WO2022136216A1

WO2022136216A1 - Skin treatment module and system

Info

Publication number: WO2022136216A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/086698
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aurimas MAZURAS; Edvardas SATKAUSKAS; Evaldas KALVAITIS; Vilius DAMBRAUSKAS; Vaidas LABUNSKAS
Original assignee: Uab Emplastrum
Priority date: 2020-12-23
Filing date: 2021-12-20
Publication date: 2022-06-30
Also published as: EP4267240A1

Abstract

A modular skin treatment system (100) for treating skin conditions of a user using the modular skin treatment system (100), wherein the modular skin treatment system (100) comprises a plurality of skin treatment modules (10), wherein each one of the skin treatment modules (10) comprises: one or more light emitting diodes, LEDs, (18) configured to emit light at a wavelength of between 280 nm and 340 nm, preferably between 290nm and 320 nm, and more preferably between 305nm and 315 nm; a module housing (14) within which the one or more LEDs (18) are arranged, wherein a first side of the module housing (14) comprises a cover (20), wherein the cover (20) is transparent to the wavelength of the one or more LEDs; a module control board (12) coupled to the one or more LEDs (18) and configured to control the one or more LEDs (18); and one or more sensors (16) coupled to the module control board (12) and arranged within the module housing (14), wherein the module control board (12) is further configured to monitor one or more parameters relating to the skin treatment module, in particular the one or more LEDs (18), and/or the user via the one or more sensors (16), wherein the one or more sensors (16) are configured to measure: a temperature of the user and/or the skin treatment module (10), a distance of the skin treatment module (10) from the user, and a movement of the skin treatment module (10) in relation to the user.

Description

Skin Treatment Module and System

The present invention generally relates to a module and a modular system for photo- therapeutic treatment of the epidermis, and more particularly to targeted ultraviolet therapy for treatment of various skin conditions. Specifically, the module uses targeted narrowband UVB phototherapy to treat dermatoses such as psoriasis, vitiligo, leukoderma, atopic dermatitis, alopecia greata among others.

Currently existing devices for this purpose are of a fixed size, single module form. Existing devices are also mainly powered from the main electrical network without the use of batteries and are controlled via built-in mechanical and digital control panels.

There is therefore a need to improve phototherapeutic treatment modules in order to allow for a more customizable and improved system and user experience, and a more portable module.

The invention is set out in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are outlined in the dependent claims.

We describe a modular skin treatment system for treating skin conditions of a user using the skin treatment system, wherein the skin treatment system comprises a plurality of skin treatment modules, wherein each skin treatment module comprises one or more light emitting diodes, LEDs, configured to emit light at a wavelength of between 280 nm and 340 nm, preferably between 290nm and 320 nm, and more preferably between 305nm and 315 nm; a module housing within which the one or more LEDs are arranged, wherein a first side of the module housing comprises a cover, wherein the cover is transparent to the wavelength of the one or more LEDs; a module control board coupled to the one or more LEDs and configured to control the one or more LEDs; and one or more sensors coupled to the module control board, wherein the module control board is further configured to monitor one or more parameters relating to the skin treatment module (in particular the one or more LEDs) and/or the user via the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to measure (one or more of): a temperature of the user and/or the skin treatment module, a distance of the skin treatment module from the user, and a movement of the skin treatment module in relation (i.e. relative) to the user. The use of LEDs is preferred due to their small and compact size, steady wavelength and intensity output as well as their long lifetime. In the present invention, the LEDs operate in a wavelength of between 280 and 340nm. In some examples, the LEDs operate between 290 and 320mn, in particular between 305 and 315nm. In some preferred examples, the peak wavelength of the one or more LEDs is 311 nm. In some examples, the skin treatment module further comprises one or more LEDs that are configured to emit visible light. This may allow for the user to have an easy visual indication that the skin treatment module is operating.

The transparent cover of the module housing is permeable (transparent) to UVB light and is preferably on the side of the skin treatment module that contacts the skin of the user during treatment. This allows for the UVB light to come into contact with the skin while ensuring the light does not escape the module housing in other directions. Therefore, in some examples, only the cover is transparent to the wavelength of the LEDs, while other parts of the module housing are not transparent to the wavelength of the LEDs. If the light is not directed towards the skin, it may result in damage to the eyes of the user or other people in the same room as the user. The transparent cover may also diffuse the light emitted by the LEDs which may result in a better (even) coverage of light and therefore an improved treatment.

In some examples, the section of the module housing on the side of the housing that contacts the skin is U-shaped or substantially U-shaped. Alternatively, the housing side may be V-shaped or substantially V-shaped, flat or any other suitable shape. In some examples, the module housing is made from plastic that is non-permeable to UVB light or any other suitable non-permeable material.

The module control board is configured to control the intensity, of the LEDs and may also turn various LEDs on and off depending on the input to the module control board. Furthermore, the module control board may be configured to monitor parameters relating to the LEDs. The parameters may be the electric current and/or voltage output of the LEDs and/or the capacitive touch of the user in relation to the cover and/or temperature of the skin treatment module and/or user and/or infrared radiation emitted by skin treatment module and/or the user and/or distance of the skin treatment module from the user and/or movement of the skin treatment module in relation to the user and/or any other suitable parameter. In some examples, the LEDs are switched on and/or off by the module control board if the current being measured falls outside particular predetermined limits. The LEDs may also be switched on and/or off if the measured temperature increases (and/or decreases) by a value more than a predetermined delta. The LEDs may be switched on and/or off if the distance between the skin treatment module and the user's skin is more and/or within a certain threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the process of switching the LEDs on and/or off may occur when the one or more parameters of each of the one or more sensors are within and/or outside a predetermined condition. The switching of the LEDs may allow for a particularly safe module as the module may switch these LEDs off in order to keep the user safe.

