WO2004081653A1

WO2004081653A1 - Magnified photographing unit

Info

Publication number: WO2004081653A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/003365
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masao Yamamoto
Original assignee: Scalar Corporation
Priority date: 2003-03-14
Filing date: 2004-03-12
Publication date: 2004-09-23
Also published as: JP2004279733A; JP4175502B2

Abstract

A magnified photographing unit allowing the camera of a camera-equipped cell phone to shoot a magnified image using an illuminating light. The magnified photographing unit (U), which is used by being attached to a camera-equipped cell phone (K) having a lens (C1), an imaging element (C2) and an illumination (C3), comprises a magnifying lens (20), a first reflection mirror (30), and a second reflection mirror (40) housed in a body (10) provided on the front surface thereof with a contacting portion (11) and on the rear surface with a first aperture (12A), a second aperture (12B) and second member (14) used to detachably attach the unit (U) to the camera-equipped cell phone (K). When the magnified photographing unit (U) is attached to the camera-equipped cell phone (K), the magnifying lens (20) is positioned in front of the lens (C1) to allow magnified image photographing. In addition, an illuminating light from the illumination (C3) is sequentially reflected off the second reflection mirror (40) and the first reflection mirror (30) and led to a subject to thereby illuminate it.

Description

Magnification imaging unit Technical field

The present invention relates to a unit for magnifying and imaging used by being attached to a camera or a mobile phone with a camera.

Light

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a remarkable book on the spread of mobile phones in recent years. One of the factors is the popularity of camera-equipped mobile phones.

A camera-equipped mobile phone is literally a mobile phone with a camera. Such a camera of a camera-equipped mobile phone has a built-in imaging means usually formed by a CCD (charge coupled device) in a general mobile phone case, and also exposes the camera to a predetermined position on the case. In such a state, a camera lens for guiding image light to the image pickup means is provided.

With such a configuration, a camera-equipped mobile phone can take photographs.

A camera-equipped mobile phone has the function of enabling easy photographing with a mobile phone that is often carried around. The camera-equipped mobile phone also attaches a photograph taken by the camera-equipped mobile phone to an e-mail realized by the e-mail function of the mobile phone, and attaches the photograph to another device such as a mobile phone. In many cases, the camera has a function that can be transmitted as it is without using the power of a general camera, which is unique to ordinary cameras. ^ These distinctive functions provide new fun that general cameras do not have Things.

With these distinctive features, camera-equipped mobile phones have successfully stimulated the user's playfulness, and have become widely used, especially among young people, for taking pictures.

Given the current situation, we will try to further spread mobile phones with power cameras Then you will understand that there should be something that further stimulates the user's playfulness.

In consideration of these points, research is being conducted to provide camera-equipped mobile phones with a function that further stimulates the user's playfulness.

For example, the only image that can be captured by a camera-equipped mobile phone used to be a still image before, but now it is also possible to capture moving images and frame-by-frame images. In addition, a function to store a predetermined image in a memory built into a camera-equipped mobile phone and to combine the image with an image captured by a camera-equipped mobile phone has been provided for recent camera-equipped mobile phones. I have.

One of various types of camera-equipped mobile phones is provided with lighting. There are several types of lighting provided by camera-equipped mobile phones, such as those that light up momentarily to capture still images and those that light up continuously to capture continuous moving images. . In either case, the light from the camera-equipped mobile phone is directed directly to the object after exiting the camera-equipped mobile phone. Disclosure of the invention

The present inventor has conducted research to provide a camera-equipped mobile phone with a new function that stimulates the user's playfulness. Then, they came to realize that using the illumination provided in the camera-equipped mobile phone could give the camera-equipped mobile phone a new function that stimulates the user's playfulness.

The invention proposed by the present inventor is as follows.

The present invention is an enlarged imaging unit used by being attached to a camera-equipped mobile phone.

The camera-equipped mobile phone to which the magnified imaging unit of the present invention is attached does not need to be special. An ordinary camera phone with a light can be used. For example, a case, an imaging unit incorporated in the case, and capturing image light from an object to be imaged to capture an image.Exposed from the case, the image light passes through the case and is transmitted to the imaging unit. Illuminating the camera lens to be guided, and the object to be imaged with illumination light And a camera-equipped mobile phone comprising: In addition, “mobile phone” in this specification includes PHS.

An enlargement imaging unit according to the present invention includes: an attachment unit configured to be detachably attached to a case provided in a mobile phone with a power camera; and a magnification of an image captured by the imaging unit. A magnifying lens that raises, when the magnifying imaging unit is mounted on a mobile phone with a power lens, a lens whose power axis coincides with the power lens of the mobile phone with a power camera, and illumination from the illumination. And an illumination light optical system that guides light to an imaging object to be imaged. The mounting means, the magnifying lens, and the illumination light optical system are integrally configured.

If this magnifying imaging unit is used, it can be attached to a camera-equipped mobile phone as needed, so that the camera-equipped mobile phone can take an enlarged image. The powerful magnified image shooting function is a function not available in conventional mobile phones, so this function can stimulate the user's playfulness. The magnification of the magnifying lens may be determined according to the purpose of imaging, such as the type of object to be imaged. For example, if the magnification is set to about 10 times or more, a mobile phone with a camera can be used as a handy-type microscope. Will be available as Since the opportunity to view such a high-magnification enlarged image is not ordinary for a general user, realizing such a high-magnification will further stimulate the user's playfulness. .

By the way, when taking an enlarged image, illumination is more important than when taking a general image. When an enlarged image is taken, the range of the image to be captured becomes narrower. Therefore, if no illumination is used, the amount of light reaching the range of the image to be captured is reduced, and the image becomes darker. Therefore, when taking an enlarged image, it is preferable to have illumination.

In view of such points, the inventor of the present application has previously conceived a magnifying imaging unit that integrally includes a mounting means and a magnifying lens and includes illumination for illuminating an imaging target.

Such an enlarged imaging unit can capture an enlarged image, and the function in that respect is sufficient. However, since such an enlarged imaging unit includes a light source and a battery for the light source, it tends to inevitably become larger. Therefore, the inventor of the present application has noticed that a recent camera-equipped mobile phone has Lighting. The enlarged imaging unit according to the present invention includes an illumination light from an illumination of a camera-equipped mobile phone to an imaging target to be imaged (more specifically, to an imaging target range of the imaging target). Since an illumination light optical system is provided to guide the object to be imaged (the range of the object to be imaged) when performing an enlarged image, it is not necessary to have its own light source, making it possible to reduce the size and simplify the structure. It is.

