DE20221677U1 - Microscope apparatus, for the micro-manipulation of biological objects, has control panels to set the working of the microscope function motors and the actions of the micro-manipulators - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus for the micro-manipulation of biological objects (16) has a microscope (14). The microscope is fitted with at least one motorized functional element and at least one micro-manipulator (7,13), set by a motor and fitted with an injector (20,21). At least one operating panel (23,24) sets the working of the microscope functions and the micro-manipulators. The user can set the microscope table (4) and work the micro-manipulators with the hands at the operating panels.

Description

The The invention relates to an arrangement for micromanipulation of biological Objects holding a microscope with at least one motorized adjustable Microscope functional element and at least one motorized adjustable Micromanipulator includes.

Such Arrangements are used to perform microscopic manipulations and Injections on living material, e.g. Cell aggregates, tissue, Organs, cells, cell constituents, embryos of plant or animal origin Art. Micromanipulators with mechanical, hydraulic, piezoelectric or motor drives. They are using Control elements controlled. A held on the micromanipulator Injector, also known as injection capillary, allows the Injection of desired Substances or cell constituents in individual cells. There are injectors with mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic drives operating via controls to be controlled. The microscopes used have mechanical as well as partially motor-controllable functions, with different Controls are controlled.

The used arrangements are therefore characterized by a variety separate control elements for the microscope functions arranged at different locations, the micromanipulator and the injector. The user must therefore with the hands often switch between the different controls, which is very tiring is. Furthermore This results in a slower course of the experiment and a lower throughput of experiments.

The EP 0 292 899 B1 describes a method for microinjection into cells or for aspiration from single cells or whole cells from cell cultures. The device used for this purpose consists of a microscope with a motorized xy-movable microscope stage and a motorized height-adjustable micromanipulator for holding a Injektionskapillare. For motor control of the microscope stage position and the height position of the micromanipulator, a computer, an associated monitor and a graphics tablet are used. The adjustment of the xy position of the micromanipulator by means of two control knobs directly on the micromanipulator, ie on the microscope.

Also The device described here requires a user permanent Embrace or reorientation between the computer, the monitor, the graphics tablet and the knobs for setting the xy position of the micromanipulator. Here, too, results in a fatigue of the User as well as a slower course of the experiment as well lower throughput of experiments.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, an arrangement for Micromanipulation of biological objects to specify which one Ergonomic working allows and achieves the achievable throughput Experiments increased.

The Task is solved by an arrangement for micromanipulating biological objects, a microscope with at least one motor-adjustable microscope functional element and at least one motorized micromanipulator with a Injector comprises, which is characterized in that the microscope and the at least one micromanipulator at least one common Control panel is assigned. The control panel has at least one control element for the operation of both at least one motorized adjustable Microscope functional element and the at least one motor adjustable micromanipulator on.

• – einen motorisch xy-verfahrbarer oder drehbarer Mikroskoptisch,
• – einen motorisch höhenverfahrbaren z-Trieb des Mikroskoptisches oder des Objektivs zur Einstellung der Fokusebene,
• – eine motorisch verfahrbare Objektiv-Wechselvorrichtung mit mehreren Objektiven (3) zum wahlweisen Einbringen eines der Objektive (3) in den Beleuchtungsstrahlengang,
• – eine motorisch verstellbare Fluoreszenzfilter-Wechseleinrichtung mit mehreren Fluoreszenz-Filtern zur Einstellung eines von mehreren Fluoreszenz-Verfahren,
• – eine motorisch verstellbare Durchlichtfilter-Wechseleinrichtung,
• – eine motorisch verstellbare Filter-Wechseleinrichtung mit mehreren Filtern zur Einstellung eines von mehreren Kontrastierungsverfahren,
• – eine motorisch verstellbare Filter-Wechseleinrichtung mit mehreren Farb- und/oder Dämpfungsfiltern zur Einstellung des Spektrums oder der Helligkeit des Beleuchtungs- und/oder Abbildungslichts des Mikroskops,
• – eine motorische Video-Ausgang-Steuerung,
• – einen motorisch verstellbaren Kondensor,
• – eine motorische Lichtsteuerung oder
• – eine motorische Tubuslinsen-Wechseleinrichtung.

