HK1244063B - Selfie apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Selfie device

Background Art

Taking selfies has become a popular way to take photos, whether alone or with others. Conventionally, individuals take selfies by holding an electronic communication device with a camera away from the person, for example, and then depressing a trigger to take the photo. Another conventional device attaches the communication device to the end of a telescopic pole, allowing the individual to extend the pole and camera to a desired position. These conventional methods and devices do not provide an easy way to take high-quality selfies.

Summary of the Invention

One object of the present invention is to develop a device for use with, for example, an electronic communication device having a camera for taking selfies, which device is easy to use and provides high quality selfies or videos.

The present invention is a device for use with a communication device, such as a smartphone, that includes a camera enabled by a wireless communication chip, such as a smartphone, for capturing selfies. The device generally comprises a body with a mirror and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light from the mirror. The device also includes a fastener adapted to removably engage the communication device with the mirror. The fastener is rotatable and includes a spring-loaded clamping arm that secures the communication device in one of several positions, including portrait or landscape orientation. The device also includes a control circuit that includes the wireless communication chip and an input device, such as a membrane switch, electrically connected to the control circuit. The input device includes a button for dimming the LEDs and a camera activation button for wirelessly activating the communication device's camera. In operation, a person attaches the fastener to the mirror and positions the communication device's camera in portrait, landscape, or other orientations. The person then turns on the LEDs to the desired intensity and grips the device to orient the camera to capture the desired photo or video. When ready, the person presses the camera activation button, causing the camera to capture a selfie or video of the person or multiple people. Unlike conventional devices, the device of the present invention allows individuals to easily take high-quality selfies or videos.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description of the invention will be more fully understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 is a perspective view of a device for taking pictures according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the perspective view showing the electronic communication device in a vertical orientation or portrait orientation, e.g.

FIG2 is a perspective view of a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the perspective view showing the electronic communication device in a horizontal orientation or landscape orientation;

FIG3 is an exploded view of the device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the exploded view showing the housing, mirror assembly, input device and fasteners;

FIG4 is a front view of the housing showing a cavity for receiving a mirror assembly and a cavity for receiving an input device;

FIG5 is a rear view of the housing showing the cavity for receiving the control circuit and the battery;

6 is a perspective view of an input device showing a membrane switch having an outer surface with a plurality of function buttons, a wiring harness, and a connector;

FIG7 is an exploded view of the mirror assembly showing the mirror, the light source (LED assembly), and two magnets;

FIG8 is a rear view of the mirror showing two magnets attached to the mirror by adhesive and clearance holes for the engagement of LEDs for the light sources;

FIG9 is a front view of a light source (LED assembly);

FIG10 is a bottom view of the light source (LED assembly);

FIG11 is a top view of the fastener having the movable arm in its normal unbiased state and rotated ninety degrees to a horizontal or lateral orientation;

FIG12 is a top view of the fastener having the movable arm in its fully extended and biased state and rotated 90 degrees to a horizontal or lateral orientation;

FIG13 is an exploded view of the fastener showing the base, bracket housing, movable arm, first and second springs, and fixed arm;

FIG14 is an exploded bottom view of the base showing first and second cavities for holding first and second magnets, respectively;

FIG15 is an exploded top view of the base showing a female connector (in the form of a mechanical spring disposed within the receptacle) that allows the bracket housing to be rotated to various locking positions, including vertical or horizontal orientations;

FIG16 is a top view of the base showing the female connector that allows the bracket housing to be rotated to various locking positions, including vertical or horizontal orientations;

FIG17 is a perspective bottom view of the cradle housing showing the male connector rotatably engaged with the female connector of the base;

FIG18 is a bottom view of the bracket housing;

FIG19 is a top view of the bracket housing showing the cavities for receiving the movable arm and the fixed arm;

FIG20 is a perspective top view of the movable arm showing the first and second legs and the clamping arm;

FIG21 is a bottom view of the movable arm showing first and second channels disposed in first and second legs, respectively, for receiving first and second mechanical springs, respectively;

FIG22 is a perspective top view of the fixed arm showing the base engaged with the bracket housing and the clamping arm;

FIG23 is a perspective bottom view of the fixed arm showing the plane engaging the bracket housing;

FIG24 is a high level schematic diagram showing the motor and electrical components of the first embodiment of the device.

Figure 25 is a perspective view of a light stand according to the present invention, which shows the light unit fixed to the base unit, the mirror, a fastener that removably engages with the mirror to support, for example, an electronic communication device in a lateral direction, and a remote control unit for controlling the shooting of selfies or videos.

