CN219070620U

CN219070620U - Processing device for performing light-based processing operations

Info

Publication number: CN219070620U
Application number: CN202221011186.7U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 顾伟; 林晓誉; 孔涛; 苏璞
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2022-04-28
Filing date: 2022-04-28
Publication date: 2023-05-26
Anticipated expiration: 2032-04-28

Abstract

According to one aspect, a processing device (2; 400) for performing light-based processing operations is provided. The processing device (2; 400) comprises a U-shaped light source (12; 202;301; 402) for emitting light pulses; a light exit window (10; 201) through which light pulses are emitted from the processing device (2; 400); and a reflector (302; 403) for reflecting the light pulses towards the light exit window (10; 201). The processing device (2; 400) is configured to operate with the light source (12; 202;301; 402) and the reflector (302; 403) in a first configuration (210; 310, 320) to perform dehairing on a subject, and to operate with the light source (12; 202;301; 402) and the reflector (302; 403) in a second configuration (220; 330) to perform skin rejuvenation a subject.

Description

Processing device for performing light-based processing operations

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a processing device for performing light-based processing operations on or on a subject.

Background

Techniques for removing unwanted hair include shaving, electrolysis, plucking, laser and phototherapy (known as photo-depilation) and injection of therapeutic anti-androgens. Light-based techniques are also used for other types of dermatological treatments, including reducing hair growth and treating acne.

Light-based hair treatment inhibits hair growth by exposing the skin to bright flashes of light or pulses of light, known as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). By using appropriately configured light energy, i.e., depending on wavelength, intensity and/or pulse duration (if the light is to be pulsed), the hair roots can be selectively heated, but then temporarily or permanently damaged. IPL may be generated by a high intensity light source such as a gas discharge lamp (e.g., a xenon flash lamp). Light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by melanin at the root of the hair, etc. This results in an increase in the temperature of the hair root and subsequently of the surrounding tissue. The generated heat damages the hair follicle and if the temperature is raised sufficiently, the growth of hair is inhibited. This process is known as photothermolysis. The treatment is repeated every 2 to 4 weeks to obtain durable hair-reducing effect.

Light-based dehairing can be performed using commercially available "home" devices (i.e., consumer devices suitable for non-professional use), such as the philips Lumea device. And energy density of more than 10J/cm ² Home appliances are generally operated at a relatively low energy density (e.g., 4-7J/cm ² ) IPL technology is used. For domestic IPL devices, the treatment area (the area treated by the IPL when holding the device in a single position during use) is typically 3-4cm ² And the pulse frequency is typically 1Hz. With these devices, whole body treatment typically takes 10-15 minutes. Feedback from users of these types of devices indicates that faster processing is required. The processing speed depends on the size of the processing region and the pulse rate. However, for a given lamp, increasing the size of the treatment area results in a lower energy density (light energy per unit area) and thus in a weaker epilation effect.

The total light output of a discharge lamp is proportional to its length. In home IPL devices, the size of the discharge lamp is limited by the size constraints associated with these devices. Accordingly, in view of the difficulty in increasing the size of the processing window and the limitations on the size of the light source, many IPL device manufacturers are striving to shorten the processing time by developing flashlights that operate at higher pulse rates.

IPL can also be used for skin rejuvenation, where strong light pulses are used to improve the appearance of the skin. For example, skin rejuvenation can be used to reduce the visibility of black spots, redness, wrinkles, scars, venous and/or capillary breaks. Skin rejuvenation treatments require a higher energy density than depilatory treatments, and therefore, while IPL devices exist on the market that claim to provide both depilatory and skin rejuvenation, the effectiveness of the skin rejuvenation function is limited by the relatively low energy density provided by existing household IPL devices.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present utility model is to provide a treatment device capable of effectively performing both depilation and skin rejuvenation. Furthermore, it is desirable that the device performs a faster epilation process than existing devices.

