Maple Valley
Labels: District_5, Maple_Valley, Puget_Sound_A-K
Dot On, Inc.
Issaquah
Researcher: Suzanne Weghorst, Human Interface Technology Lab, University of Washington
Year project began: 1999
Imagine being able to move the cursor on your computer screen by turning your head or pointing your finger, instead of using a mouse. Everyday computer tasks such as word-processing and spreadsheets would become easier by not having to switch from the keyboard to the mouse. New applications would be possible once the user wasn't tethered to the computer via a mouse or joystick.
Dot On, Inc., Issaquah, has developed a new cursor-control device called the "Dot Tracker." This prototype system uses a sensor, connected to the computer, that optically tracks the position of a small dot affixed to an object, such as a wireless-pointing device, or affixed directly to the head or finger of the user. The movement of the dot directs the position of the cursor on the screen. Potential markets for "Dot Tracker" include business applications, PC games, children's programs, and applications for the disabled.
Using specialized equipment at UW's Human Interface Technology Laboratory, Suzanne Weghorst is performing an analysis of head movements exhibited by average computer users during desktop applications. The results of this Entrepreneur's Access project will determine the precise refractive optics required for the head- or eyewear-mounted version of the product.
Issaquah
Researcher: Suzanne Weghorst, Human Interface Technology Lab, University of Washington
Year project began: 1999
Imagine being able to move the cursor on your computer screen by turning your head or pointing your finger, instead of using a mouse. Everyday computer tasks such as word-processing and spreadsheets would become easier by not having to switch from the keyboard to the mouse. New applications would be possible once the user wasn't tethered to the computer via a mouse or joystick.
Dot On, Inc., Issaquah, has developed a new cursor-control device called the "Dot Tracker." This prototype system uses a sensor, connected to the computer, that optically tracks the position of a small dot affixed to an object, such as a wireless-pointing device, or affixed directly to the head or finger of the user. The movement of the dot directs the position of the cursor on the screen. Potential markets for "Dot Tracker" include business applications, PC games, children's programs, and applications for the disabled.
Using specialized equipment at UW's Human Interface Technology Laboratory, Suzanne Weghorst is performing an analysis of head movements exhibited by average computer users during desktop applications. The results of this Entrepreneur's Access project will determine the precise refractive optics required for the head- or eyewear-mounted version of the product.
Labels: District_5, Issaquah, Puget_Sound_A-K, RTD_Grant_Program_A-K, UW
Enerdyne Solutions
North Bend
Researchers: Dr. George LaRue, Dr. Mohamed Osman, WSU Electrical Engineering Department
Year project began: 2004
This project will focus on developing a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) Radio Frequency (RF) amplifier, for use in wireless communications and radar applications, that has two- to three-times higher thermal performance over existing designs. This has the potential to increase power and reliability without compromising battery life or adding to the cost, size, or weight of the device.
North Bend
Researchers: Dr. George LaRue, Dr. Mohamed Osman, WSU Electrical Engineering Department
Year project began: 2004
This project will focus on developing a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) Radio Frequency (RF) amplifier, for use in wireless communications and radar applications, that has two- to three-times higher thermal performance over existing designs. This has the potential to increase power and reliability without compromising battery life or adding to the cost, size, or weight of the device.
Labels: District_5, Energy, King_County, North_Bend, Puget_Sound_A-K, RTD_Grant_Program_A-K, WSU
MicroConnex
Snoqualmie
Researcher: Dr. Scott Dunham, UW Dept. of Electrical Engineering
Project years: 2004, 2005
MicroConnex has teamed with Professor Dunham to develop a new process for manufacturing large arrays of high performance thin film transistors on flexible substrates. High frequency operation, light weight, and flexibility are critical factors for many existing and emerging semiconductor and electronics markets including radar, telecommunications, signal processing, and flexible displays. Consequently there is a growing demand for high performance devices that are thin and flexible. In a phase one project, MicroConnex and the UW collaborated on the development of a new flexible thin film transistor technology. In this phase two project, the team will work on optimizing the device structure and processing to combine high performance with high yield as well as improving cost-efficiency and scalability for rapid prototyping and manufacturing. The new process is expected to overcome the challenges facing wafer-based and PECVD processes, and the new products will have both military and commercial applications.
Snoqualmie
Researcher: Dr. Scott Dunham, UW Dept. of Electrical Engineering
Project years: 2004, 2005
MicroConnex has teamed with Professor Dunham to develop a new process for manufacturing large arrays of high performance thin film transistors on flexible substrates. High frequency operation, light weight, and flexibility are critical factors for many existing and emerging semiconductor and electronics markets including radar, telecommunications, signal processing, and flexible displays. Consequently there is a growing demand for high performance devices that are thin and flexible. In a phase one project, MicroConnex and the UW collaborated on the development of a new flexible thin film transistor technology. In this phase two project, the team will work on optimizing the device structure and processing to combine high performance with high yield as well as improving cost-efficiency and scalability for rapid prototyping and manufacturing. The new process is expected to overcome the challenges facing wafer-based and PECVD processes, and the new products will have both military and commercial applications.
Labels: District_5, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, Puget_Sound_L-Z, RTD_Grant_Program_L-Z, Snoqualmie, UW
Ultreo (formerly Second Act Partners, Inc.)
(Business Closed)
Redmond (located in Sammamish at the time of the WTC grant)
Researcher: Dr. Pierre Mourad, UW Applied Physics Laboratory
Year project began: 2003
Power toothbrushes have proven to offer clear clinical advantages over manual brushing. Some models have bristles that move at a sonic speed--i.e., a frequency that can be heard. Dr. Mourad and his investigators are working to develop a power brush using a technology that they believe will improve the ability to clean the teeth and gums. Their research will test a prototype using various combinations of bristle motions. Second Act Partners, a start-up company, will draw upon their considerable experience to define the technical requirements of the product for market success.
Redmond (located in Sammamish at the time of the WTC grant)
Researcher: Dr. Pierre Mourad, UW Applied Physics Laboratory
Year project began: 2003
Power toothbrushes have proven to offer clear clinical advantages over manual brushing. Some models have bristles that move at a sonic speed--i.e., a frequency that can be heard. Dr. Mourad and his investigators are working to develop a power brush using a technology that they believe will improve the ability to clean the teeth and gums. Their research will test a prototype using various combinations of bristle motions. Second Act Partners, a start-up company, will draw upon their considerable experience to define the technical requirements of the product for market success.
Labels: Business_Closed, District_5, King_County, Life_Sciences, Puget_Sound_L-Z, Redmond, RTD_Grant_Program_L-Z, UW
VirtuSphere, Inc.
Sammamish
Researcher: Suzanne Weghorst, Senior Research Scientist, Human Interface Technology Laboratory, University of Washington
Project Year: 2005
VirtuSphere, Inc. has teamed with Dr. Weghorst with the UW's Human Interface Technology (HIT) Laboratory, a leading Virtual Reality academic research facility, to explore new market opportunities for the company's patented VirtuSphere™ product. This platform enables lifelike movements in virtual reality and delivers an innovative interface via the most natural form of navigation (i.e. walking). Virtual reality (VR) simulation was valued in 2003 at $42 billion worldwide. Revenues are projected to reach $78 billion by 2008. VR technology holds significant promise and potential for a host of applications including education and training, rehabilitation, recreation, and data visualization. One of the key barriers for VR has been the lack of devices which allow users to move freely and navigate naturally in virtual environments (VEs). The VirtuSphere™ omni-directional locomotion device provides a highly effective and robust solution to this problem, allowing lifelike movements with full-range of motion. VirtuSphere's primary market is military training and simulation. Through this project, the team will explore application of this technology to new commercial markets including interactive education, rehabilitation, and movement-based gaming.
Sammamish
Researcher: Suzanne Weghorst, Senior Research Scientist, Human Interface Technology Laboratory, University of Washington
Project Year: 2005
VirtuSphere, Inc. has teamed with Dr. Weghorst with the UW's Human Interface Technology (HIT) Laboratory, a leading Virtual Reality academic research facility, to explore new market opportunities for the company's patented VirtuSphere™ product. This platform enables lifelike movements in virtual reality and delivers an innovative interface via the most natural form of navigation (i.e. walking). Virtual reality (VR) simulation was valued in 2003 at $42 billion worldwide. Revenues are projected to reach $78 billion by 2008. VR technology holds significant promise and potential for a host of applications including education and training, rehabilitation, recreation, and data visualization. One of the key barriers for VR has been the lack of devices which allow users to move freely and navigate naturally in virtual environments (VEs). The VirtuSphere™ omni-directional locomotion device provides a highly effective and robust solution to this problem, allowing lifelike movements with full-range of motion. VirtuSphere's primary market is military training and simulation. Through this project, the team will explore application of this technology to new commercial markets including interactive education, rehabilitation, and movement-based gaming.
Labels: Defense_and_Security, District_5, King_County, MEMS_and_Nanotechnology, Puget_Sound_L-Z, RTD_Grant_Program_L-Z, Sammamish, UW
