Imaging Electric Shaver With Remote Display for Mirror-Free Shaving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric shavers lack effective methods for providing clear visualization of the skin surface during shaving, especially in conditions where direct visibility is impaired, such as in dark environments or without a mirror.
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 connected display unit, utilizing wireless or wired communication, and optionally including image processing and illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If digital imaging components (camera module, display unit, communication interface) are integrated into the electric shaver, then visualization capability of the shaving area is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (shaving, imaging, display, and wireless communication) into a single integrated device. The camera module, display unit, and communication interface are merged with the electric shaver body, allowing the device to capture images of the shaving area and transmit them to a remote display without requiring separate mirror or viewing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric shaver is designed to perform multiple functions: hair removal via oscillating blades, image capture through an integrated camera module, and wireless image transmission to a display unit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mirror or viewing devices during shaving.
2Loss of information
If a mirror is used for viewing the shaving area, then visualization is improved, but the hand holding the shaver and shaver unit itself may hide and interfere with the required image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera module and wireless communication interface that captures and transmits the shaving area image to a separate display unit. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for direct line-of-sight viewing through a mirror, allowing the user to see the shaving area on a remote display while holding the shaver in the optimal position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional mirror reflection to a different viewing dimension by displaying the captured image on a separate display unit. This allows the user to view the shaving area from any angle without the physical constraints of mirror positioning or hand placement.
3Manufacturing precision
If imaging components and display unit are added to provide real-time feedback, then shaving accuracy is improved, but loss of time for image transmission and processing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module continuously captures images of the shaving area in real-time during the shaving process, and the wireless communication interface immediately transmits these images to the display unit. This preliminary and continuous action ensures that the user has real-time feedback without noticeable delay, maintaining shaving accuracy.
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 conveniently view the shaving area without a mirror, improving shaving accuracy and effectiveness 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 at an image focal point plane of the optical lens for capturing 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.