Personal Care Device Location Detection Through Skin Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the location of personal care devices on a user's skin surface are ineffective, leading to suboptimal device performance for different body parts.
Innovation Solution
Determine the location of a personal care device by measuring the curvature of the skin surface using a skin surface curvature measurement mechanism, comparing the measured curvature with stored curvature information, and adjusting device operations accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a personal care device uses a fixed operating mode, then the device structure is simple, but the device performance is suboptimal for different body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with optical measurement. A camera captures images of the skin surface, and image processing algorithms calculate curvature based on light reflection patterns. This optical approach achieves precise body part identification without requiring complex mechanical sensors or actuators, thus improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital model (copy) of the skin surface curvature from captured images. By analyzing the reflected light patterns in the images, the system generates a curvature map that represents the three-dimensional shape of the skin surface. This digital copy allows the device to identify body parts and adjust operations without direct physical contact or complex mechanical interaction with the skin.
2Measurement precision
If existing location determination methods are used, then the device structure is simple, but the location determination is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical curvature sensors with an optical imaging system. A camera captures images of the skin surface, and software algorithms process these images to calculate curvature based on light reflection patterns. This approach achieves high measurement precision for location determination without requiring complex mechanical sensing components, thereby improving accuracy while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light reflection patterns as an intermediary between the camera and the curvature measurement. The light pattern acts as a mediator that carries information about the skin surface geometry to the camera. By analyzing how light reflects off the skin surface, the system can infer curvature and location without direct physical measurement, achieving high precision with a relatively simple optical setup.
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
Improves the performance of personal care devices by allowing them to adapt their operations based on the specific body part being treated, enhancing effectiveness and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the data representative of the measured degree of curvature of the skin surface within the first region of the skin surface comprises a measure of a relative orientation of a first surface-engaging element and a second surface-engaging element of a skin surface curvature measurement mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses a computer-implemented method (1600) of determining a location of a personal care device with respect to a skin surface of a subject, the personal care device being configured to perform a personal care treatment to the skin when in contact with the skin surface. The method comprises receiving (1602) data representative of a measured degree of curvature of the skin surface within a first region of the skin surface of the subject, with which the personal care device is in contact; determining (1604), by comparing the measured degree of curvature with curvature information for a plurality of regions of the skin surface of the subject contained in a database, an indication of a location of the first region of the skin surface on the subject; and performing (1606), based on the determined indication of the location of the first region, an action in respect of the personal care device. A processing apparatus, a system, a personal care device and a computer program product are also disclosed.