JPH1195126A - Microscopic system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To always display a stable image while preventing the image from becoming unstable by executing the AGC function even when a light quantity obtained by the changing operation of a member of an optical system is rapidly changed in a micro-scopic system to which an image pickup mechanism such as a CCD camera having the AGC function is connected. SOLUTION: This system is provided with a CCD camera 4 picking up an optical image taken out of a microscopic optical system composed of plural optical members and having the AGC function, a detecting part 6 of the rotating state of revolver for detecting the state of an object affecting an incident light quantity on the CCD camera 4 among the optical members of optical system e.g. the state of an objective lens 3, and an AGC operation control circuit 7 for controlling the temporary stop and releasing the stoppage of the amplifying operation of a signal by the AGC function in accordance with the detected result of the detecting part 6 of the rotating state of revolver.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a microscope system having an image pickup mechanism such as a CCD camera having an AGC (automatic gain control) function and suitable for an optical microscope capable of inserting and removing various optical members.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, when observing a sample using an optical microscope, the magnification of an objective lens is switched between a low magnification and a high magnification. Specifically, a search for a part to be observed in detail using a low-magnification objective lens is performed by the naked eye, and if there is a part to be observed as a result of the search, switching to a high-magnification objective lens is performed. Perform detailed observations.

By the way, the amount of light emitted through the objective lens is calculated by calculating the value of the following equation from the ratio K of the emission amount between the objective lenses.
Is required. That is, K = (numerical aperture of the objective lens) ² / (magnification of the objective lens) ² (1) Therefore, when switching to an objective lens having a different magnification and numerical aperture, the change in the amount of light becomes large, and There was a problem that observation was not possible with the amount of light.

For this reason, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-143244, even when switching to an objective lens having a different magnification and numerical aperture is performed, the above-mentioned ratio K is adjusted so that the obtained brightness is constant. It is described that an objective lens equipped with an ND filter having transmittance is used.

[0005] In addition, particularly in the field of cell screening, etc., the number of samples processed per day is large, and the observer may experience a great deal of fatigue due to long-term observation of a microscope image through an eyepiece. It is a problem.

Therefore, as one of means for solving the above problem, there is known a method of displaying and outputting an observation image of a microscope on a monitor screen instead of observation with the naked eye. This can be done, for example, by connecting a CCD camera to a microscope,
A video signal captured by a camera is displayed and output on a monitor screen such as a CRT.

An AGC (Automa) is used for the CCD camera.
Some have a tic Gain Control (automatic gain control) function. This AGC function uses a CCD
If the level of the video signal input from the camera is lower than the first threshold indicating the lower limit, the level is amplified,
Conversely, if the level is higher than the second threshold value indicating the upper limit, the level is attenuated, and the level of the video signal is always adjusted within an appropriate range to increase the brightness of the displayed image. Keep it constant.

In a microscope to which a CCD camera is connected,
When observing a sample with extremely low reflectance or a sample with extremely low transmittance, if the level of the video signal is too low to be imaged, or if it can be imaged, it is extremely difficult to see it, By using the above-mentioned AGC function, an image having appropriate brightness can be obtained. This is true even when the level of the video signal is too high when observing an extremely high reflectance sample or an extremely high transmittance sample.

However, by using the AGC function as described above, a sample having uneven brightness can be obtained.
When the observer moves the sample to change the observation position, the gain is automatically adjusted according to the brightness of the observation sample, so that the observer does not have to perform the adjustment of the brightness of the obtained image. Thus, efficient observation can be performed while reducing the burden on the observer.

[0010]

However, in the microscope system to which the CCD camera having the AGC function is connected, if the AGC function is always used, switching of the objective lens mounted on the revolver and exchange of the filter are performed. For example, when the optical path is interrupted temporarily due to the insertion and removal of various optical members, the AGC function operates on the video signal with a very low signal level during the optical path interruption, and the operation is performed to greatly increase the gain. On the other hand, when returning from the light-blocking state to the original state, the obtained image becomes excessively bright, and it takes time to return to an image having stable and normal brightness.

Specifically, for example, when the objective lens is switched, the optical path is temporarily interrupted by the rotation of the level, and the amount of light incident on the CCD camera becomes almost zero. At this time, the amplification factor due to the function of the AGC function is much larger than before the revolver is rotated.

Next, the rotation of the revolver is completed, and another objective lens is set on the optical axis. If the objective lens mounted on the revolver is the same as that of the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-14324
No. 4, there is no change in the amount of incident light from the tablet before and after the replacement, and the signal gain by the AGC function should be essentially the same. However, in practice, when the optical path is interrupted, the amplification factor temporarily increases as described above, and in that state, a new objective lens is set in the optical path so that an image with a new magnification is obtained. Therefore, the image obtained here becomes strangely whitish at first with an excessive amount of light, and in some cases, it may cause saturation, resulting in a very unpleasant image for the observer and until it returns to the normal state Requires a certain time according to the response characteristics of the AGC function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to change an optical system member in a microscope system to which an imaging mechanism such as a CCD camera having an AGC function is connected. Even if the amount of light obtained by the AGC function suddenly changes, it is an object of the present invention to provide a microscope system capable of always displaying a stable image without instability of the image due to execution of the AGC function. .

