OBSERVATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION CABLE, AND IMAGING DEVICE

An observation device observes a sample. The observation device includes an imaging unit, a first moving mechanism, and a cooling unit. The imaging unit is provided in a housing of the observation device. The imaging unit images the sample. The first moving mechanism is provided in the housing. The first moving mechanism moves the imaging unit in a first direction. The cooling unit is arranged in the first moving mechanism. The cooling unit cools the imaging unit along the first direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-045852, filed Mar. 10, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an observation device and a communication cable used for such an observation device, etc.

2. Description of the Related Art

In observation devices and electronic equipment, because of increased functionality and performance of an imaging unit, etc., heat generation becomes a problem. It is desirable that heat affecting an observation target is suppressed as much as possible.

Regarding such a heat radiation technique of electronic equipment, in an electric power cable heat exchanger for a computer of Jpn. PCT National Publication No. 2001-524265, for example, a power source cable connected to a computer as electronic equipment has a heat radiation mechanism comprising a fan, etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an observation device for observing a sample, comprising: an imaging unit provided in a housing of the observation device and configured to image the sample; a first moving mechanism provided in the housing and configured to move the imaging unit in a first direction; and a cooling unit arranged in the first moving mechanism and configured to cool the imaging unit along the first direction.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a communication cable comprising a data signal line for communications between an observation device and a controller for controlling the observation device and a power line for power supply from the controller to the observation device, the communication cable comprising: a heat transfer unit configured to move heat released from an imaging unit of the observation device to the controller; and a heat radiation mechanism configured to cool the heat transfer unit.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an imaging device for imaging an object, comprising: an imaging unit provided in a housing of the imaging device and configured to image the object; a cooling unit configured to cool the imaging unit; and a heat radiation portion arranged to face the cooling unit with the imaging unit therebetween and configured to receive heat moved from the imaging unit by the cooling unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An observation system according to the present embodiment is a system for imaging a cell, a cell group, and a tissue under culture, etc., and recording the number and forms of cells or cell groups, etc. An external overview of an observation system1is shown inFIG. 1as a schematic view. As shown inFIG. 1, the observation system1comprises an observation device100and a controller200. The observation device100is approximately flat-shaped as shown inFIG. 1. On an upper surface of the observation device100, a sample being an observation target is disposed. The observation device100on which the sample is disposed is placed in, for example, an incubator. Namely, the sample may be put in and put out, for example, an incubator or a clean bench, while being disposed on the upper surface of the observation device100. As such, in an observation while maintaining a constant environment, it is necessary to care about a heat generation problem in particular. In the present embodiment, such a typical example is indicated, but besides the inside of an incubator, there are many other environments which disfavor a temperature fluctuation. Thus, the application range of the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.

A sample as a measurement target of the observation device1includes, for example, a vessel, a culture medium, a cell, and a reflecting plate. A culture medium is put into a vessel, and a cell is cultured in the culture medium. The vessel may be, for example, a culture dish, a culture flask, and a multiwell plate. As such, the vessel is, for example, a culture vessel for culturing a biological sample. The shape, size, etc. of the vessel are not limited. The culture medium may be a liquid culture medium or a solid culture medium. The measurement target is, for example, a cell. The measurement target may be an adhesive cell or a floating cell. In addition, the cell may be a spheroid or a tissue. Furthermore, the cell may originate from any kind of a living organism, and may originate from a bacteria, etc. As such, the sample includes a biological sample which is a living organism or a sample originating from a living organism. The reflecting plate is for reflecting an illumination light which is incident into a sample via a transparent plate to illuminate a cell, and is placed on an upper surface of a vessel. Such an illumination may also be a heat source. In a case of an enlarged observation in particular, a sample is often observed in close proximity. In addition, since the device easily produces a shadow, there are many cases where an illumination unit is provided in the vicinity of an imaging unit. Thus, it is highly likely that the illumination unit and the imaging unit may add up to be a large heat source. In the present embodiment as well, a device having such illumination unit and imaging unit is explained so that the contents of the invention can be easily understood. As a matter of course, an illumination unit may not be used. Although a cell is indicated as a substance that is easily affected by such a temperature change, the present invention is, of course, also effective in enlarged-observation of other substances.

The description of the observation system1will be continued. For explanation purposes, an X axis and a Y axis which are orthogonal to each other are defined on a surface parallel to a main surface of the transparent plate of the observation device100, and a Z axis is defined to be orthogonal to the X axis and Y axis.

The observation device100comprises a housing101, a transparent plate102, and an image acquisition unit150. The transparent plate102is placed on an upper surface of the housing101. The image acquisition unit150is provided inside the housing101. The image acquisition unit150illuminates a sample via the transparent plate102, and images the sample to acquire an image of the sample.

The transparent plate102is made of, for example, glass. The sample is stood on the transparent plate102. InFIG. 1, the whole transparent plate102is transparent, but may be configured to be partially transparent and be opaque in the other parts. Note that “transparent” here refers to being transparent to a wavelength of an illumination light.

A position in which the sample is disposed on the transparent plate102may be unified, and in order to fix the sample, a fixed frame may be put on the transparent plate102. Here, the fixed frame is configured to, for example, have the same size as that of the transparent plate102so as to be arranged in a specific position with respect to the transparent plate102. The observation device100is, for example, in a state where its internal portion is sealed by a member including the housing101and the transparent plate102.