As a microscope, both an inverted and an upright microscope with a Auflichtanordnung or a transmitted light arrangement can be used. For the investigation of biological objects, it is customary to work with a transmitted-light arrangement. The motor-adjustable microscope functional element may, for example, be one of the following elements:

• A motorized xy-traveling or rotating microscope stage,
• A motor-height-movable z-drive of the microscope stage or of the lens for adjusting the focal plane,
• A motorized movable lens changing device with several lenses ( 3 ) for selectively introducing one of the objectives ( 3 ) in the illumination beam path,
• A motorized fluorescence filter changer having a plurality of fluorescence filters for adjusting one of a plurality of fluorescence methods,
• A motor-adjustable transmitted-light filter changing device,
• A motorized filter changer having a plurality of filters for adjusting one of a plurality of contrasting methods,
• A motorized filter changer having a plurality of color and / or attenuation filters for adjusting the spectrum or the brightness of the illuminating and / or imaging light of the microscope,
• A motorized video output controller,
• - a motorized condenser,
• - a motorized lighting control or
• - A motor Tubuslinsen-Wechseleinrich tung.

The Operation of combinations of several of said microscope functional elements is Naturally possible. From the common control panel can by means of associated controls both any microscope functional element and the micromanipulator or the micromanipulators are operated. The inventive arrangement can have one, two or more micromanipulators.

The Networking of centrally accessible motorized microscope function elements and of the at least one motor-adjustable micromanipulator can done by the control panel itself. This will be a corresponding Control unit integrated in the control panel. However, this has the Disadvantage that the control unit requires a considerable installation space and thereby the control panel becomes very large. In addition, the heat is not irrelevant, which is not always pleasant to the user becomes. It is also conceivable to use the control unit in the microscope itself install. However, this is because of the heat development of the control unit unfavorable, because the biological objects to be manipulated are too hot protected Need to become, since it is mostly living cells or cell cultures.

Therefore is in an advantageous embodiment a separate electronic control unit is provided, which the at least one motorized microscope function element, the at least one motor-adjustable micromanipulator and the networked at least one control panel. This is the control unit connected to the microscope, the micromanipulator and the control panel. The control unit can be positioned as desired.

In an advantageous embodiment the common control panel has at least one memory control element with an allocated memory for storage and retrieval at least one predefined focal plane. This is a quick one Re-locate the focus position for routine work possible. For example, if several lenses with different magnifications or different working distances can be used the different focal planes via the associated control element stored and retrieved at the common control panel. at Retrieving the focus position to a predetermined lens will then the height-adjustable z-drive of the microscope stage or the lens until reaching the stored focal plane motor method.

In addition, too each lens several focal planes stored and after pressing a associated control element to be approached. This will be for example used in examination of cells to select either the surface or the Nucleus or the bottom of the cell. Another Focal plane can be placed on the tip of the micromanipulator, at any time after pressing the associated control element the quality (e.g., sharpness, shape, etc.) of the tip to be able to control.

In an advantageous embodiment the inventive arrangement For each objective, an individual value for the focusing increment can be selected be stored. This focusing increment indicates with which Step size (e.g., a stepping motor) in the z direction when focusing is moved. At high magnifying Lenses that are characterized by a small Fokussierweg and a shallow depth of field Therefore, a small focus step size is required. At low magnification Lenses characterized by a long focusing distance and a large depth of focus, is therefore a big one Focusing step possible or required. When swiveling in a specific lens (after pressing the lens changing device) then becomes the focusing step size automatically set to the previously stored value, whereby with each lens individually fast or slow focusing in correspondingly large or small increments can be made.

