JPH06351027A - Color television device for microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain speedy and efficient microscopic observation by automatically adjusting a white balance according to ether the kind of the filter of a microscope or the light quantity of a light source. CONSTITUTION:This device is equipped with a white balance correction data table 10 which stores data for correcting the deviation of the white balance corresponding to both the classification of each filter 3 and each light quantity value of a light source 4, filter selection data outputting means 9 which outputs data for identifying the kind of the filter set on the optical path of the microscope, and correcting means II which obtains correction data from the white balance correcting data table 10, and corrects the white balance of a color image pickup device 2, based on both the data from the filter selection data outputting means 9 and the set light quantity of the light source. Also, the white balance correction data table can be automatically prepared.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a color television apparatus for a microscope, and more particularly, it is capable of automatically correcting the white balance according to the filter used in the microscope or the light quantity of the light source of the microscope. The present invention relates to a technique that enables efficient and accurate imaging of a microscope image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When observing with a microscope or capturing a microscope image, various filters are used to illuminate a sample with a light source suitable for observation. The light quantity of the light source that illuminates the sample is also set to a value suitable for observing the sample. In a color television device for microscopes that captures images of such a microscope with a color television camera, it is necessary to perform optimum white balance correction depending on the spectral transmission characteristics of each filter or the spectral distribution of the light source. There is.

Conventionally, such white balance correction has been reset every time the filter is changed and the brightness of the light source is changed when a microscope image is picked up.

[0004]

In such a conventional color television apparatus for a microscope, when the filter is changed, the color of the picked-up image is changed due to the change of the spectral transmittance of the filter, so that the color of the image is fixed. In order to perform observation under the condition of white balance, it is necessary to remove the object to be observed and re-adjust the white balance of the television camera each time, which is very inconvenient. In addition, even when the light amount of the light source of the microscope is changed to a value suitable for the sample, the white balance shifts, so it is necessary to reset the white balance each time the light amount of the light source is changed.

In particular, an image from a color television camera is imaged while maintaining white balance, and when observing from the eyepiece, it is desired to change the color of the illuminating light source or to change the light amount. If you want to
The conventional color television apparatus for a microscope has a very poor operability and cannot perform efficient observation. In view of such problems in the conventional example, the object of the present invention is to change the filter and / or the light source light amount of the microscope in the microscope color television apparatus.
The object is to make the white balance adjustment extremely quick so as to efficiently capture and observe a microscope image.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a sample is irradiated with light from a light source, and a microscope image of the sample is passed through a filter inserted in an optical path and a color image pickup apparatus. In a color television device for a microscope that captures an image, a color temperature change of the light source corresponding to data for correcting a white balance shift based on a difference in spectral transmittance of each filter and / or each light amount value of the light source. The white balance correction data table that stores the data for correcting the deviation of the white balance based on the above, and the data for identifying the type of the filter set in the optical path of the microscope and / or the data indicating the set light source light amount The correction data is obtained from the white balance correction data table based on the Providing a correction means for correcting the scan.

Further, the white balance correction data is obtained by calculating output data from the color image pickup device while sequentially setting the filters in the optical path and / or sequentially changing the light amount of the light source. It can be configured to automatically create the data table.

[0008]

In the above structure, the necessary correction data from the white balance correction data table is input to the correction means based on the data for identifying the type of the filter inserted in the optical path and / or the data indicating the light source light amount. Thus, the white balance of the color image pickup device is automatically corrected. Therefore, for example, even when the observer changes the filter or changes the light source light amount, it is not necessary to remove the sample and readjust the white balance as in the conventional case, and the white balance can be automatically corrected. it can. Therefore, even when the same sample is observed while changing the filter and / or the light amount of the light source, the observation is appropriately performed. Therefore, it becomes possible to significantly improve the operability and efficiency of the microscope observation.

Further, at the time of setting up a microscope, it is possible to automatically create the white balance correction data table while sequentially setting each filter in the optical path in advance and / or sequentially changing the light amount of the light source. The white balance correction data table can be created very quickly and accurately, and the operation can be simplified even at the time of initial setting of the microscope.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic structure of a microscope color television apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a microscope main body 1 and a color television camera 2 attached to the microscope main body 1. The microscope body 1 includes a light source 4 for illuminating a sample (not shown).
Is provided, and various filters 3 can be switched and inserted in the optical path of the light emitted from the light source 4. As the filter 3, various filters such as a color temperature correction filter and a neutral density filter can be used alone or in combination.

