PROCESSING DEVICE FOR PERFORMING LIGHT-BASED PROCESSING OPERATIONS - Patent application

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a processing device 2, 400 for performing a light-based treatment operation on or to an object is provided. The processing device 2, 400 has a U-shaped light source 12, 202, 301, 402 for emitting light pulses, a light exit window 10, 201 through which the light pulses are emitted from the processing device 2, 400, and a reflector 302, 403 for reflecting the light pulses towards the light exit window 10, 201. The processing device 2, 400 operates the light source 12, 202, 301, 402 and the reflector 302, 403 in a first configuration 210, 310, 320 for performing hair removal on the object, and operates the light source 12, 202, 301, 402 and the reflector 302, 403 in a second configuration 220; 330 for performing skin rejuvenation on the object.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to processing devices for performing light-based processing operations on or against an object. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques for removing unwanted hair include shaving, electrolysis, plucking, laser and light therapy (known as photoepilation), and injections of therapeutic antiandrogens. Light-based techniques are also used for other types of dermatological treatments, such as inhibiting hair growth and treating acne.

[0003] Light-based hair treatments inhibit hair growth by exposing the skin to bright flashes or pulses of light known as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). Through the use of appropriate configurations of light energy, i.e. in terms of wavelength, intensity and / or pulse time (if the light is pulsed), selective heating of the hair root and subsequent temporary or permanent damage to the hair follicle can be achieved. IPL can be produced by a high-intensity light source such as a gas discharge lamp (e.g., a xenon flash lamp). The light penetrates the skin and is absorbed at the hair root, particularly by the melanin pigment. This results in an increase in the temperature of the hair root and subsequently in the temperature of the surrounding tissue. The heat generated damages the hair follicle and, if the temperature increase is sufficient, hair growth is inhibited. This process is known as photothermolysis. When treatments are repeated at intervals of 2 to 4 weeks, long-lasting hair reduction is achieved. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Light-based hair removal can be performed using commercially available "home" devices (i.e. consumer devices suitable for non-professional use), such as the Philips Lumea device. Home devices generally use IPL technology at relatively low fluences (e.g. 4-7 J / cm2) compared to professional devices that use fluences of over 10 J / cm2. For home IPL devices, the treatment area (the area treated by IPL when the device is held in one position during use) is typically 3-4 cm2, and the pulse rate is typically 1 Hz. With these devices, full body treatment typically takes 10-15 minutes. Feedback from users of these types of devices indicates that faster treatments are desired. The treatment speed depends on the size of the treatment area and the pulse rate. However, for a given lamp, increasing the size of the treatment area results in a smaller fluence (light energy per unit area) and therefore a weaker hair removal effect.

[0005] The total light output of a discharge lamp is proportional to its length. In home IPL devices, the size of the discharge lamp is limited by the size constraints associated with these devices. Thus, in view of the difficulty in increasing the size of the treatment window and the limitations on the size of the light source, many IPL device manufacturers are working to reduce the treatment time by developing flash lamps that operate at higher pulse rates.

[0006] IPL can also be used for skin rejuvenation, where intense light pulses are used to improve the appearance of skin.For example, skin rejuvenation can be used to reduce the visibility of dark spots, redness, wrinkles, scars, veins and / or broken capillaries.Skin rejuvenation treatment requires a higher fluence than hair removal treatment, and therefore, although there are IPL devices on the market that claim to provide both hair removal and skin rejuvenation, the effectiveness of skin rejuvenation function is limited by the relatively low fluence provided by existing home IPL devices.

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a treatment device that can effectively perform both hair removal and skin rejuvenation. Furthermore, it is desirable for the device to perform the hair removal process faster than existing devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the disclosure herein, it is proposed to provide a dual function treatment device capable of operating in two modes, one for performing hair removal treatment and the other for performing skin rejuvenation treatment. In particular, it is proposed that a U-shaped light source and reflector of the treatment device have a first configuration for performing hair removal and a second configuration for performing skin rejuvenation.

[0009] According to one aspect, a processing device for performing a light-based processing operation on or in a subject is provided, the processing device having a U-shaped light source that emits light pulses, a light exit window through which the light pulses are emitted from the processing device, and a reflector that reflects the light pulses toward the light exit window, the processing device is configured to operate the light source and reflector in a first configuration for performing hair removal on the subject and is configured to operate the light source and reflector in a second configuration for performing skin rejuvenation on the subject.

