Bosch Sensortec has announced an Interactive Projection Module at CES this week designed to turn any surface into a virtual touchscreen.
The BML100PI module provides a ready-to-use solution for interactive projection creating ‘smart shelves’ in fridges, cupboards, kitchen cabinets, wardrobes and more.
The image is displayed on any surface using a generated laser beam and detects any gestures or finger movements by scanning the surface line-by-line to give accurate responses without having to calibrate or adjust the projection.
Six ‘smart surfaces’ can be created using just one module, allowing users to have six different displays around the house depending on the information they want to see.
Picture: Bosch
For example, if used in a wardrobe, the display can recommend appropriate clothing to the user depending on the weather forecast for that day or scheduled personal activities. It can also tell the owner when an item of clothing is in the washing basket or if the user is getting low on a particular clothing group such as socks. Additionally, it can suggest new clothes to the owner using an online fashion store and schedule in appointments such as the laundry service.
Dr. Stefan Finkbeiner, CEO of Bosch Sensortec said: “With this Interactive Projection Module, any regular shelf can easily be transformed into a personal assistant for the user, greatly enhancing the level of convenience in people’s daily lives.”
Not just aimed at smart home owners, the BML100PI is a compact plug-and-play solution designed for manufacturers of smart home appliances and furniture to create entirely new use cases.
BML100PI Module. Picture: Bosch
The low power consumption of typically 2W and the small size of just 47mm x 43mm allows manufacturers to easily integrate it into new and existing smart home appliances.
Bosch Sensortec also offer a simpler version, the BML100P variant, which provides the same projection features but without the touch functionality.
Both variants, the BML100PI and BML100PI will be available in the second quarter of 2020.