Holographic Tech Overview for 2024

Introduction

• Presenter: Tracy Evans
• Target Audiences:
  • AR developers, VR designers, technologists
  • Potential end users (museums, architects, business professionals)
• Company: Exhibitry
  • Focus on interactive experiences for 25 years
  • Projects include corporate activations, museums, holograms, AR, VR, AI, etc.

Purpose of the Talk

• Demystify holographic technologies
• Provide practical insights for application in different environments

Brief History of Holograms

• Star Wars (1977) set the standard for holograms in popular culture.
• First Holograms:
  • Related to stage illusions (e.g., Pepper's Ghost)
  • Used in Victorian theaters with gas-lit effects
• Dennis Gabor (1947):
  • Developed the theory of holography, coined the term "hologram"
  • Nobel Prize in Physics (1971)
• Present day: Holograms blend modern technology with historical illusion techniques

What is Not a Hologram?

• Examples include:
  • Transparent video screens
  • Pixel mesh window displays
• Key points:
  • These may create illusions but do not fit the conventional definition of a hologram
  • Importance of distinguishing effective holograms from mere visual tricks

Defining Holograms

• Digital magic tricks creating floating imagery
• Key features:
  • No apparent physical medium
  • Imply volume or depth
  • Maintain illusion by not revealing methods

Technologies Overview

Projection

• Utilizes video projectors and mesh materials
• Techniques include variations of Pepper's Ghost
• Strengths:
  • High illusion factor (when well-hidden)
  • Large image sizes
  • Potential for interactivity with remote telepresence

Augmented Reality (AR)

• Examples: HoloLens, Meta, Apple Vision Pro
• Strengths:
  • High 3D depth and resolution
  • Interactivity built-in
• Limitations:
  • Less magical due to visible devices (phones, headsets)

Transparent Displays

• Examples: HoloBox, Hype Box
• Strengths:
  • Combine physical and digital content
  • High resolution and interactive capabilities
• Limitations:
  • Modest holographic effect (less convincing in person)

Reflective Holograms

• Techniques similar to Pepper's Ghost
• Example: Glass pyramids and holographic tables
• Strengths:
  • Strong depth illusion with physical objects
  • Interactive
• Limitations:
  • Reveals method upon close inspection

LED Fans

• Use high-speed spinning blades and LEDs
• Strengths:
  • Strong floating image illusion
  • Size scalability
• Limitations:
  • Visibility of motors can detract from illusion
  • Difficulties in capturing images

Direct View Technologies

• Examples: HoloTube, Looking Glass
• Strengths:
  • High resolution, hidden displays
  • Strong depth illusion
• Limitations:
  • May require powerful computers for interactivity

Conclusion

• Summary of technologies discussed
• Key takeaway: Importance of understanding holography to create effective and engaging experiences
• Open for questions after the session

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Thank you for your attention!