U.S. patent application number 12/361070 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-29 for electric shaver with imaging capability.
Invention is credited to Yehuda BINDER.
Application Number | 20100186234 12/361070 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42352956 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100186234 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BINDER; Yehuda |
July 29, 2010 |
ELECTRIC SHAVER WITH IMAGING CAPABILITY
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
BINDER; Yehuda; (Hod
Hasharon, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROWDY AND NEIMARK, P.L.L.C.;624 NINTH STREET, NW
SUITE 300
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-5303
US
|
Family ID: |
42352956 |
Appl. No.: |
12/361070 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
30/34.05 ; 30/45;
348/222.1; 348/308; 348/311; 348/333.01; 348/376; 348/E5.022;
348/E5.024; 348/E5.091 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45D 26/00 20130101;
H04N 5/2251 20130101; H04N 5/30 20130101; G03B 37/00 20130101; H04N
5/3698 20130101; B26B 19/3806 20130101; B26B 19/46 20130101; H04N
5/332 20130101; B26B 19/00 20130101; H04N 5/2252 20130101; H04N
5/2254 20130101; H04N 13/239 20180501; B26B 19/3853 20130101; B26B
19/388 20130101; H04N 5/23293 20130101; H04N 5/23296 20130101; B26B
19/382 20130101; H04N 13/194 20180501; H04N 5/23206 20130101; B26B
21/405 20130101; H04L 5/14 20130101; H04N 7/015 20130101; H04N
21/41407 20130101; H04W 84/12 20130101; H04N 5/378 20130101; H04N
5/262 20130101; H04N 5/23238 20130101; H04N 5/2258 20130101; B26B
19/48 20130101; H04L 12/10 20130101; H04N 5/3415 20130101; H04B
3/548 20130101; H04N 7/185 20130101; H04N 5/23241 20130101; H04N
5/232939 20180801; B26B 19/3873 20130101; H04N 5/2257 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
30/34.05 ; 30/45;
348/376; 348/308; 348/311; 348/222.1; 348/333.01; 348/E05.024;
348/E05.091; 348/E05.022 |
International
Class: |
B26B 19/00 20060101
B26B019/00; B26B 19/28 20060101 B26B019/28; H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225; H04N 5/335 20060101 H04N005/335; H04N 5/222 20060101
H04N005/222 |
Claims
1. An electrically operated hair removing device for removing hair
from a skin area comprising a casing, the casing further comprising
a camera module for imaging at least part of the skin area, the
camera module comprising: an optical lens for focusing received
light mechanically oriented to focus 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; an analog to digital (A/D) converter
coupled to said image sensor for generating digital data
representation of the image.
2. The device according to claim 1 wherein said image sensor is
based on Charge-Coupled Devices (CCD) or Complementary
Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS).
3. The device according to claim 1 further operative to transmit
the image digital data representation over a communication medium,
the device further comprising: a port for coupling a signal to the
communication medium; an image processor coupled to said analog to
digital converter and for generating a digital data video signal
carrying a digital data video according to a digital video format;
a transmitter coupled between said port and said image processor
for transmitting the digital data video signal to the communication
medium.
4. The device according to claim 3 wherein the digital video format
is based on one out of: TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), RAW
format, AVI, DV, MOV, WMV, MP4, DCF (Design Rule for Camera
Format), ITU-T H.261, ITU-T H.263, ITU-T H.264, ITU-T CCIR 601,
ASF, Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) and DP*OF (Digital Print
Order Format) standards.
5. The device according to claim 3 further operative to compress
the digital data video, the device further comprising a video
compressor coupled between said an analog to digital (A/D)
converter and said transmitter for compressing said digital data
video before transmission to the communication medium.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the compression is
based on intraframe or interframe compression, and wherein the
compression is lossy or non-lossy.
7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the compression is
based on a standard compression algorithm which is one or more out
of JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) and MPEG (Moving Picture
Experts Group), ITU-T H.261, ITU-T H.263, ITU-T H.264 and ITU-T
CCIR 601.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the casing further
comprising a battery, and wherein the camera module is power fed
from the battery.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the battery is
rechargeable or primary type.
10. The device according to claim 1, further operative to be
powered from AC power, the device further comprising an AC power
plug for connecting to an AC power outlet for AC power feeding
therefrom and a power supply connected to the AC power plug to be
power fed by the AC power, and wherein the camera module is
connected to be powered from said power supply.
11. The device according to claim 10, wherein said power supply
comprising a step-down transformer and an AC/DC converter for DC
powering said camera module.
12. The device according to claim 1 further comprising a display
for displaying the captured image, the display is mechanically
attached to the casing and coupled to said analog to digital
converter for visual displaying of the image representation.
13. The device according to claim 3 further having a standard
analog video interface, wherein the transmitter is an analog video
driver.
14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the analog video
interface is substantially based on one or more out of NTSC, PAL or
SECAM formats, analog RGB and S-video.
15. The device according to claim 13, wherein said port is a
coaxial or a RF connector.
16. The device according to claim 3 further having a standard
digital video interface, wherein the transmitter is a digital video
driver and wherein said port is a digital data connector.
17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the digital video
interface is substantially based on one or more out of USB, SDI
(Serial Digital Interface), FireWire, HDMI (High-Definition
Multimedia Interface), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), UDI (Unified
Display Interface), DisplayPort, Digital Component Video and
DVB.
18. The device according to claim 3, wherein the communication
medium is free air propagation of electromagnetic radio-frequency
waves, wherein said port is an antenna for transmitting the
wireless signal to the air, and wherein said transceiver is
wireless transceiver.
19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the wireless
communication and the wireless signal are based on standard WPAN
(Wireless Personal Area Network) or WLAN (Wireless Local area
Network) technologies.
20. The device according to claim 18, wherein the wireless
communication and the wireless signal substantially conforms to at
least one of the following standards WMAN, WAN, BWA, LMDS, MMDS,
WiMAX, HIPERMAN, IEEE802.16, Bluetooth, IEEE802.15, UWB
(Ultra-Wide-band), ZigBee, cellular, IEEE802.11, WirelessHD, GSM,
GPRS, 2.5G, 3G, UMTS, DCS, PCS and CDMA.
21. The device according to claim 3 wherein the communication
medium is a wired medium, wherein said port is a connector, and
wherein said transmitter is a wired transmitter adapted to transmit
digital data to the wired medium.
22. The device according to claim 21 wherein the communication over
the wired medium is according to a wired PAN (Personal Area
Network) or a LAN (Local area Network) standard, and wherein the
communication is based serial or parallel transmission.
23. The device according to claim 22 wherein the wired medium is
LAN cable substantially according to EIT/TIA-568 or EIA/TIA-570
comprising UTP or STP twisted-pairs, wherein the connector is RJ-45
type, wherein the communication over the cable substantially
conforms to IEEE802.3 Ethernet 10 BaseT or 100 BaseTX or 1000
BaseT, and wherein the transmitter is a LAN transceiver.
24. The device according to claim 22 wherein the communication over
the wired medium, the wired transmitter and the connector
substantially conforms to one out of IEEE1394, USB (Universal
Serial Bus), EIA/TIA-232 and IEEE1284.
25. The device according to claim 3 wherein the communication
medium is a cable, wherein said port is a connector, wherein said
transmitter is a wired transmitter adapted to transmit digital data
to the wired medium, wherein said cable concurrently carries a
power signal, and wherein the device is at least in part powered
from said power signal.
26. The device according to claim 25 wherein said power signal is
DC (Direct Current) power signal.
27. The device according to claim 25 wherein said power signal is
AC (Alternating Current) power signal.
28. The device according to claim 25 wherein said cable comprising
multiple insulated wires, and wherein the power signal is carried
over dedicated wires distinct from the wires carrying the
communication signal.
29. The device according to claim 25 wherein said cable comprising
multiple insulated wires, and wherein the same wires are used to
simultaneously carry both power and communication signals.
30. The device according to claim 29 wherein the power and
communication signals are carried over the same wires.
31. The device according to claim 30 wherein the power and
communication signals are carried over the same wires, and wherein
the power is a DC power carrying over a phantom channel over the
wires.
32. The device according to claim 31 wherein the cable is a LAN
cable substantially according to EIT/TIA-568 or EIA/TIA-570 and
comprising UTP or STP twisted-pairs, wherein the connector is RJ-45
type, wherein the communication over the cable substantially
conforms to IEEE802.3 Ethernet 10 BaseT or 100 BaseTX or 1000
BaseT, and wherein the transmitter is a LAN transceiver, and
wherein the power is carried over the cable substantially according
to IEEE802.3af or IEEE802.3at standards.
32. The device according to claim 30 wherein the power and
communication signals are carried over the same wires using
Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), wherein the power signal is
carried over a power frequency, and wherein the communication
signal is carried over a communication frequency band distinct and
above the power frequency.
33. The device according to claim 32 further comprising a low pass
filter coupled between said connector and said transmitter for
substantially passing only the power frequency, for powering the
transmitter from said power signal.
34. The device according to claim 32 further comprising an high
pass filter coupled between said connector and said transmitter for
substantially passing only the communication frequency band, for
passing the communication signal between said connector and said
transmitter.
35. The device according to claim 34 wherein the power is AC power,
the connector is AC power plug for connecting to AC power wiring,
and the transmitter is part of a powerlines modem.
36. The device according to claim 35 wherein said modem and the
communication over the AC power substantially conform to HomePlug
or UPB.
37. The device according to claim 3, wherein the communication over
the communication medium is half-duplex or full-duplex, and wherein
the device further comprising a receiver coupled to said port for
receiving information from the communication medium.
38. The device according to claim 1 further comprising: an
additional optical lens for focusing received light mechanically
oriented to guide the image of at least part of the skin area; an
additional photosensitive image sensor array disposed approximately
at an image focal point plane of the additional optical lens for
capturing the image and producing additional electronic image
information representing the image; an additional analog to digital
(A/D) converter coupled to said additional image sensor for
generating an additional digital data representation of the
image.
39. The device according to claim 38 further comprising: a
multiplexer coupled to said analog to digital converters for
generating a multiplexed signal comprising said digital data
representation of the images; a port for coupling a signal to the
communication medium; a transmitter coupled between said port and
said image processor for transmitting the multiplexed signal to the
communication medium.
40. The device according to claim 1 further comprising a digital
image processor for processing the digital data representation of
the image.
41. The device according to claim 40 wherein the digital image
processor operative to identify individual hair or a hairy area in
the captured image.
42. The device according to claim 41 wherein the device is further
operative to generate a digital data representation of the image
wherein the individual hairs or the hairy area are marked.
43. The device according to claim 1 further comprising a light
source for providing an illumination.
44. The device according to claim 43 wherein the light source is
mechanically mounted for illumination of at least part of the skin
area captured by said optical lens and image sensor.
45. The device according to claim 43 wherein said light source is a
LED (Light Emitting Diode).
46. The device according to claim 1 further comprising an electric
motor and a cutter driven by said motor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 11/141,599, filed on Dec. 30, 2008, the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to electric shavers
having electronic imaging functions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Razors are known as a bladed tool primarily used in the
shaving off of unwanted body hair. Electric shavers are known as an
alternative to razors for removal of hair and/or slicing hair down
to the level of the skin. Such shavers are commonly used by men to
remove their facial hair (such as beard, mustache and whiskers) and
by women to remove their leg, underarm and other hair. Electric
shavers, also known as `electric razors` or `electric dry shavers`,
commonly include of a set of oscillating or rotating blades, which
are held behind a perforated metal foil that prevents the blades
from coming into contact with the skin. In some designs a rotary
type of shaver is used, wherein the blades are circular having a
circular motion, while other shavers use oscillating blades. Blade
movement is powered by a small DC motor, commonly powered by
rechargeable batteries. Some electric shavers are plugged directly
into an AC outlet to be powered therefrom.
