WO2018151302A1

WO2018151302A1 - Optical device

Info

Publication number: WO2018151302A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/005817
Authority: WO
Inventors: 智西村
Original assignee: 株式会社ＬｉｇｈｔｅＳ
Priority date: 2017-02-20
Filing date: 2018-02-19
Publication date: 2018-08-23
Also published as: JPWO2018151302A1

Abstract

Provided is an optical device with which micro-imaging at a microscope level and macro-imaging at an overhead level, etc., are possible using a single optical system. This optical device captures images of objects and comprises: an imaging optical system 1a for forming images of objects; an imaging element 6 that converts images formed by the imaging optical system 1a into electric signals; and a magnification changing means that changes the imaging magnification of the imaging optical system 1a. The magnification changing means has a switching means that changes the magnification by switching between: a micro image forming mode in which a micro image of the object is formed on the imaging element 6 by the imaging optical system 1a; and a virtual mode in which a virtual image of the object is formed on the imaging element 6 by the imaging optical system 1a.

Description

Optical device

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus for imaging an object or an optical apparatus including an observation apparatus for observing an object. More specifically, the present invention is also referred to as micro imaging or micro observation (hereinafter referred to as micro imaging). ) And macro observation or macro observation (hereinafter also referred to as micro photography) at an overhead observation level.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for optical devices that can achieve both microscopic photography at the microscope observation level and macro photography at the overhead view level. For example, in the medical field, in addition to the evaluation / determination of a site to be treated by endoscopic surgery, it is also required to perform an evaluation of a healthy site. In other words, in addition to the microscopic observation for evaluating the viability of the resected stump and anastomosis in addition to the discrimination of malignant tumors, etc., there is a need for an observation technique or imaging technique that enables a low-magnification overhead observation that is easy to perform a surgical operation. It has been.

In addition, in the basic research field, in order to understand multi-scale pathological conditions and photodiagnosis in living bodies, instead of conventional bioimaging with a limited amount of information, cell traits (micro) and cells compete with each other. There is an increasing need to visualize both of the networks (macro) that are formed through cooperation. However, a conventional endoscope having a zoom function has a narrow range of magnification change and does not enable acquisition of sufficient content information.

As a technique related to the above, an invention is known in which, when the enlargement switch is pressed, the wire driving device drives the pulling and pulling wire and the moving lens moves back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion to change the magnification of the image (for example, (See Patent Document 1). The optical system also has two partial systems, and the second imaging stage of the second partial system allows a higher optical resolution than the second imaging stage of the first partial system. The invention configured as described above is known (for example, see Patent Document 2). Furthermore, the lens assembly provided in the housing changes the magnification of the image between macro and micro magnifications, and in the case of micro magnifications, laser radiation is used instead of white light illumination. The invention is known (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 does not describe a wide range of magnification changes that covers microscopic photography at a microscope observation level and macro photography at an overhead observation level. The inventions described in

Patent Documents

2 and 3 are based on the premise that the captured image is divided by a beam splitter or the like, and the optical system is complicated.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-56668 JP 2013-80243 A JP-T-2004-501708

The present invention has been invented in view of the situation as described above, and its purpose is to use both a microscopic photography at a microscope observation level and a macro photography at a bird's-eye observation level using a single optical system. It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical device that enables the above.

In order to solve the above problems, an optical device according to the present invention is an optical device for photographing or observing a target object,
An imaging optical system for forming an image of the object;
An image sensor that converts an image formed by the imaging optical system into an electrical signal;
Magnification changing means for changing the imaging magnification by the imaging optical system;
With
The imaging optical system has a plurality of imaging points in the optical axis direction,
The magnification changing means switches a magnification of imaging by the imaging optical system by switching which imaging point of the plurality of imaging points in the imaging optical system is to be converted into an electrical signal by the imaging element. It is an optical device characterized by changing.

Here, the imaging optical system has a plurality of imaging points in the optical axis direction. The magnification changing unit changes the position of the imaging point of the imaging optical system by changing the position of at least a part of the optical group constituting the imaging optical system in the axial direction. Then, among the plurality of image forming points, an image forming point imaged on the image sensor is changed. This makes it possible to greatly change the magnification of imaging by the imaging optical system by a simple operation of changing the position of at least a part of the optical group constituting the imaging optical system in the axial direction. It is possible to realize a high zoom ratio seamlessly by operation.

In the present invention, the image obtained by the electrical signal converted by the imaging element is an erect image with respect to the image formation point where an inverted image is formed among the plurality of image formation points. You may make it further provide the image inversion means which electrically inverts an image.

According to this, when an inverted image is formed on the image sensor, the image obtained by the image inverting means is electrically inverted, so that even when the image formation point imaged on the image sensor is changed. Inconveniences such as the image viewed by the user being reversed upside down can be suppressed, and the optical device can be made easier to use.

Further, in the present invention, the magnification changing means includes a first state in which a micro-image of a narrow-field high-magnification image of the object is formed on the imaging element by the imaging optical system, and the imaging optical system There may be switching means for changing the magnification by switching between a second state in which a macro image of an object with a wide field of view and a low magnification is formed on the image sensor.

According to this, it is possible to more easily switch between a state where micro observation or micro photography is possible and a state where macro observation or macro photography is possible. As a result, it is possible to quickly or easily switch between microscopic observation or photographing of a fine structure in the object and bird's-eye observation or photographing capable of grasping the entire state of the object.

In the present invention, in the first state, a real image of the object is formed on the image sensor by the imaging optical system, and in the second state, a virtual image of the object is formed by the imaging optical system. You may make it image-form on the said image pick-up element, and may be made into a real image.

