Imaging system and microscope having an exchange device

Abstract

To provide a microscope equipped with an exchange device capable of reducing the number of times of a calibration process.SOLUTION: An imaging system (100) includes an exchange device (102) having an exchange holder (108) for accommodating an optical element (106) and thereby arranging it in an optical beam path (104) of the imaging system, and an access element (112) having an open state and a closed state and allowing access to the optical element accommodated in the exchange holder in the open state. The exchange device includes a bistable element (114) having a first stable state and a second stable state, the bistable element transitioning from the first stable state to the second stable state upon opening of the access element and remaining in the second stable state upon closing of the access element. The control unit determines whether it is in the first stable state or in the second stable state and, in the second stable state, determines that the access element is opened and access to the optical element accommodated in the exchange holder is enabled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging system with an exchange device.The present invention further relates to a microscope. [Background technology]

[0002] Many microscopes include interchangeable optical elements, such as objective lenses and eyepieces, but filters or beam splitters may also be interchangeable. After an optical element is replaced, the microscope often needs to be calibrated, especially if the interchangeable optical element is part of the microscope's optical beam path. However, calibrating a microscope can be a very time-consuming process, which significantly reduces the time the microscope can be used for experiments. Therefore, it is desirable to avoid unnecessary calibration processes as much as possible. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an imaging system and a microscope with an exchange device which makes it possible to reduce the number of calibration procedures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] This problem is solved by an imaging system with the features of claim 1 and a microscope with the features of the further independent claims. Advantageous developments are given in the dependent claims.

[0005] The proposed imaging system includes an exchange device including an exchange holder configured to accommodate at least one optical element and thereby position it in the optical beam path of the imaging system, and an access element having an open state and a closed state and configured to allow access to the optical element accommodated in the exchange holder in the open state. The exchange device also includes a bistable element having a first stable state and a second stable state and configured to transition from the first stable state to the second stable state when the access element is opened and to remain in the second stable state when the access element is closed. The imaging system also includes a control unit configured to determine whether the bistable element is in the first stable state or the second stable state and, when the bistable element is in the second stable state, to determine that the access element is open and thus that access to the optical element accommodated in the exchange holder is enabled.

[0006] The exchange holder allows optical elements to be placed in the optical beam path of the imaging system, for example, a filter or filter cube can be placed in the beam path before the detector of the imaging system in order to detect only a specific wavelength range by the detector.

[0007] The access element is, for example, part of the housing of the imaging system, which includes at least an exchange holder. In the closed state, the access element prevents access to the exchange holder and the optical element arranged therein, so that the optical element cannot be removed from the exchange holder, for example, while the imaging system is in operation. In particular, in the closed state, the access element prevents the optical element from being repositioned, which would require a calibration of the imaging system. In contrast, in the open state, the access element allows access to the optical element, for example, to exchange this optical element for another optical element. If the access element is opened, i.e., has been in the open state at least once, the optical element may have been removed, exchanged, or repositioned. However, if the access element is opened after a calibration of the imaging system has been performed, this sometimes means that a new calibration is required.

[0008] When the imaging system is in operation, it is possible to determine when the access element is opened, for example by reading out a sensor in the area of ​​the access element, but this is often not possible when the imaging system is switched off.

[0009] The proposed imaging system switching device therefore includes a bistable element that, upon opening of the access element, transitions from a first stable state to a second stable state and remains in the second stable state. This recognition of the opening of the access element works in the switched-off state of the imaging system and is therefore a power-free "state memory."

[0010] The bistable element, which is in the second stable state after release, must then be returned to the first stable state, which may be done manually by the user, for example.

[0011] If the access element is opened when the imaging system is switched off, the control unit can determine this based on the state of the bistable element. This allows the exchange device to reliably determine whether the access element was opened and thus whether access to the optical element placed in the exchange holder was possible. Thus, a new calibration is often only necessary if the optical element may have been removed, exchanged, or repositioned, which reduces the number of calibration processes and increases the operating time of the imaging system.

