In the year 2017, Sony applied for a patent for a ‘holographic display screen’ at USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) which has now been granted. As the name suggests, the patent refers to a display that can project 3D lifelike objects.
Surprisingly, users of Sony’s holographic display don’t need to wear any 3D glasses which is unlike most other 3D solutions that are currently available. Not only can such glasses restrict the movement of the user, but they might even feel uncomfortable when used for longer periods of time.
To project 3D images, Sony’s display from the patent uses a light emitter and numerous micro mirrors that can tilt or change direction rapidly. The light source can be modulated electonically which creates different images for the left and right eye thus the desired 3D effect is achieved.
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Besides, the display is equipped with hardware that can track the user’s eye and facial movement. It can also determine the number of users looking at it. Additional components including camera and light sensor are used to calculate the distance between the viewer and the screen.
Different illustrations suggest that the sensors can be placed at different locations. For example, they can be concealed under the bezels or even under the display itself. Therefore, Sony can create a completely bezel-less display which will provide for an immersive experience.
In addition to projecting 3D holographic content, it could also function as a conventional screen that displays 2D content. Even though it is not confirmed, one user might be able to watch the content in 2D while another watches it in 3D.
Noteworthy, the display will be compatible with Sony’s PlayStation console which will open up a whole new world of possibilities for both gamers and game developers. Not only that, but the patent also talks about Microsoft’s Xbox and Nintendo’s Switch. Hence, the display might not be limited to just Sony’s gaming console.
As of now, it is not confirmed whether Sony plans to make this display commercially available. In case the company does plan to launch such a display, it is expected to carry a steep price tag. Another noteworthy feature of the display is the fact that it is modular in nature and multiple displays can be connected together to form an ever-larger display.
Taking into consideration, the patent was filed two years ago Sony could actually have a finalised product ready by now. Besides, the company has many years of experience in this field. In the year 2009, it showcased a prototype of a 360-degree holographic display whose video is shared below.
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Although nothing has been set in stone, we believe Sony will bring out this technology that too sooner rather than later.
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