Light-induced device

Abstract

The present invention provides a light guidance device that can reduce the occurrence of shadows in fundus photographs taken using a mobile device, by adjusting the distance between two or more different lenses and a light source. [Solution] The light guidance device 1 comprises an opposing member 11 having a through hole 13, a fixing member for fixing the opposing member 11 to a smartphone 91, and a lens barrel 37. The opposing member 11 has a light guidance section, and the light guidance section includes at least one light guide section 14. When the light guidance device 1 is in use, the light guide section 14 includes a light receiving section 16 into which light from the light source 93 enters, and a light emitting section 15 that emits light from the light source 93. The distance between the center of the light emitting section 15 and the center of the through hole 13 is smaller than the distance between the center of the light receiving section 16 and the center of the through hole 13. The light guidance section can face at least a light source 93 at a first distance from the center of the through hole 13 and a light source 93 at a second distance different from the first distance from the center of the through hole 13.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light guiding device that is used by being attached to a mobile terminal having a camera including a lens and a light source. [Background Art]

[0002] It is known that fundus examination is useful for diagnosing diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and arteriosclerosis, as well as impact to the head and brain trauma. In a conventional fundus examination, a doctor holds illumination with one hand and observes the patient's fundus through an observation lens held with the other hand. Fundus examination performed by holding the illumination and the observation lens with both hands is not only performed in an unstable state, but also has many items that need to be adjusted simultaneously, such as positioning of the illumination, positioning of the observation lens, and focus adjustment, so high skill is required of the doctor. Therefore, fundus examination is practically performed only by ophthalmologists.

[0003] It is also practiced that non-ophthalmologists take fundus photographs, and ophthalmologists diagnose the fundus photographs. Stationary or portable dedicated devices for taking fundus photographs are commercially available, but all of these devices are expensive, so they are hardly introduced in medical settings where fundus photographs are taken infrequently.

[0004] Development of an apparatus for capturing fundus photographs that can be easily introduced into many medical settings is desired. For example, it is known that fundus hemorrhage is often accompanied by infant head injury and the like in pediatric emergency settings. However, since blood vessels become occluded over time in fundus hemorrhage, the hemorrhage may disappear within 24 hours. If there is a device that allows non-ophthalmologists to easily and quickly capture the state of fundus hemorrhage in such medical settings, more accurate diagnosis can be performed.

[0005] A device for taking fundus photographs using a commonly available smartphone has been proposed. Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-10426) discloses a device for taking fundus photographs using a smartphone. The device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a lighting unit and a power supply for supplying power to it. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-10426 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a complex structure due to the inclusion of a lighting unit and power supply. Many mobile devices such as smartphones have a light source and power supply composed of LEDs or the like. If fundus photographs can be taken using the light source of the mobile device, the lighting unit and power supply can be omitted, making the device a simpler structure.

[0008] Incidentally, the inventors found that when the distance between the lens of the smartphone's camera unit and the light source is large, a shadow appears in the captured fundus photograph. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the state of taking a fundus photograph 200 using a smartphone 91. As shown in Figure 14, when the distance between the lens 92 and the light source 93 is large, if the lens 92 of the smartphone 91 is positioned in front of the patient's pupil, the light source 93 will be positioned far from the center of the lens 92. As a result, the light from the light source 93 will be shone on the pupil from an oblique direction. In that case, a shadow 201 appears in part of the fundus photograph 200, as shown in the fundus photograph 200 in Figure 14.

[0009] Furthermore, the distance between the lens and the light source varies depending on the model of the mobile device, such as a smartphone. To increase versatility, it is preferable to be able to reduce the generation of shadows 201 in accordance with two or more different distances between the lens and the light source.

