GB2573373A - Interactive mirror - Google Patents

Interactive mirror Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2573373A
GB2573373A GB1902216.9A GB201902216A GB2573373A GB 2573373 A GB2573373 A GB 2573373A GB 201902216 A GB201902216 A GB 201902216A GB 2573373 A GB2573373 A GB 2573373A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
display unit
content
mirror
images
video
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1902216.9A
Other versions
GB201902216D0 (en
Inventor
Rees Ian
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ESC Digital Media Ltd
Original Assignee
ESC Digital Media Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ESC Digital Media Ltd filed Critical ESC Digital Media Ltd
Publication of GB201902216D0 publication Critical patent/GB201902216D0/en
Publication of GB2573373A publication Critical patent/GB2573373A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/266—Channel or content management, e.g. generation and management of keys and entitlement messages in a conditional access system, merging a VOD unicast channel into a multicast channel
    • H04N21/2668—Creating a channel for a dedicated end-user group, e.g. insertion of targeted commercials based on end-user profiles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/258—Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics, processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
    • H04N21/25866—Management of end-user data
    • H04N21/25883—Management of end-user data being end-user demographical data, e.g. age, family status or address
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G1/00—Mirrors; Picture frames or the like, e.g. provided with heating, lighting or ventilating means
    • A47G1/02—Mirrors used as equipment
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/02—Viewing or reading apparatus
    • G02B27/022—Viewing apparatus
    • G02B27/024—Viewing apparatus comprising a light source, e.g. for viewing photographic slides, X-ray transparancies
    • G02B27/026—Viewing apparatus comprising a light source, e.g. for viewing photographic slides, X-ray transparancies and a display device, e.g. CRT, LCD, for adding markings or signs or to enhance the contrast of the viewed object
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
    • G02B5/08—Mirrors
    • G02B5/0808—Mirrors having a single reflecting layer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
    • G02F1/133553—Reflecting elements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/70—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
    • G06F21/81—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer by operating on the power supply, e.g. enabling or disabling power-on, sleep or resume operations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/70—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
    • G06F21/82—Protecting input, output or interconnection devices
    • G06F21/83—Protecting input, output or interconnection devices input devices, e.g. keyboards, mice or controllers thereof
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/04—Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
    • G09F13/12—Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia using a transparent mirror or other light reflecting surface transparent to transmitted light whereby a sign, symbol, picture or other is visible only when illuminated
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72448—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/258—Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics, processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/258—Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics, processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
    • H04N21/25866—Management of end-user data
    • H04N21/25891—Management of end-user data being end-user preferences
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/466—Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/466—Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/4662—Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies characterized by learning algorithms
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/466—Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/4668—Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies for recommending content, e.g. movies
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
    • G02B5/08—Mirrors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F2201/00—Constructional arrangements not provided for in groups G02F1/00 - G02F7/00
    • G02F2201/34—Constructional arrangements not provided for in groups G02F1/00 - G02F7/00 reflector
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/85—Assembly of content; Generation of multimedia applications
    • H04N21/858—Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object, by creating a hotspot
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/85—Assembly of content; Generation of multimedia applications
    • H04N21/858—Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object, by creating a hotspot
    • H04N21/8586—Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object, by creating a hotspot by using a URL

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Nonlinear Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Computer Graphics (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A system for delivering video content comprising a digital video display unit 2, a server, a content delivery portal, and a content controller. The mirror display is fully reflective in areas of dimmed or switched off pixels and positions images at an area of the screen to superimpose them over real physical reflected images. The display unit also has a network connector 3, and a camera and microphone 10 which are turned on and off by a physical switch for privacy. The server 7 comprises content, URLs, or metadata or control data relating to the specific unit. The content delivery portal 8 streams or broadcasts the media to the display unit. The content controller 5 controls the stream from the server/portal to the display unit. The system may comprise a means to control access or a time window to the video sources. The content controller may be a person or a machine learning AI.

Description

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an interactive mirror with media display capabilities. More specifically the invention relates to a mirror that is able to provide interactive entertainment to the user in coordination with the true reflection of the user, wherein the entertainment content is controlled remotely by an administrator.
