COMPATIBILITY: java.lang.NullPointerException for iPix (Immersive Imaging)

Passed with MSVM. Fails with 5.0u10(b02/b03), 5.0u9fcs & 5.0fcs using IE6/IE7. Retested with NS7.2 and failed there too.

In all configurations of JVM, while loading and refreshing the applet below exception is displayed in the Java Console. Able to interact with the applet even after exception is thrown.

Exception:
java.lang.NullPointerException
at sun.font.FontDesignMetrics.stringWidth(Unknown Source)
at IpixViewer.start(Unknown Source)
at sun.applet.AppletPanel.run(Unknown Source)
at java.lang.Thread.run(Unknown Source)

To reproduce:
1. Install jre, ensure plugin is registered with IE6 or IE7.
2. Browse to URL http://www.ipix.com (iPIX - Immersive Imaging) - ensure java console is displayed as well.
3. Click on 'See Demo' under 'Immersive Imaging'.
4. Use the mouse as instructed to see 360 image, zoom in and out, etc.
5. Test the applet by testing all features, functionality, buttons, etc.
6. Attempt to resize the browser/applet window.
7. Click the close button to to terminate the applet.
8. Reload the applet again and exit.
9. Close all applet/browser windows.

Check java console at all times while browsing ipix.com.