Microscope system

A microscope includes a zoom optical system zooming over a sample, a zoom driving unit moving the optical system along an optical axis, an imaging unit imaging an observation image of the sample through the optical system, thereby generating image data on the sample, and a display unit displaying an image corresponding to the generated image data. A touch panel on a display screen of the display unit accepts an input corresponding to a contact position of an object. A driving control unit outputs a driving signal for changing a zoom magnification of the optical system by setting a middle point between contact positions on the touch panel corresponding to two position signals responsive to an input of the different contact positions as a zoom center position fixed without depending on the zoom magnification of the optical system when the two position signals are output from the touch panel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-211624 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-211625, filed on Sep. 27, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a microscope system for enlarging and observing a sample by a touch operation through a touch panel.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, in the field of microscope systems, there is known a technique for operating each component of a microscope system through an operation controller using a touch panel instead of an operation controller such as a joy stick or a hand switch (see Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2001-59940). In this technique, a display monitor is caused to display an image of a sample mounted on a stage and operation information for accepting an input of a change in a zoom magnification, and the zoom magnification is varied in response to a position signal corresponding to a contact position of an object which is input from the touch panel and is sent from an outside so that an intuitive operation can be carried out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A microscope system for driving each of electrically-driven units included in a microscope device to observe a sample according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a zoom optical system configured by at least one lens and capable of carrying out zooming over the sample; a zoom driving unit for moving the zoom optical system along an optical axis; an imaging unit for imaging an observation image of the sample through the zoom optical system, thereby generating image data on the sample; a display unit for displaying an image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit; a touch panel provided on a display screen of the display unit for accepting an input corresponding to a contact position of an object from an outside; and a driving control unit for outputting, to the zoom driving unit, a driving signal for changing a zoom magnification of the zoom optical system by setting a middle point between contact positions on the touch panel corresponding to two position signals in response to an input of the different contact positions as a zoom center position fixed without depending on a zoom magnification of the zoom optical system when the two position signals are output from the touch panel.

A microscope system for driving each of electrically-driven units included in a microscope device to observe a sample according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a display unit for displaying an image corresponding to image data obtained by imaging an image of the sample and displaying operation information about a driving operation of each of the electrically-driven units; a touch panel provided on a display screen of the display unit for accepting an input corresponding to a contact position of an object from an outside; a storage unit for storing a position signal in response to an input of the contact position which is output from the touch panel; and a driving control unit for acquiring the position signal stored in the storage unit and outputting respective driving signals for driving the electrically-driven units to the electrically-driven units based on the position signal when the position signal is output from the touch panel and the output of the position signal is stopped.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments for carrying out the present invention (which will be hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which will be described below. In the description of the drawings, the same portions have the same reference numerals to give explanation.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a structure of a microscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating a functional structure of the microscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. InFIGS. 1 and 2, description will be given on the assumption that a plane on which a microscope system1is to be mounted is set to be an XY plane and a perpendicular direction to the XY plane is set to be a Z direction.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the microscope system1includes a microscope device2for observing a sample S, a microscope control unit3for controlling a driving operation of the microscope device2, an imaging device4for imaging an image of the sample S through the microscope device2, thereby generating image data, an imaging control unit5for controlling a driving operation of the imaging device4, a display input unit6for displaying an image corresponding to the image data imaged by the imaging device4through a control terminal7and accepting an input of various operations of the microscope system1, and the control terminal7for controlling the microscope control unit3, the imaging control unit5and the display input unit6. The microscope device2, the microscope control unit3, the imaging device4, the imaging control unit5, the display input unit6and the control terminal7are connected by cable or wirelessly so as to enable a transmission/reception of data.

The microscope device2includes an electrically-driven stage21on which the sample S is to be mounted, a microscope body unit24which takes substantially a C shape seen on a side surface, supports the electrically-driven stage21and holds an objective lens23through a revolver22, and an incident-light illumination light source25for irradiating a light on the sample S.

The electrically-driven stage21is configured to be movable in X, Y and Z directions. The electrically-driven stage21is movable in the XY plane by means of a motor211. The electrically-driven stage21detects a predetermined origin position in the XY plane by means of an origin sensor in an XY position, which is not illustrated, under control of the microscope control unit3and moves an observation place over the sample S by the control of a driving amount of the motor211with the origin position set to be a starting point. The electrically-driven stage21outputs, to the microscope control unit3, a position signal (XY coordinates) related to the X and Y positions in an observation. Moreover, the electrically-driven stage21is movable in the Z direction by means of a motor212. The electrically-driven stage21detects a predetermined origin position in the Z direction of the electrically-driven stage21by means of an origin sensor in a Z position, which is not illustrated, under the control of the microscope control unit3, and focusing moves the sample S to an optional Z position within a predetermined height range by the control of the driving amount of the motor212with the origin position set to be a starting point. The electrically-driven stage21outputs, to the microscope control unit3, a position signal related to the Z position in the observation.

The revolver22is provided slidably or rotatably with respect to the microscope body unit24, and the objective lens23is disposed above the sample S. The revolver22is configured by using a nosepiece, a swing revolver or the like. The revolver22holds the objective lenses23having different magnifications (observation magnifications) by a mounter221. In order to insert the revolver22onto an optical path for an observation light to alternatively switch the objective lens23to be used for observing the sample S, it has a revolver driving unit222for slidably moving or rotating the mounter221and a revolver detecting unit223for detecting a connection state of the revolver22or the like.

The revolver driving unit222slidably moves or rotates the mounter221under the control of the microscope control unit3. The revolver detecting unit223has a revolver connecting sensor (not illustrated) for detecting that the revolver22is connected to the microscope body unit24, a revolver sensor (not illustrated) for identifying a type of the objective lens23inserted onto the optical path for the observation light, and a movement completing sensor (not illustrated) for detecting that the objective lens23is inserted onto the optical path for the observation light. The revolver detecting unit223outputs, to the microscope control unit3, results of the detection obtained by the various sensors.

The objective lens23has at least an objective lens231(hereinafter referred to as a “low power objective lens231”) and an objective lens232(hereinafter referred to as a “high power objective lens232”) each attached to the mounter221. For example, the low power objective lens231has a comparative low magnification of one, two and four times, and the high power objective lens232has a magnification of 10, 20 and 40 times which is higher than the magnification of the low power objective lens231. The magnifications of the low power objective lens231and the high power objective lens232are illustrative and it is sufficient that the magnification of the high power objective lens232is higher than that of the low power objective lens231.

The microscope body unit24includes an illumination lens241for collecting an illumination light L1emitted from the incident-light illumination light source25(which will be hereinafter referred to as an “incident-light illumination L1”) through a fiber251, a half mirror242for deflecting an optical path for the incident-light illumination L1along an optical path of the objective lens23, a zoom lens unit243for enlarging the sample S, and a imaging lens244for collecting a light reflected by the sample S which is incident through the objective lens23, the zoom lens unit243and the half mirror242and forming an observation image.

