Light irradiation device

Abstract

The utility model provides a light irradiation device capable of efficiently cooling. The light irradiation device includes: a head having a light emission surface contactable to a person's skin; an optical system which is provided on the head portion, includes one or more light sources, a first filter, and a second filter, and emits light from the one or more light sources from the light emission surface to the outside through the first filter and the second filter; the first cooling medium is thermally connected to the first optical filter; and a second cooling medium provided separately from the first cooling medium and thermally connected to the second filter.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light irradiation device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, a technique has been known in which pulsed light emitted from a light source is irradiated onto skin, thereby promoting depilation or promoting whitening of hair after depilation.

[0003] However, the prior art described above has a problem in that it is difficult to effectively cool the light irradiation device.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-246760 SUMMARY

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a light irradiation device that is effectively cooled.

[0006] In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides:

[0007] (1) A light irradiation device comprising:

[0008] a head portion having a light emission surface that can contact skin of a person;

[0009] an optical system provided in the head portion and including one or more light sources and a plurality of filters through which light from the one or more light sources is emitted outward from the light emission surface;

[0010] a first cooling medium that is thermally connected to a first filter of the plurality of filters;

[0011] and a second cooling medium that is separate from the first cooling medium and is thermally connected to a second filter of the plurality of filters.

[0012] (2) The light irradiation device according to (1), further comprising a cooling device that cools the first cooling medium and the second cooling medium.

[0013] (3) The light irradiation device according to (2), wherein

[0014] the cooling device is adjacent to the first cooling medium in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and is adjacent to the second cooling medium in the second direction.

[0015] (4) The light irradiation device according to (2) or (3), wherein

[0016] the cooling device includes a first element that cools the first cooling medium and a second element that cools the second cooling medium,

[0017] Further comprising a cooling control device that controls the first element and the second element based on a difference in heat generation characteristics of the first filter and the second filter, or based on respective values of temperature-related parameters.

[0018] (5) The light irradiation device according to (1), wherein

[0019] The first cooling medium opposes or contacts the first filter in a first direction perpendicular to the light emission surface,

[0020] The second cooling medium opposes or contacts the second filter in the first direction.

[0021] (6) The light irradiation device according to (1), wherein

[0022] The optical system emits two or more different lights through the light emission surface based on light from the one or more light sources, through the plurality of filters.

[0023] (7) The light irradiation device according to (6), wherein

[0024] The first filter allows passage of light having a first wavelength range that has a skin spot lightening effect, and the second filter allows passage of light having a second wavelength range that is different from the first wavelength range.

[0025] (8) The light irradiation device according to (7), wherein

[0026] Further comprising: a sensor provided at the head portion that detects a skin state of a person; and

[0027] An optical system control device that controls the optical system based on information of the sensor.

[0028] (9) The light irradiation device according to (8), wherein

[0029] The optical system control device controls output distribution of the two or more lights based on information of the sensor.

[0030] (10) The light irradiation device according to (9), wherein

[0031] The sensor includes a sensor that detects color information,

[0032] The optical system control device includes:

[0033] a detection processing portion that detects a spot state of a skin portion that the head portion contacts, based on information of the sensor; and

[0034] An output control section that controls output of the light output of the first wavelength range based on a result of detection by the detection processing section.

[0035] (11) The light irradiation apparatus according to (10), wherein the sensor is provided at least one on each of both sides of the light emission surface of the head.

[0036] (12) The light irradiation apparatus according to (10), wherein the output control section controls the light output of the first wavelength range and the light output of the second wavelength range based on a spot depth in the result of detection by the detection processing section.

[0037] (13) The light irradiation apparatus according to (10), wherein the output control section, in a case where the spot is of a first depth, strengthens the light output of the first wavelength range and weakens the light output of the second wavelength range, relative to a case where the spot is of a second depth shallower than the first depth.

[0038] (14) The light irradiation apparatus according to (13), wherein the first filter allows passage of light of a wavelength range including a wavelength of 505 nm, and the second filter allows passage of light of a wavelength range including a wavelength of 800 nm.

[0039] According to the present application, the light irradiation apparatus can be effectively cooled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the light irradiation apparatus of the present embodiment.

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the head.

[0042] Figure 3 is a diagram schematically showing the head of the light irradiation apparatus of the present embodiment in plan view.

[0043] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of characteristics of light that can be output from the light irradiation apparatus of the present embodiment.

[0044] Figure 4A is an explanatory diagram showing the wavelength distribution of a xenon tube itself.

[0045] Figure 5 is a structure diagram schematically showing the control system of the light irradiation apparatus of the present embodiment.

[0046] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the spot detection processing by the control section of the present embodiment.

[0047] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the spot detection processing by the control section of the present embodiment using a touch sensor. Figure 6a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the spot detection processing.

[0048] Figure 8 a flowchart showing an example of the light source control processing based on the spot detection result of the intelligent spot sensor.

[0049] Figure 9 a diagram illustrating the light source control processing based on the spot detection result. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In this embodiment, a light irradiation device 1 equipped with two xenon lamp tubes and two optical filters will be described, which irradiates light reflected by a reflector.

