Many people assume that one day TV and mobile displays will be replaced by floating holograms. And with this unique 3D display that uses invisible fog to generate floating objects, we’re one step closer.
Like the holographic displays in Star Wars, the 3D full-colour high-resolution objects generated by this setup can be viewed from any angle by multiple people all at the same time — no special glasses or headsets required. It also allows holographic objects to interact with real-world objects as well, allowing people to draw in mid-air using just their finger.
Developed by Bin Chen, Yaozhun Huang and Miu-Ling Lam from the City University of Hong Kong, the system does have its limitations. Namely, you’ll probably only be able to use it indoors where there’s no breeze to dissipate the layer of fog that’s used as a canvas. Also, it’s not exactly compact. But the technologies used are already being incorporated into handheld mobile devices, so there’s no reason not to think that one day a call from your partner might look like Princess Leia asking Obi-Wan Kenobi for help.