The zoom lens unit243is configured by at least one lens, and has a zoom optical system243acapable of zooming the sample S and a zoom driving unit243bfor driving the zoom optical system243aalong the optical axis. The zoom driving unit243bmoves the zoom optical system243aalong the optical axis under the control of the microscope control unit3, thereby changing the zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243afrom one to 30 times, for example.

The incident-light illumination L1is irradiated on the sample S via the illumination lens241, the half mirror242, the zoom optical system243aand the objective lens23. A reflected light L2reflected by the sample S (which will be hereinafter referred to as an “observation light L2”) is incident on the imaging device4via the objective lens23, the zoom optical system243a, the half mirror242and the imaging lens244.

The incident-light illumination light source25is configured by a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, an LED (Light emitting Diode) or the like. The incident-light illumination light source25emits, to the microscope body unit24, the incident-light illumination L1for forming an observation image of the sample S through the fiber251.

The microscope control unit3is configured by using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like and integrally controls an operation of each unit constituting the microscope device2under control of the control terminal7. More specifically, the microscope control unit3executes a switch processing for driving the revolver driving unit222, thereby rotating the mounter221to switch the objective lens23disposed on the optical path for the observation light L2, a processing for driving the motor211or the motor212, thereby driving the electrically-driven stage21, a regulation processing for regulating each unit of the microscope device2with the observation of the sample S, and the like. Moreover, the microscope control unit3outputs, to the control terminal7, a state of each unit constituting the microscope device2, for example, position information (the XY position or the Z position) about the electrically-driven stage21, type information about the objective lens23attached to the revolver22and the like.

The imaging device4is configured by using an imaging element41such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The imaging device4images the observation image of the sample S which is incident via the imaging lens244under control of the imaging control unit5and outputs image data on the sample S which is imaged through a camera cable to the control terminal7.

The imaging control unit5is configured by using a CPU or the like and controls the operation of the imaging device4. More specifically, the imaging control unit5executes an automatic gain control ON/OFF switch processing of the imaging device4, a gain set processing, a frame rate set processing and the like, thereby controlling the imaging operation of the imaging device4. The imaging control unit5has an AE processing unit51and an AF processing unit52.

The AE processing unit51automatically sets an exposing condition of the imaging device4based on the image data generated by the imaging device4. More specifically, the AE processing unit51executes an AE processing for calculating a luminance from image data acquired through the control terminal7and determining the exposing condition of the imaging device4, for example, an exposure time based on the luminance thus calculated, thereby adjusting the imaging device4automatically.

The AF processing unit52automatically regulates focus of the imaging device4based on the image data generated by the imaging device4. More specifically, the AF processing unit52executes an AF processing for evaluating a contrast included in the image data and detecting a focusing position (a focal position), thereby regulating the focus of the imaging device4automatically. The AF processing unit52may detect the focal position (Z position) which is focused by evaluating the contrast of an image in each Z position of the electrically-driven stage21based on the image data.

The display input unit6has a display communicating unit61for communicating with the control terminal7, a display unit62for displaying an image, and a touch panel63for outputting a position signal corresponding to a contact of an object from an outside.

The display communicating unit61is a communication interface for communicating with the control terminal7. The display communicating unit61outputs image data output from the control terminal7to the display unit62.

The display unit62is configured by using a display panel formed by a liquid crystal, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) or the like. The display unit62displays an image corresponding to the image data input through the display communicating unit61. The display unit62displays various operation information or the like of the microscope system1.

The touch panel63is provided on a display screen of the display unit62and accepts an input corresponding to a contact position of the object from the outside. More specifically, the touch panel63detects a position in which a user makes a touch in accordance with an operation icon displayed on the display unit62, and outputs a position signal corresponding to the touch position thus detected to the control terminal7. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the touch panel63functions as a graphical user interface (GUI) by causing the display unit62to display various operation information of the microscope system1within an image display region A1. In general, the touch panel includes a resistive film method, an electrostatic capacity method, an optical method and the like. In the first embodiment, a touch panel using any method can be applied. Moreover, the touch panel63detects, as the touch position, a center of gravity of a region including the position touched by the user.

The control terminal7includes a control communicating unit71for communicating with the microscope control unit3, the imaging control unit5and the display input unit6, a storage unit73for storing various information of the microscope system1, an input unit72for accepting an input of a drive designating signal for designating to drive each unit of the microscope system1, and a control unit74for controlling each unit of the microscope system1.

The control communicating unit71is a communication interface for communicating with each of the microscope control unit3, the imaging control unit5and the display input unit6, respectively. Moreover, the control communicating unit71outputs image data output from the imaging device4through the camera cable to the control unit74.

The input unit72is configured by using a keyboard, a mouse, a joy stick, various switches and the like, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to an operation input of the various switches to the control unit74.

The storage unit73is implemented by using a semiconductor memory, for example, a flash memory, an RAM (Random Access Memory) and the like which are fixedly provided in the control terminal7. The storage unit73stores various programs to be executed by the microscope system1and various data to be used during the execution of the programs. Moreover, the storage unit73temporarily stores information in the processing of the control unit74. The storage unit73has an image data storage unit731for storing the image data imaged by the imaging device4and a position signal storage unit732for storing a position signal indicative of a contact position input from the touch panel63of the display input unit6. The storage unit73may be configured by using a memory card attached from an outside, or the like.

The control unit74is configured by using a CPU or the like, and carries out an instruction corresponding to each unit constituting the microscope system1or transfers data in response to a drive designating signal, a position signal, a switching signal and the like which are sent from the input unit72and the touch panel63, thereby controlling the operation of the microscope system1integrally.

The detailed structure of the control unit74will be described. The control unit74has an image processing unit741, a trimming unit742, a zoom magnification calculating unit743, a moving amount calculating unit744, a driving control unit745, and a display control unit746.

The image processing unit741carries out a predetermined image processing over the image data input through the control communicating unit71, thereby generating a display image to be displayed by the display unit62. More specifically, the image processing unit741executes an image processing including an optical black subtraction processing, a white balance adjustment processing, a synchronization processing, a color matrix calculation processing, a γ correction processing, a color reproduction processing, an edge enhancement processing and the like over the image data. The image processing unit741compresses the image data by a predetermined method, for example, the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method and outputs the compressed image data to the image data storage unit731.

The trimming unit742cuts a predetermined region out of an image corresponding to the image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing unit741, thereby generating a trimming image.

The zoom magnification calculating unit743calculates a zoom magnification of the zoom lens unit243based on two position signals output from the touch panel63. More specifically, the zoom magnification calculating unit743calculates a zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243abased on a ratio of lengths before and after a change in a distance of the contact position on the touch panel63corresponding to the two position signals output from the touch panel63and the zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243aimmediately after the change starts. The zoom magnification calculating unit743may utilize a correction coefficient and weighting depending on the distance of the contact position.