[0012] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine whether the bistable element is in a first stable state or a second stable state when the imaging system is switched on. The control unit is further configured, if the bistable element is in the second stable state, to determine that the access element was opened in the switched-off state of the imaging system, thereby enabling access to the optical element housed in the exchange holder. If the access element is opened in the switched-off state of the imaging system, the bistable element has been transferred from the first stable state to the second stable state. If the bistable element is in the second stable state when switched on, the access element was open in the switched-off state of the imaging system, enabling access to the optical element. Based on this information, the control unit can, for example, initiate a new calibration or inform a user that a new calibration of the imaging system is required, for example, before starting an experiment. This ensures that measurement results obtained in an experiment are accurate, by minimizing the risk of errors that may have been caused by incorrect calibration.

[0013] In another embodiment, the exchange device includes a first sensor configured to determine whether the bistable element is in a first stable state or a second stable state. The control unit may be configured to use first sensor data provided by the first sensor to determine whether the bistable element is in the first stable state or the second stable state. Thus, the control unit can use the first sensor to reliably determine whether the access element has been opened.

[0014] In another embodiment, the exchange device includes a second sensor configured to determine whether the access element is in an open or closed state. The control unit may be configured to use second sensor data provided by the second sensor to determine whether the access element is in an open or closed state. Thus, the control unit can use the second sensor to reliably determine whether access to the optical element is currently available. For example, if a user opens the access element while the imaging system is in operation, i.e., while the imaging system is switched on, the control unit can detect this using the second sensor and, for example, issue a warning. This, for example, prevents a user from accidentally changing the position of an optical element placed in the exchange holder, which could require a new calibration.

[0015] The first sensor and / or the second sensor may for example be one of the following sensor types respectively: sensing device, light barrier, Hall sensor, inductive proximity switch and capacitive proximity switch.

[0016] In another embodiment, the imaging system includes an output unit. The control unit may be configured to drive the output unit to output a corresponding warning when the control unit determines that the access element is open. The output unit may, for example, include a display, a warning lamp, or another optical output element. However, the output unit may also include an acoustic output element, for example, a speaker or a buzzer. Via this output unit, the control unit can inform the user that the access element has been opened and thus that access to the optical element housed in the exchange holder is now possible. The control unit can also inform the user, for example, that a new calibration is required, which can be manually initiated by the user. The control unit may further be configured to drive the output unit to output a corresponding warning when the control unit determines that the access element is currently in an open state.

[0017] In another embodiment, the control unit is configured to initiate a calibration process of the imaging system if the control unit determines that the access element has been opened. When the access element has been opened, a new calibration is required. In this embodiment, the imaging system is actively activated to initiate the calibration process required for the new calibration. The calibration process can be initiated automatically by the control unit. The control unit may also be configured to initiate the calibration process of the imaging system only after a user confirmation has been provided. The user confirmation may, for example, be a user input to an input unit of the imaging system. This notifies the user that a new calibration is required, but allows the user to choose whether to perform the calibration process now or at a later time.

[0018] In another embodiment, the access element includes a drawer or a pivoting drawer, which may be configured, for example, as part of the housing of the imaging system, and allows easy and quick access to the exchange device and the optical elements arranged in the exchange device.

[0019] In another embodiment, the drawer or pivoting drawer comprises an exchange holder, and if the drawer or pivoting drawer is configured, for example, as part of the housing of the imaging system, in this embodiment the exchange holder can be at least partially pulled out of the housing, which allows easy and quick access to the optical element placed in the exchange holder.

[0020] In another embodiment, the access element includes a flap on the housing of the imaging system. In this embodiment, the exchange holder is, for example, fixedly arranged in the housing. Opening the flap prevents the exchange holder from moving. This minimizes the risk that the position of the optical element arranged in the exchange holder will be changed and that it will need to be readjusted. The flap also allows the housing to be closed, so that scattered light cannot reach the optical beam path in which the optical element is arranged.

