JP2015188579A - Dermoscope and method for using dermoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dermoscope that can switch mutually between a state enabling observation and imaging of skin surface and a state enabling observation and imaging of the inside of the skin with simple configuration and operation, and provide a method for using the same.SOLUTION: A dermoscope relating to the invention comprises: a housing that includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; an optical lens that is provided in the housing; a first light source that emits light outward from the first surface side of the housing; a second light source that emits light outward from the second surface side of the housing; and a polarization filter that polarizes the light emitted from the second light source. The dermoscope observes or images a skin surface facing the first surface, through the optical lens, while the first light source emits the light and the light is not polarized by the polarization filter, and it observes or images the inside of the surface skin facing the second surface, through the optical lens, while the second light source emits the light and the light is polarized by the polarization filter.

Description

  The present invention relates to a dermoscope and a method of using the dermoscope.

  In recent years, an increase in skin diseases such as melanoma (malignant melanoma) has become a problem due to aging and ozone layer destruction. Even when observing with the naked eye or a normal loupe, it is difficult to distinguish melanoma from benign pigment cell nevus and blood beans, and it is difficult to detect and treat melanoma early.

  Most of the light that goes to the skin is reflected by the skin surface or absorbed by the skin. For this reason, when using the naked eye or a normal loupe, most of the information received from the eyes is information about the skin surface, and sufficient information about the inside of the skin could not be obtained. In other words, the difficulty in distinguishing between melanoma and benign pigment cell nevus is that melanoma and benign pigment cell nevus are different in pigment distribution and color within the skin using the naked eye or a normal loupe. Also, it was caused by insufficient observation of information inside the skin.

  Therefore, a dermoscope capable of observing the pigment distribution and hue inside the skin by utilizing the fact that the skin is partially translucent is used for such diagnosis. The dermoscope irradiates the target part with light emitting diodes, etc., reduces the reflected light from the skin surface covering the inside of the skin, and expands the target part by 10 to 30 times to observe it. Inflammation, color, pigmentation, hair follicles and blood vessels inside the skin can be visualized invasively.

  As a method for reducing the reflected light from the skin surface, a method using a gel or a polarizing filter is known. In the case of using a gel, by applying the gel to the skin surface, the effect of irregularities on the stratum corneum on the skin surface is eliminated, and the irregular reflection of light is suppressed.

  On the other hand, when a polarizing filter is used, light traveling from the light source toward the skin is first converted into linearly polarized light by the first polarizing filter. Some of this light is reflected off the skin. The reflected light from the skin surface contains many specular reflection components that are reflected so as to pass through the same surface as the incident light, but the reflected angle of the reflected light from the inside of the skin changes with respect to the incident angle. By positioning the second polarizing filter whose polarization direction is shifted by 90 ° compared to the first polarizing filter on the path of the reflected light from the skin to the lens, this specular reflection component is removed, and the reflection from the inside of the skin. By transmitting at least part of the light, a cross-polarized image in which the inside of the skin is visualized by a lens can be obtained.

  In addition, there is a case where it is desired to observe or image both the skin surface and the inside of the skin in order to compare or overlay the image of the skin surface with the image inside the skin. There has been a demand for a dermoscope that can be switched to a state in which it can be observed or imaged.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, in order to meet such a requirement, a target portion is provided via a diode 58, an upper polarizing filter 50 and a lower polarizing filter 52 that polarize light from the diode 58, and an observation polarizing filter 24. A dermoscope having an optical lens 14 that can be viewed in an enlarged manner is disclosed. Since the polarization axis direction of the upper polarization filter 50 is shifted by 90 ° with respect to the polarization axis direction of the observation polarization filter 24, the upper polarization filter 50 uses the light that has passed through the upper polarization filter 50, It is possible to provide a visualized cross-polarized image. On the other hand, when the light passing through the lower polarizing filter 52 is used in the lower polarizing filter 52, the polarization axis direction of the lower polarizing filter 52 is parallel to the polarizing axis direction of the observation polarizing filter 24. It is possible to provide a parallel polarization image in which the topography and properties of the surface are emphasized. The upper polarizing filter 50 and the lower polarizing filter 52 are respectively provided with openings at positions corresponding to predetermined diodes 58. By switching the light emitting diodes 58 with the switches 16 and 18, the cross-polarized image and the parallel polarized light are switched. It is configured to be able to switch between images.

