Abstract: A confocal scanning microscope obtains an observed image of a sample while changing the focal-plane of the sample in the optical axial direction, and generates a three-dimensional image or an image of a large depth of focus of the sample. It includes a capture unit for performing a photoelectric conversion on the light from the sample and outputting a plurality of brightness signals having different wavelength bands of light; a selection unit for selecting a brightness signal having the optimum wavelength band from among the plurality of brightness signals of different wavelength bands of light output from the capture unit; and an image forming unit for generating a three-dimensional image or an image of a large depth of focus of the sample using a brightness signal having the optimum wavelength band selected by the selection unit.

Abstract: A power generation unit generates power to be transmitted to a moving part, and a control unit outputs a drive instruction to the power generation unit so as to drive the moving part. An operational information storage unit stores operational information which indicates a content of how a control unit has driven the power generation unit to operate the moving part. Saving the operational information enables the manufacturer to confirm an actual usage condition, thereby making it possible for the manufacturer to respond easily in various ways.

Abstract: An infrared confocal scanning microscope includes a light source unit, which emits a beam of infrared light, an objective lens, which converges the beam of infrared light from the light source unit to form a light spot inside the sample, a scanning mechanism, which two-dimensionally scans the light spot in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis, and a photodetector. The photodetector includes a micro light receiving region, which is in a confocal positional relation with respect to the light spot, and constitutes a substantial micro opening.

Abstract: A confocal scanning microscope obtains an observed image of a sample while changing the focal-plane of the sample in the optical axial direction, and generates a three-dimensional image or an image of a large depth of focus of the sample. It includes a capture unit for performing a photoelectric conversion on the light from the sample and outputting a plurality of brightness signals having different wavelength bands of light; a selection unit for selecting a brightness signal having the optimum wavelength band from among the plurality of brightness signals of different wavelength bands of light output from the capture unit; and an image forming unit for generating a three-dimensional image or an image of a large depth of focus of the sample using a brightness signal having the optimum wavelength band selected by the selection unit.

Abstract: With the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing system which uses a line sensor capable of achieving an optimal image fetching speed which is in accordance with the image processing capability (image processing speed) without distorting or defocusing the image. The image processing system of the present invention includes an illuminating unit, a line sensor, an optical system, a movement unit, an image processing unit and a control unit. The illuminating unit illuminates the surface of an object to be examined. The line sensor picks up the image of the surface of the object. The optical system forms the image of the surface of the object on the line sensor. The movement unit moves the illuminating unit, the line sensor and the optical system relative to the object. The image processing unit processes an image signal from the line sensor. The control unit at least controls the clock rate of the line sensor and the movement speed of the movement means.