The moving amount calculating unit744calculates a moving amount and a position for driving the electrically-driven stage21in a position in which a zoom center position fixed without depending on the zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243ais displayed in almost the same display position over an image displayed by the display unit62before and after the zoom of the zoom optical system243abased on the two position signals output from the touch panel63.

In the case in which the two position signals depending on the input of different contact positions are output from the touch panel63, the driving control unit745outputs, to the zoom driving unit243b, a driving signal for setting a middle point of the contact position on the touch panel63corresponding to the two position signals as a zoom center position fixed without depending on the zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243a, thereby changing the zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243a. The driving control unit745outputs a driving signal depending on the zoom magnification calculated by the zoom magnification calculating unit743to the zoom driving unit243b. Moreover, the driving control unit745outputs a driving signal for driving the electrically-driven stage21in a position in which the zoom center position of the zoom optical system243ais displayed in almost the same display position over an image displayed by the display unit62before and after the change in the zoom through the zoom optical system243ato the motor211. More specifically, the driving control unit745outputs a driving signal depending on the moving amount for moving the electrically-driven stage21which is calculated by the moving amount calculating unit744to the motor211.

The microscope system1thus configured can cause a user to observe an image of the sample S by displaying the image data of the sample S, which is imaged by the imaging device,4on the display unit62under the control of the control unit74. In the microscope system1, furthermore, the control unit74outputs a designating signal or a driving signal to each unit of the microscope system1based on the position signal input from the touch panel63, thereby driving the microscope device2and the imaging device4.

Next, an operation to be carried out by the microscope system1will be descried.FIG. 4is a flow chart illustrating a summary of the processing to be carried out by the microscope system1according to the first embodiment. In the following, description will be given by taking the electrically-driven stage21and the zoom lens unit243as an example of an electrically-driven unit of the microscope device2.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the driving control unit745determines whether a pinch operation is started over the touch panel63or not (Step S101). More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the driving control unit745determines whether or not a user touches two different places (K1, K2) over the touch panel63so that two position signals depending on an input of the different contact positions is output from the touch panel63. If the driving control unit745determines that the pinch operation is started over the touch panel63(Step S101: Yes), the microscope system1makes a transition to Step S102. On the other hand, if the driving control unit745determines that the pinch operation is not started through the touch panel63(Step S101: No), the microscope system1ends the present processing.

Subsequently, the driving control unit745acquires touch positions K1and K2corresponding to the two position signals output from the touch panel63(Step S102) and calculates the zoom center position of the zoom optical system243a(Step S103). More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the driving control unit745calculates, as the zoom center position of the zoom optical system243a, a middle point P1of a straight line connecting the two touch positions K1and K2at which the user first touches the touch panel63.

Then, the driving control unit745determines whether the pinch operation is ended over the touch panel63or not (Step S104). More specifically, the driving control unit745determines whether the output of at least one of the position signals from the touch panel63is stopped or not, thereby deciding whether the pinch operation is ended or not. If the driving control unit745determines that the pinch operation is ended over the touch panel63(Step S104: Yes), the microscope system1makes a transition to Step S105. On the other hand, if the driving control unit745determines that the pinch operation is not ended over the touch panel63(Step S104: No), the microscope system1returns to the Step S102.

Subsequently, the driving control unit745acquires a separating position at which the user separates from the touch panel63(Step S105). More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the driving control unit745acquires separating positions K11and K12in response to the position signal output from the touch panel63when the user separates from the touch panel63. Although the description has been given by taking, as an example of the pinch operation, a pinch-out operation for enlarging the sample S inFIGS. 5 and 6, it is also possible to carry out a pinch-in operation for reducing the sample S. Herein, the pinch-out operation represents that a distance between two touch positions at which the user touches the touch panel63in different positions is to be increased toward an outer edge of the touch panel63with time. Also, the pinch-in operation represents that the two touch positions at which the user touches the touch panel63in the different positions are to be reduced with time.

Thereafter, the zoom magnification calculating unit743calculates the zoom magnification of the zoom lens unit243(Step S106). More specifically, the zoom magnification calculating unit743calculates a zoom magnification Z in accordance with the following equation when a condition of R≧1.0 is satisfied, wherein a ratio of a straight line connecting the two touch positions K1and K2at a start of the pinch operation over the touch panel63by the user to a straight line connecting the two separating positions K11and K12at an end of the pinch operation is represented by R, an ROI zoom correction coefficient in the zoom of a region of interest including a zoom center position (which will be hereinafter referred to as (ROI)) is represented by C and a current zoom magnification is represented by N.
Z=(R×C+(1−C))×N(1)
When a condition of R<1.0 is satisfied, the zoom magnification calculating unit743calculates the zoom magnification Z in accordance with the following equation.
Z=(1÷(((1÷R)×C)+(1−C)))×N(2)

Thus, the zoom magnification calculating unit743calculates the zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243abased on the ratio of the lengths before and after the change in the distance between the two contact positions, the ROI zoom correction coefficient and the current zoom magnification by using the equations (1) and (2). The ROI correction coefficient can be previously calculated from a simulation and properly set. In the first embodiment, the ROI correction coefficient is set to be 0.5. Consequently, the user can stepwise carry out a change from a minimum zoom magnification to a maximum zoom magnification by three to four pinch operations when the ratio before and after the pinch operation is approximately 4 to 5 (×1.0→×3.0→×9.0→×27.0→×30.0). The zoom magnification may be equal (×1.0→×10.0→×20.0→×30.0).

Subsequently, the moving amount calculating unit744calculates a moving amount by which the electrically-driven stage21is to be moved based on the point P1between the two touch positions K1and K2in the pinch operation (Step S107). More specifically, the driving control unit745calculates the moving amount of the electrically-driven stage21to a position in which the display position of the middle point P1between the two touch positions K1and K2through the pinch operation is fixed in an image Wn(n is a natural number) which is displayed by the display unit62.

Then, the driving control unit745determines whether or not the moving amount of the electrically-driven stage21, which is calculated by the moving amount calculating unit744, is equal to or greater than a limit value of the moving amount of the electrically-driven stage21(Step S108). If the driving control unit745determines that the moving amount of the electrically-driven stage21, which is calculated by the moving amount calculating unit744, is equal to or greater than the limit value of the moving amount of the electrically-driven stage21(Step S108: Yes), the driving control unit745sets the moving amount of the electrically-driven stage21to the limit value (Step S109). Thereafter, the microscope system1makes a transition to the Step S110. On the other hand, if the driving control unit745determines that the moving amount of the electrically-driven stage21, which is calculated by the moving amount calculating unit744, does not reach the limit value of the moving amount of the electrically-driven stage21(Step S108: No), the microscope system1makes a transition to the Step S110.

Subsequently, the driving control unit745outputs a driving signal corresponding to the moving amount of the electrically-driven stage21, which is calculated by the moving amount calculating unit744, to the microscope control unit3(Step S110). In this case, the microscope control unit3moves the electrically-driven stage21by driving the motor211based on the driving signal input from the driving control unit745.

