MicroVision, Inc.

The Microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS for short, is the basis of MicroVision's laser scanning technology platform. The MEMS design consists of a silicon device with a millimeter-scale mirror at the center. The mirror is connected to flexures that allow it to swing vertically and horizontally to display (or capture) an image.[4] In projection-mode the MEMS laser beam scanning display method can be compared to raster scanning in a cathode ray tube (CRT) display. Product applications include mobile projection,[5][6] virtual retinal display,[7] head-mounted display,[8] automotive head-up display,[9] and 3D depth sensing (LiDAR). Head-mounted displays are an emerging area of development. Advantages of a MEMS laser beam scanning display over conventional flat-panel displays are size, weight, and low power requirement. In May 2018, Microvision entered into a license agreement with a global technology company to use company's display technology to manufacture and sell display-only engines.[10][11] With their first quarter 2020 financial results, MicroVision announced the potential sale of the company.

Board

On June 4, 2020, Microvision announced that there will be a new board director for the company, Dr. Mark B. Spitzer. He is an experienced pioneer in the field of laser scanning, with a history of issuing over 70 patents and 86 publications in addition to being associated with global technology companies. He has experience in the field of AR and VR. He was both the founder of MicroOptical Corp and a former director at Google X. In his experience at Google, not only was he a director but later on he moved into Google's VR field. A member of the American Physical Society and IEEE, he received the Special Recognition Award from the Society for Information Display due to his skills in engineering of active-matrix liquid-crystal micro-displays and optics technology. Spitzer received his B.A. in physics from Boston University and his PhD in physics from Brown University.[12]

A MicroVision laser pico projector

Wireless barcode scanner developed by MicroVision uses Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)

Proof that MicroVision's MEMS laser beam scanning display is used in Microsoft’s Hololens 2 head-mounted display (HMD) was confirmed to the public on May 18, 2020 in a third-party documentary video of the product's disassembly, or teardown. The teardown revealed a dual single-axis scanning mirror configuration; where a first mirror oscillates to control pixels along a horizontal axis and a second mirror oscillates to facilitate vertical axis movement to create a raster scanned image. The image is propagated along what Microsoft calls a holographic waveguide, to a point where an exit pupil is formed to direct the visual display content pixel-by-pixel directly onto a user’s retina. In the teardown video, MicroVision's logo can be seen printed on an accompanying circuit board and ribbon connector.[13] The MEMS laser beam scanning display has been incorporated into mobile phones.[14] There is also information regarding an Apple patent that may be related to Microvision. In the picture of the patent, titled "Dynamic Focus 3D Display", MEMS technology can be seen in the diagram. Tech enthusiast Omerjl suggests that "It would be hard to believe that Apple could accomplish this without stepping on MVIS patents, as this is [Microvision's] wheelhouse."[15]

An alternative use of the scanning laser technology is light detection and ranging (LiDAR). A LiDAR depth-sensing technique known as time of flight calculates the round trip time for a projected ray of light, from its source of emission (reflected off an object in space), to its return to a sensor. Time of flight data is then used to create a 3D map or point cloud to help understand a physical space. Laser beam scanning can also be used in structured light depth sensing applications. Automotive LiDAR is an emerging technology to assist autonomous vehicles in mapping their environment. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) incorporate a variety of imaging methods including LiDAR. Using applied computer vision, 3D sensing has been demonstrated in combination with a smart speaker to enable visual perception. With LiDAR, MicroVision has developed a hybrid unique laser beam scanning display that allows users to interact with projected content by using hand gestures.[17]

On December 16, 2019, MicroVision received a notice from the NASDAQ regarding rule 5450(a). The notice concerned that the MicroVision may be delisted. The NASDAQ clarified on February 6 that if the stock price cannot stay above US$1.00 per share for 10 consecutive business days before June 4, 2020, the company may be delisted. Microvision has been able to comply and won't be delisted.

In June of 2020, MVIS was officially notified of regaining NASDAQ compliance.

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• Official website