Microscope system and control method

Abstract

In the present invention, a holding unit holds a plurality of optical elements. A drive unit drives the holding unit to dispose a specific optical element of the plurality of optical elements held by the holding unit in an optical path for observing a sample. A rotary operation unit receives a rotary operation and outputs an operation signal. A control unit obtains a rotation direction and a rotation amount of the rotary operation unit on the basis of the operation signal, selects a specific optical element from the plurality of optical elements on the basis of the rotation direction and the rotation amount, and controls the drive unit to dispose the specific optical element in the optical path.

Description

Microscope System and Control Method

[0001] The present invention relates to a microscope system and a control method for a microscope system.

[0002] A conventional optical microscope includes a motorized revolver. A plurality of objective lenses are attached to the motorized revolver. By operating the motorized revolver, the user can switch the objective lens and arrange an objective lens with a desired magnification in the observation optical path for observing a sample (specimen).

[0003] Regarding the operation of the motorized revolver, a motorized revolver control device for a microscope is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). The operation unit of the motorized revolver control device in Patent Document 1 has left-rotation and right-rotation push-button switches. When the left-rotation push-button switch is pressed, the revolver rotates in the left direction, and when the right-rotation push-button switch is pressed, the revolver rotates in the right direction.

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-20911

[0005] A user of a microscope usually indicates the rotation direction of the revolver via an operation unit while looking through an eyepiece. In the case of the motorized revolver control device of Patent Document 1, since the user separately operates the two left-rotation and right-rotation push-button switches while looking through the eyepiece, the operation of switching the objective lens becomes difficult.

[0006] As an example, in the case of a biological microscope system that detects weak fluorescence, in order to avoid stray light, it is often the case that a display device such as a PC (Personal Computer) monitor is not installed in a dark room, or the display device is turned off during the observation of a sample. The microscope console is installed in a dark room, but when two push-button switches are provided, it is difficult to visually recognize each push-button switch.

[0007] Note that such a problem occurs not only in the operation of a motorized revolver that holds an objective lens but also in the operation of a holding unit that holds various optical elements.

[0008] In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to improve the operability of an operation of arranging an optical element in an observation optical path of a microscope.

[0009] In one design, the microscope system includes a holder, a drive unit, a rotary operating unit, and a control unit. The holder holds multiple optical elements. The drive unit drives the holder so that a specific optical element among the multiple optical elements held by the holder is positioned in the optical path for observing the sample.

[0010] The rotary operating unit receives rotational input and outputs an operating signal. Based on the operating signal, the control unit determines the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the rotary operating unit, selects a specific optical element from among multiple optical elements based on the rotation direction and amount, and controls the drive unit so that the specific optical element is positioned in the optical path.

[0011] From one perspective, this can improve the operability of the operation of arranging optical elements in the observation light path of a microscope.

[0012] This is a diagram of the configuration of the microscope system according to the embodiment. This is a diagram of the revolving nosepiece. This is a diagram of the magnification of the objective lens. This is a diagram of the microscope console. This is a diagram of the output waveform of the incremental rotary encoder. This is a flowchart of the first objective lens switching process. This is a flowchart of the second objective lens switching process. This is a flowchart of the third objective lens switching process. This is a flowchart of the fourth objective lens switching process. This is a hardware configuration diagram of the information processing device.

[0013] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a microscope system according to an embodiment. The microscope system in Figure 1 includes a transmitted illumination optical system 111, an electric condenser 112, a stage 113, an electric revolving nose 114, an eyepiece 115, a microscope tube 116, and an reflected illumination optical system 117. The microscope system further includes a transmitted illumination light source 118, a focusing device 119, a correction ring switching mechanism 120, an reflected illumination light source 121, a control device 122, a microscope console 123, and a host device 124. These components are hardware.

[0015] The motorized revolving nosepiece 114 includes a revolving nosepiece 131 and a motor 132. The revolving nosepiece 131 holds a plurality of objective lenses. The reflected light illumination optical system 117 includes an autofocus mechanism 141 and a motorized mirror turret 142, the motorized mirror turret 142 includes a mirror turret 151 and a motor 152. The mirror turret 151 holds a plurality of mirror units. The objective lenses and mirror units are examples of optical elements.

[0016] The transmitted illumination optical system 111, the motorized capacitor 112, the stage 113, the motorized revolving nose 114, the eyepiece 115, the microscope tube 116, the reflected illumination optical system 117, the transmitted illumination light source 118, the focusing device 119, the correction ring switching mechanism 120, and the reflected illumination light source 121 constitute an inverted microscope.

