Product Overview: ZEBRA Imaging

ZEBRA Imaging
9801 Metric Blvd, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78758
Phone 512-251-5100
FAX: 512.251.5123
www.zebraimaging.com

3D is now standard output for most CAD systems, and is commonly used for viewing terrain data and built environments. ZEBRA Imaging offers a product that allows you to view these data from more than one angle, without having to redraw the images on a computer screen. ZEBRA Imaging provides fairly large - 600mm by 800mm - flat media holograms. They are portable and can be created using a number of data sources; most importantly, they don't require special tools (e.g. glasses or scopes) for viewing.

The holograms are used in a variety of ways, including military visualizations, project presentations and concept demonstrations for investors. The holograms make traditional flat drawings look a little bland. What is really fun with these holograms is that you can pass your hand through them.

Monochrome view of New Orleans showing the Superdome.

From ZEBRA Imaging literature:

• 3-D perspectives are visible horizontally and vertically; one can look over and under the image and from side to side without glasses or goggles
• Wide angle of view - horizontal viewing is over 95 degrees, allowing many people to walk around and view an image simultaneously
• Allows for unlimited size while maintaining the integrity of the image
• Images are projected several feet in front of or behind the hologram and appear to be floating in air
• Compact and portable - images are flat or flexible plastic panels that can be stored and shipped easily, taking up very little space
• Any 3-D volumetric data set from any source may be used

ZEBRA's capabilities also include the ability to produce holograms that change depending upon the viewer's angle. This is beneficial when attempting to depict varying levels of a building, terrain, etc. It is also helpful when trying to portray a particular image before and after an event. For example, Zebra created 3D visual of the Lower Manhattan skyline before and after 9-11. From one angle, a view of the Twin Towers before the disaster can be seen and from another, the rubble in the aftermath.

Before 9-11. (Click for larger image)

After 9-11. (Click for larger image)

The four images below were used at the GEOINT Symposium to show the same corner at four different time periods. Each time the corner is viewed, it shows a different aspect of the structure.

(Click for larger image)

ZEBRA Imaging showed this example of generals looking at an urban area. The entire image is a color hologram - including the generals, the people in the background, etc.

There are two movies on the company's site that show more applications (1 [5MB file for Windows Media], 2 [640K file for Windows Media).

The first movie shows an interesting real-world application for the Ford Motor Company. This image shows the interior layout of a specific car.

This image shows a seismic sub-surface model. Here you can see the versatility of the printed hologram. Not only is it informative and visually attractive, it's fun to move your hand through!

A map is a model of reality that allows you to see, understand and analyze geography. ZEBRA Imaging's offerings extend this model in a most interesting and utilitarian way.

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