Patent Publication Number: US-11650486-B2

Title: Selfie apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 16/937,902 filed on Jul. 24, 2020, now pending, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 16/700,343 filed on Dec. 2, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,754,230, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 16/111,324 filed on Aug. 24, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,495,950, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 15/480,664 filed on Apr. 6, 2017, now abandoned, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 14/678,996 filed on Apr. 5, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,648,217, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/136,462 filed on Mar. 21, 2015, now expired, all of which are hereby incorporated into this specification by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Taking a selfie picture has become a trendy way of taking pictures alone or with other people. Conventionally, a person takes a selfie picture by holding an electronic communication device such as an iPhone® having a camera away from the person&#39;s body and then presses a trigger to take the picture. Another conventional device secures the communication device to the end of a telescopic pole allowing the person to extend the pole and camera to the desired position. Such conventional methods and devices do not provide an easy way to take a high quality selfie picture. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One object of the present invention was to develop a device for use with an electronic communication device, such as an IPhone®, having a camera to take a selfie picture that is easy to use and provides a high quality selfie picture or video. 
     The present invention is an apparatus for use with a communication device, such as an IPhone®, having a camera enabled by a wireless communication chip such as Bluetooth® to take a selfie picture or video. The apparatus comprises a hand mirror comprising a housing and a mirror surface engaged with the housing. The apparatus further comprises a fastener adapted to engage directly to the mirror surface and the electronic communication device to position the camera in front of the mirror surface. The apparatus further comprises a light source. The apparatus further comprises a control circuit. The apparatus further comprises an input device connected with the control circuit. The input device comprising a first button to activate the camera and a second button to activate the light source. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following description of the invention will be more fully understood with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a device for use in taking pictures according to a first embodiment the present invention showing an electronic communication device, such as an IPhone®, in a vertical or portrait orientation; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention showing the electronic communication device in a horizontal or landscape orientation; 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded view of the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention showing a housing, a mirror assembly, an input device, and a fastener; 
         FIG.  4    is a front view of the housing showing a cavity to receive the mirror assembly and a cavity to receive the input device; 
         FIG.  5    is a rear view of the housing showing a cavity to receive a control circuit and a battery; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the input device showing a membrane switch having an outer face with multiple function buttons, a wire harness, and a connector; 
         FIG.  7    is an exploded view of a mirror assembly showing a mirror, a light source (LED assembly), and two magnets; 
         FIG.  8    is a rear view of the mirror showing the two magnets attached thereto by adhesive and clearance holes for engagement of the LEDS of the light source; 
         FIG.  9    is a front view of the light source (LED assembly); 
         FIG.  10    is a bottom view of the light source (LED assembly); 
         FIG.  11    is a top view of the fastener with the moveable arm in its normal unbiased state and rotated ninety degrees to a horizontal or landscape orientation; 
         FIG.  12    is a top view of the fastener with the moveable arm in a fully extended and biased state and rotated 90 degrees to a horizontal or landscape orientation; 
         FIG.  13    is an exploded view of the fastener showing a base, a carrier housing, a moveable arm, first and second springs, and a fixed arm; 
         FIG.  14    is an bottom exploded view of the base showing first and second cavities to retain first and second magnets, respectively; 
         FIG.  15    is a top exploded view of the base showing a female connector (in the form of a mechanical spring disposed within a receptacle) that allows the carrier housing to rotate to various locked positions, including a vertical or horizontal orientation; 
         FIG.  16    is a top view of the base showing a female connector that allows the carrier housing to rotate to various locked positions, including a vertical or horizontal orientation; 
         FIG.  17    is a bottom perspective view of the carrier housing showing a male connector that is rotatably engaged with the female connector of the base; 
         FIG.  18    is a bottom view of the carrier housing; 
         FIG.  19    is a top view of the carrier housing showing a cavity to receive the movable arm and the fixed arm; 
         FIG.  20    is a top perspective view of the moveable arm showing first and second legs and a gripping arm; 
         FIG.  21    is a bottom view of the moveable arm showing first and second channels disposed within the first and second legs, respectively, to receive first and second mechanical springs, respectively; 
         FIG.  22    is a top perspective view of the fixed arm showing a base that engages with the carrier housing and a gripping arm; 
         FIG.  23    is a bottom perspective view of the fixed arm showing a planar surface that engages with the carrier housing; 
         FIG.  24    is a high level schematic showing the electro-mechanical and electrical components of the first embodiment of the device. 
         FIG.  25    is a perspective view of a light stand according to the present invention showing a light unit secured to a base unit, a mirror, a fastener removably engaged with the mirror to support an electronic communication device, such as an IPhone®, in a landscape orientation, and a remote control unit to control taking of a selfie picture or video. 
         FIG.  26    is a perspective view of the light unit showing the fastener engaged with the mirror to removably support the electronic communication device in a portrait or landscape orientation. 
