Optical sensor and method for identifying the presence of skin
US7413567B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/065
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensor for detecting the presence of skin is disclosed, one configuration of which uses multiple light emitting diodes, each of a unique wavelength band, and a broad-band photodetector to measure the remission of light at multiple wavelengths from a material being analyzed. Characteristics of the spectral remission of the material are used to discriminate human skin from materials that are not human skin. Further, an aesthetic medical device utilizing such a sensor in which the device is inhibited from operation if skin has not been detected. The incorporation of a skin sensor improves the safety of devices that emit radiation that otherwise would pose a hazard if not directed onto skin.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.