Electric Shaver Camera Display for Mirror-Free Shaving Visibility
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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 light is insufficient, making it difficult to achieve a clean and efficient shave.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a digital camera and display unit into an electric shaver to capture and display the shaving area, allowing real-time visualization without the need for a mirror, using wireless or wired communication and optional illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a mirror is used for visualization during shaving, then the user can see the shaving area, but the mirror may not be available in all locations and cannot be seen well in foggy or dark environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture images of the shaving area and transmits them to a remote display unit. This mediator allows the user to view the shaving area on a screen rather than through a mirror, solving the problems of mirror unavailability and poor visibility in dark or foggy conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror system with an electronic imaging and display system. Instead of relying on reflective surfaces and ambient light, the system uses a camera to capture images and an electronic display to show them, eliminating the limitations of mirror-based visualization.
2Ease of operation
If the shaver unit itself is used to block the view, then the shaving can be performed, but the hand holding the shaver and the shaver unit itself may hide and interfere with the required image of the shaving area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the visualization from the same plane as the shaver (mirror next to the user) to a different dimension (remote display unit). The camera mounted on the shaver captures images and transmits them to a display unit that can be positioned anywhere within viewing distance, allowing the user to see the shaving area without obstruction from the shaver body.
3Loss of information
If digital camera and display unit are integrated into the shaver, then real-time visualization is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the visualization system into separate functional modules: a camera module integrated with the shaver for image capture, a communication interface for data transmission, and a display unit for visualization. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module integrated with the shaver serves multiple functions: it captures images of the shaving area, provides real-time visualization feedback, and can potentially store images for later review. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall system.
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 improved shaving experience by providing clear visualization of the skin surface, facilitating better adjustment and resulting in a closer and easier shave.
Implementation Method 1
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 representing the image
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.