U.S. patent application number 14/531104 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-23 for low profile mirror and media display device assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to ELECTRIC MIRROR, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is ELECTRIC MIRROR, LLC. Invention is credited to James V. Mischel, JR., James V. Mischel, SR..
Application Number | 20150205110 14/531104 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38068064 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150205110 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mischel, JR.; James V. ; et
al. |
July 23, 2015 |
LOW PROFILE MIRROR AND MEDIA DISPLAY DEVICE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A combination mirror and media display device assembly, includes
a mirror platform, a low profile media display device housing, and
a mounting bracket. The low profile media display device housing
contains a media display device and a media display device power
adapter. The mirror platform is coupled to the mounting bracket and
the low profile media display device housing is coupleable with the
mounting bracket, such that the media display device is aligned
with the media display device viewing area when the media display
device housing is coupled to the mounting bracket.
Inventors: |
Mischel, JR.; James V.;
(Seattle, WA) ; Mischel, SR.; James V.; (Lynnwood,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ELECTRIC MIRROR, LLC |
Everett |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ELECTRIC MIRROR, LLC
Everett
WA
|
Family ID: |
38068064 |
Appl. No.: |
14/531104 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13374430 |
Dec 28, 2011 |
8880360 |
|
|
14531104 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
359/630 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 27/1073 20130101;
A47G 1/02 20130101; G02B 27/0101 20130101; Y10T 29/49963 20150115;
G09F 13/12 20130101; C23F 1/30 20130101; G09F 19/14 20130101; Y10T
29/49826 20150115; G09F 9/00 20130101; G02B 27/0149 20130101; G02B
2027/0169 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 27/01 20060101
G02B027/01 |
Claims
1. A combination mirror and media display device assembly,
comprising: a mirror platform; a low profile media display device
housing, the low profile media display device housing contains a
media display device and a media display device power adapter; and
a mounting bracket, the mirror platform is coupled to the mounting
bracket and the low profile media display device housing is
coupleable with the mounting bracket, such that the media display
device is aligned with the media display device viewing area when
the media display device housing is coupled to the mounting
bracket.
2. The combination mirror and media display device assembly of
claim 1, wherein the thickness of the media display device housing
is approximately one inch or less.
3. The combination mirror and media display device assembly of
claim 2, wherein the mounting bracket is open on a side and is
configured to receive the media display device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No.: 13/374,430, tiled on Dec. 28, 2011, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/563,119, filed
on Nov. 24, 2006 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,099,247), which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/794209, filed Apr.
21, 2006; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/739399, filed Nov.
23, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/739156, filed
Nov. 23, 2005, the disclosures of which are all expressly
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Currently available mirror and television devices typically
include a television mounted to the back of a mirror. This
arrangement is a convenient space saving device as it embeds a
television in the existing space occupied by a mirror. Although
available, these devices typically suffer from either poor
transmissivity or reflectivity.
[0003] The transmissivity and reflectivity of a mirror are roughly
inversely related. That is, a mirror with high transmissivity
generally has low reflectivity; and a mirror with high reflectivity
generally has low transmissivity. As a result, a mirror with high
transmissivity will allow more light from a television located
behind the mirror to pass through the mirror, resulting in better
viewing of the image displayed on the television. However, such a
mirror will also have a relatively low reflectivity, resulting in a
lower quality reflection in the mirror.
[0004] In addition to the presenting the difficulty of balancing
television image quality with the reflection quality, current
mirror/television combinations do not provide additional sources of
illumination, such as back lighting. This results in the need for
separate light fixtures in addition to the mirror/television
combination, which can cause additional installation costs and
unsightly clutter.
