HELIODISPLAY 1

ABSTRACT
1. INTRODUCTION:
Over the years, display technology has been growing, from simple CRT to plasma
screen. But now display technology has reached a stage where images can be displayed in
thin air without the aid of a screen. A technology used for displaying images in thin air is
called Heliodisplay. Heliodisplay is a technology developed by Chad Dyner, CEO for IO2
Technologies. In the Heliodisplay, a projector is focused onto a layer of mist in mid-air,
resulting in a two-dimensional display that appears to float. This is similar in principle to
the cinematic technique ofrear projection. As dark areas of the image may appear
invisible, the image may be more realistic than on a projection screen, although it is still
not volumetric. Heliodisplay can work as a free-space touchscreen when connected to a
PC by a USB cable. A PC sees the Heliodisplay as a pointing device, like a mouse.
2. BASIC UNITS AND WORKING:
2.1 BASIC UNITS:
The basic units of heliodisplay are base unit and projection source as shown in
figure(i). The projection source unit projects images onto the mid-air. The base unit
produces the water vapour screen necessary to display the image. The image can be
viewed from behind the base unit. The Heliodisplay is designed to be hidden (into a
pedestal, table etc), so that only its projected image is visible. The display connects to a
standard video source (such as DVD player or PC) and projects any images that would be
viewable on a computer screen or television.

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 2

Figure(i). Basic units of heliodisplay

2.2 WORKING:
Heliodisplay can receive input from a computer, television, or even from video
game consoles, and project the image on a floating screen of air. The image can even give
the appearance of a floating, holographic, 3-D image. Essentially, the device converts the
imaging properties of the air so that the air is taken in, converted instantaneously, and
then re-ejected out. Then projects onto that converted air. After air is drawn into the
machine, it moves through a dozen metal plates and then comes out again. The system
creates a dynamic, non-solid particle cloud by ejecting atomized condensate present in
the surrounding air, in a controlled fashion, into an invisible particle cloud. It is electronic
as well as thermodynamic.
The image can also be manipulated by touch. A finger or some handheld object
can act as a mouse and seemingly drag images in midair. Hand movements are monitored
by an optical tracking system, which is essentially a camera in the unit that monitors and
locates movements and changes in the location of our hand.
3 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES:
3.1 ADVANTAGES:
The main advantage of heliodisplay is that it needs no screen to project image. It
changes the air and creates a dynamic non-solid particle of cloud on to which the image is
projected. The device is also light weight and designed to conceal inside furniture.
No special glasses or projection screens are required to see the images projected
by heliodisplay. Heliodisplay does not create fog. So it does not cause any problems to
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 3
the other electronic equipments in its vicinity. Projected images and video are twodimensional, (i.e. Planar) but appear 3-D since there is no physical depth reference.
3.2 DISADVANTAGES:
Heliodisplay is very expensive. It starts from Rs. 700000/- onwards. Common
people cannot afford it. Also it cannot be used outdoors since any disturbance in air
would affect the quality of the image. wet and turbulence affecting seriously reduces the
fidelity of imagery. The image is slightly unstable and can clearly be seen in a dark
background.