[0017] The sample 161 to be observed is placed on the stage 113. Illumination light from the transmitted illumination light source 118 is irradiated onto the sample 161 via the transmitted illumination optical system 111 and the motorized capacitor 112. The motorized capacitor 112 includes a polarizer, an aperture diaphragm, and a capacitor turret, and drives the polarizer, aperture diaphragm, and capacitor turret. Multiple capacitors are mounted on the capacitor turret.

[0018] The focusing device 119 changes the relative position of the electric revolving nose 114 with respect to the sample 161 by driving the electric revolving nose 114. Alternatively, the focusing device 119 may change the relative position of the sample 161 with respect to the electric revolving nose 114 by driving the stage 113 instead of the electric revolving nose 114.

[0019] Figure 2 shows an example of a revolving nosepiece 131. Figure 2 is a top view of the revolving nosepiece 131, showing its appearance as seen from the side of the stage 113. The revolving nosepiece 131 in Figure 2 has mounting holes 201-1 to 201-6, and an objective lens can be attached to each mounting hole 201-i (i = 1 to 6).

[0020] In this example, objective lens 202-1 is mounted in mounting hole 201-1, objective lens 202-2 is mounted in mounting hole 201-3, and objective lens 202-3 is mounted in mounting hole 201-4. No objective lenses are mounted in mounting holes 201-2, 201-5, and 201-6.

[0021] Figure 3 shows examples of the magnifications of objective lenses 202-1 to 202-3. The number "i" indicates the position of the mounting hole 201-i, and the magnification represents the magnification of the objective lens mounted in the mounting hole 201-i.

[0022] The magnification of objective lens 202-1 mounted in mounting hole 201-1, number "1", is 10x. The magnification of objective lens 202-2 mounted in mounting hole 201-3, number "3", is 20x. The magnification of objective lens 202-3 mounted in mounting hole 201-4, number "4", is 40x. In this case, the objective lens with the lowest magnification mounted on the revolver 131 is objective lens 202-1, and the objective lens with the highest magnification is objective lens 202-3.

[0023] The motor 132 drives the revolving nosepiece 131, causing it to rotate clockwise (right) or counterclockwise (left) when viewed from the stage 113. This positions a specific objective lens among the objective lenses 202-1 to 202-3 attached to the revolving nosepiece 131 in the observation light path for observing the sample 161.

[0024] By rotating the revolving nosepiece 131 clockwise, the magnification of the objective lens positioned in the observation light path can be switched from low magnification to high magnification. Conversely, by rotating the revolving nosepiece 131 counterclockwise, the magnification of the objective lens positioned in the observation light path can be switched from high magnification to low magnification.

[0025] The rotation of the revolving nosepiece 131 may be restricted by information indicating the magnification of the objective lens attached to the revolving nosepiece 131, or by information indicating the position of the mounting hole to which the objective lens is attached. For example, the rotation of the revolving nosepiece 131 between the lowest magnification objective lens and the highest magnification objective lens may be restricted by information indicating the magnification of the objective lens.

[0026] The number of mounting holes 201-i is not limited to six; it may be two to five, or seven or more. The revolver 131 is an example of a holding part, and the motor 132 is an example of a driving part.

[0027] Similar to the revolving nosepiece 131, the mirror turret 151 also has multiple mounting holes, and each mounting hole can accommodate a mirror unit with different wavelength characteristics. The wavelength characteristics of the mirror unit represent, for example, the wavelength range of light transmitted through the excitation filter, dichroic mirror, and absorption filter included in the mirror unit.

[0028] The motor 152 drives the mirror turret 151, causing it to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from the stage 113. This positions a specific mirror unit among the mirror units attached to the mirror turret 151 in the observation light path for observing the sample 161. The mirror turret 151 is an example of a holding unit, and the motor 152 is an example of a driving unit.

[0029] Illumination light from the reflected illumination light source 121 is irradiated onto the sample 161 via the reflected illumination optical system 117 and the motorized revolving nosepiece 114. The correction ring switching mechanism 120 drives the correction ring in the objective lens. The autofocus mechanism 141 includes a correction lens and drives the correction lens.

[0030] The eyepiece 115 is attached to the microscope tube 116. The user can observe the sample 161 by looking through the eyepiece 115 and using illumination from the transmitted light source 118 or the reflected light source 121.

[0031] The control device 122 and the host device 124 are, for example, information processing devices (computers). The control device 122 controls the motorized capacitor 112, the motorized revolving nosepiece 114, the transmitted illumination light source 118, the focusing device 119, the correction ring switching mechanism 120, the autofocus mechanism 141, and the motorized mirror turret 142. The control device 122 is an example of a control unit.

