Patent Description:
Today, the uptick in mobile technologies such as mobiles, tablets, or smartphones and their use practically all day means that it is becoming increasingly necessary to seek alternatives to conventional elements in a home to be built into and communicate with these means, and thereby perform a series of functions which previously had to be done by hand or by means of remote controls.

In that sense, the gradual advance in technology for building in such elements has provided a user with the ability to control many elements from a mobile device to streamline remote use to dispense with many peripheral elements. It is therefore quite common today for home appliances, boilers, blinds, or innumerable elements to be controlled wirelessly through a mobile telephone or a tablet.

While it is true that this objective is superficially met by a wide array of elements and accessories intended for such purpose, it is no less true that the longing to always be connected or, for example, the continuous migration from conventional television to online subscription platforms which can be accessed by means of smart TVs, tablets, video consoles, or mobile telephones has made it necessary to increase the capacity of building these elements into other objects that can be used as display devices.

The invention herein proposed therefore relates to building a small screen into the glass of a bathroom mirror or the like, such that the user can send the content to be viewed by means of the screen, where the use thereof in an environment where accidents that may damage the device (being dropped in liquids, etc.) may occasionally occur can be dispensed with.

Various solutions which seek to palliate said drawback are known in the state of the art, yet none is carried out like the invention herein described. In that sense, Spanish patent <CIT> describes a mirror with a built-in display for viewing purposes, with a polarizing mirror reflecting light of a first kind of polarization to a viewing side, the polarizing mirror allowing light of a second kind of polarization to pass through, and being provided with a display device at its non-viewing side, which display device provides during use light of the second kind of polarization, the polarizing mirror having a surface area that is larger than that of the display device, characterized in that the non-viewing side of the polarizing mirror is provided with an absorbing polarizing layer at least at the part of the surface area not accommodating the display device, the absorbing polarizing layer absorbing light of the second kind of polarization.

In the same way, utility model <CIT> describes an improved bathroom mirror-cabinet assembly fundamentally consisting of a cabinet with a full-length mirror, consisting of a modular bathroom cabinet structure made from a high-strength water-repellent material with a lacquer finish in different colours, characterized in that this cabinet structure comprises built-in elements or devices, such as:.

The applicant is aware of the existence of European patents <CIT> and <CIT>, which describe a mirror with a non-reflective partial area arranged in the reflective surface and operating like an information transmitter, characterized in that at least one partial area of the surface of the mirror is clear like glass or completely transparent to view, and has a flat screen or display attached behind it, and in that the flat screen or display is equipped with a film on video.

In the same way, European patent <CIT> describes modular large-area wall element for interior design comprising a wall plate having a decorative surface pattern and forming at least one display region for a screen, the wall plate having a glass outer surface on the user side, which glass outer surface is provided with the decorative surface pattern by carrying out finishing, deposition, etching, sandblasting and/or plating over all or part of the surface of the wall plate, in particular on the rear surface of the wall plate opposite the outer surface, and the display region being provided as at least one section in the surface pattern, to the rear of which a flat screen is attached for electronic image display through the glass outer surface, characterized in that the encased flat screen is fitted in a housing in a modular manner such that it can be removed in its casing, is set up for wireless transmission of image data and is formed such that it can be remote-controlled, and the wall element and/or the housing of the flat screen is/are formed so as to be splash-proof or watertight and/or steam-tight, at least one lighting region built into the surface pattern being provided which is formed so as to be transparent or transparent in part by means of a cut-out in the surface pattern and is lit from behind by an artificial light source.

These inventions are designed to reproduce a video which was previously loaded by the user (with the risk involved in handling the mirror), conceived for applications where the video clip may be reproduced continuously without having to experience continuous changes such as, for example, in a shop or in a hotel. Handling the video requires the presence of a user who would have to access and handle the mirror to change the video clip or film on video. However, in the invention herein proposed, the user could change and program videos or images directly from a mobile telephone, without having to handle the mirror at any time. This avoids both possible malfunctions and accidents because of said action.

Finally, European patent <CIT> describes a wall element device with a wall plate forming at least one viewing area for a display, and on the user side a glass outer surface which is provided with a mirror coating and/or a decorative surface pattern by means of a mirror coating, full or partial lacquering, backing, etching, sandblasting, printing, and/or vapor deposition in particular on the rear part opposite the outer surface, the viewing area being implemented as at least one cut-out in the mirror coating and/or decorative surface pattern to which a flat screen is placed for electronic image display through the glass outer surface on the rear part, with detector means being placed on the rear part adjacent to the cut-out, being designed to detect a test image and/or an RF resonance signal of an object preferably held in a contactless manner next to the cut-out, and the electronic control means placed on the flat screen cooperate with the detector means in such a way that, in response to detection of a predetermined test image and/or resonance signal, the control means produce an activation and/or acknowledgment signal acting through the wall panel.