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 4
Chapter -1

INTRODUCTION
Heliodisplay is a hi-tech projector that displays pictures in the air. The is a
free-space display developed by IO2 Technology. A projector is focused onto a layer of
mist in mid-air, resulting in a two-dimensional display that appears to float. As dark areas
of the image may appear invisible, the image may be more realistic than on a
projection screen. Heliodisplay can work as a free space t o u c h s c r e e n w h e n
c o n n e c t e d t o a P C b y a U S B c a b l e . A P C s e e s t h e Heliodisplay as a
pointing device, like a mouse. With the supplied software installed, one can use a finger,
pen, or another object as cursor control and navigate or interact with simple content.
Heliodisplay is a patented projection system designed to project video,
products, information, etc.,
The Heliodisplay is a free-space display developed by IO2 Technology. The
Heliodisplay was invented by Chad Dyner, who built it as a five-inch prototype in his air
apartment before patenting the free-space display technology, and founding IO2
Technology LLC to further develop the product. A projector is focused onto a layer of
mist in mid-air, resulting in a two-dimensional display that appears to float. This is
similar in principle to the cinematic technique of rear projection. As dark areas of the
image may appear invisible, the image may be more realistic than on a projection screen,
although it is still not volumetric. The Heliodisplay transforms water into a unique screen
of fine vapour, suspended in mid-air to create a nearly invisible screen into which any
image can be projected. The display can create a true 3D hologram effect when the right
content is used. The images here are holographic although they are free-space, images are
captured onto a nearly invisible plane of transformed air by employing a
rear projection system. The audience sees a floating mid-air image or video. They are
actually two-dimensional but appear 3D since there is no physical depth reference.
Heliodisplay projections are suspended in thin air, so you will notice some waviness to
the screen stability and the intensity and clarity of the image is subject to ambient light
conditions and optimization of display settings. Heliodisplay uses a standard monitor
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 5
VGA connection; for TV or DVD viewing, it connects using a standard video cable. It
requires a standard power outlet and a video source and is compatible with most
video sources currently available. It can be concealed from sight and thereby creating an
unobtrusive display. Contrast becomes paramount for optimal viewing, as it has to
compete with its surroundings. Dark background emphasizes the contrast of the
image and is highly encouraged when designing a location to view the display.
Heliodisplay can work as a free-space touch screen when connected to a PC by a USB
cable. A PC sees the Heliodisplay as a pointing device, like a mouse. With the supplied
software installed, one can use a finger, pen, or another object as cursor control and
navigate or interact with simple content. The Heliodisplay could run for several hours on
one liter water which helps in developing. The mist which is formed by a series of metal
plates.
The Heliodisplay is a fog display developed by IO2 Technology. A projector is
focused onto layers of air and micro-spheres in mid-air, resulting in a two-dimensional
display that appears to float. This is similar in principle to the cinematic technique of rear
projection and can appear three-dimensional when using appropriate content. As dark
areas of the image may appear invisible, the image may be more realistic than on
a projection screen, although it is still not volumetric. Looking directly at the display, one
would also be looking into the projector's light source. The necessity of an oblique
viewing angle (to avoid looking into the projector's light source) may be a disadvantage.
Heliodisplay can work as a free-space touch screen when connected to a PC by
a USB cable. A PC sees the Heliodisplay as a pointing device, like a mouse. With the
supplied software installed, one can use a finger, pen, or another object as cursor control
and navigate or interact with simple content.
The air-based system is formed by a series of metal plates, and the original
Heliodisplay could run for several hours although current models can operate
continuously. 2008 model Heliodisplays use 80 ml to 120 ml of water per hour,
depending on screen size and user settings; although the medium is primarily air.

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 6
The Heliodisplay was invented by Mr. Dyner, who built it as a five-inch prototype
in 2001 before patenting the free-space display technology, and founding IO2 Technology
LLC to further develop the product. Even though modern technology has invested
millions, even billions, into projection screen technology, high definition projectors, and
even projectors for our cell phones, we have forgotten that we will always need
something to project on.
Unfortunately, with the tragic proliferation of advertising these days, we are
probably looking at a future world where all the space on the buildings is taken for
billboards and other various projected ads. The only place that would not be taken is the
spaces that people walk through. However, in Figure 1.1 that is an option that we can use
with the Heliodisplay or Fogscreen projector.

