Clive Cookson, Scientists turn 'Star War' scene into reality; US team transmits hologram images. Financial Times, Nov. 4, 2010.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/8f071d82-e765-11df-b5b4-00144feab49a.html#axzz14LQAAzHg
Quote:
"the world’s first practical 3D transmission system that works without requiring viewers to wear special glasses or other devices
"Existing 3D projection systems produce either static holograms with excellent depth and resolution but no movement – or stereoscopic films, such as Avatar, which give the perspective from one viewpoint only and do not allow the viewer to walk around the image. The new technology combines motion with an impression of genuine solidity.
Note:
(a) You may have to register to view the report free.
(b) The report mentions
Blanche PA et al, Holographic three-dimensional telepresence using large-area photorefractive polymer. Nature 468: 80-83 (Nov. 3, 2010).
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v468/n7320/abs/nature09521.html
(c) Nitto Denko 日東電工株式会社
www.nitto.co.jp/
---------------------Separately
(1) David Pogue, Invitation to Play, And Sweat. New York Times, Nov. 4, 2010 (title in the print).
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/04/technology/personaltech/04pogue.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=microsoft%20wii&st=cse
Quote:
"It has four microphones and three little lenses: a video camera, an infrared projector and a distance sensor. Together, these lenses determine where you are in the room. And not just you. The system tracks 48 parts of your body in three-dimensional space. It doesn’t just know where your hand is, like the Wii. No, the Kinect tracks the motion of your head, hands, torso, waist, knees, feet and so on. The point is to let you control games with your body, without having to find, hold, learn or recharge a controller. Your digital stunt double appears on the TV screen. What you do, it does.
"The Wii, by tracking the position of its remote control, was amazing for its time (2006). It’s a natural for games in which you swing one hand — bowling, tennis, golf. But the Kinect blows open a whole universe of new, whole-body simulations — volleyball, obstacle courses, dancing, flying.
Note: Kinect is the black, horizontal box in the photo, not the tall white one.
(2) Peter Wayner, Protecting Your Home From Afar With a Robot. New York Times, Nov. 4, 2010.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/04/technology/personaltech/04basics.html?scp=1&sq=home%20robot&st=cse
Note:
(a) The black robot in the top photo is Rovio (name of robot) from Wowwee (name of company).
http://www.wowwee.com/en/products/tech/telepresence/rovio/rovio
(b) Spykee, "a robot made by the French company Meccano":