According to this, in the first state, it is possible to obtain a high-resolution image, and in the second state, it is possible to greatly widen the shooting range compared to the first state. . As a result, it is possible to more easily seamlessly realize both micro photography having an imaging magnification and resolution at a microscope observation level and macro photography having an imaging magnification at a bird's eye observation level, using a single imaging optical system. It becomes possible.

In order to solve the above problems, an optical device according to the present invention is an optical device for photographing an object to be photographed,
An imaging optical system for forming an image of the object;
An image sensor that converts an image formed by the imaging optical system into an electrical signal;
Magnification changing means for changing the imaging magnification by the imaging optical system;
With
The magnification changing means includes a first state in which a real image of an object is formed on the image sensor by the imaging optical system, and a second state in which a virtual image of the object is formed on the image sensor by the imaging optical system. The optical apparatus may further include a switching unit that changes the magnification by switching between and.

Here, the magnification changing means exhibits a zoom function by changing the position of at least a part of the optical group constituting the imaging optical system, but the position of the optical group to be moved at that time is used for real image shooting. When it is changed beyond the range, it is possible to take a virtual image. That is, the switching means included in the magnification changing means further changes the position of the predetermined optical group from the limit position of the first state in which the real image of the object is imaged on the image sensor, so that the virtual image of the object is imaged. A second state in which an image is formed above can be set.

And in the second state, it is possible to greatly expand the shooting range compared to the first state. Therefore, in the present invention, the switching means switches between the first state and the second state, so that the imaging magnification by the imaging optical system is greatly (discontinuously) added to the normal zoom function. It is possible to change. This makes it possible to seamlessly realize both micro photography having an imaging magnification at the microscope observation level and macro photography having an imaging magnification at the overhead observation level, using a single imaging optical system.

In addition, in conventional micro photography and the like, the magnification is too high and it may be difficult to understand which place is being photographed, but according to the present invention, after confirming the photographing place by macro photography or the like, It is possible to quickly switch to micro photography and the like, and the working efficiency of micro photography can be greatly increased.

The present invention is an optical device for photographing an object to be photographed,
An imaging optical system for forming an image of the object;
An image sensor that converts an image formed by the imaging optical system into an electrical signal;
Magnification changing means for changing the imaging magnification by the imaging optical system;
With
The magnification changing means includes a first state in which a micro-image of a narrow-field high-magnification image of the object is formed on the imaging element by the imaging optical system, and a wide-field low-magnification of the object by the imaging optical system. The optical apparatus may include a switching unit that changes the magnification by switching between the second state in which the macro image is formed on the image sensor.

In the present invention, the imaging optical system includes an objective optical group including an objective lens and a variable power optical group having a zoom function, and the switching means includes the variable power optical group and / or the image sensor. By changing the position, the first state and the second state may be switched.

According to this, the first state and the second state are switched by changing the position of at least one of the variable power optical group having a zoom function and the image pickup element among the optical groups constituting the image pickup optical system. Therefore, since the objective optical group is not positively moved, it is possible to suppress inconveniences such as the objective lens moving during micro photography or the like and coming into contact with an object to be photographed.

In the present invention, the switching means may fix the objective optical group when switching between the first state and the second state. Then, when switching between the first state and the second state, since the position of the objective optical group is fixed, the objective lens moves more reliably during the micro-photographing etc. It is possible to prevent inconvenience such as contact with an object.

In the present invention, an illuminating unit arranged around the tip of the imaging optical system may be further provided. According to this, in the first state, even when the working distance is small and it is difficult to illuminate the object to be photographed, from the periphery of the tip of the imaging optical system (in some cases, the imaging optical system Illumination light can be irradiated obliquely toward the center direction, and the object to be photographed can be illuminated well.

Further, in the present invention, it further comprises a position regulating means for regulating the positional relationship between the imaging optical system and the object to be photographed,
The position restricting means has an abutting member disposed so as to abut the surface of the object in front of the front end of the imaging optical system and surround the imaging range of the imaging optical system in the first state. It may be.

According to this, in the first state, the abutting member of the position regulating means abuts on the object that is the object to be photographed, so that the object that is the object of photographing is easily arranged near the position where the focus is best. be able to. Further, if the contact member is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system, the angle of the object surface is made perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system by bringing the contact member into contact with the object. Becomes easy. As a result, it is possible to more easily shoot an object with the imaging optical system.

In the present invention, the position restricting means may further include a transparent film disposed so as to be in close contact with the surface of the object in the photographing range of the imaging optical system. According to this, when the contact member of the position regulating means is brought into contact with the object to be imaged, the surface of the object to be imaged is brought into close contact with the transparent film in the imaging range of the imaging optical system. Thus, the surface of the object can be made smoother. As a result, the imaging of the surface of the object by the imaging optical system can be performed more clearly or more easily.

In the present invention, the front side surface of the contact member of the position restricting means may be disposed 0.5 to 1.5 mm ahead of the position where the focus is best in the first state. Good. According to this, when photographing an object to be photographed, the contact member is first brought into contact with the surface of the object, and then the entire optical device is advanced by 0.5 to 1.5 mm. It is possible to focus. According to this, it is possible to realize a more convenient optical device.

In the present invention, in the first state and the second state, the objective optical group and the variable power optical group may be arranged on the same optical axis or on the same optical path. Good. According to this, switching from the first state to the second state or vice versa can be performed more quickly and seamlessly.

Further, in the present invention, connection means that enables connection to an optical path of an existing microscope may be further provided. According to this, the above-described observation in the present invention can be applied to the observation and photographing functions originally provided in the existing microscope by combining the other existing prepared microscope and the optical device according to the present invention. It is possible to perform complex and synergistic observation and photographing by adding a photographing function.

In addition, the means for solving the above-described problems can be used in combination as much as possible.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an optical apparatus that enables both microscopic photography at a microscope observation level and macro photography at a bird's-eye observation level using a single optical system.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging optical system and an imaging element according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is an overview of an entire optical device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a 1st example of the image image | photographed with the optical apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a 2nd example of the image image | photographed with the optical apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a general-view figure of the whole optical apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect | action of the optical apparatus which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is a general-view figure of the whole optical apparatus which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. It is an example of the image image | photographed with the optical apparatus which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. It is a perspective view of the whole optical apparatus which concerns on Example 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of the illumination part which concerns on Example 4 of this invention. It is an image which shows the whole optical apparatus which concerns on Example 4 of this invention. It is the image which compared the optical apparatus which concerns on Example 4 of this invention, and a general macro lens. It is an example of the image image | photographed with the optical apparatus which concerns on Example 4 of this invention. It is a structural example at the time of attaching the optical apparatus which concerns on Example 5 of this invention to the two-photon microscope.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in the following examples are not intended to limit the technical scope of the invention only to those unless otherwise specified.

<Example 1>
First, Example 1 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging optical system 1a and an imaging element 6 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1A shows an arrangement of optical elements in a micro imaging mode in which micro imaging of an object to be imaged is imaged on the imaging element 6 by the imaging optical system 1a. FIG. 1B shows the arrangement of the optical elements in the macro imaging mode in which the imaging optical system 1 a forms an image of the object ob to be imaged on the imaging element 6. Here, the micro imaging mode corresponds to the first state of the present invention. The macro imaging mode corresponds to the second state of the present invention. Note that the micro imaging mode in the present embodiment may be realized by forming a real image of the object to be imaged on the image sensor 6. Further, the macro imaging mode may be realized by forming a virtual image of the object ob to be imaged on the image sensor 6 to form a real image. In this case, the micro image formation of the object ob is an image formation by a real image of the object ob, and the macro image formation of the object ob is an image formation by a virtual image of the object ob.

As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging optical system 1a in the present embodiment includes an objective lens 2, an imaging lens 3, a variable power lens 4, and a relay lens 5. Each of the objective lens 2, the imaging lens 3, the variable power lens 4, and the relay lens 5 may be configured by a single lens or a lens group in which a plurality of lenses are combined. Good (hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, for example, the objective lens 2 is also referred to as the objective lens 2 when it is constituted by a lens group).

Although the specification of the objective lens 2 is not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the magnification of the objective lens 2 may be about 4 to 40 times, for example. By setting the magnification of the objective lens 2 to the above level, the working distance can be set to a value with good operability. In this embodiment, the diameter of the objective lens 2 is φ25 mm. By using the objective lens 2 having such a diameter, for example, a high-resolution imaging device 6 called 4K (vertical and horizontal resolution of about 4000 × 2000 pixels), 8K (vertical and horizontal resolution of about 8000 × 4000 pixels), or the like is used. Even in such a case, a sufficiently bright image can be taken. An imaging element 6 that forms an image by the imaging optical system 1a is provided behind the imaging optical system 1a. The image pickup device 6 may be a C-MOS type having a size corresponding to 1/2 inch to 1 inch and a resolution corresponding to 2K (vertical and horizontal resolution of about 2000 × 1000 pixels). It should be noted that the specifications of the objective lens 2 and the image sensor 6 shown here are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the values shown.

In the micro imaging mode shown in FIG. 1A, micro imaging of the object to be imaged is imaged on the image sensor 6. More specifically, a micro image (intermediate image) formed by the objective lens 2 and the imaging lens 3 is further imaged as a micro image on the image sensor 6 by the variable power lens 4 and the relay lens 5. In this case, the image formed on the image sensor 6 is an erect image, and it is possible to obtain a magnification and resolution equivalent to those of a conventional erecting microscope or an inverted microscope.

In the macro imaging mode shown in FIG. 1B, the macro imaging of the object to be imaged is imaged on the image sensor 6. More specifically, a macro image of a micro image (intermediate image) formed by the objective lens 2 and the imaging lens 3 is imaged on the image sensor 6 by the variable power lens 4 and the relay lens 5. In this case, the image formed on the image sensor 6 is an inverted image, and the distance between the object to be imaged and the objective lens 2 is significantly larger than that in the first state shown in FIG. It is set large. Further, the magnification is low, and it is possible to perform overhead view photography similar to conventional endoscopic photography.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, in this embodiment, only the relay lens 5 is moved when shifting from the micro imaging mode shown in FIG. 1 (a) to the macro imaging mode shown in FIG. 1 (b). I am letting. According to this, the micro imaging mode can be shifted to the macro imaging mode without changing the position of the objective lens 2, and the tip of the objective lens 2 is placed on the object to be imaged in front of the objective lens 2. Inconvenience such as contact can be prevented. Further, since the optical elements of the micro imaging mode of FIG. 1A and the macro imaging mode of FIG. 1B are arranged on the same optical axis or on the same optical path, in the macro imaging mode. It is possible to quickly and seamlessly switch from overhead observation to microscopic observation in the micro imaging mode and vice versa. In this embodiment, the objective lens 2 and / or the imaging lens 3 constitute an objective optical group. The variable power lens 4 and / or the relay lens 5 constitute a variable power optical group.

In FIG. 1A, the object ob is captured as an erect image on the image sensor 6, and in FIG. 1B is illustrated as an inverted image on the image sensor 6, but these are WD (working) of the objective lens. The image formation state can be reversed between the erect image and the inverted image by the lens optical system design of the distance) variable power lens and the image forming lens. However, the image picked up by the image pickup device 6 can be easily flipped electronically on the screen or a rotated image can be obtained, and there is no problem in observation on the screen or on the image pickup monitor. Similarly, when the zoom is moved by the lens optical system design, the image formation state may occur multiple times and may change between micro image formation and macro image formation. Even in the case of macro imaging or micro imaging enlarged by an imaging device having such a high resolution and a wide dynamic range, it is possible to obtain a high-definition image having no practical problem.

In FIG. 1, there are a plurality of imaging points. In FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the second imaging point is imaged on the image sensor 6. However, in the imaging optical system 1a in the present embodiment, any one of the objective lens 2, the imaging lens 3, the variable power lens 4, the relay lens 5, and the imaging element 6 is moved, and any imaging point is on the imaging element 6. It is also possible to change the macro image formation and the micro image formation by changing whether to form an image.

In the present embodiment, as described above, one of the micro image and the macro image may be an erect image and the other may be an inverted image. In such a case, when shifting from one of the micro imaging mode or the macro imaging mode to the other, the obtained image may be turned upside down, making it difficult for the observer to see the image. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the image processing device 6a is provided, and the image processing device 6a electrically inverts the image when the obtained image is an inverted image.

This electrical image adjustment of an upright image or an inverted image can also be realized by visually adjusting the image. Alternatively, the lens optical system design calculates the range of erect image, inverted image or virtual image, and real image from the moving distance range of the variable power lens, and sets the image on the image sensor in advance based on the moving distance of the variable power lens You may do it. Furthermore, it is also possible to automatically detect the switching of an inverted image or an upright image by applying an image contrast measurement method or an upper / lower marker, and adjust the image on the screen to coincide with the observation object ob.

In this way, even when one of micro imaging and macro imaging is an erect image and the other is an inverted image, the observation image on the screen is maintained in the relationship of the erect image so that it always coincides with the observation object ob. can do. This makes it possible to perform more rapid and seamless observation of the microscope in the instantaneous switching from the bird's-eye view in the macro imaging mode to the micro imaging mode and vice versa, and to obtain a more easily viewable image. Is possible.

Next, an overview of the entire optical device 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2A is a front view when the optical device 1 includes the illumination element 9, and FIG. 2B is a side view. As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging optical system 1 a and the imaging element 6 in the present embodiment are housed in a substantially cylindrical barrel 7. The lens barrel 7 is provided with a focusing ring and a zoom ring (not shown). It is possible to change the focal position of the objective lens 2 by rotating the focusing ring. Further, by rotating the zoom ring, at least the zoom lens 4 and the relay lens 5 are moved to perform the zoom function in the micro imaging mode, and further, the relay lens 5 is moved by rotating the zoom ring. It is possible to switch between the micro imaging mode and the macro imaging mode. In this embodiment, the magnification changing means and the switching means are constituted by a mechanism (including a zoom ring) of the lens barrel 7 that moves the variable power lens 4 and / or the relay lens 5.

In this embodiment, a control board 8 for the image sensor 6 is disposed behind the lens barrel 7. It is possible to supply power from the control board 8 to the image sensor 6 and to receive an output signal from the image sensor 6 and to transmit a signal to an image display device or an image recording device (not shown). . Note that the rotation of the focusing ring and zoom ring in the present embodiment may be performed manually by the user or electrically using an actuator such as a motor.

In the present embodiment, a tapered portion 7 a is formed in front of the lens barrel 7. The tapered portion 7 a is formed at an angle equivalent to the opening angle θ of the numerical aperture (NA) of the objective lens 2. And in the taper part 7a, the eight lighting elements 9 as an illumination means consisting of white LED are arrange | positioned over the perimeter of the taper part 7a. Electric power is supplied from the control board 8 to the illumination element 9. Further, the illumination element 9 has a light emitting portion directed to the optical axis of the imaging optical system 1a along the inclination of the tapered portion 7a on the tapered portion 7a, and from the outer periphery of the objective lens 2 to the object ob to be imaged. Illumination light can be irradiated obliquely.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the illumination element 9 is arranged over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the tapered portion 7a formed at the tip of the lens barrel 7, and the angle is equal to the opening angle θ of NA. Illumination was possible obliquely forward toward the optical axis. As a result, even if the working distance of the objective lens 2 is short and the gap between the object to be imaged and the objective lens 2 is narrow, illumination light can be irradiated to the gap. It is possible to acquire a bright image. Moreover, since the illumination element 9 is disposed outside the tapered portion 7a, which is an optically surplus space, the entire apparatus including the illumination element 9 can be made compact.

In the present embodiment, a white LED is used as the illumination element 9, but other elements may be used as a matter of course. For example, when the object to be imaged is a living body, a blue LED may be used as the illumination element 9 and used to excite a specific fluorescent protein. In this case, it is also possible to observe the fluorescent protein by spectrally separating the fluorescence using the RGB layer in the image sensor 6. In this embodiment, the number of lighting elements 9 is eight, but the number is not limited. You may change suitably according to the output of the illumination element 9, and the object ob of the imaging | photography object.

