Smart mirror system and methods of use thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
People often perform tasks like applying makeup or shaving in poor lighting conditions, leading to inadequate preparation for the day, as existing mirrors do not provide realistic lighting simulations or assistive features.
Innovation Solution
A smart mirror system equipped with a partially reflective coating, electronic displays, sensors, and cameras that continuously display a real-time video feed, adjust lighting based on ambient conditions, and provide tutorials or modifications based on recognized objects or user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional mirror is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the lighting conditions are poor and unrealistic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a conventional mirror with an electronic display device, camera, and lighting system into an integrated smart mirror system. The electronic display is positioned behind the mirror to provide augmented reality overlays, while LED light sources are embedded within the frame to illuminate the user's face evenly, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and improved lighting by merging multiple functional components into a unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart mirror system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a conventional reflective mirror, provides augmented reality tutorials for makeup application and shaving, captures images and video, and adjusts lighting conditions. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain the basic mirror function while adding value through additional features, addressing the contradiction between device simplicity and lighting improvement.
2Manufacturing precision
If poor lighting conditions are accepted, then the device complexity remains low, but the preparation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a camera to capture real-time images of the user's face and displays these on the electronic display behind the mirror. This feedback loop allows users to see their actual appearance under controlled lighting conditions, enabling precise makeup application and shaving by providing continuous visual feedback on the effectiveness of their preparation actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides step-by-step tutorial overlays that guide users through preparation tasks before they complete them. The electronic display shows instructional content and real-time feedback that helps users perform makeup application and shaving correctly from the start, improving preparation accuracy by providing preliminary guidance rather than requiring perfect initial conditions.
3Illumination intensity
If ambient lighting is used, then the system remains simple, but the realism of lighting conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple LED light sources with adjustable intensity and color temperature parameters to simulate different ambient lighting conditions. The controller can modify these parameters to replicate natural daylight, indoor artificial lighting, or other environmental conditions, providing realistic lighting for preparation tasks while maintaining controlled and consistent illumination regardless of actual ambient conditions.
4Ease of operation
If no interactive features are added, then the device complexity is low, but the user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The smart mirror system automatically detects when a user approaches and activates the appropriate tutorial content without requiring manual input. The camera recognizes the user's presence and the system autonomously provides step-by-step guidance for makeup application or shaving based on detected objects or pre-programmed sequences, enhancing user experience through automated interaction while keeping the interface simple and intuitive.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The smart mirror system ensures better preparation by simulating realistic lighting conditions and offering interactive tutorials for tasks like makeup application and shaving, enhancing user experience and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A smart mirror system equipped with a partially reflective coating
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system comprises a frame, a mirror coupled to the frame, an electronic display device coupled to the frame, a camera coupled to the frame, one or more processors, and one or more memory devices. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions that are stored in the one or more memory devices. The one or more processors executing the instructions causes the system to continuously display, on the electronic display device, a real-time video feed of a user within a field of view of the camera; identify and object within the field of view of the camera; and, subsequent to the identification, modify the continuously displayed real-time video feed based on at least the identified object.