JPWO2018087819A1 - Microscope, microscope control method, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a microscope with high convenience. A microscope is different from a microscope main body and a first observation condition transmitted from an external device that controls the microscope main body and performs control according to the first observation condition. And a control unit that executes control according to the second observation condition.

Description

  The present invention relates to a microscope, a microscope control method, and a control program.

  The microscope may be provided with motorized parts (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). The motorized component includes, for example, a stage for holding a sample, an optical member (for example, a lens, a filter) provided in an illumination optical system or an imaging optical system, a holding member for holding an optical member (for example, a revolver), a sample An imaging device or the like for imaging the image. The motorized parts described above are controlled by the control of the microscope. The control unit of the microscope is connected to a computer outside the microscope by communication conforming to a communication standard such as RS232C or USB, for example. The user causes the microscope to execute an operation by sending an instruction to the microscope, for example, using an application on a computer, sending information (eg, objective magnification value, filter wavelength) to the microscope, current setting from the microscope , And can acquire information such as an imaging result.

Patent No. 4477181

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a first observation transmitted from an external device that controls the microscope main body and the microscope main body, and performs control according to the first observation condition, while controlling the microscope main body And a control unit that executes control according to a second observation condition different from the condition.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is transmitted from an external device that controls the microscope main body during execution of control of the microscope main body according to the first observation condition and control according to the first observation condition. And controlling the microscope body according to a second observation condition different from the first observation condition.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an external device for controlling the microscope main body according to the first observation condition and controlling the microscope main body during execution of the control according to the first observation condition. A control program is provided to execute controlling the microscope body according to a second observation condition different from the first observation condition transmitted from the control unit.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an illumination optical system for illuminating a sample, and a microscope body having an imaging unit for imaging the sample, a control unit for controlling the microscope body, and a plurality of members provided outside the microscope body. A communication port used for communication between an external device and a control unit is provided, and the control unit controls the operation of the microscope body based on a command supplied from at least one of the plurality of external devices via the communication port. A microscope is provided, comprising: an operation control unit; and a communication control unit that transmits state information indicating a state of a microscope main body to each of a plurality of external devices via a communication port.

It is a figure which shows the microscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and a microscope system. It is a figure which shows an example of the microscope main body which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing a microscope concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the timing of operation | movement of the microscope according to 1st instruction | command and 2nd instruction | command. It is a flow chart which shows operation of a microscope at the time of receiving the 1st command. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process of step S6. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the microscope at the time of receiving 2nd instruction | command. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process of step S46. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the microscope at the time of the state change not based on instruction | command. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of reception of the request | requirement of communication establishment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of reception of the request | requirement of communication establishment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of reception of the request | requirement of communication establishment. It is a figure which shows the microscope which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the microscope which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the microscope which concerns on 5th Embodiment, and a microscope system. It is a figure which shows the microscope which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the microscope concerning a 5th embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of reception of the request | requirement of establishment of communication. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of reception of the request | requirement of establishment of communication. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of reception of the request | requirement of establishment of communication. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement at the time of reception of instruction | command. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement at the time of reception of instruction | command. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the microscope at the time of the state change not based on instruction | command.

First Embodiment
The first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a view showing a microscope and a microscope system according to a first embodiment. The microscope system 1 includes a microscope 2, an external device 3a, an external device 3b, and an external device 3c.

  The microscope 2 and the external device 3a are installed, for example, in the experimental facility EX. The experimental equipment EX is, for example, a dark room, and can adjust environmental conditions such as temperature, brightness, and humidity. The microscope 2 can execute, for example, a plurality of types of observation methods. The microscope 2 can execute, for example, a first observation method and a second observation method. Here, it is assumed that the first observation method is a fluorescence observation method. The fluorescence observation method is an observation method of irradiating the sample S containing a fluorescent substance with excitation light (first illumination light) for exciting the fluorescent substance and detecting the fluorescence from the fluorescent substance. The type of fluorescent substance is selected in accordance with the substance to be detected in the sample S, and the wavelength of the excitation light is selected in accordance with the type of fluorescent substance.

  The second observation method described above is an observation method different from the first observation method. In the following description, observation methods other than the fluorescence observation method are called non-fluorescent observation methods. In the non-fluorescent observation method, the sample S is irradiated with illumination light (second illumination light), and the second illumination light (eg, reflected light, transmitted light, scattered light, diffracted light) passing through the sample S is detected. It is an observation method. The non-fluorescent observation method is, for example, phase contrast observation method, dark field observation method, differential interference observation method, or bright field observation method. In the second observation method, the wavelength of the second illumination light is selected from wavelengths different from the wavelength of the first illumination light in the first observation method. The second illumination light is set such that the light amount of the excitation light is smaller than that of the first illumination light, and does not include the excitation wavelength of the fluorescent material, for example. In the following description, it is assumed that the second observation method is a phase contrast observation method.

  The microscope 2 includes a microscope body 4, a control unit 5, a first communication port 6, and a second communication port 7. The microscope main body 4 is capable of detecting the sample S by fluorescence observation and detecting the sample S by phase contrast observation. The microscope main body 4 can acquire a captured image of the sample S by the fluorescence observation method (hereinafter, referred to as a fluorescence observation image). Moreover, the microscope main body 4 can acquire a captured image of the sample S by the phase contrast observation method (hereinafter referred to as a phase contrast observation image). The controller 5 controls each part of the microscope main body 4. The microscope main body 4 and the control unit 5 will be described later also with reference to FIGS.

  The first communication port 6 and the second communication port 7 are signal transmitting / receiving units used for communication between an external device (for example, the external devices 3 a to 3 c) provided outside the microscope main body 4 and the control unit 5. The external device 3a, the external device 3b, and the external device 3c respectively supply a command to the microscope 2 and cause the microscope 2 to execute an operation according to the command. The external device 3a, the external device 3b, and the external device 3c each control the microscope main body 4 by supplying the above-described commands. Thus, the microscope 2 includes a plurality of signal transmitting / receiving units (first communication port 6) used for communication between the control unit 5 and an external device (for example, at least one of the external devices 3a to 3c) that controls the microscope main body 4 And a second communication port 7). In addition, the microscope 2 is a signal transmission / reception unit (first communication port 6 or the first communication port 6 used for communication between a plurality of external devices (for example, at least two of the external devices 3a to 3c) that control the microscope main body 4 2 Communication port 7) is provided.

  In the microscope 2 according to the present embodiment, the communication standard differs between the first communication port 6 and the second communication port 7. The communication standard of the first communication port 6 is, for example, a universal serial bus (USB). The communication standard of the second communication port 7 is, for example, a standard of a local area network (LAN) (for example, Ethernet (registered trademark)).

  The microscope 2 is supplied with the first command from the external device 3 a via the first communication port 6. The external device 3a is provided, for example, inside the experimental facility EX. The external device 3a is, for example, a stationary computer system. The external device 3 a is connected to the first communication port 6 by wire or wirelessly, and can communicate with the control unit 5 via the first communication port 6. The external device 3 a transmits, to the control unit 5 via the first communication port 6, a first command that causes the microscope main body 4 to execute a series of processes related to the fluorescence observation method.

  The external device 3a repeatedly transmits, for example, the first command at a predetermined timing (schedule), and the control unit 5 causes the microscope main body 4 to repeatedly perform imaging of the sample S in response to the first command. Further, the microscope 2 transmits the data of the fluorescence observation image acquired in response to the first command to the external device 3a via the first communication port 6. Thereby, the microscope 2 can perform periodic observation (hereinafter referred to as time-lapse observation) on the sample S. For example, the microscope 2 acquires fluorescence observation images at predetermined time intervals (eg, one hour intervals) over several days or tens of days. The period (period of time-lapse observation) in which the microscope 2 picks up a fluorescence observation image may be constant, or the period may be changed, for example, every one hour, every two hours (an indeterminate period may be used) .

  In addition, the microscope 2 is supplied with the second command from the external device 3 b via the second communication port 7. The external device 3b is provided, for example, outside the experimental equipment EX. The external device 3b is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a tablet or a smartphone. The external device 3 b is connected to the second communication port 7 by wire or wirelessly, and can communicate with the control unit 5 via the second communication port 7. The external device 3 b transmits, to the control unit 5 via the second communication port 7, a second command that causes the microscope body 4 to execute a series of processes related to the phase contrast observation method. The microscope 2 captures a phase contrast observation image in response to the second command, and transmits data of the phase contrast observation image to the external device 3 b via the second communication port 7. The external device 3 b can display a phase contrast observation image by data of the phase contrast observation image received from the microscope 2.

  The timing at which the external device 3b transmits the second command is arbitrary. For example, the user may supply the second command to the microscope 2 by operating the external device 3b at the timing at which the user wishes to view the phase difference observation image. For example, the user operates the external device 3b at an arbitrary timing from the end of the previous fluorescence observation (imaging of the fluorescence observation image) to the start of the next fluorescence observation (imaging of the fluorescence observation image) in the time-lapse observation. , You can know the progress of the experiment.

  The external device 3c is, for example, a stationary computer system. The external device 3 c is connected to the second communication port 7 by wire or wireless, and can communicate with the control unit 5 via the second communication port 7. The external device 3c can cause the microscope 2 to execute a series of processes related to phase contrast observation, as in the external device 3b.

  The external device 3b may be a stationary computer system, and the external device 3c may be a portable information terminal. Further, the type of external device communicably connected to the control unit 5 via the second communication port 7 is not limited to a portable information terminal or a stationary computer system. The number of external devices communicably connected to the control unit 5 via the second communication port 7 is two in FIG. 1, but may be one or three or more. In addition, the control unit 5 may cause the microscope main body 4 to perform an operation based on only one of the first command and the second command described above, or based on both the first command and the second command described above. The operation may be performed by the microscope main body 4.

  Next, each part of the microscope 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a microscope main body. The microscope main body 4 has a stage 11 for holding the sample S, an illumination optical system 12 for illuminating the sample S, and an imaging unit 13 for imaging the sample S. The stage 11 is, for example, an XY stage, and the sample S can be placed on the upper surface thereof, and can be moved in the horizontal direction by the drive unit 14. The illumination optical system 12 includes a first illumination optical system 12a according to a first observation method (eg, fluorescence observation method) and a second illumination optical system according to a second observation method (eg, phase contrast observation method) And 12b.

  The first illumination optical system 12 a guides the first illumination light emitted by the first light source 21 to the sample S. The wavelength of the first illumination light includes the excitation wavelength of the fluorescent substance contained in the sample S. The first light source 21 may be a solid light source such as an LED (light emitting diode) or an LD (laser diode), or may be a mercury lamp light source. The microscope 2 may not include the first light source 21. For example, the first light source 21 may be exchangeably provided to the microscope 2 and may be attached to the microscope 2 when performing observation.

  The first illumination optical system 12 a irradiates the sample S with the first illumination light from the first light source 21 by epi-illumination, for example. The first illumination optical system 12 a includes a light blocking member 22, an optical path switching member 23, and an objective lens 24 on the light emission side of the first light source 21. In fluorescence observation, the first illumination light emitted from the first light source 21 is irradiated to the sample S via the optical path switching member 23 and the objective lens 24.

  The light blocking member 22 is a shutter for fluorescence observation. The light blocking member 22 is detachably provided in the light path from the first light source 21 to the light path switching member 23. The driving unit 25 retracts the light blocking member 22 from the light path at the time of fluorescence observation. In addition, the drive unit 25 arranges (inserts) the light blocking member 22 in the light path. The light blocking member 22 is inserted in the above-described light path to block the first illumination light from the first light source 21, and suppresses the irradiation of the first illumination light onto the sample S. For example, when a mercury lamp light source is used as the first light source 21, the mercury lamp is turned on, the light shielding member 22 is retracted from the light path, and the first illumination light is irradiated to the specimen S. To block the first illumination light. The microscope 2 may not include the light shielding member 22. For example, the illumination light of the first illumination light may be switched on / off of the specimen S by switching on and off of the first light source 21.

  The optical path switching member 23 is, for example, a dichroic mirror, and has a characteristic of reflecting at least a part of the first illumination light. The first illumination light reflected by the light path switching member 23 is irradiated onto the sample S via the objective lens 24. The fluorescent substance contained in the sample S emits fluorescence upon irradiation of the first illumination light (excitation light).

  The second illumination optical system 12 b guides the second illumination light emitted by the second light source 26 to the sample S. The wavelength of the second illumination light is set to a wavelength that avoids the excitation wavelength of the fluorescent substance contained in the sample S. The second light source 26 may be the above-described solid light source or a lamp light source. The microscope 2 may not include the second light source 26. For example, the second light source 26 may be exchangeably provided to the microscope 2 and may be attached to the microscope 2 when performing observation.

  The imaging unit 13 includes an imaging optical system 27 (imaging optical system) and an imaging element 28. The imaging optical system 27 includes an objective lens 24, an objective lens 29, an optical path switching member 23, and a fluorescent filter 30. The objective lens 24 is for fluorescence observation, and the objective lens 29 is for phase difference observation. The objective lens 24 and the objective lens 29 are held by, for example, a revolver 31. The revolver 31 is driven by the drive unit 32, and can switch an objective lens disposed in the optical path of the imaging optical system 27. In the fluorescence observation, the drive unit 32 drives the revolver 31 to arrange the objective lens 24 for fluorescence observation in the light path of the imaging optical system 27. In the phase difference observation, the drive unit 32 drives the revolver 31 to arrange the objective lens 29 for phase difference observation in the optical path of the imaging optical system 27. The number of objective lenses provided in the microscope 2 is arbitrary, and the microscope 2 may include a plurality of objective lenses having different magnifications.

  The optical path switching member 23 is shared with the first illumination optical system 12a, and has a property of transmitting at least a part of the fluorescence from the fluorescent material contained in the sample S. The optical path switching member 23 is driven by the drive unit 33 and can be inserted into and removed from the optical path of the imaging optical system 27. In the fluorescence observation, the drive unit 33 arranges (inserts) the optical path switching member 23 in the optical path of the imaging optical system 27. Further, in phase difference observation, the drive unit 33 retracts the light path switching member 23 from the light path of the imaging optical system 27.

  The fluorescence filter 30 is a wavelength selection filter, and has a property of transmitting at least a part of the fluorescence from the fluorescent substance contained in the sample S and blocking at least a part of the light having a wavelength different from the fluorescence. The light having a wavelength different from that of the fluorescence is, for example, ambient light, stray light, or the first illumination light (excitation light) reflected by the sample S. The fluorescent filter 30 can be inserted into and removed from the optical path of the imaging optical system 27. The driving unit 34 arranges (inserts) the fluorescence filter 30 in the light path of the imaging optical system 27 at the time of fluorescence observation. Further, the driver 34 retracts the fluorescent filter 30 from the optical path of the imaging optical system 27 at the time of phase contrast observation.

  The optical path switching member 23 and the fluorescent filter 30 may be integrated to form an optical unit, and the microscope 2 may be configured to use the above optical unit in the optical path of the imaging optical system 27 for fluorescence observation and other observation. You may insert or remove. In addition, one or both of the light path switching member 23 and the fluorescent filter 30 may be provided in a plurality according to at least one of the wavelength of excitation light, the wavelength of fluorescence, and the type of fluorescent material. For example, the microscope 2 may include a plurality of fluorescence filters having different transmission wavelengths, and may switch the fluorescence filters disposed in the light path according to the wavelength of the fluorescence.

