The fantasy device that could be super helpful at this moment would be a SMART FACE MASK that can transfer how it looks for different purposes. Of course it protects you from 99% of germs as well. It’s basically a “wearable filter”.
Basically, the surface of the mask is a wearable screen that’s super thin and can fit our face perfectly. It can show up any images/texture. Everything that you wanna project on your mask can be customized by a single App. You can type anything, add any images, change the base color, change how the material looks like, etc.
For example, when I am socializing with other people, I would love to show my friendly (or pretended) smile like this:
Face mask shows a smiling face
The material of the face mask will turn transparent and looks like nothing is covering our mouse.
The face mask can also show text, like a name tag for the first day of school:
Face mask that shows any text
It’s easier for teacher to take attendance and for new classmates to remember each other’s name.
You can also change the color into whatever you want and add any images or logos on it. For example a face mask for joining the protest without being identified:
Face mask changes color to black with a customized logo on it for joining protest
The mask also has an auto-pattern detection function that can match up with your outfit. It can also mimic the fabric of the clothing. Like this:
The mask can auto-detect clothing color and patterns to generate something to match the outfit.
Inspiration
Inspired by the traditional Sichuan Opera Face Changing, the material of the mask is super thin, light, transformative, yet fitting the face perfectly.
In case you didn’t know about Sichuan Opera Face Changing, check out this video below:
“Change your face 10 times in 20 seconds! This is how it's done“-New China TV
Material
The mask is basically a screen and projector that is foldable and wearable.
Some existing wearable screens that could be taken into use:
1. Foldable screens
2. Wearable LED
Potential material in the future:
Other thoughts
We were thinking that instead of showing others how we look, we can also change how others perceive us. If the mask covers the entire face, it can also have eye tracking functions.
When two people meet each other, the smart face masks can auto detect each other. Mask A can show Mask B’s owner what Mask A’s owner want to be perceived as. Namely, instead of Mask A shows up an image on the mask, Mask B can receive image from Mask A and project to Mask B’s owner.
Instead of showing B an image on A’s mask, A send an image to B to project to its owner inside the mask.