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May 5, 2005: Immersion Corporation, (Nasdaq: IMMR - News), a leading developer and licensor of touch feedback technology, and Measurement Systems Inc (Ultra MSI), a subsidiary of Ultra Electronics Holdings plc and a leading designer and manufacturer of positioning and tracking controls, have signed a licensing agreement giving Ultra MSI rights to use Immersion's TouchSense® technology in joysticks, trackballs, and other hand controls.
TouchSense technology, which provides tactile, or haptic feedback, allows users to more effectively interact with a computer or controller. Ultra MSI intends to first implement the technology in controls for military unmanned vehicles and flight and vehicle simulators. Besides military uses, the company expects this advanced tactile technology to be in demand for commercial products including off-highway vehicles, hydraulic control systems, and diagnostic or therapeutic medical equipment.
"Touch provides reflex-rate response and allows precise control and discrimination, but it has been under-used in the human-machine interface," explained Mike Levin, an Immersion vice president. "Ultra MSI will be able to pass on the benefits of Immersion haptic technology to their customers, which can include faster response, higher accuracy, and an improved ability to verify status."
"Our ability to provide customers with a wide range of possible haptic effects will enable operators using our hand controls and joysticks to more intuitively respond to events," said Dave Sulkowski, vice president of Engineering at Ultra MSI. "We are experts in precision human-machine interface solutions, and I have no doubt we will soon be viewed as the industry leader in applying haptic technology to these solutions as well."
Immersion's haptic feedback is achieved by applying a degree of opposing force along the x, y, and z axes, providing the user with varied degrees of resistance that closely replicate actual motion experiences. The technology is currently used in products ranging from automotive, industrial, and gaming controls to medical training simulators.
About Measurement Systems Inc ( www.ultra-msi.com)
Measurement Systems Inc is the expert in precision human-machine interface (HMI) solutions, including hand controls/grips, joysticks, trackballs, and integrated systems. With the broadest line of products and accessories in the industry and a proven track record of solving customer problems, Ultra MSI is recognized as the leading designer and manufacturer of positioning and tracking controls for military and commercial applications.
About Ultra Electronics Holdings plc ( www.ultra-electronics.co.uk)
Ultra Electronics (Ultra) is a group of specialist businesses that design, manufacture, and support electronic and electromechanical systems, sub-systems, and products for defence, security, and aerospace applications worldwide. Revenue in 2004 was GBP 320 million.
Ultra, which employs 2,800 people in the U.K. and North America, focuses on high integrity sensing, control, communication, and display systems with an emphasis on integrated information technology solutions. The Group concentrates on obtaining a technological edge in niche markets, with many of its products and technologies being market leaders in their field.
About Immersion ( www.immersion.com)
Founded in 1993, Immersion Corporation is a recognized leader in developing, licensing, and marketing digital touch technology and products. Bringing value to markets where human-machine interaction needs to be made more compelling, safer, or productive, Immersion helps its partners broaden market reach by making the use of touch feedback as critical a user experience as sight and sound. Immersion's technology is deployed across automotive, entertainment, medical training, mobility, personal computing, and three-dimensional simulation markets. Immersion and its wholly-owned subsidiaries hold more than 270 issued patents worldwide.
Immersion and TouchSense are trademarks of Immersion Corporation in the United States and other countries.
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