[Microvision, Saab AB, and Ericsson-Saab Avionics to Partner on SBIR Phase II 'Fast-Track']
Partners to Target HDTV Quality Head-Mounted Display
SEATTLE, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Microvision, Inc. today announced the receipt of a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the Department of Defense for the development of a High Fidelity Head Mounted Display (HMD) for use in flight simulators for training military pilots. The $1.1 million award combines contributions from the Department of Defense and Saab AB and Ericsson-Saab Avionics, Microvision's commercial partner in the "fast-track" program.
Microvision's HMD design for simulation and training applications is based on its patented Virtual Retinal Display(TM) (VRD(TM)) technology, and will deliver HDTV resolution from their highly miniaturized scanning engine. High resolution is a key parameter that most often determines the visual realism of images in a simulation training environment. Existing HMDs are often criticized by users for their lack of realism, because they offer resolution that limits the range at which detail can be discerned in the trainer visual scene. Microvision's VRD technology, coupled with Saab AB and Ericsson-Saab's expertise in advanced aircraft, simulation, and pilot visualization, will provide the United States Air Force with the opportunity to achieve a significant advancement in state-of-the-art display technology for pilot training simulators.
While the Department of Defense's target application for this contract is in a flight training simulator, high-fidelity simulation is becoming increasingly important in a variety of fields including location-based entertainment, architectural and industrial design, molecular modeling, as well as training for medical and military professionals.
"Simulation is a hub around which many industries are converging," said Microvision President and CEO, Rick Rutkowski. "While thousands of pilots are using high-end simulators to sharpen their skills, millions of people are enjoying high quality simulations in the form of computer and video game systems, doctors and factory workers are learning procedures, architects are designing and walking through buildings. The Department of Defense is pioneering high-quality user interface technology, that the rest of the world will be demanding very quickly. In a short time visual realism and acuity will be as important to those of us who will fly through the information-intensive terrain of the Internet as it is today to a pilot flying through a simulated air space. Microvision believes that the VRD technology can uniquely enable personal displays of the cost and performance that will be required to reach all of these markets."
SOURCE Microvision, Inc.
-0- 05/19/98
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/Web site: mvis.com
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