Electric shaver

Abstract

This disclosure provides an electric razor that suppresses skin damage during shaving. The electric razor (100) based on this disclosure includes: a first imaging device (131) that captures images of the vicinity of the skin to which the shaving head (121) contacts; an image processing device that processes the images obtained from the first imaging device (131); and a notification device (140) that notifies the user of the processing results. The image processing device includes: a morphology information generation unit that generates morphology information representing the morphology of at least one selected from a group consisting of body hair and skin based on the acquired images; a shaving information generation unit that generates shaving information related to shaving based on the morphology information; and a result notification unit that controls the notification device (140) to notify the user of the shaving information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electric razor for removing body hair such as beard. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a shaving guidance system was proposed, which includes a camera device that records images of the user's body parts, determines the local hair growth direction based on the captured images, and instructs the user on the direction and location where the shaving device should be moved on the body based on the determined hair growth direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-534806 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, previous systems could only identify the direction and area to be shaved, but could not indicate the optimal shaving state to reduce skin damage.

[0008] This disclosure was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an electric shaver that can notify the user of instructions for preventing damage to the skin.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of the electric razor disclosed herein includes a handle and a head, the handle being for a user to hold, and the head having a shaving section for cutting body hair. The head is connected to one end of the handle. The electric razor includes: a first camera device for capturing images of the vicinity of the skin where the shaving section contacts; an image processing device for processing the images acquired from the first camera device; and a notification device for notifying the user of the processing results of the image processing device. The image processing device includes: a morphology information generation unit for generating morphology information representing a morphology selected from at least one of a group consisting of body hair and skin, based on the acquired images; a shaving information generation unit for generating shaving information related to shaving based on the morphology information; and a result notification unit for controlling the notification device to notify the user of the shaving information.

[0011] The effects of the invention

[0012] The electric shaver disclosed herein can present the user with a shaving state that minimizes damage to the skin during shaving. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the electric razor according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the head involved in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the functional parts of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The embodiments of the electric razor disclosed herein will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are examples provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. For example, the shapes, structures, materials, constituent elements, relative positional relationships, connection states, numerical values, formulas, the content of each stage in the method, and the order of each stage shown in the embodiments below are examples, and sometimes include content not described below. Additionally, geometric representations such as parallel and orthogonal are sometimes used, but these representations do not indicate mathematical rigor, but rather include substantially permissible errors and deviations. Furthermore, representations such as simultaneous and identical also include substantially permissible ranges.

[0017] In addition, the accompanying drawings are schematic diagrams that have been appropriately emphasized, omitted or scaled for the purpose of illustrating this disclosure, and differ from the actual shapes, positional relationships and scales.

[0018] Furthermore, in the following description, multiple technical concepts are sometimes presented as a single implementation method. Additionally, a portion of the content described below is described as any constituent element relating to this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the electric razor 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the head 120 of the electric razor 100. Furthermore, the electric razor 100 has rounded edges and features anti-slip textures, but these are not shown in the illustration.

[0020] The electric shaver 100 is a device that uses an electric blade to cut and remove body hair such as beards. It includes a handle 110, a head 120, a first camera 131, a notification device 140, and an image processing device 150. Figure 1 , Figure 2 (Not shown in the figure). In this embodiment, the electric razor 100 also includes a second camera device 132.

[0021] The grip section 110 is the part that the user holds when using the electric razor 100. In this embodiment, the grip section 110 functions as a housing for the image processing device 150, the battery, and control devices for controlling the driving of the shaving blades. A power switch 111 for turning the power on / off and an input button 112 for receiving input from the user are provided on the outer surface of the grip section 110.

[0022] The head 120 is a member having a shaving section 121 and being connected to one end of the holding section 110. The shaving section 121 has a blade for cutting body hair. In this embodiment, the head 120 is connected to the holding section 110 in a manner that allows it to move relative to the holding section 110. The direction of movement of the head 120 is not particularly limited, but the head 120 can swing circumferentially along each of the following directions as its axis: back-and-forth direction (X-axis direction in the figure), width direction Y (Y-axis direction in the figure), and up-and-down direction (Z-axis direction in the figure).

