Heliodisplay Seminar Report Summary

Heliodisplay Seminar Report 13
Dept. of Electronics ELDHOSE GEORGE
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CONTENTS
1.Aknowldgement
2. Introduction
3. Heliodisplay and its Principles
4. History
5. Working
6. Mid Air Video Display
7. Models
8. Negative Aspects
9. Applications
10. Conclusion
11. Reference

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Motivation is a driving force behind every
successful Venture. So w as in the case of my seminar
too. With regard to the completion of the seminar I
w ish to acknow ledge the follow ing people w ere sources
of motivation behind it. First and foremost I render out
sincere gratitude t ,our principal for providing me w ith
good facilities and proper environment for developing
my seminar.
I extend my earnest thank fullness to our H ead
Of D epartment,Prof.PAR VATH I B H ASK AR ; and I express
my thanks to all teaching and non teaching staff for their
kind co-operation and guidance for preparing and
presenting this seminar.
I w ish to thank all other my beloved
friends w ho assisted me in several w ays during the
completion of seminar a nd also my parents for their
exhaustive z eal and blessing and the above everyone I
express my heartfelt gratitude to the almight for show ering
his grace and blessings on me as a result of w hich this
seminar has been completed successful in time

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INTRODUCTION
Heliodisplay is a hi-tech projector that displays pictures in the air. The
Heliodisplay 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 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.
Heliodisplay is a patented projection system designed to project video,
products, information, people in mid-air (50" & 90" diagonal form factor).
Heliodisplay is part of a complete two-piece solution (base unit and
projection unit). You can connect the Heliodisplay to any video output,
or insert a CF (Compact Flash) card with AVI or JPEG files into the
Heliodispay, and project any images or video in mid-air. Press the power
button (eco-friendly, low power consumption 100watts, 280watts),
connect the video source, and you will see images in air (some content
is better than others). No special programming is required as this works
like a standard mouse driver. IO2 Technology ships Heliodisplays
worldwide. We can work with you to deploy Heliodisplays in your
location. Heliodisplays work on any power source, 90-240V, 50 or 60 Hz.
No fog or special chemical is required. Heliodisplay does not affect the
environment as it works using the existing air that is already in the room
to create the image. An internal water tank of 8 liters filled with regular
tap water lasts one to two days on the L90 and a 3 litre tank on the M50
lasts a day. A supplied water tank can be configured for operating
continuously for a week, month or years. Heliodisplay M50 are ready
place on a table or the L9 sits on the ground. No truss work or hanging

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necessary. Easily extending a few lines allows the system to run for
multiple days/weeks/ months or years. Heliodisplays images hovers 5
cm (2´) beside the unit. Heliodisplay works in any controlled indoor
lighting, such as the lighting in stores, museums, offices, and lobbies.
Heliodisplays image looks best when the hardware is hidden inside
furniture or structures.
Heliodisplay & its Principle:-
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
floggers 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 Heliodisplay is an invention by Chad Dyner, who built it
as a 5-inch prototype in his apartment before founding IO2 technologies
to further develop the product.
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

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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 RGB video cable.
Heliodisplay images are easily viewed in an office environment. Like any
computer monitor or TV, images appear brighter the lower the ambient
light. Also, just like viewing any computer monitor or TV, viewing a
Heliodisplay image in direct sunlight is almost impossible. The image is
display into two-dimensional space (i.e. planar).
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.
HelioDisplay projects the images into free space

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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 arenot currently
available, one platform is the Heliodisplay. Heliodisplay images are not
holographic although they are free-space, employing a rearprojection
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 two-dimensional, (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, so you will
notice some waviness to the quality of the projections.

7
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
thereby creating an unobtrusive display.
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.
HISTORY
In late 2003, a small company from the San Francisco Bay Area
demonstrated a unique revolutionary display technology. The (then)
prototype device projected an image in thin air just above it, creating an
illusion of a floating hologram, reminiscent of the famous scene from
'Star Wars' in which R2-D2 projects a hologram of Princess Leia. 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 a inventor. Dyner
bought an ordinary digital projector, took it apart, and spent entire ways
trying to figure out a way to stop in midair the light coming from the
projector without engaging a traditional screen. Though the details are
kept a closely-guarded secret, Dyner was willing to provide a general
description of the way the Heliodisplay works.

8
Displaying an image using conventional projectors requires a non-
transparent medium, typically screens, walls, or even water, but air,
which is transparent, cannot
Fogscreen display
be used. A more recent development is the Fog Screen, which creates
an image in midair by employing a large, non-turbulent airflow to protect
the dry fog generated within from 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

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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.
Heliocast - interactive Heliodisplay
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 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. The M2 projects its 76.2 cm (30'')
diagonal floating image at a height of 71 cm (28") above the projector.