US Patent No. 7,006,223

  However, the dermoscope described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the lighting pattern and number of diodes are structurally limited.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a dermoscope and a method of using the dermoscope that can be switched between a state in which the skin surface can be observed or imaged and a state in which the inside of the skin can be observed or imaged with a simple configuration and operation. is there.

(1) A dermoscope according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface, an optical lens provided in the housing, and a first of the housing. A first light source that emits light from the surface side to the outside, a second light source that emits light from the second surface side of the housing to the outside, and a polarization filter that polarizes the light emitted from the second light source The first light source is turned on, and the surface of the skin facing the first surface is observed or imaged through the optical lens in a state where there is no polarization by the polarizing filter, and the second light source is turned on. Then, in the state where there is polarization by the polarizing filter, observation or imaging is performed in the skin epidermis facing the second surface through the optical lens.
(2) The dermoscope described in (1) may include a plurality of first light sources and second light sources, and the polarizing filter may be rotatable with respect to the housing.
(3) The dermoscope described in the above (1) or (2) may be characterized in that the polarizing filter is detachable from the housing.
(4) In the dermoscope described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the first light source is a white light source, and the second light source is a blue light source or a green light source. It is good.
(5) In the dermoscope according to any one of (1) to (4), the optical lens includes a first optical lens positioned on the first surface and a second optical lens positioned on the second surface. An optical lens may be included.
(6) The dermoscope described in any one of (1) to (5) may further include an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject obtained by the optical lens.
(7) A method of using a dermoscope according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface, an optical lens provided inside the housing, and the housing A first light source that emits light outward from the first surface side, a second light source that emits light outward from the second surface side of the housing, and polarization of light emitted from the second light source A method of using a dermoscope having a polarizing filter that observes the surface of the skin facing the first surface through an optical lens in a state where there is no polarization by the polarizing filter when the first light source is turned on. Alternatively, when imaging is performed and the second light source group is turned on, observation or imaging is performed in the skin epidermis facing the second surface via the optical lens in a state where there is polarization by the polarization filter. To do.

  According to the dermoscope and the method of using the dermoscope of the present invention, it is possible to switch between a state where the skin surface can be observed or imaged and a state where the inside of the skin can be observed or imaged with a simple configuration and operation.

It is a front perspective view of the dermoscope which concerns on 1st and 2nd embodiment. It is a front view of the dermoscope which concerns on 1st and 2nd embodiment. It is a rear view of the dermoscope which concerns on 1st and 2nd embodiment. It is an enlarged view of the polarization unit of the dermoscope which concerns on 1st and 2nd embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the dermoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the cross section in the X-X 'line | wire of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the modification of the dermoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the cross section in the X-X 'line | wire of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the dermoscope which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the cross section in the X-X 'line | wire of FIG. It is a rear view of the dermoscope concerning a 3rd embodiment.

  The dermoscope of the present invention can be used, for example, for examination, diagnosis and treatment of pigment cell nevus, malignant melanoma, seborrheic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, vascular lesion and Bowen's disease. This dermoscope emits light to the target part of the skin with a light source, reduces the reflected light from the skin surface covering the inside of the skin, and enlarges and observes the target part, thereby non-invasively inside the skin. Inflammation, color, pigmentation, hair follicles and blood vessels can be visualized. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the same number is assigned to the same element throughout the description of the embodiment.

(First embodiment)
The dermoscope 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The dermoscope 1 includes a housing 100, an optical lens 200 provided inside the housing, a light source 300, and a polarizing filter 400. The housing 100 defines a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 that faces the first surface. The optical lens 200 is provided inside the housing 100. The light source 300 includes a first light source 302 that emits light outward from the first surface S1 of the housing 100 and a second light source 304 that emits light outward from the second surface S2 of the housing 100. Including. The polarizing filter 400 includes a first polarizing filter 410. The first polarizing filter 410 passes the light emitted from the second light source 304 only to the light in the polarization axis direction of the first polarizing filter 410 and converts it into linearly polarized light. The dermoscope 1 of the present invention may perform at least one of observation and imaging of the skin without contact with the skin or with contact with the skin. When the contact is made with the skin, a spacer (not shown) that can be attached to and detached from the housing 100 can be attached to the first surface S1 or the second surface S2 of the housing 100. Moreover, when performing in contact with skin, it is not necessary to apply | coat gel to skin and you may use together the method of apply | coating gel to skin.