[0004] FIG. 1 shows an example of an electric shaver 10 using a
straight cutting mechanism. Front view 12 of the shaver 10 shows a
foil 15 covering the blades, an on/off switch 16 and an enclosure
17. View 11 is a side view and view 19 is a rear view of the shaver
10. View 13 is a top view of the foil 15 which is usually in
contact with the skin and the hair. View 14 is a bottom view
showing a connector 18 for connecting to a power source, such as AC
power 115 VAC/60 Hz (as in North America) or 220 VAC/50 Hz common
in Europe. The shaver 10 parts are supported in an enclosure 17,
which may be an integrally molded body frame. The casing enclosing
the frame and supported parts can be molded of plastic or can be a
sheet metal body, or any other suitable synthetic resin material.
The enclosure 17, which is commonly hand-held, is shown as a
rectangular, `box-like` enclosure having four walls, which is
commonly used with straight cutting systems. Cylindrical cases are
also known and commonly used with rotary-type electric shavers.
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a simplified general block
diagram of an electric shaver powered by a battery or cell. The
battery 24 powers a DC electric motor 26, which is mechanically
coupled via mechanical coupling 27 for driving power to rotate or
oscillate blades included in a cutter mechanism 28, thus cutting
the hair via a foil such as foil 15 shown in FIG. 1. The coupling
27 may be a shaft or a transmission gear. An on/off switch 25
(corresponding to the switch 16 in FIG. 1) allows the user to start
and stop the operation of the electrical shaver. In many designs
the battery 24 used is a rechargeable battery such as a
nickel-cadmium battery. In such a case, a battery charger 23
employed for charging the battery while not in use. The battery
charger or power supply 23 is commonly fed by domestic AC power
through AC plug 21 and cord 22, and commonly includes a step-down
transformer. The charging associated components, such as the
charger 23, the AC plug 21, and the cable 22, are housed in a
separate enclosure, and connected via a connector (such as jack
socket or receptacle 18 in FIG. 1) to the electric shaver assembly,
housing the electric cell or cells 24, the motor 26 and the cutting
mechanism 28). In the case of only AC-powered shavers (without
battery), the battery 24 is not used and the power supply 23
directly feeds the motor 26.
[0006] Good visibility of the skin surface involved with the
shaving is essential for quick, convenient, easy and effective
shaving. In many cases, such as in a facial shaving, direct
eye-contact during shaving cannot be made, and a mirror needs to be
used. However, a mirror may not be available in all locations.
Further, in the case of a foggy or dark environment, the image in
the mirror cannot be seen well. Further, the hand holding the
shaver and the shaver unit itself may hide and interfere with the
required image of the shaving area.
[0007] An electric shaver containing a microcomputer and display
means is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,735 to Okada entitled:
"Electric Shaver". In addition, an electric shaver including a
display and light receiving means is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,920,988 to Momose entitled: "Electric Shaver".
[0008] In consideration of the foregoing, it would be an
advancement in the art to provide a method and system that is
simple, cost-effective, faithful, reliable, has a minimum part
count, minimum hardware, or uses existing and available components
allowing convenient or better visualization of the skin during
shaving, and in particular the shaving area. Such visualization may
aid a person in determining how to adjust their shaving to produce
the best shave. The shaving area refers to the skin surface area
that is of interest to user for shaving, either required to be
shaved, under shaving or after being shaved.
[0009] Furthermore, it would be highly advantageous to have a
method and system providing a close, better and easier shaving
experience by allowing a better viewing of the skin that is about
to be shaved or was already shaved, preferably without the need of
a mirror, under a dark environment, or under a condition where
sufficient light is not provided. This will allow the user of the
electric shaver to have real-time feedback on the shaving
activity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, a method and
apparatus for using digital imaging or digital photography of the
shaving area is described. Digital camera functionality is added to
an portably hand-held housing of an electric shaver, allowing the
shaving area image (either as still image or as video) to be
captured, stored, manipulated and displayed on a display unit. The
image capturing hardware is integrated with the electric shaver,
and the image captured is reconstructed faithfully and displayed on
a display unit for the user to view. The shaving improvement can
benefit human hair removal such as facial or leg hair removal.
[0011] The image capturing hardware integrated with the electric
shaver contains a photographic lens (through a lens opening)
focusing the required image onto an image sensor. The image is
converted into a digital format by an image sensor AFE (Analog
Front End) and an image processor. The display unit uses a display
interface to convert the digital image to a signal suitable to be
displayed on the screen of the display.
[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the display unit
is integrated with the electric shaver. The display can be of a
flip type, wherein the screen can be extended for user view only
when required, and folded otherwise.
[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, the display unit
is a separate device housed within a separate enclosure. The
digital data representing the captured image is transmitted over a
communication medium to the display unit. The display unit receives
the digital data from the communication medium and displays it. In
this scenario, the electric shaver includes a transmitter (or a
transceiver) for transmitting the digital data to the communication
medium, and the display unit includes a receiver (or a transceiver)
for receiving the digital data from the communication medium. In
one aspect according to the invention, the video signal is carried
in an analog form over the communication medium, respectively using
an analog transmitter and an analog receiver.
[0014] The communication between the electric shaver assembly and
the display unit can be non-conductive over-the-air wireless, using
radio, audio or light based communication, and use various WLAN,
WPAN and other technologies. The wireless communication may use a
spread-spectrum signal such as multi-carrier (e.g. OFDM, DMT and
CDMA), or a single carrier (narrow-band) signal. Each of the
wireless signals or the wireless communication links above may be
WPAN, WLAN, WMAN, WAN, BWA, LMDS, MMDS, WiMAX, HIPERMAN,
IEEE802.16, Bluetooth, IEEE802.15, IEEE802.11 (such as a, b and g),
UWB, ZigBee and cellular such as GSM, GPRS, 2.5G, 3G, UMTS, DCS,
PCS and CDMA. Similarly, each of the frequency bands above may be
part of the ISM frequency bands.
[0015] Further, such communication can use a conductive medium such
as cables or wires, or any other metallic medium. Standard PAN or
LAN cabling and protocols may be used, such as Ethernet 10/100/1000
BaseT. In one embodiment, powerline communication is used wherein
the AC power wiring is used as the communication medium.
[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, a lossy or
non-lossy compression of the image information is used for reducing
the memory size and reducing the data rate required for the
transmission over the communication medium. In this configuration,
video compression functionality is added to the shaver, and a video
de-compressor is added to the display unit for reconstructing the
original signal.
[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, one or more
light sources are added for better illumination of the photographed
area or the shaving area.
[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, multiple image
capturing mechanisms are used, each containing a lens and image
sensor, allowing for capturing of larger shaving area. In one
embodiment, each such image capturing can be mounted on a different
wall or side of the electric shaver. In one embodiment, the lens is
mounted in the cutter side of the shaver, which is in direct
contact with the skin surface during shaving.
[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, digital image
processing is used to analyze the captured image and notify the
user (on the display or otherwise) of the results of such analysis.
Individual hairs as well as hairy areas can be identified and
marked.
[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, zooming and
still image capturing features are provided, as well as other
features commonly associated with still digital cameras and video
cameras such as camcorders. Other controls such as brightness may
also be provided.
[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, various controls
are provided to the user by means of buttons and switches located
as part of the electric shaver, or as part of the display unit or
in both. Various visual indicators can also be employed.
[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, the camera added
hardware in the shaver is powered from the same power source as the
shaver itself, such as a battery (either primary or rechargeable)
or from a domestic AC power. Similarly, the display unit may be
powered locally from a battery or from the AC power. Further, the
cable connecting between the electric shaver and the display unit
(for example serving as the communication medium) can also be used
to concurrently carry power either from the shaver to power the
display unit or from the display unit to power the electric shaver
unit.
[0023] In another aspect of the present invention, a single cable
is used to connect the display unit with the electric shaver. The
cable simultaneously carries both the communication signal for
displaying the captured image on the display, and a power signal.
The power signal can be fed from the display unit to power the
electric shaver and its camera module, or alternately fed from the
shaver to power the display unit. Carrying both the power and data
signals over the same cable can make use of distinct separated wire
sets, each set dedicated to one type of a signal. Alternatively,
the same wires can carry both signals each over a different
frequency band (FDM) or using phantom technique.
[0024] In another aspect of the present invention, the captured
image is transmitted from the electric shaver using a standard
analog or digital video interface, thus allowing the displaying of
the video on standard and common video equipment.
[0025] One aspect of the present invention involves an electrically
operated hair removing device for removing hair from a skin area,
containing a casing, the casing further including 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,
and an analog to digital (A/D) converter coupled to the image
sensor for generating digital data representation of the image. The
image sensor may be based on Charge-Coupled Devices (CCD) or
Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS). The device may
further contain an electric motor and a cutter driven by the motor,
and may be power fed from a battery that is rechargeable or a
primary type.
[0026] Further, the device may be operative to transmit the image
digital data representation over a communication medium, and in
such case may contain a port for coupling a signal to the
communication medium, an image processor coupled to the analog to
digital converter and for generating a digital data video signal
carrying a digital data video according to a digital video format,
and a transmitter coupled between the port and the image processor
for transmitting the digital data video signal to the communication
medium. The digital video format may be based on one out of: TIFF
(Tagged Image File Format), RAW format, AVI, DV, MOV, WMV, MP4, DCF
(Design Rule for Camera Format), ITU-T H.261, ITU-T H.263, ITU-T
H.264, ITU-T CCIR 601, ASF, Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format)
and DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) standards. Further, the
device may be operative to compress the digital data video, and in
such a case may further contain a video compressor coupled between
the analog to digital (A/D) converter and the transmitter for
compressing the digital data video before transmission to the
communication medium. The compression may be based on intraframe or
interframe compression, and can further be lossy or non-lossy
compression. The communication over the communication medium may be
half-duplex or full-duplex, and the device may further contain a
receiver coupled to the port for receiving information from the
communication medium.
[0027] In the case of using compression, the compression is based
on a standard compression algorithm that is one or more out of JPEG
(Joint Photographic Experts Group) and MPEG (Moving Picture Experts
Group), ITU-T H.261, ITU-T H.263, ITU-T H.264 and ITU-T CCIR 601.
For example, the compression can be based on ADV212 JPEG 2000 Video
Codec, available from Analog Devices, Inc., from Norwood, Mass.,
U.S.A.
[0028] In one aspect of the invention the device casing further
contains a battery, and the camera module is power fed from the
battery. In an alternative solution, the device is operative to be
powered from AC power, thus further contains an AC power plug for
connecting to an AC power outlet for AC power feeding therefrom,
and a power supply connected to the AC power plug to be power fed
by the AC power, and the camera module is connected to be powered
from the power supply. The power supply may include a step-down
transformer and an AC/DC converter for DC powering the camera
module.
[0029] In one aspect of the invention, the device further contains
a display for displaying the captured image, the display may be
mechanically attached to the casing and coupled to the analog to
digital converter for visual displaying of the image
representation. Further, the device may include a standard analog
video interface, and in such a case the transmitter is an analog
video driver, the analog video interface may be substantially based
on one or more out of NTSC, PAL or SECAM formats, analog RGB and
S-video, and the port is a coaxial or a RF connector.
Alternatively, a standard digital video interface is employed,
wherein the transmitter is a digital video driver and the port is a
digital data connector. The digital video interface may be
substantially based on one or more out of USB, SDI (Serial Digital
Interface), FireWire, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface),
DVI (Digital Visual Interface), UDI (Unified Display Interface),
DisplayPort, Digital Component Video and DVB.
[0030] In one aspect of the invention, the communication medium is
free air propagation of electromagnetic radio-frequency waves, and
the port is an antenna for transmitting the wireless signal to the
air, wherein the transceiver is a wireless transceiver. Such
wireless communication and the wireless signal may be based on
standard WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network) or WLAN (Wireless
Local area Network) technologies, and may substantially conform to
at least one of the following standards: WMAN, WAN, BWA, LMDS,
MMDS, WiMAX, HIPERMAN, IEEE802.16, Bluetooth, IEEE802.15, UWB
(Ultra-Wide-band), ZigBee, cellular, IEEE802.11, WirelessHD, GSM,
GPRS, 2.5G, 3G, UMTS, DCS, PCS and CDMA.
[0031] In one aspect of the invention, the communication medium is
a wired medium, the port is a connector, and the transmitter is a
wired transmitter adapted to transmit digital data to the wired
medium. The communication over the wired medium may be according to
a wired PAN (Personal Area Network) or a LAN (Local area Network)
standard, and may further be based on serial or parallel
transmission. For example, the wired medium may be a LAN cable
substantially according to EIT/TIA-568 or EIA/TIA-570 containing a
UTP (unshielded Twisted Pair) or STP (Shielded Twisted Pair). In
such case the connector is an RJ-45 type, and the communication
over the cable may substantially conform to IEEE802.3 Ethernet 10
BaseT or 100 BaseTX or 1000 BaseT, and the transmitter may be a LAN
transceiver. In an alternative aspect, the wired transmitter and
the connector substantially conform to one out of IEEE1394, USB
(Universal Serial Bus), EIA/TIA-232 and IEEE1284.
[0032] In one aspect of the invention, the communication medium is
a cable, the port is a connector, and the transmitter is a wired
transmitter adapted to transmit digital data to the wired medium.
Further, the cable concurrently carries a power signal, and the
device is at least in part powered from the power signal. The power
signal may be a DC (Direct Current) power signal, or an AC
(Alternating Current) power signal. The cable may contain multiple
insulated wires, and the power signal may be carried over dedicated
wires distinct from the wires carrying the communication signal. In
the case wherein the cable contains multiple insulated wires, and
the wires are used to simultaneously carry both power and
communication signals, the power and communication signals are
carried over the same wires. In such a case the power may be a DC
power carrying over a phantom channel over the wires. For example,
the cable may be a LAN cable substantially according to EIT/TIA-568
or EIA/TIA-570 and containing UTP or STP twisted-pairs, the
connector may be RJ-45 type, the communication over the cable may
substantially conform to IEEE802.3 Ethernet 10 BaseT, 100 BaseTX,
or 1000 BaseT, the transmitter may be a LAN transceiver, and the
power may be carried over the cable substantially according to
IEEE802.3af or IEEE802.3at standards.
[0033] Alternatively, the power and communication signals may be
carried over the same wires using Frequency Division Multiplexing
(FDM), wherein the power signal is carried over a power frequency,
and wherein the communication signal is carried over a
communication frequency band distinct and above the power
frequency. In this case, the device may further include a low pass
filter coupled between the connector and the transmitter for
substantially passing only the power frequency, for powering the
transmitter from the power signal. Such device may also further
include a high pass filter coupled between the connector and the
transmitter for substantially passing only the communication
frequency band, for passing the communication signal between the
connector and the transmitter. In the case where power is AC power,
the connector may be an AC power plug for connecting to AC power
wiring, and the transmitter may be part of a powerlines modem, such
as HomePlug or UPB.
[0034] In one aspect of the invention, the device further contains
an additional optical lens for focusing received light mechanically
oriented to guide the image of at least part of the skin area, an
additional photosensitive image sensor array disposed approximately
at an image focal point plane of the additional optical lens for
capturing the image and producing additional electronic image
information representing the image, and an additional analog to
digital (A/D) converter coupled to the additional image sensor for
generating an additional digital data representation of the image.
The device may further include a multiplexer coupled to the analog
to digital converters for generating a multiplexed signal
containing the digital data representation of the images, a port
for coupling a signal to the communication medium, and a
transmitter coupled between the port and the image processor for
transmitting the multiplexed signal to the communication
medium.
[0035] In one aspect of the invention, the device further contains
a digital image processor for processing the digital data
representation of the image. The digital image processor may be
operative to identify individual hair or a hairy area in the
captured image, and the device may be further operative to generate
a digital data representation of the image wherein the individual
hairs or the hairy area are marked.
[0036] In one aspect of the invention, the device further includes
a light source for providing an illumination. The light source may
be mechanically mounted for illumination of at least part of the
skin area captured by the optical lens and image sensor, and can be
an LED (Light Emitting Diode).
[0037] The above summary is not an exhaustive list of all aspects
of the present invention. Indeed, the inventor contemplates that
his invention includes all systems and methods that can be
practiced from all suitable combinations and derivatives of the
various aspects summarized above, as well as those disclosed in the
detailed description below and particularly pointed out in the
claims filed with the application. Such combinations have
particular advantages not specifically recited in the above
summary.
[0038] It is understood that other embodiments of the present
invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art
from the following detailed description, wherein are shown and
described only embodiments of the invention by way of illustration.
As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and
different embodiments and its several details are capable of
modification in various other respects, all without departing from
the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.
Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
[0039] The above and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description, drawings and appended claims, or may be learned by the
practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. It is intended
that all such additional apparatus and advantages be included
within this description, be within the scope of the present
invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] In order that the manner in which the above recited and
other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more
particular description of the invention briefly described above
will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof,
which are illustrated in the appended figures and drawings. The
invention is herein described, by way of non-limiting example only,
with reference to the accompanying figures and drawings, wherein
like designations denote like elements. Understanding that these
drawings only provide information concerning typical embodiments of
the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting in
scope:
[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically views of a prior-art
electric shaver;
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a simplified general
functional block diagram of a prior art electric shaver;
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a simplified general
functional block diagram of an electric shaver according to the
invention;
[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates schematically a simplified general
functional block diagram of a display unit according to the
invention;
[0045] FIGS. 5 and 5a illustrate schematically views of an electric
shaver according to the invention;
[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates schematically a system including an
electric shaver and a display unit according to the invention;
[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates schematically a human male facial shaving
using an electric shaver and a display unit according to the
invention;
[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates schematically a human female leg shaving
using an electric shaver and a display unit according to the
invention;
[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates schematically a simplified general
functional block diagram of an electric shaver according to the
invention;
[0050] FIG. 10 illustrates schematically a simplified general
functional block diagram of a display unit according to the
invention;
[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates schematically a system including an
electric shaver and a display unit according to the invention;
[0052] FIG. 11a illustrates schematically a human male facial
shaving using an electric shaver and a display unit according to
the invention;
[0053] FIG. 11b illustrates schematically a human female leg
shaving using an electric shaver and a display unit according to
the invention;
[0054] FIG. 12 illustrates schematically a simplified general
functional block diagram of an electric shaver according to the
invention;
[0055] FIG. 13 illustrates schematically views of an electric
shaver according to the invention;
[0056] FIG. 14 illustrates schematically a simplified general
functional block diagram of an electric shaver according to the
invention;
[0057] FIG. 15 illustrates schematically a simplified general
functional block diagram of a display unit according to the
invention;
[0058] FIG. 16 illustrates schematically a system including an
electric shaver and a display unit according to the invention;
[0059] FIG. 17 illustrates schematically views displayed on the
display unit according to the invention;
[0060] FIG. 18 illustrates schematically views displayed on the
display unit according to the invention;
[0061] FIG. 19 illustrates schematically views displayed on the
display unit according to the invention;
[0062] FIG. 20 illustrates schematically a simplified general
functional block diagram of an electric shaver according to the
invention;
[0063] FIG. 21 illustrates schematically views of an electric
shaver according to the invention;
[0064] FIG. 22 illustrates schematically views of an electric
shaver according to the invention;
[0065] FIG. 23 illustrates schematically a simplified general
functional block diagram of a display unit according to the
invention;
[0066] FIG. 24 illustrates schematically a simplified general
functional block diagram of an electric shaver according to the
invention;
[0067] FIG. 25 illustrates schematically a system including an
electric shaver and a display unit according to the invention.
[0068] FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of an electric shaver
according to the invention; and
[0069] FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of an electric shaver
according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0070] The principles and operation of a network according to the
present invention may be understood with reference to the figures
and the accompanying description wherein similar components
appearing in different figures are denoted by identical reference
numerals. The drawings and descriptions are conceptual only. In
actual practice, a single component can implement one or more
functions; alternatively, each function can be implemented by a
plurality of components and circuits. In the figures and
descriptions, identical reference numerals indicate those
components that are common to different embodiments or
configurations. Identical numerical references (even in the case of
using different suffix, such as 5, 5a, 5b and 5c) refer to
functions or actual devices that are either identical,
substantially similar or having similar functionality. It will be
readily understood that the components of the present invention, as
generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be
arranged and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of
the embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method of the present
invention, as represented in the figures herein, is not intended to
limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely
representative of embodiments of the invention.
[0071] FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a simplified general block
diagram of an electric shaver including a digital camera module 31
according to one embodiment of the invention. The digital camera
module 31 functions to receive visual information, such as the skin
surface to be shaved, that was shaved, or the present shaving area,
and interpret it as an electronic video signal to be remotely
displayed by a display unit. The camera module can take still
photographs, video streams or both. The electric shaver 30 shown in
FIG. 3 includes the electrical shaver 20 described in FIG. 2, added
with digital camera functionality 31. Preferably, the same
enclosure (such as housing 17 shown in FIG. 1) is used to house
both the electric shaver and the digital camera functions.
Preferably, the electric shaver 30 will have the same `look and
feel` of a common electric shaver.
[0072] The digital camera 31 includes lens 39 (or few lenses) for
focusing the received light onto a small semiconductor sensor 32.
The sensor 32 commonly includes a panel with a matrix of tiny
light-sensitive diodes (photocells), converting the image light to
electric charges and then to electric signals, thus creating a
video picture or a still image by recording the light intensity.
Charge-Coupled Devices (CCD) and CMOS (Complementary
Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) are commonly used as the light-sensitive
diodes. Linear or area arrays of light-sensitive elements may be
used, and the light sensitive sensors may support monochrome (black
& white), color or both. For example, the CCD sensor KAI-2093
Image Sensor 1920 (H).times.1080 (V) Interline CCD Image Sensor or
KAF-50100 Image Sensor 8176 (H).times.6132 (V) Full-Frame CCD Image
Sensor can be used, available from Image Sensor Solutions, Eastman
Kodak Company, Rochester, N.Y.
[0073] An image processor block 46 receives the analog signal from
the image sensor. The Analog Front End (AFE) in the block 46
filters, amplifies and digitizes the signal, using an
analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. The AFE further provides
correlated double sampling (CDS), and provides a gain control to
accommodate varying illumination conditions. In the case of CCD
sensor 32, a CCD AFE (Analog Front End) component may be used
between the digital image processor 46 and the sensor 32. Such an
AFE may be based on VSP2560 `CCD Analog Front End for Digital
Cameras` from Texas Instruments Incorporated of Dallas Tex., U.S.A.
The block 46 further contains a digital image processor, which
receives the digital data from the ATE, and processes this digital
representation of the image to handle various industry-standards,
and to execute various computations and algorithms. Preferably,
additional image enhancements may be performed by the block 46 such
as generating greater pixel density or adjusting color balance,
contrast and luminance. Further, the block 46 may perform other
data management functions and processing on the raw digital image
data. Commonly, the timing relationship of the vertical/horizontal
reference signals and the pixel clock are also handled in this
block. Digital Media System-on-Chip device TMS320DM357 from Texas
Instruments Incorporated of Dallas Tex., U.S.A. is an example of a
device implementing in a single chip (and associated circuitry)
part or all of the image processor 46, part or all of the video
compressor 33 and part or all of transceiver 34. In addition to a
lens or lens system, color filters may be placed between the
imaging optics and the photosensor array to achieve desired color
manipulation.
[0074] The block 46 converts the raw data received from the
photosensor array 32 into a color-corrected image in a standard
image file format. In order to transmit the digital image to a
remote display over a communication medium 37 (which may contain a
wired or non-wired medium), a transmitter or transceiver 34 is
disposed between the medium 37 and the image processor 46. The
transceiver 34 also includes isolation magnetic components (e.g.
transformer-based), balancing, surge protection, and other suitable
components required for providing a proper and standard interface
via a port 38. In the case of connecting to a wired medium, the
port 38 will contain a connector and the port further contains
protection circuitry for accommodating transients, over-voltage and
lightning, and any other protection means for reducing or
eliminating the damage from an unwanted signal over the wired
medium. A band pass filter may also be used for passing only the
required communication signals, and rejecting or stopping other
signals in the described path. A transformer may be used for
isolating and reducing common-mode interferences. Further a wiring
driver and wiring receivers may be used in order to transmit and
receive the appropriate level of signal to and from the wired
medium. An equalizer may also be used in order to compensate for
any frequency dependent characteristics of the wired medium.
Further, the communication over the communication medium 37 can be
bi-directional, such as half-duplex or full-duplex, or one-way,
wherein the shaver only transmits the image to the display
unit.
[0075] The port 38 couples to the communication medium 37, and may
be a connector in case of wired medium such as a cable or wires, or
an antenna in the case of radio-frequency over-the-air wireless
transmission.
[0076] A controller 35, located within the camera module 31, may be
based on a discrete logic or an integrated device, such as a
processor, microprocessor or microcomputer, and may include a
general-purpose device or may be a special purpose processing
device, such as an ASIC, PAL, PLA, PLD, Field Programmable Gate
Array (FPGA), Gate Array, or other customized or programmable
device. In the case of a programmable device as well as in other
implementations, a memory is required. The controller 35 commonly
includes a memory that may include a static RAM (random Access
Memory), dynamic RAM, flash memory, ROM (Read Only Memory), or any
other data storage medium. The memory may include data, programs,
and/or instructions and any other software or firmware executable
by the processor. The control logic can be implemented in hardware
or in software, such as a firmware stored in the memory. The
controller 35 controls and monitors the device operation, such as
initialization, configuration, interface and commands. The term
"processor" is meant to include any integrated circuit or other
electronic device (or collection of devices) capable of performing
an operation on at least one instruction including, without
limitation, reduced instruction set core (RISC) processors, CISC
microprocessors, microcontroller units (MCUs), CISC-based central
processing units (CPUs), and digital signal processors (DSPs). The
hardware of such devices may be integrated onto a single substrate
(e.g., silicon "die"), or distributed among two or more substrates.
Furthermore, various functional aspects of the processor may be
implemented solely as software or firmware associated with the
processor.
[0077] Power to the digital camera module 31 is fed from the
battery 24 via on/off switch 25a for its described functions such
as for capturing, storing, manipulating, and transmitting the
image. The battery 24 power feeds the power supply 36, which
provides needed voltages to all the camera module 31 components.
The power supply 36 contains a DC/DC converter. In another
embodiment, the power supply 36 is power fed from the AC power
supply via AC plug 21 and cord 22, and thus may include an AC/DC
converter, for converting the AC power (commonly 115 VAC/60 Hz or
220 VAC/50 Hz) into the required DC voltage or voltages. Such power
supplies are known in the art and typically involves converting 120
or 240 volt AC supplied by a power utility company to a
well-regulated lower voltage DC for electronic devices. In one
embodiment, power supplies 36 and 23 are integrated into a single
device or circuit, in order to share common circuits. Further, the
power supplies 36 and 23 may include a boost converter, such as a
buck boost converter, charge pump, inverter and regulators as known
in the art, as required for conversion of one form of electrical
power to another desired form and voltage. While both power
supplies 23 and 36 (either separated or integrated) can be an
integral part and housed within the shaver enclosure, they may be
enclosed as a separate housing connected via cable to the shaver
assembly. For example, a small outlet plug-in step-down transformer
shape can be used (also known as wall-wart, "power brick", "plug
pack", "plug-in adapter", "adapter block", "domestic mains
adapter", "power adapter", or AC adapter). Further, each of the
power supplies 23 and 36 may be a linear or switching type.
[0078] Various formats that can be used to represent the captured
image are TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), RAW format, AVI, DV,
MOV, WMV, MP4, DCF (Design Rule for Camera Format), ITU-T H.261,
ITU-T H.263, ITU-T H.264, ITU-T CCIR 601, ASF, Exif (Exchangeable
Image File Format), and DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)
standards. In many cases, video data is compressed before
transmission, in order to allow its transmission over a reduced
bandwidth transmission system. A video compressor 33 (or video
encoder) is shown in FIG. 3 disposed between the image processor 46
and the transceiver 34, allowing for compression of the digital
video signal before its transmission over the communication medium
37. In some cases compression will not be required, hence obviating
the need for such compressor 33. Such compression can be lossy or
lossless types. Common compression algorithms are JPEG (Joint
Photographic Experts Group) and MPEG (Moving Picture Experts
Group). The above and other image or video compression techniques
can make use of intraframe compression commonly based on
registering the differences between part of single frame or a
single image. Interframe compression can further be used for video
streams, based on registering differences between frames. Other
examples of image processing include run length encoding and delta
modulation. Further, the image can be dynamically dithered to allow
the displayed image to appear to have higher resolution and
quality.
[0079] Single lens or a lens array 39 is positioned to collect
optical energy representative of a subject or a scenery, and to
focus the optical energy onto the photosensor array 32. Commonly,
the photosensor array 32 is a matrix of photosensitive pixels,
which generates an electric signal that is representative of the
optical energy that is directed at the pixel by the imaging optics.
The image captured by the sensor 32 via the lens 39 is
reconstructed and displayed in a display unit 40, which can be a
separated device located at a place convenient to look at while
shaving. FIG. 4 shows such a display unit 40. The signal
transmitted by the shaver/camera combined unit 30 is received from
the communication medium 37 via the port 38. A receiver or
transceiver 34 is compatible with the shaver transmitter (or
transceiver) and receives the digital data signal and feeds it to a
video de-compressor (or video decoder) 41. The original data is
reconstructed and fed to a display interface 42, for feeding to a
display 45. The display unit 40 is shown as being AC power fed via
AC plug 21 and cord 22, feeding in turn the power supply 44, which
may be similar or the same type as power supply 23, which in turn
provides all required voltages required for the active components
of the display unit 40. A controller 43, which may be the same or
similar to controller 35 above is used to control and monitor the
device operation. The display 45 may be a digital or analog video
display, and may use technologies such as LCD (Liquid Crystal
Display), TFT (Thin-Film Transistor), FED (Field Emission Display),
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or any other electronic screen technology
that visually shows information such as graphics or text. In many
cases, an adaptor (not shown) is required in order to connect an
analog display to the digital data. For example, the adaptor may
convert to composite video (PAL, NTSC) or S-Video or HDTV signal. A
user interface 48, coupled to the control 43, may include various
user operated switches to control the display operation. Various
user controls can be available to allow the user to control and
effect the display unit 40 operations, such as an on/off switch, a
reset button and others. Other exemplary controls involve display
associated settings such as contrast, brightness and zoom.
[0080] FIG. 5 shows various views of an example of an electric
shaver 60 according to one embodiment of the invention, based on
shaver 10 shown in FIG. 1. View 52 is a front view of the shaver
60, view 51 is a side view, and view 50 is a rear view of the
shaver 60. View 53 is a top view of the foil 15, which is usually
in contact with skin and hair, and view 54 is a bottom view showing
connector 18 for connecting to a power source. Added to shaver 10,
FIG. 5 shows a lens 55, which corresponds to the lens 39 shown in
FIG. 3. The lens 55 is housed and mechanically secured in a lens
seating (or lens housing) 56, which is part of or secured to the
enclosure 17, and keeps the lens 55 protected, in place, and
directed towards the face while shaving. The lens 55 focuses the
image onto a sensor 32 via an aperture in the shaver external
enclosure. While the lens 55 and the related support 56 are shown
located on the rear of the shaver 60, it is apparent that they can
be equally mounted on the front or on any one of the sides of the
shaver 60. While the invention is shown in FIG. 5 with respect to
straight blades mechanism, it is apparent that the invention herein
can equally apply to a rotary type electric shaver. While the lens
55 and its corresponding seating 56 are shown to protrude a little
from the side of the shaver casing 17 shown in FIG. 1, a recessed
design wherein there is no such protruding can also be used.
Preferably, the shaver with the camera module may preserve the
general look and design of a conventional shaver without a camera,
allowing the user to easily migrate to using the new
functionality.
[0081] FIG. 5 further shows various user controls that may be
required for the proper operation of the combined shaver/camera 60.
An ON/OFF switch 57 corresponds to switch 25a in FIG. 3, allowing
the user to start or stop the camera module 31 operations. Button
`FREEZE` 57 allows for capturing and freezing an image. Sliding
button `ZOOM` 59 allows the zoom control of the camera
operations.
[0082] While FIG. 5 above shows an example wherein the lens 55 is
mounted on one of the sides of the shaver, in one embodiment the
lens 55 is mounted on the top side of the shaver, as shown in views
68 in FIG. 5a. The lens 55 mounted in base 56, is shown recessed as
part of the shaving foil, thus directly viewing the part that is
shaved or about to be shaved.
[0083] A system 61 according to one embodiment of the invention
includes both electric shaver 60 and display unit 63, as shown in
FIG. 6. Display unit 63 corresponds to unit 40 shown in FIG. 4.
Cable 64 is shown to connect shaver 60 and display unit 63, serving
as the communication medium 37 (shown in FIG. 3) for transmitting
the image as a video stream from the shaver 60 to the display 63.
Display unit 63 is shown to be on a shelf in a bathroom, also
containing a mirror 62, as is commonly available in a bathroom. The
mirror 62 can supplement the view on the display 63 for better view
of the skin shaving area.
[0084] System operation is exampled as view 70 in FIG. 7. The
shaver 60 is shown used for facial shaving by a human male 71, and
connected to display unit 63 via cable 64. The lens 55 in the
electric shaver 60 captures the surface area shown as 72, and
transmits it to be displayed as image 73 in the display unit 63.
The user can look at the display 73 located in front of him, thus
and easily and clearly track and see the shaving area to be shaved
72 and the shaving results.
[0085] While the invention has been exampled above with regard to
human male facial shaving, it is apparent that the invention can
apply to any other type of human shaving any part of the body skin.