[0023] The shaving section 121 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) first outer blades 122 that are semi-cylindrical in shape and have mesh-like through holes extending in the width direction in the front-back direction, and has second outer blades 123 with slit-like through holes disposed between the first outer blades 122. The first outer blades 122 and the second outer blades 123 are mounted on the head frame 124, and the shaving section 121 can be attached to and detached from the head base 125.

[0024] Inside the head 120 are disposed a first inner blade (not shown) corresponding to the first outer blade 122 and a second inner blade (not shown) corresponding to the second outer blade 123, and an inner blade driving device is provided for reciprocating vibration of the first inner blade and the second inner blade along the width direction (Y-axis direction in the figure). The first inner blade and the second inner blade are vibrated by the inner blade driving device, thereby cutting off body hair inserted into the through holes of the first outer blade 122 and the second outer blade 123 between the vibrating first inner blade and the second inner blade.

[0025] The first camera device 131 is a device for capturing images of the area near the skin where the shaving head 121 contacts. In this embodiment, the first camera device 131 has a field of view that, while the shaving head 121 is in contact with the skin, can capture images of the skin in a single shot, measuring a length corresponding to the length of the first outer blade 122 and the second outer blade 123 in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction in the figure) and a length corresponding to the length of the skin in the width direction (Y-axis direction in the figure) corresponding to the width of the first outer blade 122 (Y-axis direction in the figure). This allows for accurate capture of the state of body hair and skin immediately before and immediately after shaving.

[0026] The type of camera device 131 is not particularly limited, and for example, a so-called digital camera can be exemplified by having an optical system including a lens and an image-capturing element that converts the image formed by the optical system into an electrical signal.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first camera device 131 is fixed to the head base 125 of the head 120. The first camera device 131 operates simultaneously with the movement of the head 120 relative to the holding part 110. Therefore, during shaving by the electric razor 100, the distance between the skin and the first camera device 131 can be stabilized, enabling the capture of clearer images. Specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, the first camera device 131 is mounted on a substrate 133 that protrudes forward from the front side (X-side in the figure) of the head base 125. Therefore, the first camera device 131 will not obstruct the installation or removal of the head frame 124, which is preferable. Additionally, an illumination device 135, such as a light-emitting diode (generally referred to as "LED"), is mounted on the substrate 133 to illuminate the skin within the field of view of the first camera device 131. The substrate 133, the first camera device 131, and the illumination device 135 are covered by a cover 134 (see reference 134). Figure 1 )cover.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the second camera device 132 is a device that captures images of an area wider than the first camera device 131 while the shaving head 121 is in contact with the skin. In this embodiment, the second camera device 132 is fixed to the end of the holding part 110 on the side opposite to the head 120, and has a viewing angle that allows for capturing images of, for example, the entire cheek on one side while the shaving head 121 is in contact with the skin. This allows for accurate monitoring of the condition of the skin immediately following shaving.

[0029] The notification device 140 is a device that notifies the user of the processing results of the image processing device 150. The notification method of the notification device 140 is not particularly limited, and examples include methods using sound (including voice), light, vibration, electrical stimulation, and combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the notification device 140 is a device that notifies information using light, and multiple light-emitting elements such as LEDs are arranged around the periphery of the end portion of the handle 110 on the head 120 side. The notification device 140 can change at least one of the brightness, color, and light emission mode of the light. Furthermore, a specific method for notifying the user of shaving information will be described later.

