Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the healthiest of them all? Checking our reflection in the mirror may no longer be a mere pastime, but a way for us to help monitor and improve our health. Researchers are developing a “smart’” mirror that detects changes in our face and breath to help measure our general health level.
“Smart materials” are designed materials that respond dynamically to external stimuli such as heat, humidity, ultraviolet light or pressure. Smart materials systems have sensing and actuating functions that can be used for a wide range of engineering and commercial applications.
HOW THE SMART MIRROR WORKS
“Wize Mirror” is a smart device that uses 3D scanners, sensors and cameras to assess your health by analyzing your facial tissue for fat content, your blood for haemoglobin levels and your breath for chemical compounds. Integrated into a hardware platform designed to resemble a mirror, the multisensory system will detect and monitor changes in your face in an attempt to catch the early warning signs of serious illness.
Sixty seconds of “face time” is all it takes for the mirror to display a score that measures how healthy you seem. The gadget also dispenses helpful health tips, personalized just for you.
SMART MIRROR COULD SHRINK HEALTHCARE COSTS
The researchers say the mirror offers a new twist on preventative health care that could help prevent the onset of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, the leading causes of death worldwide. They also believe that detecting the early signs of possible disease will help reduce the burden of health care costs associated with treating chronic diseases.
In 2013, the global market for smart materials was valued at $23.6 billion. BCC Research anticipates the market to reach $26 billion and $42.2 billion in 2014 and 2019, respectively, reflecting a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2% across those years.
Clinical trials of the Wize Mirror are expected to begin next year in Italy and France.
Related BCC Research Reports:
Smart Materials and Their Applications: Technologies and Global Markets (AVM023E)
Smart Machines: Technologies and Global Markets (IAS094A)