[0010] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a light guidance device that can reduce the occurrence of shadows in fundus photographs when taking fundus photographs using a mobile device, in response to the distance between two or more different lenses and a light source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] An optical guidance device according to this disclosure is attached to a portable terminal having a camera including a lens and a light source. The optical guidance device according to this disclosure comprises: an opposing member having a through hole for allowing light from an object to be photographed to pass toward the lens, a first surface facing the portable terminal, and a second surface facing in the opposite direction to the first surface; a fixing member for fixing the opposing member to the portable terminal; and a lens barrel supporting an objective lens, with at least a portion thereof located between the opposing member and the objective lens. The opposing member has an optical guidance section. The optical guidance section includes at least one light guide section. When the optical guidance device is in use, the light guide section includes a light-incoming section facing the light source, through which light from the light source enters from the first surface, and a light-emitting section that emits light from the light source from the second surface. The distance between the center of the light-emitting section and the center of the through hole is smaller than the distance between the center of the light-incoming section and the center of the through hole. The above-mentioned light induction unit can face at least the light source located at a first distance from the center of the through-hole, and the light source located at a second distance different from the first distance from the center of the through-hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The light-guided device described herein can reduce the occurrence of shadows in fundus photographs when taking fundus photographs using a mobile terminal, and can provide a light-guided device that enables fundus photographs to be taken even at distances between two or more different types of lenses and light sources. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the structure of the optical induction device in Embodiment 1 based on this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the optical induction device in Embodiment 1 based on this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the light induction device in Embodiment 1 based on this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 1 based on this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 1 based on this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 4, showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 1 based on this disclosure. [Figure 7] A front view showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 2 based on this disclosure. [Figure 8] This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 2 based on this disclosure. [Figure 9] This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 2 based on this disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a rear view showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 2 based on this disclosure. [Figure 11] A front view showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 2 based on this disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a rear view showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 2 based on this disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a rear view showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 2 based on this disclosure. [Figure 14]It is an explanatory diagram for describing problems encountered when capturing fundus photographs using a smartphone. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, the structure of the light guiding device in each embodiment based on the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will not be repeated.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the light guiding device in Embodiment 1, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the light guiding device in Embodiment 1, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the light guiding device in Embodiment 1, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of an opposing member of the light guiding device in Embodiment 1, FIG. 5 is another perspective view showing the structure of the opposing member of the light guiding device in Embodiment 1, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4 showing the structure of the opposing member of the light guiding device in Embodiment 1.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the light guiding device 1 of the present embodiment is used by being attached to a portable terminal such as a smartphone 91 having a camera including a lens 92 and a light source 93. In addition to the smartphone 91, portable terminals include devices that are portable such as tablets and have a camera and a light source. The light guiding device 1 mainly includes the opposing member 11, a fixing member 40, and a lens barrel 37.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing member 40 has a contact plate 51 against which the smartphone 91 is brought into contact, and a clamp mechanism that sandwiches the smartphone 91 between the fixing member 40 and the contact plate 51. The contact plate 51 has a flat portion 52 against which the smartphone 91 is brought into contact.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the surface on which the lens 92 of the smartphone 91 is positioned comes into contact with the flat portion 52. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the contact plate 51 is approximately oval in this embodiment. The external shape of the contact plate 51 can be any shape other than oval, such as a rectangle.

[0019] A boss portion 31 is provided on the surface of the contact plate 51 opposite to the flat portion 52. The boss portion 31 has a cylindrical shape and protrudes from the contact plate 51. A female threaded portion 32 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the boss portion 31. The rear end of the lens barrel 37 is fixed to the boss portion 31. Specifically, the rear end of the lens barrel 37 is fixed to the boss portion 31 by screwing a male threaded portion 39 provided on the rear end of the lens barrel 37 into the female threaded portion 32.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lens barrel 37 is a cylindrical member with a hollow interior. The lens barrel 37 supports the objective lens 73, which will be described later, and at least a portion of it is located between the opposing member 11 and the objective lens 73.

[0021] The front and rear ends of the lens barrel 37 are open. The lens barrel 37 is made of a light-shielding material. Examples of light-shielding materials include metal tubes and resin tubes. It is preferable that the resin tubes are dark in color. To make the lens barrel 37 light-shielding, the resin tube itself may be made of a dark-colored resin, or the surface or inner surface of the resin tube may be painted in a dark color.

[0022] The inner surface of the lens barrel 37 in this embodiment is black. Specifically, the inner surface of the lens barrel 37 is painted black. The inner surface of the lens barrel 37 may also be made black by constructing the lens barrel 37 from black resin or the like.

[0023] The opposing member 11 abuts against the rear end surface of the lens barrel 37. An opening 37a is provided on the rear end surface of the lens barrel 37. The through hole 13 of the opposing member 11 faces the opening 37a on the rear end surface of the lens barrel 37.

[0024] An observation lens 71 is held at the tip of the lens barrel 37. The observation lens 71 has an objective lens 73. A male threaded portion 38 is provided on the outer circumference of the tip of the lens barrel 37. An observation lens holding member 35 is attached to the tip of the lens barrel 37 by screwing it into the male threaded portion 38. The observation lens holding member 35 has a female threaded portion 36 on its inner circumference. The female threaded portion 36 and the male threaded portion 38 at the tip of the lens barrel 37 are screwed together. The observation lens holding member 35 is provided with an aperture 35a that guides light from the object to be photographed to the observation lens 71.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the observation lens 71 consists of an objective lens 73 and a cylindrical member 72 that holds its outer circumference. In Figure 2, a convex lens is shown as an example for the objective lens 73, but a combination of a concave lens and a convex lens, or any other combination of lenses, may also be used.

[0026] By using an observation lens holding member 35 to fix the observation lens 71 to the tip of the lens barrel 37, commercially available observation lenses can be attached. Alternatively, the objective lens 73 may be directly fixed to the tip of the lens barrel 37. The observation lens 71 may be provided closer to the rear end of the lens barrel 37 rather than at the tip.