[0010] The use of the U-shaped light source can provide a larger treatment area in the first configuration to provide a faster hair removal treatment. The fluence level required for hair removal is maintained over this larger treatment area by using the U-shaped light source instead of a single straight light source. The compact design of the U-shaped light source can provide a significantly higher energy output than a single straight light source without requiring a large amount of space in the IPL device. Thus, the present disclosure provides a more efficient use of space in the device when space is limited.

[0011] In the second configuration, focusing the light pulses from the light source onto a smaller treatment area provides a higher fluence than existing devices and therefore improves the effectiveness of the skin rejuvenation treatment.

[0012] Thus, dual functionality is provided with a faster hair removal treatment, without compromising the compact size of the device or the effectiveness of the skin rejuvenation treatment.

[0013] These and other aspects will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary processing device. [Figure 2a] 1A-1D illustrate portions of a processing device in first and second configurations according to various embodiments. [Figure 2b] 1A-1D illustrate portions of a processing device in first and second configurations according to various embodiments. [Figure 3a] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a processing device for performing hair removal. [Figure 3b] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a processing device for performing hair removal. [Figure 3c] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a processing device for performing skin rejuvenation. [Figure 4a] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary mechanism that enables a processing unit to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. [Figure 4b] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary mechanism that enables a processing unit to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. [Figure 4c] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary mechanism that enables a processing unit to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Exemplary embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary processing device 2 that can be used to apply light pulses to an area of ​​skin. It should be understood that the processing device 2 of FIG. 1 is presented only as one example of a handheld processing device 2 with which the present invention can be used, and that the processing device 2 is not limited to the form shown in FIG. 1 or to being a handheld processing device. The processing device 2 is for use on the body of a subject (e.g., a human or animal) and is held in one or both hands of a user during use. The processing device 2 performs some processing operation on the hair and / or skin of the subject's body using one or more light pulses when the processing device 2 is close to or in contact with a body part of the subject. Processing operations include hair removal by laser and / or light therapy (known as photoepilation or intense pulsed light treatment). Processing operations also include skin rejuvenation.

[0017] As described herein, the processing device 2 is operated or used by a "user" and the processing device 2 is used on the body of a "subject." In some cases, the user and the subject are the same person, i.e., the processing device 2 is held in the hand and used by the user on himself (e.g., on the skin of the leg). In other cases, the user and the subject are different people, e.g., the processing device 2 is held in the hand and used by the user on another person.

[0018] The exemplary treatment device 2 has a housing 4 including at least a handle portion 5 and a head portion 6. The handle portion 5 is shaped to allow the treatment device 2 to be held in one hand by a user. The head portion 6 is at a head end 8 of the housing 4, and is intended to be placed in contact with a subject such that a personal care operation is performed on the subject's body or skin where the head portion 6 contacts the body or skin.

[0019] The treatment device 2 is for performing a treatment operation using light pulses. Thus, in FIG. 2, the head portion 6 has an opening 10, also called a light exit window or treatment window, which is arranged in or on the housing 4, so that the opening 10 can be arranged adjacent to or on (e.g. in contact with) the skin of the subject. The treatment device 2 includes a light source 12 for generating light pulses that are applied to the skin of the subject through the opening 10 and result in a treatment operation. The light source 12 is arranged in the housing 4 such that the light pulses are provided from the light source 12 through the opening 10. The opening / light exit window 10 can be in the form of an opening in the head end 8 of the housing 4, or it can be in the form of a window (including a waveguide) that is transparent or semi-transparent to the light pulses (i.e. the light pulses can pass through the window).

[0020] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the opening 10 has a generally rectangular shape, which results in a generally rectangular skin treatment area (also referred to herein as a treatment area) on the skin. It should be understood that the opening 10 can have any other desired shape. For example, the opening 10 can be square, oval, circular, or any other polygonal shape.

[0021] Light source 12 may generate light pulses of any suitable or desired wavelength (or range of wavelengths) and / or intensity. For example, light source 12 may generate visible light, infrared (IR) light, and / or ultraviolet (UV) light. Light source 12 may include any suitable type of light source, such as a gas discharge lamp, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), one or more lasers, etc.