Figure 1.1 Helio-display

Current technologies attempt to create the visual perception of a free-floating
image through the manipulation of depth cues generated from two-dimensional data
employing well-established techniques. A few examples of these include stereoscopic
imaging via shutter or polarized glasses, as well as auto-stereoscopic technologies
composed of lenticular screens directing light from a conventional display, or realimaging devices utilizing concave mirror arrangements. All of these technologies suffer
convergence and accommodation limitations. In order to resolve this visual limitation, the
image and its perceived location must coincide spatially. A well-established method
solving this constraint is by projection onto an invisible surface that inherently possesses
a true spatially perceived image location, yet prior art methods rendered poor image
fidelity.

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 7
In late 2003, a small company from the San Francisco Bay Area demonstrated a
unique revolutionary display technology. The prototype device projected an image in thin
air just above it, creating an illusion of a floating hologram. The development of this
distinctive technology, dubbed Heliodisplay by its developer Chad Dyner, began early
this decade after Dyner decided to trade a promising career as an architect to become an
inventor. Dyner bought an ordinary digital projector, took it apart, and spent entire days
trying to figure out a way to stop in midair the light coming from the projector without
engaging a traditional screen.
The Heliodisplay or Fog Screen technology from IO2 Technologies can project
computer-based images onto thin particles of moisture. The airborne film of moisture
generated by the device the black box with the large slot pictured in the foreground
captures the light from the projector to allow the images to take shape. Shown here, the
laptop in the background is Figure 1.2 Floating display using Heliodisplay
running a video of a woman on a Cell phone, while the Heliodisplay simultaneously turns
it into an image that appears to be floating in thin air.

Figure 1.2 Image projection

Displaying an image using conventional projectors requires a non-transparent
medium, typically screens, walls, or even water, but air, which is transparent, cannot be
used. A more recent development is the FogScreen, which creates an image in midair by
employing a large, non-turbulent airflow to protect the dry fog generated within from
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 8
turbulence. The result is a thin, stable sheet of fog, sandwiched between two layers of air,
on which an image can be projected and even walked through. The Heliodisplay creates a
similar effect, but, instead of fog, it uses a cloud of microscopic particles whose specific
nature is one of the secrets Dyner keeps close to the vest. In 2005, the U.S Patent Office
granted Dyner a patent for a "method and system for free-space imaging display and
interface". Apparently, the Heliodisplay creates a particle cloud by passing the
surrounding air through a heat pump, which in turn cools the air to a level below its dew
point, where it condensates, and is then collected to create an artificial cloud. The particle
cloud is composed of a vast number of individual micro droplets, between 1-10 microns
in diameter, too small to be visible to the naked eye, held together by surface tension. The
focus and illumination intensity of the projected image can be controlled by changing
some of the cloud's properties, enabling a sharper and brighter image.
Heliodisplay projects computer-based images onto thin particles of moisture
generated by a particulate emitting device. The moisture film generated by the device
captures the light from the projector to allow the images to take shape.
Since 2003, IO2 Technology, the California-based company Dyner founded to
commercialize his invention, began selling his device under the brand name Heliodisplay
M2 for just under $20,000, out of reach of most consumers. IO2 stands for the secondgeneration I/O interface or input-output esoteric used in the computer world where digital
information and the real world co-meet and information goes into or out from a
computer. IO2 Technology is actually marketing the M2 to corporate customers who
would use the device as a novel way to display the company's logo or as a strikingly
impressive advertising and promotional tool for exhibitions.

Figure 1.3 Heliocast Interactive Heliodisplay

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 9
The Heliodisplay from IO2 Technologies can project any kind of static or moving
image, from photographs to movies, without the need for a solid screen. Pictured here,
Figure 1.3 is an arrow icon appears suspended in the air in front of a person's hand.
The user can interact with floating images or video, and manipulate them as you
could with a mouse, including clicking and dragging. With the lightest of touches, users
can grab and shuffle images around, zoom in and out to see the minutest of details, or
simply wave their hands over an image to make it come alive on screens as large as 100
inches or 254 centimetres.

