JP2006218291A - Skin observation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a skin observation apparatus capable of clearly imaging the surface condition of the skin with good contrast. <P>SOLUTION: In the image pickup illumination unit of this skin observation apparatus 1, a special arrangement such as an opposite cross-shaped arrangement by LEDs 20 and 22 is adopted in first and second light sources 16 and 17. It is confirmed by an experiment that the surface condition of the skin is clearly imaged with good contrast by this structure. Furthermore, power consumption of illumination can be suppressed since the first and second light sources 16 and 17 exhibit the maximum effect with a small number of the LEDs, and as the result, the adoption of this kind of light source is very effective when the skin observation apparatus is made portable so as to be driven by a battery. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a skin observation apparatus used for enlarging and imaging a skin surface.

Conventionally, as a technique in such a field, there is JP-A-10-333057. The CCD microscope (skin observation device) described in this publication is a device for observing a rough skin state. The tip of the lens barrel is pressed against the skin surface, and the light reflected by the skin passes through the imaging optical system and is CCD. Images are taken with the element. Furthermore, the illumination part of this CCD microscope enables switching of the LEDs arranged in a ring, and in order to observe light passing through the polarizing filter and rough skin surface in order to observe spots and stains. It creates light that does not pass through a polarizing filter.
JP 2004-187248 A JP 2002-014289 A JP 2002-159448 A JP 2002-244047 A

  However, the illumination unit of the above-described conventional skin observation apparatus has a large number of LEDs arranged in a ring shape, thereby enabling various switching of illumination, but pores and complicated on the surface of the skin. Since wrinkles exist, there is a problem that it is difficult to capture the surface state of the skin with a good contrast with a simple application of illumination light to the skin from a predetermined direction.

  In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a skin observation apparatus that can capture a skin surface state clearly and with high contrast.

  The skin observation apparatus according to the present invention is disposed between an illumination unit that irradiates light toward a subject, an imaging element that receives reflected light from the subject and images the subject, and the illumination unit and the imaging element. An imaging optical unit that collects reflected light from the subject on the image sensor, and the illumination unit includes a first light source disposed on the imaging optical unit side, and a second light source disposed on the subject side A first polarizing filter that is disposed between the first light source and the second light source, transmits light from the first light source, and transmits reflected light from the subject; and front of the second light source And a second polarizing filter having an opening that transmits light from the second light source and through which reflected light from the subject passes. The first and second light sources LEDs arranged at equal intervals on the circumference around the imaging axis that connects the subject and the imaging device through the optical unit Characterized by being composed I.

  In this skin observation apparatus, the light emitted from the first light source passes through the first polarizing filter and is then irradiated to the subject, and the light reflected by the subject enters the image sensor through the first polarizing filter. To do. Such a first light source is used as a light source for skin surface observation. In addition, the light emitted from the second light source passes through the second polarizing filter and is then irradiated onto the subject. The light reflected by the subject passes through the opening of the second polarizing filter and the first polarizing filter. Incident on the image sensor. Such a second light source is used as a light source for spot observation. In such a skin observation apparatus, the first and second light sources of the illumination unit are arranged at equal intervals on a circumference centering on an imaging axis line that connects the subject and the imaging element through the imaging optical unit. It is comprised by LED. As a result, it has been confirmed by experiments that the surface state of the skin is clearly imaged with good contrast. Furthermore, since the first and second light sources exhibit the maximum effect with a small number of LEDs, the power consumption of illumination can be suppressed. As a result, the use of such light sources This is extremely effective when the observation apparatus is portable for battery operation. For example, the first and second light sources employ a special arrangement such as an equilateral triangle arrangement using LEDs or a cross-over arrangement.

  The light emitted from the second light source and irradiated on the subject is preferably cyan white light. Since the cyan color has a complementary color relationship with the brown stain, when the skin is irradiated with cyan white light when the stain is observed with the second light source, the stain can be made to appear more black. It can be observed with good contrast.

  Further, the illumination unit further includes a third light source composed of LEDs arranged on the same plane as the second light source, and the third light source is located outward from the second light source. It is preferable that they are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference around the imaging axis. Although this third light source is used for spot observation, it is disposed outside the second light source and emits light at an angle different from that of the second light source. It is effective for observation.

  The light emitted from the third light source and applied to the subject is preferably cyan white light. Since the cyan color has a complementary color relationship with the brown stain, when the skin is irradiated with cyan white light when the stain is observed with the third light source, the stain can be made to appear more black. It can be observed with good contrast.

  The first light source is preferably arranged on the first circuit board so that its optical axis is 16.5 ± 3 ° with respect to the imaging axis. Experiments have confirmed that such an angle is optimal for observing the state of the skin surface (pores, complex wrinkles, rough skin) with the first light source.