By the way, the inventor of the present application has stated that the above-described magnifying imaging unit can be applied not only to a power camera of a camera-equipped mobile phone but also to a general power camera having illumination. The idea is that cameras can be given new functions.

In other words, the enlarged imaging unit according to the present invention can be attached to a power lens provided with illumination, as required, so that the power lens can capture an enlarged image. Not only can playfulness be stimulated, but it is also easy to reduce the size and simplify the structure as described above.

Such an enlargement imaging unit includes a case, a built-in case, an imaging unit that captures image light from an object to be imaged, and performs imaging, and is exposed from the case, and the image light passes therethrough. Then, it is used by being attached to a camera having a camera lens guided to the image pickup means, and illumination for irradiating illumination light to the object to be imaged. The large imaging unit includes an attachment unit configured to be removably attached to the case, and a magnifying lens that increases a magnification of an image captured by the imaging unit. Light system that guides illumination light from the illumination to an imaging object to be imaged when the camera unit and the camera lens of the camera coincide with each other when the unit is attached to the camera. The mounting means, the magnifying lens, and the illumination light optical system are integrally configured.

The unit for magnifying imaging of the present invention contributes to fixing an optical distance from the object to be magnified to the magnifying lens by bringing a part of the unit into contact with the object to be magnified, and The image forming apparatus may further include a positioning assisting unit configured such that a focus position obtained by a combination of the power lens and the magnifying lens in the case of contact is located at a position where the image pickup unit can capture an image.

In the case of capturing an enlarged image, the problem of camera shake is It is easy to occur. Such a problem of camera shake is remarkable in a hand-held camera. However, a camera or a mobile phone with a camera to which the unit for magnifying imaging of the present invention is attached is equivalent to a hand-held camera for picking up an enlarged image. It is preferable to have a function to suppress the noise.

The positioning assisting means described above has a function of suppressing camera shake. The positioning assisting means is used when a part (for example, a tip) is brought into contact with an object to be imaged when an enlarged image is imaged. If the positioning assisting means is provided, a part of the positioning assisting means may be out of the imaging target range of the imaging target when the enlarged image is taken by a camera having a magnifying imaging unit or a mobile phone equipped with a power camera. The contact makes it possible to stabilize the relative positional relationship between the camera or the mobile phone with the camera and the imaging target range of the imaging target.

Therefore, if the positioning assisting means is provided, it is unlikely that a problem that the object to be shot goes out of the area to be imaged due to camera shake during the imaging of the enlarged image.

Note that the above-described positioning assisting means also has a function of facilitating focusing. With a handy-type camera, adjusting the focus position (focusing) becomes difficult if you attempt to magnify the image by lifting the camera from the object due to camera shake. If the positioning assisting means as described above is used, camera shake can be reduced, so that difficulty in focusing can be reduced.

As described above, the positioning assisting means of the present invention contributes to maintaining the focus position of the combination of the camera and the magnifying lens of the camera or the mobile phone with the camera within the range suitable for the imaging target range of the imaging target. Is a necessary condition.

This can be composed of, for example, one rod. In this case, the length along the optical axis of the rod-shaped object, when the tip of the rod comes into contact with the object to be imaged, the focus position by the combination of both the camera lens and the magnifying lens in the image-capturing target area of the object to be imaged. It should be long enough to be located. When the positioning assisting means is a single rod, the positioning assisting means and the object to be imaged make point contact. Since it is a point contact, even if the tip is in contact with the object to be imaged, the camera or camera-equipped mobile phone to which the unit for magnifying imaging of the present invention is attached can perform a pivotal movement about the tip. . However, cameras or mobile phones with cameras Nevertheless, compared to the case where the image is completely lifted off the object, the enlarged image can still be easily captured in a stable state.

In addition, the positioning assisting means may be constituted by a plurality of, for example, three rods. If the number of rods increases, the stability will increase, but if there are three rods for the time being, it will be possible to take an enlarged image with three points supported by point contact at the three points at the tip of each rod become. According to this, when the tip of the positioning assisting means is brought into contact with a planar imaging target, the distance between the imaging target and the magnifying lens is kept constant. If such a positioning assisting means is employed, the camera or the mobile phone with a camera does not perform the pivoting movement as described above, so that the imaging of the imaging target when the positioning assisting means is brought into contact with the imaging target is performed. The distance from the target range to the imaging means can be kept more constant. In other words, if such a positioning assisting means is employed, by bringing its tip into contact with the object to be imaged, the focus position by the combination of both the camera lens and the magnifying lens is automatically placed in the area to be imaged of the object to be imaged. It is possible to maintain the camera or the camera-equipped mobile phone in a stable state with no camera shake, which makes it easier to capture enlarged images.

When three rods are used as the positioning assisting means, the above-mentioned operation and effect can be achieved by a shape capable of abutting at three or more points on a certain plane, and a straight line + one point or more on a certain plane. It can also be obtained by a shape that can make contact with a certain surface, a shape that can make a line contact with a certain plane by a curve, and a shape that can make a surface contact with a certain plane.

The positioning assisting means in the present invention is basically located outside the field of view of the magnifying lens when the magnifying imaging unit is attached to a camera or a mobile phone with a camera, but does not substantially hinder the imaging. In this case, it may be located at a position that affects the field of view of the magnifying lens.

The shape of the positioning assisting means in the present invention has various variations as described above.

As one of them, a field of view of a magnifying lens is secured at the tip of the positioning assisting means, and is substantially the same as an imaging target range when the imaging means takes an enlarged image. One having a hole that is sized so as to fit can be cited. The positioning assisting means has a hole formed at the tip thereof having a size close to the imaging target range, and is not excessively larger than the imaging target range. With such a configuration, when the tip of the positioning assisting means is brought into contact with an object to be imaged in order to capture an enlarged image, the image capturing means automatically focuses on the image capturing range contained in the hole. As a result, it becomes very easy to capture an enlarged image. In addition, when performing the enlarged imaging, it tends to be difficult to keep the imaging object desired by the user for the enlarged imaging within the imaging target range, but the positioning assisting means as described above is used. Since the position where the leading end is in contact matches the imaging target range, the user can intuitively understand the imaging target range.

