the same time, the second observation input is performed by the third operation input unit. When an instruction to update the image is given, a still image of the second observation image is automatically acquired, and a live image of the first observation image and a still image of the second observation image are acquired on the display unit. The microscope according to claim 1, wherein the two are displayed simultaneously.

Images