Patent ID: 6993129
Filing Date: 2006-01-31
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A disguised mirror-communication system for generating audio/visual output in response to input signals, said disguised mirror communication system in a first mode being disguised as a conventional decorative mirror providing to a user only a reflection, and in a second mode said disguised mirror communication system also providing audio/visual output to a user, said disguised mirror communication system comprising, in combination: a programmable logic device adapted to perform all of file management, home automation/security program logic, random access digital audio/visual data storage, and playback functions; said programmable logic device further being adapted to store prerecorded randomly accessible audio/visual data, and adapted to provide outputs which are configurable as required to drive appropriate visual display and audio amplifiers; and wherein the programmable logic device plays the appropriate audio/visual data in response to the home automation/security logic program; and wherein said programmable logic device is further configured to receive input from devices on a network as well as from devices in the outside world and wherein files, control logic, and audio/visual data can be updated and changed via network and internet connections; a light-producing video display coupled to the data storage and playback device for the receipt of video data; an audio amplifier coupled to the data storage and playback device for the receipt of audio data; a local display speaker coupled to the audio amplifier for the receipt of audio data; a facility audio system output coupled to the data storage and playback device for the receipt of audio data; a facility visual system output coupled to the data storage and playback device for the receipt of video data; a plurality of devices responsive to circumstances and events in the outside world, said devices including elements drawn from the group including: switches, sensors, thermostats, relays, coupled to the programmable logic device for the transmission of data indicative of outside world events and circumstances into the logic device; a housing assembly including: an enclosure receiving the visual display and components of the electronic assembly; an external decorative frame adapted to cover the enclosure, the frame having a central aperture; a two-way mirror with a semi-reflective surface mounted in the aperture such that the semi-reflective surface provides a reflection to a user and effectively conceals the visual display, and in said second mode said visual display producing said visual data in the form of light transmitting through said semi-reflective surface to said user.