10
The native resolution of the M2 is 800 x 600 though it can support up to
1280 x 1024,and the image can be viewed from as much as a 150
degrees angle. The M2i model includes a proprietary system, called
Heliocast, for interactively controlling the displayed image. A sensor
inside the M2 identifies the movement of the user's hand in the area of
the projected image and the Heliocast software calculates the movement
of the object projected.
TFOT recently covered another unique display technology, called
Perspecta, developed by Actuality Systems. Unlike the Perspecta, which
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 (computer-aided design). The Perspecta is an enclosed
device with lower resolution but with the capability to display a full 3D
image and video with almost no flickering or wavering effects. A future
display might incorporate the best of both worlds: an open-air display
with high resolution, clear 3D capability, along with an accurate
interactive capability.
WORKING
The Heliodisplay transforms water into a unique screen of fine vapour,
suspended in mid-air to create a nearly invisible screen into which any

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image can be projected. The display can create a true 3D hologram
effect when the right content is used.
The mist is formed by a series of metal plates, and the original
Heliodisplay could run for several hours on one liter of tap water. 2008
model Heliodisplays use 80 ml to 120 ml of water per hours depending
on screen size and user settings, and can be built with any size water
tank.
The system supports all those formats compatible with Win2000, XP and
Mac platforms. This is just a display, and works similar to one.
HelioDisplay Working Model

12
The Heliodisplay uses no additives or chemicals, only plain tap water
(you can also use distilled water, ionized water or demineralised water if
desired).The image feels just like air and there is no noticeable
difference. Images are visible under typical indoor lighting. Similar to
any display on the market, the darker the ambience, the brighter the
image will be perceived. It does not use any gas except the surrounding
air that you are already breath; and is not toxic.
An internal or external tank (depending on mode) needs to be refilled
with regular tap water for operation. The tanks last a few days to a week
(depending on settings and operating time) or can configure for
constant use. Heliodisplays use 80 ml to 120 ml of water per hour,
depending on screen size and user settings, and can be built with any
size water tank.The system supports all those formats compatible with
Win2000, XP and Mac platforms. This is just a display, and works similar
to one.

13
Viewing requires no special glasses.
Viewing from more than
70 deg off centre
Angle of Viewing
The Heliodisplay uses no additives or chemicals, only plain tap water
(you can also use distilled water, ionized water or demineralised water if
desired).The image feels just like air and there is no noticeable
difference. Images are visible under typical indoor lighting.

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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. FogScreen is
renting some devices and expects to begin sales soon. Rakkolainen
said, ³This project started as a wild idea.´ The researchers formed
FogScreen Inc. last year and are currently marketing the device.
Although Heliodisplay and FogScreen are interesting, it remains to be
seen if wo new techniques represent the latest approach to display
technology: doing away with the screen. While unlikely to replace the
desktop computer monitor, these thin-air displays could eventually be
put to use in product showrooms, museums military training facilities,
corporate conference rooms, trade fairs, theme parks, and
Avertisements.
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 42- inch screens. These can display twodimensional 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. yner 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.´ Senior researcher Ismo
Rakkolainen and Professor KarriPalovuori of Finlands Tampere
University of Technolog have developed the FogScreen, a display
surface made out of a cloud of water vapor diffused into the air as a very
dry fog. A projector can display images on the FogScreen.

15
It appears dry to the touch, so it feels just like air,´ Rakkolainen
explained. Viewers will thus see images they can walk through without
getting wet. The water vapor is diffused between thick layers of emitted
stable air, which keeps the fog thin and flat, enabling high-quality
images, he added. they will be cost effective and will find an important
use, said analyst Chris Chinnock of Insight Media, a displayindustr
research firm. Both are more likely to work as advertising or information
screens in museums, public displays, entertainment centers, etc.,´ he
explained. ³These are specialty displays that need a novel experience
and they need to be marketed and positioned as such.
FogScreen technology, invented by two Finnish researchers, projects
an image onto a display surface of water vapor diffused into the air as a
very dry fog. Viewers can even put their hands through the images. Any
fan of the movie Starwars or Minoriy Report or a similar futuristic movie
is in for a real delight because one of the features that these movies
boasted, was 3D Virtual Holographic Displays and seemingly Floating
TouchScreen Displays are now a reality!
Yes you are not dreaming, these displays and the technology for these
diplays has been finally perfected! IO2 Technologies have developed
displays under the brand Heliodisplay, which projects any standard
computer or video cable attached to the Heliodisplay system, and
project video or images into mid-air.

