Smart Electric Mirrors with Flip-Up Screens and Rear Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combinations of mirrors, display screens, and cameras lack the functionality of display screens that can function as mirrors, or be combined with flip-up/down mirrors, and transmit real-time images from cameras to screens via cables, offering limited portability and versatility for personal grooming and security applications.
Innovation Solution
A system of interconnected display screens with reflective surfaces that can function as mirrors, featuring flip-up/down two-sided mirrors, embedded cameras, and remote control operation, allowing real-time image transmission from one screen to another, with optional zoom, lighting, and adjustable handles for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If display screens are used that can function as mirrors or be combined with flip-up/down mirrors, then the versatility and functionality for personal grooming is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is designed to perform multiple functions: it can display real-time video images from cameras and simultaneously function as a mirror when in mirror mode. The flip-up/down mirror mechanism allows the same device to switch between providing camera feed and providing reflective surface, eliminating the need for separate mirror and camera display devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate components (mirrors, display screens, and cameras) into a single integrated apparatus. The flip-up/down mirrors are physically combined with the display screens, and cameras are integrated to capture images that display on the same screen system, creating a unified multi-functional device.
2Ease of operation
If real-time image transmission from cameras to display screens is implemented, then the viewing capability for back of head and other areas is improved, but the device complexity and cable requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cables as intermediaries to transmit video signals from cameras to display screens. This intermediary connection enables real-time image transmission without requiring complex wireless communication systems, maintaining simplicity in the signal transmission method while achieving the desired viewing capability.
3Productivity
If multiple cameras and display screens are interconnected with cables, then the productivity and efficiency of personal grooming is improved, but the loss of time for setup and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cameras and display screens are pre-positioned and pre-connected in the apparatus setup. The flip-up/down mirrors are pre-configured to work with the display screens. This preliminary arrangement of components eliminates the need for complex setup procedures during each use, allowing users to simply activate the system and begin grooming activities immediately.
4Ease of operation
If the apparatus is made portable with adjustable handles and tripod legs, then the ease of operation and mobility is improved, but the weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates adjustable handles and tripod legs that can be modified in position and configuration. The handles can be adjusted to different heights and angles, and the tripod legs can be extended or repositioned, allowing the device to adapt to different user preferences and usage scenarios while maintaining portability.
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 viewing of the back of the head or other areas, providing an effective aid for personal grooming and security, with portability and versatility for home, salon, or organizational use, while maintaining functionality as regular mirrors when turned off.
Implementation Method 1
display screens with reflective surfaces that can also function as mirrors
Implementation Method 2
transmit an image from a camera to a display screen through a cable
Implementation Method 3
The mirrors also come with lights that can make the head areas appear more clearly in the dark
Data Source
AI summary
A system, comprising two display screens, each having a reflective surface that can act as a mirror when the display screen is turned off, a camera attached to each display screen, cables connecting each camera to the display screen to which it is not attached, and a switch for each display screen, that can turn the display screen on or off. Alternatively, there may be two-sided mirrors that can be flipped down to cover the display screens, and flipped up to uncover them. The images on the display screens may be split between two or more cameras. Alternatively, there may be three or more display screens, and a switch for each display screen, that can turn the display screen on or off, and if on, select which camera's input will be displayed on the display screen, or else a switch for each connection between a camera and a display screen.