SUMMARY
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to
be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0006] A combination mirror and media display device assembly is
provided. The combination mirror and media display device includes
a mirror platform having a media display device viewing area and a
media display device coupled to the mirror platform. The media
display device is positioned to display images through the media
display device viewing area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become better understood by reference to the
following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a representative mirror/media
display device assembly constructed in accordance with one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded front isometric view of the
mirror/media display device assembly of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded rear isometric view of the
mirror/media display device assembly of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mirror/media display
device assembly of FIG. 1 constructed in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a mirror/media display
device assembly constructed in accordance with a second embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a mirror/media display
device assembly constructed in accordance with a third embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a mirror/media display
device assembly constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a previously known media
display device with an external power adapter;
[0016] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the media display device of a
mirror/media display device assembly, showing the media display
device having power adapter constructed in accordance with one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 10A is an isometric view of a back side of a mirror
platform according to embodiments of the invention; and
[0018] FIG. 10B is an isometric view of aback side of a mirror
platform illustrating an opening in a chassis according to one
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] A mirror/media display device assembly 100 constructed in
accordance with, one embodiment of the present disclosure may be
best understood by referring to FIGS. 1 -4. The mirror/media
display device assembly 100 includes a framed or frameless mirror
platform 102 attached to a chassis 140. The minor platform 102
includes a substantially reflective surface 132, one or more
translucent back lit portions 130, and a media display device
viewing portion 128, through which a media display device 120
located behind the mirror platform 102 can be viewed. The chassis
140 includes edge sections 142 arranged to form a perimeter (i.e.,
periphery) of the chassis 140. The edge sections 142 include one or
more apertures 148. Although the chassis 140 is described as
including apertures 148, it should be apparent that chassis 140
without apertures 148 are also within the scope of the present
disclosure. Light emanating from the assembly 100 is illustrated
schematically by reference numeral 134.
[0020] The one or more back lit portions 130 located on the mirror
platform 102 have substantially no reflectivity (e.g., frosted
glass, acid etched glass or clear glass). These back lit portions
130 are translucent, allowing light emitted from one or more light
sources 122 disposed within the mirror/media display device
assembly 100 to pass through the mirror platform 102. The number,
configuration, and arrangement of back lit portions 130 can be
varied to achieve different lighting effects. As a non-limiting
example, the back lit portion 130 is configured as a single,
continuous portion extending around the perimeter of the mirror
platform 102.
[0021] Light radiated from the light source 122 radiates through
the plurality of apertures 14S to illuminate the surroundings of
the mirror/media, display device assembly 100. Illuminating the
surroundings, such as the wall on which the mirror/media display
device assembly 100 is mounted, creates a back lighting effect. The
number and location of the apertures can be varied to achieve the
desired visual atmosphere. For example, each side of the chassis
includes a single aperture that extends along the length of the
side of the chassis. In another embodiment, the chassis includes a
single aperture that extends along the length of the lower edge of
the chassis, illuminating a sink or countertop above which the
mirror/media display device assembly 100 is mounted.
[0022] The apertures 148 of the chassis 140 can be optionally
covered by a transparent or translucent material (e.g., a plastic
strip). In addition to helping to prevent dirt and moisture from
entering the mirror/media display device assembly 100, the material
can be colored so that light radiated through the apertures 148
creates a desired visual effect.
[0023] In another embodiment, back lighting is provided by
radiating light through the back lit portions 130 of the mirror
platform 102. As noted above, the back lit portions 130 include
translucent areas having substantially no reflectivity or could be
partially reflective. The low reflectivity allows light from the
light source 122 to pass through the mirror, illuminating the back
lit portions 130 of the mirror platform 102. The number and shape
of the back lit portions 130 can be varied to provide desired
visual effects.
[0024] The media display device 120 is mounted within the
mirror/media display device assembly 100 so that the screen of the
media display device 120 aligns with the media display device
viewing area 128 of the mirror platform 102. The term "media
display device" should be understood to include any media display
device suitable for receiving television signals, computer signals,
VGA connections, digital signals, etc., and displaying a
corresponding image.
[0025] The media display device 120 includes a well-known indicator
light 136 and infrared sensor 138. The indicator light 136 provides
a signal indicating whether the media display device is "powered
on" or "powered off." The infrared sensor 138 provides a remote
communication port with the media display device 120. The indicator
light 136 and infrared sensor 138 are suitably located on a forward
face of the media display device housing.
[0026] When the media display device is installed, the infrared
sensor 138 and indicator light 136 each aligns with a part the
mirror platform 102 having little or no reflectivity. The reduced
reflectivity makes the indicator light more readily visible from
the front side of the mirror platform 102 and also allows the
infrared signal from a remote control to pass through the mirror
platform 102.
[0027] In one embodiment, the media display device 120 is attached
to the mirror/media display device assembly 100 by a suitably
shaped and configured mounting-bracket (not shown). The media
display device 120 can be attached to the mounting bracket with
removable fasteners, such as screws and magnets. The mounting
bracket is open on one side, typically the top or bottom so that it
does not interfere with audio/video connections of the media
display device 120. One version of the mounting bracket allows the
media display device 120 to slide in from the bottom and snap into
place without being mechanic-ally fastened.