In addition, the above-described holes provide the following advantages. For example, when capturing an enlarged image using a flexible object such as human skin as an imaging target, if the hole of the positioning assisting means is brought into contact with the imaging target, the hole becomes flexible in the hole. An imaged object having a shape enters, and the imaged object rises. In this case, since the raised imaging target approaches the magnifying lens, the focus position due to the combination of both the camera lens and the magnifying lens may not be located on the imaging target range of the imaging target. Therefore, as described above, the hole is reduced. By making the hole smaller, the swelling of the object to be imaged when the hole comes into contact with the object to be imaged can be minimized. It becomes easy to put in. In consideration of this, the size of the hole is determined by, for example, the swelling of the object to be imaged which occurs when the outer periphery of the hole at the tip of the positioning assist means is brought into contact with the human skin, within the depth of field of the lens. It should be small enough to fit in. The shape of the hole may be such that its edge substantially follows the outer edge of the imaging target range in the imaging target. Note that it is permissible that the edge of the hole enters the imaging range as long as it does not substantially interfere with the imaging of the enlarged image.

Note that the shape of the imaging target range of the imaging means does not matter. You can select a circle or rectangle.

When the imaging range is rectangular, the hole can be formed in a circular shape that substantially inscribes the imaging range when the imaging unit captures an enlarged image. Field of view of imaging means If is circular, the hole can be a circle concentric with the field of view that substantially matches the field of view of the imaging means.

The enlarged imaging unit according to the present invention may include a light shielding unit that blocks external light so that imaging performed by the imaging unit is performed only by illumination light from the illumination.

With such a light-shielding means, when imaging an enlarged image, only the light from the illumination of the camera or the cell phone of the camera-equipped mobile phone can be used as the illumination light, so that the conditions relating to the illumination are always constant. The imaging can be performed in a state where the setting is made. This is useful when precise comparison of images taken at different times is required, such as when using enlarged images for medical purposes.

The light shielding means may have any configuration. The positioning assisting means may be provided separately from the positioning assisting means, or the positioning assisting means may serve as this. In particular, when the positioning assisting means is cylindrical, it is easy to make the positioning assisting means also function as the light shielding means.

In this case, the light shielding means may be made of a material that is opaque as a material of the positioning assisting means, or may have a light shielding function by performing some processing on at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the positioning assisting means.

The illumination light optical system of the present invention may include a first reflection unit that reflects the illumination light and guides the illumination light to the imaging object as coaxial illumination light. By using coaxial illumination light, imaging is performed from the direction of the applied light, which is advantageous for imaging of skin, and has the advantage that scratches on a glossy surface can be clearly imaged. The first reflecting means may be configured in any way, but may be configured as, for example, a half mirror placed on the optical axis of the magnifying lens. The half mirror can transmit light from the imaging target object and reflect the illumination light. Further, the first reflecting means can be a mirror arranged in front of the magnifying lens. This mirror can be a mirror shaped so as to secure the field of view of the magnifying lens. For example, the mirror may have a hollow donut shape.

The illumination light optical system of the present invention reflects the illumination light by reflecting the illumination light to the first reflection unit. May be provided. By providing such a second reflector, the degree of freedom in designing the arrangement of the first reflector and the second reflector can be increased.

The attachment means of the present invention is for attaching the unit for magnifying imaging to a camera or a mobile phone with a camera in a detachable manner.

In such a case, the attaching means is not limited in its specific configuration. For example, it can be configured as follows.

The attachment means includes, for example, a first member fixed to the camera or the mobile phone with a camera, and a second member fixed to the magnifying imaging unit and detachable from the first member. You may go out.

The first member and the second member are not particularly limited as long as they are detachably attached to each other. For example, the first member and the second member can be configured as follows.

The first member is an annular velcro tape fixed to the camera or the mobile phone with a power lens around the optical axis of the camera lens, and the second member has a shape corresponding to the first member. It can be an annular velcro tape. Alternatively, the first member is an annular metal plate fixed to the camera or the mobile phone with a camera so as to surround the optical axis of the camera lens, and the second member has a shape corresponding to the first member. Thus, an annular magnet that can be fixed to the metal plate can be provided. 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 or the mobile phone with a camera so as to surround the optical axis of the camera lens, and the second member has a shape corresponding to the first member. An attachment body 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. Thus, the first member and the second member can be detachably attached to each other.

The mounting concave portion and the mounting convex portion may have any specific shape. It is also possible to provide a plurality of mounting recesses and mounting protrusions. Also, mounting The recessed portion and the mounting protrusion may be formed in an annular shape so as to make a circuit around the opposing surfaces of the first member and the second member formed in an annular shape.

The mounting means of the present invention comprises: an axis aligning means for aligning the optical axes of the magnifying lens and the camera lens when the magnifying imaging unit 1 is mounted on the power camera or the mobile phone with the power camera. May be provided.

In the unit for magnifying imaging of the present invention, it is preferable that the optical axis of the magnifying lens and the optical axis of the camera lens be accurately aligned in consideration of improving the quality of the magnified image obtained by the imaging unit. This is made possible by the alignment means described above.

The specific configuration of the axis aligning means is not questioned. For example, the shaft aligning means may include a shaft aligning concave portion provided on one of the opposing surfaces of the first member and the second member, and a shaft aligning convex portion provided on the other. Can be. In the magnifying imaging unit in this case, the optical axis of the magnifying lens and the optical axis of the camera lens are matched by fitting the concave portion for axial alignment and the convex portion for axial alignment.

The specific shape of the alignment recess and the alignment projection is not limited. It is also possible to provide a plurality of the alignment recesses and the alignment projections. Further, it is also possible to form both the axial alignment concave portion and the axial alignment convex portion in an annular shape so as to make a circuit around the opposing surfaces of the annularly formed first member and the second member.

It is also possible to share each of the alignment concave portion and the axial convex portion with the mounting concave portion and the mounting convex portion, respectively.

The enlarged imaging unit according to the present invention also includes, when the enlarged image is captured by the imaging unit, an image captured in the enlarged image together with the imaging target, and includes an imaging target in the captured enlarged image. The image processing apparatus may further include a contrast image projection unit that projects a comparison image serving as a guide for knowing the size of the imaging target object to the imaging unit based on comparison with the object.

According to the contrast image projection 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 projection means may project the contrast image directly to the imaging means, or may indirectly project the contrast image. In the latter case, the object A half mirror is provided in the optical path from the optical path to the image pickup means so as to be inclined with respect to the optical path, and the contrast image projecting means directs the reflected light toward the image pickup means to the half mirror. It can be configured to project the contrast image at an appropriate angle. By doing so, the degree of freedom regarding the location of the contrast image projection means can be increased.

The contrast image may be any image as long as the size of the imaging target can be roughly known. For example, it may include a scale. The color of the scale may have a center wavelength different from the center wavelength of the skin color to be imaged when the object to be imaged is skin. Alternatively, the scale can be represented by green or blue among red (R), green (G), and blue (B), which are the colors of light to which CCD commonly used as an image sensor reacts. The center wavelength of such a color deviates from the skin color (especially, the color of the skin of the yellow race; the same applies hereinafter). Image processing becomes easier. For example, if the magnified image captured by the camera is a skin image and it is automatically processed for skin diagnosis, etc., the scale image must be able to be automatically identified from other images. Becomes important. In such a case, if a color that deviates from the skin color of the center wavelength, such as green or blue, is used as the scale color, it is easy to automatically extract the scale image from other images. become. In that sense, the scale color should be a light color extracted from the skin image when performing automatic image processing.

The contrast image may be projected so as to be located at any part in the obtained enlarged image. For example, the entire enlarged image may be covered in a mesh shape. Alternatively, the comparison image may be located at a part near the outer periphery of the enlarged image obtained by the imaging unit. In the latter case, the image is excellent in viewability. In any case, the contrast image projection means projects the contrast image so as to be such.

The contrast image projection means of the present invention may be located at any part of the unit for magnifying imaging, but if the unit for magnifying imaging is provided with the positioning assisting means as described above, and this is cylindrical, Provided inside the cylindrical positioning assisting means be able to.

The enlarged imaging unit of the present invention is further arranged such that when an enlarged image is taken by the imaging means, the unit is located within the field of view of the magnifying lens and is taken with the object to be imaged. A comparison means may be provided as a guide for knowing the size of the imaging target by comparing it with the imaging target in the image.

This also makes it convenient to compare the imaged object reflected in the captured image with the contrasting means, so that the size of the imaged object can be roughly understood and thus it is convenient. The same effect as in the case where there is a projection unit can be obtained.

The comparing means may be provided on the transparent body. If the magnifying imaging unit has a hole, it may be provided in a transparent body formed in the hole, for example, formed in a plate shape.

The comparing means may be any as long as it can roughly know the size of the object to be imaged. For example, it may include a scale. For the same reason as in the case of the contrast image projection means, this scale can be a color such as green or blue whose center wavelength is different from the center wavelength of the skin color to be imaged. In other words, when performing automatic image processing, the scale color should be a faint color extracted from the skin image.

The comparison means may be located anywhere as long as the enlarged image is in the imaging target range when the enlarged image is captured. For example, the comparing means may be provided at a position such that when the enlarged image is taken, the comparing means is reflected on a part of the vicinity of the outer periphery of an imaging target range of the imaging means. In such a position, the comparing means does not substantially disturb the imaging.

If the magnifying imaging unit is provided with a positioning assisting means, the comparing means can be provided here. If the positioning assisting means is formed in a cylindrical shape, the comparing means can be provided inside the cylindrical positioning assisting means.

The enlarged imaging unit of the present invention, when an enlarged image is captured by the imaging unit, is positioned within a field of view of the magnifying lens and is captured together with an imaging target. There are several types of reference colors used for color correction. Color samples may be provided.

This color swatch provides the following benefits:

Relatively inexpensive cameras, especially those built into camera-equipped mobile phones, often employ a so-called AWB (Automatic White Balance) mechanism that performs color adjustment automatically. This is a mechanism that tries to make the average of the colors of the entire screen closer to white. This AWB mechanism has the advantage of being able to easily adjust the image quality. On the other hand, if it is used for skin images, the processed image will be a single color or a flat plate that is almost colorless. There are disadvantages. If the camera is equipped with such a mechanism, and data obtained by the imaging means of a mobile phone with a force camera is to be used for, for example, skin diagnosis, such disadvantages may not be acceptable. There is. Such disadvantages can be eliminated by improving the performance of the camera, but this may not be possible with relatively inexpensive cameras such as those provided in camera-equipped mobile phones. That's why the color swatches mentioned above are useful. If the color sample as described above is printed in the enlarged image, the color adjustment of the captured enlarged image based on the blurring of the color of the determined color sample is performed, and the image data of the enlarged image is received. It can be easily performed with other devices.

In other words, the color sample has the advantage that it is easier to perform ex post image quality adjustment (color image quality adjustment) with devices other than the camera to which the magnifying imaging unit is attached.

The color sample of the present invention may be located in any part of the unit for magnifying and imaging. The color sample may be provided on a transparent body.

If the magnifying imaging unit has a hole for the positioning assisting means as described above, it may be provided in a transparent body provided in the hole, for example, formed in a plate shape. If the magnifying imaging unit is provided with a positioning assisting means, and this is cylindrical, it can be provided inside the cylindrical positioning assisting means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A shows a camera to which an enlargement imaging unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached. FIG. 1B is a front view showing an example of a mobile phone with a camera, and FIG. 1B is a rear view of the mobile phone with a camera.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an enlarged imaging unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a state in which the unit for magnifying imaging according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is attached to the mobile phone with a force sensor shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a second member included in the unit for magnifying imaging shown in FIG. 2 and a first member attached to a camera-equipped mobile phone.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a second member included in the unit for magnifying imaging shown in FIG. 2 and a first member attached to a camera-equipped mobile phone.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a second member included in the unit for magnifying imaging shown in FIG. 2 and a first member attached to a camera-equipped mobile phone.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a second member included in the unit for magnifying imaging shown in FIG. 2 and a first member attached to a camera-equipped mobile phone.

8A to 8C are diagrams showing the relationship between the holes of the unit for magnifying imaging shown in FIG. 2 and the imaging target range.

FIG. 9A is a view of the hole in Modification Example 1 of the enlarged imaging unit viewed from the inside, and FIG. 9B is an example of an enlarged image captured using such an enlarged imaging unit. FIG.

Fig. 1 OA is a diagram in which the hole in Modification Example 2 of the magnifying imaging unit is changed from the inside, and Fig. 10B is a diagram illustrating an example of a magnified image taken using such a magnifying imaging unit. is there.

FIG. 11A is a diagram of the hole in Modified Example 3 of the enlarged imaging unit viewed from the inside, and FIG. 11B is an example of an enlarged image captured using such an enlarged imaging unit. FIG.