[0022] According to an embodiment herein, the light source is a U-shaped light source, for example a U-shaped gas discharge lamp. A gas discharge lamp may have a gas in a housing (for example a tube), where the gas is typically a noble gas such as xenon or argon, or a mixture of such gases. The gas discharge lamp may also be a flash lamp, for example a xenon flash lamp.

[0023] The light source 12 may provide light pulses with spectral content in the range of 560-1200 nanometers (nm) for a duration of approximately 2.5 milliseconds (ms) because these wavelengths heat up the melanin in the hair and hair roots through absorption, causing the hair follicle to go into telogen phase and preventing hair growth.

[0024] The light source 12 is configured to provide a pulse of light, i.e., the light source 12 is configured to generate light at a high intensity for a short period of time (e.g., less than 0.1 seconds). The intensity of the light pulse must be high enough to perform a treatment operation on the skin or body area adjacent to the opening 10.

[0025] The illustrated processing device 2 also includes two skin contact sensors 14, 16 located on or within the head portion 6 that are used to determine whether the head portion 6 is in contact with the skin before the light pulse is generated to avoid directing the light pulse into the user's or subject's eyes.

[0026] The illustrated processing device 2 also includes a skin color sensor 18 disposed on or within the head portion 6 that is used to determine the skin color of the skin with which the head portion 6 is in contact.

[0027] The illustrated processing device 2 also includes user controls 20 that may be operated by a user to activate the processing device 2 such that the head portion 6 performs a required processing operation on the subject's body (e.g., generation of one or more light pulses by the light source 12). The user controls 20 may be in the form of a switch, button, touch pad, etc. The user controls 20 may also be used to switch between different processing operations.

[0028] As mentioned above, it is desirable for an IPL device to provide both hair removal and skin rejuvenation functions. It is also desirable to reduce the treatment time for hair removal. However, challenges exist because faster hair removal requires a larger treatment area and / or faster pulse rate than those used for skin rejuvenation, while skin rejuvenation requires a higher fluence than those used for hair removal. For a given light source, increasing the treatment area results in a lower fluence (i.e., because the emitted light is spread over a larger area). Furthermore, there is limited space in a home device, which prevents the size of the light source from being significantly increased to allow the necessary fluence for a larger treatment area. Thus, it is difficult to achieve both a larger treatment area and a higher fluence.

[0029] To address these and other issues, a processing device is provided for performing light-based processing operations at or on an object. The processing device may, for example, be the processing device described with reference to Figure 1. Processing devices according to some embodiments will now be described with reference to Figures 2(a), 2(b), 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c).

[0030] 2(a) and (b) show a light exit window 201 and a light source 202 inside the processing device behind the light exit window 201. The processing device has a U-shaped light source 202 for emitting light pulses. The U-shaped light source 202 is shown in FIG. 2(a). That is, the part of the light source 202 that generates and emits light is U-shaped. For example, the light source 202 may be a U-shaped flash lamp. In some embodiments, the light source 202 extends approximately along a first axis 203. In other words, the first axis 203 is the long axis of the U-shaped light source 202. The first axis 203 lies approximately or substantially exactly in a plane parallel to the plane of the light exit window 201.

[0031] The light pulses are emitted from the treatment device through a light exit window 201. For example, the light exit window 201 can be an opening in the housing of the treatment device, or it can be a transparent or semi-transparent window (including a waveguide). The light exit window 201 can be any shape, but is shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b) as being generally rectangular. The portion of the treatment device having the light exit window 201 is placed on or adjacent to the skin during treatment.

[0032] The processing device further comprises a reflector for reflecting the light pulses towards the light exit window 201. Although not shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the reflector is typically located around and / or on the opposite side of the light source 202 with respect to the light exit window 201. The reflector serves to reflect the light emitted by the light source 202 towards the light exit window 201.

[0033] The processing device is configured to operate the light source 202 and reflector in a first configuration 210 for performing hair removal on a subject, and is configured to operate the light source 202 and reflector in a second configuration 220 for performing skin rejuvenation on a subject.

[0034] In some embodiments, the light source is rotatable about the first axis 203 to switch between operation in a first configuration and operation in a second configuration. An example of the U-shaped light source 202 in a first configuration 210 for performing hair removal is depicted in FIG. 2(a). An example of the U-shaped light source 202 in a second configuration 220 for performing skin rejuvenation is depicted in FIG. 2(b). In some embodiments, the rotation angle of the U-shaped light source between the first and second configurations is 90 degrees about the first axis 203.

