Science Fiction
Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 |
Heliodisplay - Futuristic Display Technology
Update Aug-18-2005: According to the company's 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.
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.
(From Heliodisplay)
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)
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.
(Let the Wookie win)
And of course we all remember this scene.
(Help me, Obiwan Kenobi - you're my only hope)
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.
(The original article was published 12/30/2004.)
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 8/18/2005)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 23 )
Related News Stories - (" Display ")
Transparent 4K OLED Wireless TV From LG
You will note that HG Wells also figured out the aspect ratio of the future!
DOTPad Braille Device Offers Live Access
Amazing tactile display.
Transparent MicroLED Screen From Samsung
Has Samsung nailed the Look of Things To Come?
Augmented Reality Book Covers Reveal The Inner Book
'The E-paper holograms leaped from lurid covers...' - Greg Bear, 2003.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Science Fiction
Timeline
1600-1899
1900-1939
1940's 1950's
1960's 1970's
1980's 1990's
2000's 2010's
Current News
Will AIs Give Better Results If You're Rude To Them?
'I said, "Listen up, motherf*cker.'
Cybertruck Robotic Arm F10 Drone Launch!
Drone away!
Black Fungus Blocks Radiation
'You were surrounded by Astrophage most of the time'
Liuzhi Process Now In Use In China
'He was in a high-ceilinged windowless cell with walls of glittering white porcelain.'
Reflect Orbital Offers 'Sunlight on Demand' And Light Pollution
'I don't have to tell you about the seven two-mile-diameter orbital mirrors...'
Will Robots Become Family Caregivers?
'The robant and the tiny old woman entered the control room slowly...'
Chinese Tokamak Uses AI To Keep Fusion Plasma Stable
'Guy named Otto Octavius winds up with eight limbs... What are the odds?'
Time Crystals Can Now Be Seen Directly
'It is as you thought when you constructed the time crystal, my master Vaylan.'
RoboBallet The Dance Of Cooperative Robots
'...an integrated seven-unit robot team.'
Chrysalis Generation Ship to Alpha Centauri
'This was their world, their planet —
this swift-traveling, yet seemingly moveless vessel.'
Alexa+ And Its AI Brain Improvements
'What's it do?' he asked. 'It amuses.'
Does CloneRobotics Offer A True Android?
Is this What Little Girls Are Made Of?
Brain Implant Is Able To Capture Your Inner Dialogue
'So you see, you can hide nothing from me.'
Are AIs Going Rogue Like Hal 9000
'I know that you and Frank were planning to disconnect me...'
Animated Tumblebugs On Astounding Cover!
'Gaines and Harvey mounted tumblebugs, and kept abreast of the Cadet Captain...'
LingYuan Vehicle Roof Drones Now Available, ala Blade Runner 2049
Accompanied by a small selection of similar ideas from science fiction.