[0051] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present application will be described in detail based on the drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the basic light irradiation device 1. The light irradiation device 1 is capable of generating light that can be irradiated to human skin. The light can have a cosmetic-related effect. In this case, the cosmetic-related effect is optional and can include any one or a combination of more than one of hair removal, skin beautification, slack elimination, tightening, fat burning, lifting, a small face effect, skin elasticity and gloss enhancement, moisture increase, and the like. In addition, the cosmetic-related effect can be a quantifiable effect or a non-quantifiable effect.

[0053] In addition, Figure 1 The light irradiation device 1 shown is a portable device held by a user, but can also be applied to a movable fixed device supported by an arm or the like.

[0054] The light irradiation device 1 includes a grip portion 2 and a head portion 3. In this case, the user can hold the grip portion 2 and align the light emitting surface 3a of the head portion 3 with a desired portion of his or her face or body, so that the light of the light irradiation device 1 can be locally irradiated to the desired portion.

[0055] The grip portion 2 is shaped to be easily held by the user. The grip portion 2 can include an input portion 20, which can include various buttons such as a power switch button, a mode switching button, an intensity adjusting button, and the like. In addition, each button can be a mechanical button or a touch switch. In addition, a display portion (not shown) for displaying the state of the light irradiation device 1 or the like can be provided on the grip portion 2.

[0056] The head portion 3 is provided at the end of the grip portion 2. In addition, the head portion 3 can be fixed to the grip portion 2, can be detachable, or can be movable with respect to the grip portion 2.

[0057] The head portion 3 can have a light emitting surface 3a which is substantially planar (including curved surfaces with a large radius of curvature). The shape of the light emitting surface 3a (the appearance when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the light emitting surface 3a) can be arbitrary, such as rectangular, circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. The light emitting surface 3a can be made of any light-transmissive material, such as glass. In addition, the light emitting surface 3a can also be in the form of a lens.

[0058] In the drawings, three directions perpendicular to each other are defined as the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. In the following description, the side closer to the light emitting surface 3a in the Z direction is referred to as the "front side", and the side farther from the light emitting surface 3a in the Z direction is referred to as the "back side". Figure 1

[0059] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the head portion 3. The light emitting surface 3a can be divided into two portions, corresponding to the two light sources 61, 62 (and the two optical filters 71, 72). In the example shown, the light emitting surface 3a includes a portion 31 which faces or contacts the optical filter 71 in the Z direction, and a portion 32 which faces or contacts the optical filter 72 in the Z direction. The portions 31, 32 function as cooling medium, respectively. Figure 1

[0060] The light emitting surface 3a can be made of any material with high light transmissivity, and is preferably made of sapphire glass. In this case, the cooling effect on the skin by the sapphire glass can be achieved. If the light emitting surface 3a made of sapphire glass has a thickness of about 3 mm, it is difficult to maintain a cool feeling when in contact with the skin; if the thickness exceeds 13 mm, the cost will be too high. Therefore, the thickness of the light emitting surface 3a is preferably between 5 mm and 12 mm.

[0061] The head portion 3 has an optical system inside the housing 30. The optical system includes two light sources 61, 62, two optical filters 71, 72 (or one optical filter), and a reflector 80.

[0062] The light sources 61, 62 can be any light source, such as an LED (light emitting diode), a halogen lamp, etc., but the basic form of the present embodiment is to use a xenon lamp tube which emits light by discharge. Specifically, the light source 61 (the same for the light source 62) is a cylindrical glass tube filled with xenon gas, with electrodes (not shown) provided at both ends. By applying a high current through a metal wire (not shown) provided on the outer periphery of the glass tube (not shown), a charged xenon ion state is formed, and then by applying a high voltage to the inside through the electrodes (not shown), the charged xenon ions chain discharge, emitting light instantaneously. The light emitted is output in a radial pattern. In addition, instead of or in addition to the metal wire (not shown), a conductive material coated on the surface of the glass (such as a material formed by surface treatment) can also be used.

[0063] ​​The light sources 61, 62 are arranged in the Y direction in a state in which the positions in the X direction and the Z direction are identical to each other. At this time, the center axes of the glass tubes of the light sources 61, 62 are arranged in the Y direction. In addition, in a modified example, the light sources 61, 62 can be arranged in the X direction in a state in which the positions in the Y direction and the Z direction are identical to each other, and the arrangement manner of the light sources 61, 62 is arbitrary.

[0064] The configurations of the light sources 61, 62 are identical to each other except for the arrangement manner. That is, the light sources 61, 62 can be products of the same model, or can be different products by utilizing the characteristics of the respective products, and is arbitrary.

[0065] The optical filters 71, 72 are provided between the light sources 61, 62 and the light emission surface 3a. The optical filter 71 is provided corresponding to the light source 61, and the optical filter 72 is provided corresponding to the light source 62. Specifically, the optical filters 71, 72 are arranged in the Y direction in a state in which the positions in the X direction and the Z direction are identical to each other. At this time, the optical filter 71 is opposed to the light source 61 in the Z direction, and the optical filter 72 is opposed to the light source 62 in the Z direction.

[0066] The reflector 80 reflects the light from the light sources 61, 62 and guides to the light emission surface 3a. The reflector 80 includes a side reflector 82 and a back reflector 84.

