9/25/2001 6:49:00 AM
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BOTHELL, Wash., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ — Microvision (Nasdaq: MVIS), the
leader in light scanning technologies, today announced that it has shipped a
prototype front projection display to a European automaker for two months of
performance evaluations in test vehicles — just five weeks after receiving
the initial order.
The prototype front-projection system holds the promise of being able to
deliver extremely bright, high fidelity images in a small, robust and
inexpensive package. Microvision’s aim is to solve the challenge of delivering
information to drivers and passengers in future automobiles where display
size, power and cost are key factors.
The palm-sized projector is a flexible display module that can support a
full range of automotive information applications, including serving as a
digital replacement for conventional vehicle information and dashboard
displays as well as emerging “telematics” applications like GPS navigation,
traffic advisories and internet-based information services. Microvision’s
proprietary scanning display technology allows drivers to view information
projected in selected locations such as rear-view mirrors, windshields or
instrument clusters.
“This system achieves brightness nearly three times that of competing
displays, using a low-power laser light source that never has to be replaced,
unlike the bulbs in conventional projection displays,” said Rick Rutkowski,
Microvision CEO. “Brightness is an important safety feature because it allows
the driver to keep the display up near the windshield so the eyes stay on the
road.”
The prototype system’s performance is based on the basic platform of the
Nomad Personal Display System(TM) — Microvision’s first commercial product
scheduled to be released late this year — and offers compelling evidence that
the Nomad System’s core technology is adaptable and extendible.
Drivers and passengers, and subsequently automotive manufacturers are all
looking for enhanced display capabilities within their automobiles, said
Rutkowski, an indication of the market’s strong potential. “Both companies are
excited that we’ve been able to move this along so quickly because we
recognize the excellent potential that exists in providing high quality
information displays in tomorrow’s automobiles. We expect successful road
tests that will lay the foundation to further develop this potential.”
Following several weeks of marketing and product development evaluation in
a variety of test vehicles, Microvision will fine tune system features to
reflect test results, and work with the customer to determine the next steps
in the development.
About Microvision: www.mvis.com
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.
Forward Looking Statement
The information set forth in this release includes “forward-looking
statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, and is subject to the safe harbor created by those
sections. Certain factors that realistically could cause results to differ
materially from those projected in the company’s forward-looking statements
are set forth in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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SOURCE Microvision Inc.
CONTACT: media, Matt Nichols, mattn@mvis.com, or investors, Brian
Heagler, brian_heagler@mvis.com, both of Microvision Inc., +1-425-415-6847; or
Randy Balogh of Parker LePla, +1-206-285-5280, or randyb@parkerlepla.com, for
Microvision Inc./