FIG. 12A is a diagram of the hole in the fourth modification of the enlarged imaging unit viewed from the inside, and FIG. 12B is an example of an enlarged image captured by using such an enlarged imaging unit. FIG.

Fig. 13 shows the enlarged imaging unit according to Modification Example 5 of the enlarged imaging unit. A is a side sectional view showing a state where the mobile phone with a camera shown in FIG. IB is attached. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a digital camera to which the enlarged imaging unit according to the sixth modification is attached. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The magnification imaging unit U in the present embodiment is used by being attached to a camera-equipped mobile phone K. The camera-equipped mobile phone K in this embodiment is as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. IB.

The camera-equipped mobile phone K is assumed to be intelligent in this embodiment. In addition to the general telephone functions realized by the microphone, the speed, and the circuit that controls them, the camera-equipped mobile phone K transmits e-mail. It has at least a mail function for sending and receiving. To achieve these functions, this camera-equipped mobile phone

K has an antenna and a display, and has a built-in CPU, R〇M, RAM, interface, etc., but these are not limited to this type of camera-equipped mobile phone K, but are common to mobile phones. The description is omitted.

The camera-equipped mobile phone K has a number of input keys K1 including a numeric keypad and a direction key. These input keys K1 are used when using the telephone function and when using the mail function, but are also used when imaging using the camera C described later is performed.

The camera-equipped mobile phone K also has a camera C. The camera C is provided on the back side of the camera-equipped mobile phone K. The camera C includes a lens C1 and an image sensor C2 shown in FIG. The lens C1 is exposed from the camera-equipped mobile phone K. In this example, the lens C1 is exposed from the rear center of the camera-equipped mobile phone K. The imaging element C2 performs imaging using image light guided from an imaging target via the lens C1, and in this embodiment, is configured by a CCD. The lens C 1 may be composed of a combination of a plurality of lenses, but in this embodiment, is composed of one lens. The image taken by the image sensor C2 of the camera of the camera-equipped mobile phone K is taken by the camera-equipped mobile phone K alone. In such a case, the image is reduced. The lens C1 and the imaging element C2 are configured to be able to capture a reduced image. Here, the term “reduced image” refers to an image that is smaller than an image sensor and is reflected on the image sensor.

Camera C also includes illumination C3. The illumination C3 irradiates the imaging object with illumination light, and in this embodiment, is configured by an LED. Lighting C 3 is exposed from camera phone K. The illumination C3 can selectively perform instantaneous lighting for capturing a still image and continuous lighting for capturing a moving image. The lighting control of the illumination C3 is automatically performed when the camera C captures an image.

As the camera-equipped mobile phone K as described above, for example, a mobile phone manufactured and sold by Podaphone Co., Ltd. (PodaFon ™) can be used.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show an enlargement imaging unit U attached to such a camera-equipped mobile phone K. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the enlarged imaging unit U viewed from the front side, and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a state where the enlarged imaging unit U is attached to a camera-equipped mobile phone K.

The unit for magnifying imaging U is for mounting an image on the imaging device C2 of the mobile phone with camera K as an enlarged image by attaching the unit to the mobile phone with camera.

The magnification imaging unit U includes a main body 10.

The main body 10 of the enlarged imaging unit U in this embodiment is substantially rectangular. The contact portion 11 protrudes from near the longitudinal one end of the front surface of the main body 10. On the back surface of the main body 10, a first opening 12A is provided near one end in the longitudinal direction, and a second opening 12B is provided near the other end in the longitudinal direction. The first opening 12A and the second opening 12B are circular holes in this embodiment. The first opening 12A and the second opening 12B may be a series of holes.

The contact portion 11 corresponds to the positioning assisting means of the present invention. The contact portion 11 is formed in a substantially conical shape and is tapered as shown in FIG. Contact part 1 1 A hole 13 is drilled at the end. The center of the hole 13 is located on the central axis of the contact portion 11. The center of the first opening 12A described above is also located on (the extension of) the central axis of the contact portion 11.

The magnifying imaging unit U is attached near the lens C1 exposed from the camera-equipped mobile phone K (the back of the camera-equipped mobile phone K in the camera-equipped mobile phone K of this embodiment).

The positional relationship between the hole 13 and the second opening 1 2B is as follows: When the unit for magnifying imaging U is attached to a mobile phone K with a camera, the hole 13 The second opening 12B is located immediately before C1 and the illumination C3 of the camera C of the camera-equipped mobile phone K is located immediately before C3.

The contact portion 11 and the main body 10 in this embodiment are integrally formed of resin. Although not necessarily required, the main body 10 and the contact portion 11 of this embodiment have a light blocking function. This light-shielding function can be obtained by forming the main body 10 and the contact portion 11 with an opaque material, or by covering with an opaque layer (for example, a layer formed by coloring with a paint). .

A second member 14 is provided around the first opening 12A described above. The second member 14 constitutes an attaching means in the present invention in cooperation with the first member 15 attached to the camera-equipped mobile phone K. It can be mounted in a detachable state (see Figs. 3 and 4).

The first member 15 and the second member 14 in this embodiment are both thin velcro tape. The shape of the second member 14 is an annular shape (in this embodiment, an annular shape) along the periphery of the first opening 12A, and the shape of the first member 15 is the shape of the second member 14 It is a ring corresponding to.

The surface of the camera-equipped mobile phone K, which is coaxial with the optical axis L of the lens C1 included in the camera C of the camera-equipped mobile phone K and surrounds the exposed lens C1. By attaching the first member 15 to the camera and fixing the second member 14 thereto, the detachable mounting of the unit for magnifying imaging U to the camera-equipped mobile phone K is realized. . In addition, on one of the opposing surfaces of the first member 15 and the second member 14, a convex portion X formed in an appropriate shape by, for example, resin or metal is formed, and on the other of the opposing surfaces, A concave portion Y corresponding to the convex portion X is formed in advance, and the convex portion X can be fitted into the concave portion Y when both the Velcro tapes are fixed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of projections X are formed on one side of the first member 15 and the second member 14 and a plurality of recesses Y are formed on the other side. When the 5 and the second member 14 are fixed, each of the plurality of convex portions X is fitted into the corresponding concave portion Y. If there are such convex portions X and concave portions Y, the first member 15 is fixed to the camera-equipped mobile phone K such that the center of the ring is accurately positioned on the optical axis L of the lens C 1. As long as this is done, when the magnifying imaging unit U is attached to the camera-equipped mobile phone K, the axes of the lens C1 and the later-described magnifying lens 20 are automatically aligned.

FIG. 5 shows another example of the convex portion X and the concave portion Y. The convex portion X and the concave portion Y in this example are respectively a circular protruding portion formed in a circular shape coaxial with the center of the ring-shaped velcro tape, and a circular groove.

Other variations of the first member 15 and the second member 14 include, for example, the following.

First, the first member 15 can be a metal plate, and the second member 14 can be a magnet. The material of the first member 15 which is a metal is assumed to be attracted to the magnet. In this case, the shapes of the first member 15 and the second member 14 are not particularly limited, but may be formed in an annular shape (in this embodiment, an annular shape) similar to the case of using the above-described velcro tape. it can. By fixing the first member 15 to the camera-equipped mobile phone K and the second member 14 to the magnifying unit U in the same manner as when using Velcro tape, the camera of the magnifying unit U is fixed. The mobile phone K can be detachably attached to the mobile phone K. In this case, the materials of the first member 15 and the second member 14 can be reversed, but it cannot be said that there is no possibility that the magnet has an undesired effect on the mobile phone K with a force roller. Therefore, it is preferable that the first member 15 be a metal plate and the second member 14 be a magnet.

In addition, the convex portion X is provided on one of the opposing surfaces of the first member 15 and the second member 14, and the opposing surface W

1 9

On the other hand, the concave portion Y corresponding to the convex portion X can be formed so that the axis alignment can be automatically performed, when the first member 15 and the second member 14 are made of black tape. The same is true. The shape of the convex portion X and the concave portion can be appropriately selected, as in the case where the first member 15 and the second member 14 are formed with a Velcro tape.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a concave portion 17 is provided on one of the opposing surfaces of the first member 15 and the second member 14, and a convex portion 18 is provided on the other, so that the concave portion 17 and the convex portion 17 are provided. It is also conceivable that the first member 15 and the second member 14 are fixed by fitting the part 18 together. The material of the first member 15 and the second member 14 can be appropriately selected, such as resin and metal. In this case, the shapes of the first member 15 and the second member 14 can also be formed in the same annular shape as in the case of using a velcro tape. The first member 15 is fixed to the camera-equipped mobile phone Κ and the second member 14 is fixed to the magnifying unit U in the same manner as when using the velcro tape, and the concave portion 17 and the convex portion 18 are fixed. By fitting the, the mounting of the magnifying imaging unit U to the camera-equipped mobile phone で in a detachable state is realized. The concave portion 17 and the convex portion 18 are large enough to prevent the enlarged imaging unit U from falling off the camera-equipped mobile phone 時に when using the enlarged imaging unit U, and to allow easy attachment and detachment. It is formed so that U is fixed to the camera-equipped mobile phone Κ. The shapes of the concave portion 17 and the convex portion 18 can be made as shown in FIG. The concave portion 17 and the convex portion 18 are annular, and their centers are located on the optical axis L.

As shown in FIG. 3, a magnifying lens 20 is mounted inside the main body 10. The magnifying lens 20 may be configured by combining a plurality of lenses, but in this embodiment, is configured by one convex lens. The magnifying lens 20 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the main body 10 via a mount (not shown) fixed inside the main body 10.

The center of the magnifying lens 20 is located on an extension of the center axis of the contact portion 11.

A first reflecting mirror 30 and a second reflecting mirror 40 are provided inside the main body 10 of the unit for magnifying imaging U.

The first reflecting mirror 30 is an elliptical mirror having a shape similar to its outer peripheral shape at the center thereof. 2 0

Hole 31 is provided. The first reflecting mirror 30 is 45 ° with respect to the optical axis L with the reflecting surface facing the second reflecting mirror 40 while the center of the ellipse is positioned on the optical axis L. Tilt and mounted in front of magnifying lens 20. The above-mentioned hole 31 opened in the first reflecting mirror 30 is large enough to secure the field of view of the image sensor C2 when the unit for magnifying imaging U is mounted on a mobile phone K with a camera. In addition, when viewed from the imaging device C2 of the camera-equipped mobile phone K, the shape is such that it looks almost circular.

There is no particular limitation on the shape of the second reflecting mirror 40, but in this embodiment, it is circular. The second reflecting mirror 40 is supported by a mount (not shown), and is fixed inside the main body 10 by fixing the mount to the main body 10. The second reflecting mirror 40 is parallel to the first reflecting mirror 30 and is located in front of the second opening 12B.

When the magnifying imaging unit U is mounted on the camera-equipped mobile phone K, as described above, the hole 13 is in front of the lens C1 of the camera C of the camera-equipped mobile phone K, and the second opening 12B is It is located in front of the camera C, the power cell of the camera phone K and the lighting C3.

When an enlarged image is taken with the enlarged imaging unit U attached to the camera-equipped mobile phone K, that is, as shown in FIG. 3, the tip of the contact portion 11 of the main body 10 is to be imaged. Contact. Since the imaging can be performed with the tip of the contact portion 11 abutting on the imaging target, the problem of camera shake hardly occurs. The amount of protrusion of the contact portion 11 from the front of the main body 10 is determined by the lens C 1 and the magnifying lens 20 when the hole 13 at the tip of the contact portion 11 is brought into contact with the object to be imaged. The focus position by the combination of the two lenses can be kept within a range that matches the range (the imaging target range) located inside the hole 13 of the imaging target. Therefore, if the hole 13 is brought into contact with the object to be imaged, the object to be imaged located in the hole 13 is automatically focused.

In order to prevent the focus position due to the combination of both the lens C 1 and the magnifying lens 20 from deviating from the imaging target range, for example, it is useful to provide an aperture in the main body 10 to increase the depth of focus. It is.

The imaging of the hole 13 in this embodiment and the imaging device C 2 in the camera-equipped mobile phone K The relationship with the image target range is as shown in FIG. 8A. That is, the imaging target range S in this embodiment is rectangular, and? L 13 is a circle that substantially inscribes the imaging target range S. However, the relationship between the imaging, the target range S, and the hole 13 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the imaging target range S is rectangular, and the hole 13 is a rectangle substantially along the outer edge of the imaging target range S, or as shown in FIG. May be circular, and the hole 13 may be circular along the outer edge of the imaging range S.

As shown in FIG. 8C or FIG. 8B, when the edge of the hole 13 is to be along the outer edge of the imaging target range S, the edge of the hole 13 is It does not have to cover the outer edge of the range S, as shown in FIG. 8B.

A method of using the unit for magnifying imaging U will be described.

The magnifying unit U is used by attaching it to a camera-equipped mobile phone K. More specifically, by fixing the second member 14 to the first member 15 previously attached to the camera-equipped mobile phone K, the magnifying unit U is fixed to the camera-equipped mobile phone. . At that time, the above-mentioned alignment should be performed.

In this state, imaging is performed using the function of the camera C provided in the mobile phone K with a camera. 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 picked up by the image sensor C2 becomes an enlarged image. This image is selected from a still image, a moving image, or any one of them according to the function of the camera C provided in the camera-equipped mobile phone K. The operation in this case is performed using the input key K1 of the camera-equipped mobile phone K.

When taking an image, the lighting C3 of the camera C of the camera-equipped mobile phone K is turned on (a state in which the lighting C3 emits illumination light) (the lighting C3 is automatically set to 0). If it becomes N, there is no need to do anything, but if necessary, operate the camera-equipped mobile phone K so that the light C 3 is turned on.) If the light C3 has a power of 0 N, the light emitted from the light C3 passes through the second opening 12B and is reflected by the second reflecting mirror 40 to the first reflecting mirror 30. The light is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 30 and travels toward the imaging target inside the hole 13. In this way, this unit for magnifying imaging U is used. If so, magnified imaging is performed with illumination. Note that the illumination in this case is to irradiate the imaging target substantially vertically along the optical axis and is so-called coaxial illumination. When the hole 13 at the tip of the contact portion 11 is brought into contact with the object to be imaged, external light does not enter the inside of the main body 10. Therefore, the imaging of the enlarged image using the enlarged imaging unit U is performed only by the light from the illumination C3.

Depending on the function of the camera-equipped mobile phone K, data on the image obtained by imaging can be recorded in the internal memory of the camera-equipped mobile phone K, output from the camera-equipped mobile phone to the outside, or It can be used by sending using the mail function of the mobile phone with camera K.

When it is no longer necessary to take an enlarged image, remove the enlarged imaging unit U from the camera-equipped mobile phone K.

Up to this point, one embodiment of the magnification imaging unit U according to the present invention has been described. However, the above-described magnification imaging unit U can be modified as follows. Hereinafter, Modification Examples 1 to 6 will be sequentially described.

《Modification 1>

This unit for magnifying imaging is basically the same as the unit for magnifying imaging U described in the above-described embodiment in terms of configuration and usage.

However, the following scale 110 is provided.

In the first modification, the scale 110 is provided near the hole 13 on the inner surface of the contact portion 11. The hole 13 in this example extends over a part of the outer edge of the imaging range S as shown in FIG. 9A, and the scale 110 is near the hole 13 and It is provided in a range that is included in a part near the outer periphery of the imaging target range S. The scale 110 is displayed in blue in Modification 1, but the center wavelength is shifted from the center wavelength of the skin color, or it is extracted as something other than skin by automatic image processing. It may be in a color that can be used. 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.

When an enlarged image is taken by bringing the tip of the contact portion 11 into contact with the object to be imaged, the scale 110 is taken together with the object to be imaged, and is positioned within the taken enlarged image. Become. 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.

An enlarged image obtained when the scale 110 is provided as shown in FIG. 9A is as shown in FIG. 9B. The white part is the image of the imaging target viewed from the inside of the hole 13, and the shaded part is the outside part of the hole 13.

《Modification 2》

This unit for magnifying imaging is basically the same as the unit U for magnifying imaging described in the above-described embodiment in both configuration and usage.

However, the following scale 110 is provided. As shown in FIG. 10, this scale 110 is shown in FIG. 10A on a plate-like body 111 made of a transparent material such as resin, which is fitted inside the hole 13. It is drawn as follows.

An enlarged image obtained when the scale 110 is set as shown in FIG. 1OA is as shown in FIG. 10B. Figure 10 The circle in B is? It is the inner edge of 13 In FIG. 10B, the inside of the circle is the image of the imaging target.

According to the second modification, by comparing the image of the scale 110 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. Become like The color of the scale 110 can be the same as that of the magnification imaging unit of the first modification.

《Modification 3》

It has the following color samples 130.

In this embodiment, the color sample 130 is provided near the hole 13 on the inner surface of the contact portion 11. The hole 13 in this example extends over the outer edge of the imaging range S as shown in FIG. 11A, and the color sample 130 is near the hole 13 and is imaged. The range S is provided in a range included in a part near the outer periphery. In this color sample 130, in this third modification, a plurality of types of reference colors are arranged. If the reference color is suitable for correcting the color of the captured enlarged image, Although there is no particular limitation on the type and number thereof, in the third modification example, there are five colors of red R, green G, blue B, white w, and black b.

When an enlarged image is imaged by bringing the tip of the contact portion 11 into contact with the imaging target, the color sample 130 is imaged together with the imaging target and is located in the captured enlarged image. . The image of the color sample 130 shown in the enlarged image is used to correct the color of the captured enlarged image.

An enlarged image obtained when the color sample 130 is provided as shown in FIG. 11A is as shown in FIG. 11B. The white part is the image of the object viewed from the inside of the hole 13, the shaded part is the outside part of the hole 13, and the rectangular part inside it is a color sample 1 30 It is.

The color sample 130 of the enlarged imaging unit of the third modified example may be applied to the enlarged imaging unit of the first or second modified example.

This unit for magnifying imaging is basically the same as the unit U for magnifying imaging described in the above embodiment in terms of configuration and usage.

However, the following color sample 130 is provided. This color sample 130 is drawn as shown in FIG. 12A on a plate-like body 111 made of a transparent material such as a resin, which is fitted inside the hole 13.

The enlarged image obtained when the color sample 130 is provided as shown in FIG. 12A is as shown in FIG. 12B. The circle shown in FIG. 12B is the inner edge of the hole 13, and the inside of the circle shown in FIG. 12B is the image captured by the hole 13. The color sample 130 appears in this image.

The fourth modification is useful for facilitating color correction of a captured enlarged image. The change in the color of the image of the color sample 130 in the captured image is used to correct the color of the enlarged image so that it approaches the original color.

The color sample 130 of the enlarged imaging unit of the fourth modified example may be applied to the enlarged imaging unit of the first or second modified example.

《Modification 5>

The configuration and the method of use of this unit for magnifying imaging have been described in the above-described embodiment. It is basically the same as the magnifying unit U.

What is changed is that the first reflecting mirror 30 shown in FIG. 13 is a half mirror unlike the case of the above-described embodiment. The first reflecting mirror 30 has an elliptical shape similar to that of the above-described embodiment, but does not have the hole as described above.

In this case, the illumination light from the illumination C3 reflected by the second reflecting mirror 40 is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 30 and travels toward the imaging target. On the other hand, the image light from the imaging target passes through the first reflecting mirror 30 and travels to the imaging device C2.

In this way, the same effect as that of the unit for magnifying imaging U described in the above-described embodiment can also be obtained by the unit for magnifying imaging.

《Modification 6>

The difference between this unit for magnifying imaging and that described in the above-described embodiment is that this unit is not attached to a camera-equipped mobile phone, but is a general camera, more specifically, as shown in FIG. It is used by attaching it to a general digital camera DC.

The digital camera DC has a lens C1 that is exposed to the outside, and an image pickup device (not shown) is built in the back of the lens C1. The imaging element is configured to perform imaging using image light guided from an imaging target via the lens C1, and in the sixth modification example, is configured by CCD. The lens C1 may be constituted by a combination of a plurality of lenses, but in this modified example 6, it is constituted by one lens. The image captured by the image sensor of the digital camera DC is a reduced image when the image is captured by the digital camera DC alone. The lens C1 and the imaging element are configured to be able to capture a reduced image. Here, the term “reduced image” refers to an image that is smaller than an image sensor and is reflected on the image sensor.

The digital camera DC is also provided with lighting C3. Illumination C3 irradiates illumination light to the object to be imaged. It is possible to selectively perform instantaneous lighting for video and continuous lighting for video imaging. The control of the lighting of the illumination C3 is automatically performed at the time of imaging with the digital camera DC.

The enlarged imaging unit used by being attached to such a digital camera DC has basically the same configuration including the internal configuration as that described in the above-described embodiment.

When this unit for magnifying imaging is mounted on the digital camera DC, similarly to the case of the above-described embodiment, the hole of the positioning assisting means has the second opening in front of the lens C1 of the digital camera DC. Are located in front of the digital power camera DC lighting C3. Therefore, in the enlarged imaging unit according to the sixth modification, the positional relationship between the hole and the second opening, the size of the second opening, and the like are changed as described above.

In addition, a second member for attaching the enlargement imaging unit to the digital camera DC is attached around the first opening of the enlargement imaging unit. Of course, the second member may be the same as that in the above-described embodiment. For example, the following configuration may be adopted depending on the structure of the digital camera DC. In the vicinity of the lens C1 of the digital camera DC (generally, a lens barrel in which the lens C1 is mounted), a means for mounting the interchangeable lens may be attached from the beginning. In such a case, the second member can be detachably attached to the above-mentioned means provided originally from the digital camera DC to attach the interchangeable lens. By being able to attach to the above-mentioned means that exist from the beginning, it may be possible to firmly fix the magnification imaging unit to the digital force camera DC.

The method of using the unit for magnifying imaging is the same as in the above-described embodiment. Further, it is also possible to add the changes as in Modification Examples 1 to 5 to this magnifying imaging unit.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. Case and

An imaging unit that is built in the case and captures image light from an object to be imaged and captures an image; a camera lens that is exposed from the case and passes through the image light and is guided to the imaging unit; And a camera having illumination for irradiating the imaging target with illumination light;

A magnifying imaging unit used by being attached to a camera-equipped mobile phone having

Mounting means adapted to be removably mounted to the case; and a magnifying lens for increasing a magnification of an image taken by the imaging means, wherein the magnifying imaging unit is mounted on a camera-equipped mobile phone. When the camera lens of the camera-equipped mobile phone coincides with the optical axis thereof,

An illumination light optical system for guiding illumination light from the illumination to an imaging target to be imaged;

With

A magnifying imaging unit in which the mounting means, the magnifying lens, and the illumination light optical system are integrally configured.

2. A case, an imaging unit incorporated in the case, and capturing an image light from an object to be imaged, and taking an image. An imaging unit exposed from the case, and the image light passes through the case. A magnifying imaging unit used by being attached to a camera having a camera lens guided to the camera, and illumination for irradiating the imaging object with illumination light, such that the unit can be detachably attached to the case. And a magnifying lens for increasing the magnification of an image picked up by the image pickup means, wherein the camera lens of the camera coincides with the optical axis when the magnified image unit is mounted on the camera. When,

With A magnifying imaging unit in which the mounting means, the magnifying lens, and the illumination light optical system are integrally configured.

3. A part of the abutment is brought into contact with the imaging target, thereby contributing to fixing an optical distance from the imaging target to the magnifying lens, and in the case where the part is brought into contact with the imaging target. A positioning assisting unit configured such that a focus position based on a combination of a camera lens and the magnifying lens is located at a position where the imaging unit can capture an image;

3. The unit for magnifying imaging according to claim 1 or 2.

4. By blocking external light, a light-shielding unit is provided so that imaging performed by the imaging unit is performed only by illumination light from the illumination.

3. The unit for magnifying imaging according to claim 1 or 2.

5. By blocking external light, the imaging performed by the imaging unit when a part of the positioning assisting unit is brought into contact with the imaging target is performed only by the illumination light from the illumination. Light-shielding means, and the light-shielding means also serves as the positioning assisting means,

4. The unit for magnifying imaging according to claim 3.

6. The positioning assisting means contributes to fixing an optical distance from the imaging target to the magnifying lens when the tip is brought into contact with the imaging target, and the tip is applied to the imaging target. A focus position by a combination of the camera lens and the magnifying lens in the case where the camera lens and the magnifying lens are brought into contact with each other is located at a position where the imaging unit can capture an image.

And a hole which is provided at the tip to secure a field of view of the magnifying lens and has a size substantially coincident with an imaging target range of the imaging means. Item.

7. The illumination light optical system includes a first reflection unit that reflects the illumination light and guides the illumination light to the imaging object as coaxial illumination light.

3. The unit for magnifying imaging according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The first reflecting means is a half mirror placed on the optical axis of the magnifying lens, and the half mirror transmits light from the imaging target and It is made to reflect illumination light,

The unit for magnified imaging according to claim 7, wherein:

9. The first reflecting means is a mirror disposed in front of the magnifying lens and shaped so as to secure a field of view of the magnifying lens.

The unit for magnifying imaging according to claim 7.

10. The illumination light optical system includes a second reflection unit that reflects the illumination light and guides the illumination light to the first reflection unit.

The unit for magnifying imaging according to claim 7.