When Swiss watch boss, Christoph Grainger-Herr, was unable to fly to a global trade show because of Covid-19 restrictions, he decided to join the show as a life-size, 3D hologram(全息投影). Appearing in 4K resolution, he was able to talk to, and see and hear the people who were physically attending the event.
With the coronavirus pandemic having put a stop to much global travel since March 2020,there is a growing interest in the use of holograms—3D light projections(投影) of a person—as amore life-like, more immersive, more sensory alternative to video calls.
Los Angeles-based Portl is one of the firms at the forefront of the technology. Its portals(投影设备) are eight feet (2.5m) tall, glass-fronted, computerised boxes. Inside the booths a life-size hologram of a person appears. The portals have built-in speakers, so that the hologram’s “voice” can be heard. They also include cameras and microphones so that the user of the hologram can see and hear the people in front of his, or her projection. “And were it not for the sheet of glass in front of the hologram, you’d think the person was actually there. In fact, if there is no light on the glass so that you cannot see it reflecting, then you do think the person is actually there.” says Mr Nussbaum, the boss of US holograms firm Portl.
The portals cost about $60,000 each, so they are certainly expensive, although the company says they can be rented for considerably less. “In a few years’ time, this is going to become a regular way of communicating between offices,” says Mr Nussbaum.
Yet, he cautions that problems may occur in the future if these holographic images become so real that distinguishing them from an actual person will become impossible. “If you can create digital experiences that get closer and closer to how you sense reality, you’re more likely to be manipulated(操控),” says Mr Nussbaum.
Mr Nussbaum says he is confident that hologram technology is going to replace standard video screens in video conferencing in five years. He also predicts that it will see off video information screens. “This will be the new way that businesses will want to present their content whether live or recorded.”
8. What is the function of the first paragraph?
A.To give an example. | B.To present an argument. |
C.To lead to the main topic. | D.To attract readers’ attention. |
9. What can we learn about the portals?
A.They are life-size glass boxes. | B.They have a built-in computer. |
C.They reduce light reflection on the glass. | D.They consist of audio and video equipment. |
10. What can we expect of the hologram technology in the future?
A.It will record live conference automatically. |
B.It is helpful in telling an actual person from a digital one. |
C.It will possibly take the place of conventional screens. |
D.It is not likely to popularise due to high cost of the portals. |
11. What is the main purpose of the passage?
A.To explain the function of hologram technology. |
B.To compare video calls with hologram technology. |
C.To introduce hologram technology as a communication means. |
D.To show the importance of hologram technology in communication. |