  The second light source is preferably arranged on the second circuit board so that its optical axis is 27 ± 3 ° with respect to the imaging axis. Experiments have confirmed that such an angle is optimal for observing spots with shallow skin using the second light source.

  The third light source is preferably arranged on the second circuit board so that its optical axis is 32 ± 3 ° with respect to the imaging axis. Experiments have confirmed that such an angle is optimal for observing deep spots on the skin with the third light source. At present, deep spots are difficult to identify with the naked eye.

  Moreover, it is preferable that a housing for displaying an imaging result and a battery for supplying power to the monitor, the illumination unit, and the imaging device are provided in a housing that houses the illumination unit, the imaging device, and the imaging optical unit. It is. By installing a monitor and a battery, a handy type skin observation device is made possible.

  Further, it is preferable that a mirror for bending the imaging axis 90 degrees is disposed between the illumination unit and the imaging optical unit. With such a configuration, the apparatus can be thinned, and is extremely useful for promoting portability and compactness.

  According to the present invention, the surface state of the skin can be imaged clearly with good contrast.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a skin observation apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the skin observation apparatus 1 is a handy type, and includes a resin casing 2 that is bent at an angle of about 20 degrees in consideration of handleability. Is provided with an imaging illumination unit U, and a truncated cone-shaped cap portion 3 is provided at the lower front side of the housing 2 so as to adhere to an elastic subject S such as skin. The cap portion 3 is fixed to the housing body 5 with screws 4, and a circular observation hole 3 a is formed at the tip of the cap portion 3.

  In addition, a monitor 6 is provided on the upper front side of the housing 2 in consideration of the handy type. The monitor 6 can display a moving image, but can also display a temporary still image with the button B1 to capture an image. The result is displayed. Then, by pressing the tip portion of the cap portion 3 against the subject S, the state of the skin S is imaged by the imaging illumination unit U through the observation hole 3a, and the state of the skin is projected on the monitor 6.

  Inside the housing 2 are a circuit board 7 for driving the imaging illumination unit U and the monitor 6, and a battery 8 for supplying power to the imaging illumination unit U and the monitor 6 via the circuit board 7. Is housed. The battery 8 can be externally charged, thereby enabling the rechargeable skin observation device 1 and realizing a handy type.

  4 and 5, the imaging illumination unit U includes an illumination unit 10 that emits light toward the subject S, and a CMOS image sensor (imaging) that receives the reflected light from the subject S and images the subject S. Element) 11, an imaging optical unit 12 disposed between the illumination unit 10 and the CMOS image sensor 11, and having a lens group for condensing the reflected light from the subject S on the CMOS image sensor 11, The mirror 13 which can be thinned by bending the imaging axis L by 90 degrees and can promote portability and compactness, and the housing H (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2) are integrally formed. I have.

  The illumination unit 10 includes a first light source 16 disposed on the imaging optical unit 12 side, a second light source 17 disposed on the subject S side, and between the first light source 16 and the second light source 17. A first polarizing filter 18 that transmits light from the first light source 16 and transmits reflected light from the subject S, and a second light source disposed in front of the second light source 17. And a second polarizing filter 19 having an opening 19a through which light from 17 is transmitted and reflected light from the subject S passes.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, the first light source 16 includes four white LEDs 20, and each LED 20 is arranged on an illumination lighting circuit board 21 fixed to the housing H, and this circuit An opening 21 a is formed in the center of the substrate 21. Further, the LEDs 20 are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference around the imaging axis L that connects the subject S and the CMOS image sensor 11 through the imaging optical unit 12. In other words, the first light source 16 employs a special arrangement such as a crossed arrangement with LEDs. The light from each LED 20 is emitted toward the subject S.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 9, the second light source 17 includes four white LEDs 22, and each LED 22 is arranged on an illumination lighting circuit board 23 fixed to the housing H. An opening 23 a is formed in the center of the substrate 23. Further, the LEDs 22 are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference with the imaging axis L as the center. That is, the second light source 17 employs a special arrangement such as a cross-shaped opposed arrangement of LEDs, as with the first light source 16. The light from each LED 22 is emitted toward the subject S.

