Why Does My Reflection Appear Normal on My Inverted iPad Screen?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the optical phenomenon observed when using an inverted iPad screen with the camera activated. Users noted that while the screen displays an inverted image, the reflection seen in their eyes appears normal due to the double inversion effect. The camera captures the inverted screen view, resulting in a final image that retains normal colors. This principle is similar to viewing text through two mirrors, which also results in a return to the original orientation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optical principles, specifically reflection and inversion.
  • Familiarity with camera functionality on devices like the iPad.
  • Basic knowledge of color theory and how inversion affects visual perception.
  • Experience with using digital devices, particularly tablets.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of light reflection and inversion.
  • Explore the functionality of the iPad camera and its image processing capabilities.
  • Learn about optical illusions and their applications in technology.
  • Investigate the effects of color inversion in digital media.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for tech enthusiasts, optical physics students, and anyone interested in the visual effects of digital devices, particularly those exploring the functionalities of the iPad.

bloby
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Hello.
I played with my new, first ipad yesterday. I inverted sceen colors and activated the cam.
How comes there is an image of me reflected in my eyes with NORMAL colors?
 
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The screen view of yourself is inverted.
The reflexion of your screen view in your eyes is captured by the camera, and it is also inverted.
Therefore this image is yourself inverted twice, therefore with the same colors.
 
bloby said:
Hello.
I played with my new, first ipad yesterday. I inverted sceen colors and activated the cam.
How comes there is an image of me reflected in my eyes with NORMAL colors?

Everything the camera sees will get colour- inverted. So a double inversion is just what you'd expect. Having said that, though, I imagine what you saw made you wonder . . . . . . A nice experience when things like that turn up.
You get a similar effect (but spatially) when you use two mirrors to view writing. It becomes laterally inverted twice i.e. back to normal.
 
Simple and nice. Thanks.
 

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