2/4/2002 6:46:00 AM
<![CDATA[BOTHELL, Wash., Feb 4, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Recognizing the increased
emphasis on improving security measures, Microvision, Inc. (Nasdaq:MVIS) today
announced that it has entered into a joint marketing partnership with underwater
search technology firm Nova Marine Exploration Inc. to market an underwater
inspection system to port security operations around the country.
The agreement pairs the Nomad(TM) Personal Display System from Microvision — a
high-resolution headworn display that augments the user’s vision with images and
information in a see-through or “head-up” mode — with the NovaRay(TM) — Nova
Marine’s innovative low cost, remote operating vehicle that can survey
underwater sites and transmit video images to the operator.
Using the Nomad system, the NovaRay pilot sees the navigational data — compass
heading, depth reading, artificial horizon, etc — superimposed over the color
video monitor. Pilot attention stays focused on the surveillance while
maintaining control of the NovaRay vehicle. Another advantage of combining the
systems is that one operator controls the entire system, eliminating the need
for a second person to constantly monitor the video feed.
Under terms of the agreement, NovaMarine will recommend the Nomad system as an
accessory for the NovaRay vehicle, and the two companies will target the
enhanced NovaRay system to port security operations. Due the increased emphasis
on port security, incoming vessels must now be inspected to a much greater
degree of detail, resulting in longer and more expensive procedures, noted Bruce
Ridley, Microvision market manager for industrial applications. Underwater hull
inspection is a particularly time consuming task, he said, requiring divers
equipped with lights and other apparatus.
“It’s a textbook example of how two separate technological innovations can
augment each other’s capabilities to meet a market need,” said Ridley. “With
literally hundreds of ships entering American ports every day requiring some
level of inspection, our port security forces are hard pressed to meet the
demand. The NovaRay vehicle equipped with the Nomad system can be an enormously
effective inspection tool that will also save time and money.”
The NovaRay vehicle can move more quickly and consistently underwater than
divers. Equipped with the Nomad display system, the pilot can conduct a more
thorough inspection. While divers are limited to how much time underwater they
can spend on any given day, the NovaRay vehicle can be operated indefinitely.
“The Nomad system allows the pilot to multi-task while flying the NovaRay,
enabling quick, efficient surveys using only one pilot,” said Krist Geriene,
Nova Marine president. “The advanced command and control software of the NovaRay
automates many fatiguing operator tasks, and the Nomad system allows the pilot
to operate co-location survey equipment simultaneously.”
The Nomad display system is a high-resolution headworn display that presents
images and information to the user in a see-through or “head-up” mode. This
unique personal display allows head-up, hands-free access to information such as
diagrams, instrumentation, maintenance records, moving maps and interactive
training manuals. The Nomad display 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 immediately
compatible with a broad range of existing applications and content.
Among the NovaRay’s innovations are the use of computerized flight control
systems and digitizing the entire vehicle. These improvements allow such add-ons
as scanning sonar and tracking systems without the need of additional receivers
and monitors. These add-ons are monitored through the computer system, and the
screen display is changed with a simple voice command.
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. Nomad is a trademark
of Microvision, Inc.
About Nova Marine:
Based in Kirkland, Wash., Nova Marine Exploration, Inc. specializes in the
survey, recovery and placement of underwater exploration, as well as the
development of technologies aiding in such pursuits. NovaRay is a trademark of
Nova Marine Exploration Inc.
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.
Note: Photos available at URL:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.020402/bb1
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.020402/bb1a
CONTACT: Microvision, Inc.
Matt Nichols (media), mattn@mvis.com
Brian Heagler (investors), brian_heagler@mvis.com
425/415-6847URL: http://www.businesswire.com
Today’s News On The Net – Business Wire’s full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
Copyright (C) 2002 Business Wire. All rights reserved.