New Display Technology: The 'Eyes' Have It; IEEE Spectrum Reports on a Budding Display Technology That Paints Images Directly Onto the Retina

NEW YORK--April 26, 2004--Finally technology is offering an alternative to the bulky computer monitor: painting images directly onto the retina by using tiny semiconductor lasers or special light emitting diodes.

A report in the May 20, 200404 issue of IEEE Spectrum examines how scanning light beams on the retina could revolutionize displays for a variety of sectors, including automotive, medical and the military.

One application developed by Washington-based Microvision allows automotive technicians to view automobile diagnostics and repair instructions directly on their eyes while still allowing them to see through the image to work on the automobile. A clear, flat window is mounted on a baseball cap and angled in front of the technician's eye, reflecting scanned laser light to the retina. The information on the display comes from a computer server in the repair shop and is displayed via a Wi-Fi network. The user can control the display with a wireless touch-pad that attaches to the belt. To ensure the device is safe, Microvision applied rigorous safety standards from the American National Standards Institute and the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Other industries testing this laser-based display are:

-- Gaming - The large gaming industry hopes this technology will improve the virtual reality experience by delivering the content directly to the retina of the user.

-- Hospitals - As surgeons operate, they can use the see-through laser displays to monitor a patient's vital signs. Doctors can also refer to MRIs or CAT scans directly on these displays while they are working on the patient.

-- Military - The U.S. Army is currently testing a helmet-mounted display technology that allows commanders to view their surroundings and tactical information.

"If the laser or LED light that the display uses is the paint; the Microvision scanning mirror is the brush," said Harry Goldstein, senior associate editor, IEEE Spectrum. "We expect that in the next five years, these consumer applications will reach the market and these types of displays will appear on cell phones and cameras."

The May issue of IEEE Spectrum is available by subscription, on many newsstands throughout the Northeastern United States and online at www.spectrum.ieee.org.

About IEEE Spectrum

IEEE Spectrum is published monthly by IEEE, the world's largest organization of technology and business leaders. Over 385,000 executives, engineers, and computer scientists at the world's largest companies and universities look to IEEE Spectrum each month for the latest news and most accurate information about new important technology developments. IEEE Spectrum readership comprises the largest concentration of high-tech professionals and senior managers of any publication in its niche. IEEE Spectrum also communicates through its Web site, IEEE Spectrum Online, whose content includes numerous news stories and features beyond those featured in the print magazine.

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Editor's Note: IEEE Spectrum editors are available for expert commentary and media interviews.