[0030] Figure 3This is a block diagram showing the functional units of the image processing apparatus 150. The image processing apparatus 150 is an apparatus for processing images acquired from the first imaging device 131 and the second imaging device 132. The image processing apparatus 150 includes a feature information generation unit 151, a shaving information generation unit 152, and a result notification unit 153 as processing units implemented by causing a processor to execute a program. In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus 150 further includes an information acquisition unit 154, an unshaved information generation unit 155, and a region indication unit 156.

[0031] The information acquisition unit 154 is a processing unit for acquiring information such as images captured by the first camera device 131. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 154 also acquires images captured by the second camera device 132, input information entered by the user using input button 112, etc.

[0032] The property information generation unit 151 generates property information representing the property of body hair or skin based on the image acquired by the information acquisition unit 154 from the first imaging device 131. The property information includes, for example, at least one of the following: body hair length, body hair density, scales on the skin, and skin color.

[0033] An example of how the feature information generation unit 151 generates feature information representing the length of body hair will be described. The feature information generation unit 151 performs contrast enhancement processing on the image of skin containing body hair acquired by the information acquisition unit 154. For example, the feature information generation unit 151 improves brightness contrast by performing a grayscale transformation on the brightness of each pixel of the image, such as making the output grayscale change large relative to the input grayscale. In addition, small noises such as skin bumps can be removed by applying a low-pass filter to the image before or after this contrast enhancement.

[0034] Next, the feature information generation unit 151 performs contour extraction on the image after contrast enhancement. More specifically, the feature information generation unit 151 removes minor noise by performing dilation and contraction processing after binarization (i.e., whitening / blackening) where white pixels are output if the brightness difference with surrounding pixels is above a threshold and black pixels are output if the brightness difference with surrounding pixels is below a threshold. Furthermore, the dilation and contraction processing refers to dilation processing that replaces the pixel of interest with white even if there is a white pixel surrounding it, and contraction processing that replaces the pixel of interest with black even if there is a black pixel surrounding it. Through this contour extraction, an image showing the contours of each body hair is obtained.

[0035] Next, the shape information generation unit 151 calculates the bounding rectangle for each region obtained by contour extraction. Specifically, the shape information generation unit 151 calculates the bounding rectangle for each region obtained by contour extraction in such a way that the outline of the rectangle is connected to the extracted region corresponding to the body hair. However, the method for calculating the bounding rectangle is not limited to this method; any other method can be used as long as it is possible to calculate the rectangle covering the outline of the body hair to estimate the length of the body hair. Through the above processing, an image showing the rectangles bounding to the regions corresponding to each body hair is obtained.

[0036] (Length of body hair)

[0037] Next, the shape information generation unit 151 determines the length of each body hair by calculating the length of the long side of each calculated circumscribed rectangle. For determining the length of the long side, the length of the two orthogonal sides in a right triangle with the long side as the hypotenuse and including the two sides along the orthogonal direction of the pixel arrangement is calculated (here, the length of a side is given by the number of pixels × the pixel interval), and the length of the long side as the hypotenuse is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem.

[0038] In this way, the length of each body hair is determined based on the image captured by the first camera device 131. Furthermore, the feature information generation unit 151 performs statistical processing on the lengths of the multiple body hairs contained in the image to generate information representing the lengths of the multiple body hairs in an image as feature information obtained by numericalization.

[0039] (Density of body hair)

[0040] An example of the case where the shape information generation unit 151 generates shape information representing the density of body hair will be described. The process continues as described above until the shape information generation unit 151 generates an image showing the outline of each body hair.

[0041] Next, the shape information generation unit 151 calculates the area of ​​each region obtained by contour extraction, and calculates the total area of ​​each region in the image. Furthermore, the shape information generation unit 151 generates shape information by quantifying the ratio of the total area of ​​the rectangular regions to the area of ​​the image as a representation of the density of body hair.

[0042] (Density of scaly material)

[0043] An example of how the feature information generation unit 151 generates feature information representing the density of scales, one of the features of skin, will be described. The feature information generation unit 151 extracts the outline of white scales from an image of skin including body hair acquired by the information acquisition unit 154. The extraction of the outline of scales can also be performed by inverting the black and white in the method used to extract the outline of body hair.

