JP4216523B2 - unit - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a unit that can be attached to a camera.
[0002]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  A camera having an objective lens and an imaging means such as a CCD that performs imaging using image light guided from an imaging target through the objective lens is widely used.
  Such cameras are becoming smaller and lower in price, and are now built in mobile communication terminals such as mobile phones or PDAs (Personal Digital (Data) Assistants). Application to the use that did not exist has come to be made.
  In general, a mobile communication terminal equipped with a camera can transmit an image captured by the camera to another person's mobile communication terminal or the like in combination with a mail transmission / reception function provided therein. If such a portable communication terminal is used, a series of flows from imaging to image (data) transmission can be executed very easily by one device, and its popularity is rapidly increasing.
[0003]
  However, the imaging that can be performed by the imaging means of the conventional camera is a reduced image (in this specification, the reduced image means that the optical magnification of the objective lens when imaging the image is 1 or less, for example, In general, this is a normal image obtained by imaging a person or a landscape.) Cameras loaded on a mobile communication terminal are largely limited in size and cost, so there is no example that enables imaging other than reduced image imaging.
[0004]
  If it is possible to capture a reduced image, it is possible to cover generally the general imaging of a person, a landscape, etc., so the mobile communication terminal is sufficiently meaningful.
  However, a magnified image with an existing camera (in this specification, a magnified image refers to an object whose optical magnification of the objective lens is larger than 1 when capturing the image, for example, thin fibers or human skin. This is the image obtained by enlarging and capturing a minute part of the image of the above and the like.) If it is possible to perform the imaging of a single camera, there is a possibility that a new demand can be stimulated. If it is a camera combined with a mobile communication terminal, the possibility that new demand can be stimulated is further increased.
[0005]
  For example, if it is possible to capture a reduced image of the whole body of a person and an enlarged image of a part of the skin with one mobile communication terminal, an enlarged image of a lesion formed on the skin, An image for grasping the state of the lesion and the position on the body can be captured by capturing both a reduced image of the whole body image indicating the position of the lesion. If a camera is mounted on a mobile communication terminal, remote diagnosis may be simplified by transmitting the above-described two types of images (data) from the mobile communication terminal as they are.
  In addition, an image of a wound in a product is obtained to obtain an enlarged image of the wound, and an overall image of the product is captured to obtain an overall image of the product.Reduced image ofBy obtaining the above, it is possible to capture an image that can identify the details of the scratch and the position in the product. If a camera is mounted on the mobile communication terminal, there is a possibility that the trouble of explaining the malfunction of the product can be saved by transmitting the two types of images as they are from the mobile communication terminal.
  Alternatively, even if there is no direct significance as described above, an enlarged image obtained by capturing a familiar object often has an interest that is not usually noticed. If there is a camera that can capture both of these, or a portable communication terminal loaded with such a camera, it may be possible to give the user entertainment that was not possible with conventional cameras and portable communication terminals.
[0006]
  From such a point of view, the present inventor is a unit that is used by being attached to an existing camera, and when this unit is attached to the camera, the image taken by the imaging means becomes an enlarged image. It came to the knowledge that it was meaningful if there was something like this.
  In addition, the inventor of the present application, as an element required for the wide spread of this unit,
(1)It can be attached to an existing camera.,
(2)Be as cheap as possible,
(3)Be able to be removed from the camera when not taking a magnified image,
  We recognize that at least three of these are necessary.
  An object of the present invention is to provide a unit that satisfies these three elements.
[0007]
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention provides the following units.
[0008]
  The unit of the present invention includes an objective lens, and an imaging unit configured to guide image light from the imaging target through the objective lens, and to perform imaging using the image light, The imaging means is used by being attached to a camera adapted to take a reduced image.
  And when this unit is attached to a camera, the unit includes a magnifying lens that enlarges an image captured by the imaging means in combination with the objective lens, and at least imaging the imaging object.TargetAn illumination means that illuminates a range and uses an energy source for illumination as electricity, and a power source of the illumination means, and the magnifying lens, illumination means, and power source are provided in the camera. On the other hand, it has attachment means for detachably attaching.
  This unit includes a magnifying lens to enable the taking of magnified images,Illumination meansAnd a power source. Therefore, it is possible to capture an enlarged image with the camera by simply attaching it to an existing camera as it is without attaching or changing the camera itself.
  Since the above-mentioned attaching means attaches the magnifying lens, the illuminating means, and the power source to the camera in a detachable manner, this unit can be detached from the camera when an enlarged image is not taken.
  Further, since this unit does not require an imaging means or a mechanism for controlling the unit, the unit is relatively inexpensive.
[0009]
  A camera to which the unit of the present invention is attached may be built in a mobile communication terminal. The mobile communication terminal in this case can be a PDA or a mobile phone.
[0010]
  The unit of the present invention is configured such that the distance between the imaging object and the magnifying lens is determined by bringing the tip of the unit into contact with the imaging object, and the focus position by the combination of both the objective lens and the magnifying lens is Imaging of imaging objectTargetYou may provide the positioning assistance means made to contribute to keeping in the range which suits a range.
  This positioning assist means is used with its tip abutting against the object to be imaged when taking an enlarged image. Due to the presence of this positioning assisting means, an enlarged image can be captured by this camera at the tip of the positioning assisting means.TargetIt will be possible to perform in a stable state where it is in contact outside the range. Therefore, the object to be imaged is picked up by camera shake while taking an enlarged image.TargetProblems such as going out of range are less likely to occur.
  With a camera attached to a mobile communication terminal or a handheld camera such as a general digital camera, when the camera is lifted from the object to be imaged, the camera shakes and the focus position is adjusted. ) Becomes extremely difficult. With the camera of the present invention, camera shake can be reduced, so that difficulty in focusing can be reduced.
