The Internet of Things is transforming a variety of industries and enabling robust commercial applications, but what impact this has on consumer groups?
Imagine a world like this: fewer light switches, buttons or LCDs; the world is based on dozens of sensors and sophisticated control systems; smart thermostats or service robots constantly listen and respond to our needs, providing us with intuitive, reliable, Ubiquitous service.This is the future - the world of things.
These devices help us to take control of the environment and cope with an increasingly complex modern lifestyle, a true anti-intuitive concept that simplifies life through more sophisticated technologies, in which case the Internet of Things user interface (UI) Determining the type and amount of user input and playing an increasingly important role in the type, extent and format of feedback received from the technical equipment.
However, we essentially watch the world through one or more screens, for example, almost everybody has one or even a few smartphones, and of course, in many cases, smartphones provide a very powerful user interface for accessing objects However, we expect that in many cases the user interface will be "stealthy" in the real and tangible world around us, appearing when needed and remaining where it is not needed Hidden state
What an exciting innovation it would be if our devices were able to project virtual interactive objects directly from digital space to the real world! It would greatly expand our reach through the 'Mixed Reality' and 'Internet of Things' domains Interaction range!
There are many applications of sensors, devices and IoT in the world, but we firmly believe that the way we interact with technology is going through a silent revolution. In the coming ten years, we foresee that interactive laser projection will fundamentally Change our current user interface concepts and how we interact with the world in technology.It is exciting that interactive projection is now not just on the movie screen, but the BML050 micro-scanner from Bosch Sensortec has made that happen.
Make the user interface easier, more flexible and full of more fun!
For example, standard consumer electronics like a coffee maker, one would expect that a well-built kitchen appliance can hardly be improved anymore.However, consumers are always looking for new, stylish and distinctive items. Virtual user interfaces, menus, pictures and messages take coffee brewing to a whole new level? With the appliance's laser projection virtual user interface, the look and feel can be significantly reduced, with buttons, knobs and LCD gradually Located in this novel, software-based, interactive form, consumers prefer to experience pastel colors, as well as simple, smart, and intuitive features that can not be limited to espresso or toasted bread. Impressed and must be fully appreciated by consumers.Combining a programmable virtual user interface into our appliances will make it easier and more complex to consume appliances such as washing machines and microwave ovens, giving users the flexibility to set specific Tasks designed for specialized programs, such as timed cooking programs based on built-in recipes, have opened up a series of user-centric functions, And have a large market among early users.Because the far-sighted manufacturer is well aware of this, BML050 miniature scanner perfectly meets their needs.
Controlling complex functions can sometimes be quite complicated.High-end fully automatic coffee machines have so many features and features that user manuals may be more tedious than road navigation in rush hours in Shanghai: buttons, pop-ups or pull-down menus, sliders, dials, knobs, Lamp, buzzer, radio tuner ... Is not it a cup of coffee we need?
Interactive projection completely eliminates physical input / output elements and radically simplifies the operation of coffee makers, toasters, or dishwashers. Appliances and devices are smaller and more intuitive, and product designs have more possibilities for consumers. The power of the projection is also enhanced by the projection of a user interface that dynamically adapts to and responds to specific user tasks and shows only information about the tasks involved.This means that complex and variable content is visually presented in a concise and easy to understand format. Large, clear images can now be projected onto any surface, such as a kitchen counter or table.Users can simply click the projection button or menu item to set their favorite coffee style, for example, light, normal, concentrated three concentrations; Kabu Chinas, latte, espresso and other types; small cup, normal or large glass. All this is so simple and convenient. In addition, the system's intuitive accessibility features in the interaction between users and technology continue to accompany the daily life The task is simpler, easier and more fun.
Even if the user interface is blocked or stained during cooking, it still works, there is no greasy fingerprints on your carefully polished appliances, there is no need to touch the appliance yourself and your appliance will stay clean, Users can watch recipe videos on the virtual screen or chat with friends using the virtual keyboard.
Interactive projection in practice
To do all this, Bosch Sensortec developed the BML050 Micro Scanner, which has two MEMS mirrors to project RGB color laser images onto any surface when integrated into a complete projector reference design.
