3-D adverts projected into "thin air"?

[tedster]

Somehow I don't think I will like this technology advance if it comes to be. Would you like to see the night sky full of pulsating plasma adverts?

The night sky could soon be lit up with gigantic three-dimensional adverts, thanks to a Japanese laser display that creates glowing images in thin air. The system is being developed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Tokyo, in collaboration with Burton Inc and Keio University.

"We believe this technology may eventually be used in applications ranging from pyrotechnics to outdoor advertising," says a spokesman for AIST.

[newscientist.com...]

[jdMorgan]

Astronomers, amateur and professional, just dread this kind of idiocy.

Look at the Mount Palomar Observatory -- A faclity whose replacment could not be funded in today's dollars, rendered almost useless by the city lights below.

It's common to have visitors at my house who have never seen the night sky ask, "What's that weird cloud?" Answer: Our Milky Way galaxy, viewed edge-on. They can't see it from the city because of light pollution.

And now advertisements. Oh, joy.

Jim

[Rugles]

There is still plenty of places on earth will you can see the nightsky in all its glory. That is the price of living in a city in an civilized, industrial society.

I not a fan of the avertising part of it, but the road sign and emergency applications are useful. I could also this in use over stadiums, new years eve, large rock concerts or any big celebrations.

Sorry, I like technology.

[lgn1]

Here is an interesting article on light polution.

[starrynightlights.com ]

Even here in the back waters of Nova Scotia, the night sky is not as dark as it was even 10 years ago.

[trillianjedi]

Man technology gets scarier by the day!

Remember that scene in Star Wars when R2D2 projects a recording of Princess Leia?

I wonder how long...

TJ

[Rugles]

>>>Remember that scene in Star Wars when R2D2 projects a recording of Princess Leia?

I have been thinking about that for a long time. I could be cool for music. Throw in a disc and bam, the Rolling Stones are performing right in front of you in your living room.

Or for video games, sports, movies or even adult stuff.

Its all on the way I am sure. Just hope I live long enough.

[trillianjedi]

the Rolling Stones are performing right in front of you in your living room

3DAgingRockerCast.com - hmmm.... is that a good thing or a bad thing?!

[engine]

hmmmmm, not the same, of course. Just like watching a recording of the big game. Nothing like being live.

I can imagine educational uses, but advertising, no thanks.

[Rugles]

>>> is that a good thing or a bad thing?!

Pick your favorite musicians. Its so easy to take cheap shots at the Stones, but they never have trouble selling seats at $250, so somebody likes them.

[Rugles]

>>>I can imagine educational uses,

Yes, and public safety. But you know for sure it will be the BIG advertising dollars that will be the first to monetize this technology.

[whoisgregg]

Don't know if it's the same technology, but... the band Gorillaz (who claim to be cartoons) are planning a holographic tour for 2007-2008. Instead of the human performers, they say their cartoon equivalents will be projected in 3 dimensions onto the stage, alongside human guest performers.

Added: Apparently they did a preview at the Grammys in February alongside Madonna.

[Automan Empire]

Before it spoils anyone's day (night), the technology only projects less than a foot or so above the device at present. Also, the ionization of each pixel makes a "crack" resulting in an ongoing buzz from the display. Then there are the airspace implications of shining such powerful lasers skyward.
I think it will be a long time before this is seen in the sky!
-Art