Electric shaver

Abstract

This disclosure provides an electric razor that enables a user to shave at an appropriate speed to minimize skin damage. The electric razor (100) of this disclosure includes a handle and a head with a shaving section. The electric razor (100) includes: a camera (131) for capturing images of the skin; an image processing device (150) for processing the images; and a notification device (140) for notifying the user of the processing results of the image processing device. The image processing device (150) includes: a speed information generation unit (151) for generating speed information representing the shaving speed of the head relative to the skin based on the images captured by the camera; a shaving information generation unit (152) for generating shaving information related to the shaving speed based on the speed information; and a result notification unit (153) for controlling 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 speed.

[0008] This disclosure was made in view of the above-mentioned issues, and its purpose is to provide an electric razor that can inform the user of the optimal shaving speed.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of the electric razor disclosed herein is an electric razor having 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 being connected to one end of the handle. The electric razor includes: a 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 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 speed information generation unit for generating speed information representing the shaving speed of the head relative to the skin based on the images captured by the camera device; a shaving information generation unit for generating shaving information related to the shaving speed based on the speed 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 inform the user of the optimal shaving speed and utilize the performance of the electric shaver to reduce the number of times it slides onto the same area. 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.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing two images acquired by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment at a predetermined time interval.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an image captured at a predetermined shutter speed by an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 camera device 131, a notification device 140, and an image processing device 150. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image).

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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).

[0025] 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.

[0026] Inside the head 120 are a first inner blade (not shown) corresponding to the first outer blade 122, a second inner blade (not shown) corresponding to the second outer blade 123, and a drive device 126 for driving the first inner blade and the second inner blade respectively (see reference). Figure 3 In this embodiment, the drive device 126 causes the first and second inner blades, which are inner blades, to reciprocate relative to the outer blades in the width direction (Y-axis direction in the figure). Body hair inserted into the through holes of the first and second outer blades 122 and 123 is cut between the vibrating first and second inner blades.

[0027] The 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 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 condition of the body hair and skin immediately before and immediately after shaving.

[0028] 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.

[0029] In this embodiment, the camera device 131 is fixed to the head base 125 of the head 120, and the camera device 131 operates simultaneously with the movement of the head 120 relative to the holding part 110. Therefore, the distance between the skin and the camera device 131 can be stabilized during shaving by the electric razor 100, resulting in clearer images. Specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, the 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 camera device 131 will not obstruct the head frame 124 during assembly and disassembly, 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 camera device 131. The substrate 133, the camera device 131, and the illumination device 135 are covered by a cover 134 (see reference 134). Figure 1 )cover.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, 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 methods such as notification via sound (including voice), light, vibration, electrical stimulation, and combinations thereof can be exemplified. In this embodiment, the notification device 140 is a device that notifies information via light, and multiple light-emitting elements such as LEDs are provided at the end 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, in Figure 1 The diagram shows the case where the light-emitting element of the notification device 140 is provided on one side (Y-side) of the grip portion 110, but the number of light-emitting elements is not limited to this, and they may also be provided on the other side (Y+side) of the grip portion 110, etc. Furthermore, the specific method for notifying shaving information will be described later.

[0031] Figure 3 This 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 imaging device 131. The image processing apparatus 150 includes a speed information generation unit 151, a shaving information generation unit 152, and a result notification unit 153, which are implemented by causing a processor to execute a program. In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus 150 further includes an information acquisition unit 154, a drive control unit 155, and a rhythm generation unit 156.

[0032] The information acquisition unit 154 is a processing unit for acquiring information such as images captured by the camera device 131. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 154 also acquires input information such as input by the user using the input button 112.

[0033] The speed information generation unit 151 generates speed information representing the relative movement speed of the head 120 relative to the skin, i.e., the shaving speed, based on the image acquired by the information acquisition unit 154 from the camera device 131. The method by which the speed information generation unit 151 calculates the shaving speed is not particularly limited, but the following two examples can be cited as examples.

[0034] (Calculation Example 1)

[0035] The speed information generation unit 151 generates speed information representing the movement speed of the head 120 relative to the skin, i.e., the shaving speed, based on the displacement of at least one of the skin texture and body hair in multiple images captured by the imaging device 131 at predetermined time intervals. For example, Figure 4 As shown, from the first captured image (reference) Figure 4 Select the body hair of interest from the upper half of the image (refer to the quadrilateral section in the upper half) and determine the position of the selected body hair in the image. Next, from images taken at specified time intervals (refer to...) Figure 4 The image (in the lower half of the image) extracts body hair that is the same as the previously focused body hair (refer to the part enclosed by quadrilaterals in the lower half), and determines the position of the extracted body hair in the image. The velocity information generation unit 151 generates velocity information based on the displacement of the position of the same body hair in the two images and the shooting interval of the two images.

[0036] Furthermore, the body hairs considered for generating speed information are not limited to a single hair; multiple hairs can also be considered. Alternatively, speed information can be generated based on skin texture rather than body hair.

[0037] (Calculation Example 2)

[0038] The speed information generation unit 151 generates speed information representing the movement speed of the head 120 relative to the skin, i.e., the shaving speed, based on the skin texture and the amplitude of jitter of at least one of the body hair in an image captured by the imaging device 131 at a predetermined shutter speed (i.e., exposure time). For example, as Figure 5 As shown, the body hair of interest is selected from an image, and the jitter amplitude d of the selected body hair in the image is detected. The speed information generation unit 151 generates speed information based on the jitter amplitude d in the two images and the shutter speed (i.e., exposure time).

[0039] Furthermore, the body hair considered for generating speed information is not limited to a single hair; the amplitude of the trembling of multiple hairs can also be considered. Alternatively, speed information can be generated based on the amplitude of the trembling of the skin texture, rather than on the amplitude of the body hair trembling. Additionally, the speed information generation unit 151 can generate speed information using multiple calculation methods instead of executing any single calculation method.

[0040] The shaving information generation unit 152 generates shaving information related to shaving based on the speed information generated by the speed information generation unit 151. For example, if the speed information generated by the speed information generation unit 151 is above a speed threshold, the shaving information generation unit 152 generates shaving information with excessive speed, and if the speed information generated by the speed information generation unit 151 is below the speed threshold, the shaving information generation unit 152 generates shaving information with appropriate speed.

[0041] 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 speed thresholds, and the shaving information generation unit 152 selects the speed threshold corresponding to the input information. The shaving information generation unit 152 can change the speed used as the judgment criterion for generating shaving information indicating excessive speed by using the selected speed threshold, and can adjust the way speed information is presented to the user's preference.

[0042] In addition, the shaving information generation unit 152 may maintain multiple thresholds, such as a first speed threshold that is 20% slower than the speed threshold and a second speed threshold that is 40% slower than the speed threshold, and generate shaving information that increases or decreases in stages, corresponding to the level of head movement speed.

[0043] 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 to change at least one of brightness, color, and light emission mode. The result notification unit 153 controls the emission of red light to notify the user of excessive speed, and when it receives shaving information indicating an appropriate speed from the shaving information generation unit 152, it controls the emission of blue light or stops emitting red light to notify the user that the speed is appropriate. Furthermore, if the excessive speed continues for a predetermined time or longer, the notification device 140 can be controlled to flash red.

[0044] Furthermore, while 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, the color can be changed in stages, such as emitting blue light when the speed is appropriate, emitting yellow light when the speed is slightly faster, and emitting red light when the speed is excessive, to guide the user to a perceived appropriate speed. In addition, the intensity of the light and the flashing interval of the light emission can be increased or decreased in stages.

[0045] If the shaving information generation unit 152 generates stop information indicating that no shaving action has been performed for a certain period of time, the drive control unit 155 controls the drive device 126 for driving the shaving unit 121 to stop the drive of the shaving unit 121. For example, the drive control unit 155 sequentially acquires speed information from the speed information generation unit 151, and if it acquires speed information below a stop threshold indicating a certain speed for a period of time or more (i.e., the drive control unit 155 acquires speed information below a certain speed from the speed information generation unit 151 for a period of time or more), it stops the drive of the shaving unit 121. Alternatively, if speed information faster than the stop threshold is acquired after the drive of the shaving unit 121 has stopped, the drive of the shaving unit 121 can be restarted.

[0046] Alternatively, if the shaving information generation unit 152 receives information indicating that the texture of the skin and the hair cannot be obtained from the image, it can be determined that the shaving unit 121 has left the skin, and the driving of the shaving unit 121 can be stopped.

[0047] The rhythm generating unit 156 generates a constant rhythm and controls the notification device 140 to notify the user of the generated rhythm. For example, the color and intensity of the light emitted by the notification device 140 can be changed in a constant period to notify the user of the rhythm. In addition, if the notification device 140 is equipped with a speaker, it can also generate a constant period sound like a metronome, or music that repeats in a constant period. As a result, the electric razor 100 operates in accordance with the constant period information obtained from the notification device 140, thereby notifying the user of the appropriate head movement speed 120.

[0048] According to the electric shaver 100 described above, shaving information related to shaving speed can be communicated to the user based on the skin texture or hair movement in the image obtained from the camera device 131. Therefore, the user can perform shaving while recognizing the speed at which the electric shaver 100 moves relative to the skin, and can utilize the performance of the electric shaver 100 to minimize skin damage, while also completing the shaving operation in a short time.

[0049] In addition, by generating shaving information corresponding to the user's input information, it is possible to select the user's preferred shaving speed and change the electric razor 100 to a mode corresponding to the user's preference.

[0050] In addition, the notification device 140 has a light-emitting element, which can easily notify the user of multiple shaving information by changing at least one of the brightness, color and light emission mode of the light.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 a low-speed stimulation application device that applies electrical stimulation to the user holding the grip 110 to make them virtually feel the weight and thus cause the head 120 to move. Such a notification device 140 can change the intensity and generation mode of sound, vibration, stimulation, etc., to notify shaving information.

[0053] Alternatively, the electric shaver 100 may also be equipped with a second camera device that captures images of an area wider than that captured by the camera device 131 when the shaving head 121 is in contact with the skin. For example, the second camera device may be fixed to the end of the handle 110 on the side opposite to the head 120, and may have a viewing angle that allows for capturing images of, for example, the entire cheek on one side when the shaving head 121 is in contact with the skin. This allows for accurate monitoring of the condition of the skin immediately following shaving.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Alternatively, the shaving section 121 can be used to shave by rotating the inner blade relative to the outer blade.

[0056] Furthermore, the mounting position of the 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 camera devices 131 is not limited to one; multiple locations can be used to mount the camera devices 131.

[0057] Industrial availability

[0058] 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.

[0059] The technical ideas derived from this disclosure are described below.

[0060] The electric shaver disclosed herein comprises 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 shaver includes: a 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 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 speed information generation unit for generating speed information representing the shaving speed of the head relative to the skin based on the images captured by the camera device; a shaving information generation unit for generating shaving information related to the shaving speed based on the speed information; and a result notification unit for controlling the notification device to notify the user of the shaving information.

[0061] In other words, the electric razor derived according to this disclosure comprises: 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 camera device for capturing images of the vicinity of the skin against which the shaving head contacts; a notification device; and an electrical-electronic circuit, wherein the electrical-electronic circuit performs the following processing during operation: acquiring an image from the camera device; generating speed information representing the shaving speed of the head relative to the skin based on the image captured by the camera device; generating shaving information related to the shaving speed based on the speed information; and controlling the notification device to notify the user of the shaving information.

[0062] 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").

[0063] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0064] 100: Electric razor; 110: Handling unit; 111: Power switch; 112: Input button; 120: Head; 121: Shaving unit; 122: First outer blade; 123: Second outer blade; 124: Head frame; 125: Head base; 126: Drive device; 131: Camera device; 133: Base plate; 134: Cover; 135: Illumination device; 140: Notification device; 150: Image processing device; 151: Speed ​​information generation unit; 152: Shaving information generation unit; 153: Result notification unit; 154: Information acquisition unit; 155: Drive control unit; 156: Rhythm generation 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 camera device that captures images of the area near the skin where the shaving head contacts; An image processing apparatus that processes images acquired from the camera device; and The notification device notifies the user of the processing results from the image processing device. in, The image processing device includes: The speed information generation unit generates speed information representing the shaving speed of the head relative to the skin based on the image captured by the camera device. The shaving information generation unit generates shaving information related to the shaving speed based on the speed information; as well as The result notification unit controls the notification device to notify the user of the shaving information. The shaving information generation unit maintains a first speed threshold and a second speed threshold that is slower than the first speed threshold, and generates shaving information that increases or decreases in stages according to the level of the head movement speed by comparing the speed information with the first speed threshold and the second speed threshold. The result notification unit controls the notification device to notify the user of the staged shaving information.

2. The electric shaver according to claim 1, wherein, The speed information generation unit generates speed information representing shaving speed based on the displacement of at least one of the groups consisting of skin texture and body hair in multiple images.

3. The electric shaver according to claim 1, wherein, The speed information generation unit generates speed information representing shaving speed based on the jitter amplitude of at least one of the groups consisting of skin texture and body hair in an image obtained at a specified shutter speed.

4. The electric shaver according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 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.

5. The electric shaver according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 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.

6. The electric shaver according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The image processing device includes a drive control unit. When the shaving information generation unit generates a stop information indicating that no shaving action has been performed for a certain period of time, the drive control unit controls the drive device used to drive the shaving unit to stop the drive of the shaving unit.

7. The electric shaver according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The image processing device includes a rhythm generating unit that generates a constant rhythm and controls the notification device to notify the user of the generated rhythm.

Images