Next, the driving control unit745determines whether the movement of the electrically-driven stage21is completed or not (Step S111). More specifically, the driving control unit745determines whether or not a movement completing signal indicative of a completion of a movement of the electrically-driven stage21is input from the microscope control unit3. If the driving control unit745determines that the movement of the electrically-driven stage21is completed (Step S111: Yes), the microscope system1makes a transition to Step S112. On the other hand, if the driving control unit745determines that the movement of the electrically-driven stage21is not completed (Step S111: No), the driving control unit745makes the determination every predetermined interval (for example, one pulse).

Then, the driving control unit745outputs a zoom drive designating signal corresponding to the zoom magnification calculated by the zoom magnification calculating unit743to the microscope control unit3(Step S112). In this case, the microscope control unit3drives the zoom driving unit243bbased on the zoom drive designating signal input from the driving control unit745, thereby moving the zoom optical system243aalong an optical axis to change the zoom magnification of the microscope device2. The microscope control unit3may change the optical zoom of the zoom lens unit243to be a maximum and output a digital zoom designating signal for designating a digital zoom through the trimming unit742to the control terminal7if the zoom drive designating signal input from the driving control unit745exceeds an upper limit of the optical zoom magnification of the optical zoom in the zoom optical system243a.

Thereafter, the driving control unit745determines whether the zoom of the zoom optical system243ais completed or not (step S113). More specifically, the driving control unit745determines whether a zoom completing signal indicative of a zoom completion of the zoom optical system243ais input from the microscope control unit3or not. If the driving control unit745determines that the zoom driving of the zoom optical system243ais completed (Step S113: Yes), the microscope system1makes a transition to Step S114. On the other hand, if the driving control unit745determines that the zoom driving of the zoom optical system243ais not completed (Step S113: No), the driving control unit745makes the determination every predetermined interval (for example, one pulse).

Subsequently, the driving control unit745outputs a photograph designating signal to the imaging control unit5, thereby causing the imaging device4to image an image of the sample S after driving the electrically-driven stage21and the zoom optical system243aand thus generating image data to update the image displayed by the display unit62into an image after driving the electrically-driven stage21and the zoom optical system243a(Step S114). More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the zoom center position (the middle point P1) obtained by the zoom optical system243ais rarely moved before and after the pinch operation (the zoom operation) in the display position in the image Wndisplayed by the display unit62. As a result, it is possible to carry out an observation with an enlargement or a reduction without changing a desirable observation place on the sample S by a single operation. After the Step S114, the microscope system1ends the present processing.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, in the case in which position signals in response to the input of the different contact positions are output from the touch panel63, the driving control unit745outputs, to the zoom driving unit243b, a driving signal for designating to change the zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243aby setting the middle point P1between the two contact positions on the touch panel63corresponding to the two position signals as a zoom center position fixed without depending on the zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243a. Consequently, the desirable observation position on the sample S can be enlarged or reduced by the single operation.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, moreover, it is possible to change, by an intuitive operation, the observation position for enlarging and observing the sample S while seeing the live image Wndisplayed by the display unit62.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, furthermore, operation information (an icon) for accepting the operation of the microscope device2is not displayed on the live image Wndisplayed by the display unit62. Therefore, it is possible to increase a space of the display region of the display unit62, and furthermore, the live image Wnto be displayed by the display unit62includes only the sample S. As a result, the user can intensively observe only the sample S.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, moreover, the zoom magnification calculating unit743calculates the zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243abased on the ratio of the lengths before and after the change in the distance between the two contact positions corresponding to the two position signals output from the touch panel63respectively and the zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243aat the start of the change in the distance between the two contact positions. Also in a case in which a different user carries out the operation, therefore, it is possible to implement the same operability.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, furthermore, a frame indicative of the ROI region is not displayed differently from the ROI zoom for the conventional ROI region. Therefore, it is possible to execute the zoom operation for the ROI at a small number of times of the operation. Similarly, the frame indicative of the ROI region is not displayed. For this reason, it is also possible to cope with a processing for reducing the ROI zoom.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, moreover, the zoom center position obtained by the zoom lens unit243on the live image Wndisplayed by the display unit62is not moved before and after the zoom operation. Therefore, the user can prevent from losing sight of the observation position on the sample S.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, furthermore, the driving control unit745outputs, to the zoom driving unit243b, the driving signal corresponding to the zoom magnification calculated by the zoom magnification calculating unit743. Even if the user does not often carry out the pinch operation, therefore, it is possible to change the zoom magnification of the zoom lens unit243to be a maximum or a minimum at a specified number of times. As a result, the user does not need to perform an extra pinch operation for ensuring the zoom magnification.

First Modified Example of First Embodiment

Although the driving control unit745drives the zoom lens unit243at the zoom magnification calculated based on the ratio of the straight line connecting the two touch positions in the starting position for the pinch operation to the straight line connecting the two separating positions at the end of the pinch operation in the first embodiment, the zoom magnification based on the single pinch operation may be limited, for example. In this case, the user may set the number of times of the pinch operations required for switching the zoom magnification from the maximum magnification to the minimum magnification of the zoom lens unit243through the input unit72or from the minimum magnification to the maximum magnification thereof. Consequently, it is possible to carry out the pinch operation to be matched with the user's taste.

Second Modified Example of First Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the zoom center position P1of the zoom optical system243amay be displayed on the display unit62in an identification enabling state.FIG. 8is a view illustrating an example of an image to be displayed by the display unit62of the microscope system1according to the second modified example of the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the display control unit746causes the display unit62to display cross lines G1which are orthogonal to each other around the middle point P1(the zoom center position) calculated by the driving control unit745. Consequently, the user can carry out the pinch operation while confirming the zoom center position P1of the zoom optical system243a.

Although the display control unit746causes the display unit62to display the cross lines G1in the zoom center position of the zoom optical system243ain the second modified example of the first embodiment, the display unit62may be caused to display an icon such as a character or a graphic as information which can be identified.

Third Modified Example of First Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the display control unit746may cause the display unit62to display an ROI zoom region and an ROI region which correspond to an amount of the pinch operation so as to enable an identification.FIG. 9is a view illustrating an example of an image to be displayed by the display unit62of the microscope system1according to a third modified example of the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the display control unit746may cause the display unit62to display ROI zoom regions Z1and Z2corresponding to the operating amount of the pinch operation, a zoom magnification corresponding to the ROI zoom region and a current zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243ain the pinch operation based on the position signal output from the touch panel63. More specifically, the ROI zoom region Z1indicates the operating amount of the pinch operation from the current zoom magnification (×2.0) of the zoom optical system243ato a zoom magnification (×1.0) which can be reduced at the start of the pinch operation. The ROI zoom region Z2indicates the operating amount of the pinch operation from the current zoom magnification (×2.0) of the zoom optical system243ato a zoom magnification (×8.0) which can be increased at the start of the pinch operation.

