Electric Shaver Camera Feedback for Mirror-Free Skin Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric shavers lack effective visualization methods for shaving areas, especially in conditions where direct visibility is limited or no mirror is available, hindering efficient and convenient shaving.
Innovation Solution
Integration of digital imaging and display capabilities into electric shavers, allowing real-time capture, storage, and display of shaving area images, with options for wireless or wired communication and image processing to enhance visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a mirror is used for visualization during shaving, then the shaving area can be seen, 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 that captures images of the shaving area and transmits them to a remote display unit. This mediator allows the user to see the shaving area on a display screen rather than requiring direct mirror reflection, enabling visualization in locations without mirrors and in conditions where mirrors are ineffective (foggy or dark environments).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the shaving area by capturing images with a camera and displaying them on a separate display unit. This copy allows the user to view the shaving area remotely on a screen, eliminating the need for direct line-of-sight viewing through a mirror and enabling use in various locations and lighting conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the hand holding the shaver and the shaver unit itself are used, then shaving can be performed, but they may hide and interfere with the required image of the shaving area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the visualization from the same spatial plane as the shaver (where the hand and shaver block the view) to a different dimension by using a remote display unit. The camera captures the shaving area and transmits the image to a display screen that can be positioned anywhere within viewing distance, allowing the user to see the shaving area without obstruction from the hand or shaver body.
3Loss of information
If digital imaging components are integrated into the electric shaver, then real-time feedback on the shaving area can be provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into separate functional modules: a camera module integrated into or attachable to the shaver for capturing images, a communication interface for transmitting data, and a display unit for showing the captured images. This segmentation allows the imaging functionality to be added without completely redesigning the shaver architecture, reducing the complexity burden compared to full integration.
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 real-time feedback on the shaving area without the need for external mirrors, enhancing visibility and shaving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a camera module for imaging at least part of the skin area, the camera module containing an optical lens for focusing received light mechanically oriented to guide the image of at least part of the skin area, 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.