What are Hologram? Is it 3D or Augmented Reality? There are distinct differences between them, and to differentiate them, it is important to understand exactly how Holograms are created.

How Holograms Work

Holograms are projection on semi-transparent film

With visual tech having evolved from huge box sets to high-definition flat screens, 4K, ultra HD and even credit card-thin, flexible televisions, it looks like we may soon get rid of screens altogether and use holograms instead. This sounds like science fiction but the reality of it is actually just around the corner.

The hologram technology currently used in entertainment does not yet produce genuine holograms, which are fully 3D light forms. Most of today’s holograms are basically a modern version of the optical illusion called ‘Pepper’s Ghost’, and 150-year old technology that, in simple terms, reflects a 2D image through a piece of see-through plastic.

Researchers at the Human Media Lab at the Queen’s University in Canada recently showcased their new holographic tech: HoloFlex, a flexible holographic phone with an OLED display that might just be the future of smartphones. With the HoloFlex, you’ll no longer need devices like 3D glasses; the holograms can be viewed by bending and tilting the screen to get the optimum angle.

This is how it works: the display of the phone is covered with tens of thousands of fisheye lenses. These lenses bend the light from the screen as if the image is projected through a glass ball. As you change the viewing angle, the curves of the lenses show different parts of the image by dispersing the light in multiple directions, creating a stereoscopic image that appears like a hologram, quite literally popping out from the screen. This new tech takes viewing photos or playing games to a whole new 3D level.

In February 2016, a school in America portrayed an amazing hologram. The students reaction says it all.

Key Components of Hologram

Hologram Hardware

Projection Screen

The purpose of the hologram is to project a 3D image seemingly floating in space. As, the projection screen is created with a high degree of transparency to hide the projection surface. Other features or specifications to take note of include projection angle, transmittance, and viewing angle. All these will impact how realistic and clear your hologram projection will be

Projector

Hologram projectors come as a new breakthrough in imaging technology, representing a compelling alternative to conventional image projection. Such projectors, better known as holographic emitters manipulate photons and force fields to create a realistic but virtual image.

With television technology always improving the quality of our entertainment, manufacturers are constantly trying to give their customers the ultimate in viewing. A 3d hologram projector or holographic display is considered to be one of the newest devices in the market today. Such projectors could well be the best of the best when we get to experience three-dimensional imagery on a holographic projector.

Mainly there are two types of 3D hologram projectors. They are Holocinema static holographic projector and the Musion Eyeliner holographic projecting system.

Central Control Unit / PC

Artwork that is to be reproduced as a hologram can be computer-generated, in which case software controls, so the laser exposure of the image file, one pixel at a time. (Pixels are the individual dots that comprise a graphic image on a computer screen or printout.)

3D hologram projectors images are recorded in HDTV and broadcast on the HDTV projection systems, which are run by hard disc players or video cam players. After that, they are then projected as two-dimensional images using a 3D stage set.

Hologram projectors that often found to come up with a video projector, as a hard disc player with the graphics card, a foil and 3D set, lighting and audio, and a show controller. Such projectors vary in price according to the needs of consumers.

Case (Computer-aided software engineering)

CASE is the use of a computer-assisted method to organize and control the development of software, especially on large, complex projects involving many software components and people. Using CASE allows designers, code Holographic images. It may also serve as a repository for or be linked to document and program libraries containing the design requirements, design specifications, or detailed code specifications.

Application of Holograms

Holograms create a whole new user experience for audiences to greater capture their attention. Many theme parks have begun using such technology to provide audiences with “Real-Life” experiences. It fully immerses the user and creates an experience to remember. Many events incorporate such holographic material to truly stand out. Furthermore, this technology can also be revolutionary for other industries such as medicine, allowing doctors greater information before operations.

Leia Display X-300

In October 2015, LEIA Inc released a Holographic Dev Kit to let developers experiment with interactive holograms on a 2.2’’ display.

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An exhaustive list of hologram technology available for you to use in your next event is listed here, including the Manufacturers, Models, and Specifications.