Patent ID: 12257449

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to an IPL emitting apparatus and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to an IPL utilizing a PFN for emitting a plurality of light pulse sequences one or more IPL treatments.

According to some embodiments of the present invention there are provided an IPL apparatus and processes for using the IPL apparatus for a plurality of IPL treatments, for example, hair removal, skin pigmentation lesions treatment, vascular (vein) treatment, skin rejuvenation and/or the like. The IPL treatments are based on exposing a treatment area, specifically a skin segment of a patient to high intensity light pulses which induce highly focused heat energy to the treatment area thus destroying the target. The IPL apparatus therefore uses one or more IPL lamps, for example, a Xenon flash lamp and/or the like to deliver the high energy pulses (in a spectral range of 400 to 1200 nm) to the treatment area. To emit sequences of such high energy light pulses suitable for the IPL treatments, the lamp(s) may be fed with high energy regulated energized pulses having a desired multi-level voltage waveform adapted for the specific IPL treatment. In particular, the IPL apparatus adjusts the energy regulated energized pulses to excite the lamp(s) to induce heat to the treatment area with a heat profile having a significantly high heat level throughout the duration of the pulse with highly dynamic and rapidly varying heat levels.

The IPL apparatus comprises a Pulse Forming Network (PFN) which includes a plurality of modules each comprising a capacitor unit for storing and building high energy charges. The PFN, specifically the modules may further include switches and electrical regulator to allow control of the energy discharged from the capacitor units and for regulating the discharge. The capacitor units may accumulate extremely large electrical energy, for example, in the range of 80V-400V over a comparatively long time and then sequentially release the accumulated electrical energy, under control of a control unit of the IPL apparatus, to create the regulated energized pulse in the form of a relatively square high energy pulse of comparatively short duration.

The control unit of the IPL apparatus may apply one or more IPL algorithms adapted to operate the PFN to construct the regulated energized pulse characterized by a multi-level voltage waveform pattern having multiple high voltage level segments and corresponding low voltage level segments. The multi-level voltage waveform may be created such that the high voltage level segments are gradually decreasing to avoid overheating the treatment area. This may be easily implemented since the high voltage level segments may gradually decrease as result of the capacitor units discharge process throughout the duration of the regulated energized pulse. The regulated energized pulse may be further constructed such that the low voltage level segments of the multi-level voltage waveform are in a range of 20%-40% of the maximal high voltage level segment. However, the regulated energized pulse may be constructed such that during the entire pulse (i.e. the high voltage level segments and the low voltage level segments) a minimal voltage level is maintained which is above a certain level, for example, 100 Vdc to maintain the lamp(s) in their excited and operational state. For example, the maximum voltage of the highest voltage level segment may be about 400 Vdc and the low voltage level segments of the multi-level voltage waveform may therefore be in the range of 80 Vdc to 160 Vdc. As such, the lamp(s) may emit highly intense light to keep a relatively high mean temperature level throughout the entire pulse length of the regulated energized pulse (i.e. the high voltage level segments and the low voltage level segments) while dynamically inducing rapidly varying highly increased heat levels (heat pulses) during the high voltage level segments.

Optionally, the control unit operates the PFN to generate the regulated energized pulse with equal duration and/or equal voltage level of the high voltage level segments and equal duration and/or equal voltage level of the low voltage level segments. Adjusting the multi-level voltage waveform patterns of the regulated energized pulse such that the high voltage level segments and the low voltage level segments have a significantly similar duration may significantly increase the difference between the voltage extremes. Meaning that the difference between the maximal high voltage level during the high voltage level segments and the minimal low voltage level during the low voltage level segments. Increasing the difference may increase the dynamic heat variations thus increasing effectivity of the IPL session.

The control unit of the IPL apparatus may adjust one or more parameters of the multi-level voltage waveform to set the desired pattern for the regulated energized pulse, for example, a number of pulses, a power of each of the pulses, a level of the high voltage level and/or of the low voltage level of each pulse, a duration of the high voltage level and/or of the low voltage level segment of each pulse, a high and/or low current level of each pulse and/or the like. The operational parameters may be set according to the IPL treatment type (e.g. hair removal, pigmentation, rejuvenation, vascular, etc.) and/or according to one or more characteristics of the treatment area, for example, a skin color (e.g. dark, light, etc.), a hair color (e.g. dark, light, etc.), a hair type (e.g. thick, thin, etc.) and/or the like.

The control unit of the IPL apparatus may further construct the regulated energized pulse to include a first lamp pre-heating pulse leading the multi-level voltage waveform. The voltage level of the lamp pre-heating pulse may be set to 40%-75% of the maximal high voltage level segment of the regulated energized pulse. For example, assuming the maximum voltage of the highest voltage level segment is about 400 Vdc, the voltage level of the lamp heating pulse may therefore be in the range of 160 Vdc to300 Vdc.

As mentioned before, the IPL apparatus may include a plurality of lamps to cover larger treatment areas. In such case the regulated energized pulse driven to each of the lamps may be synchronized and/or alternating compared to the regulated energized pulse(s) driven to the other lamps. The synchronized operation of the lamps where all lamps are simultaneously driven with regulated energized pulses having similar multi-level voltage waveform patterns may significantly increase the dynamic heat variations since the low and high voltage extremes are increased and/or lowered respectively. The alternating operation of the lamps where consecutive lamps are driven with regulated energized pulses having opposite multi-level voltage waveform patterns may significantly increase the treatment area treated during each IPL cycle.

The IPL apparatus may typically comprise a base unit which is a stationary unit and a treatment unit which is mobile and may be hand held, grasped, gripped and/or the like by a user, for example, a responsible person, the patient, a caregiver, a cosmetics technician and/or the like maneuvering the treatment unit to one or more treatment areas of the patient. The base unit may comprise elements, mechanisms and/or components required for generating regulated energized pulses having a desired multi-level voltage waveform pattern, specifically the PFN and the control unit. The treatment unit comprises the lamp(s) fed with the regulated energized pulses to emit the light pulses which induce heat to the treatment area. The regulated energized pulses may be delivered from the base unit, i.e. from the PFN to the lamp(s) primary wired interface adapted to deliver high energy electrical current.

The treatment unit and the base unit may communicate with each other over one or more wired and/or wireless communication channels. The treatment unit may include one or more batteries to provide power to the electronic components of the treatment unit. However, the treatment unit may optionally receive its power (for its electronic components) from the base unit through an auxiliary wired interface.

The IPL apparatus, in particular, the treatment unit may include one or more reflectors constructed from one or more highly reflective materials shaped, configured, located and/or positioned to increase efficiency of the illumination distribution of the light pulses emitted by the lamp(s). For example, the reflector(s) may significantly improve energy utilization of the light pulses by directing the emitted light towards the treatment area. The reflector(s) may further improve an even illumination distribution of the light pulses. Moreover, in case the IPL apparatus comprises a plurality of lamps, the reflector(s) may be shaped asymmetrically around for the exterior lamps facing an end of the treatment face to reflect the light emitted from the lamps towards the treatment area. Optionally, the exterior lamps are positioned asymmetrically, i.e. off center with respect to the center of their respective reflector surface to improve light direction towards the treatment face.

The treatment unit includes a treatment face which is placed over the treatment area of the patient. The treatment face may typically include a protection surface covering the lamp(s) to prevent direction contact of the treatment area with the lamp(s) which may be extremely hot. The protection surface may be at least partially transparent to allow the light pulses generated by the lamp to pass through the protection surface towards the treatment area. The protection surface may further include a filter to filter at least part of the spectrum of the light pulses.

Optionally, the treatment face is at least partially enclosed by a sharpened perimeter edge disposed around at least part of the treatment face. The sharpened perimeter edge may typically be slightly raised above the treatment face such that while placing the treatment face on the treatment area, the sharpened perimeter edge may apply pressure around the treatment area to mark the edges of the treatment area treated during a current IPL session cycle. Additionally and/or alternatively, the treatment face is at least partially enclosed by a color applying perimeter edge disposed around at least part of the treatment face. When placing the treatment face over the treatment area, the color applying perimeter edge may apply color, for example, an Ultra Violet (UV) ink and/or the like to the treatment area's edges thus marking the treatment area treated during a current IPL session cycle. In such embodiments, the treatment unit may further include one or more light sources, for example, a UV lamp, a UV LED and/or the like to illuminate the treatment area and make the UV ink markings visible to the user.

Optionally, the control unit verifies proper attachment of the treatment face to the treatment area by determining proximity of the treatment face from the treatment area. This may be done by analyzing sensory data received from one or more light sensors, for example, photodiodes placed near the treatment face which are adapted to capture reflection of light from the treatment area which is illuminated by one or more proximity light sources, for example, a LED and/or the like.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the treatment unit may include one or more imaging sensors, for example, a camera, an infrared camera, a thermal sensor and/or the like for capturing one or more images of the treatment area. The control unit may analyze the sensory data received from the light sensor(s) and/or the image(s) received from the imaging sensor(s) to identify one or more characteristics of the treatment area, for example, the skin color, the hair color, the hair type and/or the like. The control unit may operate the PFN to generate the regulated energized pulse according to the identified treatment area characteristics. Moreover, based on the analysis of the sensory data received from one or more of the light sensors and/or analysis of the image(s) captured by the imaging sensor(s), the control unit may identify one or more characteristics of the surface in proximity to the treatment face, for example, a texture, a material and/or the like. Based on the identified characteristics, the type of the surface may be identified.

The IPL apparatus, specifically the base unit may further include a test area shaped to receive and accommodate the treatment unit, specifically the treatment face for testing the treatment unit, in particular for testing the lamp(s). The base unit may include one or more light sensors deployed in and/or around the test area to capture light emitted by the lamp(s) while the treatment face is placed in the test area. Sensory data captured by the light sensor(s) may be analyzed to identify values of one or more emission attributes of the lamp(s), for example, level, intensity, distribution, spectrum and/or the like. Based on the identified light emission attribute(s), the operational status of the lamp(s) may be evaluated.

Optionally, the base unit is configured as an extended base unit adapted to operate as a master device supporting a plurality of slave treatment units.

The IPL apparatus and IPL algorithms described herein the present invention may present significant benefits compared to existing devices, systems and/or methods for IPL treatments. Some of the traditional IPL apparatuses may generate regulated energized pulses. However, such IPL apparatuses may typically construct the voltage waveform of the regulated energized pulses to have high voltage level segments and corresponding low voltage level segments which are dropped to the bare minimum voltage required to maintain the lamp(s) in their active state. The voltage level of the low voltage level segments may therefore be significantly low.

In contrast, the IPL apparatus presented herein is adapted to construct the multi-level voltage waveform with the low voltage level segments in the range of 20%-40% of the maximal highest voltage level segment. This may allow creating a heat profile having a relatively high heat level over the treatment area during the entire pulse length (bias) while applying dynamic and rapidly varying heat pulses to the treatment area during the high voltage level segments. Such heat profile may be highly effective for a plurality of IPL treatments, for example, hair removal, skin pigmentation lesions treatment, vascular (vein) treatment, skin rejuvenation and/or the like. The effectivity of the heat profile results from the fact that the human cells may be highly susceptible to extreme and rapid heat variations which may thus destroy the cells. Therefore by subjecting the cells to a relatively high heat over the treatment area for the entire pulse length and simultaneously applying the highly dynamic, rapid and major heat pulses, the cells may be effectively destroyed. Furthermore, by constructing the regulated energized pulses with equal duration and voltage level for the high voltage level segments and equal duration and voltage level for the low voltage level segments the heat profile of the heat induced to the treatment area may be further improved. This is because the dynamic heat variation may be maximal thus significantly more effective for the IPL treatment(s). The improved heat profile may allow for more effective destruction of the cells and may therefore significantly reduce the number of treatment cycles during the IPL session.

