Optical device

Abstract

To provide an optical device allowing a microphotography or the like of a microscopic level and a macrophotography or the like of an overview level, with a simple operation.SOLUTION: An optical device includes: an imaging optical system 1a for forming an image of an object ob to be observed or taken; an imaging element 6 for converting the image formed by the imaging optical system 1a into an electric signal; and magnification changing means for changing the imaging magnification by the imaging optical system 1a, by switching between a first state in which a micro image of a narrow-viewing high-magnification of the object ob is formed on the imaging element 6 by the imaging optical system 1a and a second state in which a macro image of a wide-viewing low-magnification of the object ob is formed on the imaging element 6 by the imaging optical system 1a. The imaging optical system 1a includes a liquid lens 3 that contains liquid inside and can change the focal distance by voltage application.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device including an imaging device for photographing an object or an observation device for observing an object, and more specifically to an optical device that enables both micro-imaging or micro-observation at a microscope observation level (hereinafter also referred to as micro-imaging, etc.) and macro-imaging or macro-observation at a bird's-eye view observation level (hereinafter also referred to as micro-imaging, etc.). [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for optical devices that can perform both microscopic photography at the microscope observation level and macroscopic photography at the bird's-eye observation level. For example, in the medical field, in addition to evaluating and deciding the area to be operated on by endoscopic surgery, it is also required to evaluate healthy areas. In other words, there is a demand for observation or photography technology that allows low-magnification bird's-eye observation that makes surgical operations easier, as well as microscopic observation for evaluating the viability of resection margins and anastomoses in addition to distinguishing malignant tumors, etc.

[0003] In addition, in basic research, there is a growing need to visualize both cell characteristics (micro) and the networks (macro) formed by cells competing and cooperating with each other, rather than the conventional bioimaging with a very limited amount of information, in order to understand multi-scale pathology and perform optical diagnosis in living organisms. However, conventional endoscopes with zoom functions have a narrow range of magnification changes and do not allow for the acquisition of sufficient content information. In addition, many devices require the movement of an adjustment ring to change magnification and focus, making them not necessarily easy for users to use.

[0004] As a technique related to the above, there is known an invention in which, by pressing a magnification switch, a wire driving device drives a push-pull wire, and a moving lens moves back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the insertion length to change the magnification of an image (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There is also known an invention in which an optical system has two system parts, and a second imaging stage of the second system part is configured to enable a higher optical resolution than the second imaging stage of the first system part (see, for example, Patent Document 2). There is also known an invention in which a lens assembly provided in a housing changes the magnification of an image between macro magnification and micro magnification, and in the case of micro magnification, laser radiation is used instead of white light illumination (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

[0005] However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 does not describe a wide range of magnification changes that cover micro photography at a microscope observation level and macro photography at a bird's-eye observation level. Also, the inventions described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 are premised on splitting the captured image with a beam splitter or the like, resulting in a complex optical system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-56668 [Patent Document 2] JP 2013-80243 A [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2004-501708 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and its object is to provide an optical device that enables both micro-photography at a microscope observation level and macro-photography at a bird's-eye view observation level with simpler operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] 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 observed or photographed, comprising: an imaging optical system for forming an image of the object; an imaging element that converts an image formed by the imaging optical system into an electrical signal; a magnification changing means for changing an imaging magnification of the imaging optical system by switching between a first state in which the imaging optical system forms a narrow-field, high-magnification micro image of the object on the imaging element, and a second state in which the imaging optical system forms a wide-field, low-magnification macro image of the object on the imaging element; Equipped with The imaging optical system is an optical device characterized in that it includes a liquid lens having a liquid therein and capable of changing a focal length by applying a voltage thereto.

[0009] According to this, there is no need to manually move the adjustment ring to change the position of the optical group constituting the imaging optical system, and it is possible to significantly change the magnification of the imaging by the imaging optical system only by adjusting the voltage applied to the liquid lens. As a result, it is possible to seamlessly realize a high magnification ratio with a simple operation. More specifically, it is possible to more easily switch between a state in which micro observation or micro photography is possible and a state in which macro observation or macro photography is possible. As a result, it is possible to quickly or easily switch between microscopic observation or photography of the fine structure of an object and bird's-eye observation or photography that allows the overall state of the object to be grasped.

[0010] In this case, in the present invention, at least one of switching between the first state and the second state, focusing on the object, and changing the magnification in the first state or the second state may be performed by applying a voltage to the liquid lens in the imaging optical system. In this way, operations such as focusing and zooming can be performed simply by controlling the voltage applied to the liquid lens, making it easier to observe and photograph an object using an optical device.

[0011] In the present invention, the camera further comprises a distance measuring means for measuring a distance to a location on the object to be observed or photographed, A voltage to be applied to the liquid lens is determined according to the distance to the photographing or observing point on the object measured by the distance measuring means. This may be done.

[0012] According to this, the focal position and imaging magnification of the imaging optical system can be adjusted based on the measurement result by the distance measuring means, and it becomes possible to observe and photograph the object by the optical device more easily. For example, it becomes possible to zoom from macro photography to micro photography as the distance between the optical device and the object to be observed and photographed becomes closer.

[0013] In addition, in the present invention, the imaging optical system has a plurality of image points in the optical axis direction, and the magnification change means may switch between the first state and the second state by switching which of the plurality of image points in the imaging optical system has an image converted into an electrical signal by the imaging element.

[0014] Here, the imaging optical system may have a plurality of imaging points in the optical axis direction. The magnification change means changes the position of the imaging point of the imaging optical system by changing the voltage applied to the liquid lens. Then, the magnification change means changes the imaging point that is imaged on the imaging element among the plurality of imaging points. This makes it possible to change the magnification of imaging by the imaging optical system with a simple operation. This allows for large changes in magnification ratio, and enables a high magnification ratio to be seamlessly achieved with simple operations.

[0015] In addition, in the present invention, the first state may be a state in which a real image of the object is formed on the imaging element by the imaging optical system, and the second state may be a state in which a virtual image of the object is formed on the imaging element by the imaging optical system to form a real image.

[0016] Here, the magnification change means exerts a zoom function by applying a voltage to the liquid lens to change the focal length, and in this case, if the focal length of the liquid lens is changed beyond the range for capturing a real image, it becomes possible to capture a virtual image. In other words, the magnification change means can change the focal length of the liquid lens from the limit position of the first state in which a real image of the object is formed on the imaging element to a second state in which a virtual image of the object is formed on the imaging element to convert it into a real image.