26 is a perspective view of a light unit showing a fastener engaged with a mirror to removably support an electronic communication device in either a longitudinal or lateral direction.

27 is a perspective view of a connector secured to the upper end of the center of a third flexible arm of a light unit adapted to removably engage a mirror.

Figure 28 is a perspective front view of the mirror.

Figure 29 is a perspective rear view of the mirror.

FIG30 is a perspective view of a control unit.

FIG31 is a front view of the membrane switch.

FIG32 is a top view of the remote control unit.

Figure 33 is a high level schematic diagram of the motor and electrical components of the light fixture.

Figure 34 is a perspective view of a light stand according to the present invention, which shows the light unit fixed to the base unit, a fastener that is removably engaged with the central flexible arm of the light unit to support, for example, an electronic communication device in a laterally direction, and a remote control unit for controlling the shooting of selfies or videos.

35 is a perspective top view of a fastener engaged with the male connector of the central flexible arm of the light unit.

36 is a perspective bottom view of the fastener showing the base having a female connector for engaging with the male connector of the center flexible arm of the light unit.

FIG37 is a top view of the base.

FIG38 is a bottom view of the base.

FIG39 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 38-38 of FIG37.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1 and 2 , the present invention is a device 100 for use with, for example, an electronic communication device 50 having a camera 52 enabled by, for example, a wireless communication chip for taking selfies or videos. The communication device 50 may be a type of electronic device having a camera enabled by, for example, a communication chip, including, but not limited to, a smartphone, a video recorder, and a still camera. The device 100 generally includes a body 102 having a mirror 133. The device 100 further includes a fastener 208 that removably engages the mirror 133 of the body 102 and the communication device 50 to position the camera 52 in front of the mirror 133. The fastener 208 includes spring-loaded clamping arms 276 and 290 that are adapted to secure the left and right sides 54 and 56 of the communication device 50, respectively, and to support the communication device 50 in one of several positions, including a vertical or portrait orientation ( FIG. 1 ) and a horizontal or landscape orientation ( FIG. 2 ). The body 102 further includes a control circuit 184 (not shown) having a wireless communication chip 160 (not shown), such as a communication chip. The body 102 further includes a light source 150, such as a light-emitting diode, positioned within and around the perimeter of the mirror 133 and electrically connected to the control circuit 184. When activated, the light source 150 emits light from the mirror 133 to illuminate the photographing area in front of the mirror 133. The body 102 further includes an input device 192, such as a membrane switch, electrically connected to the control circuit 184. The input device 192 generally includes a brighter button 196 and a dimming button 198 for controlling the intensity of the light source 150, as well as a camera activation button 204 for wirelessly activating the camera 50. The input device 192 further includes a communication chip activation button 202 for turning the communication chip 190 on and off. In operation, a person attaches a fastener 208 to the mirror 133 and positions the camera 50 in a portrait, landscape, or other orientation. The individual can then turn on the light source 150 to the desired intensity and hold the device 100 with his/her hand to orient the camera 52 of the communication device 50 to obtain the desired photo. When ready, the individual can press the on/off button 202 to turn on the communication chip 190, and the individual can then pair the communication device 50 with the communication chip 190 of the device 100. The individual can then press the camera activation button 204, causing the camera 52 to take a selfie or video of the individual or multiple people. Unlike conventional devices, the device 100 allows individuals to take high-quality selfies or videos.

3 , the body 102 generally includes a housing 104, a mirror assembly 130, an input device 192 and control circuit 184 as previously identified, and a battery 207. The mirror assembly 130 is securely coupled within the front portion 106 of the housing 104. Similarly, the input device 192 is securely coupled within and accessible from the front portion 106 of the housing 104. The control circuit 184 and battery 207 are disposed within and accessible from the rear portion 120 of the housing 104.

4 , the front portion 106 of the housing 104 includes a cavity 108 for receiving a mirror assembly 130. Cavity 108 includes support ribs 110 for supporting the mirror assembly 130, which is secured within the cavity 108 by conventional means, such as adhesive. The front portion 106 further includes cavities 112 and 114, which are sized to allow magnets 146 and 148 (to be described) of the mirror assembly 130 to be inserted during assembly. As will be described more fully herein, cavities 112 and 114 also serve as guides during assembly of the mirror assembly 130. The front portion 106 further includes a cavity or compartment 116 adapted to receive an input device 192. The input device 192 is secured within the cavity 116 by conventional means, such as adhesive. The cavity 116 further includes an opening 119 formed in the bottom 118 of the cavity 116 to provide access for the wiring harness 205 and connector 206 to pass through and connect to the control circuit 184 disposed in a cavity 122 (to be described) formed in the rear portion 120 of the housing 104.