  Similarly, the third light source 31 is composed of four white LEDs 32, and each LED 32 is arranged on the illumination lighting circuit board 23 fixed to the housing H, and is arranged outside the second light source 17. ing. Further, the LEDs 22 of the second light source 17 and the LEDs 32 of the third light source 31 are alternately arranged, and the LEDs 32 are equidistant on the circumference around the imaging axis L on the same plane as the second light source 17. Is arranged. That is, the third light source 31 employs a special arrangement such as a cross-shaped opposed arrangement of LEDs, as in the first and second light sources 16 and 17. The light from each LED 32 is emitted toward the subject S.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the first polarizing filter 18 is a filter for polarizing the P wave (longitudinal wave) while being arranged so as to close the opening 23 a perpendicular to the imaging axis L. is there. Accordingly, the light emitted from the first light source 16 illuminates the subject S through the first polarizing filter 18 and the opening 23a. The first polarizing filter 18 is a filter for cutting irregular reflection on the skin surface, and the light reflected by the subject S is imaged by the CMOS image sensor 11 through the first polarizing filter 18. In this way, when only the first polarizing filter 18 is used for imaging, it is possible to observe the state of the skin surface (for example, texture, pores, rough skin) by the first light source 16.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the second polarizing filter 19 is disposed close to the front of the second and third light sources 17 and 31 in a direction orthogonal to the imaging axis L, and has an S wave (transverse wave). ) Is a filter for polarizing. Therefore, the light emitted from the second and third light sources 17 and 31 illuminates the subject S through the second polarizing filter 19. The second polarizing filter 19 is a filter used for observing skin spots, and the light reflected by the subject S passes through the opening 19 a of the second polarizing filter 19 and the first polarizing filter 18 and is CMOS. The image is picked up by the image sensor 11. When the first and second polarizing filters 18 and 19 are used for imaging as described above, the second and third light sources 17 and 31 can be spotted.

  Further, the first to third light sources 16, 17, and 31 employ a special arrangement such as a cross-shaped opposed arrangement of LEDs. As a result, it has been confirmed by experiments that the surface state of the skin is clearly imaged with good contrast. Furthermore, since the first to third light sources 16, 17, and 31 exhibit the maximum effect with a small number of LEDs, the power consumption of illumination can be suppressed, and the skin observation device 1 can be driven by a battery. This is an extremely effective measure for portable use.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the white LED 20 of the first light source 16 includes the first circuit board so that the optical axis P <b> 1 is at an angle α (16.5 ± 3 °) with respect to the imaging axis L. 21 is arranged. Experiments have confirmed that such an angle is optimal for observing pores on the skin surface, complex wrinkles, rough skin, and the like by the first light source 16.

  The white LED 22 of the second light source 17 is disposed on the second circuit board 23 so that the optical axis P2 thereof is at an angle β (27 ± 3 °) with respect to the imaging axis L. It has been experimentally confirmed that such an angle is optimal for observing a spot A (see FIG. 2) with shallow skin by the second light source 17.

  The white LED 32 of the third light source 31 is arranged on the second circuit board 23 so that the optical axis P3 thereof is at an angle γ (32 ± 3 °) with respect to the imaging axis L. It has been experimentally confirmed that such an angle is optimal for observing a stain B (see FIG. 2) in the deep part of the skin by the third light source 31. At present, it is difficult to confirm deep spots B with the naked eye.

  The optical axes P1, P2, and P3 extend so as to pass through the intersection point O between the observation reference plane R including the tip of the cap portion 3 and the imaging axis L.

  Here, the skin observation apparatus 1 according to the present invention and a conventional skin observation apparatus (not shown) will be described in comparison. In addition, the conventional skin observation apparatus is provided with 16 LEDs arranged in a ring shape.

  FIG. 10 shows the skin surface observed with a conventional device, and FIG. 11 shows the skin surface observed with the device of the present invention. In the skin observation device 1 according to the present invention using the first light source 16, the skin surface is observed. It can be seen that the wrinkle contrast is clearer and easier to observe.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when skin spots are observed with a conventional apparatus, shine remains on the skin surface, the state of skin wrinkles clearly appears, and spots (portions surrounded by broken lines) are difficult to observe. . On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, in the skin observation apparatus 1 according to the present invention using the second light source 17, there is almost no shine on the skin surface, and shallow spots (portions surrounded by broken lines) are observed. I understand that it is easy.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the skin observation apparatus 1 according to the present invention using the third light source 31, there is almost no shine on the skin surface, and deep spots (portions surrounded by broken lines) appear to appear. I understand that it is easy.

  It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, in the first to third light sources 16, 17, and 31, even if three white LEDs 40 are arranged in a regular triangle, the same effect is produced. Further, the button B2 (see FIG. 1) is a rotary switch, and the first to third light sources 16, 17, and 31 can be switched and turned on as needed by the button B2. The LEDs 20, 22, 32, and 40 are surface mount type LEDs, but may be lead type LEDs. Further, an S wave (transverse wave) filter may be used for the first polarizing filter 18, and a P wave (longitudinal wave) filter may be used for the second polarizing filter 19. The monitor 6 may be color or black and white.

