Microscope system for controlling optical elements in interlock with a variation in observation conditions

A microscope apparatus comprising:

• a light source for generating illumination light;
• an illumination optical system for illuminating an object to be observed with the illumination light;
• an observation optical system for conducting an observation image of the illuminated object to an observation site;
• optical system control means for independently controlling optical elements arranged in the illumination optical system, and for independently controlling optical elements arranged in the observation optical system;
• recognition means for recognizing a given one of a plurality of predetermined observation methods which is designated by the observer;
• memory means having a table for storing setting conditions of the optical elements corresponding to the respective observation methods;
• and
• correcting means for taking from the memory means the setting conditions of the optical elements corresponding to the observation method recognized by the recognition means, and for preparing instruction for the optical system control means to correct the optical elements based on the taken setting conditions;
• said observation optical system including an objective change unit, arranged in the observation optical system, for holding a plurality of objectives and for selectively inserting one of the objectives onto an optical path of the observation optical system;
• said optical system control means includes frame control means for controlling the objective change unit to insert a given on of the plurality of objectives selected by an observer onto the optical path of the observation optical system;
• said memory means includes means for registering, as data of said table, fit/unit information indicating whether or not each of the plurality of objectives is fit for the respective observation methods;
• and
• said correcting means includes (i) a fit determination module for when the observation method is designated by the observer, taking the fit/unfit information relating to the designated observation method from the table of the memory means, and for determining whether or not the objective inserted onto the optical path of the observation optical system is fit for the designated observation method based on the taken fit/unfit information, and (ii) an objective correction module for, when the fit determination module determines that the objective is unfit for designated observation method, finding an objective which is fit for the designated observation from the table of the memory means, and for delivering an instruction to the frame control means for inserting the found objective onto the optical path of the observation optical system.