holoport

Holoport is a term used to describe real-time holographic telepresence technology that creates a live, three-dimensional representation of a person or object and transmits it to a distant location where it is rendered for viewing, often as a hologram. The concept blends holography, volumetric video, depth sensing, and networked streaming to produce a believable presence in another space.

Typical implementations use an array of RGB-D cameras and sensors to capture a performer from multiple angles; the data are fused into a volumetric model, compressed, and streamed with low latency. At the destination, the data are decoded and displayed on a holographic display, light-field panel, or through AR/VR headsets, creating the perception of a live 3D figure in real time.

Origin and adoption: The term gained prominence with demonstrations and commercial interest in volumetric video and telepresence, including platforms marketed as holoportation by companies promoting real-time 3D capture and transmission of people. Researchers in academia and industry have explored holographic telepresence using various display modalities, including projection-based holograms and head-mounted displays.

Applications and considerations: Holoportation aims to enable remote presence for communication, collaboration, telemedicine, and entertainment. It faces challenges such as latency, bandwidth requirements, capture quality, lighting, and privacy concerns. Costs and the need for specialized capture rigs can limit widespread deployment outside particular professional or research contexts.