         FIG.  27    is a perspective view of a connector secured to the upper end of a central of a third flexible arm of the light unit that is adapted to removably engage the mirror. 
         FIG.  28    is a front perspective view of the mirror. 
         FIG.  29    is a rear perspective view of the mirror. 
         FIG.  30    is a perspective view of the control unit. 
         FIG.  31    is a front view of a membrane switch. 
         FIG.  32    is a top view of the remote control unit. 
         FIG.  33    is a high level schematic of the electro-mechanical and electrical components of the light stand. 
         FIG.  34    a perspective view of a light stand according to the present invention showing a light unit secured to a base unit, a fastener removably engaged a central flexible arm of the light unit to support an electronic communication device, such as an IPhone®, in a landscape orientation, and a remote control unit to control taking of a selfie picture or video. 
         FIG.  35    is a top perspective view of a fastener that engages with a male connector of the central flexible arm of the light unit. 
         FIG.  36    is a bottom perspective view the fastener showing a base having a female connector for engagement with a male connector of the central flexible arm of the light unit. 
         FIG.  37    is a top view of the base. 
         FIG.  38    is a bottom view of the base. 
         FIG.  39    is a cross-section view taken along line  38 - 38  of  FIG.  37   . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the present invention is a device  100  for use with an electronic communication device  50 , such as an IPhone®, having a camera  52  enabled by a wireless communication chip such as Bluetooth® to take a selfie picture or video. Communication device  50  may be type of electronic device having a camera enabled with a communication ship such as Bluetooth®, including but not limited to smart phones, video recording devices, and cameras. Device  100  generally comprises a hand mirror  102  having a mirror surface  133 . Device  100  further comprises a fastener  208  removably and directly engaged or connected with mirror surface  133  of hand mirror  102  by at least one magnet (to be described) and communication device  50  to position camera  52  in front of mirror surface  133 . In the embodiment shown, fastener  208  abuts mirror surface  133 . Fastener  208  comprises spring loaded gripping arms  276  and  290  adapted to receive and secure left and right sides  54  and  56  of communication device  50 , respectively, and to support communication device  50  in one of several positions, including a vertical or portrait orientation ( FIG.  1   ) and a horizontal or landscape orientation ( FIG.  2   ). Hand mirror  102  further comprises a control circuit  184  (not shown) having a wireless communication chip  160  (not shown) such as a Bluetooth® communication chip. Hand mirror  102  further comprises a light source  150 , such as light emitting diodes, disposed within and about the perimeter of mirror surface  133  and electrically connected with control circuit  184 . When activated, light source  140  emits light from mirror surface  133  to illuminate a picture taking area in front of mirror surface  133 . Hand mirror  102  further comprises an input device  192 , such as a membrane switch, electrically connected with control circuit  184 . Input device  192  generally comprises a dim up button  196  and a dim down button  198  to control the intensity of light source  150  and a camera activation button  204  to wirelessly activate camera  50 . Input device  192  further comprises a communication chip activation button  202  to control on and off of communication chip  190 . In operation, a person attaches fastener  208  to mirror surface  133  and positions camera  50  to a portrait, landscape or other orientation. The person may then turn on light source  150  to the desired intensity and grip device  100  with his/her hands to orientate camera  52  of communication device  50  for a desired picture. When ready, a person may depress on/off button  202  to turn on communication chip  190  and then the person may pair communication device  50  with communication chip  190  of device  100 . A person may then depress camera activation button  204  causing camera  52  to take a selfie picture or video of the person or persons. Unlike conventional devices, device  100  allows a person to take a high quality selfie picture or video.  
