Happy New Year 2024!
And hey
@CHIPS - you were actually a bit too early with your Chinese New Year greetings and animated Lion Dance GIF, as the 2024 Lunar New Year is not celebrated until Feb 10, marking the start of the Year of the Dragon
, the most auspicious of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals.
That being said, the Japanese already welcomed the Year of the Dragon on January 1st, as the Japanese zodiac, while historically based on its Chinese counterpart, is no longer following the lunar calendar, which was abandoned in 1872, and instead aligned its cycle to the Gregorian solar year. Thus the Japanese New Year is celebrated on Jan 1 like in the Western world. As you will probably all have seen on the news, this year’s holiday celebrations sadly turned somber when the Year of the Dragon that is supposed to bring luck and prosperity tragically started with two disasters - the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that hit a peninsula in central Japan as well as a large passenger plane and a coast guard aircraft colliding and catching fire on a runway at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, killing five crew members of the coastguard plane which was carrying earthquake relief supplies.
A Japanese electronics company plagued by financial woes that must surely be hoping for an auspicious and prosperous Year of the Dragon is Sharp Corporation (partly-owned by Taiwanese electronics contract manufacturer Foxconn since 2016).
Could Sharp actually be one of the companies utilising Akida through Renesas?
The Osaka-based company that celebrates its 111th anniversary this year has a history with Renesas, including a joint venture in 2008, when the display driver IC business Renesas SP Drivers was established (see below), which was later acquired by touch sensor technology company Synaptics - that had beaten Apple to it - in 2014.
(Fun fact: Synaptics is one of about 20 companies founded by Caltech Professor Emeritus Carver Mead, who became known as the father of neuromorphic computing due to his seminal work in the late 1980s and also popularised the term “Moore’s Law”.)
Have a look at this recent Instagram post by Sharp:
Not only does their slogan “Experience the future of the five senses with Sharp at CES 2024!” have an Akidaish ring to it, some of the cutting-edge technologies they will showcase in Las Vegas (which were unveiled during SHARP Tech Day in Tokyo in November), do, too, although the actual term
neuromorphic is never used: an AI Avatar acting as a virtual concierge and tour guide equipped with CE-LLM edge AI technology, an AI Olfactory Sensor (“this sensor imitates the sense of smell of living things”) presented in the form of a wine sensor (!), non-contact vital signs sensors and the world's smallest vital signs pulse wave sensors for wearable devices, groundbreaking XR camera technology (“A polymer lens camera that will be the “eye” of the AI world, which is capable of high-speed focus adjustment based on the same mechanism as the human eye”), a driver monitoring camera, high performance-low power consumption gadgets, a next-generation solar cell module for use in outer space…
Could we by any chance be involved?
Well, even in case we are, the Sharp booth at CES 2024 may not be where we shareholders will find out. As has been said numerous times before: Many companies utilising our tech one day will not promote their products as having “Akida Inside”, as much as we wish they would, especially if they don’t deal with Brainchip directly but through IP licensees such as Renesas or Megachips. We may indeed only find out by watching the financials…
Sharp Corporation will participate in CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, Uni...
global.sharp
Sharp to Take Part in CES 2024, Major US Tech Event
Introducing a wide range of innovative technologies that will drive sustained, medium- to long-term growth
Sharp’s booth (image)
Sharp Corporation will participate in CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, to be held from January 9 to 12 (Tuesday to Friday), 2024. CES is one of the largest and most influential tech events in the world.
Based on the slogan “Toward the Future for a Better Life,” Sharp will broadly promote a variety of world-class technologies in the global marketplace by introducing its innovative proprietary technologies first unveiled at Sharp Tech-Day, its technology exhibition event held in Tokyo in November 2023.
■ Exhibit Highlights
1. Smart Living
Technologies that reduce various worries at home and make lives richer and more comfortable
A virtual docent (explainer bot) powered by CE-LLM*1 (Communication Edge-LLM) edge AI technology being developed by Sharp will introduce the exhibit through natural, interactive conversation. Also, in addition to a high Speed Oven that features greatly reduced cooking times thanks to proprietary heating technology and optimal control of the heat source, this exhibit will feature hair dryers and stick vacuum cleaners that combine low noise and high power.
