Spot imaging device and spot imaging equipment

Abstract

To provide a fleck imaging apparatus that can be miniaturized and can easily image a fleck generated on the skin of a human body, and a fleck imaging instrument.SOLUTION: A fleck imaging apparatus 1 images a melanin 102 generated on the skin 101 of a human body as a subject 100. The fleck imaging apparatus 1 comprises: a lens 2 transmitting light having a wavelength of at least 350-500 nm; an imaging device 3 imaging an optical image of the subject 100, having a wavelength of at least 350-400 nm; and a filter (first filter 4A) transmitting light having a wavelength of at least 350-500 nm. The fleck imaging apparatus can image the melanin 102 visualized as the optical image by the irradiation with light having a wavelength of at least 350-400 nm.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a blemish imaging device for imaging blemishes occurring on human skin, and to a blemish imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, awareness of beauty has increased, and for example, there is a high interest in maintaining fair skin. In human skin, melanin is produced to protect the epidermis and dermis from irritation such as ultraviolet rays. Depending on various conditions such as the time the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays and the intensity of the ultraviolet rays, melanin may be produced in excess. It is known that such melanin causes pigmentation over time and can cause age spots.

[0003] There are imaging devices that can capture images of blemishes and tell the current state of the blemishes (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). The device described in Patent Document 1 is a device that includes a lens, a CCD, and multiple processing units, and obtains an image that emphasizes melanin pigmentation. The device described in Patent Document 2 is a device that includes multiple light sources, a camera, and polarizing filters arranged for each light source, and classifies blemishes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-261861 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2008-237243 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the device configurations described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 tend to be large overall. In particular, the device described in Patent Document 2 is expected to have a maximum width of 44 mm, a maximum depth of 33 mm, and a maximum height of 116 mm. With such a large device, there are concerns about, for example, the ease of transportation (carrying) the device, the required installation space, and large amounts of power consumption during use.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a blemish imaging device and blemish imaging equipment that can be miniaturized and can easily image blemishes that occur on human skin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the blemish imaging device of the present invention is a blemish imaging device that images melanin produced on the skin of a human body as a subject, and is equipped with a lens that transmits light having a wavelength of at least 350 nm to 500 nm, an imaging element that captures an optical image of the subject having a wavelength of at least 350 nm to 400 nm, and a filter that transmits light having a wavelength of 350 nm to 500 nm, and captures the melanin, which is visualized by irradiation with light of at least 350 nm to 400 nm, as the optical image.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the blemish imaging device of the present invention comprises a light source which irradiates light having a wavelength of at least 350 nm to 400 nm, and a blemish imaging device which images melanin produced on the skin of a human body as a subject, the blemish imaging device comprising a lens which transmits light having a wavelength of at least 350 nm to 500 nm, an imaging element which captures an optical image of the subject having a wavelength of at least 350 nm to 400 nm, and a filter which transmits light having a wavelength of 350 nm to 500 nm, and which captures the melanin, which is visualized by irradiation with light of at least 350 nm to 400 nm, as the optical image. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, a lens, a filter, and an image sensor can be arranged in this order along the optical axis of the lens, which makes it possible to reduce the size (thinness) of the device. Furthermore, by setting the wavelengths of light transmitted through the lens and the filter to predetermined values, the imaging element can easily capture images of blemishes that appear on human skin. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a stain imaging device of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing an example of an optical image captured by the stain imaging device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a stain imaging device of the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the stain imaging device shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart of a control program executed by the stain imaging device shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention. [Figure 8] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a light image (first light image) captured by the stain imaging device shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 8 is a diagram showing an example of an optical image (second optical image) captured by the stain imaging device shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the date of imaging of a blemish and the size (number of pixels) of the blemish. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an external view showing a third embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an external view showing a fourth embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of a stain imaging device and stain imaging equipment of the present invention based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. <First embodiment of spot imaging device> Fig. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a stain imaging device of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an optical image captured by the stain imaging device shown in Fig. 1. Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Note that, for convenience of explanation, the upper side in Fig. 1 may be referred to as "upper" or "upper side", and the lower side as "lower" or "lower".

