System and method for displaying information on a mirror

• US 6,560,027 B2
• Filed: 12/21/2000
• Issued: 05/06/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Co. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Meine, Robert K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Epps, Georgia
• Assistant Examiner(s): Harrington, Alicia M.
• Application Number:
  US09/746,366
• Publication Number:
  US 20020080494A1
• Time in Patent Office: 866 Days
• Field of Search: 359/630, 359/633
• 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 of the user to the user; and

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

wherein said minor is mounted in a room.

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 said room comprises a bathroom.

6. The minor 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 minor 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;

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

wherein said minor is mounted in a room; and

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

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

13. The mirror of claim 10 wherein said room comprises a bathroom.

14. A The mirror of claim 10 wherein:

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

15. The mirror of claim 10 wherein:

the means for displaying includes a graphical keyboard.

16. The mirror of claim 10 wherein:

the means for displaying includes a character recognizer.

17. A mirror information system comprising:

a mirror comprising

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

a computer system for providing the information to the front panel; and

a building wall, said mirror being coupled to said building wall.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein said front panel comprises a user interface that displays the information to the user;

and

wherein said user interface comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of a graphical keyboard and a character recognizer.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein the front panel is switchable between displaying the information and reflecting the image.