[0011]
  As described above, the positioning assist means of the present invention has a focus position based on the combination of both the objective lens and the magnifying lens.TargetIt is a necessary condition that it contributes to keeping within the range that fits the range.
  This can be composed of, for example, a single rod-shaped body. In this case, the length along the optical axis of the rod-shaped body is the distance from the imaging object to the objective lens when the tip is in contact with the imaging object.TargetThe length may be set so that the focus position by the combination of both the objective lens and the magnifying lens is within the range. In this example in which the positioning assisting unit is a single rod-shaped body, the positioning assisting unit and the imaging object make point contact. Since it is point contact, even if the tip is in contact with the object to be imaged, the camera or the mobile communication terminal pivots around the tip. However, as compared with the case where imaging is performed with the camera or the mobile communication terminal completely lifted from the imaging target, it is still possible to easily take an enlarged image in a stable state.
  In addition to this, the positioning assisting means can be constituted by a plurality of, for example, three rod-shaped bodies. If the number of rod-shaped bodies increases, the stability increases, but if there are three rod-shaped bodies for the time being, it is possible to capture an enlarged image in a state where three-point support is performed by point contact at the three ends of each rod-shaped body. become. According to this, when the tip of the positioning assist means is brought into contact with a planar imaging object, the distance between the imaging object and the magnifying lens is kept constant. Such a positioning assist means does not perform the pivot movement as described above, so that when it is brought into contact with the imaging object, the imaging of the imaging object is performed.TargetThe distance from the range to the imaging means can be kept constant in a stable state. In other words, if such positioning assist means is adopted, the tip of the imaging object is brought into contact with the imaging object, thereby imaging the imaging object.TargetIt is possible to automatically adjust the focus position by the combination of both the objective lens and the magnifying lens to the range, and the camera can be maintained in a stable state without camera shake, so that more and more images are captured. Easy to do.
  In addition, such a function (that is, a function that can maintain the stability of the camera while keeping the distance between the imaging object and the magnifying lens constant when the tip thereof is brought into contact with the planar imaging object). Examples of the tip shape of the positioning assist means having a shape that can make contact with a certain plane at three or more points, a shape that can make contact with a certain plane at a straight line plus one point or more, and a certain plane The shape which can perform the line contact in a curve, the shape which can perform a surface contact with respect to a certain plane, etc. can be mentioned.
[0012]
  The positioning auxiliary means in the present invention is basically located outside the field of view of the magnifying lens when the unit is attached to the camera, but if it does not substantially interfere with the imaging, it will be in the field of view of the magnifying lens. You may be in such a position.
[0013]
  As described above, there are various variations in the shape of the positioning assisting means in the present invention.
  One of them is to secure a field of view of the magnifying lens at the tip of the positioning assisting means, and to have a size that substantially matches the imaging target range when the imaging means captures a magnified image. Some are provided with holes.
  In the positioning assisting means, the hole opened at the tip of the positioning assisting unit has a size close to the imaging target range, and is not excessively larger than the imaging target range. Such a configuration brings about the following advantages in addition to the fact that the user can intuitively understand the imaging target range because the range contained in the hole substantially coincides with the imaging target range.
  For example, when taking an enlarged image using a flexible object such as a human skin as an imaging object, if the hole of the positioning auxiliary means is brought into contact with the imaging object, the flexibility is placed in the hole. A certain imaging object enters, and the imaging object is swelled. In this case, since the raised imaging object approaches the objective lens, the objective lensAnd a combination of both magnifying lensesThe focus position does not come on the imaging target range of the imaging target. Therefore, in this camera, the hole is made small as described above. By making the hole small, the above-described rise of the imaging object when the hole is in contact with the imaging object can be suppressed to a minimum.And a combination of both magnifying lensesIt becomes easier to fit within the depth of field. Taking this into account, the size of the hole is determined by, for example, the swell of the object to be imaged that occurs when the outer periphery of the hole at the tip of the positioning assist means comes into contact with the human skin.Depending on the combination of both lensesIt can be said that it should be within the depth of field. The shape of the hole may be such that its edge substantially follows the outer edge of the imaging target range of the imaging target. It should be noted that the edge of the hole is allowed to enter the imaging target range as long as it does not substantially interfere with the imaging of the enlarged image.
  The shape of the imaging target range of the imaging means does not matter. A circle, a rectangle, etc. can be selected appropriately.
  When the imaging target range is rectangular, the hole can be a circle that substantially inscribes the imaging target range when the imaging unit captures an enlarged image. If the field of view of the imaging means is circular, the hole can be circular concentric with a field of view that approximately matches the field of view of the imaging means.
[0014]
  For example, the positioning assisting means may be cylindrical. In the case where the positioning assist means is cylindrical, the above-described hole can be provided at the tip.
  When the cylindrical positioning auxiliary means is employed, at least one of the magnifying lens and the power source may be provided inside the cylindrical positioning auxiliary means.
[0015]
  The illuminating means in the present invention uses energy for illumination as electricity, and can be constituted by a light bulb, an LED, or the like. In addition, it is also possible to comprise an illumination means by the end surface of the optical fiber in which light is guide | induced from a light bulb, LED, etc.
  The illumination means may be provided in any part of the unit. For example, it can be attached to positioning assisting means. Positioning assist meansAs mentioned aboveIf it is cylindrical, the illumination means can be provided therein.
  The illumination means may be provided with a switch so that it is turned on only when necessary.