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
An image pickup means for picking up an optical image taken out of a microscope optical system comprising a plurality of optical members; and automatically adjusting an amplification factor of the signal so as to keep an output signal level from the image pickup means within a certain range. Automatic gain control means, state detection means for detecting a state of at least one optical member that affects the amount of light incident on the imaging means among the optical members of the optical system, and a detection result obtained by the state detection means. And an operation control means for controlling temporary suspension and cancellation of the signal amplification operation by the automatic gain control means.

As a result of such a configuration, even if the amount of light incident on the image pickup means changes rapidly due to a change in the state of the optical member, this is detected and the AGC is temporarily detected.
Since the execution of the function is stopped, and then the stop of the AGC function is released again after the optical member is stabilized, the state of the optical member in which the amount of light incident on the imaging unit becomes unstable is changed. During the change, the AGC function is temporarily canceled, and a stable image can be displayed immediately according to the state of the new optical member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insertion / removal means for inserting / removing the optical member for detecting a state by the state detection means from / to the optical path, and an input for inputting a control instruction. Means, the operation control means suspending the signal amplification operation by the automatic gain control means in accordance with the control instruction input by the input means, and inserting the optical member into the optical path by the insertion / removal means. It is characterized in that the release of the stop of the signal amplifying operation by the automatic gain control means is controlled after the step has been completed.

As a result of such a configuration, the above-mentioned claim 1 is obtained.
In addition to the effects of the invention described above, even when the amount of light incident on the imaging means changes rapidly, particularly when the optical member is inserted into or removed from the optical path, this is detected and the AGC function is temporarily activated. , And a stable image can always be displayed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the presence or absence of an operation by the operation control means when the state detection means detects a change in the state of at least one optical member. It is characterized by further comprising a selecting means for selecting.

As a result of such a configuration, the above-mentioned claim 1 is obtained.
Alternatively, in addition to the operation of the invention described in the item 2, whether or not to temporarily cancel the AGC function can be arbitrarily selected as required.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
An embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration of a microscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. First, in a microscope optical system, a sample S mounted on a stage 1 is mounted.
Is passed through the objective lens 3 arranged on the observation optical axis by the revolver 2, and then guided to the CCD camera 4 by the imaging lens 52 to form an image on the image sensor. This CCD camera 4 has an AGC function,
The operation control circuit 7 is connected, and the formed image of the specimen S is
The video signal is amplified and attenuated by the C function so that the overall luminance level becomes substantially constant, and is converted into a video signal. The obtained video signal is sent to the monitor 5 and displayed and output on the monitor 5.

A plurality of the objective lenses 3 are mounted on the revolver 2 as optical members which affect the amount of light incident on the CCD camera 4 in the first embodiment, and are selectively operated by manual rotation of the revolver 2. One of them is arranged on the observation optical axis.

The revolver 2 detects whether any one of the attached objective lenses 3 is correctly arranged on the optical axis. For example, it detects the position of a revolver hole such as a hall element or a photo interrupter. A revolver rotation state detection unit 6 composed of a detector that performs the detection is provided.
It is sent to the operation control circuit 7.

In a general CCD camera having an AGC function, the operation / stop of the AGC function is part of a dip switch DP disposed on the side of the camera body as shown in FIG. This is realized by switching the "1" switch. FIGS. 3A and 3B show an example of a structure used in such a dip switch DP. Whether the two contacts TP are connected by moving the slider SL is shown in FIG. On / off of the switch is switched depending on whether or not the switch is ON. FIG. 4 is for explaining the switching operation of the AGC circuit in the camera using such a DIP switch DP. One of the contacts TP of the DIP switch DP is grounded, and the other is an IC chip CP constituting the AGC circuit. And a power supply line. If the dip switch DP is off, the current sent through the power supply line flows only into the IC chip CP, so that the IC chip CP becomes “H”.
When the dip switch DP is turned on, the power supply line is grounded via the dip switch DP, and almost all of the current flows to the IC chip CP. However, since the IC chip CP is at the "L" level and does not reach the specified voltage, the AGC function does not operate.

On the other hand, in the CCD camera 4 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 (2), a dip switch 4a having two lead wires LL and LL externally used is used.
FIG. 3B shows an example of the structure of the dip switch 4a, in which the conductors LL, LL are connected to two contacts TP, TP, respectively, and are led out.

Next, the configuration of the AGC operation control circuit 7 to which the two conductors LL and LL from the dip switch 4a of the CCD camera 4 are connected will be described with reference to FIG. The two conductors LL, LL are connected to contacts 11, 12, and a switch 15, which is a normally open contact, is arranged between the contacts 11, 12. The switch 15 is connected to one end of the iron core 14 with its movable contact side insulated by an insulating adhesive (not shown), and is turned on / off in response to the movement of the iron core 14. The iron core 14 is inserted between the coils 13 formed by a part of the conducting wire 18 from the revolver rotation state detecting unit 6, and the other end of the switch 15 on the opposite side to the side to which the switch 15 is connected. Are fixedly connected to the position fixing member 17 via the coil spring 16.

