JP2022078971A - Ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis and skin state, and improvement method of dermatitis and skin state - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis having a small risk of onset of side effects, capable of mitigating inflammation of dermatitis.SOLUTION: An ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis includes an ozone generation part for generating gas containing ozone, a bathtub part formed so that water can be stored therein, and an ozone supply part for supplying gas containing ozone generated by the ozone generation part, in water stored in the bathtub part. The bathtub part has such a constitution that an affected part having dermatitis can be immersed into water stored in the bathtub part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis and skin condition and a method for improving dermatitis and skin condition, which are effective for improving inflammation and skin condition of dermatitis such as allergic dermatitis.

Conventionally, in the treatment of dermatitis, treatment is performed using an external preparation containing an antiallergic agent or the like. For example, in Patent Document 1, a composition for external use on the skin containing dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) as an active ingredient for suppressing itching of an inflammatory disease, and dihomo-at the onset site of the inflammatory disease. A composition for external use on the skin is disclosed, which comprises applying a preparation containing 0.01 to 50% by weight of γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) continuously for at least 14 days or more.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-178165

However, although the drug exhibits a strong anti-inflammatory effect, side effects are a concern. Therefore, from the aspect of side effects of the drug, it is expected that a safer means for improving inflammation and a means for improving skin condition will appear.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and there is little risk of side effects, dermatitis and an ozone bubbling device for improving skin condition, dermatitis and dermatitis capable of alleviating inflammation of dermatitis. The purpose is to provide a method for improving skin condition.

The ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis and skin condition of the present invention has an ozone generating section that generates a gas containing ozone, a bath section that is formed to be able to store water, and the water stored in the bath section. The ozone supply unit is provided with an ozone supply unit for supplying the ozone-containing gas generated by the ozone generation unit, and the tub unit is water in which an affected area for which improvement of dermatitis or skin condition is desired is stored in the tub unit. It is characterized by having a structure that allows it to be immersed in.

According to the ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis and skin condition of the present invention, it is possible to supply a gas containing ozone while bubbling the water stored in the bathtub portion. As a result, ozone can be contained in the water stored in the bathtub portion. Then, the user can improve the dermatitis by immersing the affected part in the water stored in the bathtub part.

In the ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis and skin condition of the present invention, it is preferably used for improving allergic dermatitis.

In the ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis and skin condition of the present invention, it is preferably used for improving chronic seborrheic dermatitis.

In the ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis and skin condition of the present invention, it is used for improving at least one symptom selected from the gloss, hair loss, desquamation, body odor and the balance between greasiness and dryness of the coat. Is preferable.

The method for improving dermatitis and skin condition of the present invention is desired to have a water storage step of storing water in a bathtub, an ozone supply step of supplying a gas containing ozone to the stored water, and improvement of dermatitis or skin condition. It is characterized by including a dipping step of immersing the affected part of the animal (excluding humans) in the water of the bath portion.

According to the method for improving dermatitis and skin condition of the present invention, it is possible to supply a gas containing ozone while bubbling the water stored in the bathtub portion. As a result, ozone can be contained in the water stored in the bathtub portion. Then, the user can improve the dermatitis by immersing the affected part in the water stored in the bathtub part.

In the method for improving dermatitis and skin condition of the present invention, the dermatitis is preferably allergic dermatitis.

In the method for improving dermatitis and skin condition of the present invention, the dermatitis is preferably chronic seborrheic dermatitis.

In the method for improving dermatitis and skin condition of the present invention, it is preferable to apply it to the improvement of at least one symptom selected from the gloss, hair loss, desquamation, body odor and the balance between greasiness and dryness of the coat.

