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Founded in 1993, Immersion became
a publicly traded company on November 12, 1999 and today is the market
leader in haptics, technology that integrates programmable touch feedback
into digital interfaces. This leadership is based on extensive intellectual
property, including a strong patent portfolio.
Immersion’s haptics technology lets users feel sensations that
intuitively guide them through operation or provide a more realistic and
immersive experience. Examples of products using Immersion technology
include medical training simulators, PC and video console gaming systems,
mobile phones, and automotive and industrial controls. These products
are offered by Immersion or by licencees including ALPS Electric, BMW,
Logitech, Medtronic, Methode, Microsoft, Samsung, Siemens VDO, Sony.
AN IMMERSION TIMELINE
1999 | 2000 | 2001
| 2002 | 2003 | 2004
| 2005 | 2006 | 2007
| 2008
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| 2008 |
Results of a study on 2006 patents, commissioned by IEEE Spectrum
magazine and prepared by 1790 Analytics, show Immersion ranked first
in Pipeline Originality, ahead of companies such as AT&T, Boeing,
Cisco, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Medtronic, Microsoft, Motorola,
Nokia, Samsung, Sony, and Xerox.
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Feb 26, 2008 |
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Over 10 million mobile phones with VibeTonz technology have been shipped
by licensees, including 5.5 million shipped in 2007. In addition,
in early February, several new VibeTonz-enabled mobile phone models
were announced, bringing the number of VibeTonz models to over 35.
These phones have been targeted at a wide range of markets and demographics.
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Feb 25, 2008 |
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Several industry authorities recognize the benefits of Immersion haptic
technology for human-computer interactions.
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Feb 20, 2008 |
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| 2007 |
A new licensee, CTT-Net of Korea, will launch the world's first personal
navigation devices (PNDs) that use Immersion's TouchSense® technology
to provide tactile feedback for touchscreen interactions.
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Oct
22, 2007
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Immersion Medical adds an OB/GYN module for the Laparoscopy VR™
Surgical Simulator, making it the only platform for training of three
commonly performed OB/GYN procedures: ectopic surgical intervention,
tubal occlusion, and salpingo-oophorectomy (fallopian tube and ovary
removal). A second module, Running the Bowel, trains procedural skills
commonly needed during trauma, general, OB/GYN, bariatric, and colon-rectal
surgery.
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OB/GYN
RtB
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Nokia, the world's leading mobile device manufacturer, licenses Immersion's
VibeTonz® tactile feedback for mobile devices.
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Jul
2, 2007 |
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Immersion Medical introduces the Laparoscopy VR™ Surgical Simulation
System, the first laparoscopy surgical simulator designed as a complete
system with tightly integrated TouchSense-enabled haptic hardware
and software . |
Jun
6, 2007 |
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TouchSense® tactile feedback for touchscreen-based portable devices
is announced. The technology, which provides confirming tactile response
to user touchscreen interactions, can be licensed by OEMs and system
integrators and embedded into handheld electronics, such as personal
navigation devices, remote controls, portable games, media players,
test equipment, and mobile data terminals.
