Abstract:
Disclosed is a laser treatment device which is designed to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss by applying LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy) to the scalp using laser light of a specified wavelength. The laser treatment device also provides ultra-low frequency mechanical vibrations to the scalp and the combination of light and vibrations is designed to produce synergy. Laser light, which may be blocked by remaining hair, may nonetheless reach the scalp using light-emitting elements attached to the ends of tooth-shaped protrusions. The present laser treatment device is characterised by a bendable applicator having said tooth-shaped protrusions such that it can change shape in accordance with the curvature of the head, which increase the efficiency of light and vibrational energy delivery. The laser treatment device is optimally controlled with a means to measure the light and vibrational energy supplied to the scalp, and the applicator may also be used as a wearable headset, which provide greater simplicity in mounting and removal.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to laser treatment devices for hair growth stimulation and, more particularly, to a laser treatment device for hair growth stimulation which applies low level laser rays and mechanical vibration to the scalp of a patient so as to activate cell tissues of the scalp, thus achieving effects of hair growth stimulation, hair regrowth promotion, hair loss prevention, etc. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Hair is an auxiliary organ of the skin. In terms of embryology, hair is a result of a change in the outer layer of the skin. Hence, the hair has a predetermined lifetime and undergoes metabolic change. Hair passes through creation-growth-retrogression-loss and, typically, a period of the lifetime of the hair ranges from 5 to 6 years under normal healthy conditions. 
         [0005]    Therefore, to keep thick hair, the hair must have a long lifetime. In addition, when the hair is lost, new hair must rapidly be created and grow. 
         [0006]    Recently, it was known that when light having a certain range of wavelength is applied to tissues, the metabolism of the tissues is promoted and the functions of tissues are activated. With this in mind, low level laser therapy (hereinafter, referred to as ‘LLLT’) was proposed and has been developed. 
         [0007]    The low level laser therapy generally uses laser rays having wavelengths ranging from 600 μm to 1300 μm and energy intensity ranging from 10 mW/cm 2  to 1000 mW/cm 2 . 
         [0008]    Furthermore, it was known that when such laser rays are applied to tissues, the rays penetrate the tissues and excite molecules of cells, thus promoting the creation of capillary vessels, increasing oxygen storage capacity of blood, promoting creation of collagen and ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), activating lymph, promoting tissue granulation, and activating phagocytosis. 
         [0009]    A hair includes a hair shaft and a hair root. A hair papilla in a base of the hair root is connected to a capillary vessel and a nerve so that nutrition and oxygen are supplied to the hair through the capillary vessel and the nerve to create and grow the hair. 
         [0010]    Therefore, when the laser rays are applied to the scalp of a patient, optical energy penetrates the inner skin tissues and subcutaneous tissues, thus activating not only the hair root but also various cell tissues, and promoting metabolism. Thereby, creation of hair and hair growth are promoted, and the lifetime of the hair is extended. As a result, hair loss or a fading white hair phenomenon is prevented, and new hair growth is promoted. As such, the LLLT can heal alopecia of a patient and makes it possible for the patient to have healthy and thick hair. 
         [0011]    Typically, a laser diode (hereinafter, referred to as ‘LD’) which emits coherent rays is used as a light source for the LLLT. Furthermore, recently, it was known that a light emitting diode (hereinafter, referred to as an ‘LED’) having the same wavelength has the same effect as that of the LD. Thus, only LEDs may be used, or they may be combined with LDs for LLLT. 
         [0012]    Meanwhile, it also was known that when an ultra-low frequency of vibration is applied to tissues, effects of an improvement in blood flow, an increase of the temperature of tissues and activation of the sympathetic nerve can be exhibited by the mechanical stimulation, so that metabolism of the related portion is stimulated and the functions thereof are activated. 
         [0013]    Therefore, when this method is applied to the scalp of a patient, hair growth can also be stimulated. Here, it is desirable that the frequency of vibrations range from 1 z to several tens Hz and that the intensity of vibration range from 0.3 W/cm 2  to 2 W/cm 2 . 
         [0014]    The above-mentioned two kinds of therapies are noninvasive, do not require medicine, and are painless therapies. Furthermore, there are no side effects. In particular, when two kinds of therapies are used together, the treatment effect can be further enhanced by their synergistic effect. 
         [0015]    Representative examples of a technique which uses both LLLT and vibration therapy for hair growth stimulation were proposed in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-335313 and No. 20-0426924. 
