PRESS RELEASE

To whom it may concern:

Evixar Inc. (Matsui Bldg. 1F, 1-17-22 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Atsushi TAKIGAWA, Securities code: TSE 4257) has been granted a patent in the U.S. and Korea for an acoustic communication technology (already patented in Japan), which enables those with hearing impairment or other language speakers to enjoy theater and performing arts. Evixar has already obtained patents in Japan, the U.S., and China for its acoustic communication technology, which allows those with visual or hearing impairment and other language speakers to enjoy movies. Aiming to become the international de facto standard for audio and subtitle guides in the entertainment industry by leveraging this technology, the company will continue to focus efforts on diversity.

The acoustic communication technology developed by Evixar controls, in real time, devices such as smartphones, smart glasses, and robot terminals by making them automatically recognize special sounds containing embedded encrypted data (watermarked sound) or “fingerprints” in sound (sources) stored in databases. Conventionally, in live theater and performing arts, operators operate signals to send subtitles as the performance progresses on the stage, but this new technology enables subtitling services to be provided without the need for an operator.

Specifically, when a subtitle guide is created based on the script at the time of rehearsal prior to the main performance, since the performance is live, there are likely to be minor discrepancies in the progression time between the rehearsal and the main performance. This technology works by considering this as the timing for correcting background music and sound effects, and provides a function that incorporates special audio signals in the sounds to adjust the progress of the subtitles on the glasses worn by the audience according to the progress of the stage. The technology was introduced in February 2018 for performances by the Shiki Theatre Company, the patent was granted in Japan in June 2019, and in parallel, the transition process for obtaining an international patent has been underway.

Theater and performing arts make extensive use of radio waves and wireless technology to control stage equipment, etc. With no risk of interference and no need for additional equipment or operators, this technology has been highly praised for working reliably during several years of operation. Evixar will continue to pursue patents in China and Europe, while pushing for the technology to be used in theatrical productions on Broadway in the U.S. and other theatrical venues around the world.

Meanwhile, movie theaters across Japan have implemented barrier-free screenings for those with visual or hearing impairment to enjoy movies through “audio guidance through smartphones” and “subtitle guidance through glasses (subtitle glasses),” which have been adopted for more than 350 Japanese films to date. This technology is also used in disaster prevention, such as providing disaster prevention information from drones to smartphones via acoustic communication in inaccessible areas, and in non-contact multilingual services at museums.

Overview of Evixar Inc.

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