#89: Multiplexing Holograms

Multiplexing is a method by which multiple feeds are combined to make a single one. In our case, linking multiple Looking Glasses together results in a singular experience that only amplifies the magical and immersive nature of the holographic medium.

Using our handy SDK for Unity users can specify which Looking Glass displays a fraction of the given content. Allocating one Looking Glass to a piece of your 3D content means that you can build larger holograms simply by collaborating with friends who also own Looking Glasses–like we mentioned in a previous post.

In a recent hackathon hosted by Mr. Yuichi Ishii and our Japan-based Looking Glass Club, a team of Looking Glass users multiplexed three 8.9" Development Kits to build a game around the Japanese colloquial metaphor "Daughter in a box" (describing daughters from overprotective families).  They even included Leap Motion hand tracking to produce an experience that played like an interactive single-player split screen game.

The ability to collaborate in this way adds a new layer of interactivity to creating content for the Looking Glass. We'll be honest, creating a multiplexed holographic experience isn't as simple as plugging & playing. Sometimes it takes a group of people who are willing to put their heads together to experiment and tinker with it to make it work. Like the saying goes, team work makes the (holographic) dream work.

If you're interested in multiplexing Looking Glasses, send us a message at future@lookingglassfactory.com.

**this is part of our “100 Days of Holograms” series, where a few of us in the team at Looking Glass Factory post one new wonderful or weird (or both!) use for the Looking Glass holographic display being conjured around the world each day.