Patent ID: 6738558
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A microscope, comprising:an observation beam path; an observation tube for an observation of a specimen; a control circuit for activating electrical microscope functions; an illumination system for illuminating the specimen; an eyepiece coupled to the observation tube for observing the specimen; a camera coupled to a photo-tube; a movable reflector positionable in the observation beam path; a proximity sensor coupled to the observation tube and the control circuit, wherein upon the approach of an observer to the eyepiece, the proximity sensor emits a signal, wherein the control circuit is coupled to the movable reflector and changes a position of the movable reflector based on the signal of the proximity sensor, and wherein the observation beam path propagates to one of the observation tube and the camera based on the position of the movable reflector; an actuator coupled to the moveable reflector and the control circuit to place the movable reflector in a first position which allows propagation of the observation beam path into the eyepiece and a second position which allows propagation of the observation beam path into the photo-tube; and an adjustable time-delay logic element coupled to the control circuit, responsive to the presence and absence of the signal from the proximity sensor, wherein the control circuit triggers a first change of the position of the movable reflector upon the presence of a continuous signal from the proximity sensor for a first continuously adjustable time period of about 1 second to about 1 minute, to move the movable reflector into the first position; wherein the adjustable time-delay logic element delays a switching off of the microscope functions such that the microscope functions are switched off after the observer is absent for a second continuously adjustable time period to protect the specimen being observed and to prevent frequent switching of the illumination system when the observer is momentarily absent from an observing position.