Optical attachment for smartphone, and combination structure of said optical attachment and smartphone

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an optical attachment for a smartphone that makes it possible to irradiate an eye of a subject with slit light even when a light source of the smartphone is positioned away from the camera lens used for imaging,. [Solution] An optical attachment 10 that is detachably attached to a smartphone 50 comprises: a housing 1 that is held by the smartphone 50 by being engaged with a side thereof on the side on which a light source 52 and a photographing camera lens 53 are provided; a convex lens 2 which is provided on a front surface 1a on the side of the light source and the photographing camera lens among the outer surfaces of the housing 1, and which is positioned in front of the photographing camera lens 53 and forms a focal point on an eye of a subject when the smartphone 50 is held onto the housing 1; a slit light forming unit 4 which is provided on the same surface as the front surface 1a, is positioned diagonally in front of the convex lens 2 when the smartphone 50 is held onto the housing 1, and irradiates the eye of the subject with light emitted from the light source 52 as slit light 8; and an optical waveguide 3 which propagates the light emitted from the light source 52 to the slit light forming unit 4.

Description

Optical attachment for smartphone and combined structure of the optical attachment and smartphone

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical attachment for a smartphone and a combined structure of the optical attachment and the smartphone. More specifically, the present invention relates to an optical attachment for a smartphone that is used for observing or photographing the internal state and surface state of the anterior eye part and utilized for diagnosing eye diseases, etc., and a combined structure of the optical attachment and the smartphone that is mounted on the smartphone for use.

[0002] A dedicated magnifying glass is required to examine the eyes. A doctor examines using a magnifying glass, obtains findings, makes an evaluation, and follows the process of diagnosing and treating. In a specialized ophthalmology outpatient clinic, a slit lamp microscope is used. However, since a slit lamp microscope is large, heavy, and expensive, a hand-held slit lamp microscope is widely used at the ophthalmic examination sites other than the outpatient clinic such as bedside when simplicity is required.

[0003] However, with a hand-held slit lamp microscope, the operation is difficult, so the information obtained is scarce. Although the anterior eye part can be observed, the image cannot be recorded. Furthermore, with a hand-held slit lamp microscope, it takes time to obtain findings. Also, the number of patients, etc. who can be examined at one time is only one person. In addition, a hand-held slit lamp microscope has many problems such as being heavy because it includes a light source.

[0004] As prior art attempts to solve the above problems, for example, a technique has been proposed in which a smartphone is fixed to a stand with a light source for photographing, a close-up photographing device with a lighting function, and an ultra-close photographing device (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Also, for example, an ophthalmoscope has been proposed that includes a system or application for saving an image obtained from an image acquisition technique (see, for example, Patent Document 3). Also, for example, a wide-field retinal image acquisition system and method for photographing and analyzing the retina with a smartphone have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

[0005] However, the devices described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are heavy because they include a light source, and there are still problems such as the inability to easily observe both internal and external damage to the anterior segment. Furthermore, the device described in Patent Document 3 lacks a close-up function when photographing the anterior segment, and the details of the light source are not described, so it is not possible to actually acquire images. Furthermore, the device described in Patent Document 4 focuses only on the retina and does not photograph the anterior segment, which is a problem. In addition, with the conventional devices described in these patent documents, findings cannot be obtained unless the examination is performed by a skilled person. Furthermore, there are macroscopic problems such as the need to perform evaluations in the examination room, and the inability to use them for research. Moreover, none of the devices described in the above patent documents have been commercialized.

[0006] To address these challenges, Patent Document 5 proposes a close-up imaging device that can be attached to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone to easily observe or photograph the internal and surface conditions of the anterior eye. This technology is a close-up imaging device that is detachably attached to a mobile terminal equipped with a light source and a camera lens, and is an integrated structure having at least a convex lens, a slit light-forming part, and a color filter. When the close-up imaging device is attached to the mobile terminal, the convex lens is positioned in front of the camera lens, the slit light-forming part is positioned in front of the light source, and the color filter is configured to be installed in front of the light source or to retract.

[0007] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-121320, Utility Model Registration No. 3197418, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-524483, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-501005, WO2021 / 020584A1

[0008] When observing or photographing a subject's eyes with a smartphone equipped with the close-up photography device described in Patent Document 5, when new smartphones are released, the positions of the light source and the camera lens often differ from those of previous smartphones. In particular, when the positions of the light source and the camera lens are far apart, conventional close-up photography devices have the drawback of not being able to bring the light from the light source close enough to the camera lens. Furthermore, the distance from the subject must be manually adjusted to maintain an appropriate spatial distance, which is difficult to do, making it difficult to perform a thorough eye diagnosis.

[0009] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and its objective is to provide a smartphone optical attachment that can irradiate a subject's eye with slit light even when the light source and the camera lens of the smartphone are far apart, and a combined structure of the optical attachment and the smartphone. Furthermore, another objective is to provide a smartphone optical attachment that can maintain a constant spatial distance between the smartphone and the subject during diagnosis, enabling stable diagnosis, and a combined structure of the optical attachment and the smartphone.

[0010] (1) The optical attachment for a smartphone according to the present invention is a smartphone optical attachment that is detachably attached to a smartphone equipped with a light source and a camera lens for taking photographs, and is used for observing or photographing the internal or surface state of a subject's eye, comprising: a housing that engages with the side of the four sides of the smartphone on which the light source and the camera lens are provided and is held by the smartphone; and a part provided on the front surface of the outer surface of the housing on the side of the light source and the camera lens for taking photographs, which is positioned in front of the camera lens for taking photographs when the smartphone is held in the housing, and is used for observing the subject's eye The device comprises a convex lens that focuses on the eye, and a slit light forming unit provided on the same surface as the front surface, positioned diagonally in front of the convex lens when the smartphone is held in the housing, which irradiates the subject's eye with slit light emitted from the light source or a small light source provided as a separate component, wherein, when the light emitted from the light source is used to form slit light, an optical waveguide is further provided to propagate to the slit light forming unit, or, when the light emitted from the small light source is used to form slit light, the small light source is positioned on the optical path (also called the optical path position) through which the light emitted from the small light source propagates to the slit light forming unit.

[0011] According to this invention, (1) there is an optical waveguide that propagates light emitted from a light source to a slit light forming section, and the light guided by the optical waveguide is converted into slit light in the slit light forming section and irradiated onto the subject's eyes. Therefore, even if the light source of the smartphone and the camera lens for taking pictures are far apart, the light can be propagated through an optical waveguide of a length appropriate to that distance to form slit light. As a result, slit light can be irradiated onto the subject's eyes. (2) Furthermore, if the light source of the smartphone is far apart and it is difficult to provide an optical waveguide, the light source may not be used, and a small light source may be provided as a separate component to produce slit light. In that case, the small light source is placed on the optical path (optical path position) through which the light emitted from the small light source propagates to the slit light forming section. In this way, the light emitted from the small light source can be converted into slit light in the slit light forming section and irradiated onto the subject's eyes. As a result, even if the light source of the smartphone and the camera lens for taking pictures are far apart, slit light that irradiates onto the subject's eyes can be formed by providing a small light source as a separate component. As described above, the "light source" for forming the slit light can be either (1) the light source provided by the smartphone, or (2) a small light source attached to the smartphone as a separate component. As a result, the internal and surface conditions of the anterior eye can be appropriately observed or photographed. Furthermore, since the side of the smartphone on which the light source and camera lens are located can be inserted into a housing that conforms to the shape of the smartphone, the convex lens and the slit light forming part can be positioned in a location corresponding to the light source and camera lens provided on the smartphone. As a result, positioning to the appropriate location can be made easier compared to conventional examples.

