Mirror information panel

• US 20020080494A1
• Filed: 12/21/2000
• Published: 06/27/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Meine, Robert K.
• Granted Patent: US 6,560,027 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/630
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 1/02 Mirrors used as equipment hand, pocket, or shaving mirrors A45D42/00; optical viewing means for vehicles B60R1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/12 using a transparent mirror or other light reflecting surface transparent to transmitted light whereby a sign, symbol, picture or other is visible only when illuminated
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00411 the display also being used for user input, e.g. touch screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00413 using menus, i.e. presenting the user with a plurality of selectable options H04N1/00464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00493 Particular location of the interface or console
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00496 Constructional details of the interface or console not otherwise provided for, e.g. rotating or tilting means

Abstract

The inventive mirror provides both an image and information to a user. The inventive mirror allows a user to review electronic information, while performing personal hygiene procedures. For example, the user could look at the inventive mirror and review news headlines and/or stories, read and respond to e-mails, and/or review and edit their schedule of appointments, while grooming. The smart mirror has two modes. In a power off mode, the smart mirror acts as a standard reflective mirror. In a power on mode, then the smart mirror becomes a display device. The display device may comprise a touch screen, which would allow direct user interaction.

Claims

1. A mirror comprising:

front panel that displays information to a user and reflects an image to the user; and

a computer system for providing the information to the front panel.

2. The mirror of claim 1 wherein:

the front panel is switchable between displaying the information and reflecting the image.

3. The mirror of claim 1 wherein:

the front panel simultaneously displays the information and reflects the image.

4. The mirror of claim 3 wherein:

the user switches eye focus between the information and the image to perceive one of the information and the image.

5. The mirror of claim 1 wherein:

the mirror is mounted in a bathroom.

6. The mirror of claim 1 wherein the front panel comprises:

a user interface that displays the information to the user.

7. The mirror of claim 6 wherein:

the information comprises one of news, an e-mail message, and an appointment calendar.

8. The mirror of claim 6 wherein:

the user interface includes a graphical keyboard.

9. The mirror of claim 6 wherein:

the user interface includes a character recognizer.

10. A mirror comprising:

means for providing information; and

means for displaying the information to a user and reflecting an image to the user.

11. The mirror of claim 10 wherein:

the means for displaying is switchable between displaying the information and reflecting the image.

12. The mirror of claim 10 wherein:

the means for displaying simultaneously displays the information and reflects the image.

13. The mirror of claim 12 wherein:

the user switches eye focus between the information and the image to perceive one of the information and the image.

14. The mirror of claim 10 wherein:

the mirror is mounted in a bathroom.

15. The mirror of claim 10 wherein:

the information comprises one of news, an e-mail message, and an appointment calendar.

16. The mirror of claim 10 wherein:

the means for displaying includes a graphical keyboard.

17. The mirror of claim 10 wherein:

the means for displaying includes a character recognizer.