Patent Publication Number: US-11385448-B2

Title: Microscope apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-184825, filed on Sep. 28, 2018, entitled “MICROSCOPE APPARATUS”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a microscope apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-162764, as shown in  FIG. 28 , discloses a microscope apparatus 800 including a stage 801 for placing a sample, a camera 802 for imaging a sample placed on the stage 801, a light source 803 for irradiating transmission light for bright field observation toward the stage 801, and a light source 804 for irradiating light for fluorescence observation toward a stage 801. In the microscope apparatus 800, the front of the stage 801 is covered with a removable sample cover 805, and the upper portion of the stage 801 is covered with an openable/closable lid 806, so that external light is prevented from entering the stage 801 during imaging by fluorescence observation. 
     In the microscope apparatus of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-162764, the light source 803 emits light from above the stage 801, and the light source 804 emits light from below the stage 801. The optical axis of light from above irradiated from the light source 803 coincides with the optical axis of an objective lens 807 installed on the stage 801. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In the microscope apparatus 800 of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-162764, external light may enter from a slight gap when the sample cover 805 and the lid 806 are not sufficiently adhered. Therefore, a problem arises inasmuch as it is difficult to accurately capture light when detecting and capturing a weak light. In addition, heat generated from the camera 802 or the like inside the sample cover 805 and the lid 806 is transmitted to the stage 801 and affects the sample. 
     Furthermore, in the microscope apparatus, it is desired to efficiently adjust the position of the sample for imaging the sample. It is also desired to prevent the contrast of an image of the sample from being weakened and to clearly capture the image of the sample when light is irradiated from above. 
     A microscope apparatus  100  according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided with a sample setting unit  11  for setting a sample, an imaging unit  10   d  for imaging a sample set on the sample setting unit  11 , a housing unit  10  in which the imaging unit  10   d  is disposed and which accommodates the sample setting unit  11 , a first light source  13  that irradiates the sample setting unit  11  with light for fluorescence excitation, a first cover  20  that is movable to a first position that covers the sample setting unit  11  and a second position that exposes the sample setting unit  11 , a second cover  22  that is movable to a closed state that covers the sample setting unit  11  in the first cover  20  and an open state that exposes the sample setting unit  11 , and a second light source  221  that is disposed in a space covered by the second cover  22  and that irradiates light on the sample setting unit  11 . 
     In the microscope apparatus  100  according to the first aspect of the present invention described above is provided with the first cover  20  that is movable to the first position that covers the sample setting unit  11 , and the second cover  22  that is movable to the closed state that covers the sample setting unit  11  in the first cover  20 . In this way, since the sample setting unit  11  can be covered twice by the first cover  20  and the second cover  22 , even if a slight gap is generated between the first cover  20  and the housing unit, the arrival of external light to the sample setting unit  11  can be reliably suppressed by the second cover  22 . As a result, it is possible to reliably suppress entry of light from the outside into the sample setting unit  11  and accurately capture weak light. Note that covering the sample setting unit  11  with the first cover  20  also includes the situation where the sample setting unit  11  is covered with the first cover  20  after covering the sample setting unit  11  with the second cover  22 , in addition to directly covering the sample setting unit  11  with the first cover  20 . Since the sample setting unit  11  can be covered by the second cover  22 , it also is possible to suppress the heat generated from the imaging unit  10   d  and the like disposed inside the housing unit  10  from being transmitted to the sample setting unit  11 . In this way the influence on the sample by heat can be reduced. By providing the second light source  221  that irradiates the sample setting unit  11  with light in a state in which the second cover  22  is closed, imaging can be performed with the first cover  20  and the second cover  22  closed, since the second light source  221  can irradiate the sample setting unit  11  in a closed state in which the external light does not reach the sample setting unit  11 . In this way, it is possible to perform imaging with fluorescence without performing the operation of closing the first cover  20  and the second cover  22  after adjusting the position of the sample for imaging the sample with light irradiated from the second light source  221 . As a result, it is possible to suppress the sample from being displaced due to vibrations when closing the first cover  20  and the second cover  22 , and it is possible to suppress an increase in imaging time. 
     In the microscope apparatus  100  according to the first aspect, the second light source  221  is preferably provided on the second cover  22 . If configured in this way, light can be easily irradiated on the sample setting part  11  from the second light source  221  in the state in which the second cover  22  is closed. Further, it is not necessary to provide a light guide member such as an optical fiber, so that the configuration of illumination can be simplified by arranging the second light source  221  directly on the second cover  22 . 
     In this case, the second light source  221  preferably has a planar shape, a linear shape, or a punctate shape. If comprised in this way, the second light source  221  can be compactly arranged on the second cover  22  since the second light source  221  of thin planar shape, linear shape, or punctate shape can be arranged on the second cover  22 . In the case of surface emission, the amount of light also can be easily increased, so that clear imaging can be performed. In the case of linear light emission or punctate light emission, it is only necessary to arrange a needed amount of light emitters, so that the apparatus configuration can be simplified. 
     In the configuration in which the second light source  221  is provided on the side of the second cover  22  facing the sample setting unit  11 , the second cover  22  preferably surrounds the second light source  221  in a frame shape, and the sample setting unit  11  includes a recess  113  which accommodates the projection  222  when the second cover  22  is in a closed state. If configured in this way, the protrusion part  222  of the second cover  22  will enter into the concavity  113  of the sample setting unit  11 , such that the gap through which light enters directly between the second cover  22  and the sample setting unit  11  is suppressed and it is possible to more effectively suppress light from entering the sample setting unit  11 . 
     The microscope apparatus  100  according to the first aspect is preferably configured so that the second cover  22  is in a closed state that covers the sample setting unit  11  when the first cover  20  is located at the first position, and the second cover  22  is in an open state in which the sample setting unit  11  is exposed when the first cover  20  is located at the second position. If configured in this way, the sample setting unit  11  can be covered twice by the first cover  20  and the second cover  22  by having the first cover  20  located at the first position (position which covers the sample setting unit  11 ) and the second cover  22  located in a closed state. The sample setting unit  11  also can be easily accessed by placing the first cover  20  in the second position (open position) and opening the second cover  22 . 
     In this case, preferably, the second cover  22  is configured to be closed after the first cover  20  moves relative to the first position with regard to the housing unit  10 , and to be open before the first cover  20  moves relative to the second position with regard to the housing unit  10 . If configured in this way, since the first cover  20  does not relatively move when the second cover  22  is in the closed state, the closed second cover  22  does not interfere with the relative movement of the first cover  20 . 
     The microscope apparatus  100  according to the first aspect is preferably provided with a controller  192  for controlling the first drive unit  10   a  that moves the first cover  20  relative to the housing unit  10 , and the second drive unit  223  that drives the second cover  22  to open and close. If configured in this way, since the first cover  20  and the second cover  22  can be moved in concert by the controller  192 , the work burden of the user can be reduced compared with when the first cover  20  and the second cover  22  are moved manually. 
     In this case, the controller  192  is preferably configured to control the light irradiation of the first light source  13  and the light irradiation of the second light source  221 . If configured in this way, the light of the first light source  13  for fluorescence and the light of the second light source  221  can be switched by the controller  192 , and the sample setting unit  11  can be irradiated. 
     In the microscope apparatus  100  according to the first aspect, the second light source  221  preferably includes at least one of a halogen lamp, a tungsten lamp, a mercury lamp, a xenon lamp, and a light emitting element. If configured in this way, light can be irradiated on the sample setting unit  11  with a halogen lamp, a tungsten lamp, a mercury lamp, a xenon lamp, or a light emitting element. 
     In the microscope apparatus  100  according to the first aspect, the second light source  221  is configured to irradiate the sample with light from a direction oblique to the optical axis of the objective lens  12  provided in the sample setting unit  11 . If configured in this way, the sample can be imaged with augmented contrast compared with when light is irradiated in parallel with the optical axis of the objective lens  12 . 
