Sony will soon release a new 3D Spatial Reality Display. This technology competes directly with the Looking Glass Holographic Mirror, a similar, but more chunky, display that uses light field technology. Sony’s new display is much smaller and utilizes a different method to attain a holographic illusion. Rather than using light field technology, which is the proprietary copyright of Looking Glass, Sony achieves the effect by employing an eye tracker. The new display allows a single viewer to see 3D with their naked eye. Using new technology, Sony hopes to manufacture a device that aids creators in the realm of three-dimensional art, as well as helping enterprises to visualize complex designs and optimize off-site group work.
Utilizing a special high speed sensor, the spatial reality display is able to gauge where the eye is looking across three dimensions: vertical, horizontal, and depth. A micro optic lens is laid over the LCD display that combines with divided images to naturally create stereoscopic viewing, resulting in a stunning 3D display. The images are described by Sony as appearing “as smooth as in real life, even if you move around.” In addition, Sony also claims that their display is reactive to the tune of a millisecond, confirming that productivity will be unimpeded by the innovations.
Priced at $5,000, Sony has gotten an edge over Looking Glass’s price of $6,000. Due to the high price tag, Sony is directing their marketing efforts primarily towards the fields of production design and 3D art. To be more specific, they are funneling their endeavors in the direction of enterprise. Several big name companies, including Volkswagen and Ghost Corp, a production subsidiary of Sony, have already started to integrate this technology into their everyday activities. Volkswagen, in particular, has integrated the technology into their temporary model creation. By creating a virtual prototype meant to be inspected for deficiencies, the engineers are subsequently aided in their efforts to actually build the vehicles. Additionally, this technology has allowed them to virtually share their work in pandemic times, making the physical gap between them seem much smaller when working together on a project.
This device will likely have several uses, including cinematography and collaboration on creative projects. One use may include cinematography that requires heavy visual or special effects. The features allow creators to adjust lighting, test object positioning, and check camera blocking ahead of finalizing scenes. Sony believes that scene previsualization will be a big part of movie production in the future.
Sony hopes to move into the field of advanced engineering with this release. The spatial reality display presents a great opportunity for businesses to enhance their productivity using this proprietary technology. Even with the steep price tag, several companies have already found success with its visualization and design capabilities, with more soon to follow. For more information and to track the release of Sony’s Spatial Reality Display, please visit: www.sony.com/electronics/spatial-reality-display/elf-sr1
