Fully Integrated Vanity Lighting and Entertainment System

Abstract

A vanity mirror combining lighting and entertainment elements into a single integrated unit is provided. The mirror may be supported by a frame configured to electronically communicate with a plurality of lights, at least one audio speaker, and a microcontroller. The microcontroller may comprise a signal decoder operative to receive and transmit audio signals from a personal electronic device, such as a smart phone. Signals may be received wirelessly, via Bluetooth or other wireless communications protocols, or by way of USB cable(s), secure digital memory card, and even wired auxiliary input. An additional auxiliary power outlet may be provided to enable electronically coupling one or more additional grooming or other electronic devices to the frame. Means for selectively adjusting intensity of illumination and volume of transmitted audio are also provided.

Claims

1. A fully integrated vanity lighting system, comprising: a mirror supported by a frame; a light source disposed along the frame; a microcontroller operative to receive audio signals from a personal electronic device and transmit such signals through at least one speaker disposed in the frame; a means for supplying power to the light source, microcontroller, and at least one speaker; and an auxiliary power outlet configured to transmit supplied power to one or more additional electronic devices coupled to the auxiliary power outlet.

2. The vanity lighting system of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary power outlet comprises an about 110 volt to about 120 volt alternating current outlet disposed on the frame.

3. The vanity lighting system of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller comprises a digital signal decoder operative to wirelessly receive audio signals from the personal electronic device.

4. The vanity lighting system of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller comprises a digital signal decoder operative to receive audio signals from the personal electronic device by physically coupling the personal electronic device to the digital signal decoder via any of a USB cable and wired auxiliary input.

5. The vanity lighting system of claim 1, wherein a dimmer switch is disposed on the frame and in electrical communication with the light source to enable optional variation of lighting intensity.

6. The vanity lighting system of claim 1, wherein means for mounting the frame on a vertical surface is disposed on a portion of the frame.

7. The vanity lighting system of claim 1, wherein means for supporting the frame on a horizontal surface is disposed on a portion of the frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the fully integrated vanity lighting device.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows a front view of an embodiment of the fully integrated vanity lighting device.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the fully integrated vanity lighting device electrically coupled to a power source along with an exemplary grooming device and personal electronic device.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a network in which a fully integrated vanity lighting device is capable of being operated wirelessly.

[0032] The disclosed embodiments may be better understood by referring to the figures in the attached drawings, as provided below. The attached figures are provided as non-limiting examples for providing an enabling description of the method and system claimed. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting of its scope. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without some of the details included in order to provide a thorough enabling description of such embodiments. Well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Having summarized various aspects of the present disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to that which is illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0034] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate alternative views of one embodiment of a fully integrated vanity lighting and entertainment system. In particular, the system may comprise an electric frame 10 configured to support a mirror 12 and a light source. The light source may be a plurality of light bulbs 14 such as globe lights shown to be electrically coupled with the frame 10, however other light sources are contemplated. For instance, the light source may comprise light emitting diodes integrated on the body of the frame 10. One skilled in the art will recognize that various lights comprising the light source may be desirable over others for reasons such as intensity, adjustability, replaceability, durability, and others. Thus, it is to be understood that the particular light source shown in the drawings is offered by way of non-limiting example only.

[0035] Next, one or more audio speakers 16 may be incorporated into the body of the frame 10. Of course, the number, configuration, and placement of speakers 16 may vary. The number and placement illustrated in the figures is offered by way of example only and not of limitation. A digital amplifier board may be provided and similarly incorporated into the body of frame 10, though obscured from view, to power all of the one or more speakers 16. In a particular embodiment, the digital amplifier may functionally modulating transmissions from a microcontroller comprising an audio decoder board 18, also integrated the body of the frame 10, to audibly entertain a user. More particularly, the decoder board 18 may be a MP3 WMA Bluetooth decoder board and wireless module configured to wirelessly receive and transmit communications signals defined by Bluetooth protocols themselves received from a user's personal electronic device. Such personal electronic device may be any computer, tablet, smartphone or other device capable of storing and/or accessing audio media. As described above, other, low power wireless communications protocols are also contemplated. Indeed, the decoder board 18 may even comprise one or more ports configured enable wired communication via USB, SD Card, and even auxiliary input.

[0036] In some embodiments, manually operable control buttons 19 may be disposed on a portion of the decoder board 18, enabling selective playback, volume control, and other actions, though it is also contemplated that the personal electronic device may be operative to remotely control such features. In some embodiments, a separate remote control may even be provided to control such features.

[0037] The personal electronic devices in wireless or wired communication with the frame may include a proprietary user interface having stored thereon a variety of computer-executable commands. By way of example and for illustration purposes only, said command may be any or a combination of that to optionally turn on and/or brighten or dim the lights comprising the vanity lighting and entertainment system and even control audio transmitted through the one or more speakers. Of course, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, that said proprietary software may be used to execute a wide variety of commands or macros different from those mentioned above.

[0038] Other means may be disposed directly on the body of the frame 10 for controlling various functionalities. For instance, a dimmer switch 20 known to those skilled in the art may be provided to enable a user to manually control lighting brightness.