Farther For each lens a brightness value can be stored being typically for weak magnifying (bright) Lenses a small brightness value and for strongly magnifying (faint) Lenses a big one Brightness value selected becomes. When swiveling in a specific lens (after pressing the Lens changing device) then the brightness of the illumination light automatically adjusted to the previously stored brightness value.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the arrangement is also for the Micromanipulator a preselection of frequently needed positions possible. To the at least one common operating console has at least one memory control element associated memory for storage and retrieval at least one predefined position setting of the motor adjustable micromanipulator, or the motorized adjustable Micromanipulators, on. At the preselected and stored positions they are usually for positions in the routine application of the microcapillary, for example the position of the capillary tip for piercing the cell membrane or the position for injecting certain objects into the nucleus.

Farther can the motorized microscope functional element as a motorized adjustable filter changer with different Be formed filters. The filters, for example, can for adjusting one of several contrasting methods. It may also involve multiple fluorescence filters for setting a of several fluorescence methods act.

at Fluorescence examinations can additionally motor Adjustable gray filters or closures (English: "shutter") in the illumination beam path be provided. These allow a steaming the intensity or a complete one close the illumination beam path to (for example during breaks) the biological object to be observed and manipulated unintentional heating or to prevent fading.

In another variant of the filter changing device are several Color and / or attenuation filter to adjust the spectrum or brightness of the illumination and / or imaging light of the microscope.

In an advantageous embodiment are provided on the microscope, a video output or multiple video outputs. At each video output can each have a camera adapter and a Camera are attached. The microscope image is then transferred to the camera and displayed on a monitor. In an advantageous embodiment has the arrangement according to the invention as a motor-adjustable microscope functional element a motorized video output control on, the picture light in whole or in part on one or several video outputs deflects. The partial deflection can be moved by motor Prisms or filters or beam splitters in the form of an intensity distribution or in the form of a color distribution (i.e. Wavelength ranges) respectively.

Further motorized microscope functional elements, which are accessible via the common control panel for the microscope and the micromanipulator can be controlled, for example, a motor-adjustable condenser and a motorized light control. The motorized condenser is used to change in the condenser arranged components, e.g. for changing phase rings or for changing Wollaston prisms used for Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) required are. The motorized light control serves for brightness control in the beam path, e.g. by inserting and removing filters and closures.

Of course it is it also possible Combinations of said motorized adjustable microscope functional elements and the motorized micromanipulator (or several micromanipulators) from the common control panel.

there is in an advantageous embodiment at the control panel at least one memory control with a associated memory provided for storage and retrieval at least one predefined setting of at least one of motorized adjustable microscope functional elements is provided.

The Control panel can be placed on the microscope or integrated into the microscope housing be. Particularly advantageous has been proven when the control panel is arranged separately from the microscope, since then the position of the control panel, z. On the laboratory bench, by the user according to his individual Ergonomics chosen by yourself can be.

If two or more micromanipulators are arranged on the microscope, a single control panel can be provided, each at least a control for has at least one of the micromanipulators. This depends which functions are motorized on the micromanipulator.

If In particular exactly two micromanipulators are arranged on the microscope can be arranged a single control panel, the two separate Controls for the respective xy adjustment and / or the height adjustment of the two micromanipulators having. In this case, an embodiment proves to be particularly user-friendly, at associated with these two controls each a hand of a user are. This hand-specific assignment proves to be very user-friendly, since they are useful to the user of microscopes, e.g. from the manual adjustment of the microscope stage, is familiar.

If two or more micromanipulators are arranged on the microscope can two common control panels are provided, each of which at least a control for at least one of the micromanipulators and at least one motor having adjustable microscope functional element. By use of two control panels For example, the controls that have either specific features or certain microscope functional elements or micromanipulators are assigned, grouped on one or the other control panel become. This greatly facilitates the learning of the operation by the user.

For a more extensive use of Anord To achieve the arrangement, a UV laser is associated with the arrangement, the laser beam is coupled with a coupling optics in the microscope. For laser cutting a biological object, this coupled-in laser beam is focused onto the biological object with a lens.