[0021] In another embodiment, the bistable element includes a mechanical follower that is moved from a first position to a second position by mechanical contact with the access element when the access element is opened and remains in the second position when the access element is closed, such that the first stable state corresponds to the first position of the follower and the second stable state corresponds to the second position of the follower. In one such embodiment, the access element includes or forms the follower, such that the follower of the bistable element is moved when the access element is moved. The position of the follower can be detected, for example, by a first sensor. The follower can include, for example, a linearly supported or a pivotable disk. After the control unit determines that the follower is in the second position, the follower can be returned to the first position, for example, by a motor or manually by a user. The follower is moved to the second position purely by mechanical contact with the access element. This means that the bistable element does not have to be supplied with, for example, electrical energy in order to determine whether the access element is open or not. Unlike, for example, a sensing device or other sensor, the bistable element can also be used in particular to determine whether the access element is open or not in the switched-off state of the imaging system.

[0022] In another embodiment, the bistable element includes a bistable solenoid. The first stable state may correspond to a first position of the solenoid armature. The second stable state may correspond to a second position of the solenoid armature. In this embodiment, the solenoid armature forms a mechanical follower. The position of the armature can also be detected, for example, by a first sensor. The control unit may be configured to drive and control the solenoid so that the armature is returned to the first position. The armature can also be returned to the first position using a motor or manually by a user. In this embodiment, too, it is not necessary for the imaging system to be switched on in order to be able to detect whether the access element has been opened.

[0023] In another embodiment, the control unit is configured to drive and control the bistable element to return the bistable element to the first stable state.

[0024] The control unit may be configured, for example, to drive the bistable element after the calibration process is completed to return the bistable element to the first stable state. To return the bistable element to the first stable state, the control unit may, for example, control a motor that returns a mechanical follower of the bistable element to the first position. The control unit may also be configured to drive a solenoid to bring the armature back to the first position. Automatically returning the bistable element to the first state eliminates the need to manually reset the bistable element in order to be able to detect a new opening of the access element. This makes the imaging system extremely easy to handle.

[0025] In another embodiment, the exchange holder is configured to accommodate at least one of the following optical elements: a filter, a filter cube, a fluorescence filter, a beam splitter, a lens, a lens element, and an aperture stop. The optical elements listed above are often used in various types of imaging systems, which makes the imaging systems more versatile.

[0026] The present invention further relates to a microscope including the above-described imaging system with an exchange device, which microscope has the same advantages as the imaging system. In particular, the microscope can be developed with the features described herein in relation to the imaging system. Furthermore, the above-described imaging system can be developed with the features described herein in relation to the microscope.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an imaging system with an exchange device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2a] 10 shows a schematic diagram of an exchange device for an imaging system according to another embodiment; [Figure 2b] 4A and 4B show another schematic diagram of an exchange device for an imaging system according to another embodiment; [Figure 2c] 10 is yet another schematic diagram of an exchange device for an imaging system according to another embodiment; FIG. [Figure 2d] 10 is yet another schematic diagram of an exchange device for an imaging system according to another embodiment; FIG. [Figure 3a] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of an exchange device for an imaging system according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 3b] FIG. 10 is another schematic diagram of an exchange device for an imaging system according to yet another embodiment; [Figure 3c] 10 is yet another schematic diagram of an exchange device for an imaging system according to yet another embodiment; FIG. [Figure 3d] 10 is yet another schematic diagram of an exchange device for an imaging system according to yet another embodiment; FIG. [Figure 4a] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of an exchange device for an imaging system according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 4b] FIG. 10 is another schematic diagram of an exchange device for an imaging system according to yet another embodiment; [Figure 4c] 10 is yet another schematic diagram of an exchange device for an imaging system according to yet another embodiment; FIG. [Figure 4d] 10 is yet another schematic diagram of an exchange device for an imaging system according to yet another embodiment; FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a microscope according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for operating an imaging system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an imaging system 100 with an exchange device 102 according to one embodiment. The imaging system 100 may be part of, for example, a microscope, a sample stage scanner (also called a slide scanner), a spectrometer, or other optical device, and includes at least one optical beam path 104.