[0016]
  In the unit of the present invention, the positioning assisting unit is brought into contact with the imaging target, and when the enlarged image is captured by the imaging unit, the imaging of the imaging target is performed.TargetThe range may be provided with light shielding means for preventing external light from being irradiated. If such a light shielding means is provided, it becomes possible to use only the illumination light from the own illumination means when an enlarged image is taken, so that the conditions regarding illumination are always constant. The imaging can be performed. This is useful when an accurate comparison of images taken at different times is required, such as when using magnified images for medical purposes.
  The light shielding means may be configured in any way. The positioning assisting means may be separated from the positioning assisting means, or the positioning assisting means may also serve as this. In particular, when the positioning auxiliary means is cylindrical, the positioning auxiliary means can easily serve as the light shielding means. In this case, the material of the positioning auxiliary means may be opaque, or it may have a light shielding function by applying some processing to at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the positioning auxiliary means.
[0017]
  The attachment means of the present invention attaches the unit to the camera in a detachable manner.
  If it is such, the attachment means does not ask | require the specific structure, For example, it can comprise as follows.
  The attachment means may include, for example, a first member that is fixed to the camera and a second member that is fixed to the unit and is detachable from the first member.
[0018]
  If the 1st member and the 2nd member are attached to each other so that attachment or detachment is possible, the specific composition will not ask | require, For example, it can comprise as follows.
  The first member is an annular velcro tape fixed to the camera so as to surround the optical axis of the objective lens, and the second member is an annular velcro tape having a shape corresponding to the first member. be able to.
  Alternatively, the first member is an annular metal plate fixed to the camera so as to surround the optical axis of the objective lens, and the second member has a shape corresponding to the first member, and the metal plate It can be set as the annular magnet which can be fixed with respect to. In this case, the materials of the first member and the second member can be reversed.
  Alternatively, the first member is an annular body fixed to the camera so as to surround the optical axis of the objective lens, the second member is an annular body having a shape corresponding to the first member, and the An attachment recess is provided on one of the opposing surfaces of the first member and the second member, and an attachment protrusion is provided on the other, and the attachment recess and the attachment protrusion are fitted to each other, so that the first The member and the second member can be detachably attached.
  The mounting concave part and the mounting convex part do not ask | require the specific shape. It is also possible to provide a plurality of attachment recesses and attachment protrusions. Moreover, it is also possible to form both the attachment recesses and the attachment protrusions in an annular shape so as to go around the opposing surfaces of the first member and the second member formed in an annular shape.
[0019]
  The mounting means of the present invention includes an alignment means for aligning the optical axes of the magnifying lens and the objective lens when the integrated magnifying lens, illumination means, and power source are attached to the camera. You may do it.
  It is preferable that the unit of the present invention accurately matches the optical axes of the magnifying lens and the objective lens in consideration of enhancing the quality of the magnified image obtained by the imaging means. This is made possible by the axis alignment means described above.
[0020]
  The specific configuration of the axis alignment means is not questioned. For example, the axis alignment means can be configured to include an axis alignment recess provided on one of the opposing surfaces of the first member and the second member described above, and an axis alignment protrusion provided on the other. . In this caseunitThen, the optical axis of the magnifying lens and that of the objective lens are made to coincide with each other by fitting the alignment concave portion and the alignment convex portion.
  The specific shapes of the axial alignment concave portion and the axial alignment convex portion are not limited. Alignment recess, alignmentConvexIt is also possible to provide a plurality of each. Also, shaft alignment recess, shaft alignmentConvexBoth can be formed in an annular shape so as to go around the opposing surfaces of the first member and the second member formed in an annular shape.
  Alignment recess, alignmentConvexIt is also possible to share each of these with a mounting concave part and a mounting convex part.
[0021]
  In the unit of the present invention, when a magnified image is captured by the imaging means, the captured image is reflected in the magnified image together with the imaging target, and the imaging target in the captured magnified image A contrast image projecting means for projecting a contrast image, which serves as a standard for knowing the size of the object to be imaged, to the image capturing means may be provided.
  According to the contrast image projecting means, the size of the imaging object can be roughly known by comparing the imaging object reflected in the captured image with the contrast image, which is convenient.
  The contrast image projecting unit may directly project the contrast image onto the image capturing unit, or may indirectly project the image. In the latter case, a half mirror is provided in the optical path from the object to be imaged to the imaging means so as to be inclined with respect to the optical path, and the contrast image projecting means is provided there for the half mirror. The contrast image can be projected at an angle such that the reflected light is directed to the imaging means. In this way, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom with respect to the arrangement location of the contrast image projecting means.
  The contrast image may be any image as long as the size of the imaging object can be known roughly. For example, a scale can be included. The scale color may have a center wavelength different from the center wavelength of the color of the skin to be imaged (skin to be imaged). Alternatively, the scale can be expressed in green or blue among red (R), green (G), and blue (B), which are colors of light to which a CCD often used as an imaging device reacts. Such colors have a central wavelength at the skin color (especially the skin color of yellow race).,same as below.However, expressing the scale in such a color is effective when automatic image processing is performed. For example, when an enlarged image captured by a camera is a skin image and it is automatically processed for skin diagnosis, the scale image is automatically identified from the other images. What you can do is important. In such a case, if a color whose center wavelength is shifted from the skin color, such as green or blue, is used as the scale color, it is easy to automatically extract the scale image from the other images. become. In that sense, the color of the scale is the same as when performing automatic image processing.SkinThe color can be easily extracted from the image.
  The contrast image may be projected so as to be located in any part of the obtained enlarged image. For example, the entire enlarged image may be covered in a mesh shape. Alternatively, the comparison image may be located in a part of the vicinity of the outer periphery of the magnified image obtained by the imaging unit. In the latter case, the image is excellent in viewability. In either case, the contrast image projecting unit projects the contrast image so as to be such.