According to the third modified example of the first embodiment, thus, the display control unit746causes the display unit62to display the operating amount of the pinch operation, the zoom magnification and the like in the pinch operation based on the position signal output from the touch panel63. As a result, the user can intuitively grasp the ROI zoom region which can be enlarged by the pinch operation in real time, the ROI region which can be reduced and the current zoom magnification during the pinch operation.

Fourth Modified Example of First Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the display control unit746may display the zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243ain superposition on an image which is being subjected to the pinch operation depending on the operating amount during the pinch operation based on the position signal output from the touch panel63.FIG. 10is a view illustrating an example of an image to be displayed by the display unit62of the microscope system1according to the fourth modified example of the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the display control unit746causes the display unit62to display a zoom magnification Z3of the zoom optical system243ain superposition on an image Wnwhich is being subjected to the pinch operation depending on the pinch operation.

According to the fourth modified example of the first embodiment, thus, the display control unit746displays the zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243ain superposition on the image Wnwhich is being subjected to the pinch operation depending on the operating amount of the pinch operation based on the position signal output from the touch panel63. As a result, the user can intuitively grasp the zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243ain real time while performing the pinch operation.

In the fourth modified example of the first embodiment, the display control unit746may cause the display unit62to display the position of the electrically-driven stage21corresponding to the zoom center position P1of the zoom optical system243ain schematic superposition on the image Wnin the vicinity of a place in which the user performs the pinch operation based on the position signal output from the touch panel63. Consequently, the user can intuitively grasp the zoom center position P1of the zoom optical system243aand the position of the electrically-driven stage21.

Fifth Modified Example of First Embodiment

Although the driving control unit745controls the movement of the electrically-driven stage21so that the zoom center position P1of the zoom optical system243ais displayed in the same position on the image displayed by the display unit62before and after the pinch operation in the first embodiment, the electrically-driven stage21may be driven in such a manner that the zoom center position P1of the zoom optical system243ais placed at the center on the image displayed by the display unit62, for example. Consequently, the zoom center position P1is moved to the center of the image displayed by the display unit62. As a result, the user can observe a desirable observation position in the sample S at the center of the display unit62. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of times of the pinch operation.

Sixth Modified Example of First Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the zoom center position P1of the zoom optical system243amay be designated over the image displayed by the display unit62through the touch panel63.FIG. 11is a view illustrating an example of the image displayed by the display unit62of the microscope system1according to a sixth modified example of the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, the driving control unit745designates the zoom center position P1of the zoom optical system243aover the image Wndisplayed by the display unit62when the position signal input from the touch panel63indicates almost the same position of the touch panel63beyond a certain time (for example, two seconds) (FIG. 11(a)). In this case, the display control unit746causes the display unit62to display the zoom center position P1of the zoom optical system243adesignated by the driving control unit745by information which can be identified, for example, with an icon such as a symbol, a character and a graphic. More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 11(b), the display control unit746displays an icon All over the image Wncorresponding to the zoom center position P1of the zoom optical system243awhich is designated by the driving control unit745.

When the pinch operation is carried out in any position over the touch panel63(FIG. 11(c)), then, the driving control unit745controls the movement of the electrically-driven stage21in such a manner that the zoom center position P1of the zoom optical system243a, which is designated, is set to be almost the same position over the image Wndisplayed by the display unit62(FIG. 11(d)).

According to the sixth modified example of the first embodiment, thus, the driving control unit745designates the zoom center position P1of the zoom optical system243aover the image Wndisplayed by the display unit62when the position signal input from the touch panel63indicates substantially the same position of the touch panel63beyond a certain time. Even if a user repetitively performs the pinch operation in any position on the touch panel63, consequently, the zoom center position P1of the zoom optical system243ais fixed. Therefore, it is possible to observe almost the same observation position over the sample S with an enlargement or a reduction.

Seventh Modified Example of First Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the driving control unit745may set the ROI zoom region of the zoom optical system243adepending on a track of the position signal input from the touch panel63.FIG. 12is a view illustrating an example of an image displayed by the display unit62of the microscope system1according to a seventh modified example of the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, the driving control unit745sets the ROI zoom region of the zoom optical system243adepending on the track G2touched by the user over the touch panel63(seeFIG. 12(a)). More specifically, the driving control unit745sets, as the ROI zoom region, a rectangular region including XY coordinates of a maximum value and a minimum value in a touch position corresponding to the position signal input from the touch panel63(seeFIG. 12(a)).

Then, the driving control unit745drives the electrically-driven stage21and the zoom driving unit243b, thereby displaying the rectangular region in the display region of the display unit62in order to display the whole rectangular region in the whole display region of the display unit62(seeFIG. 12(b)).

According to the seventh modified example of the first embodiment, thus, the driving control unit745sets the ROI zoom region of the zoom optical system243adepending on the track G2of the position signal input from the touch panel63. Consequently, the user can enlarge and observe a desirable observation position on the sample S by simply touching the image Wndisplayed by the display unit62through the touch panel63continuously.

Eighth Modified Example of First Embodiment

Although the electrically-driven stage21can be moved in a horizontal direction under the control of the driving control unit745in the first embodiment, the present invention can also be applied to a manual stage to be manually moved by the user. More specifically, the driving control unit745changes only the zoom magnification of the zoom lens unit243according to the pinch operation. Consequently, the user can change the zoom magnification by the pinch operation also in the manual stage.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. A microscope system according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the microscope system according to the embodiment described above in respect of only an operation thereof, and has the same structure as that of the microscope system according to the embodiment described above. For this reason, description will be given to the operation to be carried out by the microscope system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13is a flow chart illustrating a summary of a processing to be executed by the microscope system1according to the second embodiment.

At Step S207, a driving control unit245determines whether or not an optical zoom of a zoom optical system243acan be carried out at a zoom magnification calculated by a zoom magnification calculating unit743. If the driving control unit745determines that the optical zoom of the zoom optical system243acan be carried out at the zoom magnification calculated by the zoom magnification calculating unit743(Step S207: Yes), the microscope system1makes a transition to Step S208which will be described below. On the other hand, if the driving control unit745determines that the optical zoom of the zoom optical system243acannot be carried out at the zoom magnification calculated by the zoom magnification calculating unit743(Step S207: No), the microscope system1makes a transition to Step S216which will be described below.

At the Step S216, the driving control unit745determines whether an objective lens23inserted onto an observation light L2is a high power objective lens232or not. More specifically, the driving control unit745determines whether or not the objective lens23inserted onto an optical path over the observation light L2is a high power objective lens232based on a type signal indicative of a type of the objective lens23which is output from a revolver detecting unit223. If the driving control unit745determines that the objective lens23inserted onto the observation light L2is the high power objective lens232(Step S216: Yes), the microscope system1makes a transition to Step S217which will be described below. On the other hand, if the driving control unit745determines that the objective lens23inserted onto the observation light L2is not the high power objective lens232(Step S216: No), the microscope system1makes a transition to Step S219which will be described below.

