Electric Shaver Imaging for Mirror-Free Shaving 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 mirrors are unavailable or light is insufficient, hindering efficient and convenient hair removal.
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 using a camera module and display unit, 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 visibility during shaving, then the user can see the shaving area, but the mirror may not be available in all locations and cannot be used in foggy or dark environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera module as an intermediary device that captures images of the shaving area and transmits them to a display unit. This mediator allows the user to see the shaving area remotely on a display screen, eliminating the need for direct line-of-sight viewing through a mirror and enabling use in dark or foggy environments where mirrors are ineffective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the shaving area by capturing images with a camera module and displaying them on a display unit. This copy allows the user to view the shaving area remotely without needing to be in direct visual contact with the area being shaved, solving the limitation of mirror availability and effectiveness in various environments.
2Ease of operation
If the shaver unit itself is used to block the view of the shaving area, then the shaver can be held in hand for portability, but the hand and shaver interfere with the required image of the shaving area
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module acts as an intermediary that captures the shaving area image, allowing the user to hold the shaver in hand for portability while viewing the shaving area remotely on a display unit, eliminating the obstruction problem caused by holding the shaver directly over the shaving area.
3Illumination intensity
If digital imaging and display capabilities are integrated into the electric shaver, then real-time visualization of the shaving area is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the electric shaver system, including shaving, imaging, and display capabilities. The camera module and display unit work together to provide real-time visualization of the shaving area, creating a multi-functional system that combines personal care with visual feedback technology.
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 better visualization of the shaving area without the need for a mirror, providing a more efficient and convenient shaving experience by allowing users to see the skin surface being shaved or already shaved, even in dark environments.
Implementation Method 1
a camera module containing an optical lens for focusing received light
Implementation Method 2
a photosensitive image sensor array for capturing the image and producing electronic image information
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.