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , hand mirror  102  generally comprises a housing  104 , a mirror assembly  130 , input device  192  and control circuit  184  as previously identified, and a battery  207 . Mirror assembly  130  is securely engaged within a front portion  106  of housing  104 . Similarly, input device  192  is securely engaged within and accessible from front portion  106  of housing  104 . Control circuit  184  and battery  207  are disposed within and accessible from a rear portion  120  of housing  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , front portion  106  of housing  104  comprises a cavity  108  to receive mirror assembly  130 . Cavity  108  comprises a support rib  110  to support mirror assembly  130  that is secured within cavity  108  by conventional means such as adhesive. Front portion  106  further comprises a cavity  112  and a cavity  114  sized to allow insertion of magnets  146  and  148  (to be described) of mirror assembly  130  when assembled. As will be more fully described herein, cavities  112  and  114  are also used as guides in the assembly of mirror assembly  130 . Front portion  106  further comprises a cavity or compartment  116  adapted to receive input device  192 . Input device  192  is secured within cavity  116  by conventional means such as adhesive. Cavity  116  further comprises an opening  119  formed in a floor  118  of cavity  116  to provide access for a wire harness  205  and a connector  206  to pass thru and be connected with control circuit  184  disposed in a cavity  122  (to be described) formed in rear portion  120  of housing  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , rear portion  120  of housing  104  comprises a cavity or compartment  122  sized to receive control circuit  184  and battery  207 . Cavity  122  may be closed by a cover  126  ( FIG.  3   ) is removably secured to bosses  124  by conventional means such as screws (not shown) for replacement of control circuit  184  and/or battery  207 . Housing  104  and cover  126  are made from plastic and fabricated by conventional molding processes and operations. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , input device  192  is a membrane switch comprising a light source on/off button  194  that when depressed sends a signal to control circuit  184  that is configured to turn on or turn off light source  150 . Input device  192  further comprises a dim up button  196  that when depressed sends a signal to control circuit  185  that is configured to increase the intensity of light source  150 . Input device  192  further comprises a dim down button  198  that when depressed sends a signal to control circuit  185  that is configured to decrease the intensity of light source  150 . Input device  192  further comprise a communication chip on/off button  202  that when depressed sends a signal to control circuit  184  that is configured to pair or unpair a wireless communication chip  190  (to be described) of control circuit  184  with the wireless communication chip of communication device  50 . Input device  192  further comprises a communication chip status indicator light  203  that flashes when wireless communication chip  190  of control circuit  184  is not paired with the wireless communication chip of communication device  50  but turned on. Communication chip status indicator light  203  remains constantly on when wireless communication chip  190  of control circuit  184  is paired with the wireless communication chip of communication device  50 . Input device  192  further comprises a camera activation button  204  that when depressed sends a signal to control circuit  184  that is configured to send a signal to the communication chip of communication device  50  to trigger or activate camera  52  to take a picture or start or stop a video. Input device  192  further comprise a battery life indicator button  200  and battery life indicator lights  201  to indicate the remaining charge of battery  207 . Input device  192  further comprises a wire harness  205  and a connector  206  that removably engages with a corresponding connector (not shown) of control circuit  184 . Input device  192  in the form of a membrane switch is available from Shenzhen Haiwen Membrane Switch Co., Ltd., Xinahua 1 Road, Baoan 42th District, Shenzhen, China (www.szhaiwen.com). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7 - 8   , mirror assembly  130  generally comprises a mirror body  132 , magnets  146  and  148 , and a light source  150 . Body  132  comprises a front mirror surface  133  ( FIG.  7   ) and a rear surface  134  ( FIG.  8   ) having a left border portion  135 , a top border portion  136 , right border portion  137 , a bottom border portion  138 , and a central portion  139 . Body  132  further comprises a plurality of clearance holes  141  disposed along left border portion  135 . Body  132  further comprises a plurality of clearance holes  142  disposed along top border portion  136 . Body  132  further comprises a plurality of clearance holes  143  disposed along right border portion  137 . Body  132  further comprises a plurality of clearance holes  144  disposed along bottom border portion  138 . Clearance holes  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144  are sized so that when light source  50  is activated, light is emitted from mirror surface  133  thru clearance holes  141 ,  142 ,  143 , and  144 . Magnets  146  and  148  are secured to central portion  139  of rear surface  136  by conventional means such as adhesive during assembly. Mirror assembly  130  is fastened to cavity  108  of housing  104  by conventional means such as adhesive. Body  132  is made of ABS plastic and mirrored surface  134  is made from 3 mm mirror glass that is a fastened to body  132  by conventional means such as adhesive. Body  132  with mirrored surface  134  thereon is readily available in sheet form and can be cut to any desired size and shape by conventional cutting operations. Magnets  146  and  148  are neodymium disc magnets available as Part No. N35 from AIM Magnet Shenzhen Co., LTD, No. 16-3, Songshan West Road, Shajing Street, Baoan, Shenzhen, China (www.magnet168.com). In other embodiments, body  132  of mirror assembly  130  may be significantly larger and include more than two magnets so that the position of fastener  208  can be adjusted about the mirror surface. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9  and  10   , where a front view of light source  150  ( FIG.  9   ) and a rear view of light source  150  ( FIG.  10   ) are illustrated. Light source  150  comprises a first printed circuit board assembly  152 , a second printed circuit board assembly  160 , a third printed circuit board assembly  168 , and a fourth printed circuit board assembly  176 . First printed circuit board assembly  152  generally comprises a base  300  having upper and lower surfaces  302  and  304 , and printed circuit boards  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312 , and  314  mounted to upper surface  302  by conventional means such as adhesive. Printed circuit board assembly  152  assembly further comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes  154  connected with each of printed circuit boards  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312 , and  314  by conventional means such as surface mounting processes. Light emitting diodes  154  are electrically connected in parallel with each other and controlled by control circuit  146 . Printed circuit board assembly  152  is adhesively secured to left border portion  135  of mirror surface  136  of body  132  by conventional means such that light emitting diodes  154  are centered and/or aligned with clearance holes  141  of body  132  of mirror assembly  130  ( FIG.  8   ). Second printed circuit board assembly  160  generally comprises a base  316  having upper and lower surfaces  318  and  320 , and printed circuit boards  322 ,  324 ,  326 , and  328  mounted to upper surface  318  by conventional means such as adhesive. Printed circuit board assembly  160  further comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes  162  connected with each of printed circuit boards  322 ,  324 ,  326 , and  328  by conventional means such as surface mounting processes. Light emitting diodes  162  are electrically connected in parallel with each other and controlled by control circuit  146 . Printed circuit board assembly  160  is adhesively secured to top border portion  136  of rear surface  136  by conventional means such that light emitting diodes  162  are centered and/or aligned with clearance holes  142  of body  132  ( FIG.  8   ). Third printed circuit board assembly  168  generally comprises a base  330  having upper and lower surfaces  332  and  334 , and printed circuit boards  336 ,  338 ,  340 ,  342 , and  344  mounted to upper surface  332  by conventional means such as adhesive. Printed circuit board assembly  168  further comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes  170  connected with each of printed circuit boards  336 ,  338 ,  340 ,  342 , and  344  by conventional means such as surface mounting processes. Printed circuit board assembly  168  is adhesively secured to right border portion  137  of rear surface  136  of body  132  by conventional means such that light emitting diodes  170  are centered and/or aligned with clearance holes  143  of body  132  ( FIG.  8   ). Fourth printed circuit board assembly  176  generally comprises a base  346  having upper and lower surfaces  348  and  350 , and printed circuit boards  352 ,  354 ,  356 , and  358  mounted to upper surface  348  by conventional means such as adhesive. Printed circuit board assembly  176  further comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes  178  connected with each of printed circuit boards  352 ,  354 ,  356 , and  358  by conventional means such as surface mounting processes. Printed circuit board assembly  176  is adhesively secured to bottom border portion  138  of rear surface  136  of body  132  by conventional means such that light emitting diodes  178  are centered and/or aligned with clearance holes  142  of body  132  ( FIG.  8   ). Wires  156 ,  158 ,  164 ,  166 , and  168  are provided to connect light emitting diodes  154 ,  162 ,  170 ,  178  in parallel with each other. A suitable voltage across wires  172  and  174  turns on light source  150 . As will be more fully described, wires  172  and  174  electrically connect light source  150  with control circuit  184  and battery  207 . Light emitting diodes of light source  150  may be any type of light diode such as a 50/50 LED. Base  300 ,  316 ,  330 , and  346  of printed circuit board assemblies  160 ,  160 ,  168 , and  176 , act as heat sinks to cool light emitting diodes  154 ,  162 ,  170 , and  178 . Bases  300 ,  316 ,  330 , and  346  are made from 6063 grade aluminum that is widely available. Similarly, printed circuit boards  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312 ,  314 ,  322 ,  324 ,  326 ,  328 ,  336 ,  338 ,  340 ,  342 ,  344 ,  352 ,  354 ,  356 , and  358  are widely available and ready for assembly with three or four light emitting diodes. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  11 - 13   , where fastener  208  is shown a retracted position ( FIG.  11   ) and an extended position ( FIG.  12   ). In the extended position, communication device  50  can be inserted between gripping arms  276  and  290 . In the retracted position, sides  54  and  56  of communication device  50  are secured by gripping arms  276  and  290 . As shown by  FIG.  13   , fastener  208  generally comprises a base assembly  210 , a carrier housing  240  rotatably engaged with base assembly  210 , a moveable arm  262 , springs  278  and  280 , and a fixed arm  282 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  14 - 16   , base assembly  210  generally comprises a body  211  having a rear portion  212  ( FIG.  14   ) and a front portion  222  ( FIG.  15   ). Rear portion  212  comprises a cavity  214  designed to receive a magnet  234 . A cover  216  is secured with cavity  204  by conventional means, such as adhesive, to secure magnet  234  therein. Rear portion  212  further comprises a second cavity  218  designed to receive a magnet  236 . A cover  220  is secured with cavity  218  by conventional means, such as adhesive, to secure magnet  236  therein. Magnets  234  and  236  are neodymium disc magnets available as Part No. N35 from AIM Magnet Shenzhen Co., LTD, No. 16-3, Songshan West Road, Shajing Street, Baoan, Shenzhen, China (www.magnet168.com). Front portion  222  of body  211  comprises a cavity  224  and a female connector  226  disposed within cavity  224 . Female connector  226  rotatably engages with a male connector  244  (to be described) of carrier housing  240 . Female connector  226  comprises a receptacle  228  and a mechanical spring  229  disposed in receptacle  228 . Mechanical spring  229  is retained within receptacle  228  by a cover  238 . Cover  238  comprises a central opening  237  to allow free rotation of male connector  244  (to be described) of carrier housing  240  with female connector  226 . Cover  238  further comprises openings  239  to allow screws (not shown) to be secured to corresponding bosses of cavity  224 . Mechanical spring  229  comprises protrusions  230  and  232  that can be flexed or biased inward. As will be more fully described, protrusions  230  and  232  lock male connector  244  and therefore carrier housing  240 , in one several positions, including a vertical or portrait orientation or a horizontal or landscape orientation. Cover  238  is secured to cavity  224  by conventional means such as screws (not shown). Cover  238  comprises an opening or clearance hole  239  so that male connector  24  of carrier housing  240  can pass thru opening  239  and engage with female connector  226 . Base assembly  210  is made from plastic and fabricated by convention molding processes. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  17 - 19   , carrier housing  240  comprises a rear portion  242  ( FIG.  17   ) and a front portion  248  ( FIG.  18   ). Carrier housing  240  further comprises a male connector  244  extending outward from rear portion  242 . Male connector  244  is adapted to rotatably engage with and be secured by female connector  226  of base assembly  200  in a number positions. In the embodiment shown, male connector  244  comprises a gear  245  having a plurality of indentations  246 . Gear  245  rotatably engages with and is secured by receptacle  228  of female connector  226  of base assembly  200  in a number of positions equal to one-half of the number of indentations  246  employed with gear  245 . Each pair of opposing indentations  246  of gear  245  are locked in a given position by protrusions  230  and  232  ( FIG.  16   ) as gear  245  is rotated within receptacle  228  ( FIG.  16   ). Carrier housing  240  further comprises a cavity  250  formed in front portion  248 . Cavity  250  comprises a channel portion  252 , a channel portion  256 , and a flange portion  260  surrounding cavity  250 . Carrier housing  240  further comprises an anchor  254  disposed at the end of channel portion  252 . Anchor  254  serves to secure one end of spring  278  ( FIG.  13   ). Carrier housing  240  further comprises an anchor  258  disposed at the end of channel portion  256 . Anchor  258  serves to secure one end of spring  280  within channel portion  256  ( FIG.  13   ). Carrier housing  240  further comprises a wall  255  formed at an inner end of channel portion  252  that may engage with a stop member  265  (to be described) of moveable arm  262 . Carrier housing  240  further comprises a wall  259  formed at inner end of channel  256  that may engage with a stop member  271  (to be described) of moveable arm  262 . Walls  255  and  259  may engage with stop members  265 , and  271 , respectively, to limit sliding movement of moveable arm  262  to a maximum point outward of channels cavity  252  and  256  of carrier housing  240 . Carrier housing  240  is made from plastic and is fabricated by conventional injection molding processes and operations. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  20  and  21   , moveable arm  262  comprises a left leg  264 , a right leg  270 , and a gripping arm  276  engaged with left and rights legs  264  and  270 . Left leg  264  comprises a channel  266  having inner and outer ends  267  and  268 . Right leg  270  comprises a channel  272  having inner and outer ends  273  and  274 . Channels  266  and  272  are adapted to enclose springs  278  and  280 , respectively, to allow gripping arm  276  to extend or slide a distance outward of carrier housing  240  creating a bias within springs  278  and  280  that urges or moves moveable arm  262  back to the non-biased state (springs  278  and  280  are not compressed) within channel portions  252  and  256  of carrier housing  240 . Moveable arm  262  further comprises a stop member  265  that may engage with wall  255  of channel portion  252  of carrier housing  240  and a stop member  271  that may engage with wall  259  of channel portion  256  of carrier housing  240  to stop or limit sliding movement of moveable arm  262  outward of carrier housing  240 . In the embodiment shown, gripping arm  276  of movable member  262  can be spread or expanded a maximum of about eighty millimeters from gripping arm  290 . Moveable arm  262  is made from plastic and is fabricated by conventional injection molding processes and operations. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  22  and  23   , fixed arm  282  comprises a base  284  and a gripping arm  290 . Base  284  comprises openings  286  and  288  to securely engage fixed arm  82  to carrier housing  240  by conventional means such as screws (not shown). Fixed arm also serves to contain moveable arm  262  within cavity  250  of carrier housing  240  while allowing back and forth sliding movement of moveable arm  262 . Fixed arm  282  is made from plastic and is fabricated by conventional injection molding processes and operations. 