At the Step S217, the driving control unit745sets the zoom magnification of the zoom optical system243ato a limit value.

Subsequently, a trimming unit742sets a trimming region for carrying out a digital zoom based on a current zoom magnification of an optical zoom in a zoom optical system243aand the zoom magnification calculated by the zoom magnification calculating unit743(Step S218). Then, the microscope system1makes a transition to the Step S208.

At the Step S219, the driving control unit745outputs a switching signal for carrying out switching from the low power objective lens231to the high power objective lens232to a microscope control unit3. In this case, the microscope control unit3drives a revolver driving unit222based on the switching signal input from the driving control unit745, thereby rotating a mounter221to carry out switching from the low power objective lens231to the high power objective lens232, both of which are inserted onto the observation light L2.

Subsequently, the driving control unit745outputs a photograph designating signal to an imaging control unit5, thereby causing an imaging device4to pick up an image of a sample S to generate image data and to thus acquire a live image (Step S220).

Then, the driving control unit745moves an electrically-driven stage21upward and downward in a Z direction, thereby outputting a correction designating signal for correcting a focusing position of the microscope device2into the same focal point to the microscope control unit3(Step S221). In this case, the microscope control unit3drives a motor212based on the correction designating signal input from the driving control unit745, thereby moving the electrically-driven stage21upward and downward in the Z direction. Also in a case in which the switching from the low power objective lens231to the high power objective lens232is carried out, consequently, the microscope device2can perform focusing on a sample surface of the sample S.

Thereafter, an AF processing unit52acquires a live image stored in an image data storage unit731through a control terminal7and executes an AF processing based on a contrast of the live image thus acquired (Step S222). After the Step S222, the microscope system1makes a transition to the Step S207.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, the driving control unit745outputs a driving signal to the zoom driving unit243band the revolver driving unit222based on a zoom magnification corresponding to a pinch operation. Consequently, a user can enlarge or reduce a desirable observation position on the sample S by a single operation including the switching of the objective lens23.

Although a position signal output from a touch panel is temporarily stored in a position signal storage unit until the pinch operation is started and is then ended, and the driving control unit acquires the position signal from the position signal storage unit and outputs a driving signal to various electrically-driven units of the microscope system at the end of the pinch operation in the second embodiment, the driving control unit may output a driving signal to the zoom lens unit, the electrically-driven stage and the revolver driving unit in real time corresponding to the pinch operation.

Although the description has been given to the case in which the enlargement is carried out for the execution of the observation in the second embodiment, the present invention can also be applied to the case in which the reduction is carried out for the execution of the observation. Also in that case, in the same manner as in the case of the enlargement for the execution of the observation, it is also possible to decide whether the optical zoom is enabled or not, and it is also possible to reduce the magnification for the observation through the optical zoom if it is decided that the optical zoom is enabled, to decide whether the switching from the high power objective lens232to the low power objective lens231can be carried out or not if it is decided that the optical zoom is not enabled, and to carry out the switching to the low power objective lens231if the switching is enabled.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, a structure of a control terminal is different from that in the first embodiment. For this reason, the structure of the control terminal in a microscope system according to the third embodiment will be described and a processing to be executed by the microscope system according to the third embodiment will be then explained. The same structures as those in the embodiments have the same reference numerals.

FIG. 14is a block diagram illustrating a functional structure of the microscope system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

A microscope system1000illustrated inFIG. 14includes a microscope device2for observing a sample S, a microscope control unit3for controlling a driving operation of the microscope device2, an imaging device4for imaging an image of the sample S through the microscope device2, thereby generating image data, an imaging control unit5for controlling a driving operation of the imaging device4, a display input unit6for displaying an image corresponding to the image data imaged by the imaging device4through a control terminal8and accepting an input of various operations of the microscope system1000, and the control terminal8for controlling the microscope control unit3, the imaging control unit5and the display input unit6. The microscope device2, the microscope control unit3, the imaging device4, the imaging control unit5, the display input unit6and the control terminal8are connected by cable or wirelessly so as to enable a transmission/reception of data.

A control unit81is configured by using a CPU or the like, and carries out a designation corresponding to each unit constituting the microscope system1000or transfers data in response to a drive designating signal, a position signal, a switching signal and the like which are sent from the input unit72and a touch panel63, thereby controlling the operation of the microscope system1000integrally.

The detailed structure of the control unit81will be described. The control unit81has an image processing unit811, a trimming unit812, a driving control unit813, and a display control unit814.

The image processing unit811carries out a predetermined image processing over the image data input through a control communicating unit71, thereby generating a display image to be displayed by the display unit62. More specifically, the image processing unit811executes an image processing including an optical black subtraction processing, a white balance adjustment processing, a synchronization processing, a color matrix calculation processing, a γ correction processing, a color reproduction processing, an edge enhancement processing and the like. The image processing unit811compresses the image data by a predetermined method, for example, the JPEG method and outputs the compressed image data to an image data storage unit731.

The trimming unit812cuts a predetermined region out of an image corresponding to the image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing unit811, thereby generating a trimming image.

When the position signal is output from the touch panel63and the output of the position signal is stopped, the driving control unit813acquires the position signal output from the touch panel63which is stored by a position signal storage unit732and outputs, to a plurality of electrically-driven units constituting the microscope device2, a driving signal for driving each of the electrically-driven units. More specifically, the driving control unit813outputs the driving signal to an electrically-driven stage21.

The display control unit814controls a display mode of the display unit62. More specifically, the display control unit814causes the display unit62to display each image of image data stored in the image data storage unit731. The display control unit814causes the display unit62to display operation information about each operation of the microscope system1000, for example, operation information of the electrically-driven stage21or the like.

The microscope system1000thus configured can cause a user to observe an image of the sample S by displaying, on the display unit62, the image data of the sample S, which is imaged by the imaging device4, under control of the control unit81. In the microscope system1000, furthermore, the control unit81outputs a designating signal or a driving signal to each unit of the microscope system1000based on the position signal input from the touch panel63, thereby driving the microscope device2and the imaging device4.

Next, an operation to be carried out by the microscope system1000will be descried.FIG. 15is a flow chart illustrating a summary of the processing to be carried out by the microscope system1000. Description will be given by taking the electrically-driven stage21as an example of an electrically driven unit of the microscope device2.

As illustrated inFIG. 15, the driving control unit813determines whether a drag operation is started over the touch panel63or not (Step S301). More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 16, the driving control unit813determines whether or not a user touches the touch panel63(FIG. 16(a)) so that a position signal indicative of a contact position is input from the touch panel63. If the driving control unit813determines that the drag operation is started over the touch panel63(Step S301: Yes), the microscope system1000makes a transition to Step S302. On the other hand, if the driving control unit813determines that the drag operation is not started through the touch panel63(Step S301: No), the microscope system1000ends the present processing.