Background to the invention
In today’s world there is an overwhelming demand for children’s toys to connect to the internet to provide an interactive experience to the child.
There has though been a tendency to provide interaction on a fairly basic level through a simple screen on a computer or tablet. Whilst connection to the internet has widely expanded the offering to the child, there is a distinct lack of true personal interaction. Whilst the child may enjoy the experience, they invariably remain remote from the experience on a personal level.
Serious concerns have been raised within many areas of society that such experiences are leading to generations of young children simply staring at screens for hours without any personal interaction and during which they are not learning any communication skills or self-awareness that they will undoubtedly need in later life.
Audio-visual real time communications are now part of daily life and are used extensively for remote interactions with loved ones. Applications such as Skype, Facetime, WhatsApp, and the like, are used on many communication platforms, e.g. smart phones, tablets, personal computers, etc. Whilst they provide a valuable service, sometimes the communication may be cold and clinical, and almost feeling like an interview. Children would often lose concentration and start to walk away and wander when they have a video chat for example with grandparents, or with a friend.
With the speed of innovation of data technology and graphics, true surprises tend to be rare.
In order to try and make experiences more personal, communication via text or sound between fellow users/players has been encouraged. However, there is a complete lack of personal knowledge between the people communicating which itself has led to considerable issues over security and protection, particularly amongst children.
The present invention seeks to provide an apparatus, system and method that are designed to provide a fully interactive self-aware experience in a remotely controlled interactive media and commercial environment.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a system for delivering audio visual content, comprising:
A digital video display unit comprising, a full reflective mirror capabilities in areas of the display with switched off and/or dimmed pixels, means to position digital images at any area of the screen and/or superimpose them over real physical reflected images, one or more cameras and microphones, which are permitted to turned on or off via one or more physical switches;
connecting means to a network;
a server comprising content and/or URLs accessible by the video display unit and/or metadata and control data relating to a specific video display unit;
a content delivery portal arranged to stream or broadcast to the video display unit;
a content controller arranged to control the streams and/or live broadcasts from the server and/or the content delivery portal to the video display unit.
Preferably the system may further comprise means to control access and/or time window of allowance for the video sources.
Preferably the content controller may connect remotely to the system and may receive notification on the behaviour of the system and of the video display unit.
Preferably the video display unit may be with a screen diameter of less than 6 inches, with a screen diameter between 6 to 14 inches, with a screen diameter 14 to 65 inches, or with display size above 65 inches in diameter.
Preferably the video display unit may be rectangular, oval, or any other two dimensional shape, and has a simple or decorative frame.
Preferably the system may further comprise means to allow the interaction of a user with the digital images.
Preferably the system may further comprise means to allow digital image interaction in video conferencing.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for delivering audio visual content, comprising the steps of:
streaming digital broadcast and live TV to a digital video display unit which comprises, a full reflective mirror capabilities in areas of the display with switched off and/or dimmed pixels, means to position digital images at any area of the screen and/or superimpose them over real physical reflected images;
controlling the turning on and off of one or more cameras and microphones via one or more physical switches;
connecting to a network;
connecting to a server which comprises content and/or URLs accessible by the video display unit and/or metadata and control data relating to a specific video display unit;
connecting to a content delivery portal arranged to stream or broadcast to the video display unit;
controlling the streams and/or live broadcasts from the server and/or the content delivery portal to the video display unit via a content controller arranged to control.
The method may further comprise means to control access and/or time window of allowance for the video sources.
The content controller may connect remotely to the system and receives notification on the behaviour of the system and of the video display unit.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a system for delivering audio visual content, comprising:
a digital display with interactive mirror display with media display capabilities;
wherein the display reflects physical images without any image acquisition and processing at areas of the display where pixels are switched off and/or the pixels are switched on but are controlled and set in low light emission mode;
wherein areas of the display with the pixels off provide a full mirror reflection, whereas areas with controlled light emission may display digital image information overlaying a real life physical reflected image;
means to control pixel light emission intensity and which of the two images, digital or real reflection, is shown in the display at one time, and/or how vividly each of the two images is shown when they are displayed are as merged in the display.
Preferably the digital images may be positionable at any area of the screen and/or superimposable over real physical reflected images.