[0027] A portion of the contact plate 51 constitutes a holding portion 34 that holds the opposing member 11. The contour of the contact plate 51 in the holding portion 34 is recessed in a semicircular shape. The opposing member 11 is positioned in the semicircularly recessed holding portion 34. The holding portion 34 is recessed in a semicircular shape so as to follow the outer circumference of the opposing member 11.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a clamping mechanism is provided on the upper part of the contact plate 51 in these figures. The clamping mechanism mainly consists of a base 54, a bolt member 45, a swinging member 41, and a pressing member 55.

[0029] The contact plate 51 has a base 54 that constitutes part of the clamping mechanism. As shown in Figure 3, the base 54 is a plate-shaped member that protrudes from the flat portion 52 of the contact plate 51 toward the side to which the smartphone 91 is made contact. A hole 53 is provided at the tip of the base 54.

[0030] A pivoting member 41 is provided at the tip of the base 54. The pivoting member 41 has a pair of divided parts 43 that sandwich the base 54. A slit 42 is formed between the pair of divided parts 43.

[0031] The tip of the base portion 54 is positioned in the slit 42 sandwiched between the divided portions 43. An axis (not shown) is provided inside the slit 42 to connect the pair of divided portions 43. This axis passes through the hole 53 in the base portion 54, allowing the oscillating member 41 to swing around the axis.

[0032] A female screw hole 44 is provided at the upper end of the oscillating member 41 in Figure 3. A bolt member 45 is provided so as to screw into the female screw hole 44. The bolt member 45 has a head 47, a male screw portion 48, and a tip portion 49. The head 47 is an operating part for the user to grip and screw the bolt member 45 into the oscillating member 41. The head 47 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The shape of the head 47 can be any shape that is easy to grip and rotate, such as a hexagonal prism or an octagonal prism, in addition to a cylindrical shape.

[0033] The tip 49 of the bolt member 45 abuts against the flat portion 52 of the contact plate 51. By screwing the bolt member 45 into the oscillating member 41, the tip 49 is strongly pressed by the flat portion 52. An shaft (not shown) is also provided near the lower end of the slit 42 in Figures 1 to 3. The shaft connects a pair of divided portions 43.

[0034] The shaft located near the lower end of the slit 42 passes through the hole 56 of the pressing member 55 shown in Figure 3. The pressing member 55 has a pressing plate 59 that presses the smartphone 91 and a connecting member 57 connected perpendicular to the pressing plate 59. The connecting member 57 has a hole 56 at its tip. The tip of the connecting member 57 is located in the slit 42 between the pair of divided parts 43.

[0035] The shaft connecting the pair of divided sections 43 passes through the hole 56, allowing the pressing member 55 to rotate relative to the rocking member 41. This ensures that even when the rocking member 41 rocks, the pressing plate 59 of the pressing member 55 maintains a position that conforms to the surface of the smartphone 91. The pressing plate 59 of the pressing member 55 is positioned opposite the opposing member 11, with the smartphone 91 in between. This allows the pressing member 55 to press the smartphone 91 toward the opposing member 11, thereby fixing the smartphone 91 to the contact plate 51.

[0036] When fixing the smartphone 91 to the fixing member 40, the side of the smartphone 91 with the lens 92 is brought into contact with a predetermined position on the contact plate 51, and the pressing member 55 is brought into contact with the opposite side of the smartphone 91. In this state, the head 47 of the bolt member 45 is rotated and the bolt member 45 is screwed into the oscillating member 41, so that the tip 49 comes into strong contact with the flat surface 52 of the contact plate 51. Due to the reaction force, the lower end of the oscillating member 41 is pressed toward the smartphone 91, and the force with which the pressing member 55 presses the smartphone 91 increases. This allows the smartphone 91 to be sandwiched and fixed between the pressing member 55 and the contact plate 51.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the opposing member 11 is positioned in the holding portion 34 provided on the contact plate 51. The opposing member 11 has a through hole 13 that allows light from the object to be photographed to pass through toward the lens 92 of the smartphone 91. The opposing member 11 has a first surface 19a that faces the smartphone 91 and a second surface 19b that faces in the opposite direction to the direction of the first surface 19a.

[0038] The opposing member 11 has a light guiding section, which includes at least one light guide section 14. When the light guidance device 1 is in use, the light guide section 14 includes a light receiving section 16 that faces the light source 93 and into which light from the light source 93 enters from a first surface 19a, and a light emitting section 15 that emits light from the light source 93 from a second surface 19b. The light guiding section can face at least a light source 93 located at a first distance from the center of the through hole 13, and a light source 93 located at a second distance different from the first distance from the center of the through hole 13. The opposing member 11 will be described in more detail below.