Moreover, the relatively high voltage level of the low voltage level segments may prevent cooling of the treatment area between the high voltage level segments. This may significantly reduce the energy required to heat the treatment area again during a succeeding high voltage level segment of the following pulse. The voltage level of the high voltage level segments may therefore be significantly reduced thus requiring lower capacity capacitor units which may significantly reduce the capacitor units cost. Additionally and/or alternatively, reducing the voltage level of the high voltage level segments may allow construction of longer regulated energized pulses which may improve the IPL treatment session. Also the reduced voltage level may reduce the stress applied to the capacitor units which may improve longevity and/or endurance of the capacitor units.

Furthermore, as the voltage level of the high voltage level segments may be reduced, little and typically no current and/or voltage regulation may be required for the energy discharged from the capacitor units thus allowing the use of simple and/or low cost electrical regulators. In case of the multiple lamps IPL apparatus, the regulated energized pulse driven to each of the lamps may be synchronized and/or alternating compared to the regulated energized pulse(s) driven to the other lamps. As the heat induced by the light pulses emitted by all the lamps is combined, when synchronizing the regulated energized pulse driven to the plurality of lamps, the energy required from each lamp may be significantly reduced thus further allowing the use of capacitor units. Additionally and/or alternatively, when driving the lamps with alternating regulated energized pulses, the treatment area may significantly increase thus requiring fewer cycles during a given IPL session and shortening the treatment session.

In addition, constructing the lamp pre-heating pulse to lead the multi-level voltage waveform of the regulated energized pulse may prevent the treatment area from experiencing and/or suffering a thermal shock as may be experienced when using the existing IPL apparatus since the lamp pre-heating pulse may induce a relatively moderate heat level to the treatment area. The lamp pre-heating pulse may also prevent a thermal shock to the lamp itself, in particular to the lamp(s)' electrodes thus significantly extending longevity of the lamp(s).

The two part design of the IPL apparatus comprising the base unit and the treatment unit may significantly ease usage of the IPL apparatus during the IPL session. The treatment unit which is light, relatively small and typically ergonomically shaped may allow the user to easily move, maneuver and/or apply the treatment face to the treatment area(s). The more massive elements of the IPL apparatus, specifically the PFN and the power supply(s) may be integrated in the base unit which may be stationary during the IPL session. The wireless communication channel(s) used for communication between the base unit and the treatment may significantly reduce complexity of the cabling means required to connect the treatment unit to the base unit and thus make the IPL apparatus less cumbersome for use. Employing the wireless communication channel(s) may further reduce cabling costs, labor and complexity thus reducing costs of the IPL apparatus.

The uniquely designed and disposed reflectors may significantly increase the energy utilization of the light pulses to effectively induce heat over the treatment area. As the reflectors may reduce the lost energy, the energy utilization is increased and lower capacity units may be used which may be charged with lower charging voltage. In case of the multiple lamps IPL apparatus, the asymmetric reflector may prevent one or more of the lamps to directly illuminate one or more other lamps. This may prevent overheating of the lamp(s) and may significantly improve longevity of the lamps.

In addition, marking the treatment area with the sharpened perimeter edge and/or with the color applying perimeter edge may allow the user to easily identify the areas which were treated during previous cycles of the IPL session and efficiently place the treatment face of the treatment unit over a treatment area selected for the current cycle.

Also, verifying that the treatment face properly attached to and placed at an effective distance from the treatment area may significantly improve the effect of the light pulses emitted by the lamp(s) for the IPL treatment(s). Moreover, preventing emission of the light pulses when the treatment face is not attached to the treatment area may prevent damage to the user and/or the patient, for example, direct high intensity glare to an eye and/or the like. Furthermore, identifying the surface type the treatment face is attached to and/or is in proximity to may allow verifying that the treatment face is indeed placed over a treatment area and not over objects which may have hazardous effects. In addition, analyzing the sensory data captured by the proximity sensor(s) and/or analyzing the image(s) captured by the imaging sensor(s) may allow effective and accurate adaptation of the IPL treatment, i.e. the multi-level voltage waveform of the regulated energized pulse according to the characteristics of the treatment area and/or of the patient.

Lastly, testing the lamp(s) by analyzing and evaluating their emission attribute(s) may allow identification of the operational state of the lamp(s) to identify faulty and/or damaged lamp(s) and indicate the user to replace it in order to increase the effectivity of the IPL treatment. Moreover, identifying the actual operational state of the lamp(s) may allow extended usage of the lamp(s) beyond the operational period and/or operational stress indicated by a manufacturer of the lamp. For example, the manufacturer may typically state a certain number of light pulses the lamp(s) may endure. For integrity and/or reputation reasons the manufacturer may intentionally state a number of light pulses which is lower than the actual number the lamp(s) may endure. By identifying the actual operational state of the lamp(s), in case the lamp(s) are determined to be fully operational, the lamp(s) may be used beyond the limitations stated by the manufacturer. In another example, the manufacturer may state a number of maximum energy light pulses the lamp(s) may endure. However, in many cases the user may not operate the lamp(s) to their maximum energy mode but rather to a lower energy operation mode. As such the lamp(s) may be used for longer periods and/or for higher numbers of light pulses.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages.

The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s).

In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Several embodiments of an IPL apparatus employing a PFN to generate sequences of light pulses for aesthetic and/or medical treatment are described hereinafter. However the presented embodiments should not be construed as limiting. A person skilled in the art may implement, construct, arrange and/or produce the IPL apparatus and/or parts thereof through multiple other implementations, structures, shapes, production methods and the like which employ the same concepts described throughout the present invention. Moreover, while one or more of the IPL apparatus's features may be described hereinafter for one or more of the embodiments, one or more of the features may be applicable for other embodiments as well even when not explicitly stated.

Referring now to the drawings,FIG.1is a schematic illustration of an exemplary IPL apparatus utilizing a PFN for emitting a plurality of light pulse sequences, according to some embodiments of the present invention. An exemplary IPL apparatus100may be for generating sequences of light pulses applied to one or more treatment areas of a patient during one or more aesthetic and/or medical treatments, specifically, hair removal, skin pigmentation lesions, skin rejuvenation and/or the like. The IPL apparatus100includes a base unit102and a treatment unit104. While in some embodiments of the present invention the base unit102and the treatment unit may be integrated as a single device, typically the base unit102and the treatment unit104are separated from each other. In such constructions, the base unit102may typically be a stationary unit comprising elements, mechanisms and/or components required for generating regulated energized pulses having a desired multi-level voltage waveform pattern. The regulated energized pulses may be driven to feed one or more lamps140adapted for IPL treatment which generate sequences of light pulses corresponding to the multi-level voltage waveform pattern of the regulated energized pulses. The sequences of light pulses emitted by the lamp(s)140may induce heat on the treatment area(s) in levels adapted for the treatment. In order to induce high heat level (temperature) sufficient for the IPL treatments, the lamp(s)140may be driven with significantly high energy regulated energized pulses. The treatment unit104comprising the lamp(s)140may be a mobile unit which may be held, grasped, gripped and/or the like by a user160, for example, a responsible person, the patient, a caregiver, a cosmetics technician and/or the like maneuvering the treatment unit104to one or more treatment areas of the patient. The IPL treatment may comprise of a plurality of treatment cycles where during each cycle the light pulses are applied to another treatment area.

The base unit102may include a power supply110, a communication interface, specifically a wireless communication interface112, a control unit114, and a PFN116. The base station102may optionally include a user interface118, a test area120and one or more light sensors122.

The power supply110may include one or more electric circuits designed, adapted and/or configured to provide electrical power to the PFN as well as to one or more of the electronic components of the base unit102. The power supply110may generate high power sources delivering significantly high current and high voltage for charging capacitive elements of the PFN116. The power supply110may further provide one or more power rails, for example, a +3.3 Direct Current (DC) Voltage (Vdc), a +5 Vdc, a +12 Vdc and/or the like. The power supply110may also provide power to one or more electronic components of the treatment unit104, for example, one or more of the power rails through an auxiliary wired interface152coupling the power supply110to the treatment unit104.

The power supply110may include a power circuit adapted to receive power from a power grid, for example, 110 Vac/60 Hz, 220 Vac/50 Hz and/or the like and convert them to one or more power rails. The IPL apparatus100may thus include a power cord connecting the power supply110to a power outlet. Optionally, the power supply110includes one or more power circuits adapted to utilize one or more batteries to generate the power rails required for the electronic unit(s) of the IPL apparatus100. The power supply110may further include a charging circuit for recharging the batteries from the power grid. In case the power supply110is capable of utilizing the battery(s), the base unit102may include a battery compartment adapted to receive and accommodate one or more batteries. The battery compartment may be fitted with contacts to connect the poles of the battery(s) to the power circuit of the power supply110. The battery compartment may include a detachable cover that may be opened and closed during replacement of the battery(s).

The PFN116may include a plurality of modules, each comprising a capacitor unit electrically wired for connection to a load, specifically the lamp(s)140via an electrical regulator and a switch. The PFN116may be electrically coupled to the lamp(s)140through a primary wired interface150adapted to deliver high energy electrical current, specifically the regulated energized pulses.

Reference is now made toFIG.2A, which is a schematic illustration of an exemplary PFN used by an IPL apparatus, according to some embodiments of the present invention. An exemplary PFN116of an IPL apparatus such as the IPL apparatus100may which is part of a base unit such as the base unit102may include a plurality of modules202. Each of the modules202comprises a capacitor unit210electrically wired for connection to a load, specifically a lamp such as the lamp(s)140via an electrical regulator214and a switch212. The capacitor units210may be fed with an input charge by a power supply such as the power supply110. The power supply110may charge the capacitor units210with energy which is ten times or even more of the input charge. In use, the capacitor units210of the PFN116accumulate electrical energy over a comparatively long time and then sequentially release the accumulated electrical energy, under the control of a control unit such as the control unit114, in the form of a relatively square pulse of comparatively short duration.

The capacitor units102are adapted to output common or different output voltage levels. When the capacitor units210are charged to a common voltage level, the PFN116may energize the lamp(s)140with a pulse having a substantially uniform regulated voltage. However, when the capacitor units210are charged to different voltage levels, the PFN116may energize the lamp(s)140by producing and delivering a plurality of sequential regulated charges that form a patterned energizing pulse having a regulated multi-level voltage waveform where, as used herein, energizing means supplying with electrical power. The multi-level voltage waveform may have various shapes, such as a square waveform, a Gaussian waveform and/or a thin integrated circuit or any other non-sinusoidal waveform, such as rectangular waveforms, ramp waveforms, triangle waveforms, spiked waveforms and/or saw-tooth waveforms.

