Flexible Mirror Laminate and Screen Software for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile devices lack a true, real-time mirror function and adequate lighting for makeup application or self-checking, with existing software solutions offering delayed image feedback and insufficient lighting, making precision tasks like applying mascara difficult.
Innovation Solution
A software application that converts a smartphone or tablet screen into a true mirror with controlled lighting, and a flexible mirror laminate that can be applied to the device, providing real-time specular reflection and adjustable illumination to improve visibility in poor lighting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera-based solution is used to provide mirror function on mobile devices, then the device can display the user's image, but there is a time delay between capturing and playing back the image, making precision tasks difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the device's display screen as a direct optical copy/extension of the mirror surface, eliminating the need for camera capture and digital processing. The screen itself becomes the reflective surface through optical coupling, providing instantaneous visual feedback without time delay.
2Ease of operation
If a small mirror is carried in a purse or pocket, then it is convenient to carry, but the mirror is too small to be useful for makeup application or detailed self-checking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device's display screen serve multiple functions: it acts as both a regular display for apps and media, and as a mirror surface when needed. This eliminates the need to carry a separate physical mirror while providing a sufficiently large reflective area for makeup application and detailed self-checking.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional mirrors are used in poorly lit environments, then the mirror function is available, but the lighting is insufficient to see facial details clearly for makeup application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mirror function with integrated lighting by placing light sources around the display screen. The screen serves as both the reflective surface and the illumination source, with LEDs positioned to light up the user's face evenly without creating harsh shadows, enabling clear visibility for makeup application in any lighting environment.
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 real-time, accurate self-viewing and improved lighting for precise tasks like makeup application, eliminating shadows and time delays associated with existing camera-based solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The term 'true mirror' here means a mirror that reflects back to the viewer a specular reflection without image distortion
Implementation Method 2
an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned around a perimeter of the mirror portion
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror for a mobile device, the mirror configured as a flexible multilayered laminate electrostatically and removably adhered to a viewing screen or other smooth surface of the mobile device. The laminate has at least one reflective layer adhered to an optically transparent bottom layer made of a plastic-silicone material. In another embodiment, the laminate includes a switchable film layer that when current is applied becomes optically opaque, allowing a split screen use of the viewing screen. For instance, when current is applied to the laminate, half of the viewing screen is a mirror and the other half allows use of software and other features of the mobile device. In yet another embodiment, a true mirror is created using software to create a reflective surface beneath a glass of the viewing screen. Control of the mirror using software and physical switches are also provided. LED lighting is also provided.