[0039] The opposing member 11 has a disc member 19. The disc member 19 of the opposing member 11 is positioned in the semicircular recessed holding portion 34. The disc member 19 has a disc shape. The disc member 19 of the opposing member 11 has a first surface 19a that faces the smartphone 91 and a second surface 19b that faces in the opposite direction to the direction of the first surface 19a.

[0040] A through hole 13 is provided in the center of the disc member 19. The center of the disc member 19 and the center of the through hole 13 coincide. The disc member 19 is rotatably held in the holding part 34. Since the center of the disc member 19 and the center of the through hole 13 coincide, the position of the center of the through hole 13 does not change even if the disc member 19 is rotated inside the holding part 34.

[0041] The disc member 19 has a plurality of light guide sections 14. In this embodiment, the plurality of light guide sections 14 provided on the disc member 19 constitute a light guide section. Each light guide section 14 has a light-receiving section 16 facing the light source 93 of the smartphone 91, into which light emitted from the light source 93 enters from a first surface 19a, a light-emitting section 15 that emits light emitted from the light source 93 from a second surface 19b, and a guide path 17 connecting the light-receiving section 16 and the light-emitting section 15.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, each light-emitting section 15 of the multiple light-guiding sections 14 is arranged on the circumference surrounding the through-hole 13. In this embodiment, nine light-guiding sections 14 and light-emitting sections 15 are provided. The center of the circumference on which each light-emitting section 15 is arranged coincides with the center of the through-hole 13. In other words, from light-emitting section 15a to light-emitting section 15c shown in Figure 4, the distance between the center of each light-emitting section 15 and the center of the through-hole 13 is the same.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the light-receiving portions 16 of the multiple light guide portions 14 are arranged to surround the through-hole 13. In this embodiment, nine light guide portions 14 and light-receiving portions 16 are provided. The distance between the center of each light-receiving portion 16 and the center of the through-hole 13 is different from each other. The light-receiving portion 16a shown in Figure 5 is closest to the through-hole 13. The distance from the through-hole 13 gradually increases sequentially from the light-receiving portion 16a to the light-receiving portion 16c. The ninth light-receiving portion 16c, counting from the light-receiving portion 16a, is the furthest from the through-hole 13.

[0044] The light-receiving section 16 and the light-emitting section 15 of the light guide section 14 are connected by a guide path 17. The guide path 17 is a cavity that extends from the light-receiving section 16 to the light-emitting section 15. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the guide path 17 is reflective. The reflective treatment is performed, for example, by painting the inner surface silver or plating the inner surface silver. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the guide path 17 is reflective, but instead, optical fibers may be embedded inside the guide path 17.

[0045] The guideway 17 is bent as shown in Figure 6. Specifically, it extends from the light-receiving section 16 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 19a, then bends toward the center, and then bends further in a direction perpendicular to the second surface 19b to connect to the light-emitting section 15.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, for example, the light receiving section 16a is connected to the light emitting section 15a by a guide path 17a. Light incident from the light receiving section 16a travels through the guide path 17a, reflecting as it goes, and is guided to the light emitting section 15a, from which it is emitted.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, for example, the distance A1 between the center of the light-emitting section 15a and the center of the through-hole 13 is smaller than the distance B1 between the center of the light-receiving section 16a and the center of the through-hole 13. The distance A2 between the center of the light-emitting section 15b and the center of the through-hole 13 is smaller than the distance B2 between the center of the light-receiving section 16b and the center of the through-hole 13. Also, distances B1 and B2 are different, with distance B1 being smaller than distance B2.

[0048] When using the light induction device 1, as shown in Figure 6, the smartphone 91 is fixed to the light induction device 1 such that the center of the through hole 13 coincides with the center of the lens 92 of the smartphone 91, and the center of the light receiving section 16a coincides with the center of the light source 93. Light emitted from the light source 93 enters the light receiving section 16a located in front. The light that enters the light receiving section 16a is guided by the guide path 17a to the light emitting section 15a and emitted from the light emitting section 15a.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, distance B1 is smaller than distance A1. Distance B1 coincides with the distance between the center of lens 92 and the center of light source 93. Light emitted from light source 93, which is located at a distance B1 away from lens 92 of smartphone 91, is guided by the light guide unit 14a and emitted from distance A1, which is close to the center of lens 92. In this way, light emitted from light source 93, which is far from lens 92, can be guided to a position close to lens 92. This can reduce or eliminate the shadow 201 that appears in the fundus photograph 200 as described in Figure 14.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, distance B1 is different from distance B2. For example, even if the distance between the center of the lens 92 and the center of the light source 93a is B2 in the smartphone 91, by using a light guide unit 14b in which the light receiving unit 16b is located in front of the light source 93a, the light from the light source 93a can be guided to the light emitting unit 15b by the guide path 17b. This makes it possible to emit the light from the light source 93a from a distance A1 that is close to the center of the lens 92.

