So for this module, we were asked to talk about an emerging technology, recognise its potential and talk about its future impacts on society. Although in this time and age most breakthrough innovations are quite rare, there are a lot of technological breakthroughs in existing technology, and some of them can be classified as new and emerging technology.
One such technology that i would like to talk about is holographic technology. So what is holography? Holography is, in simple terms, a photographic technique for producing 3-D images. It involves usage of lasers, diffraction, interference, recording of light intensity and proper illumination of the recording.
The hologram was made possible by the development of the laser, which is one of the key items in making a hologram.
 |
| Source: http://science.howstuffworks.com/hologram1.htm |
Holograms were first used in the field of art by artists, and is still used today by some artists and art schools around the world as a medium. Apart from that, holographic technology is also used in data storage, wherein holographic technology can store data at very high density inside photopolymers or certain crystals.
Holographic technology is also being used in security applications such as on different currencies, ATM cards, credit cards, different forms of photo ID, DVDs, and even books and certain sports equipment. Holographic scanners are also in use big companies, post offices, and some automated conveyor systems to use 3D imaging to determine a size of a package.
 |
| Source: http://www.securityhologram.com/ |
In the famous movie Star Trek, the crew of the Starship Enterprise could go to a special room to live out any fantasies they had, called the holodeck. It was essentially a big holographic projection room which enabled the crew to touch and interact with projections, similar to being in a big video game. As such, there is technology being developed today which will similarly enable people and their friends or family to interact in an environment similar to this one despite being hundreds or thousands of kilometers apart.
In the same way, there are many companies out there in the IT and computing industry which are starting to look at holographic technology as a soon to be replacement for the current 3D industry in many applications such as for mobile phones and laptops, televisions, holographic teleconferencing and holographic meetings between staff in a same company working in different locations.
Where can we see examples of this technology being used? What are some scenarios that we can see practical applications of this?
One such place we can see an application for this technology is in the workplace. Employees who work from home would not even need to move out from their room at home to be able to attend a meeting, or display a presentation to a board of directors or the bosses. All the employee would need to do is to install the necessary hardware and software, and the people at work would then see a live 3D hologram of the employee actually sitting there in the meeting room or board room, and they would actually be able to interact and speak to him/her as if there were a live person there.
One such place we can see an application for this technology is in the workplace. Employees who work from home would not even need to move out from their room at home to be able to attend a meeting, or display a presentation to a board of directors or the bosses. All the employee would need to do is to install the necessary hardware and software, and the people at work would then see a live 3D hologram of the employee actually sitting there in the meeting room or board room, and they would actually be able to interact and speak to him/her as if there were a live person there.
For example:
 | ||
Taken from http://www.starviewint.vn/uploads/category/3D%20SONY%20telepresent%20structure-12.jpg
Other scenes where we could possibly see holographic technology making an entry? In social communications media : phones, laptops, desktops, watches, IPod's, IPad's and other electronic devices:
|
They would allow people to interact with 3D holograms of friends and family in real time, and video chat will be improved to become holography chat where people would be able to virtually see and talk to each other as if they were together in real life. Imagine what this could do for people who have family members living thousands of kilometers away, and are unable to see them except through video chat.
With this technology, they would be able to literally 'walk' into the homes of their family members, 'sit' with them, enjoy a cup of coffee with them, and join them for dinner once in a while. This goes the same for old people who are unable to travel to visit their kids or their grandchildren, again using holograms they would be virtually able to see, react and talk to 3D holograms of their children or grandchildren : all in real time.
Apple devices such as iPhones, iPod's and iPad's have a lot of potential when it comes to these futuristic technologies. Some people and market analysts believe that the new upcoming iPod's will have a few variations, such as a wristwatch with a voice activated feature, and become a hologram entertainment center and comms device. It will possibly be able to display whole conferences and training sessions by just laying it on the table and switching on the hologram device.
An illustrated example of what i am talking about :
Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89KxxpmMhi4
Bonsor, K. (n.d.). How Holographic Environments Will Work. Retrieved May 2, 2013, from http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/high-tech-gadgets/holographic-environment.htm
Bourzac, K. (2013). New 3D Display Could Let Phones and Tablets Produce Holograms. Retrieved May 15, 2013, from http://www.technologyreview.com/news/512716/new-3-d-display-could-let-phones-and-tablets-produce-holograms/
Onural, L. (2010). Research Trends in Holographic 3DTV Displays. Retrieved April 30, 2013 from http://www.digitalholography.eu/varasto/O2009c.pdf
Winslow, L. (2007). Holographic Projection Technologies of the Future. Retrieved May 23, 2013, from http://www.slideshare.net/Gilbertaubin/holographic-technologies
Good research here Dheenesh. I enjoyed your reflection on star trek...shows your ability to apply some critical thinking. You get a 17/20
ReplyDelete