1.1 Io2 Technology

IO2 Technology today announced the release of the Heliodisplay M2, its revolutionary
second-generation Heliodisplay(TM) free-space display. Like the first-generation
Heliodisplay M1, the Heliodisplay M2 displays high-resolution, full-color video in thin
air, without a physical screen. The M2 features a screen area 87 percent larger than that of
the M1, and boasts many other improvements allowing for superior images.
"Market reaction to the first-generation system has been extremely positive, and
based on our evolving advancements, the M2 is the next step in our product line," said
Chad Dyner, the inventor of the technology used in the Heliodisplay. With the M2, the
Heliodisplay extends its usefulness to the marketing, retail and trade-show industries.
"Our customers have been excited about getting a screen area thats almost double in size
from the last version," said IO2 Technology operational manager Jay Fields. With its new
design, the M2 can be installed under a table, to have video suddenly appear in front of
the viewer floating in the air.
"There is nothing like this from any other company", said Kenneth Siber, a
London-based technology consultant whose company, Betaminds, United Kingdom,
provides Heliodisplay based solutions to its customers. "The interactive model, the M2i,
plugs into a USB port and functions as a nonphysical touch screen. That has been popular
with many of our clients, Siber continued.
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 10
The Heliodisplay has been deployed successfully by corporate, government, and
individual customers in the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. IO2
Enterprise division, offers custom-built high-end display solutions based on the
Heliodisplay technology.

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 11

Chapter -2

HELIODISPLAY PRINCIPLE & WORKING

The Heliodisplay is an interactive planar display. Though the image it projects appears
much like a hologram, its inventors claim that it doesn't use holographic technology,
though it does use rear projection (not lasers as originally reported) to project its image. It
does not require any screen or substrate other than air to project its image, but it does
eject a water-based vapour curtain for the image to be projected upon. The curtain is
produced using similar ultrasonic technology as used in foggers and comprises a number
of columns of fog. This curtain is sandwiched between curtains of clean air to create an
acceptable screen. Heliodisplay moves through a dozen metal plates and then comes out
again. (The exact details of its workings are unknown, pending patent applications.)It
works as a kind of floating touch screen, making it possible to manipulate images
projected in air with your fingers, and can be connected to a computer using a standard
VGA connection. It can also connect with a TV or DVD by a standard RGB video cable.
Though due to the turbulent nature of the curtain, not currently suitable as a workstation.
The Heliodisplays are interactive, allowing a finger or hand to move images around in the
air as if one were grabbing a virtual object. It requires a power outlet, and a computer,
TV, DVD or alternate video source. The current version of the Heliodisplay projects 30"
diagonal images in 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio.
Viewing requires no special glasses or background/foreground screening. Of
course, with any type of display, the darker the background and lighting, the higher
the contrast of the Heliodisplay images or an display on the market. The Heliodisplay
interactive is like a virtual touch screen. A hand or finger can act as a mouse for cursor
control interactivity in a computer environment. No special glove or pointing device is
required. Just as you use a mouse to move the cursor on a traditional computer monitor,
you can use your finger to move the cursor around the Heliodisplay image. It would
surely be a great experience to handle them.
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 12