[0051] By providing multiple light guide sections 14 in this manner, and ensuring that the distances between the center of each light-receiving section 16 and the center of the through-hole 13 are different, the light guidance device 1 can be used with multiple smartphones 91 where the distances between the lens 92 and the light source 93 are different. Furthermore, the light guidance device 1 can be used even when a single smartphone 91 is equipped with multiple lenses 92 at different distances from the light source 93.

[0052] In the opposing member 11 of this embodiment, nine light-receiving portions 16 are provided, from light-receiving portion 16a to light-receiving portion 16c, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The distance between the center of each light-receiving portion 16 and the center of the through-hole 13 is different. Specifically, light-receiving portion 16a is closest to the center of the through-hole 13, and light-receiving portion 16c is furthest from the center of the through-hole 13. The distance from the center of the through-hole 13 gradually increases as you move from light-receiving portion 16a to light-receiving portion 16c. Specifically, each light-receiving portion 16 is arranged such that the distance between the center of the light-receiving portion 16 and the center of the through-hole 13 increases by 1 mm each time.

[0053] As the distance between each light-receiving section 16 and the center of the through-hole 13 gradually changes, it is possible to select a light-receiving section 16a located at a suitable distance depending on the smartphone 91 being used. This allows one light induction device 1 to be used with various smartphones 91 that have different distances between the lens 92 and the light source 93.

[0054] Although the direction of the light source 93 relative to the lens 92 differs for each smartphone model 91, by rotating the disc member 19, the light-receiving part 16 can be positioned to face the light source 93 directly, regardless of the direction in which the light-receiving part 16 is located.

[0055] Furthermore, the opposing member 11 in this embodiment is composed of a disc member 19. As shown in Figure 1, the disc member 19 is held in a semicircular recessed holding portion 34. By rotating the disc member 19 in the holding portion 34, the light-receiving portion 16 suitable for the smartphone 91 being used can be easily selected. Half of the disc member 19 protrudes from the contact plate 51, so the user can easily rotate the disc member 19 by manipulating that portion with their finger.

[0056] The state in which the light source 93 of the smartphone 91 and the light-receiving portion 16 of the disc member 19 are directly facing each other cannot be directly observed. However, by rotating the disc member 19 while looking through the lens barrel 37 from the front end and adjusting the disc member 19 to the position where the light source 93 appears brightest, the light source 93 and the light-receiving portion 16 can be easily brought into direct alignment.

[0057] The method of using the light induction device 1 of this embodiment is as follows: Position the smartphone 91 on the flat portion 52 of the contact plate 51 so that the lens 92 of the smartphone 91 is located in the center of the through hole 13 of the opposing member 11. At this time, by adjusting the position of the smartphone 91 while looking at the image displayed on the smartphone 91's screen, so that the area around the through hole 13 of the opposing member 11 is not reflected on the screen, the smartphone 91 can be positioned in the correct position relative to the through hole 13.

[0058] Next, the clamp mechanism is operated to fix the smartphone 91 to the light induction device 1. Specifically, the head 47 of the bolt member 45 of the fixing member 40 is rotated to screw the bolt member 45 into the swinging member 41. This allows the smartphone 91 to be sandwiched between the pressing member 55 and the contact plate 51 and fixed to the contact plate 51.

[0059] The disc member 19 of the opposing member 11 is rotated to bring the light-receiving part 16 of the light guide 14 directly into contact with the light source 93 of the smartphone 91. At this time, with the light source 93 emitting light, the light-receiving part 16 can be brought directly into contact with the light source 93 by looking through the front end of the lens barrel 37 and adjusting it to the position where the light from the light source 93 is brightest.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2, the observation lens 71 fixed to the tip of the lens barrel 37 is pointed towards the patient's eye S. At this time, the position of the observation lens 71 relative to the eye S is adjusted using the autofocus function of the smartphone 91 so that it is in focus on the fundus of the eye S.

[0061] In this state, the shutter of the smartphone 91 is operated to take a picture. The doctor taking the picture only needs to adjust the focus on the patient's fundus while looking at the smartphone 91's display, making it easy to take fundus photographs.

[0062] Since the lens barrel 37 is made of a light-shielding material, it is possible to prevent external light from entering its interior through the lens barrel 37. This makes it possible to take fundus photographs without being affected by external light.

[0063] The inner surface of the lens barrel 37 is black. This increases the contrast between the fundus of the patient's eye S and the inner surface of the lens barrel 37. Specifically, by preventing the light from the light source 93 from reflecting off the inner surface of the lens barrel 37, only the fundus of the eye S can be brightly illuminated by the light source 93. This ensures that the focus is reliably set on the fundus of the patient's eye S.

[0064] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 13. Figure 7 is a front view showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 2 based on this disclosure; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 2 based on this disclosure; Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 2 based on this disclosure; Figure 10 is a rear view showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 2 based on this disclosure; Figure 11 is a front view showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 2 based on this disclosure; and Figures 12 and 13 are rear views showing the structure of the opposing member of the optical induction device in Embodiment 2 based on this disclosure.