[0035] The first axis 203 of the U-shaped light source 202 may be parallel to the light exit window 201 (i.e. parallel to the plane of the light exit window 201) in both the first configuration 210 and the second configuration 220, as shown in Figs. 2(a) and 2(b). In the first configuration 210, the U-shaped light source 202 may be oriented such that the plane with the U-shape of the U-shaped light source 202 is parallel to the light exit window 201. This is shown in Fig. 2(a). That is, in the first configuration, the U-shaped light source 202 may be oriented such that the two "arms" of the U can directly emit light through the light exit window 201. In the second configuration 220, the U-shaped light source may be oriented such that the plane with the U-shape of the U-shaped light source is perpendicular to the light exit window 201 (i.e. perpendicular to the plane of the light exit window 201). This is shown in Fig. 2(b). That is, in the second configuration, the U-shaped light source 202 is oriented so that the U-shape is "side-on" relative to the area of ​​skin being treated.

[0036] The reflector may have different shapes in the first configuration 210 and the second configuration 220. In the first configuration 210, the reflector may be configured (e.g., positioned and / or shaped) to reflect light from the light pulses through a first area of ​​the light exit window 201. This first area of ​​the light exit window 201 is equal (or approximately equal) to a treatment area on the subject's skin where the hair removal treatment is to be performed. In the second configuration 220, the reflector may be configured (e.g., positioned and / or shaped) to reflect light from the light pulses through a second area of ​​the light exit window 201. In some embodiments, the second area is smaller than the first area. For the same light output from the same light source, the smaller treatment area in the second configuration compared to the first configuration results in a higher fluence being delivered to the skin in the second configuration compared to the first configuration. This allows the second configuration 220 to provide effective skin rejuvenation. On the other hand, the first area may be larger than conventional treatment devices, providing a faster hair removal treatment. This is because each light pulse can treat a larger area, and thus fewer pulses are needed to cover a body part or body.

[0037] 3(a) and 3(b) show an exemplary configuration of a processing device for performing hair removal, according to some embodiments, and FIG. 3(c) shows an exemplary configuration of a processing device for performing skin rejuvenation, according to some embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 3(a) shows a U-shaped light source 301 and a reflector 302 in a first configuration 310 for performing hair removal according to some embodiments. The U-shaped light source 301 extends along a first axis 303 (shown in dashed lines) and is rotatable about the axis 303 to switch configurations. The U-shape of the light source increases the light energy emitted per pulse compared to a single straight light source (e.g., a single tube-shaped light source). Advantageously, the U-shaped light source 301 does not occupy significantly more space in the head of the treatment device compared to a single straight light source. In fact, the U-shaped flash lamp can fit into the same size treatment device while having approximately twice the overall length of the straight flash lamp. Thus, the U-shaped flash lamp can provide approximately twice the total energy output.

[0039] The reflector 302 is positioned behind the light source 301 (as viewed from the light exit window, not shown) and is configured to reflect the light pulses emitted by the light source 301 towards the light exit window. In this document, the area of ​​the skin that is treated by the direct and reflected light passing through the light exit window is referred to as the treatment area.

[0040] In the first configuration 310, the light source 301 and reflector 302 are configured to provide the fluence required for hair removal over a larger treatment area than existing devices, and thus provide faster treatment times for body parts that require multiple light pulses to fully treat. For example, if the light source 301 of the disclosed treatment device according to certain embodiments is twice as long as the light source of the existing treatment device, the treatment area of ​​the disclosed treatment device can be twice as large while maintaining the fluence required for hair removal treatment. As a result, the treatment time with the disclosed device according to certain embodiments can be half that of the existing treatment device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the reflector 302 is segmented to allow the shape of the reflector 302 to be changed between configurations. The segments 304 of the reflector 302 extend parallel to the direction of the first axis 303, i.e. along the same direction as the U-shaped light source 301 extends. In the first configuration shown in FIG. 3(a), the segments 304 of the reflector 302 are configured to form a generally parabolic shape suitable for directing light from the U-shaped light source 301 towards the light exit window. In this illustrated embodiment, the segments 304 are connected to adjacent segments 304 via hinges 305, which allow the segments 304 to move relative to each other, allowing the configuration of the reflector 302 to be changed.

