Carl Zeiss launches start-up for digital visualization aids
Oberkochen, 01.06.2005. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Carl Zeiss, Carl Zeiss Mobile Optics GmbH introduced the first head-mounted display (HMD) on June 1. The research and development department at Carl Zeiss developed the new product; the start-up will successfully establish it on the market. Dr. Dieter Kurz, President & CEO, proudly stated that "a new company was born of our innovative power. This is another shining example of the high quality of the innovation process within the Carl Zeiss Group."
Resembling a miniature projector, the HMD is worn in front of the eye and displays an image in front of the wearer's retina, giving the impression that it is approximately one meter away. The image is the size of a 19 inch monitor.
The name Carl Zeiss is synonymous with maximum optical imaging quality. Drawing on the company's expertise with eyeglasses, Carl Zeiss produced an HMD that is ergonomically designed for excellent wearing comfort.
The HMD will be mainly used during repairs to large systems and machines – particularly when dealing with special or one-off productions. Carl Zeiss also envisions application opportunities in automobile servicing: service will become faster and better as the HMD will provide mechanic with easier and more reliable instructions for the different models of cars which are becoming ever more complex. At the same time, service technicians will always have their hands free.
The HMD can project images from a computer, or which were recorded using a scanner or digital camera. The HMD can be worn on an eyeglass frame, a head mount or a helmet.
Two versions of the head-mounted display are available: the look-around model and the see-through model which reflects the light beam into the eye. As a partially transmissible mirror coating is selected, wearers can also look through this layer and view their environment as well. This version will be used primarily in the industrial service sector.
The look-around model is ideal when particularly high image quality is needed. It offers full concentration on the bright virtual image.
Additional fields of application for head-mounted displays include minimally invasive surgical procedures. It is also possible for people with visual impairments to wear an HMD, enabling them to once again move about more freely.
The results from the research department at Carl Zeiss are delivered to Carl Zeiss Mobile Optics GmbH which ensures the technology advantage. Founding new businesses such as Carl Zeiss Mobile Optics GmbH is part of the growth strategy developed by Carl Zeiss to clearly increase its revenues in coming years.
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Photo 1
Ideal for industrial use: the HMD see-through model.
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Photo 2
The new head-mounted display from Carl Zeiss is ergonomically designed for maximum wearing comfort.
Photos: Carl Zeiss
Silke Schmid
Corporate Communications
Phone: +49(0)7364 20-8208
Fax: +49(0)7364 20-3122
E-Mail: s.schmid@zeiss.de |  E-Mail
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