Figure 2.1 Heliodisplay projects the images into free space

How would you like to see a holographic-like image displayed in the air from your tv or
mobile device? Sound like science fiction. Apparently not, according to IO2 Technology
"IO2 Technology develops technology relating to next-generation interfaces some of
which are not currently available, one platform is the Heliodisplay. Heliodisplay images
are not holographic although they are free space, employing a rear projection system in
which images are captured onto a nearly invisible plane of transformed air. What the
viewer sees is floating mid-air image or video. These projected images and video are twodimensional, (i.e. planar) but appear 3D since there is no physical depth reference. While
conventional displays have the benefit of being attached to a physical substrate.
Heliodisplay projections are suspended in air as shown in the above Figure
2.1, so you will notice some waviness to the quality of the projections. The Heliodisplay
requires a power outlet, and a computer, TV, DVD or alternate video source. The current
version of the Heliodisplay projects 30" diagonal images in 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio. The
Heliodisplay system is backward compatible and accepts most 2D video sources
(PC, TV, DVD, HDTV, Video game consoles). For connection to a computer, the
Heliodisplay uses a standard monitor VGA connection; for TV or DVD viewing, it
connects using a standard video cable. The Heliodisplay is designed to be concealed
(i.e. into furniture) and hidden out of sight. By now, we're all jaded enough to figure
out that this gee-whiz technology is fun to dream about, but probably isn't going to be
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 13
something we buy for quite a while. The Heliodisplay interactive is like a virtual
touch screen. A hand or finger can act as a mouse for cursor control interactivity in a
computer environment. No special glove or pointing device is required. Just as you use a
mouse to move the cursor on a traditional computer monitor, you can use your finger to
move the cursor around the Heliodisplay image. It would surely be a great
experience to handle them.

2.1 Displaying Data in Thin Air

The first permanent prototype was installed in the Vapriikki museum in Tampere and has
since been loaned for use in France. Fog Screen is renting some devices and expects to
begin sales soon. Rakkolainen said, this project started as a wild idea. The researchers
formed Fog Screen Inc. last year and are currently marketing the device. Although
Heliodisplay and Fog Screen are interesting, it remains to be seen if new techniques
represent the latest approach to display technology: doing away with the screen. While
unlikely the replace the desktop computer monitor, these thin-air display could eventually
be put use in product showrooms, museums, military training facilities, corporate
conference rooms, trade fairs, theme parks, and advertisements. Chad Dyner, a graduate
student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and chief executive officer for IO2
Technologies, has invented the Heliodisplay, which condenses the air above a
video projector. The device then projects an image onto the condensed air.
Dyner said IO2 has constructed proof-of-concept devices with 5-, 15-, 27- and 42inch screens. These can display two dimensional images that hover above the projector.
Because they are displayed on a surface that is not flat, the images appear 3D from a few
feet away and can be seen from any surrounding position. Dyner said he created IO2
Technology license the technology to one or more key players in the display market
or companies that have the manufacturing capability to produce and distribute
Heliodisplay.

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 14
Chapter-3

DEVELOPMENTS IN HELIODISPLAY
3.1 MODEL M1
The original M1 units produced by IO2 were advanced prototypes and proof-of-concept.
These are the first heliodisplay developed by the IO2 technologies. They have all the
above said properties. But they have less fidelity. These first generation heliodisplays
support only a 22 image.
3.2 MODEL M2
The second-generation M2 Heliodisplay supports a 30 image with 16.7 million colours
and a 2000:1 contrast ratio. It is shown in figure 3.1. Heliodisplay images are unique and
offer many advantages over existing displays. The M2 is about the size of a tower
desktop computer case turned on its side. The interactive M2i version includes virtual
touchscreen capability. It allows a finger placed on the floating image to act as a
computer pointing device. The user can interact with floating images or video, and
manipulate them as you could with a mouse, including clicking and dragging. The M2i
comes with Heliocast software and PC drivers to
enable this.

Figure 3.1. Model M2

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 15

3.3 MODEL M3 and M30

The third-generation M3 version has the same basic specifications as the M2 but is much
quieter, with improved brightness and clarity and more stable operation with an improved
tri-flow system. Parts of M3 and M30 are shown in figure 3.2. Apart from displaying at a
standard ratio of 4:3 in addition it also displays 16:9 widescreen ratio. These
improvements allow the display to begin to offer advantages in markets such as
teleconferencing, board room displays, and as an access point for gathering information
in hotel and corporate lobbies. The Heliodisplay M3 is available directly from IO2. There
is also an interactive version called the M3i. M3i serves as a computer input device for
cursor control in a desktop environment. The M30 is the updated version of the M3,
which fits into the current model numbering system, 30 designating the diagonal screen
size.