     In the microscope apparatus  100  according to the first aspect, the second light source  221  is preferably configured to emit light for bright field. If configured in this way, the light for bright field is irradiated on the sample setting unit  11  by the second light source  221 , and bright field imaging is performed in the state in which the first cover  20  and the second cover  22  are closed. 
     In the microscope apparatus  100  according to the first aspect, preferably, a plurality of fluorescent images are captured by the imaging unit  10   d  using the fluorescence light of the first light source  13 , and a super-resolution image which exceeds the resolution of the imaging unit  10   d  is acquired based on the plurality of fluorescent images. If configured in this way, since the fluorescent image can be imaged by the imaging unit  10   d  in the state which external light is reliably prevented from entering the sample setting unit  1 , a super-resolution image can be imaged even with weak light. 
     A microscope apparatus  100  according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided with a sample setting unit  11  for setting a sample, an imaging unit  10   d  for imaging a sample set on the sample setting unit  11 , a housing unit  10  within which the imaging unit  10   d  is disposed and provided with the sample setting unit  11 , a first light source  13  for irradiating the sample setting unit  11  with light for fluorescence, a first cover  20  which is movable between a first position covering the sample setting unit  11  and a second position exposing the sample setting unit  11 , and a second cover  22  that covers the sample setting unit  11  so as to insulate the sample setting unit  11  within the first cover  20 . 
     In the microscope apparatus  100  according to the second aspect of the present invention described above, the first cover  20  is movable to a first position covering the sample setting unit  11 , and the second cover  22  is movable to close and cover the sample setting unit  11  within the first cover  20 . In this way, since the sample setting unit  11  can be covered twice by the first cover  20  and the second cover  22 , even if a slight gap is generated between the first cover  20  and the housing, the arrival of external light to the sample setting unit  11  can be reliably suppressed by the second cover  22 . As a result, it is possible to reliably suppress entry of light from the outside into the sample setting unit  11  and accurately capture weak light. Note that covering the sample setting unit  11  with the first cover  20  also includes the situation where the sample setting unit  11  is covered with the first cover  20  after covering the sample setting unit  11  with the second cover  22 , in addition to directly covering the sample setting unit  11  with the first cover  20 . Since the sample setting unit  11  can be covered by the second cover  22  so as to be thermally insulated, heat generated from the imaging unit  10   d  or the like disposed inside the housing unit  10  is prevented from being transmitted to the sample setting unit  11 . In this way the influence on the sample by heat can be reduced. 
     A microscope apparatus  100  according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a sample setting unit  11  for setting a sample, an imaging unit  10   d  for imaging a sample set on the sample setting unit  11 , a first light source  20  that irradiates light from below on the sample setting unit  11 , a second light source  221  irradiates light from above on the sample setting unit  11 , wherein the second light source  221  is configured to irradiate light on the sample from an oblique direction with respect to an optical axis of an objective lens provided in the sample setting unit  11 . 
     In the microscope apparatus  100  according to the third aspect of the present invention described above, the second light source  221  is configured to irradiate the sample with light from a direction oblique to the optical axis of the objective lens  12  provided in the sample setting unit  11 . In this way the sample can be imaged with enhanced contrast compared with when light is irradiated in parallel with the optical axis of the objective lens  12 . As a result, a clear image can be obtained when imaged by light from above. 
     In the microscope apparatus  100  according to the third aspect, the second light source  221  is preferably arranged such that the optical axis is inclined with respect to the optical axis of the first light source  13 . If configured in this way, the optical axis direction of the second light source  221  can be inclined easily. 
     In the microscope apparatus  100  according to the third aspect, the microscope apparatus  100  preferably includes a cover  22  that covers the sample setting unit  11 , and the second illumination  221  is provided on the cover  22 . If configured in this way, light can be easily irradiated on the sample setting unit  11  from the second light source  221  when the cover  22  is closed. By arranging the second light source  221  directly on the cover  22 , it is unnecessary to provide a light guide member such as an optical fiber, so that the configuration of light source can be simplified. 
     In this case, the second light source  221  is preferably provided on the cover  22  so as to be inclined. According to this configuration, the optical axis direction of the second light source  221  can be easily inclined with respect to the optical axis direction of the objective lens  12 . 
     In the microscope apparatus  100  according to the third aspect, the second light source  221  is preferably formed so as not to irradiate light from a portion through which the optical axis of the first light source  13  passes. According to this configuration, the optical axis of the light of the second light source  221  can be easily shifted with respect to the optical axis of the objective lens  12 . 
     In the microscope apparatus  100  according to the third aspect, the first light source  13  preferably emits light for fluorescence excitation, and the second light source  221  preferably emits bright field light. If configured in this way, a bright field image can be captured clearly since the optical axis of the bright field light can be inclined. 
     In the microscope apparatus  100  according to the third aspect, the second light source  221  preferably has a planar shape, a linear shape, or a punctate shape. If configured in this way, the second light source  221  can be arrange compactly since a second light source  221  of thin planar shape, a linear shape, or a punctate shape can be used. In the case of surface emission, the amount of light also can be easily increased, so that clear imaging can be performed. In the case of linear light emission or punctate light emission, it is only necessary to arrange a needed amount of light emitters, so that the apparatus configuration can be simplified. 
     In the microscope apparatus  100  according to the third aspect, the second light source  221  preferably includes at least one of a halogen lamp, a tungsten lamp, a mercury lamp, a xenon lamp, and a light emitting element. If configured in this way, light can be irradiated on the sample setting unit  11  with a halogen lamp, a tungsten lamp, a mercury lamp, a xenon lamp, or a light emitting element. 
     It is possible to reliably suppress the entry of external light into the sample setting unit, accurately capture weak light, and suppress the influence of heat on the sample. A clear image also can be captured when imaging is performed by light from above. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views showing an example of a microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing an example of a microscope system; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing an example of a second cover of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view showing a sample setting unit and a second cover of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  is a view showing a first modification of the second cover of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 6  is a view showing a second modification of the second cover of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 7  is a view showing a third modification of the second cover of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 8  is a view showing a fourth modification of the second cover of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a substrate disposed inside the microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view showing an example of a microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an example of a microscope apparatus viewed from the back side; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the housing unit of the microscope apparatus and the first cover are separated from each other; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating the connection of the substrate of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 15  is a view illustrating the connection between the housing unit of the microscope apparatus and the first cover; 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagram showing an example of a control structure of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 17  is a rear view showing an example of a microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 18  is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control structure of a microscope system; 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  are schematic perspective views showing a configuration of a first modification of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIGS. 20A and 20B  are schematic perspective views showing a configuration of a second modification of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIGS. 21A and 21B  are schematic perspective views showing the configuration of a third modification of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 22  is a block diagram showing a control structure of a third modification of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 23  is a block diagram illustrating an example of a structure of a light source of a microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 24  is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the display unit of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 25  is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen on the display unit of the microscope apparatus; 
         FIG. 26  is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image capturing process; 
         FIG. 27  is a flowchart showing an example of a super-resolution image creation process; and 
         FIG. 28  is a block diagram showing a conventional microscope apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     General Structure of Microscope Apparatus 
     An overview of the microscope apparatus  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     The microscope apparatus  100  is an apparatus for enlarging and displaying a sample placed on the sample setting unit  11 . The sample is a biological sample, such as cells, collected from a subject (specimen donor). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , the microscope apparatus  100  includes a housing unit  10  and a first cover  20 . The microscope apparatus  100  includes an imaging unit  10   d  and a sample setting unit  11 . The imaging unit  10   d  includes an objective lens  12 , a first light source  13 , and an imaging element  14 . The sample setting unit  11  is provided on the upper surface (the surface on the Z 1  direction side) of the housing unit  10 . The objective lens  12 , the first light source  13 , and the imaging element  14  are provided inside the housing unit  10 . The microscope apparatus  100  includes a display unit  21 . The display unit  21  is provided on the front surface (the surface on the Y 1  direction side) of the first cover  20 . The display surface  21   a  of the display unit  21  is disposed on the front side of the first cover  20 . The microscope apparatus  100  includes a first drive unit  10  that moves the first cover  20  relative to the housing unit  10 . The microscope apparatus  100  includes a second cover  22 . The second cover  22  is disposed in the inside of the first cover  20 . The second cover  22  is provided with a second light source  221 . 