In order to will be in addition to the micromanipulators or the injectors the functionality of the arrangement considerably improved, as a result of a pre- or post-preparation by laser microdissection (Laser micro-cutting) of the biological objects to be manipulated possible is. Furthermore, the arrangement may be associated with an IR laser whose laser beam coupled with a coupling optics in the microscope and with a Objectively focused on the biological object. The focused IR laser beam is used to capture, hold and move the biological Object used. For controlling the UV laser and / or the IR laser is on the (at least one) control panel at least one control element to control the laser functions (e.g., on / off or focus / defocus) arranged.

essential Part of the arrangement according to the invention is a centrally located, for the microscope and the micromanipulator or the micromanipulators co-operating control panel, with which the most important functions of the microscope, the microscope stage and the micromanipulator centrally executed can be. The controls are mounted on the control panel so that the hands of the User while working on the control panel and all functions can remain close to each other can be achieved. Through an ergonomic and user-friendly design of the Operating panels becomes a fatigue the hands and wrists avoided.

The The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the schematic drawing. It demonstrate:

1 : an arrangement for micromanipulating biological objects with an inverted microscope, a micromanipulator and a common control panel;

2 : an arrangement for micromanipulating biological objects with an inverted microscope, two micromanipulators and a common control panel;

3 : An arrangement for micromanipulating biological objects with an upright microscope, two micromanipulators and two common control panels;

4 : An arrangement for micromanipulating biological objects with an upright microscope with a coupled-in laser beam, two micromanipulators and two common control panels;

5 : An arrangement for micromanipulating biological objects with an inverted microscope, two micromanipulators and two common control panels;

1 shows an arrangement for micromanipulating biological objects on an inverted microscope 1 based. The microscope 1 is shown very schematically in order to achieve a clear overview of the presentation. At the microscope 1 is a lens changing device 2 with several lenses 3 arranged. Above the lenses 3 is at the inverted microscope 1 a motorized microscope stage 4 for receiving biological objects (not shown here) arranged. The microscope stage 4 has an internal opening 5 on, through which the biological objects can be illuminated and viewed in transmitted light. This is above the microscope stage 4 an illumination beam path with a condenser (both not shown) arranged. At the microscope 1 is an adapter 6 attached, which is intended for the attachment of micromanipulators. On this adapter 6 is a motorized micromanipulator 7 arranged. The drives for the movement of the micromanipulator 7 in the three spatial directions x, y, and z are not shown for simplicity.

For the microscope 1 and the micromanipulator 7 is a common control panel 8th intended. The control panel 8th has several controls 9 to operate the motor-adjustable microscope functional elements and the motorized micromanipulator 7 on. The term "motor-adjustable microscope functional elements" is to be understood as an overarching collective term for all functional elements on the microscope which are adjustable by motor means, and in the illustrated example this can be both the objective-changing device 2 as well as the motorized microscope stage 4 act. The controls 9 can each specific microscope functional elements or specific functions of the micromanipulator 7 be assigned. But it is also conceivable, a control 9 Assign multiple functional elements or micromanipulator functions, the respective desired function can be activated. In the present example, the control panel 8th in addition a display element 10 (For example, an LCD display), with which the mentioned microscope function elements or the settings made on the inverted microscope 1 or on the micromanipulator 7 can be displayed.

The control panel 8th is with a control line 11a with the motorized micromanipulator 7 and with a control line 11b with a separately arranged control unit 12 connected. This control unit 12 turn is with a control line 11c with the motorized microscope functional elements in the microscope 1 connected. This control unit 12 serves to the motorically adjustable microscope functional elements and the motorized micromanipulator 7 and the common control panel 8th to network. Of course it is also possible to use the control unit 12 either in the control panel 8th or in the inverted microscope 1 to integrate. However, because of the control unit 12 emanating significant heat, was in the embodiment of the arrangement shown here for micromanipulation of biological objects, the control unit 12 arranged separately. In the 1 it appears as if this control unit 12 on the same bench as the microscope 1 and the control panel 8th would. However, this is shown only for the sake of clarity. In reality, the control unit 12 as far away from the microscope as possible 1 placed, for example, under the laboratory table. This is then for a user of the arrangement according to the invention, the control panel 8th easy and ergonomically accessible.

2 shows an arrangement for micromanipulation of biological objects, compared to the representation in 1 equipped with a second micromanipulator.

