Smart mirror identifies any object it is pointed at
It might seem more like something from the magical world of Harry Potter, but engineers have developed a smart device that can identify any object it is pointed at. Described as a 'Shazam for the real world', the Miraffe uses a camera and object recognition technology to display the name of any item in front of it.
While most of us many not need help in identifying a mug or a pencil, the device claims to be also capable of identifying animals and plants. Shazam is a music-recognition app that can identify songs by 'listening' to the beat. The Miraffe technology is initially being pitched at children as a way to help them learn about the world around them.
It could be a godsend for harassed parents who struggle to cope with the barrage of questions from their curious youngsters. Instead, the company behind Miraffe claims children will be able to point the device at an object and it will reveal what it is called within a few seconds.
However, it is hoped the technology could be adapted to help the visually impaired find their way around by describing objects around them. It could also help avid bird watchers or gardeners identify unknown species they may stumble across. Huang Jinlong, an electronics engineer from Chengdu, China, who developed the device, said he was inspired to create the technology initially for his daughter.
It is designed to look like a handheld mirror encased in a giraffe-shaped silicon case, but features a touchscreen on the front and a camera on the back. Mr Jinlong said: 'Curiosity is something everyone is born with. 'As adults, we may already lose our natural curiosity and passion of exploring the world, but kids do not. 'Everything that we are familiar with is totally new for the kids, and every day is a little adventure for them. 'Curiosity drives kids to discover the world, and it is their ways to learn.
'That's why we create Miraffe, the world's best smart encyclopedia for kids, which can answer your kids' every question in less than one second.' Currently Mr Jinlong and his team have launched a Kickstarter campaign to help them transform the Miraffe prototype into a product. It works by sending the images from the camera over a WiFi connection to search an online database of objects.
Videos posted by the Miraffe team show it being able to identify different types of fruit, office equipment and animals. It can also work as a handheld chat device, allowing parents to contact their youngsters over the 'mirror'. Augmented reality cards can also be used with the mirror to bring certain topics to life, helping children to learn more.
However, it could also help people who are blind find items around them. The device could speak when activated to help them orientate themselves or find specific objects.
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