5 , the rear portion 120 of the housing 104 includes a cavity or compartment 122 sized to receive the control circuit 184 and the battery 207. The cavity 122 is closable by a cover 126 ( FIG. 3 ) that is removably secured to the boss 124 by conventional means, such as screws (not shown), for replacement of the control circuit 184 and/or the battery 207. The housing 104 and cover 126 are made of plastic and are manufactured by conventional molding processes and operations.

6 , input device 192 is a membrane switch that includes a light source on/off button 194 that, when pressed, sends a signal to control circuit 184, which is configured to turn light source 150 on or off. Input device 192 also includes a brighter button 196 that, when pressed, sends a signal to control circuit 185, which is configured to increase the intensity of light source 150. Input device 192 also includes a dimming button 198 that, when pressed, sends a signal to control circuit 185, which is configured to decrease the intensity of light source 150. Input device 192 also includes a communication chip on/off button 202 that, when pressed, sends a signal to control circuit 184, which is configured to pair or unpair a wireless communication chip 190 (to be described) of control circuit 184 with a wireless communication chip of communication device 50. The input device 192 also includes a communication chip status indicator light 203, which flashes when the wireless communication chip 190 of the control circuit 184 is not paired with the wireless communication chip of the communication device 50 but is connected. The communication chip status indicator light 203 remains on while the wireless communication chip 190 of the control circuit 184 is paired with the wireless communication chip of the communication device 50. The input device 192 also includes a camera activation button 204, which, when pressed, sends a signal to the control circuit 184, which is configured to send a signal to the communication chip of the communication device 50 to trigger or activate the camera 52 to take a picture or start or stop a video. The input device 192 also includes a battery life indicator button 200 and a battery life indicator light 201 for indicating the remaining charge of the battery 207. The input device 192 also includes a wiring harness 205 and a connector 206, which removably engage with a corresponding connector (not shown) of the control circuit 184. The input device 192 in the form of a membrane switch is commercially available from Shenzhen Haiwen Membrane Switch Co., Ltd., Xinahua 1 Road, Baoan 42nd District, Shenzhen, China (www.szhaiwen.com).

7-8 , mirror assembly 130 generally includes a body 132, magnets 146 and 148, and a light source 150. Body 132 includes a front mirror surface 133 ( FIG. 7 ) and a rear surface 134 ( FIG. 8 ), the rear surface having a left boundary portion 135, an upper boundary portion 136, a right boundary portion 137, a lower boundary portion 138, and a center portion 139. Body 132 also includes a plurality of clearance holes 141 disposed along left boundary portion 135. Body 132 also includes a plurality of clearance holes 142 disposed along upper boundary portion 136. Body 132 also includes a plurality of clearance holes 143 disposed along right boundary portion 137. Body 132 also includes a plurality of clearance holes 144 disposed along lower boundary portion 138. The clearance holes 141, 142, 143, and 144 are sized so that when the light source 50 is activated, light is emitted from the mirror surface 133 through the clearance holes 141, 142, 143, and 144. Magnets 146 and 148 are fixed to the central portion 139 of the rear surface 136 by conventional means, such as adhesives, during assembly. The mirror assembly 130 is secured to the cavity 108 of the housing 104 by conventional means, such as adhesives. The body 132 is made of ABS plastic, and the mirror surface 134 is made of 3 mm mirrored glass secured to the body 132 by conventional means, such as adhesives. The body 132 with the mirror surface 134 thereon is readily available in sheet form and can be cut into 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, the body 132 of the mirror assembly 130 can be much larger and contain more than two magnets so that the position of the fastener 208 can be adjusted around the mirror surface.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10 , a front view (Figure 9) and a rear view (Figure 10) of light source 150 are illustrated. Light source 150 includes 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 includes a base 300 having an upper surface 302 and a lower surface 304, and printed circuit boards 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314 mounted to upper surface 302 by conventional means, such as adhesive. PCB assembly 152 also includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes 154 connected to each of printed circuit boards 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314 by conventional means, such as a surface mounting process. The light-emitting diodes 154 are electrically connected in parallel to one another and are controlled by control circuit 146. PCB assembly 152 is secured to the left edge portion 135 of mirror surface 136 of body 132 by adhesive in a conventional manner such that LED 154 is centered and/or aligned with clearance aperture 141 ( FIG. 8 ) of body 132 of mirror assembly 130. Second PCB assembly 160 generally includes base 316 having upper surface 318 and lower surface 320, and printed circuit boards 322, 324, 326, and 328 mounted to upper surface 318 by conventional means, such as adhesive. PCB assembly 160 further includes a plurality of LEDs 162 connected to each of printed circuit boards 322, 324, 326, and 328 by conventional means, such as a surface mounting process. LEDs 162 are electrically connected in parallel to one another and are controlled by control circuit 146. PCB assembly 160 is conventionally adhesively secured to upper boundary portion 136 of rear surface 136 such that LEDs 162 are centered and/or aligned with clearance holes 142 ( FIG. 8 ) of body 132. Third PCB assembly 168 generally includes 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. PCB assembly 168 further includes a plurality of LEDs 170 connected to each of printed circuit boards 336, 338, 340, 342, and 344 by conventional means, such as a surface mounting process. PCB assembly 168 is conventionally adhesively secured to right boundary portion 137 of rear surface 136 of body 132 such that LEDs 170 are centered and/or aligned with clearance holes 143 ( FIG. 8 ) of body 132. Fourth printed circuit board assembly 176 generally includes a base 346 having an upper surface 348 and a lower surface 350, and printed circuit boards 352, 354, 356, and 358 mounted to upper surface 348 by conventional means, such as adhesive. PCB assembly 176 further includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes 178 connected to each of printed circuit boards 352, 354, 356, and 358 by conventional means, such as a surface mounting process. PCB assembly 176 is conventionally adhesively secured to lower edge portion 138 of rear surface 136 of body 132 such that light-emitting diodes 178 are centered and/or aligned with clearance holes 142 ( FIG. 8 ) of body 132. Conductive lines 156, 158, 164, 166, and 168 are provided to connect light-emitting diodes 154, 162, 170, and 178 in parallel with one another. An appropriate voltage across conductors 172 and 174 turns on light source 150. As will be described more fully, wires 172 and 174 electrically connect light source 150 to control circuit 184 and battery 207. The light emitting diodes of light source 150 can be any type of light emitting diode, such as a 50/50 LED. Bases 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 of widely available 6063 grade aluminum. 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.

11 to 13 , the fastener 208 is shown in a retracted position ( FIG. 11 ) and an extended position ( FIG. 12 ). In the extended position, the communication device 50 can be inserted between the clamping arms 276 and 290. In the retracted position, the sides 54 and 56 of the communication device 50 are secured by the clamping arms 276 and 290. As shown in FIG. 13 , the fastener 208 generally includes a base assembly 210, a bracket housing 240 rotatably engaged with the base assembly 210, a movable arm 262, springs 278 and 280, and a fixed arm 282.

14-16 , base assembly 210 generally includes a body 211 having a rear portion 212 ( FIG. 14 ) and a front portion 222 ( FIG. 15 ). Rear portion 212 includes a cavity 214 designed to receive magnet 234. A cover 216 is secured to cavity 214 by conventional means, such as an adhesive, to secure magnet 234 therein. Rear portion 212 further includes a second cavity 218 designed to receive magnet 236. A cover 220 is secured to cavity 218 by conventional means, such as an 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). The front portion 222 of the body 211 includes a cavity 224 and a female connector 226 disposed within the cavity 224. The female connector 226 is rotatably engaged with a male connector 244 (to be described) of the bracket housing 240. The female connector 226 includes a socket 228 and a mechanical spring 229 disposed within the socket 228. The mechanical spring 229 is retained within the socket 228 by a cover 238. The cover 238 includes a central opening 237 for allowing the male connector 244 (to be described) of the bracket housing 240 and the female connector 226 to rotate freely. The cover 238 also includes an opening 239 for allowing a screw (not shown) to be secured to a corresponding boss of the cavity 224. The mechanical spring 229 includes protrusions 230 and 232 that can be bent or biased inward. As will be described more fully, projections 230 and 232 lock male connector 244, and therefore bracket housing 240, in one of several positions, including vertical or longitudinal orientation or horizontal or transverse orientation. Cover 238 is secured to cavity 224 by conventional means, such as screws (not shown). Cover 238 includes an opening or clearance hole 239 so that male connector 24 of bracket housing 240 can pass through opening 239 and engage female connector 226. Base assembly 210 is made of plastic and manufactured by conventional molding processes.

With reference to Figures 17 to 19, the bracket housing 240 includes a rear portion 242 (Figure 17) and a front portion 248 (Figure 18). The bracket housing 240 further includes a male connector 244 extending outward from the rear portion 242. The male connector 244 is adapted to engage with the female connector 226 of the base 200 in a rotatable manner and be fixed in multiple positions by the female connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the male connector 244 includes a gear 245 having a plurality of indentations 246. The gear 245 engages with the socket 228 of the female connector 226 of the base 200 in a rotatable manner and is fixed in multiple positions equal to half the number of indentations 246 used by the gear 245 by the socket. Each pair of opposing indentations 246 of the gear 245 is locked in a given position by protrusions 230 and 232 (Figure 16) when the gear 245 rotates in the socket 228 (Figure 16). The bracket housing 240 further includes a cavity 250 formed in the front portion 248. The cavity 250 includes a channel portion 252, a channel portion 256, and a flange portion 260 surrounding the cavity 250. The bracket housing 240 further includes an anchor 254 disposed at the end of the channel portion 252. The anchor 254 is used to secure one end of a spring 278 (Figure 13). The bracket housing 240 further includes an anchor 258 disposed at the end of the channel portion 256. The anchor 258 is used to secure one end of a spring 280 within the channel portion 256 (Figure 13). The bracket housing 240 further includes a wall 255 formed at the inner end of the channel portion 252, which can engage with a stop member 265 (to be described) of the movable arm 262. The cradle housing 240 further includes a wall 259 formed at the inner end of the channel 256, which is engageable with a stop member 271 (to be described) of the movable arm 262. The walls 255 and 259 are engageable with the stop members 265, 271, respectively, to limit the sliding movement of the movable arm 262 outwardly to a maximum point from the channel cavities 252 and 256 of the cradle housing 240. The cradle housing 240 is made of plastic and manufactured by conventional injection molding processes and operations.

20 and 21 , the movable arm 262 includes a left leg 264, a right leg 270, and a clamping arm 276 engaged with the left leg 264 and the right leg 270. The left leg 264 includes a channel 266 having an inner end 267 and an outer end 268. The right leg 270 includes a channel 272 having an inner end 273 and an outer end 274. The channels 266 and 272 are adapted to enclose springs 278 and 280, respectively, to allow the clamping arm 276 to extend or slide outwardly from the cradle housing 240 a certain distance, thereby generating a bias within the springs 278 and 280 that pushes or moves the movable arm 262 back to an unbiased state (springs 278 and 280 are uncompressed) within the channel portions 252 and 256 of the cradle housing 240. The movable arm 262 further includes a stop member 265 engageable with the wall 255 of the channel portion 252 of the cradle housing 240, and a stop member 271 engageable with the wall 259 of the channel portion 256 of the cradle housing 240 to stop or limit sliding movement of the movable arm 262 outward from the cradle housing 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping arm 276 of the movable member 262 can be deployed or extended a maximum of approximately eighty millimeters from the clamping arm 290. The movable arm 262 is made of plastic and manufactured by conventional injection molding processes and operations.

22 and 23 , the fixed arm 282 includes a base 284 and a clamping arm 290. The base 284 includes openings 286 and 288 for securely attaching the fixed arm 282 to the bracket housing 240 in a conventional manner using screws (not shown). The fixed arm also serves to contain the movable arm 262 within the cavity 250 of the bracket housing 240 while allowing for back-and-forth sliding movement of the movable arm 262. The fixed arm 282 is made of plastic and manufactured using conventional injection molding processes and operations.

Referring to FIG24 , a high-level schematic diagram illustrates input device 192, control circuit 184, battery 207, and LEDs 154, 162, 170, and 178. Control circuit 184 typically includes a microcontroller 188 electrically connected to wireless communication chip 190 and antenna 191 via printed circuit board 186 (not shown). Microcontroller 188 is electrically connected to input device 192 and battery 207 via conventional wiring and board-mounted connectors. Microcontroller 188 is electrically connected to LEDs 154, 162, 170, and 178 of light source 150 via transistor 189 to control the intensity of light source 150 via pulse width modulation. Microcontroller 188 includes a memory system (not shown) and software modules (not shown) stored on the memory system. Microcontroller 188 can be an Arduino Uno Rev3 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, NY 10013 (http://www.adafruit.com), which can be programmed with a software module. Microcontroller 188 can be any type of currently and/or future developed electronic circuit and/or discrete circuit. The software module can be easily written with software or code based on the desired functionality of the various buttons of input device 192 ( FIG. 6 ). For example, the software module includes software or code configured to, based on a signal received from input device 192, instruct microcontroller 188 to send a control signal to transistor 189 to control the intensity of light-emitting diodes 154, 162, 170, and 178. The software module also includes software or code configured to, based on a signal received from input device 192, instruct microcontroller 188 to send a control signal to communication chip 190. Microcontroller 188 can be programmed or implemented in the C/C++ programming language. A 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'an District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong, China. Battery 207 can be any type of power source suitable for delivering power to microcontroller 188 and any other desired circuit components and is preferably rechargeable. Wireless communication chip 190 is a 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).

The device 100 of the present invention offers a significant improvement over conventional devices for taking selfies. An individual can turn on the light source 150 to a desired intensity and grip the device 100 to orient the camera 52 to obtain the desired photo. When ready, the individual can press the camera activation button 194, causing the camera 52 to take a selfie or video of the individual or multiple persons. Unlike conventional devices, the device 100 allows individuals to quickly capture high-quality selfies or videos. The light source 150 illuminates the photo area in front of the mirror 133, allowing for significantly higher-quality selfies or videos.

Referring to FIG. 25 , a selfie light stand 400 according to the present invention is shown for use with, for example, a communication device 50 having a camera enabled by, for example, a wireless communication chip for taking selfies or videos. The light stand 400 generally includes a tripod 402, a light unit 422 including light sources 470 and 478 and a control unit 426, and a mirror unit 486 having a mirror surface 498. The light stand 400 also includes fasteners 208 (described previously) for securing the communication device 50 to the mirror surface 498 in one of several positions, including a vertical or portrait orientation and a horizontal or landscape orientation. The light stand 400 also includes a remote control 500 adapted to transmit wireless signals to the control unit 427 to increase and/or decrease the light intensity and/or temperature of the light sources 270 and 487 and to activate the camera 52 of the communication device 50 to take a selfie or video.

25 , the shelf 402 includes a base 404 having legs 405, 406, and 408 that are movably secured to a connector 410. The shelf 402 further includes a lower support rod 410 and an intermediate support rod 414 that is telescopically engaged with the lower support rod 410. The shelf 402 further includes a collar 413 secured to the upper end of the lower support rod 410, and a collar 415 secured to the intermediate support rod 414. The collar 415 can be loosened and/or tightened so that the intermediate rod 414 can be adjusted to any height by telescopically moving within the lower support rod 410. The shelf 402 further includes an upper support rod 418 and a collar 419 that can be loosened and/or tightened so that the upper support rod 418 can be adjusted to any height by telescopically moving within the intermediate support rod 414. The upper end of the upper support rod 418 is removably engaged with the housing 428 of the control unit 426 of the lamp unit 422 .

26 , light unit 422 generally includes a control unit 426, a left flexible arm 450, a right flexible arm 456, and a center flexible arm 462. Light unit 422 further includes 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 includes a plurality of cool single-color light-emitting diodes 476 and a plurality of warm single-color light-emitting diodes 477, which are well-known and widely available. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of three-color RGB light-emitting diodes can be used. As further shown, mirror unit 486 is removably engaged with connector 468 (to be described) of center flexible arm 462 ( FIG. 26 ). Fastener 208 is removably engaged with mirror surface 498 of mirror unit 486 to fix the communication device (not shown) as described in the first embodiment in one of several positions, including vertical orientation or longitudinal orientation and horizontal orientation or transverse orientation.

With reference to Figure 27, male connector 468 is shown as being attached to anchor 600, and described anchor is fixed to the upper end of central flexible arm 462 by the conventional manner of for example screw or rivet.Male connector 468 is fixed to anchor 600 by the conventional manner of for example screw.Anchor 600 usually comprises main body 602, screw 606 and removable male connector 604.The loosening of screw 606 allows removable male connector 604 to rotate upward or downward.The tightening of screw 606 fixes removable male connector 604 in a given position.Male connector 468 comprises a plurality of protrusions 469 that engage with the female connector 494 of mirror unit 268.Male connector 468 and anchor 600 are made of plastics and are manufactured by conventional molding process.

28 and 29 , mirror unit 468 includes a housing 488 and a mirror 496 having a mirror surface 498. Housing 488 includes a front portion 490 having a cavity (not shown) for securing mirror 496 by conventional means, such as adhesive. Housing 488 further includes 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 includes a plurality of slots 495 adapted to removably receive and secure protrusions 469 of male connector 478, allowing mirror unit 468 to be removably and adjustably engaged with upper end 466 of central flexible arm 462 of light unit 422.

30 and 31 , the control unit 426 includes a housing 428 and an input device 444 mounted to a side wall 430 of the housing 428. The input device 444 is a membrane switch that includes buttons 446 and 447 for increasing and decreasing the intensity of the light sources 470 and 478, respectively. Pressing the buttons 446 and 447 turns the light sources 470 and 478 on or off. The input device 444 also includes buttons 448 and 449 for increasing or decreasing the temperature of the light sources 470 and 478, respectively. The control unit 426 also includes a control circuit 432 (not shown) assembled on a printed circuit board 434 using conventional components, which are electrically connected to the input device 444 and the light sources 470 and 478. As will be described more fully herein, the control circuit 432 includes a communication chip 438, which can be activated, for example, by a remote control device 500 ( FIG. 32 ) to send a wireless signal to the communication chip of the communication device 50 to activate the camera 52 to take a picture or video. The control circuit 432 also includes circuitry to receive wireless signals from the remote control device 500 to gradually increase or decrease the intensity of the light sources 470 and 478 and/or the temperature of the light sources 470 and 478.

32 , remote control 500 includes a housing 501 and a brighter LED button 504 that, when activated, sends a signal to control circuitry 432 to increase the intensity of light sources 470 and 478. Remote control 500 includes a dimming LED button 505 that, when activated, sends a signal to control circuitry 432 to decrease the intensity of light sources 470 and 478. Remote control 500 includes an increase LED temperature button 506 that, when activated, sends an RF signal to control circuitry 432 to increase the temperature of light sources 470 and 478. Remote control 500 includes a decrease LED temperature button 508 that, when activated, sends a signal to control circuitry 432 to decrease the temperature of light sources 470 and 478. The remote control 500 further includes a fixed high temperature button 510 that, when activated, sends a signal to the control circuit 432 to set the temperature of the light sources 470 and 478 to a full high temperature of approximately 2700 K. The remote control 500 further includes a fixed medium temperature button 512 that, when activated, sends a signal to the control circuit 432 to set the temperature of the light sources 470 and 478 to a medium temperature of approximately 4200 K. The remote control 500 further includes a fixed low temperature button 514 that, when activated, sends a signal to the control circuit 432 to set the temperature of the light sources 470 and 478 to a full low temperature of approximately 5600 K. The remote control 500 further includes a first memory button 516 that, when activated, sends a signal to the control circuit 432 to set the intensity and temperature of the light sources 470 and 478 to pre-stored levels. The remote control 500 further includes a second memory button 518, which, when activated, sends a signal to the control circuit 432 to set the intensity and temperature of the light sources 470 and 478 to pre-stored levels. The remote control 500 further includes a third memory button 520, which, when activated, sends a signal to the control circuit 432 to set the intensity and temperature of the light sources 470 and 478 to pre-stored levels. The input device 500 further includes a camera activation button 522, which, when activated, sends a signal to the control circuit 432 to send a wireless signal to the communication chip of the communication device 50 to activate the camera 52 to take a photo or video. The remote control 500 is an infrared (IR) type remote control device, which includes an IR emitter 502 ( FIG. 33 ) and a light emitting diode (LED) (not shown). The remote control 500 is well known and widely available in multiple channels or custom designs. Remote control device 500 may be any other type of remote control device, such as a radio frequency (RF) type remote control device or any future developed technology.

Referring to FIG33 , a high-level block diagram illustrates an input device 444, a control circuit 432, light emitting diodes 476 and 477 of light sources 470 and 478, and a power source 442. The control circuit 432 typically includes a microcontroller 435 electrically connected to a wireless communication chip 436 and an antenna 437 via a printed circuit board 434 ( FIG30 ). The microcontroller 435 is electrically connected to the input device 444 and the power source 442 via conventional wiring and board-mounted connectors. The microcontroller 435 is electrically connected to the light emitting diodes 477 and 478 of light sources 470 and 478 via transistors 438 and 439 to control the intensity and/or temperature of the light sources 470 and 478 via pulse width modulation based on a signal from the input device 444. The control circuit 442 further includes an IR receiver 441 electrically connected to the microcontroller 435. IF receiver 441 transmits a signal corresponding to the wireless signal received from remote control 500 via IR receiver 441 to microcontroller 435 to control the intensity and/or temperature of light sources 470 and 478 via pulse width modulation. Microcontroller 435 includes a memory system (not shown) and a software module (not shown) stored on the memory system. Microcontroller 435 can be an Arduino Uno Rev3 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, NY 10013 (http://www.adafruit.com), which can be programmed with the software module. Microcontroller 435 can be any type of electronic circuit and/or discrete circuit currently and/or in the future. The software module can be easily written in software or code based on the desired functionality of the various buttons of input device 444 ( FIG. 31 ) and remote control 500 ( FIG. 32 ). The software module includes software or code that is configured to instruct the microcontroller 435 to send control signals to transistors 438 and 439 based on a signal received from the input device 444 to control the intensity and/or temperature of the light emitting diodes 476 and 477 of the light sources 470 and 478, i.e., by activating the brighten LED button 446, dim LED button 447, increase LED temperature button 448, or decrease LED temperature button 449. The software module includes software or code configured to instruct the microcontroller 435 to send control signals to the transistors 438 and 439 based on a signal received from the remote control device 550 via the IR receiver 441 to control the intensity and/or temperature of the light emitting diodes 476 and 477 of the light sources 470 and 478 by activating the dimming LED button 504, dimming LED button 505, increasing LED temperature button 506, increasing LED temperature button 508, fixed full low temperature button 510, fixed medium temperature button 512, fixed full high temperature button 514, memory button 516, memory button 518, or memory button 520. The software module also includes software or code configured to instruct the microcontroller 435 to send control signals to the wireless communication chip 437 based on a signal received from the remote control device 550 via the RF receiver 441 to activate the camera 52 of the communication device 50 by activating the camera activation button 522. The microcontroller 435 can be programmed or implemented in the C/C++ programming language. The power supply 442 can be any type of power supply capable of providing appropriate power to the various electrical components.The power supply 442 is connected to an AC power source (not shown), such as an electrical wall outlet.