The difference compared to the invention herein proposed is primarily that while in the case of the mentioned patent the user has to interact with the screen in order to choose the content to be reproduced, in the case of the invention herein proposed, the user only interacts with a mobile telephone or tablet, regardless of the operating system used, rendering the use thereof versatile, thereby making it an easy-to-handle tool that can even be built into virtual assistance or home automation devices.

The document <CIT> discloses a kind of intelligent bathroom mirrors, including shell, the front end of the shell is fixedly installed with mounting base, the front end and side of the mounting base are respectively arranged with human feeling's device, thermoreceptor and light bar, the mirror body is pasted on the inside of mounting base, the upper end of the mirror body offers mounting groove, infrared detector is provided on the inside of the mounting groove, the lower part of the mirror body offers opening, touch screen is provided on the inside of the opening, corner brace and buckle are provided on the outside of the shell, heating demisting film is provided on rear side of the mirror body, android system mainboard is fixedly installed in the middle part of the case inside, the android system mainboard connects electricity by electric wire, the lower part of the case inside and left part are respectively arranged with microphone and stereo loudspeaker. It can stabilize and easily carry out installation operation, it is feature-rich, it can be achieved that human body situation monitors, and networking control is carried out to other devices in toilet by Internet of Things, it is practical.

The document <CIT> discloses a vehicular vision system includes a driver-side exterior mirror assembly, a passenger-side mirror assembly and an interior mirror assembly. The fields of view of the mirror reflective elements of the exterior mirror assemblies are adjustable by the driver via a respective actuator. The exterior mirror assemblies include respective cameras that each have a respective rearward field of view that supplements the field of view of the mirror reflective element when viewed by the driver of the vehicle. A video display is disposed behind the mirror reflector of an interior mirror reflective element such that displayed video images are viewable through the mirror reflector of the interior mirror reflective element. The video display includes a driver-side display portion and a passenger-side display portion that each display images derived from image data captured by the respective camera while not displaying images derived from image data captured by the other camera.

The document <CIT> discloses a mirror defogging method for removing fog on a mirror, comprising determining whether fog is condensed on a mirror when receiving a defogging signal sent from a voice defogging instruction or an infrared defogging instruction; and performing defogging processing on the mirror when it is determined that fog is condensed on the mirror. By means of the mirror defogging method, fog on a mirror can be cleaned in advance, and when a user comes in front of a mirror product, the defogging has been completed so that the user does not have to wait. Also provided is a fogless mirror, comprising: a voice receiver for receiving a voice defogging signal; an infrared receiver for receiving an infrared defogging signal; a fog sensor for detecting whether fog is condensed on a mirror; and an electrothermic defogging film for performing heating to remove fog on a mirror. By receiving both a voice signal and an infrared signal, the scope of use of the fogless mirror is extended.

The document <CIT> discloses a lighting functional section, which lights an object which is using a mirror by facing, is mounted on a mirror main body normally used. The lighting functional section is a lighting apparatus which uses irradiating light of a light emitting diode. The light emitting diode for lighting is mounted on a mirror glass in accordance with the size of the mirror or using purpose of the mirror. The mirror mounted with light emitting diode lighting has the function of lighting the object facing the mirror.

Finally, the document <CIT> discloses a display device that includes: a wireless communication unit configured to communicate to perform a screen mirroring function with a mobile terminal; a display unit configured to display a screen of the mobile terminal through the screen mirroring function; and a control unit configured to control the wireless communication unit and the display unit. If the mobile terminal receives a notification, while displaying a media content being played by the mobile terminal, the control unit displays a notification icon for representing that the notification is received.

The technical problem solved by the present invention is to successfully build into a mirror that can be formed with a wide range of models a small, approximately <NUM>-inch LCD-type screen which can be wirelessly connected via Wi-Fi or <NUM> or <NUM> network with an electronic device that can be linked with and send multimedia content to the screen so that it can be reproduced (videos, music, or the like), or any element that can be seen in the mobile device itself, because whatever is been viewed in that moment on the screen of the mobile will be viewed on the screen of the mirror. To that end, the mirror with a built-in LCD screen with a system for being linked to a mobile device, object of the present invention, comprises a mirror associated with a frame preferably made of PVC, wherein an LED light strip can be positioned between both, characterized in that said mirror incorporates a housing for inserting an LCD screen associated with touch sensors, respectively in charge of switching on the screen and activating the search for a wireless connection, and the light of the LED light strip or another touch sensor, such as for example a change in LED colour temperature or a sensor for turning the demister on an off; and wherein the LCD screen is associated with a motherboard and two speakers, being powered by at least one power supply and connected with a content receiving device which will be in charge of receiving the transmission from an external electronic device to the screen connected with a <NUM>, <NUM> or Wi-Fi antenna.