  The imaging device 28 is, for example, a two-dimensional image sensor such as a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor. The imaging device 28 has a light receiving surface in which photoelectric conversion devices such as photodiodes are two-dimensionally arrayed. The imaging optical system 27 projects an image of the sample S (object plane) onto the image plane, and the light receiving surface of the imaging device 28 is disposed at or near the image plane of the imaging optical system 27. The imaging device 28 generates digital image data by amplifying the charges from the photoelectric conversion device and performing A / D conversion, and outputs the image data. In the present embodiment, the microscope 2 includes an observation optical system 35. The observation optical system 35 is branched from the imaging optical system 27 and forms an image of the sample S. The user can observe the image of the sample S through the eyepiece 36 of the observation optical system 35. The microscope 2 may not include the observation optical system 35.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a microscope according to the present embodiment. The control unit 5 controls the microscope main body 4. During execution of control according to the first observation condition, the control unit 5 executes control according to the second observation condition different from the first observation condition transmitted from the external device that controls the microscope main body 4 Do. In the present embodiment, the observation method is different between the first observation condition and the second observation condition. For example, the observation method (first observation method) under the first observation condition is a fluorescence observation method, and the observation method (second observation method) under the second observation condition is a bright field observation method. The control unit 5 executes control corresponding to the observation in the second observation method under the second observation condition while executing control according to the first observation method under the first observation condition. The control unit 5 gives priority to control according to the first observation method (for example, fluorescence observation method) over control according to the second observation method (for example, bright field observation method, phase contrast observation method) Run.

  Note that the observation method may be the same for the first observation condition and the second observation condition, and for example, the brightness of the illumination, the magnification of the image, and the range of the visual field for the first observation condition and the second observation condition. At least one may be different.

  The control unit 5 includes a communication control unit 41, an operation control unit 42, a storage unit 43, a connection control unit 44, a security unit 45, and a command lock unit 46. The communication control unit 41 includes a first communication control unit 41a and a second communication control unit 41b. The first communication control unit 41 a is, for example, a USB peripheral controller, and controls communication via the first communication port 6. The second communication control unit 41 b has, for example, a DHCP server function or the like, and controls communication via the second communication port 7.

  The operation control unit 42 controls the operation of various components (various members, electric members, movable members) provided in the microscope main body 4. The various components described above are electric components such as the first light source 21, the second light source 26, and the imaging device 28, and the light shielding member 22, the objective lens 24, the objective lens 29, the fluorescent filter 30, the focus lens 47, the stage 11, etc. Including at least one of the movable parts of

  The microscope main body 4 includes a light source drive unit 48 that drives the first light source 21 and a light source drive unit 49 that drives the second light source 26. The operation control unit 42 controls the light source drive unit 48 and the light source drive unit 49. . For example, the light source drive unit 48 can switch between turning on and off the first light source 21 by controlling the power (for example, current) supplied to the first light source 21. The operation control unit 42 controls turning on and off of the first light source 21 by sending an instruction to the light source driving unit 48. The light source drive unit 49 is similar to the light source drive unit 48, and the operation control unit 42 controls turning on and off of the second light source 26 by sending an instruction to the light source drive unit 49.

  The microscope main body 4 also includes an imaging control unit 50 that controls the imaging element 28, and the operation control unit 42 controls the imaging control unit 50. The imaging control unit 50 supplies, to the imaging element 28, information of settings that define imaging conditions such as shutter speed and imaging mode, for example. The shooting mode is, for example, a mode in which a plurality of shootings are continuously performed in response to one shooting command (hereinafter referred to as continuous shooting mode) and a mode in which one shooting is performed in response to one shooting command And single shooting mode). In the continuous shooting mode, the imaging device 28 repeatedly performs imaging until receiving an imaging stop command, and periodically outputs data of the captured image.

  In addition, the imaging control unit 50 sends an instruction to the imaging element 28 to execute imaging. Further, the imaging control unit 50 receives data of an image corresponding to an imaging result from the imaging device 28. The imaging control unit 50 causes the imaging device 28 to perform imaging under a predetermined imaging condition according to a command supplied from the operation control unit 42, and supplies data of an image from the imaging device 28 to the operation control unit 42.

  In addition, the microscope main body 4 includes a detection unit (sensors 51a to 51f) that detects the operation of the movable component described above, and the operation control unit 42 controls the operation of the movable component based on the detection result of the sensors 51a to 51f. (Eg, feedback control). For example, the sensor 51 a detects the position of the light path switching member 23, and outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 42. The operation control unit 42 supplies, to the drive unit 33, information of the drive amount required to arrange the optical path switching member 23 at the target position based on the detection result of the sensor 51a. The drive unit 33 moves the optical path switching member 23 based on the information of the drive amount supplied from the operation control unit 42, and arranges the optical path switching member 23 at the target position. Thus, the operation control unit 42 inserts the optical path switching member 23 in the optical path of the first illumination optical system 12a (see FIG. 2) and the optical path of the optical path switching member 23 in the first illumination optical system 12a. Switch to the save state saved from. Further, the operation control unit 42 causes the storage unit 43 to store state information indicating the state (for example, the position, the insertion state, and the retraction state) of the light path switching member 23 based on the detection result of the sensor 51a.

  The sensor 51 b detects the position of the light blocking member 22, and outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 42. The operation control unit 42 supplies the drive unit 25 with information of the drive amount required to arrange the light blocking member 22 at the target position based on the detection result of the sensor 51 b. The drive unit 25 moves the light blocking member 22 based on the information of the drive amount supplied from the operation control unit 42, and places the light blocking member 22 at the target position. Thereby, the operation control unit 42 switches between a light blocking state in which the light blocking member 22 blocks the first illumination light from the first light source 21 and a passing state in which the light blocking member 22 does not block the first illumination light. In addition, the operation control unit 42 causes the storage unit 43 to store state information indicating the state (for example, the position, the light shielding state, and the passing state) of the light shielding member 22 based on the detection result of the sensor 51b.

  The sensor 51 c detects the position (e.g., the rotational position) of the revolver 31 (see FIG. 2) and outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 42. The operation control unit 42 supplies the drive unit 32 with information of the drive amount required to arrange the objective lens used for observation in the optical path based on the detection result of the sensor 51 c. The drive unit 32 moves the revolver 31 based on the information of the drive amount supplied from the operation control unit 42, and arranges the objective lens used for observation in the optical path. Thereby, the operation control unit 42 switches between the state in which the objective lens 24 is disposed in the light path and the state in which the objective lens 29 is disposed in the light path. The operation control unit 42 causes the storage unit 43 to store state information indicating which objective lens is disposed in the optical path based on the detection result of the sensor 51 c.

  The sensor 51 d detects the position of the fluorescent filter 30, and outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 42. The operation control unit 42 supplies the drive unit 34 with information on the amount of drive required to place the fluorescent filter 30 at the target position based on the detection result of the sensor 51 d. The drive unit 34 moves the fluorescence filter 30 based on the information of the drive amount supplied from the operation control unit 42, and arranges the fluorescence filter 30 at the target position. Thus, the operation control unit 42 switches between the insertion state in which the fluorescent filter 30 is disposed in the light path and the retracted state in which the fluorescent filter 30 is retracted from the light path. In addition, the operation control unit 42 causes the storage unit 43 to store state information indicating the state (eg, position, insertion state, retraction state) of the fluorescence filter 30 based on the detection result of the sensor 51 d. When a plurality of fluorescent filters are provided so as to be switchable, the operation control unit 42 causes the storage unit 43 to store the type (for example, identification information, ID) of the fluorescent filters disposed in the light path.

  The sensor 51 e detects the position of the focus lens 47, and outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 42. The focus lens 47 is an optical member provided in the imaging optical system 27, and adjusts the focus position (focusing position) of the imaging optical system 27 by moving by the drive unit 52. The operation control unit 42 supplies, to the drive unit 52, information of the drive amount required to arrange the focus lens 47 at the target position based on the detection result of the sensor 51e. The drive unit 52 moves the focus lens 47 based on the information of the drive amount supplied from the operation control unit 42, and arranges the focus lens 47 at the target position. In addition, the operation control unit 42 causes the storage unit 43 to store state information indicating the state (for example, the in-focus position) of the focus lens 47 based on the detection result of the sensor 51 e.

  The sensor 51 f detects the position of the stage 11 and outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 42. The operation control unit 42 supplies the drive unit 14 with information of the drive amount required to arrange the stage 11 at the target position based on the detection result of the sensor 51 f. The drive unit 14 moves the stage 11 based on the information of the drive amount supplied from the operation control unit 42, and places the stage 11 at the target position. Thereby, the operation control unit 42 can relatively move the field of view of the imaging optical system 27 and the sample S to switch the portion of the sample S to be observed. In addition, the operation control unit 42 causes the storage unit 43 to store state information indicating the state (eg, position) of the stage 11 based on the detection result of the sensor 51 f.

  The operation control unit 42 causes the microscope main body 4 to detect the sample S by the first observation method (for example, the fluorescence observation method) based on the first command supplied via the first communication port 6. The control unit 5 controls an operation in which the microscope main body 4 uses the first illumination optical system 12a based on the control signal (for example, the first command) of the first observation condition. For example, the operation control unit 42 causes the imaging unit 13 to detect the sample S using the first illumination optical system 12 a based on the first command. For example, the operation control unit 42 arranges the light path switching member 23, the objective lens 24, and the fluorescent filter 30 in the light path based on the first command, and the light blocking member 22 retracts from the light path. To illuminate the first illumination light (excitation light) on the sample S, and the sample S is imaged by the imaging device 28.

  In addition, the operation control unit 42 controls the sample S by the second observation method (for example, the phase difference observation method) different from the first observation method based on the second command supplied via the second communication port 7. The detection is performed on the microscope body 4. The control unit 5 controls an operation in which the microscope main body 4 uses the second illumination optical system 12 b based on the control signal (for example, the second command) of the second observation condition. For example, the operation control unit 42 causes the imaging unit 13 to detect the sample S using the second illumination optical system 12 b based on the second command. For example, based on the second command, the operation control unit 42 retracts the light path switching member 23 and the fluorescent filter 30 from the light path, and arranges the objective lens 29 in the light path. In this state, the operation control unit 42 turns on the second light source 26 to irradiate the specimen S with the second illumination light, and causes the imaging device 28 to image the specimen S.

  Note that at least one of the movable parts (for example, the stage 11) may be movable, for example, by the user operating the operation handle. In this case, the detection unit (for example, the sensor 51f) detects the position of the movable part (for example, the stage 11) moved manually, and the operation control unit detects state information of the movable part corresponding to the detection result of the detection unit. It is stored in the storage unit 43. In addition, at least one of the movable parts described above may not be motorized, and for example, the fluorescent filter 30 may be inserted and withdrawn in the light path by the user's operation (manually).

  The connection control unit 44 of the control unit 5 controls whether or not establishment of communication via the second communication port 7 is permitted. In the following description, a request for establishment of communication via the second communication port 7 will be referred to as "connection request", that communication is established will be referred to as "connected", and that communication is not established will be referred to as "connected". It is called "not connected". When the second communication control unit 41 b receives the connection request via the second communication port 7, the second communication control unit 41 b assigns an identification number (for example, an IP address) to the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request. Further, the second communication control unit 41b stores connection information in which the IP address and the port number are associated with each other in table data (hereinafter referred to as a connection table). The connection control unit 44 determines, for example, using the connection table, whether or not establishment of communication via the second communication port 7 is permitted. The connection control unit 44 permits establishment of communication between the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request and the control unit 5 when the predetermined first condition is satisfied. The first predetermined condition will be described in the second embodiment.

  The security unit 45 controls the connection with the external device. For example, when the communication control unit 41 receives a connection request via the second communication port 7, the security unit 45 transmits a password to the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request via the second communication port 7. Request to send. When the password transmitted through the second communication port 7 is different from the password stored in the storage unit 43, the security unit 45 permits connection between the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request and the control unit 5. do not do.

  The security unit 45 may determine that the predetermined first condition is satisfied when the password from the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request matches the predetermined password, and in this case, the security unit 45 Functions as a connection control unit. The microscope 2 may switch between a mode in which the security unit 45 performs authentication with a password and a mode in which the security unit 45 does not perform authentication. For example, when no password is set, authentication with a password may not be performed. In addition, the control unit 5 may not include the security unit 45.

  The control unit 5 performs control by, for example, prioritizing control according to the first observation condition and control according to the second observation condition. For example, the control unit 5 causes the first command supplied via the first communication port 6 to be executed prior to the second command supplied via the second communication port 7. For example, when the second observation condition is transmitted during the execution of the control according to the first observation condition, the control unit 5 suspends or refuses the execution of the control according to the second observation condition. For example, when the second command is supplied while the first command is being executed, the control unit 5 suspends or refuses the execution of the second command.

  When the execution of the second instruction is suspended, the control unit 5 executes the second instruction after the execution of the first instruction is completed. Further, when refusing the execution of the second instruction, the control unit 5 does not execute the second instruction supplied during the execution of the first instruction after the execution of the first instruction is completed. Further, when the first command is supplied while the second command is being executed, the control unit 5 suspends the execution of the second command and executes the first command. The command lock unit 46 of the control unit 5 determines which command is to be executed or which command is not to be executed.

  For example, the command lock unit 46 determines whether to cause the microscope main body 4 to execute the second command supplied through the second communication port 7. When it is determined that the second command is to be executed by the microscope main body 4, the command lock unit 46 transmits the second command to the operation control unit 42, and the operation control unit 42 executes the second command to the microscope main body 4 Let In addition, when the command lock unit 46 determines that the second command is not to be executed by the microscope body, the command lock unit 46 prohibits the microscope body 4 from executing the command by not transmitting the second command to the operation control unit 42. . When the command lock unit 46 suspends the execution of the second command, for example, the command lock unit transmits the second command to the operation control unit 42 after the microscope main body 4 executes the first command. In addition, when interrupting the execution of the second command, the command lock unit 46 sends a command to the operation control unit 42 to request the interruption of the second command.

  For example, when the first communication control unit 41a receives the first command, the command lock unit 46 transmits the first command to the operation control unit 42 without rejecting the first command, and the operation control unit 42 is designated by the first command. The microscope body 4 is caused to execute the above operation. The operation specified in the first command is a series of operations related to fluorescence observation. For example, lighting of the first light source 21, insertion of the light path switching member 23 into the light path, retraction of the light shielding member 22 from the light path, objective lens The insertion of the light source 24 into the light path, the insertion of the fluorescent filter 30 into the light path, and the like.

  In addition, the command lock unit 46 transmits the second command to the operation control unit 42 when the operation specified in the second command does not correspond to a predetermined predetermined operation (for example, prohibited operation), and the operation control unit 42 causes the microscope main body 4 to execute the second command. The predetermined operation is, for example, an operation having a relatively large influence on the observation result of the fluorescence observation among a plurality of operations which can be performed by the microscope main body 4. The predetermined operation includes, for example, lighting of the first light source 21 and retraction of the light shielding member 22 from the light path, contact with the sample S by an operation member such as a manipulator, a drug for cells in the case where the sample S contains cells (eg, Administration of the culture solution). For example, lighting of the first light source 21 may cause the fluorescent material of the sample S to be faded or the like by irradiating the sample S with the first illumination light, which may affect the observation result of the fluorescence observation. The command lock unit 46 does not transmit the second command to the operation control unit 42 when the operation specified by the second command includes lighting (predetermined operation) of the first light source 21.

  The operation setting that defines the predetermined operation described above is stored in storage unit 43, and based on the operation setting stored in storage unit 43, command lock unit 46 permits execution of the second command. Determine if Also, the external device can set the above-mentioned predetermined operation by transmitting a command specifying the above-mentioned predetermined operation to the control unit 5. For example, the user operates the external device 3a of FIG. 1 to transmit a command designating the predetermined operation from the external device 3a to the control unit 5 via the first communication port 6. The command lock unit 46 sets a predetermined operation by updating the operation setting based on the command supplied from the external device 3 a via the first communication port 6.