[0065] The main difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 lies in the opposing members. The following description will focus on the structure of the opposing members.

[0066] The opposing member 111 of this embodiment has a disc member body 118a and a lid member 118b attached to the disc member body 118a. In addition, in the opposing member 111 of this embodiment, the light guide portion 114d, which constitutes a part of the light guidance portion, includes an arm 121.

[0067] As shown in Figure 7 and other figures, the opposing member 111 has a first surface 119a that faces the smartphone and a second surface 119b that faces in the opposite direction to the direction of the first surface 119a.

[0068] The opposing member 111 has a light guiding section, which includes at least one light guide section 114. When the light guidance device 1 is in use, the light guide section 114 includes a light receiving section 116 that faces the light source and into which light from the light source enters from a first surface 119a, and a light emitting section 115 that emits light from the light source from a second surface 119b. The light guiding section can face at least a light source located at a first distance from the center of the through hole 113 and a light source located at a second distance different from the first distance from the center of the through hole 113.

[0069] The opposing member 111 has a disc member 119. The disc member 119 has a disc member body 118a and a lid member 118b. A through hole 113 is provided in the center of the disc member 119. The center of the disc member 119 and the center of the through hole 113 coincide. The disc member 119 is rotatably held in the holding portion 34 of the same fixing member 40 as in Embodiment 1. Since the center of the disc member and the center of the through hole 113 coincide, the position of the center of the through hole 113 does not change even if the disc member 119 is rotated inside the holding portion 34.

[0070] The disc member 119 has a plurality of light guide sections 114. In this embodiment, the plurality of light guide sections 114 provided on the disc member 119 constitute a light guide section. Each light guide section 114 has a light-receiving section 116 facing the light source of the smartphone, into which light emitted from the light source enters from a first surface 119a, a light-emitting section 115 that emits light emitted from the light source from a second surface 119b, and a guide path 117 connecting the light-receiving section 116 and the light-emitting section 115.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10, each light-emitting part 115 of the multiple light-guiding parts 114 is arranged on the circumference surrounding the through-hole 13. In this embodiment, 12 light-guiding parts 114 and light-emitting parts 115 are provided. One of these 12 light-guiding parts 114d is formed by an arm 121. The center of the circumference on which each light-emitting part 115 is arranged coincides with the center of the through-hole 113. In other words, the distance between the center of each light-emitting part 115 shown in Figure 10 and the center of the through-hole 113 is the same.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, the light-receiving portions 116 of the multiple light guide portions 114 are arranged to surround the through hole 113, with the exception of the light-receiving portion 116d provided at the tip portion 125 of the arm 121. In this embodiment, 11 light-receiving portions 116 are provided on the disc member 119. As shown in Figure 7, the distance between the center of each light-receiving portion 116 on the disc member 119 and the center of the through hole 113 is different from that of the others.

[0073] The light-receiving portion 116 and the light-emitting portion 115 of the light-guiding portion 114 provided on the disc member 119 are connected by a guide path 117. The guide path 117 is a cavity that extends from the light-receiving portion 116 to the light-emitting portion 115. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the guide path 117 is reflective. The reflective treatment is performed, for example, by painting the inner surface silver or plating the inner surface silver. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the guide path 117 is reflective, but instead, optical fibers may be embedded inside the guide path 117.

[0074] The guide path 117 is bent in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. Specifically, it extends from the light-receiving section 116 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 119a, then bends toward the center, and then bends further toward a direction perpendicular to the second surface 119b to connect to the light-emitting section 115.

[0075] In this embodiment, the disc member 119 is divided into a disc member body 118a and a lid member 118b along the plane passing through the guide path 117. If the disc member 119 were a single unit, it would not be possible to manufacture the disc member by injection molding using resin. By dividing the disc member 119 into two parts along the plane passing through the guide path 117, it becomes possible to manufacture the disc member body 118a and the lid member 118b separately by injection molding. By injection molding the disc member body 118a and the lid member 118b separately and then integrating them by bonding or other means, the disc member 119 can be easily manufactured.

[0076] Furthermore, by dividing the taxiway 117 into sections, painting or other treatments can be applied to the taxiway 117 in its divided state. This facilitates the reflective treatment of the inner surface of the taxiway 117.

[0077] The opposing member 111 in this embodiment has an arm 121. The arm 121, together with the plurality of light guides 114 provided on the disc member 119, constitutes a part of the light guidance section. In this embodiment, the disc member 119 is provided with a plurality of light guides 114 and an arm 121 is also provided, but it is also possible to omit the light guides 114 on the disc member 119 and constitute the light guide section 114 using only the arm 121.