Figure 3.2. Model M3 and M30

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 16

3.4 MODEL M50 and M100

In late 2007, IO2 Technology introduced two larger Heliodisplays, the M50 and M100.
They are shown in figure 3.3. The M50 has a 50 diagonal image, equivalent to
displaying a life-size head-and-shoulders person. The M100 has a 100 diagonal image,
equivalent to displaying a large full-body person (about 2 meters tall).

Figure 3.3. Model M50 and M100

3.5 MODEL L90
L90 is another model developed of heliodisplay by the IO2 Technologies. It has a model
as shown in figure 3.4. This is also an updated version of previous models. It has an
interactive version also, called L90i. L90 is backward compatible.

Figure 3.4. Model L90

3.6 P-SERIES
P-series Heliodisplay Projection systems are designed with simpler operation
functionality and advanced controls for integrating and use. P-series incorporate an
optical sync between components that they are in direct communication link so only one
button or trigger is required to operate as they all turn on and shut down in sync.
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 17
Communication ports allow for the helio projection and helio base to be controlled
remotely in an installation via a remote controller or PC. Onboard diagnostic features
support timing and other advanced independent controls via a controller or PC. Built in
gesture control allows even simpler operation, such as hand waving to turn on the unit
without actually touching the device. To project the images and videos, air should be
touched. The PRX2 projection unit includes proprietary baffling to reduce the viewing of
the light source and beam-steering optics shorten the throw distance by 10(25cm) while
simultaneously allowing for easy control of the projection angle without even moving the
projection. In addition, and only available in the in the P92, the base system can operate
in any orientation from 0-180 degrees. It also has USB playback from projection unit.
Various parts of the Pseries are shown from figures 3.5 to 3.8.

Figure 3.5. Digital LCD interface of P-series

Figure 3.7. Media drive of P-series

Figure 3.6. Complete P-series

Figure3.8. External hook-up of P-series

Chapter-4
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 18

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

4.1 Advantages
The main advantage of heliodisplay is that it needs no screen to project image. It changes
the air and creates a dynamic non-solid particle of cloud on to which the image is
projected. The device is also light weight and designed to conceal inside furniture.
Therefore we can create an effect of displaying images in mid-air. Also nothing is added
to the air; nothing affects air quality. Hence it does not cause any health problems. No
special glasses or projection screens are required to see the images projected by
heliodisplay. Heliodisplay does not create fog. So it does not cause any problems to the
other electronic equipments in its vicinity. Projected images and video are twodimensional, (i.e. Planar) but appear 3-D since there is no physical depth reference. Also
heliodisplay can project images from all the normal sources like DVD player or PC. It
can be used in any country since it works on 95-115 or 220-240V VAC. With
Heliodisplay, imagery can be seen up to 75 degrees off
aspect for a total viewing area of over 150 degrees. Translucency is controllable with
the Heliodisplay.
4.2 Disadvantages
Heliodisplay is very expensive. It starts from Rs. 700000/- onwards. Common people
cannot afford it. Also it cannot be used outdoors since any disturbance in air would affect
the quality of the image. wet and turbulence affecting seriously reduces the fidelity of
imagery. The image is slightly unstable and can clearly be seen in a dark background.

Chapter -5
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 19

TYPES OF DISPLAYS

5.1 Head-mounted displays

Traditional augmented and virtual reality often uses head-worn, tracked displays which
draw virtual images directly in front of the user's eyes. World-stabilized 3D objects are
possible using position and orientation head tracking to always draw objects from the
correct point of view for the user. More sophisticated displays present different left and
right images for stereo separation effects, but in general focal length remains constant
across the entire image. These setups typically only provide a private image which cannot
be seen without cumbersome user-worn equipment-collaboration requires each user
wears separate display hardware. Artifacts such as misregistration and lag are commonly
experienced problems that detract from the sense of presence in the virtual or augmented
reality scene and may cause eye-strain, headache, and other discomforts.

