Light Blue Optics (LBO) used the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas to showcase its latest miniature projection systems.

The handheld accessory pico projectors use a patented holographic laser projection system, which promises to be half the size and twice the brightness of anything the company has demonstrated before.

According to LBO, the units are aimed at markets including automotive and consumer electronics and feature a dynamic throw angle that lets users switch between conventional front projection and hands-free, table-down projection.

The new devices also feature a novel concept for table-down mode that allows the user to control the projector by touching the projected image.

As well as being used to create ad-hoc displays for meetings and mobile working, the technology could also be integrated into cars to create heads-up display information for drivers.

"LBO's technology provides our OEM customers with a unique portfolio of differentiating features including focus-free operation, an enhanced brightness option for viewing in higher ambient lighting conditions and a dynamic throw angle that enables multiple projection geometries to be realised by the same device," said Chris Harris, LBO chief executive.

LBO plans to make its first product release to OEM customers in the second half of 2009.