EP4296021A1

EP4296021A1 - Electric razor

Info

Publication number: EP4296021A1
Application number: EP22755861.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yoshiaki Kanamori
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-16
Filing date: 2022-01-26
Publication date: 2023-12-27
Also published as: JP2022124917A; WO2022176537A1; CN116887961A

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an electric razor that prompts a user to shave at an appropriate shaving speed and suppresses damage to a skin. Electric razor (100) according to the present disclosure is electric razor (100) that includes a grip and a head part having a shaving unit. The electric razor includes imaging device (131) that images a skin, image processing device (150) that processes the image, and notification device (140) that notifies a user of a processing result of the image processing device. Image processing device (150) includes speed information generation unit (151) that generates speed information indicating a shaving speed of the head part with respect to the skin based on the image imaged by the imaging device, shaving information generation unit (152) that generates shaving information on the shaving speed based on the speed information, and result notification unit (153) that controls notification device (140) to notify the user of the shaving information.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an electric razor for cutting a hair such as a beard.

BACKGROUND ART

In the related art, a shaving guidance system that comprises an imaging device that records an image of a body part of a user, and obtains a local hair growth direction based on an imaged image, and gives, to the user, an instruction about a direction and a place in which a shaving device is to be moved on the body in accordance with the obtained hair growth direction has been proposed (see, for example, PTL 1).

Citation List

Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Translation of PCT International Application No. 2016-534806

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Technical problem

However, in a system of the related art, only a direction and a place for shaving can be recognized, and it is not possible to give an instruction about an optimal shaving speed.
The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electric razor capable of notifying a user of an optimal shaving speed.

Solution to problem

In order to achieve the above object, an electric razor of an aspect of the present disclosure is an electric razor that includes a grip to be gripped by a user and a head part having a shaving unit for cutting a hair, the head part being connected to an end of the grip. The electric razor includes an imaging device that images a part near a skin with which the shaving unit comes into contact, an image processing device that processes an image acquired by the imaging device, and a notification device that notifies the user of a processing result of the image processing device. The image processing device includes a speed information generation unit that generates speed information indicating a shaving speed of the head part with respect to the skin based on the image acquired by the imaging device, a shaving information generation unit that generates shaving information on the shaving speed based on the speed information, and a result notification unit that controls the notification device to notify the user of the shaving information.

Advantageous effect of invention

According to the electric razor of the present disclosure, it is possible to notify the user of the optimum shaving speed, to exhibit the performance of the electric razor, and to suppress the number of times of sliding to the same place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electric razor according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a head part according to the exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image processing device according to the exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating two images at a predetermined time interval acquired by the image processing device according to the exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating one image imaged at a predetermined shutter speed acquired by the image processing device according to the exemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of an electric razor according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following exemplary embodiments are examples for describing the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, a shape, a structure, a material, a component, a relative positional relationship, a connection state, a numerical value, a mathematical expression, the contents of each step and the order of individual steps in a method, and the like described in the following exemplary embodiments are merely examples, and may include the contents that are not described below. In addition, geometric expressions such as parallel and orthogonal may be used, but these expressions do not indicate mathematical strictness, and include substantially acceptable errors, deviations, and the like. In addition, expressions such as simultaneous and identical include substantially acceptable ranges.
In addition, the drawings are schematic views in which emphasis, omission, and ratio adjustment are appropriately performed in order to describe the present disclosure, and may be different from actual shapes, positional relationships, and ratios.
In addition, hereinafter, a plurality of technical ideas may be comprehensively described as one exemplary embodiment. In addition, some of the contents to be described below are described as optional components related to the present disclosure.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating electric razor 100 according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of head part 120 of electric razor 100. Note that electric razor 100 has portions that include a rounded edge, and recesses and protrusions for preventing slippage, but these portions are not illustrated.
Electric razor 100 is a device that cuts and removes a hair such as a beard by using an electric blade, and includes grip 110, head part 120, imaging device 131, notification device 140, and image processing device 150 (not illustrated in Fig. 1).
Grip 110 is a portion gripped by a user when electric razor 100 is used. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, grip 110 also functions as a housing for accommodating image processing device 150, a controller that controls the drive of a shaving blade, a battery, and the like. Power supply switch 111 for turning on and off a power supply, input button 112 for receiving an input from the user, and the like are provided on an outer surface of grip 110.
Head part 120 is a member that includes shaving unit 121 including a blade for cutting a hair and is connected to one end of grip 110. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, head part 120 is relatively operably connected to grip 110. An operation direction of head part 120 is not particularly limited, but head part 120 is swingable in a circumferential direction with each of a front-back direction (X-axis direction in the drawing), a width direction Y (Y-axis direction in the drawing), and an up-down direction (Z-axis direction in the drawing) as an axial center.
Shaving unit 121 includes a plurality of (four in the present exemplary embodiment) first outer blades 122 in the front-back direction, each of which is semicylindrical and mesh-shaped, extends in the width direction, and has through holes, and second outer blade 123 which has slit-shaped through-holes and is disposed between first outer blades 122. First outer blades 122 and second outer blade 123 are attached to head frame 124, and shaving unit 121 is detachably attached to head base body 125.
First inner blades (not illustrated) provided to correspond to first outer blades 122, a second inner blade (not illustrated) provided to correspond to second outer blade 123, and drive device 126 (see Fig. 3) that drives the first inner blades and the second inner blade are disposed inside head part 120. In the present exemplary embodiment, drive device 126 causes the first inner blades which are inner blades and the second inner blade to reciprocate with respect to the outer blades in the width direction (Y-axis direction in the drawing). Hairs inserted into the through-holes of first outer blades 122 and second outer blade 123 are cut between the first inner blades and second inner blade that vibrate.
Imaging device 131 is a device that images a part near the skin with which shaving unit 121 comes into contact. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, imaging device 131 has an angle of view at which, in a state where shaving unit 121 is brought into contact with the skin, a skin having a length corresponding to the entire of first outer blades 122 and second outer blade 123, which are the outer blades in the front-back direction (X-axis direction in the drawing) and a skin having a length corresponding to the entire width (Y-axis direction in the drawing) of first outer blade 122 in the width direction (Y-axis direction in the drawing) can be imaged at a time. Accordingly, states of a hair and a skin immediately before and after shaving can be accurately imaged.
A type of imaging device 131 is not particularly limited, and for example, a so-called digital camera including an optical system including a lens and the like and an imaging element that converts an image formed by the optical system into an electrical signal can be exemplified.
Imaging device 131 of the present exemplary embodiment is fixed to head base body 125 of head part 120, and imaging device 131 also operates together with an operation of head part 120 for grip 110. Accordingly, a distance between the skin and imaging device 131 can be stabilized even during shaving with electric razor 100, and a clearer image can be imaged. Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 2, imaging device 131 is attached to substrate 133 protruding forward from a front surface (X-side in the drawing) of head base body 125. According to this, since imaging device 131 does not become an obstacle when head frame 124 is attached or detached, such an attachment is preferable. In addition, illumination device 135 such as a light emitting diode (generally referred to as "LED") that illuminates the skin within the angle of view of imaging device 131 is attached to substrate 133. Substrate 133, imaging device 131, and illumination device 135 are covered with cover 134 (see Fig. 1).
As illustrated in Fig. 1, notification device 140 is a device that notifies the user of a processing result of image processing device 150. The notification method of notification device 140 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method for performing notification by sound (including voice), light, vibration, electrical stimulus, a combination thereof, or the like. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, notification device 140 is a device that performs notification of information by light, and includes a plurality of light emitting elements such as LEDs at an end of grip 110 close to head part 120. Notification device 140 can change at least one of brightness, color, and a light emission pattern of light. Note that although Fig. 1 illustrates a case where the light emitting element of notification device 140 is provided on a side surface on one (Y- side) side of grip 110, the number of light emitting elements is not limited thereto, and the light emitting element may be provided on a side surface on the other (Y+ side) side of grip 110 or the like. In addition, a specific notification method of the shaving information will be described later.
Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functional units of image processing device 150. Image processing device 150 is a device that processes an image acquired from imaging device 131, and includes, as processing units implemented by a processor executing a program, speed information generation unit 151, shaving information generation unit 152, and result notification unit 153. In the present exemplary embodiment, image processing device 150 further includes information acquisition unit 154, drive control unit 155, and rhythm generation unit 156.
Information acquisition unit 154 is a processing unit that acquires information such as an image imaged by imaging device 131. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, information acquisition unit 154 also acquires input information input by the user using input button 112, and the like.
Speed information generation unit 151 generates speed information indicating a shaving speed which is a relative moving speed of head part 120 with respect to the skin based on the image acquired by information acquisition unit 154 from imaging device 131. The method for calculating the shaving speed by speed information generation unit 151 is not particularly limited, and for example, the following two examples can be exemplified.

(Calculation Example 1)

Speed information generation unit 151 generates the speed information indicating the shaving speed which is the moving speed of head part 120 with respect to the skin based on a displacement amount of at least one of a hair and a skin texture in a plurality of images imaged by imaging device 131 at predetermined time intervals. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 4, a hair to be focused on is selected from a previously imaged image (see an upper image in Fig. 4) (see a portion surrounded by an upper rectangle), and a position of the selected hair in the image is specified. Subsequently, the same hair as the previously focused hair is extracted from an image (see a lower image in Fig. 4) imaged after a predetermined time interval (see a portion surrounded by a lower rectangle), and a position of the extracted hair in the image is specified. Speed information generation unit 151 generates the speed information based on a displacement amount of the position of the same hair in two images and an imaging interval between two images.
Note that the number of hairs to be focused on in order to generate the speed information is not limited to one, and a plurality of hairs may be focused. In addition, the speed information may be generated based on the skin texture instead of the hair.

(Calculation Example 2)

Speed information generation unit 151 generates the speed information indicating the shaving speed which is the moving speed of head part 120 with respect to the skin based on a blur width of at least one of the hair and the skin texture in one image imaged by imaging device 131 at a predetermined shutter speed (that is, exposure time). For example, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the hair to be focused on is selected from one image, and blur width d of the selected hair in the image is detected. Speed information generation unit 151 generates the speed information based on blur width d and a shutter speed (that is, exposure time) in two images.
Note that the number of hairs to be focused on in order to generate the speed information is not limited to one, and blur widths of a plurality of hairs may be focused. In addition, the speed information may be generated based on a blur width of the skin texture instead of the hair. In addition, speed information generation unit 151 may generate the speed information by using a plurality of calculation methods instead of executing any one of the calculation methods.
Shaving information generation unit 152 generates shaving information on shaving based on the speed information generated by speed information generation unit 151. For example, shaving information generation unit 152 may generate shaving information with an excessive speed in a case where the speed information generated by speed information generation unit 151 is more than or equal to a speed threshold, and may generate shaving information with an appropriate speed in a case where the speed information generated by speed information generation unit 151 is less than the speed threshold.
In addition, in the case of the present exemplary embodiment, shaving information generation unit 152 generates the shaving information corresponding to the input information input by using the user using input button 112 or the like. For example, image processing device 150 retain speed thresholds in a plurality of levels, and shaving information generation unit 152 selects the speed threshold corresponding to the input information. Shaving information generation unit 152 can change the speed serving as a determination reference for generating the shaving information indicating the excessive speed by using the selected speed threshold, and can adjust an aspect in which the speed information is present to the user's preference.
In addition, shaving information generation unit 152 may retain a plurality of thresholds having different values, such as a first speed threshold that is 20% slower than the speed threshold and a second speed threshold that is 40% slower than the speed threshold, and may generate shaving information that increases or decreases stepwise, such as shaving information corresponding to the level of the moving speed of the head.
Result notification unit 153 controls notification device 140 to notify the user of the shaving information generated by shaving information generation unit 152. For example, result notification unit 153 notifies the user of the shaving information by controlling light emitted from a light emitting device to change at least one of the brightness, the color, and the light emission pattern. Result notification unit 153 notifies the user of the excessive speed by performing control such that red light is emitted, and notifies the user of the appropriate speed by performing control such that blue light is emitted or the emission of the red light is stopped when the shaving information at the appropriate speed is acquired from shaving information generation unit 152. Further, in a case where a state of exceeding a speed limit continues for a predetermined time or more, notification device 140 may be controlled to be in a red blinking state.
In addition, in a case where shaving information generation unit 152 generates the shaving information that increases or decreases stepwise, result notification unit 153 may notify the user of the stepwise shaving information by controlling the light emitted from the light emitting device to change at least one of the brightness, the color, and the light emission pattern stepwise. For example, the user may be prompted to more sensuously navigate to an appropriate speed by changing the color stepwise, such as controlling such that blue light is emitted in the case of an appropriate speed, controlling such that yellow light is emitted in the case of a slightly faster speed, and controlling such that red light is emitted in the case of an excessive speed. In addition, intensity of light, a blinking interval of light emission, and the like may be increased or decreased stepwise.
In a case where shaving information generation unit 152 generates stop information indicating that a shaving operation is not performed for a certain period of time, drive control unit 155 controls drive device 126 that drives shaving unit 121 to stop driving of shaving unit 121. For example, drive control unit 155 sequentially acquires the speed information from speed information generation unit 151, and stops the driving of shaving unit 121 in a case where the speed information more than or equal to a time threshold indicating a predetermined time and less than or equal to the stop threshold indicating a predetermined speed (that is, in a case where drive control unit 155 acquires speed information less than or equal to a constant speed from speed information generation unit 151 continuously for a certain period of time or longer). In a case where speed information higher than the stop threshold is acquired after the driving of shaving unit 121 is stopped, the driving of shaving unit 121 may be restarted.
Note that, in a case where information indicating that information of the hair and the skin texture cannot be acquired from the image is acquired from shaving information generation unit 152, it is determined that shaving unit 121 is separated from the skin, and the driving of shaving unit 121 may be stopped.
Rhythm generation unit 156 generates a predetermined rhythm and controls notification device 140 to notify the user of the generated rhythm. For example, the rhythm may be notified by changing the color, intensity, and the like of the light emitted by notification device 140 at a constant cycle. In addition, in a case where notification device 140 includes a speaker, a sound at a constant cycle such as a metronome, music that repeats at a constant cycle, or the like may be generated. Accordingly, electric razor 100 is operated in accordance with information at a constant cycle acquired from notification device 140, and thus, it is possible to notify the user of the appropriate moving speed of head part 120.
According to electric razor 100 of the exemplary embodiment, the user can be notified of the shaving information on the shaving speed based on the movement of the hair or the skin texture of the image acquired from imaging device 131. Accordingly, the user can execute shaving processing while recognizing a speed at which electric razor 100 is moved with respect to the skin, and can efficiently perform a shaving operation while exhibiting the performance of electric razor 100 and suppressing the damage to the skin.
In addition, a shaving speed desired by the user can be selected by generating the shaving information corresponding to the input information input by the user, and electric razor 100 can be changed to a mode corresponding to the user's preference.
In addition, notification device 140 includes the light emitting element, and thus, it is possible to easily notify the user of the plurality of pieces of shaving information by changing at least one of the brightness, the color, and the light emission pattern of the light.
Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments. For example, another exemplary embodiment implemented by optionally combining the components described in the present description or by excluding some of the components may be an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure also includes variations obtained by making various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, in other words, without departing from the meaning indicated by the wording described in the claims.
For example, although notification device 140 including the light emitting element has been exemplified, notification device 140 may include a sound producing device such as a speaker, a vibration device that generates vibration in grip 110, a stimulus application device that prompts the movement of head part 120 at a low speed by applying electrical stimulus to the user gripping grip 110 to make the user feel a weight in a pseudo manner, and the like. Such notification device 140 can perform the notification of the shaving information by changing sound, vibration, intensity of a stimulus, a generation pattern, and the like.
In addition, electric razor 100 may include a second imaging device that images a wider region than imaging device 131 in a state where shaving unit 121 comes into contact with the skin. For example, the second imaging device may be fixed to an end of grip 110 opposite to head part 120, and may have an angle of view capable of imaging the entire cheek on one side, for example, in a state where shaving unit 121 comes into contact with the skin. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately grasp the state of the skin immediately after shaving.
In addition, in the above exemplary embodiments, although shaving unit 121 that includes a total of five outer blades including four first outer blades 122 and one second outer blade 123 has been exemplified, the number of outer blades is not particularly limited, and shaving unit 121 may include four or less outer blades or six or more outer blades.
In addition, shaving unit 121 may be configured to shave hair by rotating the inner blade with respect to the outer blades.
In addition, the attachment position of imaging device 131 is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments, and may be attached to, for example, a rear side (X+ side in the drawing), a side (Y- side and Y+ side in the drawing), or the like. In addition, the first imaging device may be attached to grip 110. The number of imaging devices 131 is not limited to one, and may be attached to a plurality of places.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure can be applied to electric razors capable of shaving hairs of animals including humans, such as so-called electric shavers for shaving beards and so-called hair clippers for shaving hairs.
Technical ideas derived from the present disclosure will be described below.
An electric razor derived from the present disclosure includes a grip to be gripped by a user and a head part having a shaving unit for cutting a hair, the head part being connected to an end of the grip.
The electric razor includes:

an imaging device that images a part near a skin with which the shaving unit comes into contact;
an image processing device that processes an image acquired by the imaging device; and
a notification device that notifies the user of a processing result of the image processing device.

The image processing device includes:

a speed information generation unit that generates speed information indicating a shaving speed of the head part with respect to the skin based on the image acquired by the imaging device;
a shaving information generation unit that generates shaving information on the shaving speed based on the speed information; and
a result notification unit that controls the notification device to notify the user of the shaving information.

In other words, an electric razor derived from the present disclosure includes:

a grip gripped by a user;
a head part having a shaving unit for cutting a hair, the head part being connected to an end of the grip;
an imaging device that images a part near a skin with which the shaving unit comes into contact;
a notification device; and
electrical circuitry which, in operation:
- acquires an image from the imaging device;
- generates speed information indicating a shaving speed of the head part with respect to the skin based on the image acquired by the imaging device;
- generates shaving information on the shaving speed based on the speed information; and
- controls the notification device to notify the user of the shaving information.

Examples of the electrical circuitry are semiconductor devices, such as an integrated circuit (commonly referred to as "IC") or a large scale integrated circuit (commonly referred to as "LSI").

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

100: electric razor
110: grip
111: power supply switch
112: input button
120: head part
121: shaving unit
122: first outer blade
123: second outer blade
124: head frame
125: head base body
126: drive device
131: imaging device
133: substrate
134: cover
135: illumination device
140: notification device
150: image processing device
151: speed information generation unit
152: shaving information generation unit
153: result notification unit
154: information acquisition unit
155: drive control unit
156: rhythm generation unit

Claims

An electric razor that comprises a grip to be gripped by a user and a head part comprising a shaving unit for cutting a hair, the head part being connected to an end of the grip, the electric razor comprising:
an imaging device that images a part near a skin with which the shaving unit comes into contact;

an image processing device that processes an image acquired by the imaging device; and

a notification device that notifies the user of a processing result of the image processing device,

wherein

the image processing device comprises:
a speed information generation unit that generates speed information indicating a shaving speed of the head part with respect to the skin based on the image acquired by the imaging device;

a shaving information generation unit that generates shaving information on the shaving speed based on the speed information; and

a result notification unit that controls the notification device to notify the user of the shaving information.
The electric razor according to Claim 1, wherein
the speed information generation unit generates speed information indicating a shaving speed based on at least one displacement amount selected from the group consisting of a hair and a skin texture in a plurality of images.
The electric razor according to Claim 1, wherein
the speed information generation unit generates speed information indicating a shaving speed based on at least one blur width selected from the group consisting of a hair and a skin texture in one image by a predetermined shutter speed.
The electric razor according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein
the image processing device further comprises an information acquisition unit that acquires input information input by the user, and

the shaving information generation unit generates shaving information corresponding to the input information.
The electric razor according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein
the notification device is a device that performs notification of information with light, and

the result notification unit notifies the user of the shaving information by controlling the notification device to change at least one selected from the group consisting of brightness, color, and a light emission pattern.
The electric razor according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein
the image processing device includes a drive control unit that controls a drive device that drives the shaving unit to stop the driving of the shaving unit, in a case where the shaving information generation unit generates stop information indicating that a shaving operation is not performed for a predetermined time.
The electric razor according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein
the image processing device comprises a rhythm generation unit that generates a predetermined rhythm and notifies the user of the generated rhythm by controlling the notification device.