Preferably the system further comprises one or more camera and microphones, which may be permitted to turned on or off via one or more physical switches.
The system may further comprise means to video communicate with one or more other parties.
The system may further comprise means to allow the interaction of a user with the digital images.
The system may further comprise means to allow digital image interaction in video conferencing.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a network diagram of a system in accordance with the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
A self-aware interactive system in accordance with the invention is shown in Figure 1.
The system is accessed through an apparatus which takes the form of a mirror 1. The mirror 1 comprises a video display, which used LCD, LED or similar display technology, but which further has full reflective capabilities, just like any standard back coated glass mirror. The mirror 1 of the apparatus reflects at areas of the mirror 1 where the pixels of the display are switched off and/or the pixels are switched on but are controlled and set in low light emission mode. Areas of the mirror 1 with the pixels off may provide a full mirror reflection capability, whereas areas with controlled light emission may display digital image information overlaying a real life physical reflected image. The pixel light emission intensity controls which of the two images, digital or real reflection, is shown in the mirror at one time, and/or how vividly each of the two images is shown when they are displayed as merged in the mirror 1.
The mirror 1 is preferably designed with a frame and in shape and form to provide an appearance that is targeted towards the child market.
It is though appreciated that the system can be equally applicable to the adult market and so the mirror may have an alternative suitable design.
Alternative frames, shapes and designs e.g. for commercial embodiments are also possible. The size of the mirror 1 may be the size of portable smart device, e.g. with a screen diameter of less than 6 inches, the size of a tablet or PC e.g. with a screen diameter between 6 to 14 inches, or the size of a digital display or television with a screen diameter 14 to 65 inches, or the size of commercial displays above 65 inches in diameter.
The shape of the mirror 1 may be rectangular, oval, or any other two dimensional shape, and may have a simple or decorative frame. For example, the mirror shown in Figure 1 is oval with a classic fairy tale decorative frame.
For the purposes of the system as a whole, the mirror 1 is essentially a dummy apparatus and has no direct access to the internet. By direct access to the internet it is meant that the mirror cannot access freely content such as websites, videos or connections to any other servers. This is deliberate to ensure that the system can be controlled through a remote system of permissions provided by an appropriate adult with permissions denied or granted either on set-up and/or in real time when requested.
In one embodiment, the mirror 1 incorporates a HD or 4K touch panel screen 2, and wireless communication means 3, e.g. Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth. Activation of the mirror 1 may be through the touch screen 2 or through other means such as voice activation or through a linked device (such as for example, a remote control or a specialised wand remote in the form of a “magic wand”). Other interaction means such as information captured via video and motion sensors and translated into hand gestures or a combination of voice and hand gestures may also be used to interact with the mirror 1. For example, a hand motion and “Hello Mirror” may be used to wake up the mirror. Hand gesture of a tap on a specific area of the mirror may be used to emulate a user interface selection of option, and a grab and move gesture may be used to move objects that appear displayed on the mirror.
The mirror 1 may also incorporate an aerial to provide access to and display of terrestrial television. Similarly, a video input or HDMI port may be used to display external video sources.
Access and/or time window of allowance for the video sources, e.g. streaming or live television is also controlled by the remote server and administrator. For example, the administrator may allow access to a specific children TV channel only between the hours of 16:00 to 18:00.
The mirror 1 also incorporates one or more switchable HD cameras and microphones 10. The camera and/or microphone 10 can be manually turned on via a physical switch or more. The physical switch may not be overridden by software. This will allow control of the camera and microphone independent of the cloud system for security purposes. The switch is preferably in a non-visible location, for example on a back surface of the mirror 1 so that it is not easily accessible, or known, to the child in an attempt to ensure that the control of the switch remains with the adult.
As previously mentioned, the mirror 1 is effectively a dummy apparatus having no direct access to the internet. Rather, the mirror 1 is connectable via wireless communication, WIFI, to a router 9 to access a predefined internet address URL or a list of predefined URLs. This allows a controller 5 to have complete control of the system remote from the child and the mirror 1 without the knowledge of the child, causing the child to believe that the interaction is only between them and the “magic” mirror 1. The controller 5 may be a human adult or an Artificial Intelligence Al content controller or a combination of both.
The router 9 is connected to a network. The network may be an internal network or over the internet. If the network is over the internet, secure connection protocols are in place so that the network continues to remain closed to third parties. Protocols such as Virtual Private Networks VPN or the like may be used to keep the network private over the internet. Secure URL and other forms of encryption may be used to protect the server 7 and the host, the router 9 and mirror 1.
The fact that the apparatus screen is a mirror 1 allows the interaction to be coordinated with a true reflection of the child and their immediate surroundings, to provide a full self-aware interactive experience.
Moreover, the use of a true reflection avoids the need to provide digitised image of the child and their surrounding thereby saving on data generation, use and memory within the system.
Interaction with the child may be enhanced using digitised images of interactive and or superimposable images or characters 4 that appear on the screen. The auxiliary images or characters are activated using any of the control methods discussed above.
Referring now to the system, the interactive content, such as for example, without limitation, live streaming, Video on Demand VOD entertainment, adventure stories, educational and learning content are streamed to the router 9 and are available at the stream URL list to be accessible to the child through the mirror 1.
The content available is controlled by a permissions system which is set up and accessed remotely by an controller, i.e. appropriate adult using for example a mobile, tablet or PC 6. Permissions may be granted or denied at the time of set-up.
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Additionally or alternatively permissions may be granted or denied in realtime on receipt of a request prompted by an input by the child via the mirror 1.
In this way, the child is entirely unaware that the content is being controlled remotely.
All permissions and/or the URL list are saved and stored on an appropriate server 7 which is linked to the URL to allow or block content. The server 7 is also able to hold stored content such as, for example without limitation, books or homework materials.
Through the adult controller process, the controller i.e. the adult is able to access the camera and/or microphone remotely at any time, provided the camera and/or microphone have not been turned off physically using the switch, to see how the child they are responsible for is interacting with the mirror 1 at any moment in time.
In a more specific example, the administrator or controller, i.e. the adult logins in into the secure Adult Content Control ACC application 5. This may be on a smart phone, tablet, or personal computer PC 6. The ACC 5 connects to the server 7 where all permissions are saved and stored to allow or block content. The server 7 is also able to hold stored content such as, for example without limitation, books or homework materials. The administrator via the ACC 5 may now set a control plan for the mirror
1. E.g. the mirror 1 may be turned on from 7:00 AM to 9 AM. Note that when the mirror 1 is not on, it is just a standard reflective mirror. At
7:00AM to 7:30AM access to e.g. the Cartoon Network is permitted. Other example, VOD of nursery rhymes and educational songs such as the alphabet or number songs are permitted at all times the mirror is on. Therefore, the system may have time unlimited streaming and/ore time limited streaming.
Further content is reviewed on the ACC 5 which connects to the Content Delivery Portal CDP 8. Permissions and time windows from the ACC 5 for the CDP 8 are then sent and stored in the server 7.
The server 7 may be independent or part of the ACC 5 or a combination of both. The CDP 8 may be a third party content provider, such as Netflix, in its full form or use application programming interface API-s so that is customised for the ACC 5. Alternatively, the CDP 8 may be a content provider which is part of the system.
Once the ACC 5 has been set, the values are stored in the server and meta data and one or more URL-s are generated. The metadata and the URL-s are sent over the network to the Router 9. The mirror 1 which is connected to the Router 9, uses the metadata as control settings and uses the URL-s for the video broadcasting.
Another type of Content Delivery Portal CDP 8 may also be used for two way video communication, such as the ones provided by Skype or Facetime. The ACC 5 controls which users and at what time they may request a video link connection with mirror 1.
The adult would be also able to interact with the child at that time with their own image and/or voice, if they wish.
Such one or two way adult interaction may have particular benefits in nurseries, providing the adults with the ability to see their child, without necessarily the child’s knowledge, or to be able to interact personally with the child in circumstances where that might be beneficial.
In both cases any interaction would first require positive permissions from both the adult and the nursery. Control would though be ultimately with the necessary who may turn off the switch manually at any time.
