Difference between revisions of "HoloLens"

Latest revision as of 15:54, 14 March 2025

Microsoft HoloLens

Developer	Microsoft Corporation
Operating system	NA
Resolution	1268x720
Field of view	NA
Weight	grams
Controls

The Hololens is an augmented reality headset from Microsoft. It has a transparent display and 3D tracking. It is called "HoloLens" because it enables users to see what Microsoft calls "holograms". It features a pair of optical see through near-eye displays.

The eye-piece components of HoloLens are transparent. It is able to display 3D virtual objects as if they were in the real world through its see-through displays.^[1]^[2]

The HoloLens was developed at about the same time as the Magic Leap 1.

It requires a Microsoft account to set up.

Microsoft HoloLens has a Windows 10 computer built in. It has sensors, including cameras for camera-based tracking.

Operation[edit]

HoloLens in use

HoloLens uses cameras to track the environment and establish a frame of reference.

Displays[edit]

The field of view (FOV) is small: 30 degrees horizontal and 17.5 degrees vertical.

Its total diagonal FOV is about 30 degrees.^[3]

It is optically comparable with the Hololens 2 and the Magic Leap 1.

3D tracking[edit]

Sensors include head tracking IMUs (Inertial Measuring Unit), a depth camera with 120°×120° FOV, an RGB 2-megapixel photo / HD video camera and an ambient light sensor. Additionally, it has 4 greyscale environment sensing cameras that work with the depth camera to track the head, hands and the surrounding environment.

Processors[edit]

For processors, in addition to CPU and GPU, HoloLens has an HPU, (holographic processing unit). The HPU consolidates and processes all the data from various sensors and produces a stream of useful information to the other processors. HPU removes the burden from the CPU and GPU of handling heavy external data.

HPU - processes all of the data from its sensors, depth camera, microphone etc.

Power and Connectivity[edit]

The battery in HoloLens lasts around 2.5 hours during intensive use. It lasts around 5.5 hours during less intensive use.

HoloLens can connect to any WiFi or Bluetooth-equipped device.

HoloLens can run any universal Windows 10 app.

A microUSB port is present for charging and connection. It is possible to use Microsoft HoloLens while it’s charging over microUSB.^[4]

Announcement and Release[edit]

Microsoft HoloLens was announced during a Windows 10 Event. The Development Edition was released for $3,000 or £2,000. It allowed developers to start making apps and games for the headset. Months later, it became available to anyone with a Microsoft account.^[4]^[5]

Features[edit]

object displayed through a HoloLens

3D projections that can be anchored in the real world. These virtual objects are projected at about 60 cm (near plane) to few meters.

Spatial Mapping - scans the environment in real time to create a mesh of an X/Y/Z coordinate plane. Objects can be projected into the mesh.

Gaze Recognition - HoloLens tracks your gaze.

Input gadgets[edit]

HoloLens Clicker - a small clicker with a loop that wraps around your middle or index finger. It is held with the microUSB port towards your body and your thumb resting on top of the click, in the indentation. The clicker features a single button and rotational tracking. It allows a user to click and scroll with minimal hand motion as a replacement for the air-tap gesture.

Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard

Software[edit]

The HoloLens user interface consists of a bunch of floating windows, and some 3D objects.

List of HoloLens 1 applications

Development[edit]

Hololens uses Windows Mixed Reality, based on Windows 10.

To develop for HoloLens, you need a Windows 10 PC able to run Visual Studio 2015 and Unity.

There is a HoloLens Emulator that allows the user to test Holographic apps on their PCs without the need of a physical HoloLens. It is simulated using a keyboard, mouse, and/or xbox controller. The human and environmental inputs that would usually be read by the sensors on the HoloLens are instead simulated using your keyboard, mouse, or Xbox controller. Apps don't need to be modified to run on the emulator and don't know that they aren't running on a real HoloLens.^[6]

References[edit]

↑ Microsoft. Microsoft HoloLens. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens
↑ Microsoft. Why HoloLens. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/why-hololens
↑ "How does the Hololens 2 matter?". 2019-02-24. https://stevesspace.com/2019/02/how-does-hololens2-matter/.
↑ ^{Jump up to: 4.0} ^4.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ”four”
↑ Spence, E. (2017). Microsoft HoloLens Review: Winning the reality wars. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2017/01/14/microsoft-hololens-review-experience-review/2/#4053cf3d43f9
↑ Microsoft. Using the HoloLens emulator. Retrieved from https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/holographic/using_the_hololens_emulator

[.E2.80.9Done.E2.80.9D-1] Microsoft. Microsoft HoloLens. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens

[.E2.80.9Dtwo.E2.80.9D-2] Microsoft. Why HoloLens. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/why-hololens

[v477-3] "How does the Hololens 2 matter?". 2019-02-24. https://stevesspace.com/2019/02/how-does-hololens2-matter/.