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Various models are available ranging sizes from 30 , 50 and 100
(diagonal) areas. The µi´version allows for a ³virtual´ touchscreen (new
for December 2007). No special hardware or software is required to view
images. The 30 Heliodisplay is now only 5.9 tall, and weighs 15lbs. The
50 and 100 are each only 10 tall and weigh 28lbs, and 68lbs respectively.
All afford a wide range of flexibility and options.
Features:
The new M3 / M3i boasts ³an improved tri-flow system for increased
image stability and uniformity,´ enhanced brightness and clarity, a 1,024
x 768 resolution, 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratios, 2000:1 contrast ratio, VGA / S-
Video / composite inputs, USB, NTSC / PAL compatibility, and
significantly quieter operation´ to boot. Marketed to the uber-wealthy
and board room runners who’d like to teleconference on a free- space
device (and blow the minds of clients), the basic M3 is available for a
stiff $18,400, while the M3i which also serves as a computer input

17
device for cursor control in a desktop environment´ will set you back a
whopping $19,400.

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When the Heliodisplay is connected to a PC using a
standard USB cable, and with the supplied IO2 Heliocast software installed,
you can use your finger for touchscreen control to navigate and interact
with content such as drag & drop, clicking, double clicking etc as one
would on a standard PC. This is available starting December 2007.
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 Heliodisplay is an invention by Chad Dyner, who built it as a 5-inch
prototype in his apartment before founding IO2 technologies to further
develop the product.

19
The Heliodisplay uses no additives or chemicals, only plain tap water (you
can also use distilled water, ionized water or demineralised water if
desired).The image feels just like air and there is no noticeable difference.
Images are visible under typical indoor lighting. Similar to any display on
the market, the darker the ambience, the brighter the image will be
perceived. It does not use any gas except the surrounding air that you are
already breath; and is not toxic.
An internal or external tank (depending on mode) needs to be refilled with
regular tap water for operation. The tanks last a few days to a week
(depending on settings and operating time) or can configure for constant
use. Heliodisplays use 80 ml to 120 ml of water per hour, depending on
screen size and user settings, and can be built with any size water tank.The

20
system supports all those formats compatible with Win2000, XP and Mac
platforms. This is just a display, and works similar to one. The Heliodisplay
uses no additives or chemicals, only plain tap water (you can also use
distilled water, ionized water or demineralised water if desired,
Mid air video display
Project video or images into mid-air
Supports
 JPEG

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MODELS
M1
The original M1 units produced by IO2 were advanced prototypes and
proof-of-concept, but a few were sold to early adopters through channels
such as eBay.
M2
The second-generation M2 Heliodisplay supports a 30" image with 16.7
million colors and a 2000:1 contrast ratio. The interactive M2i version
includes virtual touch screen capability.
Specifications
1. Image Size: 30 measured diagonally (4:3 aspect)
2. Interactivity: Virtual Cursor Control ± Heliocast ver. 2.0
3. Aspect Ratio: 4:3 or 16:9
4. Resolution: Native ± SVGA 800×600 pixels; Resize Support: 640×350
to 1280×1024 pixels
5. Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 (at projection source)
6. Color Reproduction: 16.7 Million colors/ full frame video
7. Video Input connectors: RGB analog, USB, RCA video, S-VIDEO, VGA
8. Input signal frequency: Fh: 31-80kHz; Fv: 56-120Hz

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9. Video & PC Compatibility: PC, Mac, NTSC, PAL, SECAM HDTV:
480i/480p, 720p, 1080i
10.Image Translucency: Controllable visibility
11.Operational Sound Level: 38 dB
12.Electric Power Voltage: 95-115 or 220-240V VAC
13.Electric Power Frequency: 47-63 Hz
14.Electric Power Consumption: 350W
15.Working Temperature Range: 55F (12C) to 95F (35C)
16.Working Humidity Range: 25% ± 95%
17.Weight: 34.5lbs/ 15.7kg
18. Dimensions: (W): 28.3 , (D): 15.9 [29.8" expanded], (H): 9.3 (71.8cm x
39.6cm [76cm expanded ] x 36cm)
19. Warranty: six months limited parts and labor.
M3 and M30
The new third-generation M3 version launched on February 28, 2007 has
the same basicspecifications as the M2 but is said to be much quieter, with
improved brightness and clarity any more stable operation with an
improved tri-flow system.
Apart from displaying at a standard ratio of 4:3 in addition it also displays
16:9 widescreen ratios. There is also an interactive version called the M3i.
The M30 is the updated version of the M3, which fits into the current model
numbering system, 30 designating the diagonal screen size.

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M50 and M100
In late 2007, IO2 Technology introduced two larger Heliodisplays, the M50
and M100. 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).
According to the press release, the Heliodisplay is now available for
purchase. Heliodisplays are available in projecting image sizes from 22 to
42 inches (diagonal), and is available with interactive features. IO2
Technology's website (http://www.io2technology.com), which has
Heliodisplay(TM) units available for direct purchase, demonstrates how a
user can move the image of a watch in mid-air with their finger.
I saw this device demonstrated at Wired NextFest, a technology exposition
in Chicago earlier this summer, and it really works - it's an impressive
device.

