| Kopin Corporation today announced it has received a production order from FLIR Systems AB, Imaging Sweden for ruggedized, VGA-resolution CyberDisplay 640M modules that will display infrared images in night vision binoculars for the Swedish and Norwegian armies. Kopin specifically developed the binocular active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) modules to be integrated into FLIR's Forward Observer Thermal Imager (FTI). "We selected Kopin's CyberDisplay 640M because of its excellent image quality, high reliability and wide operating temperature range," said Rutger Dahlin, manager of FLIR's Optronics Systems. "In addition, the success of the infrared camera system depends on an extremely low-power solution that translates to extended battery life for the user. Kopin's engineers have met and exceeded the challenge, developing the display system in a compact, light-weight package with significantly lower power requirements than competing technologies." The Kopin display module accepts digital video data from the thermal camera's "eye" and displays a high-resolution, 8-bit gray scale binocular image to the user via two CyberDisplay(R) 640M VGA (640x480) AMLCDs. The result is a set of "night vision" binoculars that allow scouts or forward observers to conduct surveillance, monitor ground movement and identify targets that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. "The CyberDisplay(R) 640M was developed specifically to address the emerging needs of the thermal imaging market," said Dr. John C.C. Fan, Kopin's president and chief executive officer. "The availability of high performance thermal sensors and the demand for superior tools in the battle for global security have resulted in a rapid expansion of the infrared imaging market. Kopin's ability to produce low-power, battery-operated subsystems tailored to each customer's specifications positions us to capitalize on a wide range of exciting opportunities in this developing market." The subsystems that Kopin will provide to FLIR consist of ruggedized pairs of Kopin CyberDisplay 640M displays with backlight and interface/control electronics. The CyberDisplay 640M display is an industrial grade monochrome VGA display with 640 x 480-pixel resolution in a 0.38-inch diagonal package and operates in a temperature range of minus 40 degrees to plus 70 degrees Celsius. Kopin's CyberDisplay 640M is ideal for the entire spectrum of infrared imaging applications. "Kopin's ruggedized displays are rapidly becoming the industry standard display for infrared imaging applications," said Michael Presz, vice president and general manager of Kopin's visual products group. "The CyberDisplay 640M already is being used by the U.S. Army as the infrared viewing device on M-16 and M-4 rifles, and by the U.S. Border Patrol for nighttime surveillance. In addition to military and security applications, the CyberDisplay 640M is ideal for a wide range of thermal imaging devices, from cameras that allow firefighters to see through smoke-filled rooms to navigation equipment used by mariners navigating their way at night." |