【2020 Solutions】 AI + Desktop Touch Projector, Project Anywhere Without Harming Eyes
What is the next consumer electronics product that will spark a market frenzy after smartphones and tablets? Recently on a crowdfunding platform, a 'smart projector' raised more than NT$10 million in just half a month, becoming a hot market focus.
Formed just over a year ago, Drip-Drop Technology's 'smart touch ultra-short-throw projector' is smaller than a tablet and weighs less than one kilogram. It uses ultra-short-throw optical projection to project an 80-inch image from just 50 cm away from the wall. Most importantly, the projector features virtual finger touch control. This means that inside the lens, an AI algorithm is utilized, allowing the camera to actively learn to recognize fingers and the environment through machine learning. When the image is projected onto a table or wall, no remote control is needed; operations can be directly controlled by touching with fingers.
The Drip-Drop Technology team currently has 4 members, focusing on research and development. The founders have over 10 years of experience in projector development and mass production, including co-founders Wang Shouzheng, You Xianglin, and Chen Zhengfang, who participated in the development of the first laser TV (ultra-short-throw laser projector) launched by Hisense Group in China. In collaboration with Lin Zuoxian, a part-time lecturer at Ming Chuan University who also joined the team in 2019 as the general manager, handling IP, crowdfunding, and business operations management, the rest of the team concentrates on developing interactive projection technology and products to build the smart touch projector.
▲ General Manager of Drip-Drop Technology, Lin Zuoxian
Smart Touch Projector, a Key Player in the Future Smart Home
At the end of 2018, Wang Shouzheng met Gao Yuan, a professor in the Marketing and Distribution Management Department of the Business and Management College at Gao Yuan University of Science and Technology, specializing in artificial intelligence, multimedia interaction (Unity), and smart interaction devices (APP). They hit it off immediately, with Gao Yuan not only becoming the director of R&D but also becoming a shareholder of Drip-Drop Technology last year.
Wang Shouzheng explained that unlike traditional projectors, the smart touch projector can not only be controlled by touching the screen with fingers but also by hand gestures, such as swiping left or right to adjust the volume or the screen brightness. It can also be used to control household appliances in the future. Despite the technical challenges of projecting on tabletops and controlling by touch, continuous optimization of recognition technology through AI algorithms has been crucial. Within the first half-month of its crowdfunding campaign in February 2020, it raised over ten million dollars, with an expected delivery of 400 units.
Wang Shouzheng believes the greatest challenge in developing the projector was dealing with AI algorithms. The projection might encounter different materials such as glass, wood, or plastic, compounded by lights, angles, background, and interference such as coffee cups, creating varying parameters. The projector sensors must automatically adjust to the surrounding environment to avoid false touches. The projector lens processes 200 finger position frames per minute, and through continuous machine learning, the recognition accuracy has significantly increased.
▲ Comparison between Smart Touch Projector and Traditional Projector
▲ AI algorithms significantly enhance precision, sensitivity, and recognition in finger touch control
The Smart Touch Projector will be used in education, entertainment, and business sectors
Wang Shouzheng mentioned that originally, the smart touch projector was designed for home entertainment, such as providing a larger interactive projection surface to replace traditional smartphones and tablets for family interactions. However, its potential for multiple uses was soon discovered, like in smart kitchens where chefs can interact directly with the projection, avoiding issues when hands are dirty during cooking. It also provides ease of use for the elderly because of larger controls and reducing eye strain.
▲ Playing mobile games with a Smart Touch Projector offers a unique experience
In business settings, it can be used to establish interactive projection-based ordering systems, allowing customers to directly interact and order, while businesses can integrate other digital media content to provide diverse services. This includes real estate agents and insurance agents who need to attract business outside the office, as they can achieve better results through the smart touch projector.
Low blue light and diffuse reflection are among the technologies that help protect eye health, making the smart touch projector a significant upgrade from tablets. Drip-Drop aims to secure four patents by the end of 2020 and plans to expand to mainland China within 1-2 years through crowdfunding, allowing more industries to choose smarter options.
▲ Drip-Drop Technology Team
「Translated content is generated by ChatGPT and is for reference only. Translation date:2024-05-19」