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The Fox Report Barry Fox’s technology column Hypergram hype V ictoria rail station in London often stages pop-up promotions. Usually they are product sample giveaways – a free packet of biscuits or canned drink is thrust at everyone rushing for a train. But sometimes a new gadget, for cleaning or cooking or somesuch, is on show. Recently, I stopped dead in my tracks and nearly missed my train when I saw what looked like a hologram floating in the concourse space. It was brighter and more colourful than any hologram I’ve ever previously seen. The company behind it, Disturbed Media, is in the attention-grabbing business. Their web site is very long on hyperbole and short on hard fact: https://www. disturbedmediagroup.com/hypertouch/ Buried in the promo-gloss you’ll find reference to a system called Hypergram, with clear reference to ‘hologram’ technology but virtually zero technical fact: experiences to life. Without the need for a screen, these 3D objects can literally float in mid-air and be perceived as truly 3-dimensional. Whether it’s a product, a person, or a complex 3D story, our hypergram experiences makes it possible. With no boundaries and unlimited potential for 3D projects, we will transport you into new worlds of 3D creative exploration. Hypergram has its own website (https:// www.ingagemedia.co.uk/hypergram), with similar opaque gloss: Hypergram brings you the future of OOH consumer entertainment and engagement. Specifically engineered for the human eye, Hypergram is the latest innovation in HD Holographic technology. Viewable without the need for any apps or glasses, Hypergram makes objects float in the air, coming out of the screen and towards the viewer. The future of holographic technology Our hypergram experiences utilise the latest holographic technology, revolutionizing 3D experiences by bringing holographic Practical Electronics | October | 2024 Obviously, like stage magicians, the companies promoting the technology want to create an air of mystery. So it’s understandable that their websites give away no technical secrets, or names of inventors to make patent searching eaiser. Of course it’s usually possible, given the time and need, to search out any patent for anything (other than classified military technology, which can be sealed from public view). In this case, there is no need to go that route because one of the demonstrators at Victoria was perhaps naively forthcoming. Also, fast shutter photos reveal much of how the system works. The ‘hologram’ is created by an array of fans, with long, straight, dark strip blades that carry very bright coloured LEDs. The blades spin fast as the LEDs are triggered by appropriately switched signals from a laptop operated from alongside the rig. The blades rotate fast enough to become invisible to the human eye, while the LEDs paint a bright video picture, apparently hanging in space. The idea is ingenious and works well; far better than previous systems that relied on projecting conventional video images on fog, water mist or semi-transparent screens. I guess we will soon see it used at music events and stage shows. Hobbyists may want to experiment with similar ideas. The system may neatly combine the invisible fan concept with the increasingly­-often seen flexible LED screen ‘wallpaper’ that lets a bare theatre stage set become a city, landscape or spacescape at the flick of a switch. The rotating fans could perhaps be coated with video wallpaper. The Menier Chocolate Factory theatre in London was one of the first UK venues, a few years ago, to use this kind of active wallpaper. PE 7