However, an electromagnetic solenoid is formed by the coil 13 and the iron core 14, and a detection signal from the revolver rotation state detector 6 flows to the coil 13 via the conductor 18, and the electromagnetic force generated by the iron core 14 is When the elasticity of the coil spring 16 is exceeded, the iron core 14 moves to the left in the drawing pulling the coil spring 16, and as a result, the switch 15 is turned on, and the dip switch 4a is interlocked by the conductors LL and LL. To turn on.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described. In a rotating state in which the revolver 2 properly positions an arbitrary objective lens 3 on the observation optical axis, the detection signal from the revolver rotating state detecting unit 6 is at “L” level, and the AGC operation control circuit 7 Since only a very small current flows and no electromagnetic force acts on the iron core 14 to move it, the switch 15 remains off. Therefore, the dip switch 4a of the CCD camera 4 is also turned off, and the AGC function operates in the CCD camera 4,
After being amplified / attenuated so that the signal level of the video signal obtained by photoelectrically converting the incident light amount is within a certain range, the video signal is output to the monitor 5.

Next, when the revolver 2 is manually rotated from this state, and the plurality of objective lenses 3, 3,... Attached to the revolver 2 are not positioned on the observation optical axis, The revolver rotation state detector 6 detects this and sets the detection signal to the “H” level.

In the AGC operation control circuit 7 receiving this detection signal, a predetermined current flows through the coil 13 and the coil spring 16
The electromagnetic force acts to move the iron core 14 overcoming the elasticity of the switch, and the switch 15 is turned on. Accordingly, the dip switch 4a of the CCD camera 4 is also turned on, and in the CCD camera 4, power is not supplied to the circuit unit that executes the AGC function, and the AGC function is temporarily canceled.

In this state, since the objective lens 3 is off the observation optical axis due to the rotational position of the revolver 2, the optical path is interrupted, and the amount of light incident on the CCD camera 4 becomes almost "(zero). If camera 4
If the C function is activated, an amplification operation with a very large amplification factor will be executed. However, since the AGC function is temporarily canceled as described above, unnecessary amplification operations are performed. Not done.

Therefore, the revolver 2 is further rotated manually, and the objective lens 3 of any desired magnification attached to the revolver 2 is arranged on the observation optical axis. When it comes to being imaged,
The revolver rotation state detector 6 detects this, and sets the detection signal to the “L” level again.

In the AGC operation control circuit 7 receiving this detection signal, only a very small current flows through the coil 13 and no electromagnetic force acts on the iron core 14 to move it.
The switch 15 turns off again. Therefore, the CCD camera 4
DIP switch 4a is also turned off, and CCD camera 4
In, the stopped state of the AGC function is released and the operation is started, and the signal is amplified / attenuated so that the signal level of the video signal obtained by photoelectrically converting the amount of incident light is within a certain range, and then to the monitor 5. Will be output.

Therefore, since the objective lens 3 is arranged on the observation optical axis and the image of the sample S is formed on the CCD camera 4 again, the AGC function is operated again. Performs an unpleasant image display, such as when the AGC function is activated, an image having an abnormally bright saturation is gradually shifted to an image having a normal luminance level through an unstable state, and the like. Thus, an image having a predetermined luminance level can be promptly displayed by the stable AGC function.

Although the above embodiment has been described as detecting whether or not the objective lens 3 is arranged on the observation optical axis based on the position of the revolver hole of the revolver 2, a method using another detection method is described. For example, a method of detecting from a click for positioning the revolver is also conceivable.

Further, the AGC operation control circuit 7 is provided with an LED 2 as shown in FIG. 6 instead of the configuration shown in FIG.
0 and the phototransistor 21 may be used. In this case, the revolver rotation state detector 6 and the LED 20
And the collector and the emitter of the phototransistor 21 are connected to the dip switch 4a of the CCD camera 4 via the terminals 22 and 23, respectively.

When the revolver rotation state detecting unit 6 detects that the objective lens 3 is not correctly arranged on the observation optical axis by the rotation of the revolver 2, the LE signal is obtained based on the detection signal.
D20 is turned on and driven.
Phototransistor 2 arranged at a position opposing each other
When the LED 1 is turned on according to the lighting of the LED 20, the CCD
The AGC function of the camera 4 is temporarily canceled.
Therefore, the same effect as in the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 5 can be obtained.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the rotation operation of the revolver 2 by the observer is fast, the output of the detection signal from the revolver rotation state detecting unit 6 is delayed, and as a result, the AGC function is provided by the CCD camera 4. An image in which the incident light amount during the light path interruption is amplified with a very high amplification factor without being canceled may be output. In order to prevent such a problem, as shown in FIG. 7, a second AGC operation control circuit 71 having the same configuration as the AGC operation control circuit
A revolver operation state detection unit 61 is provided in parallel with the C operation control circuit 7 and detects an operation state when the observer comes into contact with the revolver 2. AGC operation control circuit 7
The first switch 15 'may be turned on / off.

In this case, the revolver operation state detecting section 61 is constituted by using, for example, a piezoelectric element or the like.
Even if the GC function is canceled and the observer releases his / her hand from the operation unit of the revolver 2 in a state where the objective lens 3 is not on the observation optical axis, the AGC operation control circuit 7 and the AGC operation control circuit 7 perform the AGC operation. Since the state in which the function is canceled is maintained, it is possible to reliably prevent the AGC function from acting on the image whose light path is being interrupted by the rotation operation of the revolver 2.

Further, a third AGC operation control circuit 72 may be used instead of the AGC operation control circuit 7 as shown in FIG. The third AGC operation control circuit 72 allows the circuit main body to be slid and is not in an adhesive state with one end of the iron core 14 in place of the switch 15 of the AGC operation control circuit 7, and depending on the slide operation state of the circuit main body. A manually operable switch 24 which is detached from the iron core 14 and is not affected by the movement thereof is provided.

FIG. 8A shows that the switch 24 is separated from the iron core 14 and is similar to the above-described dip switch DP of FIG. 2A regardless of the detection signal from the revolver rotation state detector 6. Turns on / off according to the state of manual operation, CC
This shows a state where the AGC function of the D camera 4 can be switched and set.

On the other hand, FIG.
Is in contact with an end of the iron core 14 via an insulating member (not shown) attached thereto, and is turned on / off in response to a detection signal from the revolver rotation state detector 6, and a CCD camera according to the rotation state of the revolver 2. 4 shows a state in which the AGC function of No. 4 is switched and set.

As described above, the third AGC operation control circuit 7
2. A device in which the on / off of the AGC function of the CCD camera 4 can be automatically controlled by a detection signal from the revolver rotation state detection unit 6 or manually switched by slidably operating the main body 2 It may be.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 shows a functional configuration of a microscope system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which is basically the same as that shown in the first embodiment. The description is omitted.

Thus, an AS (aperture stop) 27, an ND filter 26, and a light source 25 are arranged below the stage 1 along the observation optical axis, and the light emitted from the light source 25 is appropriately filtered by the ND filter 26. After being attenuated and squeezed by the AS 27, the sample S placed on the stage 1 is irradiated via the stage 1 and the transmitted light is incident on the CCD camera 4 via the objective lens 3 and the imaging lens 52. Become like

In this case, instead of the objective lens 3 attached to the revolver 2, these light sources 25, ND filters 26, and AS 27 are the objects of the optical members of the optical system that affect the amount of light incident on the CCD camera 4. The detection means includes a light source supply current detection unit 28 that detects light emission luminance from a supply current to the light source 25, an ND filter detection unit 29 that detects the presence or absence of the ND filter 26 inserted in the optical path, and an AS 27. An AS adjustment detection unit 30 for detecting the aperture amount of the aperture is provided.

The light source supply current detection unit 28 outputs a "H" level detection signal when the brightness of the light source 25 is being changed, that is, when the supply current from the power supply for driving the light source 25 is fluctuating. Except during the fluctuation, an "L" level detection signal is output.

Similarly, the ND filter detector 29 outputs an "H" level detection signal when the ND filter 26 is replaced, and outputs an "L" level detection signal except when the ND filter 26 is replaced.

The AS adjustment detecting section 30 outputs the "H" level detection signal when the aperture amount of the AS 27 is being changed.
Except at the time of the above change, an "L" level detection signal is output.

The light source supply current detector 2
8, ND filter detection unit 29, and AS adjustment detection unit 30
Are sent to the AGC operation control circuit 31. FIG. 10 shows a specific configuration of the AGC operation control circuit 31. Circuits 31a to 31c similar to those described in FIG. 5 are connected in parallel to form the AGC operation control circuit 31.

According to the above configuration, the detection signal from at least one of the light source supply current detector 28, the ND filter detector 29, and the AS adjustment detector 30 has become "H" level. In this state, the corresponding switches of the circuits 31a to 31c constituting the AGC operation control circuit 31 are turned on, and the AGC function of the CCD camera 4 is canceled. Therefore, when the brightness of the light emitted from the light source 25 is changed by changing the amount of current supplied to the light source supply current detection unit 28, when the ND filter 26 is replaced, or when the aperture amount of the AS 27 is changed, the CCD is used.
Even if the amount of light incident on the camera 4 changes significantly,
Since the AGC function of the D camera 4 has been temporarily canceled, the above change and replacement work are completed without performing amplification, attenuation, etc. corresponding to the amount of incident light on the CCD camera 4 without being blind. The AGC function is activated again when the image is taken in.
Performs an unpleasant image display, such as when the GC function is activated, an image having an abnormally bright saturation is gradually shifted to an image having a normal luminance level through an unstable state, and finally. Without
An image of a predetermined luminance level by the stable AGC function can be promptly displayed on the monitor 5.

Note that, instead of the circuits 31a to 31c forming the AGC operation control circuit 31 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, slide-operable circuits 31a 'to 31c' having the same configuration as that described in FIG. 8 may be connected in parallel.

With such a configuration, the CCD
ON / OFF of the AGC function of the camera 4 is automatically controlled by detection signals from the light source supply current detection unit 28, the ND filter detection unit 29, and the AS adjustment detection unit 30, or one of them is manually operated. It can be switched or set arbitrarily.

In the second embodiment, the CCD
Although the light source 25, the ND filter 26, and the AS 27 have been described as the optical members of the optical system that change the amount of light incident on the camera 4, the present invention is not limited to these. And it is sufficient.

Further, as described in the first embodiment,
It is also conceivable to use it together with one that detects the switching state of the objective lens 3 attached to the revolver 2. (Third Embodiment) The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
An embodiment will be described.

FIG. 12 shows a functional configuration of a microscope system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. First, in the optical system of the microscope, an optical image of the sample S placed on the stage 1 is
After passing through the objective lens 3 arranged on the observation optical axis by the revolver 40, the light is guided to the CCD camera 41 by the imaging lens 52 to form an image on the image sensor. This CCD
The camera 41 has an AGC function, is connected to an external controller 42 described later, and amplifies / amplifies the formed image of the sample S by the AGC function so that the overall luminance level is substantially constant.
The video signal is attenuated and converted into a video signal. The obtained video signal is sent to the monitor 5 and displayed on the monitor 5.

In the third embodiment, a plurality of objective lenses 3 are attached to the revolver 40 as optical members that affect the amount of light incident on the CCD camera 41, and the objective lens 3 is selectively driven by the electric rotating operation of the revolver 40. Are arranged on the observation optical axis.

The revolver 40 includes a revolver controller 4
The rotation of the revolver 40 is controlled by a motor (not shown) under the control of the control unit 3. The rotation state of the revolver 40 is the same as that of the revolver rotation state detection unit 6 of FIG. The detection signal is sent from the revolver controller 43 to the external controller 42.

As described above, the CCD camera 41 has the A
While having a GC function, as shown in FIG.
Various control signals such as a camera ID signal for controlling a plurality of cameras including a CCD camera (not shown) based on a serial number and a control signal for controlling ON / OFF of a function and a serial interface such as RS232C are provided. External communication interface 4 for sending and receiving according to the face standard
4 is provided.

Next, the operation of this embodiment mainly by the external controller 42 will be described. The external controller 42 is provided with, for example, a switch such as a jog dial switch, and receives an input from an observer by operating the switch. Specifically, the external controller 42 instructs the magnification of the objective lens 3 and the AGC function of the CCD camera 41. On / off control and the like can be instructed.

More specifically, correspondence between the position of the revolver 2 and the objective lens 3, on / off control of the AGC function using the external communication interface 44 of the CCD camera 41, and the like are provided to the external controller 42 in advance. When the observer instructs the magnification of the objective lens 3, the switching setting of the objective lens 3 is performed according to the following procedure. That is, (1) a command to turn off the AGC function is transmitted to the CCD camera 41 via the external communication interface 44. (2) The external controller 42 sends a signal to the revolver control unit 43 in accordance with a magnification instruction of the objective lens 3 from the observer. The transmitted signal includes a command indicating how many steps the revolver 2 is rotated right or left from the current position of the revolver 2. (3) When the revolver control unit 43 drives the revolver 2 to rotate in accordance with the rotation command to the revolver 2 and receives a signal indicating that the objective lens 3 having the magnification specified by the observer is correctly arranged on the observation optical axis. Then, a signal indicating the end of rotation of the revolver 2 is transmitted from the revolver control unit 43 to the external controller 42. (4) The external controller 42 includes a revolver control unit 43
When receiving a signal from the external communication interface 44
A command to turn on the AGC function is transmitted to the CCD camera 41 via the.

The processing shown in the above (1) to (4) is performed every time the observer gives an instruction for the magnification of the objective lens 3, and an operation start command for turning on the AGC function when the microscope system is started is externally transmitted. Communication interface 44
By executing the process of transmitting to the CCD camera 41 via the CCD, the observation optical path is cut off and the AGC function has a large amplification rate in a state where the amount of light incident on the CCD camera 41 is almost zero. Thus, it is possible to prevent the input image from being amplified. As a result, when the position of the objective lens 3 is not on the observation optical axis, and after the correct arrangement, an unpleasant image display can be eliminated.
The time required for the image to be stabilized after the completion of the switching exchange can be greatly reduced. Further, according to the above-described processing procedure, when the position of the objective lens 3 is not always on the observation optical axis, the AGC function is already turned off at the previous stage. You won't.

Further, a screen input / output interface function for setting and inputting on / off control of an AGC function (not shown) is provided in the external controller 42, and the AGC function is turned on when the magnification of the objective lens 3 is instructed by an input from an observer. A function may be provided for registering control setting information of the AGC function indicating whether or not to perform the on / off control in the external controller 42.