It is a conceptual diagram of the ozone bubbling device for dermatitis improvement. It is a block diagram of the ozone generation part of FIG. It is a top view of the ozone supply part of FIG. It is an enlarged plan view of the ozone supply part of FIG. It is a flow chart of the dermatitis improvement method. It is a figure which showed the state of the anterior neck before the treatment by the ozone bubbling device for dermatitis improvement. It is a figure which showed the state of the anterior neck after the first treatment by the ozone bubbling device for dermatitis improvement. It is a figure which showed the state of the anterior neck after the second treatment by the ozone bubbling device for dermatitis improvement. It is a figure which showed the state of the anterior neck after the third treatment by the ozone bubbling device for dermatitis improvement. It is a figure which showed the state of the caudal abdomen before the treatment by the ozone bubbling device for dermatitis improvement. It is a figure which showed the state of the caudal abdomen after the treatment by the ozone bubbling device for the first dermatitis improvement. It is a figure which showed the state of the caudal abdomen after the treatment by the ozone bubbling device for improvement of dermatitis for the second time. It is a figure which showed the state of the caudal abdomen after the treatment with the ozone bubbling device for improvement of dermatitis for the third time. It is a figure which showed the anterior neck state after the treatment by the ozone bubbling device for the first dermatitis improvement. It is a figure which showed the anterior neck state after the treatment with the ozone bubbling device for dermatitis improvement of the 21st time. It is a figure which showed the anterior neck state after the treatment with the ozone bubbling apparatus for improvement of dermatitis for the 56th time.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis (hereinafter, also referred to as an ozone bubbling device) 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the ozone generation unit 10 that generates a gas containing ozone, the bathtub unit 20 that is formed so as to be able to store water, and the ozone generation unit 10 are generated in the water stored in the bathtub unit 20. It has an ozone supply unit 30 for supplying a gas containing ozone.

The ozone generation unit 10 is a device that generates a gas containing ozone and sends the gas to the ozone supply unit 30.

The bathtub portion 20 has a structure in which the affected portion having dermatitis can be immersed in the water stored in the bathtub portion 20. In the present embodiment, the bathtub portion 20 is formed in a box shape. The bathtub unit 20 may be a water tank, a bathtub, or the like, as long as the affected area can be immersed in the stored water and the ozone supply unit 30 can be accommodated. Further, the bathtub portion 20 is not limited to a box shape but may be a bag shape.

The ozone supply unit 30 is connected to the ozone generation unit 10 by a connecting member 40. The ozone supply unit 30 supplies the air containing ozone sent out from the ozone generation unit 10 to the inside of the bathtub unit 20.

The connection member 40 is a piping member that connects the ozone generation unit 10 and the ozone supply unit 30. The connecting member 40 may be a member that serves as a gas passage, and is not particularly limited, but for example, an annular rubber hose can be used.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the ozone generation unit 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the ozone generation unit 10 has a housing 11. The housing 11 is formed in a box shape, for example.

The housing 11 houses a pump 12 that takes in air from the outside of the housing 11 and discharges the pressurized air. The pump 12 receives a power supply from the outside and discharges a certain amount of air.

Further, the housing 11 contains an ozone generator 13 that generates ozone from air containing oxygen. The ozone generator 13 is, for example, a silent discharge type device that generates (generates) ozone gas by applying a high voltage to air containing oxygen to discharge the ozone gas.

The ozone generator 13 is not limited to the silent discharge type device, and may be, for example, an electrolysis type device or an ultraviolet lamp type device.

The ozone generator 13 is connected to the pump 12 by a connecting member 50. The connecting member 50 is a piping member that connects the ozone generator 13 and the pump 12. The connecting member 50 may be a member that serves as a gas passage, and is not particularly limited, but for example, an annular rubber hose can be used.

Therefore, the ozone generation unit 10 can generate a gas containing ozone by mixing the ozone generated by the ozone generator 13 and the air sent out from the pump 12.

Further, the ozone generator 13 is connected to the connecting member 40. Therefore, the ozone generation unit 10 can send a gas containing ozone to the ozone supply unit 30 via the connecting member 40.

The ozone generator 13 has a timer (not shown). The ozone generator 13 may generate ozone according to the time counted by the timer. For example, when the ozone bubbling device 100 is operated for a predetermined time, the time for operating the ozone generator 13 may be controlled by a timer.

