KR102599405B1 - Multi-Wavelength Light Source for Microscope and Control Method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-wavelength light source device for a microscope and a control method thereof are disclosed.
The device includes a plurality of light sources mounted on a substrate. The collimator forms the light generated from the light source into parallel light. The light source driver rotates the plurality of light sources so that light generated from a light source selected by the user from among the plurality of light sources is directed to the collimator. The collimator driving unit drives the collimator to a position corresponding to the light source selected by the user. The light source selection unit receives an input for selecting one light source among the plurality of light sources from the user and transmits the input to the light source driver and the collimator driver.

Description

{Multi-Wavelength Light Source for Microscope and Control Method there}

The present invention relates to a multi-wavelength light source device for a microscope and a control method thereof.

A microscope, especially an optical microscope, refers to a device designed to irradiate light to a specimen, create a real image of the light passing through the specimen magnified by an objective lens, and observe the re-magnified image through an eyepiece. It is used for pathological examination and clinical purposes. It is widely used to observe minute shapes in inspections, etc.

In these microscopes, a single light source is used to examine the sample.

For example, referring to Figure 1, in the optical microscope 1 according to the prior art, light generated from a single light source 11 installed in the lamp housing 10 is formed as parallel light through the collimator 20. . Afterwards, the light passes through the aperture 30, is polarized by the polarizer 40, and then is reflected downward by the dichroic mirror 50 and proceeds to the stage 60 on which the sample is placed. Next, the light passing through the sample is reflected from the stage 60, passes through the dichroic mirror 40, and then proceeds through the analyzer 70 to the position where the eyepiece (not shown) is located, so that the sample can be viewed under a microscope. Make observation possible.

However, as described above, the conventional microscope 1 consists of only one light source 11, so if a light source of a different wavelength is needed, a corresponding microscope must be used, or in the case of a microscope in which the light source can be detached, the necessary light source can be used. Inconvenience may arise when changing the light source, such as replacing it.

The present invention seeks to provide a multi-wavelength light source device for a microscope that simplifies replacement and use of multiple light sources by using a multi-wavelength light source and a control method thereof.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention as described above and realize the characteristic effects of the present invention described later, the characteristic configuration of the present invention is as follows.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a multi-wavelength light source device is provided, the device comprising:

A plurality of light sources mounted on a substrate, a collimator for forming light generated from the light sources into parallel light, and rotating the plurality of light sources so that light generated from a light source selected by the user from among the plurality of light sources is directed to the collimator. a light source driver, a collimator driver that drives the collimator to a position corresponding to the light source selected by the user, and a selection input for one light source among the plurality of light sources from the user, which is transmitted to the light source driver and the collimator driver. It includes a light source selection unit.

Here, the plurality of light sources are composed of light sources having different wavelengths, and are arranged in a circle based on the center of the substrate.

In addition, the plurality of light sources are spaced apart at the same angle based on the center of the substrate, and the light source driver rotates the plurality of light sources at the same angle by one rotation relative to the center of the substrate.

Additionally, the collimator includes a lens that forms a focus of light generated from the plurality of light sources, and a driver that drives the lens to change the position of the lens.

Additionally, the plurality of light sources are located above the center of the lens so that the lowest light source among the plurality of light sources is located on the horizontal axis including the center of the lens.

Additionally, even if the plurality of light sources rotate, the light source located at the lowest position among the plurality of light sources is located on the horizontal axis including the center of the lens.

Additionally, the collimator driving unit moves the lens to a preset position corresponding to a light source located on a horizontal axis including the center of the lens among the plurality of light sources.

Additionally, a heat sink that radiates heat generated by the plurality of light sources is installed on a side of the substrate where the plurality of light sources are not installed.

In addition, one light source among the plurality of light sources can be used continuously, and simultaneous use of two or more light sources among the plurality of light sources applies only when they are not used continuously.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a multi-wavelength light source is provided, the method comprising:

A method of controlling a multi-wavelength light source including a plurality of light sources mounted on a substrate by a multi-wavelength light source device, comprising: selecting one light source from the plurality of light sources from a user; the light source selected by the user is generated from the light source; It includes rotating the plurality of light sources to face a collimator that forms parallel light with respect to the light, and moving the collimator to a preset position in response to the light source selected by the user.

Here, the step of rotationally driving the plurality of light sources includes positioning the light source selected by the user among the plurality of light sources on the horizontal axis including the center of the lens of the collimator (hereinafter referred to as “usable position”). It includes rotating the plurality of light sources.

In addition, the step of rotationally driving the plurality of light sources includes checking information on a light source initially located at the usable position among the plurality of light sources, and selecting a light source selected by the user based on the information on the light source for use in the use. It includes calculating rotation information to be located at a possible position, and rotating the plurality of light sources according to the rotation information.

In addition, the step of moving the collimator includes initially confirming the position of the lens, and calculating movement information for moving to preset position information corresponding to the light source selected by the user based on the position of the lens. , and moving the lens according to the movement information.

According to the present invention, replacement of multiple light sources is simplified by using a multi-wavelength light source.

Additionally, the structure for replacing multiple light sources can be simplified.

Additionally, the cost of a microscope using a multi-wavelength light source can be saved.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an optical microscope according to the prior art.
Figure 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a multi-wavelength light source device for a microscope according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the light source side of the multi-wavelength light source shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a multi-wavelength light source projected through the collimator shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of focus formation of a light source according to the lens position of the collimator shown in FIG. 1.
Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a multi-wavelength light source for a microscope according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and similar parts are given similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a part is said to “include” a certain element, this means that it may further include other elements rather than excluding other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary. In addition, terms such as "... unit", "... unit", and "module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software. there is.

The devices described in the present invention are composed of hardware including at least one processor, a memory device, a communication device, etc., and a program that is executed in conjunction with the hardware is stored in a designated location. The hardware has a configuration and performance capable of executing the method of the present invention. The program includes instructions that implement the operating method of the present invention described with reference to the drawings, and executes the present invention by combining it with hardware such as a processor and memory device.

All terms including technical and scientific terms used below have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in the dictionary are further interpreted as having meanings consistent with the related technical literature and currently disclosed content, and are not interpreted in ideal or very formal meanings unless defined.

Hereinafter, a multi-wavelength light source device for a microscope according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a multi-wavelength light source device 100 for a microscope according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 2, the multi-wavelength light source device 100 for a microscope according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a light source unit 110, a light source driver 120, a collimator driver 130, and a light source selection unit 140. do.

The light source unit 110 provides light used in a microscope and includes a multi-wavelength light source 111 and a collimator 112.

First, the multi-wavelength light source 111 includes a substrate 1111, a plurality of light sources 1112, and a heat sink 1113.

The substrate 1111 is a printed circuit board (PCB), and since a plurality of light sources 1112 are arranged in a circular shape on the substrate 1111, the substrate 1111 is preferably a circular substrate.

The plurality of light sources 1112 are a plurality of light sources 1112 having different wavelengths. Referring to FIG. 3, the plurality of light sources 1112 are arranged in a circle on the substrate 1111, and are based on the center of arrangement of the plurality of light sources 1112. Since it is rotatable, the arrangement positions of the plurality of light sources 1112 can be changed. For example, referring to (a) of FIG. 3, with the first light source 11121 of the plurality of light sources 1112 disposed at the top, the plurality of light sources 1112 are rotated clockwise to produce the light source 11121 of FIG. 3. As shown in (b), it can be seen that the second light source 11122, which is placed counterclockwise after the first light source 11121, is placed at the top.

As such, in an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of light sources 1112, for example, six light sources 1112 as shown in FIG. 3 may be rotated to change each other's positions.

In particular, the plurality of light sources 1112 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other at the same angle based on the arrangement center, and can be set to rotate only by the spaced angle with one rotation. For example, when six light sources 1112 are arranged, each light source 1112 is spaced apart from each other at an angle of 60 degrees, and is rotated by 60 degrees with one rotation and positioned in the position of the light source right next to it.

Multiple light sources are implemented to selectively turn on/off only the light sources of the wavelength necessary for the experiment.

Optionally, the light source is implemented to be controlled by DC (Direct Current) rather than alternating current such as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).

Simultaneous use of two or more light sources among the plurality of light sources 1112 can be applied only when they are not used continuously.

It is preferable that only one light source among the plurality of light sources 1112 can be used continuously.

Meanwhile, LED (Light Emitting Diode), laser, etc. may be used as the plurality of light sources 1112. In particular, with the advancement of LED technology, high-brightness LEDs have been developed, and LEDs such as UV (UltraViolet) and IR (Infrared Ray) have been developed and can be used as the light source 1120.

The heat sink 1113 is installed on the substrate 1110 to dissipate heat since high-brightness LEDs used as the plurality of light sources 1112 generate heat when used for a long time. At this time, the plurality of light sources 1112 and the heat sink 1113 are arranged on different sides with the substrate 1111 as the center.

The collimator 112 protects the lens 1121 and the lens 1121 used to form the focus of light incident from the multi-wavelength light source 111, and moves the lens 1121 in the front-to-back direction to change the position of the lens 1121. It includes a driver 1122 that moves it.

Meanwhile, FIG. 4 shows a diagram of the multi-wavelength light source 1112 projected through the collimator 112 shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4 , the multi-wavelength light source 111 is installed on the collimator 112 so that one light source among the plurality of light sources 1122 is located on the same horizontal axis as the center of the lens 1121 of the collimator 112. For example, the multi-wavelength light source 111 is disposed at least above the center of the lens 1121 of the collimator 112.

In this way, when one of the plurality of light sources 1122 is located on the same horizontal axis as the center of the lens 1121 of the collimator 112, the corresponding light source can be used in the microscope, and if another light source is used, The light source to be used may be used after being positioned on the same horizontal axis as the center of the lens 1121 by rotating the plurality of light sources 1122. Here, the position of the light source 1112 located on the same horizontal axis as the center of the lens 1121 may be referred to as the “usable position.” For example, referring to Figure 4, it can be seen that the red light source 11123 is placed in the “usable position”.

Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of light sources 1112 can be rotated to place the light sources to be used in the microscope in a usable position, so the light sources can be easily replaced without a separate light source replacement for using a multi-wavelength light source in the microscope. You can use it.

The light source driver 120 is connected to the multi-wavelength light source 111 of the light source unit 110 and rotates the light source 1112 to position the desired light source at a usable position and also adjusts the brightness of the light source. To this end, the light source driver 120 pre-establishes information such as the arrangement type and arrangement order of the plurality of light sources 1112 on the substrate 1111 and the specifications for each light source 1112.

The collimator driver 130 controls the driver 1122 of the collimator 112 to change the position of the lens 1121. Here, the collimator driver 130 is a driver such that when the light source 1112 selected by the light source driver 120 is placed in a usable position, the position of the lens 1121 is changed to the collimator position corresponding to the light source 1112. Controls (1122). To this end, the collimator driver 130 pre-sets the position information of the lens 1121 to be positioned for each of the plurality of light sources 1112.

Specifically, the light source 1112, for example, LED, has a viewing angle preset in the standard, and the position of the lens 1121 to be positioned with respect to the light source 1112 will vary depending on this radiation angle. You can. For example, referring to FIG. 5, for one light source disposed at a usable position among the plurality of light sources 1112, the lens 1121 of the collimator 112 as shown in (a) and (b) It can be seen that the focus of the light source is not formed at the position, but the focus of the light source is formed at the position of the lens 1121 as shown in (c) and (d). However, the difference between cases (c) and (d) is the distance at which the focus is formed, so this can be selected depending on the location of the optical element located after the collimator 112, for example, an aperture, etc.

The light source selection unit 140 is an input device that allows the user to select information on the light source 1112 to be used in the microscope, and may be implemented as a switch, button, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), etc. Through the light source selection unit 140, the user selects the light source 1112 to be used in the microscope, for example, a green light source, a red light source, light source 1, light source 2, 1, 2, etc., to the multi-wavelength light source 111. In order to distinguish each of the plurality of light sources 1112, preset names can be used to select them.

The light source selection unit 140 transmits the light source information selected by the user to the light source driver 120 and the collimator driver 130, and the light source driver 120 and the collimator driver 130 select a plurality of light sources according to the transmitted light source information. The driving control is performed so that the light source selected from (1112) is located at a usable position, and at the same time, the lens 1121 of the collimator 112 is moved to a position corresponding to the selected light source.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling a multi-wavelength light source device for a microscope according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a multi-wavelength light source for a microscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the method of controlling a multi-wavelength light source for a microscope according to an embodiment of the present invention according to FIG. 6 may be performed by the multi-wavelength light source device 100 for a microscope described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 described above.

Referring to Figure 6, first, the user selects a light source to be used in the microscope, for example, a red LED, using a switch, etc. (S100).

Next, the plurality of light sources 1112 of the multi-wavelength light source 111 are rotated so that the light source selected by the user is placed in a usable position (S110). Here, among the plurality of light sources 1112, information on the light source initially placed in the usable position is set in advance, and information on the number of times the light source selected by the user based on this information must be rotated to be placed in the usable position, etc. can be calculated, and the light source selected by the user can be placed in a usable position through rotation of the plurality of light sources according to the calculated number of times information.

Subsequently, the lens 1121 of the collimator 112 is moved to a position corresponding to a light source placed in a usable position, that is, a light source selected by the user (S120). Likewise, information on the position of the initial lens 1121 is set in advance, and based on this information, lens movement information for moving the lens 1121 to a position corresponding to the light source selected by the user can be calculated, like this: By moving the lens 1121 according to the calculated lens movement information, the lens 1121 can be positioned at a position corresponding to the light source selected by the user.

Thereafter, the light source 1122 disposed at an available position is turned on to perform observation using a microscope (S130).

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, by using a plurality of light sources 1112, replacement and use of multiple light sources can be simplified, and the structure for replacement of multiple light sources can also be simplified, making it possible to use a multi-wavelength light source. The cost of the microscope can also be saved.

The embodiments of the present invention described above are not only implemented through devices and methods, but can also be implemented through programs that implement functions corresponding to the configurations of the embodiments of the present invention or recording media on which the programs are recorded.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims are also possible. It falls within the scope of rights.

100: Multi-wavelength light source for microscope
110: light source unit
120: Light source driving unit
130: Collimator driving unit
140 ; Light source selection section
111: Multi-wavelength light source
112: collimator
1111: substrate
1112 : Multiple light sources
1113: heat sink
11121: first light source
11122: second light source
1121: lens
1122: actuator

Claims (13)

A plurality of light sources mounted on a substrate,
A collimator that forms the light generated from the light source into parallel light,
A light source driver that rotates the plurality of light sources so that light generated from a light source selected by the user from among the plurality of light sources is directed to the collimator;
A collimator driving unit that drives the collimator to a position corresponding to a light source selected by the user, wherein the collimator includes one lens that forms a focus of light generated from the plurality of light sources, and
A light source selection unit that receives a selection input for one light source among the plurality of light sources from the user and transmits it to the light source driver and the collimator driver.
Includes,
The plurality of light sources are composed of light sources having different wavelengths and are arranged in a circular shape with respect to the center of the substrate,
When projecting the plurality of light sources through the collimator, the plurality of light sources are all configured to be projected into one lens of the collimator, and the light source located at the lowest position among the plurality of light sources is positioned on the horizontal axis including the center of the lens. In a state where the plurality of light sources are positioned above the center of the lens, the light source driver operates the plurality of light sources so that the light source selected by the user from among the plurality of light sources is positioned on the horizontal axis including the center of the lens. Rotating the light source,
Multi-wavelength light source device. delete According to paragraph 1,
The plurality of light sources are spaced apart at the same angle based on the center of the substrate,
The light source driver rotates the plurality of light sources at the same angle by one rotation with respect to the center of the substrate.
Multi-wavelength light source device. According to paragraph 1,
The collimator is a driver that drives the lens to change the position of the lens.
A multi-wavelength light source device further comprising: delete According to paragraph 4,
Even if the plurality of light sources rotate, the light source located at the lowest position among the plurality of light sources is located on the horizontal axis including the center of the lens.
Multi-wavelength light source device. According to paragraph 4,
The collimator driving unit moves the lens to a preset position in response to a light source located on a horizontal axis including the center of the lens among the plurality of light sources.
Multi-wavelength light source device. According to paragraph 1,
A heat sink for dissipating heat generated by the plurality of light sources is installed on a side of the substrate where the plurality of light sources are not installed,
Multi-wavelength light source device. According to paragraph 1,
Among the plurality of light sources, one light source can be used continuously,
This applies when simultaneous use of two or more light sources among the plurality of light sources is not continuous use,
Multi-wavelength light source device. A method of controlling a multi-wavelength light source including a plurality of light sources where the multi-wavelength light source device is mounted on a substrate, comprising:
A step of selecting one light source from the plurality of light sources from the user,
Rotating and driving the plurality of light sources so that the light source selected by the user faces a collimator that forms parallel light with respect to the light generated from the light source, wherein the collimator forms a focus of light generated from the plurality of light sources. Includes lenses -, and
moving the lens in the collimator to a preset position in response to a light source selected by the user
Includes,
The plurality of light sources are composed of light sources having different wavelengths and are arranged in a circular shape with respect to the center of the substrate,
When projecting the plurality of light sources through the collimator, the plurality of light sources are all configured to be projected into one lens of the collimator, and the light source located at the lowest position among the plurality of light sources is positioned on the horizontal axis including the center of the lens. The step of rotating the plurality of light sources in a state in which the plurality of light sources are positioned above the center of the lens so that the light source selected by the user from among the plurality of light sources is positioned along the horizontal axis including the center of the lens. Rotating and driving the plurality of light sources to be positioned on the
A multi-wavelength light source control method including. According to clause 10,
The step of rotating the plurality of light sources is:
Rotating and driving the plurality of light sources so that the light source selected by the user among the plurality of light sources is located at a position on the horizontal axis including the center of the lens of the collimator (hereinafter referred to as “usable position”)
A multi-wavelength light source control method including. According to clause 11,
The step of rotating the plurality of light sources is:
Checking information on a light source initially located at the usable position among the plurality of light sources,
calculating rotation information at which the light source selected by the user should be located at the available position based on the information on the light source, and
Rotating and driving the plurality of light sources according to the rotation information
A multi-wavelength light source control method including. According to clause 11,
The step of moving the collimator is,
Initially confirming the position of the lens,
Calculating movement information for moving to preset position information in response to a light source selected by the user based on the position of the lens, and
moving the lens according to the movement information
A multi-wavelength light source control method including.