  The contrast image projecting means of the present invention may be located in any part of the unit. However, if the positioning assisting means is cylindrical, it can be provided inside the cylindrical positioning assisting means. .
[0022]
  The unit of the present invention is also located in the field of view of the magnifying lens when a magnified image is captured by the imaging means, and is imaged together with the imaging target. The captured magnified image A contrast means that serves as a guide for knowing the size of the imaging object may be provided.
  This also contrasts with the imaging object reflected in the captured image.meansBy comparing with the above, it becomes possible to know the size of the object to be imaged roughly, and it is possible to obtain the same effect as when there is a contrast image projecting means that is convenient.
  In addition, the contrast means may be provided in the transparent body. If the unit has a hole, it may be provided in a transparent body formed in the hole, for example, in a plate shape.
[0023]
  The comparison means may be any means as long as it can know the size of the imaging object roughly. For example, a scale can be included. For the same reason as in the case of the contrast image projecting unit, the scale can have a center wavelength such as green or blue different from the center wavelength of the skin color to be imaged. In other words, the scale color is the same as the scale image when automatic image processing is performed.SkinThe color can be easily extracted from the image.
[0024]
  The comparison means may be anywhere as long as it is within the imaging target range when the enlarged image is captured. For example, the contrast unit may capture an image of the imaging unit when the enlarged image is captured.TargetYou may be provided in the position reflected in a part of outer periphery vicinity of the range. If it exists in such a position, a contrast means will not substantially interfere with imaging.
  If the unit is provided with positioning assisting means, the contrasting means can be provided there. If the positioning auxiliary means is formed in a cylindrical shape, the contrast means can be provided inside the cylindrical positioning auxiliary means.
[0025]
  The unit of the present invention reflects the captured image together with the object to be imaged when the enlarged image is captured by the imaging unit, and corrects the color of the captured expanded image. A color sample image projecting unit that projects a color sample image on which a plurality of types of reference colors are arranged onto the imaging unit may be provided.
  This color sample image projecting means provides the following advantages.
  Relatively inexpensive cameras such as a mobile communication terminal, a camera built in a PDA, or a camera called a toy camera often employ a so-called AWB (Automatic White Balance) mechanism that automatically performs color adjustment. . This is a mechanism that attempts to bring the average of the colors of the entire screen closer to white and has the advantage of being able to easily adjust the image quality. On the other hand, if this is used for skin images, the processed image will be monochromatic or colorless. There is also a demerit that it becomes a flat plate close to. The camera is equipped with such a mechanism and is portablecommunicationIf the data obtained by the imaging means of the terminal is used for skin diagnosis, for example, such a demerit may be unacceptable. Such a demerit can be eliminated by improving the performance on the camera side, but it may not be realized in a camera that is required to be inexpensive. Therefore, the color sample image projecting means as described above is useful. If the color sample image is projected in the enlarged image using the color sample image projecting means as described above, the color adjustment of the enlarged image can be easily performed by another apparatus that has received image data of the image. Will be able to do.
  In other words, the color sample image projecting means produces an advantage that it is easy to perform subsequent image quality adjustments with a device other than the camera to which the unit is attached.
  color sampleThe image projecting unit may project the color sample image directly onto the image capturing unit, or may project it indirectly. In the latter case, a half mirror arranged in an inclined manner with respect to the optical path is provided in the optical path from the imaging object to the imaging unit, and the color sample image projecting unit is Therefore, the color sample image can be configured to be projected at an angle such that the reflected light is directed to the imaging unit. In this way, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom with respect to the location of the color sample image projecting means.
  The color sample image projecting means of the present invention may be located in any part of the unit. However, if the positioning auxiliary means is cylindrical, it may be provided inside the cylindrical positioning auxiliary means. it can.
[0026]
  The unit of the present invention is located in the field of view of the magnifying lens when the magnifying image is captured by the imaging unit, and is imaged together with the imaging object. The color of the captured magnifying image There may be provided a color sample in which a plurality of types of reference colors are arranged, which are used to correct the above.
  This also provides the effect that it is easy to perform subsequent image quality adjustments using a device other than the camera to which the unit is attached, similar to the case where the color sample image projecting unit is provided.
  The color swatch of the present invention may be in any part of the unit. The color sample may be provided on the transparent body. If the unit has a hole, it may be provided in a transparent body formed in the hole, for example, in a plate shape. If the unit is provided with positioning auxiliary means, and if this is cylindrical, it can be provided inside the cylindrical positioning auxiliary means.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
  The unit U in this embodiment is used by being attached to an existing camera. The camera in this embodiment is a mobile communication terminal.Built-inbelongs to. The mobile communication terminal in this embodiment is as shown in FIG. 1 and is constituted by a mobile phone K, although not limited thereto.
  In this embodiment, the mobile phone K is intelligent and has at least a mail function in addition to a general telephone function realized by a microphone and a speaker. In order to realize these functions, the mobile phone K includes an antenna and a display and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an interface, and the like. Since these are common to this type of mobile phone K, The description is omitted.
  The mobile phone K includes a large number of input keys K1 including a numeric keypad and direction keys. These input keys K1 are used when the telephone function is used and when the mail function is used, but are also used when imaging is performed using the camera C described later.
  The mobile phone K includes a camera C. The camera C includes an objective lens C1 and an image sensor C2 shown in FIG. Although not limited to this, the objective lens C1 is exposed from the front center of the mobile phone K. The imaging element C2 performs imaging using image light guided from the imaging target via the objective lens C1, and in this embodiment is configured by a CCD. The objective lens C1 may be constituted by a combination of a plurality of lenses, but in this embodiment, it is constituted by one lens. The image picked up by the image pickup device C2 of the camera C of the mobile phone K is a reduced image when the mobile phone K is picked up alone. The objective lens C1 and the image sensor C2 are configured to be able to capture a reduced image.