The image acquisition unit150comprises an imaging unit151, an illumination unit155, a support member165, and a fin166. As shown inFIG. 1, the illumination unit155is provided in the support member165, and the imaging unit151is provided in the vicinity of the illumination unit155. The illumination unit155emits an illumination light in a direction of the transparent plate102, i.e., in a direction of the sample being disposed. In addition, the imaging unit151images in the direction of the sample to acquire an image of the sample. The fin166is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as silver, copper, and aluminum. The fin166is, for example, attached to the support member165of the image acquisition unit150as shown inFIG. 2so as to receive a wind from the fan167as a cooling unit to be described later. The fin166may be formed integrally with the support member165. During observation by the observation device100, the imaging unit151repeats imaging of the sample. Due to this, the imaging unit151generates heat. In addition, since the illumination unit155emits an illumination light during imaging of the imaging unit151, the illumination unit155also generates heat. There is a concern that the heat of the imaging unit151and illumination unit155, depending on the amount of the heat, may cause damage, such as a heat shock, to cells in the sample. On the other hand, the housing101is configured to be airtight, and thus heat generated in the image acquisition unit150easily builds up inside the housing101.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, a heat radiation mechanism is provided inside the housing101. Namely, by a wind from the fan167being received by the fin166, heat radiated from the fin166due to the heat generation of the imaging unit151and the illumination unit155is moved toward a direction of the image processing circuit120. As will be described later, a heat radiation mechanism is also provided between the image processing circuit120and the communication cable300. The heat delivered from the image acquisition unit150is radiated by the image processing circuit120and the communication cable300. In this way, the heat of the imaging unit151and the illumination unit155is suppressed by air cooling the imaging unit151and the illumination unit155by the fan167in the present embodiment.

The observation device100further comprises a moving mechanism160. The moving mechanism160comprises an X feed screw161, and an X actuator162as the first moving mechanism. The X feed screw161and the X actuator162move the support member165in the X axis direction. In addition, the moving mechanism160comprises a Y feed screw163, and a Y actuator164as the second moving mechanism. The Y feed screw163and the Y actuator164move the support member165in the Y axis direction.

Furthermore, the moving mechanism160comprises the fan167. The fan167is attached to the X actuator162and blows a wind along the X axis direction so that it can apply a wind to the image acquisition unit150even if the image acquisition unit150moves in the X axis direction or the Y axis direction. The X actuator162is attached to the Y feed screw163, and moves in the Y axis direction when the Y actuator164is driven to move the support member165in the Y axis direction. Accordingly, a relative position of the fan167and the support member165in the Y axis direction would not change. On the other hand, when the X actuator162is driven to move the support member165in the X axis direction, a relative position of the fan167and the support member165in the X axis direction changes. However, since the fan167blows a wind toward the X axis direction, the wind from the fan167would be applied to the support member165of the image acquisition unit150even if the relative position of the fan167and the support member165changes. Note that inFIG. 1, the fan167is attached to the X actuator162, but as long as the fan167can keep applying a wind to the support member165even if it moves, the fan167may not necessarily be attached to the X actuator162. For example, a moving mechanism for moving the fan167may be provided separately from the moving mechanism160.

An imaging position in the Z direction is changed by a focusing position of the imaging unit151being changed. Namely, instead of changing the focusing position of the imaging unit151, the moving mechanism160may comprise a Z feed screw, a Z actuator, etc. for moving the support member165in the Z axis direction.

In this way, the observation device100performs imaging repeatedly while causing the moving mechanism160to change the position of the image acquisition unit150in the X direction and Y direction to acquire a plurality of images. In addition, the observation device100synthesizes these images to generate one image. The image generated thereby is, for example, an image indicating a surface vertical to an optical axis of the imaging unit151, i.e., a surface parallel with the transparent plate102. Furthermore, the observation device100repeatedly performs imaging while changing the imaging position in a thickness direction and changing the position in the X direction and Y direction. Then, the observation device100synthesizes a result of the imaging to sequentially acquire an image in each of the Z direction positions. Herein, the thickness direction is the Z axis direction which is the optical axis direction of the imaging unit151, and is a direction vertical to the transparent plate102. In this way, an image in each three-dimensional portion is acquired.

The example here is of repeating imaging while changing the imaged surface in the Z direction, but without acquiring a plurality of images in the Z direction; imaging may be performed repeatedly while changing the position in the X direction and Y direction only. In this case, a synthesized image of one plane can be acquired. Note that regarding a method for acquiring images in a plurality of Z direction positions, the position in the Z axis direction may be fixed to scan in the X direction and Y direction, and the position in the Z axis direction may then be changed to scan in the X direction and Y direction again. In addition, imaging may be performed multiple times while changing the position in the Z axis direction per one position in the X direction and Y direction, and this multiple times of imaging may also be performed while scanning in the X direction and Y direction. This can be applied to imaging of a specific point not to be scanned.

In addition, the observation device100further comprises a circuit group104as shown inFIG. 1. The circuit group104is provided inside the housing101, and includes a plurality of circuits for controlling the observation device100. Separately from the circuit group104, the observation device100comprises an image processing circuit120. The image processing circuit120is arranged in a position as far away as possible from the image acquisition unit150of the housing101. In the example ofFIG. 1, the image processing circuit120is positioned to face the fan167(the X actuator162) with the image acquisition unit150therebetween in the inside of the housing101of the observation device100, i.e., in the right-end portion of the housing101. Then, the image processing circuit120is electrically connected to the image acquisition unit150via the cable168, and is electrically connected to the circuit group104via the cable105.