[0012] In the optical attachment for smartphones according to the present invention, the slit light forming unit includes a focusing cylindrical lens that focuses light guided by the optical waveguide or light from another light source placed on the optical path, a slit that makes the focused light into a vertically elongated light, and a cylindrical lens that forms the slit light into an image at a predetermined focal length. According to this invention, it is possible to form slit light that is focused on the eye of the subject. The focal length is preferably the focal length to the cornea of ​​the eye.

[0013] In the optical attachment for smartphones according to the present invention, the optical waveguide is an optical fiber type optical waveguide. According to this invention, even when the light source and the camera lens of the smartphone are far apart, the optical waveguide can be constructed using an easily available optical fiber type optical waveguide.

[0014] In the optical attachment for smartphones according to the present invention, a reflective mirror is provided on the optical path of the light source to reflect the light emitted from the light source and guide it to the optical fiber type optical waveguide. According to this invention, by providing a reflective mirror on the optical path of the light source, the light emitted from the light source can be easily reflected and guided to the optical fiber type optical waveguide.

[0015] In the optical attachment for smartphones according to the present invention, the integrated slit and cylindrical lens within the slit light-forming section is a detachable replacement member, and a detachable color filter is attached as a replacement member in the position where the integrated unit was removed. According to this invention, since the integrated unit consisting of the cylindrical lens and slit is removed and replaced with a color filter, the emitted diffused light passes through the color filter and irradiates the anterior segment of the eye. For example, if a blue color filter is used, injuries to the anterior segment of the eye can be easily observed. By applying such replacement members, it becomes possible to observe or photograph the internal and surface conditions of the anterior segment of the eye, which can be used for diagnosing lesions, etc.

[0016] In the optical attachment for smartphones according to the present invention, the integrated slit and cylindrical lens within the slit light-forming section is a detachable and replaceable member, and the device is constructed by removing this integrated unit. According to this invention, since the integrated unit consisting of the cylindrical lens and slit is removed, the emitted white diffused light can be irradiated onto the eye. As a result, the observation or photography of the eye becomes easier and can be used for diagnosing lesions, etc.

[0017] In the optical attachment for smartphones according to the present invention, the slit light-forming unit has a rotation mechanism, a pivoting mechanism, or a hinge opening / closing mechanism, and is provided so as to be retractable from the optical path of light emitted from the light source or small light source by any of the above mechanisms. According to this invention, since the slit light-forming unit is provided so as to be retractable from the optical path of light emitted from the light source or small light source by any of these mechanisms, it is possible to switch between a state in which the slit light-forming unit is placed on the optical path and a state in which it is removed from the optical path without removing the slit light-forming unit. As a result, in the former state (when the slit light-forming unit is placed on the optical path), slit light can be formed, and in the latter state (when the slit light-forming unit is removed from the optical path), diffused light can be irradiated.

[0018] In the optical attachment for a smartphone according to the present invention, a color filter is provided adjacent to the front surface of the light source of the smartphone. In this case, the color filter can be inserted or removed by a sliding mechanism with a stopper. According to this invention, since the color filter is provided adjacent to the front surface of the light source of the smartphone, it is preferable as an alternative means to attaching the color filter to a retracted position by removing, rotating, swiveling, or opening / closing the slit light forming part. That is, the color filter can be slid into place immediately after light is emitted from the smartphone light source (LED).

[0019] The optical attachment for a smartphone according to the present invention has a support member provided on the same surface as the front surface, which contacts the subject when the housing is held on the smartphone, thereby maintaining a constant spatial distance between the smartphone and the subject. According to this invention, since a support member is provided that contacts the subject and maintains a constant spatial distance between the smartphone and the subject, it is possible to appropriately observe or photograph the internal and surface conditions of the anterior segment of the eye obtained by irradiating the subject's eye with slit light, and it can be used very effectively for diagnosing eye lesions, etc. Here, the distance is preferably the distance to the cornea of ​​the eye (spatial distance).

[0020] In the optical attachment for smartphones according to the present invention, the support member is equipped with a contact roller that contacts the upper part of the subject's eye and is slidable over the upper part of the eye. According to this invention, since the support member is equipped with a contact roller that contacts the upper part of the eye and is slidable over the subject's eye, the spatial distance between the support member and the subject can be kept constant while the support member can be slid over the subject's eye to adjust its position. As a result, a slit light can be slid and irradiated onto the subject's eye, allowing for more multifaceted observation or photography of the internal and surface conditions of the anterior segment of the eye, and can be used very effectively for diagnosing eye lesions and the like.

[0021] In the optical attachment for smartphones according to the present invention, the support member is an extendable support roller that can adjust the spatial distance with the subject. According to this invention, since an extendable support roller that can adjust the spatial distance is provided, the spatial distance with the subject can be extended or shortened. As a result, the internal and surface conditions of the anterior segment of the eye obtained by irradiating the subject's eye with slit light can be observed or photographed more appropriately.

[0022] In the optical attachment for smartphones according to the present invention, the support member is positioned directly above the camera lens for taking photographs. According to this invention, since the position of the support member that maintains a constant spatial distance between the smartphone and the subject is directly above the camera lens for taking photographs, the internal and surface conditions of the anterior segment of the eye obtained by irradiating the subject's eye with slit light can be observed or photographed appropriately at a stable and constant position, and can be used very effectively for diagnosing eye lesions and the like.

[0023] (2) The combination structure of a smartphone optical attachment and a smartphone according to the present invention is a combination structure of a smartphone optical attachment and a smartphone that is detachably attached to a smartphone equipped with a light source and a camera lens for taking photographs, and is used for observing or photographing the internal or surface state of a subject's eye, comprising the smartphone optical attachment and a smartphone, wherein the smartphone optical attachment is held by the smartphone by engaging with the side of the four sides of the smartphone on which the light source and the camera lens are provided, and the outer surface of the housing provided on the front side on the side of the light source and the camera lens for taking photographs, The smartphone is characterized in that, when the phone is held in the housing, it comprises a convex lens positioned in front of the camera lens for taking pictures and focusing on the subject's eyes, and a slit light forming unit provided on the same surface as the front and positioned diagonally in front of the convex lens when the smartphone is held in the housing, which irradiates the subject's eyes with slit light from the light source or a small light source provided as a separate component, and when the light emitted from the light source is used to form slit light, it further comprises an optical waveguide that propagates to the slit light forming unit, or when the light emitted from the small light source is used to form slit light, the small light source is positioned on the optical path (also called the optical path position) through which the light emitted from the small light source propagates to the slit light forming unit.

[0024] According to the present invention, even when the light source and the camera lens of the smartphone are far apart, slit light can be irradiated onto the subject's eye, allowing for appropriate observation or photography of the internal and surface conditions of the anterior segment of the eye. Furthermore, since the smartphone can be inserted into a housing that conforms to the shape of the smartphone, the convex lens and the slit light forming unit can be positioned to correspond to the light source and camera lens provided on the smartphone. As a result, positioning to the appropriate location can be made easier compared to conventional examples. In addition, by providing a support member, the smartphone can be brought into contact with the subject to maintain a constant spatial distance between the smartphone and the subject, allowing for appropriate observation or photography of the internal and surface conditions of the anterior segment of the eye obtained by irradiating the subject's eye with slit light.

