High-quality optical holograms are combined with interactive graphical elements - leading to hybrid 3D displays that provide extraordinary realism.

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Oliver Bimber
• Subject Area: Image and Language Processing, Computer Graphics and Visualisation, Human Computer Interaction, Ubiquitous and Wearable Computing
• Term: from 2004 to 2006
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5423726

This project investigates the possibility of integrating computer-generated graphics into optical holograms. It approaches to combine the advantages of conventional optical holograms (i.e., extremely high visual quality and realism, support of all depth queues and multiple observers at no computational cost, space efficiency, etc.) with the advantages of today's computer-graphics capabilities (i.e., interactivity, real-time rendering, simulations annimations, stereoscopic and autostereoscopic presentations, etc.). Several engineering and computer science topics will be addressed throughout the project: The potentials of different optical hologram types with respect to die project's goal have to be investigated. New three-dimensional displays that combine computer graphics and holography will be engineered. New real-time rendering algorithms and human-computer interaction techniques that are adequate for the proposed devices will be developed. The outcome of this project will be a novel three-dimensional display concept whose application is envisioned in areas such as scientific visualization and simulation (in domains like paleontology, pathology or archeology), and education (in facilities like public museums).

• DFG Programme: Research Grants