Microsoft has licensed its interactive display technology code-named "TouchLight" to EON Reality, a visual content-management software provider. The deal will allow EON to create interactive marketing displays, product demonstrations and training environments, and bring 3D displays to desktops in 2 to 3 years.

Additionally, the technology would be integrated into preexisting product lines for the commercial, automotive, aerospace and defense industries.

The result is an interface much like what is seen in the movie "Minority Report," where the user can interact with the translucent acrylic plastic screen and use gestures to manipulate content on it. This image is produce by two video cameras whose images are combined on the screen.

EON gained the rights to TouchLight technology through Microsoft's IP Ventures program, an effort launched by the Redmond company in May of last year. The initiative licenses out twenty different technologies including artificial intelligence, usability, graphics, security, gaming, multimedia and databases.

Microsoft will also invest in EON as part of the program, so that both companies can benefit from future work in the field. While Microsoft would contribute the intellectual property and research needed, it is up to the small business or startup to create a viable product for market.

"We've worked with EON Reality to turn a cutting-edge prototype from our research lab into a marketable product, which is the purpose of the IP Ventures program," Microsoft's corporate vice president of research Daniel Ling said.

EON is not the first company to participate in the program. Other companies licensing IP from Microsoft include Ireland, the Finnish National Fund for Research and Development, Inrix, Skinkers, Softedge-Systems, Vimio plc and social networking company Wallop.

"We are excited to be the first company to offer this kind of virtual interactivity, invented by Microsoft," EON executive vice president Sean O'Brien said. "Microsoft's willingness to share its innovation with our company helps enable our mutual success in this segment of the market."