"Projection AR" image projected on the kitchen

　Casio Computer Co., Ltd. has begun to seriously expand into the smart home field by making use of the optical design technology and video technology that it has cultivated through the development of digital cameras and projectors. By embedding small projection modules in housing equipment and lighting, and projecting images, we are trying to realize the convenience of living spaces and new visual experiences.　Casio released the "LH-200", a compact projection module for embedding, in early September. The price is around 190,000 yen including tax. Although it looks like a small projector, it is characterized by its ability to cool even in limited installation locations with poor ventilation and its dust-proof design, making it possible to use it in dusty factories.

Small projection module "LH-200" for embedding

　The field of smart homes is attracting a lot of attention as a candidate for its application development. For example, various devices in the home are connected by IoT technology and incorporated into a smart home kitchen, and cooking recipe images are projected in part of the cooking space. In the past, recipes were often searched on smartphones, but "There are problems with touching smartphones when cooking, such as being unsanitary" (Ryoichi Furukawa, General Manager of Imaging Division). In addition to hand and body movements, we would like to be able to browse and operate cooking recipes without touching the smartphone by combining with voice operation. As new lifestyles take root due to the epidemic of the new coronavirus, there is also an aim to appeal the value of touchless that meets hygiene and cleanliness needs with augmented reality (AR) "projection AR" using a projector. Casio withdrew from digital cameras in May 2018. Since April last year, we have been gradually changing our projector strategy. We are taking on the challenge of creating new businesses by bringing together the technologies and know-how we have cultivated through these activities. Casio is aiming for sales of 30 billion yen in the fiscal year ending March 2012 from its new business. In order to play a part in that, the projection business has set a goal of earning 10 billion yen in the medium term. In the smart home field, we are considering the realization of the LH-200 while co-creating with other companies, such as incorporation into housing equipment, integration with lighting equipment, and independent ceiling installation. Utilizing projection AR, we aim to propose new experiences such as video experiences in bathrooms and toilets, parking guide support in semi-outdoor spaces such as garages, and new experiences that combine lighting with movies and hobby videos.

Dempa Newspaper Press Department, Media Business Headquarters