JPH0990235A - Objective adapter for microscope, microscopic device, image processor for microscope and control method for microscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inexpensive microscopic device. SOLUTION: This microscopic device is equipped with a microscope having an optical fiber for transmitting 1st and 2nd image light beams which have parallax each other and can be separated, a memory 120 storing a specified coefficient α based on the shape of an optical path, and a CCD 103 converting the 1st and the 2nd image light beams to 1st and 2nd image signals performs image processing for generating 1st and 2nd image data (L and R) by performing proportional distribution to the 1st and the 2nd image signals according to the specified coefficient.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for a microscope capable of stereoscopic viewing with a monocular lens, a microscope apparatus for processing an image from the microscope, for example, until it is visually displayed, and further to a microscope. It relates to a method of controlling and also to a microscope objective adapter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An optical microscope transmits a magnified image to an observer's eye or a visible display device by a proper combination of an eyepiece lens and an objective lens. However, it is difficult to obtain information about the depth of an object from an image of an optical microscope having a monocular objective lens. Therefore, a method of obtaining a two-parallax image from the image light from a monocular objective lens by a polarization filter has been proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-113414.

Since the two parallax images according to this conventional technique have different polarization azimuth angles from each other, one of them can be separated from the other, and the two separated images are converted into an electric signal by an image pickup device such as a CCD, which is converted into an electric signal. It is something to display.

[0004]

The transmission of the two-parallax image according to the above-mentioned conventional technique is usually performed through a series of optical systems (for example, an optical fiber and a relay lens). However,
When a two-parallax image with different polarization azimuth angles is transmitted by such an optical system, each polarization state of the two-parallax image immediately after exiting the polarization filter changes while passing through a large number of optical members. Even if the parallax image is separated into two images by an analyzer, the separated images should include only the left-eye (or right-eye) image, but the right-eye (or left-eye) image. Will be included, and eventually crosstalk will occur in the obtained stereo image.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide two image lights whose polarization state is changed by being transmitted through one optical system. Therefore, by proposing an image processing device for a microscope that can generate image data based on image light whose polarization state does not change, it is possible to use an inexpensive optical path in a microscope. is there.

To achieve this object, an image processing device for a microscope having an optical system for transmitting first and second image light having a parallax and being separable from each other according to the present invention is provided. Coefficient determining means for determining a predetermined coefficient based on the shape, conversion means for converting the first and second image lights into first and second image signals, and the first and second image signals On the other hand, it is provided with a generation unit that generates the first and second image data by performing proportional distribution according to the predetermined coefficient.

The plane of polarization shifts in the process of two polarized lights passing through the optical system, but when the plane of polarization of one polarization shifts,
When the polarization plane of the other polarization is similarly shifted, the polarization component of the other polarization is obtained. Such changes in the polarization state are mainly caused by the shape of the optical system (for example, length, curvature,
(Caliber) and material. Therefore, the coefficient is determined based on the shape and material of the optical system, and is proportionally distributed to the first and second image signals (usually the output electric signal from the image pickup device such as CCD) according to the predetermined coefficient. When the first and second image data are generated by performing the above, these image data show values close to the image data obtained from the image signal obtained from the image light that will not change the polarization state.
Therefore, by using this image processing device, it is not necessary to use an expensive one such as a special one for holding the polarization plane in the microscope.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a microscope apparatus capable of accurately separating two polarized images from a microscope having one optical system which allows the change of the polarization state of image light by being transmitted. Is proposed. A microscope apparatus of the present invention for achieving this object includes a microscope having an optical system that transmits parallaxable and separable first and second image lights, and a predetermined microscope based on the shape of the optical system. Coefficient determining means for determining a coefficient, converting means for converting the first and second image light into first and second image signals, and the predetermined value for the first and second image signals It is characterized by further comprising a generation unit for generating first and second image data by performing proportional distribution according to a coefficient.

That is, this microscope device does not require a special device for holding the polarization plane, and accurately separates two image lights (polarization planes are shifted) of a microscope having an inexpensive optical system. It is possible to provide a system that can generate the two image data described above. Still another object of the present invention is to propose a method of controlling a microscope which makes it possible to accurately separate two polarized images from a microscope using an inexpensive optical system.

