We all have seen various iterations of HUDs, or Heads-Up Display systems, in science fiction films such as Star Wars and Iron Man.

Up until now, everyday offerings of the technology that allows users to see information on transparent displays could only be imagined. With recent developments by Pioneer, maybe projections onto transparent surfaces won't be as far off as we thought.

Pioneer has recently, well, pioneered in the area of heads-up displays, although it is not the first. As recently shown by a prototype, there are two main features of the device: laser imaging onto the windshield and linking with the navigation systems present in many smartphones today - an Android in the presentation. The company is aiming to have commercial versions released by 2012.

Though there are talks between Pioneer and car manufacturers, it seems that for now it will be available as just an aftermarket product. Other companies are working on this technology as well. GM, in conjunction with Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Southern California, is also developing a HUD system, although the system will be advancements on the windshield itself rather than a projection.

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