[0039] In one embodiment, an auxiliary power outlet 30 may be disposed on the body of the frame 10 as well. Such auxiliary power outlet 30 may be configured to transmit power supplied to the light source 12, speakers 16, and audio decoder 18 to further power to one or more additional electronic devices that may be coupled to such auxiliary power outlet 30. For instance, heated implements such as hair curling irons, hair straightening irons, hair driers, and others are sometimes used over the course of grooming routines. These typically include power cords and must be plugged into a power outlet to effectively operate. Thus, it is contemplated that providing an auxiliary power outlet 30 as an element of the fully integrated vanity lighting and entertainment system may avoid a common problem of power allocation. In other words, while there may be a limited number of power outlets available for use in places where grooming routines may be practiced, incorporating an auxiliary power outlet 30 on the body of the frame 10 may ensure that a user may contemporaneously power the lighting and entertainment system as well any additionally desirable electronic devices.

[0040] In some embodiments, the auxiliary power outlet 30 may comprise an about 110 volt to about 120 volt alternating current outlet disposed on the frame 10. The auxiliary power outlet 30 may even be operative to receive a power supply cord associated with the user's personal electronic device. This may prevent draining any local battery associated with such device while transmitting media through the speakers.

[0041] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the vanity lighting and entertainment system is drawn as a standalone unit with a base 50 configured to rest on a surface such as a countertop, desktop, or tabletop. However, it is contemplated that the system may alternatively be configured for mounting along or against a relatively vertical surface such as a wall. Indeed, in some embodiments, suction cups, adhesive members, or even voids configured to receive mounting devices such as hooks, screws and nails, may be disposed along a back side of the frame 10 to enable securement of the system to a wall or other mirror. In such cases, the base 50 may be, though need not necessarily be, eliminated. One skilled in the art will recognize that the particular form of the base may vary as well. For instance, an optionally, hingedly deployable support may be disposed along the back side of the frame 10.

[0042] Additionally, it should be apparent that the particular shape, color, and material defined by and comprising the frame 10, mirror 12, and lights 14, will not limit the invention. While the figures illustrate a rectangular frame 10 and mirror 12, for example, it is contemplated that such elements may take on a limitless variety of shapes as may be desirable. For instance, the foregoing may be formed as a rectangle, square, heart, star, oval, or any other regular or irregular shape. Thus, it should be apparent that the particular configuration of elements comprising the lighting system illustrated in the figures is offered by way of example only and not of limitation.

[0043] A block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the possible coupling of elements comprising the fully integrated vanity lighting and entertainment system is provided in FIG. 3. Thus it may be seen that the fully integrated vanity light and mirror 40 comprises a microcontroller 32, itself comprising a digital audio transmitter 34 and receiver 36, at least one audio speaker, and an embodiment of the auxiliary power outlet 30 is coupled to a power supply 42. This may be effected by way of a power cord, battery, or other means of supplying electrical power as may be available or otherwise desired. Then, owing to the auxiliary power outlet 30, additional electronic devices such as a personal electronic device 44 and an electronic grooming device 46 may be electrically coupled to the fully integrated vanity light and mirror 40.

[0044] Other non limiting elements may be integrated with the system without departing from the invention. For instance, the frame 10 may comprise additional dampening elements to prevent audio transmissions from warping or otherwise interfering with the operation of other elements comprising the system.

[0045] One embodiment of a networked environment in which the vanity lighting and entertainment system may be operated wirelessly is illustrated in FIG. 4. One embodiment may include a vanity light and mirror 40 comprising features discussed above. Said vanity light and mirror 40 may be communicatively coupled to a personal electronic device. More particularly, in such embodiments, such personal electronic device may be wirelessly communicatively coupled to any audio decoders 18, and related microcontrollers and audio speakers 16, integrated with the vanity lighting and entertainment system, though of course it is contemplated that the personal electronic device may also be wirelessly communicatively coupled to the lights 14 and other features comprising the vanity light and mirror 40. As discussed above, the personal electronic device may be a wireless communication device 60, such as a cellular mobile phone, lap-top, or desktop computer capable of connecting to a cloud server 70 or other electronic storage system known in the art. Audio media such as music, audio books and other entertainment may be accessible to the user from such cloud server 70 through his or her personal electronic device.

[0046] The personal electronic devices 60 may include a proprietary user interface. A variety of audio commands may be stored in one or any of the personal electronic devices 60. By way of example and for illustration purposes only, said audio commands may turn on and/or off any playable media transmitted through the one or more speakers 16 as desired by the user. Said audio commands may vary the volume of any transmissions through the one or more speakers 16 as desired by the user. Of course, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, that said proprietary software may be used to execute a wide variety of commands or macros different from those mentioned above.

[0047] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0048] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0049] While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications are contemplated and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, circuits defining and enabling electrical communication between and among elements comprising the system may be arranged variously while achieving desirable results. Similarly, elements, such as operative switches and even speakers, may be variously placed on and in relation to other elements comprising the invention according to ergonomic, electrical, aesthetic, and other considerations. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited, except as by the appended claim(s).

[0050] The teachings disclosed herein may be applied to other systems, and may not necessarily be limited to any described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

[0051] Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the fully integrated vanity lighting system with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be constructed to limit the fully integrated vanity lighting and entertainment system to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above description section explicitly define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed system, method and apparatus. The above description of embodiments of the fully integrated vanity lighting and entertainment system is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage.

[0052] While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the method, system, and apparatus are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible for which those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

[0053] While certain aspects of the method and system disclosed are presented below in particular claim forms, various aspects of the method, system, and apparatus are contemplated in any number of claim forms. Thus, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the fully integrated vanity lighting and entertainment system.