     Hereinafter, two directions orthogonal to each other in a plane parallel to the installation surface of the microscope apparatus  100  (that is, a horizontal plane) are defined as an X direction and a Y direction, respectively. As shown in  FIG. 1B , the microscope apparatus  100  has a substantially rectangular outer shape that extends along the X direction and the Y direction in plan view. The X direction is the left-right direction of the microscope apparatus  100 , and the Y direction is the front-rear direction of the microscope apparatus  100 . The Y 1  direction is the front direction of the apparatus main body, and the Y 2  direction is the rear direction of the apparatus main body. The vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane is designated the Z direction. The Z 1  direction is the upward direction, and the Z 2  direction is the downward direction. 
     The first cover  20  is relatively movable together with the display unit  21  with respect to the housing unit  10  to a first position (see  FIG. 1A ) at which the sample setting unit  11  is covered by the first cover  20 , and a second position (see  FIG. 1B ) at which the cover  20  is open and the sample setting unit  11  is exposed. Specifically, the first cover  20  is relatively movable to the first position (light shielded position) and the second position (open position) by sliding relative to the housing unit  10  in a direction substantially parallel to the installation surface of the housing unit  10 . The sample is set on the sample setting unit  11  in a state where the first cover  20  is relatively moved to the second position with respect to the housing unit  10 . The sample in the sample setting unit  11  is imaged with the first cover  20  relatively moved to the first position with respect to the housing unit  10 . 
     The imaging unit  10   d  images the sample placed in the sample setting unit  11 . Specifically, the imaging unit  10   d  collects light from the sample via the objective lens  12  and images the sample with the imaging element  14 . Light from the first light source  13  irradiates the sample and the imaging unit  10   d  captures an image by fluorescence. For example, the imaging unit  10   d  irradiates laser light from the first light source  13  to excite the sample, and images the fluorescence given off from the sample. That is, the imaging unit  10   d  captures a fluorescent image. Light from the second light source  221  irradiates the sample and the imaging unit  10   d  captures a bright field image. That is, when the first cover  20  and the second cover  22  are closed, it is possible to capture an image by irradiating light from the second light source  221  and to narrowly restrict an imaging region for performing fluorescence observation from the captured image. When the imaging region is narrowly restricted, it is possible to stop the irradiation of the light of the second light source  221  and continue to perform imaging by fluorescence observation since the first cover  20  and the second cover  22  are closed. 
     The sample setting unit  11  is provided in the housing unit  10 . The housing unit  10  includes an internal imaging unit  10   d.    
     The first light source  13  irradiates the sample setting unit  11  with light for fluorescence excitation. For example, the first light source  13  irradiates the sample setting unit  11  with a laser beam of a specific wavelength. That is, the first light source  13  irradiates light for fluorescence excitation that excites the sample. 
     The second cover  22  is provided separately from the first cover  20 . The second cover  22  covers the sample setting unit  11  within the first cover  20 . The second cover  22  also is movable in the first cover  20  between a closed state that covers the sample setting unit  11  and an open state that exposes the sample setting unit  11 . The second cover  22  covers the sample setting unit  11  within the first cover  20  so as to insulate the sample setting unit  11 . That is, it is preferable that the second cover  22  is formed with a material which has thermal insulation properties. For example, the second cover may be formed of a heat insulating material such as an ABS resin or a PCABS resin, a metal provided with a heat insulating material, or the like. 
     The second light source  221  is provided separately from the first light source  13 . The second light source  221  can irradiate the sample setting unit  11  with light when the second cover  22  is closed. That is, the second light source  221  is disposed in the space covered by the second cover  22  and can irradiate the sample setting unit  11  with light. The second light source  221  emits light when performing bright field imaging. The second light source  221  does not irradiate light when performing fluorescence imaging. 
     As described above, the first cover  20  is provided so as to move to the first position that covers the sample setting unit  11 , and the second cover  22  is provided so as to cover the sample setting unit  11  in the first cover  20 . In this way, since the sample setting unit  11  can be covered twice by the first cover  20  and the second cover  22 , even if a slight gap is generated between the first cover  20  and the housing, the arrival of external light to the sample setting unit  11  can be reliably suppressed by the second cover  22 . As a result, it is possible to reliably suppress entry of light from the outside into the sample setting unit  11  and accurately capture weak light. Since the sample setting unit  11  can be covered by the second cover  22 , it also is possible to suppress the heat generated from the imaging unit  10   d  and the like disposed inside the housing unit  10  from being transmitted to the sample setting unit  11 . In this way the influence on the sample by heat can be reduced. By providing the second light source  221  that irradiates the sample setting unit  11  with light in a state in which the second cover  22  is closed, imaging can be performed with the first cover  20  and the second cover  22  closed, since the second light source  221  can irradiate the sample setting unit  11  in a closed state in which the external light does not reach the sample setting unit  11 . In this way, it is possible to perform imaging with fluorescence without performing the operation of closing the first cover  20  and the second cover  22  after adjusting the position of the sample for imaging the sample with light irradiated from the second light source  221 . As a result, it is possible to suppress the sample from being displaced due to vibrations when closing the first cover  20  and the second cover  22 , and it is possible to suppress an increase in imaging time. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the first cover  20  is substantially parallel to the installation surface of the housing unit  10  and is relatively slidable with regard to the housing unit  10  in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the housing unit  10 . Specifically, the first cover  20  is moved with respect to the hosing  10  and the installation surface in a state wherein the housing unit  10  does not move with respect to the installation surface. The first cover  20  is configured to be movable relative to the housing unit  10  in a direction substantially parallel to the display surface  21   a  of the display unit  21 . In other words, the first cover  20  can be moved relative to the housing unit  10  in a direction (X direction) that is substantially perpendicular to a side surface (side surfaces in the X 1  direction and the X 2  direction) intersecting the front surface of the housing unit  10 . The first cover  20  also can be moved relative to the sample setting unit  11  in the horizontal direction. In this way enlargement of the microscope apparatus  100  in the vertical direction can be avoided compared with when the first cover  20  is moved orthogonally to the vertical direction with respect to the sample setting unit  11 . 
     The first cover  20  is moved relative to the housing unit  10  by the first drive unit  10   a  via external control. For example, the first cover  20  is relatively moved to the first position (light-shielding position) and the second position (open position) by driving the first drive unit  10   a  based on a user operation or a program. The first drive unit  10   a  includes, for example, a motor and a belt-pulley mechanism. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , a sample is placed in the sample setting unit  11 . The sample setting unit  11  is disposed on the upper surface (surface in the Z 1  direction) of the housing unit  10 , which is substantially parallel to the installation surface of the housing unit  10 . In this way, when the first cover  20  is relatively moved to the second position (open position), the upper part of the sample setting unit  11  can be opened, so that the sample setting part  11  can be easily accessed. 
     The sample setting unit  11  is provided in the housing unit  10  at a position lower than the horizontal surface  20   a  of the first cover  20 . In this way the upper part of the sample setting unit  11  can be opened, and the user can easily perform the sample setting operation on the sample setting unit  11  from above the sample setting unit  11 . 
