Game changing holograms bring sci-fi applications to real-world

The game

3D display and technology has seemingly taken the entertainment industry by a commercial storm. Every influential sector from movies, games to even advanced television sets are on a technological hunt to incorporate this type of display. And why not; with our current state of advancement in display mechanism, true 3D screen effects provides the closest experience to the natural view of the audience, imbibed with a serious perception of depth and volume. Then again the disadvantages crop up with the 3D element remaining aligned towards the main screen. Even the audiences have to wear special yet cumbersome kind of glasses for viewing experience. And if that was not enough, prolonged exposures to 3D screens have been known to cause severe irritation in the eyes.

Game changing holograms applications

The game changer

Holographic display is being considered as a big step-up to the prevalent 3D technology, with its ability to impart all the four eye mechanisms. Researchers and experts are already doting on its full blown release in the not-so-distant future. According to an analyst belonging to the Online Think Tank, holographic apps can usher in revenues of up to a whopping $1.5 billion, in the first 18 months of its introduction in the commercial scheme of things.

Turning point

Anyone fortunate enough to watch the Star Wars series (or played Starcraft 2) can instantly bring back memories of interactive 3D holographic images in their full glory. As a matter of fact, even in real life we do witness 2D holographic imagery used as an authentic seal on products, documents and credit cards. Now, moving beyond the allure of science fiction and real 2D systems, holographic projection displays can actually practically replace our current 3D display systems. Why? Quite simply put, holographic viewing does not require all the paraphernalia of peripherals like special pair of glasses and seating position for optimized viewing. It also doesn't cause any adverse biological effects like irritation of our eyes.

What makes it stand apart?

The nigh brilliant scope of holographic technology is what seriously makes it stand apart. In this case, three dimensional imagery can be projected to be viewed from all around, rather than from a directional screen. In prototype testing of the holographic imaging technology (by University of Arizona researchers), the image is actually captured by a network of cameras, each of them in turn being placed according to different angular perspectives. Then by utilizing of fast-pulsed laser beams, a 3D (i.e., holographic) pixel of the image is created. A conglomeration of many such pixels gives us a full construction of the image.

Ripple Effect

Yoichi Wada, president of Japanese gaming company Square Enix righteously predicted that in the very future consoles would be made up of holographic display mechanism that can shoot up images right in the middle of a room and immerse players into a world unparalleled 3D interaction. In relation to this, Apple has already patented a similar technology, which would allow users to manipulate the projected images. While another electronic giant Sony had already harped about such mechanisms that could make floating images in our living rooms. Moreover, other than games, movies and apps, holographic technology could also be used in offices, especially in the form of tele-presence. In this mode, one can record 3D images and transfer it to another location for display, all in real time. So, tediously catching that early flight for an all important meeting would be truly relegated as a thing of the past.