[0017] In the second state, the shooting range can be significantly expanded compared to the first state. Therefore, in the present invention, the magnification changing means switches between the first state and the second state, and thus the imaging magnification of the imaging optical system can be significantly (discontinuously) changed in addition to the normal zoom function. This makes it possible to more easily seamlessly realize both micro-shooting with an imaging magnification of a microscope observation level and macro-shooting with an imaging magnification of a bird's-eye observation level using a single imaging optical system.

[0018] In addition, in conventional micro photography, the magnification was sometimes too high, making it difficult to tell what location was being photographed. However, according to the present invention, it is possible to quickly switch to micro photography after checking the location with macro photography, etc., thereby making it possible to greatly improve the efficiency of work such as micro photography.

[0019] In the present invention, the imaging device further includes an illumination means disposed around a tip of the imaging optical system, The illumination means may include light emitting elements arranged on concentric circles around the optical axis of the optical system.

[0020] According to this, in the first state, even if the working distance is small and it is difficult to direct illumination light onto the subject to be photographed, it is possible to irradiate illumination light from around the tip of the imaging optical system, thereby making it possible to illuminate the subject to be observed or photographed well.

[0021] In the present invention, a position control unit is provided that controls a positional relationship between the imaging optical system and the object by contacting the object; a contact detection means for detecting contact between the position restriction means and the object; a contact time image recording means for recording an image formed on the image sensor at a timing when the contact detection means detects contact between the position restriction means and the object; The control unit 10 may further include:

[0022] According to this, it is possible to photograph the surface of an object to be observed or photographed by bringing the position control means of the optical device into contact with the object, and it becomes possible for a user to more easily obtain a photographed image of the object while paying attention only to the object to be observed or photographed. Note that the abutment of the position control means with the object here includes not only a state in which the position control means and the object are actually abutting, but also a state in which the distance between the position control means and the object becomes extremely small and they are nearly abutting.

[0023] In the present invention, the position control means controls the imaging optical system to face downward. The optical device may be configured to be self-supporting on the object, so that a user can release the optical device while it is standing on the surface of the object to be observed or photographed, and concentrate on observing or photographing the object, or on analyzing the acquired image.

[0024] In addition, in the present invention, the position control means may be held with a gap between the position control means and the surface of the object that is equal to or greater than the working distance of the imaging optical system, and may further include an elastic member that elastically deforms when pressed toward the object, thereby enabling the position control means to abut against the object.

[0025] According to this, first, the optical device including the position control means is held with a gap between the position control means and the surface of the object that is equal to or larger than the working distance of the imaging optical system, and the optical device is brought closer to the object by pressing and deforming the elastic member. Then, this operation allows the imaging optical system to be focused on the object, and an image is acquired by the image recording means when the optical system comes into contact with the object. This makes it even easier for the user to acquire an image of the object while paying attention only to the object to be observed or photographed.

[0026] Furthermore, the present invention may further comprise a connecting means that enables connection to the optical path of an existing microscope, whereby by combining an existing microscope prepared separately with the optical device according to the present invention, it becomes possible to perform composite and synergistic observation and photography by adding the above-mentioned observation and photography functions of the present invention to the observation and photography functions originally provided in the existing microscope.

[0027] In the present invention, the camera further comprises a first distance measuring means for measuring the distance when the distance to the photographing or observing point on the object is within a predetermined range on the long distance side, and a second distance measuring means for measuring the distance when the distance to the photographing or observing point on the object is within a predetermined range on the short distance side, Based on the distance to a photographing or observing point on the object, it is possible to switch between determining the voltage to be applied to the liquid lens according to distance information measured by the first distance measuring means or the second distance measuring means.

[0028] Here, since the optical device of the present invention is used for both microphotography and macrophotography, the distance range that the distance measuring means must accommodate is very large. Therefore, it may be difficult to perform both distance measurements corresponding to microphotography and macrophotography with one type of distance measuring means. In response to this, the present invention is provided with a first distance measuring means suitable for measuring long distances and a second distance measuring means suitable for measuring short distances, and the voltage to be applied to the liquid lens is determined according to the distance measured by either the first distance measuring means or the second distance measuring means based on the distance to the photographing or observing point on the object.

[0029] According to this, for example, a distance measuring means capable of measuring distance more accurately is used for micro photography, which is photography on the close distance side, and a distance measuring means capable of measuring distance more quickly is used for macro photography, which is photography on the long distance side, and distance measuring means having characteristics required for micro photography and macro photography can be used separately. As a result, it becomes possible to smoothly and seamlessly switch between micro photography and macro photography. In the present invention, the predetermined range on the long distance side can be appropriately defined according to the specifications of the first distance measuring means, but is at least a range including a range of distance to a photographing or observation point on an object when the optical device is used in a macro imaging mode. In addition, the predetermined range on the short distance side can be appropriately defined according to the specifications of the second distance measuring means, but is at least a range including a range of distance to a photographing or observation point on an object when the optical device is used in a micro imaging mode. For example, in the present invention, the first distance measuring means may be an ultrasonic distance measuring means, and the second distance measuring means may be an IR distance measuring means.

[0030] The above-mentioned means for solving the problems can be used in combination as far as possible. Effect of the Invention

[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an optical device that allows both micro-photography at a microscope observation level and macro-photography at a bird's-eye observation level to be performed with easier operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an imaging optical system and an imaging element according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a general overview of an optical device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an illumination device of an optical device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical system including an optical device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 4 is an example of an image captured by the optical device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an entire optical device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an entire optical device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 11A to 11C are schematic diagrams showing variations of the entire optical device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 13 shows a fourth embodiment in which the optical device according to the present invention is attached to a two-photon microscope. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an entire optical device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a liquid lens driving routine in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 20 is a flowchart showing a liquid lens driving routine 2 in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an aspect of a distance range in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The following describes the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in the following embodiments are not intended to limit the technical scope of the invention unless otherwise specified.

[0034] <Example 1> First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an imaging optical system 1a and an imaging element 6 according to the first embodiment. 1 is This shows the arrangement of optical elements in a micro-imaging mode in which a micro-image of an object ob (hereinafter simply referred to as object ob) to be observed or photographed is formed on an imaging element 6 by the imaging optical system 1a. 。

[0035] 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. The micro imaging mode in this embodiment may be realized by forming a real image of the object ob on the image sensor 6. The macro imaging mode may be realized by forming a virtual image of the object ob on the image sensor 6 to form a real image. In this case, the micro imaging of the object ob is imaging by the real image of the object ob, and the macro imaging of the object ob is imaging by the virtual image of the object ob.

[0036] 1, the imaging optical system 1a in this embodiment includes an objective lens 2, a liquid lens 3, a variable magnification lens 4, and a relay lens 5. Each of the objective lens 2, the variable magnification lens 4, and the relay lens 5 may be composed of a single lens, or may be composed of a lens group in which a plurality of lenses are combined (for the sake of simplicity, in the following, for example, the objective lens 2 is (Even when it is composed of a group of lenses, it is called an objective lens 2.) Here, the liquid lens 3 contains liquid inside the lens, and the focal length (refractive power) is changed by changing the shape of the liquid droplets by applying a voltage between the electrodes.

[0037] The specifications of the objective lens 2 are not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the magnification of the objective lens 2 may be, for example, about 4 to 40 times. By setting the magnification of the objective lens 2 to the above-mentioned extent, the working distance can be set to a value with good operability. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the diameter of the objective lens 2 is φ25 mm. By using an objective lens 2 with this diameter, it is possible to capture a sufficiently bright image even when using an imaging element 6 compatible with high resolution, such as 4K (vertical and horizontal resolution of about 4000×2000 pixels) or 8K (vertical and horizontal resolution of about 8000×4000 pixels).

[0038] An imaging element 6 that forms an image by the imaging optical system 1a is provided behind the imaging optical system 1a. This imaging element 6 may be a C-MOS type with a size of 1 / 2 inch to 1 inch and a resolution of about 2K (vertical and horizontal resolution of about 2000 x 1000 pixels). The specifications of the objective lens 2 and imaging element 6 shown here are merely examples, and are not intended to be limited to the values ​​shown.

[0039] figure 1 to In the micro-imaging mode shown in FIG. 1, a micro-image of the object ob is formed on the image sensor 6. More specifically, a micro-image (intermediate image) formed by the objective lens 2 and the liquid lens 3 is further imaged as a micro-image on the image sensor 6 by the variable magnification 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 the same magnification and resolution as a conventional upright microscope or an inverted microscope.

[0040] Ma In the macro imaging mode, a macro image of the object ob is formed on the image sensor 6. More specifically, an image formed by the objective lens 2 and the liquid lens 3 is Ma Chromatic imaging (intermediate image) imaginary The image is formed on the image sensor 6 by the variable magnification lens 4 and the relay lens 5. In this case, the image formed on the image sensor 6 is an inverted image. do. In addition, the magnification is low, making it possible to perform overhead photography similar to conventional endoscopic photography.

[0041] In this embodiment, FIG. 1 to Micro-imaging mode Rama When switching to the macro imaging mode, only the voltage applied to the liquid lens 3 is changed. This allows the image pickup optical system 1a to switch from the micro imaging mode to the macro imaging mode without changing the positions of the optical elements that make up the optical system 1a. 1 of Micro Imaging Mode And Ma Since the optical elements in the macro imaging mode and the macro imaging mode are arranged on the same optical axis or the same optical path, it is possible to quickly and seamlessly switch from bird's-eye observation in the macro imaging mode to microscope observation in the micro imaging mode and vice versa. In this embodiment, the magnification changing means is configured to include this liquid lens 3.

[0042] figure 1 in The object ob is imaged as an upright image on the image sensor 6. Example However, the image state can be reversed between an upright image and an inverted image depending on the WD (working distance) of the objective lens and the lens optical system design of the variable magnification lens and imaging lens. However, the image captured by the image sensor 6 can be easily electronically inverted upside down or rotated on the screen, so this does not cause problems when observed on a screen or imaging monitor. Similarly, when zooming by applying a voltage to the liquid lens 3, the image state may change between micro-imaging and macro-imaging as multiple images are formed, but in either state, it is a macro-imaging or micro-imaging enlarged by an image sensor with high resolution and wide dynamic range as described above. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a high-definition image that is practically acceptable.

[0043] In this embodiment, as described above, it is possible that one of the micro-imaging and macro-imaging is an upright image and the other is an inverted image. In such a case, when switching from one of the micro-imaging mode or the macro-imaging mode to the other, the obtained image may be upside down, making it difficult for the observer to see the image. In response to this, this embodiment has an image processing device 6a, which electrically inverts the image upside down when the obtained image is an inverted image.

[0044] This electrical image adjustment of an erect or inverted image can also be achieved by visually adjusting the image. Alternatively, the lens optical system design can be used to calculate the range of an erect image, an inverted image or a virtual image, and a real image based on the moving distance range of the variable magnification lens, and the image on the imaging element can be set to be switched in advance based on the moving distance of the variable magnification lens. Furthermore, it is possible to automatically detect the switching between an inverted image and an erect image by using an image contrast measurement method or adding upper and lower markers, and adjust the image on the screen to match the object ob.

[0045] In this way, even if one of the micro and macro imaging is an upright image and the other is an inverted image, the observed image on the screen can be maintained in an upright image relationship so that it always coincides with the object ob. This makes it possible to perform microscope observation in an instantaneous switch from overhead observation in the macro imaging mode to the micro imaging mode and vice versa more quickly and seamlessly, making it possible to obtain images that are easier to see.

[0046] In FIG. 1, there are multiple image points. 、2 The first image point is formed on the image sensor 6. However, in the imaging optical system 1a in this embodiment, the applied voltage to the liquid lens 3 may be changed to change which image point is formed on the image sensor 6, thereby switching between macro imaging and micro imaging.

[0047] Next, an overview of the optical device 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a side view of the optical device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the variable magnification lens 4 and the relay lens 5 in this embodiment are housed in a substantially cylindrical lens barrel 7. In FIG. 2, the objective lens 2 is housed in an objective lens barrel 2a. As the objective lens barrel 2a, a lens barrel for an objective lens for a microscope may be used as it is. In addition, an illumination device 8 is provided at the tip of the objective lens barrel 2a. The objective lens barrel 2a is connected to a liquid lens housing 3a, which is a housing for the liquid lens 3, via an adapter 7a, and this liquid lens housing 3a is connected and fixed to the barrel 7. Furthermore, the rear side of the barrel 7 is connected to an image sensor housing 6b, in which the image sensor 6 is housed, via an adapter 7b.