[0012] 1, the blemish imaging device 1A includes a lens 2, an imaging element 3, a first filter 4A, a second filter 4B, a third filter 4C, a substrate 51, a housing 52, a holder 53, and a signal readout section 54. This blemish imaging device 1A can image melanin 102 produced on skin 101 of a human body as a subject 100.

[0013] When the melanin 102 is imaged by the blemish imaging device 1A, the image is captured while ultraviolet light UV is irradiated from a light source (not shown) toward the subject 100. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light UV used for imaging is preferably 350 nm to 400 nm.

[0014] Melanin 102 is produced to protect the epidermis layer, dermis layer, etc., that constitute skin 101 from ultraviolet rays. When skin 101 is exposed to ultraviolet rays, this melanin 102 may become pigmented over time and become spots. In this specification, "spots" include spots where melanin 102 has been pigmented and is clearly visible to the naked eye, as well as spots that are not yet pigmented or are not yet sufficiently pigmented and are therefore called "potential spots."

[0015] In the blemish imaging device 1A, a lens 2, a first filter 4A, a second filter 4B, a third filter 4C, and an imaging element 3 are arranged in this order from the subject 100 side. In addition, the first filter 4A, the second filter 4B, the third filter 4C, and the imaging element 3 are arranged on the optical axis of the lens 2.

[0016] The lens 2 is a convex lens made of, for example, a resin material, and has at least a convex surface 21 on the subject 100 side. When capturing an image, natural light, for example, is also incident on the lens 2 in addition to the ultraviolet light UV from the light source. For this reason, the lens 2 is one that transmits light with a wavelength of at least 350 nm to 500 nm, or 350 nm to 650 nm. The light that has transmitted through the lens 2 is emitted toward the imaging element 3. The resin material constituting the lens 2 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, polycarbonate.

[0017] 2, the imaging element 3 can capture an optical image 32. The optical image 32 is an optical image of a subject 100 having a wavelength of at least 350 nm to 400 nm. The imaging element 3 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor having sensitivity to ultraviolet light UV.

[0018] Meanwhile, melanin 102 has a property of absorbing ultraviolet rays UV with wavelengths of 350 nm to 400 nm. As shown in Fig. 1, ultraviolet rays UV irradiated on subject 100 include ultraviolet rays UV that are absorbed by melanin 102 and ultraviolet rays UV that are not absorbed by melanin 102 and are reflected by skin 101. If the ultraviolet rays UV reflected by skin 101 are received by light receiving surface 31 of imaging element 3, optical image 32 of melanin 102 visualized by the portion absorbed by melanin 102 becoming shadow can be easily captured as optical image 32 of subcutaneous spots.

[0019] The number of pixels of the imaging element 3 is preferably 5 million or more, more preferably 8 million to 13 million, but may be 16 million or more. This allows even a minute stain to be sufficiently imaged. In addition, in the stain imaging device 1A, when at least three black pixels are adjacent to each other in a light image 32, the light image 32 is regarded as a stain light image 32.

[0020] Regardless of the number of pixels, the imaging element 3 preferably has a size of 10 mm or less in height and 10 mm or less in width when viewed from above. In recent years, even for high pixel counts such as 12 million pixels, it has become possible to manufacture imaging elements that are 5 mm or less in height and 5 mm or less in width when viewed from above. Furthermore, if the optical height of the lens 2 is 6 mm or less, it is preferable that the height (thickness) of the imaging element 3 is 0.2 mm or less. An imaging element 3 of this size contributes to the miniaturization of the stain imaging device 1A.

[0021] Moreover, it is preferable to use a CMOS image sensor capable of capturing a monochrome optical image 32 as the imaging element 3. This makes it possible to increase sensitivity and capture a clear image of a stain regardless of its size or darkness.

[0022] A first filter 4A is disposed between the lens 2 and the imaging element 3. The first filter 4A is a filter that transmits light having a wavelength of 350 nm to 500 nm. The first filter 4A is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a filter having a glass substrate 41 and a laminated filter film 42 provided on the surface of the glass substrate 41 for transmitting a desired wavelength. The glass substrate 41 is disposed below the lens 2 and spaced apart from the lens 2. The glass substrate 41 is a glass plate that transmits light of at least 350 nm or more. The thickness of this plate is preferably, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, and more preferably 0.11 mm to 0.21 mm. The laminated filter film 42 is made of a thin film such as a titanium oxide film or a silicon oxide film formed on the lower surface of the glass substrate 41 by, for example, deposition. This allows the first filter 4A to transmit light having a wavelength in the above-mentioned numerical range.

[0023] Also, among the light transmitted through the first filter 4A, light outside the absorption wavelength band of the melanin 102, i.e., light of 400 nm to 500 nm, is considered to have a relatively small effect on imaging of the melanin 102. This light contributes to making the contours, etc. of the optical image 32 of the blemish clearer.

[0024] Moreover, it is preferable that the first filter 4A blocks light with a wavelength longer than 500 nm. Light in this wavelength range is easily absorbed by hemoglobin, which may impair clear imaging of stains. Therefore, by blocking light in this wavelength range with the first filter 4A, clear imaging of stains becomes possible.

[0025] Between first filter 4A and imaging element 3, second filter 4B and third filter 4C are disposed so as to overlap each other. The third filter 4C is a clear filter arranged on the subject 100 side of the imaging element 3. The third filter 4C is, for example, a transparent plate made of resin, and is a filter that transmits light with a wavelength of at least 350 nm to 500 nm, similar to the lens 2. The third filter 4C contacts the imaging element 3 and covers the light receiving surface 31 of the imaging element 3. This makes it possible to protect the light receiving surface 31.

[0026] The second filter 4B is disposed closer to the subject 100 than the third filter 4C. The second filter 4B is an infrared cut filter (IR cut filter) that is made of, for example, a dielectric multilayer film and blocks infrared rays. This makes it possible to prevent infrared rays from entering the imaging element 3.

[0027] Natural light contains infrared rays, which are significantly reflected by skin 101 and may impair the imaging of blemishes by imaging element 3. Therefore, blocking infrared rays with second filter 4B is preferable in terms of imaging blemishes.

[0028] The blemish imaging device 1A has a configuration in which the lens 2, first filter 4A, second filter 4B, third filter 4C, and imaging element 3 as described above are arranged in this order along the optical axis of the lens 2 (see FIG. 1). This allows the blemish imaging device 1A to be made smaller (thinner). In this case, for example, the blemish imaging device 1A can have a maximum width of 10 mm, a maximum depth of 10 mm, and a maximum height of 7 mm. A blemish imaging device 1A of this size can be incorporated into a mobile device such as a smartphone, making it easy to carry around.

[0029] As described above, the stain imaging device 1A includes the substrate 51, the housing 52, the holder 53, and the signal readout section 54 (see FIG. 1). The substrate 51 is a printed circuit board provided with conductive wiring (not shown). The imaging element 3 and a signal readout section 54 are fixed to the substrate 51 and are electrically connected to the wiring.

[0030] The signal readout unit 54 is configured to read out a video signal from the imaging element 3. The signal readout unit 54 is a connector that is connected to an external device having, for example, a liquid crystal display. This allows the video signal read out via the signal readout unit 54 to be transmitted to the external device, and the optical image 32 of the blemish can be displayed on the liquid crystal display. The user of the blemish imaging device 1A can observe the optical image 32 of the blemish displayed on the liquid crystal display and grasp the current state of the blemish. Then, the user can take early preventive measures before the blemish becomes apparent. Preventive measures are important for maintaining fair skin.

[0031] The housing 52 is a box-shaped member that houses the imaging element 3 together with the second filter 4B and the third filter 4C. The housing 52 has a through hole 521 in a portion facing the lens 2. Ultraviolet rays UV pass through the through hole 521. The first filter 4A is fixed so as to cover the through hole 521.

[0032] As described above, the first filter 4A is disposed between the lens 2 and the imaging element 3. This arrangement makes it possible to adopt a mode in which the first filter 4A is fixed to the housing 52. This makes it possible to easily manufacture a package including the imaging element 3, the first filter 4A, and the housing 52.

[0033] A holder 53 is integrally formed on the upper side of the housing 52. The holder 53 supports the lens 2 and can maintain the focal position of the lens 2 constant. This allows the stain imaging device 1A to be configured without a focal position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the focal position. Therefore, the stain imaging device 1A can be made smaller by the amount that the focal position adjustment mechanism is omitted. Note that the stain imaging device 1A may be provided with a focal position adjustment mechanism. The method of fixing the holder 53 to the lens 2 is not particularly limited, and examples include a method of fixing using a resin adhesive 56.

[0034] <Second embodiment of spot imaging device> Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention. Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3, but the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the similar points will be omitted. Note that, for convenience of description, the upper side in Fig. 3 may be referred to as "upper" or "upper side", and the lower side as "lower" or "lower". This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that the location of the first filter 4A is different.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 3, the first filter 4A of the blemish imaging device 1B is disposed closer to the subject 100 than the lens 2. In this embodiment, the first filter 4A is supported by a holder 53 via a transparent glass plate 55. Ultraviolet rays UV can be sufficiently transmitted through the glass plate 55. Note that in the blemish imaging device 1B, the glass plate 55 may be omitted and the first filter 4A may be directly installed on the holder 53.

[0036] For example, if the lens 2 is made of acrylic resin, the lens 2 is relatively easy to break. Therefore, by disposing the first filter 4A closer to the subject 100 than the lens 2, the lens 2 can be protected, which contributes to preventing deterioration of the lens 2.

[0037] <First embodiment of stain imaging device> FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the stain imaging device shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a control program executed by the stain imaging device shown in FIG. 4. Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, focusing on differences from the previously described embodiments, and omitting descriptions of similar matters. In the following, for convenience of description, the upper side in FIG. 4 may be referred to as "upper" or "upper side", and the lower side as "lower" or "lower side". In this embodiment, the configuration of the blemish imaging device is similar to that of the above-mentioned "First embodiment of the blemish imaging device."

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the blemish imaging device 10A includes a light source 6 and a blemish imaging device 1A. The light source 6 is disposed adjacent to the blemish imaging device 10A, and is a device that irradiates light including at least ultraviolet rays UV toward the subject 100 when imaging is performed by the blemish imaging device 10A. The wavelength of the ultraviolet rays UV is preferably 350 nm to 400 nm, and more preferably 365 nm to 395 nm.

[0039] The light source 6 includes a UV lamp 61 and a housing 62 . The UV lamp 61 is a lamp that emits ultraviolet light UV. The UV lamp 61 is fixed to the substrate 51 and electrically connected to the wiring of the substrate 51. The housing 62 is a box-shaped member that houses the UV lamp 61. The housing 62 has a transparent glass plate 621 at a portion where the ultraviolet rays UV are emitted from the UV lamp 61. The ultraviolet rays UV can pass through the glass plate 621 sufficiently.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the blemish imaging device 10A further includes a display unit 7, a notification unit 8, and a control unit 9. The display unit 7 is configured to display the video signal read out via the signal readout unit 54 as an optical image 32 of a stain. This allows a user of the stain imaging device 10A to observe the optical image 32 of a stain displayed on the display unit 7. The display unit 7 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0041] The notification unit 8 is configured to notify the beauty advice determined by the control unit 9. In this embodiment, the notification unit 8 has a speaker 81 that emits sound. This allows the beauty advice to be notified by voice. Note that the notification unit 8 is not limited to notifying by voice, and may be, for example, notifying by emitting lights of different colors. In addition, in the stain imaging device 10A, the display unit 7 may take on part or all of the functions of the notification unit 8.

[0042] The control unit 9 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91 and a storage unit 92, and can control the operations of the blemish imaging device 1A, the light source 6, the display unit 7, the notification unit 8, and the like.

[0043] The CPU 91 can execute various control programs and the like stored in the storage unit 92. The CPU 91 also has a portion that functions as a detection unit 911 and a portion that functions as a selection unit 912.

[0044] The detection unit 911 detects blemishes based on the optical image 32 captured by the imaging element 3 of the blemish imaging device 1A. As described above, in the blemish imaging device 1A, an optical image 32 in which at least three consecutive black pixels are adjacent to each other is regarded as an optical image 32 of a blemish. Therefore, when at least three consecutive black pixels are adjacent to each other in the optical image 32, the detection unit 911 determines that a blemish has been detected, that is, that a blemish is present.

[0045] Furthermore, when a stain is present, the detection unit 911 obtains one of the detection values ​​from among the stain area, the number of stains per unit area, and the stain shading value as a detection result. In this embodiment, the stain area is used as a representative of the detection values. Furthermore, the number of black pixels in the light image 32 is used as the stain area.

[0046] The selection unit 912 selects beauty advice based on the detection result by the detection unit 911 from among a plurality of beauty advice pieces stored in the storage unit 92. For example, as described below, the selection unit 912 can select beauty advice based on the degree of deviation (calculated value β) between the detection value α by the detection unit 911 and a threshold value α0.

[0047] Then, the notification unit 8 can notify the user of the beauty advice selected by the selection unit 912. This allows the user of the blemish imaging device 10A to utilize the beauty advice, together with the light image 32 of the blemish displayed on the display unit 7, in maintaining the whiteness of the skin in the future.

[0048] The storage unit 92 stores various control programs, a plurality of beauty advice for blemishes, etc. The beauty advice may include, for example, current beauty advice at the time of imaging, future beauty advice, etc.

[0049] The blemish imaging device 10A can irradiate ultraviolet light UV, then image the spot, and then provide beauty advice. Next, the control program from irradiation with ultraviolet rays UV to providing beauty advice will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. This control program is executed by the control unit 9. Furthermore, "threshold α0", "threshold β1", and "threshold β2", which will be described later, are all reference values ​​for determining the level of beauty advice that needs to be provided.

[0050] First, the light source 6 is operated to irradiate the subject 100 with ultraviolet light UV (step S101). Next, the detection unit 911 detects blemishes (step S102) and judges whether or not there are blemishes (step S103). If it is judged that there are blemishes (step S103: YES), the irradiation of ultraviolet light UV by the light source 6 is stopped (step S104).

[0051] Next, the CPU 91 calculates the difference between the detection value α by the detection unit 911 and a threshold value α0 stored in advance in the storage unit 92 to obtain a calculated value β (step S105). Next, the calculated value β is compared with a threshold value β1 stored in advance in the storage unit 92 to determine whether the calculated value β is smaller than the threshold value β1 (step S106).

[0052] If it is determined in step S106 that the calculated value β is smaller than the threshold value β1 (step S106: YES), the selection unit 912 selects the beauty advice "spot level 1" (step S107). After that, the notification unit 8 notifies the user of "spot level 1" (step S108). Note that "spot level 1" is advice such as "Currently, your spots are barely noticeable, so let's..."

[0053] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S106 that the calculated value β is smaller than the threshold value β1 (step S106: NO), the calculated value β is compared with the threshold values ​​β1 and β2 prestored in the storage unit 92 to determine whether the calculated value β is equal to or larger than the threshold value β1 and equal to or smaller than the threshold value β2 (step S109). Note that the threshold value β2 is larger than the threshold value β1.

[0054] If it is determined in step S109 that the calculated value β is equal to or greater than the threshold value β1 and equal to or less than the threshold value β2 (step S109: YES), the selection unit 912 selects the beauty advice "spot level 2" (step S111). After that, the notification unit 8 notifies the user of "spot level 2" (step S111). Note that "spot level 2" is advice such as "spots may be noticeable depending on the brightness of the surrounding environment, so please..."

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S109 that the calculated value β is not equal to or greater than the threshold value β1 and equal to or less than the threshold value β2 (step S109: NO), the selection unit 912 selects the beauty advice "spot level 3" (step S112). After that, the notification unit 8 notifies the user of "spot level 3" (step S113). Note that "spot level 3" is advice such as "Your spot is very noticeable, so please..."

[0056] If it is not determined in step S103 that there is a blemish (step S103: NO), a timer built into the control unit 9 is operated (step S114), and detection of a blemish by the detection unit 911 is continued until the timer times out (step S115). When the timer times out, irradiation of ultraviolet light UV by the light source 6 is stopped (step S116).

[0057] By executing the above-described control program, the user of the blemish imaging device 10A can utilize the beauty advice in maintaining white skin in the future. The thresholds α0, β1, and β2 can be changed as appropriate depending on, for example, the age and race of the subject 100, the season in which the blemish imaging device 10A is used, and the like.

[0058] <Second embodiment of stain imaging device> Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an optical image (first optical image) captured by the stain imaging device shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an optical image (second optical image) captured by the stain imaging device shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the imaging date when the stain was imaged and the size (number of pixels) of the stain. Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 10, but the description will focus on the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment and omit the description of the similar matters. This embodiment is similar to the "first embodiment of the stain imaging device" except for the configuration of the control unit.

[0059] 7, the control unit 9 of the blemish imaging device 10B has a portion in which the CPU 91 functions as an estimation unit 913. The estimation unit 913 compares the blemishes detected from the first light image 321 with the blemishes detected from the second light image 321, and estimates future blemishes, i.e., blemishes that are expected to occur in the future.

[0060] Here, the first light image 321 and the second light image 322 will be described. The first light image 321 and the second light image 322 are light images 32 of a blemish (melanin 102) captured at the same location with a time difference by the blemish imaging device 1A. FIG. 8 shows the first light image 321 captured on July 1, for example. FIG. 9 shows the second light image 322 captured on August 1 of the same year, for example. Comparing FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, it can be confirmed that the second light image 322 is larger than the first light image 321, and it can be seen that the area of ​​the blemish increases with the passage of time.

[0061] In this embodiment, the blemish detected from the first light image 321 as of July 1st is compared with the blemish detected from the second light image 321 as of August 1st, and the estimating unit 913 can estimate the blemish one month later on September 1st. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 10, the number of black pixels in the first light image 321 and the number of black pixels in the second light image 321 are plotted, respectively, to obtain a regression line RL. Then, the value on the vertical axis of the portion on the extension line EL of the regression line RL that corresponds to the date September 1st is estimated to be the size of the blemish expected on September 1st.

[0062] Thereafter, for example, "the size of the blemish expected on September 1st" is set as the detection value α, and the steps from step S106 onwards are executed in sequence. In this manner, in blemish imaging device 10B, beauty advice is selected by selection unit 912 based on the estimation result by estimation unit 913. This allows the user of blemish imaging device 10B to obtain beauty advice.

[0063] <Third embodiment of stain imaging device> Fig. 11 is an external view showing a third embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention. Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11, but the differences from the above-mentioned embodiments will be mainly described, and the description of the similar matters will be omitted. In the following, for convenience of description, the upper side in Fig. 11 may be referred to as "upper" or "upper side", and the lower side as "lower" or "lower". This embodiment is similar to the above-mentioned "First Embodiment of the Spot Imaging Device" except for the appearance of the spot imaging device.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 11, the outer shape of the stain imaging device 10C is stick-shaped. A grip part 111 that is gripped during use is provided at the bottom of the exterior 11 of the stain imaging device 10C. This allows the stain imaging device 10C to be stably gripped when using the stain imaging device 10C, improving operability.

[0065] <Fourth embodiment of stain imaging device> Fig. 12 is an external view showing a fourth embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention. Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment of the stain imaging device of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 12, but the description will focus on the differences from the previously described embodiments, and a description of the similar points will be omitted. This embodiment is similar to the above-mentioned "First Embodiment of the Spot Imaging Device" except that a part of the configuration and the appearance of the spot imaging device are different.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 12, the stain imaging device 10D further includes a light source 12 and a color image capturing device 13. The color image capturing device 13 is capable of capturing a color image of the subject 100. This color image is displayed on the display unit 7. The light source 12 emits light having a wavelength of 400 nm or more, preferably visible light, which makes it possible to capture a color image in a dark place.

[0067] The stain imaging device 10D has a flat outer shape, i.e., an outer shape similar to that of a recent smartphone, and has the stain imaging device 1A, the light source 6, the light source 12, and the color image imaging device 13 arranged on the rear side. A display unit 7 is arranged on the front side of the stain imaging device 10D.

[0068] Although the stain imaging device and stain imaging device of the present invention have been described above in terms of the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these, and each component constituting the stain imaging device and stain imaging device can be replaced with any component capable of exerting the same function. Also, any component may be added. Furthermore, the stain imaging device and stain imaging equipment of the present invention may be a combination of any two or more configurations (features) of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1A Spot imaging device 1B Spot imaging device 2 Lenses 21 Convex 3. Image sensor 31 Photosensitive surface 32 Light Image 321 1st light image 322 Second light image 4A 1st Filter 41 Glass substrate 42 Laminated filter membrane 4B Second filter 4C 3rd filter 51 Substrate 52 Housing 521 Through hole 53 Holder 54 Signal reading section 55 Glass Plate 56 Adhesive 6 light source 61 UV lamp 62 Housing 621 Glass Plate 7 Display section 8. Notification Department 81 Speaker 9. Control Unit 91 CPU (Central Processing Unit) 911 Detection unit 912 Selection Section 913 Estimation Department 92 Memory section 10A Spot imaging equipment 10B Spot imaging equipment 10C Spot Imaging Equipment 10D stain imaging device 11 Exterior 111 Gripping part 12 light source 100 subjects 101 Skin 102 Melanin UV ultraviolet light EL extension line RL Regression Line S101~S116 Steps α detection value α0 threshold β calculation value β1 threshold β2 threshold

Claims

1. A blemish imaging device including an imaging device and a light source for imaging melanin produced on the skin of a human body as a subject, The imaging device includes: Arranged in order from the subject side, Lenses and A first filter that is made of a glass substrate and has a laminated filter film formed on its surface, and that blocks light with a wavelength longer than 500 nm; a second filter configured with a dielectric multilayer film and blocking infrared rays; a third filter made of resin that is a clear filter; an image pickup element for capturing a light image of the subject having a wavelength of at least 350 nm to 400 nm; the first filter transmits light having a wavelength of at least 400 nm to 500 nm, the lens and the third filter transmit light having a wavelength of at least 350 nm to 500 nm, the third filter is disposed so as to overlap the second filter and is in contact with the image sensor to cover a light receiving surface of the image sensor; the light source is disposed adjacent to the imaging device on the same substrate and irradiates the subject with light having a wavelength of 350 nm to 400 nm; A blemish imaging device, characterized in that melanin produced in the skin of the human body is visualized by light irradiated from the light source, and is imaged as the light image.

2. 2. The stain imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging element captures the optical image in monochrome.

3. The blemish imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the optical image of melanin is an optical image of a subcutaneous blemish.

4. The stain imaging device according to claim 1 , further comprising a display unit for displaying the optical image of the stain.

5. A detection unit for detecting the stain; A storage unit that stores a plurality of beauty advice pieces for the blemishes; The blemish imaging device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a selection unit that selects, from the plurality of pieces of beauty advice, beauty advice based on a detection result by the detection unit.

6. The stain imaging device according to claim 5 , wherein the detection section obtains, as the detection result, one of a detection value of an area of ​​the stain, a number of the stains per unit area, and a gradation value of the stain.

7. The blemish imaging device according to claim 6 , wherein the selection section selects the beauty advice depending on the degree of deviation between the detection value and a threshold value.

8. The optical image of melanin includes a first optical image and a second optical image captured at a time difference of the same location, The blemish imaging device according to claim 7 , further comprising an estimation unit that estimates future blemishes by comparing the blemishes detected from the first light image with the blemishes detected from the second light image.

9. The blemish imaging device according to claim 8 , wherein the selection section selects the beauty advice based on an estimation result from the estimation section.

10. The blemish imaging device according to claim 9 , further comprising a notification unit that notifies the beauty advice selected by the selection unit.

11. The stain imaging device according to claim 1 , further comprising a light source that irradiates light with a wavelength of 400 nm or more.

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