MICROSCOPE WITH SELF-ADAPTING IRIS DIAPHRAGM

Abstract

The invention relates to a microscope (10) that encompasses an objective system (30) and a zoom system (32). The microscope furthermore has a diaphragm (60) for limiting the aperture of the beam path. A control unit (64) is furthermore provided, that control unit (64) automatically ascertaining, as a function of the current manifestation of at least one parameter of the microscope (10), a respective setting of the diaphragm (60) predetermined for the current manifestation, and setting the diaphragm (60) accordingly.

Claims

1. A microscope including a beam path having an aperture, the microscope comprising: an objective system (30) that has at least two objectives (44, 52), selectably introducible into the beam path, having different focal lengths; a zoom system (32) that has a total zoom range (90), the respective total magnification of an object to be examined microscopically resulting respectively from the focal length of the selected objective (44, 52) and from the magnification of the zoom system (32) set within the total zoom range (90); a diaphragm (60) for limiting the aperture of the beam path; and a control unit (64) for controlling the diaphragm (60), the control unit (64) automatically ascertaining, as a function of the current manifestation of at least one parameter of the microscope, a respective setting of the diaphragm (60) to be set for the current manifestation, and setting the diaphragm (60) in accordance therewith.

2. The microscope (10) according to claim 1, wherein the microscope (10) further comprises a motor (62) for adjusting the diaphragm (60) to set the size of an opening of the diaphragm (60); and the control unit (64) automatically applies control to the motor (62) to set the diaphragm (60) accordingly.

3. The microscope (10) according to claim 1, wherein the diaphragm (60) is an iris diaphragm.

4. The microscope (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (64) respectively ascertains, as a function of the current manifestations of at least two parameters of the microscope (10), the setting of the diaphragm (60) which is to be set.

5. The microscope (10) according to claim 1, wherein for all possible manifestations of the parameters taken into consideration, the setting of the diaphragm (60) which is to be set is respectively stored in the control unit (64) in a manner unequivocally allocated to the respective manifestations.

6. The microscope (10) according to claim 1, wherein a calculation specification is stored in the control unit (64); and the control unit (64) ascertains, with the aid of the calculation specification, the setting of the diaphragm (60) which is to be set.

7. The microscope (10) according to claim 1, wherein the settings of the diaphragm (60) which are to be set are respectively the optimum settings of the diaphragm (60) for the respective manifestations of the parameters.

8. The microscope (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (64) ascertains, as a function of the current setting of the zoom system (32), the setting of the diaphragm (60) which is to be set.

9. The microscope (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (64) ascertains, as a function of the objective (44, 52) currently introduced into the beam path, the setting of the diaphragm (60) which is to be set.

10. The microscope (10) according to claim 1, wherein a zoom sub-range (96, 98) within the total zoom range (90) is allocated to each of the objectives (44, 52); limiting means (46, 48, 54, 56) are provided with which the adjustability of the zoom system (32) is respectively limited to the zoom sub-range (96, 98) that is allocated to the selected objective (44, 52); and the control unit (64) ascertains, as a function of the respectively selected objective (44, 52) and/or of the focal length of the zoom system (32) which is set, the setting of the diaphragm (60) which is to be set.

11. The microscope (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (64) ascertains, as a function of at least one property of at least one hardware component (40) of the microscope (10), the setting of the diaphragm (60) which is to be set.

12. The microscope (10) according to claim 11, wherein the control unit (64) ascertains, as a function of the resolution of an image capture unit (40) of the microscope (10), of the sensitivity of the image capture unit (40) of the microscope (10), of the resolution of a camera of the microscope (10), and/or of the sensitivity of the camera of the microscope (10), the setting of the diaphragm (60) which is to be set.

13. The microscope (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (64) ascertains, as a function of at least one user setting of a user of the microscope (10), the setting of the diaphragm (60) which is to be set.

14. The microscope according to claim 13, wherein the user setting includes a desired exposure time, a desired resolution level, a desired depth-of-focus level, and/or a desired brightness level.

15. The microscope (10) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor unit (66, 68) for ascertaining the current manifestation of the parameter or the current manifestations of the parameters.

16. The microscope (10) according to claim 1, wherein the microscope (10) is a digital microscope comprising an image capture unit (40) on which an image of the object to be examined microscopically is imaged with the aid of the zoom system (32).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING VIEWS

[0062] Further features and advantages of the invention are evident from the description below, which explains the invention in more detail with reference to exemplifying embodiments in conjunction with the attached Figures, in which:

[0063] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective depiction of a digital microscope;

[0064] FIG. 2 schematically depicts a magnification system of the microscope according to FIG. 1;

[0065] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a magnification system according to FIG. 2 when a first objective is in use;

[0066] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a magnification system according to FIG. 2 when a second objective is in use;

[0067] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a zoom range and the zoom sub-ranges of the first and the second objective; and

[0068] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a magnification system in accordance with a further embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0069] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective depiction of a digital microscope. Microscope 10 encompasses a stationary stand body 12 as well as a pivoting unit 14 pivotable relative thereto.

