Personal holographic projectors might still feel like they should be something out of a sci-fi show, but one company is set to offer a device that will convert any photo into a fully fledged 3D image.
New York-based tech company Looking Glass Factory has created the gadget using artificial intelligence, with machine learning algorithms developed over the last six years.
These are able to work with the company’s proprietary holographic tech to scan 2D photos of different kinds and transform them into stunning 3D images.
The AI and other technology measures angles and reflected light in order to construct a lifelike 3D image based on the original picture.
The source photos can be taken with pretty much any digital camera, from a high-end digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) to a simple cellphone.
Even a scan of an old family Polaroid could work, as long as it can be sent to Looking Glass Factory's service based in the cloud.
Technology does already exist that can reliably convert 2D images to 3D holograms, but Looking Glass Factory’s CEO Shawn Frayne said that this was the first time that it was being made available to consumers without technical expertise.
Realistic holographs could be made widely available
Frayne added that “extremely realistic holographic memories” could be easily created by more people than ever before.
This could bring us closer to a place where 3D holograms become almost as commonplace as 2D photos.
The gadget, called Portrait, comes in the form of an easily portable eight-inch display and will be made available with a Holographic Capture Bundle package.
This incorporates the Portrait display itself, along with Microsoft’s Azure Kinect depth camera, a Leap Motion controller and a light field rail, all of which can help users make their own high-quality photos for conversion into 3D images.
There could also be wider uses for the technology when used in conjunction with existing VR software, such as Maya or Sketchfab.
Videos on the company’s website show that possibilities include creating holographic video messages, realistic 3D animated characters and interactive 3D games, and other immersive experiences.
The Portrait alone is expected to retail for around $350 (£257), with an additional cost of $20 (£15) per 100 photos for the cloud conversion service.
The extended package would be closer to $1,449 (£1,068).
It was initially available through a Kickstarter campaign, but is expected to be widely available by this spring.
Today’s news was brought to you by TD SYNNEX – the UK’s number one solutions distributor.