[0044] Next, the shape information generation unit 151 calculates the area of ​​each white region obtained from contour extraction, and calculates the total area of ​​each region in the image. Furthermore, the shape information generation unit 151 generates shape information by quantifying the ratio of the total area of ​​the rectangular regions to the area of ​​the image as a representation of the density of the scaly material.

[0045] (Skin color)

[0046] An example of how the feature information generation unit 151 generates feature information representing the color of skin will be described. The feature information generation unit 151 takes an image of skin containing body hair acquired by the information acquisition unit 154, excludes the body hair portion, and performs statistical processing on the information related to the color of each pixel in the remaining portion to generate skin color representing the color of multiple pixels in an image excluding the portion corresponding to body hair, as the feature information obtained by numerical conversion.

[0047] The shaving information generation unit 152 generates shaving information related to shaving based on the property information generated by the property information generation unit 151. The shaving information includes at least one of excessive pressing, excessive speed, and the end of shaving. Alternatively, for example, if the property information indicating hair length falls below a length threshold, the shaving information generation unit 152 generates shaving information indicating the end of shaving. Alternatively, if the property information indicating shaving density falls below a shaving density threshold, the shaving information generation unit 152 generates shaving information indicating the end of shaving. Alternatively, if the property information indicating the density of scales falls above a scale density threshold, the shaving information generation unit 152 generates shaving information indicating over-shaving.

[0048] In this embodiment, the following situation exists: the shaving information generation unit 152 generates shaving information by performing a threshold judgment on the difference of multiple feature information obtained from multiple images. For example, based on feature information representing the skin color from an image before the shaving unit 121 presses against the skin, and feature information representing the skin color from an image during pressing, a color difference threshold is used to judge the color difference of the skin color, thereby generating shaving information indicating excessive pressing. For example, if the red element of the skin color changes to a value representing white that is above the color difference threshold, the shaving information generation unit 152 generates shaving information indicating excessive pressing. Alternatively, the shaving information generation unit 152 may calculate a motion vector focusing on at least one of the group consisting of skin texture and body hair based on images captured at predetermined intervals, and if the speed obtained from the motion vector is above the speed threshold, the shaving information generation unit 152 generates shaving information indicating excessive speed. Alternatively, the shaving information generation unit 152 may calculate the shaking amplitude (e.g., the shaking amplitude of body hair, the shaking amplitude of skin texture, etc.) based on an image captured at a specified shutter speed (i.e., exposure time). If the speed obtained based on the shutter speed and the shaking amplitude is above a speed threshold, the shaving information generation unit 152 may generate shaving information with excessive speed.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shaving information generation unit 152 generates shaving information corresponding to the input information entered by the user using the input button 112, etc. For example, the image processing device 150 maintains multiple length thresholds, and the shaving information generation unit 152 selects a length threshold corresponding to the input information. The shaving information generation unit 152 can change the length of the body hair used to generate shaving information indicating the end of shaving by using the selected length threshold, thereby adjusting the length of the shaving completed. Specifically, a longer length threshold can be selected if it is desired to further reduce the burden on the skin, and a shorter length threshold can be selected if a clean shave is preferred.

[0050] In addition, the hair removal information generation unit 152 may, for example, have multiple thresholds that are different from the first length threshold (20% longer than the length threshold) and the second length threshold (40% longer than the length threshold) in advance, and generate hair removal information that increases or decreases in stages according to the stage of the length of the body hair.

[0051] Alternatively, after generating shaving information indicating the end of shaving based on the property information such as length threshold, shaving density threshold, or scale density threshold, the shaving information generation unit 152 generates shaving information indicating the end of shaving based on newly generated property information, it generates shaving information indicating over-shaving.

