VR and augmented reality glasses are slowly gaining in popularity, but none of them use (yet) real holographic technology that could solve all the problems of creating truly 3D images. Microsoft takes another jab at it, creating technology that allows the creation of real holographic glasses.
Once again Porto hosts the International Film Festival Fantasporto (the 32nd edition) and as usually, it brings more than just movies to the Rivoli Theater. This time, everyone is invited to come visit a rare hologram exhibition that you won't easily find elsewhere.
There are dozens of holograms, some more impressive than others, ranging from simple geometric patterns to photos of people - including the portuguese former president Jorge Sampaio, perfectly captured in 3D.
But if you think this holo-portrait is cool, just wait until you see what I've saved for last.
Unlike the 3D effect on movies, where you're just watching a pseudo-3D image that tries to trick your brain (things might look like they're popping out of the screen, but your eyes still need to be focused on the screen itself - which is what induces nausea and that "weird feeling" effect some people feel), with holograms you're really looking into a real 3D image that you can move around and focus on near/far objects.
[a window to a whole new world]
I though I had seen it all when it comes to holograms... But I was in for a big surprise. This one makes the visit worthwhile by itself.
Unlike the others, this one offers a view into a laboratory scene, where you can watch not only the object placed near the "window", but well into the background... 6 or 7 meters worth of hologram depth! You can even duck to watch things well above near the ceiling.
And, if this wasn't awesome enough, there's a mirror placed nearby that allows you to see the 3D reflection of the objects on the hologram! That's the sort of thing that is enough to make your jaw drop to the floor.
Just see it for yourself... although not in its full - and real 3D - glory.
There have been lots of attempts to recreate Star Trek's Holodeck in the real world, and most of them have failed - in fact, none has ever come close to what one would expect from it. But we have to say that Sony has now become closer than ever with its latest promotional videos using projection mapping.
Truth be told, this isn't an "actual" Holodeck, as the effect can only be seen from a specific point in space, and to allow the camera to move in sync with it, they've used PS Moves to track it's precise position and recreate a perspective corrected image in real time in order to keep it "real".
Nevertheless, the results are truly impressive... just watch and be amazed!
Glad to see Microsoft's Kinect keeps being put to good use in many "hack" projects, such as the one I bring you today: realtime holographic 3D videoconference.
This allows us any of the participants to freely move around a 3D space, as you can see in the video.
So... what are they waiting for to make "kinect" cameras standard in any and every device? Just imagine all the possibilities. :)
Ever wanted to touch an hologram?
Well, researchers at Tokyo University have devised a very ingenious way to do it, using Wiimotes to track user's hands, and some ultrasonic transducers to create the "feel" of a virtual object.
If you're into "3D" virtual displays and holograms you'll definitely want to check out this HoloToy for iPhone.
It's one of those Apps that simulates a 3D environment "inside" your iPhone screen, using the accelerometers to change perspective.
But, in the iPhone 4, it gets to use some neat new tricks, such as the enhanced positioning provided by the gyroscope and... even face tracking using the front-facing camera.
Basically, they're using an iPad to project different images on the sides of a transparent pyramid (using a special film), and as each side is showing a different image... it creates the illusion of a 3D object inside.
The effect is not as good as some other systems we've seen in the past... But it's also a lot simpler and - certainly - cheaper.
No matter how good your LCD screen is, it will never be able to match an holographic display when it comes to "Wow" factor. Check how Google Earth truly shines when seen in "almost" real 3D.
