Science Behind Fiction: Iron Man’s Holographic Technology and Light Projection
Part I: Introduction
In all the Iron Man movies, there is one constant the audience sees. Iron Man’s HUD, the images that appear have holograms inside his helmet. This is an example of light projection. Light projection is “the transfer of an image by means of an optic onto a surface”, states ERCO.com. If this definition may confuse, then ChatGPT states light projection as, “the process of using a device, such as a projector or a laser, to cast an image or video onto a surface, such as a screen or a wall,”
The light projection has been used throughout history for many purposes. It is used for cultural purposes, and to inform people. People may use light projection for puppet shows and, in a device, called the magic lantern. The magic lantern was made in the 17th century, it was a big clunky machine whose light source was a candle. The following advancements in light projection dealt with film projection, as in movies in the movie theater. It shows how technology has advanced so much that the light projection in the movie theater may trick viewers into thinking the movie is portrayed on a screen. Still, in reality, the movie is portrayed via projection.
In modern technology light projection still plays a very important role in the daily life of many people. Preschoolers may go to school hoping to play a game with an interactive light projection system. While some adults may use those systems to play games like soccer or retro ping-pong.
Part II: How Light Projection Works
The principles of light projection have 7 key factors. The light source to create the image, is a lens from where the light will be projected, the color of the light, the contrast of the light, the resolution, the ambient light, and the projection surface or where the light will be projected.
Types of light sources used in projection.
- Incandescent light sources
There are three types of light sources used in light projection. One type is an incandescent light source. These light sources are the main/traditional types of light sources, you can find these in your home in the form of light bulbs.
2. Gas discharge light sources
Gas discharge light sources are the next type of light source used in light projection. These types may be hard to find and are expensive to operate and need more specialized equipment. They work by using gases to produce light, this way the light will be brighter and last longer.
3. LED light sources
LED light sources are another type of light source, these can be found in supermarkets just like incandescent light sources. They stand for light-emitting-diodes and consume less energy but produce more light than incandescent light sources, which means they may cost more upfront, but they will eventually pay off in the long run.
Light projection techniques
1. Reflection
Just like light sources, there are three main ways light can be projected. One way is arguably the most common way people see light projected. That way with reflection, this can be shown mostly in mirrors or reflective surfaces.
2. Refraction
Another way is with refraction. When light is projected through a prism or a specific type of material, that light can bend. This means a picture could be projected through the lens and then enlarge up to five times its normal size, this is an example of refraction.
3. Diffraction
Diffraction is another technique used to project light; diffraction happens when light passes through a narrow aperture. The picture is then separated into different colors but comes back together on the projection surface making a high-resolution image.
Now will all these concepts in mind, how can light projection create the illusion of three-dimensional objects? The projector which will project the picture must be calibrated so the picture will fit perfectly on the projection surface. This could involve using software to help model the 3D picture. Once the projector is placed at a certain angle, the image will be projected through a glass with a special coating, which is known as glass optics.
Part III: Applications of Light Projection
With the main concepts of light projection now being defined, it’s time to look at how light projection is applied to the real world.
1. Movie theaters
In case you’ve missed the example of how movie theaters use light projection to project their movies, this is how they do it. They have the film ready to project, then they use diffraction to project the movie onto the big screen.
2. Live performances
Many live performances use light projection, even if there aren’t any strobing lights or flashing beams of red. They could project light to set an underlying tone of mellowness or some other feeling.
3. Training and education
If you’re a student, there is a fair chance you’ve experienced learning from a projector of some sort. It could be a projector that projects onto a whiteboard, but either way, light projection is still present.
4. Medical imaging
Just like students, medical students also use projectors, but for different reasons. Doctors could use the projector to project medical images like x-rays and injuries then compare them to other pictures to determine several injuries or more.
Part IV: Light Projection in Iron Man’s Holographic Technology
Now, there are multiple ways Iron Man could use holographic interactive technology in his lab. There could be multiple projectors around the room projecting parts and shapes, but when they all come together it creates an interactive space Iron Man uses for innovation. The technique used would have to be diffraction as the holographic images are high quality. While the light source would have to be a LED light source because it consumes less energy and it burns brighter, also it would make sense for Iron Man to have this source because it's more innovative and a wiser choice for his gadgets.
How light projection is used in Iron Man’s holographic technology
For Iron Man’s projector to create holographic and interactive imagery it would have to be extremely advanced, or just coded well. Knowing Tony, he most likely made his own projectors with diffraction. He would have also coded the projectors himself.
There would be a lot of challenges in creating a holographic display as interactive and advanced as Iron Man uses, but there would be a few limitations. One limitation would obviously include electricity. But the challenges would be:
i. The price of all the projectors
ii. Coding such advanced software that the projection flows so smoothly that the user could create models with the wave of his hand.
iii. Placing all the projectors so shapes could form in the middle of a room.
Part V: Conclusion
To recap the principles of light projection, there are 3 main types of light projection. Diffraction, refraction, and reflection. Each one of them uses different methods to produce different outputs of images. Many forms of light projections can be applied to everyday life for some people. They are used in movie theaters, medical facilities, concerts, and training/education.
There is no doubt that soon in the future Iron Man’s technology will become a reality. There are already people on TikTok building exoskeletons that can lift 100 kg on a budget. It’s just a matter of time before fantasy becomes reality.
But through the mist of fantasy, light projection plays a role in modern society more than people think. From school to concerts, light projection can make a dull project into something vivid and wild.
