The Smart Mirror JavaScript Setup process holds immense possibilities for users who are inclined to use tech for their convenience. With a Smart Mirror as a part of your home or office setup, you have access to a wealth of detailed information on real-time basis, all from a mirror’s surface. Built with simple JavaScript and HTML, these mirrors reflect information from weather forecasts, time, appointments, messages, and much more. As intriguing as it sounds, the configuration of the Smart Mirror JavaScript can be quite a task for beginners but with a detailed walkthrough, any tech enthusiast can revel in the process. This article will guide you through it.
## Step 1: Acquiring the Essentials
The first step is to gather all the components needed for building a Smart Mirror using JavaScript. Apart from the Raspberry Pi computer, a monitor, and a two-way mirror, you will need an HDMI cable, keyboard, and mouse. Have the Raspbian OS installed on your Raspberry Pi – this lightweight operating system will suffice to run the MagicMirror² Software, the open-source program used to build the smart mirror (MagicMirror² founders recommend against using the NOOBS (New Out Of the Box Software) to run the Raspberry Pi).
## Step 2: Installing Node.js and npm
The MagicMirror² runs on Node.js, a JavaScript runtime and npm, a package manager for Node.js to install and manage software packages. Begin by checking if Node.js is installed by keying the command “node -v” into the terminal. If not installed, you can download it from the Node.js website or command line. Once Node.js is installed, npm comes bundled with it. Verify this by typing “npm -v”.
## Step 3: Installing MagicMirror²
Now that we’ve installed Node.js and npm, MagicMirror² can be installed. Fire up the Terminal or Command Prompt and navigate to the folder where you would like the MagicMirror² master folder situated, then type:
1. git clone https://github.com/MichMich/MagicMirror
2. cd MagicMirror
3. npm install && npm start
The manual installation might throw challenge regarding Electron’s compatibility with your device. If it does, adjust using the appropriate command as the error suggests.
## Step 4: Configuring MagicMirror²
MagicMirror² operates and functions based on a configuration file named “config.js”. This file determines how the Mirror displays information. It’s found in the ‘config’ directory of the Mirror’s codebase. The application has a sample file “config.js.sample” which can be modified to suit your preferences.
## Step 5: Modules and Development of the Smart Mirror
Modules are what deliver all the magic in your smart mirror. Basic modules include “Clock,” “Compliments,” and “Current Weather.” Advanced ones feature feeds from The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, etc. You can add more via the MagicMirror² Module developers community. To insert a module, you have to add a JavaScript object to the modules array in the config.js file.
## Step 6: Configuring Display and Voice Recognition
To configure display, please note that MagicMirror² is coded to launch in fullscreen mode to ensure the interface fills the entire screen. So, it’s essential to set the correct resolution for the Pi; you can do so using the Raspberry Pi Configuration application from the main menu or using the Terminal and the command “sudo raspi-config”.
For Voice Recognition, several modules support it; however, the Magic Mirror Voice Module is a suitable option. It requires additional hardware – a Microphone. Once installed, modify the configuration in the config.js file.
## Step 7: Implementing Facial Recognition
To ensure personalized user experiences where the mirror displays information relevant to the person standing in front, additional modules supporting facial recognition can be installed. These use the open-source machine learning software library, OpenCV. The module “MMM-Facial Recognition-Tools” is useful for this purpose, taking input from your webcam to identify faces.
## Step 8: The Final Installation
Now, the Smart Mirror JavaScript setup is ready. Take your monitor and place it behind the two-way mirror, run the MagicMirror² software, and enjoy your new Smart Mirror.
In conclusion, creating and setting up a Smart Mirror using JavaScript offers a thrilling venture into realizing the tech marvel within simple household objects. The nascent industry of smart mirrors will soon open doors to further revolutionary ventures. So, why wait to start? Enjoy the exciting journey of setting up your Smart Mirror!