The image processing circuit120is a circuit with a large heat generation amount like the imaging unit151and the illumination unit155of the image acquisition unit150. Thus, by arranging the image acquisition unit150and the image processing circuit120, which become heat sources, apart from each other, an excessive rise in temperature of the observation device100can be suppressed. In addition, a heat radiation portion121is provided in the image processing circuit120as shown inFIG. 3. The heat radiation portion121is, for example, a silver plate, and is attached to the image processing circuit120. The heat radiation portion121delivers heat delivered from the support member165to the communication cable300via the image processing circuit120. Note that the heat generated in the image processing circuit120is delivered to the communication cable300without via the heat radiation portion121.

A partition made of a heat insulating material may be provided between the image acquisition unit150and the image processing circuit120. By such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the heat generated in the image processing circuit120from being delivered to the image acquisition unit150.

In the example ofFIG. 1, the circuit group104and the image processing circuit120are separately arranged, but the circuit group104may also be positioned in the position of the image processing circuit120.

The air cooling mechanism described above may be applicable general imaging devices without the moving mechanism160of the imaging unit151. When the heat radiation portion121is provided to face the fan167with the image acquisition unit150therebetween, heat escaped by applying a wind to the imaging unit150is diffused and moved to the heat radiation portion121.

The image processing circuit120is connected to the controller200via the communication cable300. In the example ofFIG. 1, communications between the observation device100and the controller200are performed via the communication cable300and the image processing circuit120. Details of the communication cable300will be described later.

The controller200is provided, for example, outside an incubator. The controller200controls the operation of the observation device100while communicating with the observation device100via the communication cable300. The controller200is, for example, a personal computer (PC), or a tablet-type information terminal.FIG. 1illustrates a tablet-type information terminal. The controller200is provided with an input/output device comprising a display such as a liquid crystal display and an input device such as a touch panel. Besides the touch panel, the input device may include a switch, a dial, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. In addition, a controller side communication device240is provided in the controller200. The controller side communication device240is a device for communicating with the observation device100. A controller side control circuit210for controlling the controller200is also provided in the controller200.

FIG. 4is a block diagram showing an overview of a configuration example of an observation system according to one embodiment. Note that descriptions of the aforementioned configurations will be omitted as appropriate. As shown inFIG. 4, the imaging unit151of the image acquisition unit150includes an imaging optical system152and an imaging element153. The imaging unit151generates image data based on an image formed on an imaging surface of the imaging element153via the imaging optical system152. The imaging optical system152is preferably an optical system with an adjustable focal point and a zooming optical system with a changeable focal length. The illumination unit155comprises an illumination optical system156and a light source157. An illumination light emitted from the light source157is applied to the sample via the illumination optical system156. As mentioned above, the imaging unit151and the illumination unit155are highly likely to generate heat, and are thus cooled by the fan167.

The observation device100comprises an observation side record circuit130. The observation side record circuit130is provided in the circuit group104, and records, for example, programs and various parameters used in each unit of the observation device100, moving patterns and scan patterns of the image acquisition unit150, and data obtained in the observation device100, etc. In addition, the observation side record circuit130temporarily records various data, such as image data (pixel data), image data for recording, image data for display, and processing data during operation. Note that data obtained in the observation device100recorded in the observation side record circuit130includes, for example, a measurement value of measurement, a starting condition of measurement, an acquired image, an imaging position, an imaging condition, and an analysis result.

In addition, as mentioned above, the observation device100comprises the image processing circuit120. The image processing circuit120applies various image processing to image data obtained in the imaging unit151. Data after image processing by the image processing circuit120is, for example, recorded in the observation side record circuit130or transmitted to the controller200. The image processing circuit120may perform various analyses based on the acquired image. For example, the image processing circuit120extracts an image of a cell or a cell group included in the sample and calculates the number of cells or cell groups based on the acquired image. The analysis result obtained in this way is, for example, recorded in the observation side record circuit130or transmitted to the controller200.

The observation device100also comprises an observation side communication device140. The observation side communication device140is provided in the circuit group104, and is a device for communicating with the controller200. For this communication, communication by wire via the communication cable300is used.

The observation device100also comprises a sensor unit171. The sensor unit171includes a temperature sensor. The sensor unit171performs, for example, measurements of temperature and humidity based on a control signal output by a measurement controller116. Note that the temperature sensor includes a plurality of temperature sensors so as to measure the temperature of, for example, the inside of the housing101of the observation device100, in particular, the periphery of the image acquisition unit150and the image processing circuit120, the housing101, and the transparent plate102. The sensor171may comprise sensors other than the temperature sensors, such as a humidity sensor and a pressure sensor.

The observation device100further comprises an observation side control circuit110, a clock unit172, and a power source190. The observation side control circuit110controls the operation of each unit in the observation device100. In addition, the observation side control circuit110performs various controls of the observation device100. As shown inFIG. 4, the observation side control circuit110has functions as a position controller111, an imaging controller112, an illumination controller113, a communication controller114, a record controller115, a measurement controller116, and a fan controller117. The position controller111controls the operation of the moving mechanism160, and controls the position of the image acquisition unit150. The imaging controller112controls the operation of the imaging unit151in the image acquisition unit150. The illumination controller113controls the operation of the illumination unit155in the image acquisition unit150. The communication controller114manages communications with the controller200via the observation side communication device140. The record controller115controls recording of the data obtained in the observation device100. The measurement controller116controls the overall measurements, such as the timing of and the number of times of performing measurements. The fan controller117controls the operation of the fan167. The fan controller117starts the operation of the fan167when, for example, a rise in temperature of the image acquisition unit150is detected. Furthermore, the fan controller117controls the operation of a cable fan provided in the communication cable300to be described later.

The clock unit172generates time information, and outputs it to the observation side control circuit110. This time information is used, for example, for determination of the operation of the observation device100at the time of recording of the acquired data.

Having received an electric power supply from the controller200via the communication cable300, the power source190supplies the electric power to each unit in the observation device100. Note that the power source190may include, for example, a battery such as a lithium ion battery, or an external power supply and a battery used in combination.

As described above, by providing the image acquisition unit150that generates image data by imaging via the transparent plate102and the moving mechanism160that moves the image acquisition unit150inside the housing101, the device can be made to have a structure which is highly reliable, easy to handle and clean, and capable of preventing contamination, etc.

The controller200comprises a controller side record circuit230. The controller side record circuit230records, for example, programs and various parameters used in the controller side control circuit210. In addition, the controller side record circuit230records data obtained in the observation device100and received from the observation device100.

The controller side control circuit210has functions as a system controller211, a display controller212, a record controller213, and a communication controller214. The system controller211performs various computations for control for measurement of the sample. The display controller212controls the operation of a display272. The display controller212displays necessary information, etc. on the display272. The record controller213controls recording of information in the controller side record circuit230. The communication controller214controls communications with the observation device100via the controller side communication device240.

Note that the observation side control circuit110, the image processing circuit120, and the controller side control circuit210include an integrated circuit, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The observation side control circuit110, the image processing circuit120, and the controller side control circuit210may be each constituted by a single integrated circuit, etc., or by a combination of a plurality of integrated circuits, etc. In addition, the observation side control circuit110and the image processing circuit120may be constituted by a single integrated circuit, etc. Furthermore, the position controller111, the imaging controller112, the illumination controller113, the communication controller114, the record controller115, the measurement controller116, and the fan controller117of the observation side control circuit110may be each constituted by a single integrated circuit, etc., or by a combination of a plurality of integrated circuits, etc. Two or more of the position controller111, the imaging controller112, the illumination controller113, the communication controller114, the record controller115, the measurement controller116, and the fan controller117may be constituted by a single integrated circuit, etc. Similarly, the system controller211, the display controller212, the record controller213, and the communication controller214of the controller side control circuit210may be each constituted by a single integrated circuit, etc., or by a combination of a plurality of integrated circuits, etc. Also, two or more of the system controller211, the display controller212, the record controller213, and the communication controller214may be constituted by a single integrated circuit, etc. The operations of these integrated circuits are performed, for example, according to a program stored in the observation side record circuit130or the controller side record circuit230, or a storage region in the integrated circuit.

The observation side record circuit130, the controller side record circuit230, or each element thereof is a nonvolatile memory, such as a flash memory, and may further have a volatile memory, such as a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) and a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). In addition, the observation side record circuit130or each element thereof, and the controller side record circuit230or each element thereof may be each constituted by a single memory, etc., or by a combination of a plurality of memories, etc. Database, etc. outside the observation system1may be utilized as a part of the memory.

Next, the communication cable300will be described. The communication cable300is detachably connected to the image processing circuit120of the observation device100. The communication cable300is a cable capable of performing both data communication and electric power supply, such as a USB cable.FIG. 5Ais a schematic view showing an external overview of the communication cable. The communication cable300has a connecting fitting301, a connector302, a heat radiation mechanism304, and a coating portion305. Note that the communication cable300may be configured to be undetachable from the image processing circuit120.

The connecting fitting301is provided at one end of the communication cable300, and is a portion to be connected to a connecting fitting provided in the image processing circuit120. This connecting fitting301receives heat from the heat radiation portion121when being connected to the image processing circuit120. The connecting fitting301also receives heat generated in the image processing circuit120.

The connector302is formed by an insulating material to cover the perimeter of the connecting fitting301. The connector302is a portion held by a user when connecting the communication cable300to the image processing circuit120. A heat radiation mark303is formed on this connector302. The heat radiation mark303is formed by being inscribed on or affixing a seal, etc. to the connector302. This heat radiation mark303is a mark for making the user aware of a heat radiation direction (a direction of a flow of heat) in the observation system1. For example, the heat radiation mark303is an arrowhead-shaped mark, and indicates that heat flows in a direction of a distal end of the arrowhead. In the example ofFIG. 5A, it is indicated that the heat radiation direction is a direction from the observation device100toward the controller200.

The heat radiation mechanism304is provided in the middle of the communication cable300, and cools the communication cable300. The heat radiation mechanism304is desirably arranged in a place which is viewable from the user outside the incubator. This is for allowing the user to view a display of an indicator provided in the heat radiation mechanism304. Details of the heat radiation mechanism304will be described later.

