Optical sensor and method for identifying the presence of skin

摘要

A sensor for detecting the presence of skin is disclosed, one configuration of which uses multiple light emitting diodes, each of a unique wavelength band, and a broad-band photodetector to measure the remission of light at multiple wavelengths from a material being analyzed. Characteristics of the spectral remission of the material are used to discriminate human skin from materials that are not human skin. Further, an aesthetic medical device utilizing such a sensor in which the device is inhibited from operation if skin has not been detected. The incorporation of a skin sensor improves the safety of devices that emit radiation that otherwise would pose a hazard if not directed onto skin.

主权项

1. A dermatological treatment device comprising:
an enclosed radiation chamber defined by:
a radiation chamber housing,an output window at a first end of the radiation chamber housing and configured to be placed against a surface;a radiation source mount located at a second end of the radiation chamber housing opposite the first end, a source of treatment radiation supported by the radiation source mount at the second end of the radiation chamber and configured to emit treatment radiation though the enclosed radiation chamber and out through the output window, the treatment radiation configured to produce a fluence sufficient to provide a dermatological treatment; and a sensor system comprising:
a sensor radiation source distinct from the source of treatment radiation and configured to emit radiation through the enclosed radiation chamber housing and toward the surface through the same output window, as the treatment radiation, anda sensor detector configured to detect sensor radiation emitted by the sensor radiation source and remitted by the surface,wherein the sensor radiation source and the sensor detector are arranged in openings defined in the radiation chamber, andwherein the sensor system configured to:
measure radiation remitted via the surface; andcontrol delivery of treatment radiation to the surface based on the measured remitted radiation.