An inverted microscope 1 has a lens changing device 2 with several attached lenses 3 and a motorized microscope stage 4 on. For clarity of presentation, one was above the microscope stage 4 arranged illumination beam path with a condenser not shown here.

At the microscope 1 is an adapter 6 attached, which serves for the attachment of micromanipulators. On this adapter 6 are a first motorized micromanipulator 7 and a second motorized micromanipulator 13 attached. Both micromanipulators 7 . 13 can be moved in the three spatial directions x, y and z. They are used to hold injectors (not shown here), with which biological objects can be manipulated. The type of manipulation may include the injection or aspiration of fluids or cell components or similar procedures.

The microscope 1 with its motorized microscope functional elements, here the motorized lens changing device 2 and the motorized microscope stage 4 , and the two micromanipulators 7 and 13 is a common control panel 8th assigned. This control panel 8th is with a control line 11a with the first motorized micromanipulator 7 and by means of a control line 11d with the second motorized micromanipulator 13 connected.

The arrangement is a control unit 12 associated with a control line 11b with the control panel 8th and with a control line 11c with the microscope 1 , ie connected to the motorized microscope functional elements. The control unit 12 networked from the control panel 8th addressed functional elements of the microscope 1 and the controlled micromanipulators 7 . 13 , In the control unit 12 or the control panel 8th are memory (data memory or image memory) for storing certain information necessary for the operation of the microscope function elements or the micromanipulators 7 . 13 are required provided. The control panel 8th has several controls 9 on which the various motor-operated functional elements of the microscope 1 and / or the two micromanipulators 7 . 13 (or just one of them) are assigned. Details of the controls are included 4 described. The illustrated type of networking of microscope 1 , Micromanipulators 7 . 13 , Control panel 8th and control unit 12 can also be done differently than in the manner shown here. The type of networking depends, for example, on the interfaces or data transmission protocols used.

The control unit 12 can also be in the microscope 1 or the control panel 8th be integrated. However, an unwanted heat generation from the microscope 1 keep away was in the arrangement shown here a separate list of control unit 12 preferred.

3 shows an inventive arrangement for micromanipulation of biological objects, in which two control panels are provided a microscope with two associated micromanipulators.

An upright microscope 14 has a motorized lens changing device 2 with several lenses arranged on it 3 on. A motorized microscope stage 4 (Drives not shown) is used to hold a vessel 15 with biological objects on it 16 , From one to the microscope 14 arranged lamp house 17 goes out (not shown here) illumination beam path through a condenser 18 on the biological objects 16 is directed.

For manipulating the biological objects 16 are a first motorized micromanipulator 7 and a second motorized micromanipulator 13 intended. They are in the example shown here separately from the microscope on support elements 19 attached, which is not connected to the microscope are. But it is also conceivable to connect the micromanipulators with the microscope, as in the 1 and 2 has already been shown, ie by means of an adapter directly on the microscope.

At the first motorized micromanipulator 7 is a first injector 20 and at the second motorized micromanipulator 13 is a second injector 21 arranged. The required pressure controls to control the pressure in the injectors 20 . 21 (eg for injecting or extracting liquids or cell components) are not shown for simplicity. The manipulations on the biological objects are done with microcapillaries 22 made at the injectors 20 . 21 are connected. To perform accurate operations on the biological objects 16 (eg injecting liquids or cell material) must be the tip of each driven microcapillary 22 be positioned exactly.

The arrangement has a first control panel 23 and a second control panel 24 on. The first control panel 23 is with a control line 25a with the first micromanipulator 7 connected. The second control panel 24 is with a control line 25b with the second micromanipulator 13 connected. For networking the microscope 14 , the micromanipulator 7 and 13 as well as the two control panels 23 and 24 the arrangement has a control unit 12 on which networks these components of the arrangement with each other. This is the control unit 12 with a control line 26a with the first control panel 23 , with a control line 26b with the second control panel 24 as well as with a control line 26c with the microscope 14 or the motorized motorized microscope functional elements connected.

