u.s hologram patent from 2001

This invention generally relates to the field of holographic displays. More specifically, this invention relates to producing displays that include three dimensional holographic images and two-dimensional static and/or dynamic images.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is interest is holographic three-dimensional displays that include two-dimensional static and/or dynamic imagery for a variety of applications, including advertising, entertainment, and visualization.

A number of static three-dimensional displays are currently capable of being produced that provide limited animation by angularly multiplexing or linking each frame of animation to a specific horizontal or vertical viewing, angle. As the viewer chances viewing angles with respect to the display, the animation is "played," resulting in perceived motion. These displays, while termed "animated," cannot be updated in real time, and can only contain a few hundred static frames of animation at any time. Updating, the animation involves the time-consuming and costly process of completely re-recording the component images. Thus, these displays are classified as "static" rather than "active" displays...continues www.patentstorm.us

mod edit: shortened quote

[edit on 18-3-2007 by sanctum]

www.google.co.uk...,GWYD:2006-30,GWYD:en&q=U%2eS%2e+Pat%2e+No%2e+5%2c311%2c357+

not much on a google search.

Like any of these,though, it projects onto or through a screen of some sort. It's not a "free standing solid image" like you see in Star Wars.

What they call "holograms" in movies aren't.