Northwest Week: Interview with MVIS CEO Rick Rutkowski - Highlights
Firstly, a kudos to Rick for a splendid job in a clear and concise explanation of the MVIS technology. The format of the interview was the host would ask a question and Rick would respond.
Introduction by host: MVIS in 5th year of operation. Winner of the prestigious Discover Award for sight.
Rick explains how the VRD works. Similar to the TV, beaming a image onto the screen, or retina in our case. Beams light onto the rods and cones of the retina.
What can you do with a personal display? 3D effect can be achieved for simulation and games. Also can be used to superimpose images on to the real world, for example, pilots, surgeons for viewing x-rays.
How does the VRD differ from virtual reality goggles? It is anticipated that the VRD will be a replacement for other miniature displays with higher resolution, superior colors and motion that would not produce the "smeared" effect. This is done by one pixel at a time versus an array at a time.
Picture of military helmet with VRD is shown. The image appears on the pilots visor. Pointed out is a tiny infra-red camera mounted on the helmet, that moves with the head, the picture from the camera is plugged into the pilot's eye allowing him to see in darkness, fog and smoke.
Military application contracts with government, Boeing, Ericcson-Saab,etc. The military has defined broad applications for the personal display. By enhancing the user's awareness, by giving them visual information in a meaningful way, for pilots, tank operators, etc. Can be used for command in-control and simulated environment.
Where is it going? Pointed out the parallel paths of use by military and for entertainment, for example, Sega, Disney World and Nintendo. Simulation is the point of convergence for several markets.
Surgery. Will be used for CAT-scan, xray for simultaneous viewing to allow for minimally invasive surgery and faster recovery.
Competition. The competition is the miniature flat panel display. Their performance is limited because they are not able to form the millions of pixels required for miniaturization and keep the costs down. MVIS however, is reaching these new levels of miniaturization.
Cellphones. The cellphone is shown with the pop-up lens. The phone is tilted up to view the 15" to 17" monitor. Will be used for email, faxes, viewing world wide web pages and even reading the Wall Street Journal.
Size. The old versus the new silicon scanners are shown. The silicon scanner is very miniaturized compared to the previous generation.
Is it safe? A laser beam of light will not necessarily be used for all applications. Other light sources will be used, with the same amount of light that comes from a computer screen. MVIS has specialists measuring and analyzing the light intensity and exposure. Dealing with the military and medical they are well equipped in dealing with these questions.
End of Summary
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This is the summary as I saw it, not responsible for any omissions, errors, etc. Also, I wanted to add that this story is getting better and better everyday! |