Illumination light from the light source 4 passes through the filter 3,
It is directed upward by a mirror (not shown) and enters the objective lens 6 through a sample (not shown) placed on the sample table 5. The light that has passed through the objective lens 6 passes through another microscope optical system (not shown) and enters an image pickup device (not shown) of the color television camera 2. An eyepiece 7 is optically coupled to the microscope optical system for visual observation, for example.

A monitor television 8 is connected to the color television camera 2 for observing a microscope image. Further, a filter selection data output device 9 capable of outputting data indicating the type of the filter 3 inserted in the selective optical path is connected to the microscope main body 1 so that the currently used filter can be recognized. Further, a white balance correction data table 10 for storing white balance correction data, which will be described later, is provided according to the type of filter. Further, a white balance correction data calculation device 11 is provided which is connected to the white balance correction data table 10 and the filter selection data output device 9 to calculate white balance correction data and give it to the color television camera 2. . The white balance correction data calculation device 11 also stores the white balance correction data table 10 by storing the white balance correction data corresponding to the selected filter in the white balance correction data table 10 at the time of initial setting of the microscope. It is also used when creating automatically.

FIG. 2 shows an example of data stored in the white balance correction data table 10. In the example of FIG. 2, as the white balance correction data according to the filter used, for example, the correction magnification or gain of the R and B channels with the G channel as a reference is stored. For example, the correction magnification without the filter is 2.2 times R (red) and G (green) and 1.8 times B (blue). In addition, for example, No. When the filter of No. 2 is used, the correction magnification is R is 3 times G and B is 1.5 times G. In FIG. 2, the correction data is shown by relative magnification, but the data format can be stored in various forms such as digital data and absolute value data. It is sufficient that the color television camera 2 can be converted into a format capable of controlling the color television camera 2 by 11.

In the color television apparatus for a microscope having the above-described structure, the light emitted from the light source 4 passes through the filter 3, is reflected upward by the mirror (not shown), and is reflected by the mirror (not shown). Is irradiated. Then, the image light from the sample is taken by the color television camera 2 through the objective lens 6 and a microscope optical system (not shown), converted into an electric signal, and displayed on the monitor television 8. In this case, in addition to the image pick-up by the color television camera 2, visual observation from the eyepiece 7 can be performed.

When performing such an observation, for example, when the filter 3 is replaced, data indicating the type of the filter is output from the filter selection data output device 9 according to the replacement of the filter or the pressing of some switch. It is input to the white balance correction data calculation device 11.
The white balance correction data calculation device 11 inputs the data indicating the type of the filter, that is, the filter selection data into the white balance correction data table 10, reads the white balance correction data corresponding to the selected filter, and outputs a predetermined correction signal. Is created and input to the color television camera 2. As a result, the color television camera 2 corrects the gain of each color signal R, G, B and adjusts the white balance. Therefore, thereafter, a microscope image is captured and displayed on the monitor television 8 in an appropriate white balance state.

In this embodiment, when the white balance correction data table 10 is created, for example, when setting up a microscope, various filters are manually set in the optical path and the spectral transmittance data of each filter is set to the color television. The white balance correction data calculation device 11 calculates white balance correction data based on the measurement result and the data from the filter selection data output device 9 and stores it in the white balance correction data table 10. Therefore, at the time of initial setting of the microscope, the white balance correction data is obtained by obtaining the white balance correction data for the filters and their combinations which are planned to be used in advance.
By storing it in the memory, it is not necessary to re-adjust the white balance even when the filter is replaced at the time of later observation.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic structure of a microscope color television apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the apparatus of FIG. 3, in addition to the apparatus of FIG. 1, a filter operating unit 12 having a key switch (not shown) for selecting a desired filter and the filter operating unit 1 are provided.
It has a filter controller 13 for inserting a desired filter in the optical path of the microscope based on the signal from 2. The filter controller 13 also has a function of automatically and sequentially inserting various filters into the optical path of the microscope when the microscope is initially set. With such a function, at the time of initial setting of the microscope, various filters are sequentially inserted in the optical path, white balance correction data corresponding to the spectral transmission characteristic of each filter is obtained, and the white balance correction data table 10 is automatically stored. be able to. The filter selection data output device 9 is configured to obtain data corresponding to the filter selected based on the filter selection information from the filter control unit 13, unlike the case of FIG.
Similar to the device of FIG. 1, the filter inserted in the optical path may be determined and the filter selection data may be output. The configuration of the other parts may be the same as that of the device of FIG.

In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the white balance correction data table is created by
It was necessary to manually obtain correction data according to the spectral transmittance of each filter and create a white balance correction data table. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the filter control unit 13 automatically replaces the filter. Then
A data table corresponding to the spectral transmission characteristics of each filter can be sequentially created, and the operation at the time of initial setting can be greatly simplified.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic structure of a microscope color television apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In addition to the device of FIG. 3, the device of FIG. 3 further includes a light amount adjusting section 14 having a key switch or an adjusting knob (not shown) for setting the light source light amount, and a light amount adjusting section 1.
It has a light quantity control unit 15 that adjusts the light quantity of the light source 4 based on the signal from the light source 4. The light amount control unit 15 also has a function of inputting data corresponding to the set light amount to the white balance correction data calculation device 11. The configuration of the other parts may be the same as that of the device in FIG.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the white balance correction is performed only by selecting the filter in the first and second embodiments, whereas the white balance correction is performed according to the light amounts of the filter 3 and the light source 4. It can be carried out.
That is, when a certain filter is selected by the filter operating unit 12, the filter control unit 13 inserts the selected filter into the optical path of the microscope and indicates the type of the selected filter to the filter selection data output device 9. Input the signal. Filter selection data output device 9
Generates filter selection data in a predetermined data format based on this signal and inputs it to the white balance correction data calculation device 11. Further, when a certain amount of light is set by the light amount adjusting unit 14, the light amount control unit 15 adjusts the light amount of the light source 4 to the set value and also generates data representing the light amount to calculate the white balance correction data. Input to the device 11. The white balance correction data calculation device 11 accesses the white balance correction data table 10 based on these data, reads the white balance correction data corresponding to the combination of these data, and gains of the RGB colors of the color television camera 2 To correct the white balance. by this,
The monitor television 8 displays a microscope image whose white balance is appropriately adjusted.

In this case, in the white balance correction data table 10, in addition to the correction data corresponding to the type of the filter shown in FIG. 2, the light source for correcting the color temperature change for each light amount of the light source is used. It also stores white balance correction data for the amount of light. FIG. 5 shows an example of correction data corresponding to such a light source light amount.
Here, the white balance correction data table for the light source light amount may be created, for example, without a filter or with an arbitrary one filter. When actually performing the correction, each correction magnification data is read from the selected filter and the set light source light amount, and these data are calculated by the white balance correction data calculation device 11 to obtain an appropriate correction amount. Can be asked.

For example, in No. When the filter of 2 is selected and the light quantity is set to 2, the product of the magnification data obtained from FIGS. 2 and 5 may be obtained, and R / G = 3 ×
0.8 = 2.4 times, and B / G = 1.2 × 1.5
A correction amount of 1.8 times is obtained. The correction gain for each of R, G, and B colors can be obtained from these correction amounts.

When the capacity of the white balance correction data table 10 is large, the light source light amount is changed in each filter and the light source light amount data for each filter is stored to obtain accurate correction data. In addition, the white balance correction data table 10
For example, a data table needs to be created each time the power is turned on, unless the data is retained even when the power is turned off, unless a different type of filter or camera is used. Disappear.

FIG. 6 shows an operation in the apparatus of FIG. 4 when the correction data corresponding to each filter is automatically written in the white balance correction data table 10 at the time of initial setting. The operation of FIG. 6 can be applied to the device of FIG. First, in step 601, an initial setting operation is started by, for example, a command from the filter operating unit 12, and in step 602, the filter control unit 13 fetches data indicating the number N of filters set by the filter operating unit 13, for example. .

In step 603, the parameter n for counting the number of filters is set to 1 and step 6
No. 04 as the filter number. Select n and write this filter number into a predetermined register. Step 6
05, the No. written in the register. The n filters are actually inserted into the optical path of the microscope. Step 60
6, the RGB output of the color television camera is taken into the white balance correction data calculation device 11.

Then, in step 607, the white balance correction data calculation device 11 causes the RGB
The output is computed and converted into a data format suitable for storage in the correction data table and this data is stored in the data table in step 608. Next, in step 609, it is determined whether or not n = N. If not n = N, n is set to 1 in step 610.
After incrementing only, the process proceeds to step 604 and the same process as before is repeated. When it is determined in step 609 that n = N, the initialization is completed in step 611.

Next, FIG. 7 shows a procedure for automatically creating a correction data table for coping with a change in color temperature due to a change in light source light quantity. In step 701, the initial setting is started by a command from the light quantity adjusting unit 14, for example. Then, in step 702, the light amount change step N set in the light amount adjusting unit 14, for example, is taken into the light amount control unit 15. The light quantity control unit 15 stores the light quantity change step N in a predetermined register or the like, sets the parameter n for setting the light quantity to 1, and sends a command to the filter control unit 13, for example, removes all filters from the optical path. . In step 704, the light quantity of the light source 4 is changed to one corresponding to the parameter n. In step 705, for example, the filter operation unit 1
According to the instruction from 2, the filter control unit 13 selects a predetermined filter and inserts it into the optical path of the microscope. Step 706
In, the RGB output of the color television camera 2 is taken into the white balance correction data calculation device 11, for example, and it is determined in step 707 whether the light amount exceeds a predetermined value.

If the light amount is exceeded in step 707, a filter whose characteristics are known in advance, such as an ND filter, is selected in step 708, the selection information is input to the filter control unit 13, and step 705 is selected. At, the corresponding filter is inserted into the optical path.
In this case, the characteristic data of the selected filter is stored in the data table or the like (step 709). In this way, a new filter is selected, and if it is determined in step 707 that the light amount is not over, step 71
Move to 0.

In step 710, white balance correction data is calculated and obtained based on the RGB output of the camera obtained in step 706 and the characteristic data of the selection filter obtained in step 709, and the white balance correction data is stored in the correction data table. Convert to a data format suitable for storage. Then, in step 711, this data is stored in the correction data table. Step 7
In 12, it is determined whether or not n = N. If n is not equal to N, n is incremented by 1 in step 713, and then the processes in and after step 704 are repeated. If it is determined in step 712 that n = N,
In step 714, the initialization is completed.

FIG. 8 shows a white balance adjustment processing procedure for actually observing a microscope image based on the white balance correction data table created as described above. In step 801, the process starts by turning on the power of the microscope, for example. Then, in step 802, the filter selection data output device 9 inputs data indicating the type of filter currently selected based on the signal from the filter control unit 13 to the white balance correction data calculation device 11. In step 803, the data indicating the currently set light amount from the light amount control unit 15 is changed to the white balance correction data calculation device 11
Entered in.

In step 804, the white balance correction data calculation device 11 accesses the white balance correction data table 10 based on these data and reads the corresponding correction data. In step 805, the read correction data is calculated to make it into a format suitable for controlling the RGB gain of the color television camera 2, and in step 806, for example, RGB
The gain control data for each color is stored in a predetermined register or the like. Then, in step 807, the RGB gain of the color television camera 2 is adjusted based on the gain control data. As a result, the color television camera 2 is set to a predetermined white balance as shown in step 808.

Next, in step 809, it is judged whether or not the filter is changed. If the filter is changed, the process returns to step 802 and the white balance is set again. The determination as to whether or not the filter has been changed may be made by the filter selection data output device 9 based on a signal from the filter control unit 13, or the filter selection data output device 9 supplies the filter selection data. The change may be determined by detecting the change with the white balance correction data calculation device 11. If it is determined in step 809 that the filter is not changed, then in step 810, it is determined whether or not the light amount is changed. If the light amount is not changed in step 810, the process returns to step 809 again. If it is determined in step 810 that the light amount has been changed, the process proceeds to step 803, and the light amount data corresponding to the changed light amount is calculated as the white balance correction data calculation device 1
1 is input, and after that, from step 804, white balance setting processing is performed in the same manner as before. In this way, the processing of FIG. 8 automatically sets the white balance every time the filter is changed or the light amount is changed.

