Imaging Electric Shaver for Obstructed Skin-Area Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric shavers lack effective methods for providing clear visibility of the skin surface during shaving, especially in conditions where direct eye contact is not possible or lighting is inadequate, hindering efficient and convenient shaving.
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 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 a mirror is used to view the shaving area, then visibility of the skin surface is improved, but the hand holding the shaver and the shaver unit itself may hide and interfere with the required image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the imaging function with the shaver unit by integrating a camera module directly into the shaver housing. This merging allows the shaver to capture images of the shaving area without being obstructed by the user's hand or the shaver unit itself, eliminating the need for a separate mirror while maintaining clear visibility of the treatment area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera module as an intermediary device between the shaver and the user's view. The camera captures images of the shaving area and transmits them to a display device, serving as a mediator that provides unobstructed visual feedback without requiring the user to look directly at the shaving area through a mirror that would be blocked by the shaver unit.
2Loss of information
If digital imaging and display capabilities are integrated into the electric shaver, then real-time feedback on the shaving area is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating a camera module, image processor, and display interface into the shaver unit. These components serve multiple purposes: capturing images of the shaving area, processing the visual data, and providing real-time feedback to the user. This universal approach allows a single device to perform both shaving and imaging functions, reducing the need for separate devices while managing complexity through integrated design.
3Ease of operation
If the shaver is battery-powered for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but duration of action is limited by battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action through a rechargeable battery system that requires periodic recharging. The battery provides portable power for the shaver's motor and imaging components during use, then is recharged from an AC power source when not in use. This periodic charging cycle enables the shaver to maintain portability and ease of operation while extending its operational duration through repeated charge-discharge cycles.
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 achieve better shaving results by providing real-time feedback on the shaving area without the need for external mirrors, improving visibility and shaving efficiency in various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a camera module for imaging at least part of the skin area
Implementation Method 2
The camera module contains an optical lens for focusing received light
Implementation Method 3
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.