There have been some exciting developments in the world of 3D laser projection. Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has come up with a laser device that can actually project real 3D images in mid-air.

Before now, 3D laser imagery has been considered artificial as the images were actually optical illusions, appearing to be 3D due to the parallax difference between the eyes of the viewer.

AIST's new device, however, cleverly produces real 3D images by focusing laser light at a specific point in mid-air, above the laser projection machine.

A demonstration was held earlier this year in which 3D shapes were formed in mid-air, about half a meter above the projector.

AIST are currently trying to see how they can get the machine to produce larger images with more colors.

The device could conceivably be used for outdoor advertising, or in dazzling laser light shows at rock concerts!