The control unit 12 is designed to be the operation of the microscope 14 or its motorized microscope functional elements (here the motorized microscope stage 4 and the motorized lens changing device 2 ) as well as the two micromanipulators 7 and 13 alternatively both from the first control panel 23 as well as from the second control panel 24 can be done from. For this purpose, the two control panels 23 . 24 a set of controls 9 on that the various motorized functions at the microscope 14 or the micromanipulators 7 . 13 are assigned or can be assigned. Details of the controls 9 become at 5 described.

The control unit 12 can in the microscope 14 or in one or both of the control panels 23 . 24 to get integrated. However, because of the control unit 12 , which contains electronics, emanates considerable heat, in the arrangement shown here, the control unit 12 set up separately. This will cause unnecessary heating of the biological elements 16 avoided. Another advantage of the separate arrangement of the control unit 12 is that the microscope 14 with the adjoining micromanipulators 7 . 13 into a small, spatially limited climatic chamber (not shown here) can be introduced while the control unit 12 is arranged outside the climatic chamber.

4 shows a variant of the arrangement already in 3 has been described. The arrangement consists of an upright microscope with a manually operated microscope stage 28 , a lens changing device 2 with several lenses attached to it 3 and a first micromanipulator 7 and a second micromanipulator 13 , The operation of the microscope functional elements and the micromanipulators 7 and 13 is done by a first common control panel 23 and a second common control panel 24 , The networking of the arrangement is carried out with a control unit 12 , This is with a control line 26a with the first control panel 23 , with a control line 26b with the second control panel 24 and with a control line 26c with the microscope 14 and connected to its microscope function elements.

The transmitted light illumination of biological objects 16 in the vessel 15 done with one of a lamp house 17 outgoing illumination beam passing through a condenser 18 is directed to the biological objects.

In addition to the in 3 As shown, the embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention shown here has an additional light source. It is a laser 27 whose laser beam is in the upper area of the microscope 14 in an incident light beam (not shown here) is coupled and with one of the lenses 3 focused on the biological objects.

The laser may be either a UV or an IR laser. When the biological objects are to be processed by laser cutting (laser microdissection), a UV laser is used. The UV laser beam is then used in the focused state for cutting on the biological objects. Alternatively, an IR laser can be used, the laser beam also with a lens 3 on a biological object 16 can be focused. The biological object detected by the focus of the IR laser beam 16 (or parts thereof) is drawn into this laser focus and can then be captured by moving the laser focus and moving with the laser focus. This principle is often referred to as "optical tweezers." To control the UV laser and / or the IR laser is on at least one of the control panels 23 . 24 an operator ment 9 arranged, which serves to control the laser functions. The laser functions can be: switching on / off or controlling the pulse rate (with pulsed lasers) or focus / defocus at the location of the biological objects or increasing / decreasing the intensity.

The control panels 23 and 24 can have different controls 9 exhibit. However, it has proven to be advantageous if the two control panels 23 . 24 are constructed identically, so that all functions by means of the controls 9 can be addressed both with the left hand and the right hand of the user of the arrangement can be addressed.

5 shows an inventive arrangement with an inverted microscope 1 that has a motorized microscope stage 4 having. One from a lamp house 17 outgoing transmitted light illumination beam path (not shown here) is a condenser 18 Engineered here, on biological objects 16 directed, on a glass slide 29 are arranged. Below the frame-shaped microscope stage 4 are several lenses 3 on a lens changing device 2 arranged. The visual observation of the microscope image of biological objects 16 can through eyepieces 30 respectively. At the microscope 1 are a first micromanipulator 7 and a second micromanipulator 13 arranged.

For operating the microscope function elements and the two micromanipulators 7 . 13 the arrangement has two control panels 23 and 24 on. The control panel 23 is with a control line 25a with the micromanipulator 7 and the control panel 24 is with a control line 25b with the micromanipulator 13 connected. The arrangement is a control unit 12 for networking the control panels 23 . 24 , the microscope 1 with its microscope function elements and the two micromanipulators 7 . 13 assigned. The control unit 12 is with a control line 26a with the control panel 23 , with a control line 26b with the control panel 24 and with a control line 26c with the microscope 1 connected. At the control panels 23 and 24 are several controls 9 arranged, the one operation of the microscope function elements and the two micromanipulators 7 and 13 allow.