[0067] The side reflector 82 is provided between the optical filters 71, 72 and the light sources 61, 62 in the Z direction. The side reflector 82 can be in a cylindrical shape having a rectangular cross section when viewed in the Z direction. The back reflector 84 extends to the back of the optical filters 71, 72 in the Z direction. The back reflector 84 is opposed to the back sides of the light sources 61, 62 in the Z direction, and is opposed to both sides of the light sources 61, 62 in the Y direction. For example, the back reflector 84 can be in an arc shape along the cross-sectional shape of the light sources 61, 62 when viewed in the X direction, and the opening side can be in contact with the optical filters 71, 72 (may be one optical filter) in the Z direction. In addition, the back reflector 84 can be configured so as to contact the filaments (not shown) of the light sources 61, 62, and be close to the back sides of the light sources 61, 62.

[0068] The reflector 80 is configured so that the light from the light source 61 is emitted uniformly from the entire surface of the light emission surface 3a through the optical filter 71. Likewise, the reflector 80 is configured so that the light from the light source 62 is emitted uniformly from the entire surface of the light emission surface 3a through the optical filter 72. In this case, the entire surface of the light emission surface 3a can share the light from the light source 61 and the light source 62. The optical filters can also be one.

[0069] The head 3 has a cooling function inside the housing 30. Specifically, the head 3 has Peltier elements 51, 52 and a heat sink 35 inside the housing 30.

[0070] The Peltier elements 51, 52 are separated and arranged apart from each other. The Peltier element 51 is thermally connected to the optical filter 71, and the Peltier element 52 is thermally connected to the optical filter 72.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the Peltier elements 51, 52 are arranged in positions adjacent to the light emitting surface 3a. Specifically, the Peltier element 51 is adjacent to (facing or contacting) a portion 31 of the light emitting surface 3a in the X direction, and the Peltier element 52 is adjacent to (facing or contacting) a portion 32 of the light emitting surface 3a in the X direction. However, in a modified example, the Peltier elements 51, 52 can be adjacent to the portions 31, 32 in the Y direction instead of or in addition to being adjacent in the X direction. If the light emitting surface 3a is made of sapphire glass, the skin can be cooled by the Peltier elements 51, 52.

[0072] In other embodiments, the Peltier elements 51, 52 can be arranged adjacent to a space between the light emitting surface 3a and the optical filters 71, 72 in the X direction. However, the Peltier elements 51, 52 can also be adjacent to the space in the Y direction. Furthermore, if a light guide is arranged in the space, the Peltier elements 51, 52 can be arranged adjacent to the light guide.

[0073] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the Peltier elements 51, 52 are thermally connected to the optical filters 71, 72, respectively, the optical filters 71, 72 can be effectively cooled. Details of this effect will be described later.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the Peltier elements 51, 52 are arranged separately, but can also be arranged together with a metal plate or the like.

[0075] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the light emitting surface 3a is divided into the portions 31, 32 by a partition 70. The partition 70 can extend in the Z direction in a manner that separates the optical filters 71, 72. The partition 70 can be made of a high thermal conduction material or a high thermal insulation material. The partition 70 can function as a light guide or as a reflector.

[0076] Figure 3 is a plan view schematically showing the head 3 of the light irradiation device 1 of the present embodiment.

[0077] The head 3 according to the present embodiment differs from the head 3 of the above-described embodiment in that a smart spot sensor 114 for detecting a spot (stain) is additionally provided. In addition, in a modified example, the smart spot sensor 114 can also be used to detect skin conditions other than spots, such as redness, dullness, skin brightness, skin color, and the like.

[0078] The smart spot sensor 114 can be provided outside the light emission surface 3a. That is, the smart spot sensor 114 can be provided at a position that does not obstruct light emitted from the light emission surface 3a, and can be provided adjacent to the light emission surface 3a.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the smart spot sensor 114 includes two skin color sensors 1141. The two skin color sensors 1141 are provided on both sides of the light emission surface 3a in a manner of sandwiching the light emission surface 3a in the short side direction of the head 3. The short side direction of the head 3 generally corresponds to the moving direction of the user when the head 3 is attached to the skin and the light irradiation device 1 is moved. In addition, in a modified example, the smart spot sensor 114 can include only one skin color sensor 1141, or more than three skin color sensors 1141.

[0080] The skin color sensor 1141 can be an image sensor for detecting skin color. That is, the skin color sensor 1141 can be a color sensor that generates color information in a shooting range.

[0081] Examples of the method of detecting spots by the smart spot sensor 114 are described later.

[0082] The optical filter 71 allows passage of light in a wavelength range including a wavelength of 505 nm and having a width of 200 nm or less, preferably light in a wavelength range including a wavelength of 505 nm and having a width of 150 nm or less. The optical filter 72 allows passage of light in a wavelength range including a wavelength of 830 nm and having a width of 560 nm or less, preferably light in a wavelength range including a wavelength of 830 nm and having a width of 400 nm or less.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the optical filters 71, 72 have the following characteristics. That is, the optical filter 71 is a band pass filter that substantially allows passage of only light in a wavelength range of 500 nm to 650 nm (one example of the first wavelength range), and the optical filter 72 is a band pass filter that substantially allows passage of only light in a wavelength range of 640 nm to 1200 nm (one example of the second wavelength range). In addition, in the present embodiment, both the optical filters 71, 72 allow passage of light in a wavelength range of 640 nm to 650 nm, but this overlapping range can be canceled or can be maintained in a relatively narrow range (for example, the range of 10 nm in the present embodiment).

