The SeeLinder: Make 3D holographic video calls, at least eventually

Regular 3D displays must be getting a little too commonplace in Japan or something (they're even popping up in cellphones), because now researchers there are showing off a technology called the SeeLinder that takes things up a notch and let's you make 3D holographic video calls. SeeLinder uses a 360-degree digital camera and cyliderical tube to create real-time three-dimensional holograms that'll let you view the person you're talking to from almost any angle (i.e. you can walk around them and stare at the back of their head while they're talking, etc.). Most 3D displays have a sweet spot that only gives you the full effect when you're looking at the screen from a specific angle.

[Thanks, Jason]

[Celsdogg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

yeah! all hail star wars like video calls and pre recorded video!

i can see princess leia now. . .thanks R2

[George @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

CREST ?

[Daniel Brett @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Actually, the holographic phones are technically not holographic. Rather it's a stereoscope that is only three dimensional from left to right, but not top to bottom. That doesn't take away from the impressive nature of the phone but a truly 3-D phone is still years away.