In order to achieve this object, a method of controlling a microscope having an optical system for transmitting first and second image light having a parallax and being separable from each other according to the present invention controls an image pickup device. , The first and second image light are converted into first and second image signals, and the first and second image signals are converted based on conversion characteristics of the image sensor and a predetermined coefficient representing the shape of the optical system. It is characterized in that the first and second image data are generated by performing proportional distribution processing on the two image signals.

According to this control method, although the two image lights obtained from the microscope having the inexpensive optical system which does not require a special one for holding the polarization planes have their polarization planes shifted, It is possible to accurately generate two image data separated from each other. According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the optical system has an optical path, and the predetermined coefficient is at least 1 of a material, a diameter, and a length of the optical path.
Expressed as one function. It is possible to quantify the rate at which the polarization states of the two polarizations change within the optical system.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the predetermined coefficient is expressed as a function of at least one of a material, a diameter and a length of the optical path and a pressure externally applied to the optical path. . It is possible to accurately quantify the rate at which the polarization states of the two polarized lights change in the optical system. According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the predetermined coefficient is stored in advance in the storage means as a function value using the shape of the optical system as a parameter. The predetermined coefficient necessary for executing the proportional distribution process can be easily extracted, and the generation of image data can be efficiently achieved.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the conversion means converts the first and second image lights into the first and second image signals as electric signals (for example, an image pickup device). , CCD, etc.) and inverse conversion means for inversely converting the first and second image signals from the image pickup device into first and second light intensity data representing light intensity. Since the output (usually an electric signal) of such an image pickup device is not in a linear relationship with the input light intensity, it is not possible to execute a highly accurate proportional distribution process using the first and second image signals as they are. Although not possible, by inversely converting the first and second image signals into first and second light intensity data representing light intensity, it becomes possible to perform proportional distribution according to a predetermined coefficient.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the first and second image lights in the optical system have different polarizability. According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the first and second
The image data of is stored or displayed for later use, thereby improving its utility. The image processing apparatus and control method of the present invention can be applied to various microscopes.

For example, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention,
The optical system of the microscope has an optical path, a light entrance portion provided on the distal end side of the optical path, and a light exit portion provided on the proximal end side of the optical path, the light entrance portion, A pair of polarization filters provided at or near an effective center, which is the position of the diaphragm with respect to the optical axis direction, and which are divided into left and right regions of a plane which have different polarization azimuth angles and are substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. And a pair of polarization filters arranged in parallel. This microscope has, for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later, and two polarization filters can be properly arranged in one fiber. Therefore, the pair of polarizing filters of the microscope of FIG. 4 each have a semicircular shape.

For example, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention,
The optical system of the microscope has an optical path, a light entrance portion provided on the distal end side of the optical path, and a light exit portion provided on the proximal end side of the optical path, and the light exit portion is the It has a polarization axis rotating means for time-divisionally rotating the polarization axis of the two-polarized image passing through the optical path, and an analyzer provided behind the rotating means.

Such a microscope has, for example, the configuration shown in FIG. Although the image data obtained is time-divided, the structure of the light emitting unit is simplified. For example, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the optical system of the microscope is
It has an optical path, a light entrance portion provided on the front end side of the optical path, and a light exit portion provided on the base end side of the optical path, and the light exit portion is a two-polarized image passing through the optical path. And a pair of polarization filters having different polarization azimuth angles and each of which transmits the separated polarization images.

Such a microscope is, for example, the microscope shown in FIG. 9 which will be described later, and can obtain two image data in parallel in time. Yet another object of the present invention is to propose a microscope objective adapter which is suitable for the above-mentioned microscope apparatus and which can adjust the angle of the plane of polarization in the lens barrel. An object adapter of a microscope having an objective lens in a lens barrel according to the present invention for achieving this object, comprising: a position of an aperture of said objective lens in a direction of a plane orthogonal to an optical axis in said lens barrel. An objective adapter for a microscope, comprising: a pair of polarizing filters arranged in parallel at a certain effective center position; and means for rotating the pair of polarizing filters around the optical axis in the lens barrel.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the lens barrel has a first structure that supports at least the pair of polarization filters.
And a second lens barrel portion that supports the other portion of the adapter, the first lens barrel portion being rotatably supported with respect to the second lens barrel portion, At least one of the first lens barrel portion and the second lens barrel portion is engraved with a scale for visually observing the amount of rotation of the first lens barrel portion.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the pair of polarizing filters have a semicircular shape and are combined into a substantially circular shape.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A stereoscopic microscope apparatus to which an image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied and a control method for generating image data for stereoscopic vision from an image of the stereoscopic microscope will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The details will be described. <Structure of Microscope Device> FIG. 1 shows the structure of the microscope device (microscope system) according to the embodiment. In the present specification, a device that includes an optical system such as an image guide and takes out an image of an object in front of the image guide to the outside is called a "microscope", and image light obtained from this microscope is used as an image signal (usually Is an electric signal), and a device for obtaining a visible image by processing the converted image is an "image processing device" for a microscope, and a system including a "microscope" and an "image processing device" is a "microscopic device" (or Microscope system).

In the figure, 400 is an objective lens, and 401
Is the optical path. The system shown in FIG.
Image is guided to the image input device 500 through the optical path 401, displayed on the CRT 111, and / or stored in the recorder 109 in the NTSC format. An imaging optical system (not shown) is provided at one end of the optical path 401, and two polarization filters 460L and 460R are further provided as shown in the drawing. Filters 460L and 460 provided in the objective lens 400
R is light polarized in the X direction from the object 200 to be monitored (hereinafter referred to as X-polarized light for simplicity) and Y, respectively.
Light polarized in a direction (the Y direction is orthogonal to the X direction, and is hereinafter referred to as Y polarized light for simplicity) is separated and guided into the optical path 401. These polarizations propagate in the optical path 401 and reach two separate analyzers 402L, 402R. The X-polarized light (left-eye image) and the Y-polarized light (left-eye image) separated by the analyzers 402L and 402R are converted into electric signals by the CCDs 103L and 103R, respectively, and further digital image signals by the A / D converters 104L and 104R. Converted to A ', B'. Note that CC
D has an RGB filter (not shown), and therefore these digital signals A ′ and B ′ have R component, G component and B component. The separation circuit 105 includes a digital video signal A ′,
From B ′, the left-eye image signal L and the right-eye image signal R generated by the filter 460L are extracted in a separated form. The γ correction circuit 106 corrects the signals L and R so as to match the human eyes.

When viewing the image signals L and R on the CRT 111, the image signals are displayed on the CRT 111 via the stereo image control device 110. On the other hand, when it is stored in the recorder 109, the circuit 107 converts the L and R signals of RGB representation into the YIQ system, and the circuit 108 outputs N signals.
Use TSC format. <Principle of Separation> As described above, in the optical path 401, the X-polarized image light L and the Y-polarized image light R are mixed. Since the X-polarized light and the Y-polarized light are orthogonal to each other, they should originally be separable by the analyzers 402L and 402R, but in reality, the polarization X of the right-eye image and the polarization Y of the left-eye image are polarized. Both angles are optical path 401
Analyzer 402L, 402R to disperse during transmission in
The polarized wavefronts of the polarized images separated by are shifted. That is, the plane of polarization of X-polarized light is shifted so that the polarized light has a Y-polarized component, while the plane of polarized light of Y-polarized light is shifted and the polarized light has an X-polarized component. As a result, the left-eye image signal is mixed in the right-eye image signal detected by the analyzer 402R. Separation device 10 described above
Reference numeral 5 purely separates the right-eye image signal and the left-eye image signal.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the mixture of light in the optical path 401. In FIG. 2, the polarized light L (X-polarized light) and the polarized light R (Y-polarized light) are drawn separately, but since the polarized light L and the polarized light R are actually waves, they are “superposed”. There is. The polarized light separated by the analyzer 402L is represented by A, and the polarized light separated by the analyzer 402R is represented by B. Further, assuming that the light behaves like particles in the optical path 401, (1-
α)% is superposed on the polarized light R, and (1-α)% of the polarized light R is superposed on the polarized light L, that is, when the ratio of maintaining the polarization state of the light passing through the optical path 401 is α, then A , B is
From FIG. 2, it can be seen that A = α · R + (1-α) · L (1) B = α · L + (1-α) · R (2) However, α is 0 ≦ α ≦ 1, α
≠ 0.5, which is a characteristic determined by the material of the optical path 401, the thickness Φ of the optical path 401, the number of lenses in the path 401, the core shape, and the like.

