Holographic Computer Generated Images
Robert L. Baker
Auburn University
Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering
rlb0003@auburn.edu
ABSTRACT
The advancement of Computer Aided Design (CAD)
technology over the past few years has revolutionized the
drafting and engineering design fields. However, CAD
technology is still limited to 2-D computer screens.
Holographic Computer Generated Images (HCGI)
represents the next major evolution of CAD – transforming
computer images into real size or scaled modeled 3-D
bodies emanating into open space. But, where is this
technology today? This paper examines some fundamental
concepts of HGCI and attempts to answer the question.
imaging practical. Russian physicist Yuri Denisyuk
produced the first reflection hologram in 1962 [2].
Emmett Leith and Juris Upatnieks of the University of
Michigan conducted research based on Gabor’s work. They
developed the first laser transmission hologram of a 3-D
object in 1964 [3].
Author Keywords
Projection, image, 2-D, 3-D
ACM Classification Keywords
H.5.2 User Interface, Prototyping
INTRODUCTION
Holographic images are in the words of Mr. Spock 1
“fascinating”. These ghost-like images captivate our
imagination. The general concept of a holographic image is
illustrated in Figure 1. An image has been transformed into
a 3-D model that emanates into space.
There are a myriad of possible uses for holographic
imaging – engineering design, medical, and education just
to name a few. This paper tends to focus more on the CAD
aspect as it relates to engineering design.
Holographic History
The holographic concept is older than expected. British
scientist Dennis Gabor first devised the theory in 1947. He
was working on a project to improve the existing electron
microscope [1]. Dr. Gabor later received the Nobel Prize
for physics in 1971 for his work. However, it was until the
advent of laser technology in 1960 that made holographic
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Central character from Gene Roddenberry’s 1960s
television series “Star Trek”
Figure 1 Holographic Image
Stephen Benton of the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology was mesmerized by his first glimpse of a
hologram in 1964. He went on to invent rainbow
holography in 1968. This process allowed a hologram to be
viewed by common white light [4] [5].
nature of computing resources in this era, were the early
users of CAD applications.
A gradual shift began occurring in the 1970s. Holography
started moving from the science labs into the art and media
fields. Victor Koman and colleagues of the All-Union
Cinema and Photographic Research Institute U.S.S.R.,
developed a prototype for a projected holographic movie in
1976 [5].
Personal computers first debuted in the early 1980s. CAD
applications began a slow migration from the main frame to
the PC. Autodesk was founded in 1982 and demonstrated
the first PC based CAD package, AutoCAD Release 1, in
November of that year [6].
National Geographic Magazine used holographic images on
their publications in the 1980s [5]. Figure 2 is a
representative example.
PC hardware (both UNIX and Intel based) has made
exponential strides since the 1980s. CAD packages have
followed suite. Figure 3 is a representative example of a
CAD image used in the automotive industry to evaluate
crashes.
Figure 3 CAD Image Example
FUNDAMENTALS OF HOLOGRAPHIC PHYSICS
Generation of a holographic image requires a coherent light
source – one in which the waves are in phase and of a
single wavelength [7]. The laser is an example. The lack of
a coherent light source was one of the major obstacles that
Dr. Gabor faced.
Figure 2 Example Holographic Image on National
Geographic Cover
CAD History
Ivan Sutherland of MIT2 as part of a doctoral thesis
developed the first CAD software, Sketchpad, in 1963 [6].
Large aerospace and automotive companies, given the
2
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
A point source of light (reference beam) encounters the
light beam arriving from an object (object beam). The two
light sources are of the same fixed wavelength. An
interference pattern results. Recording the interference
pattern in either a 2-D or 3-D medium produces a hologram
[8]. Figure 4 illustrates the concept.
are captured. In the final product, the eyes see different
images from the recordings. The result is a stereoscopic
image.
Interferometry
Interferometry provides a means to measure microscopic
changes on an object by recording two images on the
changing object. The images produce an interference
pattern that contains the vector displacement representing
the changes [8].
Figure 4 Representative Holographic Image Generation [8]
Multichannel
Categories of Holograms
There are two fundamental categories of holograms –
reflection and transmission.
Reflection
This type of hologram is true 3-D. These holograms are
common in art galleries. A spot of white incandescent light
illuminates the hologram. The light is located on the
viewer’s side of the hologram at a known distance and
angle. The image seen by the observer is the result of the
light reflected by the hologram. Color has recently been
added to this concept. To the human eye, the observed
image is an exact copy of the original object [8].
Transmission
These holograms differ from the reflection in that laser light
(typically the same wavelength use to make the image) is
required for viewing. The light source is projected from
behind the hologram. The image is seen on the observer’s
side [8].
Changing the viewing angle of the light on a hologram
produces different scenes. There is considerable potential
in this concept for computer memories [8].
Computer Generaged
Mathematical theory relating to holograms is well
understood. Holography basically requires a light source, a
hologram, and the image. The third element can be
calculated if any two are known [8].
Commercial Kits
Holographic technology has become available and
relatively inexpensive to the general pubic. There are
scientific supply houses that provide complete kits and
instructions [9].
Other Wave Sources
The use of lasers is perhaps the most common means of
producing holographic images. However, other wave
sources
are
possible.
These
sources
include
electromagnetic, acoustic, and gravitational. The basic
generational concepts remain the same [10].
Hybrid Holograms
There is a group type between reflection and transmission
referred to as hybrids.
Embossed
Holograms of this nature are typically produced in very
high volume at low costs. Credit card applications are an
example. A photosensitive material called photoresist is
imprinted with the original hologram. Once developed, the
material contains a series of grooves on its surface. Layers
of nickel are then deposited and subsequently peeled off
producing a metallic shim. More shims can be duplicated
from the first one. The shim is then pressed onto Mylar like
material under high heat and pressure [8].
Integral
The holograms are produced from a series of photographs.
Many discrete views are recorded because the original
object is scanned with a camera. Each view is displayed on
a LCD screen that is illuminated with laser light. The laser
acts as an object beam to record the image onto the
recording media. The next view is processed and recorded
onto adjacent media. The process continues until all views
HOLOGRAPHIC PROJECTORS
Holographic images on magazine covers and credit cards
are still limited to a 2-D device. However, the concept
shown in Figure 1 illustrates an image projected into open
space. Is this technology commercially available today for
CAD applications? The answer is both yes and no. Figure 4
illustrates.
Figure 4 Illustration of Commercially Available
Holographic Technology [11]
As shown in Figure 4, a major fast food chain is using
holographic imaging for advertising purposes. The same
technology is used by some grocery stores as shown in
Figure 5.
Figure 6 Touchable Holographs
Holo 40 Diamond
Field of Vision
60 degrees
Image Size
Up to 18”
Viewing Distance
2’ to 10’
Focal Length
Up to 3’
Screen Size (Diagonal)
40”
Width x High x Depth
36 ½” X 31” X 23”
Weight
125 lbs.
Table 1 Specifications for the Holo 40 Diamond [13]
Figure 5 Grocery Store Advertising [11]
Touchable Holograms
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have taken
holography to a whole new level. They have succeeded in
combining holographic projection, remote sensing, and
ultrasound to produce touchable holograms [12]. Figure 6
illustrates. This technology was debuted at the SIGGRAPH
conference in New Orleans in 2009.
Limitations
The technology shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6 is intriguing,
but there are limitations. As an example, consider the
specifications for the Holo 40 Diamond 3 projector shown in
Table 1.
3
Provision Company of Chatsworth, CA 91311
Size
The image size in Table 1 is limited to only 18 inches. This
size is good for hamburgers and toothpaste, but CAD
applications often deal with much larger designs. There are
major obstacles to overcome if size is to be increased.
Field of Vision and Viewing Distance
The values shown in Table 1 would suffice for an
individual draftsperson at a workstation. However, if an
audience is attempting to review the design, these values
may prove too constrictive.
Functional
There is major functional difference between the
holographic projector and a CAD application. The products
shown in Figures 4 and 5 already exist. The holographic
projection is generated from these entities.
The most fundamental purpose of a CAD application is to
create a design that does not yet exist. The design is then
turned into a physical entity through machining,
construction, assembly, or fabrication. Thus, a “marriage”
of holographic and CAD technologies is necessary if CAD
holography is to be viable. A Japanese company filed a
patent in 1990 for a CAD holography system, but little
information was given [14]. Both private companies and
universities have recognized the need for CAD and
holographic interaction research [15] [16].
Portability
The projector’s size and weight indicated in Table 1 does
not lend itself well to portable applications. Portability
significantly enhances CAD station performance.
MARKET POTENTIALS
CAD and holographic technologies are well matured. One
report several years ago indicated that the industrial
holographic market in the United States alone was over 1.3
billion dollars [17]. A more recent report estimates the word
market at 2.4 billion US dollars [18]. An older report placed
the worldwide CAD market at 3.7 billion US dollars [19].
HOLOGRAPHIC TRAINING AND SPECIAL SERVICES
The increased demand for holography technology has
resulted in formal classes at the university level and
specialized services by the commercial sector [20] [21].
CONCLUSIONS
The following conclusions are presented based upon the
research:
(1) The combination of a CAD system and
holographic projector for commercial purposes
does not seem to exist at this time.
(2) There are many obstacles to overcome before a
CAD and holographic system is feasible. These
include size, weight, and the ability to generate
larger images.
(3) The market demand and financial incentive is
clearly present for such a hybrid system.
(4) Significant advances in both CAD and holography
technology has been accomplished. The merger of
these technologies is anticipated. However, a time
table is difficult to predict.
(5) Fundamental holography technology is available
to the general public at relatively low cost.
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