The coating portion305is, for example, a coating portion of the communication cable300formed by vinyl chloride. The coating portion305prevents the signal lines, etc. inside the communication cable300from being exposed outside. Herein, inFIG. 5A, a part of the coating portion305is removed. This is for illustrating a state of the signal lines inside the communication cable300. In reality, the coating portion305maybe formed over the entire communication cable300, as shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 5Bis a cross-sectional view of the communication cable300. As shown inFIG. 5B, a copper braided shield306is provided in the inner radius of the coating portion305. The copper braided shield306is provided to prevent mixing of noise from the outside of the communication cable300. A protrusion-shaped earth line307is formed in the copper braided shield306. The earth line307functions as an earth line in the communication cable300. The earth line307is formed into a protrusion shape, and thus has an effect of making heat radiation inside the communication cable300easy to occur.

A silver-plated aluminum foil layer308is formed in the inner radius of the copper braided shield306. The aluminum foil layer308suppresses releasing of the heat to the outside of the communication cable300by reflecting the heat toward the inside of the communication cable300.

A heat transfer portion309is provided in the communication cable300. The heat transfer portion309is a wire-shaped or rod-shaped member constructed of a heat conductive member, such as silver, and is thermally connected to the connecting fitting301. The heat transfer portion309delivers heat delivered to the connecting fitting301to the heat radiation mechanism304. Note that the heat transfer portion309may only need to extend to the heat radiation mechanism304. This is for suppressing the flow of the heat into the controller200.

A pair of data signal lines311and a pair of power lines312are formed at the central portion (core) of the communication cable300. Each of one end of these data signal lines311and the power lines312is connected to the image processing circuit120via the connecting fitting301. Each of the other end of the data signal lines311and the power lines312is connected to the controller200. The data signal lines311are signal lines for communicating various data between the observation device100and the controller200. The power line312is a power line for supplying power to the observation device100from the controller200. The observation device100is driven by the electric power supplied via the power line312.

Herein, a space H formed between the core of the communication cable300and the silver-plated aluminum foil layer308may be insulated by a resin layer, etc., or insulated by an air space. In a case where the inside of the space H is constituted by an air space, the inside of the space H may be configured to be air-cooled by a wind of a cable fan to be described later. Namely, the communication cable300can also be regarded as a communication cable having a heat transfer controller which intercepts or mitigates the heat transfer between the observation device100and the controller200.

FIG. 5Cis a schematic view of the inside of the heat radiation mechanism304. Inside the heat radiation mechanism304, the coating portion305is not provided for the communication cable300, and the copper braided shield306is uncovered. The cable fan315is provided inside the heat radiation mechanism304, and a portion314of the copper braided shield306, which receives a wind from the cable fan315, is opened into a fin shape so that the silver-plated aluminum foil layer308is exposed. By such a configuration, the wind from the cable fan315is applied to the silver-plated aluminum foil layer308, and the communication cable300, in particular the heat transfer portion309, is air-cooled.

FIG. 6is an electric circuit diagram of the heat radiation mechanism304. As shown inFIG. 6, the heat radiation mechanism304has the cable fan315, an indicator316, a switch317, temperature sensors318aand318b,and a control circuit319.

The cable fan315is connected to a power line Vbus (the aforementioned power line312) via the switch317. This cable fan315is driven by power supply from the power line Vbus when the switch317is turned on. As shown inFIG. 5C, the wind from the cable fan315is configured to be applied to the aluminum foil layer308.

The indicator316is, for example, an LED, and connected to the power line Vbus (the aforementioned power line312) to be turned on by receiving a signal from the control circuit319. The indicator316is, for example, turned on at the time of driving of the cable fan315to let the user recognize that the cable fan315is operating. The indicator316may be configured to change the lighting color according to a state of the operation of the cable fan315. For example, the lighting color may be changed when a heat radiation effect of the cable fan315is not sufficient, etc.

The switch317turns on or off by receiving a control signal of the control circuit319. When turned on, the switch317connects the power line Vbus (the aforementioned power line312) and the cable fan315. At this time, the driving of the cable fan315is started. On the other hand, the switch317disconnects the power line Vbus (the aforementioned power line312) and the cable fan315when turned off. At this time, the driving of the cable fan315is stopped.

The temperature sensor318ais provided on the observation device100side in the heat radiation mechanism304, and detects the temperature of the observation device100side of the communication cable300. The temperature sensor318bis provided on the controller200side in the heat radiation mechanism304, and detects the temperature of the controller200side of the communication cable300.

The control circuit319is constituted by, for example, a CPU, and compares an output of the temperature sensor318aand an output of the temperature sensor318bto determine a temperature gradient (temperature difference) of the communication cable300. Then, the control circuit319controls the switch317so that the temperature gradient of the communication cable300becomes small to drive the cable fan315. The control circuit319is connected to data signal lines D+ and D− (the aforementioned data signal lines311). The control circuit319controls the switch317to drive the cable fan315when receiving a fan control signal from the controller200. Namely, the communication cable300becomes a communication cable having a heat transfer controller that mitigates the, heat transfer between the observation device100and the controller200.

Next, the operation of the observation system1will be described.FIG. 7is a flowchart showing an example of observation device control processing performed while communicating with the controller200. The observation device control processing ofFIG. 7is started when the power source of the observation device100is turned on. As the case where the power supply of the observation device100is turned on, for example, there is a case where the user operates a power switch in the power source190, a case of being connected to an external power source, and a case where the time set has been reached. In addition, for example, the power source may be turned on in a case of receiving a control signal to turn on the power source from the controller200according to a user's operation.

