Camera-Integrated Electric Shaver for Mirror-Free Skin Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric shavers lack effective visualization of the skin surface during shaving, especially in conditions where direct eye contact is not possible or sufficient light is not available, making it difficult to achieve a close and efficient shave.
Innovation Solution
Integration of digital imaging and display capabilities into an electric shaver, allowing for real-time capture, storage, and display of the shaving area using a display unit, either integrated or separate, with wireless or wired communication, and optional image processing and illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If digital imaging components are integrated into the electric shaver, then visualization capability of the skin surface is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (camera module, display unit, illumination source) into an integrated electric shaver system. The camera module captures skin surface images, the illumination source provides lighting, and the display unit shows the captured images, all within a single handheld device that also performs shaving functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric shaver is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it shaves hair using oscillating or rotating blades while also capturing, illuminating, and displaying skin surface images. This multi-functional design allows the device to serve both grooming and visualization purposes in one unit.
2Ease of operation
If a mirror is used for visualization, then direct eye contact during shaving is improved, but availability in all locations and conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit acts as an intermediary between the skin surface and the user's eyes. Instead of requiring direct line-of-sight to a mirror, the camera captures the skin surface image and presents it on the display, allowing visualization without direct eye contact or dependency on mirror placement and lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror-based visualization system with an electronic imaging and display system. The camera and display unit substitute for the mirror, enabling image capture and presentation without requiring reflective surfaces or specific geometric arrangements.
3Measurement precision
If illumination is added for low-light environments, then image capture quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source provides localized lighting specifically at the skin surface area being shaved and imaged. Rather than illuminating the entire environment, the light is concentrated on the small region of interest, minimizing energy consumption while ensuring sufficient lighting for high-quality image capture in low-light conditions.
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 users to visualize the shaving area without a mirror, providing better control and efficiency in shaving operations, especially in low-light or dark environments.
Implementation Method 1
a camera module for imaging at least part of the skin area
Implementation Method 2
The image sensor may be based on Charge-Coupled Devices (CCD) or Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS)
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.