In the particularly advantageous embodiment shown here, the microscope also has 1 controls 9 for operating its microscope functional elements. In this way it is possible, both from one of the control panels 23 or 24 as well as from the microscope 1 to carry out the operation of certain functions. For example, both the control panel 23 as well as the control panel 24 and the microscope 1 a z-drive button 31 for focusing the microscope. The technical design of the focus can be in the height adjustment of the microscope stage 4 or in the height adjustment of the lenses 3 or the lens changing device 2 consist.

In the following, some of the microscope functional elements that can be motorized will be explained in more detail. The microscope 1 is in addition to the transmitted light lamp house 17 with a fluorescent lamp house 32 fitted. In the of this fluorescent lamp house 32 outgoing fluorescence beam path (not shown) is a motorized fluorescence filter slide 33 arranged. In the imaging beam path (not shown here) is a tube lens changing device 34 arranged with several Tubuslinsen mounted on it. Because the Tubuslinsen with the lenses 3 With regard to the image correction of the microscope image represent a compensation system, the appropriate tube lens must always the right lens 3 be assigned. By means of the motorized tube lens changing device 34 it is possible for the user in a comfortable way to make this assignment at any time suitable.

Likewise in the imaging beam path are several video outputs 35 , of which only one is shown here by way of example attached. At these video outputs 35 a camera adapter and a camera (not shown here) is attached. The microscope image is then transferred to the camera and can be displayed on a monitor. To fully or partially match the imaging light of the imaging beam path to one or more of these video outputs 35 to divert is in the lower part of the microscope 1 a motorized video output controller (not shown here) provided. The partial deflection of the imaging light can be done by means of motor-driven prisms or filters or beam splitters in that either an intensity distribution of the imaging light or a color distribution (ie by selecting certain wavelength ranges) we made. The operation of this video output controller can be controlled by a respective associated control element 9 both on the control panel 23 as well as the control panel 24 be made.

As another motorized microscope functional element, the microscope 1 a motorized transmitted-light filter changing device 36 on. It allows the motorized introduction or removal of color filters, gray filters, etc. in the transmitted light beam path. The operation is done by an associated control element 9 on the control panel 23 and / or the control panel 24 ,

The control panels 23 and 24 can be constructed differently, but have an advantage the same functional elements. So they each have a display element 10 on, the z. B. can be designed as a pure LCD display, but which can also be designed as an interactive display with touch surfaces. Furthermore, the control panels 23 and 24 in the embodiment shown here, a control wheel 37 for example, for controlling the brightness or for stepwise adjustment in the focusing of the objectives or for actuating the z-movement of the micromanipulators 7 and 13 can be used. An operating lever 38 , which is movable in the manner of a joystick, can optionally be used to control the xy movement of the microscope stage 4 or the xy-movement of the micromanipulators 7 and or 13 be used.

In the examples described, both the operating wheel 37 as well as the operating lever 38 a double occupancy or even multiple occupancy with functions. The activation of the desired function can be achieved, for example, by operating one or more of the keys 39 respectively. Other of these buttons 39 For example, to operate the motorized lens changing device 2 or used to select or control certain manipulator operating conditions. The display element 10 serves the user as an orientation in the selection of the respective desired control element. Thus, the respectively activated operating state, for. B. selected focus position of the capillary or selected lens or selected manipulator operating state, are displayed, and in addition can be on the multiple-use controls (such as the control wheel 37 or the control lever 38 ) activated microscope function element or the currently activated function of the micromanipulators 7 and 13 are displayed.

An embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention has proven to be particularly advantageous, in which by means of the control unit 12 a so-called priority monitoring of the two control panels 23 and 24 is made. It is from the control unit 12 detected when, for example, at the control panel 23 a certain function on the control lever 38 is placed. This can be done for example by pressing keys, but this can also be done by monitoring the commissioning of the operating lever 38 respectively. Once the control unit 12 has registered that, for example, the operating lever 38 has been activated on the "Move microscope stage in x-direction or y-direction" function is automatically on the other control panel, ie on the control panel 24 , this function also on the corresponding control lever 38 placed. This will prevent the user from using his left hand on the control panel 24 would inadvertently respond to another function if he attacked the control lever 38 touched. The release of the function assignment of the operating lever 38 is then performed by the user with a defined function release, for example by pressing a specific one of the keys 39 ,

With the arrangement according to the invention a very user-friendly and ergonomic work is possible even in routine operation. By an individual design of the function assignment of the two control panels 23 and 24 the user can set up an individual working environment. This leads to a relaxed and fatigue-free work, which is particularly necessary for routine operation.

1

inverse microscope

2

Lens-

Changing device.

3

lenses

4

microscope stage

5

Inside lying opening

6

adapter

7

first micromanipulator

8th

control panel

9

controls

10

Display element

11

Control lines ( 11a , b, c)

12

control unit

 13

second micromanipulator

14

upright microscope

15

vessel

16

biological objects

17

lamp housing

18

condenser

19

Structural elements

20

first injector

 21

second injector

22

microcapillary

23

first control panel

24

second control panel

25

Control line ( 25a , b)

26

Control line ( 26a , b, c)

27

laser

28

manual microscope stage

29

slides

30

eyepieces

31

z-drive knob

32

Fluorescent lamp housing

33

Fluoreszenzfilter-

changing device

34

Tubuslinsen-

changing device

35

Video output

36

Durchlichtfilter-

changing device

37

control wheel

38

operating lever

39

Keys

Claims (9)

Arrangement for micromanipulation of biological objects ( 16 ), which is a microscope ( 1 . 14 ) with at least one motor-adjustable microscope functional element and at least one motor-adjustable micromanipulator ( 7 . 13 ) with an injector ( 20 . 21 ), characterized in that the microscope ( 1 . 14 ) and the at least one micromanipulator ( 7 . 13 ) at least one common control panel ( 8th . 23 . 24 ), which has at least one operating element ( 9 . 37 . 38 . 39 ) for operating both the at least one motor-adjustable microscope functional element and the at least one motor-adjustable micromanipulator ( 7 . 13 ) having. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that an electronic control unit ( 12 ) is provided, which comprises the at least one motor-adjustable microscope functional element, the at least one motor-adjustable micromanipulator ( 7 . 13 ) and the at least one control panel ( 8th . 23 . 24 ) networked. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the control panel ( 8th . 23 . 24 ) at least one memory control element ( 9 ) with an associated memory for the storage and retrieval of at least one selected focal plane or for the storage and retrieval of at least one predefined setting of the at least one motor-adjustable micromanipulator ( 7 . 13 ) having. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one control panel ( 8th . 23 . 24 ) for operating a combination of one or more motor-adjustable microscope functional elements and the motor-adjustable micromanipulator ( 7 . 13 ) is provided. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one control panel ( 8th . 23 . 24 ) has at least one memory control element with an associated memory for storing and retrieving at least one predefined setting of at least one of the motor-adjustable microscope functional elements. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that on the microscope ( 1 . 14 ) two or more micromanipulators ( 7 . 13 ) and that a single control panel ( 8th . 23 . 24 ) is provided, the at least one operating element ( 9 . 37 . 38 . 39 ) for at least one of the micromanipulators ( 7 . 13 ) for the respective xy adjustment and / or the height adjustment of the at least one micromanipulator. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the arrangement is a UV laser ( 27 ), whose laser beam with a coupling optics in the microscope ( 1 . 14 ) and for laser cutting a biological object ( 16 ) with a lens ( 3 ) on the biological object ( 16 ) is focused. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the arrangement is an IR laser ( 27 ), whose laser beam with a coupling optics in the microscope ( 1 . 14 ) and coupled with a lens ( 3 ) on the biological object ( 16 ) and for capturing, holding and moving the biological object ( 16 ) or parts of the biological object ( 16 ) is used. Arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the at least one control panel ( 8th . 23 . 24 ) at least one control element ( 9 . 37 . 38 . 39 ) for controlling at least one function of the laser ( 27 ) having.