The operation of the ozone generator 13 is not limited to such a timer. For example, a detector for detecting the ozone concentration is provided in the bathtub unit 20 and controlled according to the ozone concentration of the bathtub unit 20. May be good. That is, the ozone concentration of the air sent from the ozone generation unit 10 may be adjusted according to the ozone concentration of the bathtub unit 20.

The housing 11 is provided with, for example, a switch (not shown) for switching the operation of the pump 12 and the ozone generator 13 ON or OFF, and a power supply unit (not shown) for supplying power to the ozone bubbling device 100. It may have been done. Further, the housing 11 may be provided with an adjustment button for adjusting the air volume of the pump 12.

It is advisable to provide a ventilation hole (not shown) that allows air outside the housing 11 to be taken into the inside of the housing 11. A filter may be provided in the ventilation holes in order to remove impurities such as dust in the air.

FIG. 3 shows the plane of the ozone supply unit 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the ozone supply unit 30 has a connection unit 31 formed so as to be connectable to the connection member 40 and a discharge unit 32 connected to the connection unit 31 and capable of releasing a gas containing ozone.

The connecting portion 31 is formed of a flexible tubular member such as a rubber hose. The connecting portion 31 has a tip portion 31a that can be connected to the connecting member 40 and a base end portion 31b that can be connected to the discharging portion 32.

The discharge portion 32 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The discharge unit 32 has a plurality of supply units 33 capable of supplying a gas containing ozone transmitted from the connection unit 31 on one surface (upper surface).

Each of the supply portions 33 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. Each of the supply units 33 is spaced apart from each other on one surface. In this embodiment, each of the supply units 33 is arranged in 7 rows and 10 columns.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged plane of the emission unit 32. As shown in FIG. 4, four through holes 34 penetrating the one surface are formed on one surface of each of the supply portions 33. Therefore, the internal space of the discharge unit 32 communicates with the outside of the discharge unit 32 by four through holes 34.

Each of the supply units 33 arranged adjacent to each other is connected to each other by a plurality of pipes 35. The pipe 35 is connected to the base end portion 31a of the connecting portion 31. Therefore, when the gas containing ozone is sent out from the connection portion 31, the gas is discharged from the through holes 34 of the plurality of supply portions 33 through the pipe 35.

A fixing member (not shown) capable of fixing the discharge portion 32 to the bottom surface of the bathtub portion 20 may be provided on the back surface (bottom surface) of the surface of the discharge portion 32. As the fixing member, for example, a suction cup, a magnet, double-sided tape, a hook-and-loop fastener, or the like may be used.

A method for improving dermatitis using the ozone bubbling device 100 described above will be described. FIG. 5 shows the process of the dermatitis improving method. As shown in FIG. 5, a storage step of storing water in the bathtub portion 20 of the ozone bubbling device 100 is performed (step S01).

In step S01, it is preferable to store water in a state where the ozone supply unit 30 is arranged at the bottom of the bathtub unit 20. The storage of water is not particularly limited as long as there is a sufficient amount for immersing the affected area in water. Further, from the viewpoint of supplying a gas containing ozone to water, the water should be stored at least to cover the ozone supply unit 30. The water is not limited to cold water and may be adjusted to an appropriate temperature.

A supply step of supplying a gas containing ozone from the ozone supply unit 30 to the water stored in the bathtub unit 20 is performed (step S02).

In step S02, the pump 12 and the ozone generator 13 are operated by turning on the switch arranged in the housing 11 of the ozone generator 10. When the pump 12 and the ozone generator 13 are operated, a gas containing ozone is sent from the ozone generation unit 10 to the ozone supply unit 30 via the connecting member 40.

The ozone supply unit 30 discharges a gas containing ozone delivered from the ozone generation unit 10 from the emission unit 32. When a gas containing ozone is supplied to water, the gas containing ozone is supplied up to a predetermined concentration. When ozone is bubbled in the water, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide generated based on the ozone is preferably 0.010 to 0.100 ppm, more preferably 0.030 to 0.070 ppm, and more preferably 0. It is preferable to set it to 0.034-0.068 ppm.

A method for measuring the amount of ozone contained in water when ozone is bubbled to water has not been established. On the other hand, it is possible to measure the amount of hydrogen peroxide derived from the ozone. Therefore, the ozone content of water is estimated by measuring the hydrogen peroxide content of water. Academically, it is considered that water contains an amount of ozone equal to or higher than that of hydrogen peroxide derived from ozone.

For example, the AS ONE spectrophotometer ASV11D-H can be used to measure the amount of hydrogen peroxide. When the concentration of ozone in the water (concentration of hydrogen peroxide) reaches a predetermined concentration, the amount of ozone supplied is adjusted in order to adjust the concentration of ozone (concentration of hydrogen peroxide) described above. It is advisable to control the adjustment.

A dipping step of immersing the affected portion of an animal having dermatitis (excluding humans) in the water of the bathtub portion 20 is performed (step S03).

The time for immersing the affected area in water may be changed according to the ozone concentration of the water and the condition of the skin of the affected area. For example, the time for immersing the affected area in water is preferably 1 to 60 minutes, preferably 5 to 30 minutes, and more preferably 10 to 20 minutes.

If the affected area is located in a part such as the head where it is difficult to continue to be immersed in water, water supplied with a gas containing ozone may be applied to the affected area. For example, water containing a gas containing ozone may be applied to the affected area by a shower, a pail, or the like.

The method for improving dermatitis of the present invention is particularly effective for allergic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.

As described above, according to the ozone bubbling device 100 of the present invention, it is possible to supply a gas containing ozone while bubbling the water stored in the bathtub portion 20. As a result, ozone can be contained in the water stored in the bathtub portion 20.

Further, according to the dermatitis improving method and the skin condition improving method of the present invention, the user can improve the dermatitis and the skin condition by immersing the affected part in the water stored in the tub portion 20. ..

[Test Example 1] (Verification of effect on allergic dermatitis)
We examined the effect of Maltese on allergic dermatitis.
The treatment of immersing the affected part of allergic dermatitis in the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis for 10 to 20 minutes was periodically performed, and the progress of the affected part was observed. The concentration of ozone gas generated by the ozone bubbling device was 1.25 to 1.50 ppm.

FIG. 6 shows the state of the affected area (right neck) before treatment with the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis. FIG. 7 shows the state of the affected area (right neck) after the first treatment with the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis. FIG. 8 shows the state of the affected area (right neck) after the second treatment with the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis. FIG. 9 shows the state of the affected area (right neck) after the third treatment with the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis. The numbers in the figure represent the date and time of shooting.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, it was confirmed that the symptoms of allergic dermatitis in the right cervical region were alleviated because the area of the affected area became narrower as the number of treatments increased. In addition, the appearance of hair was gradually confirmed around the affected area after the treatment.

FIG. 10 shows the state of the affected area (caudal abdomen) before treatment with the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis. FIG. 11 shows the state of the affected area (caudal abdomen) after the first treatment with the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis. FIG. 12 shows the state of the affected area (caudal abdomen) after the second treatment with the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis. FIG. 13 shows the state of the affected area (caudal abdomen) after the third treatment with the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis. The numbers in the figure represent the date and time of shooting.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, it was confirmed that the symptoms of allergic dermatitis in the caudal abdomen were alleviated because the area of the affected area became narrower as the number of treatments increased. In addition, the appearance of hair was gradually confirmed around the affected area after the treatment.

As described above, it was confirmed that the treatment with the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis alleviates the symptoms of allergic dermatitis regardless of the position of the affected area.

[Test Example 2] (Verification of effect on seborrheic dermatitis)
We examined the effect of Shih Tzu on seborrheic dermatitis.

The treatment of immersing the affected part of seborrheic dermatitis in the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis for 10 minutes was periodically performed, and the progress of the affected part was observed. The concentration of the gas containing ozone in water was set to less than 0.1 ppm. The temperature of the water was 35 to 37 ° C.

This treatment was performed once a week, and the treatment was stopped after 30 treatments. Then, after a follow-up observation in which only washing was performed for several months, this treatment was performed once a week again.

FIG. 14 shows the state of the affected part (left forearm part) after the first treatment with the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis. FIG. 15 shows the state of the affected part (left forearm part) after the treatment with the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis for the 21st time. FIG. 16 shows the state of the affected area (left forearm) after the 56th treatment with the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis. The numbers in the figure represent the date and time of shooting.

As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, it was confirmed that the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in the left forearm were alleviated because the area of the affected area became narrower as the number of treatments increased. In addition, the appearance of hair was gradually confirmed around the affected area after the treatment.

In addition, according to the observer's records, itching of the affected area centering on the abdomen decreased immediately after this treatment was performed. By the time the procedure was performed 10 times, there was a marked improvement in seborrhea and scales in the affected area.

On the other hand, when the treatment was stopped, seborrhea worsened and itching increased. After resuming the treatment, and after performing the treatment 10 times, the seborrhea of the affected area improved and the scales disappeared. After resuming the treatment, and after performing the treatment 30 times, the eruption was almost cured.

As described above, it was confirmed that the ozone bubbling device 100 for improving dermatitis and the method for improving dermatitis have the effect of alleviating the symptoms of dermatitis such as allergic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.

[Test Example 3] (Verification of effect on skin condition) A dog suffering from a skin disease was treated using an ozone bubbling device, and the skin condition before and after the treatment was observed. Since the treatment has the same conditions as in Test Example 2, the description thereof will be omitted.

The subjects of the test were 14 dogs aged 6 to 15 years. The sexes of the dogs tested were 5 males (2 of which were uncastrated) and 9 females (2 of which were uncontraceptive). The breeds tested were Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, Pug, Shiba Inu, Chihuahua, French Bulldog, and Miniature Daxfund.

Ten of the 14 dogs tested had seborrheic dermatitis, 6 had pyoderma, and 2 of 14 had seborrheic dermatitis and pyoderma. I was suffering from both.

The test was evaluated by the attending physician for items such as hair gloss, hair loss, desquamation, body odor, and skin balance before, immediately after, and 7 days after the procedure. The items of hair gloss, hair loss, desquamation, body odor, and skin balance were evaluated by the following indexes. It should be noted that these evaluation items have a correlation with the state of dermatitis (degree of symptom), and there is a tendency that these evaluation items are also improved along with the improvement of dermatitis.

[Gloss of coat]
The gloss of the coat was evaluated according to the following criteria. The higher the score, the better the glossy state of the coat.
Evaluation Criteria 1: Very Dull 2: Slightly Dull 4: Slightly Dull 4: Normal 5: Slightly Glossy 6: Glossy 7: Very Glossy

[Hair loss]
The degree of hair loss was evaluated according to the following criteria. The higher the score, the milder the degree of hair loss.
Evaluation Criteria 1: Very Severe 2: Severe 3: Slightly Severe 4: Moderate 5: Mild 6: Low 7: None

[Desquamation]
The degree of desquamation, which is so-called "dandruff", was evaluated according to the following criteria. The higher the score, the milder the degree of desquamation.
Evaluation Criteria 1: Very Severe 2: Severe 3: Slightly Severe 4: Moderate 5: Mild 6: Low 7: None

[body odor]
The degree of body odor was evaluated according to the following criteria. The higher the score, the better the degree of body odor.
Evaluation Criteria 1: Very unacceptable 2: Unacceptable 3: Acceptable 4: None 5: Slightly pleasant odor 6: Pleasant odor 7: Very pleasant odor

[Skin balance (balance between oiliness and dryness)]
The condition of the skin was evaluated from the viewpoint of the balance between oiliness and dryness. The higher the score, the better the balance of skin condition.
Evaluation Criteria 1: Very greasy or very dry 2: Greasy or dry 3: Slightly greasy or slightly dry 4: Normal

Table 1 shows the average score of each evaluation item.