Referring again to the interaction of the child with the mirror 1 and the enhanced digitised images the invention presents various embodiments. In one embodiment, the child positions itself in front of the mirror 1 and their image is reflected as per in a standard mirror. One or more characters 4 may have been authorised from the ACC 5 and may have been downloaded or are streamable from the CDP 8.
The characters may use Artificial Intelligence Al and/or voice recognition, and/or motion detection and motion analysis, to ‘read’ the child’s interaction. For example, the character may be a frog, the frog may be singing a nursery rhyme with the subject jump and hop, and may say: “Jump Lucy” (Lucy e.g. being the name of the child, programmed by the Administrator in the ACC 5. If Lucy jumps, the frog will carry on with the song and continue with the song and story and say e.g. “Clap your hands”. If Lucy did not jump, the frog may repeated the instructions verbally and also show the instructions visually, by performing a hop or a jump with the music.
In another embodiment, the child may be presented with characters 4 in the form of wearable items. For example, a princess’ tiara may be shown on the mirror 1. Gesture recognition will recognise a hand grab for the child and a move on the child’s head. Similarly, a princess’ dress may be overlaid over the child’s body and the face and hands and feet will continue to be true image reflections, whereas the areas covered by the virtual clothing will be superimposed digital images.
In essence, the mirror 1 reflects a physical image without any image acquisition and processing at areas of the mirror 1 where the pixels of the display are switched off and/or the pixels are switched on but are controlled and set in low light emission mode. Areas of the mirror 1 with the pixels off may provide a full mirror reflection capability, whereas areas with controlled light emission may display digital image information overlaying a real life physical reflected image. The pixel light emission intensity controls which of the two images, digital or real reflection, is shown in the mirror at one time, and/or how vividly each of the two images is shown when they are displayed are as merged in the mirror 1. Digital images are positionable at any area of the screen and may be superimposed over real physical reflected images.
Other real time image acquisition and enhancement by superimposing systems lose the real feel of the mirror because the image of the subject, in this case child, is digital and pixelated depending on the hardware capabilities of the display. Seeing oneself in the mirror is a different experience to seeing the same image in a TV screen captured by a camcorder and displayed on the screen. A similar, fake feeling is experienced also if one uses the capture-display system of a selfie camera and personal smart device system.
Using only the character 4 digital images and not the image of the subject offers a safety aspect, wherein in some embodiments, the system does not require to use any camera to capture the subject, i.e. the camera may be switched off in hardware and the superimposing and story may continue to operate.
This embodiment can be also used in apparel, i.e. clothing, stores. Virtual digital clothes, such a dresses etc may be selected for the mirror 1. A true image reflection of a person will be the base image. The digital image of the dress may then be superimposed over the image of the user. No image of the user will be acquired, stored or transmitted by the mirror 1. Therefore the privacy of the user, whom may be not fully clothed is not breached.
Returning to the mirror for embodiments for children. The mirror 1 may be authorised to video communicate with a friend, another child or a family member. Characters 4 may be selected by the child when their image is broadcasted. Similarly, the child may use the characters 4 on the image received from their friends transmission.
Children enjoy seeking attention and demonstrating to adults, such as parent or grandparents what they have learned recently. The story line, real and image superimpositions that they achieve with the mirror one, may be broadcastable over two-way video links. For example, the child may show from the nursery that they are on a boat and sailing through the ocean with birds in the sky and fishes in the sea. The child will continue to see the same real and digital images on the mirror one, and a small digital image of the parent in a section of the mirror 1. The child may select to include the parent into the story line and superimpose characters 4 on them, e.g. make them into pirates with an eye patch and with a parrot on the shoulder.
In another embodiment, a visual marker, such as green screen or white screen may be used to extract the background behind the child. Background extractions may also be used by other methods that require no back screens. Areas of the mirror 1 that reflect only the subject, i.e. child, will be real physical reflections, all of the other areas may be digital images displayed on the mirror 1.
This embodiment, may be used e.g. in scenarios where the child will fully become part of a fairy-tale world. Referring back to the jumping frog, the room floor will turn into a green grass, the background may have a blue sky and a obstacles that the child must jump with the frog. The size of the digital image of the frog, may be adjusted from the ACC 5, auto-adjusted from the size of the image of the child or selected in the mirror 1 in size parameters, e.g. S, M, L, so that the frog e.g. appears the same size as the child for a more personal interaction.
In one embodiment, motion of the hand of the real image may be superimposed with the digital image. The interaction will trigger an image change and story change. For example, the child may Hi-Five a character 4, and the character will respond with a Hi-five back. Other examples may be holding hands, flying an airplane, controlling the steering wheel of a car etc.
One or more real physical persons may be used in the mirror 1. Similarly one or more characters 4 may be used in the mirror 1.
Other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features described herein.
Features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, features which are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.
It should be noted that the term comprising does not exclude other elements, the term a or an does not exclude a plurality, a single feature may fulfil the functions of several features recited in the claims and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as 10 limiting the scope of the claims. It should also be noted that the images in the Figure are not necessarily to scale; emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.

Claims (15)

1. A system for delivering audio visual content, comprising:
a digital video display unit comprising, a full reflective mirror capabilities in areas of the display with switched off and/or dimmed pixels, means to position digital images at any area of the screen and/or superimpose them over real physical reflected images, one or more cameras and microphones, which are permitted to turned on or off via one or more physical switches;
connecting means to a network;
a server comprising content and/or URLs accessible by the video display unit and/or metadata and control data relating to a specific video display unit;
a content delivery portal arranged to stream or broadcast to the video display unit;
a content controller arranged to control the streams and/or live broadcasts from the server and/or the content delivery portal to the video display unit.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising means to control access and/or time window of allowance for the video sources.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the content controller connect remotely to the system and receives notification on the behaviour of the system and of the video display unit.
4. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the video display unit is with a screen diameter of less than 6 inches, with a screen diameter between 6 to 14 inches, with a screen diameter 14 to 65 inches, or with display size above 65 inches in diameter.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein the video display unit is rectangular, oval, or any other two dimensional shape, and has a simple or decorative frame.
5. The system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising means to allow the interaction of a user with the digital images.
6. The system of any of the preceding claims further comprising means to allow digital image interaction in video conferencing.
7. A method for delivering audio visual content, comprising the steps of:
streaming digital broadcast and live TV to a digital video display unit which comprises, a full reflective mirror capabilities in areas of the display with switched off and/or dimmed pixels, means to position digital images at any area of the screen and/or superimpose them over real physical reflected images;
controlling the turning on and off of one or more cameras and microphones via one or more physical switches;
connecting to a network;
connecting to a server which comprises content and/or URLs accessible by the video display unit and/or metadata and control data relating to a specific video display unit;
connecting to a content delivery portal arranged to stream or broadcast to the video display unit;
controlling the streams and/or live broadcasts from the server and/or the content delivery portal to the video display unit via a content controller arranged to control.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising means to control access and/or time window of allowance for the video sources.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the content controller connect remotely to the system and receives notification on the behaviour of the system and of the video display unit.
10. A system for delivering audio visual content, comprising:
A digital display with interactive mirror display with media display capabilities;
wherein the display reflects physical images without any image acquisition and processing at areas of the display where pixels are switched off and/or the pixels are switched on but are controlled and set in low light emission mode;
wherein areas of the display with the pixels off provide a full mirror reflection, whereas areas with controlled light emission may display digital image information overlaying a real life physical reflected image;
means to control pixel light emission intensity and which of the two images, digital or real reflection, is shown in the display at one time, and/or how vividly each of the two images is shown when they are displayed are as merged in the display.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein digital images are positionable at any area of the screen and/or superimposable over real physical reflected images.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising one or more camera and microphones, which are permitted to turned on or off via one or more physical switches.
13. The system of claim 12, further comprising means to video communicate with one or more other parties.
5
14. The system of claim 13, further comprising means to allow the interaction of a user with the digital images.
15. The system of any of the preceding claims further comprising means to allow digital image interaction in video conferencing.
GB1902216.9A 2018-02-18 2019-02-18 Interactive mirror Withdrawn GB2573373A (en)

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GB201806532D0 (en) 2018-06-06
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GB201802615D0 (en) 2018-04-04
WO2019158900A1 (en) 2019-08-22

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