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Seminar Report on

HELIODISPLAY (7th semester)

Submitted: Submitted by:

August 6, 2012 Stuti Madaan

EC- 01

109005

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

S.NO. CONTENTPage

number

1. Introduction 3

2. Models of Heliodisplay 4

3. Requirements 5

4. Working 5

5. Features 9

6. Applications 11

7. Conclusion 13

8. Future Scope 14

9. References 15

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1. INTRODUCTION

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. We have been using the walls of buildings, and other screens for the projections. The “space” is one such option that can also be used for projections. However, that can be used with the Heliodisplay or Fogscreen projector invented by Chad Dyner.

The Heliodisplay is an air-based display using principally air that is already present in the operating environment (room or space). The system developed by IO2 Technology in 2001 uses a projection unit focused onto multiple layers of air resulting in a two-dimensional display that appears to float (3d when using 3d content).

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 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.

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.

Figure 1. Floating display

using Heliodisplay

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

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allow the images to take shape. Shown here, the laptop in the background is 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. 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 centimeters.

Advantages are:

Virtual touch screen Uses no additives or chemicals. Actually 2D but appears 3D. Walk Thru Screen. Two sided images. System can be hidden away from sight Viewing requires no special glasses

2. MODELS OF HELIODISPLAY1. 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.

2. M2: The M2-series is the second-generation mid-air projector with a larger 30-inch diagonal (76cm) display area with 16.7 million colours and a 2000:1 contrast ratio. The new M2 has been redesigned enabling higher image quality, resolution, brighter and overall performance. The interactive M2i version includes virtual touch screen capability. 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.

3. M3 and M30: It has the same basic specifications as the M2 but is said to be much quieter, with improved brightness and clarity and more stable operation with an improved tri-flow system.

4. 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).

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3. REQUIREMENTSThe 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 TV or DVD viewing, it connects using a standard RGB video cable.

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. 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 .The Heliodisplay connects to a computer through a USB port.

4. WORKINGHeliodisplay looks high-tech, but it relies on fairly simple technologies. The Heliodisplay transforms ambient air using a proprietary multi-stage system of modifying the optical characteristics within a planar region in which polychromatic light is scattered on this surface such that the image appears visible to the viewer. An advanced optical tracking system monitors finger movement within in the image region and is translated into cursor control movements, enabling the Heliodisplay to be utilized both as an Input & Output device in two-dimensional space.

The Heliodisplay transforms surrounding air 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 machine thus modifies the air above a video projector, creating a screen, which can display any kind of video. Images are then projected onto the water vapour via an internal projector and an external mirror. The display can create a true 3D hologram effect when the right content is used. The image is two-dimensional, can be seen from several angles, and be manipulated by hand. 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.

The image manipulation comes courtesy of a row of infrared light emitters positioned just in front of where the water vapour emerges. The system senses when your finger breaks through the infrared beams and interprets your movements in a way not dissimilar to a touch-sensitive screen , except there's no screen.

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Figure 2. Working

ILLUMINATION

INPUT

FLOATINGIMAGE

PARTICLE CLOUD

AIR

AIR

SINGLE IMAGEDELIVERY OPTICS

MULTI IMAGEOPTICS

SINGLE IMAGEGENERATION

GRAPHICS BOARD

PROCESSING UNIT

MULTI IMAGEGENERATION STORAGE

PARTICLE CLOUDDELIVERY DEVICE

PARTICLE CLOUDMANUFACTURE

STORAGE

EXTRACTIONDEVICE

SENSOR

CONTROLLER

EXTERNALSOURCE CONTROLLER

SENSOR

FEEDBACK

16

14

21

3911

37

5

4

3

2

1 34

351836

20 19 1338

12

10 9 78

15

17

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RETURN LOOP

Figure 3. Block Diagram

The preferred embodiment of the invention extracts moisture from the surrounding air through a heat pump extraction device (1). The extracted condensate is stored in a storage vessel (2), which can include an external connection (34), for additional refilling or for operation without extraction

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device (1). The condensate is sent to a particle cloud manufacturing system (3), which alters the condensate by mechanical, acoustical, electrical or chemical means, or a combination of one or more means, into microscopic particle cloud material (5). Particle cloud delivery device (4) ejects the microscopic particle cloud material locally re-humidifying the surrounding air (21), creating an invisible to near-invisible particle cloud screen (5), contained within a controlled microenvironment (37). A system (18) comprising of controller (35) and sensor (36) adjusts screen (5) density (number of particulates per defined volume), velocity and other parameters of particle cloud (5). External ambient conditions such as temperature, humidity, and ambient lighting are read by sensors (36), and sent to controller (35), which interpret the data and instruct particle cloud manufacturing system (3) to adjust the parameters, ensuring an effective invisible to near-invisible screen for imaging.

