Exercise 7

1.     What is a hologram? How can a hologram be used as an output device and/or a communication device?

A hologram is a technique that allows light scattered from an object to be recorded and later reconstructed so that when an imaging system is placed in the reconstructed beam, an image of the object will be seen even when the original object is no longer present.

A hologram can be used as an input device by capturing static holographic images. However, recent advances in technology allows the scientists at University of Arizona to create holographic telepresence, capturing video holographs. Thus, communication in 3D with someone from around the world is now possible. Holograms, displaying images, are therefore considered output devices.

In fact, Disney, among other large corporations, has incorporated holograms into their services. For example, in Disneyland California, the haunted house has a room of dancing ghosts, which are in fact 3D holograms. Also, holograms are projected onto tracks of rollercoaster for a more thrilling experience.

When President Obama was elected, Will.I.Am, a performer who publicly was an Obama supporter, was interviewed by Anderson Cooper via hologram. Therefore, it can be said that the dreams of technological advancement we once had are now coming true.

2.     Are there any 3 Dimensional input devices? If yes, list and explain some of these devices and whether or not you expect them to be handy in the future.

3 Dimensional input devices exist. For example, the Nintendo Wii is a 3D input device because it depends on user motion and kinetics across a three-dimensional axis. Sixense also developed a 3D input device in 2008 that broke boundaries in the tech world, sensing not only the usual wrist flicks and arm motion, but also whole body movements. The president of Sixense even invited developers to come up with more creative ways of using the technology.

I expect 3D input devices to be handy in the distant future, but not for the next couple of years. This is because the technology is not yet refined, and as of yet, still a bit cumbersome. As it is now, it still will not outwrestle the keyboard and mouse as standard household input devices.