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May
23, 2007 |
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Immersion Medical updates its endovascular platform with features
that allow it to simulate a wider range of procedures that require
as many as four devices or tools and involve more regions of the body. |
Apr 4, 2007 |
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Immersion and Sony agree to conclude their patent litigation at the
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and enter into a new
business agreement to explore the inclusion of Immersion technology
in PlayStation format products. |
Mar 1, 2007 |
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Samsung launches the SCH-W559, the first touchscreen-based mobile
phone in the world to use Immersion's VibeTonz® System to provide
tactile feedback for touchscreen interactions. |
Jan
27, 2007
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| 2006 |
Wireless content aggregator GeoTel signs license
agreement for the VibeTonz® System. The company will work with
developers to make content and services available to KTF's subscribers
in South Korea. |
Nov
6 , 2006
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KIOSK Information
Systems offers TouchSense® tactile feedback for its touchscreen
kiosks. |
Sep
28 , 2006
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An IPSOS Insight
consumer study shows video game console purchasing behavior may be
influenced by vibration feedback technology. |
Sep
25 , 2006
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Verisurf, a
leading supplier of software for the metrology and inspection market,
now interfaces to the MicroScribe® MX portable coordinate measuring
machine. The software-hardware solution enables cost-efficient, real-time,
high-accuracy measurement and analysis for parts inspection and reverse
engineering. |
Sep
6 , 2006
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Verizon Wireless begins offering VibeTonz-enabled phones for the mainstream
market, the value-inspired Samsung SCH-a870 and feature-rich SCH-a930. |
a870
a930
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Immersion Medical
and Laerdal Medical A/S collaborate to produce and sell a new intravenous
simulator, the Virtual IV system. |
Aug
1 , 2006
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LG Electronics,
the world's top producer of CDMA mobile handsets and fourth in the
number of handsets sold worldwide, licenses VibeTonz technology. |
Jul
25 , 2006
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In Korea, SK
Telecom launches a multimedia phone service based exclusively on VibeTonz-enabled
content and also launches the new VibeTonz-enabled Samsung SCH-B450
advanced multimedia phone. |
Jul
25 , 2006
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The VibeTonz
System is expanded to provide tactile cues for mobile phone and PDA
touchscreens. |
Jun
27 , 2006
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Next-generation
vibration technology to match the realism of high-definition graphics
and high-fidelity sound in video console gaming systems is introduced. |
Jul
19 , 2006
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eDimensional
licenses Immersion touch feedback technology and combines it with
motion sensing in a gamepad controller for the PS2 and PC gaming systems.
Electro Source licenses Immersion technology for its Pelican brand
of video game accessories. |
eDimensional
Electro Source
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SMK Corporation of Tokyo, a global manufacturer of electromechanical
components, signs a worldwide license agreement for use of Immersion
technology in touch panels. |
Feb
27, 2006
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Immersion announces an integration kit, program for implementing TouchSense
components into touchscreen designs, and the availability of production
quantities of these components. |
Program
and Kit
Quantity
parts
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Orange launches the first VibeTonz-enabled mobile phone for the European
market, the Samsung E770. |
Jan
24, 2006
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A new phlebotomy
training module for the CathSim® AccuTouch® intravenous simulator
is introduced that reinforces correct blood draw. |
Jan
18, 2006
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Immersion establishes a VibeTonz certified actuator program, and SANYO
Seimitsu and Samsung Electro-Mechanics begin offering certified actuators. |
Program
SANYO Seimitsu
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| 2005 |
Volkswagen AG licenses TouchSense technology. |
Dec 17 , 2005 |
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The new Wireless CyberGlove® II hand motion-capture glove begins
shipping. |
Dec 7, 2005 |
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Immersion Medical releases new modules for its Endovascular AccuTouch®
System. |
Oct 17, 2005 |
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SK Telecom launches seven new VibeTonz-enabled games on its GXG mobile
gaming portal in Korea. |
Oct 10, 2005 |
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Sprint Nextel, Alltel, and MetroPCS introduce Samsung phones with
the VibeTonz System to their subscribers. |
Sprint Nextel
Alltel
MetroPCS |
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3M and Immersion sign an agreement for 3M to integrate TouchSense®
technology into its touchscreens for the casino gaming and bar-top
amusement industries. |
Sep 15, 2005 |
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SK Teletech, a handset manufacturer newly acquired by Pantech&Curitel
Communications, joins a growing list of handset manufacturers, developers,
and wireless operators authorized to use VibeTonz technology. The
combined company would have been the number two handset manufacturer
for the Korean domestic market for the first half of 2005. |
August 8, 2005 |
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Methode Electronics signs license agreement for a broad range of Immersion
technology. The agreement provides Methode the opportunity to use
the technology to offer new, innovative products to automotive OEMs,
Tier 1 suppliers, and non-automotive customers in markets such as
industrial controls, exercise equipment, marine, and aerospace. |
Jun 21, 2005 |
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Immersion announces new tactile technology for touchscreens for applications
including automotive, industrial controls, point of sale, kiosk, ATMs
and gaming. |
May 24, 2005 |
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The first VibeTonz-enabled mobile phones from Samsung launch: the
SCH-G100 for SK Telecom and the SPH-G1000 for KTF in Korea, and the
SCH-n330 from Verizon Wireless in the U.S. Immersion signs license
agreements with SK Telecom, AG Interactive, Pulse, and Indiagames.
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n330
G100/G1000
SK
Telecom |
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The U.S. District Court for the Northern District Court of California
enters judgment in Immersion’s favor in its lawsuit against
Sony and awards Immersion $82.0 million, plus pre-judgment interest
in the amount of $8.7 million, for a total of $90.7 million.
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Mar 28, 2005 |
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Immersion joins the Symbian Platinum Partner Program to help simplify
and speed the integration of its VibeTonz System on advanced mobile
phones that use Symbian OS.
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Feb 23, 2005 |
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Gemini Industries, Griffin, Joytech, Hip Interactive, and Radica USA
sign license agreements for Immersion technology for video console
gaming peripherals. |
Gemini
Griffin
Hip
Interactive
Joytech
Radica
USA |
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| 2004 |
A consumer study finds that more than half of respondents said they
would pay more for VibeTonz-enabled content and handsets.
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Dec 8, 2004 |
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Immersion becomes a QUALCOMM BREW® Partner. QUALCOMM, a designer
and supplier of CDMA chipsets and system software for mobile phones,
awards Immersion QUALCOMM BREW Elite developer status.
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Oct 24, 2004 |
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Immersion launches the VibeTonz System to bring the power, sensation,
and realism of touch to the mobile phone market.
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Oct 24, 2004 |
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The jury returns a verdict favorable to Immersion in a lawsuit against
Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment
of America, Inc. and awards past damages in the amount of $82.0 million
based on sales of infringing products through June 30, 2004. |
Sep 21, 2004
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A new high-accuracy MicroScribe portable measurement system for reverse
engineering, measurement, and inspection is introduced.
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Sep 7, 2004 |
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A Frost & Sullivan ROI study shows payback takes under six months
for Immersion Medical training simulators.
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Jul 7, 2004 |
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Immersion Medical launches an endovascular simulator, developed in
conjunction with Medtronic, Inc., which helps prepare doctors to perform
angioplasties.
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Mar 8, 2004 |
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Samsung licenses Immersion's technology for mobile phones.
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Jan 7, 2004 |
| YEAR EVENT RELATED
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| 2003 |
More than 1,000 Immersion Medical simulators are installed in medical
training institutions worldwide. |
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Immersion is awarded its 200th patent. |
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An Apple Mac-compatible MicroScribe digitizer is introduced, and software
development further expands the compatibility of Immersion products
with CAD/CAM and motion capture software applications. |
MOCAP
Mac
SDK
CATIA
V5 |
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Immersion Medical receives research contracts from the U.S. Army,
the National Institutes of Health, and the National Medical Technology
Testbed for the development of training simulators. |
Army
NIH
NMTT |
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Microsoft licenses Immersion technology for the Microsoft Xbox system
and other future products. |
Jul 28, 2003 |
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A study conducted by Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota finds that
patients experience less pain during certain invasive exams when performed
by residents who first trained on an Immersion Medical Endoscopy AccuTouch
simulator. |
Jul 14, 2003 |
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Immersion launches TouchWare® Gaming software, a Consumer Electronics
Show (CES) Innovations award winner that brings touch feedback to
any PC game. |
Mar 6, 2003 |
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Medtronic, Inc. signs development and license agreements for use of
Immersion's intellectual property in training and education simulation
products for healthcare professionals. |
Mar 3, 2003 |
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| 2002 |
Immersion partners with Apple Computer to incorporate Immersion's
force feedback gaming standard into Apple's Mac OS platform. Immersion's
licensed OEMs introduce many new force feedback peripherals, some
of which are compatible with the Macintosh computer. |
Dec
20, 2002
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The U.S. market share by revenue of force feedback products among
all PC gaming peripherals reaches nearly 33% (source: NPD Funworld).