[0042] Figure 3(b) shows a first configuration 320 for performing hair removal according to an alternative embodiment in which a different configuration of the reflector 302 is used. In this alternative first configuration, the light source 301 has the same shape and orientation as the light source 301 of Figure 3(a), but instead of forming a generally parabolic shape, the split reflector 302 forms an "M" or "W" shape, with different segments 304 of the U-shaped light source 301 reflecting light from one of the "arms" of the U-shaped light source. This shape (combined with the configuration / orientation of the light source 301) improves the uniformity of the reflected light across the treatment area.

[0043] FIG. 3(c) shows a second configuration 330 of the treatment device for skin rejuvenation according to some embodiments. The light source 301 is rotated 90 degrees about the first axis 303 with respect to the orientation of the light source 301 in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b). In this orientation, the U-shaped light source can be considered to be "side-on" with respect to the light exit window (whereas in the first configuration, the U-shaped light source can be considered to be "front-on" with respect to the light exit window). In some embodiments, the light source 301 is also spaced further away from the light exit window compared to its position in the first configuration, e.g., FIG. 2(a) or FIG. 2(b). The reflector 302 is configured (e.g., positioned and / or shaped) in the second configuration 330 to reflect the light pulses emitted by the light source 301 to a smaller treatment area than in the first configuration 310, 320, such that the fluence in the treatment area is increased compared to the area treated in the first configuration. Similar to the first exemplary configuration of Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the segments 304 of the reflector 302 are configured to form a generally parabolic shape. However, the parabolic shape is different in view of different orientations of the U-shaped light source 301 and acts to reflect the light from the U-shaped light source 301 towards the light exit window. Concentrating the light from the U-shaped light source 301 to a smaller treatment area provides a higher fluence required for skin rejuvenation treatment.

[0044] The first configuration 310, 320 and the second configuration 330 may be such that, for a given light pulse energy, the light pulse of the second configuration 330 provides a higher fluence at the light exit window than the light pulse of the first configuration 310, 320.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the reflector 302 has multiple reflective segments 304 connected via hinges 305 to allow the configuration of the reflector 302 to be changed, but one skilled in the art will appreciate that the reflector can have different configurations. For example, the reflector 302 can be a flexible material, such as a metal sheet or a non-reflective flexible material with a reflective coating, which can be manipulated or oriented by a suitable mechanism into the reflector shape required for a particular configuration. As another example, the reflector 302 can be formed from a shape-changing material that can be controlled to change between the shapes required for the first and second configurations based on an electrical signal or other suitable stimulus.

[0046] As described above, the processing device is configured to operate the light source and reflector in a first configuration for performing hair removal on the subject and a second configuration for performing skin rejuvenation on the subject. To enable the required processing mode to be provided, the processing device has a mechanism or other means that allows the processing device to switch between the configurations. Several exemplary mechanisms are described below, but one skilled in the art will recognize a variety of different types of mechanisms that can be used to cause the desired configuration change.

[0047] In some embodiments, the processing device comprises a mechanical system for moving the reflector and light source between the first and second configurations, for example, a system of gear wheels and connecting rods can be used to move the reflector and light source.

[0048] In some embodiments, the U-shaped light source can be connected to a main gear wheel that can rotate the light source around a first axis to move the device between a first configuration and a second configuration. When the main gear wheel rotates, the light source (e.g., lamp head) switches between two operating modes, namely, the first configuration and the second configuration. In some embodiments, the mechanical system can also translate the light source (e.g., lamp head) toward the light exit window when switching to the first configuration for hair removal. This is because when the light source is rotated from the second configuration to the first configuration, a space is created between the light source and the light exit window. By bringing the light source closer to the light exit window, the energy of the light pulse is more efficiently transferred to the subject's skin during the treatment. Each connection joint (e.g., hinge) between any two segments of the divided reflector can be connected to one or more sub-gears via one or more connecting rods. These sub-gears can be used to move the reflector between the first and second configurations.

[0049] In some embodiments, the processing device can be changed between the two configurations by one or more manual actions performed by a user of the processing device, for example, when the user rotates a switch on the processing device, the processing device can be changed between the two configurations.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the device comprises a motor for moving the reflector and light source between the first and second configurations. The motor can be controlled by a user, for example via a user controlled button or switch.