In addition to laser projection, the BML050 also has the necessary gesture-sensing capabilities. By measuring the optical feedback of a lighting object, the system can detect any interference between the user and the projected content. Since optical feedback is directly dependent on the projected light, there is no need for a projector and Calibration between tests. The user simply turns on and presses a virtual button!
Internet of Things window
Obviously, our mission in this area is not just to revolutionize coffee brewing: the fact is that the hybrid reality based on interactive projection is going to be used on a variety of devices, something that design engineers can not think of without technology.
In addition, the complex user interface environment consisting of dozens of individual LCD screens and buttons does create an obstacle to a wider range of IoT applications, and consumers simply can not afford more screens and buttons to install at home. A way to create an on-demand interface that provides a larger, clearer, more intuitive control element that is hidden when it's not needed. As a result, no more messy screens and dashboards build up in the home , We take the 'clean walls' approach to bring you an interconnected world with fewer light switches, buttons or LCD screens.
Equipment such as cooking appliances or service robots will feature compact design concepts that will dramatically increase product availability and allow manufacturers to add more value-added features to their products, regardless of their physical interface.
Context-aware, menu-driven user interface brings significant advantages to consumers, and users can throw away paper-based user manuals as intuitive help will always provide guidance through the user interface and, if necessary, include Video and images. Visual interpretation makes the device easier to use, especially for users who do not want to read the manual, or for the elderly or children who do not know how to get started using the new service robot. Interactive projection will impact the current penetration of the consumer electronics market Voice control user interface to supplement.
In addition, the projected image is not limited to user interface features and will be used to play video and projection graphics and text such as recipes and cooking videos on YouTube.It will also be able to access social media or enable users to interact with neighbors, family and friends video call.
Wearable and more possibilities
Innovations in the appliance space have just begun, and interactive projection will find many market segments in wearables and other portable devices.Users want lightweight, lightweight devices that also require large screens to manage increasingly sophisticated applications, Interactive projection plays a key role in solving this dilemma. The BML050 miniature scanner is compact enough to fit in portable, smart devices.
Micro-scanners are most likely to be heavily used in games to incorporate projected images into real objects. Of course, the navigation program is a natural fit and the word 'well-known' is a new interpretation here.
As the technology evolves, new applications beyond what we imagine today will emerge and soon become a part of our daily lives, perhaps in a few years, with the introduction of a mini-market in the framework Smart glasses for MEMS-type projectors.Projection images on the lenses provide the wearer with information or augmented reality.
Compact module
Although the above concept is still in the planning stage, the MEMS mirroring technology used in this area goes beyond this step.BML050 miniature scanner is compact and powerful, suitable for mobile and battery-powered devices With advanced speckle suppression, Precise control of MEMS lenses and laser diodes provides excellent projection quality without the need for focusing on the projection, vivid laser color over human-perceived natural colors.
This miniature scanner is a fully-aligned, ready-to-use standard solution that includes power management in all MEMS lenses and control circuits, laser and laser drivers, and in a single, compact package. Information on how BML050 works can be found at Bosch Sensortec YouTube channel view.
Distributors have not been given a reference design yet. Once the reference design is in the channel promotion phase, the Bosch Sensortec website will post an announcement.
Conclusion
With Bosch Sensortec BML050 pico projectors, engineers will transform how we create new user interfaces in many products, which will make consumer life easier, more exciting and clear many for the IoT application There are hurdles, and we're very much looking forward to knowing how designers will use it, and we already have an exciting time to innovate!
MEMS sensors - the foundation of the Internet of Things
As a leading IoT company, Bosch offers innovative solutions for the smart home, smart city, mobile Internet and connected industries. Companies leverage their expertise in sensor technology, software and services and their own IoT Cloud to provide customers with One-stop connectivity cross-domain solutions. The strategic goal of Bosch is to create solutions for connected life.
Intelligent MEMS sensor technology can make our homes, cities, vehicles and workplace items can be perceived and interconnected.With the emergence of the Internet of things, more and more devices will be interconnected with each other, which poses a serious challenge for MEMS sensor technology, MEMS sensors must meet more needs than low cost, small size, low power consumption and overall system performance.
Bosch Sensortec offers a broad portfolio of MEMS sensor and actuator solutions that address these challenges and address the needs of the Internet of Things market.