[.E2.80.9Dfour.E2.80.9D-4] {Jump up to: 4.0} ^4.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ”four”

[.E2.80.9Dfive.E2.80.9D-5] Spence, E. (2017). Microsoft HoloLens Review: Winning the reality wars. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2017/01/14/microsoft-hololens-review-experience-review/2/#4053cf3d43f9

[6] Microsoft. Using the HoloLens emulator. Retrieved from https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/holographic/using_the_hololens_emulator

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{HeadMountedDisplay|
+{{HeadMountedDisplay
-name_of_device=Microsoft HoloLens|
+|name_of_device=Microsoft HoloLens
-image_file_name=HoloLens.png|
+|image_file_name=Microsoft hololens3.jpg
-category=|
+|developer=Microsoft Corporation
-developer=Microsoft Corporation|
+|announced=January 2015
-developer_commentary=|
+|announced_commentary=<ref>Savov, Vlad. Microsoft announces Windows Holographic with HoloLens headset. The Verge [online]. 2015, Jan 21. Available online at: http://www.theverge.com/2015/1/21/7867593/microsoft-announces-windows-holographic (Retrieved Jun 12, 2017)</ref>|
-announced=January 2015|
+|developer_release=2016
-announced_commentary=<ref>SAVOV, Vlad. Microsoft announces Windows Holographic with HoloLens headset. The Verge [online]. 2015, Jan 21. Available online at: http://www.theverge.com/2015/1/21/7867593/microsoft-announces-windows-holographic (Retrieved Jun 12, 2017)</ref>|
+|developer_release_commentary=<ref name="arstechnica">BRIGHT, Peter. Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition: Coming Q1 2016 for $3,000. Ars Technica [online]. 2015, Jun 10. Available online at: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/10/microsoft-hololens-development-edition-coming-q1-2016-for-3000/ (Retrieved Jun 12, 2017)</ref>|
-developer_release=2016|
+price_commentary=<ref>https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-hololens/en-us/development-edition</ref><ref name="arstechnica" />
-developer_release_commentary=<ref name="arstechnica">BRIGHT, Peter. Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition: Coming Q1 2016 for $3,000. Ars Technica [online]. 2015, Jun 10. Available online at: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/10/microsoft-hololens-development-edition-coming-q1-2016-for-3000/ (Retrieved Jun 12, 2017)</ref>|
+|display=2.3 megapixel widescreen stereoscopic head-mounted
-consumers_release=|
+|resolution=1268x720
-consumers_release_commentary=|
+|standalone_not_standalone=Standalone
-price=3000|
+|link_to_website=http://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-hololens/en-us
-price_commentary=<ref>https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-hololens/en-us/development-edition</ref><ref name="arstechnica" />|
+|}}
-operating_system=Windows Mixed Reality|
+The '''Hololens''' is an [[augmented reality headset]] from [[Microsoft]]. It has a transparent display and 3D tracking. It is called "HoloLens" because it enables users to see what Microsoft calls "holograms". It features a pair of optical see through near-eye displays.
-operating_system_commentary=|
-display=2.3 megapixel widescreen stereoscopic head-mounted display|
-display_commentary=|
-resolution=1268x720|
-resolution_commentary=pixels|
-field_of_view=120|
-field_of_view_commentary=degrees both horizontal and vertical|
-weight=579|
-weight_commentary=|
-controls1=gestural|
-controls2=voice|
-controls3=gaze|
-controls4=inertial|
-controls_commentary=|
-data_available=good|
-risk_factor=low|
-standalone_not_standalone=Standalone|
-link_to_website=http://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-hololens/en-us|
-}}
-The '''Hololens''' is an [[augmented reality headset]] with an optical see through head mounted display (OST-HMD), developed by [[Microsoft]]. It is optically worse than the [[Hololens 2]] and the [[Magic Leap 1]].
-The eye-piece components of HoloLens are transparent. It is able to project high-definition (HD) virtual content over real world objects using its see-through displays.<ref name=”one”>Microsoft. Microsoft HoloLens. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens</ref><ref name=”two”>Microsoft. Why HoloLens. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/why-hololens</ref>
