Things getting interesting...

I have zero idea how much weight to give anything like this. Maybe a lot, maybe none. But I'm sure there is considerable interest in the technology this little company has created.



Hat-tip to "Qlfang"

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Microsoft acquires laser sensing company MicroVision to deepen vehicle technology layout

05-18 15:10 Source: Gasgoo 0 comments

　　According to foreign media reports, Microsoft Recently announced the acquisition of laser sensing and projection technology company MicroVision, which has a large number of patents related to laser beam scanning projection and sensing.
　　Previously, Microsoft had worked with the company to use the MicroVision MEMS engine in HoloLens 2 devices. The acquisition Microsoft may be concerned MicroVision broader knowledge property . Currently, MicroVision is cooperating with some important automobile manufacturers to provide laser sensor solutions for autonomous vehicle technology.
　　MicroVision has developed laser scanning technology for projection, 3D sensing, and image capture. Its display technology uses micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirrors and lasers, photons, and electrons to project or capture images. The company's products are mainly licensed to OEMs , such as SonyAnd STMicroelectronics. MicroVision has also developed PicoP scanning technology, which is an ultra-miniature sensing and projection solution based on the company's laser beam scanning method. MicroVision's platform approach means that its technology can be widely used.
　　All along, Microsoft has been looking for ways to enter the automotive technology market . In September 2019, Microsoft announced the Connected Car Platform (MCVP). The platform is said to be an evolving system that auto companies can use to implement multiple services in their vehicles , including in-car experience, autonomous driving, advanced navigation, user interaction and insight, telematics and prediction services, and Connect and OTA.
　　In the 2019 MCVP white paper , Microsoft shared its connected car vision, "MCVP provides a consistent technical infrastructure and integrates vehicle configuration and solutions into a common data source through secure and scalable data ingestion. the platform, automotive manufacturers and partners can use the vehicle telemetry , create customized, innovative, for the consumer 's appreciation of the vehicle and cloud services, including telemetry, navigation, goods and services , etc. in addition, MCVP not only for the ride Used cars can also be applied to commercial and industrial vehicles, including cars, trucks, cranes, ships and drones. "
　　It is worth noting that MCVP is not an operating system , but the foundation of the platform created by OEM partners, providing partners with a complete cloud-based backend. However, MCVP will allow Microsoft to seamlessly integrate services such as Skype, Office 365 and Dynamics into in-vehicle systems. At present, the platform has been adopted by TomTom, LG, Volkswagen and other companies.
(Original title: Microsoft acquires laser sensor company MicroVision to deepen vehicle technology layout)

MEMS LiDAR

Sumit Sharma post on Linkedin

Thanks Joe

Electronics and sensors

Lots of sensors. 

No one who grew up with their hands on the wheel is going to be excited to let go - except perhaps those of us who are pilots who are used to having and relying on auto pilots.

Microvision Twitter

Mems Sensors 

Jari Hokansen, Microvision, says the value in cars is shifting from the chassis and drive train into electronics and sensors, and that as cars become “humongous computers”, half of the value will be in its electronics. He also admitted that despite all this, even as a software engineer, he doesn’t know if he would want a driverless car.

CES: Cost Effective LIDAR Sensing Might Steal the Show

LIDAR is a very interesting field, and I'm expecting it to advance very quickly. Like AR, there is a lot of demand for it. 

We know MVIS is there.

Thanks Fuzzie

LinkedIn -- More at the source

• Quite a few concept cars are expected to be showcased which will feature the convergence of electrification, automated driving, health wellness, interior of the features, vehicle to home connectivity including Honda (NeuV), Mercedes Benz Concept EQ, Rinspeed Oasis and so on.

Cost Effective Solid-State LIDAR for Automated Driving 

Solid-state LIDAR is going to be talked about for the second year in a row at CES with the only difference being a new set of players in the field. In addition to usual suspects like Velodyne and Quanergy this time around LeddarTech, startups like Blackmore Sensor and Analytics and tier 1 suppliers like Continental are expected to make the noise around LIDAR. Some of the interesting themes to be showcased are

• Velodyne’s low cost solid-state LIDAR and sensing model. This coming from the most trusted LIDAR player currently could be a game changer for volume automakers. 
• New solid-state 2D and 3D LIDARs with ranges of 200-300m will be unveiled by LeddarTech still chasing an aggressive price point of close to $100. With improved range, FOV and an ecosystem of partners and demonstrations on OEM vehicles like FCA, this Quebec-based company is fast scaling up the ranks. 
• Collaborating with LeddarTech will be TriLumina, a spin-out from Sandia National Laboratories who will showcase a 256-Pixel 3D solid state LIDAR. The two companies are also expected to showcase its partnership efforts utilizing LeddarTech’s LeddarCore IC’s and TriLumina’s laser illumination model. 
• Suppliers like Osram are expected to showcase its low cost solid-state LIDAR for under $100. Suppliers like Pioneer are expected to unveil more details around their LIDAR and sensing plans. 
• Startups like Blackmore Sensor and Analytics who recently closed their Series A funding of $3.5 million will showcase a new line up of frequency-modulated continuous-wave LIDAR that functions more like a Radar system. 
• Tier 1 suppliers like Continental are also expected to showcase its 3D flash LIDAR that are expected to support ADAS to level 4/5 automated driving functions.