  The light emitted from the second light source 17 and applied to the skin S is preferably cyan white light. As a specific example of producing this cyan white light, two of the four LEDs of the second light source 17 are cyan LEDs, and the remaining two are white LEDs. Cyan white light is produced by simultaneously lighting all four LEDs. For example, a cyan LED having a peak wavelength of about 465 nm is used, and a white LED is an LED that generates white light by mixing blue light and yellow light. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-253309 As described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. Hokukai, the wavelength of blue LED light is converted to yellow with a YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) phosphor, and those having peak wavelengths near 460 nm and 560 nm are used. The third light source 31 is preferably a similar LED.

  Since the cyan color has a complementary color relationship with the brown stain, when the stain is observed with the second light source 17 or the third light source 31 having such an LED structure, the cyan white light is applied to the skin S. The stain can be raised more black, and the stain can be observed with good contrast.

  As another example of producing the above-described cyan white light, all four LEDs of the second light source 17 may be strong cyan white LEDs. This LED emits a bluish white light. Specifically, as this type of LED, for example, a white LED having excellent emission intensity between 435.8 nm (blue) and 546.1 nm (green). The third light source 31 is preferably a similar LED.

  Note that the number of LEDs described above may be four or more.

It is a perspective view of the appearance showing one embodiment of a skin observation device concerning the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a skin observation apparatus. It is a partial notch perspective view of a skin observation apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the imaging illumination unit applied to a skin observation apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of an imaging illumination unit. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of an imaging illumination unit. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of an imaging illumination unit. It is a top view which shows a 1st light source and a 1st polarizing filter. It is a top view which shows the 2nd and 3rd light source, and a 2nd polarizing filter. It is a photograph which shows the state which observed the wrinkle of the skin surface with the conventional apparatus. It is a photograph which shows the state which observed the wrinkle on the skin surface with the 1st light source. It is a photograph which shows the state which observed the skin spot with the conventional apparatus. It is a photograph which shows the state which observed the shallow skin spot with the 2nd light source. It is a photograph which shows the state which observed the deep skin spot with the 3rd light source. It is a top view which shows the other example of the light source applied to the skin observation apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Skin observation apparatus, 6 ... Monitor, 8 ... Battery, 10 ... Illumination part, 11 ... CMOS image sensor (imaging element), 12 ... Imaging optical part, 13 ... Mirror, 16 ... 1st light source, 17 ... 1st 2 light sources, 18 ... first polarizing filter, 19 ... second polarizing filter, 19a ... opening, 20, 22,32 ... LED, 21,23 ... circuit board, 31 ... third light source, L ... imaging Axis, P1, P2, P3 ... optical axis, U ... imaging illumination unit, S ... subject (skin).

Claims (9)

An illumination unit that emits light toward the subject;
An imaging device that receives reflected light from the subject and images the subject;
An imaging optical unit that is disposed between the illumination unit and the image sensor and collects reflected light from the subject on the image sensor;
The illumination unit is
A first light source disposed on the imaging optical unit side;
A second light source disposed on the subject side;
A first polarizing filter disposed between the first light source and the second light source to transmit light from the first light source and transmit reflected light from the subject;
A second polarizing filter disposed in front of the second light source and having an opening that transmits light from the second light source and through which reflected light from the subject passes;
The first and second light sources are constituted by LEDs arranged at equal intervals on a circumference centered on an imaging axis that connects the subject and the imaging element through the imaging optical unit. Skin observation device characterized by.   The skin observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light emitted from the second light source and applied to the subject is cyan white light.   The illumination unit further includes a third light source composed of LEDs arranged on the same plane as the second light source, and the third light source is located outward from the second light source. The skin observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the skin observation apparatus is arranged at equal intervals on a circumference centered on the imaging axis.   The skin observation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light emitted from the third light source and applied to the subject is cyan white light.   The skin observation according to claim 1, wherein the first light source is arranged on the first circuit board so that an optical axis thereof is 16.5 ± 3 ° with respect to the imaging axis. apparatus.   The skin observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second light source is arranged on the second circuit board so that an optical axis thereof is 27 ± 3 ° with respect to the imaging axis.   The skin observation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the third light source is arranged on the second circuit board so that an optical axis thereof is 32 ± 3 ° with respect to the imaging axis.   In the housing that houses the illumination unit, the imaging device, and the imaging optical unit, a monitor that displays an imaging result and a battery that supplies power to the monitor, the illumination unit, and the imaging device are provided. The skin observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein   The skin observation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a mirror for bending the imaging axis line by 90 degrees is disposed between the illumination unit and the imaging optical unit.

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