[0028] For circumstances in which the mirror/media display device
assembly 100 cannot be easily removed from a wall, an access area
(not shown) can be provided through the bottom of the chassis 140.
The access area allows a user to reach up behind the mirror
platform 102 and remove the media display device 120 for repair or
replacement. In a like manner, the media display device 120 can be
easily remounted through the access area.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, the chassis 140 includes a central
opening 166 sized for a direct connection of an external electrical
cable 160 to a terminal block 158 which, in turn, is in electrical
communication with an electrical ballast 156. The connection at the
terminal block 158 is covered with a metal box to provide an
isolated electrical connection and thereby eliminate the need for
an external electrical box. A further opening or openings are
provided to accommodate a power receptacle and audio and video
connections. As an alternative electrical connection the lighting
components could be plugged into a receptacle. The chassis 140 is
suitably manufactured from a variety of materials including, metal,
wood, fiberglass, and various polymers. Polymers and other
materials can optionally be transparent or translucent.
[0030] As best seen in FIG. 3, the mirror platform 102 includes a
rear surface 126 having flanges 152. The flanges 152 include slots
for receiving hanging pins 154, which are attached to a the back
surface 146 of the chassis 140 (see FIG. 2), to removably couple
the mirror platform to the chassis 140. It should be appreciated
that the mirror platform can be coupled to the chassis through any
of a variety of suitable methods, including temporary fasteners,
permanent fasteners, adhesives, etc.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a mirror/media display device assembly
100 having a mirror platform 400 constructed in accordance with one
embodiment of the present disclosure. The mirror platform 400
includes a glass layer 404, a reflective layer 406, and backing
layer 408. For ease of description and clarity, such a mirror
platform 400 is referred to as a "transmissive mirror."
[0032] The transmissive mirror includes a front surface 424 and a
rear surface 426. The reflective layer 406 provides a partial
reflectivity to the transmissive mirror and is suitably formed by a
reflective film, a sputter coating, or any other type of suitable
reflective material. The reflective layer 406 is both reflective
and transmissive. While the reflective layer 406 is shown on the
rear surface 426 of the transmissive mirror, it can also be located
on the front surface 424 or both the front and rear surfaces 424
and 426 of the transmissive mirror. The transmissive mirror is
partially transmissive, preferably having a transmissivity of about
50%, although mirrors having transmissivity between about 30% and
about 70% are within the scope of this embodiment.
[0033] Still referring to FIG. 4, the backing layer 408 is
selectively disposed on the rear surface 426 of the transmissive
mirror. The backing layer 408 increases the reflectivity of the
mirror platform 400 in areas to which it is applied. Because of the
increased reflectivity, these areas provide a better reflection,
which is closer to that of a standard mirror, than do the portions
of the transmissive mirror to which the reflective backing is not
applied.
[0034] The backing layer 408 is not applied to the transmissive
mirror in the media, display device viewing area 428. As a result,
while the media display device viewing area 428 has some
reflectivity due to the reflectivity of the transmissive mirror,
the media display device viewing area 428 has less reflectivity
than the areas of the transmissive mirror to which the backing
layer 408 has been applied. The reduced reflectivity in the media
display device viewing area 428 causes less glare and consequently
results in a clearer view of the images displayed on the media
display device.
[0035] It should be appreciated, however, that when the media
display device 420 is turned off the substantially black media
display device screen located behind the media display device
viewing area 428 will change the light ratio between the front and
back of the mirror; thereby, allowing transmissive mirror to
operate at its maximum reflectivity. Accordingly, the reflection
from the media display device viewing area 428 will, more closely
match that of the rest of the transmissive mirror, causing the
media, display device viewing area 428 to blend in with the rest of
the transmissive mirror.
[0036] The backing layer 408 is suitably formed from a reflective
film, sputter coating, silvering, or any other material that
enhances reflectivity when applied to a surface 426. Depending on
the material used, a variety of suitable techniques can be used to
selectively apply the reflective backing, including masking areas
in which the reflective backing is not to be applied, using
computer controlled applicators, or applying the backing to the
entire transmissive mirror and then selectively removing it.