  In addition, the command lock unit 46 determines whether to execute the operation specified by the second command according to the timing when the operation specified by the first command is performed. The control unit 5 executes, for example, control according to the first observation condition (for example, control according to the first command) in a predetermined first period, and control according to the second observation condition ( For example, control according to the second command is performed in a second period that does not overlap with the first period.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the timing of the operation of the microscope according to the first command and the second command. In the “first command” of FIG. 4, “ON” is a state in which the first command is supplied via the first communication port 6, and “OFF” is a state in which the first command is transmitted via the first communication port 6. Is not supplied. The first command is supplied, for example, at a time interval T1 (period), and becomes “ON”.

  When the first command is supplied, the operation control unit 42 enables ("ON") the fluorescence observation illumination in the period T2. The state in which the fluorescence observation illumination is effective is a state in which the light path switching member 23, the objective lens 24, and the fluorescent filter 30 are disposed in the light path, the light shielding member 22 retracts from the light path, and the first light source 21 is lit. The state in which the fluorescence observation illumination is invalid ("OFF") is at least one of the state in which the first light source 21 is turned off and the state in which the light shielding member 22 is inserted into the light path. The operation control unit 42 causes the imaging unit 13 to execute (“ON”) the imaging for fluorescence observation in the first period T3 in the period T2.

  Further, the command lock unit 46 causes the imaging unit 13 to perform imaging for phase difference in the second period T4 that does not overlap with the first period T3. In the “second command” of FIG. 4, “ON” is a state in which the second command is supplied via the second communication port 7, and “OFF” is a state in which the second command is transmitted via the second communication port 7. Is not supplied. The second command is supplied at an arbitrary timing, for example, in response to the user's request.

  For example, when the second command is supplied in a period T5 in which a series of operations of fluorescence observation are being performed, the command lock unit 46 suspends or rejects the execution of the operation specified in the second command. The period T5 is, for example, a period from the time when the first command is supplied (the rising of "ON" of the "first command") to the time when the illumination for fluorescence observation is switched to ineffective ("OFF"). The second period T4 is, for example, a period which does not overlap with the period T5, and from the time when the illumination for fluorescence observation is switched to ineffective ("OFF"), until the first command is supplied next ("ON") It is a period of

  When the second command is supplied in the second period T4, the operation control unit 42 enables ("ON") the illumination for phase difference observation in the period T6. The state in which the illumination for phase contrast observation is effective is a state in which the light path switching member 23 and the fluorescent filter 30 are retracted from the light path, the objective lens 29 is inserted in the light path, and the second light source 26 is lit. The state in which the illumination for phase contrast observation is invalid ("OFF") is a state in which the second light source 26 is turned off. The operation control unit 42 causes the imaging unit 13 to execute ("ON") imaging for phase difference observation in a period T7 within the period T6. In FIG. 4, although the second command is supplied only in one second period T4 among the plurality of second periods T4, the number of times the second command is supplied is arbitrary, for example, two or more It may be supplied in each of two periods T4.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 3, schedule information that defines the timing of the operation related to the fluorescence observation is stored in the storage unit 43 in advance. For example, prior to the start of the time-lapse observation, the external device 3a in FIG. 1 transmits the above-described schedule information to the first communication control unit 41a via the first communication port 6. The first communication control unit 41 a causes the storage unit 43 to store the schedule information received via the first communication port 6. The command lock unit 46 sets a period T5 in which the second command supplied from the second communication port 7 is not executed, based on the schedule information stored in the storage unit 43. The command lock unit 46 determines whether to execute the second command based on the set period T5 and the time when the second command is supplied. In the command lock unit 46, even in the prohibited period (period T5) of the operation specified in the second command, the operation specified in the second command does not correspond to the above-described predetermined operation (prohibited operation). , Prohibit the execution of the operation specified in the second command.

  The above schedule information may be supplied from a device other than the external device 3a, or may not be supplied to the microscope 2. For example, every time the external device 3a executes the detection of the sample S by the fluorescence observation method, the external device 3a may prohibit the execution of the second command in the detection period. For example, when the external device 3a causes the microscope 2 to execute the detection of the sample S by the fluorescence observation method, the external device 3a supplies the microscope 2 with a notification for announcing the detection only a predetermined time before the scheduled start of detection. May be The command lock unit 46 may prohibit the operation specified by the second command for a predetermined time after the control unit 5 receives this notification. In this case, the notice to give notice corresponds to execution permission information indicating that the operation according to the second command is not permitted (prohibited).

  For example, the control unit 5 performs control to transmit state information indicating the state of the microscope main body 4 to an external device (e.g., at least one of 3a to 3c in FIG. 1). The storage unit 43 stores state information (for example, current setting information) of various parts provided in the microscope main body 4. For example, the storage unit 43 indicates whether each of the light path switching member 23, the light shielding member 22, and the fluorescent filter 30 is set to be inserted in the light path or set to be retracted from the light path. Store state information. Further, the storage unit 43 stores state information of the objective lens indicating whether the objective lens disposed in the optical path is the objective lens 24 or the objective lens 29.

  When the operation control unit 42 causes the microscope main body 4 to execute an operation based on the first command, the communication control unit 41 reads the state information corresponding to the result from the storage unit 43, and via the second communication port 7. It may be sent to an external device (eg, the external device 3b of FIG. 1). For example, the user can know through the external device 3b whether the external device 3a causes the microscope 2 to execute the process related to the time-lapse observation.

  Further, when the operation control unit 42 causes the microscope main body 4 to execute the operation based on the second command, the communication control unit 41 reads the state information corresponding to the result from the storage unit 43, and the first communication port 6 It may be transmitted to an external device (eg, the external device 3a in FIG. 1) via In this case, the external device 3a can grasp the current state (setting) of the microscope 2. For example, when causing the microscope 2 to execute the operation related to the time-lapse observation, the external device 3a can supply the microscope 2 with a command according to the current state.

  Also, when the microscope 2 is operated manually, when the state of the microscope 2 changes due to earthquake etc., the state information is different from the result of the operation specified by the first command, and the state information is specified by the second command May differ from the result of the When the operation detected by the detection unit (sensors 51a to 51f) is different from any of the operation specified by the first command and the operation specified by the second command, the control unit 5 determines the state information (eg, sensors 51a to 51f). The detection result of (1) may be transmitted via one or both of the first communication port 6 and the second communication port 7. For example, when the user manually operates the microscope 2, the user knows that the state of the microscope 2 is different from the planned state by the external device (eg, the external device 3 a, the external device 3 b) it can.

  Next, based on the operation of the microscope system 1 described above, a control method of the microscope 2 according to the embodiment will be described. First, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the operation of the microscope when the first command is received will be described. Next, the operation of the microscope when receiving the second command will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Next, with reference to FIG. 9, an operation when the state of the microscope changes regardless of the command (first command and second command) will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the microscope when receiving the first command. About each part of the microscope system 1, FIG. 3 is referred suitably. The control method of the microscope according to the present embodiment is transmitted from an external device that controls the microscope main body during control of the microscope main body according to the first observation condition and control according to the first observation condition. Controlling the microscope body according to a second viewing condition different from the first viewing condition.

  In step S1 of FIG. 5, the first communication control unit 41a determines (monitors) whether or not there is a reception request via the first communication port 6. If it is determined that there is a reception request via the first communication port 6 (step S1; Yes), the first communication control unit 41a receives a command corresponding to the reception request in step S2. When it is determined that there is no reception request via the first communication port 6 (step S1; No), the first communication control unit 41a repeatedly performs the process of step S1.

  In step S3, the control unit 5 determines whether the content of the command received in step S2 is an information request. The information request is a command for requesting transmission of status information of the microscope 2. When the control unit 5 determines that the content of the command received in step S2 is an information request (step S3; Yes), the state information stored in the storage unit 43 is transmitted to the first communication control unit in step S4. It transmits from the first communication port 6 by 41a.

  When the control unit 5 determines that the content of the command received in step S2 is not an information request (step S3; No), it determines whether or not the content of this command is a control command in step S5. The control command is a command for specifying the operation (drive, control) of various parts (the above-described electric parts and movable parts) provided in the microscope 2. When the control unit 5 determines that the content of the command received in step S2 is a control command (step S5; Yes), in step S6, the operation control unit 42 performs the operation specified in the control command as the microscope main body 4 Run on various parts of

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of step S5 and step S6. In step S21, the control unit 5 determines whether to start shooting of time-lapse observation. If the control unit 5 determines in step S5 of FIG. 5 that it is a control command (step S5; Yes), it determines in step S21 that imaging of time lapse observation is to be started (step S21; Yes). In addition, when it is determined that the control command is not a control command in step S5 of FIG. 5 (step S5; No), the control unit 5 determines in step S21 that imaging of time lapse observation is not started (step S21; No).

  If the control unit 5 determines that shooting of the time-lapse observation is to be started (step S21; Yes), the command lock unit 46 sets a command lock in step S22. For example, the command lock unit 46 sets a command lock by setting a flag indicating that the operation of the microscope main body 4 by the second command is prohibited. In step S23, the operation control unit 42 supplies the imaging control unit 50 with an instruction to specify the imaging mode, and sets the imaging mode of the imaging device 28. For example, the operation control unit 42 designates the single shooting mode as the shooting mode.

  In step S24, the operation control unit 42 controls the light source drive unit 49 to set the second light source 26 for phase difference observation to be turned off. When the second light source 26 is turned off, the operation control unit 42 maintains the state. In step S25, the operation control unit 42 controls the drive unit 32 to set the objective lens 24 for fluorescence observation. For example, the operation control unit 42 causes the drive unit 32 to arrange the objective lens 24 in the optical path. When the objective lens 24 is disposed in the optical path, the operation control unit 42 maintains that state.

  In step S26, the operation control unit 42 controls the drive unit 34 to insert the fluorescent filter 30 into the light path. The operation control unit 42 maintains the state when the fluorescent filter 30 is inserted in the light path. In step S27, the operation control unit 42 sets an optical path for fluorescence observation. For example, the operation control unit 42 controls the drive unit 33 to insert the light path switching member 23 into the light path. When the light path switching member 23 is inserted into the light path, the operation control unit 42 maintains the state.

  In step S28, the operation control unit 42 opens the shutter (light shielding member 22) for fluorescence observation. For example, the operation control unit 42 controls the drive unit 25 to retract the light blocking member 22 from the light path. In step S29, the operation control unit 42 controls the drive unit 14 to set the position of the stage 11. In step S30, the operation control unit 42 controls the drive unit 52 to set the position of the focus lens 47, and sets the focus (focusing position) of the imaging optical system 27.

  In step S31, the operation control unit 42 controls the imaging control unit 50 to cause the imaging element 28 to perform imaging. The operation control unit 42 receives data of an image captured by the imaging device 28 from the imaging control unit 50, and causes the storage unit 43 to store data of the image. In step S32, the operation control unit 42 closes the shutter (light blocking member 22) for fluorescence observation. For example, the operation control unit 42 controls the drive unit 25 to insert the light blocking member 22 into the light path. In step S33, the command lock unit 46 releases the command lock. For example, the command lock unit 46 releases the command lock by removing the flag indicating that the operation of the microscope main body 4 by the second command is prohibited.

  In step S34, the control unit 5 determines whether all imagings scheduled in the time-lapse observation have ended. For example, when a preset time has elapsed from the start of shooting of the time-lapse observation, or when shooting of a preset number of images has ended, the control unit 5 performs all shooting scheduled in the time-lapse observation. It determines that it has ended. If the control unit 5 determines that the scheduled partial imaging has not ended (step S34; No), the control unit 5 returns to step S21 and repeats the subsequent processing. In addition, when the control unit 5 determines that all scheduled imaging has been completed (Step S34; Yes), the control unit 5 ends a series of processes related to the time-lapse observation.

  Referring back to FIG. 5, in step S7, the first communication control unit 41a transmits the execution result of step S6 from the first communication port 6. For example, the first communication control unit 41a transmits the data of the image captured in step S31 of FIG. 6 to the external device 3a via the first communication port 6. The external device 3a appropriately performs image processing on, for example, data of an image received from the microscope 2. The external device 3a stores the image acquired by the microscope 2 in association with, for example, the captured time. In addition, the first communication control unit 41a transmits the state information of the microscope 2 after the process of step S6 from the first communication port 6 as the execution result of step S6.

  When it is determined in step S5 that the content of the command in step S2 is not a control command (step S5; No), control unit 5 determines in step S8 whether or not the content of this command is a setting command. Do. The setting command is, for example, a command specifying the setting of the above-described movable part (eg, the objective lens 24 and the fluorescent filter 30). When it is determined that the command in step S2 is a setting command (step S8; Yes), control unit 5 executes the setting command in step S9. For example, the control unit 5 causes the microscope main body 4 to reflect the setting specified in the setting command. In step S10, the first communication control unit 41a transmits the execution result of step S9 from the first communication port 6. For example, the first communication control unit 41 a reads from the storage unit 43 the state information (updated state information) indicating the updated setting of the microscope main body 4 and transmits the updated state information from the first communication port 6 .

  In step S11 after the process of step S7 or after the process of step S10, the second communication control unit 41b determines whether communication via the second communication port 7 is established. If the second communication control unit 41 b determines that communication via the second communication port 7 is established (step S 11; Yes), the second communication control unit 41 b transmits state information from the second communication port 7 in step S 12. For example, the second communication control unit 41b reads the latest status information from the storage unit 43, and transmits the latest status information from the second communication port 7 to an external device (eg, the external device 3b and the external device 3c in FIG. 1) Do. For example, when the state of the microscope 2 is changed by a control command or a setting command from the external device 3a, the user can grasp the latest state of the microscope 2 by the external device 3b or the external device 3c.

  After the process of step S4, when the second communication control unit 41b determines that the communication via the second communication port 7 is not established in step S11 (step S11; No), after the process of step S12 or step S8 When the control unit 5 determines that the command content is not the setting command in step S8 (No in step S8), the control unit 5 ends the series of processes. The processes described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 are examples and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the order of the processes from step S23 to step S30 in FIG. 6 can be arbitrarily changed.

  FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of the microscope when the second command is received. About each part of the microscope system 1, FIG. 3 is referred suitably. In step S41 of FIG. 7, the second communication control unit 41b determines (monitors) whether or not there is a reception request via the second communication port 7. If the second communication control unit 41 b determines that there is a reception request via the second communication port 7 (step S 41; Yes), the second communication control unit 41 b receives a command corresponding to the reception request in step S 42. When it is determined that there is no reception request via the second communication port 7 (step S41; No), the second communication control unit 41b repeatedly performs the process of step S41.

  In step S43, the control unit 5 determines whether the content of the command received in step S42 is an information request. If the control unit 5 determines that the content of the command received in step S42 is an information request (step S43; Yes), the state information stored in the storage unit 43 is transmitted to the second communication control unit in step S44. It transmits from the second communication port 7 by 41b.

  When the control unit 5 determines that the content of the command received in step S42 is not an information request (step S43; No), in step S45, the control unit 5 determines whether the content of this command is a control command. If the control unit 5 determines that the content of the command received in step S42 is a control command (step S45; Yes), in step S46, the operation control unit 42 performs the operation specified in the control command as the microscope main body 4 Run on various parts of

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of step S45 and step S46. In step S61, the control unit 5 determines whether there is a request for phase difference observation. If the control unit 5 determines in step S45 of FIG. 7 that it is a control command (step S45; Yes), it determines that there is a request for phase difference observation in step S61 (step S61; Yes). When the controller 5 determines that the control command is not a control command in step S45 of FIG. 7 (step S45; No), it determines that there is no request for phase difference observation in step S61 (step S61; No).

  When the control unit 5 determines that there is a request for phase difference observation (Step S61; Yes), the command lock unit 46 determines whether or not there is a command lock in Step S62. For example, the command lock unit 46 determines that the command lock is present (during setting) when the flag indicating that the operation of the microscope main body 4 by the second command is prohibited is set. In addition, when the above-mentioned flag is not set, the command lock unit 46 determines that the command lock is not present (released).

  When the instruction lock unit 46 determines that the instruction lock is present (step S62; Yes), the control unit 5 returns to step S61, and repeats the process of step S61 and the process of step S62. For example, the control unit 5 suspends the execution of the operation of the microscope main body 4 related to the second command until it is determined in step S62 that there is no command lock (for example, after the end of step S33 in FIG. 6).

  In step S62, when the command lock unit 46 determines that the command lock is not present (step S62; No), in step S63, the operation control unit 42 sets an optical path for phase difference observation. For example, the operation control unit 42 retracts the light path switching member 23 from the light path by controlling the drive unit 33. The operation control unit 42 maintains this state when the light path switching member 23 is retracted from the light path. In step S64, the operation control unit 42 controls the drive unit 34 to retract the fluorescent filter 30 from the light path. The operation control unit 42 maintains the state when the fluorescence filter 30 is retracted from the light path.

  In step S65, the operation control unit 42 sets the transmissive illumination to lighting. For example, the operation control unit 42 controls the light source drive unit 49 to switch the second light source 26 from off to on. In step S66, the operation control unit 42 sets the imaging mode and starts imaging. For example, the operation control unit 42 supplies a command for specifying a shooting mode to the imaging control unit 50, and sets the shooting mode by the imaging device 28. For example, the operation control unit 42 designates a continuous shooting mode as a shooting mode, and the imaging device 28 starts imaging. The second communication control unit 41 b transmits data of an image captured by the imaging device 28 to an external device (eg, the external device 3 b in FIG. 1) via the second communication port 7. The external device 3b appropriately performs image processing on data of an image received from, for example, the microscope 2 and causes the display unit to display the image. For example, this image is transmitted from the microscope 2 to an external device at a predetermined cycle, and the user can observe the sample S in a moving image format (eg, live view).

  In step S67, the operation control unit 42 sets the objective lens 29 for phase difference observation. For example, the operation control unit 42 causes the drive unit 32 to arrange the objective lens 29 in the optical path. When the objective lens 29 is disposed in the optical path, the operation control unit 42 maintains the state. When the magnification of the objective lens 29 is designated in the second command, the operation control unit 42 sets the objective lens to the magnification designated in the second command. In step S68, the operation control unit 42 controls the drive unit 14 to set the position of the stage 11. The position of the stage 11 is, for example, designated by the second command, and the operation control unit 42 sets the position of the stage 11 to the position designated by the second command. For example, the user can specify the position of the stage 11 by the second command in accordance with the position of the observation target in the sample S. In step S69, the operation control unit 42 controls the drive unit 52 to set the position of the focus lens 47, and sets the focus (focus position) of the imaging optical system 27.

  In step S70, the control unit 5 determines whether to start shooting of time-lapse observation. For example, when the time from the current time to the time when the start of shooting of the time-lapse observation is scheduled is less than the predetermined value, the control unit 5 determines to start the shooting of the time-lapse observation. Further, when the time from the current time to the time when the start of imaging of the time-lapse observation is scheduled is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the control unit 5 determines that the imaging of the time-lapse observation is not started. Note that the first communication control unit 41a may determine whether a request (for example, a first command) to start shooting of the time-lapse observation has been received via the first communication port 6. When the first communication control unit 41a determines that the request has not been received, the control unit 5 may determine that imaging of the time-lapse observation is not started.

  When it is determined that the imaging of the time-lapse observation is not started (step S70; No), the control unit 5 determines whether or not the phase difference observation is ended in step S71. The control unit 5 determines that the phase difference observation is to be ended when the time designated by the second command or the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the operation relating to the phase difference observation. The control unit 5 may determine that the phase difference observation is to be ended when the second communication control unit 41 b receives the command to end the phase difference observation. If the control unit 5 determines that the phase difference observation is not finished (step S71; No), the process returns to step S67, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  If the control unit 5 determines that the phase difference observation is ended in step S71 (step S71; Yes), or if the control unit 5 determines that imaging of the time lapse observation is started in step S70 (step S70; Yes), step S72 The operation control unit 42 controls the imaging control unit 50 to end the imaging by the imaging device 28. In step S73, the operation control unit 42 sets the transmitted illumination to off. For example, the operation control unit 42 controls the light source drive unit 49 to switch the second light source 26 from on to off. After the end of step S73, the control unit 5 ends the series of processes related to phase difference observation.

  Returning to the explanation of FIG. 7, in step S47, the second communication control unit 41b transmits the execution result of step S46 from the second communication port 7. For example, the second communication control unit 41b transmits the state information of the microscope 2 after the process of step S46 from the second communication port 7 as the execution result of step S46. In addition, about the imaging result of the image pick-up element 28, the image pick-up element 28 is performing continuous imaging here, and the 2nd communication control part 41b carries out 2nd communication of the data of a captured image, whenever the image pick-up element 28 picks up. Transmit via port 7 When the imaging device 28 performs single shooting, in step S47, the second communication control unit 41b may transmit data of an image captured by the imaging device 28 from the second communication port 7 as the execution result of step S46.

  When it is determined in step S45 that the content of the command in step S2 is not a control command (step S45; No), control unit 5 determines in step S48 whether the content of this command is a setting command or not. Do. When it is determined that the command in step S2 is a setting command (step S48; Yes), control unit 5 executes the setting command in step S49. For example, the control unit 5 causes the microscope main body 4 to reflect the setting specified in the setting command. In step S50, the second communication control unit 41b transmits the execution result of step S49 from the second communication port 7. For example, the second communication control unit 41 b reads from the storage unit 43 the state information (updated state information) indicating the updated setting of the microscope main body 4 and transmits the updated state information from the second communication port 7 .

  In step S51 after the process of step S47 or after the process of step S50, the first communication control unit 41a determines whether communication via the first communication port 6 is established. If the first communication control unit 41a determines that communication via the first communication port 6 is established (step S51; Yes), the first communication control unit 41a transmits state information from the first communication port 6 in step S52. For example, the first communication control unit 41a reads the latest state information from the storage unit 43, and transmits the latest state information from the first communication port 6 to the external device 3a (see FIG. 1). For example, when the state of the microscope 2 is changed by the control command or the setting command, the external device 3a can grasp the latest state of the microscope 2.

  After the process of step S44, if the first communication control unit 41a determines that the communication via the first communication port 6 is not established in step S51 (step S51; No), after the process of step S52, or step S48 When the control unit 5 determines that the command content is not the setting command in step S48 (step S48; No), the control unit 5 ends the series of processes.

  The processes described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 are merely examples, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the order of the processes from step S63 to step S69 in FIG. 8 can be arbitrarily changed. Further, in step S62 of FIG. 8, when the command lock unit 46 determines that the command lock is set (step S62; Yes), the control unit 5 ends the series of processes of FIG. The processing in step S48 may be performed on the assumption that the content of the command in S45 is not a control command. In this case, in step S48, the control unit 5 determines that the command content is not a setting command (step S48; No), and ends the series of processing without executing the operation relating to the phase difference observation.

  Next, the operation of the microscope when the state of the microscope changes regardless of either the first command or the second command will be described. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation of the microscope at the time of state change not based on the command. As a case where the state of the microscope 2 changes regardless of any of the first command and the second command, for example, the case in which the microscope 2 is operated manually, various parts such as the stage 11 move by vibration such as earthquake There is a case that you

  In step S81, the control unit 5 determines whether the state of the microscope 2 has been changed manually. For example, the control unit 5 monitors the update of the state information stored in the storage unit 43, and the update of the state information is either in response to the first command or in response to the second command. If not, it is determined that the state of the microscope 2 has been changed manually. When the control unit 5 determines that there is no manual state change in the microscope 2 (Step S81; No), the process of Step S81 is repeated.

  When the control unit 5 determines that the state of the microscope 2 has been manually changed in step S81 (step S81; Yes), the first communication control unit 41a establishes communication via the first communication port 6 in step S82. It is judged whether it is done or not. If the first communication control unit 41a determines that communication via the first communication port 6 is established (step S82; Yes), the first communication control unit 41a transmits state information from the first communication port 6 in step S83. For example, the first communication control unit 41a reads the latest state information from the storage unit 43, and transmits the latest state information from the first communication port 6 to the external device 3a (see FIG. 1). For example, when the state of the microscope 2 changes due to a manual operation or the like, the external device 3a can grasp the latest state of the microscope 2.

  After the end of step S83, or when the first communication control unit 41a determines that communication via the first communication port 6 is not established in step S82 (step S82; No), the second communication control is performed in step S84. The unit 41 b determines whether communication via the second communication port 7 is established. If the second communication control unit 41 b determines that the communication via the second communication port 7 is established (step S 84; Yes), the second communication control unit 41 b transmits the state information from the second communication port 7 in step S 85. For example, the second communication control unit 41b reads the latest state information from the storage unit 43, and transmits the latest state information from the second communication port 7 to the external device 3b (see FIG. 1). For example, when the state of the microscope 2 changes due to a manual operation or the like, the external device 3b can notify the user of the latest state.

  In addition, the optical system of the microscope 2 shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and can be changed suitably. For example, although two objective lenses (objective lens 24 and objective lens 29) are shown in FIG. 2, the number of objective lenses is arbitrary, and for example, a plurality of objective lenses having different magnifications may be provided. The observation method applied to the microscope 2 may be other than the combination of the fluorescence observation method and the phase difference observation method. For example, the microscope 2 detects the sample S by two or more kinds of observation methods including the fluorescence observation method For example, instead of the phase contrast observation method, a dark field observation method by oblique illumination, or a microscope to which a differential interference observation method is applied may be used. The microscope 2 may be a microscope that detects the sample S by bright field observation according to the optical characteristics (eg, transmittance) of the sample S and the like. In addition, the type of observation method used by the microscope 2 for detecting the sample S may be one type.

  In addition, although the control unit 5 of the microscope 2 causes the first command to be executed with priority over the second command in the present embodiment, the priority order of executing the command may be determined by another method. For example, the control unit 5 may execute the latest command with priority and may execute the command received prior to the latest command, or may execute the command received earlier than the latest command. May be In addition, the control unit 5 may be executed in the order in which the commands are received. For example, the command received earlier may be executed preferentially, and the command received later may be executed after the completion of the previous command. For example, when the first command and the second command are handled with equal priority, when the external device 3a breaks down, or when there is a problem with communication via the first communication port 6, the second communication port 7 The microscope 2 can be made to continue processing by sending a command to the microscope 2 via.

  In the present embodiment, the communication standard of the first communication port 6 is a universal serial bus standard, and the communication standard of the second communication port 7 is a local area network standard, but the communication standard of the first communication port 6 is local It may be an area network standard, and the communication standard of the second communication port 7 may be a universal serial bus standard. In addition, one or both of the communication standard of the first communication port 6 and the communication standard of the second communication port 7 may be different from the above-described embodiment. The communication standard of the first communication port 6 may be the same as the communication standard of the second communication port 7. For example, both the communication standard of the first communication port 6 and the communication standard of the second communication port 7 may be the communication standard of the local area network. In this case, for example, by connecting a router or the like to the second communication port 7, the control unit 5 can communicate with a plurality of external devices via the second communication port 7. Also, when one or both of the first communication port 6 and the second communication port 7 are universal serial bus communication standards, a converter to LAN communication standards is attached to this communication port, and a plurality of communication ports are connected via this converter. It is also possible to communicate with external devices.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 5 includes, for example, a computer system. The control unit 5 reads the control program stored in the storage unit 43, and executes various processes according to the program. This program is transmitted from an external device that controls the microscope main body during execution of control of the microscope main body according to the first observation condition and control according to the first observation condition, for example, to a computer It is a control program which performs controlling a microscope main body according to the 2nd observation conditions different from 1 observation conditions. This program includes, for example, an illumination optical system for illuminating a sample, and a microscope body having an imaging unit for imaging the sample, a control unit for controlling the operation of the microscope body, an external device and a control unit provided outside the microscope body A control program that causes a computer to execute control of a microscope including a first communication port and a second communication port used for communication with the computer, the control being supplied from the first external device via the first communication port Causing the microscope body to perform an operation based on one or both of the first command to be executed and the second command supplied from the second external device via the second communication port. This program may be provided by being recorded on a computer readable storage medium.

Second Embodiment
The second embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified. In the present embodiment, when the connection control unit 44 shown in FIG. 3 satisfies the predetermined first condition (the use condition of the microscope main body), the connection control unit 44 between the connection control unit 44 and the control unit 5 with the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request. Allow establishment of communication. The predetermined first condition is, for example, a condition in which the number of connected external devices (hereinafter, the number of connections) has not reached the set value. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the external device 3b of FIG. 1 is already connected, the external device 3c is not connected, and the external device 3c transmits a connection request to the microscope 2. Further, it is assumed that the setting value of the number of connections is two.

  For the external device 3b, connection information has already been stored in the connection table, and the number of connections at this point is one. The second communication control unit 41 b adds the connection information of the external device 3 c to the connection table, and the number of connections at this point is two. The setting value of the number of connections is stored in advance in the storage unit 43 as connection setting. The connection control unit 44 acquires the number of connections from the connection table, and using the connection settings stored in the storage unit 43, the number of connections (for example, 2) including the transmission source of the connection request is a set value (for example, 2) ) It is determined whether it is the following or not. When the number of connections including the transmission source of the connection request (the external device 3c) is equal to or less than the set value, the connection control unit 44 determines that the predetermined first condition is satisfied, and the communication between the external device 3c and the control unit 5 is performed. Allow the establishment of

  The second communication control unit 41 b transmits, for example, status information of the microscope 2 to the external device 3 c of which the connection control unit 44 permits establishment of communication via the second communication port 7. In this case, the external device 3c can, for example, notify the user of the current state of the microscope 2. The second communication control unit 41b may transmit the state information of the microscope 2 to the external device 3c via the second communication port 7 as a response to the connection request. Note that the second communication control unit 41b sends a connection permission notification to the external device 3c whose connection control unit 44 permits the establishment of communication via the second communication port 7 to the above-mentioned connection permission notification. It may be transmitted via the second communication port 7 separately from the status information.

  Further, it is assumed that another external device transmits a connection request while the external device 3 b and the external device 3 c are already connected. In this case, the number of connections including the transmission source of the connection request is three, and exceeds the setting value of 2, the connection control unit 44 does not permit establishment of communication between the other external device and the control unit 5. The second communication control unit 41b deletes connection information (for example, an IP address and a port number) of an external device whose connection control unit 44 does not permit establishment of communication via the second communication port 7 from the connection table.

  By the way, when communication is not established between devices, there may be a state where there is no response from the connection destination. In this case, it is unclear whether the cause is a failure such as a failure of the device or another cause. The second communication control unit 41b does not permit, for example, the establishment of communication via the second communication port 7 to an external device that the connection control unit 44 does not permit establishment of communication via the second communication port 7 Send a notification of In this case, the external device can notify, for example, the user that the microscope 2 is operating but establishment of communication has not been permitted.

  Here, it is assumed that the external device 3b cancels the establishment of communication via the second communication port 7 by, for example, a user operation. The second communication control unit 41 b deletes, from the connection table, connection information (for example, an IP address and a port number) of the external device whose establishment of communication via the second communication port 7 has been canceled. For example, the second communication control unit 41b periodically monitors the presence or absence of a response to the connected external device, and deletes connection information of the external device 3a determined to have no response from the connection table. In this case, the number of connections indicated by the connection table is one, and the other external device can establish communication with the control unit 5 by transmitting a connection request to the second communication port 7.

  The setting value (upper limit value) of the number of connections may be a fixed value or a variable value. For example, the connection control unit 44 may set a predetermined first condition based on a command from the connected external device. For example, the connected external device transmits a command specifying the setting value of the number of connections to the control unit 5 via the second communication port 7, and the connection control unit 44 sets the setting value specified in this command. It may be reflected in the connection setting.

  The predetermined first condition may be, for example, a condition that the transmission source of the connection request is an external device set in advance. For example, in the storage unit 43, an identification number (for example, a MAC address, a global IP address) of an external device that is an object (hereinafter referred to as a connection permission target) of which establishment of communication is permitted is stored in advance as a connection setting. The connection control unit 44 acquires the above identification number from the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request. The connection control unit 44 communicates with the external device of the transmission source of the connection request when the identification number acquired from the external device of the transmission source of the connection request corresponds to the identification number of the connection permission target specified in the connection setting. Allow the establishment of

  The connection control unit 44 may set a predetermined first condition based on an instruction from an external device connected via the first communication port 6 or the second communication port 7. For example, the connected external device transmits the identification number of the connection-permitted external device to the control unit 5 via the second communication port 7. The control unit 5 reflects the identification number of the connection-permitted external device received from the connected external device in the connection setting. The connection control unit 44 may determine whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied based on the connection setting.

  In the present embodiment, when the operation control unit 42 satisfies the predetermined second condition when a command supplied from an external device (for example, the external device 3 b or the external device 3 c) connected via the second communication port 7 is satisfied. To run. The command lock unit 46 determines which command to execute or which command to not execute for the command received from the connected external device. The above-mentioned predetermined second condition is, for example, a condition that the operation designated by the command does not correspond to the predetermined operation (prohibited operation). The command lock unit 46 does not transmit the command to the operation control unit 42 when the command specified by the command includes a predetermined operation.

  The operation setting that defines the above-described predetermined operation is stored in storage unit 43, and based on the operation setting stored in storage unit 43, instruction lock unit 46 determines whether to permit execution of the instruction. judge. The command lock unit 46 transmits a command determined to permit execution to the operation control unit 42, and the operation control unit 42 causes the microscope main body 4 to execute the operation defined by the command. The command lock unit 46 may set a predetermined second condition based on a command from the connected external device. For example, the user operates the external device 3a or the external device 3b of FIG. 1 to transmit a command specifying a predetermined operation to the control unit 5. The command lock unit 46 sets a predetermined operation by updating the operation setting based on a command specifying the predetermined operation.

  Also, the predetermined second condition may be, for example, a condition in which a command is supplied from a designated external device among the connected external devices. For example, in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the external devices 3b and 3c are both connected, and the external device 3b is designated in advance. The identification number of the designated external device 3b is stored in advance in the storage unit 43 as an operation setting. When the control unit 5 receives a command from the external device 3b, the command lock unit 46 acquires the identification number of the external device 3b which is the transmission source of the command, and collates it with the identification number designated in the operation setting. Here, since the identification number of the external device 3b is included in the identification number designated in the operation setting, the command lock unit 46 determines to execute the command from the external device 3b. Further, when the control unit 5 receives a command from the external device 3c, the command lock unit 46 issues a command from the external device 3c because the identification number of the external device 3c is not included in the identification number designated in the operation setting. Is determined not to be executed.

  The command lock unit 46 may set a predetermined second condition based on a command from an external device connected via the first communication port 6 or the second communication port 7. For example, the user operates the external device 3a or the external device 3b of FIG. 1 to transmit a command specifying the external device that is the transmission source of the command to be executed to the control unit 5. The command lock unit 46 sets the external device of the transmission source of the command to be executed by updating the operation setting based on the command specifying the external device of the transmission source of the command to be executed.

  Further, the predetermined second condition may be a condition which is the latest second command when there are a plurality of uncompleted second commands. For example, when the control unit 5 supplies a command from two or more connected external devices, the command lock unit 46 determines that the latest second command is to be executed, and the control is performed prior to the latest second command. It may be determined that the second command received by the unit 5 is not executed or interrupted. Also, the predetermined second condition may be a condition that is the second command being executed when there are a plurality of second commands that have not been completed. For example, assuming that the external devices 3b and 3c are all connected, and the second command is supplied from the external device 3c while the second command supplied from the external device 3b is being executed, the command lock unit 46 It may be determined that the command from the external device 3b is to be executed, and it may be determined that the command from the external device 3c is not to be executed. Note that the command lock unit 46 may determine to execute the second command in the order of being supplied, for example, when the second command from the external device 3 c is executed after the second command from the external device 3 b is completed. You may judge.

  The command lock unit 46 may set a predetermined second condition based on a command from an external device connected via the first communication port 6 or the second communication port 7. For example, the user operates the external device 3a or the external device 3b of FIG. 1 to transmit to the control unit 5 a command specifying a condition to be preferentially executed among the second commands. The command lock unit 46 sets a predetermined second condition by updating the operation setting on the basis of a command specifying a condition to be preferentially executed.

  In addition, the example of the predetermined 2nd conditions mentioned above can be combined suitably. For example, a command to be executed among the second commands from each of the connected external devices may be set in the operation setting. For example, the type of operation that can be executed by the command received from the connected external device 3b and the type of operation that can be executed by the command received from the connected external device 3c may be set in the operation setting. For example, when the control unit 5 receives, from the external device 3b, a command that defines an operation related to phase difference observation, the command lock unit 46 determines that a command is to be executed, and determines a command related to phase difference observation. When receiving the command from the external device 3c, the command lock unit 46 may determine that the command is not executed.

  The operation control unit 42 updates the state information stored in the storage unit 43 according to the operation of the microscope main body 4 corresponding to the command. For example, when the operation control unit 42 causes the microscope main body 4 to execute a series of operations related to fluorescence observation, the state information stored in the storage unit 43 is the state of the microscope main body 4 after the above-described series of operations. Update to status information indicating (setting). When the state information is updated, the second communication control unit 41b transmits the updated state information to the connected external device. For example, it is assumed that the external devices 3b and 3c in FIG. 1 are all connected and the operation control unit 42 causes the microscope main body 4 to execute the operation specified by the command from the external device 3b. In this case, the second communication control unit 41b transmits the state information of the microscope main body 4 after execution of the command from the external device 3b to the external device 3c other than at least the transmission source of the command among the connected external devices 3b and 3c. Send to For example, the second communication control unit 41b associates the information of the external device 3b that is the transmission source of the command specifying the operation with the state information, and transmits the associated information. The information on the external device 3b described above is, for example, a name assigned to the external device 3b, "PC2", etc., and the user of the external device 3c supplies a command to any of the external devices 3c. It is possible to understand what 2 is in. Note that the second communication control unit 41b may not transmit the updated state information to the external device 3b that is the transmission source of the command, or may transmit the updated state information to the external device 3b that is the transmission source of the command.

  Also, the connected external device may transmit a transmission request for requesting transmission of the status information to the control unit 5. When the control unit 5 receives the transmission request, the second communication control unit 41b transmits status information as a response to the transmission request to at least the external device of the transmission source of the transmission request among the connected external devices. Further, when the control unit 5 receives the transmission request, the second communication control unit 41b transmits the state information to one or more external devices other than the transmission source of the transmission request among the connected external devices. May be

  Next, a control method of the microscope 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, an operation at the time of receiving a request for establishment of communication (connection request) will be described. FIGS. 10 to 12 are flowcharts showing examples of operations upon reception of a connection request. About each part of the microscope system 1, FIG. 3 is referred suitably. In step S91 in FIG. 10, the second communication control unit 41b determines whether a connection request is transmitted to the second communication port 7. If the second communication control unit 41 b determines that the connection request is not transmitted to the second communication port 7 (step S 91; No), the process of step S 91 is repeated.

  If the second communication control unit 41 b determines that the connection request is transmitted to the second communication port 7 (step S 91; Yes), in step S 92, the second communication control unit 41 b connects with the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request. For example, the second communication control unit 41b assigns an identification number (IP address) to the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request, and prepares a port number used for connection with the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request. In step S93, the second communication control unit 41b adds connection information (for example, an IP address and a port number) of the transmission source of the connection request to the connection table.

  In step S94, the connection control unit 44 determines whether the number of connections is the upper limit (determines whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied). For example, the connection control unit 44 determines the number of connection information items registered in the connection table, that is, the number of connected external devices and the number (one) of external devices that are the source of the connection request in step S92. If the sum is less than or equal to the set value, it is determined that the number of connected external devices is not the upper limit. If the connection control unit 44 determines that the number of connected external devices is not the upper limit (step S94; No), the connection control unit 44 permits establishment of communication between the connection-request-source external device and the control unit 5. When the connection control unit 44 permits the second communication control unit 41b to establish communication between the control unit 5 and the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request, the second communication control unit 41b holds the connection information in the connection table and performs the process of step S91. Return to

  In step S94, when the connection control unit 44 determines that the number of connections is the upper limit (step S94; Yes), in step S95, the second communication control unit 41b performs the second communication to the transmission source of the connection request. Send a notification from port 7 that the establishment of communication is not permitted. As a result, the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request can notify the user of the response from the microscope 2. The second communication control unit 41b may not perform the process of step S95.

  In step S96, the second communication control unit 41b cancels the connection with the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request. In other words, the second communication control unit 41b releases the connection with the external device that has determined that the connection control unit 44 does not permit the establishment of the communication (disconnects the connection). In step S97, the second communication control unit 41b deletes the connection information of the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request from the connection table. That is, the second communication control unit 41b deletes connection information of the external device for which it is determined that the connection control unit 44 does not permit establishment of communication from the connection table.

  In step S98, the control unit 5 determines whether to end the process. The control unit 5 determines to end the process, for example, when an instruction to end is received from the user. When the control unit 5 determines that the process is to be ended (Step S98; Yes), the control unit 5 ends a series of processes related to communication. In step S98, when it is determined that the control unit 5 does not end the process (step S98; No), the second communication control unit 41b returns to the process of step S91, and accepts the next connection request.

  In the control method of the microscope shown in FIG. 11, the process of step S99 is added to the example of FIG. In step S94, when the connection control unit 44 determines that the number of connections is not the upper limit (step S94; No), in step S99, the second communication control unit 41b transmits the state information to the transmission source of the connection request. Do. After the processing of step S99, the second communication control unit 41b returns to step S91, and receives the next connection request. In addition, the second communication control unit 41b may transmit a notification to the effect of permitting establishment of communication in place of the state information in step S99. In addition, the second communication control unit 41b may transmit a notification indicating that the establishment of communication is permitted and the state information in step S99.

  In the control method of the microscope shown in FIG. 12, the process of step S200 is added to the example of FIG. 10, and the process of step S94 is changed to the process of step S201. In step S200, the second communication control unit 41b receives a connection setting command from the connected external device via the second communication port 7. In the connection setting command, an external device of a transmission source that permits establishment of communication is specified. That is, in the connection setting instruction, when a predetermined external device makes a connection request, it is specified that the external device should be permitted to establish communication. The connection control unit 44 reflects the connection setting designated by the command in step S200.

  In step S201, the connection control unit 44 determines whether the external device as the transmission source of the connection request corresponds to the transmission source designated in the connection setting. That is, in step S201, the connection control unit 44 determines whether a predetermined first condition is satisfied. If the connection control unit 44 determines that the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request corresponds to the transmission source specified in the connection setting (step S201; Yes), the second communication control unit 41b returns to step S91, and the next Accept connection request. Further, when the connection control unit 44 determines that the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request does not correspond to the transmission source specified in the connection setting (Step S201; No), the second communication control unit 41b is the same as FIG. Then, the process after step S95 is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the communication control unit transmits state information indicating the state of the microscope main body to each of the plurality of external devices via the communication port. Therefore, the current state of the microscope can be shared by a plurality of external devices, and for example, any of the plurality of external devices can transmit a command according to the current state to the microscope.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the connection control unit permits establishment of communication via the communication port when the predetermined first condition is satisfied. Therefore, it is avoided that an external device accesses a microscope in unexpected conditions, for example, it is avoided that the microscope performs an unexpected operation by the command from an unexpected external device. The predetermined first condition described in the embodiment is an example, and can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the microscope may not have a predetermined first condition set, and may be arbitrarily accessible. In this case, the microscope may not include the connection control unit.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the operation control unit causes the microscope main body to execute the operation specified by the command when the predetermined second condition is satisfied. Therefore, it is avoided that the microscope performs an unintended operation. The predetermined second condition described in the embodiment is an example, and can be changed as appropriate. Further, the predetermined second condition may not be set for the microscope. For example, when the microscope is installed in a research facility and the user who can access the microscope is limited, unexpected operation can be avoided without performing operation restriction.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 5 includes, for example, a computer system. The control unit 5 reads the control program stored in the storage unit 43, and executes various processes according to the program. This program includes, for example, an illumination optical system for illuminating a sample, and a microscope body having an imaging unit for imaging the sample, a control unit for controlling the microscope body, and a plurality of external devices and control units provided outside the microscope body. A control program that causes a computer to execute control of a microscope comprising a communication port used to communicate with the computer, the control being based on a command supplied from at least one of the plurality of external devices via the communication port Controlling the operation of the microscope body, and transmitting state information indicating the state of the microscope body to each of the plurality of external devices via the communication port. This program may be provided by being recorded on a computer readable storage medium.

Third Embodiment
A third embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 13 is a view showing the microscope main body 4 of the microscope according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 13 includes a first imaging device (imaging device 28) and a second imaging device (imaging device 61). The imaging optical system 27 is branched into an optical path toward the imaging device 28 and an optical path toward the imaging device 61. The imaging device 28 has, for example, a higher resolution than the imaging device 61, and is used only for fluorescence observation among fluorescence observation and phase contrast observation. The imaging element 61 is used for observation (for example, phase contrast observation) other than fluorescence observation. The operation control unit 42 illustrated in FIG. 3 causes the imaging element 28 to perform imaging based on the first command supplied via the first communication port 6. The operation control unit 42 also causes the imaging element 61 to perform imaging based on the second command supplied via the second communication port 7. As described above, the microscope 2 may include a plurality of imaging devices (the imaging device 28 and the imaging device 61), and may switch the imaging devices to be used according to the observation method.

Fourth Embodiment
A fourth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 14 is a view showing a microscope system 1 according to the present embodiment. The microscope 2 is communicably connected to the external device 3 a through each of the first communication port 6 and the second communication port 7. The external device 3a uses the other communication when one of the communication via the first communication port 6 and the communication via the second communication port 7 becomes unusable due to a failure or the like. And can continue to communicate. Therefore, for example, in time-lapse observation or the like, there is a low possibility that the observation can not be continued due to a failure of the apparatus or the like.

  Such a microscope system 1 is highly convenient, for example, due to its high robustness. In the case where the communication standard differs between the first communication port 6 and the second communication port 7, the possibility of simultaneously causing a failure at the same time is low, so that the robustness can be easily ensured. In addition, when the communication standard differs between the first communication port 6 and the second communication port 7, for example, it becomes easy to distinguish the first command and the second command, and complication of control can be avoided.

Fifth Embodiment
A fifth embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals as appropriate, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 15 is a view showing a microscope and a microscope system according to the present embodiment. The microscope system 1 includes a microscope 2, an external device 3a, an external device 3b, and an external device 3c. The microscope 2 includes a microscope body 4, a control unit 5, and a communication port 6.

  The microscope main body 4 can detect the sample S by various observation methods. The microscope main body 4 can acquire a captured image of the sample S by various observation methods. As various observation methods, for example, a fluorescence observation method, a phase contrast observation method, a dark field observation method, a differential interference observation method, a bright field observation method and the like can be mentioned. Here, although the microscope main body 4 is capable of detecting the sample S by fluorescence observation and detecting the sample S by phase contrast observation, there is no limitation on the type of observation method applied to the microscope main body 4 . The controller 5 controls each part of the microscope main body 4. The microscope main body 4 and the control unit 5 will be described later also with reference to FIGS.

  The communication port 6 is used for communication between an external device (for example, the external devices 3 a to 3 c) provided outside the microscope main body 4 and the control unit 5. The external device 3a, the external device 3b, and the external device 3c respectively supply a command to the microscope 2 and cause the microscope 2 to execute an operation according to the command. The communication standard of the communication port 6 is, for example, a standard of a local area network (LAN) (for example, Ethernet (registered trademark)). In this case, by connecting a router to the communication port 6 or the like, the plurality of external devices and the control unit 5 can be communicably connected via the communication port 6. The communication standard of the communication port 6 may be other than the LAN standard, and may be, for example, the universal serial bus (USB) standard. In this case, it is also possible to attach a converter to the communication standard of LAN to the communication port 6 and communicate with a plurality of external devices via this converter.

  The external device 3a and the external device 3c are, for example, stationary computer systems. The external device 3 a and the external device 3 c are connected to the communication port 6 by wire or wireless, and can communicate with the control unit 5 via the communication port 6. The external device 3b is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a tablet or a smartphone. The external device 3 b is connected to the communication port 6 by wire or wireless, and can communicate with the control unit 5 via the communication port 6.

  The type of external device communicably connected to the control unit 5 via the communication port 6 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. For example, the external device 3b may be a stationary computer system, and the external device 3a or the external device 3c may be a portable information terminal. The number of external devices communicably connected to the control unit 5 via the communication port 6 is three in FIG. 15, but may be two or four or more.

  Next, each part of the microscope 2 will be described. FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of a microscope main body. The microscope main body 4 has a stage 11 for holding the sample S, an illumination optical system 12 for illuminating the sample S, and an imaging unit 13 for imaging the sample S. The stage 11 is, for example, an XY stage, and the sample S can be placed on the upper surface thereof, and can be moved in the horizontal direction by the drive unit 14. The illumination optical system 12 includes a first illumination optical system 12a according to a first observation method (eg, fluorescence observation method) and a second illumination optical system according to a second observation method (eg, phase contrast observation method) And 12b.

  The first illumination optical system 12 a guides the first illumination light emitted by the first light source 21 to the sample S. The wavelength of the first illumination light includes the excitation wavelength of the fluorescent substance contained in the sample S. The first light source 21 may be a solid light source such as an LED (light emitting diode) or an LD (laser diode), or may be a mercury lamp light source. The microscope 2 may not include the first light source 21. For example, the first light source 21 may be exchangeably provided to the microscope 2 and may be attached to the microscope 2 when performing observation.

  The first illumination optical system 12 a irradiates the sample S with the first illumination light from the first light source 21 by epi-illumination, for example. The first illumination optical system 12 a includes a light blocking member 22, an optical path switching member 23, and an objective lens 24 on the light emission side of the first light source 21. In fluorescence observation, the first illumination light emitted from the first light source 21 is irradiated to the sample S via the optical path switching member 23 and the objective lens 24.

  The light blocking member 22 is a shutter for fluorescence observation. The light blocking member 22 is detachably provided in the light path from the first light source 21 to the light path switching member 23. The driving unit 25 retracts the light blocking member 22 from the light path at the time of fluorescence observation. In addition, the drive unit 25 arranges (inserts) the light blocking member 22 in the light path. The light blocking member 22 is inserted in the above-described light path to block the first illumination light from the first light source 21, and suppresses the irradiation of the first illumination light onto the sample S. For example, when a mercury lamp light source is used as the first light source 21, the mercury lamp is turned on, the light shielding member 22 is retracted from the light path, and the first illumination light is irradiated to the specimen S. To block the first illumination light. The microscope 2 may not include the light shielding member 22. For example, the illumination light of the first illumination light may be switched on / off of the specimen S by switching on and off of the first light source 21.

  The optical path switching member 23 is, for example, a dichroic mirror, and has a characteristic of reflecting at least a part of the first illumination light. The first illumination light reflected by the light path switching member 23 is irradiated onto the sample S via the objective lens 24. The fluorescent substance contained in the sample S emits fluorescence upon irradiation of the first illumination light (excitation light).

  The second illumination optical system 12 b guides the second illumination light emitted by the second light source 26 to the sample S. The wavelength of the second illumination light is set to a wavelength that avoids the excitation wavelength of the fluorescent substance contained in the sample S. The second light source 26 may be the above-described solid light source or a lamp light source. The microscope 2 may not include the second light source 26. For example, the second light source 26 may be exchangeably provided to the microscope 2 and may be attached to the microscope 2 when performing observation.

  The imaging unit 13 includes an imaging optical system 27 (imaging optical system) and an imaging element 28. The imaging optical system 27 includes an objective lens 24, an objective lens 29, an optical path switching member 23, and a fluorescent filter 30. The objective lens 24 is for fluorescence observation, and the objective lens 29 is for phase difference observation. The objective lens 24 and the objective lens 29 are held by, for example, a revolver 31. The revolver 31 is driven by the drive unit 32, and can switch an objective lens disposed in the optical path of the imaging optical system 27. In the fluorescence observation, the drive unit 32 drives the revolver 31 to arrange the objective lens 24 for fluorescence observation in the light path of the imaging optical system 27. In the phase difference observation, the drive unit 32 drives the revolver 31 to arrange the objective lens 29 for phase difference observation in the optical path of the imaging optical system 27. The number of objective lenses provided in the microscope 2 is arbitrary, and the microscope 2 may include a plurality of objective lenses having different magnifications.

  The optical path switching member 23 is shared with the first illumination optical system 12a, and has a property of transmitting at least a part of the fluorescence from the fluorescent material contained in the sample S. The optical path switching member 23 is driven by the drive unit 33 and can be inserted into and removed from the optical path of the imaging optical system 27. In the fluorescence observation, the drive unit 33 arranges (inserts) the optical path switching member 23 in the optical path of the imaging optical system 27. Further, in phase difference observation, the drive unit 33 retracts the light path switching member 23 from the light path of the imaging optical system 27.

  The fluorescence filter 30 is a wavelength selection filter, and has a property of transmitting at least a part of the fluorescence from the fluorescent substance contained in the sample S and blocking at least a part of the light having a wavelength different from the fluorescence. The light having a wavelength different from that of the fluorescence is, for example, ambient light, stray light, or the first illumination light (excitation light) reflected by the sample S. The fluorescent filter 30 can be inserted into and removed from the optical path of the imaging optical system 27. The driving unit 34 arranges (inserts) the fluorescence filter 30 in the light path of the imaging optical system 27 at the time of fluorescence observation. Further, the driver 34 retracts the fluorescent filter 30 from the optical path of the imaging optical system 27 at the time of phase contrast observation.

  The optical path switching member 23 and the fluorescent filter 30 may be integrated to form an optical unit, and the microscope 2 may be configured to use the above optical unit in the optical path of the imaging optical system 27 for fluorescence observation and other observation. You may insert or remove. In addition, one or both of the light path switching member 23 and the fluorescent filter 30 may be provided in a plurality according to at least one of the wavelength of excitation light, the wavelength of fluorescence, and the type of fluorescent material. For example, the microscope 2 may include a plurality of fluorescence filters having different transmission wavelengths, and may switch the fluorescence filters disposed in the light path according to the wavelength of the fluorescence.

  The imaging device 28 is, for example, a two-dimensional image sensor such as a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor. The imaging device 28 has a light receiving surface in which photoelectric conversion devices such as photodiodes are two-dimensionally arrayed. The imaging optical system 27 projects an image of the sample S (object plane) onto the image plane, and the light receiving surface of the imaging device 28 is disposed at or near the image plane of the imaging optical system 27. The imaging device 28 generates digital image data by amplifying the charges from the photoelectric conversion device and performing A / D conversion, and outputs the image data. In the present embodiment, the microscope 2 includes an observation optical system 35. The observation optical system 35 is branched from the imaging optical system 27 and forms an image of the sample S. The user can observe the image of the sample S through the eyepiece 36 of the observation optical system 35. The microscope 2 may not include the observation optical system 35.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a microscope according to the present embodiment. The control unit 5 includes a communication control unit 41, an operation control unit 42, a storage unit 43, a connection control unit 44, a security unit 45, and a command lock unit 46. The communication control unit 41 has, for example, a DHCP server function and controls communication via the communication port 6. The communication control unit 41 transmits state information indicating the state (setting) of the microscope main body 4 to each of a plurality of external devices (for example, the external devices 3 a to 3 c in FIG. 15) via the communication port 6. The operation of the communication control unit 41 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The operation control unit 42 controls the operation of various components (various members, electric members, movable members) provided in the microscope main body 4. The various components described above are electric components such as the first light source 21, the second light source 26, and the imaging device 28, and the light shielding member 22, the objective lens 24, the objective lens 29, the fluorescent filter 30, the focus lens 47, the stage 11, etc. Including at least one of the movable parts of

  The microscope main body 4 includes a light source drive unit 48 that drives the first light source 21 and a light source drive unit 49 that drives the second light source 26. The operation control unit 42 controls the light source drive unit 48 and the light source drive unit 49. . For example, the light source drive unit 48 can switch between turning on and off the first light source 21 by controlling the power (for example, current) supplied to the first light source 21. The operation control unit 42 controls turning on and off of the first light source 21 by sending an instruction to the light source driving unit 48. The light source drive unit 49 is similar to the light source drive unit 48, and the operation control unit 42 controls turning on and off of the second light source 26 by sending an instruction to the light source drive unit 49.

  The microscope main body 4 also includes an imaging control unit 50 that controls the imaging element 28, and the operation control unit 42 controls the imaging control unit 50. The imaging control unit 50 supplies, to the imaging element 28, information of settings that define imaging conditions such as shutter speed and imaging mode, for example. The shooting mode is, for example, a mode in which a plurality of shootings are continuously performed in response to one shooting command (hereinafter referred to as continuous shooting mode) and a mode in which one shooting is performed in response to one shooting command And single shooting mode). In the continuous shooting mode, the imaging device 28 repeatedly performs imaging until receiving an imaging stop command, and periodically outputs data of the captured image.

  In addition, the imaging control unit 50 sends an instruction to the imaging element 28 to execute imaging. Further, the imaging control unit 50 receives data of an image corresponding to an imaging result from the imaging device 28. The imaging control unit 50 causes the imaging device 28 to perform imaging under a predetermined imaging condition according to a command supplied from the operation control unit 42, and supplies data of an image from the imaging device 28 to the operation control unit 42.

  In addition, the microscope main body 4 includes a detection unit (sensors 51a to 51f) that detects the operation of the movable component described above, and the operation control unit 42 controls the operation of the movable component based on the detection result of the sensors 51a to 51f. (Eg, feedback control). For example, the sensor 51 a detects the position of the light path switching member 23, and outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 42. The operation control unit 42 supplies, to the drive unit 33, information of the drive amount required to arrange the optical path switching member 23 at the target position based on the detection result of the sensor 51a. The drive unit 33 moves the optical path switching member 23 based on the information of the drive amount supplied from the operation control unit 42, and arranges the optical path switching member 23 at the target position. Thus, the operation control unit 42 inserts the optical path switching member 23 in the optical path of the first illumination optical system 12a (see FIG. 16) and the optical path of the optical path switching member 23 in the first illumination optical system 12a. Switch to the save state saved from. Further, the operation control unit 42 causes the storage unit 43 to store state information indicating the state (for example, the position, the insertion state, and the retraction state) of the light path switching member 23 based on the detection result of the sensor 51a.

  The sensor 51 b detects the position of the light blocking member 22, and outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 42. The operation control unit 42 supplies the drive unit 25 with information of the drive amount required to arrange the light blocking member 22 at the target position based on the detection result of the sensor 51 b. The drive unit 25 moves the light blocking member 22 based on the information of the drive amount supplied from the operation control unit 42, and places the light blocking member 22 at the target position. Thereby, the operation control unit 42 switches between a light blocking state in which the light blocking member 22 blocks the first illumination light from the first light source 21 and a passing state in which the light blocking member 22 does not block the first illumination light. In addition, the operation control unit 42 causes the storage unit 43 to store state information indicating the state (for example, the position, the light shielding state, and the passing state) of the light shielding member 22 based on the detection result of the sensor 51b.

  The sensor 51c detects the position (for example, the rotational position) of the revolver 31 (see FIG. 16), and outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 42. The operation control unit 42 supplies the drive unit 32 with information of the drive amount required to arrange the objective lens used for observation in the optical path based on the detection result of the sensor 51 c. The drive unit 32 moves the revolver 31 based on the information of the drive amount supplied from the operation control unit 42, and arranges the objective lens used for observation in the optical path. Thereby, the operation control unit 42 switches between the state in which the objective lens 24 is disposed in the light path and the state in which the objective lens 29 is disposed in the light path. The operation control unit 42 causes the storage unit 43 to store state information indicating which objective lens is disposed in the optical path based on the detection result of the sensor 51 c.

  The sensor 51 d detects the position of the fluorescent filter 30, and outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 42. The operation control unit 42 supplies the drive unit 34 with information on the amount of drive required to place the fluorescent filter 30 at the target position based on the detection result of the sensor 51 d. The drive unit 34 moves the fluorescence filter 30 based on the information of the drive amount supplied from the operation control unit 42, and arranges the fluorescence filter 30 at the target position. Thus, the operation control unit 42 switches between the insertion state in which the fluorescent filter 30 is disposed in the light path and the retracted state in which the fluorescent filter 30 is retracted from the light path. In addition, the operation control unit 42 causes the storage unit 43 to store state information indicating the state (eg, position, insertion state, retraction state) of the fluorescence filter 30 based on the detection result of the sensor 51 d. When a plurality of fluorescent filters are provided so as to be switchable, the operation control unit 42 causes the storage unit 43 to store the type (for example, identification information, ID) of the fluorescent filters disposed in the light path.

  The sensor 51 e detects the position of the focus lens 47, and outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 42. The focus lens 47 is an optical member provided in the imaging optical system 27, and adjusts the focus position (focusing position) of the imaging optical system 27 by moving by the drive unit 52. The operation control unit 42 supplies, to the drive unit 52, information of the drive amount required to arrange the focus lens 47 at the target position based on the detection result of the sensor 51e. The drive unit 52 moves the focus lens 47 based on the information of the drive amount supplied from the operation control unit 42, and arranges the focus lens 47 at the target position. In addition, the operation control unit 42 causes the storage unit 43 to store state information indicating the state (for example, the in-focus position) of the focus lens 47 based on the detection result of the sensor 51 e.

  The sensor 51 f detects the position of the stage 11 and outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 42. The operation control unit 42 supplies the drive unit 14 with information of the drive amount required to arrange the stage 11 at the target position based on the detection result of the sensor 51 f. The drive unit 14 moves the stage 11 based on the information of the drive amount supplied from the operation control unit 42, and places the stage 11 at the target position. Thereby, the operation control unit 42 can relatively move the field of view of the imaging optical system 27 and the sample S to switch the portion of the sample S to be observed. In addition, the operation control unit 42 causes the storage unit 43 to store state information indicating the state (eg, position) of the stage 11 based on the detection result of the sensor 51 f.

  The operation control unit 42 causes the microscope main body 4 to execute an operation based on a command from the connected external device. For example, the operation control unit 42 causes the imaging unit 13 to detect the sample S using the first illumination optical system 12a based on a command according to the fluorescence observation. For example, the operation control unit 42 arranges the optical path switching member 23, the objective lens 24, and the fluorescent filter 30 in the optical path based on a command according to the fluorescence observation, and the light shielding member 22 retracts from the optical path. The first light source 21 is turned on to irradiate the sample S with the first illumination light (excitation light), and the sample S is imaged by the imaging device 28.

  In addition, the operation control unit 42 causes the imaging unit 13 to detect the sample S using the second illumination optical system 12 b based on a command according to phase difference observation, for example. For example, the operation control unit 42 retracts the light path switching member 23 and the fluorescent filter 30 from the light path based on the command according to the phase difference observation, and arranges the objective lens 29 in the light path. In this state, the operation control unit 42 turns on the second light source 26 to irradiate the specimen S with the second illumination light, and causes the imaging device 28 to image the specimen S.

  Note that at least one of the movable parts (for example, the stage 11) may be movable, for example, by the user operating the operation handle. In this case, the detection unit (for example, the sensor 51f) detects the position of the movable part (for example, the stage 11) moved manually, and the operation control unit detects state information of the movable part corresponding to the detection result of the detection unit. It is stored in the storage unit 43. In addition, at least one of the movable parts described above may not be motorized, and for example, the fluorescent filter 30 may be inserted and withdrawn in the light path by the user's operation (manually).

  The connection control unit 44 of the control unit 5 controls whether or not establishment of communication via the communication port 6 is permitted. In the following description, a request for establishment of communication via the communication port 6 is referred to as a "connection request", that communication is established is referred to as "connected", and that communication is not established is "not connected". ". When the communication control unit 41 receives a connection request via the communication port 6, the communication control unit 41 assigns an identification number (for example, an IP address) to the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request. Further, the communication control unit 41 stores connection information in which the IP address and the port number are associated with each other in table data (hereinafter referred to as a connection table). The connection control unit 44 determines, for example, using the connection table, whether or not establishment of communication via the communication port 6 is permitted.

  The connection control unit 44 permits establishment of communication with the control unit 5 with the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request when the predetermined first condition is satisfied. The predetermined first condition is, for example, a condition in which the number of connected external devices (hereinafter, the number of connections) has not reached the set value. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the external device 3a of FIG. 15 is already connected, the external devices 3b and 3c are not connected, and the external device 3b transmits a connection request to the microscope 2. Further, it is assumed that the setting value of the number of connections is two.

  For the external device 3a, connection information has already been stored in the connection table, and the number of connections at this point is one. The communication control unit 41 adds the connection information of the external device 3b to the connection table, and the number of connections is 2 at this time. The setting value of the number of connections is stored in advance in the storage unit 43 as connection setting. The connection control unit 44 acquires the number of connections from the connection table, and using the connection settings stored in the storage unit 43, the number of connections (for example, 2) including the transmission source of the connection request is a set value (for example, 2) ) It is determined whether it is the following or not. The connection control unit 44 determines that the first predetermined condition is satisfied when the number of connections including the transmission source of the connection request (the external device 3 b) is equal to or less than the set value, and the communication between the external device 3 b and the control unit 5 Allow the establishment of

  The communication control unit 41 transmits, for example, status information of the microscope 2 to the external device 3 b for which the connection control unit 44 permits establishment of communication via the communication port 6. In this case, the external device 3b can, for example, notify the user of the current state of the microscope 2. The communication control unit 41 may transmit the state information of the microscope 2 to the external device 3b via the communication port 6 as a response to the connection request. The communication control unit 41 sends, to the external device 3b whose connection control unit 44 permits the establishment of communication via the communication port 6, a connection permission notice to permit the establishment of communication separately from the above state information. , And may be transmitted via the communication port 6.

  Further, it is assumed that the external device 3c transmits a connection request in a state where the external device 3a and the external device 3b are connected. In this case, the number of connections including the transmission source of the connection request is 3, and exceeds the setting value of 2, the connection control unit 44 does not permit establishment of communication between the external device 3c and the control unit 5. The communication control unit 41 deletes connection information (for example, IP address and port number) of the external device 3c whose connection control unit 44 does not permit establishment of communication via the communication port 6 from the connection table.

  By the way, when communication is not established between devices, there may be a state where there is no response from the connection destination. In this case, it is unclear whether the cause is a failure such as a failure of the device or another cause. The communication control unit 41 transmits, for example, a notification to the effect that the establishment of communication via the communication port 6 is not permitted to the external device 3 c for which the connection control unit 44 does not permit establishment of communication via the communication port 6. . In this case, the external device 3c can notify, for example, the user that the microscope 2 is operating but establishment of communication has not been permitted.

  Here, it is assumed that the external device 3a cancels the establishment of communication via the communication port 6 by, for example, a user operation. The communication control unit 41 deletes, from the connection table, connection information (for example, an IP address and a port number) of the external device for which establishment of communication via the communication port 6 has been canceled. For example, the communication control unit 41 periodically monitors the presence or absence of a response to the connected external device. The communication control unit 41 deletes connection information of the external device 3a determined to have no response from the connection table. In this case, the number of connections indicated by the connection table is 1, and the external device 3 c can establish communication with the control unit 5 by transmitting a connection request to the communication port 6.

  The setting value (upper limit value) of the number of connections may be a fixed value or a variable value. For example, the connection control unit 44 may set a predetermined first condition based on a command from the connected external device. For example, the connected external device transmits a command specifying the setting value of the connection number to the control unit 5 via the communication port 6, and the connection control unit 44 sets the setting value specified in this command. It may be reflected in

  The predetermined first condition may be, for example, a condition that the transmission source of the connection request is an external device set in advance. For example, in the storage unit 43, an identification number (for example, a MAC address, a global IP address) of an external device that is an object (hereinafter referred to as a connection permission target) of which establishment of communication is permitted is stored in advance as a connection setting. The connection control unit 44 acquires the above identification number from the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request. The connection control unit 44 communicates with the external device of the transmission source of the connection request when the identification number acquired from the external device of the transmission source of the connection request corresponds to the identification number of the connection permission target specified in the connection setting. Allow the establishment of

  The connection control unit 44 may set a predetermined first condition based on a command from the connected external device. For example, the connected external device transmits the identification number of the connection-permitted external device to the control unit 5 via the communication port 6. The control unit 5 reflects the identification number of the connection-permitted external device received from the connected external device in the connection setting. The connection control unit 44 may determine whether or not a predetermined first condition is satisfied based on the connection setting.

  The security unit 45 controls the connection with the external device. For example, when the communication control unit 41 receives a connection request via the communication port 6, the security unit 45 requests the external device of the transmission source of the connection request to transmit a password via the communication port 6. . When the password transmitted via the communication port 6 is different from the password stored in the storage unit 43, the security unit 45 does not permit the connection between the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request and the control unit 5. The security unit 45 may determine that the predetermined first condition is satisfied when the password from the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request matches the predetermined password, and in this case, the security unit 45 Functions as a connection control unit. The microscope 2 may switch between a mode in which the security unit 45 performs authentication with a password and a mode in which the security unit 45 does not perform authentication. For example, when no password is set, authentication with a password may not be performed. In addition, the control unit 5 may not include the security unit 45.

  In the present embodiment, the operation control unit 42 executes the command supplied from the connected external device when the predetermined second condition is satisfied. The command lock unit 46 determines which command to execute or which command to not execute for the command received from the connected external device. The above-mentioned predetermined second condition is, for example, a condition that the operation designated by the command does not correspond to the predetermined operation (prohibited operation). The command lock unit 46 does not transmit the command to the operation control unit 42 when the command specified by the command includes a predetermined operation.

  The operation setting that defines the above-described predetermined operation is stored in storage unit 43, and based on the operation setting stored in storage unit 43, instruction lock unit 46 determines whether to permit execution of the instruction. judge. The command lock unit 46 transmits a command determined to permit execution to the operation control unit 42, and the operation control unit 42 causes the microscope main body 4 to execute the operation defined by the command. The command lock unit 46 may set a predetermined second condition based on a command from the connected external device. For example, the user operates the external device 3a shown in FIG. 15 to transmit a command for designating a predetermined operation from the external device 3a to the control unit 5 through the communication port 6. The command lock unit 46 sets a predetermined operation by updating the operation setting based on the command supplied from the external device 3 a via the communication port 6.

  Also, the predetermined second condition may be, for example, a condition in which a command is supplied from a designated external device among the connected external devices. For example, in FIG. 15, it is assumed that all the external devices 3a to 3c are connected, and the external devices 3a and 3c are designated in advance. The identification numbers of the designated external devices 3a and 3c are stored in advance in the storage unit 43 as operation settings. When the control unit 5 receives a command from the external device 3a, the command lock unit 46 acquires the identification number of the external device 3a that is the transmission source of the command, and collates it with the identification number specified in the operation setting. Here, since the identification number of the external device 3a is included in the identification number specified in the operation setting, the command lock unit 46 determines that the command from the external device 3a is to be executed. Further, when the control unit 5 receives a command from the external device 3b, the command lock unit 46 receives a command from the external device 3b because the identification number of the external device 3b is not included in the identification number designated in the operation setting. Is determined not to be executed.

  The command lock unit 46 may set a predetermined second condition based on a command from the connected external device. For example, the user operates the external device 3a of FIG. 15 to transmit a command specifying the external device of the transmission source of the command to be executed from the external device 3a via the communication port 6 to the control unit 5. The command lock unit 46 sets the external device of the transmission source of the command to be executed by updating the operation setting based on the command supplied from the external device 3 a via the communication port 6.

  Also, the predetermined second condition may be a condition that is the latest command when there are a plurality of uncompleted commands. For example, when the control unit 5 supplies a command from two or more connected external devices, the command lock unit 46 determines that the latest command is to be executed, and the control unit 5 receives the command earlier than the latest command. It may be decided not to execute or interrupt the command. Further, the predetermined second condition may be a condition being an instruction being executed when there are a plurality of uncompleted instructions. For example, assuming that all the external devices 3a to 3c are connected, and the instruction is supplied from the external device 3b while the instruction supplied from the external device 3a is being executed, the instruction lock unit 46 selects the external device 3a. It may be determined that the command from the external device 3b is to be executed, and the command from the external device 3b may not be executed. Note that the command lock unit 46 may determine that the commands are to be executed in the order of being supplied, or may determine that the command from the external device 3b is to be executed after the command from the external device 3a is completed, for example.

  The command lock unit 46 may set a predetermined second condition based on a command from the connected external device. For example, the user operates the external device 3a shown in FIG. 15 to transmit a command from the external device 3a via the communication port 6 to the control unit 5 to designate which command is to be prioritized. The command lock unit 46 sets a predetermined second condition by updating the operation setting based on the command supplied from the external device 3 a via the communication port 6.

  In addition, the example of the predetermined 2nd conditions mentioned above can be combined suitably. For example, the command to be executed among the commands from each external device may be defined in the operation setting for a plurality of connected external devices. For example, the type of operation that can be executed by the command received from the connected external device 3a and the type of operation that can be executed by the command received from the connected external device 3b may be set in the operation setting. For example, when the control unit 5 receives, from the external device 3a, a command that defines an operation related to fluorescence observation, the command lock unit 46 determines that the command is to be executed, and the command that defines the operation related to fluorescence observation is an external device When receiving from 3b, the command lock unit 46 may determine that the command is not executed.

  The operation control unit 42 updates the state information stored in the storage unit 43 according to the operation of the microscope main body 4 corresponding to the command. For example, when the operation control unit 42 causes the microscope main body 4 to execute a series of operations related to fluorescence observation, the state information stored in the storage unit 43 is the state of the microscope main body 4 after the above-described series of operations. Update to status information indicating (setting). When the state information is updated, the communication control unit 41 transmits the updated state information to the connected external device. For example, it is assumed that all the external devices 3a to 3c in FIG. 15 are connected and the operation control unit 42 causes the microscope main body 4 to execute the operation specified by the command from the external device 3a. In this case, the communication control unit 41 transmits the state information of the microscope main body 4 after execution of the command from the external device 3a to the external devices 3b and 3c other than at least the transmission source of the command among the connected external devices 3a to 3c. Send to For example, the communication control unit 41 associates the information of the external device 3a of the transmission source of the command specifying the operation with the state information, and transmits the information. The information on the external device 3a described above is, for example, the name assigned to the external device 3a, "PC 1", etc. The user of the external devices 3b and 3c supplies a command, and the result of this command is , It is possible to grasp what state the microscope 2 is in. The communication control unit 41 may not transmit the updated state information to the external device 3a that is the transmission source of the command, or may transmit the updated state information to the external device 3a that is the transmission source of the command.

  Also, the connected external device may transmit a transmission request for requesting transmission of the status information to the control unit 5. When the control unit 5 receives a transmission request, the communication control unit 41 transmits status information as a response to the transmission request to at least the external device of the transmission source of the transmission request among the connected external devices. Further, when the control unit 5 receives a transmission request, the communication control unit 41 transmits the state information to one or more external devices other than the transmission source of the transmission request among the connected external devices. Good.

  Next, based on the operation of the microscope system 1 described above, a control method of the microscope 2 according to the embodiment will be described. First, an operation at the time of receiving a request for establishment of communication (connection request) will be described. FIGS. 18 to 20 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation at the time of receiving the connection request. About each part of the microscope system 1, FIG. 17 is referred suitably. In step S101 of FIG. 18, the communication control unit 41 determines whether a connection request is transmitted to the communication port 6 or not. When the communication control unit 41 determines that the connection request is not transmitted to the communication port 6 (step S101; No), the process of step S101 is repeated.

  When the communication control unit 41 determines that the connection request is transmitted to the communication port 6 (step S101; Yes), in step S102, the communication control unit 41 connects to the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request. For example, the communication control unit 41 assigns an identification number (IP address) to the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request, and prepares a port number used for connection with the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request. In step S103, the communication control unit 41 adds connection information (for example, an IP address and a port number) of the transmission source of the connection request to the connection table.

  In step S104, the connection control unit 44 determines whether the number of connections is the upper limit (determines whether the predetermined first condition is satisfied). For example, the connection control unit 44 counts the number of connection information registered in the connection table, that is, the number of connected external devices, and the number of external devices that are the transmission source of the connection request in step S102 (e.g., one). If the sum of and is less than or equal to the set value, it is determined that the number of connected external devices is not the upper limit. If the connection control unit 44 determines that the number of connected external devices is not the upper limit (step S104; No), the connection control unit 44 permits establishment of communication between the connection-request-source external device and the control unit 5. When the connection control unit 44 permits establishment of communication between the control unit 5 and the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request, the communication control unit 41 returns to the process of step S101 while holding the connection information in the connection table. .

  In step S104, when the connection control unit 44 determines that the number of connections is the upper limit (step S104; Yes), in step S105, the communication control unit 41 transmits the connection request from the communication port 6 to the transmission source. Send notification that the establishment of communication is not permitted. As a result, the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request can notify the user of the response from the microscope 2. The communication control unit 41 may not perform the process of step S105.

  In step S106, the communication control unit 41 cancels the connection with the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request. That is, the communication control unit 41 cancels the connection with the external device that has determined that the connection control unit 44 does not permit the establishment of the communication (disconnects the connection). In step S107, the communication control unit 41 deletes the connection information of the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request from the connection table. That is, the communication control unit 41 deletes, from the connection table, the connection information of the external device for which the connection control unit 44 has determined that the establishment of communication is not permitted.

  In step S108, the control unit 5 determines whether to end the process. The control unit 5 determines to end the process, for example, when an instruction to end is received from the user. If the control unit 5 determines that the process is to be ended (step S108; Yes), the control unit 5 ends a series of processes related to communication. In step S108, when it is determined that the control unit 5 does not end the process (step S108; No), the communication control unit 41 returns to the process of step S101, and receives the next connection request.

  In the control method of the microscope shown in FIG. 19, the process of step S109 is added to the example of FIG. In step S104, when the connection control unit 44 determines that the number of connections is not the upper limit (step S104; No), in step S109, the communication control unit 41 transmits the state information to the transmission source of the connection request. . After the process of step S109, the communication control unit 41 returns to step S101, and receives the next connection request. Note that, in step S109, the communication control unit 41 may transmit a notification to the effect of permitting establishment of communication, instead of the state information. Further, in step S109, the communication control unit 41 may transmit a notification indicating that the establishment of communication is permitted, and status information.

  In the microscope control method shown in FIG. 20, the process of step S111 is added to the example of FIG. 18, and the process of step S104 is changed to the process of step S112. In step S111, the communication control unit 41 receives a connection setting command from the connected external device via the communication port 6. In the connection setting command, an external device of a transmission source that permits establishment of communication is specified. That is, in the connection setting instruction, when a predetermined external device makes a connection request, it is specified that the external device should be permitted to establish communication. The connection control unit 44 reflects the connection setting designated by the command in step S111.

  In step S112, the connection control unit 44 determines whether the external device as the transmission source of the connection request corresponds to the transmission source designated in the connection setting. That is, in step S112, the connection control unit 44 determines whether a predetermined first condition is satisfied. If the connection control unit 44 determines that the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request corresponds to the transmission source specified in the connection setting (step S112; Yes), the communication control unit 41 returns to step S1 and the next connection request Accept When the connection control unit 44 determines that the external device that is the transmission source of the connection request does not correspond to the transmission source specified in the connection setting (step S112; No), the communication control unit 41 performs the same process as in FIG. The process after step S105 is performed.

  Next, an operation at the time of receiving a command for causing the microscope main body 4 to execute an operation from the connected external device will be described. Here, it is assumed that the external devices 3a to 3c in FIG. 15 are connected and the external device 3a is a transmission source of the command. 21 and 22 are flowcharts showing an operation at the time of receiving a command. About each part of the microscope system 1, FIG. 17 is referred suitably.

  In step S121 of FIG. 21, the communication control unit 41 determines (monitors) whether or not there is a reception request via the communication port 6. When the communication control unit 41 determines that there is a reception request via the communication port 6 (step S121; Yes), in step S122, the communication control unit 41 receives an instruction corresponding to the reception request. Further, when it is determined that there is no reception request via the communication port 6 (step S121; No), the communication control unit 41 repeatedly performs the process of step S121.

  In step S123, the control unit 5 determines whether the content of the command received in step S122 is an information request. The information request is a command for requesting transmission of status information of the microscope 2. If the control unit 5 determines that the content of the command received in step S122 is an information request (step S123; Yes), the communication control unit 41 determines the state information stored in the storage unit 43 in step S124. It transmits from the communication port 6 to the external device 3a of the transmission source of the information request. The communication control unit 41 may transmit the state information to the connected external devices 3b and 3c other than the transmission source of the information request. For example, the communication control unit 41 may transmit the state information to all connected external devices, or may transmit the state information to some of the connected external devices.

  When the control unit 5 determines that the content of the command received in step S122 is not an information request (step S123; No), in step S125, the control unit 5 determines whether the content of the command is a control command. The control command is a command for specifying the operation (drive, control) of various parts (the above-described electric parts and movable parts) provided in the microscope 2. When the control unit 5 determines that the content of the command received in step S122 is a control command (step S125; Yes), in step S126, the operation control unit 42 performs the operation specified in the control command as the microscope main body 4 Run on various parts of

  For example, when the control command is a command to execute a series of operations related to fluorescence observation, the operation control unit 42 irradiates the specimen S with the first illumination light (excitation light) from the first illumination optical system 12a of FIG. And causes the imaging device 28 to perform imaging of the sample S. When the control command is a command to execute a series of operations related to phase difference observation, the operation control unit 42 causes the second illumination light from the second illumination optical system 12b of FIG. The element 28 performs imaging of the sample S.

  In step S127, the communication control unit 41 transmits the execution result of step S126 from the communication port 6 to the external device 3a that is the transmission source of the control command. For example, the communication control unit 41 transmits data of the image captured in step S126 via the communication port 6. The external device 3a receives the image data from the microscope 2, appropriately performs image processing, stores the image data, and displays the image.

  When controller 5 determines in step S125 that the content of the command in step S122 is not a control command (step S125; No), it determines in step S128 whether the content of this command is a setting command. Do. The setting command is, for example, a command specifying the setting of the above-described movable part (eg, the objective lens 24 and the fluorescent filter 30). When the controller 5 determines that the command in step S122 is a setting command (step S128; Yes), the controller 5 executes the setting command in step S129. For example, the control unit 5 causes the microscope main body 4 to reflect the setting specified in the setting command. For example, when the setting command is a command to change the magnification of the objective lens. The operation control unit 42 controls the drive unit 32 to move (rotate) the revolver 31, thereby arranging an objective lens with a designated magnification in the optical path.

  In step S130, the communication control unit 41 transmits the execution result of step S129 from the communication port 6 to the external device 3a that is the transmission source of the setting command. For example, the communication control unit 41 reads state information (updated state information) indicating the updated setting of the microscope main body 4 from the storage unit 43, and transmits the updated state information from the communication port 6.

  In step S131 after the process of step S127 or after the process of step S130, the communication control unit 41 determines whether there is a connected external device other than the transmission source of the command of step S122. The communication control unit 41 performs the determination of step S131 with reference to, for example, the connection table. If the communication control unit 41 determines that there is an external device connected in addition to the transmission source of the command in step S122 (step S131; Yes), in step S132, the communication control unit 41 has already connected other than the transmission source of the command in step S122. The state information is transmitted from the communication port 6 to each of the external devices 3b and 3c. For example, the communication control unit 41 reads the latest state information from the storage unit 43, and transmits the latest state information from the communication port 6 to the external devices 3b and 3c. For example, when the state of the microscope 2 is changed by a control command or a setting command from the external device 3a, the user can grasp the latest state of the microscope 2 by the external device 3b or the external device 3c.

  After the process of step S124, when the communication control unit 41 determines that there is no connected external device other than the transmission source of the instruction in step S131 (step S131; No), the process of step S132 or the instruction content in step S128 When the controller 5 determines that the command is not a setting command (Step S128; No), the controller 5 ends the series of processes.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 22, a second example when receiving a command will be described. In step S141 of FIG. 22, the communication control unit 41 receives an operation setting instruction from the connected external device (for example, the external device 3a) via the communication port 6. The operation setting is, for example, a setting that defines an operation that permits execution or an operation that does not permit execution (prohibited operation). The command lock unit 46 reflects the content of step S 141 in the operation setting stored in the storage unit 43.

  The process of step S142 and the process of step S143 are the same as the process of step S111 of FIG. 21 and the process of step S112. Here, it is assumed that the external device 3b of FIG. 15 transmits a command. In step S144, the command lock unit 46 determines whether the content of the command in step S143 is permitted in the operation setting. For example, in the operation setting, it is assumed that a series of operations relating to fluorescence observation are prohibited and a series of operations relating to phase difference observation are permitted. When the command in step S143 specifies a series of operations related to fluorescence observation, the command lock unit 46 determines that the operation specified in the command in step S143 is not permitted in the operation setting. When the command in step S143 designates a series of operations related to phase difference observation, the command lock unit 46 determines that the operation specified by the command in step S143 is permitted in the operation setting.

  If the command lock unit 46 determines that the command content is permitted in the operation setting (step S144; Yes), this command is transmitted to the operation control unit 42, and in step S145, the operation control unit 42 designates the command. The microscope body 4 is caused to execute the specified operation. The operation control unit 42 updates the state information of the microscope main body 4 according to the operation result of step S145. In step S146, the communication control unit 41 transmits the updated state information to the external device 3b that is the transmission source of the command in step S143.

  In step S147 after the process of step S146, the communication control unit 41 determines whether or not there is a connected external device other than the transmission source of the command of step S143. The communication control unit 41 performs the determination of step S147, for example, with reference to the connection table. When the communication control unit 41 determines that there is an external device connected in addition to the transmission source of the command in step S143 (step S147; Yes), in step S148, the communication control section 41 has already connected other than the transmission source of the command in step S143. The state information is transmitted from the communication port 6 to each of the external devices 3a and 3c. For example, the communication control unit 41 reads the latest state information from the storage unit 43, and transmits the latest state information from the communication port 6 to the external devices 3a and 3c. For example, when the state of the microscope 2 is changed by a control command or a setting command from the external device 3b, the user can grasp the latest state of the microscope 2 by the external device 3a or the external device 3c.

  After the process of step S148, when the communication control unit 41 determines that there is no connected external device other than the transmission source of the instruction in step S147 (step S147; No), or the instruction content is permitted in the operation setting in step S144. If the control unit 5 determines that it is not (step S144; No), the control unit 5 ends the series of processing.

  Next, the operation of the microscope when the state of the microscope changes regardless of the command will be described. FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the operation of the microscope at the time of state change not based on a command. As a case where the state of the microscope 2 changes without being based on the command, for example, there may be a case where the microscope 2 is operated manually, or a case where various parts such as the stage 11 are moved by vibration such as earthquake.

  In step S151, the control unit 5 determines whether the state of the microscope 2 has been manually changed. For example, the control unit 5 monitors the update of the state information stored in the storage unit 43, and the state of the microscope 2 is manually changed when the update of the state information is not caused by the operation according to the command. It is determined that When the control unit 5 determines that there is no manual state change in the microscope 2 (Step S151; No), the process of Step S151 is repeated.

  If the control unit 5 determines that the state of the microscope 2 has been manually changed in step S151 (step S151; Yes), the communication control unit 41 determines whether there is a connected external device in step S152. . If the communication control unit 41 determines that there is a connected external device (step S152; Yes), in step S153, the communication control unit 41 transmits state information from the communication port 6 to each of the connected external devices. For example, the communication control unit 41 reads the latest state information from the storage unit 43, and transmits the latest state information from the communication port 6 to the external device 3b. For example, the external device 3b can notify the user of the latest state of the microscope 2 when the state of the microscope 2 is changed by a manual operation or the like. After the end of step S153, or when the communication control unit 41 determines that there is no external device connected to the first communication port 6 in step S152 (step S152; No), the control unit 5 ends the series of processes. .

  In the present embodiment, the communication control unit transmits state information indicating the state of the microscope main body to each of the plurality of external devices via the communication port. Therefore, the current state of the microscope can be shared by a plurality of external devices, and for example, any of the plurality of external devices can transmit a command according to the current state to the microscope.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the connection control unit permits establishment of communication via the communication port when the predetermined first condition is satisfied. Therefore, it is avoided that an external device accesses a microscope in unexpected conditions, for example, it is avoided that the microscope performs an unexpected operation by the command from an unexpected external device. The predetermined first condition described in the embodiment is an example, and can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the microscope may not have a predetermined first condition set, and may be arbitrarily accessible. In this case, the microscope may not include the connection control unit.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the operation control unit causes the microscope main body to execute the operation specified by the command when the predetermined second condition is satisfied. Therefore, it is avoided that the microscope performs an unintended operation. The predetermined second condition described in the embodiment is an example, and can be changed as appropriate. Further, the predetermined second condition may not be set for the microscope. For example, when the microscope is installed in a research facility and the user who can access the microscope is limited, unexpected operation can be avoided without performing operation restriction.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 5 includes, for example, a computer system. The control unit 5 reads the control program stored in the storage unit 43, and executes various processes according to the program. This program includes, for example, an illumination optical system for illuminating a sample, and a microscope body having an imaging unit for imaging the sample, a control unit for controlling the microscope body, and a plurality of external devices and control units provided outside the microscope body. A control program that causes a computer to execute control of a microscope comprising a communication port used to communicate with the computer, the control being based on a command supplied from at least one of the plurality of external devices via the communication port Controlling the operation of the microscope body, and transmitting state information indicating the state of the microscope body to each of the plurality of external devices via the communication port. This program may be provided by being recorded on a computer readable storage medium.

  The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the aspect described in the above-described embodiment and the like. One or more of the requirements described in the above embodiments and the like may be omitted. Further, the requirements described in the above-described embodiment and the like can be combined as appropriate. In addition, the disclosures of all the documents cited in the above-described embodiments and the like are incorporated as part of the description of the text as far as the laws and regulations permit.

  In addition, although the number of microscopes with which the microscope system 1 is equipped is one in the above-mentioned embodiment, two or more may be sufficient. For example, the microscope system 1 includes a first microscope and a second microscope, and the detection result of the first sample by the first microscope and the detection result of the second sample by the second microscope are connected. May be sent to an external device. The first sample and the second sample may contain, for example, tissues of equivalent organisms, and culture conditions (eg, presence or absence of administration of nutrition) may be different.

Reference Signs List 1 microscope system 2 microscope 3a to 3c external device 4 microscope body 5 control unit 6 first communication port 7 seventh 2 communication port, S: sample, 12: illumination optical system, 12a: first illumination optical system, 12b: second illumination optical system, 13: imaging unit, 41: communication Control unit, 41a: first communication control unit, 41b: second communication control unit, 42: operation control unit, 43: storage unit

Claims (21)

The microscope body,
According to a second observation condition different from the first observation condition transmitted from an external device that controls the microscope body and performs control according to a first observation condition. And a control unit that performs control.   The microscope according to claim 1, wherein an observation method is different between the first observation condition and the second observation condition.   The control unit executes control according to observation in a second observation method under the second observation condition, while executing control according to the first observation method under the first observation condition. The microscope according to claim 2.   The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a signal transmission / reception unit used for communication between the plurality of external devices that control the microscope body and the control unit.   The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a plurality of signal transmission / reception units used for communication between an external device that controls the microscope body and the control unit.   6. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prioritizes control according to the first observation condition and control according to the second observation condition. Description microscope.   The control unit suspends or refuses execution of control according to the second observation condition when the second observation condition is transmitted during execution of control according to the first observation condition. The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the observation method under the first observation condition is a fluorescence observation method, and the observation method under the second observation condition is a bright field observation method.   The microscope according to claim 8, wherein the control unit performs control according to the fluorescence observation method preferentially to control according to the bright field observation method. The microscope body includes a first illumination optical system and a second illumination optical system,
The control unit
The microscope main body controls an operation using the first illumination optical system based on the control signal of the first observation condition,
The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the microscope body controls an operation using the second illumination optical system based on a control signal of the second observation condition. The control unit
Control according to the first observation condition is performed in a predetermined first period,
The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein control according to the second observation condition is performed in a second period which does not overlap with the first period. The microscope body comprises an illumination optical system,
The control unit
Irradiating the first illumination light from the illumination optical system in at least a part of the first period;
The microscope according to claim 11, wherein the illumination optical system emits second illumination light having a wavelength different from that of the first illumination light in at least a part of the second period.   The microscope according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the control unit performs control to transmit state information indicating a state of the microscope main body to the external device.   The said control part is provided with the connection control part which permits establishment of communication, when the use condition of the said microscope main body is satisfy | filled, when the request | requirement of establishment of communication is received. The microscope described in.   The microscope according to claim 14, wherein the control unit determines that the use condition is satisfied when the number of the external devices has not reached a set value. Controlling the microscope body according to the first observation condition;
During execution of control according to the first observation condition, the microscope main body is controlled according to a second observation condition different from the first observation condition transmitted from an external device that controls the microscope main body And a method of controlling the microscope. On the computer
Controlling the microscope body according to the first observation condition;
During execution of control according to the first observation condition, the microscope main body is controlled according to a second observation condition different from the first observation condition transmitted from an external device that controls the microscope main body A control program that makes things run. An illumination optical system for illuminating a sample, and a microscope main body having an imaging unit for imaging the sample;
A control unit that controls the microscope body;
A plurality of external devices provided outside the microscope body and a communication port used for communication with the control unit;
The control unit
An operation control unit configured to control an operation of the microscope body based on a command supplied from at least one of the plurality of external devices via the communication port;
A communication control unit that transmits state information indicating a state of the microscope body to each of the plurality of external devices via the communication port.   The communication control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a connection control unit that permits establishment of communication via the communication port when receiving a request for establishment of communication supplied via the communication port and satisfying a first predetermined condition. The microscope according to 18.   20. The connection control unit according to claim 19, wherein the connection control unit determines that the predetermined first condition is satisfied when the number of external devices for which communication via the communication port has been established has not reached a set value. microscope.   21. The connection control unit according to claim 19, wherein the connection control unit determines that the predetermined first condition is satisfied when a request for establishment of communication via the communication port is received from a preset external device. Description microscope.

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