[0048] The lens barrel 7 is not provided with any movable mechanism such as a focusing ring or zoom ring (not shown). In this embodiment, by changing the voltage applied to the liquid lens 3, it is possible to perform overall focusing, as well as a zoom function in the micro imaging mode, switching between the micro imaging mode and the macro imaging mode, and a zoom function in the macro imaging mode. In this embodiment, the magnification changing means is composed of the liquid lens 3 and a control unit 9 that controls the voltage to the liquid lens 3.

[0049] The optical device 1 in this embodiment is also provided with a control unit 9. This control unit 9 outputs power to be supplied to the illumination device 8, and receives a signal indicating the distance from the tip of the optical device 1 to the subject to be photographed from an IR distance measuring element 11 (described later) provided in the illumination device 8. The control unit 9 also outputs a voltage to be applied to the liquid lens 3. Furthermore, the control unit 9 outputs power to be supplied to the imaging element 6, and receives an image signal captured by the imaging element 6. The control unit 9 is electrically connected to a PC (personal computer) not shown in FIG.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a view of the illumination device 8 as the illumination means in this embodiment, seen from the front in the optical axis direction. The illumination device 8 is configured such that a three-color LED 10, an infrared LED 12, and an IR distance measuring element 11 as a distance measuring means are arranged on the circumference of a circular substrate 8a. This illumination device 8 is fixed to the tip of the objective lens barrel 2a so that the front side of the objective lens 2 is exposed from a hole on the inner circumference side of the substrate 8a. The three-color LED 10 can emit light in three colors, RGB, selectively or in combination, and the color to be emitted is appropriately adjusted depending on the object to be observed or photographed. In addition, the infrared LED is used when the object to be observed or photographed is, for example, a processed part, and the surface shape is to be clearly observed or photographed.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a table storing the relationship between the distance to the object to be photographed measured by the IR distance measuring element 11 and the voltage applied to the liquid lens 3 may be stored in the storage device of the PC, and the voltage applied to the liquid lens 3 may be controlled based on the output of the IR distance measuring element 11 and the data in the table. This makes it possible to automatically measure the distance to the object to be observed / photographed in the direction in which the objective lens 2 is pointed, and to increase the imaging magnification and automatically adjust the focus as the object to be observed / photographed approaches.

[0052] Alternatively, the focus of the liquid lens 3 may be roughly adjusted based on the output of the IR distance measuring element 11, the surface of the lighting device 8 may be brought into contact with the object to be observed / photographed, the focus may be fixed, and then the user may finely adjust the focus to match the object to be observed / photographed. In this case, the user may finely adjust the focus by tilting the optical device 1 using one side of the surface of the lighting device 8 as a fulcrum, or by pressing the surface of the lighting device 8 into the object to be observed / photographed. Furthermore, the voltage applied to the liquid lens 3 may be feedback-controlled based on the output of the IR distance measuring element 11 or based on the contrast of the image formed on the imaging element 6, so that the object to be observed / photographed is always focused.

[0053] In this embodiment, the surface of the illumination device 8 is configured to be flat, and the optical device 1 is configured to be able to stand on the object to be observed or photographed by bringing the optical device 1 into contact with the object to be observed or photographed with the surface of the illumination device 8 facing downward. With this, by placing the optical device 1 on the surface of the object to be observed or photographed in a self-supporting state and further applying a voltage to the liquid lens 3 to adjust the focus and imaging magnification, the user can more easily observe or photograph the object to be observed or photographed while keeping both hands free.

[0054] In this embodiment, a three-color LED 10 and an infrared LED 12 are used as light-emitting elements, but it goes without saying that other elements may be used. For example, when the object ob is a living organism, a blue LED may be used as the light-emitting element to excite a specific fluorescent protein. In this case, it is also possible to observe the fluorescent protein by dispersing the fluorescence using the RGB layer in the imaging element 6. Also, in this embodiment, the number of light-emitting elements is not particularly limited. It may be changed as appropriate depending on the output of the light-emitting elements and the object ob.

[0055] In addition, in this embodiment, a heater may be provided to maintain the surface of the objective lens 2 at about 37° C. In this way, when the object ob is a living organism, it is possible to prevent the objective lens 2 from becoming cloudy when the objective lens 2 is inserted into and removed from the living organism.

[0056] 4 shows a schematic configuration of an optical device system 20 in this embodiment. The optical device system 20 includes the optical device 1, the control unit 9, as well as a PC 15, a display device 16, and a remote control 17. As described above, the control unit 9 is electrically connected to the optical device 1, and receives an output signal from the IR distance measuring element 11 and an image signal from the imaging element 6 in the optical device 1. At the same time, control signals and drive signals for the liquid lens 3, the image sensor 6, and the lighting device 8 are output.

[0057] PC 15, electrically connected to control unit 9, issues commands such as starting and ending still and video shooting, focusing, zooming (including switching between micro and macro shooting modes), adjusting the color of the LEDs in lighting device 8, and switching the LEDs. Note that the contents of these commands may be input through input devices such as a mouse and keyboard (not shown) provided on PC 15, or may be input using a remote control 17 provided separately. On display device 16, the control state of optical device 1 is displayed, and the image formed on imaging element 6 is also displayed.

[0058] According to this embodiment, the optical device 1 does not require an adjustment mechanism such as a focus ring or a focusing ring. Therefore, the user can hold and use the optical device 1 in one hand. The user can control the optical device 1 by using the PC 15 or the remote control 17 with the free hand. As a result, the object ob can be observed or photographed more efficiently.

[0059] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, photographing can be performed by seamlessly switching between a micro imaging mode, which enables micro-photography at a microscope observation level, and a macro imaging mode, which enables macro-photography at a bird's-eye observation level, using an imaging optical system in which the optical elements constituting the mode are on the same optical axis or the same optical path.

[0060] Here, if both micro-photography and macro-photography are to be achieved using only the micro imaging mode, there will be a limit to the resolution, particularly in the micro-photography, making it difficult to achieve a magnification ratio of about 1:1 or more with the image sensor 6. In addition, in a general microscope zoom lens having only the micro imaging mode, if the magnification ratio is increased to a level that allows both micro-photography and macro-photography, the number of lenses will increase and the aperture will have to be reduced, resulting in a complex and large optical system configuration and a dark imaging optical system. Alternatively, aberrations in the micro imaging mode will increase.

