Smart Mirror Image Scaling for Obstructed Close-Up Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users are impeded from seeing a clear image in a mirror when obstacles, such as sinks, are between them and the mirror surface, preventing them from approaching closer.

Innovation Solution

A smart mirror that automatically recognizes user movements and adjusts image enlargement or reduction based on user proximity and pupil dilation to ensure clear viewing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the user approaches the mirror surface to see a clear image, then the image clarity is improved, but the user is hindered by obstructions (such as sinks) between them and the mirror

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage clarityVSAvoiduser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an image acquisition component to capture the user's image and displays it on the mirror surface, creating a copy of the user's appearance. This allows the user to view a clear image without needing to physically approach the mirror surface, thus overcoming the obstruction problem while maintaining image clarity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical action of physically approaching the mirror with an optical/electronic system. Instead of the user moving closer to the mirror surface, the system captures the user's image and displays it enlarged on the mirror, substituting the mechanical approach with an image processing solution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the smart mirror displays an enlarged image of the user, then the image clarity is improved for users with obstructions, but the device complexity increases due to image acquisition and processing components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage clarityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The smart mirror integrates multiple functions: it serves as both a reflective surface and a display device, while also incorporating image acquisition and processing capabilities. This multi-functionality allows the mirror to provide enlarged clear images without requiring separate dedicated equipment, managing complexity through consolidation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts image parameters (enlargement ratio, display position) based on detected user characteristics and viewing conditions. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system optimizes image clarity while managing the complexity through intelligent control rather than hardware redundancy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3511865B1Imaging processing method for smart mirror, and smart mirror
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3511865B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3511865B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3511865B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A smart mirror and an imaging processing method therefor are provided in the field of electronic technology. The method includes: obtaining biometric parameters of the user; determining whether to perform a processing on the image of the user in the smart mirror according to the biometric parameters, wherein the processing includes an enlargement processing or a reduction processing; and performing the processing on the image of the user in the smart mirror upon the determining is positive. With the present invention, the smart mirror can automatically recognize the user's needs according to the user's biometric parameters and perform corresponding imaging processing. Even if there are other items (such as the sink or the like) between the user and the mirror surface, the user will not be impeded from seeing the imaging in the mirror surface clearly due to not being able to come closer to the mirror surface.