[0051] In some embodiments, a hair removal filter can be placed in front of the light source in a first configuration, and a skin rejuvenation filter can be placed in front of the light source in a second configuration. The filters can be different sizes corresponding to different treatment area sizes, and / or the filters can pass different wavelengths of light based on the treatment mode (hair removal or skin rejuvenation). There can be a mechanical system to ensure that the required filters are in front of the light source in the first and second configurations, but alternatively, the filters can be changed manually (including removing one filter and replacing it with the filter for the desired configuration).

[0052] 4(a), (b) and (c) show an exemplary mechanism for enabling the device to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. Figures 4(a) and (b) show a device 400 including a mechanism 401 for enabling the device 400 to switch between a first configuration for hair removal (shown in Figure 4(a)) and a second configuration for skin rejuvenation (shown in Figure 4(b)). Similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the device 400 includes a rotatable U-shaped light source 402 and a reflector 403 including multiple segments 404 connected via a hinge 405.

[0053] The mechanism 401 has a motor 409 that drives the switching between the configurations. As shown in FIG. 4(c), the motor axle 410 can rotate in one direction to drive the center rod 411 in a first direction (downwards in the perspective of FIGS. 4(a) and (b)) to switch to the first configuration, and rotate in the opposite direction to drive the center rod 411 in the opposite direction (upwards in the perspective of FIGS. 4(a) and (b)). The arrangement of rods 412 is connected to the end of the reflector 403 and to the center rod 411 at a connection point 413, so that the movement of the center rod 411 by the motor 409 causes the movement of the rods in the rod arrangement 412 and thus the change in the shape of the reflector 403. The movement of the rods in the rod arrangement 412 is guided by a guide rail 414 to which the two rods are connected, and by two wheels 415 to which the other rods are connected. Guide rails 414 and wheels 415 guide the movement of rod 412 when motor 409 is actuated to switch between configurations, providing the required shape to reflector 403. When motor 409 is actuated to move center rod 411, it rotates the light source 90 degrees about central axis 416.

[0054] Accordingly, disclosed herein is a treatment device having a U-shaped light source and a reflector, which can be in a first configuration for hair removal and a second configuration for skin rejuvenation, providing both faster hair removal and effective skin rejuvenation within the same device.

[0055] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art implementing the principles and techniques described herein, from a study of the figures, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprises" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain means are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these means cannot be used to advantage. The computer program can be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A processing device for performing a light-based processing device at or on an object, comprising: a U-shaped light source extending along a first axis and emitting light pulses; a light exit window through which the light pulses are emitted from the processing device; a reflector that reflects the light pulse toward the light exit window; the processing device is configured such that the light source and the reflector have a first operational configuration for performing hair removal on the subject, and the light source and the reflector have a second operational configuration for performing skin rejuvenation on the subject; The processing device, wherein the light source is rotatable about the first axis to switch between operation in the first configuration and the second configuration.

2. The processing device of claim 1 , wherein the light source is rotatable 90 degrees about the first axis to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration.

3. 3. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first axis is parallel to the light exit window.

4. 4. The processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein in the first configuration, the U-shaped light source is oriented such that a plane having a U-shape of the U-shaped light source is parallel to the light exit window.

5. 5. The processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein in the second configuration, the U-shaped light source is oriented such that a plane having a U-shape of the U-shaped light source is perpendicular to the light exit window.

6. 6. The processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reflector has a different shape in the first configuration and in the second configuration.

7. 7. The processing device of claim 1, wherein the reflector comprises a number of segments having different positions and / or orientations relative to one another in the first and second configurations.

8. 8. The processing device of claim 1, wherein in the first configuration, the reflector reflects the light pulse through a first area of ​​the light exit window, and in the second configuration, the reflector reflects the light pulse through a second area of ​​the light exit window, the second area being smaller than the first area.

9. The processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the U-shaped light source is a U-shaped flash lamp.

10. 10. The processing device of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light-based processing device is an intense pulsed light processing device.

11. 11. The processing device of claim 1, wherein the first and second configurations are configured such that, for a given light pulse energy, the light pulses of the second configuration provide a higher fluence at the light exit window than the light pulses of the first configuration.

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