[0037] The transmissive mirror also includes first and second back
lit portions 430 and 432. The back lit portions 430 and 432 are
suitably formed on the transmissive mirror by different methods. As
previously described, the back lit portions are at least partially
translucent, having lower reflectivity and/or higher transmissivity
than the rest of the transmissive mirror. Accordingly, back lit
portions 430, 432 can be formed by decreasing the reflectivity of
the back lit portion relative to the rest of the transmissive
mirror.
[0038] A first back lit portion 430 formed on the mirror platform
400 is similar in construction to the media display device viewing
area 428. The first back lit portion 430 is defined by an area
where the backing layer 408 is not present. As previously discussed
with regard to the media display device viewing area, the first
back lit portion 430 can be formed by the selective application of
the backing layer 408, during which the backing layer 408 is not
applied to the first back lit portion, or the selective removal of
the reflective backing after it has been applied to the first back
lit portion. The backing layer 408 may be removed from the first
back lit portion by any suitable method, including acid etching,
and an acid dip prior to which areas of the reflective backing that
are to remain are masked. A film simulating a "frosted" effect may
be placed on the backside of reflective layer 406.
[0039] When light from a light source 422 is irradiated on the rear
surface of the mirror platform 400, the portions of the
transmissive mirror to which the backing layer 408 has been applied
to reflect the light back from the rear surface 426 of the
transmissive mirror and consequently, substantially none of the
light passes through the transmissive mirror to illuminate the
front surface 424 mirror platform 400. In contrast, when light from
the light source 422 strikes a portion of the transmissive mirror
without backing layer 408, at least part of the light travels
through the transmissive mirror, thereby illuminating the back lit
portion 430 of the mirror platform 400. When the light-source 422
is in an "off" state, the back lit portion 430 reverts back to
having the reflectivity of a standard mirror.
[0040] A second back lit portion 432 is provided on the mirror
platform 400. The second back lit portion 432 is similar to the
first back lit portion 430 except that, in addition to the backing
layer 408, some or all of the reflective layer 406 of the
transmissive mirror is also removed in the area of the second back
lit portion 432. Consequently, when light from the light source 422
is irradiated onto the rear surface 426 of the mirror platform 400
at a second back lit portion 432, at least some of the light is
transmitted through the transmissive mirror to illuminate the front
surface of the mirror platform 400 at the second back lit portion
432.
[0041] Further, because at least some of the reflective layer 406
of the transmissive mirror has been removed, a greater percentage
of light from the light, source 422 will pass through the second
back lit portion 432 than will pass through the first back lit
portion 430. It should be appreciated that any suitable number of
back lit portions, such as three, four, five, six, etc., can be
formed on the platform assembly 400 and, therefore, are also within
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0042] The reflective layer 406 and the hacking layer 408 may be
removed from the second back lit portion by any suitable method,
including sand blasting, acid etching, and an acid dip. Areas of
the reflective layer 406 and backing layer 408 that are to remain
are masked prior to removal treatment. Sandblasting, is
particularly effective for providing a "frosted" effect in the back
lit portion 432. A protective coating may be applied to the sand
blasted areas of the glass to allow the sand blasted areas to be
more easily cleaned and prohibit staining from finger prints, dirt,
etc. This could occur for sand blasting on the front or back
surface of the mirror.
[0043] In addition, the resist used to mask off the mirror for
sandblasting may also be used as a safety back material. Typically,
the resist is removed from the mirror after it has been sand
blasted. In this case the resist would be left on and act as a
safety backing. The resist may be laid on the back of the mirror
and cut by a laser or other method or may be plotted and then
placed on the back of the mirror.
[0044] Areas of the backing layer 408 and/or the reflective layer
406 of the transmissive mirror can also be selectively removed to
provide areas of tower reflectivity to accommodate an indicator
light 136 or an infrared sensor 138 (see FIG. 1).
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a mirror/media display device assembly
100 having a mirror platform 500 constructed in accordance with a
second embodiment of the present disclosure. The mirror platform
500 is substantially identical in construction, material and
operation as the mirror platform 400 described above with the
following exceptions.
[0046] The mirror platform 500 includes a glass layer 504 and a
backing layer 506, and also includes a front surface 524 and a rear
surface 526. The rear surface 526 of the backing layer 506 is
typically painted with a protective paint. For ease of description
and clarity, the mirror platform 500 is referred to as a "standard
mirror."
[0047] The standard mirror provides substantially no
transmissivity, while reflecting almost all incident light.