Sharp will also introduce non-contact vital sensors and the world’s smallest vital sensors for wearable devices.
2. Smart Industry
Ideas to provide speed and efficiency to industries
This exhibit features camera technology that supports XR technology, in addition to visual representations of conversations and ideas in business settings using XR*2 glass and AI, and information display to support daily life scenarios such as wardrobe coordination suggestions. Also, an AI Olfactory Sensor, developed by adapting display substrate technologies, enables sensing smells by mimicking living organisms, and an IMS (ion mobility spectrometry) gas analysis device using an atmospheric electron release element will be on display. And Sharp will introduce a safe driving support system that uses a small camera combined with an LCD.
3. Sustainability
Technologies that produce renewable energy of the future and address environmental issues by improving power efficiency
Reflective LCD signage for outdoor and ePoster color electronic paper displays featuring low power consumption will be exhibited. Sharp will also introduce the indoor photovoltaic device LC-LH that uses indoor light and offers high power generating efficiency and can supply power to IoT devices. A TV Remote Control with LC-LH device will also be shown. Also, Sharp’s Space Solar Sheet next-generation solar cell module that is thin, lightweight, and flexible will be on display.
■ Location of Sharp booth: 17229, Central Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center (Nevada, USA)
■ Exhibit dates and time: January 9 to January 12, 2024 (Tuesday to Friday); hours: 10:00 to 18:00
*1 In response to questions from users, it provides smooth, natural conversation and interaction by immediately judging whether to handle the question using edge AI such as a local LLM or a cloud-based AI such as Chat GPT.
*2 Extended reality/cross reality: Technology to create new experiences through the fusion of the real world and virtual worlds.
■ Exhibit Highlights (tentative)
| Booth Area | Exhibits |
| Smart Living | • AI Avatar
A virtual explainer (docent) equipped with CE-LLM (Communication Edge-LLM) edge AI technology now under development will present the exhibition content in a smooth, natural conversational style.
• High Speed Oven
A built-in oven that can significantly reduce cooking times thanks to proprietary heating technology and optimal control of the heat source. It adopts the industry’s first*3 Gold Carbon Heater. A whole chicken typical of an American party menu can be roasted in one-third the time of a conventional oven while delivering charcoal grilled flavor.
• Low noise & High power Hair dryer
A new hair dryer delivers high air-flow volume using two motors while reducing noise levels thanks to a proprietary design for the air-flow path. An innovative form factor enables it to be used hands-free.
• Low noise & Powerful stick cleaner
An upright vacuum cleaner that maintains powerful suction and achieves significantly reduced noise thanks to a proprietary noise-reducing design.
• Non-contact vital Sensor
A device that uses a unique optical filter based on semiconductor film-forming technology to sense pulse waves without contact and with high accuracy.
• Vital Sensors for wearable devices
The world’s smallest pulse wave sensor for wearable devices such as earphones, rings, and eyeglasses.
• AQUOS XLED Model for the Global Market
This TV employs mini-LED backlight and quantum-dot rich-color display technology and features an audio system with speakers placed above and below the screen to combine dynamic images with excellent light and dark rendering with an immersive sound field. This is a new-generation TV that provides viewers with a vividly realistic sense of actually being in the middle of the action. |
| Smart Industry | • Life/work update experience to use XR glass
Conversations and ideas that emerge during meetings can be rendered visually utilizing XR technology and AI. Also, this combination can offer solutions to support users by, for example, analyzing the current weather forecast and personal schedules and displaying recommended clothing coordinates as the user stands in front of their wardrobe closet.
• Polymer Lens Camera and Ultra Compact Camera
A polymer lens camera that will be the “eye” of the AI world, which is capable of high-speed focus adjustment based on the same mechanism as the human eye. Also, an ultra-small camera with high optical performance to be used for gaze tracking. These products will link a person’s intention to see things, go places, and operate devices to the world of AI without requiring touch contact.
• AI Olfactory Sensor
Based on a design derived from display substrate technologies, this sensor imitates the sense of smell of living things. By imaging, it is possible to use AI to process and evaluate smells, so it can determine more complicated smells compared to methods that measure physical quantities of odorants.
• IMS Gas Analyzer
This device uses a proprietary atmospheric electron emission element developed by Sharp. By enabling stable electron emission even at normal atmospheric pressure, which had been considered difficult when not under vacuum conditions, it is expected to find application in a greater variety of fields than ever before.
• Gas decomposition module applying original photocatalyst material
A harmful-gas decomposition module equipped with a filter containing a proprietary photocatalyst material with excellent performance provides improved air quality in offices and inside vehicles. It can also be used to maintain the freshness of perishable foods and for the preservation of historic and artistic assets.
• Driver Monitoring Camera
A camera module integrated into the dashboard LCD detects the driver’s line of sight, head position and orientation, and eye blink pattern to assess driver status. Drowsiness can also be detected. |
| Sustainability | • Low Power Consumption Reflective LCD signage for outdoor
A low-power-consumption display utilizing reflected ambient light. By combining a proprietary reflective structure and low-frequency IGZO drive, a full-color video display with high visibility is possible even in outdoor environments.
• Ultra Low Power indoor Display "ePoster"
This display is equipped with E Ink’s latest e-paper platform, E Ink Spectra 6, making it possible to render content with greater color saturation and vividness. IGZO technology has made it possible to make the peripheral circuitry smaller, allowing for narrower bezels. In addition to high visibility like printed paper, it can also maintain the display with zero watts (“0W”) power consumption*4.
• Indoor photovoltaic device "LC-LH"
By combining dye-sensitized solar cells, which can convert indoor light into electricity with high efficiency, and Sharp’s LCD technology, this device achieves power generating efficiency approximately double that of typical solar cells used in clocks and calculators. Applicable not only to a variety of small appliances, it will also help reduce environmental impacts by replacing disposable batteries.
• TV Remote Control with LC-LH device
A remote control for TVs equipped with an LC-LH indoor photovoltaic device. Boasting excellent power generation efficiency in indoor light, it can be used without batteries.
• Space Solar Sheet
Next-generation solar cells for use in outer space featuring high power generating efficiency. Thin, lightweight, and flexible, the solar sheet can be used in unprecedented ways for moving vehicles and mobile equipment. For example, it can be stored compactly as a module that can be rolled up and then expanded to cover a large area for generating electricity. |
*3 For built-in ovens; as of December 21, 2023, based on Sharp findings.
*4 Power is consumed when rewriting the content to be displayed on the screen.
Official CES 2024 website :
https://www.ces.tech/
/PRNewswire/ -- Sharp, a global leader in innovative technology solutions, is bringing the future to the five senses at CES 2024, taking place in Las Vegas,...
www.prnewswire.com
Sharp Unveils Cutting-Edge Technologies at CES 2024
NEWS PROVIDED BY
Sharp Electronics Corporation
02 Jan, 2024, 09:52 ET
SHARPen Your Senses and Experience a Vision for a Better Future
MONTVALE, N.J., Jan. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --
Sharp, a global leader in innovative technology solutions, is bringing the future to the five senses at CES 2024, taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from January 9 to 12, 2024. Experience products and components that will extend your sight, please your taste buds, detect the slightest differences in scents, replace traditionally loud household products with quiet alternatives, and even feel your heartbeat with miniature wearable devices to read your vital signs.
"
As Sharp celebrates its 111th anniversary, Sharp is proud to lead the way in innovation and game-changing technologies," said Jeff Ashida, Chairman, President & CEO of Sharp Electronics Corporation. "We are excited to share Sharp's cutting-edge solutions that will define the next chapter of Sharp's legacy at CES 2024."
Under the theme "Toward the Future for a Better Life," Sharp will showcase a diverse range of groundbreaking technologies, initially introduced at Sharp Tech-Day in Tokyo in November 2023.
SMART LIVING: REDEFINING HOME EXPERIENCES
Sharp's booth will feature a captivating Smart Living exhibit, where cutting-edge technologies converge to enhance daily life.
Central to this display will be the revolutionary CE-LLM (Communication Edge-LLM) edge AI technology, powering a virtual tour guide capable of engaging visitors with naturally paced and lively interactive conversations.
The exhibit will highlight a High-Speed Oven with proprietary Quad Heating Technologies. Combining the industry's first
gold carbon heater for charcoal grill flavor,
convection circulation,
inverter control microwave, and
intelligent cooking control, this High-Speed Oven helps reduce cooking time to as little as 1/3 of that of a conventional home oven.
Sharp is also showcasing powerful hair dryers and upright vacuum cleaners designed to operate at or near 50db, approximately as quiet as a household refrigerator. Moreover, non-contact vital signs sensors and the world's smallest vital signs sensors for wearable devices will be shown.
SMART INDUSTRY: ACCELERATING BUSINESS INNOVATION
Sharp will present technologies designed to boost speed and efficiency across various sectors in the Smart Industry section. The exhibit will include camera technology featuring polymer lenses and support for XR technology, XR glasses, and AI-powered visual representations of business conversations and ideas.
With technology inspired by the method living organisms use to sense odors, the AI Olfactory Sensor is designed with a target detection limit of 0.1 ppb (parts per billion). The exhibit will show how the AI Olfactory sensor detects the subtle differences between wine varieties. An IMS (ion mobility spectrometry) gas analysis device using atmospheric electron release technology will also be displayed.
Sharp will introduce a safe driving support system with a miniature camera and LCD. Finely tuned to identify situations where the driver cannot maintain a consistent line of sight, the driver monitor camera can help detect drowsiness, unresponsiveness, and distracted driving.
SUSTAINABILITY: PIONEERING RENEWABLE ENERGIES FOR A GREENER TOMORROW
Sharp's commitment to sustainability will be evident in the technologies to be showcased in the Sustainability exhibit.
The display will include Reflective LCD signage for outdoor use and ePoster color electronic paper displays with low power consumption. An indoor photovoltaic device LC-LH, utilizing indoor light for more efficient power generation will be demonstrated with a battery-free TV Remote Control featuring the LC-LH device.
Sharp's Space Solar Sheet, a thin, lightweight, and flexible next-generation solar cell module, will be unveiled, underlining the company's dedication to addressing environmental challenges through improved power efficiency.
Sharp invites attendees, media, and industry professionals to experience the future of technology at CES 2024. Visit Sharp's booth #17229, Central Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center to witness firsthand the innovative solutions poised to shape a better and more connected world.
Official CES 2024 website:
https://www.ces.tech/
Booth Exhibits Details (Subject to Change)
SMART LIVING DISPLAY
AI Avatar
Experience a virtual concierge and tour guide equipped with CE-LLM edge AI technology. Engage our AI Avatar to learn about all Sharp's exhibition with smooth, naturally paced, lively conversations.
High-Speed Oven
Revolutionize cooking with our built-in High-Speed Oven. Utilizing proprietary Quad Heating Technology and the industry-first Gold Carbon Heater for a charcoal-grilled flavor, it may reduce cooking time to as little as one-third of a conventional home oven.
Low Noise & High-Power Hair Dryer
Discover innovation in hair care with a high air-flow volume hair dryer. Two motors reduce noise, and its hands-free design provides a unique user experience.
Low Noise & Powerful Stick Cleaner
Explore our upright vacuum cleaner with powerful suction and reduced noise, thanks to a proprietary noise-reducing design.
Non-contact Vital Sensor
Experience precision in health monitoring with our optical filter using semiconductor film-forming technology to sense pulse waves without contact.
Vital Sensors for Wearable Devices
Introducing the world's smallest pulse wave sensor for wearable devices, such as earphones, rings, and eyeglasses.
AQUOS XLED Television for the Global Market
Immerse yourself in a new-generation TV experience. Our AQUOS XLED television combines mini-LED backlight, quantum-dot rich-color display technology, and immersive sound for a realistic viewing sensation.
SMART INDUSTRY DISPLAY
Life/Work Update Experience with XR Glass
Visualize conversations and ideas using XR technology and AI. This innovative combination of AI-powered natural-speed conversation and integration with real-time information services, personal calendars, schedules, and contacts will transform how we interact with our digital life at home and work.
Polymer Lens Camera and Ultra Compact Camera
Step into the world of AI with our polymer lens camera and ultra-compact camera. High-speed focus adjustment and gaze tracking redefine how we interact with AI.
AI Olfactory Sensor
Experience scent recognition like never before. Our sensor, inspired by living organisms, allows AI to process and evaluate complex smells.
IMS Gas Analyzer
Explore our gas analyzer with a proprietary atmospheric electron emission element, enabling stable electron emission even at normal atmospheric pressure.
