Design Considerations

A) Sensor Output

In order for the mirror to know when someone is in front of it a sensor will need to be placed. The sensor will turn on the computer which will start executing the program instructions. When person walks away the system will go into sleep mood. Any and all sensors will need to be wired to the Raspberry Pi.

1) We can use a PIR motion sensor which will determine if a person is standing in front of it. This sensor will be added into a raspberry pi which will be the main processor executing our program, and reading sensor information.

2) If time allowed we can make improvements by adding touch screen ability, or voice control. For each situation respectively we would use either a touch screen panel or use an IR overlay frame, and for voice control both a mic and a speaker would be needed. All of which would need circuit wiring to the Raspberry Pi to function.

B) Coding Process

This aspect has several components: coding programs, reading inputs, testing, debugging, and connecting to the internet in order to obtain information such as traffic and so it can communicate with other devices.

1) The programming language will be done in either C program or python. This is an essential part of this project since the program will dictate what the smart mirror will be capable of doing. This will be the most time intensive aspect of this project, especially when it comes time to add code for obtaining information without the raspberry pi being plugged into a computer.

2) Program will be debugged on a computer and optimized to run without the raspberry pi needing to be connected with another computer. Changes will be made through the app.

3) Raspberry Pi will be able to connect to the WiFi and through Bluetooth. Information will be obtained through WiFi. Information will be refreshed even when in sleep mood, this way user gets most up to date info when mirror wakes up.