If you’re a fan of science fiction movies, then you must have seen holograms being used before. Basically, these Hologram screens are cool ways to show imagery that entirely transcend what we know today.
Now, while the inspiration for hologram screens might have come from science fiction, Advancements in viewing technology have made it possible for us to make use of them in real time. And, their adoption is growing.
In this piece, we’ll provide the perfect intro to hologram screens and what you need to know about this revolutionary visual technology.
Hologram Screens: No Longer A Sci-Fi Element
Hologram screens are undoubtedly all the rage at the moment. Also known as holographic displays, these are devices that essentially create a three-dimensional image illusion. Essentially, they provide the illusion of images being suspended in space without the need for goggles or any other specialized equipment.
One of the major characteristics of hologram screens is that they provide opportunities for viewing across multiple angles – even though the images themselves don’t change so much. You could have a static image on a hologram – say, for instance, one that displays a product. Or, you could incorporate an animated piece of content instead.
Whatever it is, viewing from any angle should bring a nice touch to the overall visual experience.
It is worth noting that there are some differences between the hologram screens we have today and those you see in science fiction movies. Holograms are looking toward mimicking what you see in projection-based displays. Nevertheless, the ability to provide a more engaging and dynamic view is where holograms shine.
Some of the methods that these screens use to achieve their views include:
The Pepper’s Ghost Technique:
In the Pepper’s Ghost Technique, you use a semi-transparent surface or a clear glass-like pane to reflect an image on a reflective surface that has been positioned at a specific angle.
The image or video itself is displayed on the semi-transparent surface with the use of a high-resolution screen or projector, thus causing the illusion of a suspended image that can be viewed from any angle.
Projection Mapping:
With projection mapping, images or videos are projected onto irregularly shaped surfaces to create the illusion of perspective and depth.
Essentially, the content is carefully calibrated and aligned with the physical structure of the display surface, thus making the images appear as if they are interacting with the surface and possibly even extending into space.
Optical Illusions:
There are also hologram screens that work with the use of optical illusions. With special films, lenses, or mirrors, they create the three-dimensional perception, as well as depth and field of view.
In this situation, screens can use techniques such as parallax barriers and lenticular lenses to manipulate light and create the illusion of volume and depth.
At the moment, hologram screens are still a nascent technology. And, with the technicals being worked out, there are several steps to go before they reach their potential. However, thanks to recent developments in holographic technology, it has now become possible for these screens to enjoy functionality in multiple industries. Of course, we will be examining some of these major functionalities later.
Breaking Hologram Screens Into Bits
One of the interesting things about hologram screens and displays today is that you get to see them in different types. Generally, some of the prominent options available to you include:
Pepper’s Ghost Displays:
We already covered the use of the Pepper’s ghost technique, where a reflected image or video is placed on a semi-transparent surface and theme reflected again on a reflective surface that’s been positioned at an angle.
These displays are best used at concerns, museums, product presentations, and more.
Holographic Projection Displays:
For holographic projection displays, projection mapping techniques are used. Once the content has been aligned with the physical structure of the displaying surface, it becomes easy to give the impression of a hologram suspended in space.
Holographic Optical Elements (HOEs):
A holographic optical element is a specialized holographic film or plate that uses light manipulation to create the perception of 3D images or holograms.
HOEs can be put into transparent films or screens, and they easily use light diffraction to create different viewing angles and the illusion of depth. They find best application in small-scale holographic displays.
Lenticular Displays:
These displays combine lenticular lenses and interlaced images to create 3D and depth illusions.
With lenticular lenses, you have cylindrical lenses with close spacing that refract light in different directions. When combined with interlaced images, they create multiple perspectives that can be seen as 3D images or animations.
Holographic LED Displays:
With holographic LED displays, you get an array of LEDs and diffraction techniques that are used to create hologram illusions.
With accurate light control, these displays easily regulate the emissions of individual LEDs, while also applying diffraction patterns. This means that they will be able to generate three-dimensional images and unique depth perceptions. Think of them like the futuristic hologram green screen, where customization and effects can even be added.
Holographic Headsets and Glasses:
Of course, it is also worth remembering the classic glasses and headsets. They incorporate advanced optics, sensors, and other display technologies to deliver the required projection to viewers.
These devices basically overlay virtual holographic images onto the real world, creating a mix between virtual and augmented reality viewing.
Stereotypical vs. Realistic Holograms
Another significant distinction for holograms will be between the stereotypical and realistic holograms.
Stereotypical holograms are most likely the most common ones we see around. We have options like the Microsoft HoloLens, which launched in 2015 and put the tech company on the map.
These holographic lenses are widely used today, thanks to their augmented reality features. However, they face stiff competition already from companies like Meta (with the Meta Quest headsets) and Apple (with the recently announced Vision Pro goggles).
With these types of holograms, content developers would need to connect to a form of studio software that allows them to import models from other services or create 3D objects themselves. There is an app interface available that helps them with this as well, making it possible for them to create highly complex virtual objects on their own.
In turn, the objects are translated to the imagery of the surrounding world, thanks to the use of virtual reality glasses. So, you get an image that looks similar to a rendered product. These glasses make it possible to link augmented reality objects with traditional computer programs, thus creating functionality for both work and entertainment.
As for realistic holograms, they are a bit older. They date back to 1947, when a Hungarian physicist known as Dennis Gabor developed our modern idea of hologram theory while trying to build an electron microscope. Still, the theory didn’t really hit the ground running until the development of the laser back in the 60s.
With realistic holograms, lasers emit a potent burst of light that stays on for a few nanoseconds. This makes it possible to get holograms of high-velocity events, which would ideally not be achievable with regular cameras.
The first known iteration of laser-based realistic hologram imagery was created in 1967, and it paved the way for different other applications of holographic technology that we have today.
How Hologram Screens Work
For a quick rundown of how holographic technology works, consider a laser light beam that is split into two. One of these beams is targeted at the image in question, while the other is spread through the recording media. In most cases, the most common recording media will be photographic plates.
Thanks to the applications of mirrors, the reference beam – that is, the second of the initial two beams – can be deflected on the recording device.
At some point, of course, there will be a joining of both beams. In most cases, this will happen along the recording medium.Once the recording is done, the next step will be the creation of the 3D picture. Usually, this can consist of three major processes:
- A step-by-step recording of the content from different angles, thus resulting in a reliable multi-camera capture.
- Converting the content into a format that is compatible with the projector itself
- Possible data manipulations to optimize the recording angle and provide flexibility for viewers.
In the past, we’ve seen cases of holograms that seemingly project images being suspended in air. For these systems, a 3D object reconstruction device – as well as aerial projection equipment – will need to be used. 3D images are created by the reconstruction device, and from there, the 3D hologram is created using the aerial projection device.
Let’s also not forget electro-holography – a method that can be used to generate images without any excessive mechanical steps. And, revolving mirror systems can also be used to display true 3D images – simply direct a high-speed video projector towards spinning mirrors, and they will be reflected in all directions, allowing viewers to see the three-dimensional images regardless of their angle.
The process of electron-holography can help to result in 3D image projection with minimal steps involved. And, you could even combine this with manipulation processes like rotating mirrors to make the images seem as lifelike and vivid as possible.
Hologram Screens: What Can They Be Used For?
Hologram screens are incredibly versatile products that have found use in different industries. And while the type of screen to be used in a specific capacity will differ, there are some general functionalities of the products:
Advertising and Marketing:
One of the most prominent functions of hologram screens is in the advertising space. Here, you have screens being used in campaigns to create attention-grabbing displays. With an immersive and captivating look, these screens make it easy for you to showcase your products or services, attract more customers, and leave a generally lasting impression with anyone who sees them.
Whether it’s shopping malls, cinemas, product launch centers, trade shows, and more, hologram screens are a lock for anyone looking to offer an engaging experience.
With hologram screens, you have a chance to take your advertising from the boring, old structure into a new and more engaging plane.
Entertainment and Events:
The entertainment industry has also found significant use for hologram screens in the past few years. Live performance, concerts, theatrical plays, and more can rely heavily on these screens, allowing people to enjoy more immersive performances than what they’ve been used to.
Holograms can even provide use in virtual performances, allowing objects to appear as though they are interacting with people and other real-world elements.
Finally, you have significant use of hologram screens in museums, theme parks and other attractions where they can be used to engage visitors and bring exhibits to life through interactive displays.
Education and Training Programs:
It’s also possible to use holograms in educational applications, offering a fresh way to engage students and provide learning experiences.
You can use holograms in traditional classrooms, planetariums, museums, and more to provide engaging visuals of complex concepts or even historical events. Hologram screens can optimize training sessions and simulations as well, providing realistic visuals of structures, procedures, and data.
Product Visualization and Design:
In product design, visualization is everything. Being able to see what you’re building allows you to optimize your process, providing a more realistic view that will aid your design flow. Hologram screens are ideal in this regard, offering an interactive and dynamic platform where everyone will be able to showcase products even before they are designed.
Whether it’s a new tech product, an architectural design, or a model for a machine, holograms provide better, more engaging views across the board. Everyone in the design and industrial space can leverage hologram screens to visualize and manipulate models, bolstering their spatial understanding of the products they’re building.
Retail and E-commerce:
For retailers, holograms provide a great way to showcase products and create much more engaging shopping experiences. They can be used in store displays, although technology is also advancing that will make it easier to incorporate these images in virtual reality shopping environments.
All in all, viewers will be able to get better visuals of products before making purchases.
Telecommunications:
Hologram screens can potentially change the way we see telecommunication as an industry. Already, we’re seeing holograms creating the opportunity to project lifelike holographic images of people. In functions such as remote meetings, collaborations, and presentations, the potential for this is almost limitless.
Going forward, we expect to see more advancements that will create uses such as telemedicine, remote assistance, and much more. It’s still early days, but with the hologram screens available at NSE LED Cloud, the sky is truly the limit.
Being able to bridge the geographical gap is a major step, and hologram screens can help accelerate the process.
Art and Installations:
Hologram screens can provide a medium for artistic expression. Today, artists can create visually appealing renderings of their work, setting them as holograms and displaying them to viewers.
Essentially, holograms allow you to infuse technology into your traditional art, creating a more engaging piece for people to view.
In the future, we expect to see more holograms at locations like art galleries, museums, and public exhibition centers to make multimedia presentations and create more captivating experiences.
Real Estate:
Just as it is in the retail space, we expect to see more holograms being used in the real estate market. Developers should be able to render their properties as holograms, projecting them and offering prospective buyers an opportunity to get a more realistic view of their properties.
All of these applications show the versatility of these screens. And, with NSE LED Cloud, we provide different types of hologram screens that fit these functionalities. Get in touch with us, let us know what you’d need, and let’s help you out.
Installing a Hologram Screen: A Definitive Checklist
Depending on the type of hologram screen being installed, it should go without saying that installation steps for hologram screens will vary. And, in most cases, you might need an expert as this isn’t necessarily a process that you can do on your own.
Nevertheless, below is a simple flowchart for the installation of hologram screens:
Planning and Design:
First, you need to set out the installation plan to ensure that you can have a seamless process. Start by determining the location of the hologram – as well as its purpose. Here, think about factors such as the size of the hologram, the available space to you, available viewing angles, and ambient lighting conditions.
Based on these factors, determine the size of the hologram screen you’d like. You will also need to plan the placement of the projectors, screens, and other supporting components that need to be part of your setup.
Equipment Setup:
Next, go ahead to install the necessary projectors and display equipment. We will provide specifications to help guide you on this process, so it should be easier.
It is important to ensure that all components are properly aligned and calibrated to ensure optimal image quality. Finally, set up all additional equipment – media players, computers, and more – to control the hologram screen optimally.
Screen Placement and Calibration:
Based on the guidelines we provide, install the hologram screen or projection surface. You might need to mount the screen to a frame, ensuring that there is proper alignment between it and the projection surface. This way, you can ensure that the projection is as accurate as possible.
Finally, calibrate the projection system, taking account of brightness, contrast, and color settings to get the best image quality.
Content Creation and Setup:
You can choose to create your own holographic content, or you can purchase existing content. As long as it is compatible with the hologram screen, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Some compatible formats include optimized videos, animations, and 3D models. Configure your software or media player to display these content onto the screen, and set up any accompanying interactive elements or motion tracking if they are required.
Testing and Adjustments:
It’s important to have a keen eye for efficiency when installing a hologram screen. Part of that is making sure that you test the screen and the installation process to ensure optimal functionality and visual performance.
Start by testing the display itself and watching from different viewing angles and distances. If you need to make any adjustments to optimize image quality, do that.
User Instructions and Maintenance:
Given the investment that you will be making in these screens, ensuring that it is well maintained will be critical if you hope to get optimal bang for your buck. So, build a maintenance schedule and make sure to keep to it.
If you run a business, then educate your staff members on any troubleshooting or maintenance procedures to keep your hologram screen in the best condition. And, inspect the screen and other equipment regularly to ensure that they keep working in the long run.
At NSE LED Cloud, we will provide the right equipment and expertise needed to ensure that this installation process works as seamlessly as possible.
How Hologram Screens Are Changing The Game
Considering that they are used across different industries, hologram screens offer several advantages compared to traditional viewing displays. Some of these benefits include:
An Immersive Visual Experience:
Without a doubt, the biggest benefit of these screens is the fact that they provide among the most immersive visual experiences. By creating the illusions of three-dimensional images or images floating on air, they offer a heightened sense of depth and realism that you might not be able to get anywhere else.
This means that hologram screens enhance engagement and provide new ways for viewers to appreciate images.
Attention-Grabbing and Memorable:
Hologram screens represent a break from the norm. They grab attention more, making them perfect tools for marketing and advertising. They can also provide more interactive displays, leaving a more lasting impression on viewers and optimizing content recall across the board.
Improved Communication and Engagement:
From the very beginning, the goal of hologram screens was to provide more dynamic and interactive engagement and communication experiences. Today, these screens are being used to convey complex information and concepts in simpler formats and manners. And, coupled with their ability to engage better, they provide a better way for information to be passed.
Versatility in Display Sizes and Configurations:
The flexibility of hologram screens is another underrated benefit that should be considered. Today, we at NSE LED Cloud provide hologram screens in different sizes and configurations, allowing flexibility in their application. Whether you’re looking for a small tabletop display or a massive screen that can be seen from a distance, let us know what you;d like and we’ll be able to help you out.
They can range from small tabletop displays to large-scale installations, accommodating different spatial requirements and contexts.
Compatibility with Digital Content:
Thanks to advancements in technology, it is now possible to seamlessly integrate hologram screens with digital content whether it’s a video, a computer-generated image (CGI), or more. With this compatibility, it’s easier to create more captivating displays that can be customized when the necessity arises.
Interactive and User-Friendly:
Some hologram screens can be customized to incorporate interactive elements, thus making it possible for users to directly interact with the holographic content. Features such as motion tracking, gesture recognition, and more allow users to directly interact with the content, manipulating and controlling the holograms and bolstering user engagement.
Enhancing Brand Image and Differentiation:
Brands have a unique opportunity to take advantage of hologram screens to bolster their engagement and visibility. Holograms aren’t overly widespread yet, meaning that any company that is able to integrate them properly will be able to stand out in its industry.
Showcase your innovation and establish yourself as a forward-thinking brand, differentiating yourself from your competitors and creating a unique and memorable brand experience for customers.
Potential for Telepresence and Remote Collaboration:
These are fields that will undoubtedly be explored in the future. Here, we see the potential for hologram screens to revolutionize collaboration and telecommunication by enabling a more realistic telepresence.
The screens make it possible to project lifelike images in the 3D format, allowing remote participants themselves to engage and collaborate more effectively – just as if they were together.
Creating An Amusing Factor:
A hologram screen will be able to create that “wow” factor that your company so desperately needs. With stunning visualizations and flexibility, you can use their innovation to your advantage at events, public spaces, exhibitions, product showcases, and more.
There is still a lot of work to be done in bringing these benefits to everyone, but hologram screens are already the next phase of digital imagery presentation. With NSE LED Cloud, you can step into this future and gain a first mover advantage in your industry.
Hologram Screens: They’re Not All Gravy
The possible challenges and limitations of hologram screens
There is no doubt that hologram screens are the present and the future when it comes to display technology. And, as time goes by, we expect to see even more development.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that these screens still have some limitations that you might want to consider. Some of them include:
- Viewing Angle and Perspective: For now, most hologram screens come with limited viewing angles. This means that the holographic effect itself might only be visible within a specific range or from particular perspectives. If you do view outside these angles, you might end up with a distortion or effect loss.
- Image Quality and Fidelity: Hologram screens are still developing image quality. So, you might not get the same fidelity that is available in 2D screens. Research is currently ongoing to ensure that we can achieve high-resolution holographic displays without necessarily compromising on image quality. And, already, some of the hologram screens at NSE LED Cloud offer comparable resolutions to 2D displays.
- Limited Color Range: Hologram screens usually have limitations when it comes to reproducing a broad color gamut. However, some of them now use diffraction or interference, which can improve accuracy in color artifacts. Things aren’t necessarily at the same level of some other display variants, but developments in technology should address this.
- Complexity and Cost: Considering that the technology is still nascent, it should come as no surprise that hologram screens are still comparatively more expensive than 2D displays. Just as well, the steps of installing them are slightly more complex than 2D displays. However, when you consider the benefits of these displays, they definitely outweigh the costs.
- Environmental Constraints: You also want to pay special attention to the possible environmental concerns that hologram screens have. These will vary particularly based on the installation parameters, but we can always provide a proper consultation to help shed more light.
- Content Creation and Adaptation: It can be a bit challenging to create content that is specifically tailored to holographic displays. Content development will require specialized tools and skills, and the process can also be more time-consuming compared to the traditional 2D screens.
- Power Consumption: Hologram screens would most likely require greater power consumption levels. With components such as projectors and other display features, you will most likely run up your power output when using hologram screens compared to traditional displays.
It is worth noting that several of these challenges can be addressed already. And, with advancements in technology, we should see solutions to more of them in the long run.
Feel free to request a consultation with us, and we’ll be able to help you work out possible workarounds.
Conclusion
Hologram screens aren’t just the future – they’re the present. When it comes to engaging visual content, hardly does anything beat these screens. And, as time goes on, they will only continue to get better.
If you need to get your hands on the best hologram screens, we at NSE LED Cloud are here for you. Let us know what you’d like, and we will be able to work with you to get the best results. Don’t hesitate – give us a call today!