[0084] In addition, the optical filters 71, 72 can be glass filters. In this case, the glass filters can be formed of a mixed color glass, or a filter film can be formed by evaporation.

[0085] In addition, in the present embodiment, the optical filters 71, 72 are provided separately from the light sources 61, 62, but the optical filters 71, 72 can be provided integrally with the light sources 61, 62. For example, by coating the xenon lamp tube of the light source 61, 62, the filter film of the optical filter 71, 72 can be formed. In this case, a paint capable of producing the above-described characteristics can be selected. Further, as one form of coating, the filter film of the optical filter 71, 72 can be formed by performing a vapor deposition process on the xenon lamp tube. In this case, the glass filter member can be omitted, the number of components can be reduced, and assembly can be simplified. In addition, the coating using a vapor deposition material or a vapor deposition film pressure can not completely block ultraviolet rays, and therefore in this case, a high-pass glass filter can be added to additionally block ultraviolet rays.

[0086] In addition, other implementation methods of the optical filters 71, 72 can be implemented by combinations of the following (1) to (4):

[0087] (1) a combination of glass filters, such as a combination of a glass filter that transmits 500 nm to 650 nm (optical filter 71) and a high-pass glass filter that transmits 640 nm to 1200 nm (optical filter 72) on a xenon lamp tube;

[0088] (2) a combination of a filter (optical filter 71) made of a material that transmits 500 nm to 650 nm and a high-pass glass filter (optical filter 72) that transmits 640 nm to 1200 nm coated on a xenon lamp tube;

[0089] (3) a combination of a filter (optical filter 71) made of a material that transmits 500 nm to 650 nm coated on a xenon lamp tube and a filter (optical filter 72) made of a material that transmits 640 nm to 1200 nm coated on a xenon lamp tube;

[0090] (4) a combination of a filter (optical filter 71) made of a material that transmits 500 nm to 650 nm coated on a xenon lamp tube, a filter (optical filter 72) made of a material that transmits 640 nm to 1200 nm coated on a xenon lamp tube, and a high-pass glass filter that transmits 640 nm to 1200 nm.

[0091] Further, the light sources 61, 62 are not limited to IPL (intense pulsed light), but can be formed of an LED (light emitting diode), a laser, a halogen lamp, or the like.

[0092] Figure 4 is a graph that describes the characteristics of the light outputtable by the light irradiation device 1 of the present embodiment.

[0093] Figure 4In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents wavelength, and the vertical axis represents output (intensity), showing the characteristics C91 and C92 of two types of light. Characteristic C91 represents the characteristics of light emitted through optical filter 71, and characteristic C92 represents the characteristics of light emitted through optical filter 72. Figure 4A The characteristics of the IPL units 61 and 62 as light sources (i.e., characteristics without optical filters) are shown.

[0094] According to this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, two types of light with different characteristics can be emitted through the light emitting surface 3a. Therefore, a more efficient structure can be achieved compared to a comparative example (not shown) where light with different characteristics is emitted from two separate light emitting surfaces. That is, there is no need to reserve space for two separate light emitting surfaces, thereby reducing the size of the head 3. Furthermore, when it is necessary to simultaneously irradiate the same skin area with two types of light, it is only necessary to contact the light emitting surface 3a with that area. In the comparative example, when it is necessary to simultaneously irradiate the same skin area with two types of light, each light emitting surface must be contacted with that area separately. In contrast, according to this embodiment, multiple types of light with different characteristics can be emitted simultaneously through the light emitting surface 3a, thereby irradiating the same area with multiple types of light with different characteristics without moving the light irradiation device 1. Therefore, not only can the size of the light irradiation device 1 be reduced, but the efficiency (treatment efficiency) of the user operating the light irradiation device 1 can also be improved.

[0095] Here, the light from C91, when applied to the skin, is expected to improve blemishes and dullness. Furthermore, the light from C92, when applied to the skin, is expected to provide comprehensive skin improvement. In addition, due to the inclusion of wavelengths such as red light, it can penetrate deeply and has anti-aging effects.

[0096] Furthermore, experiments with this invention show that when the light of characteristic C91 and the light of characteristic C92 are simultaneously or sequentially irradiated onto the skin, skin hydration is improved more significantly than when either light is irradiated onto the skin alone. In this case, three scenarios were compared: the first scenario was that only the light of characteristic C91 was irradiated onto the skin at a predetermined output; the second scenario was that only the light of characteristic C92 was irradiated onto the skin at a predetermined output; and the third scenario was that the irradiation ratio of characteristic C91 and characteristic C92 was set to 3:2, and the total output of both was set to a predetermined output, while simultaneously irradiating the skin with both characteristic C91 and characteristic C92. In this scenario, the effect (related to skin hydration) in the third scenario was more significant than in the first and second scenarios. Therefore, the usefulness of the light irradiation device 1, which simultaneously irradiates the skin with the light emitting surface 3a of characteristic C91 and characteristic C92, can be seen.

[0097] In the following description, the light output of the characteristic C91 is referred to as "spot filter light output", and the light output of the characteristic C92 is referred to as "beauty filter light output".

[0098] In addition, in the modification, the optical filter 71 can be an arbitrary bandpass filter that allows light of 505 nm wavelength to pass, and for example, a bandpass filter that allows a wavelength range of 490 nm to 525 nm to pass, a bandpass filter that allows a wavelength range of 500 nm to 550 nm to pass, or a bandpass filter that allows a wavelength range of 500 nm to 650 nm to pass can be used. Further, the optical filter 72 can be an arbitrary bandpass filter that allows light of 800 nm wavelength to pass, and for example, a bandpass filter that allows a wavelength range of 800 nm to 1200 nm to pass can be used.

[0099] Next, the control system of the light irradiation device 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5 to Fig. 9.

[0100] Figure 5 Fig. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control system of the light irradiation device 1 of the present embodiment.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 9, the light irradiation device 1 includes a control section 150 electrically connected to the input section 20 and the light sources 61, 62 described above. The control section 150 can include a computer such as a microcomputer or a drive circuit. Figure 5 The control section 150 controls the light sources 61, 62 and the like of the light irradiation device 1 by executing a computer program stored in a built-in storage or an accessible external storage. In addition, the processing performed by the light irradiation device 1 can also be implemented by an additional or alternative hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA.

[0102] The present embodiment includes a skin treatment device that controls a plurality of light sources configured to emit light of different wavelengths.

[0103] As shown in Fig. 9, the control section 150 is further connected to the intelligent spot sensor 114 and the touch sensor 116.

[0104] Figure 5 In the present embodiment, the control section 150 implements a spot detection function of detecting a spot based on sensor information from the intelligent spot sensor 114, and implements a light source control function of controlling the light sources 61, 62 based on the spot detection result.

[0105] The control section 150 has a predetermined storage area 160 in a built-in storage or an accessible external storage. The function of the predetermined storage area 160 will be described later.

[0106] The control section 150 has a predetermined storage area 160 in a built-in storage or an accessible external storage. The function of the predetermined storage area 160 will be described later.

[0107] As​Figure 5 The control section 150 of the present embodiment is further connected to the Peltier elements 51, 52. The control section 150 can independently control each Peltier element 51, 52, as with the control of the light sources 61, 62.

[0108] Figure 6 Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing one example of the spot detection processing performed by the control section 150 of the present embodiment.

[0109] In step S01, it is determined whether or not there is a stored value of the white reference value in the predetermined storage area 160. If there is a stored value of the white reference value in the predetermined storage area 160, the processing proceeds to step S03; if there is no stored value of the white reference value in the predetermined storage area 160 (i.e., in the initialization state), the processing proceeds to step S05.

[0110] In step S03, data read-in processing of reading in the sensor information of the intelligent spot sensor 114 is performed. In step S05, the white reference value is stored in the predetermined storage area 160 and the processing is ended. In this case, the stored white reference value can be a predetermined initial value.

[0111] Next, in step S07, it is determined, based on the read-in skin color data, whether or not the detected skin color data is a dark color (black) or below brown. If it is a dark color or below brown, the processing proceeds to step Sll; if it is not a dark color or below brown, the processing proceeds to step S09.

[0112] In step Sll, the spot detection state is set or maintained to "2" and the processing is ended.

[0113] In step S09, it is determined whether or not the read-in skin color data is whiter than the white reference value stored in the predetermined storage area 160. If it is whiter than the stored value of the white reference value, the processing proceeds to step S13; if it is not whiter than the stored value of the white reference value, the processing proceeds to step S15.

[0114] In step S13, the spot detection state is set or maintained to "0" and the white reference value stored in the predetermined storage area 160 is updated with the white color value of this time (to be overwritten by the presence of a part that is brighter than the skin color). Even if calibration is performed, the base color of different people and the depth of the spots are different. Therefore, in order to enable the device to operate automatically without the need for calibration before irradiation, the white reference value of the predetermined storage area 160 is updated whenever white is detected at any part. This eliminates individual differences and enables the accuracy of the spot detection to be improved, and the processing is ended.

[0115] In step S15, if the skin color data differs from the stored value of the white reference value in the predetermined storage area 160 by a predetermined threshold and the color is black, it is detected as a spot. Although the predetermined threshold is arbitrary, it can be set to a variable value that reflects individual differences. In this case, the spot detection state is set or maintained to "1", and then the process ends.

[0116] Figure 7 It is performed using touch sensor 116 Figure 6 The flowchart illustrates an example of a spot detection process. A touch sensor 116 may be mounted on the head 3. The touch sensor 116 generates different electrical signals depending on whether the head 3 is in contact with the skin.

[0117] First, in step S02, based on sensor information from touch sensor 116, it is determined whether the light irradiation device 1 is detected to be in contact with the skin. If skin contact is detected, the process proceeds to step S04; if skin contact is not detected, the process proceeds to step S06.

[0118] In step S04, execute Figure 6 The spot detection process is completed and the process ends. In step S06, the stored value of the white reference value in the predetermined storage area 160 is initialized. By performing this initialization, an inconvenience can be avoided: if white (completely white) is read once and no subsequent initialization is performed, any color will be mistakenly detected as a spot.

[0119] This spot detection function can identify spots and moles, and can detect spots based on individual skin differences.

[0120] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of an example of light source control processing based on the spot detection results of the smart spot sensor 114 (light source control processing performed by the control unit 150).

[0121] In step S20, it is determined whether the spot detection state is "2". If the spot detection state is "2", then no light or weak light is output from the light sources 61 and 62 (S22). Specifically, strong light is not applied when the light source does not contact the skin or when the skin color is darker than brown. Therefore, the cooling capacity of the Peltier elements 51 and 52 is set to 0 or a minimum value (S23). In addition, the cooling capacity of the Peltier elements 51 and 52 can be achieved by changing the output of the Peltier elements 51 and 52 themselves, and / or by changing the fan output of the cooling radiator 35.

[0122] If the spot detection state is not "2", then it is determined whether the spot detection state is "0" (S24). If the spot detection state is "0", then the skin-beautifying filter output (light output with wavelengths of 640nm to 1200nm through optical filter 72) is set to be stronger than the spot filter output (light output with wavelengths of 500nm to 650nm through optical filter 71) (S26). In this case, if the skin-beautifying filter output is "100", then the spot filter output is less than "100", preferably less than "50". Furthermore, the cooling capacity of Peltier element 52 is increased, and the cooling capacity of Peltier element 51 is decreased (S27). This achieves efficient cooling because the heat generation on the optical filter 72 side is greater than the heat generation on the optical filter 71 side.

[0123] If the spot detection state is not "0" (i.e., the spot detection state is "1"), the spot filter output (light output at wavelengths of 500nm to 650nm through optical filter 71) is set to be stronger than the skin-beautifying filter output (light output at wavelengths of 640nm to 1200nm through optical filter 72) (S28). In this case, if the spot filter output is "100", the skin-beautifying filter output is less than "100", preferably less than "50". Furthermore, the cooling capacity of Peltier element 51 is increased, and the cooling capacity of Peltier element 52 is decreased (S29). This achieves efficient cooling because the heat generated on the optical filter 71 side is greater than the heat generated on the optical filter 72 side.

[0124] According to this embodiment, light with corresponding characteristics can be irradiated onto the skin area illuminated by the light emitting surface 3a based on the spot detection results. In other words, for areas where spots are detected, the effect of spot filtering output can be maximized by enhancing the spot filtering output; on the other hand, for areas where no spots are detected, the effect of skin beautification filtering output can be maximized by enhancing the skin beautification filtering output.

[0125] In addition, Figure 8 In the example shown, during spot detection, the spot filter output can be uniformly increased, but it can also be adjusted according to the depth of the spots. That is, the deeper the spot, the stronger the spot filter output. In this case, depending on the situation, the deeper the spot, the weaker the skin-beautifying filter output can also be.

[0126] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, for areas with lighter spots, the spot filter output and skin smoothing filter output can be set to normal values ​​(baseline output); for areas with darker spots, the spot filter output can be increased; and for areas without spots, the skin smoothing filter output can be increased. In this case, the sum of the outputs (i.e., the total output of the two light sources 61 and 62) can be set to a fixed value or a variable value.

[0127] Alternatively, the following control can also be implemented. For a part where the spots are darker, the light of the wavelength of 500 nm to 650 nm is increased relative to the regular value, and for a part where the spots are lighter, the light of the wavelength of 640 nm to 1200 nm is increased relative to the regular value. In addition, as a spot pattern (optimal pattern for focusing on local spots), the light of the wavelength of 500 nm to 650 nm can be increased relative to the regular value. Furthermore, for a part where the erythema is more apparent, the light of the wavelength of 500 nm to 650 nm can be increased relative to the regular value. In the skin beautifying mode, the light of the wavelength of 500 nm to 650 nm can be increased relative to the regular value. For a part where the pores are more apparent, the light of the wavelength of 640 nm to 1200 nm can be increased relative to the regular value. In these cases, the user can visually check the state of each part (e.g., spots and erythema) and manually perform the mode switching, or / and automatic implementation can be performed based on various sensor information including the intelligent spot sensor 114.

[0128] Here, if the spot filter output and the skin beautifying filter output are simultaneously increased, the following inconveniences can occur. Regardless of the skin state, the simultaneous increase of the spot filter output and the skin beautifying filter output can cause an excessive irradiation burden on the skin. In addition, the filter can generate excessive heat due to the light source heating and the filter cutting wavelength, resulting in excessive heating of the device. According to the present embodiment, these inconveniences can be prevented.

[0129] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the skin color sensors 1141 are provided on both sides of the light emission surface 3a. Therefore, regardless of the direction in which the user moves the light irradiation device 1 (see arrows R81, R82 in FIG. 8), the spot detection function can be maintained by one of the skin color sensors 1141. In addition, the number of skin color sensors 1141 can be more than two, and three or more (e.g., four) can be provided. Further, in the case where a plurality of skin color sensors 1141 are provided, the data showing a darker color can be preferentially used. Figure 3

[0130] In addition, in the present embodiment, although the irradiation method with respect to the spot filter output and the skin beautifying filter output is arbitrary, for example, split irradiation can be used. That is, instead of outputting the stored electric energy at once, the split irradiation can be performed in a split manner of less than 10 milliseconds to reduce the damage to the skin. However, the control of the split irradiation should ensure that the output intensity is not weakened, and the split irradiation can be controlled in a manner that the split irradiation is performed with a uniform intensity. In addition, for example, when the spot filter output is increased, the irradiation time and / or the irradiation frequency of the spot filter output light can be increased.

[0131] ​According to the present embodiment, the cooling capacity of the two Peltier elements 51, 52 can be adjusted according to the ratio of the spot filter output and the skin filter output, thereby achieving efficient cooling of the Peltier elements 51, 52. That is, according to the present embodiment, by providing the Peltier elements 51, 52 at positions corresponding to the optical filters 71, 72, the optical filters 71, 72 can be efficiently cooled according to the different heat generation amounts of the optical filters 71, 72. This is particularly applicable in the case where the ratio of the spot filter output and the skin filter output is adjusted according to the spot detection result (thereby changing the respective heat generation amounts of the optical filters 71, 72) in the present embodiment.

[0132] The above detailed various embodiments, but not limited to a specific embodiment, within the scope of the claims of the patent, various modifications and changes can be made. In addition, all or a plurality of the components of the foregoing embodiments can also be used in combination.

[0133] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the control method is arbitrary for a plurality of light sources capable of emitting light of different characteristics. For example, optimal output adjustment can be achieved by controlling the output, irradiation intensity, emission time, number of times, interval, etc. of each light source, respectively.

[0134] In addition, the optical filter 71 and / or the optical filter 72 can be attached to a material having a high cooling effect such as sapphire glass. In addition, the optical filter 71 and / or the optical filter 72 that transmits (passes) only light of a specific wavelength is likely to heat up, particularly when a high irradiation intensity of 4.0 J / cm 2 , 6.0 J / cm 2 The above high irradiation intensity, the cooling of the skin has a great influence on the user's use feeling. From this point of view, sapphire glass having a high cooling effect such as sapphire glass is preferable.

[0135] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the light source is not limited to two, and light from one light source can be split and incident on the optical filters 71, 72. Alternatively, the light source can be composed of three or more, and along with this, by the coating of the light source and the filter or the surface treatment of the irradiation portion, it is preferable to be configured to emit a plurality of wavelengths. In addition, the power supply and the capacitor can be housed in the main body, and the light irradiation portion can be configured as a probe, so that it can be adapted to a range of a plurality of light sources and high output, and it can be more responsive to the output suitable for the irradiation site. In this case, the cooling structure for cooling the heat generated by the light source, the sensor, and the like can be housed in the main body to a minimum, thereby realizing a lightweight probe (detector) that improves operability.

[0136] Further, in the above embodiment, the optical filter 71 and / or the optical filter 72 are not limited to two, and can be composed of three or more, and can emit a plurality of wavelengths. In order to prevent the plurality of optical filters from falling to the reflector side, it is preferable to provide a support portion between the optical filter 71 and the optical filter 72 in the Y direction on the side reflector 82 to support the optical filters 71, 72.

[0137] The side reflector 82 and the back reflector 84 can be integrally configured, which can reduce the number of components and reduce the assembly process.

[0138] Further, in the above embodiment, two kinds of light having different characteristics are emitted from the light emission surface 3a, but two kinds of light having different characteristics can also be emitted from different light emission surfaces. Further, the light emission surfaces from which two kinds of light having different characteristics are emitted can also be partially overlapped. In addition, by adjusting the depth of the circular arc-shaped shape portion shaped along the cross-sectional shape of the light sources 61, 62 of the reflector 80 or the positional relationship between the reflector shape and the light sources 61, 62, the degree of overlap of the light (the size, position, shape, etc. of the overlapping emission surface area) can be arbitrarily adjusted.

[0139] Further, in the above embodiment, the space between the light emission surface 3a and the optical filters 71, 72 is empty, but a light guide or the like can also be provided. Further, if it is an empty space, the space can be a sealed space or a space that communicates with the outside (i.e., a non-sealed space).

[0140] Further, in the above embodiment, the Peltier elements 51, 52 are used as the cooling device, but other cooling devices can also be used instead of or in addition to the Peltier elements 51, 52. For example, a fan or the like can be used, and a vapor chamber or a heat pipe can be used. In this case, the cooling medium can be used instead of the material (sapphire glass) of the sites 31, 32, and any cooling medium such as air or water can be used. For example, the sites 31, 32 can be spaces to which cold air is supplied. In this case, by adjusting the temperature and flow rate of the cold air supplied to the sites 31, 32, the cooling capacity of the optical filters 71, 72 can be individually controlled. In this case, the cooling medium can be cooled by any method such as cooling by using a compressor or cooling by heat exchange.