Α is the material of the optical path 401 used,
The optical path 401 is a constant determined in advance by the thickness Φ and the number of sheets. In other words, α is determined by the material and thickness. Therefore, from the expressions (1) and (2), L and R are L = A · α / (2α-1) -B · (1-α) / (2α-1) (3) R = B · It is represented by α / (2α-1) -A · (1-α) / (2α-1) (4). By the way, A and B are CCDs 103L and 10
The signal that is incident light on the 3R and is input to the separation device 105 is the electric signals A ′ and B ′ from the CCDs 103L and 103R.
It is. Generally, there is no linear relationship between the intensity of light incident on the CCD and the output voltage. Therefore, the A / D converter 10
The output voltages A ′ and B ′ of 4L and 104R cannot be directly applied to the equations (3) and (4).

FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the incident light A on the CCD and its output voltage A '. Since this relationship is known,
If the output voltages A ′ and B ′ of the CCD 103 can be measured, the incident light intensities A and B to the CCD 103 can be estimated based on the relationship shown in FIG. The separating device 105 applies incident light intensities A and B to the expressions (3) and (4) to quantitatively separate and extract the polarized light L and the polarized light R.

If the separating device 105 is actually a ROM or a table for outputting the inverse transformation of FIG. 3 and the calculation results of the equations (3) and (4), the downsizing and speeding up of the device can be achieved. What is meant by equations (1) and (2) is that, for a bundle (φ) of light transmitted through a guide, if the ratio in which the changed state is maintained by weighting α is defined, the bundle is Light flux that maintains the state (α ・ φ)
, And the unsustained bundle (1-αφ). Therefore, the calculation according to the equations (3) and (4) is called "weighted difference" (or proportional distribution).

The coefficient α is stored in advance in the storage device 120 of FIG. The user usually uses a user interface (not shown) to obtain information about the shape of the fiber (the material of the fiber, the thickness Φ of the optical path 401, and the length LT described above).
Enter H). The control device 110 searches the storage device 120 on the basis of the above value and finds the target α as the storage device 120.
Read from

The output characteristics of the CCDs 103L and 103R may have linearity depending on the value of incident light intensity. If the intensity of the polarized image is within the range that guarantees the linearity of the CCD 103, the above inverse transformation is unnecessary. Next, the microscope shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 which requires the separating device 105 for separating two polarized lights will be described.

<Structure of Microscope> ... Objective Lens FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the structure of the objective lens section 400 and the optical path 401 of the stereoscopic microscope shown in FIG.
The figure is a perspective view of the objective lens portion of the stereoscopic microscope.
The objective lens section 400 is fixed by a base (not shown). The objective lens unit 400 and the optical path 401 are fixed by being screwed together so that the image formed by the objective lens unit 400 is formed on the end surface of the optical path 416. The optical path may be configured by a relay lens group, for example.

Lenses 420a to 420e are provided in the lens barrel of the objective lens unit 400. Lens 420
Two polarizing filters 41 are provided between the lens d and the lens 420c.
3L and 413R are provided in parallel as shown in FIG. The position of the filter 413 in the optical axis direction is located at or near the effective center, which is the position of the diaphragm of the objective lens group, which is the position of the diaphragm in the optical axis direction. The polarization azimuth angles of the two filters 413L and 413R are orthogonal to each other. For the sake of convenience, these directions will be referred to as the X direction and the Y direction. Further, the split surfaces of the polarization filters 413L and 413R are orthogonal to the optical axis of the optical path 401 and include the optical axis.
Therefore, the lights transmitted through the polarization filters 413L and 413R are X-polarized light and Y-polarized light, respectively. That is, the X-polarized optical image and the Y-polarized optical image that have passed through the filters 413L and 413R are imaged on the interface of the fiber 416, respectively. Thus, the parallax image existing within the effective aperture of the objective lens unit 400 can be converted into a two-polarized image and transmitted to the image output side by the series of optical systems (420, 416) in the microscope housing.

