Microsoft & Microvision
Microvision shares are up due to a recent patent application by Microsoft that mentions Microvision's PicoP technology.
United States Patent, 8,767,014
Automatic text scrolling on a display device
Abstract
A see-through head-mounted display (HMD) device, e.g., in the form of glasses, provides view an augmented reality image including text, such as in an electronic book or magazine, word processing document, email, karaoke, teleprompter or other public speaking assistance application. The presentation of text and/or graphics can be adjusted based on sensor inputs indicating a gaze direction, focal distance and/or biological metric of the user. A current state of the text can be bookmarked when the user looks away from the image and subsequently resumed from the bookmarked state. A forward facing camera can adjust the text if a real word object passes in front of it, or adjust the appearance of the text based on a color of pattern of a real world background object. In a public speaking or karaoke application, information can be displayed regarding a level of interest of the audience and names of audience members.
Microdisplay 120 projects an image through lens 122. Different image generation technologies can be used. For example, with a transmissive projection technology, the light source is modulated by optically active material, and backlit with white light. These technologies are usually implemented using LCD type displays with powerful backlights and high optical energy densities. With a reflective technology, external light is reflected and modulated by an optically active material. The illumination is forward lit by either a white source or RGB source, depending on the technology. Digital light processing (DGP), liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) and MIRASOL.RTM. (a display technology from QUALCOMM.RTM., INC.) are all examples of reflective technologies which are efficient as most energy is reflected away from the modulated structure. With an emissive technology, light is generated by the display. For example, a PicoP.TM.-display engine (available from MICROVISION, INC.) emits a laser signal with a micro mirror steering either onto a tiny screen that acts as a transmissive element or beamed directly into the eye.