     The sample setting unit  11  is provided in a concave shape on the upper surface of the housing unit  10  so that a portion, except for one side in the horizontal direction and the upper side, is circumscribed by a wall. For example, the sample setting unit  11  is provided in a concave shape on the upper surface of the housing unit  10  so that portions other than the front side and the upper side of the housing unit  10  are surrounded by a wall. Specifically, the sample setting unit  11  includes a wall part  111  provided in the Y 2  direction and a wall part  112  arranged so as to face the X direction. The sample setting unit  11  is surrounded by the wall part  111  and a pair of wall parts  112  on the X 1  direction side, the X 2  direction side, and the Y 2  direction side. When the first cover  20  is located at the second position (open position), the sample setting unit  11  is open on the upper side and in one horizontal direction. For example, when the first cover  20  is located at the second position, the sample setting unit  11  is open upward (Z 1  direction) and forward (Y 1  direction). 
     The sample setting unit  11  is disposed near the end of the housing unit  10  in the direction in which the first cover  20  moves relative to the housing unit  10 . The sample setting unit  11  is disposed on the upper surface near the end in the X direction of the housing unit  10 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , the sample setting unit  11  is disposed in the vicinity of the end of the housing unit  10  on the X 1  direction side. In this way, enlargement of the microscope apparatus  100  can be avoided when the first cover  20  moves to the second position since the first cover  20  is moved to the second position (open position) by moving the first cover  20  relative to the casing  10  by a length corresponding to the width of the sample setting unit  11 . 
     The sample setting unit  11  includes a stage  11   a . The stage  11   a  is movable in the horizontal direction (X direction and Y direction) and in the vertical direction (Z direction). The stage  11   a  can move independently in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. In this way it is possible to enlarge and view a desired position of the sample since the sample can be moved relative to the objective lens  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , the objective lens  12  is disposed in the vicinity of the stage  11   a  of the sample setting unit  11 . The objective lens  12  is arranged close to the lower side (Z 2  direction) of the stage  11   a  of the sample setting unit  11 . The objective lens  12  is provided so as to face the sample setting unit  11  in the vertical direction (Z direction). The objective lens  12  is arranged so that the optical axis is substantially perpendicular to the sample setting surface on which the sample is place on the sample setting unit  11 . The objective lens  12  is arranged facing upward. The objective lens  12  can be moved relative to the sample setting unit  11  in the vertical direction (Z direction). The objective lens  12  is disposed so as to have a longitudinal direction in the vertical direction. That is, the objective lens  12  is disposed so as to have an optical axis in a substantially vertical direction. The objective lens  12  includes a plurality of lenses. The objective lens  12  can enlarge the sample at a predetermined magnification. The objective lens  12  includes an immersion lens. That is, the objective lens  12  is used by dripping of oil such as silicone oil or liquid such as glycerin or water. Note that the objective lens  12  need not be an immersion lens. The objective lens  12  also may be used without dripping liquid. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the first light source  13  can irradiate light on the sample. The first light source  13  irradiates light on the sample through the objective lens  12 . The first light source  13  irradiates light on the sample from the same side as the imaging element  14 . The first light source  13  can output light having a predetermined wavelength. The first light source  13  can output light having a plurality of different wavelengths. That is, the first light source  13  can output different types of light. The first light source  13  includes a light emitting element. The light emitting element includes, for example, an LED element or a laser element. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , the imaging element  14  can image a sample based on the light emitted from the first light source  13 . Specifically, the imaging element  14  can capture a still image or a moving image of the sample based on light from the sample irradiated by light emitted from the first light source  13 . The imaging element includes, for example, a CCD element and a CMOS element. The imaging element  14  can perform high-sensitivity imaging. That is, the imaging element  14  can capture an image based on weak light. The imaging element  14  images the sample based on the light of the second light source  221  provided on the side opposite to the objective lens  12  (Z 1  direction side) with respect to the sample setting unit  11 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , the display unit  21  can display an image captured by the imaging element  14 . The display unit  21  is provided integrally with the first cover  20 . The display unit  21  can display a screen for operating the microscope apparatus  100 . The display unit  21  can display a screen based on a program for imaging a sample. The display unit  21  can display a screen indicating the state of the microscope apparatus  100 . The display unit  21  can display a screen based on a signal from an external control unit. The display unit  21  is disposed on one side of the first cover  20  in the horizontal direction. For example, the display unit  21  is disposed on the front side (Y 1  direction side) of the first cover  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , the first cover  20  includes a horizontal surface  20   a , an intersecting surface  20   b , and a pair of side surfaces  20   c  arranged to face each other in the X direction. The horizontal surface  20   a  is configured to extend in a direction (XY direction) substantially parallel to the installation surface of the housing unit  10  so as to cover the sample installation unit  11  of the housing unit  10  from above. The intersecting surface  20   b  is connected to the horizontal surface  20   a , extends in a direction intersecting the horizontal surface  20   a , and is configured to cover the sample setting unit  11  of the housing unit  10  from one side substantially parallel to the setting surface. Specifically, the intersecting surface  20   b  is configured to cover the sample setting unit  11  of the housing unit  10  from the front. In this way, when the first cover  20  is relatively moved to the second position (open position), the upper side and the front side of the sample setting unit  11  can be opened, so that the sample setting unit  11  can be easily accessed. As a result, work on the sample setting unit  11  can be performed more easily. The visibility of the display unit  21  can be improved by positioning the display part  21  at the intersecting surface  20   b  since the display unit  21  can be arranged at the front surface. The side surface  20   c  is connected to the lower side of both ends in the X direction of the horizontal surface  20   a . The side surface  20   c  is formed so as to extend in the vertical direction. The side surface  20   c  is configured to cover the sample setting unit  11  of the housing unit  10  from the X direction side. The first cover  20  is formed in a substantially inverted L shape by the horizontal surface  20   a  and the intersecting surface  20   b . The display unit  21  is disposed on the intersecting surface  20   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , the first cover  20  is configured to substantially cover the entire housing unit  10  when the first cover  20  is located at the first position (light-shielding position), since the first cover  20  is substantially parallel to the installation surface of the housing unit  10 , that is, by the display unit  21  arranged on the intersecting surface  20   b  of the first cover  20  in the longitudinal direction of the housing unit  10 . The display unit  21  is disposed on substantially the entire intersecting surface  20   b . The intersecting surface  20   b  is configured to cover the entire surface on one side in the horizontal direction of the housing unit  10  when the first cover  20  is located at the first position. The display unit  21  is disposed across substantially the entire intersecting surface  20   b  of the first cover  20  in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the screen. The display unit  21  is disposed across substantially the entire intersecting surface  20   b  of the first cover  20  in the vertical direction of the screen (the direction along the Z direction). In this way, since the display part  21  can be positioned in the range which covers substantially the entire longitudinal direction (X direction) of the front surface of the housing unit  10 , the display part  21  can be enlarged. As a result, it is possible to make the display contents easy to see. 
     The display unit  21  is arranged to have a predetermined inclination relative to a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the installation surface of the housing unit  10 . In other words, the intersecting surface  20   b  of the first cover  20  is disposed so as to have a predetermined inclination relative to a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the installation surface. For example, the display unit  21  is arranged in a state of being inclined by approximately 1 degree to 30 degrees relative to a direction perpendicular to the installation surface. The display unit  21  is arranged such that the lower end (Z 2  direction end) protrudes forward (Y 1  direction) relative to the upper end (Z 1  direction end). In this way the display part  21  can be made easier to see compared with when the display unit  21  is positioned along the direction perpendicular to the installation surface. The portion of the first cover  20  where the display unit  21  is disposed has substantially the same inclination as the predetermined inclination. 
