JPH10191182A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image pickup device capable of reading an image at a high speed with reduced noise even in the case of exposure for a long time by decreasing power supplied to an output amplifier of a charge coupled device(CCD) when the CCD is exposed. SOLUTION: An image medium is placed on a filter, a focus is matched, a dark box is closed and the user enters an exposure start signal by a key board. Then a light source control means activates a 1st blue LED light source, a 2nd blue LED light source or a 3rd blue LED light source to emit a stimulated light to the image medium. Simultaneously the exposure start signal is given to a CPU 12 of the image pickup device via a CPU 30, the CPU 12 opens a shutter to start exposure of a CCD 6. Upon the receipt of the exposure start signal, the CPU 12 provides an output of a power control signal to an output amplifier power supply circuit 65 to reduce the power supplied to an output amplifier 60 from the output amplifier power supply circuit 65.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus, and more particularly, to an image pickup apparatus using a CCD, wherein the noise caused by the heat generated by the CCD even when exposed for a long time. The present invention relates to an imaging device capable of reading out an image at a high speed by reducing the number of images.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An immobilized polymer such as a protein or nucleic acid sequence is selectively labeled with a labeling substance that causes chemiluminescence upon contact with a chemiluminescent substance, and is selectively labeled with the labeling substance. The polymer is brought into contact with the chemiluminescent substance, and the chemiluminescence in the visible light wavelength region caused by the contact between the chemiluminescent substance and the labeling substance is photoelectrically detected, and a digital image signal is generated to perform image processing. A chemiluminescence detection system is known in which a chemiluminescence image is reproduced on a display means such as a CRT or a recording material such as a photographic film to obtain information on a macromolecule such as genetic information. Also, a fluorescence detection system using a fluorescent substance as a labeling substance is known. According to this fluorescence detection system, by reading a fluorescence image, it is possible to perform gene sequence, gene expression level, protein separation and identification, or molecular weight and property evaluation. D
After adding a fluorescent dye to the solution containing the NA fragment, a plurality of DNA fragments are subjected to electrophoresis on a gel support, or a plurality of DNA fragments are placed on a gel support containing a fluorescent dye.
The A fragment is electrophoresed, or a plurality of DNA fragments are electrophoresed on a gel support, and then the gel support is immersed in a solution containing a fluorescent dye. By labeling, exciting a fluorescent dye with excitation light, and detecting the generated fluorescence, an image is generated, and the distribution of DNA on the gel support is detected. After electrophoresis on a support, the DNA is denaturated and then
A probe prepared by transferring at least a portion of a denatured DNA fragment onto a transfer support such as nitrocellulose by Southern blotting, and labeling DNA or RNA complementary to the target DNA with a fluorescent dye D
An image is generated by hybridizing with an NA fragment, selectively labeling only a DNA fragment complementary to a probe DNA or a probe RNA, exciting a fluorescent dye with excitation light, and detecting generated fluorescence. Then, the distribution of the target DNA on the transcription support can be detected. Further, a DNA probe complementary to the DNA containing the target gene labeled with the labeling substance is prepared, hybridized with the DNA on the transcription support, and the enzyme is reacted with the complementary DNA labeled with the labeling substance. After binding, the fluorescent substance is brought into contact with a fluorescent substrate, the fluorescent substrate is changed into a fluorescent substance that emits fluorescence, and the generated fluorescent substance is excited by excitation light, and the generated fluorescence is detected.
An image can be generated to detect the distribution of the target DNA on the transfer support. This fluorescence detection system has an advantage that a gene sequence or the like can be easily detected without using a radioactive substance.

[0003] Such a chemiluminescent or fluorescent light is cooled by a cooled CCD.
When a chemiluminescent image or a fluorescent image is detected by an image pickup device using a fluorescent light and a chemiluminescent image or a fluorescent image is generated, exposure is required for a long time because the chemiluminescence or the fluorescent light is very weak light. It is known that, when exposure is performed, noise is generated in an image due to heat generated by the CCD. In order to reduce such noise due to heat, an imaging device for detecting extremely weak light such as chemiluminescence or fluorescence has means for cooling the CCD.

[0004]

However, in order to obtain high-quality images, the number of CCD pixels tends to increase. To read out image data at high speed from a CCD having more than one million pixels, it is necessary to use an output device. The power consumption of the amplifier is inevitably increased, and a large amount of heat is generated.
It has been difficult to reduce image noise caused by the heat generated by the image. A similar problem occurs when an image is generated by detecting very weak light with a solid-state imaging device, such as in astronomical observation. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that includes a CCD and can read out an image at high speed by reducing noise caused by heat generated by the CCD even when exposed for a long time. It is.

[0005]

The object of the present invention is attained by an image pickup apparatus provided with power control means for reducing the power supplied to the output amplifier of the CCD when the CCD is exposed. According to the present invention, at the time of exposure of a CCD which does not need to supply power to the output amplifier of the CCD, the power supplied to the output amplifier of the CCD is reduced by the power control means. Even if the number of pixels of the CCD is increased, it is possible to reduce image noise due to heat generated by the CCD. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power control means is configured not to supply power to the output amplifier when the CCD is exposed. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to further suppress the heat generation of the CCD.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of an image generation device including an imaging device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the image generation device includes an imaging device 1, a dark box 2, and a personal computer 4. As shown in FIG. 1, the personal computer 3 includes a CRT 4 and a keyboard 5. FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the imaging device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging device 1 includes a CCD 6
And a heat transfer plate 7 made of metal such as aluminum
A Peltier element 8 for cooling the CCD 6, and a CC
A shutter 9 arranged in front of D6, an A / D converter 10 for converting analog image data generated by the CCD 6 into digital image data, and temporarily storing the image data digitized by the A / D converter 10. An image data buffer 11 for storing and a CP for controlling the operation of the imaging device 1
U12. An opening formed between the dark box 2 and the dark box 2 is closed by a glass plate 13, and a radiation fin 14 for radiating heat generated by the Peltier element 8 is provided around the imaging device 1 in the longitudinal direction. It is formed over half.

[0007] An image intensifier 15 disposed in the dark box 2 is provided on the front surface of the glass plate 13 provided in the imaging device 1, and a camera lens 16 is provided on the front surface of the image intensifier 15. Installed. FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the dark box 2. As shown in FIG. 3, a first blue LED light source 21 that emits excitation light having a light emission wavelength center of 450 nm is provided in the dark box 2. Second blue LE emitting excitation light having an emission wavelength center of 450 nm
A D light source 22 and a third blue LED light source 23 are provided. A filter 24 is attached to the upper surface of the first blue LED light source 21, and a filter 25 and a filter 26 are attached to the front surfaces of the second blue LED light source 22 and the third blue LED light source 23, respectively. ing. The filters 24, 25, and 26 have a property of cutting off light harmful to excitation of a fluorescent substance other than a wavelength of around 450 nm and transmitting only light of a wavelength of around 450 nm. On the front surface of the camera lens 16, a filter 27 that cuts off excitation light near 450 nm is provided detachably.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the periphery of the personal computer 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the personal computer 3 includes a CPU 30 that controls the exposure of the imaging device 1, an image data transfer unit 31 that reads out image data generated by the imaging device 1 from the image data buffer 11, and an image data transfer unit. An image processing unit 33 performs image processing on the image data read by the image data storage unit 31 and stores the processed image data in an image data storage unit 32, and a CRT 4 based on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 32.
And an image display means 34 for displaying a visible image on the screen. First blue LED light source 21, second blue LE
The D light source 22 and the third blue LED light source 23 are controlled by a light source control unit 35, and the light source control unit 35 is configured to receive an instruction signal from the keyboard 5 via the CPU 30. I have. The CPU 30 is configured to output various signals to the CPU 12 of the imaging device 1.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram around the CCD 6. As shown in FIG. 5, the CCD 6 includes an output amplifier 60, and power is supplied to the output amplifier 60 from an output amplifier power supply circuit 65. The output amplifier power supply circuit 65 is controlled by the CPU 12. In the present embodiment, the CPU 12 outputs the power so that the power supplied from the output amplifier power supply circuit 65 to the output amplifier 60 decreases when the CCD 6 is exposed. The amplifier power supply circuit 65 is controlled. Also, a read control circuit 7 for controlling read of image data from the CPU 6.
0, and the read control circuit 70
2. The image generating apparatus according to the present embodiment detects fluorescence from an image carrier carrying an image of a fluorescent substance and chemiluminescence generated by contact between the chemiluminescent substance and the labeling substance, and generates a fluorescent image and a chemiluminescent image. It is configured to be capable of detecting fluorescence from an image carrier carrying an image of a fluorescent substance as follows,
Generate a visible image. Here, the image carrier carries an image of a fluorescent substance means that the image carrier carries an image of a sample labeled with a fluorescent dye, and that the enzyme is combined with the labeled sample before the enzyme is fluoresced. Contacting with a substrate to change the fluorescent substrate into a fluorescent substance that emits fluorescence, and carrying an image of the obtained fluorescent substance.

First, after the image carrier 18 as a sample is placed on the filter 24 by the user, focusing is performed and the dark box 2 is closed, when the user inputs an exposure start signal to the keyboard 5, The first blue LED light source 21 or the second blue LED light source 22 and the third blue LED light source 23
Is turned on, and the excitation light is emitted toward the image carrier 18. At the same time, the exposure start signal is
The image is input to the CPU 12 of the imaging device 1, the shutter 9 is opened by the CPU 12, and the exposure of the CCD 6 is started. Upon receiving the exposure start signal, the CPU 12 simultaneously
A power control signal is output to the output amplifier power supply circuit 65 to reduce the power supplied from the output amplifier power supply circuit 65 to the output amplifier 60.

Excitation light emitted from the first blue LED light source 21 or the second blue LED light source 22 and the third blue LED light source 23 is filtered by filters 24, 25, and 26 except for light having a wavelength near 450 nm. The wavelength component is cut, and as a result, the fluorescent substance in the image carrier 18 is excited by light having a wavelength of about 450 nm, and emits fluorescence. The fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent substance in the image carrier 18 is
The light enters the photoelectric surface of the image intensifier 15 via the filter 27 and the camera lens 16 and is amplified to form an image on the fluorescent surface of the image intensifier 15. The CCD 6 of the imaging device 1 receives the light of the image thus formed on the phosphor screen of the image intensifier 15 and accumulates the light in the form of electric charges. Since the filter 27 cuts off the excitation light having a wavelength near 450 nm, only the fluorescent light emitted from the fluorescent substance in the image carrier 18 is received by the CCD 6 of the imaging device 1.

When a predetermined exposure time has elapsed, the CPU 30
Outputs an exposure completion signal to the CPU 12 of the imaging device 1. When receiving the exposure completion signal from the CPU 30, the CPU 12 outputs a power control signal to the output amplifier power supply circuit 65, and outputs the power supplied from the output amplifier power supply circuit 65 to the output amplifier 60, and the output amplifier 60 The analog image data stored in the form is increased to the transferable power, and the analog image data stored in the form of electric charges by the CCD 6 is transferred to the A / D converter 10, digitized, and stored in the image data buffer 11. Store it temporarily. At the same time, the CPU 30 outputs a data transfer signal to the image data transfer unit 31 to read out the digital image data temporarily stored in the image data buffer 11 of the imaging device 1 and input the digital image data to the image processing unit 33. The image processing unit 33 performs image processing on the image data input from the image data transfer unit 31 and causes the image data storage unit 32 to store the image data.

Thereafter, when the user inputs an image generation signal to the keyboard 5, the image display means 35 reads out the image data stored in the data storage means 33 and, based on the read out image data, the CRT 4 A fluorescent image is displayed on the screen. When generating a chemiluminescent image, the filter 27 is removed, and the first blue LED light source 21, the second blue LED light source 22, and the third blue LED
Each of the ED light sources 23 is kept in the off state, and the filter 2
4 except that a sample 18 that emits chemiluminescence is placed thereon and the chemiluminescence emitted from the sample 18 is detected.
Sample 1 was prepared in exactly the same way as when the fluorescent image was generated.
Chemiluminescence emitted from the CCD 6 through the camera lens 16 and the image intensifier 15
And photoelectrically detect the image data to generate image data.
A chemiluminescence image is displayed on the screen of T4.

According to this embodiment, upon receiving the exposure start signal, the CPU 12 outputs a power control signal to the output amplifier power supply circuit 65 to reduce the power supplied from the output amplifier power supply circuit 65 to the output amplifier 60. In order to detect extremely weak light such as chemiluminescence and fluorescence, it is necessary to prevent noise from being generated in an image due to heat generated by the CCD 6 even if the CCD 6 is exposed for a long time. When the exposure completion signal is received, the CPU 1
2 outputs a power control signal to the output amplifier power supply circuit 65 to supply power to the CCD 6 to transfer the analog image data accumulated in the form of electric charges.
5 is supplied to the output amplifier 60, so that a high quality image can be obtained.
Even when the CD 6 is used, image data can be read at high speed.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, which are also included in the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that it is a thing. For example, in the above embodiment, when the CCD 6 is exposed, the CPU 1
2 controls the power supplied from the output amplifier power supply circuit 65 to the output amplifier 60 so as to decrease.
If the exposure operation of D6 is not affected, control can be performed so that power is not supplied from the output amplifier power supply circuit 65 to the output amplifier 60 when the CCD 6 is exposed. Also,
In the above embodiment, the image intensifier 15 is provided on the front surface of the imaging device 1, but it is not always necessary to provide the image intensifier 15.

Further, in the above embodiment, the dark box 2
A first blue LED light source 21, a second blue LED light source 22, and a third blue LED light source 23 are provided therein. Only the first blue LED light source 21 or the second blue LED light source 22 is provided. Alternatively, only the third blue LED light source 23 may be provided. Further, in the above embodiment, the blue LED light sources 21, 22, and 23 which emit excitation light having an emission wavelength center of 450 nm are used, but the emission wavelength center is 400 nm to 7 nm depending on the type of the fluorescent substance.
An LED light source that emits excitation light having a wavelength of 00 nm can be selected and used. Further, in the above embodiment, when an exposure start signal is input to the keyboard 5,
The first blue LED light source 21 or the second blue LED light source 22 and the third blue LE
Although the D light source 23 is configured to be turned on, it is not always necessary to configure the light source control means 36 to be controlled by the personal computer 3, and the light source control means 36 may be manually operated. Good.

Further, in the above embodiment, the image generating apparatus is configured such that the filter 27 for cutting the excitation light near 450 nm is detachable, and by removing the filter 27, extremely weak chemiluminescence is detected. Therefore, it is configured to be able to generate a chemiluminescence image,
The filter 27 may be fixedly provided on the front surface of the camera lens 16 so as to generate only a fluorescence image in the fluorescence detection system. Further, in the above embodiment, the first blue LED light source 21 and the second blue LE
D light source 22 and a third blue LED light source 23. When used as an image generating apparatus that detects chemiluminescence and generates only a chemiluminescence image, the first blue L
The ED light source 21, the second blue LED light source 22, and the third blue LED light source 23 are not required.
There is no need for 4, 25, 26, 27 either.

Further, in the above embodiment, the radiation fins 14 for radiating the heat generated by the Peltier element 8 are formed around the CCD camera 1 over almost half of the longitudinal direction. Over all of
The radiation fins 14 may be provided, and the extent to which the radiation fins 14 are provided around the CCD camera 1 can be arbitrarily determined. Further, in the present invention, means does not necessarily mean physical means, but also includes a case where the function of each means is realized by software. Further, the function of one unit may be realized by two or more physical units, or the function of two or more units may be realized by one physical unit.

[0019]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image pickup apparatus including a CCD, capable of reducing noise caused by heat generated by the CCD even when exposed for a long time and reading out an image at a high speed. Becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of an image generation device including an imaging device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the imaging apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a dark box.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the periphery of a personal computer.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram around a CCD.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image pickup device 2 Dark box 3 Personal computer 4 CRT 5 Keyboard 6 CCD 7 Heat transfer plate 8 Peltier element 9 Shutter 10 A / D converter 11 Image data buffer 12 CPU 13 Glass plate 14 Heat radiation fin 15 Image intensifier 16 Camera lens Reference Signs List 18 Sample 21 First blue LED light source 22 Second blue LED light source 23 Third blue LED light source 24, 25, 26 Filter 27 Filter 30 CPU 31 Image data transfer means 32 Image data storage means 33 Image processing means 34 Image display Means 35 Light source control means 60 Output amplifier 65 Output amplifier power supply circuit 70 Readout control circuit

Claims (2)

[Claims] A charge coupled device (CCD);
An imaging apparatus, comprising: a power control unit that reduces power supplied to an output amplifier of the CCD when a CD is exposed. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said power control means is configured not to supply power to an output amplifier of said CCD when said CCD is exposed.