[0052] The result notification unit 153 controls the notification device 140 to notify the user of the shaving information generated by the shaving information generation unit 152. For example, the result notification unit 153 notifies the user of the shaving information by controlling the light emitted by the light-emitting device of the notification device 140 to change at least one of brightness, color, and light emission mode. Alternatively, when the body hair is long, red light is emitted to notify the user that shaving is not finished, and when shaving information indicating the end of shaving is obtained from the shaving information generation unit 152, blue light is emitted to notify the user that shaving is finished. Furthermore, when the user is shaving an area with body hair of a length below a certain threshold, the notification device 140 can be controlled to flash or light up in another color (such as green), or flash blue, to notify the user that shaving has been overdone.

[0053] Furthermore, when the shaving information generation unit 152 is generating shaving information that increases or decreases in stages, the result notification unit 153 can also notify the user of the staged shaving information by controlling the light emitted by the light-emitting device to change at least one of brightness, color, and light emission mode in stages. For example, it is possible to stage the intensity of the light or decrease it, or to lengthen or shorten the flashing interval of the light emission.

[0054] The unshaved information generation unit 155 generates unshaved information representing areas where shaving has not been performed based on images obtained from the second camera device 132. For example, in the initial stage of shaving areas such as a single cheek area, jaw area, or area below the nose, or in a stage immediately preceding this initial stage, the unshaved information generation unit 155 acquires an initial image of the corresponding area, and then acquires images at predetermined intervals. The unshaved information generation unit 155 compares the initial image with the subsequent images to estimate the area where the shaving head 121 of the electric razor 100 contacts the skin as a processed area. The unshaved information generation unit 155 generates unshaved information representing at least a portion of the areas adjacent to the area where the shaving head 121 actually contacts the skin that were not estimated as processed areas. Furthermore, the unshaved information generation unit 155 may also process the images obtained from the first camera device 131 to estimate processed or unshaved areas.

[0055] The area indication unit 156 controls the notification device 140 to indicate the unshaved area to the user based on the unshaved information generated by the unshaved information generation unit 155. For example, in this embodiment, the notification device 140 has light-emitting elements at eight positions: the front, back, left, right, and center of the grip unit 110. After the result notification unit 153 controls the notification device 140 to notify the user of shaving information indicating that shaving is complete, the area indication unit 156 controls the notification device 140 to illuminate the light-emitting elements located at positions corresponding to the direction of the unshaved area. The user can identify that the processing of the currently shaved area has ended based on the illumination of the notification device 140, and identify the area to be shaved next. Through this process, excessive shaving can be suppressed, and the overall shaving process can be performed efficiently.

[0056] According to the electric shaver 100 described above, information related to body hair or skin surface can be extracted from images obtained from the first camera device 131, and shaving information related to shaving can be communicated to the user. Therefore, the user can perform shaving while recognizing the intensity of the pressure applied by the electric shaver 100 to the skin, the speed at which the electric shaver 100 moves relative to the skin, and the completion of shaving in a designated area, thereby minimizing skin damage and performing shaving efficiently.

[0057] Furthermore, by generating shaving information corresponding to the user's input, the user's preferred shaving mode can be selected. For example, the length of body hair after shaving and the degree of pressure on the skin can be determined, thus changing the electric shaver 100 to a mode corresponding to the user's preferences.

[0058] In addition, the notification device 140 is equipped with a light-emitting element, which allows multiple shaving information to be easily notified to the user by changing the brightness, color, and light emission mode of the light.

[0059] Furthermore, by using the difference of feature information obtained from multiple images at different times, it is possible to generate shaving information based on changes in the state of body hair and skin, and to accurately notify the user of shaving information.

[0060] Furthermore, based on images from the second camera device 132 with a wider field of view, the unprocessed area can be distinguished from the processed area to identify the unprocessed area, and the user can be guided to the area where shaving should be performed next. Thus, a wide area can be shaving efficiently, and damage to the skin can be minimized.