As shown in Table 1, all the items of hair gloss, hair loss, desquamation, body odor, and skin balance were evaluated higher immediately after the treatment than before the treatment. In addition, even after 7 days of the treatment, a higher evaluation was obtained than before the treatment.

For the average value of each evaluation in Table 1, the maximum value ratio (%) expressed by the following formula was obtained. The highest value ratio (%) is the ratio of the average value to the highest evaluation point expressed as a percentage. In other words, it is an index showing the range of evaluation of each item, and it can be evaluated that the higher the maximum value ratio, the smaller the variation in evaluation. Table 2 shows each maximum value ratio (%).

Maximum value ratio (%) = (average value / maximum value) x 100

As shown in Table 2, regarding the skin balance, the maximum value ratio (%) immediately after the treatment and after 7 days of the treatment is very high, and it can be evaluated that the data has little variation in numerical values. In other words, in particular, regarding the skin balance, the effect of improving the skin condition can be obtained regardless of individual differences.

For each evaluation in Table 1, the improvement rate (%) indicating the degree of improvement of the skin condition represented by the following formula was obtained. The improvement rate (%) is a percentage of the degree of improvement immediately after the treatment and the degree of improvement after 7 days of the treatment, based on the pre-treatment.

Immediately after the procedure: 100 x (average value immediately after the procedure-average value before the procedure) / average value before the procedure 7 days after the procedure: 100 x (average value after 7 days after the procedure-average value before the procedure) / average value before the procedure

As shown in Table 3, all items of hair gloss, hair loss, desquamation, body odor, and skin balance showed an improvement tendency immediately after the treatment. In addition, the evaluation of the gloss, desquamation, body odor, and skin balance of the coat showed an improvement tendency after 7 days from the treatment, although the improvement rate was lower than immediately after the treatment. In particular, it can be said that the items of body odor and skin balance maintain a high improvement rate (%) even after a lapse of time from the treatment, and can be said to have a high sustaining effect. The improvement rate (%) after 7 days of hair removal treatment is higher than that immediately after the treatment. Therefore, with regard to hair removal, there was a tendency for the effect to appear more easily after a certain period of time had passed since the treatment. There were no adverse events and no cases of discontinuation of the study. Based on the above, it can be said that the effect of improving the skin condition can be expected by using the ozone bubbling device of the present embodiment surgically.

100 Ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis 10 Ozone generator 20 Bathtub 30 Ozone supply

Claims (8)

An ozone generator that generates a gas containing ozone,
A bathtub that is formed to store water and
A ozone supply unit that supplies a gas containing ozone generated by the ozone generation unit to the water stored in the bathtub unit is provided.
The bathtub portion has a structure capable of immersing an affected portion for which improvement of dermatitis or skin condition is desired in water stored in the bathtub portion, and is characterized by an ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis and skin condition. .. The ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis and skin condition according to claim 1, which is used for improving allergic dermatitis. The ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis and skin condition according to claim 1, which is used for improving chronic seborrheic dermatitis. The ozone bubbling device for improving dermatitis and skin condition according to claim 1, which is used for improving at least one symptom selected from the balance of gloss, hair loss, desquamation, body odor, and greasiness and dryness of the coat. A water storage process that stores water in the bathtub and
An ozone supply process that supplies a gas containing ozone to the stored water,
A dipping step of immersing the affected part of an animal (excluding humans) whose dermatitis or skin condition is desired to be improved in the water of the bathtub part, and
A method for improving dermatitis and skin condition, which comprises. The method for improving dermatitis and skin condition according to claim 5, wherein the dermatitis is allergic dermatitis. The method for improving dermatitis and skin condition according to claim 5, wherein the dermatitis is seborrheic dermatitis. The method for improving dermatitis and skin condition according to claim 5, which is applied to the improvement of at least one symptom selected from the gloss, hair loss, desquamation, body odor, and the balance between greasiness and dryness of the coat.

Images