Virtual Mirror System Using Camera and Projector for Flexible Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mirrors are stationary, requiring users to stand directly in front of them for tasks like grooming, limiting flexibility and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A virtual mirror system comprising a frame, cameras, a projector, and a control system that generates and displays a virtual mirror image on a vertical surface based on image data from the cameras, allowing users to interact with the image as if it were a traditional mirror.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed mirror is used, then the mirror structure is simple and stable, but the user must stand directly in front of the mirror which limits flexibility and accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the mirror function using cameras and projectors instead of a physical mirror. The camera captures the user's image and the projector displays it on a vertical surface, replicating the mirror's reflective function through optical copying rather than direct reflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system of a physical mirror with an electronic imaging system. Instead of using a reflective surface to bounce light back to the user, the system uses cameras to capture light, processes the image data, and projectors to display the processed image, substituting mechanical optics with electronic imaging and projection technology.
2Ease of operation
If a virtual mirror system with cameras and projectors is used, then flexibility and accessibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system that can function as a mirror from multiple angles and positions. The camera and projector arrangement allows users to view their reflection from various locations in the room, not just directly in front of the device, making the system adaptable to different user positions and room layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the camera and projector. This intermediary processes image data from the camera, adjusts for perspective and distortion, and generates the appropriate projection signal, simplifying the overall system coordination while enabling complex functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera and projector are positioned at angles to capture and display the virtual mirror image, then the user can access the mirror from different positions, but the alignment and calibration become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment capabilities where the camera and projector positions and angles can be adjusted during installation and operation. The system includes calibration routines that allow the viewing angles to be optimized for different room configurations and user preferences, making the angular alignment flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors the captured image quality and projection alignment, automatically adjusting parameters to optimize the virtual mirror effect. This feedback loop compensates for angular misalignments and ensures accurate image display regardless of the camera and projector positioning.
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
Enables flexible and accessible mirror usage, allowing users to perform tasks without the need to stand directly in front of a physical mirror, enhancing convenience and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The projector is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation onto a virtual mirror surface
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual mirror system includes a frame, a first camera, a projector, a memory, and a control system. The first camera is coupled to the frame and is configured to generate first image data reproducible as one or more first images of at least a portion of a subject that is positioned within a first field of view of the first camera. The projector is configured to display images on a vertical surface. The memory stores machine readable instructions. The control system includes one or more processors configured to execute the machine readable instructions to cause the projector to display, on the vertical surface, a virtual mirror image of the subject based on the first image data.