In this case, this A
The control setting information of the GC function is registered in advance, and the processing procedure corresponding to the instruction to change the magnification of the objective lens 3 by the observer is switched by the registered control setting information, whereby the change of the magnification of the objective lens 3 is changed. When an instruction is issued, the on / off control of the AGC function is automatically performed according to the selection of the observer, or the on / off control of the AGC function is performed only depending on the setting state of the CCD camera 41. You can do it.

This corresponds to the processing procedures described in the above (1) to (4). When the instruction to change the magnification of the objective lens 3 is issued, the AGC function is turned on / off by the observer's selection. When the control is performed automatically, the above-described processes (1) to (4) are executed in response to the observer's instruction for the magnification of the objective lens 3, and the process (4) is executed when the system is started. When the on / off control of the AGC function is performed depending only on the setting state of the CCD camera 41,
Only the processes (2) and (3) are executed without executing the processes (1) and (4). Thus, the observer can arbitrarily select the control method of the AGC function. become.

The configuration of the CCD camera 41 may be such that the CCD camera 4 described in the first or second embodiment is directly controlled by the external controller 42 instead of the above-described one.

(Fourth Embodiment) Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 shows a functional configuration of a microscope system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. First, in an optical system of a microscope, an optical image of a sample S placed on a stage 55 that can move at least vertically. Is passed through the objective lens 3 arranged on the observation optical axis by the revolver 40, and then
The image is guided to the CD camera 41 and is imaged on the image sensor. The CCD camera 41 has an AGC function, is connected to an external controller 42 ', and amplifies / amplifies the formed image of the sample S by the AGC function so that the overall luminance level is substantially constant.
The video signal is attenuated and converted into a video signal. The obtained video signal is sent to the monitor 5 and displayed on the monitor 5.

In the fourth embodiment, a plurality of objective lenses 3 are attached to the revolver 40 as one optical member that affects the amount of light incident on the CCD camera 41, and the objective lens 3 is selectively rotated by the electric rotation of the revolver 40. One of them is arranged on the observation optical axis.

The revolver 40 includes a revolver controller 43
The rotation of the revolver 40 is controlled by a motor (not shown). The rotation of the revolver 40 is the same as that of the revolver rotation detector 6 shown in FIG. The detection signal is sent from the revolver control unit 43 to the external controller 42 '.

Further, a top lens 56, an AS (aperture stop) 27, an FS
A (field stop) 45 and a light source 25 are arranged, and the light emitted from the light source 25 is stopped by the FS 45 and the AS 27 and then placed on the stage 55 through the stage 55 via the top lens 56. The sample S is irradiated to the sample S, and the transmitted light is transmitted through the objective lens 3 and the imaging lens 52 to the CC.
The light enters the D camera 41.

In this case, in addition to the objective lens 3 attached to the revolver 40, these light sources 25, FS45,
The AS 27 and the top lens 56 are both targets of optical members of an optical system that affect the amount of light incident on the CCD camera 41. As a control means, the amount of light for controlling the emission luminance by the current supplied to the light source 25 is used. The control unit 49 controls the insertion and removal of the FS45 into and from the optical path by an electric drive mechanism (not shown) and the FS control unit to control the aperture of the FS45. An AS control unit 47 for controlling and a top lens control unit 54 for controlling insertion / removal of the top lens 56 to / from the optical path by an electric drive mechanism (not shown) are provided.

A stage controller 53 for controlling the moving position and the moving direction of the stage 55 is provided together with these components. The stage controller 53, the top lens controller 54, the AS controller 47, the FS controller 48, And the light amount control unit 49 are both connected to the external controller 42 '.

Next, mainly the external controller 42 '
Of the present embodiment will be described. The external controller 42 'is provided with a switch such as a jog dial switch, and receives an input from an observer by operating the switch. Specifically, the aperture amount of the AS 27 and the FS 45 and the switching of the top lens 56 , The amount of light emitted from the light source 25, the magnification of the objective lens 3, the ON / OFF control of the AGC function of the CCD camera 41, and the like.

In the following, a magnification instruction of the objective lens 3 and AS27
The details of the adjustment of the aperture amount of the FS 45 and the adjustment of the light emission amount of the light source 25 will be described below.
1 is similar to that of the third embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here.

FIG. 15 shows the procedure of the control processing by the external controller 42 when the magnification of the objective lens 3 is instructed. At the beginning of the processing, a command to turn off the AGC function is sent to the CCD camera 41 via the external communication. The data is transmitted via the interface 44 (step S1).

Thereafter, in order to avoid the collision between the stage 55 and the objective lens 3, the stage controller 53 moves the stage 55 in the direction of retreating from the objective lens 3 (step S2). A signal corresponding to the magnification instruction of the lens 3 is sent from the external controller 42 'to the revolver control unit 43, and the revolver 2 is driven to rotate.
The objective lens 3 having the magnification specified by the observer is correctly arranged on the observation optical axis (Step S3).

Subsequently, as a change of the setting accompanying the switching of the objective lens 3, the aperture amount of the AS 27 is adjusted by the AS control unit 47 (step S4), and the FS control unit 48 is similarly operated.
After adjusting the aperture amount at the FS 45 (step S5), the light amount control unit 49 adjusts the light emission amount at the light source 25 (step S6).
4, the top lens 56 is switched and exchanged (step S7).

Next, the stage 55 is returned to the original position by the stage controller 53 (step S7). In this case, for example, when the parfocal correction has been performed between the objective lenses 3 and 3 in the revolver 2 before and after replacement, the stage 55 is not exactly at the original position but at a position including the correction amount. Control to move to.

Since the switching picture of the objective lens 3 whose magnification has been instructed has been completed, a command to turn on the AGC function is transmitted to the CCD camera 41 via the external communication interface 44 again (step S9). .

The processing shown in the above steps S1 to S9 is executed every time the observer gives an instruction for the magnification of the objective lens 3, and an operation start command for turning on the AGC function when the microscope system is started is transmitted to the external communication interface. By executing the process of transmitting the signal to the CCD camera 41 via the face 44, the observation light path is cut off, and the AG light is transmitted even when the amount of light incident on the CCD camera 41 is almost zero.
It is possible to prevent the input image from being amplified with a large amplification factor by the C function. As a result, an unpleasant image display when the position of the objective lens 3 is not on the observation optical axis and after being correctly arranged can be eliminated, and the image after the switching and replacement of the objective lens 3 is stabilized can be eliminated. The time required can be greatly reduced. Further, according to the above-described processing procedure, when the position of the objective lens 3 is not always on the observation optical axis, the AGC function is already turned off at the previous stage. You won't.

Next, the procedure of control processing by the external controller 42 when the aperture amount of the AS 27 is adjusted will be described below. That is, (11) First, a command to turn off the AGC function is transmitted to the CCD camera 41 via the external communication interface 44. (12) In response to the operation of the jog dial switch related to the AS 27 by the observer, the external controller 42 ′ generates a signal corresponding to the operation amount and operation direction of the jog dial switch, and sends out the signal to the AS control unit 47. (13) The AS control unit 47 receives the signal from the external controller 42 ', and the AS controller 47 receives the AS27 by an amount corresponding to the signal.
To achieve a desired aperture amount. When the AS 27 reaches the correct aperture amount corresponding to the signal, the AS control unit 47
To the external controller 42 '. (14) The external controller 42 ′
When receiving a signal from the external communication interface 44
A command to turn on the AGC function is transmitted to the CCD camera 41 via the, and the AGC function is restarted.

Next, the adjustment of the light emission amount of the light source 25 and the FS
The procedure of the control process by the external controller 42 when the aperture amount is adjusted at 45 is described below. That is, (21) First, a command to turn off the AGC function is transmitted to the CCD camera 41 via the external communication interface 44. (22) In response to the operation of the jog dial switch related to the light source 25 by the observer, the external controller 42 ′ generates a signal corresponding to the operation amount and operation direction of the jog dial switch, and sends the signal to the light amount control unit 49 and the FS control unit 48. Send each. (23-1) The light amount control unit 49 uses the external controller 4
A signal from 2 'is received, and the current supplied to the light source 25 is increased or decreased by an amount corresponding to the signal to realize a desired light emission amount. When the light source 25 reaches the correct light emission amount corresponding to the signal, the light amount control unit 49 sends a signal indicating the end of the adjustment to the external controller 42 '. (23-2) On the other hand, the FS control unit 48 also receives a signal from the external controller 42 'and drives the FS 45 by an amount corresponding to the signal to realize a desired aperture amount. FS4
When 5 becomes the correct aperture corresponding to the signal, FS
The control unit 48 sends a signal indicating the end of the adjustment to the external controller 42 '. (24) The external controller 42 ′
And when each signal from the FS control unit 48 is received, the AG is transmitted to the CCD camera 41 via the external communication interface 44.
A command to turn on the C function is transmitted, and the AGC function is restarted.

By performing the processing shown in (11) to (14) or the processing shown in (21) to (24) every time an instruction is given from the observer, the CCD camera 41
It is possible to prevent the AGC function from following the change in the amount of light incident on the AGC function when the amount of light greatly changes due to the operation of the observer. As a result, an unpleasant image display during light quantity fluctuation can be eliminated, and the time required for the image to become stable after the light quantity becomes stable can be greatly reduced.

Here, in the present embodiment, the number of optical members that change the amount of light in the optical path and the number of control units corresponding to each optical member are not limited. Steps S4 to S4 while the AGC function in FIG.
The order of the processes in S7 does not have to be the same as the order described, and it is needless to say that the process can be arbitrarily deflected.

Further, the external controller 42 'is provided with a screen input / output interface function for setting and inputting the ON / OFF control of the AGC function (not shown). When the magnification is specified, when the top lens 56 is switched and replaced, the AS2
7. Control setting information of the AGC function indicating whether or not to perform the on / off control of the AGC function in response to each change of the aperture amount in the FS 45 or the adjustment of the light emission amount in the light source 25, respectively. A function for registering with the external controller 42 'may be provided.

In this case, the control setting information of the AGC function is registered in the external controller 42 'in advance, and the processing procedure corresponding to the instruction to change each optical member by the observer is switched by the registered control setting information. By that
The on / off control of the AGC function is automatically performed according to the selection of the observer when an instruction to change each optical member is issued, or the AGC function is made dependent only on the setting state of the CCD camera 41.
It is possible to selectively set whether to perform on / off control of the function.

This corresponds to FIG. 15, (11) to (1).
4) Alternatively, if the processing procedure described in (21) to (24) is shown correspondingly, the on / off control of the AGC function is automatically performed by the observer's selection when the instruction to change the magnification of the objective lens 3 is issued. In the case of using the objective lens 3 of the observer,
Steps S1 to S9, (11) for the magnification instruction
To (14) or (21) to (24). If the ON / OFF control of the AGC function is to be performed only depending on the setting state of the CCD camera 41, step S2 is executed. S8, (12), (13), or only the processing of (22), (23) is executed.
In this way, the observer can arbitrarily select the control method of the AGC function.

The present invention can be similarly applied to a case where switching and insertion / removal of an optical element of each unit are performed in accordance with switching of the microscopic method. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described first to fourth embodiments, and can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof.

[0088]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, even if the amount of light incident on the image pickup means suddenly changes due to a change in the state of the optical member, this is detected, and A is temporarily detected.
Since the execution of the GC function is stopped, and then the stop of the AGC function is released again after the optical member is stabilized, the state of the optical member in which the amount of light incident on the imaging means becomes unstable. The AGC function can be temporarily canceled while is changing, and a stable image can be displayed immediately according to the state of the new optical member.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, in particular, the amount of light incident on the image pickup means such that the optical member is inserted into and removed from the optical path is sharply increased. Even if it changes, it is possible to detect this and temporarily cancel the AGC function, thereby always displaying a stable image.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the effects of the first or second aspect of the invention, whether or not to temporarily cancel the AGC function is arbitrarily selected as required. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a microscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a CCD camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a dip switch according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an AG of the CCD camera according to the embodiment;
The figure explaining the operation state of C function.

FIG. 5 is a diagram exemplifying a configuration of an AGC operation control circuit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram exemplifying another configuration of the AGC operation control circuit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows (first and second) AGCs according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 illustrates a functional configuration of an operation control circuit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a (third) AGC operation control circuit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a microscope system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an AGC operation control circuit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another functional configuration of the AGC operation control circuit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a microscope system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a CCD camera according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a microscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of control processing by an external controller at the time of objective lens switching replacement according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Stage 2 ... Revolver 3 ... Objective lens 4 ... CCD camera 4a ... Dip switch 5 ... Monitor 6 ... Revolver rotation state detection part 7 ... AGC operation control circuit 11, 12 ... Contact 13, 13 '... Coils 14, 14' ... Iron core 15, 15 'Switch 16, 16' Coil spring 17, 17 'Position fixing member 18 Lead wire 20 LED 21 Phototransistor 22, 23 Terminal 24 Switch 25 Light source 26 ND filter 27 AS (aperture stop) 28 light source supply current detector 29 ND filter detector 30 AS adjustment detector 31 AGC operation control circuit 31 a to 31 c, 31 a ′ to 31 c ′ AGC operation control circuit 41 CCD camera 42 42 ': external controller 43: revolver control unit 44: external communication interface 45: FS (field stop) 47) AS control unit 48 ... FS control unit 49 ... light amount control unit 52 ... imaging lens 53 ... stage control unit 54 ... top lens control unit 55 ... stage 56 ... top lens 71 ... second AGC operation control circuit 72 ... third AGC operation control circuit CP ... IC chip DP ... Dip switch LL ... conductive wire S ... sample SL ... slider TP ... contact

Claims (3)

[Claims] An image pickup means for picking up an optical image taken out of a microscope optical system comprising a plurality of optical members, and an amplification factor of the signal so as to keep an output signal level from the image pickup means within a certain range. Automatic gain control means for automatically adjusting; state detection means for detecting a state of at least one of the optical members of the optical system that affects the amount of light incident on the image pickup means; And an operation control means for controlling the temporary stop and the release of the signal amplification operation by the automatic gain control means in accordance with the detection result of the above. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an insertion / removal unit for inserting / removing an optical member for detecting a state by the state detection unit from / into an optical path; and an input unit for inputting a control instruction. The signal amplification operation by the automatic gain control unit is temporarily stopped by the control instruction input by the unit, and the signal amplification operation by the automatic gain control unit after the insertion / removal of the optical member into / from the optical path by the insertion / removal unit is completed. The microscope system according to claim 1, wherein the stop release of the microscope is controlled. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit for selecting whether or not the operation by the operation control unit is performed when the state detection unit detects a change in the state of at least one optical member. 3. The microscope system according to 2.