Abstract: A microscope, in the microscope for observing a sample cultured with a culture vessel, can automatically obtain information about growing conditions of the sample. For this purpose, the microscope is a microscope for observing a sample cultured with a culture vessel, and includes a focusing unit focusing on at least two faces including a first face where the sample exists in the culture vessel and a second face differing from the first face based on predetermined conditions, and an imaging unit imaging for the first face and the second face to create images.

Abstract: An accommodating unit capable of accommodating a culture vessel, a transfer unit supporting and transferring the culture vessel, and taking in and out the culture vessel relative to the accommodating unit, and an observation unit observing a sample inside of the culture vessel via an observation optical system under a state in which the culture vessel is supported by the transfer unit, are included. The transfer unit performs a positioning of each part of the sample on an optical axis of the observation optical system by moving the culture vessel at the time of observation of the sample by the observation unit. Consequently, it is possible to provide an incubator having a simple configuration.

Abstract: The present application includes a culture chamber, an observation chamber having an optical system of observation to observe samples to be cultured in the culture chamber, and a movement stage provided at a boundary which separates the culture chamber and the observation chamber, functioning as a wall to maintain an environment of both of the chambers, bearing the samples, and moving the samples on a light axis of observation of the optical system of observation. Due to such an arrangement, a culture observation equipment which has good response and excellent environmental resistance can be achieved, preventing problems such as the overall size of the device became large, maintenance work was difficult, and device cost became expensive.