In step S101, the observation side control circuit110stands by until receiving a control signal relating to the operation, various settings, etc. of the observation device100from the controller200. When receiving a control signal, the observation side control circuit110determines the content of the received control signal.

In step S102, the observation side control circuit110determines whether or not a control signal to instruct execution of a specific observation is received from the controller200. The specific observation is observation and measurement that the user performs by specifying a specific position. For example, the user operates the controller200while viewing a live view display to specify a region that the user wishes to observe, or inputs position coordinates indicating the region to the controller200to specify the region. The control signal to instruct the execution of the specific observation includes, for example, an operation moving signal or a coordinate signal for moving the image acquisition unit150to a position to perform the specific observation. The operation moving signal is based on a result of the user operating the controller200while viewing the live view display. The coordinate signal is based on the position coordinates indicating the region input by the user. The observation device control processing proceeds to step S103if it is determined that a control signal to instruct the execution of the specific observation is received, and proceeds to step S105if it is determined that a control signal to instruct the execution of the specific observation is not received.

In step S103, the observation side control circuit110moves the image acquisition unit150to the moving mechanism160according to the operation moving signal or the coordinate signal based on the operation of the user, which is received from the controller200. The observation side control circuit110causes the image acquisition unit150to image in a position after moving, and causes the observation side communication device140to transmit the acquired image to the controller200.

In step S104, the observation side control circuit110determines whether or not to end the specific observation. It is determined to end the specific observation, for example, when receiving a control signal to instruct the ending according to the user's operation from the controller200. The observation device control processing proceeds to step S105if it is determined to end the specific observation, and returns to step S103if it is determined not to end the specific observation.

In step S105, the observation side control circuit110determines whether or not a control signal to instruct the execution of count processing is received from the controller200. The observation device control processing proceeds to steps S106if it is determined that a control signal to instruct the execution of the count processing is received, and proceeds to step S113if it is determined that a control signal to instruct the execution of the count processing is not received.

In step S106, the observation side control circuit110executes the count processing. In the count processing, the observation side control circuit110, for example, causes the moving mechanism160to move the image acquisition unit150according to a moving pattern recorded in the observation side record circuit130. The image acquisition unit150acquires images by repeatedly imaging for every predetermined position while being moved. The observation side control circuit110records the acquired images, etc. in the observation side record circuit130. Furthermore, the observation side control circuit110causes, for example, the image processing circuit120to analyze the images acquired by the image acquisition unit. The observation side control circuit110, for example, counts the number of cells, evaluates a state of the cell (for example, whether the cell is weakened or not, whether the cell is alive or not) based on a result of analyzing the images, and evaluates a state of a culture medium including the color of the culture medium to evaluate whether it is in a state where the culture medium needs to be changed or not. When it is determined that the culture medium needs to be changed as a result of this evaluation, that effect is transferred to the controller200. At this time, an alert to urge the culture medium change is issued on the display272of the controller200.

The observation side control circuit110may cause the moving mechanism160to move the image acquisition unit150to take an image for every predetermined position, and perform scan processing to scan the entire or a part of the sample, according to a scan pattern recorded in the observation side record circuit130. For example, if the scan processing is performed before the count processing, the observation side control circuit110specifies a position of a vessel and ascertains distribution of the cells in the vessel, based on a result of analyzing images acquired by the image acquisition unit150so that the region for the count processing can be limited and the time required for the processing can be reduced. In addition, the user can easily check the state of the sample by the execution of the scan processing.

The observation side control circuit110causes the observation side communication device140to transmit the images to the controller200. The state of the culture medium may be determined by analyzing the images acquired by the scan processing. Note that the count processing and scan processing may be, for example, performed integrally as measurement processing.

In step S107, the observation side control circuit110determines whether or not to end the count processing. For example, it is determined to end the count processing when movement according to a predetermined moving pattern or scan pattern ends, when the preset number of times of count processing or scan processing ends, and when receiving a control signal to end the count processing according to the user's operation from the controller200. The observation device control processing proceeds to step S112if it is determined to end the count processing, and proceeds to step S108if it is determined to not end the count processing.

In step S108, the observation side control circuit110determines whether there is a predetermined value or more of a rise in temperature of the inside of the housing101detected by the sensor unit171, in particular the temperature of the image acquisition unit150. This predetermined value is, for example, a predetermined value of a temperature rise such that its effect on the cell is concerned. The observation device control processing proceeds to step S109if it is determined that there is a predetermined value or more of a rise in temperature of the image acquisition unit150, and returns to step S106if it is determined that there is not a predetermined value or more of a rise in temperature of the image acquisition unit150.

In step S109, the observation side control circuit110interrupts the count processing. Namely, the observation side control circuit110stops the moving of the image acquisition unit150by the moving mechanism160. The observation side control circuit110stops the imaging by the image acquisition unit150. Thereafter, the observation side control circuit110causes the observation side communication device140to transmit the temperature detected by the sensor unit171to the controller200.

In step S110, the observation side control circuit110determines whether a control signal to instruct fan driving is received or not. The observation device control processing proceeds to step S111if it is determined that the control signal to instruct fan driving is received, and proceeds to step S113if it is determined that the control signal to instruct fan driving is not received.