For example, hair leg shaving of a female human is exampled as
system 80 in FIG. 8. The shaver 60 is shown used for facial shaving
by a human female 81, and connected to display unit 63 via cable
64. The lens 55 in the electric shaver 60 captures the skin area
shown as 82, and transmits it to be displayed as image 83 in the
display unit 63. The user can conveniently look at the image 83
located in front of him, and easily and clearly track and see the
skin area to be shaved 82 and the shaving results.
[0086] While the invention has been exampled above with regard to
humans shaving hair, it is apparent that the invention equally
applies to animals such as pets, wherein there is a need to shave
or groom their hair. Further, the invention can be equally applied
to any scenario wherein skincare is employed, requiring touching or
close proximity with the skin to be treated, such as depilation or
epilation. In those cases, a camera module such as module 31 shown
in FIG. 3 (or module 121 shown in FIG. 12) is added in order to
allow easy and convenient view of the skin area to be treated.
[0087] In one embodiment according to the invention, the electric
shaver is cordless, thus untethered and fully portable. In such a
configuration, the shaver is battery operated, thus powered from an
internal battery during operation without the need to connect to a
power source, such as AC power via a cord. Further, the image is
transmitted over the air using radio frequency, thus obviating the
need for a cable or any other conductor connecting the shaver and
the display unit. It is apparent the radio communication of the
image can be implemented also in the case of AC powered (via cable)
shaver.
[0088] A cordless electric shaver 90 is shown in FIG. 9, adapted
from shaver 30 in FIG. 3. The shaver 90 is powered during shaving
solely from battery 24, which may be a primary or
secondary--rechargeable type. The rechargeable battery can be
charged, while not powered, while still in the shaver. The
communication medium 37 (shown in FIG. 4) is over-the-air
communication, using antenna 91 (serving as port 38) connected to
wireless transceiver 92 (serving as transceiver 34). Similarly,
display unit 40 shown in FIG. 4 is adapted to support wireless
communication. Wireless supporting display unit 100 in shown in
FIG. 10, including an antenna 91 and wireless transceiver 92
representing port 38 and transceiver 34 (shown in FIG. 4)
respectively. A wireless system 110 is shown in FIG. 11, adapted
from system 61 in FIG. 6, and comprising a wireless shaver 90 with
antenna 91a shown (representing antenna 91 in FIG. 9). The antenna
91a is in communication with antenna 91b (corresponding to antenna
91 in FIG. 10), which is part of display unit 100. As shown in
system 110, there is no cable connecting between the shaver 90 and
the display unit 100, thus avoiding the inconvenience associated
with such cord. Various types of antennas 91 (or any other radio
ports) can be used. Among these are PCB printed antennas, chip
antennas, as well as panel and dome antennas. Furthermore, the
antennas may be omni-directional or directional. Typically, the
antennas are coupled using mating coaxial connectors, such as SMA,
F-Type, N-Type and IPX, providing both the electrical connection as
well as the mechanical attachment. In many cases, the antenna
connection allows for easy disconnection and connection by means of
snapping or screwing.
[0089] Any short-range wireless communication based on free-air
propagation can be used for communication between the wireless
shaver 90 and the display unit 100 in system 110. According to one
embodiment of the invention, a WLAN communication link is used to
interconnect two or more isolated (W)PAN (Wireless Personal Area
Network) systems. The reach of a PAN is typically a few meters,
hence such networks are confined to a limited space, such as
in-room communication. IEEE 802.15 is the working group of the IEEE
802, which specializes in Wireless PAN (WPAN) standards.
Non-limiting examples of WPAN systems include: [0090] a. Bluetooth,
which according to IEEE 802.15.1 standard, for example, operates
over license-free ISM band at 2.45 GHz. An ad-hoc network of
computing devices using Bluetooth technology protocols is known as
piconet. [0091] b. Ultra-Wide-band (UWB), which according to the
IEEE 802.15.3 standard, for example, uses a wavelet (sometimes
referred to as wireless USB). UWB or impulse radio transmitters
emit short pulses approaching a Gaussian monocycle with tightly
controlled pulse-to-pulse intervals. [0092] c. ZigBee, which
according to IEEE 802.15.4 standard, for example, offers low data
rate and low power consumption. [0093] d. IEEE 802.11a, commonly
considered as WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), but since it
works in 5 GHz spectrum its reach is considerably limited, thus
IEEE802.11a may also be considered as WPAN.
[0094] In addition to above technologies, proprietary networking
schemes may also be used for interconnecting the units. Further,
the system 110 can make use of WLAN technologies. Currently
widespread WLAN technologies (e.g. WiFi) are based on IEEE 802.11
and include IEEE 802.11b, which describes a communication using the
2.4 GHz frequency band and supporting a communication rate of 11
Mb/s, IEEE 802.11a uses the 5 GHz frequency band to carry 54 MB/s
and IEEE 802.11g uses the 2.4 GHz band to support 54 Mb/s. Other
technologies based on WPAN. WLAN, WMAN, WAN, BWA, LMDS, MMDS,
WiMAX, HIPERMAN, IEEE802.16, Bluetooth, IEEE802.15, UWB, ZigBee,
cellular, IEEE802.11standards, GSM, GPRS, 2.5G, 3G, UMTS, DCS, PCS
and CDMA may be equally used. Wireless and wired technologies used
for home networking can equally be used.
[0095] The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
802.11 standard group, branded as WiFi by the Wi-Fi Alliance of
Austin, Tex., USA. IEEE 802.11b describes a communication using the
2.4 GHz frequency band and supporting communication rate of 11
Mb/s, IEEE 802.11a uses the 5 GHz frequency band to carry 54 MB/s
and IEEE 802.11g uses the 2.4 GHz band to support 54 Mb/s. This is
described in an Intel White Paper entitled "54 Mbps IEEE 802.11
Wireless LAN at 2.4 GHz", and a chip-set is described in an Agere
Systems White Paper entitled "802.11 Wireless Chip Set Technology
White Paper", both of these documents being incorporated herein by
reference. Such a 802.11 supporting transceiver block 34 may be
implemented using WaveLAN.TM. WL60040 Multimode Wireless LAN media
Access Controller (MAC) from Agere Systems of Allentown, Pa.
U.S.A., whose a product brief is incorporated herein by reference,
which is part of a full chip-set as described in WaveLAN.TM.
802.11a/b/g Chip Set document from Agere Systems of Allentown, Pa.
U.S.A., which is incorporated herein by reference. Reference is
made to the manufacturer's data sheet Agere Systems, WaveLAN.TM.
WL60040 Multimode Wireless LAN Media Access Controller (MAC),
Product Brief August 2003 PB03-164WLAN, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
[0096] Some wireless technologies, in particular microwave signals
used in the WAN and MAN arenas, are using frequencies above 2-3 GHz
where the radio path is not reflected or refracted to any great
extent. Propagation in such frequencies requires a Line-of-Sight
(LOS) relying on a line of sight between the transmitting antenna
and the receiving antenna. Using this concept allows for NLOS
(Non-LOS) wireless networks to interconnect over a LOS-based
communication link. In addition, the wireless technology
implemented may use either licensed frequency bands or unlicensed
frequency bands, such as the frequency bands utilized in the
Industrial, scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency spectrum. In the
US, three of the bands within the ISM spectrum are the A band,
902-928 MHz; the B band, 2.4-2.484 GHz (referred to as 2.4 GHz);
and the C band, 5.725-5.875 GHz (referred to as 5 GHz). Overlapping
and/or similar bands are used in different regions such as Europe
and Japan. Further, cellular technologies can also be used,
commonly using licensed spectrum. Such digital technologies include
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), GPRS (General Packet
Radio Service), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), EDGE
(Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), 3GSM, DECT (Digital
Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications), Digital AMPS (per
IS-136/TDMA, for example) and iDEN (Integrated Digital Enhanced
Network). The service carried over the cellular network may be
voice, video or digital data such as the recently introduced EVDO
(Evolution Data Only). In one embodiment, a WirelessHD standard
based wireless communication is employed, which is based on the 7
GHz of continuous bandwidth around the 60 GHz radio frequency and
allows for uncompressed, digital transmission.
[0097] Digital cameras utilizing wireless communication are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,535,243 to Tullis entitled: "Wireless
Hand-Held Digital Camera", U.S. Pat. No. 6,552,743 to Rissman
entitled: "Digital Camera-Ready Printer", U.S. Pat. No. 6,788,332
to Cook entitled: "Wireless Imaging Device and System", and in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,666,159 to Parulski et al. entitled: "Electronic camera
system with programmable transmission capability", which are all
incorporated in their entirety for all purposes as if fully set
forth herein. A display system and method utilizing a cellular
telephone having digital camera capability and a television linked
directly over a UWB wireless signal is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,327,385 to Yamaguchi entitled: "Home Picture/Video Display System
with Ultra Wide-Band Technology", which is incorporated in its
entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.
[0098] The advantage of using wireless communication is exampled as
system 111 in FIG. 11a, when compared to system 70 in FIG. 7. The
shaver 90 is shown used for facial shaving by a human male 71,
which is portable and not tethered. Similarly, display unit 100 is
not connected using any cable to the shaver, thus the need to use a
cable 64 is obviated. The lens 55 in the electric shaver 90
captures the skin area shown as 72, and transmits it wirelessly to
be displayed as image 73 in the display unit 100. The user can look
at the display 100 located in front of him, and easily and clearly
track and see the skin area to be shaved 72 and the shaving
results. Similarly, wireless operation is exampled for hair leg
shaving of a female human as system 112 in FIG. 11b. The shaver 90
is shown used for leg shaving by a human female 81, and a display
unit 100. The lens 55 in the electric shaver 90 captures the skin
area shown as 82, and transmits it to be displayed as image 83 in
the display unit 100. The user can conveniently look at the display
100 located in front of her, and easily and clearly track and see
the skin area to be shaved 82 and the shaving results, without the
need for the cable 64 shown for system 80 in FIG. 8.
[0099] As described above, communication based on electromagnetic
waves in various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum can be used
for communication. For example, low-frequency electromagnetic
radiation can be used to transmit audio-frequency signals over
short distances without a carrier. Radio-frequency transmission is
a special case of this general electromagnetic transmission. As
noted previously, light is also a special case of electromagnetic
radiation, but is herein treated separately because of the
characteristics of light are distinctly different from those of
electromagnetic transmission in other usable parts of the
electromagnetic spectrum.
[0100] Non-wired communication accomplished by light, either
visible or non-visible light wavelength, can be used for the above
transmission. The most popular is infrared (IR) based
communication, but ultraviolet may also be used. Most such systems
require substantially `line-of-sight` access. In such a system, the
antenna 91a in the shaver 90 is replaced with light emitter (e.g.
LEDs), and the antenna 91b in the display unit 100 will be replaced
with light detectors (e.g. photoelectric cell), and the
communication over the air relies on the propagation of light.
[0101] Similarly, sound-based communication over space may be used,
wherein the transceivers 92 use microphones and speakers, and the
communication relies on the propagation of sound waves through the
air in the space. Either audible sound (20-20,000 Hz band), or
inaudible sound (ultrasonic, above 20,000 Hz; or infrasonic, below
20 Hz) can be used. In this case, the antenna 91 will be
substituted with a microphone or a similar device converting the
sound signal into an electrical signal, and a speaker or a similar
device for generating the audio signal and transmitting it to the
air. A transducer combining into a single device both the speaker
and the microphone functionalities may also be used. Since these
solutions do not require any physical connection, such as cable,
they provide both ease-of-use and mobility. Such non-wired
solutions are effective over short distances. Furthermore, most of
the non-wired solutions cannot easily pass through walls and other
such obstructions, owing to the attenuation to the signals. Hence,
such techniques are suitable for communication within a single
room, but are not suitable for communication between the rooms of a
home or other building.
[0102] FIG. 12 shows an electric shaver 120 according to one
embodiment of the invention having a camera module 121. Light
sources 123a and 123b are shown connected to be power fed from the
power supply 36. The light sources 123a and 123b preferably are
directed to illuminate the shaving area of the skin, and in
particular the area captured and transmitted via the camera module
121 thus allowing better visualization for the user in general, and
aiding to the brightness and quality of the image captured by
lenses 39a and 39b and sensor 32, thus resulting in a better image
displayed by the display unit 40. Further, such illumination may be
useful in the case of lack of external light availability while
shaving. In one embodiment, a semiconductor light source such as a
Light-Emitting-Diode (LED) is used, having small form factor and
high efficiency. However, any type of visible electric light
emitter such as a flashlight, an incandescent lamp and compact
fluorescent lamps can be used. While FIG. 12 shows two such light
sources 123a and 123b, it is apparent that a single one can be
used, as well as three or more such light sources. Further, an
on/off switch can be used to control the light sources 123a and
123b, either together or individually, allowing the user to use the
light only when required.
[0103] A razor including lighting means is disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application 2008/0028616 to KWAK entitled: "Shaver with Lighting
Means". Electric shavers containing illumination means are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,402 to Bader et al. entitled:
"Electrically driven Hair Removal Device", and in U.S. Pat. No.
5,920,988 to Momose entitled: "Electric Shaver", which are both
incorporated in their entirety for all purposes as if fully set
forth herein.
[0104] Electric shaver 120 is shown in FIG. 12 to only use the AC
power via the power supply 23, without the use of any battery. In
this case, the AC plug 21 has to be plugged to an AC outlet to be
powered therefrom during the shaver 120 operation. However, it is
apparent that the battery operated device (either primary or
rechargeable) can be equally used, as described above. Further,
shaver 120 in FIG. 12 is shown to have a single on/off switch 25
for powering both the motor and associated cutting mechanism and
the camera module 121. However, it is apparent that two such
switches can be used, one dedicated to the shaver basic function
only, while the other allows for the camera operation, thus
providing more flexibility to the user.
[0105] While the invention has been exampled above with regard to
capturing a single image using a single lens 39 and a single sensor
32, it is apparent that multiple images can be equally considered,
using multiple image capturing mechanisms. An example of two
capturing mechanisms is shown for shaver 120 in FIG. 12. Lens 39a
and 39b are respectively associated with sensors 32a and 32b, which
in turn respectively connects to image processors 46a and 46b. In
the case of when compression function is used, the video
compressors 33a and 33b, respectively, compress the data received
from processors 46a and 46b. In one embodiment, two transceivers
(each of the same as transceiver 34, for example) and two ports
(each of the same type as port 38, for example) are used. Further,
two communication mediums (each similar or the same as medium 37)
can be employed, each carrying solely the image corresponding to
the respective lens. Further, the same medium can be used using
Frequency Division/Domain Multiplexing (FDM). In such an
environment, each signal is carried in a dedicated frequency band,
distinct from the other signals concurrently carried over the same
medium. The signals are combined onto the medium and separated from
the medium using various filtering schemes, employed in the
multiplexer 122. In another embodiment, the multiple images are
carried using Time Domain/Division Multiplexing (TDM), as exampled
in FIG. 12. The digital data stream from the video compressors 33a
and 33b is multiplexed into a single stream by the multiplexer 122,
serving as a time multiplexer. The combined signal is then fed to
the single transceiver 34 for transmitting onto the medium.
[0106] In both FDM and TDM schemes, a de-multiplexer is used in the
display unit 40, separating the streams and converting into images
or video streams to be displayed. Multiple displays (each same as
display 45 shown in FIG. 4) can be used, each displaying the
respective images captured. Alternatively, a single display 45 is
used. In this case, the images can then be displayed one at a time,
or together in various locations over the screen as side-by-side.
Further, the display unit 40 may include an image processor for
properly combining the separate images to build one image
containing all information.
[0107] Using two or more image capturing components can further be
used to provide stereoscopic video, allowing 3-D or any other
stereoscopic view of the content, or other methods of improving the
displayed image quality of functionality.
[0108] FIG. 13 shows various views of an example of an electric
shaver 135 (corresponding to shaver 120 in FIG. 12) according to
one embodiment of the invention. View 132 is a front view of the
shaver 135, view 131 is a side view and view 130 is a rear view of
the shaver 135. View 133 is a top view of the foil 15, which is
usually in contact with the skin and the hair, and view 134 is a
bottom view. The electric shaver 135 is shown as having lenses 55a,
55b, 55c and 55d respectively based in lenses housings 56a, 56b,
56c and 56d, each in a separate wall of the casing. Light sources
(e.g. LEDs) 123a and 123b, respectively seated in housings 136a and
136b, are also shown on the wide sides of the casing, respectively
adjacent to Lens bases 56a and 56b.
[0109] While the invention has been exampled above with regard to
capturing, transmitting and displaying a visible image, it is
apparent that a non-visible spectrum can be equally used, such as
infrared and ultraviolet. In such a configuration, the infrared
image is captured, and is converted to a visible image on the
display. For example, such technique can be used to easily
distinguish the skin and the hair, as they are having different
temperature and thus distinct infrared signature. In such a system,
the sensor 32 is sensitive to the non-visible part of the light
spectrum (e.g. infrared), and the light emitters 123a and 123b are
illuminating using the corresponding light spectrum, such as
infrared light sources.
[0110] Powerline communication is known in the art for using the AC
power wires in a building for digital data communication.
Traditional approaches to powerline communication (e.g., home or
office) include applications such as control of lighting and
appliances, as well as sending data or broadband data, video or
audio. Powerline command communication systems include for example
X-10, CEBus (Consumer Electronics Bus per EIA-600 standard), and
Lonworks.
[0111] The HomePlug organization is an industry trade group for
powerline communication including various entities to define
powerline communication specifications. HomePlug 1.0 is a
specification for a home networking technology that connects
devices to each other through power lines in a home. HomePlug
certified products connect PCs and other devices that use Ethernet,
USB, and 802.11. Many devices made by alliance members have
HomePlug built in and connect to a network upon plugging the device
into a wall socket in a home with other HomePlug devices. Signal
interference, from surge protectors, extension cords, outlet strips
and/or other proximately located devices, including the
high-frequency signals, is an on-going concern of the HomePlug
alliance. Similarly, HomePlug AV (HPAV) is a new generation of
technology from the HomePlug Powerline Alliance. HPAV can be for
example embedded in consumer electronics or computing products, and
provides high-quality, multi-stream, entertainment-oriented
networking over existing AC wiring. Users can avoid having to
install new wires in their premises by using devices having
built-in HomePlug technology. HPAV uses advanced PHY and MAC
technologies that provide a 200 Mbps (million bits per second)
class powerline network for inter alia video, audio and data. The
Physical (PHY) Layer utilizes this 200 Mbps channel rate to provide
a 150 Mbps information rate to provide communications over noisy
power line channels. As used herein, the terms "powerline" and
"powerline communications" refer to any technology that is used to
transfer data or signals over a power distribution system,
including without limitation UPB, HomePlug, HomePlug a/v, and X-10
technologies. As used herein, the term "UPB" or Universal Powerline
Bus refers to one exemplary instance of technologies which impose
digital or analog signals or pulses onto AC waveforms or DC power
delivery systems, such as for example the well known UPB approach
set forth in "Universal Powerline Bus: The UPB System Description",
Version 1.1 dated Sep. 19, 2003, incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety. Lastly, the term "HomePlug" as used herein is
meant specifically to include devices and systems compliant with
the HomePlug.TM.. Powerline Alliance Specification for
powerline-based home networks (including the more recent HomePlug
A/V), and generally to include all other comparable devices adapted
for powerline networking.
[0112] In one embodiment according to the invention, powerline
communication is used for the interconnection between the electric
shaver and the display unit, such as HomePlug based communication.
One advantage in such a configuration is that only a single power
cable is used, carrying both the AC power and the communication
signal. Such a shaver 140 is shown in FIG. 14. A low pass filter
141 is disposed between the AC power plug 21 and the power supply
23, for passing only the AC power signal, such as the 50 Hz or the
60 Hz. Such a low pass filter 141 also stops and exhibits high
impedance in the digital data frequency band, thus reducing
impedance loading at this frequency band. Transceiver 34 of FIG. 12
is replaced with a powerline modem, connected to the AC power wires
via a high pass filter 142, which passes only the digital data
frequency band, hence allowing only the digital data signal to
pass, while stopping the AC power. If HomePlug technology is used,
the modem is a HomePlug compliant modem, and the communication
(physical layer and higher protocol layers) is implemented
according to the HomePlug specification standard. As an example,
such modem can be based on INT6000 `HomePlug AV High-Speed
Powerline Solution` available from Intellon Corporation,
headquartered in Orlando, Fla., U.S.A.
[0113] Similarly, display unit 150, shown in FIG. 15, is also
adapted to support powerline communication, in order to communicate
with a mating electric shaver 140 of FIG. 14. Low pass filter 141
is added between the AC power plug 21 and the power supply 44. The
transceiver 34 is replaced with a powerline modem, connected to the
AC power wires via high pass filter 142, which passes only the
digital data frequency band, hence allowing only the digital data
signal to pass, while stopping the AC power. If HomePlug technology
is used, the modem is a HomePlug compliant modem, and the
communication (physical layer and higher protocol layers) is
implemented according to the HomePlug specification standard.
[0114] An illustration of a powerline based system is shown as
system 160 in FIG. 16. The shaver 140 is AC power fed from a mains
outlet 163a, via plug-in unit 162a and cord 161a. The plug-in
components 162a can be just an AC power plug 21 and the cord may be
power cable 22 disclosed above. Alternatively, part or all of power
supplies 23 and 36 can also be integrated into the plug in device
162a. Similarly, the display unit 150 is AC power fed from a mains
outlet 163b, via plug-in unit 162b and cord 161b. The plug-in
component 162b can be just an AC power plug 21 and the cord may be
power cable 22 disclosed above. Alternatively, part or all of power
supplies 23 and 36 can also be integrated into the plug in device
162b. While the shaver 140 and the display unit 150 are fed via the
AC power system, the AC power wiring is also used as the
communication medium as described above, obviating the need for
additional cables to be connected between those devices.
[0115] In one embodiment of a non-conductive network medium, a
fiber optic cable is used. In such a case, transceiver 34 is a
fiber optic transceiver, and similarly port 38 is a fiber optic
connector. As such, the term `wiring` and `cable` in this
application should be interpreted to include networks based on
non-conductive medium such as fiber-optics cabling.
[0116] In one embodiment, exampled in FIG. 6, a dedicated cable 64
is connected between the electric shaver 60 and the display unit
63. The cable 64 serves as the wired communication medium 37,
connected to via a connector serving as the port 38. Such wired
medium 37 may be a UTP, STP, coaxial cable, a telephone wire pair,
a CATV coaxial cable, AC power wire pair and LAN cable, such as
Category 5 or Category 6. A suitable connector 38 may be used for
connecting to the specific type of the wired medium, such as a
coaxial connector for connecting to a coaxial cable and a telephone
connector for connecting to a telephone wire pair. The wired medium
may be a single non-used twisted-pair in a LAN cable, or two such
pairs connected in parallel. In another aspect of the present
invention, the wired medium is using a phantom channel formed
between two wire pairs, such as two twisted wire pairs in a LAN
cable used in Ethernet 10 BaseT, 100 BaseTX or 1000 BaseT.
Similarly, any PAN, LAN, MAN or WAN wiring may be used as the wired
medium.
[0117] Further, transceiver 34 is adapter to be a wired modem or a
wired transceiver suitable for transmitting and receiving over the
appropriate wiring used. The communication over such cable can be
proprietary or preferably using an industry standard communication,
wherein the connections of the shaver and of the display unit to
the cable are based on standard connectors and interfaces. The
communication may be based on a parallel scheme, wherein multiple
wires are used to concurrently carry the digital data, thus
allowing a higher transfer rate of the information. In an
alternative embodiment, serial communication is used, allowing for
few conductors to be used and smaller footprint connectors
requiring the usage of less pins and contacts. Various standard PAN
(Personal Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network) and LAN (Local
Area Network) protocols can be used. In one embodiment, standard
LAN (Local Area Network) is used, such as Ethernet IEEE802.3 10
BaseT, 100 Base TX or 1000 BaseT. In such a case the transceiver 34
is Ethernet PHY (i.e. Ethernet physical layer or Ethernet
transceiver) that can be implemented based on "LAN83C180 10/100
Fast Ethernet PHY Transceiver" or "LAN91C111 10/100 Non-PCI
Ethernet Single Chip MAC+PHY" available from SMSC--Standard
Microsystems Corporation of Hauppauge, N.Y. U.S.A. While this
function can be implemented by using a single dedicated component,
in many embodiments this function is integrated into a single
component including other functions, such as handling higher
layers. The transceiver 34 may also contains isolation magnetic
components (e.g. transformer-based), balancing components, surge
protection hardware, and a port 38 is a LAN connector (commonly
RJ-45) required for providing a proper and standard interface via
connector 34. In one embodiment, standard cabling is used, such as
standard LAN cabling. For example, Category 5 cabling (`structured
wiring`) or any other wiring according to EIT/TIA-568 and
EIA/TIA-570 can be used. Such LAN cabling involves wire pairs that
may be UTP or STP. Similarly, category 3, 4, 5e, 6, 6e and 7 cables
may be equally used. Such configuration is described, for example,
in EIT/TIA-568 and EIA/TIA-570. It will be appreciated that any
wired interface, other than Ethernet 10/100 BaseT described above,
being proprietary or standard, packet or synchronous, serial or
parallel, may be equally used, such as IEEE1394, USB (Universal
Serial Bus), EIA/TIA-232, PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect),
PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card international Association),
or IEEE1284, but not limited to the aforementioned. Furthermore,
multiple such interfaces (being of the same type or mixed) may also
be used.
[0118] A tethered portable electronic camera connectable to a
computer is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,170 to Parulski et al.
entitled: "Hand-Manipulated Electronic Camera Tethered to a
Personal Computer". Electric shavers comprising illumination means
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,402 to Bader et al. entitled:
"Electrically driven Hair Removal Device", and in U.S. Pat. No.
5,920,988 to Momose entitled: "Electric Shaver", which are both
incorporated in their entirety for all purposes as if fully set
forth herein. A digital electronic camera which can accept various
types of input/output cards or memory cards is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,432,952 to Fukuoka entitled: "Digital Image Capturing
Device having an Interface for Receiving a Control Program", and
the use of a disk drive assembly for transferring images out of an
electronic camera is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,459 to
Roberts et al., entitled: "Electronic Still Video Camera with
Direct Personal Computer (PC) Compatible Digital Format Output",
which are both incorporated in their entirety for all purposes as
if fully set forth herein.
[0119] While the invention has been described above with the goal
of faithfully displaying the image captured by the lens in the
display, the availability of the image as a digital data allows for
processing to aid in the user shaving experience. In one
embodiment, image processing is employed, such as digital image
processing and other techniques applying various computer
algorithms to the image captured and represented as a
two-dimensional signal data. The results can be provided to the
user in various ways, such as to be presented on the display of the
display unit.
[0120] In one digital image processing feature, the individual
hairs are detected and identified. Such `hair recognition` can make
use of the different colors or brightness of the hair versus the
skin. For example, a black colored hair can be identified and
recognized over a light-color (e.g. white) skin. Further, pattern
recognition algorithms can be used based on the characteristic of
the hair, such as being long and having straight or curled pattern.
A camera with human face detection means is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,940,545 to Ray et al., entitled: "Face Detecting Camera and
Method", which is incorporated in its entirety for all purposes as
if fully set forth herein.
[0121] An example of image processing feature is shown in FIG. 17.
View 170 shows the display before any processing, with the goal of
faithfully reflecting the situation on the skin to be shaved or
re-shaved. Several individual hairs are shows as 172a, 172b and
172c, which need to be shortened or cut as part of the shaving (for
example, due to being too long). The `hair recognition` image
processing algorithms identify the individual hair that needs to be
shaved, and marks them on the screen of the display unit, allowing
the user easy identification of places and locations that need to
be shaved. Such view 171 is shown, wherein the individual hairs are
marked by a circle around them, such as circles 182a, 182b, 182c
and 182d, or alternatively as bolded and thicker objects shown as
183a, 183b, 183c and 183d.
[0122] In one embodiment, the image processing is used to suggest
areas that require shaving or re-shaving. FIG. 18 shows a view 180
captured and displayed, wherein the right side contains hair that
need to be removed, while the left side 173 shows no hair to be
cut. The algorithm will identify and mark the area to be shaved so
it can be easily identified by the user, and this may be presented
on the screen of the display unit as colored area 184 shown in view
181.
[0123] Another feature that may be used is the zooming
functionality, which is known in the art for cameras. The zoom
functions allow for decreasing or narrowing of the apparent angle
of a view, thus allowing scaling up the image size and magnifying
for better view of a smaller area. A mechanical or optical zoom is
obtained by varying the focal length using a mechanical assembly
for physically moving the lens or lenses as required. On one
embodiment, a small motor is used for moving the lens. Such a motor
is added to shaver 30, power fed from the power supply 36, and
driving and adjusting the camera optics as required for gaining
optical resolution.
[0124] In an alternative embodiment, digital zoom is used, wherein
no mechanical moving or camera optics are required, but rather,
image processing techniques and algorithms are used to resize the
displayed smaller area over the display. Interpolation is commonly
required as part of the image processing. An example of zoom
functionality is shown in FIG. 19, showing an original (pre-zoom)
view 190, with an area of interest shown as 191. After the zoom
operation, the former area 192 is scaled to fit the whole display
area.
[0125] Digital (or electronic) zoom as well as other image
processing functionalities (such as hair recognition described
above) can be implemented by a separate processor located in the
electric shaver 30 or in the display unit 40, wherein the processor
in disposed in the image data flow, or as a replacement to the
video compressor 33 or video compressor 41. Further, the required
functionalities may be used by two image processors, one in the
shaver 30 and one in the display unit 40. Alternatively, the image
processing can be integrating within the image processor 46, or as
part of the display interface 42, or in both. In one example, the
zoom control by the user is being part of the shaver 30, as shown
by the sliding switch 59 as part of view 50 in FIG. 5.
Alternatively, or in addition, the zoom control by the user can
make use of buttons or other controls implemented as part of the
display unit.
[0126] Video is known also as the technology of electronically
capturing, recording, processing, storing, transmitting and
reconstructing a sequence of still images representing scenes in
motion. Most video cameras (camcorders) have the capability of
capturing and storing a single (still) picture. Such functionality
can also be beneficial in the system above, wherein a user operated
button `FREEZE` shown as 58 in FIG. 5, being part of the user
interface 47, can be used to take a single shot to get a momentary
image to be stored and displayed in the display unit. Such still
image allows the user to carefully analyze the image that is frozen
and unchanged.
[0127] In addition to the `zoom` and `freeze` features described
above, many other features and user controls used in digital still
cameras and in video cameras (camcorders) can be used in the system
according to the invention. For example automatic mode-level, auto
focus, exposure compensation, white balance level, manual focus and
aperture control. Other exemplary controls involve specific display
settings such as contrast, brightness and zoom.
[0128] User control regarding activating these features or
controlling the features can be done using buttons and switches.
Implementing these functions can be solely within the shaver,
solely within the display unit or split between both devices. In
one embodiment, the user control in the form of buttons and
switches on the shaver itself, as part of user interface 47 and
managed by the controller 35. In the case that the function is
implemented in hardware or software, which are in full or in part
executed in the display unit, the communication channel over the
communication medium 37 is used to transmit the proper signals to
the display unit. Further, these control data can be multiplexed
and sent with the image digital data, using the same transceiver
34. Similarly, the user control in the form of buttons and switches
and/or touch screen can be located on the display unit, as part of
user interface 48 and managed by the controller 43. In the case
that the function is implemented in hardware or software, which are
in full or in part executed in the electric shaver unit, the
communication channel over the communication medium 37 is used to
transmit the proper signals to the display unit. Further, the
control data can be multiplexed and sent with the image digital
data, using the same transceiver 34. Further, some of the control
can be in the shaver and some in the display unit.
[0129] The mechanical movement of the cutters 28 and the spinning
of the motor 26, added to the general inherent stability caused by
the human holding the shaver, may induce instability causing the
display image to move and be instable, thus effecting the
displaying quality and burdening the user looking at the image on
the display. In one embodiment, the optical section of the shaver,
which includes the lens 39 and sensor 32, are mounted to the frame
or the shaver using vibration isolators or vibration suppressors,
to reduce the vibration effect on the captured image. In another
embodiment, various digital image techniques are used to stabilize
the displayed image, such as by filtering and other known image
processing techniques. Improving the vibration generated by the
mechanical system may also aid to reduce the effect on the optical
system thus improving the user experience.
[0130] Other image processing functions may include adjusting color
balance, gamma and luminance, filtering pattern noise, filtering
noise using Wiener filter, changing zoom factors, recropping,
applying enhancement filters, applying smoothing filters, applying
subject-dependent filters, and applying coordinate transformations.
Other enhancements in the image data may include applying
mathematical algorithms to generate greater pixel density or
adjusting color balance, contrast and/or luminance.
[0131] While the invention has been exampled above with regard to a
separated shaver and display unit, it will be appreciated that the
invention equally applies to the case wherein the shaver further
includes the display unit, either as a substitute or added to the
separated display unit. FIG. 20 shows a block diagram of a shaver
200 integrally including a camera and a display module 201. The
digital representation of the image captured from the image
processor 46 is fed directly to the display interface 42 and then
to the display 45, which provides image visualization. The control
function 35, the user interface 47 and the power supply 36 need to
be adapted to support the added functionality of the display
unit.
[0132] An example of a physical view of the shaver 200 is shown as
shaver 210 in FIG. 21, adapted from FIG. 5. FIG. 21 shows various
views of an example of the electric shaver 210 according to one
embodiment of the invention. View 213 is a front view of the shaver
210, view 212 is a side view, and view 211 is a rear view of the
shaver 210. View 214 is a top view of the foil 15, which is usually
in contact with the skin and the hair, and view 215 is a bottom
view showing connector 18 for connecting to a power source. The
display 45 is shown attached and as an integral part of the shaver
enclosure. In one embodiment, the display can be folded, for
example in order to allow small packaging and small space for
storing. The display 45 is shown folded in views 220 in FIG.
22.
[0133] In the cases wherein a conductive medium, such as a
dedicated cable, is used as the communication medium 37, it may be
preferred to use the same cable to concurrently carry power between
the shaver and the display unit, thus obviating the need for two
cables, one for providing power and one for communication purposes.
In one embodiment, the display unit is adapted to drive power to
the cable for powering the electric shaver. Such power can be used
only for powering the camera module and related functionalities, or
for fully powering the electric shaver, including its motor 26
driving the cutters 28. A display unit 230 adapted to supply power
over the cable is shown in FIG. 23. A power/data combiner unit is
disposed, connected between the transceiver 34 and the power supply
44. The power from the power supply 44 required to power the shaver
is fed to the combiner 232 through the connection 233. The
communication signal to or from the transceiver 34 is also
connected to the combiner 232. The power signal and the digital
data communication signal are combined by the combiner 232 and the
combined signal is coupled to the cable via a connector 231.
[0134] A corresponding electric shaver 240 is shown as shaver 240
in FIG. 24. Connector 243 is used to connect to the cable carrying
both power and communication signals. The incoming power is
separated by the power/data splitter 244 and fed to the power
supply 242 in the camera module 241. The power/data splitter 244
serves as the mating and complementary unit for the combiner 232.
The power supply 242 is adapted to power both the motor 26 (via the
battery 24, if required, or otherwise directly without any battery
in between) and the camera module 241 from the power signal carried
over the cable. The power/data splitter is further operating to
transparently pass the communication signal between the cable (via
connector 243) and the transceiver 34.
[0135] An exemplary system 250 is shown in FIG. 25. A single cable
251 is shown to connect between the display unit 230 and the
electric shaver 240 described above, carrying both power and
digital data signals. The display unit 230 is AC power fed via
cable 161b connected to AC power outlet 163 via a connector or
plug-in power supply 162. Further, the AC power connection is also
used to power the electric shaver 240 via cable 251, shown
connecting the shaver 240 via connector 243 and to the connector
231 in the display unit 230. Hence, only a single cable 251 is
conveniently connected to the shaver 240.
[0136] In one embodiment according to the invention, the power and
communication signals are carried over the single cable 251 using
separated and dedicated conductors. For example, cable 251 may
include four distinct wires, out of which two (or more) are used
for carrying the communication signal, while the other two wires
are used to carry the power signal from the display unit 230 to the
shaver 240. In such configuration, specific hardware for
implementing the combiner 232 and the splitter 244 may not be
required, since power connection will make use of separate pins and
contacts in the connectors 231 and 243, while the communication
signal will use distinct and different pins.
[0137] In an alternative embodiment, the power and communication
signals are carried over the wires in the cable using Frequency
Division Multiplexing (FDM, a.k.a. Frequency Domain Multiplexing).
In such implementation, the power and the communications signals
are carried each in its frequency band (or a single frequency)
distinct from each other. For example, the power signal can be a DC
(Direct Current) power (effectively 0 Hz), while the communication
signal is carried over the 100 Hz-10 MHz (or 4-30 MHz) frequency
band, which is distinct and above the DC power frequency. In one
example, a relatively high voltage such as a 120 VDC can be used in
order to compensate for the wiring resistance caused voltage drops.
In some installations, safety standards such as UL/IEC 60950 and
EN60950 may limit the voltage level in many applications to 60 VDC.
A telephony common 48 VDC voltage level may also be used.
[0138] Similarly, AC power signal may be used, such as 50 Hz or 60
Hz. Commonly the combiner 232 and splitter 244 in such environment
are implemented using set of filters. For example, a low pass
filter (LPF) similar to filter 141 described above can be used in
the power path, connecting the cable to the power supply 44 or 242,
passing only the DC power or low-frequency AC signals. An high pass
filter (HPF) similar to filter 142 described above can be used in
the communication path, connecting the cable to the transceiver 34
in both the shaver 240 and the display unit 230.
[0139] Another technique for carrying power and data signals over
the same conductors is known as Power over Ethernet (PoE) (i.e.,
Power over LAN--PoL) and standardized under IEEE802.3af and
IEEE802.3at, also explained in U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,609 to Lehr et
al. titled: "Structure Cabling System", which describes a method to
carry power over LAN wiring, using the spare pairs and the phantom
mechanism. The latter makes use of center-tap transformers. The
powering scheme described above may use this standard as well as
using non-standard proprietary powering schemes. In one example,
USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection is used for both power and
digital data.
[0140] While the invention has been exampled above with regard to
the case wherein the electric shaver is powered from the display
unit via the interconnecting cable carrying the communication
signal, it is apparent that equally the power can be fed from the
electric shaver to the display unit. In this case the splitter 244
and the combiner 232 will be switched with each other, so that
combiner 244 will be disposed within the display unit 230 (as a
substitute to combiner 232), and the combiner 232 will be disposed
within the electric shaver 240 (as a substitute to splitter 244).
The power supplied will be adapted accordingly.
[0141] While the invention has been exampled above with regard to
processing, compressing and decompressing, transmitting, receiving
and displaying the image in a represented as a digital data, it
will be appreciated that the invention equally applies to the case
wherein the image is in full or in part of the system is carried,
processed, compressed and decompressed, transmitted, received and
displayed as analog video signal. In the case of an analog
transmission, the transceiver 34 will be an analog transceiver and
the image will be carried in an analog form over the communication
medium 37. Similar to the above disclosure, in such a case the
communication can be wireless through the air such as using
radio-frequency, or over metallic medium such as wires.
[0142] The camera module 31 or the display unit 40 may include
visual indicators for allowing the user to easily observe the
module status. Such indicators may be LEDs (Light Emitting Diode)
known in the art, and are coupled to be controlled by the control
35 in the shaver 30 or by the control 43 in the display unit 40,
and can further be part of user interface functionality 47 or 48.
The visual indicators may be used to indicate the following module
status:
[0143] a. Power. The visual indicator may be used to indicate the
existence of power in the module to power its internal active
circuits. Various techniques have been described above for powering
a module. Regardless of the power source to the module (as
described above), such indication will ensure that indeed power
reaches the module. Such indication is commonly marked as `POWER`
or `ON`. The indicator can be coupled directly to the power signal
feeding the module or alternatively coupled to the power supply
output. In the latter case, the indicator is used to indicate both
the power signal availability and the proper operation of the
internal power supply 36 or 44.
[0144] b. Proper operation. A visual indicator may also be used to
indicate the proper operation of part or all of the electronic
circuits integrated within the module. The electronic circuits
within the module may support self-test or any other built-in
diagnostics means, wherein the test results will be signaled by a
visual indicator.
[0145] c. Communication status. In the case wherein the module uses
communication functionality, the module may indicate the
availability and the status of the communication. In general, two
communication links may be involved. One communication link refers
to the availability of a data communication signal over the
communication medium 37 so as to indicate that transceiver 34
receives a valid communication signal. The other communication link
involves the communication between the shaver and the display unit.
Such status indication can be based on a `Link Pulse` mechanism
commonly used in Ethernet IEEE802.3 10/100 BaseT based
networks.
[0146] The above various states may be each represented by a single
dedicated single-state indicator. However, in order to reduce
complexity, known techniques are commonly used in order to combine
signals. Such techniques may use different colors (of the same
indicator), different intensity levels, variable duty-cycle and so
forth. While visual indicators have been described, other
indicating methods may be used such as audible tones (as stand
alone or combined with visual).
[0147] While the invention has been exampled above with regard to
displaying the captured image on a dedicated display, it will be
appreciated that the invention equally applies to the case wherein
the standard displays are used. In one embodiment, the electric
shaver outputs a standard video signal, which can be displayed
using any displaying device that supports this video interface. For
example, a standard television set can be as a display apparatus.
In this case, the transceiver 234 and connector 38 are adapted to
output this standard video signal. Such analog interfaces can be
composite video such as NTSC, PAL or SECAM formats. Similarly,
analog RGB, VGA (Video Graphics Array), SVGA (Super Video Graphics
Array), SCART, S-video and other standard analog interfaces can be
used. Further, personal computer monitors, plasma or flat panel
displays, CRT, DLP display or a video projector may be equally
used. Connector 38 will be implemented as suitable standard analog
video connector. For example, F-Type, BNC (Bayonet
Neill-Concelman), RCA, and similar RF/coax connectors can be used.
An electric shaver 260 is shown in FIG. 26, including F-Type
connector 261 for connecting to a standard analog video displaying
device. In one embodiment, a standard digital video interface is
used. In this case, the transceiver 34 and connector 38 are adapted
to support the digital video interface. In one example, a IEEE1394
interface, also known as FireWire.TM., is used, as shown for
electric shaver 270 is shown in FIG. 27, including an IEEE1394
connector 271 for connecting to a standard digital video displaying
device. Other digital interfaces that can be used are USB, SDI
(Serial Digital Interface), FireWire, HDMI (High-Definition
Multimedia Interface), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), UDI (Unified
Display Interface), DisplayPort, Digital Component Video and DVB
(Digital Video Broadcast).
[0148] While the invention has been exampled above with regard to
electric shaver, it will be appreciated that the invention equally
applies to non-electric shavers such as razors.
[0149] While the invention has been exampled above with regard to
shavers and other hair removal devices, it will be appreciated that
the invention equally applies to oral hygiene devices such as
toothbrush. In the case of electrical toothbrush, the cutter
mechanism 28 is replaced with a brushing mechanism. Such a device
helps in better visualization of the mouth cavity, and in
particular of the brushed teeth and gums.
[0150] All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in
this specifications are herein incorporated by reference as if each
individual publication, patent, or patent application were
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference and set forth in its entirety herein.
[0151] Those of skill in the art will understand that the various
illustrative logical blocks, modules and circuits described in
connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented
in any number of ways including electronic hardware, computer
software, or combinations of both. The various illustrative
components, blocks, modules and circuits have been described
generally in terms of their functionality. Whether the
functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon
the particular application and design constraints imposed on the
overall system. Skilled artisans recognize the interchangeability
of hardware and software under these circumstances, and how best to
implement the described functionality for each particular
application.
[0152] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have
been described, this should not be construed to limit the scope of
the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that
modifications may be made to the described embodiments. Moreover,
to those skilled in the various arts, the invention itself herein
will suggest solutions to other tasks and adaptations for other
applications. It is therefore desired that the present embodiments
be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,
reference being made to the appended claims rather than the
foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.
[0153] It will be appreciated that the aforementioned features and
advantages are presented solely by way of example. Accordingly, the
foregoing should not be construed or interpreted to constitute, in
any way, an exhaustive enumeration of features and advantages of
embodiments of the present invention.
[0154] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the
invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather
than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced
within their scope.
Public Notice Regarding the Scope of the Invention and Claims
[0155] While the invention has been described in terms of preferred
embodiments and generally associated methods, the inventor
contemplates that alterations and permutations of the preferred
embodiments and methods will become apparent to those skilled in
the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the
drawings.
[0156] Accordingly, neither the above description of preferred
exemplary embodiments nor the abstract defines or constrains the
invention. Rather, the issued claims variously define the
invention. Each variation of the invention is limited only by the
recited limitations of its respective claim, and equivalents
thereof, without limitation by other terms not present in the
claim. In addition, aspects of the invention are particularly
pointed out in the claims using terminology that the inventor
regards as having its broadest reasonable interpretation; the more
specific interpretations of 35 U.S.C. section.112 (6) are only
intended in those instances where the term "means" is actually
recited. The words "comprising," "including," and "having" are
intended as open-ended terminology, with the same meaning as if the
phrase "at least" were appended after each instance thereof.
* * * * *