Face-Morphing Digital Mirrors

Tokyo University has Created a Mirror That Will Change Your Emotions

Researchers at the Hirose-Tanikawa lab at the University of Tokyo have recently created a digital mirror that can change the emotion on someone's face. Using the R&D on the digital mirror's system, the mirror virtually affects users and virtually creates the individual's emotional states.

In the mirror, the expression the person sees on his own face is actually different from the actual physical expression. One of the researchers, Shigeo Yoshida says that, "if you look in the mirror with your usual expression, it can reflect you with a laughing expression, or a sad expression." And based on that expression, your emotional state may change as a result of seeing the opposite expression; seeing a laughing expression will make you feel positive whereas seeing a sad expression will most likely make you feel negative.

The system is fitted with a display (the mirror) and a camera that takes video and shots of the person standing in front of it, the camera will create estimates of the individual's facial features where they will be emphasized. For example, a laughing expression will make the cheeks and corners of the mouth to be slightly distorted, simulating a happy expression or emotional state.
Trend Themes
1. Emotion-altering Mirrors - Technologies that affect an individual's emotional state through the use of mirrors represent a novel opportunity to engage customers and modulate buying behavior.
2. Facial Recognition Technologies - The use of facial recognition technologies as part of retail experiences, customer services, and mental health interventions will enable businesses to gather data while advancing digital engagement.
3. Virtual Aesthetic Surgery - Advancements in AR, VR, and wearable technologies lead to the potential for experiential marketing and training opportunities in the plastic surgery industry.
Industry Implications
1. Retail Industry - Employing AR/VR technologies in products, marketing, or customer experiences can heighten engagement and improve sales margin.
2. Mental Health - Using such systems as therapeutic tools in clinical or home environments could aid individuals with mood or self-image disorders, improve mood regulation, and help build empathy.
3. Plastic Surgery - Technologies built to tailor and visualize the impact of possible plastic surgery options will help demonstrate realistic effects and reduce corrective measures post-surgery.

Related Ideas

Similar Ideas
VIEW FULL ARTICLE & IMAGES