samsung hologram docking station

Image via Let’s Go Digital

Samsung submits patent for holographic technology

The future is here. We may soon have mobile docking stations that support aerial projection, staring with Samsung, of course.

samsung hologram docking station

Image via Let’s Go Digital

Samsung is reportedly investigating the ways in which hologram technology can be coupled with its current lineup of electronic devices, such as smart speakers and docking station.

We may have holographic tech in phones sooner than expected

Back in 2018, Samsung filed a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a “three-dimensional imaging device and electronic device”. Lo and behold, the 63-page patent was approved on 19 September 2019.

While hologram technology has been available for quite some time, very few products actually make it to the manufacturing line, due to the price tag and the lack of 3D content in stock.

However, with Samsung’s patented breakthrough technology, it would theoretically be possible to convert a 2D photo into a 3D stereoscopic image, also referred to as an “aerial image.”

samsung hologram docking station
Image via Let’s Go Digital

The patented technology is significantly cheaper than any other solutions currently available. Moreover, Samsung’s new technology won’t be dependent on developers for content.

How does holographic tech work?

So, how can this be incorporated? Glad you asked. Smart speakers and docking stations could be converted into holographic devices, provided it was manufactured with the right components.

To turn this holographic dream into reality, Samsung would only need three main components: An edge display, a half-mirror, and a retro-reflective element.

Aligning these items up would make it possible to reflect an image displayed on a rounded mobile screen, onto the mirror via the retro-reflecting element.

samsung hologram docking station
Image via Let’s Go Digital

The image will then be projected in the air, simply by putting the phone in the docking station. According to Samsung’s patent, the technology could even be integrated in the dashboard of a car.

But wait, there’s more. Samsung’s groundbreaking technology goes even further. The docking station can also be connected to other devices, making it possible to control the hologram device remotely. However, there must always be a smartphone in the docking station.

And you won’t even have to worry about battery consumption. The hologram device serves as a docking station, as soon as you put the phone in it starts charging it.

samsung hologram docking station
Image via Let’s Go Digital

Samsung is the first to venture into this field

Samsung seems to be the first smartphone manufacturer to enter this relatively new market. Let’s Go Digital has access to thousands of patents, and reported that no other phone manufacturer has used the word ‘hologram’ in any of their patents.

That said, it could be a good while before the technology will available. Let’s cross all our toes and fingers and hope that Samsung shares their plans at the upcoming CES convention (Consumer Electronics Show), set to take place from 7 to 10 January 2020.

Note: The high-resolution 3D renders of the Samsung docking station used in this article was created by Let’s Go Digital.

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