The discharge level of each capacitor unit210is correlated with a voltage regulation level of the respective electrical regulator214. For example, the electrical regulator214may bring a voltage level of the discharged energy to the lamp(s)140(load) to about 90% of the minimum input discharged voltage level. Optionally, the current of the discharged energy is higher than the feed current driven by the power supply110to charge the capacitor units210.

The capacitor units210may be charged by the one or more insolated power sources provided by the power supply110. In some embodiments of the present invention, multiple capacitor units210may share a single power source provided by the power supply110such that the single power source is used to charge the multitude of capacitor units210. In other embodiments, one or more of the capacitor units210may be charged by a dedicated power source provided by the power supply110. In such embodiments, each power source of the power supply110may be adapted to the voltage level of the fed capacitor unit102. As the voltage level of the charging power source and the capacitor units210may be adapted to the desired output load, less energy may be wasted during the charging of the capacitor units102.

The modules202may be connected to a circuitry which allows simultaneously connecting some or all of the modules202to the lamp(s)140(load) for example, via a wired interface such as the primary wired interface150. In such a manner, the output of the modules202may be combined to form a discharge having a higher current than the current that may be discharged by each of the modules202separately. The circuitry may connect the modules202in parallel so that the output thereof is an accumulation of high currents. It should be noted that as the output of each module202is regulated, the summed output is also regulated.

Additionally and/or alternatively, some or all of the modules202may be connected in a circuitry which allows summing the outputs thereof to increase the voltage of the discharge before energizing the lamp(s)140(load) for example, via the primary wired interface150. In such a manner, the output of the modules202may be combined to form a discharge with a higher voltage than the voltage that may be discharged by each of the modules202separately. The circuitry may connect the output modules202in series (one after the other) such that the output thereof is an accumulation of voltages and a high voltage discharge may be applied to the lamp(s)140. Again, it should be noted that as the output of each module202is regulated, the summed output is also regulated.

Optionally, a diode216, such as an anti-reversing diode, is provided between the electrical regulator214and the lamp(s)140to keep the capacitor units210from becoming a load when each module202discharges a different charge.

Optionally, each capacitor unit210is connected to a local indicator or test circuit, which is set to indicate whether the respective capacitor unit210functions properly or not. Optionally, the indicator circuit comprises a status Light Emitting Diode (LED) that is active when the respective capacitor unit210operates properly. The LED(s) may be provided as part of the user interface118optionally provided by the base unit102.

Each of the electrical regulators214which may be set to regulate voltage and/or current, for example a switching (electronic) regulator, an analog regulator and/or the like maintains a constant voltage level and/or current accordingly. The regulated voltage may be set automatically or selected by the control unit114, as described herein after. Depending on the design, each electrical regulator214may be used to regulate one or more DC voltages and/or currents from the capacitor units210. As the electrical regulator214maintains a constant voltage level and/or current, the output of each one of the modules210, as received by the lamp(s)140(load), can be evaluated in advance.

All the electrical regulators214may be connected to the lamp(s)140. It should be noted that as the charges discharged by the capacitor units210have known and constant voltages, the range of voltages which have to be regulated is limited and therefore low cost electrical regulators214which are set to regulate a limited dynamic range of Δ input voltage may be used. It should further be noted that Electromagnetic Interferences (EMC) may have a reduced effect on the PFN116since simultaneous and non-simultaneous operation of the electrical regulators214which are limited in their working output voltage level and/or designated power sources are used. Moreover, when the plurality of electrical regulators214is used, current flows to the lamp(s)140, through each electrical regulator214, in relatively short intervals. Thus, relatively thin wires and/or a small power devices and integrated circuit may be used to conduct the regulated charges to the lamp(s)140.

Optionally, the capacitor unit210of some or all of the modules202is connected to a number of electrical regulators such as the electrical regulator214. This may allow using capacitor units210with high voltage potential which have higher functionality duration.

Reference is made once again toFIG.1.

The control unit114may include one or more processing devices, for example, a processor (homogenous or heterogeneous), a controller and/or the like. The control unit114may further include storage for storing code, data and/or the like. The storage may include one or more persistent and/or volatile devices, for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM) device, a Flash device, a hard drive, an attachable storage media, a random access memory (RAM) and/or the like. The processing device(s) may execute one or more software, firmware and/or middleware modules, for example, a process, an application, an agent, a utility, a service and/or the like to control operation of one or more components of the base unit102. Wherein a software, firmware and/or middleware module refers to a plurality of program instructions executed by a processor such as the processing device(s) from a program store such as the storage.

The wireless communication interface112may be used to facilitate communication between the base unit102and the treatment unit104. The wireless communication interface112may include one or more interfaces supporting one or more communication protocols, in particular close range communication protocols, for example, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Bluetooth, Near Field communication (NFC) and/or the like. For example, the control unit114may use the wireless communication interface112to communicate with the treatment unit104, for example, to indicate the PFN116is ready to discharge its energy charge.

The base unit102may optionally include a user interface118which may be controller by the control unit114for interacting with the user160operating the IPL apparatus100. The user interface118may include one or more status indication lights, for example, an ON/OFF indication light, a malfunction (failure) indication light, an operational status indication light and/or the like.

For example, the status indication lights may include the status LED indicating the operational status of the capacitor units210. The user interface118may also include one or more control switches, for example, a button, a switch, a lever and/or the like, for example, an ON/OFF button, a reset button, an operation mode selection dial, a test mode button and/or the like. The operation mode selection dial, for example, may be used to select one or more parameters of the multi-level voltage waveform to set the desired pattern for the regulated energized pulse. The parameters of the multi-level voltage waveform may be set according to the current IPL treatment, for example, the type of the IPL treatment, one or more characteristics of the patient, in particular the skin of the patient and/or the like. For example, for an IPL hair removal treatment, the multi-level voltage waveform may be set according to the skin type of the patient and/or according to the hair type. Darker skin and/or thicker hair may require intensive heat, i.e. high temperature for a longer duration and may therefore require higher energy regulated energized pulse for a longer period of time. Lighter skin on the other hand may be damaged by excessive heat and may thus require high peak energy pulses having for short time durations. Such high peak energy short time durations pulses may also be highly efficient for light vascular and/or pigmentation IPL treatments. In another example, the test mode button may set the IPL apparatus100to test mode and/or the normal operation mode.

The user interface118may further include a display, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and/or the like allowing the control unit114to present information to the user, for example, status information, maintenance information and/or the like. The screen may further be a touch screen to allow the user to interact with the control unit114. The user interface118may also include a sound interface, for example, a speaker, a buzzer, a piezoelectric device and/or the like for generating one or more sound indications, for example, a ready sound indication, a failure sound indication and/or the like.

The base unit102may optionally include a test area120shaped to receive and accommodate the treatment unit104for testing the treatment unit104, in particular for testing the lamp(s)140. One or more light sensors122may be deployed in the test area120to capture light emitted by the lamp140while the treatment unit104is placed in the test area120and the control unit114operates the PFN116to generate the regulated energized pulses and drive them to the lamp(s)140. The control unit114may collect, obtain and/or receive sensory data from the light sensor(s)122and analyze the sensory data to identify values of one or more of the light emission attributes of the lamp140, for example, the level, the intensity, the distribution, the spectrum and/or the like. Based on the identified light emission attribute(s), the control unit114may evaluate the operational status of the lamp(s)140and determine whether the lamp(s)140is operating properly or not.

The treatment unit104may include a power circuit130, a communication interface, specifically a wireless communication interface132, a front-end control unit134, a user interface136, and one or more lamps140, specifically IPL lamp(s)140adapted to emit light towards a treatment face142for IPL treatment.

The power circuit130may include one or more electric circuits designed, adapted and/or configured to provide electrical power to one or more of the electronic components of the treatment unit104. The power circuit130may receive one or more of the power rails, for example, the +3.3 Vdc, the +5 Vdc, the +12 Vdc and/or the like from the power supply110through the auxiliary wired interface152coupling the power supply110to the power circuit130. Optionally, the power circuit130includes one or more power circuits adapted to utilize one or more batteries to generate the power rail(s) for one or more of the electronic units of the treatment unit104. In case the power circuit130is capable of utilizing the battery(s), the treatment unit104may include a battery compartment adapted to receive and accommodate one or more batteries. Moreover, in such case the auxiliary wired interface152is removed. The battery compartment may be fitted with contacts to connect the poles of the battery(s) to the power circuit(s) of the power circuit130. The battery compartment may include a detachable cover that may be opened and closed during replacement of the battery(s).

Optionally, the power circuit130includes one or more electric circuits designed, adapted and/or configured to generate the power rail(s) for the electronic component(s) of the treatment unit104from the regulated energized pulses driven by the PFN116over the primary wired interface150. The lamp(s)140may have a minimal heating voltage which is required to excite the lamp140to enter an operational state and start emitting light. Since exciting the lamp(s)140into operation may be time consuming, the PFN116may be operated by the control unit114to continuously drive at least a minimal current to the lamp(s)140over the primary wired interface150to keep the lamp(s)140in the operational state. The power circuit130may therefore generate the power rail(s) for the electrical components of the treatment unit104from the continuously available current driven to the lamp(s)140through the primary wired interface150.

The front-end control unit134may include one or more processing devices, for example, a processor (homogenous or heterogeneous), a controller and/or the like. The front-end control unit134may further include storage for storing code, data and/or the like. The storage may include one or more persistent and/or volatile devices, for example, a ROM device, a Flash device, a hard drive, an attachable storage media, a RAM and/or the like. The processing device(s) may execute one or more software, firmware and/or middleware modules for controlling operation(s) of one or more components of the treatment unit104, for communicating with the control unit114and/or the like.

The wireless communication interface132may be used to facilitate one or more communication channels between the treatment unit104and the base unit102. The wireless communication interface112may support one or more communication protocols, in particular close range communication protocols, for example, WLAN, Bluetooth, NFC and/or the like.

Naturally, the wireless communication interface132and the wireless communication interface112employ the same communication protocol(s) to establish the communication channel(s) between the base unit102and the treatment unit104. The communication channels may be used by the treatment unit104, specifically the front-end control unit134and the base unit102, specifically the control unit114to communicate with each other. The wireless communication channel(s) used for communication between the base unit102and the treatment unit may104significantly reduce complexity of the cabling means required to connect the treatment unit to the base unit and thus make the IPL apparatus less cumbersome for use. Employing the wireless communication channel(s) may also reduce the cabling required for connecting the treatment unit may104to the base unit102thus significantly reducing costs of materials and/or assembly of the IPL apparatus100.

For example, the front-end control unit134may detect one or more user triggered events, for example, a trigger to apply the light pulses to the treatment area and transmit a trigger instruction to the control unit114. In response the control unit114may operate the PFN116to generate the regulated energized pulse to the lamp(s)140. In another example, the control unit114may transmit a ready massage to the front-end control unit134indicating that the PFN116is ready (i.e. the capacitor units210are sufficiently charged) to discharge the regulated energized pulse to the lamp(s)140. In response the front-end control unit134may, for example, activate a ready indication light at the treatment unit104.