In the present embodiment, a heater for maintaining the surface of the objective lens 2 at about 37 ° C. may be provided. According to this, when the object to be imaged is a living body, the objective lens 2 can be prevented from being clouded by taking the objective lens 2 into and out of the living body.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the optical elements constituting the micro imaging mode capable of performing micro imaging at the microscope observation level and the macro imaging mode capable of performing macro imaging at the overhead observation level are provided. Imaging can be performed while seamlessly switching using imaging optical systems on the same optical axis or on the same optical path. When both micro photography and macro photography are made compatible only with the micro imaging mode, there is a limit in resolution particularly in micro photography, and it is difficult to realize an enlargement ratio of about 1: 1 or more with the imaging device 6. It becomes. In addition, in a general microscope zoom lens having only a micro imaging mode, when the enlargement ratio is increased to such a degree that both micro photography and macro photography can be compatible, the number of lenses increases and the aperture becomes small. Inevitably, the configuration of the optical system becomes complicated and large, and the imaging system becomes dark. Or the aberration in micro imaging mode will become large.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, it is possible to increase the resolution to the imaging limit of the imaging optical system 1a. In addition, since the configuration of the optical device can be simplified and downsized, a handy type optical device that can quickly move to a place where each shooting is necessary can be realized while quickly switching between micro shooting and macro shooting. Furthermore, a bright imaging optical system with a relatively large aperture can be obtained, so that a better image can be acquired.

In addition, when the present invention is applied to basic research on living bodies, it becomes possible to simultaneously observe submicron cell characteristics / individuality and cell networks / organ relationships formed in millimeter sizes. That is, in the macro imaging mode, it is possible to observe a network formed by cells competing, competing, and cooperating with each other, and in the micro imaging mode, the individuality of each cell can be observed. This may provide a new understanding of the disease.

In addition, when the present invention is applied to clinical medicine, the micro imaging by the micro imaging mode (submicron unit, corresponding to so-called microscope observation) and the macro by the macro imaging mode are performed without replacing the optical device. Since both photography and the like (in cm) can be performed, it is possible to grasp and evaluate the cell characteristics from an image obtained by micro photography or the like, and it is possible to perform surgery support by macro photography or the like. For example, in advanced clinical medicine in which a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, a bird's-eye observation is performed by macro photography and the like, and a blood vessel is photographed by micro photography to determine whether the catheter is normally inserted into the blood vessel. For example, it is possible to quickly switch between macro photography and micro photography to provide an image from a new viewpoint and to support surgery.

In addition, the present invention observes and inspects micro-defects and characteristics on solid surfaces of semiconductors such as metals, semiconductors, and organisms and circuits of semiconductor wafers in micro-imaging mode, and forms macro-images of all or a wide range of defects and characteristics of these individuals. It has high industrial utility value such as observation and inspection in mode.

In addition, the optical device 1 in the present embodiment can be realized at low cost by using parts that are generally distributed in the market, and the cost is lower than the case where an equivalent function is realized by the existing technology. Can be significantly reduced. In addition, since the overall configuration of the apparatus is simple and compact, a more convenient observation tool can be realized.

For example, for individual observation in drug discovery, observation tools that capture light emission and fluorescence from the living body are widely used. (1) High cost, (2) Strict requirements for mice, (3) Light emission Are indispensable, and (4) the temporal and spatial resolution is low. In addition, observation tools using a two-photon microscope often only allow invasive imaging of a very limited visual field (several tens of microns) and a limited time (several hours), and are not necessarily directly related to medical treatment. I did not. The optical apparatus in the present embodiment can be expected as an observation tool that complements or replaces the conventional observation tool as described above.

3 and 4 show examples of images taken by the present invention. FIG. 3A is an image of one cell taken in the micro imaging mode of the optical device 1 according to this example. FIG. 3B is an image of a living tissue imaged in the micro imaging mode. FIG. 3C is an organ image taken in the micro imaging mode. FIG. 4A is an image of the operator taken from a bird's-eye view in the macro imaging mode. FIG. 4B is an image obtained by inserting the optical device 1 into the abdominal cavity and photographing the forceps work in the laparoscopic surgery in the micro imaging mode. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily capture images with completely different magnifications using a single optical system.

Also, it is possible to easily and quickly obtain both high-quality morphological information with a texture in the micro imaging mode and large morphological information in the macro imaging mode. In other words, in this embodiment, both the image that the normal microscope captures as a real image and the image that the normal zoom lens captures as a virtual image are captured on the same optical axis, and a plurality of images formed by the same light are switched. The microscope was able to capture the target of the zoom lens. At the same time, the size of the microscope was reduced to an unprecedented level, greatly increasing the applicability.

<Example 2>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the optical device includes a position restriction unit for restricting the relative position of the object to be imaged and the optical device.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the optical device 1 in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the optical device 1 includes a position restriction unit 10 as position restriction means. As shown in FIG. 5, the optical device 1 in the present embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, except that the position regulating unit 10 is provided. The position restriction unit 10 includes a cylindrical cylindrical portion 10a that is directly attached to the lens barrel 7, a flat plate-shaped contact portion 10b that is in contact with an object to be imaged, and an opening that is opened at the center of the contact portion 10b. 10c. Here, the contact portion 10b corresponds to the contact member in the present invention.

The cylindrical portion 10 a is fixed to the outer periphery of the lens barrel 7. The fixing method is not particularly limited, for example, other than press-fitting and screwing, and may be bonded after fitting. In the present embodiment, the contact portion 10b is configured to be perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system 1a in a state where the position restriction unit 10 is attached to the lens barrel 7. Further, the front surface of the contact portion 10b is disposed 0.5 to 1.5 mm ahead of the focus position of the optical device 1 in the micro imaging mode described in the first embodiment. At the time of photographing, the optical device 1 is brought into contact with the object to be photographed as shown in FIG. 6 and pressed with a lighter force. Then, for example, when the imaging target is a living body surface, the living body surface is in a state of rising by the thickness D at the opening 10c, and adjustment is made so that the living body surface is arranged at a position where the optical device 1 is in focus. It becomes possible.

According to this, it is possible to hold the angle of the object to be imaged perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system 1a by a simple operation of bringing the optical device 1 into contact with the object to be imaged, Further, the surface of the object to be imaged can be easily arranged at a position where the optical device 1 is in focus in the micro imaging mode. The position where the optical device 1 is in focus in the micro imaging mode may be finely adjusted in advance by turning the focusing ring. In the optical device 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to acquire a brighter and clearer image with a simpler operation by using the illumination device 9 described in FIG. Become.