         [0016]    In Korean U. M. Registration No. 20-335313, a comb-shaped manual applicator was proposed. This applicator includes a single LD for LLLT, a plurality of far infrared LEDs for far infrared therapy, and a single vibration motor. A helmet-shaped fixed type device provided with a plurality of LDs and a plurality of vibration motors was proposed in Korean U. M. Registration No. 20-0426924. 
         [0017]    Each of these two conventional techniques provides the LLLT using the LD and the mechanical stimulation effect using the vibration motor to activate scalp tissue. However, in the structure of the applicator disclosed in the conventional techniques, some light rays emitted from the light emitting element are blocked by hair. Thus, the amount of optical energy which reaches the scalp is markedly reduced compared to that of optical energy emitted from the light emitting element. Furthermore, vibrational energy of the motor applied to the scalp is also markedly reduced by the cushion formed by the hair. 
         [0018]    Furthermore, because these conventional techniques use many far infrared LDs or LEDs, a large amount of heat is generated, and power consumption is comparatively high. 
         [0019]    Meanwhile, the scalp generally has a thickness of several millimeters and covers the skull. Such a scalp is characterized in that it cannot precisely recognize mechanical or thermal stimulation. 
         [0020]    Therefore, a patient may not precisely recognize heat generated by the light emitting elements or the intensity of mechanical impact generated by the vibration motor. Particularly, the patient may not correctly recognize, for example, physical damage or a burn attributable to an excessive amount of light irradiated onto the scalp. 
         [0021]    Therefore, it is required to sense heat generated on the scalp and the intensity of vibrations applied to the scalp during the operation and control the energy of the light and vibrations applied to the scalp. However, the applicators of the conventional techniques are insufficient in these respects. 
         [0022]    As is well known, hair is an auxiliary organ of skin and, in terms of embryology, it is a result of a change in the outer layer of the skin. The creation and growth of hair depends on the health conditions of skin tissues. 
         [0023]    Furthermore, it was well known that when laser rays for LLLT are applied to the scalp, optical energy penetrates the interior of the scalp and thus activates the hair roots and the functions of the cell tissues adjacent to the hair roots. 
         [0024]    As the wavelength of light increases, the depth to which it penetrates a target is increased. However, the scalp generally has a thickness ranging from 2 mm to 4 mm, and the depth to which the light penetrates the scalp is not required to be greater than 4 mm. 
         [0025]    Moreover, if the wavelength of light is excessively long and is within an infrared section, heat generation is increased, thus increasing the probability of cellular tissue being thermally damaged, but the photochemical effect for LLLT is not increased. 
         [0026]    Therefore, it is desirable that a laser ray having a wavelength of 1000 nm or less be used in the LLLT for hair growth. 
         [0027]    Furthermore, a coherent laser ray is not necessarily required as the laser ray for the LLLT. It was reported that light of an LED having the same wavelength range can also exhibit a satisfactory photochemical effect. 
         [0028]    Accordingly, if the number of LEDs used in a unit area is increased and the time for which light is irradiated onto the scalp is increased, the LEDs can provide a level of treatment effect that is similar to that of the LD. Thus, the LD which is comparatively expensive and is not easy to handle is not inevitably required. 
         [0029]    Another problem experienced in the LLLT for hair growth is the fact that the scalp is covered with hair other than an area from which a large amount of hair has been already lost. 
         [0030]    Therefore, in the conventional techniques, light rays emitted for the LLLT may be blocked by hair and thus optical energy may not reach the surface of the scalp. 
         [0031]    This problem is also applied to a term of vibrational energy. In other words, vibrational energy generated from the vibration element is reduced by the absorption effect of hair and thus a sufficient amount of vibrational energy may not be transmitted to the scalp. 
         [0032]    Therefore, an applicator which can directly apply light rays or vibrational energy to the scalp without obstruction of hair is required. 
         [0033]    Meanwhile, the applicator may have a hand held type or a fixed type as the structure used to apply the LLLT and the vibrational therapy to the scalp together. 
         [0034]    In the LLLT or vibrational therapy, the optimal amount of optical or vibrational energy applied to the scalp may vary depending on variables, such as the physical constitution or state of health of the patient, the conditions of scalp tissues and hair, environmental conditions, etc. Therefore, an operator must apply an optimal amount of energy to a corresponding section of the scalp. However, in the case of the hand held type applicator, it is very difficult to achieve this purpose. 
         [0035]    Hence, the fixed type applicator which can stay in the correct position and apply a comparatively precise amount of energy to the scalp for a predetermined duration has been mainly used. 
         [0036]    However, a cap for supporting such a fixed type applicator is typically large, and the operation of wearing or taking it off inconveniences a user. Thus, a cap having a structure which is comparatively light and convenient to wear or take off is required. 
         [0037]    Furthermore, because a required amount of optical and vibrational energies applied to the patient varies depending on variables, such as the physical constitution or state of health of the patient, conditions of scalp tissues and hair, environmental conditions, etc., the optimal values of the amounts of optical and vibrational energies applied to the patient must be clinically determined in advance taking into account these variables. 
         [0038]    For this, a structure is required, which is configured such that all variables are previously input in response to corresponding conditions, and the optimal values of the amounts of optical and vibrational energies is calculated, and then the output of the light emitting element and the vibration element are controlled depending on the optimal values. 
         [0039]    In addition, a realtime feedback control unit is required, which continuously measures the temperature of a target surface and the conditions of stimulation such that the output power of the applicator is maintained in the optimal state. 
         [0040]    Finally, an applied program is required so that even an operator who is not an expert can easily perform all the above-mentioned treatment processes. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0041]    Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a means for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss in such a way as to apply optical energy and vibrational energy to the scalp of a patient. 
         [0042]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique in which the wavelength of a light emitting element is shorter than that of near infrared rays to prevent an excessive heat generation phenomenon, and light emitted from the light emitting element can smoothly reach the scalp without encountering the obstruction of hair. 
         [0043]    A further object of the present invention is to provide an automatic control technique such that vibrational energy generated by a vibration element can be directly transmitted to the scalp without the vibrational energy being reduced by the hair and the scalp is prevented from being damaged by excessive vibrations. 
         [0044]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a laser treatment device for hair growth stimulation in which an applicator unit is mounted to a helmet-shaped or headset-shaped cap so that the user can easily put the device on his/her head or take it off and the cap is convenient to use, and which is comparatively inexpensive. 
         [0045]    In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a technique in which light emitting elements, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor are provided on tips of conical protrusions, and the conical protrusions are arranged on a surface of a flexible applicator, and the applicator is mounted to, for example, a helmet-shaped cap, so that a user can easily put it on his/her head. 
         [0046]    Furthermore, the present invention provides a technique in which drive power is supplied to the applicator and the applicator can be controlled such that it is optimally operated. 
         [0047]    In addition, the present invention provides a technique in which the wavelength and the output power of the light emitting elements are controlled depending on conditions of the scalp of a patient, thus preventing excessive heat from being generated. 
         [0048]    Moreover, the present invention provides a technique which realizes a structure such that the device can be easily put on the head of a patient and output energies of the light emitting elements and a vibration element can be reliably transmitted to the scalp of the patient independent of any outside influence from the surroundings. 
         [0049]    In a laser treatment device according to the present invention, when a patient puts the laser treatment device on his/her head, the protrusions provided on the applicator part the hair and come into direct contact with the scalp. Thus, the light emitting elements provided on the tips of the protrusions can directly radiate light onto the scalp. 
         [0050]    Furthermore, vibrational energy generated from the vibration element can also be directly applied to the scalp without the vibrational energy being mitigated by the hair. 
         [0051]    In addition, a range of the wavelength of the light emitting elements is limited to 1000 nm or less taking into account the thickness of the scalp and penetration characteristics of the light wave, thus preventing heat from being excessively generated and light energy from being wasted. 
         [0052]    Moreover, the power consumption required for achieving certain treatment effects is reduced, so that the structure of a power device is simplified, and so that the weight of the power device is reduced. 
         [0053]    As well, the applicator unit is easily mounted to the helmet-shaped or headset-shaped cap. Therefore, it is easy to put the treatment device on the head of the patient or remove it from the head, and it is convenient to use. Furthermore, the laser treatment device of the present invention is comparatively inexpensive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0054]    The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0055]      FIG. 1  is a sectional view of a laser treatment device for hair growth stimulation, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 2  is a view showing the laser treatment device put on the head of a user according to the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 3  is a view showing an applicator unit of the laser treatment device according to the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 4  is a view showing a modification of the applicator unit of the laser treatment device according to the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 5  is a view showing the structure of the applicator unit of the laser treatment device according to the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged sectional view of a protrusion of the applicator unit of the laser treatment device according to the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 7  is a view showing a light emitting element and the protrusion of the applicator unit of the laser treatment device according to the present invention; 
           [0062]      FIG. 8  is a view illustrating the operation in which light emitted from the light emitting element is radiated onto scalp tissue without being obstructed by hair, according to the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 9  is a view illustrating the operation of a vibration element in which vibrational energy is applied to the scalp tissue without being obstructed by hair, according to the present invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 10  is a view showing a power supply circuit for light emitting elements and vibration elements which are arranged on a printed circuit board of the applicator unit according to the present invention; and 
           [0065]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram of a power/control unit of the laser treatment device according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0066]    Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. 
         [0067]      FIG. 1  is a sectional view of a laser treatment device for hair growth stimulation, according to the embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a view showing the laser treatment device put on the head of a user according to the present invention.  FIG. 3  is a view showing an applicator unit of the laser treatment device according to the present invention.  FIG. 4  is a view showing a modification of the applicator unit of the laser treatment device according to the present invention. 
         [0068]      FIG. 5  is a view showing the structure of the applicator unit of the laser treatment device according to the present invention.  FIG. 6  is an enlarged sectional view of a protrusion of the applicator unit of the laser treatment device according to the present invention.  FIG. 7  is a view showing a light emitting element and the protrusion of the applicator unit of the laser treatment device according to the present invention. 
         [0069]      FIG. 8  is a view illustrating the operation in which light emitted from the light emitting element is radiated onto scalp tissue without being obstructed by hair, according to the present invention.  FIG. 9  is a view illustrating the operation of a vibration element in which vibrational energy is applied to the scalp tissue without being obstructed by hair, according to the present invention. 
         [0070]      FIG. 10  is a view showing a power supply circuit for light emitting elements and vibration elements which are arranged on a printed circuit board of the applicator unit according to the present invention.  FIG. 11  is a block diagram of a power/control unit of the laser treatment device according to the present invention. 
         [0071]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the laser treatment device for hair growth stimulation according to the present invention includes a cap  500  which has a helmet shape, and an applicator unit  100  which is made of elasto-plastic material and is installed in the cap  500 . To use the laser treatment device, the helmet-shaped cap  500  is put on the head of a patient, as shown in  FIG. 2 . Thereafter, a power/control unit  200  is operated to apply a predetermined amount of optical energy and mechanical energy to the scalp of the patient. 
         [0072]    The cap  500  functions to retain the applicator unit  100  on a desired portion of the patient. The cap  500  may adopt various shapes, for example, a helmet shape, a headset shape, a sack shape, etc. 
         [0073]    The applicator unit  100  includes a casing  40 , an applicator base plate  10 , a printed circuit board  20  (hereinafter, referred to as a ‘PCB’), a vibration plate  30  and a plurality of vibration elements  6 . The casing  40  is installed in the cap  500  such that an open side of the casing  40  is oriented towards an open side of the cap  500 . The applicator base plate  10  has a plurality of protrusions  1  on one surface thereof and is provided on the open side of the casing  40 . The applicator base plate  10  is made of flexible plastic. The PCB  20  is installed in the casing  40  behind the applicator base plate  10 . The vibration plate  30  is installed in the casing  40  behind the PCB  20 . The vibration elements  6  are installed in the casing  40  behind the vibration plate  30  and vibrate the vibration plate  30 . 
         [0074]    The protrusions  1  are arranged on the surface of the applicator base plate  10 . Each protrusion  1  has a pin shape. One of LDs  2  and LEDs  3   a  and  3   b  is provided on the end of each protrusion  1 . Thus, when the laser treatment device is used, the protrusions  1  come into contact with the scalp of the patient and the LDs  2  and/or LEDs  3   a ,  3   b  apply optical energy to the scalp. Furthermore, a temperature sensor  5  is provided on one protrusion  1  which is located at a predetermined position on the applicator base plate  10 . When the laser treatment device is used, the temperature sensor  5  comes into contact with the scalp and senses the temperature of the scalp. 
         [0075]    When the applicator unit  100  is attached to the head of the patient, as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the protrusions  1  part the hair and push the light emitting elements  2 ,  3   a  and/or  3   b  into space between the hairs. Thereby, the light emitting elements  2 ,  3   a  and/or  3   b  provided on the ends of the protrusions  1  come into direct contact with the scalp without hair being interposed between the scalp and the light emitting elements  2 ,  3   a  and/or  3   b.    
         [0076]    The height (length) of each protrusion  1  may vary depending on conditions of a target to be treated. For example, in the case of a completely depilated head (a bald head), several millimeters suffice for the length of each protrusion  1 . In the case of thick hair, it is desirable that each protrusion  1  be comparatively long, having a length approximately ranging from 5 mm to 15 mm, so that the protrusion  1  can effectively part hair such that light emitted from the light emitting element  2 ,  3   a ,  3   b  can reach the scalp without being obstructed by hair. 
         [0077]    Intervals at which the protrusions  1  are spaced apart from each other may vary depending on light output and light emitting characteristics of the light emitting elements  2 ,  3   a  and/or  3   b  and the lengths of the protrusions  1 . Generally, it is effective that the intervals range from 10 mm to 30 mm. 
         [0078]    Particularly, in the case of very heavy hair, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the protrusions  1  each of which has a comb-tooth shape or thin conical shape are used so that the protrusions  1  can easily enter the space between hairs and thus light emitted from the light emitting elements  2 ,  3   a  and/or  3   b  can easily reach the scalp. 
         [0079]    Therefore, it is desirable that several kinds of applicator base plates  10  of which protrusions  1  have different shapes and are provided with pin arrays be prepared so that the applicator base plate  10  can be replaced with one having appropriate protrusions  1  depending on conditions of the target to be treated. 
         [0080]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , all the protrusions  1  must be brought into close contact with the scalp. Hence, the applicator base plate  10 , the PCB  20  and the vibration plate  30  are made of flexible plastic such that they can vary in the shape in response to the curvature of the head of the patient. 
         [0081]    As described above, the flexible PCB  20  is attached to the rear surface of the applicator base plate  10 . Lead wires of all the light emitting elements  2 ,  3   a ,  3   b  are inserted into the PCB  20  and are electrically connected to each other by flexible wires. 
         [0082]    As shown in the sectional view of  FIG. 6 , each protrusion  1  preferably has a hollow conical shape. The corresponding light emitting element  2 ,  3   a ,  3   b  or the sensor  5  is inserted into the tip of the protrusion  1 , and the lead wire thereof is connected to the PCB  20 . Thereafter, the hollow space of the protrusion  1  is filled with silicone resin  7 . 
         [0083]    Furthermore, it is desirable that the bodies of the protrusions  1  be reliably integrated with the applicator base plate  10 , for example, by molding, so that vibrational energy can be directly transmitted from the vibration elements  6  to the tips of the protrusions  1 . 
         [0084]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the applicator base plate  10  may comprise a single plate. Alternatively, the applicator base plate  10  may comprise a plurality of applicator base plates  10  which are elastically connected to each other by connection terminals  4 . 
         [0085]    In other words, depending on the shape of a target, as shown in  FIG. 4 , when two through four applicator base plates  10  are separably assembled with each other, it may be more convenient and economical. 
         [0086]    An LD  2  or LED  3   a ,  3   b  having an output wavelength ranging from 600 mn to 1300 nm is used as each light emitting element  2 ,  3   a ,  3   b , because it is well known that the LLLT effect is comparatively superior within this wavelength range. Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 3 , several kinds of light emitting elements which have different wavelengths within a range from 600 mn to 1000 nm are combined. 
         [0087]    Here, each light emitting element  2 ,  3   a ,  3   b  outputs power such that the power density thereof on the surface of the scalp ranges from 20 to 1000 mW/cm 2 . Furthermore, an appropriate diverging lens is attached to each light emitting element  2 ,  3   a ,  3   b  so that output light is diffused as wide as possible. 
         [0088]    Preferably, as in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the light emitting elements  2 ,  3   a  and  3   b  are arrayed such that optical energies of as many wavelengths as possible are uniformly applied to a target portion. An interval between the light emitting elements  2 ,  3  and  3   b  is determined depending on the output of the corresponding light emitting elements  2 ,  3   a  and/or  3   b  and the number of combined elements and, preferably, the interval ranges from 10 mm to 30 mm. 
         [0089]      FIG. 3  illustrates the first embodiment in which the LEDs  3   a  having a wavelength of 660 nm, the LEDs  3   b  having a wavelength of 880 nm, and the LD 2  having a wavelength of 904 nm are arranged on the applicator base plate  10  having an area of 344 cm 2 . 
         [0090]    One or more vibration elements  6  are provided at predetermined positions on the rear surface of the applicator base plate  10 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the output power of the vibration elements  6  is transmitted from the applicator base plate  10  to the scalp of the patient via the protrusions  1 . 
         [0091]    Mechanical or piezoelectric devices which can vibrate the vibration plate  30  and the applicator base plate  10  with the frequency of vibrations ranging from 1 Hz to several tens Hz and are used as the vibration elements  6 . Preferably, a mechanical vibrator which is operated by a low-speed eccentric motor is used as the vibration element  6  so that vibrational energy ranging from 0.3 to 2 W/cm 2  can be applied to the scalp of the patient. 