[0078] The arm 121 includes a base portion 123 and a tip portion 125. The base portion 123 of the arm 121 is rotatably fixed to the disc portion 119 of the opposing member 111. The tip portion 125 of the arm 121 is provided with a light-receiving portion 116d.

[0079] The base 123 and tip 125 of the arm 121 are connected by an arc-shaped arm body 127. The outer circumference of the arm body 127 and the outline of the disc member 119 have the same shape. As a result, when the arm 121 is closed as shown in Figure 9, the arm body 127 overlaps with the disc member 119, and the outer circumference of the arm body 127 coincides with the outline of the disc member 119.

[0080] An optical fiber 129 is provided on the inner circumference of the arm body 127. The optical fiber 129 is flexible and can deform in accordance with the movement of the arm 121. As shown in Figure 9 and other figures, a recess is provided on the inner circumference of the arm body 127 that extends along the arm body 127 where the optical fiber 129 is located when the arm 121 is closed. As a result, when the arm 121 is closed, the optical fiber 129 also overlaps with the arm body 127 and the disc member 119.

[0081] The base 123 of the arm 121 has a through hole, and the rotating shaft protruding from the disc member 119 passes through the through hole. This allows the arm body 127 to rotate around the rotating shaft. The end of the optical fiber 129 on the base 123 side is inserted into and fixed in the insertion hole 131. The insertion hole 131 communicates with the light emitting section 115d shown in Figure 12, etc. The space between the insertion hole 131 and the light emitting section 115d serves as a guide path for the light.

[0082] The end of the optical fiber 129 on the tip end 125 side is inserted into the guide path connected to the light-receiving section 116d shown in Figure 11. The light-receiving section 116d connected to this guide path opens in the direction that the first surface 119a faces, just like the other light-receiving sections.

[0083] As shown in Figure 10, when the arm 121 is fully extended, the distance between the center of the light-receiving portion 116d of the tip 125 of the arm 121 and the center of the through hole 113 is distance B3. When the arm 121 is slightly closed as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the distance between the center of the light-receiving portion 116d of the tip 125 of the arm 121 and the center of the through hole 113 becomes distance B4, which is smaller than distance B3. Furthermore, when the arm 121 is closed so that the tip 125 is located near the contour of the disc member 119 as shown in Figure 13, the distance between the center of the light-receiving portion 116d of the tip 125 of the arm 121 and the center of the through hole 113 becomes distance 5, which is even smaller than distance B4.

[0084] Because the light guide portion 114 of the light induction section has an arm 121, the light source and the light receiving portion 116d can be aligned directly even when the smartphone lens and the light source are far apart. Furthermore, the light source and the light receiving portion 116d can be aligned directly even when the smartphone lens and the light source 93 are relatively close together.

[0085] In this embodiment, the arm 121 is rotatable, and its base 123 is pivotally supported on the disc member 119. By rotating the arm 121, the tip 125 of the arm 121 can be extended in various directions. Furthermore, by rotating the disc member 119, the tip 125 of the arm 121 can be extended in any direction.

[0086] Light entering from the light-receiving section 116d travels through the guide path inside the tip section 125 and proceeds to the guide path 117d, which consists of the optical fiber 129. The light entering the optical fiber 129 travels through its interior toward the insertion hole 131. The light entering the insertion hole 131 is guided by the guide path following the insertion hole 131 and emitted from the light-emitting section 115d. This allows light from the light source 93, which is located away from the center of the lens 92, to be emitted from a position close to the lens 92.

[0087] The opposing member 111 of this embodiment has both a plurality of light guides 114 provided on the disc member 119 and a light guide 114 composed of an arm 121. When the light source 93 is far from the lens 92, the light guide 114 consisting of the arm 121 can be used, and when the light source 93 is relatively close to the lens 92, any of the plurality of light guides 114 provided on the disc member 119 can be used, thus accommodating smartphones 91 of various structures.

[0088] <Summary of Disclosures in Embodiments, etc.> The features disclosed in the above-described embodiment can be summarized as follows:

[0089] [Note 1] A light induction device that is attached to a portable terminal having a camera including a lens and a light source, An opposing member having a through hole that allows light from the object to be photographed to pass through toward the lens, a first surface facing the mobile terminal, and a second surface facing in the opposite direction from the first surface, A fixing member for fixing the opposing member to the mobile terminal, The device comprises a lens barrel that supports the objective lens, with at least a portion of it positioned between the opposing member and the objective lens, The opposing member has a light-guiding portion, The aforementioned light induction unit includes at least one light guide unit, In the state in which the light induction device is used, the light guide portion includes a light receiving portion facing the light source, into which light from the light source enters from the first surface, and a light emitting portion that emits light from the light source from the second surface, wherein the distance between the center of the light emitting portion and the center of the through hole is smaller than the distance between the center of the light receiving portion and the center of the through hole. The light induction device is capable of facing at least the light source located at a first distance from the center of the through hole and the light source located at a second distance from the center of the through hole that is different from the first distance.