5.2 Volumetric displays

While head-worn displays attempt to create the appearance of virtual objects within some
work space, volumetric displays actually create the 3D image of a surface within a
volume. The surface can be viewed from arbitrary viewpoints with proper eye
accommodation since each point of light has a real origin in 3D. Tracking of the viewer is
not necessary. Volumetric displays are based on a broad and diverse collection of various
methods, technologies and ideas. Numerous techniques incorporating e.g., fiber optics
mirrors or oscillating screens, have been developed to achieve this effect. Traub's display
creates a virtual image by varying the focal length of a mirror to produce a series of 2D
images at different apparent depths. A real 3D image is generated by Actuality Systems'
Perspecta display, which draws 2D images on a quickly rotating screen to fill the entire
volume swept out by its path. The Depth Cube Z1024 display takes yet another approach,
using 20 stacked LCD panels to light 3D points in space without any moving parts.
Unfortunately, these displays all create their 3D imagery in a fairly small enclosed
volume that the viewer cannot enter. They are more suited for computer graphics than
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 20
video applications due to the difficulty in capturing suitable natural imagery in 3D. One
drawback is typically image transparency where parts of an image that are normally
occluded are seen through the foreground object. Yet another difficulty that could give an
unrealistic appearance to natural images is that of the inability to display surfaces with a
non-Lambrian intensity distribution.

5.3Large translucent displays

The HoloScreen and the HoloClear displays make the screen practically transparent from
the viewer's point of view, showing only projected objects. They are examples of screens
that consist of an acrylic plate that is coated with a holographic film, such that it catches
only light that is projected from a 30-35 degree angle. A bright and clear image can thus
be obtained in daylight conditions, while the display is transparent from the opposite side.
These types of transparent displays are single-sided and not penetrable.
When a projection system is combined with user tracking and a large
semitransparent display, the result is a projection-based optical see-through AR system. A
serious limitation of such a setup, however, is its inherent single- 2.5.

5.4 Immaterial displays

There have been several displays using water, smoke or fog, with an early example
presented by the Ornamental Fountain from the end of the 19th century. More recently,
water screen shows such as Water Dome, Antique Show and Disney's Fantasmic, spray
sheets of freely flowing or high-velocity water to create impressive displays for large
audiences. The magnitude and wetness of these screens, as well as their large water
consumption, make them impractical for indoor or small-scale applications, as well as
preclude the viewers from comfortably passing through the display space and seeing crisp
images from short distances. However, these water screens may be large and look good if
viewed from afar and on-axis.

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 21
Many types of fog projection systems have been used for art and entertainment
purposes, but the rapid dispersion of the fog seriously limits the fidelity of projected
images. The dispersion is caused by turbulence and friction in the fog's flow, which
disrupts the desired smooth planar surface, causing projected points of light to streak into
lines. This streaking causes severe distortion of the image from off-axis viewing angles.

5.5 Perspecta
Perspecta is another unique display technology, developed by Actuality Systems.
Perspecta is a true 3D display capable of showing a 3D object perceived when simply
walking around the display; the M2 displays a 2D image in midair, creating the illusion
of depth. While the Perspecta is currently used mainly for medical and research purposes,
the M2 is intended primarily for corporate use as a promotional or advertising tool at this
stage. Although it is possible to view movies or play games on the M2, Dyner admitted
that the current device is not intended for serious applications such as CAD (computeraided design
Like any rear projection system as above Figure 3.1, the images are best seen
within 70 degrees to either side. The necessity of an oblique viewing angle (to avoid
looking into the projector's light source) may be a disadvantage Viewing requires no
special glasses.