  As the mobile phone K as described above, for example, J-phone (trademark) which is a mobile phone manufactured and sold by J-Phone Co., Ltd. can be used.
[0029]
  FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a unit U used by being attached to the mobile phone K.
  Unit U attaches to mobile phone K, soKThe image picked up by the image pickup device C2 is an enlarged image.
[0030]
  The unit U includes a main body 10.
  The main body 10 of the unit U in this embodiment has a cylindrical shape.
  The front end side of the main body 10 is tapered to form a substantially conical contact portion 11. A hole 12 is formed at the tip of the contact portion 11. The hole 12 is coaxial with the main body 10. The optical axis L is on the axis shared by the hole 12 and the main body 10.
[0031]
  The unit U is made of resin, for example. Although not necessarily so, the main body 10 of this embodiment has a light shielding function. This light shielding function can be obtained by forming the main body 10 with an opaque material or covering it with an opaque layer (for example, a layer formed by coloring with a paint).
[0032]
  A second member 13 is provided on the base end side of the main body 10. The second member 13 constitutes the attaching means in the present invention in cooperation with the first member 14 (see FIG. 3) attached to the mobile phone K, and is detachable from the mobile phone K of the unit U. The mounting in the state is realized.
[0033]
  The first member 14 and the second member 13 in this embodiment are both thin velcro tapes. The shape of the second member 13 is a ring shape corresponding to the shape of the base end face of the main body 10 (in this embodiment, a ring shape), and the shape of the first member 14 is a ring shape corresponding to the shape of the second member 13. is there.
  The first member 14 is placed on the surface of the mobile phone K so as to be coaxial with the optical axis L of the objective lens C1 included in the camera C of the mobile phone K and surround the exposed objective lens C1. Is attached and the second member 13 is fixed to the mobile phone of the unit U.KMounting in a detachable state with respect to is realized.
  In addition, on one of the opposing surfaces of the first member 14 and the second member 13, for example, a convex portion X formed in an appropriate shape with resin or metal is formed,OppositeA concave portion Y corresponding to the convex portion X is formed on the other surface, and the convex portion X can be fitted into the concave portion Y when both velcro tapes are fixed. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of convex portions X and concave portions Y are formed, and each of the plurality of convex portions X is fitted into the corresponding concave portions Y when both velcro tapes are fixed. Can be. If there are such convex portions X and concave portions Y, the first member 14 is fixed to the mobile phone K so that the center of the ring is accurately positioned on the optical axis L of the objective lens C1. As long as the unit U is attached to the mobile phone K, the optical axes of the objective lens C1 and the magnifying lens 20 are automatically aligned. The convex portion X and the concave portion Y correspond to the axial alignment convex portion and the axial alignment concave portion of the present invention, respectively.
  Another example of the convex part X and the concave part Y is shown in FIG. The convex portion X and the concave portion Y in this example are each formed in a circular shape that is coaxial with the center of the velcro tape made into an annular shape.
[0034]
  Other variations of the first member 14 and the second member 13 include, for example, the following.
  First, the second member 13 can be a metal plate and the first member 14 can be a magnet. The material of the 2nd member 13 shall adsorb | suck to a magnet. In this case, the shapes of the first member 14 and the second member 13 can be an annular shape (in this embodiment, an annular shape) similar to the case of using the velcro tape described above. As in the case of using Velcro tape, the first member 14 is fixed to the mobile phone K and the second member 13 is fixed to the unit U, so that the unit U can be attached to the mobile phone K in a detachable state. Realized.
  In this case, the materials of the first member 14 and the second member 13 can be reversed, but it cannot be said that there is no possibility that the magnet has an undesirable effect on the mobile phone K. Preferably, 13 is a metal plate and the first member 14 is a magnet.
  In addition, the convex part X is formed on one of the opposing surfaces of the first member 14 and the second member 13.OppositeThe concave portion Y corresponding to the convex portion X can be formed on the other surface so that the optical axis alignment can be automatically performed when the first member 14 and the second member 13 are made of velcro tape. It is the same. The shape of the convex portion X and the concave portion Y can be appropriately selected as in the case where the first member 14 and the second member 13 are made of velcro tape.
  In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a method is conceivable in which a concave portion 15 is provided on one of opposing surfaces of the first member 14 and the second member 13 and a convex portion 16 is provided on the other. The material of the first member 14 and the second member 13 can be appropriately selected from resin, metal, and the like. In this case, the shapes of the first member 14 and the second member 13 can also be an annular shape similar to the case of using Velcro tape. As in the case of using velcro tape, the first member 14 is fixed to the mobile phone K, the second member 13 is fixed to the unit U, and the concave portion 15 and the convex portion 16 are fitted to each other. Mounting in a detachable state with respect to the mobile phone K is realized. Concave portion 15 and convex portion 16 are units.UThe unit U is fixed to the mobile phone K with such a hardness that the unit U does not fall off the mobile phone K during use and can be easily attached and detached. The shapes of the concave portion 15 and the convex portion 16 may be as shown in FIG. The concave portion 15 and the convex portion 16 are annular, and their centers are located on the optical axis L.
  Such a recess 15 corresponds not only to the mounting recess in the present invention, but also to the alignment recess in the present invention. Such a convex part 16 corresponds not only to the mounting convex part in the present invention but also to the axially convex part in the present invention.
[0035]
  A switch 17 is provided outside the main body 10 of the unit U in this embodiment. This switch 17 is for switching on / off of a light source to be described later. The switch 17 may have any configuration, but in this example, by adopting a push-push structure, the light source can be turned on and off each time it is pushed.
[0036]
  As shown in FIG. 3, a magnifying lens 20 is attached inside the main body 10. Although the magnifying lens 20 of this embodiment is not limited to this, it is composed of a single convex lens. The magnifying lens 20 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the main body 10 via a mount 21 fixed inside the main body 10. The mount 21 in this embodiment is a disc having an outer diameter that is the same as the inner diameter of the main body 10 and a circular hole formed in the center thereof. The mount 21 having the magnifying lens 20 fitted in the hole is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the main body 10, thereby fixing the magnifying lens 20 to the main body 10.
  In the present embodiment, six light sources 30 are provided on the front surface of the mount 21. Although this light source 30 is not restricted to this, it is comprised by small LED. The light source 30 captures at least an image of the object to be imaged when it is litTargetIt is designed to illuminate the area.
  mount21A battery 40 corresponding to the power source in the present invention is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the main body 10 in the vicinity. The battery 40 provides an energy source when the light source 30 emits light. The switch 17 described above controls the light emission state of the light source 30 by changing the connection state between the battery 40 and the light source 30.
[0037]
  The main body 10 corresponds to a positioning auxiliary means of the present invention.
  When an enlarged image is captured in the state shown in FIG. 3 with the unit U attached to the mobile phone K, the tip of the contact portion 11 of the main body 10 is brought into contact with the imaging object. Since imaging can be performed with the tip of the main body 10 in contact with the imaging object, the problem of camera shake is unlikely to occur. Further, the length of the main body 10 indicated by l in FIG. 3 depends on the combination of both the objective lens C1 and the magnifying lens 20 when the hole 12 at the tip of the contact portion 11 is brought into contact with the imaging object. The focus position is the image of the object being imaged.TargetIt can be kept within a range that fits the range. Therefore, when the hole 12 is brought into contact with the imaging object, the imaging object positioned in the hole 12 is automatically focused.
  In order to prevent the focus position by the combination of both the objective lens C1 and the magnifying lens 20 from deviating from the imaging target range, it is useful to provide a diaphragm in the main body 10 to increase the depth of focus, for example.
  The relationship between the hole 12 and the imaging target range of the imaging device C2 in the mobile phone K in this embodiment is as shown in FIG. That is, the imaging target range S in this embodiment is a rectangle, and the hole 12 isMake it almost inscribedIt is circular. However, the relationship between the imaging target range S and the hole 12 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 (B), the imaging target range S is rectangular, and the hole 12 is a rectangle that substantially follows the outer edge of the imaging target range S. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. The range S may be circular, and the hole 12 may be circular along the outer edge of the imaging target range S.
  As shown in FIG. 8C or FIG. 8B, when the edge of the hole 12 is made to follow the outer edge of the imaging target range S, the edge of the hole 12 is shown in FIG. As described above, the outer edge of the imaging target range S may not be applied to the outer edge of the imaging target range S as shown in FIG.
[0038]
  A method of using this unit U will be described.
  The unit U is used by being attached to the mobile phone K. Specifically, the unit U is fixed to the mobile phone K by fixing the second member 13 to the first member 14 previously attached to the mobile phone K.
  In this state, imaging is performed using the function of the camera C included in the mobile phone K as it is. Specifically, imaging is performed by bringing the tip of the contact portion 11 of the main body 10 into contact with the object to be imaged. Due to the presence of the magnifying lens 20, the image captured by the image sensor C2 becomes an enlarged image. This image is selected from a still image, a moving image, or both by the function of the camera C included in the mobile phone K. The operation in this case is the input key of the mobile phone K.K1To do.
  When imaging is performed, the light source 30 is turned on by operating the switch 17. As described above, the unit U has a light shielding property, and external light does not enter the main body 10 when the hole 12 at the tip of the contact portion 11 is brought into contact with the object to be imaged. . Therefore, an enlarged image can be captured only by the light from the light source 30.
  Depending on the function of the mobile phone K, the data about the image obtained by imaging is recorded in the internal memory of the mobile phone K, output from the mobile phone K to the outside, or mail provided by the mobile phone K. It can be used by sending it using a function.
  When it is no longer necessary to take an enlarged image, the unit U is removed from the mobile phone K.
[0039]
  So far, one embodiment of the unit U according to the present invention has been described, but the above-described unit U can be modified as follows. Hereinafter, modification examples 1 to 6 will be sequentially described.
[0040]
≪Change Example 1≫
  This unit is basically the same in configuration and usage as the unit described in the above embodiment.
  However, the following scale 110 is provided.
  In this embodiment, the scale 110 is provided in the vicinity of the hole 12 on the inner surface of the contact portion 11. The hole 12 in this example is placed on a part of the outer edge of the imaging target range S as shown in FIG. 9A, and the scale 110 is in the vicinity of the hole 12 and the imaging target range S. It is provided within a range included in a part of the vicinity of the outer periphery. In this embodiment, the scale 110 is displayed in blue, but the center wavelength is shifted from the center wavelength of the skin color, or a color that can be extracted as something other than the skin by automatic image processing. It may be said. For example, the color of the scale 110 can be green. The scale 110 may be displayed in white with the entire inner surface of the contact portion 11 being blue.
  The scale 110 is imaged together with the imaging object and is located within the captured enlarged image when the tip of the abutting portion 11 is brought into contact with the imaging object and an enlarged image is captured. By comparing the image of the scale 110 reflected in the enlarged image with the image of the imaging object, the approximate size of the imaging object can be known only from the image.
  An enlarged image obtained when the scale 110 is provided as shown in FIG. 9A is as shown in FIG. A white portion is an image of the object to be imaged viewed from inside the hole 12, and a shaded portion is an outer portion of the hole 12.
[0041]
≪Change example 2≫
  This unit is basically the same in configuration and usage as the unit described in the above embodiment.
  However, the following scale 110 is provided. As shown in FIG. 10, the scale 110 is drawn on a plate-like body 111 made of a transparent material such as a resin, which is fitted inside the hole 12, as shown in FIG. ing.
  An enlarged image obtained when the scale 110 is as shown in FIG. 11A is as shown in FIG. A circle in FIG. 11A is the inner edge of the hole 12. In FIG. 11B, the inside of the circle is the image of the imaging target.
  thisChangeEven in the example, by comparing the image of the scale 110 reflected in the enlarged image with the image of the imaging target, the approximate size of the imaging target can be known only from the image. The color of the scale 110 can be the same as that of the unit of the first modification.
[0042]
≪Change example 3≫
  This unit is basically the same in configuration and usage as the unit described in the above embodiment.
  However, as shown in FIG. 12, a scale projection device 121 corresponding to the contrast image projection means of the present invention and a half mirror 122 are provided.
  The half mirror 122 is disposed in an inclined manner with respect to the optical path in the optical path from the imaging target to the imaging element C2.
  The scale projection device 121 is formed by arranging a transparent plate-like body with scales on the front surface of a flat backlight, for example, and the scale image drawn on the plate-like body is displayed as a backlight. Is projected onto the half mirror 122 with the light from. This scale image is a contrast image in the present invention. The scale image can be expressed in the same color as in the first modification.
  The scale image projected on the half mirror 122 reaches the image sensor C2, and when the enlarged image is captured by the image sensor C2, it is reflected in the enlarged image together with the imaging target. The scale image is a guideline for knowing the size of the imaging object by comparison with the imaging object in the captured enlarged image.
  An example of the image in which the scale image is reflected is shown in FIG. A portion surrounded by a circle in FIGS. 13A and 13B is an enlarged image captured. The scale image is 123 in the figure.SignIn FIG. 13A, for example, it is displayed in a lattice shape (FIG. 13A), for example, in a rod shape (FIG. 13B).
  The power source of the backlight in this modification is the light source30The battery 40 is the same as the power source of the battery, and the backlight is operated by operating the switch 17 to30At the same time, it is turned ON / OFF.
[0043]
≪Modification 4≫
  This unit is basically the same in configuration and usage as the unit described in the above embodiment.
  However, the following color sample 130 is provided.
  In this embodiment, the color sample 130 is provided in the vicinity of the hole 12 on the inner surface of the contact portion 11. The hole 12 in this example is placed on the outer edge of the imaging target range S as shown in FIG. 14A, and the color sample 130 is in the vicinity of the hole 12 and the outer periphery of the imaging target range S. It is provided within a range included in a part of the vicinity.
  In this embodiment, the color sample 130 is provided with a plurality of types of reference colors. The reference color is not particularly limited as long as it is suitable for correcting the color of the captured enlarged image, but in this embodiment, red R, green G, blue B, and white are not limited. There are five colors, w and black b.
  The color sample 130 is imaged together with the imaging object and is located in the captured enlarged image when the tip of the abutting portion 11 is in contact with the imaging object and an enlarged image is captured. The image of the color sample 130 reflected in the enlarged image is used for correcting the color of the captured enlarged image.
  An enlarged image obtained when the color sample 130 is provided as shown in FIG. 14A is as shown in FIG. A white sample is an image of the object to be imaged viewed from the inside of the hole 12, a shaded part is an outer part of the hole 12, and a color sample in which a rectangular part is reflected130It is.
  Note that the color sample 130 of the unit of the modification 4 may be applied to any unit of the modifications 1 to 3.
[0044]
≪Change Example 5≫
  This unit is basically the same in configuration and usage as the unit described in the above embodiment.
  However, the following color sample 130 is provided. As shown in FIG. 15, the color sample 130 is drawn on a plate-like body 111 made of a transparent material such as resin, which is fitted inside the hole 12, as shown in FIG. It is.
  An enlarged image obtained when the color sample 130 is provided as shown in FIG. 15A is as shown in FIG. The circle shown in FIG. 15A is the inner edge of the hole 12,15The inside of the circle shown in (B) is an image captured by the hole 12. A color sample 130 is reflected in this image.
  In this modified example, the color sample 130 reflected in the enlarged image is displayed.Is also used when correcting the color of the captured enlarged image.
  Note that the color sample 130 of the unit of the modification example 5 may be applied to any unit of the modification examples 1 to 3.
[0045]
≪Modification 6≫
  This unit is basically the same in configuration and usage as the unit described in the above embodiment.
  However, as shown in FIG. 16, a color sample projecting device 141 corresponding to the color sample image projecting means of the present invention and a half mirror 142 are provided.
  The half mirror 142 is disposed in an inclined manner with respect to the optical path in the optical path from the imaging object to the imaging device C2.
  The color sample projection device 141 is formed by arranging a transparent plate-like body on which a color sample is drawn on the front surface of a backlight formed in a flat plate shape, for example, and an image of the color sample drawn on the plate-like body is displayed. The light from the backlight is projected onto the half mirror 142. This color sample image is the color sample image referred to in the present invention.
  In this embodiment, the color sample image includes a plurality of types of reference color images. The reference color is not particularly limited as long as it is suitable for correcting the color of the captured enlarged image, but in this embodiment, red R, green G, blue B, and white are not limited. There are five colors, w and black b.
  The image of the color sample projected on the half mirror 142 reaches the image sensor C2, and when the enlarged image is captured by the image sensor C2, it is reflected in the enlarged image together with the imaging object. The color sample image is used when correcting the color of the captured enlarged image.
  An example of an image in which a color sample image is reflected is shown in FIG. A portion surrounded by a circle in FIG. 17 is a captured enlarged image. The color sample image is 143 in the figure.SignIt is shown in
  Note that the color sample projection device 141 and the half mirror 142 included in the unit of the modification 6 may be applied to any unit of the modifications 1 to 3.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, an enlarged image can be captured by a camera that can only capture a reduced image without any change to the camera.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a mobile phone to which a unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a perspective side view showing a state in which a unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is attached to the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1;
4 is a perspective view showing an example of a first member and a second member included in the unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
5 is a perspective view showing an example of a first member and a second member included in the unit shown in FIG.
6 is a perspective view showing an example of a first member and a second member included in the unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
7 is a perspective view showing an example of a first member and a second member included in the unit shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
FIG. 8 shows the hole and image of the unit shown in FIG.TargetThe figure which shows the relationship of a range.
9A is a view of a hole in the modification example 1 of the unit shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the inside, and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of an enlarged image captured using such a unit. .
FIG. 10 shows a second modification of the unit shown in FIG.Or 5FIG. 2 is a see-through side view showing a state in which the unit according to FIG.
FIG. 11A is a view of a hole in a unit according to Modification 2 as viewed from the inside, and FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating an example of an enlarged image captured using such a unit.
12 is a perspective side view showing a state in which the unit according to the third modification of the unit shown in FIG. 2 is attached to the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1;
FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of an enlarged image captured using the unit of the third modification.
14A is a view of a hole in the unit modification example 4 shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the inside, and FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an example of an enlarged image captured using such a unit. .
FIG. 15A is a view of a hole in a unit according to Modification 5 as viewed from the inside, and FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating an example of an enlarged image captured using such a unit.
16 is a transparent side view showing a state in which the unit according to the modification 6 of the unit shown in FIG. 2 is attached to the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an enlarged image captured using the unit of modification example 6.
[Explanation of symbols]
  10 Body
  12 holes
  13 Second member
  14 First member
  15 recess
  16 Convex
  20 Magnifying lens
  30 Light source
  40 batteries
110 Tick
121 Scale projection device
122 half mirror
130 color swatch
141 Color Sample Projector
142 half mirror
    U unit
    K mobile phone
    C camera
    X Convex
    Y recess
  C1 objective lens
  C2 image sensor

Claims (13)

An objective lens, and image light from an imaging target is guided through the objective lens, and an image pickup unit that picks up an image using the image light. A unit that is used by being attached to a camera that is adapted to take an image,
When this unit is attached to the camera, a magnifying lens that takes an image captured by the imaging means in combination with the objective lens as an enlarged image;
Illuminating means that illuminates at least an imaging target range of the imaging object, and uses an energy source for illumination as electricity,
A power source for the illumination means;
Is integrated and
The magnifying lens, the illumination means, and the power source that are integrated with each other have attachment means for detachably attaching to the camera,
In order to correct the color of the captured enlarged image that is located within the field of view of the magnifying lens and is imaged together with the imaging target when the enlarged image is captured by the imaging means. It has a color sample with multiple types of reference colors used,
unit. By bringing the tip into contact with the imaging object, the distance between the imaging object and the magnifying lens is set so that the focus position by the combination of both the objective lens and the magnifying lens is the imaging object of the imaging object. Comprising positioning assisting means that contribute to keeping within a range that fits the range;
The unit according to claim 1 . The distal end of the positioning assisting means secures a field of view of the magnifying lens, and has a hole sized so as to substantially match the imaging target range when the imaging means captures an enlarged image. Provided,
The unit according to claim 2 . The imaging target range of the imaging unit is a rectangle, and the hole is a circle that substantially inscribes the imaging target range when the imaging unit captures an enlarged image.
The unit according to claim 3 . The hole is configured to substantially follow an outer edge of the imaging target range when the imaging unit captures an enlarged image.
The unit according to claim 3 . The positioning assisting means is cylindrical, and the hole is provided at the tip thereof.
The unit according to claim 3 . The illuminating means is provided inside the positioning auxiliary means that is cylindrical.
The unit according to claim 6 . The magnifying lens and the power source are provided on the inside of the positioning auxiliary means that is cylindrical.
The unit according to claim 6 . The positioning assist means is in contact with the imaging object, and when the enlarged image is captured by the imaging means, the light shielding is performed so that external light does not strike the imaging target range of the imaging object. Comprising means,
The unit according to claim 2 . The positioning assisting means having a cylindrical shape is in contact with the imaging object, and when an enlarged image is captured by the imaging means, the positioning assisting means is external to the imaging object range of the imaging object. It has a light-shielding function that prevents light from hitting it,
The unit according to claim 6 . By bringing the tip into contact with the imaging object, the distance between the imaging object and the magnifying lens is set so that the focus position by the combination of both the objective lens and the magnifying lens is the imaging object of the imaging object. A positioning auxiliary means that contributes to keeping within a range that fits the range;
The positioning assisting means has a cylindrical shape, and secures the field of view of the magnifying lens at the tip, and substantially coincides with the imaging target range when the imaging means captures an enlarged image. A hole sized like this is provided,
The color swatch is provided inside the positioning auxiliary means that is cylindrical.
The unit according to claim 1 . The camera is built in a mobile communication terminal, and the unit is adapted to be attached to the mobile communication terminal.
The unit according to claim 1 . The mobile communication terminal is a mobile phone.
The unit according to claim 12 .

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