Measuring the distance between the skin of the user and the skin treatment module may ensure that the skin treatment module is in contact, or in close proximity (for example within 1, 2, 3 ... or 10 mm or cm) to the skin of the user. The module control board may only turn on the LEDs when a certain threshold has been reached which indicates that the skin treatment module is in contact with the skin of the user or within the above-indicated proximity from the skin of the user. The proximity may be adjustable, in particular if different wavelengths are used for a particular treatment with the skin treatment module. The skin treatment module only turning on in the above-specified cases may lead to a reduced chance of, for example, eye damage for the user, as described above. The skin treatment module may only switch on when it is detected that the skin treatment module is in contact with the skin. In other examples, the skin treatment module may switch on when the skin treatment module is in near contact, e.g. 1mm from the skin. This threshold can be changed based on the wishes of the user or another operator.

The module control board may measure the temperature of the skin of the user and/or the skin treatment module. This may allow for the module control board to sense if the light is too intense and if the device begins to emit too much heat, for example, in order to prevent burning of the user's skin and/or the overheating of the skin treatment module. Resultantly, the module control board may automatically reduce the intensity of the LEDs and/or switch one or more LEDs completely off in order to reduce the temperature.

In some examples, the skin treatment module further comprises an infrared sensor which measures the infrared radiation emitted by the skin treatment module and/or user skin contacted by the skin treatment module. This may also be used as a backup to the temperature sensor. The combination of measuring the temperature, the distance and the movement in combination with the switching off of the LEDs may be particularly advantageous with regards to the safety of the user. The combination of these measurements may allow for a very low probability of the user accidentally viewing the UVB light emitted by the LEDs and therefore lead to a reduction of the likelihood of eye damage to the user.

In some examples, the temperature parameter is measured/measurable (only) when the skin treatment module is within a predetermined distance of the user, as measured by the one or more sensors configured to measure the distance of the skin treatment system from the user. This may allow for a reduction in erroneous readings of the temperature sensor, thereby leading to an improved module. Additionally or alternatively, the distance is measured/measurable (only) when the temperature of the skin treatment module, as measured by the one or more sensors configured to measure the temperature of the skin treatment module, is above (and/or below) a threshold temperature. This allows for warning the user of the distance between the skin treatment module and the user being too small in case the temperature of the skin treatment module is too high, which may result in the user being burnt. Safety of the skin treatment system is thereby enhanced.

In some examples, the movement of the skin treatment module in relation to the user is measured by an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope. If the skin treatment module moves too much (e.g. too fast and/or too far), it may indicate that it is not secured to the user properly and is in danger of falling off. This may be particularly advantageous in situations where the user is doing sport while wearing the skin treatment module. The accelerometer and/or the gyroscope may additionally or alternatively be any sensor that sufficiently measures movement of the skin treatment module.

In some examples, the one or more sensors are further configured to measure one or more of a capacitive touch of the user in relation to the cover, an output of the intensity of the one or more LEDs, and an electrical current and/or voltage output of the one or more LEDs.

The measuring of the capacitive touch may be a backup to the distance measurement sensor. The measurement of the intensity of the LEDs may allow for the LEDs to be switched off, as is described above, in case the LEDs begin to emit the UVB light too intensely. The switching off of the LEDs in this scenario may result in a lower likelihood for the user to be burnt by the LEDs and also extend the lifetime of said LEDs.

The measurement of the current and/or voltage of the LEDs may allow for the LEDs to be switched off if the measurements fall outside of predetermined thresholds. If they fall outside predetermined thresholds, it may indicate that the LEDs are malfunctioning and then they can be turned off in order to protect the user.

In some examples, the transparent cover of the module housing can be a partially or completely adjustable form factor, i.e. flexible. The transparent cover being flexible or at least partially flexible may allow for the skin treatment module to adapt to the body part the skin treatment module is treating, such as an arm or a leg. This may result in an improved treatment of the user. The flexibility of the cover may be able to be altered via one or more switches on the outside of the module housing which allows for the cover to become flexible or fix it in place. Additionally or alternatively, the cover may be able to become more or less flexible by swapping the cover for a different cover with a different flexibility. Alternatively, the cover may be wholly rigid or wholly flexible.

In some particularly preferred examples, the cover is completely flexible. This may allow for the cover to be fully customizable to the body part the skin treatment module is treating, as it may allow for the cover to be in direct contact with the skin. It may also allow for a reduction in the light that escapes into the surroundings, thereby improving the efficiency of the treatment and the safety of the user.

In some examples, the skin treatment module further comprises a communication unit coupled to the module control board, wherein the communication unit is configured to send data relating to the one or more sensors to an external controller and/or receive data relating to the one or more sensors from the external controller. This may allow for the data to be examined at an external location and allow the user or operator at the external location to alter, for example, the intensity of the LEDs or any other suitable parameter involved with the treatment process. This in turn may result in a more customized and improved user experience. This external controller may be coupled to the communication unit either wired or wirelessly. The data may be transferred to the communication unit via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or any other suitable method. In some examples, the external controller is a mobile device with an application configured to communicate with the communication unit. This allows for the user to personally customize their treatment plan. Additionally or alternatively, it may allow for the user to be sent notifications for when they should begin their treatment if the app stores the treatment plan.

In some examples, the skin treatment module comprises an electrical connector which is configured to electrically and mechanically couple the skin treatment module to an external device. This may allow for the skin treatment module to be coupled to an external device to send data to said device while also being mechanically secured to the device. This external device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer or any other suitable device. This device may comprise the external controller. The connector may be a ball spring connector, a hook connector, a snap-fit connector or any other type of suitable connector. Additionally or alternatively, the connecter may be secured to the external device by a screw, a bolt, a latch or any other suitable form of securing method.

In some examples, the module control board comprises a processor configured to process the one or more parameters received from the one or more sensors and a memory configured to store the output of the processor, and in particular wherein the memory stores a predetermined condition for each of the one or more parameters. The processor may parse the results received from the one or more sensors and alter the LEDs via the module control board in real time in order to keep the parameters within predefined thresholds. The memory may store the parsed information and store incidents when the one or more parameters fell (and/or fall) outside their respective predefined thresholds. In some examples, the memory may store information that can then be transferred to the external controller. The predetermined condition or conditions may be stored within the memory and be fixed throughout the lifetime of the module. Alternatively, the conditions may be altered by the user in particular, in some examples, via a wired and/or wireless connection to an external device, wherein the external device has the ability to change the conditions. In some examples, the predetermined condition(s) may be stored externally to the skin treatment system. The skin treatment system may communicate with an external device in which the predetermined condition(s) is (are) stored, and where the parameters measured by the sensor(s) may be sent for external evaluating the parameters) in relation to the predetermined condition(s). A signal may be sent from the external device to the skin treatment system in case the user/operator should be warned if one or more of the one or more parameters fall outside the predetermined condition.

In some examples, the skin treatment module comprises a warning unit configured to emit light through a warning LED external to the module housing and/or a warning sound through a speaker if one or more of the one or more parameters fall outside of a predetermined condition (i.e. if the condition or conditions is/are not fulfilled). The warning LED may be situated on the side of the skin treatment module furthest from the user's skin. Each skin treatment module may have a warning unit or alternatively, only selected skin treatment modules may have warning units. The condition may be a parameter or a threshold that is predetermined to ensure the safety of the user. The condition may, for example, be a temperature delta and/or a temperature threshold and/or a current range condition and/or a voltage range condition and/or any other suitable condition. The warning unit may allow the user to be quickly notified that something is wrong with the skin treatment module or that one or more parameters have fallen outside of their predefined conditions, thereby improving user safety. Alternatively or additionally, the module control board may send a notification to the external device and/or to the application in order to notify the user and/or the operator of a fault in the skin treatment module.

In some examples, the skin treatment module comprises the external controller, wherein the external controller is configured to communicate with the communication unit. This allows for the skin treatment module to be more easily controlled and allows for a more customizable and enjoyable user experience.

In some examples, the system comprises a main control housing comprising a main control board configured to communicate with each module control board of a said skin treatment module, and a battery configured to power the skin treatment system. This may allow for the main control board to control the entire system.

In some examples, the main control board is configured to control each of the module control boards and wherein each of the module control boards is configured to function independently from every other module control board of the skin treatment system. This may allow for a highly customizable user treatment and treatment experience. It may allow for individual skin treatment modules to be operating at differing intensities depending on the skin condition the system is treating and the severity of the skin condition the individual skin treatment module is treating. Alternatively or additionally, the main control board may only directly control some of the module control boards. Alternatively or additionally, the module control boards may control some aspects of its respective skin treatment module and the main control board may control other aspects of each module control board. The aspects the main control board may control may, in some examples, not be the same for every module control board.

In some examples, the main control board comprises a transceiver unit (or transceiver), wherein the transceiver unit is configured to send data relating to the plurality of skin treatment modules to and/or receive data relating to the plurality of skin treatment modules from an external controller. This may allow for the data to be examined at an external location and allow the user and/or operator at the external location to alter, for example, the intensity of the LEDs and/or any other suitable parameter involved with the treatment process. This in turn may result in a more customized and improved user experience. This controller may be coupled to the module control board either wired or wirelessly. The data may be transferred via WiFi, Bluetooth or any other suitable method. In some examples, the external controller may be configured to communicate with only some or all of the module control boards. In some examples, the external controller may communicate with the main control board and some or all of the module control boards. The skin treatment modules may be coupled to the main control board via two connectors on a side of a skin treatment module which corresponds to two connectors on a side of the main control housing. These connectors may allow for both an electrical and a mechanical connection. These connections may also allow for data to be transferred from each module control board to the main control board. Additionally or alternatively, there are transceivers in preferably each skin treatment module. This may allow for a backup communication channel. The main control board may be configured to control and receive information from as many skin treatment modules that are necessary to undertake the skin treatment.

In some examples, the external controller is a mobile device with an application configured to communicate with the transceiver unit. This allows for the user to personally customize their treatment plan. It may also allow for the user to be sent notifications for when they should begin their treatment if the app stores the treatment plan.

In some examples, the main control board is configured to send a warning to the external device if one or more of the one or more parameters measured by the one or more sensors in one or more of the plurality of skin treatment modules fall outside of a predetermined condition (i.e. does not meet a predefined condition). This may allow for the user to be easily notified that there is a problem with the system. If this is used in conjunction with a warning system on each skin treatment module, it may allow for quick and easy fault location and allow the user or operator to remove the defective skin treatment module and replace it with a new one. This may lead to an improved user experience and an improved user treatment program. The warning may be in the form of a visual warning (for example via one or more of the LEDs and/or an LED or other light source outside of the housing) and/or warning message in a mobile application and/or an audio warning (via a speaker).

In some embodiments, the battery is a rechargeable battery that is removable from the skin treatment system when said battery is to be recharged. This may allow for simple and easy battery replacement, allow for the system to operate without the need to be connected to the main electronic network, and allow for quick resumption of treatment should the battery run out during the treatment. The battery may be recharged via a wired connection and/or wirelessly.

In some examples, the plurality of skin treatment modules are coupled to each other and/or the main control board via the electrical connectors on each module. This may allow for a secure connection of the skin treatment modules to each other and the main control board to ensure that the system does not come apart during treatment. The connector may be a ball spring connector, a hook connector, a snap-fit connector or any other type of suitable connector. One of the skin treatment modules and/or the main control housing may comprise a female connector and a second (neighboring) skin treatment module and/or the main control housing may comprise a male connector in order to allow for a secure coupling between the two skin treatment modules and/or a skin treatment module and the main control housing. Additionally or alternatively, the connecter may be further secured to the skin treatment module and/or main control housing by a screw, a bolt, a latch or any other suitable form of securing method.

The electrical connection may allow for data from the one or more sensors of each module control board to be easily transferred to the main control board. Alternatively or additionally, each module control board may comprise a transceiver that sends and/or receives data to and/or from the main control board. The main control board may, in some examples, also comprise a transceiver to receive and/or send data to the module control boards and/or the external controller. The main control board may receive data relating to the skin treatment module status, the LED status, the power management state, sensor parameters or any other suitable parameters.

In some examples, only the main control board within the main control housing communicates with the external device. This communication channel may be wired and/or wireless and may preferably be a Bluetooth connection.

In some examples, each module control board communicates only with the main control board and communicates with no other module control board.

Any number of skin treatment modules may be coupled to the external device via a wired and/or a wireless connection. This may result in a Server-Client type communication.

In some examples, the system is coupled to a flexible strap for mounting the skin treatment system to the user. This may allow for the system to be customized to the shape of the body part that the system is treating. This strap may be partially or wholly comprised of Velcro, leather, plastic or any other suitable flexible material. The strap may be fastened by Velcro, a buckle, a snap fastener or any other suitable type of fastener.

In some examples, the main control board comprises a processor configured to process the parameters received from the one or more sensors in each skin treatment module and a memory configured to store the output(s) of the processor. The processor may parse the results received from the one or more sensors in the plurality of skin treatment modules and alter the LEDs in each skin treatment module in real time in order to keep the parameters within predefined thresholds. The memory may store the parsed information and store incidents when the one or more parameters fell (and/or fall) outside their respective predefined thresholds. The memory may store information that can then be transferred to the external device.

In some examples, the main control board determines the number of skin treatment modules coupled to the main control board by measuring the voltage output by the battery via a voltage sensor. This may allow for the control board to alter various characteristics in order for the control board to be able to control the number of skin treatment modules coupled to it. It may allow for the main control board to alter the predetermined condition(s) that are used to determine if the system is malfunction- ing. It may allow for an accurate reading of the battery percentage left and the expected lifetime of the battery on its current charge.

We further describe a method for providing treatment of skin conditions using the skin treatment module or the system.

We further describe a skin treatment module for treating skin conditions of a user using the skin treatment module, the skin treatment module comprising: one or more light emitting diodes, LEDs, configured to emit light at a wavelength of between 280 nm and 340 nm, preferably between 290nm and 320 nm, and more preferably between 305nm and 315 nm; a module housing within which the one or more LEDs are arranged, wherein a first side of the module housing comprises a cover, wherein the cover is transparent to the wavelength of the one or more LEDs; a module control board coupled to the one or more LEDs and configured to control the one or more LEDs and one or more sensors coupled to the module control board, wherein the module control board is further configured to monitor one or more parameters relating to the skin treatment module (in particular the one or more LEDs) and/or the user via the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to measure a temperature of the user and/or the skin treatment module, a distance of the skin treatment module from the user, and a movement of the skin treatment module in relation to the user.

The skin treatment module may further comprise any or all of the components described above in relation to the skin treatment module of the skin treatment system.

We further describe a modular skin treatment system for treating skin conditions of a user using the modular skin treatment system, wherein the modular skin treatment system comprises a plurality of skin treatment modules, wherein each one of the skin treatment modules comprises: one or more light emitting devices, in particular light emitting diodes, LEDs, (or other light source) configured to emit light at a defined wavelength (of, for example, between 280 nm and 340 nm, preferably between 290nm and 320 nm, and more preferably between 305nm and 315 nm); a module housing within which the one or more light emitting devices are arranged, in particular wherein a first side of the module housing comprises a cover and wherein the cover is transparent to the predefined wavelength; a module control board coupled to the one or more light emitting devices and configured to control the one or more light emitting devices; and one or more sensors coupled to the module control board and arranged within the module housing, wherein the module control board is further configured to monitor one or more parameters relating to the skin treatment module, in particular the one or more light emitting devices, and/or the user via the one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to measure one or more of: a temperature of the user and/or the skin treatment module, a distance of the skin treatment module from the user, and a movement of the skin treatment module in relation to the user. The skin treatment system may further comprise any or all of the components described above in relation to the skin treatment module or the skin treatment system.

Even if some of the aspects described above have been described in reference to the module and/or the system, these aspects may also apply to the method and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

Figure la shows perspective view of a schematic illustration of a system according to some example implementations as described herein;

Figure lb shows a block diagram of the main control board;

Figure 2 shows perspective views of a schematic illustration of a pair of skin treatment modules according to some example implementations as described herein;

Figure 3 shows schematic illustrations of a mobile phone with an app and a system according to some example implementations as described herein;

Figure 4a shows a perspective view of a schematic illustration of the system with variable length/surface according to some example implementations as described herein; and

Figure 4b shows a perspective exploded view of a schematic illustration of a system on a user according to some example implementations as described herein. Detailed description

Figure la shows a system 100 comprising a main control housing 50 and two skin treatment modules 10. There can be any number of skin treatment modules 10 coupled to the main control housing 50 depending on the body part the system 100 is adapted to treat. Body parts that the system 100 treats may be the arm, the leg, the torso and/or any other body part.

Each skin treatment module 10 comprises a module control board 12, a module housing 14, one or more sensors 16 and a number of LEDs 18. The number of LEDs 18 per skin treatment module 10 is preferably between 1 and 1000 however, the number of LEDs 18 is not limited to this range. The LEDs 18 emit light of between 280 and 340nm, in this example with a peak of 311nm. This range value and peak value may change depending on the skin condition being treated and/or the user.

The module control board 12 comprises a processor 40 and a memory 42 and is configured to control the LEDs 18 and switch them on and off depending on received instructions from the main control board and/or instructions stored within the memory. Each module control board 12 is configured to work independently from each of the other module control boards 12 in order to allow for a more customized treatment plan and user experience.

The sensors 16 may measure a capacitive touch (using a capacitive touch sensor) of the user and/or temperature (using a temperature sensor) of the user and/or the skin treatment module 10 and/or infrared (using an infrared sensor) emitted by the user and/or the skin treatment module 10 and/or distance (using, for example, an optical sensor) of the skin treatment module 10 from the user and/or movement (using, for example, an accelerometer and/or further optical sensor and/or via an acoustic sensor using reflection) of the skin treatment module 10 in relation to the user and/or the intensity of the LEDs 18 (via an optical sensor) and/or a current and/or voltage output of the skin treatment module 10 (via a current and/or voltage sensor). The sensors 16 may also measure any other suitable parameter. These sensors 16 transmit the data to the processor 40 in the module control board 12. The processor 40 then processes and parses these results and sends them to the memory 42 and/or the main control board 52. The memory may contain predefined thresholds for each of the measured parameters to ensure the safe operating of the skin treatment module 10. These parameters may change (and/or may be changed by the user or operator) based on the skin condition and/or on the user. The memory 42 may also store historical data received from the processor 40 which may be downloaded at a later date. The memory 42 may store incidents when the one or more parameters fell (and/or fall) outside the predefined thresholds (e.g. outside a predefined range) which may indicate to the user when the skin treatment module 10 does or did not function properly. This indication may be via the warning unit 46 which includes a warning LED and/or a speaker. In some examples, the processor 40 and memory 42 are incorporated into a communication unit 44.

Measuring capacitive touch may ensure that the skin treatment module 10 is in contact, or in close proximity to the skin of the user. The module control board 12 may only turn on the LEDs 18 when a certain threshold has been reached, which indicates that the skin treatment module 10 is in contact with the skin of the user. This may lead to a reduced chance of eye damage for the user, as described above. The skin treatment module 10 may only switch on when it is detected that the skin treatment module 10 is in contact with the skin. In other examples, the skin treatment module 10 may switch on when the skin treatment module 10 is in near contact, e.g. 1mm, from the skin (or generally within a predefined threshold distance). This threshold can be changed based on the wishes of the user and/or operator.

The distance to an object, i.e. the skin of the user, may be measured as a backup to the capacitive touch measurement. The distance may be measured using any suitable method, as outlined above.

The module control board 12 may measure the temperature of the skin of the user. This may allow for the module control board 12 to sense if the light is too intense and, in some examples, has started to burn the skin of the user. Resultantly, the module control board 12 may automatically reduce the intensity of the LEDs 18 and/or switch one or more LEDs 18 completely off in order to reduce the temperature.

An infrared sensor 16 may also be used as a backup to the temperature sensor.

An accelerometer (and/or optical sensor) may be used to measure movement of the skin treatment module 10 (that is a movement in general and/or a movement in relation to the user). If the skin treatment module 10 moves too much (e.g. too fast, i.e. above a threshold speed, and/or too far (from an initial position)), it may indicate, for example, that it is not secured to the user properly and is in danger of fall- ing off. The accelerometer may additionally or alternatively be any sensor 16 that sufficiently measures movement of the skin treatment module 10.

In some embodiments, each skin treatment module 10 comprises a different sen- sor/sensors 16. In some embodiments, some of the skin treatment modules 10 comprises the same sensor/sensors 16 as other skin treatment modules 10 but the sensor/sensors 16 are not part of every skin treatment module 10.

The skin treatment module 10 and/or main control unit 50 may further comprise a light (e.g. LED) and/or a speaker which alerts the user if one or more of the parameters fall outside the predefined threshold(s). Additionally or alternatively, the module control board 12 may alter the intensity and/or the number of LEDs 18 without external instructions to bring the parameters back within the predefined thresholds.

The module housing 14 comprises a transparent cover 20 on the side of the housing that is in proximity to the skin of the user and is, in some examples, designed to diffuse the light emitted by the LEDs 18. The remainder of the housing is designed so that none of the UVB light escapes, which thereby reduces the chance of eye damage to the user or any other person in the proximity of the skin treatment module 10. In this example, the side of the housing 14 in proximity to the skin of the user is (substantially) U-shaped.

The transparent cover 20 may be wholly rigid, partially flexible or wholly flexible. The transparent cover 20 being (at least partially) flexible allows for the skin treatment module 10 to adapt to the body part the skin treatment module 10 is treating. This results in an improved treatment for the user. The flexibility of the cover 20 may be able to be altered via one or more switches on the outside of the module housing 14 which allows for the cover 20 to become flexible or fix it in place. Additionally or alternatively, the cover 20 may be able to become more or less flexible by swapping the cover 20 for a different cover 20 with a different flexibility. If the cover 20 is removable, it may be kept in place via a latch, a screw, a snap-fit connector or any other suitable method.

The module control board 12 of each skin treatment module 10 is electrically connected to the main control board located in the main housing. In this example, each module control board 12 is electrically connected via a series of electrical connectors (see figure 2). The electrical connectors are configured to transmit the electrical signals from each module control board 12 to the main control board. Each electrical connector also mechanically connects each skin treatment module 10 to one another and, in the case of the skin treatment module 10 closest to the main control housing 50, the main control housing 50. The connector 60 may be a ball spring connector, a hook connector, a snap-fit connector or any other type of suitable connector. Additionally or alternatively, the connecter may be secured to the main control housing 50 or skin treatment module 10 by a screw, a bolt, a latch or any other suitable form of securing method.

Additionally or alternatively, each module control board 12 and the main control board may comprise a transceiver 48. The transceiver 48 in each skin treatment module 10 transmits the data received in the processor 40 and/or the memory 42 to the transceiver 56 in the main control board 52.

In this example, the main control housing 50 comprises a main control board and a replaceable, rechargeable battery 54.

The main control board 52 (shown in detail in Figure lb) receives the parameter data from each of the module control boards 12 via the electrical connections and/or via the transceiver 56. The main control board also transmits data and instructions to each of the module control boards 12 in some examples via the same methods. The main control board sends instructions to each of the module control boards 12 to operate each of the control boards 12. The main control board is also in communication with an external device. In this example, the external device is a mobile phone 200 with a dedicated app, but the external device may be a tablet computer, a desktop computer or any other suitable device.

The battery 54 is a replaceable, rechargeable battery 54 which powers the system 100. The battery 54 is configured to be removed from the system 100 when said battery 54 is recharging. This may allow for simple and easy battery 54 replacement and allow for quick resumption of treatment should the battery 54 run out during the treatment. The battery 54 may alternatively be a non-replaceable rechargeable battery 54. The battery 54 may be recharged via a wired connection and/or wirelessly.

The shape of each module housing 14 and the main control housing 50 are, in this example, rectangular. Alternatively, the housings 14, 50 may be pentagonal, hexagonal, triangular or any other irregular shape. The shape of the housings 14, 50 preferably tessellate with each other. The shape of the housings may depend on the body part the system 100 is treating, the skin condition and the requirements of the user. Different shapes for different skin treatment modules connected with each other may be provided, which may allow for improved treatment of specific skin areas of the user to be treated.

In this example, the main control housing 50 and each of the skin treatment modules 10 are 30mm in height and 40mm in width. The main control housing 50 and the skin treatment modules 10 may be of any length suitable for the application of the system 100. The height and width of the main control housing 50 and the skin treatment modules 10 may also be altered based on the application. The height, width and length of the main control housing 50 and each skin treatment module 10 may not be the same for each component in the system 100.

Figure lb shows a block diagram of the main control board 52 which is located in close proximity to the battery 54. The location of the main control board 52 may be moved depending on the shape of the main control housing 50. In this example, the battery 54 is cylindrical and removed from one end of the main control housing 50. The shape of the battery 54 may change depending on the shape of the main control housing 50. The location that the battery 54 is removed from may change depending on the shape of the housing 50. For example, the battery 54 may be removed via the top of the housing 50 i.e. the side not closest to the skin when the system 100 is treating a user. In this example, the main control board comprises a transceiver unit 56 configured to communicate with the module control boards 12 and/or an external device, a processor 57 and a memory 58. The main control board 52 may comprise any other suitable component.

Figure 2 shows two skin treatment modules 10 and how the connections 60, 62, 64 between them allow for the system 100 to be flexible. Although, only two skin treatment modules 10 are shown here, the same flexibility applies to connections 60, 62, 64 between all skin treatment modules 10 and a skin treatment module 10 connected to the main control board 52. This flexibility allows for the system 100 to be wrapped around the body part that the system 100 is treating.

In this example, the connections 60, 62, 64 are comprised of a connection joint 60, a connector component 62 and a screw 64. The connector components 62 are secured to the module housing 14 by screws 64 tightened by, for example, an Allen key. However, the connector components 62 may be attached to the skin treatment modules 10 via any suitable method that still allows for the system 100 to be flexible, as described above. Each skin treatment module 10 comprises two connector compo- nents 62. There is a +ve connector on one side, and a -ve connector on the other side. These connectors 62 are each coupled to the module control board 12 via cables. Additionally or alternatives, these connectors 62 may be coupled to the module control board 12 via a circuit board, PCB, or any other suitable method. The skin treatment modules 10 are coupled electrically and mechanically to each other via the connectors 62. The main control housing 50 has two similar connectors 62 and receives electrical signals from the skin treatment modules 10 via these connectors. The coupling between the connectors 62 on the main control housing 50 to the main control board 52 may be similar to that as the coupling between the connectors 62 on each skin treatment module 10 and the module control board 12.

The flexibility may not only be a rotational flexibility but additionally or alternatively a longitudinal and/or a latitudinal flexibility which allows for the system 100 to be customized to the body part being treated. The longitudinal and/or latitudinal flexibilities may be enhanced by connector joints 60 and components 62 which allow the skin treatment modules 10 to move in these directions. The connection joints 60 are preferably spring ball type joints but may be any other suitable type of connection joint 60. The connector components 62 may be made of rigid plastic, flexible plastic or a mixture of plastics. The connector components 62 may additionally or alternatively be made of any other suitable material. If the joint 60 is a ball-spring type connector, the connector component 62 comprises a half ball size shape hole for the ball to ensure the connection. Furthermore, the connector 62 may have a small hole through it so that a needle or similar tool can push the ball in order to disconnect the two skin treatment modules 10 and/or a skin treatment module 10 and the main control housing 50.

In this example, the module housings 14 also comprise a securing component 66 for the connection joints 60. The securing components 66 may be designed in such a way to hold and secure the connection joints 60 while the system 100 is being moved around. The securing component 66 may be a female component and the connection joint 60 a male component or vice versa. The securing component 66 and the connection joint 60 may be coupled via a snap-fit style connection to allow for easy removal of one skin treatment module from another or any other type of suitable coupling method. In some examples, the securing component 66 has a hole and the joint 60 is glued within this hole in order to secure it in place. On the back side of the joint 60, the coupling between the joint 60 and the module control board 12 is made. Figure 3 shows the system 100 and a mobile phone 200 with a dedicated app. The app allows for the user to control their treatment by, for example, altering the intensity of the LEDs 18, the length of the treatment time or any other suitable parameter. The app may also send notifications to the user to alert them that they should use the system 100 if the treatment is scheduled, if it is part of a larger treatment plan, if the system 100 has a fault or any other suitable parameter. The mobile phone 200 may communicate with the transceiver 56 in the main control board 52 via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, light, sound and/or any other suitable method. In some embodiments, the app is on a tablet computer, a desktop computer or any other suitable device. In some embodiments, the communication is achieved via a wired connection.

Figure 4a shows a perspective view of a schematic illustration of the system with variable length/surface according to some example implementations as described herein. It is shown how the number of skin treatment modules 10 within the system 100 may be changed. The skin treatment modules 10 can be added and removed from the flexible strap 110 in order to adjust the length of the system 100. This allows for the system 100 to be adapted to the body part the system 100 is treating.

Figure 4b shows the system 100 on a user's arm and skin treatment modules 10 attached to each other and the main control housing 50 on the strap 110. In this example, the main control housing 50 and at least one skin treatment module 10 both have a loop (not shown) through which the strap 110 is fed. In some examples, each skin treatment module 10 has a loop. In this example, the strap 110 is made from Velcro, but it made be made from leather, plastic or any other suitable material. The strap 110 may be secured to keep the system 100 in place via Velcro, a buckle, a snap fastener or any other suitable method. The skin treatment modules 10 and the main control housing 50 may be fastened to the strap 110 by a buckle, a snap fastener or any other suitable method.

No doubt many other effective alternatives will occur to the skilled person. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and encompasses modifications apparent to those skilled in the art and lying within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A modular skin treatment system (100) for treating skin conditions of a user using the modular skin treatment system (100), wherein the modular skin treatment system (100) comprises a plurality of skin treatment modules (10), wherein each one of the skin treatment modules (10) comprises: one or more light emitting diodes, LEDs, (18) configured to emit light at a wavelength of between 280 nm and 340 nm, preferably between 290nm and 320 nm, and more preferably between 305nm and 315 nm; a module housing (14) within which the one or more LEDs (18) are arranged, wherein a first side of the module housing (14) comprises a cover (20), wherein the cover (20) is transparent to the wavelength of the one or more LEDs; a module control board (12) coupled to the one or more LEDs (18) and configured to control the one or more LEDs (18); and one or more sensors (16) coupled to the module control board (12) and arranged within the module housing (14), wherein the module control board (12) is further configured to monitor one or more parameters relating to the skin treatment module, in particular the one or more LEDs (18), and/or the user via the one or more sensors (16), wherein the one or more sensors (16) are configured to measure: a temperature of the user and/or the skin treatment module (10), a distance of the skin treatment module (10) from the user, and a movement of the skin treatment module (10) in relation to the user.

2. The skin treatment system (100) of claim 1, wherein the temperature is measured when the skin treatment module (10) is within a predetermined distance of the user, as measured by the one or more sensors (16) configured to measure the distance of the skin treatment system (100) from the user, and/or wherein the distance is measured when the temperature of the skin treatment module (10), as measured by the one or more sensors (16) configured to measure the temperature of the skin treatment module (10), is above a threshold temperature.

3. The skin treatment system (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the movement of the skin treatment module (10) in relation to the user is measured by an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope.

4. The skin treatment system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more sensors (16) are further configured to measure one or more of: a capacitive touch of the user in relation to the cover (20), an output of the wavelength of the one or more LEDs (18), and an electrical current and/or voltage output of the one or more LEDs (18).

5. The skin treatment system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the cover (20) is at least partially flexible.

6. The skin treatment system (100) of claim 5, wherein the cover (20) is fully flexible.

7. The skin treatment system (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a communication unit (44) coupled to the module control board (12), wherein the communication unit (44) is configured to send data relating to the one or more sensors (16) to an external controller and/or receive data relating to the one or more sensors (16) from the external controller.

8. The skin treatment system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein each skin treatment module (10) further comprises an electrical connector (60, 62, 64) which is configured to electrically and mechanically couple the skin treatment module (10) to an external module.

9. The skin treatment system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the module control board (12) comprises a processor (40) configured to process the one or more parameters received from the one or more sensors (16) and a memory (42) configured to store the outputs of the processor (40), and wherein the memory (42) stores a predetermined condition for each of the one or more parameters.

10. The skin treatment system (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a warning unit (46) configured to emit light through a warning LED arranged external to the module housing (14) and/or a warning sound through a speaker if one or more of the one or more parameters fall outside of the predetermined condition.

11. The skin treatment system (100) of any preceding claim, when dependent on claim 7, further comprising the external controller, wherein the external controller is configured to communicate with the communication unit (44).

12. The skin treatment system (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the skin treatment system (100) further comprises a main control housing (50) comprising: a main control board (52) configured to communicate with each module control board (12) of a said skin treatment module (10), and a battery (54) configured to power the skin treatment system (100).

13. The skin treatment system (100) of claim 12, wherein the main control board (52) is configured to control each of the module control boards (12) and wherein each of the module control boards (12) is configured to function independently from every other module control board (12) of the skin treatment system (100).

