GB2462097A - Time Delayed Display of Captured Image of Person to Themselves - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to methods and apparatus to provide versatile alternatives to traditional "real time" reflective mirrors by using a high definition camera and programmable digital video delay loop, connected to a video display. One specific benefit of the Slow Mirror is to allow users to "see behind themselves" when trying on new clothes or checking their hair styling. This is simply achieved by slowly turning through 360 degrees in front of the "Slow Mirror" and then stopping again in front of the display and watching the delayed play back of this image. The Slow Mirror system can allows the user to preset the delay time (for example) in the range 2-10 seconds, and to freeze the playback at any time and to scroll forward and back through the motion, and to request a still image be captured and or printed.

Description

SlowMirror SPECI Fl CATI ON 1.1 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING THE FUNCTIONS OF A DIGITAL MIRROR 2 1.2 Basic functional of the Slow Mirror 2 1.3 Enhancements 3 1.4 Remote camera 4 1.5 Magnifying Mirror with built-in illuniinalion 4 1.6 Quiescent Advertising Application 5 1.7 Uses in conjunction with other applications 6 1.8 CLAIMS 9 1.9 Abstract 10

THE SLOW MIRROR

1.1 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING THE

FUNCTIONS OF A DIGITAL MIRROR

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing the functions of a mirror using a combination of video camera(s), a digital signal processing system with video storage memory and various function options, and a display screen or screens.

Although currently such screens will generally be based on LCD or OLED technologies, the Slow Mirror may equally well use a form of laser or other projection system as its display system.

1.2 Basic functional of the Slow Mirror The Slow Mirror system comprises a video camera that may be either fixed to the frame or located to suit the user, and is then used to capture a video stream of the user that is sent to a digital processing unit connected to a display device which can be any type of appropriate computer monitor or TV combined with direct video input option.

The Slow Mirror technology then allows the user to set an adjustable delay, to allow the user to examine images that are captured during the time when the user is turned away from the display screen.

A simple example would be use in a clothes shop changing room where a fixed camera facing the same direction as the display uses a 3-5 second delay that allows users to rotate through 360 degrees to assess their appearance from all angles.

A simple extension would be to allow users to take copies of images using a USB memory stick or upload the relevant data file(s) directly to a suitable mobile phone or other Bluetooth compatible receiving device.

A more complex solution would require a Slow Mirror connected to a network that allowed the user to email selected images to an email address that the user could provide in a variety of ways ranging from local keyboard data entry to sending an SMS message to a phone number where a requested image was returned to the same number in the form of an MMS message.

Users who had previously registered their celiphone number and other details could also arrange for the images to be sent to an email address. Such a process would enable the store operator to include sales promotion and advertising material along with the images -such as an offer to encourage the user to buy the product being viewed.

1.3 Enhancements The general application of the Slow Mirror in a commercial location such as clothes store requires the simplest form of operation with fixed parameters. However, the use of Slow Mirror technology in the home allows the user to become familiar with more complex features and facilities.

In a consumer's home, the system is less likely to be supplied including a display monitor, but as a stand-alone unit to be connected to a display monitor supplied by the user, such as an existing TV set or computer display screen.

A more detailed range of user controls are possible that will permit the user to adjust the period of time delays and other aspects of the system's behaviour.

1.4 Remote camera A remote camera -directly cable-connected or wireless -can be positioned and switched directly to display its output on the display, or used in a split screen or "picture-in-picture" display to give both front and (rear) views simultaneously.

1.5 Magnifying Mirror with built-in illumination The use of magnifying mirrors based on optically formed minors is well understood. Such mirrors provide a fixed magnification factor for applications such as shaving or precision application of make-up, especially eye make up.

A Slow Mirror for this type of application includes the necessary signal processing electronics to provide adjustable magnification to allow for the accurate application of products such as eye liner, and the insertion of contact lenses etc. Such magnification may be selected manually using controls arranged around the edge of the device, or remotely using infra red control -or perhaps best of all, by sensing the proximity of the face of the user such that the magnification factor varies as the face approaches closer.

This can be achieved using any one of the various range finding technologies including ultrasound echo to reflective JR ranging.

In an application such as a bathroom mirror, a heating system may be applied to prevent the formation of condensation on its surface.

Instead of the user of a magnifying slow minor requiring additional illumination (as in a stereotype example of the makeup minor with lights arranged the edge), a variable proportion of the Slow Minor display pixels in the border zone can be switched to "bright white" and thus providing especially effective local illumination for such tasks as inserting contact lenses etc. 1.6 Quiescent Advertising Application The Slow Mirror system can be supplied with a business model that derives a cost subsidy from advertising and sponsorship.

In the case of a Slow Mirror being used in commercial premises such as a clothes store, active use of the minor may be determined by a proximity motion detector.

When no person is detected within a preset range, the display can revert to showing advertisements; but as a user approaches the minor, at a preset distance, the display can present a sequence of images: first a greeting for the user, then a message from the sponsor(s), then brief instructions on what it does, and how to make best use of it.

In a teenager's bedroom, the default application when the minor function is not required is most likely to be Facebook and social networking in general.

Where displays are networked, information such as Text messages intended for members of the household and email alerts can be fed direct to the displays in the form of Marquee displays or "crawlers" Such an integrated scheme will require various user options to be to be controlled from a server, and accessed via a web browser.

All Ethernet networked screens will also be able to display TV programmes (speakers required for sound) fed by an appropriate IP-based entertainment distribution systems.

If the user is familiar with the system, a button placed somewhere convenient (eg on the frame) will skip the instruction phase -or re-call it in case of subsequent difficulty.

Advertising material provided for digital signage can comprise any combination of fixed or moving images with or without sound.

For non-networked installations, advertising content can be stored locally installed using transportable memory in the form of USB memory sticks, or otherwise uploaded to memory contained within the Slow Mirror for the purpose.

Or the mirror may be connected to any form of data network that is able to deliver interactive advertising images.

Such data networks might include hard-wired Ethernet, cellular phone networks capable of data transmission, or other forms of wireless data network include WiFi, Bluetooth or custom solutions.

The Slow Mirror advertising mode may also include facilities for interacting with persons in the immediate vicinity using a feedback mechanism such as Bluetooth communication with accessible cell phones, and where such interaction invites a response from the receiver of data, the Slow Mirror can receive the response and send this back to a central information collation and management service using the available network(s).

1.7 Uses in conjunction with other applications The Slow Minor is basically a computer display with a specific application. So that display may also be made available for other purposes, many of which have particular synergy with locations in a domestic environment. In order to use the Slow Mirror in its alter ego as a computer display, a means of communicating with the system delivering information to the display will be required.

This may be a local keyboard, the display itself could be a touch panel although cost will be a limiting factor. A portable wireless device with Bluetooth -such a cellphone -can also provide basic control.

Ultimately, voice control may be a practical option.

In a domestic application, a "hall minor" is frequently located at the main entry/exit point of a home. The Slow MilTor has obvious applications here (Figure one) but since this is ALSO a general purpose display screen, it may revert to displaying any other information supplied it -especially relevant to its location. In the hallway example, such information might be local weather and traffic information.

In the kitchen, it could be used to display information collected from sensors that monitor power consumption at various points in the home. Another popular non-Mirror application might be to display the eBay watch lists of the users.

In the bathroom, depending on time of day, it can be used to display "health tip of the day" In other applications is may just be desirable to display visual artwork or the contents of photograph albums.