Microvision And Office Of Naval Research Showcase Nomad Personal Display System

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, April 29, 2002

Microvision, Inc. (Nasdaq:MVIS) recently showcased a working demonstration of the Nomad Personal Display System on the Office of Naval Research's Afloat Lab, at an invitation only event at the Washington DC Navy Shipyard.

The Office of Naval Research is showcasing the Nomad system to a variety of high-level Navy officials and members of Congress during the three-day event. Microvision is currently under contract with the Navy to support the development of the Nomad system for possible future use in applications for C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) operations.

The Afloat Lab is a former U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol craft used for training at the academy. Typical Yard Patrol crafts have the same machinery, electronics and navigation systems as the Navy's large fleet ships which makes it an ideal platform for testing new technologies intended for shipboard use. Microvision is demonstrating two applications for the Nomad system aboard the Afloat Lab: a see-through, GPS-enabled moving map for navigation and a maintenance, repair, and overhaul suite for increasing productivity and accuracy of mobile maintainers.

Rob Sainsbury, Microvision director of government business development commented, "The Navy is actively pursuing the development and sponsorship of innovative communication tools. Showcasing the work that they sponsor to influential government staffers and members of Congress is an important validation for our technology. The Navy's sponsorship of our technology supports an important `dual use'. First, our unique displays can enhance situational awareness to give US and allied troops the edge they need to fight and survive in conflicts of the future, and second we will bring this technology into multiple commercial applications, thus demonstrating the significant extendibility of government funding."

As part of an on-going series of product demonstrations, during the week of May 22 - 29, Microvision will also be demonstrating the Nomad System aboard the Afloat Lab in New York City for Fleet Week. During this week the Navy will host a variety of public and private sessions to showcase the various emerging technologies being displayed aboard the ship.

Based on Microvision's patented light scanning technology, the recently introduced Nomad Personal Display System is a high-resolution head-worn display that presents images and information to the user on a see-through virtual 17-inch display. This unique personal display enables hands-free access to information such as diagrams, instrumentation, maintenance records, moving maps and interactive training manuals, superimposing the information on the user's view and creating "augmented vision." The Nomad System features full daylight-readability, allowing users to view high contrast images in even the most challenging ambient lighting conditions. High quality, Super VGA resolution makes the Nomad System immediately compatible with a broad range of existing applications and content.

From flight paths to factory floors, surgical suites, and more, the Nomad System can deliver major improvements in productivity, quality and safety for virtually any type of manual task. The company is targeting applications for workers in four vertical markets-- industrial, aerospace, medical, and military-- that enable customers to keep information in front of people engaged in manual tasks or on the move, allowing access to information at the point of task and information, anywhere.

Headquartered in Bothell, Wash., Microvision Inc. is the developer of the patented retinal scanning display technology and a world leader in micro miniature optical scanning technology for display and imaging applications. The company's technology has applications in a broad range of military, medical, industrial, professional and consumer information products.

The Office of Naval Research pursues an integrated science and technology program from basic research through manufacturing technologies. Research areas include oceanography; advanced materials; sensors; electronics; surveillance; mine countermeasures; weapons; and surface ship, submarine and aircraft technologies.