The lamp(s)140may include one or more lamps, specifically lamps typically used for the IPL treatment(s), for example, a Xenon lamp and/or the like. The lamp(s)140are located, positioned, configured and/or adapted to emit light to the treatment face142. The lamp(s)140may emit the light pulses in a pattern corresponding to the desired pattern of the desired multi-level voltage waveform of the regulated energized pulse fed by the PFN116under control of the control unit114to the lamp(s)140. The lamp(s) may be located, placed and/or fitted in one or more lamp compartments which may include a transparent surface through which the light pulses emitted from the lamp(s)140may propagate (travel) towards the treatment area142while preventing direct contact with the lamp(s)140. The transparent surface may optionally include a filter to filter out at least part of the spectrum of the light emitted by the lamp(s)140. Typically the lamp(s)140are disposable and are optionally provided in one or more cartridges that may be replaced periodically.

The treatment unit104may therefore include one or more lamp cartridge compartments shaped to receive and accommodate one or more of the lamps140. The lamp cartridge compartment(s) may include a detachable cover that may be opened and closed during replacement of the lamp(s)140. The lamp cartridge compartment(s) may be fitted with contacts to connect the lamp(s)' poles to the wire contacts adapted to deliver the regulated energized pulses. The treatment face142may constitute an external face of the lamp compartment(s), and may optionally be part of the cartridge(s) hosting the lamp(s)140.

The treatment unit104may further include one or more perimeter illumination light sources for illuminating the treatment area to assist the user160by providing the user160clear visibility of the treatment area during the IPL treatment session. The perimeter illumination light source(s) may be typically disposed, located and/or positioned around a perimeter of the treatment face142to effectively illuminate the treatment area.

The treatment unit104may optionally include a user interface136which may be controller by the front-end control unit134for interacting with the user160operating the IPL apparatus100. The user interface136may include one or more status indication lights, for example, an ON/OFF indication light, an operational status indication light, a malfunction (failure) indication light and/or the like. For example, the status indication lights may include a ready indication light which may indicate that the PFN116is charged and ready to discharge the regulated energized pulse to the lamp(s)140. Once the ready indication light is activated (e.g. ON, flashing, etc.), after placing the treatment face142over the treatment area, the user160may initiate a trigger event to instruct release of the regulated energized pulse to cause the lamp(s)140to emit the light pulses. The user interface136may also include one or more control switches, for example, a button, a switch, a lever and/or the like. For example, the user interface136may include a trigger button for triggering release of the regulated energized pulse from the PFN116to the lamp(s)140. In another example, the reset button, the operation mode selection dial, the test mode button and/or the like may be incorporated in the user interface136. The user interface136may further include a display, for example, an LCD and/or the like allowing the front-end control unit134to present information to the user, for example, status information, maintenance information and/or the like. The user interface136may also include a sound interface, for example, a speaker, a buzzer, a piezoelectric device and/or the like for generating one or more sound indications, for example, a ready sound indication (such as the ready indication light), a failure sound indication and/or the like. The front-end control unit134may communicate with the control unit114to transmit data input received from the user160through the user interface136. The front-end control unit134may also receive data from the control unit114and present the received data to the user160through the user interface136.

Optionally, the treatment unit104includes one or more proximity assemblies138comprising one or more proximity light sources, for example, a LED and/or the like coupled with respective light sensors, for example, a photodiode and/or the like which may be used to verify proper attachment and/or placement of the treatment face142over the treatment area. The proximity assembly(s)138may be deployed, located, positioned and/or adapted to monitor proximity, i.e. distance of the treatment face142from adjacent objects.

The treatment unit104may typically include at least two proximity assemblies138typically placed at opposing sides of the treatment face to verify proper attachment of the entire treatment face142to the treatment area. For example, the proximity assemblies138may be placed at the middle of opposite ends of the treatment face142thus facing each other. In another example, the proximity assemblies138may be placed at the two opposite corners of the treatment face142thus facing each other. The proximity light source(s) and the light sensor(s) may be selected, adapted and/or configured to operate in one or more light spectrums, for example, visible light, infrared, UV and/or the like.

Proximity of the treatment face142from the treatment area (or other objects) may be determined according to the level of light reflected from the treatment area (or other surface) when illuminated by light emitted from the proximity light sources. In order to create a known reference, the proximity light sources may be operated, for example, by the front-end controller134to emit light at different intensity levels which may be compared to identify and omit effects of external light source(s), for example, the sun, a lighting lamp and/or the like. By comparing the measured light intensity for the different intensity levels of the proximity light sources a bias level contributed by the external light source(s) may be identified, for example, by the front-end controller134. To this end, the proximity light sources may employ one or more implementations. For example, the proximity light sensors may include an adjustable intensity light source which may be adapted to emit light at a plurality of intensity levels, for example, proportional to a current and/or voltage driven to the light source. In another example, the proximity light sensors may include multiple independent light sources, for example, two light sources which may be operated individually to emit the light at different intensities.

Reference is now made toFIG.2B, which is a graph chart of exemplary sensory data captured by a light sensor of an IPL apparatus adapted to a capture light emitted by proximity lights source(s) of the IPL apparatus, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The graph chart presents exemplary graphs250(yellow) and252(green) expressing sensory data captured by a light sensor such as the light sensor of the assembly138, for example, a photodiode. The graphs250and252present a voltage level generated by the photodiode in proportion to the light intensity detected by the photodiode. The graph250presents the voltage level indicative of the detected light intensity when the photodiode is in very close proximity to an object reflecting light emitted by one or more proximity light sources such as the proximity light source of the proximity assembly138, for example, a LED. The graph252presents the voltage level indicative of the detected light intensity when no object is in proximity to the proximity light source(s) and hence little and/or no light is reflected towards the photodiode.

As seen in the graph250, the light source(s) may be operated, for example, by the front-end controller134to emit a first light intensity level reflected by the level260in the graph250. The front-end controller134may then operate the light source(s) to emit a second light intensity level reflected by the level262in the graph250. The front-end controller134may further operate the light source(s) to emit a third light intensity level reflected by the level264in the graph250. The graph250presents the voltage generated by the photodiode in response to detected light which is emitted from two LED proximity light sources. In such implementation, the level260may be generated by the photodiode in response to detection of the first light intensity level achieved by turning ON a first one of the two LEDs and turning OFF a second one of the two LEDs. The level262may be generated by the photodiode in response to detection of the second light intensity level achieved by turning ON both the first LED and the second LED. The level264may be generated by the photodiode in response to detection of the third light intensity level achieved by turning OFF the first LED and turning ON the second LED. In case the two LEDs are of the same type, the levels260and264may be significantly similar.

As evident, the pattern of the graph252may be very similar to pattern of the graph250with the exception that the voltage levels may be significantly lower since very little light may be reflected towards the photodiode since no object is located in proximity to the LEDs. The differences between the graphs250and252may be sued to determine the proximity of the proximity assembly138and hence of a treatment face such as the treatment face142to another object, specifically to the treatment area.

Reference is made once again toFIG.1.

The front-end control unit134may collect, obtain and/or receive sensory data from the light sensor of the proximity assembly(s)138and analyze the sensory data to determine the distance of the treatment face142from the treatment area. The front-end control unit134may further analyze the sensory data provided by the light sensor(s) of the proximity assembly(s)138to identify one or more characteristics of the surface in proximity to the treatment face142, for example, a texture, a reflection level, a material and/or the like. Based on the identified characteristics of the surface the front-end control unit134may identify and/or determine the type of surface the treatment face142is attached to and/or placed over. This may be used to verify the identified surface is indeed the treatment area and thus avoid instructing emission of the light from the lamp(s)140in case the surface is not identified as a treatment area, for example, prevent the trigger button from triggering release of the regulated energized pulse. Optionally, the front-end control unit134collects the sensory data from the light sensor of the proximity assembly(s)138and transmits it to the control unit114which may analyze the sensory data to allow release of the regulated energized pulse according to the identified surface.

Optionally, the treatment unit104includes one or more imaging sensor144, for example, a camera, an infrared camera, a thermal sensor and/or the like adapted to depict the treatment area and capture one or more images of the treatment area.

The control unit114may analyze the image(s) captured by the imaging sensor(s)144and/or the sensory data captured by the light sensor of the proximity assembly(s)138to identify one or more treatment area characteristics, for example, a skin color, a hair color, a hair type and/or the like. The imaging sensor(s)144may be deployed, located, positioned and/or adapted to depict the treatment area when the treatment face142is placed on the treatment area and/or the treatment face is in close proximity to the treatment area. The control unit114may employ one or more image processing methods, tools and/or algorithms to analyze the image(s) captured by the imaging sensor(s)144in order to identify the treatment area characteristic(s). The control unit114may operate the PFN116to construct the regulated energized pulse according to the identified treatment area characteristics. For example, assuming the treatment area is determined to be a dark skin, the control unit114may operate the PFN116to generate the regulated energized pulse having significantly long pulses since the dark skin may be less susceptible to the induced heat and the increased heat may be more effective for the IPL session. In another example, assuming the treatment area is determined to be a light skin, the control unit114may operate the PFN116to generate the regulated energized pulse having short pulses to avoid damaging, burning and/or hurting the treatment area since the light skin may be highly sensitive to excessive heat. In another example, assuming the hair at the treatment area is determined to be thick hair, the control unit114may operate the PFN116to generate the regulated energized pulse having longer pulses to effectively destroy the thick hair (root) cells which may be significantly durable to the induced heat.

The control unit114may apply one or more algorithms to operate the PFN116in order to generate the regulated energized pulses with desired multi-level voltage waveform patterns defined for causing the lamp(s)140to emit sequences of light pulses inducing heat to the treatment area at temperature levels and/or patterns optimal for one or more of the IPL treatments. The lamp(s)140may emit light pulses proportional to the voltage and/or current levels of the regulated energized pulse since one or more light emission attributes of the light pulses emitted by the lamp(s)140, for example, shape, level, intensity, spectrum, distribution and/or the like may be direct function of the current and/or voltage of the regulated energized pulses.

In order to generate the regulated energized pulses, the control unit114may operate the PFN116, specifically, one or more of the switches212, one or more of the electrical regulators214and/or the like in order to adjust the pattern of the desired multi-level voltage waveform which may be optimal for the IPL treatment. The control unit114may thus adjust one or more parameters of the multi-level voltage waveform to set the desired pattern for the regulated energized pulse, for example, a number of pulses, a power of each of the pulses, a level of the high voltage level and/or of the low voltage level of each pulse, a duration of the high voltage level and/or of the low voltage level segment of each pulse, a high and/or low current level of each pulse and/or the like. For example, the control unit114may apply one or more Pulse-width modulation (PWM) elements which may control the state (open/close) of the switches212and/or to control one or more operational parameters of the electrical regulators214, for example, a duty cycle, an OFF time period, an ON time period, a switching frequency and/or the like. The control unit114may further configure, operate and/or instruct the power supply110to adjust the input feed to the capacitor units210according to the output voltage level(s) of the desired multi-level voltage waveform.

Reference is now made toFIG.3A,3BandFIG.3C, which are graph charts of exemplary regulated energized pulses having desired multi-level voltage waveform patterns adapted to drive an IPL lamp of an IPL apparatus, according to some embodiments of the present invention.FIG.3Apresents a graph chart of an exemplary regulated energized pulse302_1which may be generated by a PFN such as the PFN116operated by a main controller such as the control unit114executed by a control unit such as the control unit114and driven to a lamp such as the lamp140.

The regulated energized pulse302_1(marked green) has a multi-level voltage waveform pattern comprising a sequence of five pulses312_1(i.e.312_1B,312_1C,312_1D,312_1E and312_1F) spread over a time period of about 50 ms (milliseconds). The pulses312_1may be generated by modules such as the modules202of the PFN116which discharge the energy stored in their respective capacitor units such as the capacitor units210and regulate the energy through electrical regulators such as the electrical regulators214. For example, each of the pulses312_1may be generated by a respective one of the modules202which discharges the energy stored in its respective capacitor unit210regulated by the respective electrical regulator214.

The voltage level of the regulated energized pulse302_1, designated314_1, expresses the voltage level of the energy discharged by capacitor units210and regulated by the electrical regulators214. The current level of the regulated energized pulse302_1, designated316_1, expresses the current level of the energy discharged by capacitor units210and regulated by the electrical regulators214. The regulated energized pulse302_1is driven to the lamp140which may emit the light pulses according to the waveform of the regulated energized pulse302_1. The light pulses may induce heat to the treatment area in a heat profiler (pattern) that follows the waveform of the regulated energized pulse302_1. The heat level induced by the light pulses is designated318_1.

As shown, each of the pulses has a high voltage level segment312_1xH and a low voltage level segment312_1xL, for example, a pulse312_1B has a high voltage level segment312-1B-H and a low voltage level segment312_1B-L, a pulse312_1C has a high voltage level segment312_1C-H and a low voltage level v312_1C-L, a pulse segment312_1D has a high voltage level segment312_1D-H and a low voltage level segment312_1D-L and a pulse segment312_1E has a high voltage level segment312_1E-H and a low voltage level segment312_1E-L. A final pulse312_1F may only have a high voltage level segment312_1F-H before the PFN is operated to stop driving the regulated energized pulse302_1.

The control unit114may operate the PFN116to adjust the pattern of the multi-level voltage waveform of the regulated energized pulse302_1in order to create the desired multi-level voltage waveform to create the heat profile optimal for the IPL treatment. The control unit114may adjust one or more parameters of the multi-level voltage waveform to set the desired pattern, for example, a number of the pulses312_1, a level of the high voltage level segment312_1xH and/or of the low voltage level segment312_1xL, a duration of the high voltage level segment312_1xH and/or of the low voltage level segment312_1xL, a high and/or low current level of the pulses312_1and/or the like.

The lamp140may have a minimal heating voltage which is required to excite the lamp140to start emitting light. Exciting the lamp140into its operational state may be time consuming and the heating (exciting) time may be a relatively long, for example, 6 ms-8 ms. However, by maintain a non-zero significantly low voltage driven to the lamp140, the lamps may be maintained in operation thus avoiding the need to excite them again into the operational state and avoiding the exciting time.

As seen for the regulated energized pulse302_1, the high voltage level segments312_1xH may reach high voltage levels, for example, in the range of 80V-400V. The lamp140may therefore emit high intensity light during the high voltage level segment312_1xH periods and induce a significantly high heat level to the treatment area. The high voltage level segments312_1xH may gradually decrease for each succeeding pulse312_1in order to avoid excessive heating of the treatment area. The voltage levels may naturally be adjusted by the control unit114according to the light emission attributes of the lamp140. The low voltage level segments312_1xL are defined to be significantly above the lamp heating voltage and may be in a range of 20%-40% of the maximum high voltage level of the regulated energized pulse302_1, i.e. of the high voltage level segment312_1B-H. For example, the low voltage level segments312_1xL may be set to a voltage of 80V-160V. As the low voltage level segments312_1xL are set to a voltage which is above the heating voltage threshold the lamp140is constantly in operational (active) state and there is no need to excite the lamp140into operation at the beginning of each pulse312_1.

As seen in the graph, the heat profile as expressed by heat level318_1maintains a significantly high bias which is maintained through the significantly high low level voltage segment312_1xL. However, as the regulated energized pulse302_1is highly dynamic, during the highly dynamic high voltage level segment312_1B-H, the heat level may rapidly vary between the bias level and extremely high heat levels thus inducing extreme heat changes to the treatment area.

By setting the low voltage level segments312_1xL to the 20%-40% of the maximum high voltage level segment312_1B-H, the lamp140may emit sufficient light to maintain a significantly high heat level to the treatment area while avoiding extreme heat exposure to the treatment area for prolonged time thus significantly reducing probability of damage, destruction, burn and/or the like to the treatment area. Moreover, by maintaining the low voltage level segments312_1xL at 20%-40% of the maximum high voltage level, the heat level induced over the treatment area may be significantly stable thus avoiding extreme variations in the heat level applied to the treatment area. This may further reduce the probability of damage, destruction, burn and/or the like to the treatment area.

Moreover, by maintaining the low voltage level segments312_1xL at significantly high levels may prevent cooling of the treatment area between the high voltage level segments312_1xH. This may significantly reduce the energy required to heat the treatment area again during the succeeding pulse312_1. The high voltage level segments312_1xH may therefore be significantly reduced thus requiring lower capacity capacitor units210and/or reducing the stress applied to the capacitor units210. As such, the capacitor units210may be lower capacity and hence lower cost devices significantly reducing the cost of the PFN216. In addition, as the stress on the capacitor units210may be reduced, the capacitor units210may have improved longevity, improved endurance and/or the like.

Furthermore, the high voltage level segments312_1xH may require significantly low current and/or voltage regulation while the low voltage level segments312_1xL may require little and typically no current and/or voltage regulation at all. This may allow using simple and/or low end electrical regulators214thus significantly reducing the cost of the PFN216.

Optionally, the control unit114main controller170operates the PFN116to construct the regulated energized pulse302_1to include a first lamp pre-heating pulse312_1A preceding the operational pulses312_1B through312_1F. The control unit114main controller170may operate the PFN116to create the lamp pre-heating pulse312_1A with a voltage level in the range of 40%-75% of the maximum high voltage level of the regulated energized pulse302_1, i.e. of the high voltage level segment312_1B-H. The lamp pre-heating pulse312_1A may excite the lamp140into operation. Moreover, by setting the voltage level of the lamp pre-heating pulse312_1A to a relatively low voltage level, for example, 40% of the maximum high voltage level, the heat induced by the lamp140in response to driving the lamp pre-heating pulse312_1A may be moderate. This may be done to avoid inflicting a thermal shock to the treatment area as may happen in case the high voltage level segment312_1B-H is first driven to the lamp140which in response may induce extremely high heat level over the treatment area.

FIG.3Bpresents a graph chart of an exemplary regulated energized pulse302_2which may be generated the PFN116operated by the control unit114and driven to the lamp140. The regulated energized pulse302_2(marked green) exhibits the same basic pattern as the regulated energized pulse302_1with some parameters modifications thus producing a different pattern for the regulated energized pulse302_2. Specifically, the duration of the high voltage level segments and of the low voltage segments is reduced compared to those of the regulated energized pulse302_1thus resulting in a shorter duration regulated energized pulse302_2. While the regulated energized pulse302_1may be highly efficient for some IPL treatments, specifically, hair removal for dark skin patients, the regulated energized pulse302_2may be efficient for hair removal for light and/or pale skin patients. This is since light and/or pale skin may be highly susceptible to extreme heat and it may therefore be desirable to avoid exposure of such skin to high heat for prolonged time periods. As described for the regulated energized pulse302_1, the control unit114may operate the PFN116to construct the regulated energized pulse302_1with a pre-heating pulse which may be set, for example, to 75% of the maximum high voltage level. The heat induced by the lamp140in response to driving the lamp pre-heating pulse may be significantly high thus heating the treatment area to a desired level before applying the succeeding pulses. This may allow raising the temperature of the treatment area to a significantly high heat level which may be an optimal starting point for the IPL session while avoiding a major thermal shock to the treatment area.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the control unit114may operate the PFN116to construct the regulated energized pulse with the high voltage level segment having an equal duration and/or voltage level and the low voltage level segment having an equal duration and/or voltage level.

FIG.3Cpresents a graph chart of an exemplary regulated energized pulse302_3which may be generated the PFN116controlled by the control unit114executed by the control unit114and driven to the lamp140. The waveform pattern of the regulated energized pulse302_3(marked green) may exhibit some similarity to the pattern of the regulated energized pulse302_2specifically with respect to the timing, i.e. duration (width) of the pulse segments. However, the regulated energized pulse302_3may be constructed to have its high voltage level segments share an equal duration and equal voltage level and also its low voltage level segments are constructed with an equal duration and equal voltage level. The equal segments of the regulated energized pulse302_3may be optimal for one or more of the IPL treatments since the equal duration and equal voltage levels may allow achieving maximal variation (difference) of the level of heat induced on the treatment area.

Reference is now made toFIG.4, which is a capture of a spectrometer image of a light emission spectrum generated by an IPL lamp driven with an exemplary regulated energized pulse having a desired multi-level voltage waveform pattern, according to some embodiments of the present invention.FIG.4presents a spectrum as measured by a spectrometer used for measuring the spectrum of light emission of an exemplary IPL lamp such as the lamp140fed with an exemplary regulated energized pulse to induce heat to the treatment area. The simulation presents some of the light emission attributes of the light pulses emitted by the lamp140to induce heat along the time axis, specifically, the shape, the level, the intensity and the spectrum. Each of the light pulses may generate heat and the overall heat applied to the treatment area is the sum of the heat induced by each of the light pulses. Since the light pulses are emitted by the lamp(s)140proportionally to the regulated energized pulse, a main controller such as the control unit114may operate a PFN such as the PFN116to generate the regulated energized pulse to excite the lamp(s)140to emit the light pulses at a desired pattern with one or more desired emission attributes, for example, intensity, spectrum and/or the like. The pattern as well as the emission attributes of the light pulses may be adjusted by the control unit114according to one or more characteristics of the treatment area of the patient.

Reference is now made toFIG.5AandFIG.5B, which are graph charts of exemplary pairs of regulated energized pulses having desired multi-level voltage waveform patterns adapted to drive a pair of IPL lamp of an IPL apparatus, according to some embodiments of the present invention.FIG.5Apresents a graph chart of two exemplary regulated energized pulses302_4(marked green) and302_5(marked red) which may be generated by a PFN such as the PFN116operated by a control unit such as the control unit114and driven to two lamps such as the lamp140. The two lamps140may be designed, located, positioned and/or adapted to cover a larger treatment area. Moreover, the control unit114may operate the PFN116to generate the regulated energized pulses302_4and302_5with alternating multi-voltage waveform patterns such that while the first lamp140is fed with high level pulse segments such as the high level pulse segments312_1xH, the second lamp140is fed with low level pulse segments such as the low level pulse segments312_1xL. In such implementation the illumination intensity of the light pulses emitted by the two lamps140alternates to produce a significant heat level318_4and318_5respectively over the treatment area. The heat induced by the combined light pulses emitted by the two lamps140may reduce the energy required for feeding each of the lamps140and hence reduce the energy required from the PFN116. As such, the PFN116may utilize lower capacity and hence lower cost capacitor units such as the capacitor units210thus further reducing the cost of the PFN116. In addition, as the stress on the capacitor units210may be reduced, the capacitor units210may have improved longevity, improved endurance and/or the like. Moreover, reducing the dynamic heat pulse may prevent excessive thermal shocks to the treatment area thus reducing probability of undesired damage to the cells of the treatment area.

As described for the single lamp140, the control unit102may operate the PFN116to construct each of the regulated energized pulses302_4and302_5to include a respective pre-heating pulse. As discussed before, this may serve to prevent the thermal shock to the treatment area and/or to the lamps140.

FIG.5Bpresents a graph chart of two exemplary regulated energized pulses302_6(marked green) and302_7(marked red) which may be generated the PFN116operated by the control unit114and driven to the two lamps140. The regulated energized pulses302_6and302_7exhibit the same basic pattern as the regulated energized pulses302_4and302_5respectively with some parameters modifications thus producing a different pattern for the regulated energized pulses302_6and302_7. Specifically, the duration of the high voltage level segments and of the low voltage level segments is reduced compared to those of the regulated energized pulse302_4and302_5thus resulting in shorter duration regulated energized pulses302_6and302_7and hence reduced heat levels318_6and318_7respectively. As described before, the overall duration of the regulated energized pulses302_4,302_5,302_6and302_7may be adjusted according to the characteristics of the treatment area, specifically according to the skin of the patient.

The control unit102may operate the PFN116to construct each of the regulated energized pulses302_6and302_7to include a respective pre-heating pulse. As discussed before, this may serve to prevent the thermal shock to the treatment area and/or to the lamps140.

FIG.5Cpresents a graph chart of two exemplary regulated energized pulses302_8(marked green) and302_9(marked red) which may be generated the PFN116operated by the control unit114and driven to the two lamps140. The waveform pattern of the regulated energized pulses302_8and302_9may exhibit some similarity to the pattern of the regulated energized pulses302_4and302_5respectively, specifically with respect to the timing, i.e. duration (width) of the pulses segments. However, the regulated energized pulses302_8and302_9may be constructed to have their high voltage level segments share an equal duration and an equal voltage level. Similarly, the low voltage level segments of the regulated energized pulses302_8and302_9are constructed with an equal duration and equal voltage level. The equal segments of the regulated energized pulses302_8and302_9may be optimal for one or more of the IPL treatments since the equal duration and equal voltage levels may allow achieving maximal variation (difference) of the level of heat induced on the treatment area.

The control unit102may operate the PFN116to construct each of the regulated energized pulses302_8and302_9to include a respective pre-heating pulse. As discussed before, this may serve to prevent the thermal shock to the treatment area and/or to the lamps140.

Reference is now made toFIG.6AandFIG.6B, which are schematic illustrations of exemplary pairs of regulated energized pulses having synchronized and alternating multi-level voltage waveform patterns adapted to drive a pair of IPL lamp of an IPL apparatus, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG.6Ais a schematic illustration presenting a pair of lamps140A and140B such as the lamp140fed with two synchronized exemplary regulated energized pulses302_10and302_11respectively which may be generated by a PFN such as the PFN116operated by a control unit such as the control unit114. As shown, the regulated energized pulses302_10and302_11are synchronized such that high level pulse segments such as the high level pulse segments312_1xH of the two regulated energized pulses302_10and302_11occur at the same time. Similarly, low level pulse segments such as the low level pulse segments312_1xL of the two energized pulses302_10and302_11are also adjusted to occur at the same time. For any given time instance, the illumination of the light pulses emitted by the lamps140A and140B is accumulated (summed) thus reflect the combination of the light pulses emitted by the lamps140A and140B. The combination of the light pulses may be a function of the combination of the regulated energized pulses302_10and302_11driven to the lamps140A and140B. Driving the synchronized regulated energized pulses302_10and302_11to the respective lamps140A and140B may induce extremely dynamic heat levels, i.e. induce large variations between the low temperatures and high temperatures on the treatment area. Such highly dynamic heat may be highly effective for treating certain types of skin, hair and/or the like, for example, dark skin, thick hair and/or the like. Additionally and/or alternatively, assuming the lamps140A and140B are located, positioned and/or adapted to distribute their light pulses over the same treatment area, in order to achieve the same heat level (temperature) as a single lamp140, the regulated energized pulses302_10and302_11feeding the two lamps140A and140B may have significantly less energy than the regulated energized pulse required to feed the single lamp140. The PFN116may therefore utilize lower capacity and hence lower cost capacitor units such as the capacitor units210thus reducing the cost of the PFN116. In addition, as the stress on the capacitor units210may be reduced, the capacitor units210may have improved longevity, improved endurance and/or the like. Due to the lower stress on the lamps140A and140B, their longevity and/or endurance may also be significantly increased.

FIG.6Bis a schematic illustration presenting the pair of lamps140A and140B fed with two alternating exemplary regulated energized pulses302_12and302_13respectively which may be generated by the PFN116operated by the control unit114. As shown, the regulated energized pulses302_12and302_13are alternating such that the high level pulse segments of the regulated energized pulses302_12occur during the time of the low level pulse segments of the regulated energized pulses302_13. Similarly the low level pulse segments of the regulated energized pulses302_12occur during the time of the high level pulse segments of the regulated energized pulses302_13. For any given time instance, the illumination intensity of the light pulses emitted by the lamps140A and140B is accumulated (summed) thus reflect the combination of the light pulses emitted by the lamps140A and140B. The combination of the light pulses may be a function of the combination of the regulated energized pulses302_7and302_8driven to the lamps140A and140B. Driving the alternating regulated energized pulses302_12and302_13to the respective lamps140A and140B may reduce the dynamic heat levels, i.e. reduce the variation between the low temperatures and high temperatures induced on the treatment area. Such reduced dynamic heat may be highly effective for sensitive skin, for example, light color skin since excessive thermal shock to the treatment area may be reduced and/or prevented. Additionally and/or alternatively, the lamps140A and140B may be located, positioned and/or adapted to distribute their light pulses over different treatment areas thus significantly increasing the treatment area induced with heat during each treatment cycle.

The IPL apparatus100, in particular, the treatment unit104may include one or more reflectors shaped, configured, located and/or positioned to direct the light pulses emitted by the lamp(s)140towards the treatment face142and hence towards the treatment area to which the treatment face142is applied. This may significantly increase the light energy directed to the treatment area. Moreover, the reflector(s) may be shaped, configured, located and/or positioned to increase efficiency of illumination distribution of the light pulses emitted, for example, to improve an even illumination distribution of the light pulses and/or the like. The reflector(s) may be produced of one or more materials having high light reflection characteristics, for example, a metal foil, a ceramic material, a polymeric material and/or the like. By increasing the illumination of the light pulses in the direction of the treatment area, the reflector may significantly improve energy utilization of the light pulses. As such the heat induced by the light pulses may be significantly increased. Additionally and/or alternatively, lower power lamp(s)140may be used. Moreover, directing most of the light energy to the treatment area may significantly increase accuracy of the induced heat since the intensity of the directed illumination may be better controlled.

Reference is now made toFIG.7A,FIG.7BandFIG.7C, which are schematic illustrations of exemplary reflectors of exemplary IPL apparatuses having one, two and a plurality of IPL lamps respectively, according to some embodiments of the present invention.FIG.7Apresents an exemplary reflector702A disposed around a lamp such as the lamp140placed in a lamp compartment of an IPL apparatus such as the IPL apparatus100. The reflector702A may be shaped, configured, located and/or positioned to reflect light emitted by the lamp140towards a treatment face142. In particular, the reflector702A may be shaped to have multiple curvatures each having a respective angle defined to reflect the light emitted by the lamp140and hitting the respective part of the reflector702A towards the treatment face142. By reflecting a significant amount of light pulses energy towards the treatment face142, the energy of light heating the treatment area as well as the illumination distribution of the light pulses may be significantly increased thus effectively achieving an increased and even heat induction over the entire treatment area. This may significantly improve energy utilization of a PFN such as the PFN116operated by a control unit such as the control unit114of the IPL apparatus100.

FIG.7Bpresents an exemplary asymmetric reflector702B disposed around a pair of lamps140A and140B placed in one or more lamp compartments of the IPL apparatus100. The asymmetric reflector702B may be shaped, configured, located and/or positioned to reflect light emitted by the lamps140A and140B towards the treatment face142. Each of the lamps140A and140B may typically be shaped in a cylindrical shape to emit light along a longitudinal axis of the lamps140A and140B respectively. The asymmetric reflector702B may therefore be shaped asymmetrically around each of the lamps140A and140B such that along a side of the longitudinal axis of the lamps140A and140B which faces the other lamp140A or140B, the reflection surface of the asymmetric reflector702B extends to approximately the height of the lamps140A and140B. The asymmetric reflector702B may be further shaped to have its reflection surface extending significantly high above the lamps140A and140B on the side of the longitudinal axis facing away from the other lamp140A or140B, i.e. facing a wall of a lamp compartment. For example, at the side of the longitudinal axis of the lamps140A and140B facing away from each other, the asymmetric reflector702B may be shaped with the reflection surface extending to approximately the treatment face142.

The asymmetric reflector702B may be shaped to have multiple curvatures each having a respective angle defined to reflect the light emitted by the lamp140and hitting the respective part of the asymmetric reflector702B towards the treatment face142. The asymmetric reflector702B may be further shaped to prevent direct line of sight between the two lamps140A and140B to prevent mutual illumination which may stress and potentially damage one or more of the lamps140A and140B, the lamp compartment and/or the like. It should be noted that the dimensions presented inFIG.7Bare exemplary and should not be construed as limiting. The asymmetric reflector702B may significantly increase illumination distribution of the light pulses emitted by the lamps140A and140B over the treatment face142which may therefore be significantly increased to cover a larger treatment area treated during each treatment cycle. Moreover, in case of alternating regulated energized pulses, for example, the regulated energized pulses302_12and302_13, the accumulated illumination of the light pulses emitted by the lamps140A and140B may be efficiently distributed over the treatment face142. The heat induced to the treatment area may therefore be significantly high which may be effective for the IPL treatment while avoiding extreme variations which may inflict discomfort and/or pain to the patient and even damage and/or burn the treatment area and/or part thereof.

As shown inFIG.7B, the lamps140A and140B may be positioned, located and/or deployed off center of their respective reflection curvatures of the asymmetric reflector702B. Specifically, the lamps140A and140B may be deployed off center their respective reflection surfaces to the side facing the other lamp140A or140B. For example, the lamp140A may be deployed off center its respective reflection surface towards the lamp140B and the lamp140B may be deployed off center its respective reflection surface towards the lamp140A. This may significantly improve direction and/or distribution of the light pulses energy towards the treatment face142.

FIG.7Cpresents an exemplary asymmetric reflector702C disposed around a plurality of lamps140A through140N placed in one or more lamp compartments of the IPL apparatus100. The asymmetric reflector702C is an extension of the asymmetric reflector702B and may be shaped, configured, located and/or positioned to reflect light emitted by the lamps140A,140B through140N towards the treatment face142. The asymmetric reflector702C may be shaped asymmetrically around each of the lamps140A through140N such that along the side of the longitudinal axis of the lamps140A through140N which faces any of the other lamps140A through140N, the reflection surface of the asymmetric reflector702C extends to approximately the height of the lamps140A through140N. For the exterior lamps140A and140N, the asymmetric reflector702C may be shaped to have its reflection surface extending significantly high above the lamps140A through140N on the side of the longitudinal axis facing away from any of the other lamps140B and140N-1respectively, i.e. facing a wall of a lamp compartment.

As shown inFIG.7C, the exterior lamps140A and140N may be positioned, located and/or deployed off center of their respective reflection curvatures of the asymmetric reflector702C. Specifically, the lamps140A and140N may be deployed off center their respective reflection surfaces to the side facing away from the lamp compartment. This may significantly improve direction of the light energy towards the treatment face142.

Reference is now made toFIG.8A, which is a schematic illustration of a simulation of illumination distribution of light emitted by a pair of IPL lamps of an exemplary IPL apparatus having reflectors adapted to reflect the emitted light, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Reference is also made toFIG.8B, which is a graph chart of a simulation of heat distribution of heat induced by light emitted by two IPL lamps of an exemplary IPL apparatus having reflectors adapted to reflect the emitted light, according to some embodiments of the present invention.FIG.8Apresents a light distribution simulation for light emitted by two lamps such as the lamps140A and140B supported by a reflector such as the reflector702B. As evident from the simulation, the majority of the light emitted by the lamps140A and140B is reflected towards a treatment face such as the treatment face142.FIG.8Bpresents a heat map simulation of the heat over the treatment face142induced by light pulses emitted by the lamps140A and140B supported by the reflector702B as presented inFIG.8A. Specifically, the lamps140A and140B may be fed with alternating regulated energized pulses, for example, the regulated energized pulses302_12and302_13. Fed (driven) with the alternating regulated energized pulses302_12and302_13, one of the lamps, for example, the lamp140A may induce a high heat level during the time it is driven with the high voltage pulse segment while the other lamp, for example, the lamp140B may induce a lower heat level during the time it is driven with the low voltage pulse segment. Therefore, as evident from the heat map in which temperature levels are directly proportional to the color, which presents an instance of time, the upper part of the treatment face142is significantly hotter than the lower part of the treatment face142. However, both the upper part and the lower part are maintained at significantly high temperature which may be effective for the IPL treatment. As such, highly extreme variations in the heat may be avoided thus preventing discomfort and/or pain to the patient as well as preventing damage to the treatment area.

Reference is now made toFIG.9A, which is a schematic illustration of a treatment unit of an exemplary IPL apparatus utilizing a PFN, according to some embodiments of the present invention. An exemplary treatment unit104A such as the treatment unit104of an IPL apparatus such as the IPL apparatus100may be a mobile unit which may be held, grasped, gripped and/or the like by a user such as the user160who may maneuver the treatment unit104A to one or more treatment areas at the patient's body. The treatment unit104A may be ergonomically modeled and/or shaped for easy and comfortable grip of the user. The treatment unit104A connects to a base unit such as the base unit102through a cable comprising a primary wired interface such as the primary wired interface150and optionally an auxiliary wired interface such as the auxiliary wired interface152.

A treatment side of the treatment unit104A may include a treatment face such as the treatment face142locate above one or more lamp compartments910storing one or more lamps such as the lamp140. The lamp(s)140may optionally be hosted in one or more disposable cartridges which may be inserted into the lamp compartment(s)910. A transparent surface902(window treatment) may cover the lamp(s)140to prevent direct contact with the lamp(s)140. The transparent surface902may optionally be integrated with the cartridge(s) of the lamp(s)140. The transparent surface902may further include a filter which may filter at least part of the spectrum of light emitted by the lamp(s)140, specifically light wavelengths which may inflict damage to human skin, i.e. to the treatment area(s). For example, the light pulses emitted by the lamp(s)140are generally in the spectral range of 400 to 1200 nm. The filter may selectively filter out lower wavelengths, especially potentially damaging UV light.

The treatment unit104A may optionally include one or more perimeter illumination light sources914for illuminating the treatment area to assist the user160and provide him clear visibility of the treatment area during the IPL treatment session. The perimeter illumination light source(s)914may be typically disposed, located and/or positioned around a perimeter of the treatment face142to effectively illuminate the treatment area.

The treatment face142may be at least partially enclosed by a sharpened perimeter edge904disposed around at least part of the treatment face142. The sharpened perimeter edge904may be raised above the treatment face142such that while applying the treatment face142to the treatment area, the sharpened perimeter edge904may apply pressure around the treatment area to mark the edges of the treatment area treated during a current IPL session cycle. The markings around the treatment area(s) may allow the user160to identify the areas which were treated during previous cycles of the IPL session and efficiently place the treatment face142over the treatment area during the current cycle.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the treatment face142may be at least partially enclosed by a color applying perimeter edge912disposed around at least part of the treatment face142. The color applying perimeter edge is optionally raised above the treatment face142. When placing the treatment face142over the treatment area, the color applying perimeter edge912may apply color, for example, a UV ink and/or the like to the treatment area's edges thus marking the treatment area treated during a current IPL session cycle. This may also allow the user160to identify the areas which were treated during previous cycles of the IPL session and efficiently place the treatment face142over the treatment area during the current cycle. The color applying perimeter edge912may further color one or more guide markings, for example, an alignment line and/or the like. During a current IPL session cycle, the user160may align the treatment face142with the alignment line(s) which mark one or more treatment areas treated during previous cycles of the IPL session. The treatment unit104A may further include one or more light sources906, for example, a UV lamp, a UV LED and/or the like to illuminate the treatment area and make the UV ink markings (applied by the color applying perimeter edge912) visible to the user160. The light sources906may be located around the perimeter of the treatment face142to effectively illuminate the UV ink markings applied by the color applying perimeter edge912on the treatment area(s).

Reference is now made toFIG.9B, which is a schematic illustration of exemplary treatment area color markings applied by a color applying element of a treatment unit of an IPL apparatus utilizing a PFN, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The color scheme used inFIG.9Bis defined to clearly present color markings applied by a color applying perimeter edge such as the color applying perimeter edge912. The colors inFIG.9Bmay not be the actual colors applied by the color applying perimeter edge912. An exemplary color marking922A (marked in blue) may be applied by the color applying perimeter edge912to mark a treatment area924A (marked in light blue). Similarly, a color marking922B (marked in red) may be applied by the color applying perimeter edge912to mark a treatment area924B (marked in green). The color markings922A and922B may be applied by the color applying perimeter edge912when a treatment face such as the treatment face142is applied to the respective treatment area924A and/or924B.

The color markings922A and/or922B may be visible to a user such as the user160when illuminated with the appropriate light emitted by the light source(s)906, for example, a UV light emitted by the UV lamp and/or the UV LED.

The color applying perimeter edge912may further apply one or more guide markings, for example, guide markings926A and926B when the treatment face142is applied to the treatment areas924A and924B respectively. The guide markings may allow a user such as the user160to align the treatment face142over the treatment area treated during a current cycle of the IPL session, for example, the treatment area924A and/or924B.

The color markings such as the color markings922A,922B,926A and/or926B may allow the user160using an IPL apparatus such as IPL apparatus100to easily and efficiently identify the treatment areas, for example, the treatment areas924A and924B which were treated during previous cycles of the IPL session and accurately place the treatment face142over the treatment area treated during the current cycle. This may significantly reduce the number of IPL session cycles and hence reduce the IPL session time since by accurately placing the treatment face142during each IPL cycle such that the overall area treated during the IPL session is efficiently covered.

The color applying perimeter edge912may be adapted to apply the color markings922A and922B such that when the treatment face is applied to a certain treatment area, for example, the treatment area924B, the treatment area924B at least partially overlaps with at least one other treatment area, for example, the treatment area924A. This may verify that no area of the overall area treated during the IPL session is left uncovered and hence untreated.

Reference is also made toFIG.9C, which is a picture of exemplary treatment area color markings applied by a color applying element of a treatment unit of an IPL apparatus utilizing a PFN, according to some embodiments of the present invention. An exemplary color marking922C may be applied by the color applying perimeter edge912to mark a treatment area924C. The color markings922C may be applied by the color applying perimeter edge912when a treatment face such as the treatment face142is applied to the respective treatment area924C. The color markings922C may be visible to the user160when illuminated with the appropriate light emitted by the light source(s)906, for example, the UV light emitted by the UV lamp and/or the UV LED.

Reference is made once again toFIG.9A.

The treatment unit104A may further comprises a user interface such as the user interface136which may include one or more status indication lights908which may be used to provide status indications and/or status information to the user160. In particular, the status indication lights908may be located around the perimeter of the treatment face142such that the user160concentrating on the treatment area may have clear and direct visibility of the status indication lights908. The user may thus avoid the need to shift his gaze from the treatment area to another location to check the status indication lights908. The status indication lights908may emit light in one or more colors, for example, red, green, yellow, blue and/or the like.

The status indication(s) provided by the status indication light(s)908may include, for example, an ON/OFF indication, an operational status indication, a malfunction (failure) indication and/or the like. For example, the status indication lights908may include a ready indication light which may indicate that the PFN116is charged and ready to discharge the regulated energized pulse to the lamp(s)140. Once the ready indication light is activated (e.g. ON, flashing, etc.), after placing the treatment face142over the treatment area, the user160may initiate a trigger event to instruct release of the regulated energized pulse to cause the lamp(s)140to emit the light pulses. In another example, the status indication lights908may include a lamp cooling indication light which may indicate status of a cooling progress of the lamp(s)140. In another example, the status indication lights908may include a failure indication light which may indicate of one or more failures in the treatment unit104A and/or in the base unit102, for example, failure to charge the capacitor units210, a failure of a ventilation fan of the treatment unit104A to cycle air over the lamp(s)140for cooling them and/or the like. In another example, the status indication lights908may include a maintenance indication light which may indicate of a required maintenance operation, for example, battery replacement and/or the like.

Optionally, one or more of the status indication lights908may be operated by a frontend controller such as the front-end control unit134in multiple operation modes to provide multiple status indications. The operation modes may include for example, continuous ON or OFF state, flashing at one or more frequencies, emission of different light colors and/or any combination thereof. For example, one or more certain status indication lights908may be operated to a steady ON state to indicate one or more of the failure conditions. The certain status indication light(s)908may be further operated to flash in a first frequency to indicate that the PFN116is charged and ready to discharge the regulated energized pulse. The certain status indication light(s)908may also be operated to flash in a second frequency to indicate that the lamp(s)140are currently in the cooling down process. In another example, one or more certain status indication lights908may be operated to emit a red color in a steady ON state to indicate one or more of the failure conditions. The certain status indication light(s)908may be further operated to flash in a first light color (e.g. green) to indicate that the PFN116is charged and ready to discharge the regulated energized pulse. The certain status indication light(s)908may also be operated to flash in a second light color (e.g. red) to indicate that the lamp(s)140are currently in the cooling down process.

Optionally, at least some of the various light sources such as the perimeter illumination light sources914, the light sources906and/or the status indication light908are integrated together to construct a unified perimeter lighting source combining at least part of the various light sources. This may simplify the design, construction, production and/or use of the various light sources. This may further simplify control of the front-end control unit134to operate the various light sources as well as simplify and potentially reduce cost of the cabling and/or of the provisions required for installing and connecting the various light sources.

The treatment unit104A may further include one or more assemblies such as the proximity assembly138which may be designed, constructed and/or located near the treatment face142to monitor proximity to the treatment area. Additionally and/or alternatively the treatment unit104A may include one or more imaging sensors such as the imaging sensor144. The imaging sensor(s)144may be designed, constructed and/or located near the treatment face142similarly to the proximity assembly(s)138. Optionally, the proximity assembly(s)138and the imaging sensor(s)144are integrated together and/or are coupled and placed in the same location(s). Optionally, one or more of the proximity assembly138is integrated with one or more of the light sources906and/or the status indication lights908to form an esthetic unified perimeter lighting source.

Reference is now made toFIG.10A,FIG.10B,FIG.10CandFIG.10D, which are captures of a treatment unit of an exemplary IPL apparatus utilizing a PFN, according to some embodiments of the present invention.FIG.10A,FIG.10B,FIG.10CandFIG.10Dpresent different views of an exemplary treatment unit such as the treatment unit104A. As shown inFIG.10A, the treatment unit104A may be ergonomically shaped for easy and comfortable grip for a user such as the user160holding the treatment unit104A and maneuvering it to the treatment areas on the patient's body. As shown inFIG.10B, the treatment unit104A may include a lamp compartment such as the lamp compartment910adapted to receive and accommodate one or more lamps such as the lamp140. The lamp compartment910may include a detachable cover which may be removed to remove and/or install the lamp(s)140in their designated location(s) in the lamp compartment910. As shown inFIG.10C, the treatment unit104A may include a user interface such as the user interface136, specifically a trigger button for triggering release of the regulated energized pulse from a PFN such as the PFN116to the lamp(s)140. As shown inFIG.10D, the treatment unit104A may include two such trigger buttons adapted for right handed users such as the user160and/or for left handed users such as the user160.

Reference is now made toFIG.11A, which is a schematic illustration of an exemplary test area of an IPL apparatus utilizing a PFN, according to some embodiments of the present invention. A base unit such as the base unit102may optionally include a test area such as the test area120for testing a treatment unit such as the treatment unit104A, in particular for testing one or more lamps such as the lamp140. The test area120may be shaped, located and/or adapted to receive and accommodate the treatment unit104A, in particular, the test area120may be shaped to receive and accommodate a treatment face such as the treatment face142. One or more light sensors such as the light sensor122may be deployed in the test area120to capture light emitted by one or more lamps such as the lamp140while the treatment face142is placed in the test area120. For example, two light sensors122may be placed in the test area120such that they are facing the two ends of the lamp(s)140when the treatment unit104A is placed in the test area120for testing. In another example, three light sensors122may be placed in the test area120such that two of the sensors122face the two ends of the cylindrically shaped lamp(s)140and the 3rdlight sensor122facing a central area of the cylindrically shaped lamp(s)140when the treatment unit104A is placed in the test area120for testing.

A main controller such as the control unit114may operate a PFN such as the PFN116to generate a test regulated energized pulse which may be specifically configured with a multi-level voltage waveform pattern defined for testing one or more emission attributes of the lamp(s)140. The control unit114may collect, obtain and/or receive sensory data from the light sensor(s)122and analyze the sensory data to identify values of the emission attributes of one or more of the lamp140, for example, the level, the intensity, the distribution, the spectrum and/or the like. The control unit114may analyze the sensory data according to one or more predefined values indicating the operational status of the lamp(s)140. For example, a certain intensity threshold may be predefined for a certain lamp140. In case the measured intensity of the lamp140is below the predefined intensity threshold, the control unit114may determine the lamp140is failed. Based on the identified light emission attribute(s), the control unit114may evaluate the operational status of the lamp(s)140and determine whether the lamp(s)140is operating properly or not. Based on the analysis and determination, the control unit114may further inform a user such as the user160that one or more of the lamps140needs to be replaced. In another example, the control unit114may determine the operational status of the lamp(s)140by comparing the sensory data be comparing between the values of the emission attribute(s) received form one or more of the light sensors122. Typically, the lamp(s)140may exhibit reduced light emission attributes at the ends of the lamp140since these are the locations of electrical contacts feeding the lamp(s)140. The control unit114may therefore compare the emission attributes as recorded by the light sensor122located at the center of the lamp(s)140to the emission attributes as recorded by one or more of the light sensors122located at ends of the lamp(s)140. It is assumed that the emission attributes captured at the center of the lamp(s)140may be indicative of good operational status of the lamp(s)140. Therefore, based on the comparison the main controller114may identify a deviation of the emission attribute(s) captured at the end(s) of the lamp(s)140.

Reference is also made toFIG.11B, which is an image capture of a used and/or damaged lamp of an IPL apparatus.FIG.11Bpresents a used and/or damaged lamp140C such as the lamp140used for IPL treatments. The damaged lamp140C has a blackened area1102which may affect the emission distribution of the damaged lamp140C and hence may significantly reduce the effectivity of the IPL treatment. The sensor(s)122may be deployed, placed and/or positioned in and/or around the test area120to capture light emitted from the lamp(s)140over a plurality of locations (spots) of the treatment face142. The control unit114analyzing the sensory data obtained from sensor(s)122may thus evaluate the emission characteristic(s) of the light pulses across multiple locations of the treatment face142. The control unit114may therefore be able to detect one or more faulty locations of the lamp(s)140C, for example, the blackened area1102as well as other emission degradation effects.

In some embodiments of the present invention, there is a provided a multi treatment units IPL system comprising an extended base unit that may support multiple treatment units such as the treatment unit104.

Reference is now made toFIG.12, which is a schematic illustration of an exemplary IPL apparatus utilizing a PFN and comprising a plurality of treatment units captures of a treatment unit, according to some embodiments of the present invention. A multi treatment units system IPL1200may operate as master slave system in which an extended base unit102A such as the base unit102serves as a master to support multiple slave treatment units104, for example, a treatment unit104A, a treatment unit104B to a treatment unit104N. Each of the treatment units104may connect to the extended base unit102A through a dedicated cable comprising a primary wired interface such as the primary wired interface150and optionally an auxiliary wired interface such as the auxiliary wired interface152. Each of the treatment units104may include a wireless communication interface such as the wireless communication interface132. Using the wireless communication interface132, a front-end controller such as the front-end controller134of one or more of the treatment units104A through104N may communicate with a control unit such as the control unit114of the extended base unit102A. One or more of the front-end controllers134may communicate with the control unit114through a dedicated wireless communication channel. Additionally and/or alternatively, one or more of the front-end controllers134may share one or more common wireless communication channels for communicating with the control unit114. In such implementation(s), each of the treatment units104sharing a common wireless communication channel may be assigned a unique identifier (ID) to uniquely identify each treatment unit104while communicating with the extended base unit102A. Each of the treatment units104A through104N may be operated by one or more users such as the user160where typically each of the treatment units104A through104N is operated by a respective user160A through160N.

Utilizing a dedicated primary wired interface150for each of the treatment units104may allow the user(s)160A through160N to operate their respective treatment units104independently of the other treatment units104thus supporting an independent operational environment for each of the treatment units104. Such a multi treatment units IPL system1200may typically be used by professional IPL caregivers to treat simultaneously a plurality of patients and/or treat simultaneously multiple treatment areas of one or more patients.

Reference is now made toFIG.13, which is a flow chart of an exemplary process executed by an IPL apparatus utilizing a PFN for an IPL treatment, according to some embodiments of the present invention. An exemplary process1300may be may be executed by an IPL apparatus such as the IPL apparatus100, specifically by a control unit such as the control unit114of a base unit such as the base unit102. The control unit114may execute the process100to generate the regulated energized pulse(s) for feeding one or more IPL lamps such as the lamp140which in response may emit sequences of light pulses thus inducing heat over a treatment area of a patient.

As shown at1302, the control unit114may operate a PFN such as the PFN116to charge one or more capacitor units such as the capacitor units210. The control unit114may operate the PFN116according to one or more parameters of the multi-level voltage waveform of the regulated energized pulse which may be set according to the type of the current IPL treatment and/or according to one or more characteristics of the patient undergoing the IPL treatment. The control unit114may obtain the parameters of the multi-level voltage waveform from a user interface such as the user interface118operated by a user such as the user160. Optionally, the user160interacts with a user interface such as the user interface136of a treatment unit such as the treatment unit104. In such case the control unit114may communicate with a front-end control unit such as the front-end control unit134of a treatment unit such as the treatment unit104to receive the parameters of the multi-level voltage waveform as instructed by the user160. The control unit114may further operate a power supply such as the power supply110of the base unit102to adjust the input feed to the capacitor units210according to the output voltage level(s) of the desired multi-level voltage waveform.

As shown at1304, the control unit114may generate a ready indication, for example, the ready indication light, the ready sound indication and/or the like to indicate to the user160that the PFN116is ready to discharge the regulated energized pulse having the desired multi-level voltage waveform. The control unit114may generate the ready indication through the user interface118, for example, activate a ready indication light. Additionally and/or alternatively, the control unit114may transmit a ready message and/or signal to the frontend controller which may operate the user interface136to indicate the ready state of the PFN116to the user160.

As shown at1306, which is an optional step, the control unit114may initiate a test operation for testing the treatment unit104, specifically for testing one or more of the lamps140. While the treatment unit104is placed in the designated location of a test area such as the test area120, the control unit114may operate the PFN116to discharge the regulated energized pulse. The control unit114may obtain sensory data from one or more light sensors such as the light sensors122and analyze the sensory data to identify values of one or more of the light emission attributes of the lamp(s)140, for example, the level, the intensity, the distribution, the spectrum and/or the like. Based on the identified light emission attribute(s), the control unit114may evaluate the operational status of the lamp(s)140and determine whether the lamp(s)140is operating properly or not.

As shown at1308, the control unit114waits for a trigger event initiated by the user160to operate the lamp(s)140to emit the light pulses in order to induce heat to the treatment area. The control unit114may typically receive a trigger message from the front-end control unit134communicating with the control unit114over one or more of the wireless communication channels. The front-end control unit134may detect the trigger event, for example, as a press on the trigger button which may be provided by the user interface136.

As shown at1310, the control unit114may operate the PFN116, specifically modules such as the modules202to generate the regulated energized pulse having the desired multi-level voltage waveform and drive the regulated energized pulse to the lamp(s)140through a primary wired interface such as the primary wired interface150. For example, the control unit114may use one or more PWM elements to control the state (open/close) of one or more switches such as the switch212. The control unit114may also operate the PWM elements to control one or more operational parameters of one or more electrical regulators such as the electrical regulator214, for example, duty cycle, OFF time period, ON time period, switching frequency and/or the like.

The process1300may be repeated for a plurality of IPL session cycles as operated by the user160. Each cycle of the IPL session may start as step1302, however the testing step1304may be conducted according to instructions received from the user160, for example, test once after power-up of the IPL apparatus100, test periodically during the IPL session, test at completion of the IPL treatment and/or the like. The user160may select the operation mode using, for example, the test mode button available by the user interface118and/or the user interface136.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant methodologies, materials and/or substances will be developed and the scope of the term IPL lamp is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety.