In 2022, we were introduced to James Brown, a Weta Workshop graphics engineer with a passion for building impressive displays. Brown has recently unveiled his latest creation: a crystal ball filled with shimmering, spinning volumetric light. What makes this display even more fascinating is that Brown is using it to play a unique version of Doom, known as Voxel Doom.
Brown’s crystal ball operates on a simple physical illusion principle. He describes it as being similar to a hologram fan, but instead of spinning a 1D strip to create a 2D image, it spins a 2D panel to generate a 3D image. This technique allows every dot of the game’s graphics to exist in a 3D space, aligning perfectly with the volumetric nature of the display.
The Evolution of the Project
Brown has dedicated over a year to perfecting this project. Initially introduced in August 2023 with a reference to Doc Brown from “Back to the Future,” Brown humorously stated, “If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 300rpm you’re going to see some serious shit.” However, he soon realized that the display needed to spin at a significantly faster rate to achieve a smooth image, especially when capturing it on film.
Despite the progress Brown has made with his crystal ball of volumetric light, he continues to encounter challenges. The need for higher rotation speeds and precise calibration are just some of the technical hurdles he faces. However, as he continues to refine his creation, the possibilities for immersive and mesmerizing displays are endless.
In a world where technology constantly pushes the boundaries of creativity, James Brown’s crystal ball stands out as a testament to innovation and ingenuity. By combining elements of classic gaming with cutting-edge display technology, Brown has created a truly unique and captivating experience. As he fine-tunes his creation and explores new avenues for its application, we can only anticipate what incredible feats he will achieve next.
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