[0061] 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 made compact, it is possible to realize a handy optical device that can be quickly moved to a location where each shooting is required while quickly switching between micro shooting, etc. and macro shooting, etc. Furthermore, since it is possible to make the imaging optical system relatively large in diameter and bright, it is possible to obtain a better image.

[0062] Furthermore, when this invention is applied to basic research into living organisms, it becomes possible to simultaneously observe submicron cell traits and individuality and millimeter-sized cell networks and organ connections. In other words, in the macro imaging mode, it is possible to observe networks in which cells compete, compete, and cooperate with each other, and in the micro imaging mode, it is possible to observe the individuality of each cell. This may lead to new understanding of diseases.

[0063] Furthermore, when the present invention is applied to clinical medicine, it is possible to perform both micro-imaging (submicron units, equivalent to so-called microscope observation, etc.) in the micro imaging mode and macro-imaging (cm units) in the macro imaging mode without changing the optical device, so that it is possible to capture and evaluate cell characteristics from images obtained by micro-imaging, etc., and to support surgery using macro-imaging, etc. For example, in cutting-edge clinical medicine such as inserting a catheter into a blood vessel, it is possible to perform a bird's-eye observation using macro-imaging, etc., while also photographing the blood vessel using micro-imaging, etc., to check whether the catheter has been inserted into the blood vessel correctly, and it is thus possible to support surgery by quickly switching between macro-imaging, etc. and micro-imaging, etc., to provide images from a new perspective. .

[0064] In addition, the present invention has great industrial value, as it can be used in micro-imaging mode to observe and inspect minute defects and characteristics on the surfaces of solid objects such as metals, semiconductors, and living organisms, as well as in the circuits of semiconductor wafers, while also being able to observe and inspect defects and characteristics of the entire or wide areas of these objects in macro-imaging mode.

[0065] In addition, the optical device 1 in this embodiment can be realized at low cost using parts that are generally available on the market, and the cost can be significantly reduced compared to when equivalent functions are realized using existing technology. In addition, since the configuration of the entire device is simple and compact, a more user-friendly observation tool can be realized.

[0066] For example, in individual observation in drug discovery, observation tools that capture luminescence or fluorescence from within a living body are widely used, but they have disadvantages such as (1) high cost, (2) strict requirements for mice, (3) luminescence is essential, and (4) low time-spatial resolution. In addition, observation tools using two-photon microscopes are often only able to invasively capture a very limited field of view (about tens of microns) and a limited time (several hours), and are not necessarily directly related to medical care. The optical device in this embodiment is expected to be an observation tool that complements or replaces the conventional observation tools described above.

[0067] FIG. 5 shows an example of an image captured by the present invention. The subject is a mobile phone. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, it is possible to easily and quickly obtain both high-definition morphological information with texture in micro imaging mode and large morphological information in macro imaging mode. In other words, in this embodiment, both an image captured as a real image by a normal microscope and an image captured as a virtual image by a normal zoom lens are captured on the same optical axis, and by switching between multiple images formed by the same light, it is possible to give the microscope the object capturing ability of a zoom lens. At the same time, it is possible to miniaturize the microscope to a level not seen before and dramatically improve the usability.

[0068] <Example 2> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, an example in which an optical device is configured in a more user-friendly manner will be described.

[0069] 6 shows a schematic diagram of the optical device 21 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the optical device 21 is provided with a grip 13a shaped like a pistol grip when the lens barrel of the optical device 21 is likened to the barrel of a pistol. It is also provided with a trigger-shaped shutter switch 13b. This makes it easier to operate the optical device 21 with one hand.

[0070] Moreover, the optical device 21 in this embodiment is provided with a microswitch 14 on the surface of the illumination device 8 at the tip. In this embodiment, the microswitch 14 detects that the tip of the optical device 21 has come into contact with the object ob, and captures a still image or starts capturing a video at the detection timing. Alternatively, a video may be captured for the time that the microswitch 14 is ON. In this way, it is possible to capture an image simply by bringing the optical device 21 into contact with the object ob in a stamp-like manner. Also, in this case, the optical device 21 may be made capable of being placed on the object ob in a self-supporting state, as in the first embodiment.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the imaging optical system 1a is composed of an objective lens 2, a liquid lens 3, a variable magnification lens 4, and a relay lens 5. However, the combination of optical elements in the imaging optical system 1a is not limited to the above. The imaging optical system 1a may include, for example, a focus correction lens for performing focus correction in the micro imaging mode. Moreover, an imaging optical system in which the lenses having each function are arranged in a different manner from that shown in FIG. 1 may be used.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the illumination device 8 in the optical device 1, 21 is brought into contact with the object ob to turn on the microswitch 14 and capture an image. In this embodiment, the illumination device 8 corresponds to the position restriction means. The microswitch 14 corresponds to the contact detection means. The control unit 9 and the PC 15, which perform control to capture an image when the microswitch is turned on, correspond to the contact time image recording means.

[0073] In this embodiment, the lighting device 8 is used as the position regulating means, but a position regulating means may be provided separately from the lighting device 8. For example, a frame that does not impede light irradiation from the light emitting element may be provided on the outer periphery of the lighting device 8, and when the tip of the optical device 21 is brought into contact with the object ob, it may be the frame that makes contact instead of the lighting device 8. In this case, the microswitch 14 serving as the contact detecting means may be fixed to the frame. Furthermore, the contact detecting means does not need to be a mechanical microswitch 14, and an electronic element such as a piezoelectric element may be used.

[0074] The contact detection means may be realized by using the above-mentioned IR distance measuring element 11. In this case, acquisition of a still image or acquisition of a moving image is started at the timing when the distance to the object ob measured by the IR distance measuring element 11 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. This makes it possible to acquire an image with a simpler configuration, without using a new sensor as the contact detection means, by simply contacting the optical device 21 with the object ob like a stamp.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the distance between the optical device 1, 21 and the object ob is measured by the IR distance measuring element 11, but it goes without saying that an ultrasonic distance measuring element or a laser distance measuring element may be used instead.

[0076] <Example 3> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the optical device is provided with an elastic member for self-supporting the optical device and for fine adjustment of the focus.