Figure 5.2 viewing angle

Chapter-6

APPLICATIONS AND ITS REQUIREMENTS

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 22

6.1 Applications
Applications for this technology are wide-ranging, since the displayed image is nonphysical and therefore unobtrusive. Imaged information can be displayed in the center of
a room, where people or objects can move through the image, for use in teleconferencing,
The system of this invention not only frees up space where a conventional display might
be placed, but due to its variable opacity and multi-viewing capability, allows the device
to be centered around multiple parties, to freely view, discuss and interact collaboratively
with the image and each other. The device can be hung from the ceiling, placed on walls,
on the floor, concealed within furniture such as a desk, and project images from all
directions, allowing the image can be retracted when not in use. A scaled down version
allows portable devices such as PDA's and cell phones to have virtual large displays and
interactive interface in a physically small enclosure.
It finds great application in medical field. In an operating theatre, a surgeon can
access an imaging databank on his PC using a similar airborne screen .Or during an open
heart surgery the patients vital signs would hover above the chest. Thus he need not
touch any keys and worry about the hygiene problems.
Proposed applications for the real-world Heliodisplay include:

Advertising and Promotion, e.g.: trade shows; in-store displays; museum, movie
and casino displays; theme parks.

Collaborative Decision Making, e.g.: board meetings and presentations; air-traffic

control; military command and control architectural and engineering design;
teleconferencing.

Simulation & Training e.g.: virtual targets; pre-operative planning; virtual surgery,
heads-up display

Entertainment e.g.: video games; home theatre

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 23

Build one into a door jamb and have a walk through image or virtual privacy
screen.

Advertising and Promotion, e.g.: trade shows; in-store displays; museum, movie
and casino displays; theme parks.

Collaborative Decision Making, e.g.: board meetings and presentations;

command and control; architectural and

Engineering design; teleconferencing.

Simulation & Training, e.g.: virtual targets; pre-operative planning.

6.2 Requirements
The Heliodisplay requires a power outlet, and a computer, TV, DVD or alternate video
source. The current version of the Heliodisplay projects a 22" to 42" (depending on
model) diagonal image that floats above the device. The Heliodisplay system is backward
compatible and accepts most 2D video sources (PC, TV, DVD, HDTV, Video game
consoles). For connection to a computer, the Heliodisplay uses a standard monitor VGA
connection; for TV or DVD viewing, it connects using a standard RGB video cable.
The Heliodisplay M2 works for regions either in 110V/60Hz, or 220V/50Hz.
The Heliodisplay is interactive, like a virtual touch screen. A hand or finger can
act as a mouse. No special glove or pointing device is required. No special glasses are
required to view the display. Dark environment is preferred.

CONCLUSION
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 24
Heliodisplay is a good projection unit which does not require any special hardware and
support videos and jpg images, flash, quick time etc. We can also play games on
Heliodisplays. This unique technology, developed by a former architect, creates
one of the most convincing open-air holographic-like images in existence.
Heliodisplay can work as a free-space touch screen when connected to a PC by a
USB cable. APC sees the Heliodisplay as a pointing device, like a mouse. With the
supplied software installed, one can use a finger, pen, or another object as cursor control
and navigate or interact with simple content.

REFERENCES
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

HELIODISPLAY 25

www.seminarsonly.com

www.heliodisplay.com

www.egydown.com

www.seminarprojects.com

www.Pdf4u.com

Heliodisplay Floating Display; Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - Iddo Genuth

IO2 Technology intros floating M3 Heliodisplay screen by Darren Murphy

IEEE SPECTRUM August 2004,volume 37

DiVerdi, Rakkolainen, Hollerer, Olwal, A Novel Walk-through 3-D Display.

Proceedings of SPIE 2006 Electronic Imaging, Vol.6055,428-437, January 2006.

Heliodisplay-Futuristic display technology by Bill Christensen, August,2005

Rakkolainen, K. Palovuori, Laser Scanning for the Interactive Walk-Through

FogScreen. ACM Virtual Reality, Software and Technology (VRST 2005)
Monterey, CA, USA, November 7-9, 2005

dnp Holo Screen. DNP, http://www.dnp.dk/. December 2005

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION