Camera-Integrated Electric Shaver for Mirror-Free Skin Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric shavers lack effective visualization methods for the shaving area, especially in conditions where direct light or mirrors are unavailable, hindering efficient and convenient shaving.
Innovation Solution
Integration of digital imaging and display capabilities into electric shavers, allowing real-time capture, storage, and display of the shaving area through a portable housing, with options for wireless or wired communication to a separate display unit, and optional illumination and image processing for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If digital imaging and display capabilities are integrated into electric shavers, then visualization of the shaving area is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the imaging function (camera module) and display function (screen) into the electric shaver unit, creating an integrated system that provides real-time visualization of the shaving area. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by embedding the visualization capability directly within the shaver, allowing users to see the shaving area without external mirrors while maintaining a single integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric shaver is enhanced with multiple functions: hair cutting, imaging, display, and potentially wireless communication. This multi-functionality approach allows the device to serve both as a traditional shaver and as a visualization system, improving the overall utility while consolidating multiple capabilities into one device.
2Ease of operation
If real-time imaging and display are implemented, then shaving convenience is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging and display functions can be activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The camera can capture images at specific intervals or when triggered by user action, and the display can show these images selectively, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining shaving convenience when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service visualization by capturing and displaying images of the shaving area automatically during the shaving process, eliminating the need for external mirrors or additional lighting equipment. This self-contained approach improves convenience while managing power requirements through integrated operation.
3Ease of operation
If camera module and display are integrated in portable housing, then visualization portability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module and display are nested within the existing portable housing of the electric shaver. The imaging and display components are integrated into the compact structure, with the camera positioned to capture the shaving area and the display arranged to show the image without significantly increasing the overall device volume. This nesting approach maintains portability while adding visualization functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables better visualization of the shaving area without the need for mirrors, providing real-time feedback and improved shaving experience under various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical lens for focusing received light mechanically oriented to guide the image of at least part of the skin area
Implementation Method 2
a photosensitive image sensor array disposed approximately at an image focal point plane of the optical lens for capturing the image and producing electronic image information
Data Source
AI summary
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.