Gas Decomposition Module Applying Original Photocatalyst Material
Help improve indoor air quality with our gas decomposition module. Equipped with a filter containing a proprietary photocatalyst material, it has potential applications in offices, and vehicles.
Driver Monitoring Camera
Enhance road safety with our camera module integrated into the dashboard LCD. It helps detect the driver's line of sight, head position, orientation, and help identify signs of drowsiness.
SUSTAINABILITY DISPLAY
Low Power Consumption Reflective LCD Signage for Outdoor
Embrace sustainability with our low-power consumption outdoor display. Combining a proprietary reflective structure and low-frequency IGZO drive, it delivers a full-color video display with high visibility.
Ultra Low Power Indoor Display, ePoster
Witness the future of displays with our ePoster. Using E Ink's latest e-paper platform and IGZO technology, it maintains high visibility with extremely low ("0W" class) power consumption.
Indoor Photovoltaic Device, LC-LH
Contribute to a greener future with our indoor photovoltaic device. By combining dye-sensitized solar cells and Sharp's LCD technology, it achieves double the power generating efficiency of common indoor-light solar-powered devices.
TV Remote Control with LC-LH Device
Experience innovation in TV control with our remote equipped with an LC-LH indoor photovoltaic device. It boasts excellent power generation efficiency in indoor light, eliminating the need for batteries.
Space Solar Sheet
Explore next-generation solar cells for use in outer space. Thin, lightweight, and flexible, the solar sheet offers unprecedented possibilities for moving vehicles and mobile equipment.
ABOUT SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION (SEC)
Sharp Electronics Corporation, responsible for the U.S. & Latin American market, is part of Sharp Corporation, a global technology company. We aim to help consumers and organizations of all sizes in our region enhance their performance and adapt to the future through innovative home and business products and services. Sharp is an expert in both business to business (B2B) and consumer (B2C) innovation and continues its commitment to invest in new products and services. Sharp has been named to Fortune magazine's World's Most Admired Company List, ranking the world's most respected and reputable companies. For more information about Sharp Electronics Corporation, visit our website at sharpusa.com.
Press Contact: (Sharp)
Kellyn Curtis
972.816.1355
kellyn.curtis@peppercomm.com
SOURCE Sharp Electronics Corporation
Sharp is showing a wide range of technologies at CES 2024, from generative AI and AI enabled wine sensor to lightweight solar cells for space.
www.eenewseurope.com
Sharp goes all in on AI at CES
Business news | January 2, 2024
By Nick Flaherty
DISPLAYS & INTERFACES WEARABLES AI SENSING / CONDITIONINGENERGY HARVESTING
Sharp is showing a wide range of technologies at CES 2024, from generative AI and AI enabled wine sensor to lightweight solar cells for space.
Sharp has developed its own large language edge AI technology, called CE-LLM (Communication Edge-LLM) that can provide naturally paced interactive conversations, as well as camera technology featuring polymer lenses and support for XR technology, XR glasses, and AI-powered visual representations of business conversations.
With technology inspired by the method living organisms use to sense odours, the AI Olfactory Sensor is designed with a target detection limit of 0.1 ppb (parts per billion) and can detect the subtle differences between wine varieties. An ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) gas analysis device using atmospheric electron release technology will also be displayed as well as an optical filter using semiconductor film-forming technology to sense pulse waves without contact. This is used for the world’s smallest pulse wave sensor for wearable devices such as earphones, rings, and eyeglasses.
https://www.eenewseurope.com/en/sharp-shows-tandem-solar-module-with-record-33-66-efficiency/
Sharp is also introducing a safe driving support system with a miniature camera and LCD. This is tuned to identify situations where the driver cannot maintain a consistent line of sight, the driver monitor camera can help detect drowsiness, unresponsiveness, and distracted driving and comes as the US is evaluating technologies to tackle distracted and impaired driving.
Sharp is also showing its Reflective LCD signage for outdoor use and ePoster colour electronic paper displays with low power consumption. An indoor photovoltaic device LC-LH, using indoor light for more efficient power generation will be demonstrated with a battery-free TV Remote Control featuring the LC-LH device.
The Space Solar Sheet, a thin, lightweight, and flexible next-generation solar cell module, will also be unveiled, aimed at space applications.
global.sharp/