[0030] The imaging system 100 includes an exchange device 102 configured to introduce at least one exchangeable optical element 106 into an optical beam path 104. The exchangeable optical element 106 may be, for example, a filter, a filter cube, a beam splitter, a lens, a lens element, an aperture stop, or a similar optical element. In FIG. 1 , the optical element 106 is shown as a lens for illustrative purposes only. The exchange device 102 includes an exchange holder 108 in which the optical element 106 can be placed. When the optical element 106 is housed in the exchange holder 108, the optical element 106 can be introduced into the optical beam path 104 of the imaging system 100, as shown in FIG. 1 .

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the optical beam path 104 is arranged in a housing 110 of the imaging system 100. To enable access to the exchange holder 108 and thus the optical element 106, the exchange device 102 includes an access element. The access element has an open state in which the exchange holder 108 and the optical element 106 arranged therein are accessible. When the access element is open, for example, the optical element 106 can be removed from the exchange holder 108 or replaced with another optical element 106. The access element 112 further has a closed state in which the exchange holder 108 and the optical element 106 arranged therein are not accessible. For example, the access element 112 can be closed to ensure reliable operation of the imaging system 100.

[0032] The exchange device 102 further includes a bistable element 114 having a first stable state and a second stable state. When the bistable element 114 is in the first stable state, the bistable element 114 can be transitioned to the second stable state only by the application of an external force. Conversely, the bistable element 114 can be returned to the first stable state only by the application of an external force. In the exchange device 102, the bistable element 114 is positioned and configured to be transitioned from the first stable state to the second stable state by opening the access element 112, for example, by mechanical contact with the access element 112. The bistable element 114 is further configured to remain in the second stable state when the access element 112 is closed.

[0033] The exchange device 102 further includes a first sensor 116, which is disposed on the bistable element in FIG. 1 , and a second sensor 118, which is disposed to the left of the access element 112 in FIG. 1 . The first sensor 116 is configured to determine the state of the bistable element 114, i.e., whether the bistable element 114 is in a first stable state or a second stable state. The result of this determination can be provided by the first sensor 116, for example, in the form of first sensor data. The second sensor 118 is configured to determine the state of the access element 112, i.e., whether the access element 112 is currently open or closed. The result of this determination can be provided by the second sensor 118, for example, in the form of second sensor data.

[0034] The control unit 120 of the imaging system 100 is configured to determine whether the access element 112 has been opened, and thus whether access to the optical element 106 arranged in the exchange holder 108 has been possible. To this end, the control unit 120 first determines whether the bistable element 114 is in a first stable state or a second stable state. For this purpose, the control unit 120 processes, for example, first sensor data. If the control unit 120 determines that the bistable element 114 is in the second stable state, the control unit 120 determines that the access element 112 has been opened. This determination may be made at various times during operation of the imaging system 100. In one embodiment, the control unit 120 determines in which state the bistable element 114 is when the imaging system 100 is switched on. If the control unit 120 determines that the bistable element 114 is in the second stable state when switched on, the control unit 120 determines that the access element 112 is open in the switched-off state, which means that access to the optical element 106 was possible while the imaging system 100 was switched off.

[0035] If the control unit 120 determines that the access element 112 has been opened, the control unit 120 can take a series of actions. In this case, since the optical element 106 arranged in the exchange holder 108 was accessible, the optical element 106 may be repositioned or removed, and thus a previous calibration of the imaging system 100 may have to be performed again. In one example, if the control unit 120 determines that the optical element 106 arranged in the exchange holder 108 was accessible, the control unit 120 automatically initiates a new calibration. In another embodiment, the control unit 120 initiates a new calibration only after a user confirmation. After the calibration, the control unit 120 can drive and control the bistable element 114, which returns the bistable element 114 to its original first state.

[0036] The embodiment of the imaging system 100 shown in Fig. 1 further includes an output unit 122, e.g., a display. The output unit 122 can be controlled to output, for example, information or a warning to a user. In one embodiment, the control unit 120 is configured to control the output unit 122 to output a warning. The control unit 120 can, for example, warn the user that the access element 112 is open in the switched-off state or that the access element 112 is currently open. The control unit 120 can further inform the user that the bistable element 114 should be returned to the first state.

[0037] 2a-2d each show a schematic representation of an exchange device 200 for the imaging system 100 according to another embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2a-2d, the bistable element 202 includes a solenoid 204.

[0038] The solenoid 204 includes an armature 206 that is linearly supported and surrounded by two coils 208, 210. Applying a voltage to the first coil 208 moves the armature 206 to a first position. When the voltage is no longer applied, the armature 206 remains in the first position. Applying a voltage to the second coil 210 moves the armature 206 to a second position. When the voltage is no longer applied to the second coil 210, the armature 206 remains in the second position. Thus, the first position of the armature 206 corresponds to a first stable state, and the second position of the armature 206 corresponds to a second stable state. The position of the armature 206 is detected by the first sensor 116. In FIG. 2a, the armature 206 is in the first position, i.e., the bistable element 202 is in the first state. This represents the starting position.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 2d, the access element 212 comprises a drawer 214 containing the exchange holder 108. The drawer 214 further comprises a follower 216 configured as an inclined surface. When the drawer 214 is opened, the follower 216 abuts against the armature 206 and transports the armature 206 to the second position by mechanical contact. The armature 206 thus forms a mechanical follower. The situation when the drawer 214 is opened is shown in Figure 2b, where a first arrow P1 indicates the direction of movement of the drawer 214 when it is opened. A second arrow P2 in Figure 2b indicates the direction of movement of the armature 206 when the drawer 214 is opened. The opening of the drawer 214 is registered by a second sensor 118.

[0040] The driver 216 of the drawer 214 is further configured so that the armature 206 remains in the second position when the drawer 214 is closed. The situation when the drawer 214 is closed is shown in FIG. 2c, where the arrow P3 indicates the direction of movement of the drawer 214 when closed. Therefore, when the armature 206 is in the second position, it can be assumed that the drawer 214 has been opened and that the optical element 106 arranged in the exchange holder 108 has been accessible. To return the armature 206 to the first position, the solenoid 204 can be driven to supply current to the first coil 208. The returning of the armature 206 is shown in FIG. 2d, where the arrow P4 indicates the direction of movement of the armature 206 when returning to the first position.

[0041] 3a-3d each show a schematic representation of an exchange device 300 for imaging system 100 according to yet another embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3a-3d, bistable element 302 includes a linearly supported follower 304.

[0042] The linearly supported follower 304 corresponds in function to the armature 206 of the solenoid 204. In FIG. 3a, the linearly supported follower 304 is in a first position corresponding to the first stable state of the bistable element 302. Thus, the starting position is shown in FIG. 3a. When the drawer 214 is opened, the follower 216 of the drawer 214 comes into contact with the linearly supported follower 304, moving the follower 216 to the second position. The situation when the drawer 214 is opened is shown in FIG. 3b, where a first arrow P5 indicates the direction of movement of the drawer 214 when it is opened. A second arrow P6 in FIG. 3b indicates the direction of movement of the linearly supported follower 304 when the drawer 214 is opened. When the drawer 214 is closed, the linearly supported follower 304 remains in a second position, which therefore corresponds to a second stable state. The situation when the drawer 214 is closed is shown in Figure 3c, where the arrow P7 indicates the direction of movement of the drawer 214 when closed.

[0043] The exchanger 300 further includes a linear motor 306 configured to return the linearly supported follower 304 back to the first position. The return of the linearly supported follower 304 is shown in Figure 3d, where arrow P8 indicates the direction of movement of the linearly supported follower 304 as it is guided back to the first position.

[0044] 4a to 4d each show a schematic representation of an exchange device 400 of the imaging system 100 according to yet another embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4a to 4d, the access element 402 includes a pivoting drawer 404 containing the exchange holder 108.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4a to 4d, the bistable element 406 includes a disk 408 on which two cams 410, 412 are arranged. The exchange device 400 further includes a rotary motor 414, which is connected to the shaft 418 of the disk 408 via a belt 416, purely for illustrative purposes. In Figure 4a, the first cam 410 of the disk 408 is located in a first position corresponding to a first stable state. A follower 420 of the pivoting drawer 404 abuts against the first cam 410 of the disk 408 when the pivoting drawer 404 is opened. In this way, the first cam 410 corresponds in function to the armature 206 of the solenoid 204 and the linearly supported follower 304. Here, the force exerted by the follower 420 on the disk 408 is greater than the friction between the belt 416 and the shaft 418 of the disk 408.

[0033] Thus, the first cam 410 is pivoted away from the first position. The opening of the pivoting drawer 404 is shown in Figure 2b, where arrow P9 indicates the pivot direction of the pivoting drawer 404 and disk 408 during opening. When the pivoting drawer 404 is open, the first cam 410 is in the second position. When the first cam 410 is in the second position, the disk 408 is pivoted so that the second cam 412 abuts the first sensor 116. This causes the second sensor 118 to detect that the first cam 410 is in the second position. When the pivoting drawer 404 is closed, the disk 408 remains in that position, i.e., the first cam 410 remains in the second position, which therefore corresponds to the second stable state. The situation when the drawer 214 is closed is shown in Figure 4c, where arrow P10 indicates the direction of movement of the pivoting drawer 404 when closed. The rotary motor 414 can then be used to rotate the disk 408 back to bring the first cam 410 back to the first position. The rotation of the disk 408 back is shown in Figure 4d, where arrow P11 indicates the direction of movement of the disk 408 when rotated back.

[0046] 5 shows a microscope 500 according to one embodiment. The microscope 500 includes an imaging system 100, which is shown only diagrammatically as a box. The optical beam path 104 is now the beam path of the microscope 500.

[0047] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method of operating imaging system 100.

[0048] The method begins in step S6000. In step S602, imaging system 100 is switched on, for example by a user. In step S604, it is determined whether access element 112, 212, 402 was opened while imaging system 100 was stopped. According to one embodiment, control unit 120 determines the state of bistable element 114, 202, 302, 406 based on the first sensor data. If bistable element 114, 202, 302, 406 is in the second state, control unit 120 determines that access element 112, 212, 402 is opened and continues the method in step S606. If bistable element 114, 202, 302, 406 is in the first state, control unit 120 determines that access element 112, 212, 402 was not opened and ends the method in step S612. In step S606, it is determined whether the access element 112, 212, 402 is currently open. In one embodiment, the control unit 120 determines whether the access element 112, 212, 402 is currently open based on the second sensor data. If the access element 112, 212, 402 is currently open, a corresponding warning can be output to the user. In one embodiment, the control unit 120 controls the output unit 122 to output a warning. This warning may be related to a request to the user to close the access element 112, 212, 402. Then, if the access element 112, 212, 402 is closed, the method continues in step S608.

[0049] In step S608, imaging system 100 is calibrated. This ensures that imaging system 100 is properly configured even if optical elements 106 have been moved, repositioned, or replaced since the last calibration. In one embodiment, control unit 120 initiates a calibration process to start calibrating imaging system 100. In step S610, after calibration, bistable elements 114, 202, 302, and 406 are guided back to the first stable state. This can be done manually by a user as requested by a corresponding output. However, this can also be done automatically, for example, by control unit 120 correspondingly driving and controlling bistable elements 114, 202, 302, and 406. The method then ends in step S612 when bistable elements 114, 202, 302, and 406 are back in the first stable state.

[0050] The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as " / ".