[0077] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of the optical device 22 in this embodiment. FIG. 7(a) is a front view of the optical device 22 seen from the tip side, and FIG. 7(b) is a side view seen from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. In this embodiment, the optical device 22 is provided with an elastic member 23 for the optical device to stand on its own and for fine adjustment of the focus. The optical device 22 in this embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, except for the elastic member 23. The elastic member 23 has a cylindrical portion 23a that is directly attached to the lens barrel 7, and a hood-shaped contact portion 23b that surrounds the objective lens 2 and the illumination device 8 from the outer periphery and has a tip that contacts the object ob to be observed or photographed.

[0078] The outer shape of the cylindrical portion 23a is formed slightly smaller than the outer shape of the lens barrel 7, and the elastic member 23 is fixed to the optical device 22 by tightening the outer periphery of the lens barrel 7 with the elasticity of the elastic member 23. Other fixing methods may be used, for example, press-fitting, screwing, adhesive, etc. In this embodiment, the tip of the abutment portion 23b is configured to be perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging optical system 1a when the elastic member 23 is attached to the optical device 22.

[0079] The tip surface of the contact portion 23b is disposed forward of the working distance of the imaging optical system 1a. The distance from the working distance to the tip of the contact portion 23b may be, for example, 0.5 to 1.5 mm. The contact portion 23b is configured so that the optical device 22 can stand on its own on the object ob with the objective lens 2 facing downward by the contact portion 23b coming into contact with the object ob.

[0080] During observation or photography, the tip of the contact portion 23b of the elastic member 23 is placed on the object ob and pressed down with a light force, whereby the contact portion 22b is elastically deformed and the focal point of the imaging optical system 1a can be adjusted to be on the surface of the object ob.

[0081] According to this, by using the elastic member 23 to support the optical device 22 on the object ob, and then by the simple operation of lightly pressing the optical device 22 downward, it is possible to adjust the focus of the imaging optical system 1a to the surface of the object ob in the micro imaging mode.

[0082] In this embodiment, the contact portion 23b is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the tip side of the optical device 22. However, the shape of the contact portion 23b is not limited to this, and is not particularly limited as long as it surrounds the objective lens 2 and the illumination device 8 so that the optical device 22 can stably stand on its own. For example, the contact portion 23b may have a circular shape or another shape when viewed from the tip side of the optical device 22.

[0083] Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of the elastic member in this embodiment. Fig. 8(a) is a front view of the optical device 25 as viewed from the tip side, and Fig. 8(b) is a side view as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. In this example, the elastic member 26 is made of four elastic blocks 26a to 26d, and is formed by fixing the elastic blocks 26a to 26d to the tip of the objective lens barrel 2a. This makes it possible to focus the imaging optical system 1a on the object ob by lightly pressing the optical device 25 downward after the optical device 25 stands on its own on the object ob with a simpler and less expensive configuration.

[0084] <Example 4> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, an example in which an optical device is attached to an existing microscope to enhance the function of the microscope will be described.

[0085] The optical device 1 according to the present invention, which allows easy microscopic observation and bird's-eye photography, can function independently as shown in the above embodiment. In addition, by using it in combination with many optical microscopes, special microscopes, microscopes utilizing nonlinear photon effects, etc., it is possible to achieve a synergistic effect of the functions of both.

[0086] Recent microscopes have been subdivided according to their purpose, and are often used in specialized ways. Various types of microscopes are commercially available, including phase contrast microscopes, interference microscopes, polarizing microscopes, fluorescence microscopes, harmonic microscopes, multiphoton microscopes, and Raman microscopes. All of these microscopes are increasingly being used to observe and understand the microscopic details of ultrafine cells, viruses, human tissues, metal tissues, biological compositions, and the like.

[0087] Many of these special microscopes are equipped with a recording camera port, and by attaching the optical device 1 according to the present invention to the recording camera port using a mount adapter as a connecting means, it is possible to grasp a wide range of conditions in the macro observation mode, identify the necessary observation and measurement parts, and perform fine observation and condition grasping in the micro observation mode. Since an F or C mount adapter is usually installed in the camera port on the microscope side, the above-mentioned effect can be achieved simply by attaching a mount that matches any of the adapters to the optical device according to this embodiment. Furthermore, by attaching various reticles such as a scale plate, a comparison chart, and grid lines to this mount, it is possible to easily perform observations including comparison measurements and dimensional measurements. Furthermore, by attaching a fluorescent, infrared, contrast, or other filter to the mount, more versatile and convenient observations are possible.

[0088] As such an example, FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration example in which the optical device 1 according to the present invention is attached to a two-photon microscope. In the two-photon microscope 30, a femtosecond laser 3 The direction of the pulsed light irradiated from 1 is controlled by a galvanometer mirror 34, and is focused on a target location of an object (sample) ob by an objective lens 35. Then, the approximately half-wavelength radiation light generated in the two-photon excitation process and emitted from the object (sample) ob passes through the objective lens 35 and the galvanometer mirror 34, is bent by a beam splitter 32, and is then split by a beam splitter 33.

[0089] One of the emitted light beams split 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 emitted light beams split by the beam splitter 33 passes through a mount adapter 38 attached to the camera port of the two-photon microscope 30, a filter 39, etc., and a mount 40, and enters the optical device 1 of the present invention.

[0090] In such a configuration, by attaching a fluorescent filter as the filter etc. 39, it becomes possible to use it in combination with observation by the photodetector 37 of the two-photon microscope 30 to perform dual-screen or multi-magnification observation. Also, by attaching an infrared detection filter as the filter etc. 39, it becomes possible to observe the heat distribution by the optical device 1, and to compare and measure with visible light observation by the two-photon microscope 30. That is, in addition to the function of easily identifying the observation site in an optical microscope that performs more ultrafine observation, it becomes possible to configure a multi-type observation microscope or a microscope with a multi-magnification.

[0091] <Example 5> Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which there are two types of distance measuring elements, an ultrasonic distance measuring element for long distances and an IR distance measuring element for short distances, and a liquid lens in an optical device is controlled using the two types of distance measuring elements.

[0092] 10 shows a schematic configuration of an optical device 41 in this embodiment. The optical device 41 differs from the optical device 1 in embodiment 1 in that it has an ultrasonic distance measuring element 43 as a first distance measuring means in addition to an IR distance measuring element 11 as a second distance measuring means. In the optical device 41, two distance measuring elements, the ultrasonic distance measuring element 43 and the IR distance measuring element 11, are operated simultaneously, and when the distance to the object ob is long, the ultrasonic distance measuring element 43 measures the distance, and when the distance to the object ob is short, the IR distance measuring element 11 measures the distance.

