I reported on the first generation of this gear a year and a half ago on this blog. They have apparently made vast improvements with the technology. Watch the video, it’s wild.

IO2Technology: Heliodisplay/ Interactive Free-Space Display

Heliodisplay images are not holographic although they are free-space, meaning the images are projected in mid-air occupying an addressable location in three-dimensional space. These displays are two-dimensional space (i.e. planar) but appear 3D since there is no physical depth reference. This allows for compatibility for 3D-like computer images (videogame, computer-aided design mpg’s, fly thoughts) type images generated on a computer. The system is designed to be concealed (i.e. into furniture) and hidden out of sight thereby creating an unobtrusive display. Examples are shown in which the heliodisplay has been enclosed within a coffee table.

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.

Although Heliodisplay images are easily viewed in an office environment, this system is unique, and therefore has to compete with it’s surroundings, so contrast becomes paramount for optimal viewing. Having a dark backdrop or background emphasizes the contrast of whites and blacks and is highly encouraged when designing a location to view the display. The same concept holds true for existing physical displays (LCDs, Plasma’s etc), but contain a high contrast background when the pixels within image are not illuminated. Also, just like viewing any computer monitor or TV, viewing a Heliodisplay image in direct sunlight is almost impossible. Images can be seen up to 75 degrees off aspect for a total viewing area of over 150 degrees- similar to an LCD screen. Viewing requires no special glasses.

Operating the Heliodisplay with the self-sustaining module and mode enabled will not change a room’s environment. Air comes into the device, is modified, ejected and illuminated to produce the image. Nothing is added in this mode so there aren’t any harmful gas or liquid emitted from the device.