In step S111, the observation side control circuit110drives the fan167. As described above, the positions of the fan167and the image acquisition unit150in the Y axis direction are matched. Thus, regardless of in which position the image acquisition unit150stops, the wind from the fan167can be applied to the image acquisition unit150. The observation device control processing proceeds to step S113after the driving of the fan167.

In step S112, the observation side control circuit110causes the observation side communication device140to transmit a result of the count processing to the controller200.

In step S113, the observation side control circuit110, for example, determines whether or not to end the observation device control processing according to a result of the user's operation. The case where it is determined not to end in this step includes, for example, a case where the user again instructs the execution of the specific observation or the count processing. In addition, the result of the user's operation may be obtained by each unit in the observation device100, such as a power switch, or may be obtained via communications from the controller200. The observation device control processing returns to step S101if it is determined to not end the observation device control processing, and ends the processing if it is determined to end it.

FIG. 8is a flowchart showing an example of controller control processing performed in the controller200. The processing shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 8, for example, is started after the power of the observation device100is turned on.

In step S201, the controller side control circuit210causes the display272in the input/output device270to, for example, display an icon group (basic icon) for the user to operate the observation device100.FIG. 9Ashows an example of a display in the controller200as a schematic view. The controller200, as shown inFIG. 9Afor example, causes the display272to display information including an operation check icon I10for instructing execution of an operation check, a specific observation icon I11for instructing execution of a specific observation, a count icon I12for instructing execution of count processing that performs a cell count, etc., and an others icon I13for instructing execution of the other functions or execution of various settings. The controller side control circuit210, for example, determines (operation determination) whether the user selects an icon or not, based on an operation signal output by the input device274according to a result of the user's operation. The controller control processing proceeds to step S202if it is determined that the user performs the icon selection.

In step S202, the controller side control circuit210determines whether or not to execute the observation device control. In this step, for example, when the specific observation icon I11or the count icon I12is selected, it is determined to execute the observation device control. The controller control processing proceeds to step S203if it is determined to execute the observation device control. If it is determined not to execute the observation device control, a control other than the observation device control is performed. Namely, if the operation check icon I10is selected, the controller side control circuit210performs control for the operation check of the observation device100. If the others icon I13is selected, the controller side control circuit210performs the other controls. Descriptions of details of the operation check and the other controls will be omitted.

In step S203, the controller side control circuit210determines whether the specific observation icon I11is selected or not. The controller control processing proceeds to step S204if it is determined that the specific observation icon I11is selected, and proceeds to step S205if it is determined that the icon is not selected.

In step S204, the controller side control circuit210causes the observation side communication device140to transmit a control signal to instruct a start of the specific observation. The controller side control circuit210then generates information for the specific observation, and causes the display272to display the information. An example of a display at the time of the specific observation in the controller200is shown inFIG. 9Bas a schematic view. As shown inFIG. 9B, the information displayed on the display272at the time of the specific observation includes, for example, an icon (moving icon) I29(consisting of Y+ moving icon I25, X+ moving icon I26, Y-moving icon I27, X-moving icon I28) for moving the moving mechanism160. The information further includes an icon (focus adjustment icon)124for adjusting the focus. The icon I24for adjusting the focus includes, for example, an icon I22for driving a lens to an infinite side, and an icon I23for driving the lens to a closer side. Furthermore, the display information includes an icon (return icon) I21for instructing to return to the previous screen.

In step S204, the controller side control circuit210acquires images imaged and acquired by the image acquisition unit150from the observation device100, and causes the display272to display the images. As shown inFIG. 9B, the information at the time of the specific observation further includes an image PO imaged by the image acquisition unit150, which is acquired by the controller200from the observation device100. In this state, for example, the user can operate the moving icon I29to move the image acquisition unit150to a desired observation position, and after moving, can observe a state of the cell, etc. by adjusting the observation position in the Z direction by the focus adjustment icon I24. Note that the user, for example, operates the observation position, etc. while viewing the image P0acquired by the image acquisition unit150and live-view displayed. Every time this operation is performed, the controller side control circuit210causes the observation side communication device140to transmit a control signal regarding the specific observation. Note that the information displayed in the specific observation may include an imaging icon for instructing recording of an image in a discretionary observation position, and may include position information indicating which position of the sample the current image acquisition unit150is imaging.

In step S205, the controller side control circuit210determines whether the count icon I12is selected or not. The controller control processing proceeds to step S206if it is determined that the count icon I12is selected, and returns to step S209if it is determined that the count icon I12is not selected.

In step S206, the controller side control circuit210outputs a control signal to instruct execution of the count processing to the observation device100.

In step S207, the controller side control circuit210determines whether or not to end the count processing. It is determined to end the count processing in this step if a moving pattern for counting or observation ends, etc. If it is determined to be ended, the controller side control circuit210causes the observation side communication device140to transmit a control signal to end the count processing. The controller control processing then proceeds to step S209. If it is determined not to end, the controller control processing proceeds to step S208.

In step S208, the controller side control circuit210acquires images imaged by the image acquisition unit150during the count processing, and causes the display272to display the images. Note that the display of the acquired images performed herein may be performed as a live view display. In step S208, the controller side control circuit210acquires images, a result of the count processing, etc. from the observation device100, and causes the display272to display them. The controller side control circuit210also determines whether or not a culture medium change is needed, and displays an alert as needed. Note that the determination on whether or not a culture medium change is needed may be performed by the observation device100, or may be performed by the controller200. The controller control processing then returns to step S206.

In step S209, the controller side control circuit210determines whether or not to perform fan control. For example, when information of temperature is transmitted from the observation device100, the controller side control circuit210generates information for an alert that there is a rise in temperature of the observation device100, and causes the display272to display the information. An example of a display of an alert that there is a temperature rise in the controller200is shown inFIG. 9Cas a schematic view. As shown inFIG. 9C, the information displayed on the display272at the time of alerting includes, for example, a message I32indicating that there is a temperature rise. The information includes an icon (fan control icon) I33for performing fan control. The information further includes an icon I31(return icon) for instructing to return to the previous screen. The user sees the message I32to determine the necessity of the fan control. The user then selects the fan control icon I33when the fan control is needed. By this selection, it is determined to perform the fan control. The controller control processing proceeds to step S210if it is determined to perform the fan control, and proceeds to step S212if it is determined to not perform the fan control. Note that in step S209, if there is a predetermined temperature rise, it may be configured to determine to perform the fan control without the user's confirmation. Such a fan control may be performed by the user manually or performed automatically, but there are various factors associated with the temperature rise and the degree of resistance to, and effect of, the temperature will vary depending on a sample. Thus, parameters relating to brightness of the illumination and the kind and usage environment of the sample may be analyzed, and an artificial intelligence may perform more advanced determination.

In step S210, the controller side control circuit210causes the observation side communication device140to transmit a control signal for the fan control. In step S211, the controller side control circuit210causes the observation side communication device140to transmit a control signal for the cable fan control. The control signal for the fan control is input into the observation device100via the data signal line311of the communication cable300. Receiving this, the observation side control circuit110of the observation device100drives the fan167. The control signal for the cable fan control is input into the control circuit319of the heat radiation mechanism304via the data signal line311of the communication cable300. Receiving this, the control circuit319controls the switch317to drive the cable fan315. The controller control processing then proceeds to step S212. Note that the control circuit319drives the cable fan315according to a temperature gradient detected from the temperature sensors318aand318beven if there is no control signal from the controller200.

In step S212, the controller side control circuit210determines whether or not to end the observation device control. In this step, for example, if the return icon I21is selected during the specific observation processing or if the return icon I31is selected during the count processing, it is determined to end the observation device control. If it is determined to end the observation device control, the controller control processing returns to step S201. If it is determined not to end the observation device control, the controller control processing returns to step S202.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in order to air-cool the movable image acquisition unit150provided inside the air-tight housing101, the fan167that blows a wind in the X axis direction is arranged in the X actuator162that moves the image acquisition unit150in the X axis direction. By this configuration, a relative position of the image acquisition unit150and the fan167in the Y axis direction does not change, and thereby applying the wind from the fan167to the image acquisition unit150, regardless of the position of the image acquisition unit150. In this way, the image acquisition unit150is efficiently air-cooled.

In order to receive heat from the image acquisition unit150delivered by the fan167, the heat radiation portion121is provided to face the fan167with the image acquisition unit150therebetween in the wind sending direction of the fan167. By such a structure, heat received in the heat radiation portion121can be released outside the observation device100via the communication cable300.

Furthermore, the communication cable300is provided with the heat radiation mechanism304having the cable fan315for radiating heat that moves through the communication cable300. By this cable fan315, the heat radiation from the communication cable300is facilitated. The communication cable300includes the data signal lines311for communicating information with the controller200of the observation device100. By using this data signal lines311also as data signal lines of a control signal for controlling the cable fan315, the number of the data signal lines can be reduced. The communication cable300includes the power line312for supplying electric power to the observation device100. By using this power line312as a power line for supplying electric power to drive the cable fan315and the indicator316, the electric power for driving the cable fan315and the indicator316can be supplied from the controller200.

Herein, in the aforementioned embodiment, the observation device100and the controller200communicate by wire communications via the communication cable300. However, the observation device100and the controller200may communicate by wireless communications.

In the aforementioned embodiment, an alert display of a temperature rise is issued to the controller200and the fan control is performed after the counting is interrupted in the observation device100. In contrast, the fan control may be configured to be performed without interrupting the counting in the observation device100. In this case, the temperature rise alert maybe issued in step S208of the controller control processing.

The communication cable300indicated in the present embodiment can be utilized as a communication cable of various equipment, in which heat radiation is necessary, other than the observation device100.

In this embodiment, the fan167is attached to the X actuator162and is configured to blow a wind in the X axis direction, and by the Y actuator164, the image acquisition unit150and the fan167are configured to move integrally in the Y axis direction. In contrast, the fan167is attached to the Y actuator164and is configured to blow a wind in the Y axis direction, and by the X actuator162, the image acquisition unit150and the fan167may be configured to move integrally in the X axis direction.

In the present embodiment, a cooling unit for cooling the image acquisition unit150is a fan. In contrast, the cooling unit may be configured to cool the image acquisition unit150by water cooling.

In the present embodiment, cooling of the image acquisition unit150, etc. is described, but by replacing the fan167and the cable fan315with a heater, it is also possible to warm the image acquisition unit150, etc.

Indeed, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment, and various modifications or applications may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. In the portions explained with simple branches of a flowchart, improvements such as putting more factors into data for determination and modifications depending on cutouts and items of concern are possible, and thus, as a matter of course, are within the patent scope of the present invention.