Digital Mirror Assembly With Multi-Camera Array and Touch Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computerized mirror apparatuses lack a configuration with multiple cameras and lights for enhanced photography and video capture, as well as touch screen capabilities and connectivity options.

Innovation Solution

A digital mirror apparatus featuring a base with multiple cameras, light emitting diodes for flash, a touch screen, microprocessor for command processing, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a battery-powered system that can switch between reflective and computerized interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single camera is used in the mirror apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the photo and video capture capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephoto and video capture capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the imaging system into multiple independent camera modules (front-facing camera, rear-facing camera, and side cameras) that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to capture images from multiple angles and perspectives simultaneously, enhancing photo and video capture capability while managing device complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mirror apparatus integrates multiple cameras that serve various functions: the front-facing camera captures self-portraits, the rear-facing camera captures environmental photos, and side cameras enable wide-angle shots. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple imaging devices, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If multiple lights are added for flash functionality, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination intensityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent LED light sources positioned around the mirror surface. Each light can be independently controlled to provide illumination from different directions, creating enhanced flash functionality and reducing shadows while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular lighting control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple LED light sources into an integrated lighting system that works in unison with the camera array. The lights are merged with the mirror's structural design, embedding them within the housing to minimize space requirements and aesthetic impact while providing superior illumination for photography.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a touch screen is integrated into the mirror, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The touch screen is merged with the mirror surface, creating a seamless interface where the display integrates directly into the reflective surface. This integration allows users to interact with photography controls, settings, and photo reviews through intuitive touch gestures on the mirror itself, improving ease of operation while the shared hardware architecture helps manage device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are added, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnectivity capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mirror apparatus integrates multiple wireless communication protocols (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) into a unified connectivity system. Wi-Fi enables high-bandwidth data transfer for photo and video synchronization with mobile devices, while Bluetooth provides low-power connectivity for accessories and quick pairing. This multi-functional communication system enhances adaptability for various use cases while sharing common hardware resources to manage complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables versatile photo and video capture, interaction with digital interfaces, and internet connectivity while providing enhanced lighting and mobility, addressing the need for a multifunctional and user-friendly computerized mirror system.

Implementation Method 1

Each light of a plurality of lights is a light emitting diode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS12003851B2Digital mirror assembly
Publication Date: 2024.06.04 SMITH DELVIN
  • US12003851B2 patent drawing
  • US12003851B2 patent drawing
  • US12003851B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A digital mirror assembly for capturing photos using a plurality of cameras includes a base. The base has a front surface and a back surface. A plurality of cameras is positioned on the front surface. Furthermore, a plurality of lights is positioned on the front surface. A microprocessor is positioned in an interior of the base. The microprocessor is in electric communication with a battery, a receiver, the plurality of lights, the plurality of cameras, and a screen. The screen is positioned on the front surface of the base. The screen can either be a reflective surface or a computerized interface. The computerized interface resembles they layout of a smart phone device. The user can connect to the internet using the receiver. A flash positioned on the front surface goes off when the each of the cameras captures a photo. An actuator turns the digital mirror assembly on and off.