     Referring to  FIG.  24   , where a high level schematic illustrates input device  192 , control circuit  184 , battery  207 , and light emitting diodes  154 ,  162 ,  170 , and  178 . Control circuit  184  generally comprises a wireless communication chip  190  and an antenna  191  electrically connected with a microcontroller  188  by a printed circuit board  186  (not shown). Microcontroller  188  is electrically connected with input device  192  and a battery  207  by conventional wiring and board mounted connectors. Microcontroller  188  is electrically connected with light emitting diodes  154 ,  162 ,  170 , and  178  of light source  150  by a transistor  189  to control the intensity of light source  150  by pulse width modulation. Microcontroller  188  comprises a memory system (not shown) and a software module (not shown) stored on the memory system. Microcontroller  188  may be an Arduino Uno Rev3 type controller manufactured by Arduino Corporation (www.arduino.cc/en) and available online as Part No. 50 from Adafruit Industries, Inc., 150 Varick Street, New York, N.Y. 10013 (http://www.adafruit.com) which may be programmed with software module. Microcontroller  188  may be any type of presently and/or futurely developed electronic circuitry and/or discrete circuitry. The software module can be easily written in software or code written based upon the desired functionality of the various buttons of input device  192  ( FIG.  6   ). For example, the software module comprises software or code configured to instruct microcontroller  188  to send control signals to transistor  189  to control the intensity of light emitting diodes  154 ,  162 ,  170 , and  178  based upon signals received from input device  192 . The software module further comprises software configured to instruct microcontroller  188  to send control signals to communication chip  190  based upon signals received from input device  192 . Microcontroller  188  may be programmed or implemented in C/C++ programming language. Battery  207  is provided to charge microcontroller  188 . Battery  207  is a 1,000 mA rechargeable battery available as Part No. JP554141 from Shenzhen Jinke Energy Development CO., LTD, No. 9-10 Building, Junxin Industrial Zone, Guanlan Street, Bao&#39;an District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong, China. Battery  207  may be any type of power supply suitable for delivering power to microcontroller  188 , and any other desired circuit components, and preferably rechargeable. Wireless communication chip  190  is a Bluetooth® communication chip available as Part No. TH08 from Shenzhen Techtion Electronics Co., LTD, 2F, Building C2, Huafeng Industrial Zone, Xixiang Avenue, Baoan, Shenzhen, China (www.techtion.cn). 
     Device  100  of the present invention provides significant improvements over conventional devices for taking selfie pictures. A person may turn on light source  150  to the desired intensity and grip device  100  with his/her hands to orientate camera  52  for a desired picture. When ready, the person may depress camera activation button  194  causing camera  52  to take a selfie picture or video of the person or persons. Unlike conventional devices, device  100  allows a person to quickly take a high quality selfie picture or video. Light source  150  illuminates the picture taking area in front of mirror surface  133  for taking an even higher quality selfie picture or video. 
     Referring to  FIG.  25   , where a selfie light stand  400  according to the present invention is shown for use with a communication device  50 , such as an IPhone®, having a camera enabled by a wireless communication chip such as Bluetooth,® to take a selfie picture or video. Light stand  400  generally comprises a tri-pod stand  402 , a light unit  422  comprising light sources  470  and  478  and a control unit  426 , and a mirror unit  486  having a mirror surface  498 . Light stand  400  further comprises a fastener  208  (previously described) for securing communication device  50  to mirror surface  498  in one of several positions, including a vertical or portrait orientation and a horizontal or landscape orientation. Light stand  400  further comprises a remote control  500  adapted to send wireless signals to control unit  426  to increase and/or decrease the light intensity and/or temperature of light sources  270  and  487  and to activate camera  52  of communication device  50  to take a selfie picture or video. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  25   , stand  402  comprises a base  404  having legs  405 ,  406 , and  408  moveably secured to a connector  410 . Stand  402  further comprises a lower support pole  410  and an intermediate support pole  414  telescopically engaged with lower support pole  410 . Stand  402  further comprises a collar  413  secured to the upper end of lower support pole  410  and collar  415  secured to intermediate support pole  414 . Collar  415  can be loosened and/or tightened so that intermediate pole  414  can be adjusted to any height by being telescopically moved within lower support pole  410 . Stand  402  further comprises an upper support pole  418  and a collar  419  that can be loosened and/or tightened so that upper support pole  418  can be adjusted to any height by being telescopically moved within intermediate support pole  414 . The upper end of upper support pole  418  is removably engaged with housing  428  of control unit  426  of light unit  422 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  26   , light unit  422  generally comprises a control unit  426 , a left flexible arm  450 , a right flexible arm  456 , and a central flexible arm  462 . Light unit  422  further comprises a light source  470  engaged with left flexible arm  450  and a light source  478  engaged with right flexible arm  456 . Each of light sources  470  and  478  comprise a plurality of cool single color light emitting diodes  476  and a plurality of warm single color light emitting diodes  477  that are commonly known and widely available. In alternative embodiments, a plurality of three color RGB light emitting diodes may be used. As further shown, mirror unit  486  is removably engaged with a connector  468  (to be described) of central flexible arm  462  ( FIG.  26   ). Fastener  208  is removably engaged with mirror surface  498  of mirror unit  486  for securing a communication device (not shown) as described in the first embodiment in one of several positions, including a vertical or portrait orientation and a horizontal or landscape orientation. 