[0033]

As described above, according to the present invention, the white balance is corrected very quickly according to the selected filter and / or the light amount of the light source, the difference in the spectral transmittance of the filter and the change in the light source color temperature. It is possible to always obtain a microscope image with an appropriate white balance without being affected by. In addition, such white balance setting is performed automatically and extremely quickly, eliminating the need to re-adjust the white balance each time the filter is selected or the light source light amount is changed as in the conventional case. Can be performed very efficiently. Furthermore, the white balance correction data corresponding to various filters and the light source light amount are automatically obtained at the time of initial setting of the microscope and stored in the white balance correction data table. Therefore, the initial setting of the correction data can be performed easily and quickly. It can be done and the preparation time for microscopy is significantly reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a microscope color television apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of stored data of a white balance correction data table in the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a microscope color television apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a microscope color television apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of light amount vs. correction magnification included in a white balance correction data table in the apparatus of FIG.

6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for automatically storing correction data corresponding to a change in a filter in a white balance correction data table in the apparatus of FIG.

7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for automatically storing correction data for a change in light amount in a white balance correction data table in the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a filter change and / or
Alternatively, it is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting a white balance in accordance with a change in light amount.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Microscope Main Body 2 Color Television Camera 3 Filter 4 Light Source 5 Sample Stage 6 Objective Lens 7 Eyepiece 8 Monitor Television 9 Filter Selection Data Output Device 10 White Balance Correction Data Table 11 White Balance Correction Data Calculation Device 12 Filter Operation Unit 13 Filter control unit 14 Light intensity adjustment unit 15 Light intensity control unit

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A color television apparatus for a microscope, wherein a sample is irradiated with light from a light source, and a microscope image of the sample is taken by a color image pickup device through a filter inserted in an optical path. Outputs the white balance correction data table that stores the data for correcting the white balance shift due to the difference in the ratio corresponding to each filter, and the data for identifying the type of the filter set in the optical path of the microscope. The white balance correction data of the filter selected data output means and the white balance correction data of the filter set in the optical path based on the data from the filter selection data output means are obtained from the color balance correction data table to correct the white balance of the color imaging device. And a correction means for Over the television set. 2. A filter control means for automatically sequentially selecting a plurality of filters and setting them in the optical path,
At the time of setting up the microscope, while sequentially setting the filters in the optical path, by calculating the output data from the color image pickup device to obtain the white balance correction data,
The color television apparatus for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the white balance correction data table can be automatically created. 3. A color television apparatus for a microscope, wherein a sample is irradiated with light from a light source and a microscope image of the sample is picked up by a color image pickup device, the color of the light source corresponding to each light quantity value of the light source. A white balance correction data table that stores data for correcting a white balance shift due to a temperature change, and correction data corresponding to the set light source light amount are retrieved from the data table, and based on the correction data, the imaging device A color television apparatus for a microscope, comprising: a correction unit that corrects white balance. 4. A light source control means for automatically and sequentially changing the light source light amount is provided, and when the microscope is set up, the output data from the color image pickup device is calculated while sequentially changing the light source light amount to obtain white balance correction data. The color television apparatus for a microscope according to claim 3, wherein the white balance correction data table can be automatically created by obtaining the white balance correction data table. 5. A color television apparatus for a microscope, wherein a sample is irradiated with light from a light source, and a microscope image of the sample is taken by a color image pickup device through a filter inserted in an optical path, and a spectral spectrum of each filter. A white balance that stores data for correcting a white balance deviation based on a difference in transmittance and data for correcting a white balance deviation based on a color temperature change of the light source corresponding to each light amount value of the light source. A correction data table, filter selection data output means for outputting data for identifying the type of filter set in the optical path of the microscope, the white based on the data from the filter selection data output means and the set light source light quantity The correction data is obtained from the balance correction data table and the white A color television device for a microscope, comprising: a correction unit for correcting the balance. 6. The white balance correction data is calculated by calculating output data from the color image pickup device while sequentially setting a filter in an optical path and / or sequentially changing a light source light amount. 6. The color television apparatus for a microscope according to claim 5, wherein the balance correction data table can be automatically created.