According to the disclosure herein, it is proposed to provide a dual function processing device that can operate in two modes: one for performing a depilation process and the other for performing a skin rejuvenation process. In particular, it is proposed that the U-shaped light source and reflector of the treatment device have a first configuration for performing depilation and a second configuration for performing skin rejuvenation.

According to one aspect, a processing device for performing a light-based processing operation on or on a subject is provided. The processing device comprises a U-shaped light source for emitting light pulses; a light exit window through which the light pulses are emitted from the processing device; and a reflector for reflecting the light pulses towards the light exit window. The processing device is configured to operate with the U-shaped light source and reflector in a first configuration to perform hair removal on the subject and to operate with the U-shaped light source and reflector in a second configuration to perform skin rejuvenation the subject.

The use of a U-shaped light source may provide a larger treatment area in the first configuration to provide a faster epilation process. By using a U-shaped light source instead of a single straight light source, the energy level required for depilation is maintained in this larger treatment area. The compact design of the U-shaped light source may provide a significantly higher energy output than a single straight light source without taking up more space in the IPL device. Thus, the present disclosure provides for more efficient use of space within a device where space is limited.

In a second configuration, the light pulses from the U-shaped light source are focused into a smaller treatment area, which provides a higher energy density than existing devices and thus increases the effectiveness of the skin rejuvenation treatment.

Thus, a dual function is provided by a faster depilation process. This is achieved without affecting the compact size of the device or the effectiveness of the skin rejuvenation treatment.

These and other aspects will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary processing device;

FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) illustrate portions of a processing device in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively, in accordance with various embodiments;

fig. 3 (a) and 3 (b) show two exemplary configurations of a processing device for performing depilation, and fig. 3 (c) shows an exemplary configuration of a processing device for performing skin rejuvenation; and

fig. 4 (a), 4 (b) and 4 (c) illustrate exemplary mechanisms for enabling a processing device to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary treatment device 2 that may be used to apply pulses of light to an area of skin. It should be understood that the processing device 2 in fig. 1 is presented merely as an example of a handheld processing device 2 with which the present utility model may be used, and that the processing device 2 is not limited to the form shown in fig. 1 or to a handheld processing device. The processing device 2 is used on the body of a subject (e.g. a human or animal) and will be held in one or both hands of a user during use. When the treatment device 2 is in proximity to or in contact with a body part of the subject, the treatment device 2 performs some treatment operation on the hair and/or skin of the subject's body using one or more light pulses. The treatment operation includes removal of hair by laser and/or phototherapy (known as photo-epilation treatment or intense pulsed light treatment). The treatment operation also includes skin rejuvenation.

As described herein, the treatment device 2 is operated or used by a "user" and the treatment device 2 is used on the body of a "subject". In some cases, the user and the subject are the same person, i.e. the processing device 2 is held in the hand of the user and used by the user himself (e.g. on the skin on their legs). In other cases, the user and the subject are different persons, e.g., the processing device 2 is held in the hand of the user and used by the user on other persons.

The exemplary treatment device 2 comprises a housing 4, which housing 4 comprises at least a handle portion 5 and a head portion 6. The handle portion 5 is shaped so that a user can hold the treatment device 2 in one hand. The head 6 is located at a head end 8 of the housing 4 and the head 6 is placed in contact with the subject so as to perform a personal care operation on the subject's body or skin at the location where the head 6 is in contact with the body or skin.

The processing device 2 is arranged to perform processing operations using light pulses. Thus, in fig. 2 (a) and 2 (b), the head 6 comprises an aperture 10, also referred to as a light exit window or treatment window, the aperture 10 being arranged in or on the housing 4 such that the aperture 10 can be placed near or on (e.g. in contact with) the skin of the subject. The treatment device 2 comprises a light source 12, which light source 12 is adapted to generate light pulses to be applied to the skin of a subject via the aperture 10 and to effect a treatment operation. The light source 12 is arranged in the housing 4 such that light pulses can be provided from the light source 12 through the aperture 10. The aperture/light exit window 10 may be in the form of an opening at the head end 8 of the housing 4, or may be in the form of a window (including a waveguide) that is transparent or translucent to the light pulses (i.e. through which the light pulses may pass).

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, the aperture 10 has a generally rectangular shape, which results in a generally rectangular skin treatment site (also referred to herein as a treatment area) on the skin. It should be appreciated that the orifice 10 may have any other desired shape. For example, the orifice 10 may be square, oval, circular, or any other polygonal shape.

Light source 12 may generate light pulses of any suitable or desired wavelength (or range of wavelengths) and/or intensity. For example, light source 12 may generate visible light, infrared (IR) light, and/or Ultraviolet (UV) light. Light source 12 may comprise any suitable type of light source, such as a gas discharge lamp, one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), one or more lasers, and the like.

According to embodiments herein, the light source is a U-shaped light source, e.g. a U-shaped gas discharge lamp. The gas discharge lamp may comprise a gas in a housing (e.g. a tube), wherein the gas is typically an inert gas, such as xenon or argon, or a mixture of such gases. The gas discharge lamp may be a flash, for example a xenon flash.

The light source 12 may provide pulses of light having spectral content in the range of 560-1200 nanometers (nm) and a duration of about 2.5 milliseconds (ms) because these wavelengths heat melanin in the hair and hair roots by absorption, thereby leaving the hair follicle in a stationary phase to prevent hair regrowth.

The light source 12 is configured to provide light pulses. That is, the light source 12 is configured to generate high-intensity light in a short time (e.g., less than 0.1 seconds). The intensity of the light pulses should be high enough to perform a treatment operation on the skin or body part adjacent the orifice 10.

The illustrated treatment device 2 further comprises two

skin contact sensors

14, 16 positioned on or in the head 6, the

sensors

14, 16 being used to determine whether the head 6 is in contact with the skin prior to the generation of the light pulses to avoid the light pulses entering the eyes of the user or subject.

The illustrated processing device 2 further comprises a skin tone sensor 18 positioned on or in the head 6, the sensor 18 being for determining the skin tone of the skin contacted by the head 6.

The illustrated processing device 2 further includes a user control 20, the user control 20 being operable by a user to activate the processing device 2 such that the head 6 performs a desired processing operation on the subject's body (e.g., one or more pulses of light are generated by the light source 12). The user controls 20 may be in the form of switches, buttons, touch pads, and the like. The user controls 20 may also be used to switch between different processing operations.

As mentioned above, it is desirable that the IPL device provide both a depilatory function and a skin rejuvenation function. It is also desirable to reduce the processing time of the epilation. However, challenges exist because faster depilation requires a larger treatment area and/or faster pulse rate than skin tendering, which requires a higher energy density than depilation. Increasing the treatment area for a given light source results in a lower energy density (i.e., because the emitted light is spread over a larger area). Furthermore, the space within the home appliance is limited and the size of the light source cannot be increased significantly to achieve the energy density required for a larger treatment area. Thus, it is challenging to achieve both a larger processing area and a higher energy density.

To address these and other problems, a processing device for performing light-based processing operations on or on a subject is provided. For example, the processing device may be the processing device described with reference to fig. 1. Processing devices according to some embodiments will now be described with reference to fig. 2 (a), 2 (b), 3 (a), 3 (b), 3 (c), 4 (a), 4 (b), and 4 (c).

Fig. 2 (a) and 2 (b) show a light exit window 201 and a light source 202 behind the light exit window 201 within the processing device. The processing device comprises a U-shaped light source 202 for emitting light pulses. The U-shaped light source 202 is shown in FIG. 2 (a). That is, a portion of the light source 202 that generates and emits light is U-shaped. For example, the light source 202 may be a U-shaped flash. In some embodiments, the light source 202 extends substantially along the first axis 203. In other words, the first axis 203 is the long axis of the U-shaped light source 202. The first axis 203 lies substantially or substantially exactly in a plane parallel to the plane of the light exit window 201.

The light pulses are emitted from the processing device via the light exit window 201. For example, the light exit window 201 may be an opening in the housing of the processing device, or may be a transparent or translucent window (comprising a waveguide). The light exit window 201 may be of any shape, but is generally shown as rectangular in fig. 2 (a) and 2 (b). A part of the treatment device comprising the light exit window 201 is placed on or near the skin during treatment.

The processing device further comprises a reflector for reflecting the light pulses towards the light exit window 201. A reflector (not shown in fig. 2 (a) and 2 (b)) is typically positioned around the light source 202 and/or on the side opposite to the light exit window 201. The reflector is for reflecting light emitted by the light source 202 towards the light exit window 201.

The processing device is configured to operate with the light source 202 and the reflector in a first configuration 210 to perform dehairing on a subject, and to operate with the light source 202 and the reflector in a second configuration 220 to perform skin rejuvenation on the subject.

In some embodiments, the light source is rotatable about the first axis 203 to switch between operating in the first configuration and operating in the second configuration. An example of a U-shaped light source 202 of a first configuration 210 for performing epilation is depicted in fig. 2 (a). An example of a U-shaped light source 202 for performing a second configuration 220 of skin rejuvenation is depicted in fig. 2 (b). In some embodiments, the angle of rotation of the U-shaped light source between the first configuration and the second configuration is 90 degrees about the first axis 203.

The first axis 203 of the U-shaped light source 202 may be parallel to the light exit window 201 (i.e. parallel to the plane of the light exit window 201) in both the first configuration 210 and the second configuration 220, as shown in fig. 2 (a) and 2 (b). In the first configuration 210, the U-shaped light source 202 may be oriented such that a plane comprising the U-shape of the U-shaped light source 202 is parallel to the light exit window 201. This is shown in fig. 2 (a). That is, in the first configuration, the U-shaped light source 202 may be oriented such that both "arms" of the U are able to emit light directly through the light exit window 201. In the second configuration 220, the U-shaped light source may be oriented such that a plane comprising the U-shape of the U-shaped light source is perpendicular to the light exit window 201 (i.e. perpendicular to the plane of the light exit window 201). This is shown in fig. 2 (b). That is, in the second configuration, the U-shaped light source 202 is oriented such that the U-shape is "side on" the skin area to be treated.

The reflectors may have different shapes in the first configuration 210 and the second configuration 220. In the first configuration 210, the reflector may be configured (e.g., positioned and/or shaped) to reflect light from the light pulse through the first region of the light exit window 201. This first area of the light exit window 201 is equal to (or approximately equal to) the treatment area on the skin of the subject on which the epilation treatment is performed. In the second configuration 220, the reflector may be configured (e.g., positioned and/or shaped) to reflect light from the light pulse through the second region of the light exit window 201. In some embodiments, the second region is smaller than the first region. For the same light output by the same light source, making the treatment area in the second configuration smaller than the treatment area in the first configuration results in a higher flux being delivered to the skin in the second configuration than in the first configuration. The second configuration 220 is thereby able to provide effective skin rejuvenation. On the other hand, the first area may be larger than conventional treatment devices to provide a faster epilation treatment, since each light pulse is capable of treating a larger area, thus requiring fewer pulses to cover a body part or body.

Fig. 3 (a) and 3 (b) illustrate exemplary configurations of a processing device for performing epilation in accordance with some embodiments, and fig. 3 (c) illustrates exemplary configurations of a processing device for performing skin rejuvenation in accordance with some embodiments.

Fig. 3 (a) shows a U-shaped light source 301 and a reflector 302 of a first configuration 310 for performing epilation, in accordance with some embodiments. The U-shaped light source 301 extends in the direction of a first axis 303 (shown by dashed lines) and is rotatable about the axis 303 to switch between configurations. The U-shaped light source increases the light energy emitted per pulse compared to a single straight light source (e.g., a single tubular light source). Advantageously, the U-shaped light source 301 does not occupy significantly more space in the head of the processing device than a single straight light source. In practice, the U-shaped flash may be about twice the overall length of the straight flash while accommodating the same size of processing equipment. Thus, the U-shaped flash may provide approximately twice the total energy output.

The reflector 302 is located behind the light source 301 (from the perspective of a light exit window (not shown)) and is configured to reflect light pulses emitted by the light source 301 towards the light exit window. The skin area that is treated by direct and reflected light passing through the light exit window is herein referred to as the treatment area.

In the first configuration 310, the light source 301 and reflector 302 are configured to deliver the energy density required for epilation over a larger treatment area and thereby provide a faster treatment time for a body part requiring multiple light pulses for complete treatment, compared to prior devices. For example, if the light source 301 in the disclosed treatment device according to a particular embodiment is twice the length of the light source in an existing treatment device, the treatment area of the disclosed treatment device may be twice the size while still maintaining the energy density required for the epilation treatment. Thus, the processing time using the disclosed apparatus according to a particular embodiment may be half that of an existing processing apparatus.

In some embodiments, the reflector 302 is segmented to allow the shape of the reflector 302 to change between configurations. The segments 304 of the reflector 302 extend parallel to the direction of the first axis 303, i.e. in the same direction as the direction in which the U-shaped light sources 301 extend. In a first configuration shown in fig. 3 (a), the segments 304 in the reflector 302 are configured such that they form a substantially parabolic shape suitable for guiding light from the U-shaped light source 301 towards the light exit window. In the illustrated embodiment, the segments 304 are connected to adjacent segments 304 via hinges 305, the hinges 305 enabling the segments 304 to move relative to each other and the configuration of the reflector 302 to change.

Fig. 3 (b) shows a first configuration 320 for performing epilation according to an alternative embodiment in which different configurations of reflectors 302 are used. In this alternative first configuration, although the light source 301 has the same shape and orientation as the light source 301 in fig. 3 (a), rather than forming a generally parabolic shape, the segmented reflector 302 forms an "M" or "W" shape, with different portions 304 of the U-shaped light source 301 reflecting light from one of the "arms" of the U-shaped light source. This shape (in combination with the configuration/orientation of the light sources 301) improves the uniformity of the reflected light throughout the treatment area.

Fig. 3 (c) illustrates a second configuration 330 of a treatment device for performing skin rejuvenation according to some embodiments. The light source 301 is rotated 90 degrees about the first axis 303 relative to the orientation of the light source 301 in fig. 3 (a) and 3 (b). In this orientation, the U-shaped light source may be considered to be "lateral" of the light exit window (whereas in the first configuration the U-shaped light source may be considered to be "front" of the light exit window). In some embodiments, the light source 301 is further spaced apart from the light exit window than in the first configuration, e.g. fig. 2 (a) or fig. 2 (b). The reflector 302 is configured (e.g., positioned and/or shaped) in the second configuration 330 to reflect light pulses emitted by the light source 301 onto a smaller treatment area than in the

first configuration

310, 320, thereby increasing the flux in the treatment area compared to the area treated in the first configuration. As in the exemplary first configuration in fig. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the segments 304 in the reflector 302 are configured such that they form a generally parabolic shape. However, the parabolic shape differs due to the different orientations of the U-shaped light sources 301 and its function is to reflect light from the U-shaped light sources 301 towards the light exit window. Concentrating the light from the U-shaped light source 301 into a smaller treatment area may provide a higher energy density as required for skin rejuvenation treatments.

The

first configuration

310, 320 and the second configuration 330 may be such that for a given light pulse energy, the light pulses in the second configuration 330 deliver a higher flux at the light exit window than the light pulses in the

first configuration

310, 320.

Although in the above-described embodiment the reflector 302 comprises a plurality of reflective segments 304, the reflective segments 304 are connected together via hinges 305 to enable the configuration of the reflector 302 to be changed, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the reflector may have different configurations. For example, the reflector 302 may be a flexible material, such as a sheet metal with a reflective coating or a non-reflective flexible material that can be manipulated or guided by suitable mechanisms into the reflector shape required for a particular configuration. As another example, reflector 302 may be formed from a shape-changing material that may be controlled to change between a shape required for the first configuration and the second configuration in response to an electrical signal or other suitable stimulus.

As described above, the processing device is configured to operate with the light source and reflector in a first configuration to perform dehairing on a subject and to perform skin rejuvenation on the subject in a second configuration. In order to be able to provide the required processing mode, the processing device comprises a mechanism or other means for enabling the processing device to switch between configurations. Some example mechanisms are described below, but those skilled in the art will appreciate a variety of different types of mechanisms that may be used to cause the desired configuration change.

In some embodiments, the processing device includes a mechanical system for moving the reflector and the light source between the first configuration and the second configuration. For example, a gear and linkage system may be used to move the reflector and light source.

In some embodiments, the U-shaped light source may be connected to a main gear that may rotate the light source about a first axis to move the device between the first configuration and the second configuration. When the main gear rotates, the light source (e.g., the lighthead) switches between two modes of operation (i.e., a first configuration and a second configuration). In some embodiments, the mechanical system may also translate the light source (e.g. the burner) towards the light exit window when the mechanical system is switched to the first configuration for epilation. This is because a space is created between the light source and the light exit window when the light source is rotated from the second configuration to the first configuration. By moving the light source towards the light exit window, the energy of the light pulses is more efficiently delivered to the skin of the subject during treatment. Each connection joint (e.g., a hinge) between any two segments of the segmented reflector may be connected to one or more sub-gears via one or more links. These sub-gears may be used to move the reflector between the first configuration and the second configuration.

In some embodiments, the processing device may change between the two configurations by one or more manual movements performed by a user of the processing device. For example, when a user rotates a switch on the processing device, the processing device may change between two configurations.

In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor for moving the reflector and the light source between the first configuration and the second configuration. The motor may be controlled by a user, for example, via a user control button or switch.

In some embodiments, the dehairing filter may be placed in front of the light source in a first configuration, and the skin rejuvenating filter may be placed in front of the light source in a second configuration. The filter may have different sizes corresponding to different treatment area sizes and/or the filter may pass different wavelengths of light depending on the treatment mode (depilatory or skin rejuvenation). In the first and second configurations there may be a mechanical system for ensuring that the required filter is located in front of the light source, but alternatively the filter may also be replaced manually (including removing one filter and replacing it with the filter for the desired configuration).

Fig. 4 (a), 4 (b) and 4 (c) illustrate exemplary mechanisms for enabling a processing device to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. Fig. 4 (a) and 4 (b) show a treatment device 400 comprising a mechanism 401 for enabling the treatment device 400 to switch between a first configuration for depilation, as shown in fig. 4 (a), and a second configuration for skin rejuvenation, as shown in fig. 4 (b). As in the embodiment shown in fig. 3 (a) to 3 (c), the processing device 400 comprises a rotatable U-shaped light source 402, a reflector 403, the reflector 403 comprising a plurality of segments 404 connected together via hinges 405.

The mechanism 401 includes a motor 409 for driving switching between configurations. As shown in fig. 4 (c), the shaft 410 of the motor may be rotated in a manner to drive the central rod 411 in a first direction (downward in the perspective of fig. 4 (a) and 4 (b)) to switch to a first configuration, and rotated in an opposite manner to drive the central rod 411 in an opposite direction (upward in the perspective of fig. 4 (a) and 4 (b)). The arrangement of rods 412 is connected to the end of the reflector 403 and to the central rod 411 at a connection point 413 such that movement of the central rod 411 by the motor 409 causes movement of the rods in the rod arrangement 412 and thus changes the shape of the reflector 403. The movement of the bars in the bar arrangement 412 is guided by a guide rail 414 to which the two bars are connected and two wheels 415 to which the other bars are connected. The guide rail 414 and wheels 415 guide movement of the rod 412 to provide the reflector 403 with a desired shape when the motor 409 is operated to switch between configurations. When the motor 409 is operated to move the central rod 411, it also rotates the light source 90 degrees about the central axis 416.

Accordingly, a processing apparatus comprising a U-shaped light source and a reflector is disclosed herein. The light source and reflector may be in a first configuration for epilation and a second configuration for skin rejuvenation. The treatment device provides faster depilation and effective skin rejuvenation within the same device.

Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the principles and techniques described herein, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A processing device (2; 400) for performing a light-based processing operation on or on a subject, characterized in that the processing device (2; 400) comprises:

a U-shaped light source (12; 202;301; 402) for emitting light pulses;

a light exit window (10; 201) through which the light pulses are emitted from the processing device (2; 400); and

a reflector (302; 403) for reflecting the light pulses towards the light exit window (10; 201);

wherein the processing device (2; 400) is configured to: operate with the U-shaped light source (12; 202;301; 402) and the reflector (302; 403) in a first configuration (210; 310, 320) to perform dehairing on the subject, and operate with the U-shaped light source (12; 202;301; 402) and the reflector (302; 403) in a second configuration (220; 330) to perform skin rejuvenation on the subject.

2. The processing device (2; 400) according to claim 1, wherein the U-shaped light source (12; 202;301; 402) extends along a first axis (203; 303) and is rotatable about the first axis (203; 303) to switch between operating in the first configuration (210; 310, 320) and operating in the second configuration (220; 330).

3. The processing device (2; 400) according to claim 2, wherein the U-shaped light source (12; 202;301; 402) is rotatable by 90 degrees about the first axis (203; 303) to switch between operating in the first configuration (210; 310, 320) and operating in the second configuration (220; 330).

4. A processing device (2; 400) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first axis (203; 303) is parallel to the light exit window (10; 201).

5. A processing device (2; 400) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein in the first configuration (210; 310, 320) the U-shaped light source (12; 202;301; 402) is oriented such that a plane comprising the U-shape of the U-shaped light source (12; 202;301; 402) is parallel to the light exit window (10; 201).

6. A processing device (2; 400) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein in the first configuration (210; 310, 320) the U-shaped light source (12; 202;301; 402) is oriented such that a plane comprising the U-shape of the U-shaped light source (12; 202;301; 402) is perpendicular to the light exit window (10; 201).

7. A processing device (2; 400) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the reflector (302; 403) has a different shape in the first configuration (210; 310, 320) than in the second configuration (220; 330).

8. A processing device (2; 400) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the reflector (302; 403) comprises a plurality of segments (304), the plurality of segments (304) being configured to have different positions and/or orientations relative to each other in the first configuration (210; 310, 320) and the second configuration (220; 330).

9. A processing device (2; 400) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein in the first configuration (210; 310, 320) the reflector (302; 403) is configured to reflect the light pulse through a first area of the light exit window (10; 201), and in the second configuration (220; 330) the reflector (302; 403) is configured to reflect the light pulse through a second area of the light exit window (10; 201), wherein the second area is smaller than the first area.

10. A processing device (2; 400) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the U-shaped light source (12; 202;301; 402) is a U-shaped flash.

11. A processing device (2; 400) according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the light-based processing operation is a pulsed light, IPL, processing operation.

12. A processing device (2; 400) according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the first configuration and the second configuration are such that for a given light pulse energy, the light pulses provide a higher flux at the light exit window (10; 201) in the second configuration (220; 330) than in the first configuration (210; 310, 320).