     Referring to  FIG.  27   , male connector  468  is shown attached to an anchor  600  that is secured to an upper end of central flexible arm  462  by conventional means such as screw or rivet. Male connector  468  is secured to anchor  600  by conventional means such as a screw. Anchor  600  generally comprises a body  602 , a screw  606 , and a moveable male connector  604 . Loosening of screw  606  allows moveable male connector  604  to be rotated upward or downward. Tightening of screw  606  secures moveable male connector  604  in a given position. Male connector  468  comprises a plurality of protrusions  469  that engage with a female connector  494  of mirror unit  268 . Male connector  468  and anchor  600  are made from plastic and fabricated by convention molding processes. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  28  and  29   , mirror unit  468  comprises a housing  488  and a mirror  496  having a mirror surface  498 . Housing  488  comprises a front portion  490  having a cavity (not shown) to secure mirror  496  by conventional means such as adhesive. Housing  488  further comprises a rear portion  492  and a female connector  494  centrally disposed and formed as part of rear portion  492 . As is well known in the art, female connector  494  comprises a plurality of slots  495  adapted to removably receive and secure protrusions  469  of male connector  478  so that mirror unit  468  may be removably and adjustably engaged with upper end  466  of central flexible arm  462  of light unit  422 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  30  and  31   , control unit  426  comprises a housing  428  and an input device  444  mounted to a sidewall  430  of housing  428 . Input device  444  is a membrane switch comprising buttons  446  and  447  to dim up and dim down, respectively, the intensity of light sources  470  and  478 . Holding down of buttons  446  or  447  turns on or turns off light sources  470  and  478 . Input device  444  further comprises buttons  448  and  449  to increase or decrease, respectively, the temperature of light sources  470  and  478 . Control unit  426  further comprises a control circuit  432  (not shown) assembled on a printed circuit board  434  by conventional means that is electrically connected with input device  444  and light sources  470  and  478 . As will be more fully described herein, control circuit  432  comprises a communication chip  438 , such as Bluetooth®, that can be activated by remote control  500  ( FIG.  32   ) to send a wireless signal to the communication chip of communication device  50  to activate camera  52  to take a picture or video. Control circuit  432  further comprises circuitry to receive a wireless signal from remote control  500  to dim up or dim down the intensity of light sources  470  and  478  and/or the temperature of light sources  470  and  478 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  32   , remote control  500  comprises a housing  501  and a dim up LED button  504 , which when activated, sends a signal to control circuit  432  to increase the intensity of light sources  470  and  478 . Remote control  500  comprises a dim down LED button  505 , which when activated, sends a signal to control circuit  432  to decrease the intensity of light sources  470  and  478 . Remote control  500  comprises a increase LED temperature button  506 , which when activated, sends a RF signal to control circuit  432  to increase the temperature of light sources  470  and  478 . Remote control  500  comprises a decrease LED temperature button  508 , which when activated, sends a signal to control circuit  432  to decrease the temperature of light sources  470  and  478 . Remote control  500  further comprises a fixed warm temperature button  510 , which when activated, sends a signal to control circuit  432  to set the temperature of light sources  470  and  478  to a full warm temperature of about 2700K. Remote control  500  further comprises a fixed medium temperature button  512 , which when activated, sends a signal to control circuit  432  to set the temperature of light sources  470  and  478  to a medium temperature of about 4200K. Remote control  500  further comprises a fixed cool temperature button  514 , which when activated, sends a signal to control circuit  432  to set the temperature of light sources  470  and  478  to a full cool temperature of about 5600K. Remote control  500  further comprises a first memory button  516 , which when activated, will send a signal to control circuit  432  to set the intensity and temperature of light sources  470  and  478  to a pre-stored level. Remote control  500  further comprises a second memory button  518 , which when activated, will send a signal to control circuit  432  to set the intensity and temperature of light sources  470  and  478  to a pre-stored level. Remote control  500  further comprises a third memory button  520 , which when activated, will send a signal to control circuit  432  to set the intensity and temperature of light sources  470  and  478  to a pre-stored level. Remote control  500  further comprises a camera activation button  522 , which when activated, sends a signal to control circuit  432  to send a wireless signal to the communication chip of communication device  50  to activate camera  52  to take a picture or video. Remote control  500  is an infra red (IR) type remote control that comprises an IR transmitter  502  ( FIG.  33   ) and a light emitting diode (not shown). Remote control  500  is commonly known and widely available with multiple channels or custom designed. Remote control  500  may be any other type of remote control such as a radio frequency (RF) type remote control or any futurely developed technology. 