[0061] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, other embodiments implemented by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements described in this specification or by excluding certain constituent elements may also be considered embodiments of this disclosure. In addition, variations that can be obtained by implementing various modifications to the above embodiments that would be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, i.e., the meaning expressed by the statements in the claims, are also included in this disclosure.

[0062] For example, a notification device 140 with a light-emitting element is shown, but the notification device 140 may also include a sound-emitting device such as a speaker, a vibration device that causes the grip 110 to vibrate, or an electro-muscle stimulation device that applies electrical stimulation to the hand holding the grip 110. Such a notification device 140 can notify shaving information by changing the intensity, generation pattern, or direction of sound (including speech), vibration, or electrical stimulation.

[0063] Furthermore, the feature information generation unit 151 can also generate the orientation of body hair as one of the feature information. Specifically, as in the embodiment described above, in the image of body hair enclosed by the circumscribed rectangle, the root of the body hair has a grayscale gradient that changes from white to black as it moves towards the tip, and at the tip of the body hair, there is a large brightness difference between the outline of the body hair and the skin. That is, unlike the tip, the root extends under the skin, so the contrast between the body hair and the skin is smaller. The feature information generation unit 151 uses at least one of the features of the image near the root of the body hair and the features of the image near the tip of the root to determine the orientation of the body hair.

[0064] Alternatively, the characteristic information generation unit 151 may use the bounding rectangle of the body hair to determine the orientation of the body hair. The term "orientation of the body hair" can be either the direction from the root to the tip or the direction from the tip to the root.

[0065] The notification unit 153 can also notify the direction in which the electric razor 100 operates based on the characteristic information indicating the orientation of the body hair.

[0066] In addition, in the above embodiment, a shaving section 121 with a total of 5 outer blades, including 4 first outer blades 122 and 1 second outer blade 123, is shown. However, the number of outer blades is not particularly limited, and the shaving section 121 may have 4 or fewer or 6 or more outer blades.

[0067] Alternatively, the shaving section 121 can be used to shave by rotating the inner blade relative to the outer blade.

[0068] Furthermore, the mounting position of the first camera device 131 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, it can be mounted on the rear side (X+ side in the figure), the side (Y- side, Y+ side in the figure), etc. Alternatively, it can be mounted on the grip portion 110. The number of first camera devices 131 is not limited to one unit, and the first camera devices 131 can be mounted in multiple locations.

[0069] Industrial availability

[0070] This disclosure relates to electric shavers that can be used for shaving beards, hair clippers, and other electric shavers that can shave the body hair of animals, including humans.

[0071] The technical ideas derived from this disclosure are described below.

[0072] An electric razor derived according to this disclosure includes a handle and a head, the handle being for a user to hold, and the head having a shaving section for cutting body hair. The head is connected to one end of the handle. The electric razor includes: a first camera device for capturing images of the vicinity of the skin where the shaving section contacts; an image processing device for processing the images obtained from the first camera device; and a notification device for notifying the user of the processing results of the image processing device. The image processing device includes: a morphology information generation unit for generating morphology information representing a morphology selected from at least one of the group consisting of body hair and skin, based on the acquired images; a shaving information generation unit for generating shaving information related to shaving based on the morphology information; and a result notification unit for controlling the notification device to notify the user of the shaving information.

[0073] In other words, the electric razor blade derived according to this disclosure includes: a handle for a user to hold; a head having a shaving head for cutting body hair, the head being connected to one end of the handle; a first camera device for capturing images of the vicinity of the skin contacted by the shaving head; a notification device; and an electrical-electronic circuit, wherein the electrical-electronic circuit performs the following processing during operation: processing an image acquired from the first camera device; generating morphological information based on the acquired image representing a morphology of at least one selected from the group consisting of body hair and skin; generating shaving information related to shaving based on the morphological information; and controlling the notification device to notify the user of the shaving information.

[0074] Examples of electrical and electronic circuits are semiconductor elements such as integrated circuits (commonly referred to as "ICs") or large-scale integrated circuits (commonly referred to as "LSIs").

[0075] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0076] 100: Electric razor; 110: Handling part; 111: Power switch; 112: Input button; 120: Head; 121: Shaving part; 122: First outer blade; 123: Second outer blade; 124: Head frame; 125: Head base; 131: First camera device; 132: Second camera device; 133: Base plate; 134: Cover; 135: Illumination device; 140: Notification device; 150: Image processing device; 151: Shape information generation unit; 152: Shaving information generation unit; 153: Result notification unit; 154: Information acquisition unit; 155: Unshaving information generation unit; 156: Area indicator unit.

Claims

1. An electric razor comprising a handle and a head, the handle being for a user to hold, the head having a shaving portion for cutting body hair, the head being connected to one end of the handle, the electric razor comprising: A first camera device captures images of the area near the skin where the shaved section contacts; An image processing apparatus that processes an image acquired from the first imaging device; and The notification device notifies the user of the processing results from the image processing device. in, The image processing device includes: The trait information generation unit generates trait information representing the traits of at least one selected from the group consisting of body hair and skin, based on the acquired image. The shaving information generation unit generates shaving information related to shaving based on the aforementioned characteristic information; as well as The result notification unit controls the notification device to notify the user of the shaving information. The trait information generation unit generates trait information by quantifying the multiple images based on multiple images. The shaving information generation unit generates the shaving information by judging the difference between multiple traits based on a threshold. The characteristic information generation unit generates characteristic information representing the skin color. The shaving information generation unit generates shaving information indicating excessive pressure by judging the color difference of the skin based on a threshold.

2. The electric shaver according to claim 1, wherein, The image processing device further includes an information acquisition unit, which acquires input information input by the user. The shaving information generation unit generates shaving information corresponding to the input information.

3. The electric shaver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The notification device is a device that uses light to notify information. The result notification unit notifies the user of the shaving information by controlling the notification device to change at least one of the group consisting of brightness, color, and light emission mode.

4. The electric shaver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also includes a second camera device, which can capture images of an area with a wider field of view than the first camera device. The image processing device also includes: The unshaved information generation unit generates unshaved information representing areas where shaving was not performed based on images obtained from the second camera device; as well as The area indicator unit controls the notification device to indicate the unshaved area to the user based on the unshaved information.

5. The electric shaver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The head is connected to the gripping part in a manner that allows it to move relative to the gripping part. The first camera device is fixed to the head.

6. The electric shaver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first camera device has a field of view that captures the entire width of the area of ​​skin in contact with the shaving head in a single shot.

7. An electric razor comprising a handle and a head, the handle being for a user to hold, the head having a shaving portion for cutting body hair, the head being connected to one end of the handle, the electric razor comprising: A first camera device captures images of the area near the skin where the shaved section contacts; An image processing apparatus that processes an image acquired from the first imaging device; and The notification device notifies the user of the processing results from the image processing device. in, The image processing device includes: The feature information generation unit generates feature information representing at least one of skin color, body hair, and skin texture based on the acquired image. The shaving information generation unit calculates a motion vector focusing on at least one of skin texture and body hair based on images captured at predetermined intervals. If the speed obtained from the motion vector is above a speed threshold, it generates shaving information indicating excessive speed. Alternatively, the shaving information generation unit calculates the shaking amplitude of body hair or the shaking amplitude of skin texture based on an image captured at a predetermined shutter speed. If the speed obtained from the shutter speed and the shaking amplitude is above a speed threshold, it generates shaving information indicating excessive speed. as well as The result notification unit controls the notification device to notify the user of the shaving information. The head includes a head base and a head frame. The first and second outer blades of the shaving part are mounted on the head frame. The shaving part can be detached from the head base. The first camera device is fixed to the head base and does not obstruct the detachment of the head frame.

Images