     The display unit  21  is disposed on the first cover  20  so as to have a predetermined inclination relative to the vertical direction, and to move relative to the sample setting unit  11  with the display unit  21  arranged at the predetermined inclination. In this way the display unit  21  can be relatively moved in a state having a predetermined inclination, so that the display unit  21  can be easily seen at any position. 
     The front surface (surface in the Y 1  direction) of the housing unit  10  has substantially the same inclination as the predetermined inclination of the intersecting surface  20   b . The surface of the housing unit  10  facing the portion of the first cover  20  having substantially the same inclination as the predetermined inclination has substantially the same inclination as the predetermined inclination. The front surface of the housing unit  10  and the display unit  21  are substantially parallel. 
     The second cover  22  is closed to cover the sample setting unit  11  when the first cover  20  is located at the first position (light-shielding position), and the second cover  22  is open to expose the sample setting unit  11  when the first cover  20  is located at the second position (open position). In this way the sample cover  11  can be covered twice by the first cover  20  and the second cover  22  by placing the first cover  20  in the first position and closing the second cover  22 . The sample setting unit  11  also can be easily accessed by placing the first cover  20  in the second position and opening the second cover  22 . 
     Specifically, the second cover  22  is closed after the first cover  20  moves relative to the housing unit  10  to the first position (light shielding position), and the second cover  22  is open before the first cover  20  is moved to the second position (open position) relative to the housing unit  10 . That is, when the second cover  22  is in the open state, the first cover  20  moves relative to the housing unit  10 . In this way, when the second cover  22  is in the closed state, the first cover  20  is not relatively moved, so that the second cover  22  in the closed state is prevented from interfering with the relative movement of the first cover  20 . 
     The second cover  22  is attached to the inside of the side surface  20   c  on one side (X 1  direction side) of the first cover  20 . The second cover  22  is rotatable around a rotational axis line extending in the Y direction. The second cover  22  enters the closed state which covers the sample setting unit  11  by rotating in a downward direction. The second cover  22  enters the open state in which the sample setting unit  11  is exposed by rotating in an upward direction. The second cover  22  may be switched between an open state and a closed state by sliding and moving in a horizontal direction. The second cover  22  also may be switched between an open state and a closed state by translational movement in a vertical direction. 
     The second cover  22  is driven relative to the first cover  20  by the second drive unit  223  under external control. For example, the second cover  22  is moved based on a user operation or a program such that the second drive unit  223  is driven to switch between a closed state and an open state. The second drive unit  223  includes, for example, a motor and a belt-pulley mechanism. The second cover  22  is driven by the second drive unit  223  in cooperation with opening and closing of the first cover  20 . 
     As described above, the sample setting unit  11  can be shielded from light during imaging by providing the first cover  20  which is movable relative to the housing unit  10  to the first position at which the sample setting unit  11  is shielded from external light (light-shielding position) and the second position at which the sample setting unit  11  is exposed (open position) relative to the housing unit  10 . In this way the microscope apparatus  100  can be installed and used in a bright location such as an examination room or a pathology classroom without installing the microscope apparatus  100  in a dark room. When the first cover  20  integrally provided with the display unit  21  is moved relative to the first position and the second position, the first cover  20  moves together with the display unit  21  so as to avoid blocking access to the sample setting unit when the first cover  20  is moved to the second position. In this way operations such as arranging a sample on the sample setting unit  11  can be easily performed. When the first cover  20  is moved to the second position, the display unit  21  does not get in the way when accessing the sample setting unit  11 , and the display unit  21  therefore can be maximally enlarged. In this way the enlarged and displayed sample can be confirmed in detail. 
     Structural Example of Microscope System 
     Next, a specific structural example of the microscope system  300  will be described with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the microscope system  300  includes a microscope apparatus  100  and a control unit  200 . The microscope apparatus  100  and the control unit  200  are connected to each other so that signals can be transmitted and received. For example, the microscope apparatus  100  and the control unit  200  are connected to be communicable with each other by wire or wirelessly. 
     The control unit  200  is configured to control the microscope apparatus  100 . The control unit  200  is configured by a computer, for example, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and the like. The control unit  200  controls the sample imaging process performed by the microscope apparatus  100 . The control unit  200  controls the movement of the first cover  20  of the microscope apparatus  100  between the first position (light shielding position) and the second position (open position). The control unit  200  controls the movement of the second cover  22  of the microscope apparatus  100  between the closed state and the open state. The control unit  200  controls the microscope apparatus  100  based on a program. The control unit  200  can perform image processing on an image captured by the microscope apparatus  100 . The control unit  200  can output the processed image to the microscope apparatus  100  and display it on the display unit  21  of the microscope apparatus  100 . The control unit  200  can display an image based on the program on the display unit  21  of the microscope apparatus  100 . 
     Next, a specific structural example of the second cover  22  of the microscope apparatus  100  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the second cover  22  is formed in a plate shape. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the second cover  22  also is provided with a second light source  221  on the side of the second cover  22  that faces the sample setting unit  11 . In this way it is possible to easily irradiate light from the second light source  221  to the sample setting unit  11  with the second cover  22  closed. Since a light guide member such as an optical fiber is rendered unnecessary by arranging the second light source  221  directly on the side of the second cover  22  that faces the sample setting unit  11 , the illumination configuration can be simplified. 
     The second light source  221  includes a light emitter having a planar shape, a linear shape, or a punctate shape. In this way a thin light emitting body having a planar shape, a linear shape, or a punctate shape can be disposed on the second cover  22 , and the second light source  221  can be disposed on the second cover  22  compactly. 
     The second cover  22  includes a protrusion  222  that surrounds the second light source  221  in a frame shape and is formed to protrude toward the sample setting unit  11 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the sample setting unit  11  includes a concavity  113  into which the protrusion  222  is accommodated when the second cover  22  is in a closed state. Accordingly, the protrusion  222  of the second cover  22  enters the concavity  113  of the sample setting unit  11 , thereby suppressing a gap where light directly enters between the second cover  22  and the sample setting unit  11 , and light is more effectively suppressed from entering the sample setting unit  11 . 
     The second light source  221  is arranged so that the optical axis is shifted from the optical axis of the first light source  13 . In this way the optical axis of the first light source  13  can be directed in a direction suitable for imaging light from below by the first light source  13 , and the second light source  221  can be directed in the direction suitable for imaging light from above. In this way both the imaging by the light from above and the imaging by the light from below can be captured clearly. 
     For example, the second light source  221  is arranged such that the optical axis is inclined with respect to the optical axis of the first light source  13 . In this way light can be irradiated from the direction suitable for both light sources, respectively, since the optical axis direction of the first light source  13  and the optical axis direction of the second light source  221  can be shifted mutually. 
     The second light source  221  irradiates the sample with light from a direction oblique to the optical axis of the objective lens  12  provided in the sample setting unit  11 . That is, the second light source  221  is provided on the cover  22  so as to be inclined. In this way the sample can be imaged with enhanced contrast compared with when light is irradiated in parallel with the optical axis of the objective lens  12 . Note that the second light source  221  may be arranged so as to irradiate light parallel to the optical axis of the objective lens  12 . 
     The second light source  221  may include at least one of a halogen lamp, a tungsten lamp, a mercury lamp, a xenon lamp, and a light emitting element. When a halogen lamp, a tungsten lamp, a mercury lamp, or a xenon lamp is used as the second light source  221 , the light may be guided to the sample setting unit  11  by an optical fiber, a mirror, or the like. 
     The second light source  221  is formed so as not to irradiate light from a portion through which the optical axis of the first light source  13  passes. In this way the optical axis of the light of the second light source  221  can be easily shifted relative to the optical axis of the light of the first light source  13 . That is, the optical axis of the second light source  221  may be parallel to the optical axis of the first light source  13  as long as it is deviated from the optical axis of the first light source  13 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the second light source  221  may be provided with a light-opaque light blocking member  2211  substantially at the center of the light emitter. In this way it is possible to suppress the light irradiated in parallel with the optical axis of the objective lens  12  from reaching the sample setting unit  11 . The light blocking member  2211  is, for example, a light shielding seal. The light blocking member  2211  is formed of a resin material or a metal material. 