Commercially available standard mirrors, which are suitable for use
with this embodiment, typically have a reflectivity of about 98%,
which provides a very good reflection in the mirror portion of the
mirror platform 500. However, it should be appreciated that a
mirror having a lower reflectivity than a standard mirror can be
used within the scope of this embodiment. Further, while a standard
mirror usually has a backing layer 506 located on the rear surface
526 of the mirror, a standard mirror with a reflective material
located on the front surface 524 of the mirror can also be
used.
[0048] The mirror platform 500 also includes a media display device
viewing area 528. The media display device viewing area 528 is
formed by an area that has been made non-reflective by selectively
removing the backing layer 506 from the glass layer 504. A
preferred method for selectively removing the reflective backing
includes isolating the area by applying tape, printed ink or a
similar item to the back of the standard mirror around the area
from which the reflective backing is to be removed. Paint remover
or a similar solvent is then applied to the rear surface 526, and
paint is removed with a scraping device such as a razor blade.
[0049] The area is then washed with water or other suitable
material to remove the paint and expose the backing layer 506 of
the standard mirror. A sharp instrument is used to define the outer
perimeter of the media display device viewing area 528, and an
etching solution, such as Ferric chloride (FECl3), printed circuit
board etching solution, or a similar material is applied to the
exposed backing layer 506. After the solution sits for a suitable
length of time, the solution is wiped away, which removes the
backing layer 506, leaving only the glass layer 504. In an
alternative embodiment, the media display device viewing area 528
is masked off on a piece of glass, and backing layer 506 is added
to the glass layer 504.
[0050] After the backing layer 506 has been removed, the media
display device viewing area 528 is close to 100% transmissive.
Accordingly, when the media display device 520 is aligned with the
media display device viewing area 528, the light from the media,
display device is transmitted through the glass layer 504 with
minimal loss, making the images on the media display device screen
readily visible from the front of the mirror platform 500.
[0051] In addition to the media display device viewing area 528,
the backing layer 506 can also be removed from locations on the
mirror platform 500 corresponding to an indicator light 136 or an
infrared sensor 138 (see FIG. 1).
[0052] A back lit portion 530 of the mirror platform 500 allows
light from a light source 522 located behind the rear surface 526
to pass through to illuminate a portion of the front surface 524 of
the mirror platform 500. Back lit portions 530 are at least
partially translucent and can be formed using the same processes
employed to create the media display device viewing area 528.
Alternately, sand blasting, chemical etching, dipping in a chemical
bath, or treatment in any other manner previously disclosed, are
also within the scope of the present, disclosure to form back lit
portions. A clear backing film may be added to the back side of the
mirror to create safety mirror while at the same time allowing for
light and display image to shine through.
[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates a mirror/media display device assembly
100 having a mirror platform 600 constructed in accordance with yet
another embodiment of the present disclosure. The mirror platform
600 is substantially identical in construction, material and
operation as the mirror platforms described above with the
following exceptions.
[0054] The mirror platform 600 includes a glass layer 604 and a
reflective layer 606. The reflective layer 606 is selectively
removed from the rear surface 626 of the mirror platform 600 to
form a media display device viewing area 628. Light emitted from
the media display device 620 passes through the front surface 624
of the glass layer 604, making the images from the media display
device 620 visible from the front surface of the mirror platform
600.
[0055] The mirror platform 600 also includes a polarized film 632.
The polarized film 632 is disposed between the media display device
620 and the glass layer 604. The media display device 620 emits
polarized light, approximately 100% of which is selectively allowed
to pass through the polarized film 632. One example of suitable
media, display device is an LCD media display device, which is
known to emit polarized light. The light passes through the
polarized film 632 and the glass layer 604, allowing the media
display device images to be viewed from the front of the mirror
platform 600.
[0056] The polarized film 632 is reflective when the media display
device is off, resulting in an increased reflectivity in the media
display device viewing area. As a result, the media display device
viewing area 628 of the mirror platform 600 blends into the
surrounding mirror, making it less noticeable when the media
display device is in an "off" state.
[0057] The polarized film 632 is preferably attached directly to
the glass layer 604 of the mirror platform 600. Attaching the
polarized film 632 in this manner places the film in substantially
the same plane as the backing layer 606, thereby minimizing the
difference between the appearance of the standard mirror portion
and the media display device viewing portion. Alternately, the
polarized film 632 can be mounted on a separate piece of glass,
which is then disposed between the media display device 620 and the
glass layer 604. As an alternative to the polarized film 632, a
transmissive mirror may be used.