In the present embodiment, the contact portion 10b is formed of an annular member having an opening 10c at the center. However, the shape of the contact portion 10b is not limited to this, and is not particularly limited as long as it surrounds the region to be imaged. For example, it may have a polygonal shape having an opening. Alternatively, the region to be imaged is not surrounded by a single member, but a plurality of members may be arranged so as to surround the region to be imaged. In this case, the members do not necessarily have to be arranged without a gap, and may be arranged with a gap therebetween. For example, a substantially annular contact portion may be formed by arranging a plurality of fan-shaped members side by side in an annular shape, or a polygonal contact portion may be formed by arranging rectangular members side by side. May be.

<Example 3>
Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the optical device is an example provided with a position restricting unit for restricting the relative position between the object to be imaged and the optical device, and a transparent flexible film is provided at the opening of the position restricting unit. An example in which is provided will be described.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of the optical device 1 and the position regulating unit 10 in this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the optical device 1 includes the position regulating unit 10 as in the second embodiment. A transparent flexible film 10 d is stretched in the opening 10 c of the position regulating unit 10.

The flexible film 10d may be, for example, a polyethylene film having a thickness of 10 μm to 50 μm, but the thickness and material are not particularly limited. When the contact portion 10b provided with the film 10d is brought into contact with, for example, the surface of a living body that is the object to be photographed, the surface of the body 10d is uneven even when the surface of the living body is uneven. Smooth by copying closely. Further, since the film 10d has flexibility, as in the second embodiment, at the time of photographing, the optical device 1 is directly brought into contact with the object to be photographed and pressed with a light force so that the surface of the object comes into contact with the contact portion. It becomes a state where it rises slightly from 10b, and it can be adjusted to be arranged at a position where the optical device 1 is in focus in the micro imaging mode. In this embodiment, the magnification of the objective lens 2 may be 20 times, the numerical aperture (NA) may be 0.45, and the working distance may be 35 mm. Experimentally, when the objective lens 2 under this condition was used, the best image could be taken in the micro imaging mode.

Further, in this embodiment, the photographing may be performed by bringing the tip of the objective lens 2 into contact with the flexible film 10d during photographing. Accordingly, the flexible film 10d can be interposed in the space between the object to be imaged and the objective lens 2, and the surface of the living body can be brought into a state close to a liquid immersion state. As a result, total reflection due to the difference in refractive index at the interface between the object ob and the air to be imaged and the interface between the air and the objective lens 2 can be suppressed, and a clearer and brighter image can be captured.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the angle of the object to be imaged is perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system 1a by a simple operation of bringing the optical device 1 into contact with the object to be imaged. In addition, it is possible to easily hold the surface of the object ob to be imaged at a position where the optical device 1 is in focus in the micro imaging mode. Further, even when the surface of the object to be photographed has irregularities, the surface can be smoothed, and the surface of the object to be photographed can be brought into a liquid immersion state. Thereby, a clear image can be taken more easily. Also in the present embodiment, the lighting element 9 described in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows an example of an image photographed by the optical device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a close-up image of a living body surface in the abdominal cavity in the micro imaging mode. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to take a high-magnification biological tissue image more easily and clearly in the micro imaging mode.

<Example 4>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, an example in which the optical device is actually housed in a more compact lens barrel and configured to be easy to use will be described.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the optical device 11 in the present embodiment. The optical device 11 according to this embodiment includes an objective lens storage unit 12, a main lens barrel 17, and an imaging unit 16. The configuration of the imaging optical system housed in the optical device 11 is basically the same as that described in the first embodiment. The objective lens storage unit 12 stores the objective lens 2 and has an illumination unit 12a at the tip. The main lens barrel 17 includes a rotatable diaphragm ring 13, zoom ring 14, focusing ring 15, and imaging unit 16. The imaging unit 16 houses the imaging device 6 and is connected to an output cable (not shown) so that an image signal of an image formed on the imaging device 6 can be output.

Here, the objective lens 2 stored in the objective lens storage unit 12 is fixed and does not move. Further, by rotating the zoom ring 14, the optical element including the variable magnification lens 4 is moved to change the magnification, and at the same time, coarse focus adjustment is performed. Further, by rotating the focusing ring 15, the optical element including the relay lens 5 moves and fine focus adjustment is performed.

In this embodiment, the total length of the optical device 11 in the front-rear direction is about 200 mm, the diameter of the illumination unit 12a at the tip of the objective lens storage unit 12 is about φ50 mm, the diameter of the central portion of the main barrel 17 is about φ40 mm, and the imaging unit The diameter of 16 was able to be configured as compact as about φ45 mm. Moreover, NA (numerical aperture) is 0.40, realizing a spatial resolution and brightness five times or more that of a conventional endoscope. Furthermore, it is possible to deal with the high-resolution imaging device 6 of 2K, 4K, and 8K levels.

FIG. 10 shows a detailed view of the illumination unit 12a in the present embodiment. FIG. 10A is a front view of the illumination unit 12a as viewed from the front, and FIG. 10B is a side view of the entire objective lens storage unit 12. FIG. In FIG. 10A, the objective lens 2 is exposed at the center of the illumination unit 12a. Outside the objective lens 2, there are provided an outer annular portion 22 a made of a ring-shaped flat plate and an inner annular portion 22 b which is a space between the outer annular portion 22 a and the object lens 2.