+The eye-piece components of HoloLens are transparent. It is able to display 3D virtual objects as if they were in the real world through its see-through displays.<ref name=”one”>Microsoft. Microsoft HoloLens. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens</ref><ref name=”two”>Microsoft. Why HoloLens. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/hololens/why-hololens</ref>
-HoloLens 1 requires a Microsoft account to set up.
+The HoloLens was developed at about the same time as the [[Magic Leap 1]].
-__NOTOC__
-Microsoft HoloLens runs a self-contained Windows 10 computer.  It features an HD 3D optical head-mounted display, spatial sound projection and advanced sensors to allow its users to interact with AR applications through head movements, [[#Gesture|gestures]] and [[#Voice|voices]].
-HoloLens has various sensors and a CPU and GPU, which Microsoft said gives the headset more processing power than an average laptop.<ref name=”four”>Roberts, J. (2016). What is HoloLens? Microsoft’s holographic headset explained. Retrieved from http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinion/hololens-release-date-news-and-price-2922378</ref>
+It requires a Microsoft account to set up.
-Microsoft collaborated with NASA in the making of HoloLens, and there is the potential to control the Mars rover Curiosity via the headset, allowing Nasa staff to work as if they were on the planet themselves. Microsoft also partnered with Volvo to showcase another possible use - using it in car showrooms for customers to view different color configurations for their chosen car and see features in action.<ref name=”four”/>
+Microsoft HoloLens has a Windows 10 computer built in. It has sensors, including cameras for [[camera-based tracking]].
+__NOTOC__
-==Announcement and Release==
+==Operation==
-Microsoft HoloLens was announced during a Windows 10 Event on January 21st, 2015. The Development Edition was released on March 30, 2016, for $3,000 or £2,000. It allowed developers to start making apps and games for the headset. Months later, it became available to anyone with a Microsoft account. During the last quarter of 2016, the program expanded beyond the United States into countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Currently, there’s still no information regarding a consumer edition release date.<ref name=”three”>Sophie, C. (2017). Microsoft HoloLens: Everything you need to know about the $3,000 AR headset. Retrieved from https://www.wareable.com/microsoft/microsoft-hololens-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-futuristic-ar-headset-735</ref><ref name=”four”></ref><ref name=”five”>Spence, E. (2017). Microsoft HoloLens Review: Winning the reality wars. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2017/01/14/microsoft-hololens-review-experience-review/2/#4053cf3d43f9</ref>
+[[File:Hololens augmented reality.jpeg|thumb|HoloLens in use]]
+HoloLens uses cameras to track the environment and establish a frame of reference.
-==Features==
-[[Holograms]] - realistic 3D projections that can be anchored onto real life objects. These virtual objects are projected at about 60 cm (near plane) to few meters.
-[[Spatial Mapping]] - scans the environment in real time to create a mesh of an X/Y/Z coordinate plane. Objects can be accurately projected into the mesh.
-[[Spatial Audio]] - in-app audio will come from different directions which depend on where you are in relation to the virtual object making the sound
-[[#Voice|Voice Recognition]] - recognizes various voice commands.
-[[#Gesture|Gesture Recognition]] - recognizes various gesture commands such as the [[Air Tap]].
-[[#Gaze|Gaze Recognition]] - HoloLens tracks your gaze.
+==Displays==
+The [[field of view]] (FOV) is small: 30 degrees horizontal and 17.5 degrees vertical.
-==Specifications==
+Its total diagonal FOV is about 30 degrees.<ref name="v477">{{cite web | title=How does the Hololens 2 matter? | website=Steve's Space | date=2019-02-24 | url=https://stevesspace.com/2019/02/how-does-hololens2-matter/ | access-date=2024-09-26}}</ref>
-The [[field of view]] where the holograms appear is quite small - 30° horizontal and 17.5° vertical. It is the same as a 16:9 monitor with 15 feet diagonal, 2 feet away from you face.
-It has a diagonal FoV of about 30 degrees.<ref name="v477">{{cite web | title=How does the Hololens 2 matter? | website=Steve's Space | date=2019-02-24 | url=https://stevesspace.com/2019/02/how-does-hololens2-matter/ | access-date=2024-09-26}}</ref>
+It is optically comparable with the [[Hololens 2]] and the [[Magic Leap 1]].
-===Sensors===
+==3D tracking==
-Sensors include head tracking [[IMU]]s (Inertial Measuring Unit); a sound capture system consisting of an array of 4 microphones; an energy efficient depth camera with 120°×120° [[FOV]], an RGB 2-megapixel photo / HD video camera and an ambient light sensor. Additionally, it has 4 greyscale environment sensing cameras that work with the depth camera to track the head, hands and the surrounding environment.
+Sensors include head tracking [[IMU]]s (Inertial Measuring Unit), a depth camera with 120°×120° [[FOV]], an RGB 2-megapixel photo / HD video camera and an ambient light sensor. Additionally, it has 4 greyscale environment sensing cameras that work with the depth camera to track the head, hands and the surrounding environment.
-===Processors===
+==Processors==
-For processors, in addition to [[CPU]] and [[GPU]], HoloLens possess an [[HPU]], ([[holographic processing unit]]). The HPU is a coprocessor dedicated to integrating real world and virtually generated content. It consolidates and processes all the data from various sensors and produces a thin stream of useful information to the other processors. HPU removes the burden of handling heavy external data from the CPU and GPU, allowing them to focus on creating content.
+For processors, in addition to [[CPU]] and [[GPU]], HoloLens has an [[HPU]], ([[holographic processing unit]]). The HPU consolidates and processes all the data from various sensors and produces a stream of useful information to the other processors. HPU removes the burden from the CPU and GPU of handling heavy external data.
 [[HPU]] - processes all of the data from its sensors, depth camera, microphone etc.
-===Audio===
+==Power and Connectivity==
-The [[3D audio|Spatial sound system]] consists of 2 small speakers are located on the sides of the OHMD, sitting above the ears. Unlike headphones, these speakers do not prevent the user from hearing external sounds. In-app audio will come from different directions which depend on where you are in relation to the virtual object making the sound.
+The battery in HoloLens lasts around 2.5 hours during intensive use. It lasts around 5.5 hours during less intensive use.
-===Input and Interface===
+HoloLens can connect to any WiFi or Bluetooth-equipped device.
-A pair of buttons responsible for brightness is above the left ear while another pair of buttons responsible for volume is above the right ear. In each pair, one of the buttons is concave while the other one is convex. There is also a Power button. These are the only physical inputs - HoloLens is largely controlled by [[#Voice|voice]], [[#Gesture|gesture]] and [[#Gaze|gaze]] along with [[HoloLens Clicker|a bluetooth clicker]]
-LEDs are present on the left side of the OHMD. These LEDs display various system statuses such as power and battery conditions. A microUSB port is present for charging and connection. It is possible to use Microsoft HoloLens while it’s charging over microUSB.<ref name=”four”></ref>
+HoloLens can run any universal Windows 10 app.
-===Power and Connectivity===
+A microUSB port is present for charging and connection. It is possible to use Microsoft HoloLens while it’s charging over microUSB.<ref name=”four”></ref>
-The battery in HoloLens lasts around 2.5 hours during processor intensive use. It lasts around 5.5 hours during regular use.
-HoloLens can connect to any WiFi or Bluetooth-equipped device.
+==Announcement and Release==
+Microsoft HoloLens was announced during a Windows 10 Event. The Development Edition was released for $3,000 or £2,000. It allowed developers to start making apps and games for the headset. Months later, it became available to anyone with a Microsoft account.<ref name=”four”></ref><ref name=”five”>Spence, E. (2017). Microsoft HoloLens Review: Winning the reality wars. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2017/01/14/microsoft-hololens-review-experience-review/2/#4053cf3d43f9</ref>
-HoloLens can run any universal Windows 10 app.
+==Features==
+[[File:Single-aruco-marker.jpeg|thumb|object displayed through a HoloLens]]
+D projections that can be anchored in the real world. These virtual objects are projected at about 60 cm (near plane) to few meters.
-===In the Box===
+[[Spatial Mapping]] - scans the environment in real time to create a mesh of an X/Y/Z coordinate plane. Objects can be projected into the mesh.
-*HoloLens Development Edition
-*[[HoloLens Clicker]]
-*Carrying case
-*Charger and cable
-*Microfiber cloth
-*Nose pads
-*Overhead strap
-==Commands==
+[[#Gaze|Gaze Recognition]] - HoloLens tracks your gaze.
-===Gaze===
-HoloLens tracks your gaze. When you perform a gesture such as air tap, look at the part of hologram where you want to place your tap.
-===Gesture===
-{| class="wikitable sortable"
-|-
-!Action
-!Description
-!Effect
-|-
-|[[Air Tap]] || With your index finger pointed upward, bend it forward || Simulates a mouse click in a desktop environment. Activates the interactive component
-|-
-|Home/Start || Opening your hand with palm facing up || Simulates the Windows key on a keyboard or Home button on a Windows Tablet. Opens up the holographic start menu.
-|-
-|}
 ==Input gadgets==
@@ Line 119: / Line 67: @@
 '''Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard'''
-==Apps==
+==Software==
-HoloLens can project various Windows 10 Apps, programs, and browsers onto walls and other objects. One of the examples Microsoft used was Windows-like interfaces projected onto walls and furniture. Users can interact with these projections with gaze, gestures and voice commands.
+The HoloLens user interface consists of a bunch of floating windows, and some 3D objects.
-[[SketchUp]]
-[[Holo Studio]] - Allows the user to create 3D models used for [[3D Printing]]. In addition to gesture commands, it also accepts voice commands.
-[[Minecraft]] - An Augmented reality version of Minecraft.
-[[Project Xray]] - A [[mixed reality]] shooter game.
-[[Actiongram]] - Place 3D models into real world environments and record videos with them, mixing reality with digital overlays.
-[[HoloGuide]] - Guides a user through low visibility areas.
+[[List of HoloLens 1 applications]]
-[[HoloHear]] - Instantly translates speech into sign language for deaf people.
+===Development===
+Hololens uses [[Windows Mixed Reality]], based on Windows 10.
-[[Teomirn]] - Overlays prompts and instructions on a real piano to help people learn how to play.<ref name=”three”></ref>
-==Developer==
-[[Windows Mixed Reality]] is Microsoft's AR platform incorporated in Windows 10 OS. Windows Mixed Reality API is implemented in all gadgets running Windows 10 including smartphones and tablets.
 To develop for HoloLens, you need a Windows 10 PC able to run [[Visual Studio 2015]] and [[Unity]].
-===Tools===
+There is a [[HoloLens Emulator]] that allows the user to test Holographic apps on their PCs without the need of a physical HoloLens. It is simulated using a keyboard, mouse, and/or xbox controller. The human and environmental inputs that would usually be read by the sensors on the HoloLens are instead simulated using your keyboard, mouse, or Xbox controller. Apps don't need to be modified to run on the emulator and don't know that they aren't running on a real HoloLens.<ref>Microsoft. Using the HoloLens emulator. Retrieved from https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/holographic/using_the_hololens_emulator</ref>
-[[Unity]]
-[[Visual Studio 2015]]
-[[Windows SDK]]
-[[Windows Device Portal]]
-====HoloLens Emulator====
-[[HoloLens Emulator]] allows the user to test Holographic apps on their PCs without the need of a physical HoloLens. The human and environmental inputs that would usually be read by the sensors on the HoloLens are instead simulated using your keyboard, mouse, or Xbox controller. Apps don't need to be modified to run on the emulator and don't know that they aren't running on a real HoloLens.<ref>Microsoft. Using the HoloLens emulator. Retrieved from https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/holographic/using_the_hololens_emulator</ref>
-==History==
-'''January 21, 2015''' - Microsoft HoloLens was officially announced.
-'''April 28, 2015''' - First live stage presentation of the HoloLens.
-'''March 30, 2016''' - Developer Edition of the HoloLens is officially released.
 ==References==