The lens barrel of the objective lens unit 400 is 43
It is divided into 0a and 430b. Lens 420a-
The lens barrel 4 includes the 420c and the polarization filters 413L and 413R.
The lenses 420d to 420e are held by the lens barrel 430a. The lens barrel 430b is the lens barrel 430b.
Is rotatably provided around the optical axis with respect to the lens barrel 430a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the polarization filters 413L and 413R are rotatable around the optical axis. That is, when the lens barrel 430b is gripped and rotated, the polarization planes of the polarization filters 413L and 413R rotate.

Lens barrel 430a of objective lens unit 400
Scales 415 are graduated at 430b. The scale allows the user to check how many times the polarization plane has been rotated. The lens unit 420 may be a normal convex lens, a Fresnel convex lens, or a lens composed of a plurality of lenses. Further, the position, size and shape of the lens part 420 and the polarization filter 413 are arbitrary as long as they do not violate the spirit of the present invention.

Further, the polarization azimuth angles of the polarization filter 413 are preferably right angles, but are not particularly limited as long as they are different from each other. <Structure of Microscope> ... Light Output Side FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the structure of the light output side of the microscope of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the objective lens unit 4
00 guides two polarizations whose polarization azimuth angles are orthogonal to each other into the fiber 416.

A transparent electrode 4 is provided behind the fiber body 416.
43a and 443b are provided, and these transparent electrodes 443 are provided.
A liquid crystal device 444 is provided so as to be sandwiched between a and 443b. An analyzer 445 is provided behind the electrode 443b. The liquid crystal device 444 includes a transparent electrode 443a,
By controlling the voltage value applied to 443b, the polarization azimuth angle can be changed. That is, the liquid crystal device 444, the transparent electrodes 443a and 443b, and the polarization filter 445 as an analyzer transmit only X-polarized light when a predetermined first voltage is applied to these electrodes, and a predetermined first voltage different from the first voltage. When a voltage of 2 is applied, it acts as a "light valve" that operates so that only Y-polarized light is transmitted.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the timing of the first voltage and the second voltage and the timing of the output light from the polarization filter 445. That is, when the first voltage and the second voltage, which are the signals from the stereo image control device 110 (FIG. 1), are controlled, the filter 445 outputs the X-polarized light (the image light for the left eye) and the Y-polarized light (the right-eye image) in a time division manner. Image light) is sequentially output.

In the microscope of the embodiment, since the time division method is used as described above, two CCDs are not required, and one CCD 103 is sufficient as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 7, a television camera 447 has a CCD 103 inside which an optical image is formed. Then
Two video signals A ′ and B ′ are alternately output from the CCD 103 in synchronization with the synchronization signal.

The separating device 105 uses the video signal A ',
Extraction of the separated video signals L and R based on B ′ is as described above. By using the microscope of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, left-eye images and right-eye images are generated alternately. On the other hand, if the left-eye image and the right-eye image are alternately displayed on the CRT 111 in a time division manner, flicker occurs, which is not preferable. If the time-divisional left-eye image and right-eye image are recorded in the recorder 109, the recording efficiency is reduced. Therefore, in order to convert the video signal obtained by using the image guide of the first example into the video signal arranged in parallel in time, a known synchronizing device may be used. In this case, the conversion process from the time division signal to the time parallel signal may be performed before the “weighted difference” process.

When the microscope shown in FIG. 7 is used, left-eye images and right-eye images are alternately generated as shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the left-eye image and the right-eye image are alternately displayed on the CRT 111 in a time division manner, flicker occurs, which is not preferable. If the time-divisional left-eye image and right-eye image are recorded in the recorder 109, the recording efficiency is reduced.
Therefore, in order to convert the video signal obtained by using the image guide of the first example into the video signal arranged in parallel in time, a known synchronizing device may be used. In this case, the conversion process from the time division signal to the time parallel signal may be performed before the “weighted difference” process.

<Structure of Microscope> ... Modification of Light Output Side FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the structure of a modification of the example of FIG. 7 on the light output side of the microscope of the embodiment. In FIG. 9, 450 is a beam splitter, and 451L, 4
51R is a prism, 452L and 452R are reflecting surfaces provided on each prism, 453L and 453R are analyzers,
454L and 454R are lenses, and 455L and 455R are television cameras. The beam splitter 450 is formed by laminating four prisms and has two reflecting surfaces 450.
It has L and 450R.

That is, 2 which has passed through the main body of the fiber 416
The one polarized image is split into two optical paths by the beam splitter 450. The light in each optical path contains two polarized images. Two series of light, each containing two polarized images,
The light enters the prisms 451L and 451R and is reflected by the mirror surfaces 452L and 452R, respectively, and the polarization filter 4
It is incident on 10L and 410R. The polarization filter 410L is preset so as to transmit only X-polarized light of the two polarized lights and the filter 410R transmits only Y-polarized light.

Therefore, the camera 455L captures an image for the left eye including X polarized light, and the camera 455R captures an image for the right eye including Y polarized light. The images captured by the cameras 455L and 455R are input to the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and the weighted difference processing described above is performed. By this weighted difference processing, the X separated by the filter 453L (453R) is separated.
Even if the (Y) polarized light contains a light component that was Y (X) polarized light in the objective lens 400, the separation device 105
Extracts the image for the left eye (X-polarized light) detected by the objective lens 400 for the image for the left eye, and the objective lens 4 for the image for the right eye.
To extract the right-eye image (Y-polarized light) detected by 00,
As described above.

Thus, also with the microscope of FIG. 9, a pair of stereo images in which the images for the left and right eyes are completely separated from each other can be obtained. The beam splitter 450
Is polarized light with respect to two polarized images, the polarizing filters 453L and 453R are not necessary. The ninth
In the illustrated example, the beam splitter 450 having two reflecting surfaces and the prism having one reflecting surface are provided so that the output light becomes parallel. However, in some cases, one optical path may be orthogonal to the other. In such a case, a normal beam splitter (X
(Transmits polarized light and reflects Y polarized light) may be used.

[0044]

As described above, according to the image processing apparatus, the microscope apparatus, and the microscope control method of the present invention, a series of optical members for optical transmission (optical fiber) for transmitting two polarized images with parallax. By using the proportional distribution process (weighted difference process) from the image obtained by (2), two highly accurate image data can be obtained. In other words, the proportional distribution process (weighted difference process) of the present invention makes it possible to use an inexpensive microscope.

Proportional distribution processing (weighted difference processing)
By previously determining and further storing the coefficient (α) for (1), the operability of the microscope apparatus can be improved. Further, according to the image processing of the present invention, it is possible to use microscopes having various configurations. Moreover, the angle of the plane of polarization can be adjusted by being adapted to the objective adapter of the present invention and the microscope.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a microscope apparatus (microscope system) as a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the principle of the present invention for separating two polarized lights respectively.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a principle of photoelectric conversion in an example.

4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a tip portion of a first example of a microscope used in the microscope system shown in FIG.

5 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a tip portion of a first example of a microscope used in the microscope system shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a polarization filter in an objective lens unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of an example of a microscope on a video output side.

8 is a timing chart of control signals of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of another example of the microscope on the image output side.

[Explanation of symbols]

 460 Polarization filter 401 Optical path 402 Analyzer 103 CCD 104 A / D 105 Separation device 106 γ conversion device 107 YIQ conversion device 108 NTSC conversion device 109 Recording device (recorder) 110 Image output control device (controller) 111 CRT (display device) 120 Storage device 400 Objective lens unit 420 Objective lens group 413 Polarizing filter 430 Lens barrel 415 Scale 416 Fiber body 443 Transparent electrode 444 Liquid crystal 445 Analyzer 447 TV camera 450 Beam splitter 451 Prism 455 TV camera