Twelve first LEDs 19 are arranged in an annular shape on the outer ring portion 22a. In addition, eight second LEDs 29 are arranged in an annular shape in the inner annular portion 22b. In the macro imaging mode, a wider area can be illuminated by turning on the first LED 19. Further, in the micro imaging mode, by turning on the second LED 29, it is possible to illuminate a region closer to the objective lens 2 with stronger illumination light, and to shoot at a high magnification with sufficient brightness. ing.

The first LED 19 and the second LED 29 may have the same specifications or different specifications. When the first LED 19 and the second LED 29 have different specifications, the outputs of the first LED 19 and the second LED 29 may be changed. Further, the first LED 19 is a white LED and the second LED 29 is a specific wavelength LED, so that normal imaging is possible in the macro imaging mode, fluorescence imaging is possible in the micro imaging mode, etc. The wavelengths of the first LED 19 and the second LED 29 may be changed. Further, for example, by setting the wavelength of the second LED 29 to the infrared region and the imaging element 6 to be an InGaAs photodiode, a transmission image of a thick parenchymal organ can be obtained. It is possible to selectively use unstained and ultra-deep images by infrared absorption / scattering.

FIG. 11 shows an image of the optical device 11 in the present embodiment. FIG. 12 shows an image comparing the size of a general macro lens for a single-lens reflex camera with a focal length of 180 mmF2.8 and the optical device 11 in the present embodiment. As can be seen from FIG. 12, even a macro lens for a single-lens reflex camera having an enlargement ratio of at most about 1: 2 that is actually distributed in the market has a diameter that is more than twice that of the optical device 11 and about 1.5 in total length. Therefore, it can be understood that the optical device 11 according to the present embodiment has high performance and can be miniaturized.

FIG. 13 shows an image obtained by photographing the inside of a pig with the optical device 11 in this embodiment. The two images on the left are images taken at a magnification of 100 in the micro imaging mode. As shown by the scale in the figure, it is possible to take a close-up image of a tissue in an area of about 50 μm. The two images on the right side are images taken in the macro imaging mode, and an organ or the like in an area of about 20 cm can be taken. Thus, according to the present embodiment, by using both the micro imaging mode and the macro imaging mode, an optical device having a zoom ratio of about 10000 times can be realized with a relatively simple and inexpensive optical system. .

In the above-described embodiment, the imaging optical system 1a includes the objective lens 2, the imaging lens 3, the variable power lens 4, and the relay lens 5. However, the configuration of the imaging optical system 1a in the present invention is not limited to the above. The configuration of the imaging optical system 1a may include, for example, a focus correction lens for performing focus correction in the micro imaging mode. Further, an imaging optical system in which the arrangement of lenses having each function is different from that shown in FIG.

In the above embodiment, the switching function between the micro imaging mode and the macro imaging mode is realized by moving only the relay lens 5 in the imaging optical system 1a. However, switching between the micro imaging mode and the macro imaging mode may be realized by moving other components. For example, the relay lens 5 and the image sensor 6 are moved. Alternatively, only the image sensor 6 may be moved.

Further, an imaging optical system that switches between the micro imaging mode and the macro imaging mode by moving at least one of the objective lens 2, the imaging lens 3, the variable power lens 4, the relay lens 5, and the imaging element 6, It is included in the scope of the present invention. When the objective lens 2 is moved to switch between the micro imaging mode and the macro imaging mode, inconveniences such as the objective lens 2 coming into contact with the object to be imaged may occur, but a single optical system is used. By using it, it is possible to sufficiently solve the problem of the present invention that enables both microscopic photography at the microscope observation level and macro photography at the overhead observation level.

Further, the configuration of the lens barrel 7 is not limited to that of the above embodiment. It does not necessarily have to have a focusing ring and a zoom ring. When the micro imaging mode and the macro imaging mode are switched by moving any of the objective lens 2, the imaging lens 3, the variable power lens 4, the relay lens 5, and the image sensor 6, at least the micro imaging Any mechanism that moves the moving lens to switch between the mode and the macro imaging mode may be used. Further, the mechanism does not necessarily need to be configured by a ring and a cam, and may be a mechanism that directly moves a moving lens.

In the present embodiment, the shape of the contact portion 10b is not particularly limited as long as it surrounds the area to be imaged. Further, the region to be imaged is not surrounded by one member, but a plurality of members may be arranged side by side so as to surround the region to be imaged. In this case, the members do not necessarily have to be arranged without a gap, and may be arranged with a gap therebetween.

<Example 5>
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the function of the microscope is enhanced by attaching the optical device to an existing microscope.

The optical apparatus that enables simple micro observation and overhead view photography according to the present invention can perform its function alone as shown in the above-described embodiments. In addition to this, when used in combination with many optical microscopes, special microscopes, non-linear photon effect utilizing microscopes, etc., it becomes possible to exert a synergistic effect of both functions.

Recent microscopes are considerably subdivided according to their purpose of use, and they are often used in special ways. Various types of microscopes such as a phase contrast microscope, an interference microscope, a polarizing microscope, a fluorescence microscope, a harmonic microscope, a multiphoton microscope, and a Raman microscope are commercially available. All of these microscopes are increasingly used for microscopic observation and state grasping of ultrafine cells, viruses, human tissues, metal tissues, biological compositions, and the like.

Many of these special microscopes are equipped with a recording camera port, and by attaching the optical device according to the present invention to the recording camera port using a mount adapter, the macro observation mode grasps a wide range of states, The necessary observation part and measurement part can be specified, and the micro observation mode can be used for fine observation and state grasping. Since the F and C mount adapters are normally installed in the camera port on the microscope side, the above-described effects can be exhibited only by attaching a mount that matches one of the adapters to the optical apparatus according to the present embodiment. . Furthermore, it is possible to easily perform observation including comparative measurement and dimension measurement by attaching various reticles such as a scale plate, a comparison chart, and a grid line to the mount. Furthermore, by attaching filters such as fluorescence, infrared, and contrast to the mount, more versatile and simple observation is possible.