  The casing 100 has a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 that faces the first surface S1. The housing 100 can be separated into an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion, and they may be fixed to each other. The housing may further include a battery cover. The battery cover is fixed to the housing so as to be detachable or openable. A chamber in which the battery is disposed may be defined in the housing. In this case, the battery is inserted into and removed from the dermoscope 1 by attaching / detaching or opening / closing the battery cover. In addition, the housing 100 may be provided with an external terminal for connecting to an external power source instead of the battery and the battery cover.

  The casing 100 may be formed of resin or metal. Since the resin is preferably lightweight and rigid, examples of the resin include high-rigidity plastics such as polyvinyl chloride derivatives and acrylic resins, and examples of the metal include aluminum.

  The casing 100 is provided with lens ports 106 and 108 provided so that the optical lens 200 is optically exposed, and a first light transmission provided so that light emitted from the first light source 302 can pass therethrough. The part 102 and the second light transmitting part 104 provided so that the light emitted from the second light source 304 is transmitted are defined.

  The first lens port 106 is configured so that the optical lens 200 is optically directed toward the first surface S1 so that the reflected light obtained by reflecting the light emitted from the first light source 302 on the skin can enter the optical lens 200. It is a port exposed to. The second lens port 108 is configured so that the optical lens 200 is optically incident on the second surface S2 side so that the light emitted from the second light source 304 can be incident on the optical lens 200. Exposed port. The shape or the like of the first lens port 106 and the second lens port 108 is not particularly limited, and may be a circular opening, or a translucent member made of glass or resin is fixed in the opening. It may be a thing. In the front view of the dermoscope 1, the first lens port 106 and the second lens port 108 may be provided so as to overlap each other. The center of the first lens port 106, the center of the second lens port 108, and the center of the optical lens 200 may be arranged so as to be aligned on a straight line.

  The first light transmitting portion 102 is not particularly limited as long as it transmits light emitted from the first light source 302, and may be a circular opening, or glass or resin in the opening. The translucent member which consists of may be fixed. The number of the 1st translucent part 102 may be one, and two or more according to the number of the 1st light sources 302 may be provided.

  The second light transmitting portion 104 is not particularly limited as long as it transmits light emitted from the second light source 304, and may be a circular opening, or glass or resin in the opening. The translucent member which consists of may be inserted. The number of the 2nd light transmission part 104 may be one, and according to the number of the 2nd light sources 304, two or more may be provided. In the front view of the dermoscope 1, the first light transmitting part 102 and the second light transmitting part 104 may be provided so as to overlap each other.

  Here, an example in which the first lens port 106 and the first light transmitting portion 102 are provided separately has been described, but these may be provided integrally. Similarly, although the example in which the second lens port 108 and the second light transmitting portion 104 are separately provided has been described, these may be provided integrally. In this case, as compared with the case where the lens ports 106 and 108 and the light transmitting portions 102 and 104 are provided separately, the size of each lens port 106 and 108 is expanded to the extent that the light transmitting portions 102 and 104 are reached. Being done.

  The housing 100 includes a first protrusion 110 that defines the first lens port 106 and a second protrusion 112 that defines the second lens port 108. The first protrusion 110 is provided in a cylindrical shape, for example, so as to conform to the shape of the first lens port 106. Similarly, the second protrusion 112 is provided, for example, in a cylindrical shape so as to conform to the shape of the second lens port 108. At least a part of the optical lens 200 may be sandwiched between the first protrusion 110 and the second protrusion 112 and fixed to the housing 100. Here, the first projecting portion 110 and the second projecting portion 112 have been described as a part of the housing 100, but may be provided as a cylindrical collar separate from the housing 100.

  The optical lens 200 may be a magnifying lens for magnifying the target portion, and the magnification ratio is preferably 10 to 30 times. The optical lens 200 is capable of obtaining an enlarged image of the target portion on both the first surface S1 side and the second surface S2 side of the housing 100. The optical lens 200 may be a single double-sided convex lens as shown in FIG. 4, or a lens that is a combination of two or more convex lenses, a single achromatic lens, or a lens that is a combination of two or more achromatic lenses. Either may be sufficient. The optical lens 200 may be a non-aberration lens. Furthermore, in order to reduce good optical properties and distortion, an aspheric lens may be incorporated into the spherical lens. These optical lenses 200 may further include an antireflection film and a color filter. The lens diameter of the optical lens 200 is, for example, 15 mm. As shown in FIG. 4, the optical lens 200 may include a notch or a groove on the outer peripheral portion so as to be easily fixed to the housing 100.

