Make a Document Camera Out of an Old Box and a Mirror.

This project recycles an old box to make a document camera. Distance learning is not great, but this document camera can help a teacher see what a student is writing on. This document camera can also be used by a teacher as a document camera too. This project makes an excellent document camera. I have a link to free app that removes the keystone effect pasted at the end of this instructable. Recycle any mirror for the mirror, but you can also order a $4 mirror here: https://www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/cut_to_size_plastic/acrylic_sheets_mirror_clear/521

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Supplies

Materials:

An old box Glue An exacto knife A whiteboard A cutting board A marker A mirror (This can be bought from tapplastic.com for around $4 depending on the size you order. I used a 60mmx70mmx3mm acrylic mirror.). If you buy 20 then the individual price goes down to $2.

Step 1: Cut Box Into Two 3 Inch Squares

Cut the squares out of the old box. Use the cutting board.

Step 2:

Measure the thickness of you laptop's lid. Transfer this thickness to the cardboard squares. Cut out the width of your laptop lid.

Step 3: Find the Perfect Angle for Your Mirror.

Slip the cardboard squares onto the lid of your laptop. Put the mirror over the laptop camera. Angle the mirror so the laptop camera is redirected to your laptop's keyboard. While holding the mirror at the correct angle, use the marker to draw a line along the back of the mirror on the cardboards pieces.

Step 4: Cut a Groove Into the Cardboard

Cut a groove part of the way through the cardboard along the mirror angle line. Do not cut all the way through the cardboard. Push the mirror down along the groove you cut. Check to see if the mirror fits snuggly. If it doesn't you can start again or fiddle with the cut a second time.

Step 5: Glue the Mirror in Place

Smear glue in the mirror groove on both squares.

Step 6: Glue Mirror in Place

Put the mirror in the grove of one of the squares. Put the other square on the mirror. Wiggle the mirror into the groove of the second mirror.

Step 7: Adjust Zoom and Adjusting Keystone Effect

I made an instructable on how to adjust your Zoom settings here:

https://www.instructables.com/id/3-Clip-on-Documen...

Remove the keystone effect with the app found here:https://www.ipevo.com/software/visualizer#download

Comments

[David_Sp]

When I made this, and shared from my laptop, I see a correct direction image and I can connect this to a big screen and get a correct direction image. When I use this for a video class, the student saw a mirror image. What can I do so the student sees are correct image (not a mirror image)?

[atomicthomas]

Zoom and Google both have a mirror function. Go into settings and switch the mirror function on.

[David_Sp]

When I did this, the image on my screen became a mirror, but the image on the receiving screen was not changed.
I am 4 1/2 hours frustrated, including wearing out the patience of two different friends, while they tried to help me.
Thank you for your reply, but I am still missing something.
Perhaps if I try to "Share my screen" in Zoom, instead of allowing Zoom to use my camera? I will try that tomorrow. Any other suggestions you have, I am interested.
Your Instructable could be a wonderful help for me in teaching STEM activities, where the sequence is important and the details (on a solderless breadboard) requires close visual inspection (not 2 meter social distance), so I really want to be able to replicate your success!

[GlitchedGamings]

I have a thousand problems now resolved, thanks

[atomicthomas]

Thanks for the nice comment. Folks have been using CD's, but I found the resolution for CD's to be not great. Also, I should mention that the mirror works better if it is close to the camera. When adjusting the mirror, start with the mirror just above the camera and then adjust its angle.

[jessyratfink]

This is great! Thank for sharing such a simple way to make one of these :)