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December 03, 2008, 01:58 PM ET
U. of Southern California Professor Unveils Holographic Videoconferencing System
Paul Debevec, a research associate professor at the University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies, has helped develop a holographic videoconferencing system just like the fictional one depicted in recent Star Wars films. He demonstrated the science-fiction inspired system — which uses off-the-shelf video projectors and a fast-spinning mirror to create the illusion of a 3-D image — at the Army Science Conference this week.
In Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith, Yoda virtually attends Jedi council meetings by beaming a holographic image of himself to the meeting room. Everyone in the council chamber can see, in real time, when the Jedi master is displeased as he speaks. Similarly, Mr. Debevec says that professors who are traveling for work will now be able to hold meetings with graduate students back on their campus via hologram.
Other than looking extremely cool, what’s the point? Mr. Debevec argues that the holographic system is better than a phone call or a traditional videoconference because users are able to make eye contact, and viewers can tell which way the holographic caller is looking. “It helps people know whose turn it is to speak and helps people know who’s paying attention,” he said. “Video chats are gaining in popularity, but you don’t usually get accurate eye contact.”
During the conference, Mr. Debevec (below) talked with a holographic image of a colleague who was broadcasting from across a convention hall as part of his demonstration. Video of the system is available on the university’s Web site.
This is not the first time Mr. Debevec’s work has intersected with science fiction. He previously developed an innovative camera technique that was used in The Matrix and other Hollywood blockbusters. —Jeffrey R. Young
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