Smart Mirror
Summary: The project aims to repurpose an old LCD TV which are becoming obsolete gradually due to TV technologies getting better day by day. We shall use Raspberry Pi to integrate with the hardware to present itself as a Smart Mirror which is an in
2025-06-28 16:35:36 - Adil Khan
Smart Mirror
Project Area of Specialization Internet of ThingsProject SummarySummary:
The project aims to repurpose an old LCD TV which are becoming obsolete gradually due to TV technologies getting better day by day. We shall use Raspberry Pi to integrate with the hardware to present itself as a Smart Mirror which is an innovative idea to recycle old LCD TVs. Smart Mirror is highly customizable according to it's user and hence can be installed in any given space, be it as a bathroom mirror or a hidden security system to help monitor rooms without disclosure. A default Smart Mirror shall have the ability to retrieve data from the user by 2 methods, i.e from voice commands and mobile phone, as well as the internet. It shall present Weather Forecasts, Traffic Updates, To Do List, Calendar, Date and Time, as well as News from local reliable news sources.
Objectives:
The objectives are to obtain the following results from the creation of this project,
- To repurpose/recycle old LCD monitors/TV. by giving it a new life to function as a Smart Mirror.
- To lessen the overall needless checking of the phones by having the smart mirror display general notifications and updates on itself.
- By providing a monitoring system that is hidden in the form of a mirror.
Implementation:
The implementation process was divided into two parts, software and hardware,
- Software:
The first part dealt within this project is to create an algorithm for the correct working and integration with the hardware in later parts.
We shall be programming in Python language on Raspbian Software. And shall be creating displays for the default Smart Mirror.
2. Hardware:
We shall directly integrate the programming into the raspberry pi, and attach external peripherals to it.
1. Raspberry Pi:
We shall be using Raspberry Pi 3 for this project. The quad-core Raspberry Pi 3 is very fast compared to its previous versions. It is capable of playing 1080p MP4 video at 60 frames per second (with a bitrate of about 5400Kbps). The Pi 3 also supports wireless internet with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth( the board supports 802.11n Wireless LAN (peak throughput of 150Mbps) and Bluetooth 4.1.). It can also boot directly from a USB-attached hard drive or pen drive, as well as supporting booting from a network-attached file system. The LCD will be connected to the Raspberry Pi by the means of an HDMI cable.
2. Microphone
A microphone can be added through multiple methods including:
- A USB Microphone
- Bluetooth Microphone
- A Microphone with a jack to connect to the Rasberry Pi
We use the method which takes up the least amount of noise in the system and is easily recognizable, this shall be done by several trials and errors.
3. Raspberry Camera
We use Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2-8 Megapixel (1080p), a Second Generation Raspberry Pi Camera Module with Fixed Focus Lens. A 2A Power Supply is given to it.
4. LCD TV
We recycle an old LCD TV/ buy it for this project.
We need an LCD TV with its size being of 32 inches.
5. HDMI Connectivity
Our Raspberry Pi already has specifications that contains an HDMI connection cable port which we will attach directly to the LCD TV.
6. Internet Connectivity with Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi that we selected also has the Ethernet cable connection port which will be used to connect to the internet as well as Wireless Connection ability with Wi-Fi
7. Wireless Phone Connectivity
With the phone we shall be integrating Bluetooth connection with the raspberry pi as well as the phone. Our version of the Raspberry Pi also supports wireless connection with devices through Bluetooth.
8. Two Way Mirror
For this project we shall be using the Mirror with the specification of being 70% reflective/ 30% transparent and has a neutral color. The Glass Smart Mirror is available in an ultra-thin 3mm thickness, as well as a 6mm thickness. The display quality through the mirror is 3 times brighter than a standard Glass Two Way Mirror. It is of size similar to that of the LCD TV ie 32 inches
9. Wooden Frame
The Wooden Frame shall be providing the body for the Smart Mirror and shall be helping the structure in giving it support being 2.5’’~5’’ in width.
Benefits of the Project:
The project shall be doing these things listed below:
1. Recycling of LCD TVs.
2. Better for the environment to make rather than to waste LCD TVs.
3. Frequency of checking phones lessen; several researches were conducted stating the frequency of people checking their phone throughout the day, increased their screen time [1].
4. Secure monitoring device which is visually undetectable
5. Efficiently and Effectively deliver information which is useful to the user without wasting their time.
6. Highly customizable
7. Doesn't restrict itself to be of one particular field of usage
8. Provides Function with aesthetic
9. It can also be used as a TV to display whatever the user likes while being a mirror when idle.
10. It can be used in healthcare to monitor patients
[1] Duerson MH. We're Addicted to our Phones: 84% Worldwide say they couldn't go a Single day without their Mobile Device in their Hand. New York Daily News.
Technical Details of Final DeliverableDeliverables:
The project at completion shall be expected to do the following:
The User shall connect their phone as well as internet to the smart mirror through Bluetooth as well as Ethernet/wireless Wi-Fi. The user now has their initial set up of connectivity with the Mirror.
Once power supply is given and the user is not asking for specific information to be shown, the raspberry pi, that is the processor of the device shall extract data from the internet and/or the user's phone if nearby and display the most important updates on the screen. If neither are present it will be on the state of being idle, ie functioning as a mirror.
Once the user asks for the data to be displayed through, input through voice command then the processor, ie. the raspberry pi shall be displaying it as the information extracted from the user's command shall be kept at the top most priority.
If the mirror is customized to be a monitoring device then it shall have functions alternated where primary focus shall be discrete monitoring and data sending.
The device shall switch off once the power supply is given to it. And the running voltage shall be the same as for any LCD TV.
| Item Name | Type | No. of Units | Per Unit Cost (in Rs) | Total (in Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total in (Rs) | 65550 | |||
| Rasberry Pi 3B | Equipment | 1 | 10000 | 10000 |
| Micro Sd Card 16GB | Equipment | 1 | 750 | 750 |
| HDMI Cable | Equipment | 1 | 1000 | 1000 |
| LCD TV | Equipment | 1 | 26000 | 26000 |
| Wooden Frame | Equipment | 1 | 2000 | 2000 |
| Two Way Mirror | Equipment | 1 | 15000 | 15000 |
| Microphone | Equipment | 1 | 800 | 800 |
| Printing | Miscellaneous | 4 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Travel | Miscellaneous | 10 | 600 | 6000 |