[0025] This is a perspective view showing the smartphone optical attachment according to the present invention attached to a smartphone. This is a cross-sectional view of the smartphone optical attachment according to the present invention. This is an explanatory diagram of the optical elements constituting the smartphone optical attachment according to the present invention. This is an arrangement diagram showing an example of an optical fiber type optical waveguide that propagates light from a light source to the slit light-forming section. This is a perspective view showing an example of a support member that maintains a constant spatial distance between the smartphone and the subject. This is an example of an example of the smartphone optical attachment according to the present invention. This is a photograph taken when diagnosing the anterior portion of the subject's eye. This is a diagram showing a reflective mirror provided on the light source side of the optical fiber type optical waveguide. This is a cross-sectional view when the integrated slit and cylindrical lens is removed and a color filter member is attached. This is a cross-sectional view when the integrated slit and cylindrical lens is removed. This is a diagram showing an example of replacing the integrated slit and cylindrical lens with a color filter member as interchangeable parts. This is a perspective view showing an example of a detachable surface that allows the interchangeable part to be attached and detached using a magnetic replacement method. This is a diagram showing an integrated cylindrical lens and slit that can be replaced using a magnetic replacement method. This is a diagram showing a color filter member that can be replaced using a magnetic replacement method. This is a perspective view diagram showing an example of a detachable surface for attaching and detaching replacement components using a slide replacement method. This is a morphological diagram showing a slide-type replaceable cylindrical lens and slit integrated unit. This is a morphological diagram showing a slide-type replaceable color filter member. This is a perspective view diagram showing an example of attaching and detaching a slit and cylindrical lens integrated unit using a slide replacement method. This is a cross-sectional view diagram of a conventional smartphone optical attachment. This is an explanatory diagram of the optical elements constituting a conventional smartphone optical attachment. This is a structural diagram in which the slit light-forming part is rotatable, allowing selection between the formation of slit light and the formation of diffused light. This is a cross-sectional view diagram showing the configuration of Figure 21. This is an example of a configuration in which the slit light-forming part is opened and closed using a hinge. This is a morphological diagram showing an example in which the placement location of the color filter is provided on the optical path.

[0026] The optical attachment for smartphones and the combined structure of the optical attachment and smartphone according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, but includes modified examples and applications thereof. In this application, "optical attachment for smartphones" may be abbreviated as "optical attachment".

[0027] [Optical Attachment] The optical attachment 10 for smartphones according to the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, is a smartphone optical attachment 10 that is detachably attached to a smartphone 50 and used for observing or photographing the internal or surface state of a subject's eye 100, and is characterized by comprising: a housing 1 that engages with the side on which the light source 52 and the camera lens 53 for photography are provided and is held by the smartphone 50; a convex lens 2 provided on the front surface 1a of the outer surface of the housing 1 on the side of the light source and the camera lens for photography, and is positioned in front of the camera lens 53 to focus on the subject's eye when the smartphone 50 is held in the housing 1; a slit light forming section 4 provided on the same surface as the front surface 1a, and is positioned diagonally in front of the convex lens 2 when the smartphone 50 is held in the housing 1, and irradiates the subject's eye with light emitted from the light source 52 as slit light 8; and an optical waveguide 3 that propagates light emitted from the light source 52 to the slit light forming section 4. This configuration is one in which the light emitted from the light source 52 of the smartphone 50 is used as the slit light 8.

[0028] Furthermore, another form of the optical attachment 10 for smartphones according to the present invention is an optical attachment 10 for smartphones that is detachably attached to a smartphone 50 and used for observing or photographing the internal or surface state of a subject's eye 100, and is characterized in that it comprises a housing 1 that engages with the side on which the light source 52 and the camera lens 53 for photography are provided and is held by the smartphone 50, a convex lens 2 provided on the front surface 1a of the outer surface of the housing 1 on the side of the light source and the camera lens for photography, and is positioned in front of the camera lens 53 to focus on the subject's eye when the smartphone 50 is held in the housing 1, and a slit light forming unit 4 provided on the same surface as the front surface 1a, and is positioned diagonally in front of the convex lens 2 when the smartphone 50 is held in the housing 1, and irradiates the subject's eye with light emitted from a small light source provided as a separate part as slit light 8, and the small light source is positioned on the optical path (also called the optical path position) on which the light emitted from the small light source propagates to the slit light forming unit 4. In this configuration, instead of using the light source 52 provided by the smartphone 50, a small light source is provided as a separate component, and the light emitted from this small light source is used as the slit light 8.

[0029] This optical attachment 10 has (1) an optical waveguide 3 that propagates light 9 emitted from a light source 52 to a slit light forming unit 4, and the light 9 guided by the optical waveguide 3 is converted into slit light 8 in the slit light forming unit 4 and irradiated onto the subject's eye 100. Therefore, even if the positions of the light source 52 of the smartphone 50 and the camera lens 53 for taking pictures are far apart, the light 9 can be propagated through the optical waveguide 3 of a length appropriate to the distance and slit light 8 can be formed. As a result, slit light 8 can be irradiated onto the subject's eye 100. (2) Also, if the position of the light source 52 of the smartphone 50 is far apart and it is difficult to provide an optical waveguide 3, the light source 52 may not be used, and a small light source may be provided as a separate component to produce slit light 8. In that case, the small light source is placed on the optical path (optical path position) on which the light emitted from the small light source propagates to the slit light forming unit 4. In this way, the light emitted from the small light source can be converted into slit light 8 in the slit light forming unit 4 and irradiated onto the subject's eye. As a result, even if the light source 52 and the camera lens 53 of the smartphone 50 are far apart, a slit light 8 that shines into the subject's eye can be formed by providing a small light source as a separate component. Thus, the "light source" for forming the slit light 8 can be either (1) the light source 52 provided by the smartphone 50, or (2) a small light source attached to the smartphone 50 as a separate component. As a result, the internal and surface conditions of the anterior eye 101 can be appropriately observed or photographed. Furthermore, since the side of the smartphone 50 on which the light source 52 and the camera lens 53 are provided can be inserted into the housing 1 which is shaped to fit the smartphone 50, the convex lens 2 and the slit light forming unit 4 can be positioned in a location corresponding to the light source 52 and the camera lens 53 provided on the smartphone 50. As a result, positioning to the appropriate location can be performed more easily than in conventional examples, so that the internal and surface conditions of the anterior eye 101 can be observed or photographed using the smartphone 50 and the optical attachment 10 anywhere, not just in hospitals, and can be used for diagnosing lesions, etc.

[0030] The following will explain each component in detail.

[0031] <Smartphone> In the optical attachment 10 according to the present invention, the smartphone 50 is not part of the invention. On the other hand, in the combined structure of the optical attachment and the smartphone according to the present invention, the smartphone 50 forms part of the invention together with the optical attachment 10. In either case, the smartphone 50 is the object to which the optical attachment 10 is detachably attached. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the smartphone 50 is provided with a light source 52 and a camera lens 53 for taking pictures. The optical attachment 10 is detachably attached to the surface on which the light source 52 and camera lens 53 are provided. In this invention, the optical attachment 10 is described as being for a smartphone 50, but as long as it is equipped with a light source 52 and a camera lens 53, it may be a tablet terminal which is larger than the smartphone 50.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the camera lens 53 for taking pictures is usually located on the upper left side of the smartphone 50, but its position is not particularly limited. The light source 52 is also usually located on the upper part of the smartphone 50, adjacent to the camera lens 53. The position of the light source 52 is also not particularly limited, but it may be to the right, left, or below the camera lens 53. In this invention, as will be described later, the light 9 emitted from the light source 52 is propagated by the optical waveguide 3, so even if the distance between the light source 52 and the camera lens 53 is large in the smartphone 50, it is desirable that the design can be adapted to the model of the smartphone 50, offering a degree of flexibility. In particular, since the slit light forming section 4 is located diagonally in front of the camera lens 53 and the convex lens 2, even if the light source 52 is located at a distance and there is a distance between the light source 52 and the slit light forming section 4, it can be applied to various models of smartphones 50 by connecting the two with a length-adjusted optical waveguide 3 (optical fiber type optical waveguide).

