AU2020252328B2

AU2020252328B2 - Illumination device and imaging device

Info

Publication number: AU2020252328B2
Application number: AU2020252328A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Katsuyuki Matsuo; Tohru Yoshida
Original assignee: Casio Computer Co Ltd
Current assignee: Casio Computer Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-29
Filing date: 2020-01-20
Publication date: 2023-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-20
Also published as: CA3129369A1; CA3129369C; CN113383270A; CN113383270B; JP2020166221A; SG11202110330SA; AU2020252328A1; JP6897712B2; JP2021144244A; JP7310856B2

Abstract

An illumination device (4) that is applied to an imaging unit for imaging an object. The illumination device (4) comprises: an object cover (132) constituted from a member that can transmit light, the object cover (132) being provided so as to guide light from the object to the imaging unit in order to cause the imaging unit to image the object; and light sources (141, 142, 143) provided closer to the imaging unit than the object cover (132), for illuminating the object through the object cover (132). The light sources (141, 142, 143) are provided in a region farther out than an inversion region, in which a region defined by prescribed light beams included in luminous flux closer to the object than the object cover (132) is substantially inverted on the imaging unit side of the object cover (132), the luminous flux impinging on an imaging element (44) via imaging lenses (41a, 41b) from the object side in a state where the imaging lenses (41a, 41b) are focused on the object that contacts the object cover (132).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title of Invention

ILLUMINATION DEVICE AND IMAGING DEVICE

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an illumination device and an imaging

device including the illumination device.

Background Art

[0002] A known imaging device including an illumination device is described in,

for example, Patent Literature 1. The imaging device includes an objective glass to be

in contact with human skin through a gel, multiple light sources that emit light, and an

imager for imaging. The skin in contact with the objective glass is illuminated by the

multiple light sources inside the imaging device and imaged by the imager.

Citation List

Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 5797921

Summary of Invention

[0004] A typical imaging device for imaging skin includes the objective glass to be

in contact with the skin surface through a gel for preventing light reflection from the skin

surface. However, light from the light sources illuminating the skin may be reflected by

the objective glass depending on the positions of the light sources, possibly disabling

proper imaging of the skin. Such reflection may also occur in imaging targets other than

skin.

[0005] In response to the above issue, the present disclosure provides an

illumination device that allows proper imaging of a target by reducing the likelihood of

imaging being affected by reflected light of light sources and an imaging device including

the illumination device.

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

[0006] An illumination device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an

illumination device for an imager for imaging a target. The illumination device includes

an objective cover including a light transmissive member to direct light from the target to

the imager to allow the imager to image the target, and at least one light source located

nearer the imager than the objective cover to illuminate the target through the objective

cover. The imager includes an image sensor configured to image the target and an

imaging lens configured to form an image of the target on the image sensor. The at least

one light source is located outward from an inverted region formed by substantially

inverting, toward the imager and with respect to the objective cover, a region defined by

predetermined rays of rays nearer the target from the objective cover in a pencil of rays

entering, through the imaging lens, the image sensor from the target in contact with the

objective cover and in focus with the imaging lens. The objective cover includes a first

objective cover and a second objective cover, and at least one of the first objective cover

or the second objective cover is selectively usable. The first objective cover has a

predetermined first area being an area of a surface orthogonal to an optical axis of the

imager. The second objective cover has a predetermined second area being an area of a

surface orthogonal to the optical axis of the imager, and the second area is smaller than

the first area. The at least one light source includes at least one first light source to

illuminate the target through the first objective cover and at least one second light source

to illuminate the target through the second objective cover. The at least one first light

source is located outward from a first inverted region that is a region formed by

substantially inverting, toward the imager and with respect to the first objective cover, a

region defined by first predetermined rays of rays nearer the target from the first objective

cover in a pencil of rays, the pencil of rays entering, through the imaging lens, the image

sensor from the target in contact with the first objective cover and in focus with the

imaging lens. And the at least one second light source is located outward from a second

inverted region that is a region formed by substantially inverting, toward the imager and

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU with respect to the second objective cover, a region defined by second predetermined rays of rays nearer the target from the second objective cover in a pencil of rays, the pencil of rays entering, through the imaging lens, the image sensor from the target in contact with the second objective cover and in focus with the imaging lens.

[0006a] An illumination device according to another aspect of the present disclosure

is an illumination device for an imager for imaging a target, the illumination device

comprising: a first objective cover including a light transmissive member and configured

to direct light from the target to the imager to allow the imager to image, the first

objective cover having a predetermined first area that is an area of a face of the first

objective cover substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the imager; a second

objective cover having a predetermined second area that is an area of a face of the second

objective cover substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the imager, the

predetermined second area being smaller than the predetermined first area; a first light

source configured to illuminate the target through the first objective cover; and a second

light source configured to illuminate the target through the second objective cover.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0007] The technique according to an embodiment of the present disclosure allows proper imaging of a target by reducing the likelihood of imaging being affected by

reflected light of the light source.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0008] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a dermatoscopy camera according to

Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, without an adapter being attached;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the dermatoscopy camera according to

Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, with the adapter attached;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dermatoscopy camera;

FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an imager included in the

dermatoscopy camera;

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

FIG. 4 is a front view of an illumination device included in the dermatoscopy

camera as viewed in the direction indicated by arrow IV in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the illumination device taken along line V-V in

FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the illumination device with the adapter

attached;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a base included in the body of the illumination device;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the base included in the body of the illumination device

with a first light-emitting diode (LED) board removed from the base;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of portion IX in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dermatoscopy camera;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram describing light illumination during second

dermatoscopy imaging;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dermatoscopy camera with the

adapter attached;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram describing light illumination during the second

dermatoscopy imaging;

FIG. 14A is a diagram showing illuminance distribution on a second objective

cover obtained through simulation in which LEDs for the second dermatoscopy imaging

are turned on;

FIG. 14B is a diagram showing illuminance distribution on the second objective

cover obtained through simulation in which LEDs for first dermatoscopy imaging are

turned on;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an imaging operation performed by the

dermatoscopy camera;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a dermatoscopy imaging operation;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a first dermatoscopy imaging operation;

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a second dermatoscopy imaging operation;

FIG. 19 is a diagram describing the focus on a target that is set for imaging;

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of a dermatoscopy camera according to

Embodiment 2;

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dermatoscopy camera according to

Embodiment 2 with an adapter attached;

FIG. 22A is a diagram describing movement of LED boards in a dermatoscopy

camera according to a modification of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22B is a diagram describing rotation of LED boards in a dermatoscopy

camera according to a modification of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an imaging operation of a dermatoscopy camera

according to a modification of the present disclosure.

Description of Embodiments

[0009] A dermatoscopy camera according to one or more embodiments of the

present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. The term

dermatoscope herein refers to a magnifier (device) for skin examinations, and the term

dermatoscopy refers to skin examinations using the magnifier or to the use of (the act of

using) the magnifier, similarly to the use of the terms microscope and microscopy.

[0010] As in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the examples will be hereafter described based on

an orthogonal coordinate system with the front (front surface) of a dermatoscopy camera

1 being nearer an imaging target (subject), the rear being opposite to the front, and the

up-down (vertical) direction and the right-left (lateral) direction being the up-down

(vertical) direction and the right-left (lateral) direction of the dermatoscopy camera 1

when viewed from the front. Unless otherwise specified, the components are fastened

in any suitable manner, such as with threads or screws or by fitting.

[0011] Embodiment 1

The dermatoscopy camera 1 according to Embodiment 1 is an example of an

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU imaging device that captures an image for examination of skin conditions. The dermatoscopy camera 1 can image an imaging target either with an adapter 70 attached as shown in FIG. 1B or with the adapter 70 detached as shown in FIG. 1A. Theadapter70 is used for imaging narrow areas, such as between fingers or folds in an ear, as described later.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the dermatoscopy camera 1 includes a controller 2, a

camera body 3 in front of the controller 2, and an illumination device 4 in front of the

camera body 3.

[0013] The controller 2 includes a display 10 that includes a touchscreen liquid

crystal display (LCD) monitor 11 to display various items of operating information and

captured images and receive, as setting means, user operations, a body 20 including

operation buttons, such as a shutter button 21 and a power button 22, and a circuit board

30 housed between the display 10 and the body 20. The circuit board 30 includes a

storage 200 that stores captured images and a control unit 300 that controls the

components of the dermatoscopy camera 1.

[0014] The camera body 3 includes an imager 40 and a frame 50. Theframe50

supports the imager 40 and is attached to a cover 60 (described later). FIG. 3 is a

perspective cross-sectional view of the imager 40 included in the dermatoscopy camera 1.

The imager 40 includes an imaging lens system 41 having a lens group aligned with an

optical axis OA. The imager 40 also includes a wiring circuit board 43 and an image

sensor 44 housed behind the imaging lens system 41. The imager 40 includes, in front

of the image sensor 44, an infrared cutfilter (IRCF) 45, an ultraviolet transmissive filter

46, and a polarization filter 47 in the stated order from the front. The imager 40 further

includes a flexible circuit board 48 extending from the left of the imager 40. The

controller 2 (FIG. 2) operates the imager 40 with the flexible circuit board 48.

[0015] The imaging lens system 41 includes the lens group including a first imaging lens 41a and a second imaging lens 41b aligned with the optical axis OA, and a

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU lens barrel 41c housing the second imaging lens 41b. The first imaging lens 41a and the second imaging lens 41b are located between a diseased skin portion being an imaging target and the image sensor 44 and form an image of the imaging target on the image sensor44. The first imaging lens 41a is movable in the front-rear direction, varying the focal length and thus varying magnification. The first imaging lens 41a and the second imaging lens 4lb together magnify a diseased portion of a patient by 10 to 30 times.

[0016] The image sensor 44 is a known image sensor, such as a charge-coupled

device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The image

sensor 44 converts an optical image of a subject into an electrical signal. The imager 40

uses the image sensor 44 to image an imaging target. The imager 40 can capture, for

example, still images and video.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the illumination device 4 includes the cover 60 attached

to the body 20 of the controller 2, an illumination device body 100 attached to the front

end of the cover 60, and the adapter 70 attached to the cover 60 to cover the front of the

illumination device body 100. As described above, the adapter 70 is detachable. The

adapter 70 is attached to the cover 60 to image narrow areas, such as between fingers and

folds in an ear, and detached to image other parts such as a face and an arm. Thus, the

adapter 70 is a part of the illumination device 4 when used in imaging and is not a part of

the illumination device 4 when unused in imaging.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1A, IB, 2, 4, and 5, the cover 60 is cylindrical and

houses the camera body 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 60 has four protrusions 61

arranged on the outer circumferential surface at equal intervals. The protrusions 61

engage with the adapter 70 when the adapter 70 is attached and disengage from the

adapter 70 when the adapter 70 is detached. As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 60 also has

two detection switches 62 arranged on the outer circumferential surface at equal intervals

adjacent to two of the protrusions 61. The two detection switches 62 are arranged

vertically opposite to each other with the optical axis OA between the detection switches

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

62 when the illumination device 4 is viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 6, the

detection switches 62 are urged by springs 62a in a direction to protrude from the cover

60. When the adapter 70 is detached, the detection switches 62 protrude from the cover

60 and are in anoff state. When the adapter 70 is attached with the protrusions 61, the

detection switches 62 are pressed by the adapter 70 and retracted. This turns on the

detection switches 62. The two detection switches 62 function as detection means for

detecting attachment and detachment of the adapter 70.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 5, the illumination device body 100 includes a base 110

provided with multiple light-emitting diode (LED) boards on which LEDs are mounted

as light sources, an annular first cover 120 covering the periphery of the base 110, and a

second cover 130 screwed to the first cover 120.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the base 110 includes a base body 180, first

to sixth LED boards 111 to 116 on the base body 180, and four polarizer plates 117 on

the base body 180.

[0021] The base body 180 is formed from, for example, a black synthetic resin. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the base body 180 includes a cylindrical portion 181, an

annular portion 182 at the front end of the cylindrical portion 181, first to fourth walls

183 to 186 located radially inside the annular portion 182 and extending obliquely

rearward from the annular portion 182, four connection parts 187 each between adjacent

ones of the first to fourth walls 183 to 186, and afifth wall 188 connected to edges of the

first to fourth walls 183 to 186.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 5, the cylindrical portion 181 has an outer diameter that is

substantially the same as the inner diameter of the cover 60 and has the outer

circumferential surface fitted in the inner circumferential surface of the cover 60. This

fastens the base body 180 to the cover 60.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the annular portion 182 has a board mounting

surface 182a on which the first LED board 111 is mounted. The board mounting

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU surface 182a is flat and faces frontward. The board mounting surface 182a has four screw holes 182b used to mount the first LED board 111.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, thefirst wall 183 has a rectangular-plate-like

shape, with the main surface facing frontward and slightly downward and angled with the

opticalaxisOA. The second LED board 112 is mounted on the first wall 183 from the

rear thereof with screws (not shown), and the first wall 183 has an opening 183a to

expose LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on the second LED board 112 frontward. Apolarizer

plate 117 is mounted on the front surface of the first wall 183 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 8, the second wall 184 has a rectangular-plate-like shape, with the main surface facing frontward and slightly leftward and angled with the optical

axisOA. The third LED board 113 is mounted on the second wall 184 from the rear

side thereof with screws (not shown), and the second wall 184 has a opening 184a to

expose LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on the third LED board 113 frontward. Apolarizer

plate 117 is mounted on the front surface of the second wall 184 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the third wall 185 has a rectangular-plate-like shape, with the main surface facing frontward and slightly upward and angled with the

opticalaxisOA. The fourth LED board 114 is mounted on the third wall 185 from the

rear thereof with screws (not shown), and the third wall 185 has an opening 185a to

expose LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on the fourth LED board 114 frontward. Apolarizer

plate 117 is mounted on the front surface of the third wall 185 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 8, the fourth wall 186 has a rectangular shape, and has the

main surface facing frontward and slightly rightward and angled with the optical axis OA.

The fifth LED board 115 is mounted on the fourth wall 186 from the rear thereof with

screws (not shown), and the fourth wall 186 has an opening 186a to expose LEDs 141,

142, and 143 on the fifth LED board 115 frontward. A polarizer plate 117 is mounted

on the front surface of the fourth wall 186 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0028] The four connection parts 187 are each located between adjacent ones of the

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU rectangular first to fourth walls 183 to 186 extending obliquely rearward from the annular portion182. The four connection parts 187 thus connect the adjacent first to fourth walls 183 to 186 and form a circumferentially continuous wall together with the first to fourth walls 183 to 186.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, thefifth wall 188 is a front-facing rectangular

wall, and is connected to the edges of the first to fourth walls 183 to 186 extending

rearward. The sixth LED board 116 is mounted on the fifth wall 188 from the rear

thereof with screws (not shown), and the fifth wall 188 has openings 188a to expose four

LEDs 144 on the sixth LED board 116 frontward. The fifth wall 188 has, at the center,

a barrel insertion hole 188b for receiving the lens barrel 41c in the imager shown in FIG.

3.

[0030] The base body 180 holding the first to sixth LED boards 111 to 116 and the

polarizer plates 117 is fitted to the cover 60 shown in FIG. 6.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the first LED board 111 is annular and

mounted to the board mounting surface 182a of the base body 180 with screws 189 (FIG.

7). The first LED board 111 includes sixteen LEDs 140 arranged circumferentially.

The LEDs 140 emit, for example, white light and function as a ring flash that emits light

frontward from the outer circumference of the illumination device body 100. TheLEDs

140 emit light to illuminate a diseased skin portion when the dermatoscopy camera 1

(FIG. 1A) images the diseased skin portion as a common camera (normal imaging).

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the second LED board 112 is a rectangular

board screwed, from the rear, to the first wall 183 in the base body 180, and a

longitudinal direction of the second LED board 112 extends laterally. AsshowninFIG.

8, the second LED board 112 has an LED 141 that emits visible light, an LED 142 that

emits visible light, an LED 143 that emits ultraviolet light, an LED 142 that emits visible

light, and an LED 141 that emits visible light arranged in a row in this order from left to

right. The two LEDs 142 are covered with the polarizer plate 117 and thus emit

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU polarizedlight. As shown in FIG. 5, the second LED board 112 is located on the first wall 183 angled frontward with the vertical direction. The LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on the second LED board 112 thus face toward the optical axis OA of the imager 40, or more specifically, face frontward and slightly downward in FIG. 5.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 8, the third LED board 113 is a vertically-elongated

rectangular board screwed, from the rear, to the second wall 184 in the base body 180 and

extends orthogonally to the second LED board 112. As in the second LED board 112,

the third LED board 113has an LED 141 that emits visible light, an LED 142 that emits

visible light, an LED 143 that emits ultraviolet light, an LED 142 that emits visible light,

and an LED 141 that emits visible light arranged in a row in this order from top to bottom.

Also as in the second LED board 112, the two LEDs 142 are covered with the polarizer

plate117. The third LED board 113 is located on the angled second wall 184 in the

basebody180. The LEDs 141, 142 and 143 on the third LED board 113 face toward

the optical axis OA of the imager 40, or more specifically, face frontward and slightly

leftward in FIG. 8.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 8, the fourth LED board 114 has the same structure as the

second LED board 112 rotated by 1800 about the optical axis OA. In other words, the

LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on the second LED board 112 and the LEDs 141, 142, and 143

on the fourth LED board 114 are vertically symmetric with each other about the optical

axis OA. The LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on the fourth LED board 114 face frontward and

slightly upward and thus emit light toward the optical axis OA. The two LEDs 142 on

the fourth LED board 114 are covered with the polarizer plate 117. AsshowninFIG.8,

the fifth LED board 115 has the same structure as the third LED board 113 rotated by

1800about the optical axis OA. In other words, the LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on the

third LED board 113 and the LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on the fifth LED board 115 are

laterally symmetric with each other about the optical axis OA. The LEDs 141, 142, and

143 on the fifth LED board 115 face frontward and slightly rightward and thus emit light

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU toward the optical axis OA. The two LEDs 142 on the fifth LED board 115 are covered with the polarizer plate 117. The LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on eachof the secondto fifth

LED boards 112 to 115 illuminate a diseased skin portion during dermatoscopy imaging

(first dermatoscopy imaging) performed with the adapter 70 (FIG. 6) detached from the

illumination device 4 as shown in FIG. 5. The LEDs 142 and 143, except the LEDs 141,

also illuminate a diseased skin portion during dermatoscopy imaging (second

dermatoscopy imaging) performed with the adapter 70 attached to the illumination device

4 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the sixth LED board 116 is a rectangular board

screwed, from the rear, to the fifth wall 188 in the base body 180. The sixth LED board

116 has a barrel insertion hole 116a that aligns with the barrel insertion hole 188b in the

fifth wall 188 in the base body 180. The sixth LED board 116 has the four LEDs 144

around the barrel insertion hole 188b (116a) to emit visible light during the second

dermatoscopy imaging. The four LEDs 144 face frontward and emit light frontward

through the openings 188a in the fifth wall 188 in the base body 180. The four LEDs

144 on the sixth LED board 116 illuminate a diseased skin portion instead of the LEDs

141 during the second dermatoscopy imaging.

[0036] The illumination device 4 thus includes the LEDs 140 that emit light during

normal imaging, the LEDs 141 that emit light during thefirst dermatoscopy imaging

alone, the LEDs 144 that emit light during the second dermatoscopy imaging alone, and

the LEDs 142 and 143 that emit light during thefirst dermatoscopy imaging and the

second dermatoscopy imaging.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, the first cover 120 covering the periphery of the front

end of the base 110 has a first cover body 121 and a translucent plate 122 on the front

surface of the first cover body 121. The first cover body 121 is formed from, for

example, a black synthetic resin. As shown in FIG. 9, the first cover body 121 has an

annular cover portion 121a covering the front of the first LED board 111, and an outer

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU wall 121b and an inner wall 121c forming a tubular shape and standing from the cover portion121a. The first cover 120 is fastened to the base body 180 with the outer wall

121b and the inner wall 121c in contact with the annular portion 182. Thefirstcover

body 121 forms, on the rear, a housing space A housing the first LED board 111 and the

LEDs140. The housing space A is defined by the cover portion 121a, the outer wall

121b, the inner wall 121c, and the annular portion 182 in the base body 180. Thecover

portion 121a has light releasing holes aligned with the LEDs 140. The first cover 120

thus has sixteen light releasing holes 121d corresponding to the sixteen LEDs 140 on the

first LED board 111 as shown in FIG. 4. The translucent plate 122 is formed from, for

example, a transparent synthetic resin. The translucent plate 122 transmits light emitted

from the LEDs 140 through the light releasing holes 121d and covers the light releasing

holes 121d to prevent dust from entering the interior of the dermatoscopy camera 1.

The illumination device 4 can thus function as a ring flash by emitting light from the

LEDs 140 through the multiple light releasing holes 121d arranged circumferentially.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 9, the outer wall 121b of thefirst cover body 121 covers the radially outer end face 111a of the first LED board 111, and the inner wall 121c

covers the radially inner end face 1lla. As described above, the base body 180 and the

first cover body 121 defining the housing space A are formed from, for example, a black

syntheticresin. The base body 180, the outer wall 121b, and the inner wall 121c thus

absorb light from the LEDs 140 transmitted through the first LED board 111. For

example, the inner wall 121c absorbs light Li transmitted through the first LED board

II before the light LI passes throughthe inner end face 1lla. Also, the base body 180

absorbs light L2 transmitted through the first LED board I IIbefore the light L2 travels

further rearward. Thus, the light emitted from the LEDs 140 travels outward from the

housing space A through the light releasing holes 121d alone, thus reducing light leakage

to the interior of the dermatoscopy camera 1 (for example, to a space B housing the distal

end of the lens barrel 41c and the LEDs 141, 142, 143, and 144 for dermatoscopy

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU imaging as shown in FIG. 10). As shown in FIG. 9, the inner wall 121c has internal threads 121e for engaging with the second cover 130.

[0039] As shown at least in FIGS. 4 to 6, the second cover 130 includes a truncated

conical cylinder 131 as a first cover, and a first objective cover 132 fitted in an opening

131a at the top (front end) of the cylinder 131. The cylinder 131 is formed from alight

non-transmissive resin material, such as a polyvinyl chloride derivative and an acrylic

resin, to avoid light transmission and conversion of light into an electrical signal by the

imagesensor. The cylinder 131 may have a surface coated with a paint that prevents

light transmission. The cylinder 131 has an inner circumferential surface embossed to

reduce light reflection or treated with an anti-reflective coating. As shown in FIG. 9, the

cylinder 131 has, at the bottom (rear end), external threads 131b screwed with the internal

threads 121e on the inner wall 121c. The external threads 13lb and the internal threads

121e on the first cover 120 function as attachment and detachment means for attaching

and detaching the second cover 130 to and from the first cover 120.

[0040] The first objective cover 132 shown in FIG. 5 is a member that can transmit

light, such as a glass piece, and is disk-shaped. The first objective cover 132 has the

main surface orthogonal to the optical axis OA. The main surface of the first objective

cover 132 has a predetermined first area. Dermatoscopy imaging of a diseased skin

portion is to be performed with less diffuse reflection of light on the skin surface.

Diffuse reflection of light is reduced with a gel applied to the diseased skin portion

against which the first objective cover 132 is pressed. This removes an air layer

between the diseased skin portion and the first objective cover 132, thus reducing diffuse

reflection of light on the skin surface. In the manner described above, the first objective

cover 132 pressed against the diseased skin portion transmits light from the LEDs 141,

142, 143, and 144 mounted on the second to sixth LED boards 112 to 116 shown in FIG.

8 allows illumination of the diseased skin portion with light, and directs light reflected by

the diseased skin portion into the dermatoscopy camera 1 and thus to the imager 40.

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

[0041] During the first dermatoscopy imaging, as shown in FIG. 10, the first

objective cover 132 is in contact with skin Si in a region rl. The region r1 is

surrounded by a region r2 in which the top of the cylinder 131 is in contact with the skin

S1. The cylinder 131 in contact with the skin S1 in the region r2 blocks external light.

The skin S Iin contact with thefirst objective cover 132 is thus less susceptible to

externallight. This allows the skin Sl in contact with the first objective cover 132 to be

efficiently illuminated with light from the LEDs 141, 142, 143, and 144 on the second to

sixth LED boards 112 to 116. The first objective cover 132 pressed against the skin SI

retains a constant distance between the skin Si and the dermatoscopy camera 1 and

constant brightness at the illuminated skin Si, thus enabling stable dermatoscopy imaging

under, for example, stable exposure conditions. Additionally, the first objective cover

132 protects the interior of the dermatoscopy camera 1 from moisture and dust.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1B and 6, the adapter 70 includes a truncated conical

cylinder 71 as a second cover and a second objective cover 72 fitted in an opening 71a at

the top (front end) of the cylinder 71. The cylinder 71 is formed from, for example, a

resin such as a polyvinyl chloride derivative and an acrylic resin, and has an inner

circumferential surface embossed to reduce light reflection or treated with an

anti-reflective coating. The cylinder 71 has a hooked portion 71b at the bottom (rear

end) as shown inFIG. 6. The hooked portion 71b is engaged with the protrusions 61 on

the cover 60 to attach the adapter 70 to the cover 60. This causes an inner wall 70a of

the adapter 70 to press the detection switches 62. The detection switches 62 are then

retracted and turned on. When the adapter 70 is detached from the cover 60, the hooked

portion 71b is pushed outward to be disengaged from the protrusions 61. Thisreleases

the detection switches 62 from the state pressed by the inner wall 70a of the adapter 70.

The detection switches 62 then protrude from the cover 60 and are turned off. The

hooked portion 71b and the protrusions 61 function as attachment and detachment means

for attaching and detaching the adapter 70 to and from the cover 60.

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

[0043] The second objective cover 72 is a member that can transmit light, such as a

glass piece, and is disk-shaped. During the second dermatoscopy imaging, the second

objective cover 72 comes in contact with a diseased skin portion as an imaging target.

The second objective cover 72 has the main surface orthogonal to the optical axis OA.

The main surface of the second objective cover 72 has a predetermined second area that

is smaller than the first area of the first objective cover 132. The second objective cover

72 can thus be placed on a diseased skin portion in a narrow area with the tapered

cylinder71. The second objective cover 72 is pressed against a diseased skin portion in

a narrow area through a gel applied to the diseased skin portion to reduce diffuse

reflection of light on the diseased skin portion. During the second dermatoscopy

imaging, the second objective cover 72 transmits light emitted from the LEDs 142 and

143 on the second to fifth LED boards 112 to 115 and from the LEDs 144 on the sixth

LED board 116 shown in FIG. 8 to illuminate the diseased skin portion with light, and

allows light reflected by the diseased skin portion to enter the second objective cover 72.

[0044] During the second dermatoscopy imaging, as shown in FIG. 12, the second objective cover 72 is in contact with skin S2 in a region r3. The region r3 is surrounded

by a region r4 in which the top of the cylinder 71 is in contact with the skin S2. The

cylinder 71 in contact with the skin S2 in the region r4 blocks external light. The skin

S2 in contact with the second objective cover 72 is thus less susceptible to external light.

The second objective cover 72 enables stable dermatoscopy imaging as the same

advantageous effects as produced by the first objective cover 132 described above.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 10 to 13, the LEDs, each of which is an example of

light emitting means in the illumination device 4, are arranged in the manner described

below in more detail. In FIGS. 10 to 13, the front portion of the dermatoscopy camera 1

is illustrated to simplify the drawings. FIGS. 10 to 13 are cross-sectional views of the

dermatoscopy camera 1 taken along a vertical line aligned with the line along which the

cross-sectional views in FIGS. 5 and 6 are taken. In FIGS. 11 and 13, the range

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU illuminated by the LEDs is hatched, with an area illuminated brighter being hatched darker.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 10, the imaging lens system 41 in the dermatoscopy

camera 1 includes the lens barrel 41c placed through the barrel insertion holes 116a and

188b and protruding from the base body 180. During the first dermatoscopy imaging,

the imaging lens system 41 moves the lens group to focus on the skin S in contact with

the first objective cover 132. FIG. 10 shows the path of light that enters the

dermatoscopy camera 1 and then the image sensor 44 through the lens group, such as the

first imaging lens 41a, assuming that the skin S Iis in contact with the first objective

cover 132.

[0047] The skin S Iincludes a point C at the uppermost position of the imaging

range of the image sensor 44. Thus, rays passing through the point C during the first

dermatoscopy imaging are at the uppermost (outermost) position among the rays

included in the pencil of rays that enters the image sensor 44 through thefirst objective

cover 132 from the imaging target. Light reflected at the point Con the skin Si travels

in various directions and partially enters the image sensor 44 through the lens group.

Among the rays passing through the point C and entering the image sensor 44, an upper

ray 171 is the uppermost ray and a lower ray 172 is the lowermost ray. The upper ray

171 is also the uppermost (outermost) ray among the multiple upper rays that pass

through the first objective cover 132 and enter the image sensor 44. The upper ray 171

and the lower ray 172 passing through the point C are transmitted through the first

objective cover 132, refracted by the lens group, including the second imaging lens 41b

and the first imaging lens 41a, and focused at a point C' at an end of the image sensor 44.

Among the rays passing through the point C, rays between the upper ray 171 and the

lower ray 172 (e.g., principal rays) are also transmitted through the first objective cover

132, refracted by the lens group, such as the second imaging lens 41b, and focused at the

point C' at the end of the image sensor 44.

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

[0048] The first objective cover 132 in contact with the skin Si during the first

dermatoscopy imaging allows little or no light to enter from the front. Thus, the upper

ray 171 and the lower ray 172 have the portions frontward (nearer the skin Sl) from the

first objective cover 132 being imaginary and may thus have the portions referred to as an

imaginary upper ray 171a and an imaginary lower ray 172a.

[0049] The upper ray 171 passing through the point C has a portion (imaginary

upper ray 171a) frontward (nearer the skin SI) from thefirst objective cover 132. An

inverted upper ray 171' is an imaginary ray that is obtained by inverting the portion 171a

toward the image sensor 44 with respect to a symmetry axis being a line extending

vertically (orthogonally to the optical axis OA) along the front surface 132a of the first

objective cover 132. The lower ray 172 passing through the point C has a portion

(imaginary lower ray 172a) frontward (nearer the skin Si) from the first objective cover

132. An inverted lower ray 172'is an imaginary ray that is obtained by inverting the

portion 172a toward the image sensor 44 with respect to the symmetry axis being the line

extending vertically along the front surface 132a of the first objective cover 132.

[0050] The skin Si includes a point D at the lowermost position of the imaging range of the image sensor 44. Thus, rays passing through the point D during the first

dermatoscopy imaging are at the lowermost (outermost) position among the rays

cover 132 from the imaging target. Light reflected at the point Don the skin S1 travels

Among the rays passing through the point D and entering the image sensor 44, an upper

ray 173 is the uppermost ray and a lower ray 174 is the lowermost ray. The lower ray

174 is also the lowermost (outermost) ray among the multiple lower rays that enter the

image sensor 44 through the lens group. The upper and lower rays 173 and 174 are

indicated with dashed lines for easy distinction from the upper and lower rays 171 and

172 indicated with solid lines. The upper ray 173 and the lower ray 174 passing through

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU the point D are transmitted through the first objective cover 132, refracted by the lens group (e.g., the second imaging lens 41b), and focused at a point D'at another end of the image sensor 44. Among the rays passing through the point D, rays between the upper ray 173 and the lower ray 174 (e.g., principal rays) are also transmitted through the first objective cover 132, refracted by the lens group, and focused at the point C' at the end of the image sensor 44.

[0051] The first objective cover 132 in contact with the skin Si during the first dermatoscopy imaging allows little or no light to enter from the front. Thus, the upper

ray 173 and the lower ray 174 have the portions frontward (nearer the skin Sl) from the

imaginary upper ray 173a and an imaginary lower ray 174a.

[0052] The upper ray 173 passing through the point D has a portion (imaginary upper ray 173a) frontward (nearer the skin SI) from thefirst objective cover 132. An

inverted upper ray 173' is an imaginary ray that is obtained by inverting the portion 173a

toward the image sensor 44 with respect to the symmetry axis being the line extending

objective cover 132. The lower ray 174 passing through the point D has a portion

(imaginary lower ray 174a) frontward (nearer the skin Si) from the first objective cover

132. An inverted lower ray 174'is an imaginary ray that is obtained by inverting the

portion 174a toward the image sensor 44 with respect to the symmetry axis being the line

[0053] The upper ray 171 and the lower ray 174, being the uppermost ray and the lowermost ray in the pencil of rays that enters the image sensor 44 through the first

objective cover 132, define a region between the rays 171 and 174, including a first

region 501a located frontward from the first objective cover 132. The first region 501a

inverted with respect to the symmetry axis being the line extending vertically

(orthogonally to the optical axis OA) along the front surface 132a of the first objective

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU cover 132 is a first inverted region 501b. The first region 501a is an imaginary region between the imaginary upper ray 171a and the imaginary lower ray 174a. Thefirst inverted region 501b is also an imaginary region between the inverted upper rays 171' and the inverted lower rays 174'. Although the first region 501a and the first inverted region 50lb each have a trapezoidal cross section, these region 501a and 50lb are both actually truncated conical, with the first region 501a defined by the imaginary upper ray

171a and the imaginary lower ray 174a being rotated about the optical axis OA and the

first inverted region 501b defined by the first region 501a being inverted. TheLEDs

141, 142, and 143 on the second LED board 112 and the fourth LED board 114 are

outward from the first inverted region 501b, as viewed from the optical axis OA. The

LEDs 141, 142, and 143 arranged in the above manner emit light that is reflected by the

rear surface 132b of the first objective cover 132 and restricted from entering the image

sensor 44. This prevents the central area of a captured image from being affected by

light from the LEDs 141, 142, and 143 reflected by the rear surface 132b of the first

objective cover 132 and reduces the likelihood of imaging being affected by the reflected

light.

[0054] Among the rays entering the image sensor 44 and included in the portion of

the pencil of rays frontward from the first objective cover 132, the outermost rays are the

imaginary lower ray 172a and the imaginary upper ray 173a. The imaginary lower ray

172a and the imaginary upper ray 173a define a region between the rays 172a and 173a,

including a second region 502a located frontward from the first objective cover 132.

The second region 502a inverted with respect to the symmetry axis being the line

extending vertically (orthogonally to the optical axis OA) along the front surface 132a of

the first objective cover 132 is a second inverted region 502b. The second region 502a

is an imaginary region between the imaginary lower ray 172a and the imaginary upper

ray 173a. The second inverted region 502b is also an imaginary region between the

inverted lower ray 172' and the inverted upper ray 173'. Although the second region

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

502a and the second inverted region 502b each have a trapezoidal cross section, they are

both actually truncated conical, with the second region 502a defined by the imaginary

lower ray 172a and the imaginary upper ray 173a being rotated about the optical axis OA

and the second inverted region 502b defined by the second region 502a being inverted.

The LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on the second LED board 112 and the fourth LED board

114 are within the second inverted region 502b. The LEDs 141, 142 and 143 arethus

unlikely to be located largely outward to avoid upsizing the illumination device 4 and the

dermatoscopy camera 1.

[0055] The LEDs 141, 142 and 143 on the vertically arranged second LED board

112 and the fourth LED board 114 are arranged in the manner described above with

reference to the cross-sectional view (FIG. 10) taken along a vertical line. The LEDs

141, 142 and 143 on the laterally arranged third LED board 113 (FIG. 8) and the fifth

LED board 115 (FIG. 8) can also be arranged in the same manner and may be described

with reference to a cross-sectional view taken along a lateral line. More specifically, the

LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on the third LED board 113 (FIG. 8) and the fifth LED board

115 (FIG. 8) are also outward from the first inverted region 501b and within the second

inverted region 502b as viewed from the optical axis OA.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 11, the LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on the second LED board

112 face frontward and slightly downward. Similarly, the LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on

the fourth LED board 114 face frontward and slightly upward as shown in FIG. 11. As

shown in FIG. 8, the LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on the third LED board 113 face frontward

and slightly leftward, and the LEDs 141, 142, 143 on the fifth LED board 115 face

frontward and slightly rightward. The LED 141, 142, and 143 arranged on the second

to fifth LED boards 112 to 115 in the above manner thus emit light toward the first

objective cover 132 during the first dermatoscopy imaging. The first objective cover

132 can thus be entirely located within a brightly illuminated space B1, allowing the skin

S Iin contact with thefirst objective cover 132 to be illuminated brightly with reduced

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU unevenness.

[0057] As described above, the light emitted from each of the LEDs 141, 142, and

143 is directed toward the first objective cover 132 during thefirst dermatoscopy imaging.

This allows the skin S to be illuminated brightly with reduced unevenness. The LEDs

141, 142, and 143 are arranged in the manner described above to prevent the central area

of the captured image from being affected by light from the LEDs 141, 142, and 143

reflected by the first objective cover 132 and to reduce the likelihood of imaging being

affected by the reflected light, while avoiding upsizing the illumination device 4 and the

dermatoscopy camera 1.

[0058] The LEDs 144 that emit light during the second dermatoscopy imaging and

are arranged on the sixth LED board 116 will now be described. AsshowninFIG.12,

during the second dermatoscopy imaging, the imaging lens system 41 moves the lens

group to focus on the skin S2 in contact with the second objective cover 72. FIG. 12

shows the path of light that enters the dermatoscopy camera 1 and then the image sensor

44 through the lens group, such as the first imaging lens 41a, when the skin S2 is in

contact with the second objective cover 72.

[0059] The skin S2 includes a point E at the uppermost position of the imaging

range of the image sensor 44. Thus, rays passing through the point E during the second

dermatoscopy imaging are at the uppermost (outermost) position among the rays

included in the pencil of rays that enters the image sensor 44 through the second objective

cover 72 from the imaging target. Light reflected at the point E on the skin S2 travels in

various directions and partially enters the image sensor 44 through the lens group.

Among the rays passing through the point E and entering the image sensor 44, an upper

ray 175 is the uppermost ray and a lower ray 176 is the lowermost ray. The upper ray

175 is also the uppermost (outermost) ray among the multiple upper rays that pass

through the second objective cover 72 and enter the image sensor 44. Theupperray

175 and the lower ray 176 passing through the point E are transmitted through the second

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU objective cover 72 and the first objective cover 132, refracted by the lens group, and focused at a point E' at an end of the image sensor 44.

[0060] The second objective cover 72 in contact with the skin S2 during the second

ray 175 and the lower rays 176 have the portions frontward (nearer the skin S2) from the

second objective cover 72 being imaginary and may thus have the portions referred to as

an imaginary upper ray 175a and an imaginary lower ray 176a.

[0061] The upper ray 175 passing through the point E has a portion (imaginary

upper ray 175a) frontward (nearer the skin S2) from the second objective cover 72. An

inverted upper ray 175' is an imaginary ray that is obtained by inverting the portion 175a

vertically (orthogonally to the optical axis OA) along the front surface 72a of the second

objective cover 72. The lower ray 176 passing through the point E has a portion

(imaginary lower ray 176a) frontward (nearer the skin S2) from the second objective

cover72. An inverted lower ray 176'is an imaginary ray that is obtained by inverting

the portion 176a toward the image sensor 44 with respect to the symmetry axis being the

line extending vertically along the front surface 72a of the second objective cover 72.

[0062] The skin S2 includes a point F at the lowermost position of the imaging

range of the image sensor 44. Thus, rays passing through the point F during the second

dermatoscopy imaging are at the lowermost (outermost) position among the rays

cover 72 from the imaging target. Light reflected at the point F on the skin S2 travels in

ray 177 is the uppermost ray and a lower ray 178 is the lowermost ray. The lower ray

178 is also the lowermost (outermost) ray among the multiple lower rays that pass

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

177 and the lower ray 178 passing through the point F are transmitted through the second

objective cover 72 and the first objective cover 132, refracted by the lens group, and

focused at a point F' at another end of the image sensor 44.

[0063] The second objective cover 72 in contact with the skin S2 during the second

ray 177 and the lower ray 178 have the portions frontward (nearer the skin S2) from the

an imaginary upper ray 177a and an imaginary lower ray 178a.

[0064] The upper ray 177 passing through the point F has a portion (imaginary

upper ray 177a) frontward (nearer the skin S2) from the second objective cover 72. An

inverted upper ray 177' is an imaginary ray that is obtained by inverting the portion 177a

objective cover 72. The lower ray 178 passing through the point F has a portion

(imaginary lower ray 178a) frontward (nearer the skin S2) from the second objective

cover72. An inverted lower ray 178'is an imaginary ray that is obtained by inverting

the portion 178a toward the image sensor 44 with respect to the symmetry axis being the

[0065] The upper ray 175 and the lower ray 178, being the uppermost ray and the

lowermost ray in the pencil of rays that enters the image sensor 44 through the second

objective cover 72, define a region between the rays 175 and 178, including a third region

503a located frontward from the second objective cover 72. The third region 503a

inverted with respect to the symmetry axis being the line extending vertically

(orthogonally to the optical axis OA) along the front surface 72a of the second objective

cover 72 is a third inverted region 503b. The third region 503a is an imaginary region

between the imaginary upper ray 175a and the imaginary lower ray 178a. The third

inverted region 503b is also an imaginary region between the inverted upper ray 175' and

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU the inverted lower ray 178'. Although the third inverted region 503a and the third inverted region 503b each have a trapezoidal cross section, they are both actually truncated conical, with the third inverted region 503a defined by the imaginary upper ray

175a and the imaginary lower ray 178a being rotated about the optical axis OA and the

third inverted region 503b defined by the third region 503a being inverted. The LEDs

144 on the sixth LED board 116 are outward from the third inverted region 503b. The

LEDs 144 on the sixth LED board 116 are arranged in the same manner as in a

cross-sectional view taken along a lateral line. The LEDs 144 are outward from the

third inverted region 503b as viewed from the optical axis OA. The LEDs 144 arranged

in the above manner emit light that is reflected by the rear surface 72b of the second

objective cover 72 and restricted from entering the image sensor 44. This prevents the

central area of a captured image from being affected by light from the LEDs 144 reflected

by the rear surface 72b of the second objective cover 72 and reduces the likelihood of

imaging being affected by the reflected light.

[0066] Among the rays entering the image sensor 44 and included in the portion of

the pencil of rays frontward from the first objective cover 72, the outermost rays are the

imaginary lower ray 176a and the imaginary upper ray 177a. The imaginary lower ray

176a and the imaginary upper ray 177a define a region between the rays 176a and 177a,

including a fourth region 504a located frontward from the second objective cover 72.

The fourth region 504a inverted with respect to the symmetry axis being the line

extending vertically (orthogonally to the optical axis OA) along the front surface 72a of

the second objective cover 72 is a fourth inverted region 504b. The fourth region 504a

is an imaginary region between the imaginary lower ray 176a and the imaginary upper

ray 177a. The fourth inverted region 504b is also a region between the inverted lower

ray 176' and the inverted upper ray 177'. Although the fourth region 504a and the fourth

inverted region 504b each have a trapezoidal cross section, they are both actually

truncated conical, with the fourth region 504a defined by the imaginary lower ray 176a

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU and the imaginary upper ray 177a being rotated about the optical axis OA and the fourth inverted region 504b defined by the fourth region 504a being inverted. The LEDs 144 on the sixth LED board 116 are within the fourth inverted region 504b. TheLEDs144 on the sixth LED board 116 are arranged in the same manner as in a cross-sectional view taken along a lateral line. The LEDs 144 are within the fourth inverted region 504b.

This allows the LEDs 144 to illuminate the second objective cover 72 from nearer the

optical axis OA, reducing unevenness of the light illuminated on the skin S2.

[0067] As described above, the four LEDs 144 face frontward. As shown in FIG.

13, the light emitted frontward from each of the four LEDs 144 during the second

dermatoscopy imaging is directed toward the second objective cover 72. The second

objective cover 72 is thus entirely located within a brightly illuminated space B4,

allowing the skin S2 in contact with the second objective cover 72 to be illuminated

brightly with reduced unevenness.

[0068] As described above, although the dermatoscopy camera 1 emits visible light

with the LEDs 141 during thefirst dermatoscopy imaging, the dermatoscopy camera 1

located nearer the optical axis OA emits visible light with the LEDs 144 during the

second dermatoscopy imaging. This facilitates illuminating the second objective cover

72 with a smaller diameter that is coaxial with the optical axis OA. This is also

demonstrated by the simulation of the illuminance distribution for the second objective

cover as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. In FIG. 14A, the LEDs 144 shown in FIG. 8

emit light. In FIG. 14B, the eight LEDs 141 shown in FIG. 8 emit light. In FIG. 14A,

the second objective cover has an area 73 illuminated uniformly and brightly with

reduced unevenness. In FIG. 14B, the second objective cover has an area 74 partially

including a darker area 74a illuminated insufficiently, causing uneven brightness.

[0069] The second objective cover 72 may cause such uneven brightness when

illuminated with the LEDs 141 (FIG. 8) during thefirst dermatoscopy imaging. This

may result from the LEDs 141 for thefirst dermatoscopy imaging arranged to emit light

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU toward the first objective cover 132 as described above. As shown in FIG. 11, light emitted from one of the LEDs 141 passing through thefirst objective cover 132 partially illuminates the second objective cover 72 instead of entirely illuminating the second objective cover 72. Thus, part of the second objective cover 72 is located in the brightly illuminated space B1 whereas the remaining part is located in spaces B2 and B3 darker thanthespaceBl. This can cause uneven brightness on the second objective cover 72.

Such uneven brightness is caused markedly by the LEDs 141 that are farthest from the

optical axis OA among the LEDs 141, 142, and 143 that emit light during the first

dermatoscopy imaging.

[0070] The LEDs 144 for the second dermatoscopy imaging are located nearer the

optical axis OA than the LEDs 141 for thefirst dermatoscopy imaging. This

arrangement enables the second objective cover 72 to be illuminated uniformly with light

emitted frontward from the LEDs 144 as shown in FIG. 13. This reduces uneven

brightness in the images resulting from the second dermatoscopy imaging and enables

capturing of images that facilitate diagnosis.

[0071] The operation of the dermatoscopy camera 1 will now be described with

reference to FIGS. 15 to 19. For ease of understanding, FIG. 19 simply shows the

components of the dermatoscopy camera 1 used to describe the focus position. The

operation of each component of the dermatoscopy camera 1 is controlled by the control

unit 300 on the circuit board 30 shown in FIG. 2. The control unit 300 includes a

central processing unit (CPU). The circuit board 30 includes an input-output (1/0)

interface, a read-only memory (ROM), and a random-access memory (RAM). The

CPU is, for example, a microprocessor, or is a central processing unit that performs

various processes and arithmetic operations. The control unit 300 controls the operation

of each component of the dermatoscopy camera 1 by reading a control program stored in

the ROM and executing the control program on the CPU while using the RAM as a work

memory.

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

[0072] The dermatoscopy camera 1 is activated in response to a user operating the

power button 22 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) and receives an imaging mode selected by the user

(step S 11) as shown in FIG. 15. As described above, the imaging mode includes a

normal imaging mode for normal imaging, a first dermatoscopy (DC) imaging mode for

the first dermatoscopy imaging, and a second DC imaging mode for the second

dermatoscopy imaging. The dermatoscopy camera 1 displays three selectable imaging

modes on the touchscreen LCD monitor 11 included in the display 10 shown in FIG. 2.

The user selects one of the three imaging modes by touching the LCD monitor 11. In

response to the selection, the control unit 300 sets an imaging mode to the selected

imaging mode.

[0073] The control unit 300 determines whether the normal imaging mode is set

(stepS12). When the normal imaging mode is set instep S12 (Yes instep S12), the

control unit 300 determines whether the adapter 70 is attached to the illumination device

4(stepS13). The determination as to whether or not the adapter 70 is attached thereto is

made based on the on-off states of the detection switches 62. In other words, the control

unit 300 determines that the adapter 70 is detached when the two detection switches 62

protrude from the cover 60 and are in the off state. When the two detection switches 62

are retracted and are in the on state, or when one of the two detection switches 62 is in the

on state and the other is in the off state, the control unit 300 determines that the adapter 70

is attached. When one of the detection switches 62 alone is in the on state, the adapter

70 is attached to the cover 60 incompletely.

[0074] When the control unit 300 determines that the adapter 70 is detached from

the illumination device 4 in step S13 (No in step S13), the LEDs 140 (FIG. 5) for normal

imaging are turned on (step S14). This illuminates a diseased skin portion brightly.

[0075] When determining, in step S13, that the adapter 70 is attached (Yes in step

S13), the control unit 300 indicates that the adapter 70 is to be detached (step S17). For

example, the control unit 300 displays a message "Detach the adapter" on the LCD

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU monitor 11 (FIG. 2) to prompt the user to detach the adapter 70. This causes the user to detach the adapter 70 and thus allows the light from the LEDs 140 to illuminate the diseased skin portion brightly during the normal imaging without being blocked by the adapter 70.

[0076] Subsequently, in response to the user half-pressing the shutter button 21

shown in FIG. 1A, the control unit 300 moves the lens group in the imaging lens system

41 to automatically focus on the target diseased skin portion within a focus range of P1 to

infinity (step S15). The position P1 is a focus start position from which the lens group is

moved to infinity to search for a position at which the focus is achieved.

[0077] The focus start position P1 will now be described. The two-dot chain lines

in FIG. 19 indicate virtual images of the components of the dermatoscopy camera 1 that

appear on the rear surface 132b of the first objective cover 132. The virtual images

occur symmetrically to the real components about the rear surface 132b. More

specifically, a virtual image 41c' of the lens barrel 41c at a distance dl from the rear

surface 132b of the first objective cover 132 occurs oppositely at a distance dl from the

rear surface 132b. Also, virtual images 144' of the LEDs 144 at a distance d2 from the

rear surface 132b of the first objective cover 132 occur oppositely at a distance d2 from

the rear surface 132b. Similarly, a virtual image 180'of the base body 180 at a distance

d3 from the rear surface 132b of the first objective cover 132 occurs oppositely at a

distance d3 from the rear surface 132b. When the focus is adjusted to a position within

a virtual image range D1 in which the virtual images appear on the rear surface 132b, the

distal end of the virtual image 41c' of the lens barrel 41c, the recesses and protrusions and

various fixtures on the surface of the virtual image 180' of the base body 180, or the

virtual images 144' of the LEDs 144 may be in focus and appear in the captured image.

The focus start position P1 is thus set outside the virtual image range D1.

[0078] During normal imaging, the user can view the distance between a diseased

skin portion as an imaging target and the front surface 132a of the first objective cover

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

132. Thus, in response to the normal imaging mode set instep Sl 1, the LCD monitor

11 shown in FIG. 2 may display an interval between the diseased skin portion and the

first objective cover 132 at which no virtual image appears and prompt the user to adjust

the focus position outside the virtual image range D1. This allows the diseased skin

portion as an imaging target at a position from the focus start position P1 to infinity, thus

allowing autofocus to be smoothly complete.

[0079] Subsequently, in response to the user depressing the shutter button 21 shown in FIG. 1A, the control unit 300 captures an image of the diseased skin portion normally

and stores the normally captured image (step S16). This completes the normal imaging

of the diseased skin portion.

[0080] When determining that the first DC imaging mode or the second DC

imaging mode is set in step S I(No in step S12), the control unit 300 performs a

dermatoscopy imaging operation (step S20).

[0081] In the dermatoscopy imaging operation (step S20), the control unit 300 first

determines whether the first DC imaging mode is set (step S21) as shown in FIG. 16. In

the first DC imaging mode (Yes in step S21), the control unit 300 determines whether the

adapter 70 is attached to the illumination device 4 (step S22). As described above, the

determination as to whether or not the adapter 70 is attached thereto is made based on the

on-off states of the detection switches 62. When determining, in step S22, that the

adapter 70 is not attached (No in step S22), the control unit 300 performs the first

dermatoscopy imaging operation (step S30).

[0082] In step S22, when determining that the adapter 70 is attached (Yes in step

S22), the control unit 300 indicates that the adapter 70 is to be detached (step S23). This

prompts the user to detach the adapter 70, thus allowing thefirst dermatoscopy imaging

operation (S30) to be performed appropriately without the adapter 70 attached.

[0083] In the first dermatoscopy imaging operation (step S30) shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 300 temporarily adjusts the focus position on the diseased skin portion as

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU an imaging target to P2 (step S31). As shown in FIG. 19, the focus position P2 is aligned with the front surface 132a of the first objective cover 132 that comes in contact with the diseased skin portion. The focus can thus be preadjusted to a position to be aligned with the diseased skin portion as an imaging target.

[0084] The control unit 300 then turns on the eight LEDs 141 (FIG. 8) that emit visible light (step S32). This brightly illuminates the diseased skin portion in contact

with the first objective cover 132 (FIG. 11) with visible light. Subsequently, in response

to the user half-pressing the shutter button 21 shown in FIG. 1A, the control unit 300

automatically focuses on the diseased skin portion as an imaging target (step S33). As

described above, the focus position is preadjusted to a position to be aligned with the

diseased skin portion that comes in contact with the first objective cover 132 in step S31,

thus allowing autofocus to be smoothly complete. Subsequently, in response to the user

depressing the shutter button 21 shown in FIG. 1A, the control unit 300 performs the first

dermatoscopy imaging of the diseased skin portion and stores the captured image (step

S34). The control unit 300 then turns off the eight LEDs 141 (FIG. 8) (step S35). In

steps S32 to S35, thefirst dermatoscopy imaging is performed on the diseased skin

portion illuminated with visible light.

[0085] The control unit 300 then turns on the eight LEDs 142 (FIG. 8) that emit visible light to emit light polarized by the polarizer plates 117 (FIG. 8) (step S36). This

brightly illuminates the diseased skin portion in contact with the first objective cover 132

(FIG. 11) with the polarized light. The control unit 300 then performs the first

S37). The control unit 300 then turns off the eight LEDs 142 (FIG. 8) (step S38). In

steps S36 to S38, the first dermatoscopy imaging is performed on the diseased skin

portion illuminated with the polarized light.

[0086] The control unit 300 then turns on the four LEDs 143 (FIG. 8) that emit ultraviolet light (step S39). This brightly illuminates the diseased skin portion in contact

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU with the first objective cover 132 (FIG. 11) with ultraviolet light. The control unit 300 then performs the first dermatoscopy imaging of the diseased skin portion and stores the captured image (step S40). The control unit 300 then turns off the four LEDs 143 (FIG.

8)(stepS41). In steps S39 to S41, the first dermatoscopy imaging is performed on the

diseased skin portion illuminated with ultraviolet light.

[0087] As described above, in the first dermatoscopy imaging, a single operation on

the shutter button 21 (FIG. 1A) enables sequential imaging of the diseased skin portion

illuminated with visible light, polarized light, and then ultraviolet light, as well as storing

of the captured images. The diseased skin portion is automatically adjusted in focus in

step S33, thus eliminating the autofocusing operation in the subsequent processing in the

first dermatoscopy imaging.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 16, in the second DC imaging mode (No in step S21), the

4 (step S24). When at least one of the two detection switches 62 is retracted and in the

on state, the control unit 300 determines that the adapter 70 is attached (Yes in step S24),

and advances to step S25. When the two detection switches 62 are in the off state (No

in step S24), the control unit 300 indicates that the adapter 70 is to be attached (step S26).

For example, the control unit 300 displays a message "Attach the adapter" on the LCD

monitor 11 (FIG. 2) to prompt the user to attach the adapter 70. This causes the user to

attach the adapter 70 and thus allows the second dermatoscopy imaging to be performed

appropriately with the adapter 70 attached.

[0089] When determining that the adapter 70 is attached (Yes in step S24), the

control unit 300 determines whether the adapter 70 is properly attached (step S25).

When the two detection switches 62 are in the on state, the control unit 300 determines

that the adapter 70 is properly attached (Yes in step S25) and performs a second

dermatoscopy imaging operation (step S50).

[0090] When determining that the adapter 70 is not properly attached in step S25

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

(No in step S25), the control unit 300 indicates that the adapter 70 is to be reattached (step

S27). For example, the control unit 300 displays, on the LCD monitor 11 (FIG. 2), a

message "The adapter is not properly attached. Reattach the adapter. " and prompts the

user to reattach the adapter 70. This allows the second dermatoscopy imaging operation

(S50) to be performed with the adapter 70 properly attached.

[0091] In the second dermatoscopy imaging operation (step S50) shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 300 temporarily adjusts the focus position on the diseased skin portion as

an imaging target to P3 (step S51). As shown in FIG. 19, the focus position P3 is

aligned with the front surface 72a of the second objective cover 72 that comes in contact

with the diseased skin portion during the second dermatoscopy imaging. The focus

position can thus be preadjusted to a position to be aligned with the diseased skin portion

that comes in contact with the second objective cover 72.

[0092] Subsequently, the control unit 300 turns on the four LEDs 144 (FIG. 8) that

emit visible light (step S52). The four LEDs 144 are light sources located nearer the

optical axis OA for the second dermatoscopy imaging. This brightly illuminates the

diseased skin portion in contact with the second objective cover 72 (FIG. 13) with visible

light. Subsequently, in response to the user half-pressing the shutter button 21 shown in

FIG. IB, the control unit 300 automatically focuses on the diseased skin portion as an

imaging target (step S53). As described above, the focus position is preadjusted to a

position to be aligned with the diseased skin portion that comes in contact with the

second objective cover 72 in step S34. The control unit 300 thus allows autofocus to be

smoothly complete. Subsequently, in response to the user depressing the shutter button

21 shown in FIG. 1B, the control unit 300 performs the second dermatoscopy imaging of

the diseased skin portion and stores the captured image (step S54). The control unit 300

then turns off the four LEDs 144 (FIG. 8) (step S55). In steps S52 to S55, the second

dermatoscopy imaging is performed on the diseased skin portion illuminated with visible light.

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

[0093] In the subsequent steps S56 to S58, the control unit 300 turns on the LEDs

142 to illuminate the diseased skin portion with polarized light and performs the second

dermatoscopy imaging. The processing in steps S56 to S58 is the same as the

processing in steps S36 to S38 for the first dermatoscopy imaging shown in FIG. 17,

except the use of the adapter 70. In the subsequent steps S59 to S61, the control unit

300 turns on the LEDs 143 to illuminate the diseased skin portion with ultraviolet light

and performs the second dermatoscopy imaging. The processing in steps S59 to S61 is

the same as the processing in steps S39 to S41 for thefirst dermatoscopy imaging shown

in FIG. 17, except the use of the adapter 70. These steps are thus not described in detail.

[0094] As described above, in the second dermatoscopy imaging as well, a single

operation on the shutter button 21 (FIG. 1B) enables sequential imaging of the diseased

skin portion illuminated with visible light, polarized light, and then ultraviolet light, as

well as storing of the captured images. The diseased skin portion is automatically

adjusted in focus in step S53, thus eliminating the autofocusing operation in the

subsequent processing in the second dermatoscopy imaging.

[0095] As described above, the dermatoscopy camera 1 using the illumination

device 4 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes the

LEDs 141, 142, and 143 for thefirst dermatoscopy imaging arranged outward from the

first inverted region 501b and within the second inverted region 502b. TheLEDs144

for the second dermatoscopy imaging are arranged outward from the third inverted region

503b and within the fourth inverted region 504b. This prevents the central area of the

captured image from being affected by light from the LEDs 141 to 144 reflected by the

first objective cover 132 and reduces the likelihood of imaging being affected by the

reflected light, while avoiding upsizing the devices.

[0096] The LEDs 144 for the second dermatoscopy imaging are arranged outward

from the third inverted region 503b that is formed by inverting, with respect to the

symmetry axis being the line along the front surface 72a, the third region 503a located

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU between the imaginary upper ray 175a and the imaginary lower ray 178a being the outermost upper and lower rays in the pencil of rays that enters the image sensor 44, or more specifically, outward from the third inverted region 503b located between the inverted upper ray 175' and the inverted lower ray 178'. This arrangement prevents the central area of a captured image from being affected by light from the LEDs 144 arranged in this manner reflected by the second objective cover 72 and reduces the likelihood of imaging being affected by the reflected light.

[0097] The LEDs 144 are arranged within the fourth inverted region 504b that is

formed by inverting, with respect to the symmetry axis being the line along the front

surface 72a of the second objective cover 72, the fourth region 504a located between the

imaginary lower ray 176a and the imaginary upper ray 177a, or more specifically, within

the fourth inverted region 504b located between the inverted lower ray 176' and the

inverted upper ray 177'. The imaginary lower ray 176a and the imaginary upper ray

177a are the outermost rays located at the outermost position among the rays entering the

image sensor 44 from the imaging target. The LEDs 144 are arranged within the region

defined by these outermost rays to avoid upsizing the devices.

[0098] The LEDs 141, 142, and 143 are located away from the optical axis OA.

The LEDs 141, 142, and 143 arranged in this manner are angled to face thefirst objective

cover 132 and emit light directed toward the first objective cover 132, thus illuminating

the imaging target brightly without unevenness.

[0099] The LEDs 144 are separately arranged nearer the optical axis OA for the

second dermatoscopy imaging that uses the adapter 70 including the second objective

cover 72 with a smaller area. The LEDs 144 nearer the optical axis OA facilitate

illumination of the second objective cover 72, thus allowing the imaging target to be

illuminated brightly without unevenness.

[0100] The base body 180 and the first cover body 121 defining the housing space

A for the first LED board 111 provided with the LEDs 140 are formed from a black

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU synthetic resin. The first cover body 121 covers the end faces 111a of the first LED board 111. In other words, the components (the annular portion 182 of the base body

180 and the inner wall 121c) that define the housing space A for the light sources for

normal imaging (LEDs 140) and are in the space between the first objective cover 132

(second objective cover 72) and the imager 40 are formed from a material having higher

light absorptivity than the other components (e.g., first LED board 111). The base body

180 and the first cover body 121 thus absorb light transmitted through the first LED

board 111, preventing the components (e.g., LEDs 144) of the dermatoscopy camera 1

from being illuminated with such light and from appearing in a captured image.

[0101] The three types of light sources for dermatoscopy imaging, including the

light source that emits visible light, the light source that emits polarized light, and the

light source that emits ultraviolet light, allow the diseased skin portion to be illuminated

with various rays, thus enabling capturing of images that are useful in diagnosing the skin

conditions. Additionally, the diseased skin portion illuminated with visible light, polarized light, and then the ultraviolet light can be imaged in sequence, and the captured

images are stored, thus reducing the operation time.

[0102] The focus position on the diseased skin portion as an imaging target is

temporarily set in accordance with the dermatoscopy imaging mode selected by the user

through the LCD monitor 11, or more specifically, in accordance with the imaging mode

selected from the first DC imaging mode and the second DC imaging mode in the present

embodiment. This temporary focus position is set based on the expected position of the

diseased skin portion to be actually imaged, thus allowing quick focus adjustment during

actual imaging.

[0103] When the normal imaging mode is selected by the user, the focus start

position for the diseased skin portion is set outside the virtual image range D1 in which

virtual images occur due to the components of the dermatoscopy camera 1 appearing on

the first objective cover 132. This prevents the virtual images of the distal end of the

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU lens barrel 41c, the protrusions and recesses and various fixtures on the surface of the base body 180, or the LEDs 144 from appearing in the captured images, and allows proper imaging of the diseased skin portion.

[0104] The two detection switches 62 for detecting the adapter 70 are located on the

outer circumferential surface of the cover 60 to allow the control unit 300 to determine

whether the adapter 70 is attached in each imaging operation. This prevents failures to

attach the adapter 70 in the second dermatoscopy imaging to be performed with the

adapter 70 attached and failures to detach the adapter 70 in the normal imaging and the

first dermatoscopy imaging to be performed without the adapter 70 attached.

[0105] The two detection switches 62 are vertically away from each other with the

optical axis OA between the switches 62 when the illumination device 4 is viewed from

the front. The detection switches 62 away from each other in this manner have, for

example, one of the detection switches 62 alone in the on state when the adapter 70 is

attached incompletely. This facilitates the control unit 300 to determine whether the

adapter 70 is properly attached.

[0106] Embodiment 2

An illumination device according to Embodiment 2 and an imaging device

including the illumination device will now be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and

21. The structure in Embodiment 1 reduces the likelihood of imaging being affected by

reflected light of the LEDs 141, 142, and 143 used in thefirst dermatoscopy imaging,

while avoiding upsizing the illumination device 4 and the dermatoscopy camera 1. The

LEDs 144 used in the second dermatoscopy imaging are located nearer the optical axis

OA to facilitate illumination of the second objective cover 72 and reduce the reflected

light of the LEDs 144 appearing in the captured image. The structure in Embodiment 2

further reduces the likelihood of (or prevents) imaging being affected by the reflected

light. The structure in Embodiment 2 is basically the same as the structure in

Embodiment 1 except the dimensions of the components. The components of a

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU dermatoscopy camera 400 according to Embodiment 2 are thus given the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 20, the dermatoscopy camera 400 has the LEDs 141, 142, and 143 for emitting light during thefirst dermatoscopy imaging located more outward

than in Embodiment 1. The LEDs 141, 142, and 143 on the second LED board 112 and

the fourth LED board 114 arranged within the second inverted region 502b in

Embodiment 1 are arranged outward from the second inverted region 502b in the present

embodiment. The LEDs 141, 142, and 143 are arranged in the same manner as in a

cross-sectional view taken along a lateral line, or more specifically, the LEDs 141, 142,

and 143 on the third LED board 113 (FIG. 8) and the fifth LED board 115 (FIG. 8) are

arranged outward from the second inverted region 502b. This prevents imaging from

being affected by reflected light of the LEDs 141, 142, and 143 used in the first

dermatoscopy imaging.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 21, the dermatoscopy camera 400 has the LEDs 144 for

emitting light during the second dermatoscopy imaging located more outward than in

Embodiment. The LEDs 144 on the sixth LED board 116 are outward from the fourth

inverted region 504b. The LEDs 144 on the sixth LED board 116 are arranged in the

same manner as in a cross-sectional view taken along a lateral line and located outward

from the fourth inverted region 504b. This arrangement prevents a captured image from

being affected by reflected light of the LEDs 144.

[0109] Although the devices are larger in Embodiment 2 than in Embodiment 1, the

structure in Embodiment 2 prevents a captured image from being affected by reflected

light of the LEDs 141 to 144 and reduces the likelihood of the captured image being

affected by stray light.

[0110] The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be

modified and altered variously. In the above embodiments, the LEDs 141 that emit

visible light during the first dermatoscopy imaging are arranged separately from the

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

LEDs 144 that also emit visible light during the second dermatoscopy imaging. However, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the first dermatoscopy imaging and the

second dermatoscopy imaging may commonly use the same light sources that can change

the positions or orientations. The LED boards 150 and 160 and the LEDs 151 and 161

indicated by the dashed lines in FIGS. 22A and 22B are at positions during the first

dermatoscopy imaging, and the LED boards 150 and 160 and the LEDs 151 and 161

indicated by the solid lines are at positions during the second dermatoscopy imaging.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 22A, during the first dermatoscopy imaging, the LED

boards 150 (dashed line) are positioned outward, and the LEDs 151 (dashed line) are

angled to face the first objective cover 132. For the second dermatoscopy imaging, as

indicated by arrows Y1, the LED boards 150 are moved inward by drive means (not

shown) while changing the postures to allow the LEDs 151 to face frontward. During

the second dermatoscopy imaging, the LED boards 150 (solid line) are thus nearer the

optical axis OA, with the LEDs 151 (solid line) facing frontward. The LED boards 150

with the LEDs 151 mounted thereon are moved in the above manner to allow the LEDs

151 to serve as light sources for the first dermatoscopy imaging and for the second

dermatoscopy imaging.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 22B, during the first dermatoscopy imaging, the LED

boards 160 (dashed line) are positioned outward and the LEDs 161 (dashed line) are

indicated by arrows Y2, the LED boards 160 are rotated by drive means (not shown) to

have the LEDs 161 facing the second objective cover 72. The LEDs 161 facing the

second objective cover 72 in the above manner illuminate the second objective cover 72

entirely, thus illuminating the diseased skin portion in contact with the second objective

cover 72 brightly without unevenness. In the manner described above, the LED boards

160 with the LEDs 161 mounted thereon are rotated to allow the LEDs 161 to serve as

light sources for the first dermatoscopy imaging and for the second dermatoscopy

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU imaging.

[0113] In the above embodiments, the control unit 300 determines whether the

adapter 70 is properly attached, and then performs imaging based on the imaging mode

input by the user. In other words, the imaging mode is selected basically through an

input from the user. The imaging mode may be selected differently. For example, the

control unit 300 may determine whether the adapter 70 is attached or detached and then

determine the imaging mode without any input from the user about the imaging mode.

Such an imaging operation will be described with reference to FIG. 23.

[0114] In the imaging operation (step S70), the control unit 300first determines

whether the adapter 70 is attached to the illumination device 4 (step S71). Asdescribed

above, the determination as to whether or not the adapter 70 is attached thereto is made

based on the on-off states of the detection switches 62. Instep S71, when determining

that the adapter 70 is attached (Yes in step S71), the control unit 300 enters the second

DC imaging mode and performs the second dermatoscopy imaging operation in response

to an imaging operation performed by the user (step S72). The second dermatoscopy

imaging operation (step S72) is the same as the second dermatoscopy imaging operation

(S50) shown in FIG. 18. The control unit 300 may display, on the LCD monitor 11

shown in FIG. 2, an indication that the imaging mode is the DC imaging mode before

advancing to step S72. This informs the user of the current imaging mode of the

camera.

[0115] When detecting detachment of the adapter 70 (Yes in step S73) after the

second dermatoscopy imaging operation (step S72), the control unit 300 switches to the

normal imaging mode or the first DC imaging mode. The control unit 300 then

performs the normal imaging operation or the first dermatoscopy imaging operation in

accordance with an imaging operation performed by the user (step S74). As described

above, in response to detecting detachment of the adapter 70, the control unit 300

switches from the second DC imaging mode to the normal imaging mode or the first DC

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU imaging mode without any operation input by the user. In step S74, the user may select the normal imaging mode or the first DC imaging mode through the LCD monitor 11 shown in FIG. 2.

[0116] When detecting attachment of the adapter 70 (Yes in step S75) after the

normal imaging operation or the first dermatoscopy imaging operation (step S74), the

control unit 300 advances to step S72 and switches the imaging mode to the second DC

imaging mode. As described above, in response to detecting attachment of the adapter

70, the control unit 300 switches from the normal imaging mode or the first DC imaging

mode to the second DC imaging mode without any operation input by the user.

[0117] When the control unit 300 does not detect detachment of the adapter 70 in

step S73 (No in step S73), the control unit 300 remains in the second DC imaging mode

without switching the imaging mode and performs the second dermatoscopy imaging

operation in response to an imaging operation performed by the user (step S72). When

the control unit 300 does not detect attachment of the adapter 70 in step S75 (No in step

S75), the control unit 300 remains in the normal imaging mode or the first DC imaging

mode without switching the imaging mode.

[0118] When the control unit 300 determines, in step S71, that the adapter 70 is not

attached (No in step S71), the control unit 300 switches to the normal imaging mode or

the first DC imaging mode and performs the normal imaging operation or the first

dermatoscopy imaging operation in accordance with an imaging operation performed by

the user (step S74).

[0119] After the normal imaging operation or the first dermatoscopy imaging

operation (step S74), the control unit 300 advances to step S71. When determining that

the adapter 70 is not attached (Yes in step S71), the control unit 300 switches to the

second DC imaging mode. As described above, in response to detecting attachment or

detachment of the adapter 70, the control unit 300 switches the imaging mode between

the second dermatoscopy imaging operation and the normal imaging operation or the first

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU dermatoscopy imaging operation without any user operation.

[0120] In the above embodiments, although the two detection switches 62 are used

to detect the adapter 70, any number of detection switches 62, for example more than two

detection switches 62, may be used. More than two detection switches 62 allow more

accurate determination on whether the adapter 70 is attached. The use of a single

detection switch 62 can simplify the structure.

[0121] In the above embodiments, when the imaging mode being set does not

correctly correspond to the state of the adapter 70 being attached or detached, the LCD

monitor 11 shown in FIG. 2 displays the incorrectness. However, other indication

means may inform the user of such an error. In one example, the dermatoscopy camera

1 may include a speaker that outputs a sound and produces a beep or a voice to inform the

user of an error. In another example, an operation on the shutter button 21 or imaging

may be disabled when the imaging mode being set does not correctly correspond to the

state of the adapter 70. The user may be informed of an incorrect operation on the

shutter button 21 by the LCD monitor 11 displaying a message or by the speaker

producing a beep or a voice.

[0122] An incorrect correspondence between the imaging mode being set and the

state of the adapter 70 being attached or detached may not be indicated in all the

situations described above. The indication steps may be eliminated as appropriate.

For example, the indication steps S21 to S23 may be eliminated in the first DC imaging

mode shown in FIG. 16, or the indication steps S24 to S27 may be eliminated in the

second DC imaging mode. The steps S25 and S27 for indicating an incorrect

attachment of the adapter 70 may also be eliminated.

[0123] Although the detection switches 62 that are turned on and off in response to

physical pressure applied by the adapter 70 are used as means for detecting the adapter 70,

other detection means may be used. For example, the adapter 70 and the cover 60

include electrical contacts that come in contact with each other and pass a current when

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU the adapter 70 is attached. The detection of the flowing current allows determination on whether the adapter 70 is attached.

[0124] In the above embodiments, the light sources are arranged based on the

inverted regions formed by inverting, with respect to the objective cover as the symmetry

axis, the regions defined by the upper and lower rays from the skin as an imaging target.

However, the light sources at a distance from the optical axis OA are less likely to appear

in a captured image, thus permitting slight displacement of the symmetry axis about

which the inverted region is formed. The inverted region and the region not inverted

may not be exactly the same and may be slightly different in shape or dimensions.

[0125] The LEDs 141, 142, and 143 may be arranged outward from the second

inverted region 502b or arranged, for example, outward from an inverted region defined

by imaginary rays using the angle of view of the imager 40 during thefirst dermatoscopy

imaging. The LEDs 144 may also be arranged outward from the fourth inverted region

504b or arranged, for example, outward from an inverted region defined by imaginary

rays using the angle of view of the imager 40 during the second dermatoscopy imaging.

This arrangement also reduces the likelihood of a captured image being affected by

reflected light of the LEDs 141 to 144.

[0126] In the embodiments described above, the first to fourth regions 501a to 504a

and the first to fourth inverted regions 501b to 504b are truncated conical. However,

depending on the aperture in the lens group, these regions may be elliptical truncated

conical, rather than being circular truncated conical. For an elliptical truncated conical

region, the rays are defined using the major and minor axes of the ellipse to position the

light sources.

[0127] The illumination device used in the dermatoscopy camera 1 in the above

embodiment may also be used in other imaging devices. The illumination device

according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in any

imaging device that illuminates and images an imaging target on one end nearer a light

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU transmissive cover with an imager and a light source on the other end. For example, the illumination device may be used in an imaging device that captures images for inspection of a structure surface or in an imaging device that performs imaging while illuminating an area with a gap into which the imaging device is inserted.

[0128] Although the three types of light sources for dermatoscopy imaging include

a light source that emits visible light, a light source that emits polarized light, and a light

source that emits ultraviolet light, the number of different light sources can be specified

as appropriate in accordance with an imaging target. In one example, the illumination

device may simply include one of these types of light sources. In another example, the

illumination device may include more different types of light sources including, for

example, a light source that emits near infrared light.

[0129] Although the LEDs 144 that emit visible light for the second dermatoscopy

imaging using the adapter 70 are located nearer the optical axis OA, the illumination

device may or may not include such a light source for the second dermatoscopy imaging.

Other types of light sources may be located nearer the optical AX for the second

dermatoscopy imaging, such as a light source that emits polarized light and a light source

that emits ultraviolet light. Thus, the light sources for the first dermatoscopy imaging

may include all the different types of light sources, and the light sources for the second

dermatoscopy imaging may also include all the different light sources.

[0130] The second cover 130 with the first objective cover 132 is attachable and

detachable with screws, and the adapter 70 with the second objective cover 72 is

attachable and detachable with a hooked engagement member. However, the imaging

device may include other attachment and detachment means. For example, the second

cover 130 and the adapter 70 may pivot on a pivot axis between the position at which the

front of the imaging device is covered and the position at which the front of the imaging

device is uncovered.

[0131] For the second dermatoscopy imaging, although the adapter 70 is attached

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU with the second cover 130 attached as shown in FIG. 6, the second cover 130 may be detached before the adapter 70 is attached. This eliminates the second cover 130 for the first dermatoscopy imaging located between the adapter 70 and the imager 40 during the second dermatoscopy imaging, thus facilitating the design of the dermatoscopy camera 1 suitable for the second dermatoscopy imaging. To have the second cover 130 detached reliably for the second dermatoscopy imaging, the second cover 130 may have a larger outer diameter or a protrusion to prevent the adapter 70 from being attached over the second cover 130. The adapter 70 may have external threads on the bottom (rear end) to be engaged with the internal threads 121e (FIG. 9) on the inner wall 121c.

[0132] The second cover 130 with the first objective cover 132 may not be

detachable, and may be fixed to, for example, the first cover 120 (FIG. 5). In another

example, the second cover 130 may be integral with the first cover 120 (FIG. 5). This

simplifies the structure of the dermatoscopy camera 1.

[0133] When the focus position on the imaging target is in the virtual image range

D1 during the normal imaging, an operation on the shutter button 21 or imaging may be

disabled. In this case, the LCD monitor 11 may display an image that prompts moving

the dermatoscopy camera 1 further away from the imaging target. This allows the user

to image the imaging target from an appropriate position without causing a virtual image

to appear.

[0134] Although a single operation on the shutter button 21 enables imaging to be

repeated using different types of light sources emitting light in sequence during

dermatoscopy imaging, one or more light sources specified by the user may be used to

emit light for dermatoscopy imaging.

[0135] The adapter 70 for imaging narrow areas is optional. An imaging device

that is not designed for imaging narrow areas can eliminate the adapter 70. Such an

imaging device not designed for the second dermatoscopy imaging can eliminate the light

source for the second dermatoscopy imaging (e.g., LEDs 144).

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

[0136] Although the base body 180 and the first cover body 121 defining the

housing space A for the first LED board 111 are formed from, for example, a black

synthetic resin to avoid illuminating the interior of the dermatoscopy camera 1 with light

from the light sources for normal imaging (LEDs 140), the base body 180 and the first

cover body 121 may be formed from a synthetic resin of another color that easily absorbs

light. To reduce light leakage to the interior of the dermatoscopy camera 1, the base

body 180 and the first cover body 121 separating the space A from the space B shown in

FIG. 9 may include other structures that appropriately block light from the light sources

located in the space A for normal imaging.

[0137] For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the outer surface Al of thefirst cover

body 121 and the outer surface A2 of the base body 180 may be mirror-finished to reflect

light Li and light L2, thus preventing light from entering the first cover body 121 and the

base body 180. For mirror-finishing, known mirror-finishing techniques can be used,

such as a silver film or chrome plating applied to the surface. As described above, the

first cover body 121 and the base body 180 including light reflection means with higher

light reflectivity may reduce light leakage to the interior of the dermatoscopy camera 1.

[0138] In another example, a commercially available masking tape, rubber plate, or

metal plate may be attached to the outer surface Al of the first cover body 121 and the

outer surface A2 of the base body 180 to block light from the light sources (LEDs 140).

[0139] In still another example, the first cover body 121 and the base body 180 may

be formed from a lightproof material, for example, from a metal such as aluminum or

stainless steel, or from a black rubber material.

[0140] As described above, the base body 180 and the first cover body 121

separating the housing space A from the space B include light blocking means for

blocking light to reduce leakage of light from the LEDs 140 located in the housing space

A for normal imaging to the distal end of the lens barrel 41c or to the space B housing the

LEDs 141, 142, 143, and 144 for dermatoscopy imaging. Various light blocking means

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU described above may be used.

[0141] The foregoing describes some example embodiments for explanatory

purposes. Although the foregoing discussion has presented specific embodiments,

persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail

without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the

specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive

sense. This detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the

scope of the invention is defined only by the included claims, along with the full range of

equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0142] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.

2019-66958, filed on March 29, 2019, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-98137,

filed on May 24, 2019, of which the entirety of the disclosures is incorporated by

reference herein.

[0142a] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention,

except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary

implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is

used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to

preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the

invention.

[0142b] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein,

such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the

common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Industrial Applicability

[0143] The technique according to one or more embodiments of the present

disclosure is particularly useful for allowing proper imaging of a target by reducing the

likelihood of imaging being affected by reflected light of a light source.

Reference Signs List

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

[0144]

1 Dermatoscopy camera

2 Controller

3 Camera body

4 Illumination device

10 Display

11 LCD monitor

20 Body

21 Shutter button

22 Power button

30 Circuit board

40 imager

41 Imaging lens system

41a First imaging lens

41b Second imaging lens

41c Lens barrel

43 Wiring circuit board

44 Image sensor

45 Infrared cut filter

46 Ultraviolet transmissive filter

47 Polarization filter

48 Flexible circuit board

50 Frame

60 Cover

61 Protrusion

62 Detection switch

62a Spring

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

70 Adapter

70a Inner wall

71 Cylinder

71a Opening

71b Hooked portion

72 Second objective cover

72a Front surface

73, 74 Second objective cover area

74a Darker area

100 Illumination device body

110 Base

111to116 First to sixth LED boards

116a Barrel insertion hole

117 Polarizer plate

120 First cover

121 First cover body

121a Cover portion

121b Outer wall

121c Inner wall

121d light releasing hole

121e Internal thread

122 Translucent plate

130 Second cover

131 Cylinder

131a Opening

13lb External thread

132 First objective cover

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

132a Front surface

132b Rear surface

140 to 144 LED

150 LED board

151 LED

160 LED board

161 LED

171, 173, 175, 177 Upper ray

171', 173', 175', 177' Inverted upper ray

172, 174, 176, 178 Lower ray

172', 174', 176', 178' Inverted lower ray

180 Base body

181 Cylindrical portion

182 Annular portion

182 Board mounting surface

183 to 186 First to Fourth walls

187 Connection part

188 Fifth wall

188b Barrel insertion hole

189 Screw

200 Storage

300 Control unit

400 Dermatoscopy camera

404 Illumination device

501a First region

501b First inverted region

502a Second region

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

502b Second inverted region

503a Third region

503b Third inverted region

504a Fourth region

504b Fourth inverted region

A Housing space

D1 Virtual image range

P1 Focus start position

P2, P3 Focus position

Sl,S2 Skin

OA Optical axis

r1 to r4 Region

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

Claims

1. An illumination device for an imager for imaging a target, the illumination

device including:

an objective cover including a light transmissive member, the objective cover

being configured to direct light from the target to the imager to allow the imager to image

the target; and

at least one light source located nearer the imager than the objective cover to

illuminate the target through the objective cover,

wherein the imager includes an image sensor configured to image the target and an

imaging lens configured to form an image of the target on the image sensor,

the at least one light source is located outward from an inverted region that is a

region formed by substantially inverting, toward the imager and with respect to the

objective cover, a region defined by predetermined rays of rays nearer the target from the

objective cover in a pencil of rays, the pencil of rays entering, through the imaging lens,

the image sensor from the target in contact with the objective cover and in focus with the

imaging lens,

the objective cover includes a first objective cover and a second objective cover,

and at least one of thefirst objective cover or the second objective cover is selectively

usable,

the first objective cover has a predetermined first area being an area of a surface

orthogonal to an optical axis of the imager,

the second objective cover has a predetermined second area being an area of a

the first area,

the at least one light source includes at least onefirst light source to illuminate the

target through the first objective cover and at least one second light source to illuminate

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU the target through the second objective cover, the at least one first light source is located outward from afirst inverted region that is a region formed by substantially inverting, toward the imager and with respect to the first objective cover, a region defined by first predetermined rays of rays nearer the target from the first objective cover in a pencil of rays, the pencil of rays entering, through the imaging lens, the image sensor from the target in contact with the first objective cover and in focus with the imaging lens, and the at least one second light source is located outward from a second inverted region that is a region formed by substantially inverting, toward the imager and with respect to the second objective cover, a region defined by second predetermined rays of rays nearer the target from the second objective cover in a pencil of rays, the pencil of rays entering, through the imaging lens, the image sensor from the target in contact with the second objective cover and in focus with the imaging lens.

2. The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein

the predetermined rays include an upper ray located at an outermost position

among a plurality of upper rays included in the pencil of rays and a lower ray located at

an outermost position among a plurality of lower rays included in the pencil of rays.

3. The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein

the predetermined rays include outermost rays located at outermost positions

among a plurality of rays included in the pencil of rays.

4. The illumination device according to any one of claims I to 3, wherein

the inverted region is a region formed by substantially inverting the region defined

by the predetermined rays toward the imager and with respect to a surface of the

objective cover adjacent to the target.

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

5. The illumination device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein

the at least one light source includes a plurality of light sources arranged

symmetrical to one another about an optical axis of the imager in a direction orthogonal

to the optical axis of the imager.

6. The illumination device according to claim 5, wherein

each of the plurality of light sources is located to emit light directed toward the

objective cover to focus on an overall area of the objective cover.

7. The illumination device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein

the plurality of light sources include at least one type of light source selected from

the group consisting of a light source to emit visible light, a light source to emit

ultraviolet light, and a light source to emit polarized light of visible light.

8. The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein

the first predetermined rays include an upper ray located at an outermost position

an outermost position among a plurality of lower rays included in the pencil of rays, the

pencils of rays entering, through the imaging lens, the image sensor from the target in

contact with the first objective cover and in focus with the imaging lens and

the second predetermined rays include an upper ray located at an outermost

position among a plurality of upper rays included in the pencil of rays and a lower ray

located at an outermost position among a plurality of lower rays included in the pencil of

rays, the pencil of rays entering, through the imaging lens, the image sensor from the

target in contact with the second objective cover and in focus with the imaging lens.

9. The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU the first predetermined rays include outermost rays located at outermost positions among a plurality of rays included in the pencil of rays, the pencil of rays entering, through the imaging lens, the image sensor from the target in contact with the first objective cover and in focus with the imaging lens, and the second predetermined rays include outermost rays located at outermost positions among a plurality of rays included in the pencil of rays, the pencil of rays entering, through the imaging lens, the image sensor from the target in contact with the second objective cover and in focus with the imaging lens.

10. The illumination device according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein

the first inverted region is a region formed by substantially inverting the region

defined by the first predetermined rays toward the imager and with respect to a surface of

the objective cover adjacent to the target, and

the second inverted region is a region formed by substantially inverting the region

defined by the second predetermined rays toward the imager and with respect to the

surface of the objective cover adjacent to the target.

11. The illumination device according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein

the at least one first light source includes a plurality offirst light sources each

located to emit light directed toward the first objective cover and focus on an overall area

of the first objective cover, and

the at least one second light source includes a plurality of second light sources each

located to emit light directed toward the second objective cover and focus on an overall

area of the second objective cover.

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

12. The illumination device according to claim 11, wherein

the plurality offirst light sources and the plurality of second light sources include

common light sources, and

the common light sources selectively function as the plurality offirst light sources

or the plurality of second light sources by changing positions of the common light

sources relative to the first objective cover or the second objective cover or changing an

angle of light emitted from each of the common light sources.

13. The illumination device according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein

the at least one first light source includes at least one type of light source selected

from the group consisting of a light source for visible light, a light source for ultraviolet

light, and a light source for polarized light of visible light.

14. An imaging device for imaging skin of a human body as a target, the

imaging device including:

the illumination device according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and

the imager,

wherein the objective cover included in the illumination device comes in contact

with the skin to be imaged with the imaging device.

15. An imaging device for imaging skin of a human body as a target, the

imaging device including:

the illumination device according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and

the imager,

wherein the first objective cover is at a top of a first cover included in the

illumination device, and the first cover is cylindrical,

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU the second objective cover is at a top of a second cover being cylindrical, the second cover includes, in a portion other than the top, attachment and detachment means for attaching and detaching the second cover to and from the illumination device, the first objective cover is used as the objective cover to be in contact with the skin, with the second cover detached from the illumination device with the attachment and detachment means, and the second objective cover is used as the objective cover to be in contact with the skin, with the second cover attached to the illumination device with the attachment and detachment means and covering the first cover.

16. The imaging device according to claim 15, further including:

setting means for selectively setting, in accordance with an operation performed by

a user of the imaging device, an imaging mode to image the target with the imager to one

of a plurality of imaging modes including a first imaging mode to image the target

illuminated by the at least one first light source without the at least one second light

source and a second imaging mode to image the target illuminated by the at least one

second light source without the at least onefirst light source;

detection means for detecting the second cover in a state attached or detached to or

from the illumination device; and

indication means for informing, in response to at least one of conditions being

satisfied, the user that the at least one condition is satisfied, the conditions including the

detection means detecting the second cover attached to the illumination device and the

imaging mode set to the first imaging mode, and the detection means detecting the

second cover detached from the illumination device and the imaging mode set to the

second imaging mode.

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU

17. The imaging device according to claim 15, further including:

second light source without the at least one first light source; and

detection means for detecting attachment and detachment of the second cover to

and from the illumination device,

wherein the setting means switches the imaging mode to the second imaging mode

in response to the detection means detecting attachment of the second cover to the

illumination device in a state where the imaging mode is set to thefirst imaging mode,

and switches the imaging mode to one of the plurality of imaging modes other than the

second imaging mode in response to the detection means detecting detachment of the

second cover from the illumination device in a state where the imaging mode is set to the

second imaging mode.

18. An illumination device for an imager for imaging a target, the illumination

device comprising:

a first objective cover including a light transmissive member and configured to

direct light from the target to the imager to allow the imager to image, thefirst objective

cover having a predetermined first area that is an area of a face of thefirst objective cover

substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the imager;

a second objective cover having a predetermined second area that is an area of a

face of the second objective cover substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the

imager, the predetermined second area being smaller than the predetermined first area;

a first light source configured to illuminate the target through the first objective

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU cover; and a second light source configured to illuminate the target through the second objective cover.

19354832_1 (GHMatters) P116815.AU