Holographic Display for See-Through Imaging: A Closer Look

[Adel Makram]

I am looking for a method that displays a see-through images of an object through an arbitrarily non-transparent surface. Suppose I have already the 3D tomographic information of an object inside a closed box and I am interested to have a holographic 3D view of that object just by looking at the box, how can I do that? I know there are similar applications in the market but I am not sure which is the best in my case. Any suggestion?

 

[jedishrfu]

You're looking for some kind of projection device that projects an image of what's inside an opaque box on to the surface of the box?

Or something that displays the opaque box on a monitor screen with the insides overlaid on the box image and rotatable on the screen?

 

[Adel Makram]

You're looking for some kind of projection device that projects an image of what's inside an opaque box on to the surface of the box?

Or something that displays the opaque box on a monitor screen with the insides overlaid on the box image and rotatable on the screen?

The first one. Either a projection on the surface of opaque container, not necessarily a uniform box, or even a holographic glass that I wear and see through.

 

[jedishrfu]

Okay so its augmented reality.

Software wise I know Unity can do overlays in games and I think they must have a way to augmented reality games although I've not researched it.

Here's some discussion of how folks are supporting augmented reality via Unity:

http://answers.unity3d.com/questions/15215/unity-3d-and-augmented-reality.html

 

[Adel Makram]

Okay so its augmented reality.

Software wise I know Unity can do overlays in games and I think they must have a way to augmented reality games although I've not researched it.

Here's some discussion of how folks are supporting augmented reality via Unity:

http://answers.unity3d.com/questions/15215/unity-3d-and-augmented-reality.html

Thank you but no much significant information in that page.
I came across "structure sensor 3D" from Apple and I though if it is possible to integrate the 3D location of the object into the outlay of the box so as to display it inside the box! This is different from the holographic principle. But in principle, is it possible to have access on the soft ware of the vendors in the market and write the program code to make it work for specific way ?

 

[rbelli1]

I know there are similar applications in the market but I am not sure which is the best in my case.

Can you link to the existing products you have looked at and give an idea of what was good and what was bad about each?

BoB

 

[Adel Makram]

Can you link to the existing products you have looked at and give an idea of what was good and what was bad about each?

BoB

The Hololens from microsoft is good in displaying a holographic images with 3D augmented reality. In my case, there is an object inside an opaque box. Suppose I open the box and see the object by Hololens, then I close the box, will I then be able to use the glass to see the object through the box? And if there is a hole in the box, can I insert a small stick into the hole and still see the hidden part of the stick and its relation to the object by the glass?

 

[Adel Makram]

In general, how to make a code of the project using the glass? I mean if I hire a software developer, can he do the job using just the glass? or does he need to contact microsft to have access for the outlay of the code, platform and so on? Hololens is just an example, but my concern applies to other vendors as well.

 

[rbelli1]

The Hololens from microsoft is good in displaying a holographic images with 3D augmented reality. In my case, there is an object inside an opaque box. Suppose I open the box and see the object by Hololens, then I close the box, will I then be able to use the glass to see the object through the box? And if there is a hole in the box, can I insert a small stick into the hole and still see the hidden part of the stick and its relation to the object by the glass?

The options of how the Hololense augments your vision is entirely up to the programmer of the software. The ability to "see" into opaque enclosed spaces would be advantageous to surgeons for example. It would not be advantageous to a puzzle game where the hiding of information is part of the fun.

In general, how to make a code of the project using the glass? I mean if I hire a software developer, can he do the job using just the glass? or does he need to contact Microsoft to have access for the outlay of the code, platform and so on? Hololens is just an example, but my concern applies to other vendors as well.

For a device such as this you will generally get the developer edition and that will come with the necessary software from the manufacturer. The cost of that beyond the standard version will vary by manufacturer. Starting from just the glasses and making something useful is still possible but there will be a significant amount of reverse engineering and driver and framework development. If your goal is to develop an application it is easiest to just use the manufacturer's tools.

Is there a reason you don't want to get the information from Microsoft?

BoB

 

[Adel Makram]

The options of how the Hololense augments your vision is entirely up to the programmer of the software. The ability to "see" into opaque enclosed spaces would be advantageous to surgeons for example. It would not be advantageous to a puzzle game where the hiding of information is part of the fun.

My project is close to that in the medical field. So how to start, from the glass or from the developer?

 

[Adel Makram]

For a device such as this you will generally get the developer edition and that will come with the necessary software from the manufacturer. The cost of that beyond the standard version will vary by manufacturer. Starting from just the glasses and making something useful is still possible but there will be a significant amount of reverse engineering and driver and framework development. If your goal is to develop an application it is easiest to just use the manufacturer's tools.

Is there a reason you don't want to get the information from Microsoft?

BoB

What is the meaning of "The developer edition? Will this come with the glass or should I ask for it from the company?

 

[rbelli1]

Will this come with the glass or should I ask for it from the company?

Yes the glasses will come in the developer edition. I believe the Microsoft version only comes in developer right now.

So how to start, from the glass or from the developer?

The only reason to bypass the manufacturer code is to either port the hardware to an unsupported platform or learn in intricate detail how the technology works.

Your goal is to write an application so I highly suggest you use the manufacurer tools.

BoB

 

[Adel Makram]

Yes the glasses will come in the developer edition. I believe the Microsoft version only comes in developer right now.
The only reason to bypass the manufacturer code is to either port the hardware to an unsupported platform or learn in intricate detail how the technology works.

Your goal is to write an application so I highly suggest you use the manufacurer tools.

BoB

Thank you but again how to start? Should I contact microsoft or to hire a developer?

 

[rbelli1]

Thank you but again how to start? Should I contact microsoft or to hire a developer?

If you plan on doing the work yourself you should select a device and then purchase it. In the case of Microsoft you will want to buy it direct as the price is lower. Follow the instructions included to get registered. If support is not included then you will want to purchase that too.

If you plan on hiring someone to do the work I would hold off on choosing a device until you consult with your developer. After hiring them, do as the two (or more) of you decide is best.

The advice I have given is general advice for a development project. If you swap out a few words it would apply to any engineering endeavor. I have no specific knowledge on VR or AR tech.

BoB

 

[Adel Makram]

The advice I have given is general advice for a development project. If you swap out a few words it would apply to any engineering endeavor. I have no specific knowledge on VR or AR tech.

Just now I thought of alternative method for my project and I appreciate your advice. Instead of purchasing expensive glass and hiring developer, I just thought of a simple gyroscope sensor. This should work in the way that senses my hand movement when I hold a medical instrument. Just a technical question, will that sensor allow me to adjust it in a desired position? For example, suppose I need to maintain the instrument in the direction specified by $\theta$ and $\psi$ angles relative to particular frame of reference based on imaging like CT or MRI. Can the gyro-sensor allow me to adjust the instrument to that particular direction when I hold it?

 

[stoomart]

I am looking for a method that displays a see-through images of an object through an arbitrarily non-transparent surface.

This seems possible without goggles/glasses by combining the following two concepts, though actual implementation seems far out technologically.