[0032] The control device 122 can control the electric capacitor 112, the focusing device 119, the correction ring switching mechanism 120, and the autofocus mechanism 141 in conjunction with the rotation of the revolving nose 131. By controlling the electric capacitor 112 in conjunction with the rotation of the revolving nose 131, the polarizer, aperture diaphragm, and capacitor turret inside the electric capacitor 112 are driven in conjunction with the rotation of the revolving nose 131.

[0033] By controlling the focusing device 119 in conjunction with the rotation of the revolving nosepiece 131, the motorized revolving nosepiece 114 or the stage 113 is driven in conjunction with the rotation of the revolving nosepiece 131. By controlling the correction ring switching mechanism 120 in conjunction with the rotation of the revolving nosepiece 131, the correction ring inside the objective lens is driven in conjunction with the rotation of the revolving nosepiece 131. By controlling the autofocus mechanism 141 in conjunction with the rotation of the revolving nosepiece 131, the correction lens inside the autofocus mechanism 141 is driven in conjunction with the rotation of the revolving nosepiece 131.

[0034] The control device 122 can also control the motorized capacitor 112, the focusing device 119, the correction ring switching mechanism 120, and the autofocus mechanism 141 in conjunction with the rotation of the mirror turret 151. By controlling the motorized capacitor 112 in conjunction with the rotation of the mirror turret 151, the polarizer, aperture diaphragm, and capacitor turret within the motorized capacitor 112 are driven in conjunction with the rotation of the mirror turret 151.

[0035] By controlling the focusing device 119 in conjunction with the rotation of the mirror turret 151, the motorized revolving nosepiece 114 or stage 113 is driven in conjunction with the rotation of the mirror turret 151. By controlling the correction ring switching mechanism 120 in conjunction with the rotation of the mirror turret 151, the correction ring inside the objective lens is driven in conjunction with the rotation of the mirror turret 151. By controlling the autofocus mechanism 141 in conjunction with the rotation of the mirror turret 151, the correction lens inside the autofocus mechanism 141 is driven in conjunction with the rotation of the mirror turret 151.

[0036] The polarizer, aperture diaphragm, condenser turret, motorized revolving nosepiece 114, stage 113, correction ring, and correction lens are examples of driveable parts that are driven in conjunction with the holding part.

[0037] The host device 124 controls the control device 122 via remote control. The microscope console 123 receives operation input from the user and outputs operation signals to the control device 122. The microscope console 123 also receives and displays information output from the control device 122.

[0038] Figure 4 shows an example of a microscope console 123. The microscope console 123 in Figure 4 includes a jog handle 401, a jog handle 402, display units 403-1 to 403-3, and jog dials 404-1 to 404-3. The microscope console 123 further includes switches 405, 406, 407, and switches 408-1 to 408-4.

[0039] Jog dials 404-1 to 404-3 are arranged on the same line. Jog dials 404-1 to 404-3 are an example of a rotary type operating unit.

[0040] The jog handles 401 and 402 are operating parts for operating the focusing device 119. The jog handle 401 is used for fine adjustment, and the jog handle 402 is used for coarse adjustment.

[0041] The display unit 403-1 displays information regarding the objective lens disposed in the observation optical path. The information regarding the objective lens is, for example, the magnification or the number of the mounting holes.

[0042] The jog dial 404-1 is an operation unit for operating the revolver 131 and includes a rotary encoder. The rotary encoder may be an incremental rotary encoder having an increment function. The increment function may also be called a click function.

[0043] The user performs a rotation operation of rotating the jog dial 404-1 clockwise or counterclockwise. The jog dial 404-1 receives the rotation operation and outputs an operation signal. When the jog dial 404-1 is rotated clockwise, the revolver 131 rotates clockwise as viewed from the stage 113 side. When the jog dial 404-1 is rotated counterclockwise, the revolver 131 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the stage 113 side. The jog dial 404-1 is an example of a first rotation type operation unit.

[0044] FIG. 5 shows an example of the output waveform of the incremental rotary encoder. The incremental rotary encoder outputs two pulse signals of phase A and phase B. When the jog dial 404-1 rotates by an angle corresponding to one click, one pulse waveform is output. A click represents an operation of incrementing the rotation angle of the jog dial 404-1 by a predetermined angle. The two pulse signals are output to the control device 122 as operation signals of the jog dial 404-1.

[0045] When the jog dial 404-1 rotates clockwise, the phase of the pulse signal of phase A advances by 90 degrees with respect to the phase of the pulse signal of phase B. When the jog dial 404-1 rotates counterclockwise, the phase of the pulse signal of phase A lags by 90 degrees with respect to the phase of the pulse signal of phase B.

[0046] The control device 122 determines the rotation direction and the amount of rotation of the jog dial 404-1 from two pulse signals. When the pulse signal of the A phase changes from LOW to HIGH, if the pulse signal of the B phase is LOW, the control device 122 determines that the rotation direction is clockwise. Also, when the pulse signal of the A phase changes from LOW to HIGH, if the pulse signal of the B phase is HIGH, the control device 122 determines that the rotation direction is counterclockwise.

[0047] Then, the control device 122 determines the number of pulse waveforms included in the pulse signal of the A phase or the B phase as the amount of rotation of the jog dial 404-1. The number of pulse waveforms included in the pulse signal represents the number of clicks of the jog dial 404-1. The number of clicks of the jog dial 404-1 represents the number of times the rotation angle of the jog dial 404-1 has been incremented.

[0048] Based on the rotation direction and the number of clicks of the jog dial 404-1, the control device 122 selects a specific objective lens from the objective lenses attached to the revolver 131, and controls the motor 132 so that the selected objective lens is disposed in the observation optical path.

[0049] While the revolver 131 is being driven by the motor 132, the control device 122 does not accept the operation signal output from the jog dial 404-1.

[0050] As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that objective lenses 202-1 to 202-3 are attached to the revolver 131, and the objective lens 202-1 is disposed in the observation optical path. In this case, the control device 122 excludes the mounting holes 201-2, 201-5, and 201-6 to which no objective lens is attached, and determines the mounting hole 201-i as the switching destination.

[0051] When the rotation direction of the jog dial 404-1 is clockwise and the number of clicks is 1, the mounting hole 201-3 to which the objective lens is attached next to the mounting hole 201-1 is determined as the switching destination, and the objective lens 202-2 is disposed in the observation optical path.

[0052] When the jog dial 404-1 is rotated clockwise and the number of clicks is 2, the mounting hole 201-4, where the objective lens is mounted, is determined to be the next switching target after the mounting hole 201-3, and the objective lens 202-3 is positioned in the observation light path.

[0053] When the jog dial 404-1 is rotated clockwise and the number of clicks is three, the mounting hole 201-1, which has an objective lens mounted next to the mounting hole 201-4, is determined as the switching target. However, since the objective lens 202-1 mounted in mounting hole 201-1 is currently positioned in the observation light path, the revolving nosepiece 131 is not driven.

[0054] Next, we will explain the control when the jog dial 404-1 is rotated twice in a row. If the rotation direction of the first rotation is clockwise and the number of clicks is 1, and the rotation direction of the second rotation is counterclockwise and the number of clicks is 2, it is determined that the rotation direction is counterclockwise and the number of clicks is 1. In this case, the mounting hole 201-4 is determined as the switching destination, and the objective lens 202-3 is positioned in the observation light path.

[0055] The display unit 403-2 displays information about the mirror unit arranged in the observation light path. This information about the mirror unit may include, for example, wavelength characteristics or mounting hole numbers.

[0056] The jog dial 404-2 is an operating unit for operating the mirror turret 151 and includes a rotary encoder. The rotary encoder may be an incremental rotary encoder having an increment function. The jog dial 404-2 is located adjacent to the jog dial 404-1 on the same line.

[0057] The user rotates the jog dial 404-2 clockwise or counterclockwise, and the jog dial 404-2 receives the rotation operation and outputs an operation signal. When the jog dial 404-2 is rotated clockwise, the mirror turret 151 rotates clockwise as viewed from the stage 113. When the jog dial 404-2 is rotated counterclockwise, the mirror turret 151 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the stage 113. The jog dial 404-2 is an example of a second rotary type operation unit.

[0058] Similar to the jog dial 404-1, the control device 122 determines the rotation direction and amount of the jog dial 404-2 from the two pulse signals output from the jog dial 404-2. Next, based on the rotation direction and amount of the jog dial 404-2, the control device 122 selects a specific mirror unit from among the mirror units mounted on the mirror turret 151. Then, the control device 122 controls the motor 152 so that the selected mirror unit is positioned in the observation light path.

[0059] The control device 122 does not accept the operation signal output from the jog dial 404-2 while the mirror turret 151 is being driven by the motor 152.

[0060] The display unit 403-3 displays information indicating the illumination power of the transmitted illumination light source 118. The jog dial 404-3 is an operating unit for dimming the illumination light of the transmitted illumination light source 118 and includes a rotary encoder. The rotary encoder may be an incremental rotary encoder having an increment function. The jog dial 404-3 is located adjacent to the jog dial 404-2 on the same line.

