For years, Science Fiction television programs and films have featured holographic, three dimensional displays. While we are all familiar with the concept, I have to admit that I have never actually seen a 3-D display in action. In fact, I wasn’t even aware of their real-world existence until I began researching for a topic to write about this week. When I discovered that IO2 Technology recently introduced their M3 and M3i three dimensional displays, I was both amazed and astonished. The M3 and M3i displays are part of IO2 Technology’s Heliodisplay series and they are already proving to be very unique and interesting devices.
The M3 and M3i, which cost roughly $18,100 and $19,400 respectively, connect directly to a computer and function just a regular LCD or CRT monitor would. The 30" mid-air display has the potential to play everything from DVDs to slide-shows, and if you spend the extra money for the M3i version, you can also control the mouse cursor directly by moving your finger through the floating display screen. Cool, eh?
The Technology
Both the M3 and M3i are ground breaking developments which render a convincing three dimensional display in mid-air. What’s truly unique, however, is that these devices are only producing a two-dimensional display that is so detailed, the eye is tricked into seeing objects in three dimensions. Despite stunning video clarity, and the ability to read static text on the Heliodisplay, improvements will still be needed to match the visual quality of LCD and CRT screens.
Making use of a new and improved tri-flow system, both devices are light-years ahead of their previous models. These new display systems are capable of producing very smooth and steady images at resolutions of up to 1024*768 in both 4:3 and 16:9 ratios. A stream of microscopic particles is used to project the image onto, and at the moment IO2 Technology has decided to keep the molecular composition of the microscopic particles a secret. The idea of projecting images onto screens of tiny particles is not necessarily a new development, but the ability to display images with the clarity and integrity of the M3 and M3i is quite an accomplishment.
The M3i’s interactive capabilities are truly incredible. The cursor control features essentially convert the entire hovering display into a giant touch screen, allowing the user to manipulate objects on the screen manually. This feature is made possible by a series to motion detecting devices that pinpoint the location of your hand and mimic your hand’s movements with the mouse pointer. Although this extra feature is costly, being able to control immaterial displays of objects as if they were solid entities is quite amazing.
While this technology is still in its infancy, it is already apparent that advances in three dimensional display systems are just around the bend. Currently, a video on IO2 Technology’s website allows you to view the Heliodisplay in action. Trust me; you are sure to be astonished.
Applications
The M3 and M3i devices are not solely for the rich and famous, they both actually have many practical applications. The systems are roughly the size of a computer case and the entire Heliodisplay device is small enough to fit into small furniture. The M3 and M3i are perfect for indoor use within offices and homes, but they don’t function well in the wind or in bright sunlight, both of which disrupt the integrity of the image.
IO2 Technology goes as far as suggesting that their M3 and M3i devices would fit nicely into television production studios, automobile show rooms, teleconferencing centers, board rooms, museums, and much more. The military and government could also benefit from the M3i technology, allowing them to plot out and manipulate active battle fronts and to develop realistic 3-D representations of modern war zones. Although, I find it hard to believe that any rational business would be willing to drop nearly $20,000 for the Heliodisplay when the technology has plenty more room to grow and improve.
Nonetheless, it is obvious that the Heliodisplay technology may one day function in many practical situations. Whether we will eventually be watching 3-D television programs or whether the displays are used to show off the latest lineup of designer dresses at the local JC Penny, I expect to see a gradual, but steady, increase in the adoption of similar 3-D display devices into each person’s everyday lifestyle.
In My Opinion
As I said earlier, I was really blown away by the M3 and M3i devices; I am very impressed with what IO2 Technology has developed and I look forward to seeing how their Heliodisplay technology performs in the global market. The development of a seemingly 3-D display is definitely a commendable milestone and advancements in the technology may lead to incredible news means of entertainment and advertising.
On the other hand, and trust me, I understand that developing and producing new technology is an expensive process, I think the M3 and M3i are very costly machines. While it is getting to a point in today’s world that the average middle class family, small business, and doctor’s office, isn’t afraid to pay $1,000 to $1,500 for a fancy new plasma TV, I cannot conceptualize anyone buying the M3 or M3i just because it is the hottest new product; it is simply too expensive at the current time.
I am positive that over the next few years, improvements will be made to the technology and the future of Heliodisplays may yield clearer, more detailed, and more interactive devices.
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heliodisplay developed by io2 technology is really an amaizing view..
heliodisplay developed by io2 technology is really an amaizing view..For years, Science Fiction television programs and films have featured holographic, three dimensional displays. While we are all familiar with the concept, I have to admit that I have never actually seen a 3-D display in action. In fact, I wasn’t even aware of their real-world existence until I began researching for a topic to write about this week. When I discovered that IO2 Technology recently introduced their M3 and M3i three dimensional displays, I was both amazed and astonished. The M3 and M3i displays are part of IO2 Technology’s Heliodisplay series and they are already proving to be very unique and interesting devices.
The M3 and M3i, which cost roughly $18,100 and $19,400 respectively, connect directly to a computer and function just a regular LCD or CRT monitor would. The 30″ mid-air display has the potential to play everything from DVDs to slide-shows, and if you spend the extra money for the M3i version, you can also control the mouse cursor directly by moving your finger through the floating display screen. Cool, eh?
The Technology
Both the M3 and M3i are ground breaking developments which render a convincing three dimensional display in mid-air. What’s truly unique, however, is that these devices are only producing a two-dimensional display that is so detailed, the eye is tricked into seeing objects in three dimensions. Despite stunning video clarity, and the ability to read static text on the Heliodisplay, improvements will still be needed to match the visual quality of LCD and CRT screens.
Making use of a new and improved tri-flow system, both devices are light-years ahead of their previous models. These new display systems are capable of producing very smooth and steady images at resolutions of up to 1024*768 in both 4:3 and 16:9 ratios. A stream of microscopic particles is used to project the image onto, and at the moment IO2 Technology has decided to keep the molecular composition of the microscopic particles a secret. The idea of projecting images onto screens of tiny particles is not necessarily a new development, but the ability to display images with the clarity and integrity of the M3 and M3i is quite an accomplishment.
The M3i’s interactive capabilities are truly incredible. The cursor control features essentially convert the entire hovering display into a giant touch screen, allowing the user to manipulate objects on the screen manually. This feature is made possible by a series to motion detecting devices that pinpoint the location of your hand and mimic your hand’s movements with the mouse pointer. Although this extra feature is costly, being able to control immaterial displays of objects as if they were solid entities is quite amazing.
While this technology is still in its infancy, it is already apparent that advances in three dimensional display systems are just around the bend. Currently, a video on IO2 Technology’s website allows you to view the Heliodisplay in action. Trust me; you are sure to be astonished.
Applications
The M3 and M3i devices are not solely for the rich and famous, they both actually have many practical applications. The systems are roughly the size of a computer case and the entire Heliodisplay device is small enough to fit into small furniture. The M3 and M3i are perfect for indoor use within offices and homes, but they don’t function well in the wind or in bright sunlight, both of which disrupt the integrity of the image.
IO2 Technology goes as far as suggesting that their M3 and M3i devices would fit nicely into television production studios, automobile show rooms, teleconferencing centers, board rooms, museums, and much more. The military and government could also benefit from the M3i technology, allowing them to plot out and manipulate active battle fronts and to develop realistic 3-D representations of modern war zones. Although, I find it hard to believe that any rational business would be willing to drop nearly $20,000 for the Heliodisplay when the technology has plenty more room to grow and improve.
Nonetheless, it is obvious that the Heliodisplay technology may one day function in many practical situations. Whether we will eventually be watching 3-D television programs or whether the displays are used to show off the latest lineup of designer dresses at the local JC Penny, I expect to see a gradual, but steady, increase in the adoption of similar 3-D display devices into each person’s everyday lifestyle.
In My Opinion
As I said earlier, I was really blown away by the M3 and M3i devices; I am very impressed with what IO2 Technology has developed and I look forward to seeing how their Heliodisplay technology performs in the global market. The development of a seemingly 3-D display is definitely a commendable milestone and advancements in the technology may lead to incredible news means of entertainment and advertising.
On the other hand, and trust me, I understand that developing and producing new technology is an expensive process, I think the M3 and M3i are very costly machines. While it is getting to a point in today’s world that the average middle class family, small business, and doctor’s office, isn’t afraid to pay $1,000 to $1,500 for a fancy new plasma TV, I cannot conceptualize anyone buying the M3 or M3i just because it is the hottest new product; it is simply too expensive at the current time.
I am positive that over the next few years, improvements will be made to the technology and the future of Heliodisplays may yield clearer, more detailed, and more interactive devices.