Capacitive sensing method and device for detecting skin
US8709003B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/0644
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A skin proximity sensor and method are disclosed in a dermatologic treatment device that includes a bezel or similar surface, and a treatment source capable of being activated to supply a dermatologic treatment through the bezel or surface, such as a window or similar port. A plurality of contacts leading to remotely located capacitors, in some embodiments, or a plurality of capacitive sensors in other embodiments, is positioned in or under the bezel and around the window, and control circuitry coupled to the plurality of capacitors senses the change in capacitance due to skin and inhibits activation of the dermatologic treatment device unless the proximity of skin is sensed. The presence of skin is detected, for example, by measuring changes in charge and discharge times, indicating a variation in capacitance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.