     The second light source  221  may be provided in linear form on both sides of the center of the second cover  22 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the second light source  221  also may be provided in a rectangular circumferential shape so as to surround the center of the second cover  22 . The second light source  221  may be provided in circular periphery shape so that the center of the second cover  22  may be circumscribed, as shown in  FIG. 8 . Note that the shape and arrangement of the second light source  221  need not be bilaterally symmetrical or point symmetrical. 
     Structural Example of Optical System 
     Next, a structural example of the optical system of the microscope apparatus  100  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the microscope apparatus  100  includes an objective lens  12 , a first light source  13 , an imaging element  14 , a first optical element  15 , a filter  16   a , second optical elements  16   b ,  16   c ,  16   f , and  16   g , lenses  16   d ,  16   e ,  16   h , reflectors  17   a ,  17   b , and  17   d , and a lens  17   c . Objective lens  12 , first light source  13 , imaging element  14 , first optical element  15 , filter  16   a , second optical elements  16   b ,  16   c ,  16   f  and  16   g , lenses  16   d ,  16   e , and  16   h , reflectors  17   a ,  17   b  and  17   d , and the lens  17   c  are disposed inside the housing unit  10 . 
     The first optical element  15  is configured to reflect the light emitted from the first light source  13  in the optical axis direction of the objective lens  12 , and transmit the light from the sample. The first optical element  15  includes, for example, a dichroic mirror. That is, the first optical element  1  is configured to reflect the light having the wavelength irradiated from the first light source  13 , and transmit the wavelength of the light generated from the sample. 
     The filter  16   a  is configured to transmit light of a predetermined wavelength and block light of other wavelengths, or to block light of a predetermined wavelength and transmit light of other wavelengths. In other words, light having a desired wavelength is transmitted by the filter  16   a  and reaches the imaging element  14 . 
     The second optical elements  16   b ,  16   c ,  16   f , and  16   g  are configured to reflect light from the sample toward the imaging element  14 . The second optical elements  16   b ,  16   c ,  16   f , and  16   g  include a reflector. The second optical elements  16   b ,  16   c ,  16   f , and  16   g  include, for example, mirrors. 
     The reflectors  17   a ,  17   b , and  17   d  are configured to reflect the light from the first light source  13  toward the objective lens  12 . The reflectors  17   a ,  17   b , and  17   d  include, for example, a mirror. 
     The light emitted from the first light source  13  is reflected by the reflector  17   a  and enters the reflector  17   b . The light that has entered the reflector  17   b  is reflected and enters the reflector  17   d  through the lens  17   c . The light that has entered the reflector  17   d  is reflected and enters the first optical element  15 . The light incident on the first optical element  15  is reflected and reaches the sample setting unit  11  via the objective lens  12  and irradiates the sample. 
     The light emitted from the sample based on the light of the first light source  13  enters the first optical element  15  through the objective lens  12 . The light incident on the first optical element  15  is transmitted and enters the second optical element  16   b  via the filter  16   a . The light incident on the second optical element  16   b  is reflected and incident on the second optical element  16   c . The light incident on the second optical element  16   c  is reflected and enters the second optical element  16   f  via the lenses  16   d  and  16   e . The light incident on the second optical element  16   f  is reflected and incident on the second optical element  16   g . The light incident on the second optical element  16   g  is reflected and reaches the imaging element  14  via the lens  16   h . The imaging element  14  captures an enlarged image of the sample based on the received light. 
     The first light source  13  is arranged at a position where the direction is changed at least once so that the light from the first light source  13  travels in a substantially vertical direction (Z direction) and enters the objective lens  12 . That is, the first light source  13  is arranged at a position offset relative to the optical axis of the objective lens  12 . In this way, when the objective lens  12  is arranged in a substantially vertical direction, it is not necessary to provide the first light source  13  on an extension line of the objective lens  12  in the optical axis direction, and thus an increase of size of the microscope apparatus  100  in the vertical direction is avoided. 
     The imaging element  14  is disposed at a position where the light from the sample is altered from a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis of the objective lens  12  so as to enter the imaging element  14 . That is, the imaging element  14  is disposed at a position offset relative to the optical axis of the objective lens  12 . In this way, since it is unnecessary to provide the imaging element  14  on an extension line in the optical axis direction of light from the sample, it is possible to suppress an increase of the size of the microscope apparatus  100  in the vertical direction. Note that the direction of the light from the sample need not be changed from the direction substantially parallel to the optical axis of the objective lens  12  until the light enters the imaging element  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the microscope apparatus  100  includes a substrate  18  disposed inside the housing unit  10 , and on which the objective lens  12 , first light source  13 , and imaging element  14  are arranged so that the optical axis is substantially perpendicular to the sample setting unit  11 . The substrate  18  is positioned so as to be substantially perpendicular relative to the installation surface of the housing unit  10  (refer  FIG. 11 ). The substrate  18  is disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the optical axis of the objective lens  12 . Specifically, the substrate  18  is disposed so as to extend along the XZ plane. In this way, since the objective lens  12 , the first light source  13 , and the imaging element  14  can be arranged on the common substrate  18 , deviation of the positional relationship of the parts of the optical system can be suppressed. 
     The housing unit  10  has an internal space that extends in one direction. The objective lens  12  is arranged so that the optical axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the housing unit  10 . The first light source  13  and the imaging element  14  are arranged on the same side (X 2  direction side) relative to the objective lens  12  in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the housing unit  10 . In this way an increase of the size of the microscope apparatus  100  in the vertical direction can be suppressed. 
     The first optical element  15  and the second optical elements  16   b ,  16   c ,  16   f , and  16   g  are disposed on the substrate  18 . In this way, it is possible to suppress displacement of the relative positional relationship between the element  15  and the second optical elements  16   b ,  16   c ,  16   f , and  16   g  since the first light source  13 , the first optical element  15 , and the second optical elements  16   b ,  16   c ,  16   f , and  16   g  can be arranged on the common substrate  18 . 
     The sample setting unit  11  is attached to the substrate  18  by both ends. That is, the sample setting unit  11  is supported by two pillars extending from the substrate  18  in the horizontal direction. In this way shifting of an imaging position at the time of imaging is suppressed since the sample setting part  11  can be supported stably. 
     Example of Connection Structure of Housing and First Cover 
     Next, an example of a connection structure between the housing unit  10  and the first cover  20  of the microscope apparatus  100  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 12 to 15 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the housing unit  10  includes an engaging part  10   b  that protrudes upward (Z 1  direction). The first cover  20  includes a concavity  23  that engages with the engaging part  10   b  of the housing unit  10 . The concavity  23  is formed so as to be recessed in the vertical direction. The concavity  23  is formed to extend in the X direction. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the concavity  23  of the first cover  20  engages with the engaging part  10   b  of the housing unit  10 . In this way the first cover  20  is connected to the housing unit  10  so that a movement in the X direction is possible. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the substrate  18  disposed inside the housing unit  10  includes a connection terminal  181 , a flex cable  182 , and a connection terminal  183 . The connection terminal  181  can be connected to the substrate  18 . The flex cable  182  connects the connection terminals  181  and  183  to each other. The connection terminal  183  can be connected to a substrate provided on the first cover  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the display unit  21  is electrically connected to the housing unit  10  so as to be movable with respect to the housing unit  10 . In this way electrical power can be supplied to the display unit  21  which moves relatively with the first cover  20  with regard too the housing unit  10 , and electrical signals can be sent and received to/from the display unit  21 . 
     Structural Example of Controller and Fan 
     Next, a structural example of the controller  192  of the microscope apparatus  100  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 16 to 18 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the microscope apparatus  100  includes a substrate  19 . The substrate  19  is provided with a power source  191 , a controller  192 , and a plurality of fans  193 . The substrate  19  is disposed below the interior of the housing unit  10  (see  FIG. 11 ). The substrate  19  is arranged so that it may become horizontal. The power source  191  is supplied with external power. The power source  191  supplies the supplied power to each part of the microscope apparatus  100 . For example, the power source  191  supplies power to the first light source  13 , the second light source  221 , the imaging element  14 , the display unit  21 , the first drive unit  10   a , the second drive unit  223 , the controller  192 , the fan  193 , and the like. 
     The controller  192  controls each part of the microscope apparatus  100 . For example, the controller  192  controls light irradiation by the first light source  13 . The controller  192  controls the drive of the first drive unit  10   a . The controller  192  controls light irradiation by the second light source  221 . The controller  192  controls the drive of the second drive unit  223 . The controller  192  controls each part of the microscope apparatus  100  based on control by the control unit  200 . The controller  192  is disposed inside the housing unit  10  in a region (see  FIG. 11 ) that is partitioned from a region where the objective lens  12 , the first light source  13 , and the imaging element  14  are disposed. Specifically, it is partitioned by a partition member  10   c . A substrate  18  is disposed above the partition member  10   c . A substrate  19  is disposed below the partition member  10   c . In this way the controller  192  can be disposed separately from the objective lens  12 , the first light source  13 , and the imaging element  14 , so that heat generated by the controller  192  is not transmitted to the objective lens  12 , the first light source  13 , and the imaging element  14 . The light shielding property of the objective lens  12 , the first light source  13 , and the imaging element  14  can be enhanced by a member that partitions the region in which the controller  192  is disposed. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the fan  193  is configured to cool the inside of the housing unit  10 . Specifically, the fan  193  is configured to be driven to take in air from the outside into the housing unit  10 , circulate the intake air, and discharge the circulated air from the exhaust port  193   a . A pair of fans  193  are provided along the X direction. The fan  193  is provided on the lower side (Z 2  direction side) of the rear surface side (Y 2  direction side) of the housing unit  10 . The operation of the fan  193  is stopped during the imaging of the sample by the imaging element  14 . In this way it is possible to prevent vibration caused by the fan  193  from being transmitted to the imaging element  14 , the sample setting unit  11  and the like during imaging, so that the sample can be imaged with high accuracy. Note that the fan  193  does not have to stop operation during imaging of the sample by the imaging device  14 . In this way the inside of the housing unit  10  can be efficiently cooled even during imaging. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , the controller  192  is connected to the control unit  200 . The control unit  200  includes a processing unit  201 , a storage unit  202 , and an interface  203 . The control unit  200  is connected to the input unit  204 . The controller  192  is connected to the processing unit  201  via the interface  203 . The processing unit  201  includes, for example, a CPU and controls the operation of the microscope apparatus  100 . The storage unit  202  includes, for example, an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), and the like, and stores information and programs executed by the control unit  200 . The input unit  204  receives user operations. The input unit  204  includes, for example, a mouse and a keyboard. The input unit  204  is connected to the processing unit  201  via the interface  203 . 
     Microscope Apparatus Structure of a First Modification) 
     Next, the configuration of the microscope apparatus  400  according to a first modification will be described with reference to  FIGS. 19A and 19B . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 19A and 19B , the microscope apparatus  400  includes a housing unit  410  and a first cover  420 . The housing unit  410  is provided with a sample setting unit  411 . A display unit  421  is integrally provided on the first cover  420 . The sample setting unit  411  is provided with a second cover  22  that covers the sample setting unit  411 . As shown in  FIG. 19B , the first cover  420  is disposed on the front surface side (Y 1  direction side) of the housing unit  410 . The first cover  420  has a flat plate shape extending along a plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the installation surface of the housing unit  410 . 
     The first cover  420  is configured to be movable between a first position (light shielding position) and a second position (open position) by sliding along the vertical direction (Z direction). The moving direction of the first cover  420  is substantially parallel to the plane direction in which the display unit  421  extends. That is, when the display unit  421  is arranged with a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction (Z direction), the moving direction of the first cover  420  is a direction inclined with a predetermined angle relative to the vertical direction (Z direction). As shown in  FIG. 19B , when the first cover  420  is positioned at the second position, the front side (Y 1  direction side) of the sample setting unit  411  is opened. In this case, the second cover  22  is also opened. The sample setting unit  411  is disposed on the X 1  direction side of the housing unit  410 . The sample setting unit  411  is disposed on the upper side (Z 1  direction side) of the housing unit  410  in the vertical direction (Z direction). 
     Microscope Apparatus Structure of Second Modification 
     Next, with reference to  FIGS. 20A and 20B , the structure of the microscope apparatus  500  of a second modification is described. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 20A and 20B , the microscope apparatus  500  includes a housing unit  510  and a first cover  520 . The housing unit  510  is provided with a sample setting unit  511 . The first cover  520  is integrally provided with a display unit  521 . The sample setting unit  511  is provided with a second cover  22  that covers the sample setting unit  511 . As shown in  FIG. 20B , the first cover  520  is disposed on the front surface side (Y 1  direction side) of the housing unit  510 . The first cover  520  has a flat plate shape extending along a plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the installation surface of the housing unit  510 . 
     The first cover  520  is configured to be movable between a first position (light-shielding position) and a second position (open position) by sliding along the horizontal direction (X direction). As shown in  FIG. 20B , when the first cover  520  is located at the second position, the front side (Y 1  direction side) of the sample setting unit  511  is opened. In this case, the second cover  22  is also opened. The sample setting unit  511  is movable in the forward direction (Y 1  direction). Accordingly, when the sample setting unit  511  is moved forward, the upper side (Z 1  direction) of the sample setting unit  511  is also opened. The sample setting unit  511  is disposed on the X 1  direction side of the housing unit  510 . The sample setting unit  511  is disposed on the upper side (Z 1  direction side) of the housing unit  510  in the vertical direction (Z direction). 
     Microscope Apparatus Structure of Third Modification 
     Next, with reference to  FIGS. 21A and 21B , and  FIG. 22 , the structure of the microscope apparatus  600  of a third modification is described. 
     As shown in  FIG. 21B , the microscope apparatus  600  includes a housing unit  610  and a first cover  620 . The housing unit  610  is provided with a sample setting unit  611 . A display unit  621  is integrally provided on the first cover  620 . The sample setting unit  611  is provided with a second cover  22  that covers the sample setting unit  611 . As shown in  FIGS. 21A and 21B , the first cover  620  is disposed on the front surface side (Y 1  direction side) of the housing unit  610 . The first cover  620  has a flat plate shape that extends along a plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the installation surface of the housing unit  610 . 
     The first cover  620  is configured to be movable between a first position (light shielding position) and a second position (open position) by sliding along the horizontal direction (X direction). As shown in  FIG. 21B , when the first cover  620  is located at the second position, the front side (Y 1  direction side) of the sample setting unit  611  is opened. In this case, the second cover  22  is also opened. The sample setting unit  611  is disposed on the X 1  direction side of the housing unit  610 . The sample setting unit  611  is disposed near the center of the housing unit  610  in the vertical direction (Z direction). 
     As shown in  FIG. 22 , the objective lens  12 , the first light source  13 , the imaging element  14 , the actuator  611   a , the first optical element  15 , the filter  16   a , the second optical element  16   b , and a lens  16   h  are provided on the substrate  18  of the microscope apparatus  600 . The objective lens  12  is disposed below (Z 2  direction) the sample setting unit  611 . The sample setting unit  611  is disposed such that the distance D 1  between the installation surface of the housing unit  10  and the sample setting unit  611  is longer than the length D 2  of the objective lens  12  in the optical axis direction. In this way since the optical axis of the objective lens  12  can be arranged in the vertical direction (Z direction), the objective lens  12  can be easily brought near the sample in the optical axis direction when the sample setting unit  611  is set in the horizontal direction. 
     Structural Example of Light Source 
     Next, a structural example of the first light source  13  will be described with reference to  FIG. 23 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 23 , the first light source  13  includes a first light source  131   a  for fluorescence excitation, a second light source  131   b  for fluorescence excitation, a mirror  132   a , a dichroic mirror  132   b , and a fan  133 . The first light source  131   a  and the second light source  131   b  output light having different wavelengths. The first light source  131   a  outputs light in a specific wavelength region. The second light source  131   b  outputs light in a specific wavelength region different from that of the first light source  131   a . Each of the first light source  131   a  and the second light source  131   b  can output a laser beam. Note that the light output from the first light source  131   a  and the second light source  131   b  may be light in the visible light region, or may be light in the far infrared region, the near infrared region, the near ultraviolet region, or the far ultraviolet region or light in the invisible light region. 
     The light output from the first light source  131   a  is reflected by the mirror  132   a , passes through the dichroic mirror  132   b , and output from the first light source  13 . The light output from the second light  131   b  is reflected by the dichroic mirror  132   b  and output from the first light source  13 . In this way the light output from the first light source  131   a  and the light output from the second light source  131   b  are output from the first light source  13  such that the optical axes thereof are coincident with each other. 
     The first light source  131   a  irradiates the sample with light having a wavelength for activating a part of a plurality of dyes bonded to the sample. The second light source  131   b  irradiates the sample with light having a wavelength for deactivating the plurality of dyes that have been activated. The imaging element  14  is configured so that the light emitted from the one part of the stain which became activated among several stains may be imaged. In this way an image can be captured based on light emission of a part of the stain in an active state. The imaging element  14  is configured to image the sample a plurality of times. The display unit  21  is configured to display an image obtained by combining a plurality of images captured by the imaging element  14 . 
     Some of the stains bound to the sample emit light. The stain is bound to each cell molecule. The fluorescent image captured by sequential excitation of stains multiple times, that is, the fluorescence position of the stain, are acquired more accurately. Then, a plurality of images are superimposed. In this case, the fluorescence position of the stain is obtained with high accuracy in units of one molecule. By superimposing the fluorescent images acquired with the positional accuracy for each molecule, it is possible to acquire a super-resolution image exceeding the resolution limit. 
     The fan  133  is disposed inside the housing unit  10  and is provided to cool the first light source  13 . Specifically, the fan  133  is configured to generate an air flow around the first light source  13  when driven to remove heat generated from the first light source  13 . The operation of the fan  133  is stopped during the imaging of the sample by the imaging device  14 . In this way it is possible to prevent vibration generated by the fan  133  from being transmitted to the imaging element  14 , the sample setting unit  11  and the like during imaging, and thus it is possible to image the sample with high accuracy. Note that the fan  133  does not have to stop operating during imaging of the sample by the imaging element  14 . In this way it also is possible to cool the first light source  13  efficiently during imaging. 
     Display Screen Examples of Display Unit 
     Next, an example of display screens displayed on the display unit  21  will be described with reference to  FIG. 24 . 
     In the example of the display screen shown in  FIG. 24 , when the sample is being imaged in the microscope apparatus  100 , the display for control and the display for analysis are displayed on the display unit  21 . The control display includes a camera screen display, an imaging parameter setting display, a sample setting unit moving operation display, an imaging parameter monitor display, and a first cover opening/closing operation display. The analysis display includes a super-resolution image display and a super-resolution image analysis parameter setting display. 
     In the camera screen display, a real-time camera screen imaged by the imaging element  14  is displayed. In the imaging parameter setting display, imaging parameters of the imaging process in the microscope apparatus  100  are displayed. In the imaging parameter setting display, for example, a display for adjusting the power of the laser beam output from the first light source  13  is displayed. For example, an operation screen for moving the position of the sample setting unit  11  is displayed on the sample setting unit moving operation display. Monitor information is displayed on the imaging parameter monitor display. In the imaging parameter monitor display, for example, the position of the sample setting unit  11 , the power of the laser light of the first light source  13 , the temperature of the imaging element  14 , the imaging time, the time until the end of imaging, and the like are displayed. In the first cover opening/closing operation display, for example, an operation screen for moving the first cover  20  to the first position (light shielding position) and the second position (open position) is displayed. 
     A super-resolution image is displayed in the super-resolution image display. Note that the data of the super-resolution image has a size of about several thousand pixels square to tens of thousands of pixels square. Here, it is preferable that the area of the display unit  21  is larger since the display area of super-resolution image display can be increased as the size of the display unit  21  is larger. In the super-resolution image analysis parameter setting display, analysis parameters for super-resolution imaging are displayed. In the super-resolution image analysis parameter setting display, for example, the irradiation order of the laser light output from the first light source  13  and the number of images to be captured are displayed. 
     Display Unit Operation Screen Example 
     Next, an example of an operation screen displayed on the display unit  21  will be described with reference to  FIG. 25 . In the example of  FIG. 25 , an example of an operation screen for moving the stage  11   a  of the sample setting unit  11  will be described. In the example of  FIG. 25 , an operation button for moving the stage  11   a  in the X direction and the Y direction (horizontal direction) and an operation button for moving the stage  11   a  in the Z direction (vertical direction) are displayed. The user can move the stage  11   a  by operating each operation button. The stage  11   a  can be moved coarsely by operating the outer operation buttons. Moreover, the stage  11   a  can be moved finely by operating each operation button on the inner side. Note that the stage  11   a  can also be moved by operating an external keyboard or mouse. 
     Image Capture Process Operation 
     The image capture process operation of the microscope system  300  will be described with reference to  FIG. 26 . 
     First, when the imaging button is turned ON by user operation in step S 1  of  FIG. 26 , then, in step S 2 , the control unit  200  performs controls to stop the driving of the fan  193  and the fan  133  via the controller  192 . In step S 3 , the control unit  200  controls imaging of the sample by the imaging element  14 . Imaging of the sample is performed multiple times. !!br0ken!! For example, in step S 3 , the sample is imaged about several thousand to tens of thousands of times. 
     In step S 4 , after the imaging is finished, the control unit  200  performs control for driving the fan  193  and the fan  133  via the controller  192 . Thereafter, the image capturing process operation is terminated. 
     Super-Resolution Image Creation Process Operation 
     The super-resolution image creation process operation of the microscope system  300  will be described with reference to  FIG. 27 . 
     First, in step S 11  of  FIG. 27 , the control unit  200  images the fluorescence of the sample while irradiating light for fluorescence excitation from the first light source  13 . In step S 12 , the control unit  200  extracts a fluorescent spot of each captured image. Specifically, fluorescent spots are extracted from the captured image by Gaussian fitting. In step S 13 , the control unit  200  acquires the coordinates of the extracted spot. That is, the position of the pixel of the bright spot on the image is obtained. Specifically, the coordinates of each spot are acquired on a two-dimensional plane. Then, a bright spot region on the image is acquired. Specifically, regarding each fluorescent region on the captured image, each bright spot region of a breadth corresponding to a range is allocated to each bright spot when matching with a reference waveform within a predetermined range is obtained by Gaussian fitting. A bright spot region having the lowest level is assigned to the bright spot in the fluorescent region that matches the reference waveform at one point. 
     In step S 14 , the control unit  200  overlaps the bright spot areas of the images. Then, the control unit  200  creates a super-resolution image by superimposing the acquired bright spot region of each bright spot on all the images. Thereafter, the super-resolution image creation process is terminated. 
     Note that the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of the patent claims, and also includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of claims.