Subsequently, the driving control unit813stores the position signal output from the touch panel63in the position signal storage unit732(Step S302). In this case, the driving control unit813stores the position signal output from the touch panel63in time series in the position signal storage unit732every predetermined cycle, for example, every pulse when the user continuously touches the touch panel63as illustrated inFIG. 16(b).

Then, the driving control unit813determines whether the drag operation is ended over the touch panel63or not (Step S303). More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 16, the driving control unit813determines whether or not the user separates a finger from the touch panel63(FIG. 16(b)→FIG. 16(c)) so that the position signal from the touch panel63is stopped. If the driving control unit813determines that the drag operation is not ended over the touch panel63(Step S303: No), the microscope system1000returns to the Step S302. On the other hand, if the driving control unit813determines that the drag operation is ended over the touch panel63(Step S303: Yes), the microscope system1000makes a transition to Step S304.

Next, the driving control unit813acquires the position signal stored in the position signal storage unit732(Step S304) and calculates a moving distance and a moving direction in which the finger is moved over the touch panel63based on coordinates of the end and those of the start of the drag operation included in the position signal which is acquired (Step S305). More specifically, the control unit81calculates the moving distance and the moving direction in which the finger is moved over the touch panel63based on a straight line connecting a starting position (a starting point) to be a position at which the user first touches the touch panel63with the finger and an ending position (an ending point) at which the user separates the finger from the touch panel63. The moving distance in which the finger is moved over the touch panel63is calculated in consideration of a magnification of the objective lens23and a zoom magnification of the zoom lens unit243.

Then, the driving control unit813outputs a driving signal for driving the electrically-driven stage21to the microscope control unit3depending on the moving distance and the moving direction which are calculated (Step S306). The driving signal includes a driving direction and a driving amount in which the electrically-driven stage21is to be driven.

Subsequently, the microscope control unit3drives the motor211based on the driving signal input from the driving control unit813, thereby driving the electrically-driven stage21(Step S307) and outputting a movement completing signal indicative of a moving completion of the electrically-driven stage21to the control terminal8(Step S308).

Then, the control unit81outputs an image designating signal to the imaging control unit5, thereby causing the imaging device4to pick up an image of the sample S subjected to the movement of the electrically-driven stage21and thus generating image data, and updates the image to be displayed by the display unit62into an image obtained after the movement of the electrically-driven stage21(Step S309). More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 16(d), the image to be displayed by the display unit62is updated into the image obtained after the movement of the electrically-driven stage21. Consequently, the user can confirm a desirable observation place on the sample S which is operated by the touch panel63.

According to the third embodiment of the present invention described above, when the position signal is output from the touch panel63and the output of the position signal is stopped, the driving control unit813acquires the position signal output from the touch panel63which is to be stored in the position signal storage unit732and outputs the driving signal for driving the electrically-driven stage21of the microscope device2based on the position signal. As a result, the user can move the electrically-driven stage21to a desirable place.

According to the third embodiment of the present invention, moreover, the driving control unit813temporarily stores the position signal output from the touch panel63in the position signal storage unit732and the driving amount of the electrically-driven stage21is calculated after the operation of the user is ended. Therefore, a control logic can be simplified.

First Modified Example of Third Embodiment

In the third embodiment described above, the user separates the finger from the touch panel63so that the driving control unit813determines whether the position signal from the touch panel63is stopped or not and thus determines whether the drag operation is ended or not. However, in the case in which the position signal output from the touch panel63indicates substantially the same position for a certain time, for example, it is also possible to decide that the operation through the touch panel63is ended and to acquire the position signal to be stored in the position signal storage unit732, thereby outputting the driving signal to the microscope control unit3.

FIG. 17is a flow chart illustrating a summary of a processing to be executed by the microscope system1000according to a first modified example of the third embodiment. In the following, description will be given by taking the electrically-driven stage21as an example of the electrically-driven unit of the microscope device2.

At Step S403, the driving control unit813determines whether or not the position signal output from the touch panel63indicates almost the same position of the touch panel63for a certain time (for example, one second). If the control unit81determines that the position signal output from the touch panel63indicates almost the same position for the certain time (Step S403: Yes), the microscope system1000makes a transition to Step S405. On the other hand, if the control unit81determines that position information output from the touch panel63does not indicate almost the same position for the certain time (Step S403: No), the microscope system1000makes a transition to Step S404.

According to the first modified example of the third embodiment in accordance with the present invention described above, in the case in which the position signal output from the touch panel63indicates substantially the same position of the touch panel63for more than the certain time, the driving control unit813determines that the operation of the touch panel63is ended and acquires the position signal stored in the position signal storage unit732, and outputs the driving signal for driving the electrically-driven stage21of the microscope device2based on the position signal. As a result, the electrically-driven stage21can be driven gradually by following the operation of the user and can be moved rapidly to a position desired by the user.

Second Modified Example of Third Embodiment

Although the operation of only the electrically-driven stage21has been described as the electrically-driven unit in the third embodiment, the driving control unit813may control the drive of the electrically-driven stage21and the adjustment of the focusing position of the imaging device4at the same time when the position signal is output from the touch panel63and is stopped. In this case, when the position signal to be output from the touch panel63is stopped, the driving control unit813acquires the position signal to be stored in the position signal storage unit732and generates a driving signal of the electrically-driven stage21and a designating signal for adjusting the focusing position of the imaging device4based on the position signal which is acquired, respectively. Then, the driving control unit813outputs the driving signal and the designating signal to the microscope control unit3and the imaging control unit5, respectively.

According to the second modified example of the third embodiment, thus, the user can carry out a movement to a desirable observation position on the sample S by only one operation over the touch panel63and can confirm a focused image of the imaging device4in the observation position.

Third Modified Example of Third Embodiment

Although the description has been given to the movement over the XY plane in the electrically-driven stage21in the first embodiment, it may also carry out a driving control in the Z direction of the electrically-driven stage21. In this case, when the position signal is output from the touch panel63and the output of the position signal is stopped, the driving control unit813determines that the operation of the touch panel63is ended and acquires the position signal to be stored in the position signal storage unit732, and generates a driving signal for designating a driving operation in the Z direction of the electrically-driven stage21based on the position signal thus acquired. Then, the driving control unit813outputs the driving signal to the microscope control unit3.

According to the third modified example of the third embodiment, thus, the driving control unit813temporarily stores the position signal output from the touch panel63in the position signal storage unit732and calculates a driving amount in the Z direction of the electrically-driven stage21after the operation of the user is ended. Therefore, it is possible to simplify a control logic. In addition, the electrically-driven stage21can be moved smoothly in the Z direction by following the operation of the user.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described. A microscope system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is different from the microscope system according to the third embodiment described above in respect of only an operation thereof, and has the same structure as that of the microscope system according to the third embodiment described above. For this reason, description will be given to the operation to be carried out by the microscope system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18is a flow chart illustrating a summary of a processing to be executed by the microscope system1000according to the fourth embodiment.

At Step S503, a driving control unit813outputs a designating signal for designating an imaging operation of an imaging device4to an imaging control unit5, thereby causing the imaging device4to generate image data and acquiring a live image corresponding to the image data.

Subsequently, a trimming unit812generates a display image for displaying the live image on a display unit62in response to a position signal output from a touch panel63(Step S504). More specifically, the trimming unit812cuts a region setting the position signal output from the touch panel63as a center out of the live image in a display region of the display unit62corresponding to the position signal output from the touch panel63, thereby generating a trimming image as a display image.

Then, a display control unit814causes the display unit62to display the display image generated by the trimming unit812(Step S505).

Subsequently, the driving control unit813determines whether a drag operation is ended or not (Step S506). If the driving control unit813determines that the drag operation is ended (Step S506: Yes), the microscope system1000makes a transition to Step S507. On the other hand, if the driving control unit813determines that the drag operation is not ended (Step S506: No), the microscope system1000returns to the Step S502.

According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention described above, when the position signal is output from the touch panel63, the driving control unit813outputs the designating signal for designating the imaging operation of the imaging device4to the imaging control unit5, thereby causing the imaging device4to generate image data and generating, every predetermined interval, a trimming image as a display image from a corresponding image to image data in response to the position signal output from the touch panel63by the trimming unit812, updating the trimming image as the display image corresponding to the position signal output from the touch panel63which is generated every predetermined time by the trimming unit812and displaying the updated trimming image on the display unit62by the display control unit814. As a result, the user virtually updates only the image by following the operation carried out for the touch panel63. Therefore, the user can observe a sample S promptly.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a fifth embodiment according to the present invention will be described. A microscope system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is different from the microscope system according to the third embodiment described above in respect of only an operation thereof, and has the same structure as that of the microscope system according to the third embodiment described above. For this reason, description will be given to the operation to be carried out by the microscope system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19is a flow chart illustrating a summary of a processing to be executed by the microscope system1000according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, description will be given by taking a zoom lens unit243as an example of an electrically-driven unit of a microscope device2.

As illustrated inFIG. 19, a driving control unit813determines whether or not a pinch operation is started over a touch panel63(Step S601). More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 20, a control unit81determines whether or not a user touches two places of the touch panel63(FIG. 20(a)) so that two position signals indicative of different contact positions are output from the touch panel63. If a driving control unit813determines that the pinch operation is stared over the touch panel63(Step S601: Yes), the microscope system1000makes a transition to Step S602. On the other hand, if the driving control unit813determines that the pinch operation is not started through the touch panel63(Step S601: No), the microscope system1000ends the present processing.

Subsequently, the driving control unit813stores the position signal of the touch panel63corresponding to the two position signals output from the touch panel63in a position signal storage unit732(Step S602).

Then, the driving control unit813determines whether the pinch operation is ended over the touch panel63or not (Step S603). More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 20, the driving control unit813determines whether or not the user separates either or both of fingers from the touch panel63(FIG. 20(b)→FIG. 20(c)) so that the output of either or both of the position signals is stopped through the touch panel63, thereby deciding whether the pinch operation is ended or not. If the driving control unit813determines that the pinch operation is ended over the touch panel63(Step S603: Yes), the microscope system1000makes a transition to Step S604. On the other hand, if the driving control unit813determines that the pinch operation is not ended (Step S603: No), the microscope system1000returns to the Step S602.

At the Step S604, the driving control unit813acquires position information stored in the position signal storage unit732and calculates the zoom magnification of the zoom lens unit243based on the position information thus acquired (Step S605). More specifically, the driving control unit813calculates a zoom rate of the zoom lens unit243based on a ratio of a straight line connecting two positions at the start of the pinch operation to a straight line connecting two positions at the end of the pinch operation.

Subsequently, the driving control unit813outputs a zoom drive designating signal corresponding to the zoom magnification, which is calculated, to a microscope control unit3(Step S606).

Then, the microscope control unit3drives a zoom driving unit243bbased on the zoom drive designating signal, thereby driving a zoom optical system243aalong an optical axis (Step S607) and outputting a drive completing signal to the control unit81when the driving operation of the zoom optical system243ais completed (Step S608).

Next, the driving control unit813outputs an image designating signal to the imaging control unit5, thereby causing an imaging device4to pick up an image of a sample S subjected to zooming and to generate image data, and updating an image to be displayed by a display unit62into an image subjected to the zooming (Step S609). More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 20(d), the display unit62displays the image of the sample S which is enlarged by the pinch operation. Thereafter, the microscope system1000ends the present processing.

According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention described above, when the position signal is output from the touch panel63and the output of the position signal is stopped, the driving control unit813acquires the position signal stored in the position signal storage unit732and outputs the driving signal for driving the zoom lens unit243of the microscope device2based on the position signal. As a result, the user can enlarge the sample S into a desirable magnification, thereby carrying out the observation.

Although the description has been given by taking a pinch-out operation for enlarging the sample S as an example of the pinch operation in the fifth embodiment according to the present invention, the present invention can also be applied to a pinch-in operation for reducing the sample S. The pinch-out operation represents that a distance between two touch positions at which the user touches the touch panel63in different positions is increased toward an outer edge of the touch panel63. Also, the pinch-in operation represents that the distance between the two touch positions at which the user touches the touch panel63in different positions is reduced toward the center of the touch panel63.

Although the driving control unit813carries out the enlargement or the reduction depending on the pinch operation in the fifth embodiment according to the present invention, moreover, the sample S may be enlarged or reduced corresponding to a track of the position signal output from the touch panel63, for example.

Although the driving control unit813enlarges the sample S by the zoom lens unit243and then updates the image to be displayed by the display unit62in the fifth embodiment according to the present invention, moreover, the image may be updated by causing the trimming unit812to generate a trimming image to be a display image in response to the position signal output from the touch panel63in the same manner as in the embodiments described above. In this case, the driving control unit813can cause the user to virtually observe an image of the enlarged sample S by designating a size of the trimming image generated through cut-out from an observed image by the trimming unit812corresponding to the pinch operation.

In the fifth embodiment according to the present invention, moreover, the driving control unit813outputs the driving signal to the zoom lens unit243when the output of the position signal from the touch panel63is stopped. However, the driving signal may be output to the electrically-driven stage21and the zoom lens unit243at the same time, respectively. Consequently, the user can carry out the observation in a desirable position and magnification of the sample S by a single operation.

Although the microscope system including the microscope device, the imaging device, the display input unit and the control terminal has been described as an example in the present invention, the present invention can also be applied to an objective lens for enlarging a sample, an imaging device having an imaging function for imaging an image of a sample through an objective lens and a display function for displaying an image, for example, a video microscope, and the like.

Although the description has been given to an upright type microscope device as an example of the microscope device in the present invention, moreover, the present invention can also be applied to an inclination type microscope device, for example. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to various systems, for example, a line device incorporating a microscope device.

Although the display input unit and the control terminal are configured separately in the present invention, moreover, it may be employed in a portable terminal in which the display input unit and the control terminal are formed integrally, for example.