[0093] Here, the ultrasonic ranging element 43 is characterized by a wide measurement range, although its accuracy is not very high and its response speed is slow. On the other hand, the IR ranging element 11 is characterized by a high measurement accuracy and a fast response speed, but a short and narrow measurement range. In this embodiment, by utilizing the characteristics of both, in the macro imaging mode, the drive voltage of the liquid lens 2 is determined based on the distance measurement data by the ultrasonic ranging element 43. Also, in the micro imaging mode, the drive voltage of the liquid lens 2 is determined based on the distance measurement data by the IR ranging element 11.

[0094] 11 shows a flowchart of the liquid lens driving routine in this embodiment. This routine is a program stored in the memory of a PC to which the control unit 9 is electrically connected, and is executed repeatedly while the optical device 41 is being driven. When this routine is executed, first, in S101, distance measurement data from the long-distance ultrasonic distance measuring element 43 is acquired. Then, in S102, distance measurement data from the short-distance IR distance measuring element 11 is acquired.

[0095] Next, in S103, it is determined whether the distance X obtained from the distance measurement data is equal to or greater than D1. Here, D1 is the short-distance limit value of the range in which observation and photography can be performed in the macro imaging mode. If it is determined in S103 that the distance X is equal to or greater than D1, the process proceeds to S105, where a target drive voltage V1 for the liquid lens 2 according to the distance X at which observation and photography can be performed in the macro imaging mode is determined. Then, the process proceeds to S106, where the target drive voltage V1 and the current drive voltage V2 are compared. The voltage is changed at a speed according to the difference in the dynamic voltage V0 so that the drive voltage of the liquid lens 2 becomes the target drive voltage V1.

[0096] More specifically, when the difference between the target drive voltage V1 and the current drive voltage V0 is larger, the rate of change of the drive voltage is increased, and when the difference between the target drive voltage V1 and the current drive voltage V0 is smaller, the rate of change of the drive voltage is decreased until it reaches the target drive voltage V1.

[0097] On the other hand, if it is determined in S103 that the distance X is less than D1, the process proceeds to S104 to determine whether the distance X is equal to or less than D2. Here, D2 is the long-distance limit value of the range in which observation and photography can be performed in the micro imaging mode. If it is determined in S104 that the distance X is equal to or less than D2, the process proceeds to S107 to determine a target driving voltage V2 for the liquid lens 2 according to the distance X at which observation and photography can be performed in the micro imaging mode. Then, the process proceeds to S108 to change the driving voltage for the liquid lens 2 to the target driving voltage V2 at a speed according to the difference between the target driving voltage V2 and the current driving voltage V0.

[0098] More specifically, when the difference between the target drive voltage V2 and the current drive voltage V0 is larger, the rate of change of the drive voltage is increased, and when the difference between the target drive voltage V2 and the current drive voltage V0 is smaller, the rate of change of the drive voltage is decreased until it reaches the target drive voltage V2.

[0099] Then, if it is determined in S104 that the distance X is greater than D2, or if the drive voltage of the liquid lens 2 is changed to the target drive voltage V1 or V2 in S106 or S108, the process proceeds to S109. In S109, it is determined whether or not to end the drive of the liquid lens 2. If it is determined here that the drive of the liquid lens 2 is to end, the process proceeds to S110, where the drive voltage of the liquid lens 2 is turned off, and then this routine is temporarily ended.

[0100] On the other hand, if it is determined not to end the drive of the liquid lens 2, the process returns to S101. Here, the drive of the liquid lens 2 may be ended, for example, when the user presses the power OFF switch or when a command to end the drive is sent from a PC to which the control unit 9 is electrically connected.

[0101] As described above, in the optical device 41 of this embodiment, there are two distance measuring elements: an ultrasonic distance measuring element 43 suitable for the case where the distance to the object ob is long and the macro imaging mode is selected, and an IR distance measuring element 11 suitable for the case where the distance to the object ob is short and the micro imaging mode is selected. According to the distance X to the object ob, these distance measuring elements are used selectively.

[0102] According to this, when the distance to the object ob is long and the macro imaging mode is selected, it is possible to perform zoom-out and focusing at a higher speed. Also, when the distance to the object ob is short and the micro imaging mode is selected, it is possible to perform zoom-in and focusing with higher accuracy. As a result, it is possible to smoothly and seamlessly switch between the macro imaging mode and the micro imaging mode and perform observation / photographing according to the distance to the object ob.

[0103] In this embodiment, when switching between the macro imaging mode and the micro imaging mode, for example, if X≥D1 at the time of the previous execution of this routine and X≤D2 at the time of the next execution of this routine, or if D2<X<D1, that is, in a state between the macro imaging mode and the micro imaging mode, at the time of the previous execution of this routine, and X≥D1 or X≤D2 at the time of the next execution of this routine, the driving voltage of the liquid lens 2 may be changed at a higher speed.

[0104] According to this, it is possible to pass through the state between the macro imaging mode and the micro imaging mode in a shorter time and more quickly shift to a state where observation / photographing in the macro imaging mode or the micro imaging mode is possible.

[0105] <Example 6> Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment has two types of distance measuring elements, an ultrasonic distance measuring element for long distances and an IR distance measuring element for short distances, and uses the two types of distance measuring elements to control a liquid lens in an optical device, and describes an example in which the control content of the drive voltage of the liquid lens is different from that of the fifth embodiment. The hardware configuration of the optical device in this embodiment is equivalent to that of the optical device 41 shown in FIG.

[0106] Fig. 12 shows a flowchart of liquid lens driving routine 2 in this embodiment. This routine is a program stored in the memory of a PC to which the control unit 9 is electrically connected, and is executed repeatedly while the optical device 41 is being driven. When this routine is executed, first, the processes of S101 and S102 are executed. These processes have already been described in Fig. 11, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0107] Next, in S203, the distance range to which the position of the object ob to be measured belongs is determined from the information obtained in the processes of S101 and S102. Here, the distance ranges in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic ranging element 43 can measure distances from short distances to long distances, so four distance ranges are set broadly based on the measurement information of the ultrasonic ranging element 43. Then, of the distance ranges set based on the measurement information of the ultrasonic ranging element 43, the shortest distance range is further divided into three distance ranges based on the measurement information of the IR ranging element 11.

[0108] As a result, in this embodiment, ranges 1 to 6 are set from the close distance side to the long distance side as shown in Fig. 13. Ranges 1 to 3 are set based on the measurement information of the IR distance measuring element 11 as described above, and a target drive voltage for the liquid lens 2 is set for each range. Then, when the object ob is present within the distance range of ranges 1 to 3, the drive voltage for the liquid lens 2 is controlled to the target drive voltage for each range, and then observation and imaging are performed in the micro imaging mode.

[0109] As described above, ranges 4 to 6 are set by the measurement information of the ultrasonic distance measuring element 43, and a target drive voltage for the liquid lens 2 is set for each of ranges 5 and 6. When the object ob is present within the distance range of range 5 or range 6, the drive voltage for the liquid lens 2 is controlled to the target drive voltage for each range, and then observation and imaging are performed in the macro imaging mode. Note that in practice, the distance ranges of ranges 1 to 3 may also be set by the measurement information of the ultrasonic distance measuring element 43.

[0110] In addition, in Figure 13, range 4 is a distance range between the distance range in which the micro imaging mode is performed in the optical device 41 and the distance range in which the macro imaging mode is performed, so when the object ob is present within the distance range 4, the driving voltage of the liquid lens 2 may be maintained at the previous driving voltage.

[0111] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 12, when the distance range to which the position of the object ob to be measured belongs is determined in S203, the process proceeds to S204, where a target drive voltage V3 corresponding to the distance range to which the position of the object ob belongs is decided. More specifically, the relationship between each distance range and the target drive voltage V3 is stored in a table in the memory of the PC, and in S204, the value of the target drive voltage V3 is read out from the table to decide the voltage. Next, the process proceeds to S205, where the target drive voltage V3 is decided. The voltage is changed at a speed according to the difference between voltage V3 and the current drive voltage V0 so that the drive voltage of the liquid lens 2 becomes target drive voltage V3. Details of the control of S205 may be the same as the control in the processes of S106 and S108 in FIG. 10. When the process of S205 ends, this routine ends. Note that the liquid lens drive routine 2 in this embodiment is repeatedly executed while the optical device 41 is being driven, so that the liquid lens 2 is always being driven while the optical device 41 is being driven.

[0112] In addition, the IR distance measuring element 11 in this embodiment uses a triangulation distance measuring method as the distance measuring principle. In addition, the ultrasonic distance measuring element 43 uses a time-of-flight method as the distance measuring principle, that is, a method in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted to the object ob and the distance is measured based on the time it takes for the reflected wave to return. In this way, in this embodiment, distance measuring based on different principles is combined to obtain the distance to the object ob, so that even if distance measuring becomes impossible using one method, distance measuring becomes possible using the other method, and the reliability of distance measuring by the optical device 41 can be improved.

[0113] As described above, in this embodiment, the target driving voltage V3 is determined based on either the distance measurement information of the IR distance measurement element 11 or the ultrasonic distance measurement element 43 depending on the distance range to which the distance to the object ob belongs. This corresponds to switching whether the voltage to be applied to the liquid lens is determined based on the distance information measured by the first distance measurement means or the second distance measurement means based on the distance to the photographing or observation point on the object. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1, 21, 22, 25, 41...optical device 1a Imaging optical system 2. Objective lens 3. Liquid Lens 4. Variable magnification lens 5. Relay lens 6. Imaging element 7. Telescope tube 8. Lighting equipment 9. Control section 10...3-color LED 11 IR ranging element 12 Infrared LED 15···PC 16...Display device 17 Remote control 23, 26 Elastic member 43...Ultrasonic distance measuring element

Claims

1. An optical device for photographing an object to be observed or photographed, an imaging optical system for forming an image of the object; an imaging element that converts an image formed by the imaging optical system into an electrical signal; a magnification changing means for changing an imaging magnification of the imaging optical system by switching between a first state in which the imaging optical system forms a narrow-field, high-magnification micro image of the object on the imaging element, and a second state in which the imaging optical system forms a wide-field, low-magnification macro image of the object on the imaging element; Equipped with the imaging optical system includes a liquid lens having a liquid therein and capable of changing a focal length by applying a voltage thereto, a variable magnification lens, and a relay lens; The magnification changing means applies a voltage to the liquid lens to further change the focal length of the liquid lens from the limit position of the first state in which a real image of the object is formed on the imaging element, or the second state in which a virtual image of the object is formed on the imaging element by converting a real image through the variable magnification lens and the relay lens, thereby switching between the first state and the second state in the imaging optical system and further changing the magnification in the first state or the second state.

2. Further comprising a distance measuring means for measuring a distance to a photographing or observing point on the object, 2. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the voltage to be applied to the liquid lens is determined according to the distance to a photographing or observing point on the object measured by the distance measuring means.

3. Further comprising an illumination means disposed around the tip of the imaging optical system, 3. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the illumination means includes light-emitting elements arranged on concentric circles around the optical axis of the optical system.

4. a position control unit that controls a positional relationship between the imaging optical system and the object by contacting the object; a contact detection means for detecting contact between the position restriction means and the object; a contact time image recording means for recording an image formed on the image sensor at a timing when the contact detection means detects contact between the position restriction means and the object; The optical device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. 5. The optical device according to claim 4, wherein the position restricting means allows the optical device to stand on its own on the object with a tip of the imaging optical system facing downward.

6. 6. The optical device according to claim 4, further comprising an elastic member that holds the position control means with a gap between the position control means and a surface of the object that is equal to or greater than the working distance of the imaging optical system, and that elastically deforms when pressed toward the object, thereby enabling the position control means to abut against the object.

7. 7. The optical device according to claim 1, further comprising connection means for enabling connection to the optical path of an existing microscope.

8. a first distance measuring means for measuring the distance when the distance to the photographing or observing point on the object is within a predetermined range on the long distance side, and a second distance measuring means for measuring the distance when the distance to the photographing or observing point on the object is within a predetermined range on the short distance side, The optical device described in claim 2, characterized in that the voltage to be applied to the liquid lens is determined based on the distance to the photographing or observing point on the object, by switching between the distance information measured by the first distance measuring means and the second distance measuring means.

9. 9. The optical device according to claim 8, wherein the first distance measuring means is an ultrasonic distance measuring means, and the second distance measuring means is an IR distance measuring means.

Images