[0141] Further, in the above embodiment, the adjustment of the cooling capacity of the Peltier elements 51, 52 is performed based on the spot detection result, but it can also be performed based on the value of a parameter (for example, the output level or power consumption of the light sources 61, 62) that varies based on the spot detection result. Alternatively, it can be performed based on the value of another parameter (for example, the temperature of the optical filters 71, 72) related to the output level or power consumption of the light sources 61, 62.

[0142] Further, in the configuration in which the spot detection is not performed, the adjustment of the cooling capacity of the Peltier elements 51, 52 can be implemented based on the value of the temperature of the optical filter 71, 72 or a parameter related thereto (for example, the output level or power consumption of the light source 61, 62, etc.). In this case, each temperature sensor directly detecting the temperature of the optical filter 71, 72 can be used.

[0143] Further, the adjustment of the cooling capacity of the Peltier elements 51, 52 can be implemented using the heat generation characteristics (known characteristics) of the optical filter 71, 72. For example, if the optical filter 71 is a cut filter of 500 nm to 650 mm, only about 25% is transmitted, and thus 75% is converted into heat energy in the optical filter 71. On the other hand, if the optical filter 72 is 650 mm to 1200 nm, about 44% is transmitted, and thus 56% is converted into heat energy in the optical filter 72. Comparing the two, the heat differs by 1.8 times. Therefore, likewise, by increasing the output of the Peltier element 51 to 1.8 times the output of the Peltier element 52, it is possible to uniformize the temperature of the optical filters 71, 72 (and the temperature of each portion related thereto).

[0144] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the Peltier elements 51, 52 are separately provided, but one common Peltier element can be provided to cool the optical filters 71, 72.

[0145] Further, the number of the plurality of optical filters and the wavelength range transmitted are arbitrary. For example, three optical filters can be provided, each of which transmits wavelengths within a range of 100 mm. That is, three or more optical filters can be provided: a first filter that transmits wavelengths of 500 nm to 600 nm, a second filter that transmits wavelengths of 600 mm to 700 nm, a third filter that transmits wavelengths of 700 nm to 800 nm, and the like.

[0146] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0147] 1 light irradiation device,

[0148] 2 grip portion,

[0149] 3 head portion,

[0150] 3a light emitting surface,

[0151] 31 portion (cooling medium),

[0152] 32 portion (cooling medium),

[0153] 6a glass tube,

[0154] 6b metal wire,

[0155] 6c electrode,

[0156] 20 input section,

[0157] 51 Peltier element (cooling device, first element),

[0158] 52 Peltier element (cooling device, second element),

[0159] 61 light source (first light source),

[0160] 62 light source (second light source),

[0161] 71 optical filter (first filter),

[0162] 72 optical filter (second filter),

[0163] 80 reflector,

[0164] 82 side reflector,

[0165] 84 back reflector (first reflector, second reflector)

[0166] 150 control section (control device, output control section, detection processing section).

Claims

1. An optical irradiation device, characterized by comprising: It includes: a head having a light emission surface that can contact a person's skin; an optical system provided in the head and including one or more light sources and a plurality of filters through which light from the one or more light sources is emitted outward from the light emission surface; a first cooling medium in thermal contact with a first filter of the plurality of filters; and a second cooling medium separate from the first cooling medium and in thermal contact with a second filter of the plurality of filters.

2. The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cooling device that cools the first cooling medium and the second cooling medium.

3. The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cooling device is adjacent to the first cooling medium in a second direction intersecting a first direction, and is adjacent to the second cooling medium in the second direction.

4. The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the cooling device includes a first element that cools the first cooling medium and a second element that cools the second cooling medium, and further comprising a cooling control device that controls the first element and the second element, the cooling control device controls the first element and the second element separately based on a difference in heat generation characteristics of the first filter and the second filter, or based on respective values of temperature-related parameters.

5. The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first cooling medium is opposite or in contact with the first filter in a first direction perpendicular to the light emission surface, and the second cooling medium is opposite or in contact with the second filter in the first direction.

6. The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical system emits two or more different kinds of light through the light emission surface through the plurality of filters based on light from the one or more light sources.

7. The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first filter allows passage of light having a first wavelength range that has a skin spot lightening effect, and the second filter allows passage of light having a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range.

8. The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a sensor provided in the head that detects a state of a person's skin, and an optical system control device that controls the optical system based on information of the sensor.

9. The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the optical system control device controls output distribution of the two or more kinds of light based on information of the sensor.

10. The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the sensor includes a sensor that detects color information, the optical system control device includes a detection processing section that detects a state of spots of a skin portion contacted by the head based on information of the sensor, and an output control section that controls light output of the first wavelength range based on a detection result of the detection processing section. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 11. The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the sensor is provided at least one on each of both sides of the light emitting surface of the head.

12. The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the output control section controls the light output of the first wavelength range and the light output of the second wavelength range based on the spot depth in the detection result of the detection processing section.

13. The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the output control section, in the case where the spot is of a first depth, strengthens the light output of the first wavelength range and weakens the light output of the second wavelength range, relative to the case where the spot is of a second depth shallower than the first depth.

14. The light irradiation apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first filter allows passage of light in a wavelength range including a wavelength of 505 nm, the second filter allows passage of light in a wavelength range including a wavelength of 800 nm.

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