Immersion Awarded Patent for Controlling Multiple Automotive Systems Using the Sense of Touch; Innovation Simplifies Automotive Cockpit

13 December 2000

Immersion Awarded Patent for Controlling Multiple Automotive Systems Using the Sense of Touch; Innovation Simplifies Automotive Cockpit

    SAN JOSE, Calif.--Dec. 13, 2000--Immersion Corporation , the innovative leader in digital touch interaction technology, today announced that it has received new patent protection from the United States Patent and Trademark Office related to using tactile feedback to enhance user interaction with dashboard and console functions within the automotive environment.
    Immersion's new patent, U.S. Patent No. 6,154,201, is entitled "Control Knob with Multiple Degrees of Freedom and Force Feedback." In conjunction with Immersion's TouchSense technology, the patented technology allows a driver to control diverse automotive systems, including such functions as climate, navigation, audio, and radio, using a single, integrated control knob capable of providing tactile feedback to the driver.
    Immersion's patented control knob allows different tactile properties to be assigned to sub-systems within the automobile. For example, in climate control mode, the driver would rotate the knob to select individual functions, such as temperature, fan speed, air distribution, etc. As the knob is rotated, a software-controlled motor provides tactile feedback regarding the status of each system. The result is a control system that is capable of providing additional, intuitive information to the driver with fewer controls, reducing cockpit clutter and enhancing the driver's ability to remain focused on the road.
    "With the integration of new information and communication features, automotive systems are becoming increasingly complex," observed Michael Levin, senior director of Industrial Products at Immersion. "Ergonomic and intuitive interfaces will be required to manage these systems without distracting from the primary driving focus. Immersion believes the automotive environment is a perfect application for control devices which provide informative tactile feedback. Immersion has already partnered with automotive technology leaders such as BMW to introduce tactile feedback controls in their cars. We are working to continue to develop and expand our haptic technologies in this important market segment."

    About Immersion Corporation (www.immersion.com)

    Founded in 1993, Immersion Corporation develops advanced hardware and software technologies that enable users to interact with computers using their sense of touch. Immersion's patented TouchSense(TM) technologies enable computer peripheral devices to deliver tactile sensations that correspond to on-screen events. Immersion licenses its hardware and software technology, on which it and its wholly owned subsidiaries hold over 85 issued patents worldwide, to industry-leaders in order to integrate and implement its sensory interaction technology into professional simulation and modeling, consumer devices, and enabling technologies.

    Statements made in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including those that reflect management's current forecast of certain aspects of Immersion's future. Forward-looking statements made in this press release are based on current information, which we have assessed but which by its nature is dynamic and subject to rapid and even abrupt changes. Immersion's actual results might differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties associated with Immersion's business.
    Additional risks and uncertainties are outlined in Immersion's reports on Forms 10-K and 10Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Immersion is not obligated to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.