Technology has finally evolved to a point where we've started to master both virtual and augmented reality platforms. However, despite reaching the point of metaverses and virtual cryptocurrency, humanity still hasn’t been able to create proper hologram tech.
While we have yet to functional holograms, that hasn't stopped brilliant scientists from trying. For example, one team of scientists have technically created 3D holograms at a microscopic level. Unfortunately, as cool as that is, it's not on a level high enough to be turned into a product. But one company is looking to do just that: Meta.
Meta working on hologram video calls
Reported by The Next Web, Meta has filed a patent for its in-development hologram technology. Titled “3D Conversations in an Artificial Reality Environment”, the patent details an idea to realise holograms to use in video calls.
The Meta patent aims to detail a system that could capture a real-time 3D scan of one person and display it on someone else’s device. For example, this 3D scan could appear on a smartphone, a VR or AR headset or a future holographic projector.
Meta doesn't expressly state that its working on a holographic projector. However the patent does state that the scans could be used on the tech of its ever invented. However, the scans are mostly being designed for mixed reality purposes.
Read More: Texas pledges to sue Meta into bankruptcy
A two-way method
One of the more interesting elements of Meta’s hologram video calls is the fact that it's a two-way system. Not only does the patent project one user’s 3D self onto the augmented or virtual reality display of the recipient, but the recipient can also be scanned.
Meta believes that, in the future, headset technology will have the ability to scan a wearer’s head. For sections of a face that are covered, artificial intelligence would be able to fill in the blanks. This means that two people could have full 3D conversations across an array of devices.
Additionally, Meta's patent claims that artificial intelligence would also be used to take 3D users and put them in the scene. Using AI, the 3D scans could be taken out of their background and placed into the recipients background.
This could make video calls more immersive than ever before. While VR conversations offer some immersion, bulky headsets and rough avatars with little tracking give them an Uncanny Valley effect. However, do we really need 3D video calls?