As a result of its design, the bathroom mirror could be used as a means for viewing images, videos, or other multimedia elements or any element that can be viewed in the mobile device, because whatever is being viewed in that moment on the screen of the mobile will be viewed on the screen of the mirror while the user spends time in the bathroom, performing the tasks required in that instant, minimizing the risk of a malfunction in the electronic device as a result of moisture, being dropped in an element containing liquids, or the like.

The mirror herein designed will comply with all regulations in terms of its resistance in humid environments with an IP44 protection rating, allowing it to be used in any type of bathroom or the like, regardless of the degree of condensation produced therein. In this manner, for example, a user could view a video tutorial on how to apply makeup, how to tie a tie, or watch a sporting event while bathing without the risk of missing out on the live transmission, as well as watch the news, look at social media, check the time or email, without the user having to hold the electronic device with wet hands (with the subsequent risk of slipping and/or any accident associated with it).

Likewise, the mirror is designed such that once it has been completely assembled, it cannot be disassembled, thereby preventing any possible inappropriate handling by the user, and therefore affecting the electronic elements housed therein. Furthermore, it will incorporate a layer of polymer sealing around its perimeter which will augment the features it provides in terms of the seal and watertightness, which are necessary to ensure the correct operation and immutability of its components.

The mirror herein described could be linked with any operating system (Android version <NUM>, iOS version <NUM>, or later versions), rendering the use thereof versatile both in private settings and in the service sector.

A series of drawings which help to better understand the invention and relate expressly to an embodiment thereof, presented as a non-limiting example of the invention, are very briefly described below.

The attached figures show a preferred embodiment of the invention. More specifically, the mirror with a built-in LCD screen with a system for being linked to a mobile device, or screen mirror, object of the present specification, is characterized in that it comprises a mirror (<NUM>) associated with a frame (<NUM>) preferably made of PVC, and wherein a perimetral LED light strip (<NUM>) is positioned between both parts. The mirror (<NUM>) incorporates a housing for inserting an LCD screen (<NUM>) associated with respective touch sensors (<NUM>), respectively in charge of switching on the LED light (5a) and the screen (5b), which in turn activates the search for a wireless connection.

The LCD screen (<NUM>) is internally associated with a motherboard and two speakers, being powered by at least one power supply or driver in charge of supplying the electric current needed for the correct operation of the electronic elements. In turn, the screen (<NUM>) is connected with a Chromecast-type content receiving device or the like which will be in charge of receiving the transmission from the electronic device, so as to view it on the screen. Finally, the screen (<NUM>) will be connected with a <NUM>, <NUM> or Wi-Fi antenna, allowing the wireless connection thereof and, therefore, the transmission and reception of content. All the electronic elements will be built into the bottom part of the mirror and will incorporate a covering by means of double-sided tape or the like which, together with a layer of polymer, will provide the watertightness needed to obtain the required IP certification for products of this type.

In a preferred embodiment, the mirror (<NUM>) will incorporate two sensors, a screen activation sensor, and another light activation sensor; in a particular embodiment, the mirror (<NUM>) may also incorporate a demisting sensor (5c) associated with a demisting system built into the mirror (<NUM>) itself.

In its rear part, the mirror (<NUM>) will incorporate a cover made of PVC, polyamide, or another material with equivalent mechanical characteristics, which, once said cover is assembled, prevents it from being disassembled without breaking it, thereby ensuring the integrity of the assembly.

Likewise, the mirror (<NUM>) and the frame (<NUM>) will house, in the rear part thereof, a profile with holes allowing the anchoring thereof to the wall.

In a preferred embodiment, the speakers will have a power between <NUM> and <NUM> W, which will allow reproducing sound in stereo.

In a particular embodiment, the LED light strip (<NUM>) will incorporate between <NUM> and <NUM> LEDs per meter, which will allow correct lighting without shadowy areas, and will have a luminous flux between <NUM> and <NUM> lumens, all this depending on the model and the measurement to be developed.

Claim 1:
A mirror with a built-in LCD screen with a system for being linked to an external electronic device comprising a mirror (<NUM>) associated with a frame (<NUM>), wherein a perimetral LED light strip (<NUM>) is positioned between the mirror (<NUM>) and the frame (<NUM>),
wherein the mirror (<NUM>) incorporates a housing for inserting an LCD screen (<NUM>) which is associated with a motherboard and two speakers, being powered by at least one power supply, and connected with a content receiving device which is in charge of receiving a transmission from the external electronic device;
characterized in that,
the LCD screen (<NUM>) is associated with respective touch sensors (<NUM>), respectively in charge of switching on the LED light (5a) and the screen (5b), which in turn activates the search for a wireless connection to the external electronic device via Wi-Fi, <NUM> or <NUM> network;
and wherein the wireless connection with the linked external electronic device is arranged to send multimedia content to the screen (<NUM>) so that whatever is been viewed in that moment on a screen of the external electronic device is viewed on the screen (<NUM>) of the mirror (<NUM>).