Perceptual Impact of an Animated Holographic Stereogram

We reported earlier that holographic stereograms are approaching a level of realism typical of other, more mature, graphical media (Kosnik, Previc, Polhamus, 2001). As image quality and realism improve, holograms may offer certain advantages over more conventional communications media. This study is concerned with how a message delivered in a hologram compares to other graphical media. Do the unique visual qualities of a hologram influence how the message is perceived? To answer this question, viewers' attitudes toward the military were surveyed after they saw a message about the US Air Force delivered by either a hologram or a 2D video. Attitudes toward the USAF were more favorable after viewing the holographic display. These results indicated that holograms might have a greater impact on viewers' perceptions than conventional print or video media.