  The number of the first light sources 302 may be one or a plurality, and a first light source group 306 including the first light sources 302 is defined. The light emitted from the first light source 302 passes through the first light transmitting part 102 and reaches the target part of the skin. The plurality of first light sources 302 of the first light source group 306 are arranged on the circuit wiring board 810 at equal intervals on an annular line that is slightly larger than the outer periphery of the optical lens 200. Although not shown, the first light source 302 may be arranged so as to be inclined so that the light emitted from the first light source 302 is condensed toward the center of the optical lens 200.

  One or a plurality of second light sources 304 may be provided, and a second light source group 308 is defined by the second light sources 304. The light emitted from the second light source 304 passes through the second light transmitting portion 104 and the first polarizing filter 410 and reaches the target portion of the skin. The second light sources 304 of the second light source group 308 are arranged on the circuit wiring board 810 at equal intervals on an annular line that is slightly larger than the outer periphery of the optical lens 200. Although not shown, the second light source 304 may be disposed so as to be inclined so that the light emitted from the second light source 304 is condensed toward the center of the optical lens 200. The quantity of the first light source 302 and the second light source 304 is not particularly limited, but FIG. 1 and FIG.

  The second light source 304 is provided on the rear surface of the front surface of the circuit wiring board 810 where the first light source 302 is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the first light source 302 and the second light source 304 are fixed to a circuit wiring board 810 and are electrically connected to the wiring of the circuit wiring board 810 using solder or the like. This wiring is electrically connected to a power source such as a battery or an external power source.

  Outside the housing 100, switches 114 and 116 electrically connected to the wiring of the circuit wiring board 810 are provided. The switch 114 switches on / off of the first light source 302 or the first light source group 306. The switch 116 switches on / off of the second light source 304 or the second light source group 308. The first light source 302 or the first light source group 306 is electrically connected to the first circuit including the switch 114, and the second light source 304 or the second light source group 308 is connected to the second circuit including the switch 116. By being electrically connected, the first light source 302 and the second light source 304 or the first light source group 306 and the second light source group 308 are individually turned on and off by the switches 114 and 116. And can be switched. These can be turned on or off simultaneously. Here, the case where two switches are provided as the switches 114 and 116 has been described, but one switch may be provided or a plurality of two or more switches may be provided.

  The circuit wiring board 810 may be provided with a board opening 812 through which the optical lens 200 passes. Accordingly, the light emitted from the first light source 302 or the second light source 304 is reflected light reflected by the skin, and the reflected light passing through the optical lens 200 can be prevented from being blocked by the circuit wiring board 810. .

  Here, the double-sided wiring board is used as the circuit wiring board 810 to reduce the thickness of the dermoscope 1, but the invention is not limited to this, and the insulating spacer 820 is sandwiched between the plurality of circuit wiring boards 814 as shown in FIG. A known circuit wiring board such as a circuit wiring board laminated with a multilayer wiring board or a multilayer wiring board can be applied. Further, a signal can be output from the circuit wiring board 810 to the outside of the dermoscope 1. At that time, the on / off information of the first light source 302 or the second light source 304 can also be output.

  As the first light source 302 and the second light source 304, a high-intensity light such as a halogen lamp, or a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode, a semiconductor light-emitting element, or an organic electroluminescence is used. The first light source 302 and the second light source 304 may be of a surface mount type that is fixed to the surface of the circuit wiring board 810 as shown in FIG. 5, or a bullet type as shown in FIG. It may be a thing. Examples of the light emitting diode include indium gallium nitride and other high brightness LEDs. The light emitting diode may further include indium gallium arsenide. Examples of white light emitting diodes include white light emitting diodes that emit phosphors, blue-yellow pseudo white light emitting diodes, and three-color LED type white light emitting diodes using red, green, and blue light emitting diode chips. That is, the plurality of first light sources 302 constituting the first light source group 306 may be composed of light sources having the same wavelength, or may be composed of light sources having different wavelengths. Similarly, the plurality of second light sources 304 constituting the second light source group 308 may be composed of light sources having the same wavelength or may be composed of light sources having different wavelengths. At least one of the first light source 302 and the second light source 304 may further include a focus lens for concentrating light.

  It is preferable that the first light source 302 and the second light source 304 or the first light source group 306 and the second light source group 308 can emit light having different wavelengths. As a result, different images can be obtained when the first light source 302 or the first light source group 306 is used and when the second light source 304 or the second light source group 308 is used. By comparing the images or superimposing the images, it becomes easier to inspect, diagnose and treat the target portion. As light having different wavelengths, ultraviolet light (wavelength 380-450 nm), blue light (wavelength 450-495 nm), green light (wavelength 495-570 nm), yellow light (wavelength: 570-590 nm), orange light (wavelength 590-620 nm). ), Red light (wavelength 620-750 nm), and the like.

  As an example, a white light source is used as the first light source 302 or the first light source group 306, and at least one of an ultraviolet light source, a blue light source, and a green light source is used as the second light source 304 or the second light source group 308. What is included can be used. For example, since ultraviolet rays or blue light is easily absorbed by the pigmentation part, the pigmentation part can be visualized suitably. Similarly, since green light is easily absorbed by the blood vessel, the blood vessel can be suitably visualized. White light can obtain anatomical information used in the diagnosis of skin diseases, or can better visualize the skin surface. That is, when a white light source is used as the first light source 302 or the first light source group 306, information on the skin surface is preferably visualized, and a light source including at least one of light sources that emit ultraviolet light, blue light, and green light is included. When used as the second light source 304 or the second light source group 308, information on the inside of the skin in the target part including the diseased part can be suitably obtained, and these images can be compared or superimposed. Thus, it is possible to facilitate the inspection, diagnosis and treatment of the target portion.

  Furthermore, when the dermoscope 1 is used, a compound such as δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), indocyanine green, or fluorescein, which is a compound that fluoresces with a specific light, is administered to the target part, thereby allowing functions within the skin. Target information may be obtained. For example, δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is applied locally to the target part, and the target part is irradiated with ultraviolet light or blue light by the dermoscope 1 to facilitate discrimination of basal cell carcinoma from normal tissues. Can do. When δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is applied topically to basal cell carcinoma, this δ-aminolevulinic acid is incorporated into the active region of basal cell carcinoma, converted to porphyrin IX, and fluorescent when exposed to ultraviolet or blue light. Will come out.

  Next, the second surface S2 side of the casing 100 will be described. A first polarizing filter 410 is provided on the second surface S2 side of the casing 100. The first polarizing filter 410 allows light emitted from the second light source 304 to pass only to light polarized in a specific polarization axis direction. In other words, the first polarizing filter 410 is a filter that converts light emitted from the second light source 304 into linearly polarized light. The first polarizing filter 410 is a planar annular polarizing filter and includes an annular portion 414 that defines a circular central opening 412. The central opening 412 is provided in the same size as the second lens port 108 or slightly larger in the front view of the dermoscope 1.

  The polarizing filter 400 further includes a second polarizing filter 420. The second polarizing filter 420 allows the reflected light, which is the light emitted from the second light source 304 and reflected by the skin, to pass only through the light polarized in a specific polarization axis direction. In other words, the second polarizing filter 420 polarizes the reflected light. The dermoscope 1 is configured such that the reflected light passes through the central opening 412 of the first polarizing filter 410 and the second polarizing filter 420. The second polarizing filter 420 may be a circular flat polarizing filter. The second polarizing filter 420 may be disposed adjacent to the optical lens 200 or may be provided integrally with the optical lens 200. The second polarizing filter 420 is provided so as to be optically exposed on the second side S <b> 2 of the housing 100, and is positioned on the path of reflected light from the skin to the optical lens 200. As a result, the light emitted from the second light source 304 removes specular reflection components such as reflected light reflected from the skin surface, and transmits at least part of the reflected light from the inside of the skin. The optical lens 200 can be better visualized.

The first polarizing filter 410 and the second polarizing filter 420 may be a polarizing film or a polarizing prism. The first polarizing filter 410 and the second polarizing filter 420 may include a base material including a base material layer and a filter material sandwiched between the base materials. A base material may also contain translucent materials, such as resin, such as an acrylic resin and a TAC film which have polymethyl methacrylate as a main component, and glass as a base material layer. Further, the filter material is a material that allows only light polarized in a specific direction to pass therethrough, and examples thereof include an iodine compound and polyvinyl alcohol. The base material may further include a functional layer. In addition to the base material layer, the base material contains, for example, a cured film layer containing a silicone-based ultraviolet curable resin and fine titanium dioxide particles, and a filler having a spherical diameter of about 3 μm. It may include at least one of an antiglare layer containing a resin, a multilayer film in which SiO ₂ or TiO ₂ is vapor-deposited, and a low reflection layer comprising a curable fluororesin. Furthermore, the base material may be subjected to anti-glare treatment by sandblasting or embossing treatment, or may be subjected to antistatic treatment to prevent dust adhesion. At least one of the first polarizing filter 410 and the second polarizing filter 420 may further have a protective film for protecting the surface thereof, or may be sandwiched between color filters. The first polarizing filter 410 and the second polarizing filter 420 may be formed of the same material or may be formed of different materials.