14. The skin treatment system (100) of claim 12 or 13, wherein the main control board (52) comprises a transceiver unit (56), wherein the transceiver unit (56) is configured to send data relating to the plurality of skin treatment modules (10) to and/or receive data relating to the plurality of skin treatment modules (10) from the external controller.

15. The skin treatment system (100) of claim 14, wherein the external controller comprises a mobile device (200) comprising an application configured to communicate with the transceiver unit (56).

16. The skin treatment system (100) of claim 14 or 15, wherein the main control board (52) is configured to send a warning to the external device if one or more of the one or more parameters measured by the one or more sensors (16) in one or more of the plurality of skin treatment modules (10) fall outside of a predetermined condition.

17. The skin treatment system (100) of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the plurality of skin treatment modules (10) are coupled to each other and/or are coupled to the main control board (52) via the electrical connectors (60, 62, 64) on each module (10).

18. The skin treatment system (100) of any one of claims 12 to 17, further comprising a flexible strap (110) for mounting the skin treatment system (100) to the user.

19. The skin treatment system (100) of any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the main control board (52) comprises a processor (57) configured to process the one or more parameters received from the one or more sensors (16) in each skin treatment module (10), and a memory (58) configured to store an output of the processor (57).

20. The skin treatment system (100) of any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the main control board (52) determines the number of skin treatment modules (10) coupled to the main control board (52) by measuring the voltage output by the battery (54) via a voltage sensor.

21. A skin treatment module (10) for treating skin conditions of a user using the skin treatment module (10), the skin treatment module (10) comprising: one or more light emitting diodes, LEDs, (18) configured to emit light at a wavelength of between 280 nm and 340 nm, preferably between 290nm and 320 nm, and more preferably between 305nm and 315 nm; a module housing (14) within which the one or more LEDs (18) are arranged, wherein a first side of the module housing (14) comprises a cover (20), wherein the cover (20) is transparent to the wavelength of the one or more LEDs; a module control board (12) coupled to the one or more LEDs (18) and configured to control the one or more LEDs (18); and one or more sensors (16) coupled to the module control board (12) and arranged within the module housing (14), wherein the module control board (12) is further configured to monitor one or more parameters relating to the skin treatment module (10), in particular the one or more LEDs (18), and/or the user via the one or more sensors (16), wherein the one or more sensors (16) are configured to measure: a temperature of the user and/or the skin treatment module (10), a distance of the skin treatment module (10) from the user, and a movement of the skin treatment module (10) in relation to the user.

22. The skin treatment module (10) of claim 21, wherein the temperature parameter is measured when the module (10) is within a predetermined distance of the user, as measured by the one or more sensors (16) configured to measure the distance of the skin treatment module (10) from the user, and/or wherein the distance is measured when the temperature of the skin treatment module (10), as measured by the one or more sensors (16) configured to measure the temperature of the skin treatment module (10), is above a threshold temperature.

23. The skin treatment module (10) of claim 21 or 22, wherein the movement of the skin treatment module (10) in relation to the user is measured by an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope.

24. The skin treatment module (10) of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the one or more sensors (16) are further configured to measure one or more of: a capacitive touch of the user in relation to the cover (20), an output of the wavelength of the one or more LEDs (18), and an electrical current and/or voltage output of the one or more LEDs (18).

25. The skin treatment module (10) of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the cover (20) is at least partially flexible.

26. The skin treatment module (10) of claim 25, wherein the cover (20) is fully flexible.

27. The skin treatment module (10) of any one of claims 21 to 26, further comprising a communication unit (44) coupled to the module control board (12), wherein the communication unit (44) is configured to send data relating to the one or more sensors (16) to an external controller and/or receive data relating to the one or more sensors (16) from the external controller.

28. The skin treatment module (10) of any one of claims 21 to 27 , further comprising an electrical connector (60, 62, 64) which is configured to electrically and mechanically couple the skin treatment module (10) to an external module.

29. The skin treatment module (10) of any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the module control board (12) comprises a processor (40) configured to process the one or more parameters received from the one or more sensors (16) and a memory (42) configured to store the outputs of the processor (40), and wherein the memory (42) stores a predetermined condition for each of the one or more parameters.

30. The skin treatment module (10) of any one of claims 21 to 28, further comprising a warning unit (46) configured to emit light through a warning LED arranged external to the module housing (14) and/or a warning sound through a speaker if one or more of the one or more parameters fall outside of a predetermined condition.

31. The skin treatment module (10) of any one of claims 21 to 30, when dependent on claim ' l , further comprising the external controller, wherein the external controller is configured to communicate with the communication unit (44).

32. A modular skin treatment system (100) for treating skin conditions of a user using the modular skin treatment system (100), wherein the modular skin treatment system (100) comprises a plurality of skin treatment modules (10), wherein each one of the skin treatment modules (10) comprises: one or more light emitting devices, in particular light emitting diodes, LEDs, (18), configured to emit light at a predefined wavelength; a module housing (14) within which the one or more light emitting devices are arranged, in particular wherein a first side of the module housing (14) comprises a cover (20) and wherein the cover (20) is transparent to the predefined wavelength; a module control board (12) coupled to the one or more light emitting devices and configured to control the one or more light emitting devices; and one or more sensors (16) coupled to the module control board (12) and arranged within the module housing (14), wherein the module control board (12) is further configured to monitor one or more parameters relating to the skin treatment module, in particular the one or more light emitting devices, and/or the user via the one or more sensors (16), wherein the one or more sensors (16) are configured to measure one or more of: a temperature of the user and/or the skin treatment module (10), a distance of the skin treatment module (10) from the user, and a movement of the skin treatment module (10) in relation to the user.