[0061] Switch 405 is an operating unit for switching between the observation light path for eyepiece observation and the observation light path for camera image observation. Switch 406 is an operating unit for opening and closing the reflected light shutter that blocks the illumination light from the reflected light source 121. Switch 407 is an operating unit for turning the transmitted light source 118 on or off. Switches 408-1 to 408-4 are operating units that can be customized for the application.

[0062] According to the microscope console 123 in Figure 4, jog dials 404-1 to 404-3 are arranged sequentially on the same line according to the user's work procedure. Therefore, even in a dark room, the user can easily distinguish between jog dials 404-1 to 404-3 by touch while looking through the eyepiece.

[0063] Furthermore, by employing a jog dial 404-1 instead of a push-button switch, the user can intuitively indicate the rotation direction and amount of the revolving nosepiece 131 while looking through the eyepiece, even in a darkroom. Similarly, by employing a jog dial 404-2, the user can intuitively indicate the rotation direction and amount of the mirror turret 151. This improves the operability of the rotation operation of the motorized revolving nosepiece 114 and the motorized mirror turret 142.

[0064] By adopting the jog dial 404-1, the need for two push-button switches is eliminated, thus reducing the size of the microscope console 123 and thus the installation space required for the microscope system. Similarly, by adopting the jog dial 404-2, the size of the microscope console 123 can be reduced, thereby reducing the installation space required for the microscope system.

[0065] The display units 403-1 to 403-3 and the jog dials 404-1 to 404-3 are all located within a specific range on the microscope console 123. Therefore, the user can operate the jog dials 404-1 to 404-3 while checking their status without significantly shifting their viewpoint.

[0066] Since the display unit 403-1 is located near the jog dial 404-1, the user can easily check the information of the objective lenses positioned in the observation light path by rotating the jog dial 404-1.

[0067] Since the display unit 403-2 is located near the jog dial 404-2, the user can easily check the information of the mirror unit placed in the observation optical path by rotating the jog dial 404-2.

[0068] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the first objective lens switching process performed by the control device 122 in Figure 1. In the objective lens switching process in Figure 6, the control device 122 switches the objective lens in cooperation with the host device 124.

[0069] The host device 124 stores information about the objective lenses mounted on the revolving nosepiece 131. This objective lens information includes the number of each mounting hole, whether or not an objective lens is present in each mounting hole, and the magnification of the objective lens mounted in each mounting hole. The mounting hole numbers, the presence or absence of an objective lens, and the magnification of the objective lens are associated with each other.

[0070] First, the control device 122 checks whether the jog dial 404-1 has been operated (step 601). If the control device 122 detects an operation signal for the jog dial 404-1 output from the microscope console 123, it determines that the jog dial 404-1 has been operated. If it does not detect an operation signal, it determines that the jog dial 404-1 has not been operated.

[0071] If the jog dial 404-1 is not operated (step 601, NO), the control device 122 repeats the process of step 601.

[0072] If the jog dial 404-1 is operated at time t1 (step 601, YES), the control device 122 determines the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the jog dial 404-1 from the operation signal of the jog dial 404-1. Then, the control device 122 transmits operation information indicating the rotation direction and amount of rotation to the host device 124 (step 602).

[0073] When the host device 124 receives operation information from the control device 122, it starts counting using a timer to measure the waiting time T. Next, the host device 124 refers to the objective lens mounting information and determines the magnification of the target objective lens to be switched to, assuming that the revolving nosepiece 131 has been rotated, based on the rotation direction and amount indicated by the received operation information. Then, the host device 124 transmits the magnification of the target objective lens to the control device 122 and waits until the waiting time T has elapsed. The waiting time T is an example of a predetermined time.

[0074] The waiting time T can be changed by the user. The waiting time T may be in the range of 100 milliseconds to 1 second.

[0075] The control device 122 outputs the magnification received from the host device 124 to the microscope console 123, and displays the magnification on the display unit 403-1 (step 603). This allows the user to recognize the magnification of the target objective lens before the objective lens is switched.

[0076] If the host device 124 receives other operation information from the control device 122 before the waiting time T has elapsed, it resets the timer and starts counting again. Then, the host device 124 updates the magnification of the target objective lens based on the rotation direction and amount indicated by the received operation information and transmits it to the control device 122.

[0077] If a waiting period T elapses without receiving any other operation information, the host device 124 determines that the operation of the jog dial 404-1 is complete and sends a switching instruction to the control device 122.

[0078] Before receiving a switching instruction from the host device 124, the control device 122 checks whether the jog dial 404-1 has been operated (step 604). If the jog dial 404-1 has been operated (step 604, YES), the control device 122 repeats the process from step 602 onward.

[0079] When the control device 122 receives a switching instruction from the host device 124 (step 604, NO), the control device 122 performs the process in step 605.

[0080] In step 605, the control device 122 identifies the target objective lens from among the objective lenses attached to the revolving nosepiece 131 based on the rotation direction and amount determined from all operation signals detected after time t1. The control device 122 then controls the motor 132 so that the identified objective lens is positioned in the observation light path.

[0081] As an example, consider a scenario where, during the period P1 from time t1 to time t2, the jog dial 404-1 is operated multiple times, and then a waiting period T elapses without any further operation.

[0082] In this case, the control device 122 transmits operation information indicating the direction and amount of rotation, determined from the operation signal detected at time t3 during the period P1, to the host device 124. Based on the direction and amount of rotation indicated by the operation information received from the control device 122, the host device 124 updates the magnification of the target objective lens and transmits it to the control device 122. The control device 122 displays the magnification received from the host device 124 on the display unit 403-1.

[0083] Subsequently, the control device 122 transmits operation information indicating the direction and amount of rotation, determined from the operation signal detected at time t2 when period P1 ends, to the host device 124. Based on the direction and amount of rotation indicated by the operation information received from the control device 122, the host device 124 updates the magnification of the target objective lens and transmits it to the control device 122. The control device 122 displays the magnification received from the host device 124 on the display unit 403-1.

[0084] If a waiting period T has elapsed after period P1, the host device 124 sends a switching instruction to the control device 122. Based on the rotation direction and amount determined from all operation signals detected during period P1, the control device 122 identifies the target objective lens and controls the motor 132.

[0085] Time t1 is an example of the first time, time t2 is an example of the second time, and time t3 is an example of the third time.

[0086] The control device 122 may retract the electric revolving nosepiece 114 by controlling the focusing device 119 between step 604 and step 605.

[0087] According to the objective lens switching process shown in Figure 6, the objective lens is not switched until the control device 122 receives a switching instruction. Therefore, compared to the case where the objective lens is switched each time the jog dial 404-1 is operated, the number of operations of the drive target unit, which is driven in conjunction with the revolving nosepiece 131, is reduced.

[0088] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the second objective lens switching process performed by the control device 122 in Figure 1. In the objective lens switching process in Figure 7, the control device 122 switches the objective lens without coordinating with the host device 124.

[0089] First, the control device 122 checks whether the jog dial 404-1 has been operated (step 701). If the jog dial 404-1 has not been operated (step 701, NO), the control device 122 repeats the process of step 701.

[0090] If the jog dial 404-1 is operated at time t1 (step 701, YES), the control device 122 determines the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the jog dial 404-1 from the operation signal of the jog dial 404-1 (step 702). Then, the control device 122 starts counting using a timer to measure the waiting time T (step 703).

[0091] Next, the control device 122 checks whether the jog dial 404-1 has been operated before the waiting time T has elapsed (step 704). If the jog dial 404-1 has been operated (step 704, YES), the control device 122 repeats the process from step 702 onward.

[0092] If the jog dial 404-1 is not operated and the waiting time T has elapsed (step 704, NO), the control device 122 performs the process of step 705.

[0093] In step 705, the control device 122 identifies the target objective lens from among the objective lenses attached to the revolving nosepiece 131 based on the rotation direction and amount determined from all operation signals detected after time t1. The control device 122 then outputs the mounting hole number to which the identified objective lens is attached to the microscope console 123, and displays the mounting hole number on the display unit 403-1.

[0094] Next, the control device 122 controls the motor 132 so that the identified objective lens is positioned in the observation light path (step 706).

[0095] As an example, consider a scenario where, during a period P1 from time t1 to time t2, the jog dial 404-1 is operated multiple times, but then a waiting period T elapses without any further operation. In this case, the control device 122 identifies the target objective lens based on the rotation direction and amount determined from all the operation signals detected during period P1, displays the number of its mounting hole on the display unit 403-1, and controls the motor 132.

[0096] The control device 122 may retract the electric revolving nosepiece 114 by controlling the focusing device 119 between step 705 and step 706.

[0097] According to the objective lens switching process shown in Figure 7, the objective lens is not switched until the waiting time T has elapsed. Therefore, compared to the case where the objective lens is switched each time the jog dial 404-1 is operated, the number of operations of the drive target unit, which is driven in conjunction with the revolving nosepiece 131, is reduced.

[0098] The jog dial 404-1 may also have a push function. In this case, the user inputs an instruction to confirm the rotation operation by pressing the jog dial 404-1. The jog dial 404-1 receives the instruction input from the user and outputs a confirmation signal to the control device 122 indicating the confirmation of the rotation operation. The jog dial 404-1 with a push function is an example of an integrated operation unit including a rotary operation unit and a confirmation operation unit.

[0099] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a third objective lens switching process performed by the control device 122 in Figure 1. In the objective lens switching process in Figure 8, a jog dial 404-1 with a push function is used, and the control device 122 switches the objective lens in cooperation with the host device 124.

[0100] The processes in steps 801 to 803 are the same as those in steps 601 to 603 in Figure 6. After the process in step 803, the control device 122 checks whether the jog dial 404-1 was pressed before receiving a switching instruction from the host device 124 (step 804). If the operation was performed without pressing the jog dial 404-1 (step 804, NO), the control device 122 repeats the processes from step 802 onwards.

[0101] If the jog dial 404-1 is pressed (step 804, YES), the control device 122 performs the process in step 805. The process in step 805 is the same as the process in step 605 in Figure 6.

[0102] The control device 122 may retract the electric revolving nosepiece 114 by controlling the focusing device 119 between step 804 and step 805.

[0103] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth objective lens switching process performed by the control device 122 in Figure 1. In the objective lens switching process in Figure 9, a jog dial 404-1 with a push function is used, and the control device 122 switches the objective lens without coordinating with the host device 124.

[0104] The processes in steps 901 and 902 are the same as those in steps 701 and 702 in Figure 7. After the process in step 902, the control device 122 checks whether the jog dial 404-1 has been pressed or not (step 903). If the operation is performed without pressing the jog dial 404-1 (step 903, NO), the control device 122 repeats the processes from step 902 onward.

[0105] If the jog dial 404-1 is pressed (step 903, YES), the control device 122 performs the processes of steps 904 and 905. The processes of steps 904 and 905 are the same as the processes of steps 705 and 706 in Figure 7.

[0106] The control device 122 may retract the electric revolving nosepiece 114 by controlling the focusing device 119 between step 904 and step 905.

[0107] The control device 122 can also perform mirror unit switching processing using the same procedure as in Figures 6 to 9. In the mirror unit switching processing, the jog dial 404-1 is replaced with the jog dial 404-2, and the display unit 403-1 is replaced with the display unit 403-2. In addition, the revolver 131 is replaced with the mirror turret 151, the objective lens is replaced with the mirror unit, and the motor 132 is replaced with the motor 152.

[0108] The display unit 403-2 displays the wavelength characteristics of the mirror unit instead of the magnification of the objective lens. The jog dial 404-2 may have a push function, similar to the jog dial 404-1.

[0109] The configuration of the microscope system shown in Figure 1 is merely an example, and some components may be omitted or modified depending on the application or conditions of the microscope system. For example, the microscope included in the microscope system may be an upright microscope.

[0110] The revolving nosepiece 131 shown in Figure 2 is merely an example; the shape and number of mounting holes of the revolving nosepiece 131 will vary depending on the application or conditions of the microscope system.

[0111] The objective lens magnification shown in Figure 3 is merely an example; the objective lens magnification will vary depending on the application or conditions of the microscope system.

[0112] The microscope console 123 shown in Figure 4 is merely an example, and the configuration of the microscope console 123 will vary depending on the application or conditions of the microscope system.

[0113] The output waveform in Figure 5 is just one example; the output waveform of a rotary encoder varies depending on the rotary encoder.

[0114] The flowcharts in Figures 6 to 9 are merely examples, and some processes may be omitted or modified depending on the configuration or conditions of the microscope system.

[0115] Figure 10 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device used as the control device 122 and host device 124 in Figure 1. The information processing device in Figure 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001, memory 1002, auxiliary storage device 1003, and interface 1004. These components are hardware and are connected to each other by a bus 1005.

[0116] The memory 1002 is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory), and stores the program and data used for processing.

[0117] The CPU 1001 (processor) performs processing on the control device 122 or the host device 124 by executing a program using, for example, the memory 1002.

[0118] The auxiliary storage device 1003 is, for example, a magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, a magneto-optical disk drive, a tape drive, etc. The auxiliary storage device 1003 may also be a hard disk drive or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The information processing device can store programs and data in the auxiliary storage device 1003 and load them into the memory 1002 for use.

[0119] Interface 1004 is a communication device connected to a communication line or the like, which performs data conversion associated with communication.