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A first and a second which have a parallax and are separable from each other.
An image processing apparatus for a microscope having an optical system for transmitting the image light, the coefficient determining means determining a predetermined coefficient based on the shape of the optical system, and the first and second image lights. Converting means for converting into first and second image signals, and first and second image data are generated by proportionally distributing the first and second image signals according to the predetermined coefficient. An image processing apparatus for a microscope, comprising: a generating unit. 2. The image processing apparatus for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined coefficient is expressed as a function of a material of the optical system. 3. The image processing apparatus for a microscope according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined coefficient is expressed as a function of at least one of a diameter and a length of the optical system. 4. The image processing apparatus for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined coefficient is previously stored in the storage means as a function value using the shape of the optical system as a parameter. 5. The converting means includes an image sensor for converting the first and second image light into the first and second image signals as electric signals, and the generating means includes the image capturing means. Inverse conversion means for inversely converting the first and second image signals from the element into first and second light intensity data representing light intensity, and with respect to the light intensity data, according to the predetermined coefficient. The image processing apparatus for a microscope according to claim 1, further comprising means for performing proportional distribution. 6. The first and second image lights in the optical system have different polarizability from each other.
Image processing device for microscope. 7. The image processing apparatus for a microscope according to claim 1, further comprising means for storing or displaying the first and second image data. 8. A first and a second which have a parallax and are separable from each other.
A microscope having an optical system for transmitting the image light, a coefficient determining means for determining a predetermined coefficient based on the shape of the optical system, and the first and second image signals for the first and second image signals. And a conversion unit for converting the first and second image signals into proportional distribution according to the predetermined coefficient to generate first and second image data. . 9. The microscope apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined coefficient is expressed as a function of a material of the optical path. 10. The microscope apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined coefficient is expressed as a function of at least one of a material, a diameter and a length of the optical system. 11. The microscope apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined coefficient is stored in advance in the storage means as a function value using the shape of the optical system as a parameter. 12. The converting means includes an image sensor for converting the first and second image lights into the first and second image signals as electric signals, and the generating means includes the image pickup device. Inverse conversion means for inversely converting the first and second image signals from the element into first and second light intensity data representing light intensity, and with respect to the light intensity data, according to the predetermined coefficient. 9. The microscope apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising means for performing proportional distribution. 13. The microscope apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first image light and the second image light in the optical system have substantially different polarizability. 14. The microscope apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising means for storing or displaying the first and second image data. 15. The optical system of the microscope comprises an optical path,
It has a light entrance portion provided on the tip side of this optical path and a light exit portion provided on the base end side of the optical path, wherein the light entrance portion is the effective center that is the position of the diaphragm with respect to the optical axis direction. Or, a pair of polarization filters provided in the vicinity thereof, the polarization filters having different polarization azimuth angles and divided into right and left regions of a surface substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. The microscope apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: 16. The microscope apparatus according to claim 15, wherein each of the pair of polarization filters has a semicircular shape. 17. The optical system of the microscope comprises an optical path,
It has a light entrance part provided in the front end side of this optical path, and a light exit part provided in the base end side of the optical path, wherein the light exit part has a polarization axis of a two-polarized image passing through the optical path. 14. The microscope apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a polarization axis rotating means for rotating in time division and an analyzer provided behind the rotating means. 18. The optical system of the microscope comprises an optical path,
The optical path includes a light entrance portion provided on the front end side of the optical path and a light exit portion provided on the proximal end side of the optical path, and the light exit portion separates an optical path of a two-polarized image passing through the optical path. 14. The microscope apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: a beam splitter for converting the polarized images, and a pair of polarizing filters having different polarization azimuth angles for transmitting the separated polarized images. 19. A method for controlling a microscope having an optical system for transmitting first and second image lights having a parallax with respect to each other and separable from each other, wherein an image pickup device is controlled to control the first and the second. Image light is converted into first and second image signals, and with respect to the first and second image signals, based on conversion characteristics of the image sensor and a predetermined coefficient representing the shape of the optical system. A method of controlling a microscope, wherein first and second image data are generated by performing a proportional distribution process. 20. The method of controlling a microscope according to claim 19, wherein the predetermined coefficient is stored as a value corresponding to a geometrical shape of the optical system. 21. An objective adapter of a microscope having an objective lens in a lens barrel, wherein the objective adapter is parallel to an effective center position which is a stop position of the objective lens in a direction of a plane orthogonal to an optical axis in the lens barrel. 1. An objective adapter for a microscope, comprising: a pair of polarizing filters arranged in parallel; and a means for rotating the pair of polarizing filters around the optical axis in the lens barrel. 22. The lens barrel has at least a first lens barrel portion that supports the pair of polarization filters, and a second lens barrel portion that supports the other portion of the adapter. Of the first lens barrel portion is rotatably supported with respect to the second lens barrel portion, and at least one of the first lens barrel portion and the second lens barrel portion has a first lens barrel portion. 22. The microscope objective adapter according to claim 21, wherein a scale for visually observing a rotation amount is engraved. 23. The microscope objective adapter according to claim 21, wherein the pair of polarizing filters have a semicircular shape and are combined into a substantially circular shape.