[0090] [Note 2] The light guide unit includes a plurality of light guide units, including a first light guide unit and a second light guide unit. The light induction device as described in Appendix 1, wherein the distance between the center of the through hole and the center of the light-receiving portion of the first light guide is different from the distance between the center of the through hole and the center of the light-receiving portion of the second light guide.

[0091] [Note 3] The light induction device as described in Appendix 2, wherein the distance between the center of the through-hole and the center of the light-emitting portion of the first light guide is the same as the distance between the center of the through-hole and the center of the light-emitting portion of the second light guide.

[0092] [Note 4] The opposing member has a disc shape, with the through hole located at its center, and includes a disc member on which the light-guiding portion is provided. The fixing member is a light induction device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, which rotatably holds the disc member.

[0093] [Note 5] The light guide unit includes a hollow guideway, and is an optical guidance device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0094] [Note 6] The optical induction device according to Appendix 5, wherein the opposing member is divided into two or more parts on the plane through which the induction path passes.

[0095] [Note 7] The light guide portion includes an arm that includes a base portion and a tip portion. The base of the arm is rotatably fixed to the opposing member, The light induction device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, wherein the tip of the arm is provided with the light receiving portion.

[0096] [Note 8] The optical induction device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, wherein the lens barrel is made of a light-shielding material.

[0097] [Note 9] The optical induction device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 8, wherein the inner surface of the lens barrel is black.

[0098] The shape, size, number, and placement of each part disclosed in the above-described embodiments and their variations can be modified in various ways, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0099] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 1 Light guidance device, 11,111 Opposing members, 13,113 Through holes, 14,14a,14b,114,114d Light guide section, 15,15a,15b,15c,115,115d Light emission section, 16,16a,16b,16c,116,116d Light receiving section, 17,17a,17b,117,117d Guide path, 19,119 Disc member, 19a,119a First surface, 19b,119b Second surface, 31 Boss section, 32,36 Female screw section, 34 Holding section, 35 Observation lens holding member, 35a,37a Opening, 37 Lens barrel, 38,39,48 Male screw section, 40 Fixing member, 41 Swivel member, 42 Slit, 43 44 Divided part, 45 Female screw hole, 47 Bolt member, 47 Head, 49, 125 Tip, 51 Contact plate, 52 Flat part, 53, 56 Hole part, 54, 123 Base, 55 Pressing member, 57 Connecting member, 59 Pressing plate, 71 Observation lens, 72 Cylindrical member, 73 Objective lens, 91 Smartphone, 92 Lens, 93, 93a Light source, 118a Disc member body, 118b Cover member, 121 Arm, 127 Arm body, 129 Optical fiber, 131 Insertion hole, 200 Fundus photograph, 201 Shadow

Claims

1. A light induction device that is attached to a portable terminal having a camera including a lens and a light source, An opposing member having a through hole that allows light from the object to be photographed to pass through toward the lens, a first surface facing the mobile terminal, and a second surface facing in the opposite direction from the first surface, A fixing member for fixing the opposing member to the mobile terminal, The device comprises a lens barrel that supports the objective lens, with at least a portion of it positioned between the opposing member and the objective lens, The opposing member has a light-guiding portion, The light induction section includes at least one light guide section, In the state in which the light induction device is used, the light guide portion includes a light receiving portion facing the light source, into which light from the light source enters from the first surface, and a light emitting portion that emits light from the light source from the second surface, wherein the distance between the center of the light emitting portion and the center of the through hole is smaller than the distance between the center of the light receiving portion and the center of the through hole. The light induction device is capable of facing at least the light source located at a first distance from the center of the through hole and the light source located at a second distance different from the first distance from the center of the through hole.

2. The light guide unit includes a plurality of light guide units, including a first light guide unit and a second light guide unit. The light induction device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the center of the through hole and the center of the light-receiving portion of the first light guide is different from the distance between the center of the through hole and the center of the light-receiving portion of the second light guide.

3. The light guidance device according to claim 2, wherein the distance between the center of the through hole and the center of the light emission portion of the first light guide is the same as the distance between the center of the through hole and the center of the light emission portion of the second light guide.

4. The opposing member has a disc shape, with the through hole located at its center, and includes a disc member on which the light-guiding portion is provided. The optical induction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing member rotatably holds the disc member.

5. The light guide portion includes a hollow guide path, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The optical induction device according to claim 5, wherein the opposing member is divided into two or more parts on the plane through which the induction path passes.

7. The light guide portion includes an arm that includes a base portion and a tip portion. The base of the arm is rotatably fixed to the opposing member, The light induction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light receiving portion is provided at the tip of the arm.

8. The optical induction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lens barrel is made of a light-shielding material.

9. The optical induction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner surface of the lens barrel is black.

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