[0120] The control device 122 communicates with the motorized capacitor 112, motorized revolving nose 114, transmitted illumination light source 118, focusing device 119, correction ring switching mechanism 120, autofocus mechanism 141, and motorized mirror turret 142 via interface 1004. The control device 122 also communicates with the microscope console 123 and host device 124 via interface 1004. The host device 124 communicates with the control device 122 via interface 1004.

[0121] While embodiments of the disclosure and their advantages have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications, additions, and omissions without departing from the scope of the invention as expressly stated in the claims.

[0122] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-184947, filed on October 21, 2024. All of its contents are included herein.

Claims

1. A microscope system comprising: a holding unit for holding a plurality of optical elements; a drive unit for driving the holding unit so that a specific optical element among the plurality of optical elements held by the holding unit is positioned in the optical path for observing a sample; a rotary operation unit that receives rotational operation and outputs an operation signal; and a control unit that determines the rotation direction and amount of the rotary operation unit based on the operation signal, selects the specific optical element from the plurality of optical elements based on the rotation direction and amount of rotation, and controls the drive unit so that the specific optical element is positioned in the optical path.

2. The microscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary operating unit has an increment function, and the amount of rotation represents the number of times the rotation angle of the rotary operating unit has been incremented.

3. The microscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of the operation signal between the first time and the second time, the control unit selects a specific optical element based on the rotation direction and rotation amount determined from the operation signal detected during the said period.

4. The microscope system according to claim 3, characterized in that the predetermined time can be changed by the user.

5. The microscope system according to claim 3, further comprising a display unit that displays information regarding optical elements arranged in the optical path when the holding unit is driven.

6. The microscope system according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit causes the display unit to display information regarding the optical elements arranged in the optical path based on the rotation direction and amount of rotation determined from the operation signal detected at a third time in the middle of the period.

7. The microscope system according to claim 3, further comprising a drive target unit that is driven in conjunction with the holding unit.

8. The microscope system according to claim 1, further comprising a confirmation operation unit that receives an input of an instruction to confirm the rotation operation and outputs a confirmation signal, wherein the control unit, after the operation signal is detected at a first time point, and then the confirmation signal is detected at a second time point, determines the direction of rotation and the amount of rotation based on the operation signal detected during the period from the first time point to the second time point.

9. The microscope system according to claim 8, characterized in that the rotary operating unit and the fixed operating unit are an integrated operating unit.

10. The microscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary operating unit includes a rotary encoder.

11. The microscope system according to claim 10, characterized in that the rotary encoder is an incremental rotary encoder.

12. The microscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of optical elements are a plurality of objective lenses, and the holding part is a revolving nosepiece.

13. The microscope system according to claim 12, further comprising a display unit that displays information indicating the magnification of the objective lens placed in the optical path when the revolving nosepiece is driven, or information indicating the position of the mounting hole of the revolving nosepiece to which the objective lens placed in the optical path is attached.

14. The microscope system according to claim 13, characterized in that the rotation of the revolving nosepiece is restricted by information indicating the magnification of the objective lens or information indicating the position of the mounting hole of the revolving nosepiece.

15. The microscope system according to claim 14, characterized in that the rotation of the revolving nosepiece between the lowest magnification objective lens and the highest magnification objective lens attached to the nosepiece is restricted by information indicating the magnification of the objective lenses.

16. The microscope system according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of optical elements are a plurality of mirror units, and the holding portion is a mirror turret.

17. The microscope system according to claim 16, further comprising a display unit that displays information indicating the wavelength characteristics of a mirror unit arranged in the optical path when the mirror turret is driven, or information indicating the position of a mounting hole in the mirror turret to which the mirror unit arranged in the optical path is attached.

18. The microscope system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of optical elements include a plurality of objective lenses and a plurality of mirror units, the holding unit includes a revolving nosepiece for holding the plurality of objective lenses and a mirror turret for holding the plurality of mirror units, the rotary operating unit includes a first rotary operating unit that receives a rotational operation and outputs an operating signal for driving the revolving nosepiece and a second rotary operating unit that receives a rotational operation and outputs an operating signal for driving the mirror turret, and the second rotary operating unit is arranged adjacent to the second rotary operating unit.

19. The microscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the control unit does not accept the operation signal while the holding unit is being driven.

20. The microscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it comprises a microscope console including the rotary operating unit.

21. A control method characterized by: determining the rotation direction and amount of rotation of a rotary operating unit based on an operation signal output from a rotary operating unit that accepts rotation operations; selecting a specific optical element from among a plurality of optical elements held by a holding unit based on the rotation direction and amount of rotation; and controlling a drive unit that drives the holding unit so that the specific optical element is positioned in the optical path for observing the sample.

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