HoloLens
| Microsoft HoloLens | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Developer | Microsoft Corporation |
| Operating system | NA |
| Resolution | 1268x720 |
| Field of view | NA |
| Weight | grams |
| Controls | |
The Hololens is a transparent display headset from Microsoft. It is called "HoloLens" because it enables users to see what Microsoft calls "holograms". The HoloLens was developed at about the same time as 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.[1][2]
It requires a Microsoft account to set up.
Microsoft HoloLens runs a self-contained Windows 10 computer. It features a pair of optical see through near-eye displays. It has sensors, including cameras for camera-based tracking.
Specifications[edit]
The field of view is small - 30° horizontal and 17.5° vertical.
It has a diagonal FoV of about 30 degrees.[3]
Optics[edit]
It is optically worse than the Hololens 2 and the Magic Leap 1.
Sensors[edit]
Sensors include head tracking IMUs (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.
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.
Audio[edit]
The sound system consists of 2 small speakers are located on the sides of the headset, sitting above the ears.
Input and Interface[edit]
5 LEDs are present on the left side of the headset. 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.[4]
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.
In the Box[edit]
- HoloLens Development Edition
- HoloLens Clicker
- Carrying case
- Charger and cable
- Overhead strap
Announcement and Release[edit]
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.[4][5]
Microsoft partnered with Volvo to showcase a possible use - using the HoloLens in car showrooms for a customer to view different color configurations for his chosen car and see features in action.[4]
Features[edit]
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 Recognition - recognizes various voice commands.
Gesture Recognition - recognizes various gesture commands such as the Air Tap.
Gaze Recognition - HoloLens tracks your gaze.
Commands[edit]
Gesture[edit]
| 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[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
User interface[edit]
HoloLens can project various Windows 10 applications onto walls and other objects. Users can interact with these projections with gaze, gestures and voice commands.
List of HoloLens 1 applications
Developer[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.
Tools[edit]
HoloLens emulator[edit]
HoloLens Emulator 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]
Images[edit]
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/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 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
- ↑ 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