Referring to FIG34 , a perspective view of a light stand 700 according to the present invention is shown, which includes a light unit 422 (described previously) secured to a tripod 402 (described previously), a fastener 710 removably engaged with the central flexible arm 462 of the light unit 422 to laterally support the electronic communication device 50, and a remote control device 500 (described previously) for controlling the capture of selfies or videos. Except for the fastener 710, the light stand 700 is identical to the light stand 400 described previously.

Referring to Figures 35 to 39, fastener 710 includes a base 712, a bracket housing 240 (previously described), a movable arm 262 (previously described), and a fixed arm 282 (previously described). Fastener 710 is identical to fastener 208 (previously described), except that base 210 (Figures 14 to 16) has been replaced with base 712. Base 712 includes a top portion 714 and a bottom portion 716. Top portion 714 of base 712 is identical to front portion 222 (Figure 16) of fastener 208. Bottom portion 716 includes a female connector 718 having a plurality of slots 720 that removably engage with protrusions 469 of male connector 468 (Figure 27) of central flexible arm 462. Base 712 is made of plastic and can be manufactured using a conventional molding process.

In alternative embodiments, a larger mirror or a full-length mirror with a mirrored surface can be used in conjunction with multiple magnets so that the fastener 208 can be positioned at different positions or heights around the mirrored surface. For example, a device can include a full-length mirror containing a mirrored surface, and a fastener 208 that engages the full-length mirror and an electronic communication device to position a camera in front of the mirrored surface to take a selfie or video. The full-length mirror includes multiple magnets that define a lower fastening area, a middle fastening area, and an upper fastening area. The fastener 208 engages the lower fastening area, the middle fastening area, and the upper fastening area in a removable manner, thereby allowing an individual to adjust the height of the camera. As in other embodiments, the device can include a control circuit and an input device that is connected to the control circuit to activate the camera to take a selfie or video.

The foregoing description is primarily for illustrative purposes. Without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention, the present invention may be implemented in other forms or in other ways. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate modifications and variations that remain within the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Claims (18)

1. An apparatus for use with an electronic communication device having a camera for taking photographs or videos, said apparatus comprising: The main body includes a mirror surface; Fasteners that directly engage with the mirror and the electronic communication device to position the camera in front of the mirror, wherein the screens of the mirror and the electronic communication device face the user, and a photo-taking area is formed in front of the mirror. A light source, which is coupled to the body to emit light from the mirror, thereby illuminating the photographing area in front of the mirror; and A control circuit and an input device connected to the control circuit; the input device includes a first button for activating the camera and a second button connected to the control circuit for controlling the light source. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of light-emitting diodes are arranged around the perimeter of the mirror. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the light-emitting diode is a 50/50 LED. 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the fastener is removably engaged with the mirror surface. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the fastener comprises a first portion engaging with the mirror surface and a second portion adapted to engage the electronic communication device. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second portion of the fastener is rotatably engaged with the first portion of the fastener, thereby allowing the camera to be positioned laterally. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the control circuit includes a communication chip. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the communication chip includes a protocol. 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the input device is a membrane switch. 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the body further includes a first magnet and the fastener includes a first magnet, the first magnet of the fastener being magnetically engageable with the first magnet of the body to secure the fastener to the mirror surface of the body. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the fastener is centrally disposed on the mirror surface. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the body further includes a second magnet and the fastener includes a second magnet; the first and second magnets of the fastener are magnetically engageable with the first and second magnets of the body to secure the fastener to the mirror surface of the body. 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body is rectangular. 15. The device of claim 13, wherein the fastener extends toward the outer side of the mirror surface. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first portion of the fastener includes a cavity for receiving the first and second magnets of the fastener. 17. The device of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a base made of ABS plastic and mirrored glass. 18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a housing engaged with the body, the input device, and the control circuitry.