Universal Display announced that they been awarded a $100,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The goal of this new program is to demonstrate an innovative approach using Universal Display's transparent OLED and phosphorescent OLED technologies to increase the power efficiency of white OLED lighting panels.
eMagin announced that Vinghøg AS of Tønsberg, Norway is using their SVGA+ OLED microdisplay in a fire control system (FCS). Vinghøg is developing the system as part of the Norwegian Soldier Modernization Program. Vinghøg designed this system as a stand-alone universal site for all weapons and calibers from 5.56 to 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.
The Vingsight FCS uses a see-through OLED microdisplay to deliver graphic and text information as overlays on the target image. The overlays show the user's own position, target position, waypoint indication, and bank and arrow indication for direction. In addition, an integrated camera provides enhanced low-light operation. The Vingsight system also contains a laser rangefinder, digital magnetic compass, GPS, motion and temperature sensors, and storage capacity for ten images. It communicates by USB2.
eMagin announced that their SVGA+ OLED microdisplays are being implemented in Elbit Systems next generation AN/AVS-7 ANVIS-HUD Head Unit Displays.
Elbit Systems' AN/AVS-7 is a standard helicopter aviator day and night helmet mounted display system (a Heads-Up display). The HUD is an electro-optic system combining the standard ANVIS goggles image with aircraft flight instrumentation and computer graphics during night operation.
Sony is unlikely to introduce OLED displays as expected in fall 2004, as it still has to improve technical features of the displays, according to Japan-based Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun. Sony planned to start producing OLEDs in their joint-venture with Toyota, ST-LCD - in fact the company expected to reach a 300,000 2" panel capacity by now.
Seiko Epson plans to develop OLED TV technology within three years, to gain an edge in the market for screens manufactured for TVs and other entertainment applications, according to a company executive. The company's new technology will be based around Ink Jet printing.
Seiko Epson already unveiled three OLED prototypes - a 40" XGA OLED TV panel, a 12.5" VGA panel and a 2.1" 144x176 display (130ppi). The company says that currently the main hurdle is lifetime, and once this reaches 10,000 hours OLED TVs may start to appear commercial.
According to Taiwan's Industrial Economics and Knowledge Center (IEK), PMOLED sales in 1H 2004 totalled 1,611 NT$m (a 164% increase over 1H 2003, 610 NT$m). IEK predicts that total sales in 2004 will reach 3.7 NT$m, up 110% from 2003 (1.7 NT$m). The leading Taiwanese OLED maker is RiTDisplay.
Luxell reported their 2Q 2004 financial results. Revenues increased 37% to 840K$ and the net loss was reduced.
The company says that during the company made significant progress in all three of their business areas, Luxell Research's Black Layer technology, Aktelux's state-of-the-art display systems and their commercial venture with Hyundai.
GTA reported their 2004 financial results. Sales dropped from $75.5M to $66.9M and the company reports that the net loss in fiscal 2004 was primarily attributable to expenses associated with the research and development of FPD products and OLED displays.
In 2004, GTA spent over over $2.1 million to expand their OLED program.
eMagin announced their preliminary 2Q 2004 results. Revenues are estimated to exceed $1.3M - which will be a record for the company. eMagin also reports that they have begun to deliver on larger quantity orders.