         [0092]    Furthermore, it is preferable that the vibration elements  6  are located on the opposite ends of the applicator base plate  10 , as shown I  FIG. 5 , so that vibrational energy can be uniformly transmitted to the overall area of the scalp. 
         [0093]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the light emitting elements  2 ,  3   a ,  3   b  and the vibration elements  6  which are provided on the applicator base plate  10  are connected to each other in series or in parallel and electrically connected to the power/control unit  200 . 
         [0094]    The light emitting elements  2 ,  3   a  and  3   b  receive drive power from the PCB  20  connected to the terminal  4 . The vibration elements  6  receive their drive power through connection wires extending from the terminal  4 . 
         [0095]    The power/control unit  200  includes a power supply  203  which supplies power to all the elements  2 ,  3   a ,  3   b  and  6 , and a control unit  201  which controls the elements  2 ,  3   a ,  3   b  and  6 . An on/off power switch  208 , a function change-over switch  209  and an LCD indicator are provided on an outer casing of the power/control unit  200 . 
         [0096]    The function change-over switch  209  changes over a mode by which drive power is applied to the elements  2 ,  3   a ,  3   b  and  6 , between two modes including an automatic mode and a manual mode. 
         [0097]    Here, in manual mode, the operational array, a period of on/off operation and the intensity of vibrations are selected manually. In automatic mode, with regard to the light emitting elements  2 ,  3   a  and  3   b  and the vibration elements  6 , selection of the operational array, selection of a period of on/off operation, selection of the intensity of vibration and a reservation or cancel function are automatically conducted according to a preset routine. 
         [0098]    Meanwhile, the temperature sensor  5  is provided on the central portion of the applicator base plate  10  to sense the temperature of the scalp of the patient during the operation. 
         [0099]    The temperature sensor  5  is configured by attaching a temperature sensing device, in place of the light emitting element  2 ,  3   a  or  3   b , to the tip of the corresponding protrusion  1 . When the laser treatment device is used, the temperature sensor  5  comes into close contact with the surface of the scalp of the patient, senses the temperature of the contact portion of the scalp, creates an electric signal for the sensed temperature, and then transmits the electric signal to the control unit  201  of the power/control unit  200  through the PCB  20 . 
         [0100]    The control unit  201  digitizes the electric signal and transmits it to a CPU  204  which is a microprocessor. The CPU  204  processes the digitized electric signal according to a routine which has been previously stored. Thereafter, a temperature value is displayed on the LCD indicator. When the temperature value reaches the uppermost limit, a buzzer or an indication lamp is operated and the drive circuits of the light emitting elements  2 ,  3   a  and  3   b  are automatically interrupted. 
         [0101]    Furthermore, a vibration sensor  8  is attached at a predetermined position to the applicator base plate  10  to measure mechanical impact or the intensity of vibrations which are applied to the scalp during the operation. The vibration sensor  8  which comprises a piezoelectric device creates an electric signal for the sensed vibration and then transmits the electric signal to the control unit  201  of the power/control unit  200  via the PCB  20 . 
         [0102]    The control unit  201  digitalizes this electric signal and transmits it to the CPU  204 . The CPU  204  processes the digitalized electric signal according to a routine which has been previously stored. When the intensity of the vibrations reaches the upper limit, the buzzer or the indication lamp is operated and the drive circuit of the vibration element  6  is automatically interrupted. 
         [0103]    As described above, in a laser treatment device according to the present invention, all light emitting elements are located on the tips of protrusions of an applicator unit so that the light emitting elements can come into direct contact with the scalp of a patient, thus preventing the loss of optical energy. In addition, a transmission rate of vibrational energy from a vibration motor to the scalp is prevented from being reduced. 
         [0104]    Furthermore, depending on characteristics of a target portion of the scalp, several applicator base plates may be combined and can be easily removably mounted to a cap having a headset shape or a helmet shape. In other words, the laser treatment device of the present invention has superior adaptability. 
         [0105]    Moreover, the power consumption required to achieve a certain treatment effect is reduced, so that power rates are reduced, the structure of a power device is simplified, and the weight of the power device is reduced. 
         [0106]    As a result, the present invention can provide the laser treatment device which exhibits the enhanced treatment effect, is simple to use, and is comparatively inexpensive. 
         [0107]    Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.