     Referring to  FIG.  33   , where a high level block diagram shows input device  444 , control circuit  432 , light emitting diodes  476  and  477  of light sources  470  and  478 , and a power supply  442 . Control circuit  432  generally comprises a microcontroller  435  electrically connected with a wireless communication chip  436  and an antenna  437  by a printed circuit board  434  ( FIG.  30   ). Microcontroller  435  is electrically connected with input device  444  and power supply  442  by conventional wiring and board mounted connectors. Microcontroller  435  is electrically connected with light emitting diodes  477  and  478  of light sources  470  and  478  by transistors  438  and  439  to control the intensity and/or temperature of light sources  470  and  478  by pulse width modulation based upon signals from input device  444 . Control circuit  442  further comprises a IR receiver  441  electrically connected with microcontroller  435 . IR receiver  441  sends signals to microcontroller  435  corresponding to wireless signals received by IR receiver  441  from remote control  500  to control the intensity and/or temperature of light sources  470  and  478  by pulse width modulation. Microcontroller  435  comprises a memory system (not shown) and a software module (not shown) stored on the memory system. Microcontroller  435  may be an Arduino Uno Rev3 type controller manufactured by Arduino Corporation (www.arduino.cc/en) and available online as Part No. 50 from Adafruit Industries, Inc., 150 Varick Street, New York, N.Y. 10013 (http://www.adafruit.com) which may be programmed with software module. Microcontroller  435  may be any type of presently and/or futurely developed electronic circuitry and/or discrete circuitry. The software module can be easily written in software or code based upon the desired functionality of the various buttons of input device  444  ( FIG.  31   ) and remote control  500  ( FIG.  32   ). The software module comprises software or code configured to instruct microcontroller  435  to send control signals to transistors  438  and  439  to control the intensity and/or temperature of light emitting diodes  476  and  477  of light sources  470  and  478  based upon signals received from input device  444 , namely, by activation of dim up LED button  446 , dim down LED button  447 , increase LED temperature button  448 , or decrease LED temperature button  449 . The software module comprises software or code configured to instruct microcontroller  435  to send control signals to transistors  438  and  439  to control the intensity and/or temperature of light emitting diodes  476  and  477  of light sources  470  and  478  based upon signals received from remote control  550  via IR receiver  441 , by activation of dim up LED button  504 , dim down LED button  505 , increase LED temperature button  506 , increase LED temperature button  508 , fixed full cool temperature button  510 , fixed medium temperature button  512 , fixed full warm temperature button  514 , memory button  516 , memory button  518  or memory button  520 . The software module further comprises software or code configured to instruct microcontroller  435  to send a control signal to wireless communication chip  437  to activate camera  52  of communication device  50  based upon a signal received from remote control  550  via RF receiver  441  by activation of camera activation button  522 . Microcontroller  435  may be programmed or implemented in C/C++ programming language. Power supply  442  may be any type of power supply capable of providing suitable power to the various electrical components. Power supply  442  is connected to an AC power source (not shown) such as an electrical wall outlet. 
     Referring to  FIG.  34   , where a perspective view of a light stand  700  according to the present invention shows light unit  422  (previously described) secured to tri-pod stand  402  (previously described), a fastener  710  removably engaged with central flexible arm  462  of light unit  422  to support electronic communication device  50  in a landscape orientation, and remote control  500  (previously described) to control taking of a selfie picture or video. Except for fastener  710 , light stand  700  is the same as light stand  400  as described heretofore. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  35 - 39   , fastener  710  comprises a base  712 , carrier housing  240  (previously described), moveable arm  262  (previously described), and fixed arm  282  (previously described). Fastener  710  is identical to fastener  208  (previously described) except for base  210  ( FIGS.  14 - 16   ) that has been replaced with base  712 . Base  712  comprises a top portion  714  and a bottom portion  716 . Top portion  714  of base  712  is identical to front portion  222  of fastener  208  ( FIG.  16   ). Bottom portion  716  comprises a female connector  718  having a plurality of slots  720  that removably engage with protrusions  469  of male connector  468  ( FIG.  27   ) of central flexible arm  462 . Base  712  is made of plastic and may be fabricated by conventional molding processes. 
     In alternative embodiments, a larger size or full body mirror having a mirror surface may be employed with a plurality of magnets so the fastener  208  may be positioned at different locations or heights about the mirror surface. For example, an apparatus may comprises a full body mirror comprising a mirror surface, and fastener  208  engaged with the full body mirror and the electronic communication device to position the camera in front of the mirror surface to take a selfie picture or video. The full body mirror comprises a plurality of magnets defining lower, middle, and upper fastening areas. Fastener  208  is removably engaged with the lower, middle or upper fastening area allowing a person to adjust the height of the camera. As in other embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a control circuit and an input device connected with the control circuit to activate the camera to take a selfi picture of video. 
     The foregoing description is intended primarily for purposes of illustration. This invention may be embodied in other forms or carried out in other ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Modifications and variations still falling within the spirit or scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.