JPH04214523A - Illuminating mechanism for macro-observation - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the illuminating mechanism which can control polarized light without moving a polarizing plate on an objective means of macroobservation or without providing a means for rotating the plane of polarization. CONSTITUTION:A light source 4a for polarization which is formed to selectively emit light and a light source 4b for non-polarization are provided. The light from the light source 4a for polarization is transmitted through a polarizing plate 7 for polarization and is thereby polarized. The light from the light source 4b for non-polarization is projected as it is to an object to be observed. The polarized light can be selected simply by selectively emitting the light from the light source 4a for polarization and the light source 4b for non-polarization.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] This invention can be used in various fields such as medicine, academia, and industry, such as human skin, microscopic organisms,
The present invention also relates to an illumination mechanism in a magnifying observation device or instrument for magnifying and observing the outer surface or surface layer of an object to be observed, such as an integrated circuit, in its original position without any processing.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art The most important thing in this type of magnified observation is the control of the illumination light that illuminates the object to be observed and the control of the image light from the object. There are various elements for controlling illumination light, one of which is control of selectively using polarized light. For example, when observing human skin, if there is a lot of direct reflected light reflected directly from the skin surface, it becomes difficult to see colored objects such as stains on the skin. This control is used to make it easier to see stains on the skin by excluding reflected light and mainly using indirect reflected light that is reflected after once passing through the surface layer of the skin. In other words, polarized light is used as illumination light, and when this polarized light is directly reflected, it maintains its polarization, but when it is indirectly reflected, it becomes natural light. By blocking reflected light with a polarizing plate, observation is performed mainly using indirectly reflected light.

Examples of such control include the techniques shown in Japanese Patent Application No. 1-26462 and Japanese Patent Application No. 1-27341. All of these techniques selectively control polarized light by mechanically moving the polarizing plate or by providing means for rotating the plane of polarization. However, with the technology of mechanically moving the polarizing plate or providing a means for rotating the plane of polarization, the configuration of the operating mechanism is quite cumbersome, which makes the whole thing complicated, and furthermore, it is prone to malfunctions. There are disadvantages such as an increase in the number of elements.

0004

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an illumination mechanism for magnified observation that allows polarization to be controlled without moving a polarizing plate or providing a means for rotating the plane of polarization. .

[0005]

[Means and actions for solving the problem]

Specifically, a polarized light source and a non-polarized light source that can selectively emit light are provided, and the light from the non-polarized light source is transmitted through a polarizing plate. With,
An illumination mechanism for magnified observation is provided, in which a blocking polarizing plate is disposed between an object to be observed and an optical system to block polarized light formed by transmission through a polarizing polarizing plate.

[0007] In this illumination mechanism, light from a polarizing light source is polarized by passing through a polarizing plate, and on the other hand,
The light from the non-polarized light source is irradiated in a non-polarized (natural light) state. Therefore, by selectively causing the polarized light source and the non-polarized light source to emit light, polarized light illumination or non-polarized light illumination can be selected. Such an illumination mechanism can divide the annularly arranged light sources into a plurality of blocks, and each of the plurality of blocks can be divided into a polarized light source and a non-polarized light source. Such a configuration is suitable for obtaining a light source for high magnification.

[0008] Such an illumination mechanism may have a ring as a part, and a plurality of blocks may be formed within this part. Such a configuration has a relatively simple structure and is advantageous in production. It is also possible to have a plurality of rings and each ring to be a block. Such a configuration has the advantage of providing more uniform illumination.

Furthermore, a plurality of light emitting sources are provided, each light emitting source guides light through an optical fiber bundle, and the irradiation end faces of the many optical fibers forming the optical fiber bundle are arranged in a ring shape. By forming such a structure, a more powerful light source can be obtained, and sufficient brightness required for high magnification observation can be ensured.

0010

[Embodiments] Examples of the present invention will be described below. The illumination mechanism according to this embodiment is an example used in an objective 1 of a magnifying observation device as shown in FIG. The object contacting body 6 is removably assembled at the tip of a shaped case 5, and a polarizing plate 7 for polarization is provided between the light source 4 and the object M to be observed in close proximity to the light source 4. A blocking polarizing plate 8 is provided between the observed object M and the optical system unit 3 in close proximity to the tip of the optical system unit 3, and these light source 4, polarizing polarizing plate 7, and blocking polarizing plate 8 forms an illumination mechanism.

The imaging unit 2 captures the image obtained by the optical system unit 3 and sends it to the main body of the observation device (not shown). For example, an imaging device such as a CCD element and other parts are integrated into a case. It was placed within 11.

The optical system unit 3 is for obtaining an enlarged image of the object to be observed M, and as shown in FIG. The tip of the case 13 is formed into an inverted conical shape for an "aperture" to provide a deeper depth of focus, and inside there are a plurality of light-shielding apertures 14, 14,...
... are annularly protruding so as to form the necessary minimum optical path T. The object contact body 6 is for focusing the optical system unit 3 on the object M to be observed, and
It is designed to block light from the surroundings so that excess light does not hit the area to be observed, and is shaped like a skirt.

As shown in FIG. 1, the light source 4 includes a plurality of light source lamps 15 (15a, 1 in this example) as light sources.
5b) is provided on the side of the observation device (not shown) mentioned above, and each of these two light source lamps 15a and 15b has multiple systems, in this example, 2
A large number of optical fibers 17 (17a, 17a, . . . , 17b, 17b, .
It is formed by arranging the irradiation end faces in a ring shape. Such a light source provides stronger brightness and is an excellent means for meeting the brightness required for high magnification observation. However, it is quite possible to form the light source by other means, for example, a plurality of small light emitting sources may be similarly arranged in an annular shape. It is also possible to use a continuous light source, such as a circular fluorescent lamp.

This annular light source 4 is further divided into eight blocks as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Specifically, the optical fiber 17a of the optical fiber bundle 16a
, 17a, ... to block 18 (18a, 18a, ...
), the optical fibers 17b, 17b of the optical fiber bundle 16b
, ... to the block 18 (18b, 18b, ...), the optical fibers 17 (17a, 17a, ..., 17b, 17b, ...) of both optical fiber bundles 16a, 16b are connected.
are arranged in blocks alternately, the block 18a is used as a polarized light source 4a, and the block 18b is used as a non-polarized light source 4b.
It is said that In connection with such blocking, in the case of a continuous light source such as the aforementioned fluorescent lamp, a plurality of appropriate shutters are arranged corresponding to the shape of the light source, and these shutters can be operated independently. Moreover, by selectively activating it, blocking is performed. Such examples will be discussed further below.

The polarizing plate 7 is for polarizing the light from the polarizing light source 4a, and is formed into a flat donut shape corresponding to the shape of the light source 4, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The block 18b of the non-polarized light source 4b
, 18b, openings 19, 19, . . .
...is being formed. Therefore, the light from the polarizing light source 4a is polarized by passing through the polarizing plate 7, but the light from the non-polarizing light source 4b is transmitted through the apertures 19, 19, . . .
...and irradiates the object M with unpolarized light. Incidentally, since the brightness of the light from the polarizing light source 4a is reduced by passing through the polarizing plate 7, it is necessary to provide an appropriate light reduction means in the aperture 19 to match this, or to reduce the brightness of the light from the polarizing light source 4a. It is preferable to change the brightness ratio of the light source 4a and the non-polarized light source 4b in advance.

The blocking polarizing plate 8 is for blocking the light that has been polarized by the polarizing polarizing plate 7, is directly reflected on the surface of the object to be observed M, and maintains its polarization, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, it is formed into a disc shape that fits inside the polarizing plate 7 for polarization. Note that this blocking polarizing plate 8 only needs to block the reflected light from the object M to be observed, so as shown in FIG.
It may also be provided within the case 13 of.

The illumination mechanism formed by these light sources 4 (4a, 4b), the polarizing plate 7, and the blocking polarizing plate 8 can produce polarized illumination and light by simply causing the light source lamps 15a, 15b to emit light selectively. You can select non-polarized illumination. That is, if only the light source lamp 15a corresponding to the polarizing light source 4a is made to emit light, illumination by polarized light transmitted through the polarizing plate 7 can be obtained, and only the light source lamp 15b corresponding to the non-polarizing light source 4b is made to emit light. If so, the aperture 1 of the polarizing plate 7
By passing through 9, 19, . . . , it is possible to select illumination with light that remains natural light. In the case of illumination with polarized light, the light that is directly reflected from the surface of the object M and retains its polarization is blocked by a blocking polarizing plate 8, and once the light is reflected from the surface of the object M to be observed. Only the indirect reflected light, which has been converted into natural light by being reflected after passing through the surface layer, is sent to the optical system unit 3, and observation based on this indirect reflected light becomes possible. Note that the light emission control of the light source lamps 15a and 15b may be electrically turned ON/OFF, but if the quickness of switching is considered,
It is preferable to provide mechanical shutters between each of the optical fiber bundles 16a and 16b and control the light emission by switching the shutters.

FIG. 4 shows a modified example of the light source. In contrast to the previous embodiment in which the light sources were arranged in one ring, this light source 40 is arranged in two rings, with each ring being arranged in one ring. One block is used as a polarized light source 40a and the other as a non-polarized light source 40b. In this case, the aperture 19 in the above-mentioned polarizing plate 7 is not required, but the diameter and width of the polarizing plate 7 need only be matched to the polarizing light source 40a. Of course, this example can be further developed to form three or more circular rings. Such a multiple ring array has the advantage of being able to obtain more uniform illumination, but the aforementioned single ring array has the advantage of being relatively simple in structure and easy to manufacture.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment, and the illumination mechanism according to this embodiment is a hand-held magnifying observation tool 51.
This is an example used in Specifically, unlike the objective tool 1 described above, the magnifying observation tool 51 does not include something like the imaging unit 2, but is a type for direct observation with the eyes, and consists of an observation section 52 and a grip section 53. Inside thereof, a light source 54, a shutter S, a polarizing plate 55 for polarization, a polarizing plate 56 for blocking, and an optical system 57 are built in.

The observation section 52 includes an eyepiece section 58 for directly observing the image of the object M magnified by the optical system 57;
It consists of an objective section 59 that faces the object M to be observed. The objective section 59 is formed into a hemispherical shape, and has a through hole 60 bored at its tip. The objective section 59 may be made separate and detachable from the observation section 52, if necessary.

The grip portion 53 is a portion to be held in the hand, and is provided with a plurality of switches 61 for operation. moreover,
A power cord 63 comes out from the grip portion 53, so that it can be supplied with AC power from the outside, or can be charged with a built-in charger.

The light source 54 is provided at the base end of a hemispherical objective portion 59, and the hemispherical shape of the objective portion 59 allows the irradiated light to efficiently and efficiently reach the observation area from the through hole 60. It is designed to irradiate. As shown in FIG. 8, the shutter S is made up of a pair of opening/closing plates Sa and Sb arranged side by side, and the opening/closing plates Sa and Sb are selectively opened and closed, respectively, thereby selectively emitting light. A plurality of possible light sources are formed, and a polarized light source 54a is used when the opening/closing plate Sa is opened, and a non-polarized light source 54b is used when the opening/closing plate Sb is opened.

As shown in FIG. 8, the polarizing plate 55 for polarization is provided between the opening/closing plate Sa and the object to be observed M, and as in the previous embodiment, the light from the polarizing light source 54a is It is designed to polarize the light. The blocking polarizing plate 56 is provided between the object to be observed M and the optical system 57, and is designed to block only the directly reflected light from the object to be observed M, as in the previous embodiment. . The optical system 57 is formed of one convex lens 64 in this example. And basically,
When the tip of the objective section 59 is brought into contact with the surface of the object M to be observed, the focus is set on the surface of the object M to be observed.

[0024]

Effects of the Invention In the illumination mechanism for magnifying observation according to the present invention described above, the light from the polarizing light source is polarized by passing through the polarizing plate, while the light from the non-polarizing light source is polarized. Since the light is irradiated in a non-polarized state, you can select polarized or non-polarized illumination simply by selectively emitting light from the polarized light source and the non-polarized light source, and by moving the polarizing plate, Compared to the conventional technology that requires a polarization plane rotation means, a mechanism that is simpler and easier to manufacture can be used, and the number of failure factors can be reduced.

[0025]

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the relationship between a light source, a polarizing plate, and a blocking polarizing plate in an illumination mechanism.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the light source.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the relationship between a polarizing plate and a blocking polarizing plate.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a light source according to another example.

FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway side view of the optical system unit.

FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway side view of an objective device equipped with an illumination mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway side view of a magnifying observation tool equipped with an illumination mechanism according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the relationship between a light source, a shutter, and a polarizing plate for polarization.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Objective tool 2 Imaging unit 3 Optical system unit 4. Light source 4a　Polarized light source 4b Non-polarized light source 5 Case 6 Objective contact body 7 Polarizing plate for polarization 8 Polarizing plate for blocking 11 Case 12 Objective lens 13 Case 14. Light-shielding aperture 15 Light source lamp 16 Optical fiber bundle 17 Optical fiber 18 block

Claims (5)

[Claims] Claim 1: A polarized light source and a non-polarized light source that can selectively emit light are provided, and the light from the non-polarized light source is transmitted through a polarizing plate, and the polarized light source is made to transmit light from the non-polarized light source. An illumination mechanism for magnified observation in which a blocking polarizing plate is arranged between an object to be observed and an optical system to block polarized light formed by transmission of the polarizing plate. 2. The illumination mechanism for magnified observation according to claim 1, wherein the annularly formed light source is divided into a plurality of blocks, and each of the plurality of blocks is divided into a polarized light source and a non-polarized light source. 3. The illumination mechanism for magnified observation according to claim 2, wherein the ring is a part and a plurality of blocks are formed within the part. 4. The illumination mechanism for magnified observation according to claim 2, comprising a plurality of rings, each of which is a block. 5. A light source is formed by providing a plurality of light emitting sources, guiding light through an optical fiber bundle for each light emitting source, and arranging the illumination end surfaces of the optical fibers forming the optical fiber bundle in a ring shape. The illumination mechanism for magnified observation according to claim 3 or 4.