  Next, the relationship between the first polarizing filter 410 and the second polarizing filter 420 will be described. The first polarizing filter 410 is a housing so that the polarization axis direction of the first polarizing filter 410 is at an angle of 0 ° or more and 90 ° or less with respect to the polarization axis direction of the second polarizing filter 420. 100 is rotatably provided. Although the second polarizing filter 420 is fixed to the housing 100 and the first polarizing filter 410 is rotatable, the second polarizing filter 420 is not limited to the first polarizing filter 410. Alternatively, it may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the casing 100.

  In many cases, the reflected light from the skin surface becomes a specular reflection component of the light incident on the skin that is polarized after passing through the first polarizing filter 410. In this case, the incident light to the skin polarized through the first polarizing filter 410 and the reflected light reflected from the skin surface pass through the same plane. On the other hand, the reflection angle of the reflected light from the inside of the skin below the skin surface changes with respect to the incident angle of the incident light to the skin that is polarized through the first polarizing filter 410.

  Accordingly, when the first polarizing filter 410 is rotated such that the polarization axis direction of the first polarizing filter 410 is 0 ° with respect to the polarization axis direction of the second polarizing filter 420, such a mirror surface is obtained. Since the reflection component passes through the second polarizing filter 420, an image of the skin surface can be obtained. On the other hand, when the first polarization filter 410 is rotated such that the polarization axis direction of the first polarization filter 410 is 90 ° with respect to the polarization axis direction of the second polarization filter 420, such a mirror surface is obtained. Since the reflection component is removed by the second polarizing filter 420, an image of the inside of the skin below the skin surface is easily obtained.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first polarizing filter 410 may be disposed in a polarizing unit 401 that is rotatably fixed to the surface of the housing 100. The polarizing unit 401 includes a unit housing 430 and a first polarizing filter 410 fixed to the unit housing 430. The polarization unit 401 makes the first polarization filter 410 easy to rotate. The light emitted from the second light source 304 passes through the first polarization filter 410, and the light passes through the skin. The annular aperture to which the first polarizing filter 410 is fixed and the second lens port 108 in the front view of the dermoscope 1 or slightly larger so that the reflected light reflected by the optical lens 200 passes through the optical lens 200. A large central opening. The polarization unit 401 may be provided with the rotation angle adjustment shape 432 only on a part of the outer periphery. For example, the rotation angle adjustment shape 432 may be provided with a protrusion or a groove and not provided in other parts, so that the rotation angle of the first polarizing filter 410 can be easily adjusted. The rotation angle adjustment shapes 432 may be arranged at equal intervals only in a quarter region of the outer periphery of the polarization unit 401.

  The first polarizing filter 410 or the polarizing unit 401 including the first polarizing filter 410 may be detachably provided to the housing 100. Accordingly, the first polarizing filter 410 and the polarizing unit 401 can be replaced with a new same type of polarizing filter or polarizing unit, or can be replaced with another polarizing filter or polarizing unit having a different shape or property.

  With these configurations, when the second light source 304 is turned on, the dermoscope 1 has the second surface of the housing 100 in a state where there is polarization by at least one of the first polarizing filter 410 and the second polarizing filter 420. Used to observe the skin facing S2.

