Dermatological Laser Device Infrared Sensor Field of View Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current dermatological laser devices face challenges in accurately measuring skin temperature during treatment due to interference from laser light diffusion and the wide field of view of infrared sensors, leading to inaccurate temperature readings and risks of burning or ineffective treatment.

Innovation Solution

A dermatological treatment device equipped with an infrared sensor and an objective lens that focuses the field of view to ensure the measured area is within the treatment zone, using a selective wavelength filter and a mechanism to control the laser power to maintain temperatures between 45°C and 60°C, while minimizing light diffusion interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an infrared sensor is used to measure skin temperature during laser treatment, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to laser light diffusion interference and wide field of view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature monitoring capabilityVSAvoidtemperature reading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the field of view of the infrared sensor using a beam splitter or dichroic mirror, separating the laser wavelength range from the infrared wavelength range. This allows the sensor to measure temperature without interference from the laser light, resolving the contradiction between having temperature monitoring capability and maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary optical element (beam splitter, dichroic mirror, or long-pass filter) that mediates between the laser light and the infrared sensor. This intermediary allows laser light to pass through to treat the skin while simultaneously allowing the sensor to detect infrared radiation for temperature measurement without direct laser interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the infrared sensor measures a wide area, then coverage is improved, but the measured area may extend beyond the treatment zone causing inaccurate readings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverage areaVSAvoidtemperature reading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using optical elements (lenses, mirrors, or apertures) to confine the infrared sensor's field of view to precisely match the laser treatment zone. This ensures that only the area receiving laser treatment is measured, eliminating interference from surrounding areas and improving measurement precision while maintaining adequate coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Power

If laser power is increased to ensure effective heating, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but risk of burning increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser powerVSAvoidburning risk
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the infrared sensor continuously monitors skin temperature during laser treatment and provides real-time feedback to the laser control system. When the temperature approaches the burning threshold, the system automatically reduces laser power or interrupts treatment, allowing high power to be used effectively while preventing burning through continuous monitoring and automatic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device achieves precise and accurate temperature control, reducing the risk of burns and ensuring effective treatment by focusing the infrared sensor's field of view within the treatment area and using a selective wavelength filter to minimize light interference, allowing for real-time, accurate temperature measurement and control.

Implementation Method 1

a means of contactless measurement sensitive to radiation according to temperature, configured to measure the temperature of a skin surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

The aforesaid means of contactless measurement comprises an infrared sensor and an objective lens suitable for focusing the field of view of the aforesaid infrared sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Lens

Implementation Method 3

a laser light source suitable for directing a laser beam onto at least a zone of the surface of the skin to be treated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 4

the energy distribution over the area to be treated is homogenous... heating generates thermal stress in the dermis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2519176B1Device for dermatological treatment using a laser beam
Publication Date: 2014.05.14 VIVATECH
  • EP2519176B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2519176B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2519176B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention concerns a mechanism for dermatological treatment using a light beam, comprising: a laser source (1) suitable for directing a laser beam onto at least one zone (2) of the area of skin to be treated, a means of contactless measurement sensitive to radiation according to temperature, of the temperature of a skin area corresponding to the area (2) of skin being treated, and a means of controlling (13) the aforesaid laser source via the means of measurement, the device being characterised by the fact that the aforesaid means of contactless measurement comprises an inf rared sensor (4) and an objective lens (20) suitable for focusing the field of view (5) of the aforesaid inf rared sensor such that the area of skin contained within the aforesaid field of view (5) is fully included in the area of skin (2) being treated by the aforesaid device.