Signals originating from an external source (12), a VCR, DVD, video game, computer or other video source, pass through optional scan converter (38), to processing unit (6), to decode the incoming video signal. Stored video data (13), contained for example on a hard disk, flash memory, optical, or alternate storage means, can be employed as the source of content. The processing unit (6), receives these signals, interprets them and sends instructions to graphics board (7), which generates video signal (8), which is sent to an image generating means (9), producing a still or video image. The image generator (9) comprises a means of displaying still or video data for projection, which may be a laser based means of directing or modulating light from any illumination source used to generate a still or video image.

In all instances, the directed projection illuminates particle cloud (5), where free-space image (11) appears to be floating in protective microenvironment (37) within the surrounding air (21). Microenvironment (37) functions to increase boundary layer performance between the particle cloud and the ambient surrounding air by creating a protective air current of similar ejection velocity to that of particle cloud (5). This microenvironment (37), and particle cloud (5) characteristics can be continuously optimized to compensate for changing environmental conditions.

In the interactive embodiment, coexisting spatially with the floating image (11) is an input detectable space (39), allowing the image to serve as an input/output (I/O) device. Physical intrusion within the input detectable space (39) of particle cloud (5), such as a user's finger, a stylus or another foreign object, is recognized as an input instruction (14). In its preferred embodiment, reflected light scattered off the user's finger or other input means (14) is captured by optical sensor (15).

The coordinate in space where the intrusion is lit by the illumination source corresponds to a two or three-dimensional location within a computer environment where the intrusion input (14) functions as a mouse cursor, analogous to a virtual touch-screen. The highlighted sensor captured coordinates are sent to controller (17) that reads and interprets the highlighted input data using blob recognition or gesture recognition software at processing unit (6), or controller (17).

By passing the surrounding air through a heat pump, air is cooled and drops below its dew point where condensate can be removed and collected for the cloud material. The particle cloud composition consists of a vast number of individual condensate spheres held together by surface tension with a mean diameter in the one to ten micron region, too small to be visible individually by a viewer, yet large enough to provide an illuminated cloud for imaging. The focus and controlled illumination intensity onto the overall cloud, allow the individual spheres to act as lenses,

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transmitting and focusing light at highest intensity on-axis, whereby the viewer views the image at its brightest and clearest.

Figure 4 shows the optical properties of a prior art ball lens, analogous to a single spherical cloud particulate; where D is the diameter of the near perfect sphere of the particulate formed naturally by surface tension. The incoming light follows along path (E), and at resolution (d), is diffracted as it enters sphere (30), and is focused at a distance EFL (effective focal length) at point (31), on-axis (E), from the center of the particulate (P), at maximum intensity on axis (31). This process is repeated on adjacent particulate throughout the depth of the cloud and continues on-axis until

Figure 4.

finally reaching viewer position (110). The particle cloud exhibits reflective, refractive and transmissive properties for imaging purposes when a directed energy source illuminates the particle cloud.

Figure 5.

Figure5 illustrates the one-sided projection embodiment where viewer observes projection image “A” originating from source or sources towards particle cloud. Viewer at location cannot observe image “A” or at most, a near-invisible reversed image.

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Figure 6 shows a dual viewing embodiment where projection source or sources located at X project image “A”, while projection source or sources at Y project a discrete image “B”, both onto particle cloud ( 192 ). A viewer located at

Figure 6. X side observes image “B” while observer Y side observes image “A”.

Figure 7 shows an example of a multisource projection with three sources, although an nth number of sources are possible. The three sources are (Pa), on-axis at ( 0 ), and source (Pb) with clarity threshold at (OT). The angular threshold angle is the midpoint between Pa and on-axis ( 0 ) at ( 126 ), as well as the midpoint between on-axis ( 0 ), and Pb at ( 127 ).

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Figure 7.

Figure 8 is a plan view .Source Pa, shown as ( 24 ), on-axis source ( 0 ) as ( 25 ), and source Pb as ( 26 ) project onto surface ( 23 ) with depth ( 150 ). When viewer ( 152 ) looks at particle cloud ( 23 ), the projection source ( 26 ) illuminates the maximum and clearest illuminated image the viewer sees at this location because pixel depth ( 151 ) is parallel to the viewing axis ( 153 ). When the viewer moves to location ( 154 ), the image the he or she sees is illuminated by on-axis projection

Figure 8. source ( 25 ). Similarly, as the viewer is located at position (155), the image viewed originates from source ( 24 ). The viewer located at any of these positions or in between will be viewing simultaneously the entire image composed by a plurality of projection sources from which the light rays of each sequentially or simultaneously projected source is directed towards particle cloud ( 150 ).

