Microscope attached to a photographing device

Abstract

To provide a microscope that is able to secure a wide range in which a visual field and an axial direction along an optical axis are focused, in observation of a sample, such as liquid and fluid, with the microscope attached to a photographing device.SOLUTION: In a microscope 1, a base 11 is disposed on an external surface of a photographing device 2, and a holder 12 is disposed on a side opposite to a side where the photographing device 2 is located relative to the base 11 in an axial direction. A bottom wall 21 of the base 11 faces a top wall 31 of the holder 12 with an internal cavity 18 therebetween. A sample table 13 is mounted on the holder 12 from a side opposite to a side where the base 11 is located in the axial direction, and a sample placing portion is formed on a surface of the sample table 13 which surface faces away from the side where the base 11 is located. On the top wall 31 of the holder 12, a first lens 61 is disposed at a position through which an optical axis passes; and on the bottom wall 21 of the base 11, a second lens 62 and a third lens 63 are disposed adjacent to each other in the axial direction at a position through which the optical axis passes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a microscope to be attached to a photographing device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a microscope to be attached to a photographing device such as a mobile terminal having a photographing function. This microscope is attached to the photographing device with an objective lens facing the photographing lens of the photographing device. Further, the microscope is formed with a sample placement portion on which a sample is placed. In a state where the microscope is attached to the photographing device, the sample placement portion is located on the side opposite to the side where the photographing device is located with respect to the objective lens in the axial direction along the optical axis of the photographing optical system. Then, an object image of a subject including the sample placed on the sample placement portion is formed on an image sensor or the like of the photographing device to photograph the sample.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the observation of a sample using a microscope attached to a photographing device as in Patent Document 1, a liquid, a fluid, or the like may be observed as a sample. In the observation of such a sample, it is required to widely secure a field of view at a magnification at which the sample can be observed. Further, in the observation of the sample, it is required to widely secure a range in which the focus is adjusted in the axial direction along the optical axis.

[0005] The present invention has been made paying attention to the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a microscope capable of widely securing a field of view and a range in which the focus is adjusted in the axial direction along the optical axis in the observation of a sample such as a liquid and a fluid in a state of being attached to a photographing device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, an aspect of the present invention is a microscope to be mounted on a photographing apparatus, including a base having a bottom wall, the base being installed on the outer surface of the photographing apparatus in a state where the bottom wall faces the photographing lens of the photographing apparatus; a holder having a top wall, the holder being disposed on the side opposite to the side where the photographing apparatus is located with respect to the base in the axial direction along the optical axis of the photographing optical system, the holder forming an internal cavity together with the base and having the top wall facing the bottom wall of the base with the internal cavity therebetween; a sample stage attached to the holder from the side opposite to the side where the base is located in the axial direction, the sample stage having a sample placement portion formed on the surface facing the side opposite to the side where the base is located, and the optical axis passing through the sample placement portion; a first lens disposed at a position where the optical axis passes through the top wall of the holder; a second lens disposed at a position where the optical axis passes through the bottom wall of the base; and a third lens disposed at a position where the optical axis passes through the bottom wall and adjacent to the side opposite to the side where the photographing apparatus is located with respect to the second lens in the axial direction. The distance in the axial direction between the second lens and the third lens is smaller than the focal lengths of the second lens and the third lens respectively, and the combined focal length of the combined lens of the second lens and the third lens is smaller than the respective focal lengths of the second lens and the third lens 。

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a microscope capable of widely securing a range in focus with respect to the visual field and the axial direction along the optical axis in the observation of samples such as liquids and fluids in a state of being mounted on a photographing apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, liquids, fluids, etc. are observed as samples using a photographing device such as a mobile terminal having a photographing function and a microscope attached to the photographing device.

[0010] (First Embodiment) Figs. 1 and 2 show, as an example of an embodiment, a microscope 1 and a photographing device 2 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and the like, in this embodiment, a portable terminal having a photographing function such as a smartphone is used as the photographing device 2. Further, in this embodiment, semen is observed as a sample.

[0011] The photographing device 2 includes an exterior frame 3, an imaging element 5, a photographing lens 6, and a cover glass 7. The exterior frame 3 forms the exterior of the photographing device 2. Further, the photographing lens 6 and the cover glass 7 are attached to the exterior frame 3, and the photographing lens 6 forms a photographing optical system together with the imaging element 5. In the photographing device 2, the imaging element 5, the photographing lens 6, and the cover glass 7 are arranged side by side in the axial direction (the directions indicated by the arrows L1 and L2) along the optical axis L of the photographing optical system, and the optical axis L is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the respective central axes of the imaging element 5, the photographing lens 6, and the cover glass 7. Further, in the photographing device 2, the imaging element 5 is disposed inside, and the photographing lens 6 is disposed on the side where the imaging element 5 is located with respect to the cover glass 7. On the outer surface of the photographing device 2, a photographing window is formed by the cover glass 7. In the photographing device 2, the subject is photographed by forming a subject image of the subject on the imaging element 5 using the photographing lens 6 and the like.

[0012] The microscope 1 includes a base 11, a holder 12, a stage 13, a cover 15, and a sheet 16. Note that FIGS. 1 and 2 show the state in which the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2. Further, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, and FIG. 2 shows a cross section parallel or substantially parallel to the axial direction along the optical axis L. The microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2 by attaching the base 11 to the outer surface (the outer surface of the exterior frame 3) of the imaging device 2 with the sheet 16 interposed therebetween. The sheet 16 is formed of an adhesive resin, for example, silicone. The sheet 16 is formed in a ring shape or a substantially ring shape, and a hole 17 penetrating the sheet 16 in the thickness direction is formed in the sheet 16. The sheet 16 is attached to the exterior frame 3 in a state of being in close contact with and adhered to the outer surface of the exterior frame 3. Further, the sheet 16 is installed on the outer surface of the exterior frame 3 in a state where the central axis of the sheet 16 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the optical axis L, and the central axis of the hole 17 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the optical axis L.

[0013] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the base 11. FIG. 3 is a perspective view, and FIG. 4 shows a cross section parallel or substantially parallel to the axial direction along the optical axis L. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and the like, the base 11 includes a bottom wall 21 and a peripheral wall 22, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The base 11 is formed of a resin that does not transmit light or hardly transmits light. Examples of the resin forming the base 11 include polypropylene and olefin resins such as Bismax. In a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2, the bottom wall 21 faces the outer surfaces of the imaging lens 6 and the exterior frame 3 from the side opposite to the side where the imaging element 5 is located in the axial direction. Then, the base 11 is installed on the outer surface (the outer surface of the imaging device 2) of the exterior frame 3 in a state where the central axis of the base 11 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the optical axis L.

[0014] The peripheral wall 22 covers the inside of the base 11 from the outer peripheral side. One end of the peripheral wall 22 is connected to the bottom wall 21. In a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2, the peripheral wall 22 extends from the bottom wall 21 to the side opposite to the side where the imaging device 2 is located along the axial direction. That is, the peripheral wall 22 protrudes from the bottom wall 21 toward one side in the axial direction. And in a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2, the peripheral wall 22 surrounds the optical axis L of the imaging optical system from the outer peripheral side. Further, a male screw portion 23 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 22 as a base-side engaging portion.

[0015] A groove 27 having a ring shape or a substantially ring shape is formed on the outer surface of the bottom wall 21. The groove 27 is formed on a surface facing the side opposite to the side from which the peripheral wall 22 protrudes from the bottom wall 21, and the central axis of the groove 27 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the central axis of the base 11. Therefore, the base 11 is installed on the outer surface of the imaging device 2 in a state where the surface on which the groove 27 is formed faces the side where the imaging device 2 is located and the central axis of the groove 27 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the optical axis L. Further, the ring shape or the substantially ring shape of the groove 27 is a shape corresponding to the ring shape or the substantially ring shape of the sheet 16, and the base 11 is installed on the outer surface of the imaging device 2 in a state where the sheet 16 is inserted into the groove 27 from the side where the imaging device 2 is located.

[0016] Further, protrusions 25 and 26 are formed on the bottom wall 21. The protrusion 25 protrudes to the side opposite to the side from which the peripheral wall 22 protrudes from the bottom wall 21, and the protrusion 26 protrudes to the side from which the peripheral wall 22 protrudes from the bottom wall 21. Therefore, the protrusions 25 and 26 protrude from the bottom wall 21 in opposite directions to each other. Also, the central axes of the protrusions 25 and 26 are coaxial or substantially coaxial with each other, and the respective central axes of the protrusions 25 and 26 are coaxial or substantially coaxial with the central axis of the base 11. Further, the outer periphery of the protrusion 25 is surrounded by the groove 27 over the entire circumference. In a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2, the respective central axes of the protrusions 25 and 26 are coaxial or substantially coaxial with the optical axis L, and the optical axis L passes through the protrusions 25 and 26. And the protrusion 25 protrudes toward the side where the imaging device 2 is located in the axial direction and is inserted into the hole 17 of the sheet 16.

[0017] Further, a through hole 28 is formed in the bottom wall 21. The through hole 28 penetrates the bottom wall 21 along the central axis of the base 11 from the protruding end of the protruding portion 25 to the protruding end of the protruding portion 26. In a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the photographing device 2, the central axis of the through hole 28 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the optical axis L. Further, the through hole 28 has three regions S1 to S3. In the through hole 28, the regions S1, S2, and S3 are formed in this order from the side where the protruding end of the protruding portion 25 is located. Therefore, the region S1 is a region including the opening of the through hole 28 at the protruding end of the protruding portion 25, and the region S3 is a region including the opening of the through hole 28 at the protruding end of the protruding portion 26. And the region S2 is a region between the regions S1 and S3. In the region S1, the diameter of the through hole 28 is larger and the cross-sectional area of the through hole 28 is larger than in the region S2. Also, in the region S2, the diameter of the through hole 28 is larger and the cross-sectional area of the through hole 28 is larger than in the region S3.

[0018] FIGS. 5 and 6 show the holder 12. FIG. 5 is a perspective view, and FIG. 6 shows a cross section parallel or substantially parallel to the axial direction along the optical axis L. As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6 and the like, the holder 12 includes a top wall 31 and a peripheral wall 32, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top. The holder 12 is formed of a resin that does not transmit light or hardly transmits light. Examples of the resin forming the holder 12 include polypropylene. In a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the photographing device 2, the holder 12 is attached to the base 11 from the side opposite to the side where the photographing device 2 is located in the axial direction along the optical axis L. For this reason, the holder 12 is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the photographing device 2 is located with respect to the base 11 in the axial direction. The holder 12 is attached to the base 11 in a state where the central axis of the holder 12 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the central axis of the base 11. Also, in a state where the holder 12 is attached to the base 11, the holder 12 forms an internal cavity 18 together with the base 11. In a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the photographing device 2, the central axis of the holder 12 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the optical axis L.

[0019] The peripheral wall 32 covers the inside of the holder 12 from the outer peripheral side. One end of the peripheral wall 32 is connected to the top wall 31. In a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the photographing device 2, the peripheral wall 32 extends from the top wall 31 toward the side where the photographing device 2 is located along the axial direction. That is, the peripheral wall 32 protrudes from the top wall 31 toward the side where the base 11 and the photographing device 2 are located in the axial direction. In a state where the holder 12 is attached to the base 11, the peripheral wall 22 of the base 11 and the peripheral wall 32 of the holder 12 surround the internal cavity 18 from the outer peripheral side over the entire circumference. And in a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the photographing device 2, the peripheral wall 32 surrounds the optical axis L of the photographing optical system from the outer peripheral side. Also, in a state where the holder 12 is attached to the base 11, the top wall 31 of the holder 12 faces the bottom wall 21 of the base 11 with the internal cavity 18 interposed therebetween.

[0020] The dimension of the holder 12 in the axial direction along the optical axis L is larger than the dimension of the base 11 in the axial direction. And the protruding length of the peripheral wall 32 of the holder 12 from the top wall 31 is larger than the protruding length of the peripheral wall 22 of the base 11 from the bottom wall 21. A female screw portion 33 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 32 as an engaging portion on the holder side. The holder 12 is attached to the base 11 by engaging the female screw portion 33 with the male screw portion 23 of the base 11 by screwing. For this reason, the holder 12 is attached to the base 11 in a state where a part of the peripheral wall 32 covers a part of the peripheral wall 22 of the base 11 from the outer peripheral side. Note that even in a state where the female screw portion (engaging portion on the holder side) 33 is engaged with the male screw portion (engaging portion on the base side) 23 by screwing, the holder 12 is rotatable with respect to the base 11 about the axis of the optical axis L (central axis). And in a state where the female screw portion 33 is engaged with the male screw portion 23, by rotating the holder 12 with respect to the base 11, the holder 12 moves along the axial direction with respect to the base 11, and the distance between the bottom wall 21 and the top wall 31 is adjusted.

[0021] In addition, on the peripheral wall 32 of the holder 12, two stepped portions 35A and 35B are formed on the outer peripheral surface, and a stepped portion 35C is formed on the inner peripheral surface. The stepped portion 35B is formed at a position farther from the top wall 31 than the stepped portion 35A, and the stepped portion 35C is formed at a position farther from the top wall 31 than the stepped portion 35B. Further, each of the stepped portions 35A to 35C is formed over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the holder 12 (around the axis of the optical axis L). Since the stepped portion 35A is formed, in the region between the top wall 31 and the stepped portion 35A, the outer diameter of the peripheral wall 32 is smaller than that in the region between the stepped portions 35A and 35B. Also, since the stepped portion 35B is formed, in the region between the stepped portions 35A and 35B, the outer diameter of the peripheral wall 32 is smaller than that in the region between the stepped portion 35B and the distal end (projecting end) from the top wall 31. And since the stepped portion 35C is formed, in the region between the top wall 31 and the stepped portion 35C, the inner diameter of the peripheral wall 32 is smaller than that in the region between the stepped portion 35C and the distal end (projecting end) from the top wall 31. Note that on the peripheral wall 32, a female screw portion 33 is formed at a position farther from the top wall 31 than the stepped portion 35C.

[0022] On the outer surface of the top wall 31, a circular or substantially circular groove 37 is formed. The groove 37 is formed on the surface facing the side opposite to the side where the peripheral wall 32 projects from the top wall 31, and the central axis of the groove 37 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the central axis of the holder 12. In a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2, the surface on which the groove 37 is formed faces the side opposite to the side where the imaging device 2 is located, and the central axis of the groove 37 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the optical axis L.

[0023] In addition, a projecting portion 36 is formed on the top wall 31. The projecting portion 36 projects toward the side where the peripheral wall 32 projects from the top wall 31. Also, the central axis of the projecting portion 36 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the central axis of the holder 12. In a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2, the central axis of the projecting portion 36 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the optical axis L, and the optical axis L passes through the projecting portion 36. And the projecting portion 36 projects toward the side where the imaging device 2 is located in the axial direction.

[0024] In addition, a through hole 38 is formed in the top wall 31. The through hole 38 penetrates the top wall 31 along the central axis of the holder 12 from the bottom of the groove 37 to the protruding end of the protruding portion 36. When the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2, the central axis of the through hole 38 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the optical axis L. Further, the through hole 38 has three regions S4 to S6. In the through hole 38, the regions S4, S5, and S6 are formed in this order from the side where the bottom of the groove 37 is located. Therefore, the region S4 is a region including the opening of the through hole 38 at the bottom of the groove 37, and the region S& is a region including the opening of the through hole 38 at the protruding end of the protruding portion 36. And the region S5 is a region between the regions S4 and S6.

[0025] In the region S4, the diameter of the through hole 38 is larger and the cross-sectional area of the through hole 38 is larger than in the region S5. Also, in the region S5, the diameter of the through hole 38 is larger and the cross-sectional area of the through hole 38 is larger than in the region S6. Note that it is preferable that the diameter of the through hole 38 in the region S5 is the same or substantially the same as the diameter of the through hole 28 in the region S2, and the cross-sectional area of the through hole 38 in the region S5 is the same or substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of the through hole 28 in the region S2.

[0026] Figs. 7 and 8 show the sample stage 13. Fig. 7 shows a state viewed from one side in the axial direction along the optical axis L, Fig. 8 shows a cross section parallel or substantially parallel to the axial direction along the optical axis L, and shows a cross section taken along line A1-A1 in Fig. 7. As shown in Figs. 2, 7, 8, etc., the sample stage 13 includes a top plate 41 and a peripheral plate 42. The sample stage 13 is formed of a resin having light transmissibility, and examples of the resin forming the sample stage 13 include transparent plastic. When the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2, the sample stage 13 is attached to the holder 12 from the side opposite to the side where the base 11 and the imaging device 2 are located in the axial direction along the optical axis L. The sample stage 13 is attached to the holder 12 in a state where the central axis of the sample stage 13 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the respective central axes of the base 11 and the holder 12. When the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2, the central axis of the sample stage 13 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the optical axis L. Note that Fig. 7 shows a state viewed from the side opposite to the side where the holder 12 is located in the axial direction.

[0027] The top plate 41 is formed in a disc shape or a substantially disc shape centered on or substantially centered on the central axis of the sample stage 13. In a state where the sample stage 13 is attached to the holder 12, the top plate 41 of the sample stage 13 abuts against the top wall 31 of the holder 12 from the side opposite to the side where the base 11 is located. On the top wall 31 of the holder 12, the top plate 41 of the sample stage 13 abuts against the surface facing the side opposite to the side where the base 11 is located in the axial direction. Also, on the surface of the top wall 31 of the holder 12 facing the side opposite to the side where the base 11 is located, the top plate 41 of the sample stage 13 abuts against the outer peripheral side portion with respect to the groove 37, and the top plate 41 does not contact the bottom of the groove 37. Then, the sample stage 13 is attached to the holder 12 in a state where a gap is formed between the bottom of the groove 37 and the top plate 41 in the axial direction.

[0028] The peripheral plate 42 is formed along the outer edge of the top plate 41 and is formed over the entire circumference around the axis of the central axis (optical axis L) of the sample stage 13 (circumferential direction of the microscope 1). One end of the peripheral plate 42 is connected to the top plate 41, and in a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2, the peripheral plate 42 extends from the top plate 41 along the axial direction toward the side where the imaging device 2 and the base 11 are located. That is, in the microscope 1, the peripheral plate 42 protrudes from the top plate 41 toward the side where the base 11 is located in the axial direction. In a state where the sample stage 13 is attached to the holder 12, the peripheral plate 42 abuts against the peripheral wall 32 of the holder 12 from the outer peripheral side. On the peripheral wall 32 of the holder 12, the peripheral plate 42 of the sample stage 13 abuts against the region between the top wall 31 and the step portion 35A in the axial direction. Also, on the peripheral wall 32 of the holder 12, the peripheral plate 42 of the sample stage 13 abuts against the outer peripheral side over the entire circumference around the axis of the central axis (optical axis L) of the holder 12.

[0029] On the sample stage 13 of the microscope 1, grooves 43 and 45 are formed on the surface facing the side opposite to the side where the base 11 and the holder 12 are located in the axial direction. The groove (first groove) 43 is recessed toward the side where the base 11 and the holder 12 are located in the axial direction, that is, the side where the peripheral plate 42 protrudes from the top plate 41. The groove (second groove) 45 is formed inside the groove 43. The groove 45 is further recessed from the bottom of the groove 43 toward the side where the base 11 and the holder 12 are located in the axial direction. On the sample stage 13, a sample placement portion 46 on which a sample to be observed is placed is formed at the bottom of the groove 45. The central axis of the sample stage 13 passes through the sample placement portion 46 of the groove 45. For this reason, in a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2, the optical axis L of the imaging optical system passes through the sample placement portion 46 of the groove 45. Note that the recessed dimension of the groove 45 from the bottom of the groove 43 is such that it cannot be confirmed visually, for example, about 0.02 mm.

[0030] Here, in the sample stage 13, a first direction (directions indicated by arrows X1 and X2) that intersects (is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal) with the axial direction (directions indicated by arrows L1 and L2) along the central axis (optical axis L), and a second direction (directions indicated by arrows Y1 and Y2) that intersects (is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal) with both the axial direction and the first direction are defined. In FIG. 8, a cross section orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the first direction is shown. The groove (first groove) 43 of the sample stage 13 includes groove edge surfaces 47 and 48.

[0031] The groove edge surface (the first groove edge surface) 47 is formed in a region on one side (arrow X1 side) in the first direction away from the central axis (optical axis L) of the sample stage 13. And the entire groove edge surface 47 is located on the arrow X1 side with respect to the optical axis L in the first direction. The groove edge surface 47 has extended ends E1 and E2, and the groove edge surface 47 extends along the second direction from the extended end E1 to the extended end E2. The extended end E1 forms one end of the groove edge surface 47 and is located on one side (arrow Y1 side) in the second direction with respect to the central axis (optical axis L) of the sample stage 13. The extended end E2 forms the end on the opposite side of the groove edge surface 47 from the extended end E1. And the extended end E2 is located on the opposite side (arrow Y2 side) to the side where the extended end E1 is located with respect to the central axis (optical axis L) of the sample stage 13 in the second direction. The groove edge surface 47 is formed in a planar shape orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and is linear along the second direction when viewed from the axial direction.

[0032] The groove edge surface (the second groove edge surface) 48 extends through a region away from the central axis (optical axis L) of the sample stage 13 to the opposite side (arrow X2 side) to the side where the groove edge surface 47 is located in the first direction. One end of the groove edge surface 48 is connected to the extended end E1 of the groove edge surface 47, and the other end of the groove edge surface 48 is connected to the extended end E2 of the groove edge surface 47. A part of the groove edge surface 48 is formed on the side where the groove edge surface 47 is located with respect to the optical axis L in the first direction, and the remaining part of the groove edge surface 48 is formed on the opposite side to the side where the groove edge surface 47 is located with respect to the optical axis L in the first direction. Also, a part of the groove edge surface 48 is formed on the side where the extended end E1 of the groove edge surface 47 is located with respect to the optical axis L in the second direction, and the remaining part of the groove edge surface 48 is formed on the side where the extended end E2 of the groove edge surface 47 is located with respect to the optical axis L in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the groove edge surface 48 is formed in a curved surface shape and is in an arc shape centered or substantially centered on the central axis (optical axis L) of the sample stage 13 when viewed from the axial direction. However, the groove edge surface 48 does not necessarily have to be in a curved surface shape, and it may only extend through a region away from the optical axis to the opposite side to the side where the groove edge surface 47 is located in the first direction.

[0033] In the groove 43, an edge surface of the groove 43 surrounding the entire groove 43 is formed by the groove edge surfaces 47 and 48. As described above, since the groove edge surfaces 47 and 48 are formed, the edge surface of the groove 43 surrounding the entire groove 43 is D-shaped or substantially D-shaped when viewed from the axial direction along the optical axis L. And the optical axis L passes through the range surrounded by the D-shape or substantially D-shape.

[0034] The groove 45 has extending ends E3 and E4, and the groove 45 extends along the first direction from the extending end E3 to the extending end E4. The extending end E3 forms one end of the groove 45, and the extending end E4 forms the end on the side opposite to the extending end E3 in the groove 45. The extending end E3 is located on the side where the groove edge surface 47 is located with respect to the central axis (optical axis L) of the sample stage 13 in the first direction. The extending end E4 is located on the side opposite to the side where the groove edge surface 47 is located with respect to the central axis (optical axis L) of the sample stage 13 in the first direction. The groove 45 is connected to the groove edge surface 47 at the extending end E3 and is connected to the groove edge surface 48 at the extending end E4. Therefore, the groove (second groove) 45 extends along the first direction from the groove edge surface (first groove edge surface) 47 to the groove edge surface (second groove edge surface) 48.

[0035] Also, in the range where the groove 43 is formed, that is, in the range surrounded by the groove edge surfaces 47 and 48, the groove 45 is formed only in the central portion in the second direction. Therefore, in the range surrounded by the groove edge surfaces 47 and 48, the bottom of the groove 43 extends on both sides of the groove 45 in the second width direction. That is, in the range surrounded by the groove edge surfaces 47 and 48, portions other than the groove 45 are formed on both sides of the groove 45 in the second width direction.

[0036] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of the range A2 in FIG. 7, FIG. 10 shows a cross-section taken along the line A3-A3 in FIG. 9. Further, FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of the range A4 in FIG. 10. In FIG. 9, a state is shown as viewed from the side opposite to the side where the base 11 is located in the axial direction, and in FIGS. 10 and 11, cross-sections orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the first direction are shown. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 and the like, four or more protrusions 49 are formed on the sample placement portion 46 formed at the bottom of the groove 45 of the sample stage 13. In an example of FIGS. 9 to 11 and the like, 16 protrusions 49 are formed on the sample placement portion 46. Each of the protrusions 49 protrudes to the side opposite to the side where the peripheral plate 42 protrudes from the top plate 41. For this reason, in the microscope 1, each of the protrusions 49 protrudes to the side opposite to the side where the base 11 and the holder 12 are located in the axial direction.

[0037] Here, the protruding dimension of each of the protrusions 49 from the bottom of the groove 45 (sample placement portion 46) is of a size that cannot be confirmed visually, for example, about 0.015 mm. Also, the protruding dimension of each of the protrusions 49 from the sample placement portion 46 is smaller than the recessed dimension from the bottom of the groove 43 to the bottom of the groove 45. For this reason, in the microscope 1, the protruding end of each of the protrusions 49 is located on the side where the base 11 is located with respect to the bottom of the groove 43 in the axial direction. And each of the protrusions 49 does not protrude to the side opposite to the side where the base 11 is located with respect to the bottom of the groove 43.

[0038] In this embodiment, a protrusion row (first protrusion row) in which a plurality of protrusions 49 are arranged along a first direction is formed on the sample placement portion 46. Further, on the sample placement portion 46, a protrusion row (second protrusion row) in which a plurality of protrusions 49 are arranged along a second direction is formed. In an example such as FIGS. 9 to 11, four protrusion rows along the first direction are formed, and in each of the protrusion rows along the first direction, four protrusions 49 are arranged in the first direction. Then, four protrusion rows along the second direction are formed, and in each of the protrusion rows along the second direction, four protrusions 49 are arranged in the second direction. In each of the protrusion rows along the first direction, the four protrusions 49 are arranged at equal intervals or substantially equal intervals, and in the four protrusion rows along the first direction, the intervals between the protrusions 49 are the same or substantially the same with respect to each other. Also, in each of the protrusion rows along the second direction, the four protrusions 49 are arranged at equal intervals or substantially equal intervals, and in the four protrusion rows along the second direction, the intervals between the protrusions 49 are the same or substantially the same with respect to each other.

[0039] Further, in the sample placement portion 46, four or more protrusions 49 are arranged in a state where the protrusion row along the first direction and the protrusion row along the second direction intersect, and are arranged in a lattice shape. In an example such as FIGS. 9 to 11, 16 protrusions 49 are arranged in a 4×4 lattice shape. For this reason, 12 protrusions 49 are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the four protrusions 49, and the four inner peripheral protrusions 49 are arranged in a region surrounded by a quadrangle (square) passing through the 12 outer peripheral protrusions 49. Also, a region surrounded by a quadrangle (square) having the four inner peripheral protrusions 49 as four corners passes through the central axis (optical axis L) of the sample stage 13. In an example such as FIGS. 9 to 11, the optical axis L passes through the center or substantially the center of a quadrangle having the four inner peripheral protrusions as corners.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, in the microscope 1, the cover 15 is attached to the sample stage 13 from the side opposite to the side where the base 11 and the holder 12 are located in the axial direction along the optical axis L. And the cover 15 is installed on the surface facing the side opposite to the side where the base 11 and the holder 12 are located on the sample stage 13. The cover 15 is formed of a resin having light transmissibility, and examples of the resin forming the cover 15 include an acrylic resin.

[0041] FIG. 12 shows the cover 15, and FIG. 13 shows the state where the cover 15 is attached to the sample stage 13. FIGS. 12 and 13 show the state viewed from one side in the axial direction along the optical axis L, and show the state viewed from the side opposite to the side where the base 11 is located in the axial direction. Further, FIG. 14 shows a cross-section taken along line A5-A5 of FIG. 13, and shows a cross-section orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the second direction of the sample stage 13. As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 and the like, the cover 15 is formed in a thin plate shape. In the cover 15, a width direction (the directions indicated by the arrows X3 and X4), a length direction (the directions indicated by the arrows Y3 and Y4) that intersects (is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal) to the width direction, and a thickness direction that intersects (is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal) to both the width direction and the length direction are defined. In the cover 15, the dimension along the thickness direction is much smaller than each of the dimension along the width direction and the dimension along the length direction.

[0042] The cover 15 is attached to the sample stage 13 in a state where the thickness direction coincides or substantially coincides with the axial direction along the optical axis L. Further, in the state where the cover 15 is attached to the sample stage 13, the width direction of the cover 15 coincides or substantially coincides with the first direction, and the length direction of the cover 15 coincides or substantially coincides with the second direction. The cover 15 includes a pair of cover main surfaces 51 and 52. In the cover 15, the cover main surface (the first cover main surface) 51 faces one side in the thickness direction, and the cover main surface (the second cover main surface) 52 faces the side opposite to the cover main surface 51 in the thickness direction. In the microscope 1, the cover main surface 51 of the cover 15 faces the side opposite to the side where the base 11 and the holder 12 are located in the axial direction.

[0043] FIG. 15 shows an enlarged view of the range A6 in FIG. 14. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 and the like, in the microscope 1, the cover 15 covers the sample placement portion 46 of the sample stage 13 from the side opposite to the side where the base 11 is located in the axial direction. And the cover main surface 52 of the cover 15 faces the sample placement portion 46 (the bottom of the groove 45). For this reason, the optical axis L of the imaging optical system passes through the cover 15. The cover 15 is attached to the sample stage 13 in a state of abutting against the bottom of the groove (first groove) 43. Also, the cover 15 has a gap between the sample placement portion 46 of the groove (second groove) 45. Here, as described above, the respective protruding dimensions of the protrusions 49 from the sample placement portion 46 are smaller than the recessed dimension from the bottom of the groove 43 to the bottom of the groove 45. For this reason, each of the protrusions 49 does not contact the cover 15, and a gap is formed between the respective protruding ends of the protrusions 49 and the cover main surface 52 of the cover 15. Note that the dimension of the gap between the cover 15 and the sample placement portion 46 of the groove 45 corresponds to the recessed dimension of the groove 45 from the bottom of the groove 43. And the dimension of the gap between the cover 15 and the sample placement portion 46 is such that semen flows into the gap in the groove 45 regardless of gravity.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 and the like, the cover 15 includes a pair of cover edges 53, 55, a pair of relay edges 57A, 57B, and an inclined edge 58. In the cover 15, the outer edges of the cover main surfaces 51, 52 are formed by the cover edges 53, 55, the relay edges 57A, 57B, and the inclined edge 58. The cover edges 53, 55 are arranged apart from each other in the first direction (the width direction of the cover 15), and each of the cover edges 53, 55 extends along the second direction (the length direction of the cover 15). In the microscope 1, the optical axis L passes between the cover edges 53, 55 in the first direction. The cover edge 53 is located on the side where the groove edge surface 47 of the sample stage 13 is located with respect to the optical axis L in the first direction. And the cover edge 55 is located on the side opposite to the side where the groove edge surface 47 is located with respect to the optical axis L in the first direction. Therefore, the cover edge 55 is formed on the side where the extending end E4 of the groove 45 is located with respect to the optical axis L in the first direction.

[0045] The cover edge 53 abuts or is close to the groove edge surface 47 of the sample stage 13 and extends along the groove edge surface 47. The cover edge 53 is linear along the second direction when viewed axially. Also, the cover edge 55 is formed away from the extension end E4 of the groove 45 toward the side approaching the optical axis L in the first direction. For this reason, the cover edge 55 has a gap with the extension end E4 of the groove 45 in the first direction. The gap between the cover edge 55 and the extension end E4 is formed to be large enough to allow a sample (semen) to be dropped into the groove 45 using a stick or the like.

[0046] A cover recess 56 that is recessed toward the side where the optical axis L is located in the first direction is formed in the cover edge 55. In the cover edge 55, the cover recess 56 is formed in the central portion in the second direction. For this reason, the cover recess 56 is formed at a position where it at least partially overlaps with the groove 45 of the sample stage 13 when viewed from the axial direction along the optical axis L. In an example such as FIG. 13, the cover recess 56 of the cover edge 55 is arcuate when viewed axially. And the portion other than the cover recess 56 of the cover edge 55 is linear along the second direction. Note that in the cover edge 55, the bottom position of the cover recess 56 is also located on the side where the extension end E4 of the groove 45 is located with respect to the optical axis L.

[0047] In the cover 15, the space between one end of the cover edge 53 and one end of the cover edge 55 is relayed by a relay edge 57A and an inclined edge 58. And the space between the other end of the cover edge 53 and the other end of the cover edge 55 is relayed by a relay edge 57B. In the microscope 1, the optical axis L passes between the relay edges 57A and 57B in the second direction. The relay edge 57A and the inclined edge 58 are located on the side where the extension end E1 of the groove edge surface 47 of the sample stage 13 is located with respect to the optical axis L in the second direction. And the relay edge 57B is located on the side where the extension end E2 of the groove edge surface 47 is located with respect to the optical axis L in the second direction. One end of the relay edge 57B is connected to the cover edge 53 and the other end is connected to the cover edge 55. Also, one end of the relay edge 57A is connected to the cover edge 55 and the other end is connected to the inclined edge 58. And one end of the inclined edge 58 is connected to the cover edge 53 and the other end is connected to the relay edge 57A.

[0048] Each of the relay edges 57A and 57B abuts or approaches the groove edge surface 48 of the sample stage 13 from the inner peripheral side. And each of the relay edges 57A and 57B extends along the groove edge surface 48. The relay edges 57A and 57B are in an arc shape centered or substantially centered on the optical axis L when viewed from the axial direction. Also, the inclined edge 58 extends in a state of being inclined with respect to both the first direction and the second direction. In the inclined edge 58, the closer the position is to the cover edge 53 in the first direction, the closer the position is to the optical axis L side in the second direction. Also, the inclined edge 58 has a gap between the groove edge surfaces 47 and 48 of the groove 43. Here, in the cover 15, a virtual central plane in the second direction (length direction) is defined. The virtual central plane passes through the optical axis L and is orthogonal to the second direction. In the present embodiment, since the inclined edge 58 is provided, the cover 15 has an asymmetric shape centered on the above-described virtual central plane.

[0049] Note that when forming the cover 15 into the above-described shape, a blade or the like is pressed against the plate member forming the cover 15 from the cover main surface 52 side to cut the plate member. For this reason, the boundary portions between each of the cover edges 53 and 55, the relay edges 57A and 57B, and the inclined edge 58 and the cover main surface 52 are formed in an R surface shape. On the other hand, corners are formed at the boundary portions between each of the cover edges 53 and 55, the relay edges 57A and 57B, and the inclined edge 58 and the cover main surface 52.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, three lenses 61 to 63 are provided in the microscope 1. The lenses 61 to 63 are of the same type as each other. Also, in the lenses 61 to 63, the outer diameters are the same or substantially the same as each other, and the cross-sectional areas orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the central axis are the same or substantially the same as each other. And in the lenses 61 to 63, the focal lengths are the same or substantially the same as each other.

[0051] The lens (first lens) 61 is attached to the top wall 31 of the holder 12. Then, the lens 61 is disposed in the through-hole 38 formed in the top wall 31. The central axis of the lens 61 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the central axis of the through-hole 38. Also, in a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2, the central axis of the lens 61 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the optical axis L. And the optical axis L passes through the lens 61. The outer diameter of the lens 61 is the same as or substantially the same as the diameter of the through-hole 38 in the region S5, and is smaller than the diameter of the through-hole 38 in the region S6. And the cross-sectional area of the lens 61 orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the central axis is the same as or substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of the through-hole 38 in the region S5, and is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the through-hole 38 in the region S6. Due to such a configuration, in the through-hole 38, the lens 61 abuts against the boundary portion between the regions S5 and S6 from the side of the region S5. Thereby, in the through-hole 38, the movement of the lens 61 into the region S6 is restricted.

[0052] Each of the lens (second lens) 62 and the lens (third lens) 63 is attached to the bottom wall 21 of the base 11. Then, each of the lenses 62 and 63 is disposed in the through-hole 28 formed in the bottom wall 21. The central axis of each of the lenses 62 and 63 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the central axis of the through-hole 28. Also, in a state where the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2, the central axis of each of the lenses 62 and 63 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the optical axis L. And the optical axis L passes through the lenses 62 and 63. The lens 63 is adjacent to the lens 62 on the side opposite to the side where the imaging device 2 is located in the axial direction. Therefore, the lenses 62 and 63 are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction. The distance in the axial direction between the lenses 62 and 63 is very small and is much smaller than the focal length of each of the lenses 61 to 63.

[0053] The outer diameter of each of the lenses 62 and 63 is the same as or substantially the same as the diameter of the through hole 28 in the region S2, and is smaller than the diameter of the through hole 28 in the region S3. And the cross-sectional area of each of the lenses 62 and 63 orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the central axis is the same as or substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of the through hole 28 in the region S2, and is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the through hole 28 in the region S3. Due to such a configuration, in the through hole 28, the lens 63 abuts on the boundary portion between the regions S2 and S3 from the side of the region S2. Thereby, in the through hole 28, the movement of the lenses 62 and 63 into the region S3 is restricted.

[0054] When observing semen as a sample using the microscope 1, the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2. At this time, the microscope 1 is attached to the imaging device 2 in a state where the base 11, the holder 12, the sample stage 13, and the cover 15 are arranged as described above. Also, the position of the microscope 1 is adjusted so that the central axis of the microscope 1 is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the central axis of the imaging lens 6 or the like (the optical axis L of the imaging optical system). Then, with respect to the axial direction along the optical axis L, the brightness is adjusted by irradiating light from the side opposite to the side where the imaging device 2 is located. Also, the distance between the bottom wall 21 and the top wall 31 is adjusted by rotating the holder 12 around the axis of the optical axis L with respect to the base 11, and the distance of each of the lenses 62 and 63 with respect to the lens 61 is adjusted. Thereby, the focus is adjusted to be in focus.

[0055] Then, in a state where the above-described adjustment has been performed, semen as a sample is dropped onto the groove (second groove) 45 of the sample stage 13 using a stick or the like. At this time, the semen is dropped from the gap between the cover edge 55 of the cover 15 and the extended end E4 of the groove 45. The dropped semen flows into the sample placement portion 46 formed in the gap between the cover 15 and the bottom of the groove 45. Then, wait for a certain period of time until the flow of semen in the groove 45 stops. Then, when the flow of semen stops, an object image of the object including semen is formed on the image sensor 5 by an operation input or the like in the imaging device 2, and the object is photographed. Also, a processor or the like of the imaging device 2 calculates and measures the number of sperm per unit volume in the semen based on the image of the object or the like.

[0056] In this embodiment, a lens 61 is disposed on the top wall 31 of the holder 12, and lenses 62 and 63 are disposed on the bottom wall 21 of the base 11 adjacent to each other in the axial direction. Therefore, the distance in the axial direction between the lenses 62 and 63 is much smaller than the focal lengths of the lenses 62 and 63 respectively. Since the lenses 61 to 63 are arranged as described above, the combined focal length of the combined lenses of the lenses 62 and 63 is smaller than the focal lengths of the lenses 62 and 63 respectively. In the microscope 1, a plurality of lenses 62 and 63 are disposed on the side where the photographing device 2 is located with respect to the internal cavity 18, and the combined focal length of the combined lenses of the lenses 62 and 63 becomes smaller, so that the field of view at a magnification at which the sample can be observed becomes wider. That is, in the observation of semen, the field of view in the direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the optical axis L becomes wider. In the observation of semen, since the field of view in the direction (the first direction and the second direction) orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the optical axis L becomes wider, sperm and the like moving in the semen can be appropriately observed.

[0057] Also, since the lenses 61 to 63 are arranged as described above, in the microscope 1, it becomes possible to widen the range in which the focus is in focus in the axial direction along the optical axis L. That is, since the lenses 61 to 63 are arranged as described above, it is estimated that the depth of focus becomes deeper. In semen, sperm move not only in the direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the optical axis L but also in the axial direction along the optical axis L. Therefore, when the range in which the focus is in focus in the axial direction in the microscope 1 becomes wider, sperm and the like can be more appropriately observed. Note that the dimension of the gap between the cover 15 and the sample placement portion 46 of the groove 45, that is, the recess dimension of the groove 45 from the bottom of the groove 43, is equal to or less than the dimension of the range in which the aforementioned focus is in focus.

[0058] In addition, in the present embodiment, by arranging the lenses 62 and 63 adjacent to each other as described above, the combined focal length of the combined lenses of the lenses 62 and 63 is reduced. Therefore, even without using a lens with a small focal length for either of the lenses 62 and 63, a field of view of the microscope 1 at a magnification at which semen can be observed is ensured. Thus, even if lenses having the same or substantially the same focal length with respect to each other are used as the lenses 61 to 63, that is, even if lenses of the same type with respect to each other are used as the lenses 61 to 63, a field of view of the microscope 1 at a magnification at which semen can be observed is ensured. Since the lenses 61 to 63 are of the same type with respect to each other, the quality of the microscope 1 is stabilized. Further, since the lenses 61 to 63 are of the same type with respect to each other, in the manufacture of the microscope 1, it becomes easier to procure the lenses 61 to 63, and the manufacturing cost can also be reduced.

[0059] Further, by arranging the lenses 62 and 63 adjacent to each other and reducing the combined focal length of the combined lenses of the lenses 62 and 63, in the microscope 1, it becomes possible to reduce the distance from each of the lenses 62 and 63 to the sample placement portion 46 of the sample stage 13. By reducing the distance from each of the lenses 62 and 63 to the sample placement portion 46 of the sample stage 13, it becomes possible to reduce the dimension of the microscope 1 along the axial direction, and it becomes possible to realize miniaturization of the microscope 1.

[0060] In addition, in the present embodiment, in the sample stage 13, the groove (second groove) 45 is further recessed from the bottom of the groove (first groove), and the sample placement portion 46 is formed at the bottom of the groove 45. Then, the cover 15 abuts against the bottom of the groove 43 and covers the sample placement portion 46 from the side opposite to the side where the base 11 is located while having a gap between the bottom of the groove 45 (sample placement portion 46). By adopting such a configuration, a gap having a small cross-sectional area orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the first direction is formed between the cover 15 and the bottom of the groove 45. For this reason, the semen dropped into the groove 45 as described above easily flows into the gap between the cover 15 and the bottom of the groove 45 and easily flows into the sample placement portion 46. For example, regardless of gravity, the semen dropped into the groove 45 flows into the gap between the cover 15 and the bottom of the groove 45.

[0061] Further, in the present embodiment, the cover edge 55 of the cover 15 is located on the side opposite to the side where the groove edge surface 47 of the sample stage 13 is located with respect to the optical axis L in the first direction. And the cover edge 55 has a gap between it and the extended end E4 of the groove 45 in the first direction. Due to such a configuration, even if the sample placement portion 46 is covered by the cover 15 as described above, it is possible to drop a sample (semen) into the groove 45 using a stick or the like through the gap between the cover edge 55 and the extended end E4 of the groove 45. Further, a cover recess 56 that is recessed toward the side where the optical axis L is located in the first direction is formed in the cover edge 55, and the cover recess 56 is formed at a position where it at least partially overlaps with the groove 45 of the sample stage 13 when viewed from the axial direction. Therefore, since the cover recess 56 is formed in the cover edge 55 as described above, it becomes easier to drop semen into the groove 45 through the gap between the cover edge 55 and the extended end E4 of the groove 45. Further, since the cover recess 56 is arc-shaped when viewed from the axial direction along the optical axis, it becomes easier to more appropriately recognize the position where the semen is dropped.

[0062] Also, in the present embodiment, four or more protrusions 49 are formed on the sample placement portion 46 of the sample stage 13. Therefore, in the image of the subject photographed by the photographing device 2, in addition to the sperm in the semen, the protrusions 49 are photographed. Thereby, a processor or the like of the photographing device 2 can easily and appropriately calculate the area in the photographed image based on the protrusions 49 in the photographed image. And a processor or the like of the photographing device 2 can easily and appropriately calculate the volume in the photographed image based on the calculated area and the distance between the bottom of the groove 45 and the cover 15. When the volume in the photographed image is calculated as described above, the number of sperm per unit volume in the semen and the like can be easily and appropriately measured.

[0063] In addition, the respective protruding dimensions of the protrusions 49 from the sample placement portion 46 are smaller than the recessed dimensions from the bottom of the groove 43 to the bottom of the groove 45. For this reason, even if the protrusions 49 are provided as described above, the cover 15 does not contact the protrusions 49. Therefore, even if the protrusions 49 are provided, the cover 15 appropriately abuts against the bottom of the groove 43, and it is possible to prevent a part of the cover 15 from lifting from the bottom of the groove 43. Thereby, even if the protrusions 49 are provided, the cover 15 is appropriately attached to the sample stage 13.

[0064] In addition, in the sample placement portion 46, a plurality of protrusion rows (first protrusion rows) in which a plurality of the protrusions 49 are arranged along the first direction are formed, and a plurality of protrusion rows (second protrusion rows) in which a plurality of the protrusions 49 are arranged along the second direction are formed. By forming a plurality of the protrusion rows along the first direction and a plurality of the protrusion rows along the second direction in the sample placement portion 46, it becomes possible to more easily and appropriately calculate the area in the image based on the positions of the protrusions 49. In addition, in the sample placement portion 46 of the present embodiment, four or more protrusions 49 are arranged in a state where the protrusion row along the first direction and the protrusion row along the second direction intersect, and are arranged in a lattice shape. Thereby, the calculation process based on the protrusions 49 of the area in the image is further simplified, and the calculation result based on the protrusions 49 of the area in the image becomes more appropriate.

[0065] In addition, in the present embodiment, the optical axis L passes through a region surrounded by a quadrilateral (square) having the four inner peripheral side protrusions 49 as four corners. By adopting such a configuration, in the image captured by the imaging device 2, at least four of the protrusions 49 are appropriately captured. By appropriately capturing at least four of the protrusions 49 in the image, the calculation process based on the protrusions 49 of the area in the image is further simplified, and the calculation result based on the protrusions 49 of the area in the image becomes more appropriate.

[0066] In addition, in the present embodiment, an inclined edge 58 is provided on the cover 15, and the cover 15 has an asymmetric shape about a virtual central plane in the second direction (length direction). Therefore, with the cover 15, based on the position of the inclined edge 58 and the like about the axis of the central axis (optical axis L), the cover main surfaces 51 and 52 can be identified. Thus, when attaching the cover 15 to the sample stage 13, the cover 15 can be easily and appropriately attached to the sample stage 13 with the side where the sample stage 13 is located facing the cover main surface 52.

[0067] Here, on the cover main surface 52, as described above, the boundary portions with the cover edges 53 and 55, the relay edges 57A and 57B, and the inclined edge 58 each have an R surface shape. Therefore, when the cover 15 is attached to the sample stage 13 with the cover main surface 52 facing the sample stage 13, the cover 15 appropriately abuts against the bottom of the groove 43, and it is appropriately prevented that a part of the cover 15 floats up from the bottom of the groove 43. By the cover 15 appropriately abutting against the bottom of the groove 43, in the range covered by the cover 15 in the groove 45, the gap distance between the bottom of the groove 45 and the cover 15 is of a predetermined size and is constant or becomes constant. Thereby, when calculating the volume in the image as described above, the calculation result of the volume becomes more appropriate.

[0068] (Modification example) In a certain modification example, on the top plate 41 of the sample stage 13, a protruding wall is formed adjacent to the outer peripheral sides of the groove edge surfaces 47 and 48 of the groove 43. On the top plate 41 of the sample stage 13, the protruding wall is formed on the surface facing the side opposite to the side where the base 11 and the holder 12 are located in the axial direction. The protruding wall protrudes in the axial direction to the side opposite to the side where the base 11 is located. Further, the protruding wall is adjacent to the groove edge surfaces 47 and 48 from the outer peripheral side over the entire circumference of the groove 43 about the axis of the central axis (optical axis L) of the sample stage 13. Since the protruding wall is formed as described above, the protruding wall of the sample stage 13 has a D shape or a substantially D shape when viewed from the axial direction along the optical axis L. In this modification example, by providing the protruding wall, it becomes easier to insert the cover 15 into the groove 43 of the sample stage 13 and easier to attach the cover 15 to the sample stage 13.

[0069] Further, in the above-described embodiments and the like, the base 11 and the holder 12 are separate from each other. However, in a modified example, the base 11 and the holder 12 may be integrally formed. Also in this case, the base 11 includes the bottom wall 21, and the holder 12 includes the top wall 31. And the holder 12 is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the imaging device 2 is located with respect to the base 11 in the axial direction.

[0070] Further, in the above-described embodiments and the like, an example in which the microscope 1 is attached to a smartphone has been described. However, the microscope 1 may be attached to a mobile terminal other than a smartphone such as a portable tablet, and semen may be observed as described above. Also, the microscope 1 may be attached to an imaging device other than a mobile terminal such as a camera or a video, and semen as a sample may be photographed and observed as described above. Further, the image data of the subject including the sample photographed by the imaging device may be analyzed by a processing device such as a computer separate from the imaging device. In this case, the processing device such as a computer calculates the number of sperm per unit volume in the semen by analyzing the image data of the subject. Also, for liquids or fluids other than semen, photographing and observation can be performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiments and the like using the microscope 1 and the imaging device.

[0071] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof at the implementation stage. Also, each embodiment may be implemented in combination as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Further, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of a plurality of disclosed constituent elements.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0072] 1... Microscope, 2... Photographing device, 5... Image pickup element, 6... Photographing lens, 11... Base, 12... Holder, 13... Specimen stage, 15... Cover, 18... Internal cavity, 21... Bottom wall, 31... Top wall, 43... Groove (first groove), 45... Groove (second groove), 46... Specimen placement section, 47... Groove edge surface (first groove edge surface), 48... Groove edge surface (second groove edge surface), 49... Protrusion, 53, 55... Cover edge, 56... Cover recess, 58... Inclined edge.

Claims

1. A microscope attached to a photographing device, comprising: a base having a bottom wall, the bottom wall being installed on the outer surface of the photographing device in a state facing the photographing lens of the photographing device; a holder having a top wall, the holder being disposed on the side opposite to the side where the photographing device is located with respect to the base in the axial direction along the optical axis of the photographing optical system, the holder forming an internal cavity together with the base, and the top wall facing the bottom wall of the base with the internal cavity therebetween; a specimen stage attached to the holder from the side opposite to the side where the base is located in the axial direction, the specimen stage having a specimen placement portion formed on a surface facing the side opposite to the side where the base is located, and the optical axis passing through the specimen placement portion; a first lens disposed at a position where the optical axis passes through the top wall of the holder; a second lens disposed at a position where the optical axis passes through the bottom wall of the base, and a third lens disposed at a position where the optical axis passes through the bottom wall and adjacent to the side opposite to the side where the photographing device is located with respect to the second lens in the axial direction; characterized by comprising: the distance in the axial direction between the second lens and the third lens being smaller than the focal lengths of the second lens and the third lens respectively, and the combined focal length of the combined lens of the second lens and the third lens being smaller than the focal lengths of the second lens and the third lens respectively; a microscope.

2. The specimen stage of the microscope according to claim 1, wherein: the specimen stage has a first groove recessed toward the side where the base is located on a surface facing the side opposite to the side where the base is located; and a second groove further recessed from the bottom of the first groove toward the side where the base is located, the specimen placement portion being formed at the bottom of the second groove. The microscope according to claim 1.

3. The specimen stage of the microscope according to claim 2, wherein the specimen stage has four or more protrusions each protruding toward the side opposite to the side where the base is located in the specimen placement portion; and the protruding dimension of each of the protrusions from the specimen placement portion is smaller than the recessed dimension from the bottom of the first groove to the bottom of the second groove. The microscope according to claim 2.

4. In the sample placement section, a plurality of first protrusion rows in which a plurality of the protrusions are arranged along a first direction intersecting the axial direction are formed, and a plurality of second protrusion rows in which a plurality of the protrusions are arranged along a second direction intersecting both the axial direction and the first direction are formed. The microscope according to claim 3.

5. In the sample placement section, a region surrounded by a quadrilateral with four of the protrusions as corners is passed through by the optical axis when viewed from the axial direction. The microscope according to claim 3 or 4.

6. Further comprising a cover installed on a surface facing the side opposite to the side where the base is located on the sample stage, The cover contacts the bottom of the first groove and covers the sample placement section from the side opposite to the side where the base is located with a gap between the cover and the sample placement section of the second groove. The microscope according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. The first groove is formed in a region away from the optical axis to one side in a first direction intersecting the axial direction, and has a first groove edge surface extending along a second direction intersecting both the axial direction and the first direction, and a second groove edge surface extending through a region away from the optical axis to the side opposite to the side where the first groove edge surface is located in the first direction, and includes The second groove is formed along the first direction from the first groove edge surface to the second groove edge surface. The microscope according to claim 6.

8. The cover includes a cover edge formed on the side opposite to the side where the first groove edge surface is located with respect to the optical axis in the first direction, The cover edge extends along the second direction, The cover edge includes a cover recess recessed toward the side where the optical axis is located in the first direction, The cover recess is formed at a position where it at least partially overlaps the second groove when viewed from the axial direction. The microscope according to claim 7.

9. The cover recess of the cover edge is arc-shaped when viewed from the axial direction. The microscope according to claim 8.

Images