[0051] While some aspects have been described in the context of an apparatus, it will be apparent that these aspects also represent a description of a corresponding method, where a block or apparatus corresponds to a step or feature of a step, and similarly, aspects described in the context of a step also represent a description of a corresponding block or item or feature of a corresponding apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 100 Imaging system 102 Exchange device 104 Beam Path 106 Optical Elements 108 Replacement Holder 110 Housing 112 Access Elements 114 Bistable Elements 116,118 sensors 120 Control Unit 122 output units 200 Exchange device 202 Bistable element 204 Solenoid 206 Armature 208,210 coils 212 Access Elements 214 Drawer 216 Convoy 300 exchange device 302 Bistable element 304 Follower 306 Linear Motor 400 Exchange device 402 Access Element 404 Swivel drawer 406 Bistable Elements 408 Disk 410,412 Cam 414 Rotary Motor 416 Belt 418 axes 420 Convoy P1~P11 arrows

Claims

1. An imaging system (100) comprising an exchange device (102, 200, 300, 400), the exchange device (102, 200, 300, 400) comprising: an exchange holder (108) configured to accommodate and thereby position at least one optical element (106) in the optical beam path (104) of said imaging system (100); an access element (112, 212, 402) having an open state and a closed state, and configured to allow access to the optical element (106) housed in the exchange holder (108) in the open state; a bistable element (114, 202, 302, 406) having a first stable state and a second stable state, and configured to transition from the first stable state to the second stable state when the access element (112, 212, 402) is opened and to remain in the second stable state when the access element (112, 212, 402) is closed; Including, the imaging system (100) includes a control unit (120) configured to determine whether the bistable element (114, 202, 302, 406) is in the first stable state or the second stable state, and to determine, when the bistable element (114, 202, 302, 406) is in the second stable state, that the access element (112, 212, 402) is opened, thereby enabling access to the optical element (106) housed in the exchange holder (108). An imaging system (100).

2. the control unit (120) is configured to determine, when the imaging system (100) is switched on, whether the bistable element (114, 202, 302, 406) is in the first stable state or the second stable state, and to determine, when the imaging system (100) is switched off and the bistable element (114, 202, 302, 406) is in the second stable state, that the access element (112, 212, 402) is opened, thereby enabling access to the optical element (106) accommodated in the exchange holder (108). The imaging system (100) of claim 1.

3. the exchange device (102, 200, 300, 400) includes a first sensor (116) configured to determine whether the bistable element (114, 202, 302, 406) is in the first stable state or the second stable state; 3. The imaging system (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the exchange device (102, 200, 300, 400) includes a second sensor (118) configured to determine whether the access element (112, 212, 402) is in the open state or the closed state; Imaging system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The imaging system (100) includes an output unit (122), and the control unit (120) is configured to drive and control the output unit (122) to output a corresponding warning when the control unit (120) determines that the access element (112, 212, 402) has been opened. Imaging system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the control unit (120) is configured to initiate a calibration process of the imaging system (100) when the control unit (120) determines that the access element (112, 212, 402) is open. Imaging system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The access element (212, 402) includes a drawer (214) or a pivoting drawer (404). Imaging system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The drawer (214) or the pivoting drawer (404) includes the exchange holder (108). The imaging system (100) of claim 7.

9. The access element (112, 212, 402) comprises a flap of a housing (110) of the imaging system (100). Imaging system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The bistable element (202, 302, 406) includes a mechanical follower (206, 304, 410) that is moved from a first position to a second position by mechanical contact with the access element (212, 402) upon opening of the access element (212, 402) and remains in the second position upon closing of the access element (212, 402), such that the first stable state corresponds to the first position of the mechanical follower (206, 304, 410) and the second stable state corresponds to the second position of the mechanical follower (206, 304, 410). Imaging system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The bistable element (202) includes a solenoid (204), the first stable state corresponding to a first position of an armature (206) of the solenoid (204), and the second stable state corresponding to a second position of the armature (206) of the solenoid (204). Imaging system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the control unit (120) is configured to drive and control the bistable element (114, 202, 302, 406) to return the bistable element (114, 202, 302, 406) to the first stable state. Imaging system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The exchange holder (108) is configured to accommodate at least one of the following optical elements: a filter, a filter cube, a fluorescence filter, a beam splitter, a lens, a lens element, and an aperture stop. Imaging system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A microscope (500) equipped with an imaging system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images