Immersion licensees manufacture all these products. |
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Software developed by Immersion and other developers expand the ease
of usability of Immersion products for 3D interaction, CAD/CAM, and
3D graphics and animation markets. |
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Licensed TouchSense haptic technology debuts in BMW’s new 7
Series vehicle. |
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Licensing agreements are signed with ALPS Electric and Siemens VDO
Automotive for haptics technology in automotive controls.
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Two independent studies conducted by leading universities reveal positive
results about how the Immersion Medical AccuTouch Endoscopy Simulator
objectively measures and improves physicians’ skills. An ongoing
study at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center reveals that
residents who practiced on the Endoscopy AccuTouch System demonstrated
a 75 percent increase in overall competency scores.
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| 2001 |
Nissan develops a concept car in which Immersion technology is used
to provide tactile feedback for driver controls. |
Oct 26, 2001 |
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The Mayo Clinic, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Rush Presbyterian
Hospital, and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden purchase Endoscopy
AccuTouch Systems from Immersion Medical. |
Jul 10, 2001 |
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Immersion Medical adds a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters training
module to its award winning CathSim System and a colonoscopy training
module for its Endoscopy AccuTouch System to help ensure more accurate
and less painful colonoscopies. |
May 15, 2001
Jun
12, 2001 |
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Immersion is awarded its 100th patent. |
Apr 16, 2001 |
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Logitech launches Driving Force steering wheel, a critically acclaimed
PlayStation2 product with Immersion’s TouchSense technology. |
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| 2000 |
The world's largest electronic components manufacturer, ALPS Electric
Co., Ltd., becomes a supplier of Immersion's TouchSense-enabled automotive
controls. |
Jul 31, 2000 |
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Immersion completes three acquisitions of technology companies—HT
Medical Systems; Virtual Technologies, Inc.; and Haptic Technologies.
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HT Medical
Virtual
Technologies
Haptic
Technologies |
| YEAR EVENT RELATED
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| 1999 |
Immersion issues an IPO and begins trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange. |
Nov 11, 1999 |
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Immersion Medical launches the first simulator for endoscopy procedures,
now known as the Endoscopy AccuTouch System |
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Haptics adoption gains momentum in the PC gaming market with over
100 force feedback software games and over 24 products with Immersion’s
licensed technology inside. |
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| 1998 |
Microsoft licenses Immersion technology for its Sidewinder Force Feedback
Pro joystick. |
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Logitech Wingman Formula Force joystick and steering wheel with Immersion
technology inside are introduced. |
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Immersion Medical (then HT Medical Systems) launches CathSim vascular
access simulator |
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| YEAR EVENT RELATED
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| 1997 |
Immersion was one of less than 50 companies invited to participate
in the Bridge to the 21st Century exhibit for the 53rd U.S. Presidential
Inauguration. |
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Immersion partners with Microsoft to incorporate Immersion’s
I-FORCE force feedback gaming standard into Microsoft Windows DirectX
5.0. |
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| YEAR EVENT RELATED
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| 1996 |
The world’s largest electronic media show, NAB, gives the MicroScribe
digitizing system a Top 10 award. |
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The CyberGlove Instrumented glove (introduced by Virtual Technologies,
Inc.) becomes a CyberEdge Journal Product-of-the-Year Finalist. |
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First licensed PC force feedback joystick launches. |
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| YEAR EVENT RELATED
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| 1995 |
The award-winning MicroScribe 3D digitizing system is introduced.
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| YEAR EVENT RELATED
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| 1993 |
Immersion founded in May. |
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