[0033] <Convex Lens> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the convex lens 2 is a component located on the front surface 1a of the housing 1, directly in front of the camera lens 53, when the smartphone 50 is attached to the optical attachment 10. The convex lens 2 is arbitrarily selected considering the focal length at which the internal and surface conditions of the anterior eyepiece 101 can be observed or photographed. The smartphone 50 is usually equipped with a camera that is designed to photograph from a few centimeters in front to infinity, but the shooting distance (especially close distances) of the built-in camera and camera lens 53 varies depending on the smartphone model. It is desirable that the convex lens 2 provided in the optical attachment 10 according to the present invention has a focal length optimized according to the smartphone model, and it is preferable that such a focal length is considered when selecting the convex lens 2.

[0034] The convex lens 2 is bonded to or fitted into a convex lens mounting hole 2a provided on the front surface 1a of the housing 1, thereby integrating it with the housing. This convex lens 2 allows for adjustment of the focus to the eye, correcting image blur and enabling clear observation or photography. In this invention, as described later, a support member 11 is provided that contacts the subject to maintain a constant spatial distance between the smartphone 50 and the subject. Therefore, the shape, size, focal length, etc., of the convex lens 2 are selected considering this constant distance. In this application, the "spatial distance" and "focal length" preferably refer to the focal distance to the cornea (anterior segment) 101 of the eye.

[0035] <Slit Light Forming Unit> As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the slit light forming unit 4 is located on the front surface 1a of the housing 1, diagonally in front of the convex lens 2, when the smartphone 50 is attached to the optical attachment 10. The slit light forming unit 4 irradiates the subject's eye 100 with light 9 emitted from the light source 52 as slit light 8. The slit light 8 projects a narrow slit-shaped light onto the cornea 101 and iris. In this way, as shown in the photograph in Figure 7, the slit light 8 can be easily formed and directed onto the eye 100 to observe or photograph the internal state of the anterior portion 101 of the eye.

[0036] More specifically, the slit light-forming unit 4 consists of a focusing cylindrical lens (also called a first cylindrical lens or rod lens) 5 that focuses the light 9 emitted from the light source 52 and guided through the optical waveguide 3, a slit 6 that converts the focused light into a vertically elongated beam of light, and a cylindrical lens 7 that forms a slit light 8 by imaging the vertically elongated beam of light at a predetermined focal length. With this configuration, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the light 9 entering the slit light-forming unit 4 is focused by the focusing cylindrical lens 5, which is the first cylindrical lens, the focused light passes through the slit 6 to become a vertically elongated beam of light, and then passes through the cylindrical lens 7, which is the second cylindrical lens, to form the slit light 8. By allowing this slit light 8 to reach the eye 100, the internal state of the anterior eye 101 can be observed or photographed in more detail.

[0037] Figures 19 and 20 show the slit light-forming unit 61 reported in Patent Document 5. This slit light-forming unit 61 consists of a first reflective mirror 63 that reflects light from the light source 72, a second reflective mirror 64 that reflects the light reflected by the first reflective mirror 63, and a slit 65 that allows the light reflected by the second reflective mirror 64 to pass through. Furthermore, the light that passes through the slit 65 becomes slit light 69 when viewed through a cylindrical lens 66. In Figure 8, reference numeral 68 denotes a virtual plane, and reference numeral 69 denotes the slit light on that virtual plane 68. Such conventional slit light-forming units 61 are designed on the premise that they are located directly in front of the light source 72 of the smartphone 50, but they could not accommodate changes in the positional relationship between the light source 72 and the camera lens 71 when the smartphone 50 model was changed. However, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the optical attachment 10 according to the present invention can propagate the light 9 emitted from the light source 52 through the optical waveguide 3 and guide it to the slit light forming section 4. Therefore, even if the light source 52 of the smartphone 50 and the camera lens 53 for taking pictures are far apart, the light 9 can be guided to the slit light forming section 4, and the slit light 8 can be irradiated onto the subject's eye 100.

[0038] The focusing cylindrical lens (first cylindrical lens) 5 is a lens for focusing light emitted from the slit light-forming end 3b of an optical waveguide 3, such as an optical fiber. The material and size (vertical length, diameter) of this focusing cylindrical lens 5 can be selected from various cylindrical lenses within the range that limits the size of the slit light-forming section 4. The vertical length of the focusing cylindrical lens 5 is not particularly limited, but in the example of Figure 4, two optical fibers corresponding to the light source (a light source with two LEDs) are arranged to be optically connected to the focusing cylindrical lens 5, so it is preferable that the vertical length of the focusing cylindrical lens 5 be at least the diameter of two optical fibers. In this case, if there is only one light source (an LED), then only one optical fiber 3 is needed, and in that case, the vertical length of the focusing cylindrical lens 5 should be about the diameter of one optical fiber. The diameter of the focusing cylindrical lens 5 is also not particularly limited, but in the example of Figure 4, it is smaller in diameter than the cylindrical lens 7.

[0039] The width of the slit 6 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it be a narrow slit with a minimum width of approximately 0.1 to 1 mm. A slit width adjustment member (not shown) that can adjust the width of the slit 6 may be provided. For example, a slit width adjustment member that narrows or widens the width of the slit by rotating a rotary knob can be provided. The vertical length of the slit 6 is also not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it be about the same vertical length as the light-gathering cylindrical lens 5 described above and the cylindrical lens 7 described later.

[0040] The cylindrical lens (second cylindrical lens) 7 is not particularly limited as long as it can form a slit light 8 focused on the subject's eye 100. The material and size (vertical length, diameter) of the cylindrical lens 7 can also be selected from various cylindrical lenses within the range that limits the size of the slit light forming section 4. The vertical length of the cylindrical lens 7 is not particularly limited, but it should be a vertical length suitable for shining the slit light 8 onto the anterior portion 101 of the eye. Similarly, the diameter of the cylindrical lens 7 is not particularly limited, but as mentioned above, it should be a diameter that can form a slit light 8 focused on the subject's eye 100.

[0041] Furthermore, the slit light-forming section 4, specifically the slit 6 and the cylindrical lens 7, can be made into a single, detachable, replaceable component. This will be described later with reference to Figures 9 to 18.

[0042] <Optical Waveguide> The optical waveguide 3 is a transmission line that propagates light 9 emitted from the light source 52 of the smartphone 50 to the slit light-forming section 4. The optical waveguide 3 emits light 9 from the slit light-forming section side end 3b, which is opposite to the light source side end 3a into which the light is incident. By propagating light 9 through such an optical waveguide 3, the loss of light intensity can be minimized. The type of optical waveguide 3 is not particularly limited, and an optical fiber type optical waveguide (also simply called an optical fiber) with a circular cross-section is preferred, but a slab optical waveguide, rectangular waveguide, ridge-type waveguide, diffuse-type waveguide, etc., with a multilayer cross-section may also be used. For optical waveguides with a multilayer cross-section, it may be a planar optical waveguide that confines light two-dimensionally, or a channel-type optical waveguide that confines light three-dimensionally, but a channel-type optical waveguide is preferred.

[0043] The optical waveguide 3 is a transmission line for light 9 from the position of the light source 52 of the corresponding smartphone 50 to the position of the slit light forming unit 4, which is positioned diagonally in front of the camera lens 53 for shooting. Depending on the arrangement structure of the smartphone 50, the distance between the light source 52 and the camera lens 53 varies. Therefore, a feature of the present invention is that the optical waveguide 3 is a separate component and is positioned between the light source 52 and the slit light forming unit 4. This way, even if the distance between the light source 52 and the camera lens 53 changes due to a change in the model of the smartphone 50, only the separate optical waveguide 3 needs to be newly prepared to the appropriate length, and the slit light forming unit 4 can be used as is, making it convenient and cost-effective. By propagating light 9 through this optical waveguide 3 and irradiating the subject's eye 100 with the slit light 8 formed, the internal and surface conditions of the anterior eye 101 can be appropriately observed or photographed.

[0044] Particularly preferred optical waveguide 3 is an easily available optical fiber as shown in FIG. 4. By using optical fiber 3, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, light 9 from light source 52 enters from the light source side end 3a of optical fiber 3, propagates through optical fiber 3, and reaches slit light forming section 4 at a distant position. In order to immediately cause the light from light source 52 to enter optical fiber 3, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), a reflection mirror 42 can be provided between the light source side end 3a of optical fiber 3 and light source 52. This reflection mirror 42 is preferable in that it can introduce the light from light source 52 to the light source side end 3a of optical fiber 3 without bending the light source side end 3a of optical fiber 3 as shown in FIG. 4. Also, the slit light forming section side end 3b of optical fiber 3 can be inserted and attached to the optical fiber installation hole 33a provided in slit light forming section 4. Such optical fiber 3 can be arranged parallel to the front surface 1a of smartphone 50 without bending its ends 3a, 3b toward the front surface 1a side. As a result, optical fiber 3 can be covered with a thin cover 3c without bulging. Although not shown, the protective cover 3c for optical fiber 3 may be adhered to the front surface 1a, or may be fixed by engaging the engaging convex portion of cover 3c with the engaging concave portion of the front surface 1a.

[0045] <Housing> Housing 1 (also referred to as an attachment housing) is a member that engages with the side of smartphone 50 where light source 52 and imaging camera lens 53 are provided among the four sides of the mounted smartphone 50 and is held by the smartphone. It is a member to which convex lens 2, optical waveguide 3, slit light forming section 4, and support member 11, which are the main components of the present invention, are attached. The structural form of housing 1 is not particularly limited, but the form shown in FIG. 6 is preferable. Housing 1 to which the above-described respective components are attached is attached to the upper part of the smartphone where light source 52 and imaging camera lens 53 are arranged. The attachment form is not particularly limited, but as shown in the figure, it is preferably attached by being inserted and fitted from above to the upper part of the smartphone.

[0046] The housing 1 consists of a front (front plate) 1a, a top (top plate) 1b, and left and right side (side plates) 1c, 1c. The side with the smartphone 50's display has an opening to avoid obstructing the display. An engaging projection 1e is provided at the top of the opening, extending from the top (top plate) 1b towards the opening to prevent the top of the smartphone from coming off. Additionally, engaging projections 1e are provided on the left and right sides of the opening, extending from the side (side plates) 1c, 1c towards the opening to prevent the sides of the smartphone from coming off. On the inner surface 1g on the back of the front (front plate) 1a, a convex lens mounting hole 2a is provided, as well as a stepped portion 1f that does not interfere with the light source 52 and the camera lens 53 located on the front side of the smartphone 50. The lower part of the front 1a has a semicircular design extending downwards, and in the example shown in Figure 1, the convex lens 2 and the slit light-forming portion 4 are mounted on this semicircular portion. The stepped section 1f is also semicircular, and when viewed from the inner side, it can be seen that it has a circular shape including the semicircular stepped section. Such semicircular or circular shapes are not particularly limited, and other shapes such as rectangles are also acceptable.

[0047] <Support Member> As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the support member 11 is provided on the front surface 1a of the housing 1 and is a member that contacts the subject when the housing 1 is held by the smartphone 50, thereby maintaining a constant spatial distance between the smartphone 50 and the subject. With this support member 11, it is possible to appropriately observe or photograph the internal and surface conditions of the anterior eye portion 101 obtained by irradiating the subject's eye 100 with slit light 8, and it can be used very effectively for diagnosing eye lesions, etc. The distance here is preferably the distance (spatial distance) from the eye 100 to the cornea 101.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the support member 11 includes a contact roller 12 that abuts against the upper part of the subject's eye (specifically, near the eyebrows) and is slidable on the upper part of the eye. This contact roller 12 can rotate and slide on the upper part of the subject's eye to adjust the position while maintaining a constant spatial distance between the subject and the roller. As a result, the slit light 8 can be slid on the subject's eye for irradiation, and the internal state and surface state of the anterior eye segment 101 can be observed or photographed from more angles, which is extremely effective for diagnosing eye lesions and the like.

[0049] Further, the support member 11 is preferably a telescopic support roller capable of adjusting the spatial distance from the subject. The support roller 11 has a telescopic function 13 that extends or contracts in the front-rear direction toward the subject (in other words, extends and contracts in a direction parallel to the optical axis direction of the imaging camera lens 53) to adjust the spatial distance between the support roller and the subject. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the telescopic function 13 is mainly composed of a knob 14, a bolt rotary bearing 15, a screw portion 16, a screw engagement portion 17, a slide hole 18, a fixed shaft 19, and a moving shaft 20. When the knob 14 is rotated to rotate the screw portion 16, the screw engagement portion 17 moves back and forth (simultaneously, the moving shaft 20 moves back and forth within the slide hole 18), causing the contact roller 12 to move up or down. With such a support roller 11, the spatial distance between the support roller and the subject can be adjusted, and the internal state and surface state of the anterior eye segment 101 obtained by irradiating the subject's eye with the slit light 8 can be more appropriately observed or photographed.

[0050] In addition, such a support member 11 is disposed directly above the imaging camera lens 53. Since it is disposed at such a position, according to this invention, the position of the support member that maintains a constant spatial distance between the smartphone and the subject is directly above the imaging camera lens. Therefore, the internal state and surface state of the anterior eye segment obtained by irradiating the subject's eye with the slit light 8 can be appropriately observed or photographed at a stable and constant position, which is extremely effective for diagnosing eye lesions and the like.

[0051] <Replaceable Members> As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the optical attachment 10 according to the present invention allows the slit 6 and cylindrical lens 7 of the slit light forming section 4 to be made into a single, detachable replaceable member (31, 36). In the position where such a single member (31, 36) has been removed, a detachable color filter member (32, 37) can be attached as a replaceable member. In such a replacement, as shown in Figure 9, diffused light 35 that has passed through the first cylindrical lens (concentrating cylindrical lens) 5 is transmitted through the color filter 37c and irradiates the anterior portion 101 with a predetermined colored light. For example, if a blue color filter is used, a blue light irradiation mechanism can be configured to irradiate the cornea with blue diffused light 35, so that, for example, scratches on the anterior portion 101 can be easily observed. By applying such replaceable members, it becomes possible to observe or photograph the internal and surface conditions of the anterior portion, which can be used for diagnosing lesions, etc.

[0052] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10, the integrated components (31, 36) may be removed. This allows for the construction of a white light irradiation mechanism that irradiates the eye with white diffused light 40 that has passed only through the first cylindrical lens (focusing cylindrical lens) 5. As a result, the observation or imaging of the eye becomes easier and can be used for diagnosing lesions, etc.

[0053] The interchangeable parts to be attached and detached are preferably of one of two types: a magnetic type or a slide type. The choice between the magnetic type and the slide type is made considering manufacturing costs, ease of replacement, possibility of damage, possibility of loss, etc. Figure 11 is a diagram showing examples in which the slit and cylindrical lens integrated unit and the color filter member are replaced as interchangeable parts. Figure 11(1a) is an example of the formation of slit light 8 with a magnetic type interchangeable cylindrical lens and slit integrated unit 31 attached, Figure 11(1b) is an example of the formation of blue light 35 with a magnetic type interchangeable blue color filter member 32 attached, and Figure 11(1c) is an example of the formation of white light 40 with only the magnetic type interchangeable attachment / detachment surface 33. By attaching and detaching the interchangeable parts, it is possible to switch between the irradiation mechanisms of slit light 8, blue light (blue diffused light) 35, and white light (white diffused light) 40.

[0054] (Replacement member using a magnetic replacement method) Figure 12 shows an example of a detachable surface 33 that allows replacement members to be attached and detached using a magnetic replacement method. In the figure, the slit 6 and cylindrical lens 7 have been removed from the optical fiber installation hole 33a, leaving only the light-gathering cylindrical lens 5. This configuration allows for the irradiation mechanism of white light 40. Reference numeral 34 denotes magnets provided at the corners of the rectangular detachable surface 33. Figure 13 is a diagram showing a magnetic replacement type cylindrical lens and slit integrated unit 31. In this integrated unit 31, the side of the light-gathering cylindrical lens 5 that is attached and detached is a flat surface, and magnets 34 that magnetize the rectangular detachable surface 33 are provided at the corners of this flat surface. The cylindrical lens 7 is integrally provided at the end of the slit 6. Reference numeral 41 denotes a light leakage prevention wall provided on the flat surface, which prevents light leakage propagated by the optical fiber 3 and prevents reflection on the cornea. Figure 14 is a diagram showing a magnetically replaceable color filter member. In this color filter member 32, as in the case of the integrated unit 31 in Figure 13, magnets 34 that magnetize the rectangular attachment / detachment surface 33 are provided in the square of the flat portion where the slit 6 is located. Similarly, reference numeral 41 denotes a light leakage prevention wall provided in the flat portion, and this light leakage prevention wall 41 can prevent light propagated through the optical fiber 3 from leaking and can also prevent reflection onto the cornea.

[0055] (Replacement member using a slide replacement method) Figure 15 is a perspective view showing an example of a detachable surface 38 that allows replacement members to be attached and detached using a slide replacement method. Similar to the case of the magnet replacement method, the slit 6 and cylindrical lens 7 have been removed from the optical fiber installation hole in the figure, leaving only the light-gathering cylindrical lens 5. This configuration allows for the irradiation mechanism of white light 40. Reference numeral 38a denotes the lower slide engagement groove, and reference numeral 38b denotes the upper slide engagement groove. Figure 16 is a diagram showing a slide-type replaceable cylindrical lens and slit integrated unit 36. In this integrated unit 36, the side on which the light-gathering cylindrical lens 5 is attached and detached to the aforementioned detachable surface 38 is a flat surface, and slide engagement lower projections 36a and slide engagement upper projections 36b are provided above and below this flat surface, which engage with the slide engagement lower groove 38a and slide engagement upper groove 38b, respectively. The cylindrical lens 7 is integrally provided at the end of the slit 6. Reference numeral 41 denotes a light leakage prevention wall provided on the flat surface, and this light leakage prevention wall 41 prevents light propagated through the optical fiber 3 from leaking and also prevents reflection on the cornea. Figure 17 is a diagram showing a slide-type replaceable color filter member 37. In this color filter member 37, as in the case of the integrated unit 36 ​​in Figure 16, the side of the light-gathering cylindrical lens 5 that is attached to and detached from the attachment / detachment surface 38 is a flat surface, and slide engagement lower projections 37a and slide engagement upper projections 37b are provided on the top and bottom of this flat surface, which engage with the slide engagement lower groove 38a and slide engagement upper groove 38b, respectively. A cylindrical lens 7 is integrally provided at the end of the slit 6. Reference numeral 41 denotes a light leakage prevention wall provided on the flat surface, and this light leakage prevention wall 41 prevents light propagated through the optical fiber 3 from leaking and also prevents reflection on the cornea.

[0056] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing an example of a configuration in which the slit and cylindrical lens integrated unit 36 ​​is attached and detached by a slide exchange method. As shown in Figure 16, the slide-engaging lower projections 36a and slide-engaging upper projections 36b provided on the top and bottom of the integrated unit 36 ​​engage with the slide-engaging lower grooves 38a and slide-engaging upper grooves 38b provided on the top and bottom of the attachment / detachment surface 38, respectively, and are slid in and attached. Thus, engagement grooves 38a and 38b are cut on the top and bottom of the attachment / detachment surface 38, and the engagement projections 36a and 36b slide into these grooves.

[0057] (Color Filters) The color filter members (32, 37) are installed in place of the slit and cylindrical lens integrated unit (31, 36) after removal. The color filters constituting the color filter members are not particularly limited, but in the optical attachment 10 according to the present invention, blue color filters 32a and 37c are preferably used. The blue color filters 32a and 37c are preferably blue filters that convert white light 9 propagated from the light source 52 into blue light with a wavelength of 488 nm, and as shown in Figure 9, blue diffused light 35 can be irradiated onto the eye. The blue color filters can be selected from those on the market and are not particularly limited. By irradiating the eye with such blue diffused light 35, it is possible to observe or photograph injuries to the anterior portion of the eye 101. For example, by instilling fluorescein into the eye and using a blue filter for vital staining as the color filter, blue light can be shone onto the eye to change injuries on the surface of the eye to green, and this green light can be observed or photographed through the camera lens 53. As a result, it becomes easier to examine corneal and conjunctival epithelial disorders and eye injuries, and injuries to the anterior segment of the eye can be observed or photographed.

[0058] Furthermore, the blue light generated by the blue filter excites fluorescein and produces fluorescence, making it easier to observe scratches on the surface of the eye when irradiated onto the cornea as described above. However, this blue light can also make observation difficult, so a filter to remove blue light (also called a blue-free filter) may be provided in front of the objective lens (convex lens 2) of the observation system on the subject side. An example of such an arrangement is to have the camera lens 53, the blue-free filter, and the convex lens 2 in that order, from the camera lens 53 side toward the subject.

[0059] <Other Forms> (Small Light Source as a Separate Component) In this invention, instead of using the light source 52 provided in the smartphone 50, a "small light source" as a separate component may be used as the light source. The term "small light source" is used to indicate that it is separate from the light source 52 provided in the smartphone 50. In fact, a small light source is desirable, and for example, an LED light source is preferred. The small light source may emit white light or light of any wavelength, and can be selected and provided according to the purpose of use. Since the small light source is a separate component, it can be attached to the optical attachment 10 with a clamp member, a suction member, a magnetizing member, etc. It is convenient to obtain power for the small light source from the smartphone 50.

[0060] It is desirable that such small light sources be placed on the optical path such that the light emitted from them coincides with the optical path of the optical fiber type optical waveguide 3. Such small light sources are preferable because, when the position of the light source 52 of the smartphone 50 is far away and it is difficult to install the optical waveguide 3, the light source 52 can be used instead, and a small light source can be provided as a separate component to form the slit light 8. In this case, the small light source is placed on the optical path (optical path position) through which the light emitted from the small light source propagates to the slit light forming unit 4. In this way, the light emitted from the small light source can be converted into slit light 8 by the slit light forming unit 4 and irradiated onto the subject's eye. As a result, even when the positions of the light source 52 of the smartphone 50 and the camera lens 53 for photography are far apart, slit light 8 that irradiates the subject's eye can be formed by providing a small light source as a separate component. As a result, the internal and surface conditions of the anterior eye 101 can be appropriately observed or photographed.

[0061] (Light source position) The position of the light source 52 provided by the smartphone 50 varies depending on the model of the smartphone. Therefore, in the optical attachment 10 according to the present invention, the structure of the housing 1, the installation of the convex lens 2, the optical fiber type optical waveguide 3, and the position of the slit light forming section 4 are designed according to the smartphone 50 to which it is applied. For example, in recent smartphones, the positions of the light source 52 and the camera lens 53 for taking pictures vary, and their relative positions may be reversed left to right or up to down. The optical attachment 10 according to the present invention has the advantage of being able to flexibly respond to structural changes of the smartphone 50 because it is attached to the smartphone 50 as a separate component.

[0062] (Non-removable slit light forming section) The slit light forming section 4 may be provided in a detachable manner, but as shown in Figures 21 to 23, it may have a rotation mechanism, a swivel mechanism, or a hinge opening / closing mechanism, and may be provided so as to be retractable from the optical path of light emitted from the light source or small light source by any of these mechanisms. Figure 21 is a structural diagram in which the slit light forming section 4 is rotatable, allowing selection between the formation of slit light 8 and the formation of diffused light, Figure 22 is a cross-sectional diagram showing the configuration of Figure 21, and Figure 23 is an example of a configuration in which the slit light forming section 4 is opened and closed using a hinge 83.

[0063] By any one of these mechanisms, the slit light-forming unit 4 is positioned to be retractable from the optical path of light emitted from the light source or sub-light source. This allows switching between a state where the slit light-forming unit 4 is on the optical path and a state where it is removed from the optical path without removing the slit light-forming unit 4. As a result, in the former state (when the slit light-forming unit 4 is on the optical path), slit light 8 can be formed, and in the latter state (when the slit light-forming unit 4 is removed from the optical path), diffused light (35, 40) can be irradiated.

[0064] In Figures 21 and 22, reference numeral 80 denotes the rotation axis of the rotatable or pivotable slit light-forming unit 4, reference numeral 81 denotes the upper arm (upper arm that sandwiches the cylindrical lens 7) that constitutes the slit light-forming unit 4 which can rotate or pivot about the rotation axis 80, and reference numeral 82 denotes the lower arm (lower arm that sandwiches the cylindrical lens 7) that constitutes the slit light-forming unit 4 which can rotate or pivot about the rotation axis 80. The cylindrical lens 7 is fixed by being sandwiched from both sides in the axial direction by the upper arm 81 and the lower arm 82. The slit light-forming unit 4, including the upper arm 81 and the lower arm 82, rotates or pivots about the rotation axis 80 as its axis (see the arrow in Figure 21(A)). By performing this rotation or pivoting motion, it is possible to switch between a state in which the slit light-forming unit 4 is placed on the light irradiation path and a state in which it is off the light irradiation path. This makes it possible to irradiate slit light 8 in the former state and diffuse light (35, 40) in the latter state.

[0065] In Figure 23, reference numeral 83 denotes a hinge that opens and closes the slit light-forming section 4. In the example shown in Figure 23, the hinge 83, provided on the lower edge of the slit light-forming section 4, opens downwards, and the opening / closing section, which includes the slit 6 and cylindrical lens 7, is shown to open downwards. The hinge 83 does not necessarily have to be located at the lower edge position in Figure 23; it may also be located at the upper edge or right edge position when viewing the drawing from the front, and is not particularly limited. In the example shown in Figure 23, the opening / closing section, which includes the slit 6 and cylindrical lens 7, can be opened and closed by attaching and detaching magnets 84 (magnetizing components) provided at its four corners. This has the advantage that even after the slit light-forming section 4 is removed, it remains connected by the hinge 83, so there is no risk of losing the slit light-forming section 4, and it is also easy to handle.

[0066] (Placement of color filters) In the above example, the color filters 32 and 37 are provided on the slit 6 side of the optical fiber type waveguide 3, as shown in Figures 9 and 17. However, in the example shown in Figure 24, the color filter 86 can be configured to be provided adjacent to the front of the light source 52 of the smartphone 50, or at any point on the optical path. In this case, the color filter 86 can be inserted or removed by a stoppered slide member 85 (also called a slide mechanism 85). This allows the color filter 86 to be slidably provided adjacent to the front of the light source 52 of the smartphone 50, making it a preferable alternative to the method of attaching the color filters 32 and 37 shown in Figures 9 and 17 to a position where the slit light forming part 4 is removed and retracted by rotation, swiveling, or hinge opening / closing. That is, the color filter 86 can be slid and positioned immediately after light is emitted from the smartphone light source (LED).

[0067] The sliding mechanism 85 of the color filter 86 facilitates the physical switching between white light and blue light, as shown in Figure 24. In the example in Figure 24, the blue filter (color filter 86) is positioned using the sliding mechanism 85 with a stopper immediately after light enters the optical path from the LED light source 52 of the smartphone 50. The sliding mechanism 85 allows the blue filter 86 to be easily inserted into or removed from the optical path, and the color filter effect can be switched ON or OFF by sliding. Figures 24(A) and (B) show examples with a cover member provided, while Figures 24(C) and (D) show the slide mechanism 85 of the color filter 86 with the cover member removed. Figure 24(C) shows an example where the blue filter is provided on the optical path, and Figure 24(D) shows the state where the blue filter has slid out of the optical path and is retracted, and white light is being used.

[0068] By applying these color filters 86, the physical switching between slit light, white light, and blue light functions can be done using magnetic attachment or a sliding mechanism. For physical switching, the color filter can be installed by sliding it in as shown in Figure 24 without removing it, eliminating the need to remove and reattach it to the main unit, which is convenient and also eliminates the risk of losing removed parts.

[0069] [Combined Structure with Smartphone] The optical attachment 10 according to the present invention, as described above, becomes a combined structure when combined with a smartphone 50. This combined structure is a smartphone optical attachment 10 and smartphone 50 that is detachably attached to a smartphone 50 equipped with a light source 52 and a camera lens 53 for taking photographs, and is used for observing or photographing the internal or surface state of a subject's eye. Therefore, this combined structure comprises a smartphone optical attachment 10 and a smartphone 50. The optical attachment 10 and smartphone 50 have already been described, so their description will be omitted here. The effects obtained are the same as those already described.

[0070] [Utilization of the Optical Attachment] The optical attachment 10 according to the present invention, as described above, can be easily attached as an external attachment to a smartphone 50, which is widely used around the world. By doing so, it is possible to capture all still images and videos obtained during an ophthalmic examination of a patient, that is, still images and videos of the internal and surface conditions of the anterior segment of the eye. Furthermore, since this optical attachment 10 is far less expensive than a slit-lamp microscope or a handheld slit-lamp microscope, it is easy to prepare multiple units. In addition to the human clinical use, a separate unit prepared specifically for animals can be used to capture still images and videos of the eyes of experimental animals (animal models), pets and other companion animals, and animals kept in zoos, and ophthalmological findings of the above animals can also be obtained.

[0071] Furthermore, it will be possible to use it clinically. Specifically, in ophthalmological examinations, the patient is fixed to a built-in table. Therefore, examinations of children and bedridden elderly people require skilled techniques. However, the optical attachment 10 according to the present invention adds the element of "recording" to a portable medical device, making it possible to share recorded still images and videos among medical professionals. The shared data is expected to be used for remote medical care in rural areas and for support in developing countries, and furthermore, it is expected that it will be analyzed by AI as big data to improve the diagnostic accuracy of ophthalmologists. Ultimately, this optical attachment 10 will be used as a self-diagnosis tool by all smartphone users, making it possible to further develop ophthalmological care itself.

[0072] Furthermore, the optical attachment 10 according to the present invention makes it possible to use it for research. Specifically, until now, it has been almost impossible to record the eye findings of research animals due to various technical problems (requiring skilled techniques, having to kill the target animals for photography, expensive imaging equipment, etc.). However, by using the optical attachment 10 according to the present invention, it becomes possible to easily obtain the eye findings of research animals, and it is expected that new phenotypes will emerge in the field of ophthalmology research.

[0073] Furthermore, while the optical attachment 10 according to the present invention may be used in ophthalmic examinations, it is not limited to use in ophthalmic examinations. For example, it may be used not only in ophthalmology outpatient clinics, but also in health checkup venues, elderly care facilities, ambulances, science, health, or medical school classes, and other places other than ophthalmology clinics. It can also be used in animal hospitals, zoos, health centers, research institutes, and other animal-related facilities.

[0074] 10 Optical Attachment (Smartphone Optical Attachment) 1 Housing (Attachment Housing) 1a Front (Front Plate) 1b Top (Top Plate) 1c Side (Side Plate) 1e Locking Protrusion 1f Step 1g Inner Surface 2 Convex Lens 2a Convex Lens Mounting Hole 3 Optical Fiber Waveguide 3a Light Source Side End 3b Slit Light Forming Section Side End 3c Cover 4 Slit Light Forming Section 5 Focusing Cylindrical Lens (First Cylindrical Lens) 6 Slit 7 Cylindrical Lens (Second Cylindrical Lens) 8 Slit Light 9 Propagating Light 11 Support Member (Support Roller) 12 Contact Roller 13 Telescopic Mechanism 14 Knob 15 Bolt Rotating Bearing 16 Screw Part 17 Screw Engagement Part 18 Sliding Hole 19 Fixed Shaft 20 Moving Shaft 31 32 Magnetic interchangeable cylindrical lens and slit integrated unit 32a Magnetic interchangeable color filter member 32a Color filter 33 Magnetic interchangeable attachment surface 33a Optical fiber mounting hole 34 Magnet 35 Blue light (blue diffused light) 36 Slide interchangeable cylindrical lens and slit integrated unit 36a Slide engagement lower projection 36b Slide engagement upper projection 37 Slide interchangeable color filter member 37a Slide engagement lower projection 37b Slide engagement upper projection 37c Color filter 38 Slide interchangeable attachment surface 38a Slide engagement lower groove 38b Slide engagement upper groove 39 White light (white diffused light) 40 Diffused light 41 Light leakage prevention wall 42 Reflective mirror 50 Smartphone 51 Mounting surface 52 Light source 53 Camera lens for shooting 60 Conventional optical attachment for smartphones 61 Slit light forming part 63 64 First reflective mirror 65 Second reflective mirror 66 Slit 66 Cylindrical lens 67 Convex lens 68 Virtual surface 69 Slit light on the virtual surface 70 Smartphone 71 Camera lens for shooting 72 Light source 80 Rotating shaft 81 Upper arm (upper arm that holds the cylindrical lens) 82 Lower arm (lower arm that holds the cylindrical lens) 83 Hinge 84 Magnet (magnetizing component)85 Slide component for color filter 86 Color filter 100 Eye 101 Cornea (anterior segment)

Claims

1. An optical attachment for a smartphone, which is detachably attached to a smartphone equipped with a light source and a camera lens for photography, and used for observing or photographing the internal or surface state of a subject's eye, comprising: a housing that engages with the side of the four sides of the smartphone on which the light source and the camera lens are provided and is held by the smartphone; a convex lens provided on the front surface of the outer surface of the housing on the side of the light source and the camera lens for photography, which is positioned in front of the camera lens for photography when the smartphone is held in the housing and focuses on the subject's eye; and a slit light forming unit provided on the same surface as the front surface, which is positioned diagonally in front of the convex lens when the smartphone is held in the housing and irradiates the subject's eye with light emitted from the light source or a small light source provided as a separate component as slit light, An optical attachment for a smartphone, characterized in that, when the light emitted from the aforementioned light source is used to form slit light, it further comprises an optical waveguide that propagates to the slit light forming section, or, when the light emitted from the aforementioned small light source is used to form slit light, the small light source is positioned on the optical path through which the light emitted from the small light source propagates to the slit light forming section.

2. The optical attachment for a smartphone according to claim 1, wherein the slit light forming unit comprises a focusing cylindrical lens that focuses light guided by the optical waveguide or light from the other light source arranged on the optical path, a slit that makes the focused light into a vertically elongated light, and a cylindrical lens that forms the slit light into an image at a predetermined focal length.

3. The optical attachment for a smartphone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical waveguide is an optical fiber type optical waveguide.

4. The optical attachment for a smartphone according to claim 3, wherein a reflective mirror is provided on the optical path of the light source to reflect the light emitted from the light source and guide it to the optical fiber type optical waveguide.

5. The optical attachment for a smartphone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the integral part of the slit and the cylindrical lens in the slit light-forming section is a detachable replacement member, and a detachable color filter is attached as a replacement member to the position where the integral part was removed.

6. The optical attachment for a smartphone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the integral part of the slit and the cylindrical lens in the slit light-forming section is a detachable replacement member, and the attachment is constructed by removing the integral part.

7. The optical attachment for a smartphone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the slit light-forming portion has a rotating mechanism, a pivoting mechanism, or a hinge opening / closing mechanism, and is provided so as to be retractable from the optical path of light emitted from the light source or small light source by any of the above mechanisms.

8. The optical attachment for a smartphone according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a color filter is provided adjacent to the front surface of the light source provided by the smartphone.

9. The optical attachment for a smartphone according to claim 1, further comprising a support member provided on the same surface as the front surface, which contacts the subject when the housing is held on the smartphone to maintain a constant spatial distance between the smartphone and the subject.

10. The optical attachment for a smartphone according to claim 9, wherein the support member comprises a contact roller that contacts the upper part of the subject's eye and is capable of sliding over the upper part of the eye.

11. The optical attachment for a smartphone according to claim 9, wherein the support member is an extendable support roller that can adjust the spatial distance from the subject.

12. The optical attachment for a smartphone according to claim 9, wherein the support member is positioned directly above the camera lens for taking photographs.

13. A combination structure of a smartphone and a smartphone, wherein the smartphone is equipped with a light source and a camera lens for taking photographs, and is detachably attached to the smartphone for use in observing or photographing the internal or surface state of a subject's eye, comprising the smartphone optical attachment and the smartphone, wherein the smartphone optical attachment comprises: a housing that engages with the side of the four sides of the smartphone on which the light source and the camera lens for taking photographs are provided and is held by the smartphone; a convex lens provided on the front surface of the outer surface of the housing on the side of the light source and the camera lens for taking photographs, and is positioned in front of the camera lens for taking photographs when the smartphone is held in the housing and focuses on the subject's eye; and a slit light forming part provided on the same surface as the front surface, and is positioned diagonally in front of the convex lens when the smartphone is held in the housing and irradiates the subject's eye with light emitted from the light source or a small light source provided as a separate part as slit light, A combination structure of a smartphone optical attachment and a smartphone, characterized in that, when the light emitted from the aforementioned light source is used to form slit light, the structure further includes an optical waveguide that propagates to the slit light forming section, or, when the light emitted from the aforementioned small light source is used to form slit light, the small light source is positioned on the optical path through which the light emitted from the small light source propagates to the slit light forming section.

Images