  On the other hand, unlike the second surface S2 side, the first polarizing filter 410 and the second polarizing filter 420 are not provided on the first surface S1 side of the casing 100, and the first light transmitting portion. Reference numeral 102 is provided so as to be exposed to the outside of the casing 100. Therefore, when the first light source 302 is turned on, the dermoscope 1 looks into the optical lens 200 from the second surface S2 side in a state where there is no polarization by the first polarizing filter 410 and the second polarizing filter 420. Is used to observe the skin facing the first surface S1 of the casing 100. As a result, the dermoscope 1 can obtain an image of the skin surface when the first surface S1 side of the casing 100 is used, and an image of the inside of the skin non-invasively when the second surface S2 side of the casing 100 is used. Can be obtained. Therefore, by comparing or superimposing these images, the dermoscope 1 can facilitate the inspection, diagnosis and treatment of the target portion. The dermoscope 1 can be switched between a state in which the skin surface can be observed and a state in which the inside of the skin can be observed simply by inverting the dermoscope 1.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a dermoscope 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX ′ of FIG. 1 and shows a dermoscope 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The dermoscope 2 according to the second embodiment includes an imaging mechanism (imaging unit) 500 including a first imaging element 510 and a second imaging element 520, and the first lens unit 202 and the first lens as the optical lens 200. As a circuit wiring board that includes two lens portions 204 and on which the first light source 302 and the second light source 304 are mounted, a circuit wiring substrate 811 that is not provided with an opening through which the optical lens 200 passes is used. It differs from the dermoscope 1 according to the first embodiment only in having (not shown). Accordingly, in the description of the second embodiment, parts that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and thus redundant description is omitted, and only different parts are described in detail. explain.

  The dermoscope 2 includes a housing 100, an optical lens 200 provided inside the housing, a light source 300, and a polarizing filter 400. The dermoscope 2 includes, as the optical lens 200, a first lens unit 202 and a second lens unit 204 that are arranged with a circuit wiring board 811 that is not provided with an opening through which the optical lens 200 passes. The first lens unit 202 is provided on the first surface S1 side of the housing 100 with the circuit wiring board 811 interposed therebetween, and the second lens unit 204 is provided on the second surface S2 side of the housing 100.

  The imaging mechanism 500 includes a circuit wiring board 811 and a first imaging element 510 mounted on the circuit wiring board 811 so as to receive incident light passing through the first lens unit 202 from the first side S1 of the housing 100. And a second imaging element 520 mounted on the circuit wiring board 811 so as to receive incident light passing through the second lens unit 204 from the second side S2 of the housing 100.

  Examples of the first image sensor 510 and the second image sensor 520 include a CCD image sensor and a CMOS image sensor. Each of the first image sensor 510 and the second image sensor 520 is electrically connected to the wiring of the circuit wiring board 811.

  The display unit (not shown) visually displays the skin information acquired by the first image sensor 510 and the second image sensor 520, and the first surface S <b> 1 or the second surface of the casing 100. It may be arranged in S2 or may be included as an external device such as an image display. Information displayed on the display unit can be output to the external device, and skin information acquired by the first image sensor 510 and the second image sensor 520 can be recorded on the external device. At that time, whether the information is acquired by the first image sensor 510 or the information acquired by the second image sensor 520 is also recorded.

  With this configuration, when the first light source 302 is turned on, the dermoscope 2 uses the first image sensor 510 in a state where there is no polarization by the first polarizing filter 410 and the second polarizing filter 420. Imaging of the skin facing the first surface S1 of 100 is performed. On the other hand, when the second light source 304 is turned on, the dermoscope 2 uses the second imaging element 520 in a state where there is polarization by at least one of the first polarizing filter 410 and the second polarizing filter 420. The skin facing the second surface S2 of the casing 100 is observed. Accordingly, the dermoscope 2 can obtain an image of the skin surface when the first surface S1 side of the casing 100 is used, and an image of the inside of the skin non-invasively when the second surface S2 side of the casing 100 is used. Can be obtained. Therefore, by comparing or superimposing these images, it is possible to facilitate the inspection, diagnosis and treatment of the target portion. The dermoscope 2 can be switched between a state in which the skin surface can be observed and a state in which the inside of the skin can be observed simply by inverting the dermoscope 2.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a rear view showing the dermoscope 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The dermoscope 3 according to the third embodiment further includes a grip 700 in the dermoscope 1 according to the first embodiment or the dermoscope 2 according to the second embodiment, and includes at least a housing 100, an optical lens 200, and a light source 300. The functional unit 600 including the polarizing filter 400 is different from the dermoscope 1 according to the first embodiment and the dermoscope 2 according to the second embodiment only in that the functional unit 600 including the polarizing filter 400 can rotate with respect to the grip unit 700. Therefore, in the description of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the substantially same parts as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and the redundant description is omitted. Only the different parts will be described in detail.

  The functional part 600 and the gripping part 700 are connected by a rotating hinge part provided between the functional part 600 and the gripping part 700, and the first surface S1 of the casing 100 in the functional part 600 with respect to the skin. Are capable of rotating with respect to the gripping part 700 so that the second face S2 of the housing 100 in the functional part 600 faces. This rotation may be performed manually or mechanically.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using each embodiment, it cannot be overemphasized that the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above-described embodiments and examples. Further, it is apparent from the description of the scope of claims that embodiments with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

The invention described in the scope of claims attached to the application of this application will be added below. The item numbers of the claims described in the appendix are as set forth in the claims attached to the application of this application.
<Claim 1>
A dermoscope,
A housing having a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface;
An optical lens provided inside the housing;
A first light source that emits light outward from the first surface side of the housing;
A second light source that emits light outward from the second surface side of the housing;
A polarizing filter that polarizes the light emitted from the second light source,
The first light source is turned on, and the surface of the skin facing the first surface is observed or imaged through the optical lens in a state where there is no polarization by the polarization filter, and the second light source is turned on. Then, a dermoscope for performing observation or imaging in the skin epidermis facing the second surface through the optical lens in a state where there is polarization by the polarizing filter.
<Claim 2>
A plurality of the first light source and the second light source;
The dermoscope according to claim 1, wherein the polarizing filter is rotatable with respect to the housing.
<Claim 3>
The dermoscope according to claim 1, wherein the polarizing filter is detachable from the housing.
<Claim 4>
The dermoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first light source is a white light source, and the second light source is a blue light source or a green light source.
<Claim 5>
The said optical lens contains the 1st optical lens located in the said 1st surface, and the 2nd optical lens located in the said 2nd surface, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The dermoscope described in 1.
<Claim 6>
The dermoscope according to claim 1, further comprising an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject obtained by the optical lens.
<Claim 7>
A housing having a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface, an optical lens provided inside the housing, and emitting light from the first surface side of the housing to the outside A dermoscope comprising: a first light source that emits light; a second light source that emits light outward from the second surface side of the housing; and a polarizing filter that polarizes light emitted from the second light source. How to use,
When the first light source is turned on, the surface of the skin facing the first surface is observed or imaged through the optical lens in a state where there is no polarization by the polarizing filter, and the second light source group A method of using a dermoscope, comprising: observing or imaging the skin epidermis facing the second surface via the optical lens in a state where there is polarization by the polarizing filter when lit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Housing 102 1st light transmission part 104 2nd light transmission part 106 1st lens port 108 2nd lens port 110 1st protrusion part 112 2nd protrusion part 114 1st switch 116 2nd switch DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 200 Optical lens 300 Light source 302 1st light source 304 2nd light source 306 1st light source group 308 2nd light source group 400 Polarization filter 401 Polarization unit 410 1st polarization filter 412 Center opening 414 Annular part 420 2nd polarization Filter 430 Unit housing 432 Rotation angle adjustment shape 500 Imaging mechanism (imaging unit)
510 First Image Sensor 520 Second Image Sensor 600 Function Unit 700 Grasping Unit 810, 811 814 Circuit Wiring Board 812 Substrate Opening 820 Spacer

Claims (7)

A dermoscope,
A housing having a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface;
An optical lens provided inside the housing;
A first light source that emits light outward from the first surface side of the housing;
A second light source that emits light outward from the second surface side of the housing;
A polarizing filter that polarizes the light emitted from the second light source,
The first light source is turned on, and the surface of the skin facing the first surface is observed or imaged through the optical lens in a state where there is no polarization by the polarization filter, and the second light source is turned on. Then, a dermoscope for performing observation or imaging in the skin epidermis facing the second surface through the optical lens in a state where there is polarization by the polarizing filter. A plurality of the first light source and the second light source;
The dermoscope according to claim 1, wherein the polarizing filter is rotatable with respect to the housing.   The dermoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polarizing filter is detachable from the housing.   The dermoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first light source is a white light source, and the second light source is a blue light source or a green light source.   The said optical lens contains the 1st optical lens located in the said 1st surface, and the 2nd optical lens located in the said 2nd surface, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The dermoscope described in 1.   The dermoscope according to claim 1, further comprising an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject obtained by the optical lens. A housing having a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface, an optical lens provided inside the housing, and emitting light from the first surface side of the housing to the outside A dermoscope comprising: a first light source that emits light; a second light source that emits light outward from the second surface side of the housing; and a polarizing filter that polarizes light emitted from the second light source. How to use,
When the first light source is turned on, the surface of the skin facing the first surface is observed or imaged through the optical lens in a state where there is no polarization by the polarizing filter, and the second light source group A method of using a dermoscope, comprising: observing or imaging the skin epidermis facing the second surface via the optical lens in a state where there is polarization by the polarizing filter when lit.

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