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In his Dune novels, Frank Herbert makes use of something he calls a
"solido projector" – a device that forms an image directly on a conference
table. Films like Star Wars show how images projected into the air might be
used. The Heliodisplay from IO2Technology projects images - both still
pictures and video - into mid-air. It works with most video sources. It is
also interactive, forming a floating touch screen that can be manipulated
with your hands.

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(From Heliodisplay)
The image is two-dimensional, not volumetric.
The science fiction film Star Wars has several famous examples of how a
projection device like this might be used. For example, in the scene below,
R2D2 and Chewbacca are playing a board game with projected pieces.

26
As shown in the diagram below, air flows into the device, is modified and
then ejected and illuminated to produce the image. Nothing is added to the
air; nothing affects air quality. Images can be seen up to 75 degrees off
aspect, similar to an LCD screen; no special glasses or projection screens
are required.
(From Heliodisplay diagram)
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

27
previous models. It has an interactive version also, called L90i. L90 is
backward compatible.
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. 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

28
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 P- series
are shown

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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.
 Consumer, e.g.: video games; home theatre.
 Heads-up displays in new fields, e.g.: a patient's vital signs could
hover above the chest during open heart surgery.
 Build one into a door jamb and have a walk through image or virtual
privacy screen.
 An in-store end cap advertising display and demonstration through
which the customer can reach and grab shown product.
 Build the Heliodisplay into furniture, e.g. project from desk.

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ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
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 two-dimensional, (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 95115 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.
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

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RELATED TECHNOLOGIES
FOGSCREEN
Senior researcher Ismo Rakkolainen and Professor Karri Palovuori of
Finland's Tampere University of Technology have developed the
FogScreen, a display surface made out of a cloud of water vapor
diffused into the air as a very dry fog. A projector can display images on
the FogScreen. It uses a technology very similar to heliodisplay.
FogScreen is shown.
Unlike heliodisplay, FogScreen creates fog to display
images. The FogScreen uses fog as a projection surface, creating an
image floating in thin air. If people walk through the FogScreen, the
image will instantly reform behind them. It allows projection of
interactive content, such as images, videos or animations, to appear

32
floating in free space. It also enables to create special effects like
walking through a brick wall or writing fiery characters in thin air. The
FogScreen employs an optimized, patented method for forming a
physically penetrable 2D particle display. The basic principle is the use
of a large non-turbulent airflow to protect a flow of, for example, dry fog
particles inside it from turbulence. The outer airflow may get slightly
turbulent, but the inner fog layer remains thin and crisp, enabling high-
quality projections and the walk-through possibility. Ordinary tap water
is broken into fine fog droplets and trapped inside this non-turbulent
airflow. Even though the fog is made of water, it appears dry to the
touch, just like air. The resulting thin, stable sheet of fog enables
projections on a screen that is dry and feels like slightly cool air. The
light from a standard projector is scattered through this sheet of fog,
creating a rearprojection image.
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., fibre 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. A 3D display Actuality Systems' Perspecta is

33
shown in figure 6.2. The DepthCube 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 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-
Lambertian intensity distribution.
Actuality Systems' Perspecta 15
CONCLUSION
The heliodisplay is a relatively new technology and is still being
developed. Heliodisplay works as a kind of floating display and touch
screen, making it possible to manipulate images projected in air with
our fingers. Though it has some flaws the attention that it brings is
enormous. Its various applications such as in advertising, a board room
etc suggests that its future scope is very large. Several other thin air-
displays are available but heliodisplay out classes them and as a result
it has more market value. Though it is currently expensive and

34
unaffordable heliodisplay technology has a great potential. It is the
future generation display where we can see images projected into mid-
air without the help of a solid screen. It could be used for museum or
trade-show displays or for advertisements, and would be ideal for
collaborative work.
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. 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.
REFERENCES
1. Heliodisplay Floating Display; Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - Iddo
Genuth
2. IO2 Technology intros floating M3 Heliodisplay screen by Darren
Murphy Feb 28,2007
3. IEEE SPECTRUM August 2004,volume 3 7
4. DiVerdi, Rakkolainen, Hollerer, Olwal, A Novel Walk-through 3-D
Display. Proceedings of SPIE 2006 Electronic Imaging, Vol.6055,428-
437, January 2006.
5. Heliodisplay-Futuristic display technology by Bill Christensen,
August,2005

35
6. 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
7. dnp Holo Screen. DNP, http://www.dnp.dk/.

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