Image Capture Synchronization with Vibration Cycle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Personal care devices, such as electric toothbrushes, experience image distortion and blur due to their vibratory movements, which existing image stabilization techniques are not optimized to address.

Innovation Solution

A personal care device equipped with an image capture device and a control unit that synchronizes image capture with the low velocity periods of the device's vibration cycle, reducing motion-related blur and distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If image capture is performed during personal care device operation, then image acquisition capability is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to vibration-induced blur and distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidvibration-induced blur and distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing image capture with the vibration cycle of the personal care device. The control unit identifies low velocity periods within the periodic vibration cycle and triggers image capture during these intervals. This timing-based approach exploits the periodic nature of the vibration to capture images when motion blur is minimized, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining device operation and achieving high-quality images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-identifying and monitoring the vibration cycle phases before image capture occurs. The control unit continuously tracks the vibration pattern and predicts upcoming low velocity periods, preparing to capture images at the optimal moment. This anticipatory approach ensures that images are captured during the best possible conditions without interrupting the overall device operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If image stabilization techniques designed for low frequency devices are applied, then some stabilization is achieved, but effectiveness deteriorates due to high frequency vibration characteristics of personal care devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilization effectivenessVSAvoidcompatibility with high frequency vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adapting the image capture timing to match the specific frequency characteristics of personal care device vibration. Instead of using fixed low-frequency stabilization techniques, the control unit dynamically adjusts capture timing based on the actual vibration frequency and cycle phases. This parameter adaptation enables effective image stabilization specifically tailored to high-frequency vibratory environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the image capture process adaptive to real-time vibration conditions. The control unit continuously monitors vibration parameters and dynamically adjusts capture timing accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the system to respond to varying vibration frequencies and amplitudes, making the stabilization effective across different operating conditions rather than relying on static stabilization parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4452130B1Personal care devices, computer program and non-therapeutical method of processing captured images
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4452130B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4452130B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4452130B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Proposed are schemes, solutions, concepts, designs, methods and systems pertaining to aiding and/or improving image acquisition from a vibratory personal care device having an image capture device. Embodiments propose identifying a target part (e.g. low velocity/motion part) of the vibration cycle based on a sensed operating parameter of the personal care device, and then controlling the image capture device based on the identified target part of the vibration cycle. Through control of the image capture device according to a target part of the vibration cycle, improved images (e.g. images exhibiting less blur and/or distortion) may be obtained. In this way, improved images may be obtained from a vibratory personal care device.