[0070] Pivoting unit 14 encompasses at least one image capture unit with which an image of the objects to be examined microscopically can be acquired. In particular, by way of this image capture unit not only individual images but also videos can be acquired, making it possible to observe the object to be examined microscopically from different angles of view.

[0071] The pivoting unit furthermore comprises an objective and a zoom system with which different magnifications of the objects to be examined microscopically can be set. The objective system has a plurality of objectives, one of which is respectively introduced selectably into the beam path.

[0072] The image capture unit, the objective system, and the zoom system are not visible in FIG. 1, since they are concealed by housing 16 of pivoting unit 14.

[0073] The construction of the objective system and of the zoom system will be described in further detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 4.

[0074] The objectives of the objective system are embodied, in particular, parfocally, so that no refocusing needs to be performed by the operator upon an objective change. The objectives are matched in particular to the distance between the rotation axis, around which pivoting unit 14 can be rotated, and the interface of the objectives, thus yielding a eucentric system the consequence of which is that refocusing does not need to occur upon pivoting of pivoting unit 14, and the region being viewed furthermore remains centered in the middle of the image.

[0075] Also arranged on the stand body is a specimen stage 18 on which the objects to be examined microscopically are mounted. This specimen stage 18 can be adjusted, with the aid of positioning wheels 20, relative to stand body 12 in the direction of double arrow P1, thus allowing the objects to be examined microscopically to be focused.

[0076] FIG. 2 shows, entirely schematically, the magnification system arranged in pivoting unit 14 in three different settings. The magnification system encompasses an objective system 30 as well as a zoom system 32, the interaction of which causes the desired total magnification to be achieved. Objective system 30 encompasses at least two objectives 44, 52 having different focal lengths, one of which is respectively pivoted selectably into the beam path of microscope 10.

[0077] Zoom system 32 comprises three lens groups 34 to 38, two lens groups 36, 38 of which are adjustable in the direction of optical axis 50. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the zoom system can also encompass only two lens groups 34 to 38, only one lens group 34 to 38 of which is axially adjustable. Zoom systems having more than three lens groups 34 to 38 are also conceivable.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the image of the object is imaged via zoom system 32 directly onto an image capture unit 40 that can be, in particular, a camera.

[0079] FIG. 2 shows three settings of zoom system 32. In the left setting, zoom system 32 is set so that it has a maximum focal length and thus produces a maximum magnification. Field angle 42, which indicates the angle of the main beam with respect to optical axis 50 in the region of the interface to objective system 30, is correspondingly minimal.

[0080] The right setting depicted in FIG. 2, conversely, shows the other extreme setting of zoom system 32, namely the setting in which zoom system 32 has a minimum focal length and correspondingly produces a minimum magnification effect. In this case field angle 42 is maximal.

[0081] The middle case shown in FIG. 2 represents an intermediate position in which zoom system 32 achieves a focal length that is longer than the minimum focal length and shorter than the maximum focal length. Field angle 42 is correspondingly between field angles 42 of the other two cases.

[0082] The respective total magnification of microscope 10 results from the quotient of the focal length set for zoom system 32, and the focal length of that objective 44, 52 of objective system 30 which is introduced into the beam path.

[0083] Zoom system 32 has a total zoom range that indicates which focal lengths of zoom system 32 can be set via zoom system 32. This total zoom range is depicted in FIG. 5 by way of example by arrow 90, lower limit 92 indicating the minimum focal length of zoom system 32 that is produced for the setting shown on the right in FIG. 2. Upper limit 94 of total zoom range 90 correspondingly indicates the maximum focal length of zoom system 32 which is produced for the setting shown on the left in FIG. 2. Total zoom range 90 is thus predefined, in particular, in physically constrained fashion, and indicates the maximum possible range of magnifications of zoom system 32.

[0084] As already described, objective system 32 encompasses several objectives 44, 52 having different focal lengths. A zoom sub-range within total zoom range 90 is allocated to each of these objectives 44, 52, a first zoom sub-range 96 for a first objective 44 and a second zoom sub-range 98 of a second objective 52 being depicted in FIG. 5. The two zoom sub-ranges 96, 98 each cover only a portion of total zoom range 90, and in particular are configured in such a way that they at least partly overlap.

[0085] Microscope 10 is embodied in such a way that zoom system 32 is always respectively adjustable only within the respective zoom sub-range 96, 98 that is allocated to objective 44, 52 currently pivoted into the beam path.

[0086] In the exemplifying embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, first objective 44 to which zoom sub-range 96 is allocated has a longer focal length compared with second objective 52, and thus a lesser magnification effect. First zoom sub-range 96 is correspondingly also selected in such a way that it covers the lower magnifications of total zoom range 90 as compared with second zoom sub-range 98, whereas second zoom sub-range 98 encompasses the higher magnifications of total zoom range 90.

[0087] The result thereby achieved is that for objectives 52 having a high magnification, i.e. a short focal length, high magnifications are also achieved by the zoom system, so that a high total magnification is achieved overall.

[0088] Conversely, with objectives 44 of low magnification, i.e. having a wide field angle, zoom sub-range 96, at which zoom system 32 again has low magnification and thus a wide field angle, is allocated.

[0089] The sub-range of zoom system 32 which is used is thus always matched to the properties of the respective objective 44, 52.

[0090] FIG. 3 schematically depicts the magnification system of FIG. 2 in two states, first objective 44 of objective system 30 being introduced into the beam path. With first objective 44, which has a relatively long focal length, i.e. low magnification, the adjustability of zoom system 32 is limited by limiting elements 46, 48 in such a way that, compared with the maximum adjustment range shown in FIG. 2, adjustment is possible down to the minimum focal length (FIG. 3, right) but not up to the maximum focal length. An adjustment of zoom system 32 is correspondingly possible only within first zoom sub-range 96. The movement of lens groups 36, 38 toward one another is limited, via limiting elements 46, 48, to the state shown on the left in FIG. 3. Limiting elements 46, 48 are, in particular, stops that are coupled to first objective 44, so that upon introduction of first objective 44 into the beam path, stops 46, 48 are also automatically moved so they are arranged in such a way that they are arranged in the movement region of lens groups 34 to 38.

[0091] FIG. 4 shows the case in which second objective 52 is pivoted into the beam path. This objective 52 as well again encompasses stops 54, 56 with which the adjustment of zoom system 32 can be limited to second zoom sub-range 98. With this second objective 52, stops 54, 56 prevent lens groups 36, 38 from being moved farther apart from one another than the state shown on the right in FIG. 4, so that setting of the minimum magnification is prevented.

[0092] As depicted in FIG. 5, zoom sub-ranges 96, 98 in which zoom system 32 is respectively operated are thus configured to be narrower than the maximum zoom range 90, and for that reason zoom system 32 is also referred to as “overdimensioned” or “oversized.”

[0093] Depending on which objective 44, 52 is introduced into the beam path and thus currently being used, and depending on the setting of zoom system 32, a different aperture is required in order to obtain high-quality images of the object to be examined microscopically, which have the desired properties.

[0094] FIG. 6 therefore shows an embodiment in which an aperture diaphragm 60, which is embodied in particular in the form of an iris diaphragm, is provided for setting the aperture. Alternatively, instead of an iris diaphragm it is also possible to use other types of diaphragm that allow the size of their opening, and thus the aperture, to be modified. A system of diaphragms can also be provided, encompassing several diaphragms that have different opening sizes and can be introduced selectably into the beam path depending on the aperture required.

[0095] Also provided is an electric drive unit 62, in particular a motor, with which diaphragm 60 can be adjusted, i.e. with which the size of diaphragm 60 can be adjusted.

[0096] Microscope 10 further encompasses a control unit 64 that applies control to motor 62 and that, via its control application signals, specifies to motor 62 that setting of diaphragm 60 which it is to set.

[0097] Control unit 64 is embodied in such a way that it ascertains, as a function of the respectively current manifestation or setting of zoom system 32 and of the objective 44, 54 that is currently introduced into the beam path of the microscope and is thus being used, that setting of diaphragm 60 which is to be set and is required in order to achieve the ideal aperture.

[0098] An allocation specification, which contains for each possible zoom setting and each possible objective, or for the combinations resulting therefrom, the respectively required setting of diaphragm 60, is stored in particular in control unit 64. Control unit 64 reads out the required setting of diaphragm 60 from this allocation specification as a function of the current settings, and applies control accordingly to motor 62 in such a way that it sets diaphragm 60 in accordance with the preset setting.

[0099] In a further embodiment, additionally or alternatively to an allocation specification a calculation specification, with which control unit 64 ascertains, as a function of the current manifestations or settings of zoom system 32 and of the selected objective 44, 52, the respectively ideal setting of diaphragm 60, can also be stored in control unit 64.

[0100] The ascertainment of the respective setting of diaphragm 60, and also the actual setting of that setting, are accomplished in particular fully automatically, with no need for the operator of microscope 10 to contribute anything for the purpose. The result thereby achieved is that the operator simply needs to implement the desired settings on zoom system 32 and objective system 30, and need not deal further with ascertaining the respectively required setting of diaphragm 60. An ideal aperture profile over the entire zoom range is thereby achieved. In addition, automatic ideal setting of the aperture of microscope 10 is achieved, along with simplified operation of microscope 10, less training time and a lower level of expert knowledge for the user, and less susceptibility to incorrect operation. Automatic setting of diaphragm 60 in this manner furthermore enables fast and precise adjustment of the aperture, which is advantageous in terms of rapid sequential acquisition of images of the same object at different apertures.

[0101] Microscope 10 encompasses in particular a first sensor 66 with which the current manifestations or setting of zoom system 32 can respectively be ascertained. The ascertained current setting is transferred in particular to control unit 64, so that the latter knows at all times how zoom system 32 is set and can thus ideally adapt diaphragm 60 in each case. First sensor 66 can be, for example, a Hall sensor with which the rotational position of the spindle for adjusting lens groups 34 to 38 of zoom system 32, and thus the manifestations of zoom system 32, can be ascertained.

[0102] Analogously, in particular a second sensor 68 is provided with which the manifestation of objective system 30 can be ascertained, i.e. which of the objectives 44, 52 of objective system 30 is currently introduced into the beam path. This information as well is conveyed to control unit 64 so that upon a change of objective 44, 52 said unit can respectively automatically adapt the setting of diaphragm 60. In particular, each objective 44, 52 comprises a contact, the contact of objective 44, 52 that is introduced into the beam path being in contact with a contact of sensor 68 so that the latter can easily ascertain which objective 44, 52 is currently introduced into the beam path.

[0103] Sensors 66 and 68 are necessary in particular when the adjustment of zoom system 32 and of objective system 30 is accomplished entirely mechanically and manually, since in this case no electronic data, having information regarding the current settings, are available. Conversely, if the adjustment of zoom system 32 and of objective system 30 is accomplished with the aid of electronically controlled units, the control units utilized for that can be used by control unit 64 to ascertain the setting of zoom system 32 and of objective system 30, so that no sensors 66, 68 are required.

[0104] In alternative embodiments, control unit 64 can also take into consideration only the setting of zoom system 32, or only the setting of objective system 30, when ascertaining the setting of diaphragm 60.

[0105] It is furthermore alternatively possible for further parameters also to be taken into consideration by control unit 64 in the context of automatic setting of diaphragm 60. For example, properties of components of microscope 10 can be taken into consideration. In particular, the resolution and/or sensitivity of image acquisition unit 40 can also be taken into consideration by control unit 64. This is useful in particular if individual components need to be exchanged, for example because they are external components.

[0106] User preferences and user settings can furthermore be used as further parameters as a function of which control unit 64 ascertains that setting of diaphragm 60 which is to be set. In particular, the operator can select various preferences or settings in clear text on a computer connected to microscope 10. For example, an operator can indicate that he or she wishes a constant brightness or expanded resolution. The operator can furthermore select, for example via a menu item, “better resolution” or “greater depth of focus.” A different aperture is required in each case depending on the preferences and settings, and control unit 64 automatically takes into consideration those preferences and settings, selected in clear text, when ascertaining the required setting of diaphragm 60, and automatically sets diaphragm 60 so that the user does not him- or herself need to set the diaphragm experimentally in accordance with his or her preferences, but instead everything is accomplished automatically by control unit 64.

[0107] The above-described automatic electronic setting of the diaphragm as a function of different parameters of microscope 10 can of course also be used for all other types of microscope, i.e. not only for microscopes having an “oversized” zoom system.

[0108] In an alternative embodiment, a liquid-crystal matrix having a two-dimensional grid of LCD segments (a so-called “LC shutter”) can also be used instead of iris diaphragm 60. With this embodiment, motor 62 can be omitted. Instead, control unit 64 applies control directly to the liquid-crystal matrix and activates and deactivates the LCD segments accordingly.

PARTS LIST

[0109] 10 Microscope [0110] 12 Stand body [0111] 14 Pivoting unit [0112] 16 Housing [0113] 18 Specimen stage [0114] 20 Positioning wheel [0115] 30 Objective system [0116] 32 Zoom system [0117] 34, 36, 38 Lens group [0118] 40 Image capture unit [0119] 42 Field angle [0120] 44, 52 Objective [0121] 46, 48, 54, 56 Limiting element [0122] 50 Optical axis [0123] 60 Diaphragm [0124] 62 Motor [0125] 64 Control unit [0126] 66, 68 Sensor [0127] 90 Total zoom range [0128] 92 Lower limit [0129] 94 Upper limit [0130] 96, 98 Zoom sub-range [0131] P1 Direction