5. FEATURES

Heliodisplay projects still images or dynamic images, text or information data onto an invisible to near-invisible particle cloud screen surface that exhibits reflective, refractive and transmissive properties for imaging purposes when a directed energy source illuminates it.

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.

The M2i Heliodisplay can run for up to 10 hours on 2 liters of water and can display at resolutions of up to 1,280x1,024 pixels.

The 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. Dark background emphasizes the contrast of the image and is highly encouraged when designing a location to view the display.

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Figure 9.

Like any rear projection system, 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 10. Viewing Angle

Operating the device will not change a room's environment, air quality or other conditions. Air comes into the device, is modified then ejected and illuminated to produce the image. 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 screen is safe for human interaction and will not cause any harm of any kind.

The display can also take on varying geometric shapes, generating particle cloud surfaces other than a flat plane, such as cylindrical or curved surfaces. For these particle cloud types adaptive or corrective optics allow compensate for variable focal distances for the projection.

The Heliodisplay is interactive, like a virtual touch screen. A hand or finger can act as a mouse. It is possible to access any Windows XP program by pointing, clicking, writing, or drawing in the FogScreen using only your hand. When you touch an image on the airborne interactive screen, the coordinates are forwarded to a PC as a double-click.

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6. APPLICATIONS

Applications for this technology are wide-ranging. Imaged information can be displayed in the center of a room, where people or objects can move through the image, for use in teleconferencing. 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. 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 patient’s vital signs would hover above the chest. Thus he need not touch any keys and worry about the hygiene problems. Some of the applications are:

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

Collaborative Decision Making: e.g. board meetings and presentations, air-traffic control, military command and control, architectural and engineering design.

Simulation & Training: e.g. virtual targets, virtual surgery, heads-up display. Entertainment: e.g. video games, home theatre.

DEMOS

VIRTUAL FOREST: Virtual Forest was modified to be used with the Heliodisplay to

show off some advanced real-time rendering techniques on the novel display. A user

can navigate the forest by using a tracked wireless joystick to control their velocity

and direction. Different buttons also allow the user to look around change the

direction of the sunlight.

ELASTIC FACE DEFORMATION: This allows the user to interactively stretch and sculpt

the shape of a 3D head model. The interface uses a tracked wireless joystick to

control a 3D cursor around the head, while buttons on the joystick trigger stretching

or sculpting actions. This can be used to find how the face will deform after plastic

surgery. This finds great application in criminology.

FOGSCREEN

The fogscreen uses the same principle as that of the Heliodisplay. The image is displayed on “dry” fog. FogScreen technology is a high-tech version of the technology in a cool air humidifier. Tap water

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is pumped into the fog tank where it is blasted with ultrasound, turning it instantly into a thick fog made of tiny water particles 2-3 microns in diameter. The tank’s internal design and three sets of fans work together to create a very thin wall of mist about half of an inch thick. One set of fans blows the fog downwards while the other two sandwiches the fog between air curtains so that it becomes a smooth projection screen.

The ultrasonic transducers are used to blast the water into very small water droplets. It is ensured that only the smallest water droplets become part of the fog stream by pushing the water droplets over an internal barrier to the central chamber. The heavier water droplets stay behind and do not become part of the stream. The air curtains protect the integrity of the FogScreen and reform it quickly when people pass through it.

Figure 11. Fog screen

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7. CONCLUSION

Heliodisplay provides a method and apparatus for generating true high-fidelity full color, high-resolution free-space video or still images with interactive capabilities. The system comprises a self-generating means for creating a dynamic, invisible or near invisible, non-solid particle cloud, by collecting and sub sequentially ejecting condensate present in the surrounding air, in a controlled atomized fashion, into a laminar, semi-laminar or turbulent, particle cloud.

Since 2004, 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. 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.

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8. FUTURE SCOPE

Heliodisplay is a break-through technology that introduces a number of interesting possibilities for advanced display design. It would replace the traditional glass TV screen or computer screen. A future display would be an open-air display with high resolution, clear 3D capability, along with an accurate interactive capability. Researchers are going on to develop cell phone-sized Heliodisplay.

IO2 is currently developing advanced systems employing alternate technologies that will be available in the near future. IO2 Technologies is looking to license Heliodisplay to individual firms/investors with Tech and Marketing resources to commercialize product. Clarity, image size, wider view angle, interface design, scalability and enhanced features are under development in the product pipeline. Researches to develop a more economical product are also in progress.

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9. REFERENCES[1] http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/geekend/behind-the-fogscreen-techrepublic-interviews-company-

president-jorden-woods/990[2] Chad Dyner, Method and system for free-space imaging display and interface. United States

Patent 6857746.[3] www.wikipedia.org[4] www.technovelgy.com