FIG. 14 shows an example of the configuration when the optical device according to the present invention is attached to a two-photon microscope as such an example. In the two-photon microscope 30, the direction of the pulsed light emitted from the femtosecond laser 31, which is a light source, is controlled by the galvanometer mirror 34 and is focused on the target location of the sample ob by the objective lens 35. Then, the emitted light of approximately ½ wavelength generated in the two-photon excitation process and emitted from the sample ob passes through the objective lens 35 and the galvanometer mirror 34, is bent by the beam splitter 32, and is then split by the beam splitter 33. The

One of the radiated light divided by the beam splitter 33 passes through a filter 36 such as a fluorescent filter and is then detected by a photodetector 37. The other of the radiated light split by the beam splitter 33 is incident on the optical device 1 of the present invention via the mount adapter 38 attached to the camera port of the two-photon microscope 30, the filter 39, and the mount 40. The

In such a configuration, by attaching a fluorescent filter as the filter 39 or the like, it is possible to perform two-screen or multi-magnification observation in combination with observation by the photodetector 37 of the two-photon microscope 30. Further, by attaching an infrared detection filter as the filter 39 or the like, it is possible to observe the heat distribution by the imaging device 1 and to compare with the visible light observation by the two-photon microscope 30 and measure. That is, in addition to the function of easily specifying an observation site in an optical microscope that performs ultrafine observation, it is possible to configure a wide variety of observation microscopes and magnification microscopes.

DESCRIPTION OF

SYMBOLS

1, 11 ... Optical apparatus 1a ... Imaging optical system 2 .... Objective lens 3 .... Imaging lens 4 .... Variable magnification lens 5 .... Relay lens 6 .... Imaging element 7 .... -Tube 8 ...

Control board

9, 19, 29 ... Illumination element 10 ... Position regulating unit 30 ... Two-photon microscope

Claims

An optical device for photographing or observing a target object,
An imaging optical system for forming an image of the object;
An image sensor that converts an image formed by the imaging optical system into an electrical signal;
Magnification changing means for changing the imaging magnification by the imaging optical system;
With
The imaging optical system has a plurality of imaging points in the optical axis direction,
The magnification changing means switches a magnification of imaging by the imaging optical system by switching which imaging point of the plurality of imaging points in the imaging optical system is to be converted into an electrical signal by the imaging element. An optical device characterized in that
Of the plurality of image forming points, the image is electrically inverted so that an image obtained by the electric signal converted by the image sensor becomes an erect image at an image forming point where an inverted image is formed. The optical apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising image inverting means.
The magnification changing means includes a first state in which a micro-image of a narrow-field high-magnification image of the object is formed on the imaging element by the imaging optical system, and a wide-field low-magnification of the object by the imaging optical system. The optical apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit that changes the magnification by switching between a second state in which the macro image is formed on the image sensor.
In the first state, a real image of the object is formed on the image sensor by the imaging optical system. In the second state, a virtual image of the object is formed on the image sensor by the imaging optical system. The optical apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the optical apparatus is formed into a real image.
The magnification changing unit is configured to form a real image of the object on the image sensor with the imaging optical system, and a real image by forming a virtual image of the object on the image sensor with the imaging optical system. The optical apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit that changes the magnification by switching between the second state and the second state.
An optical device for photographing an object to be photographed,
An imaging optical system for forming an image of the object;
An image sensor that converts an image formed by the imaging optical system into an electrical signal;
Magnification changing means for changing the imaging magnification by the imaging optical system;
With
The magnification changing unit forms a real image by forming a real image of an object on the image sensor with the imaging optical system and a virtual image of the object on the image sensor with the imaging optical system. An optical apparatus comprising switching means for changing the magnification by switching between the second state and the second state.
An optical device for photographing an object to be photographed,
An imaging optical system for forming an image of the object;
An image sensor that converts an image formed by the imaging optical system into an electrical signal;
Magnification changing means for changing the imaging magnification by the imaging optical system;
With
The magnification changing means includes a first state in which a micro-image of a narrow-field high-magnification image of the object is formed on the imaging element by the imaging optical system, and a wide-field low-magnification of the object by the imaging optical system. An optical apparatus comprising: switching means for changing the magnification by switching between the second state in which the macro image is formed on the image sensor.
The imaging optical system is
An objective optical group including an objective lens, and a variable magnification optical group having a zoom function,
8. The switching unit according to claim 3, wherein the switching unit switches between the first state and the second state by changing a position of the variable power optical group and / or the imaging element. The optical apparatus as described in any one.
9. The optical apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the switching unit fixes the objective optical group when switching between the first state and the second state.
The optical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an illuminating unit arranged around a distal end portion of the imaging optical system.
A position restricting means for restricting a positional relationship between the imaging optical system and the object to be imaged;
The position restricting means has an abutting member disposed so as to abut the surface of the object in front of the front end of the imaging optical system and surround the imaging range of the imaging optical system in the first state. The optical device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein
12. The optical apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the position restricting unit further includes a transparent film disposed so as to be in close contact with the surface of the object in the photographing range of the imaging optical system.
12. The front side surface of the contact member of the position restricting means is disposed 0.5 to 1.5 mm ahead of a position where the focus is best in the first state. Optical device.
The objective optical group and the variable magnification optical group are arranged on the same optical axis or on the same optical path in the first state and the second state, respectively. An optical device according to 1.
The optical apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a connection unit that enables connection to an optical path of an existing microscope.