[0058] The minor platform 600 may also include one or more back lit
portions 630. The back lit portions 630 are at least partially
translucent and can be formed using any previously disclosed method
suitable for forming the back lit portions 530.
[0059] FIG. 7 illustrates a mirror/media display device assembly
100 having a mirror platform 700 constructed in accordance with
still yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The mirror
platform [700] is substantially identical in construction, material
and operation as the mirror platforms described above with the
following exceptions.
[0060] The mirror platform 700 includes a glass layer 704 and a
reflective layer 706. The mirror platform 700 also includes a front
surface 724 and a rear surface 726. The reflective layer 706, which
is not completely opaque, is affixed to one or both sides of the
glass layer 704. The reflective layer 706 gives the mirror platform
700 a high reflectivity. In addition, the reflective coating
imparts a low transmissivity, typically in the range of about 10%
to about 25%.
[0061] The media display device 720 is a high brightness media
display device, having a brightness in the range of about 500 to
about 2000 nits. The low transmissivity of the mirror platform 700
prevents transmission of about 75% to 90% of the light emitted from
the media display device 720. The remaining 10% to 25% of the
emitted light passes through the glass layer 704 and can be viewed
from the front of the mirror platform 700. Standard media display
devices typically operate in a range of about 300 to 500 nits of
brightness. Accordingly the brightness of the media display device
720 and the transmissivity of the mirror platform 700 can be chosen
to provide a desired image brightness.
[0062] For example, a transparent minor with a transmissivity of
25% can be paired with a media display device having about 2000
nits of brightness, resulting in an image viewed from the front
side of the mirror platform 700 with a brightness of about 500
nits. The operating environment can also influence the selection of
the transmissivity of the transparent mirror and the brightness of
the media display device.
[0063] The quality of the reflection from the mirror platform 700
can be improved by applying a backing layer 740 to the rear surface
726 in locations other than the media display device viewing area
728 or a back lit portion 730, The backing layer 740 is preferably
black, and may also act as a safety backing, and reduces the
transmissivity of the mirror, thereby improving the quality of the
reflection in those areas of the mirror to which the black backing
is applied. Further, the media display device 720 has a generally
black screen when turned off, increasing the reflectiveness of the
mirror in the media display device viewing area 728. As a result,
the quality of the reflection in the media display device viewing
area is improved when the media display device is in a "or"
state.
[0064] The mirror platform 700 may also include one or more back
lit portions 730. The back lit portion 730 is formed by selectively
removing the reflective layer 706 from the glass layer 704.
Sandblasting is preferably used, but any suitable method can be
used, including chemical etching, chemical bath, or abrasion. The
back lit portions 730 are at least partially translucent and allow
more light to pass through than, do the portions of the mirror
platform 700 from which the reflective coating has not been
selectively removed. As a result, light from a light source 722
located behind the mirror platform 700 passes through the glass
layer 704, illuminating the back lit portion 730.
[0065] As may be best seen by referring to FIG. 9, it is preferred
that the media display device 120 has a thin profile, such as about
one inch or less. Such a thin profile minimizes the distance that
the mirror/media display device assembly 100 extends from a wall to
which it is mounted. In general, the overall thickness of the
mirror/media display device assembly 100 is less than about two and
one-quarter inches and, in some embodiments, as thin as one and
one-quarter inches, or less.
[0066] To assist in achieving the desired thin profile, the media
display device 120 is configured so that audio and visual
connection components (such as the audio wire, RF cable, S-video
cable, power cable) come directly out the top or in some cases, the
bottom of the housing of the media display device 120 rather than
from the rear of the media display device 120. To further decrease
the space required to house the media display device 120, the
disclosed media display device has an integral, low-profile power
adapter 900 that fits within the thin (e.g., one inch) media
display device housing.
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 8, known media display device units
that are less than two inches in thickness have large, external,
power adapters 800 that take up considerable space. The added
thickness of the power adapter 800 often requires a wall recess
behind the mirror/media display device assembly. FIG. 9 illustrates
an integral, low-profile power adapter 900 constructed in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0068] The power adapter 900 is contained in the housing of a media
display device 120. One example of a suitable low-profile power
adapter is Model No. TR36A-12, manufactured by Cincon Electronics
Co. LTD. Making the low-profile power adapter 900 integral to the
media display device also simplifies assembly by reducing the
number of parts to be assembled.
[0069] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and
described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *