Electric shaver with imaging capability

Abstract

System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel. The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 11 / 141,599, filed on Dec. 30, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to electric shavers having electronic imaging functions.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Razors are known as a bladed tool primarily used in the shaving off of unwanted body hair. Electric shavers are known as an alternative to razors for removal of hair and / or slicing hair down to the level of the skin. Such shavers are commonly used by men to remove their facial hair (such as beard, mustache and whiskers) and by women to remove their leg, underarm and other hair. Electric shavers, also known as ‘electric razors’ or ‘electric dry shavers’, commonly include of a set of oscillating or rotating blades, which are held behind a perforated metal foil that prevents the blades from coming into contact with the skin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In one aspect of the present invention, a method and apparatus for using digital imaging or digital photography of the shaving area is described. Digital camera functionality is added to an portably hand-held housing of an electric shaver, allowing the shaving area image (either as still image or as video) to be captured, stored, manipulated and displayed on a display unit. The image capturing hardware is integrated with the electric shaver, and the image captured is reconstructed faithfully and displayed on a display unit for the user to view. The shaving improvement can benefit human hair removal such as facial or leg hair removal.

[0016]In another aspect of the present invention, a lossy or non-lossy compression of the image information is used for reducing the memory size and reducing the data rate required for the transmission over the communication medium. In this configuration, video compression functionality is added to the shaver, and a video de-compressor is added to the display unit for reconstructing the original signal.

[0017]In another aspect of the present invention, one or more light sources are added for better illumination of the photographed area or the shaving area.

[0018]In another aspect of the present invention, multiple image capturing mechanisms are used, each containing a lens and image sensor, allowing for capturing of larger shaving area. In one embodiment, each such image capturing can be mounted on a different wall or side of the electric shaver. In one embodiment, the lens is mounted in the cutter side of the shaver, which is in direct contact with the skin surface during shaving.

[0024]In another aspect of the present invention, the captured image is transmitted from the electric shaver using a standard analog or digital video interface, thus allowing the displaying of the video on standard and common video equipment.

Problems solved by technology

In many cases, such as in a facial shaving, direct eye-contact during shaving cannot be made, and a mirror needs to be used.

However, a mirror may not be available in all locations.

Further, in the case of a foggy or dark environment, the image in the mirror cannot be seen well.

Further, the hand holding the shaver and the shaver unit itself may hide and interfere with the required image of the shaving area.

Images