Biological sample observation system using a solid state imaging device

A biological sample observation system comprising:

• at least one biological sample observation apparatus including a solid-state area image sensor element, or converting an optical image of an observation target sample to image signals for electronically displaying said optical image,
• a control chamber for housing said biological sample observation apparatus and controlling at least one of an internal temperature, humidity, and gas concentration,
• a holding member for holding an observation target sample on an upper portion of a light-receiving portion of said solid-state area image sensor element, at a predetermined distance therefrom, without an optical lens system between the holding member and the image sensor element, said solid-state area image sensor element and said holding member being supported in a non-movable relationship with respect to each other;
• driving means for driving said solid-state area image sensor element in said biological sample observation apparatus to perform a reading operation;
• and
• display means for displaying an image of said observation target sample in accordance with an output signal from said solid-state area image sensor element.