In my last post, I discussed some ways that the theater industry can redefine itself in order to stay competitive with peoples' home theaters.  One of the most lucrative current strategies has been the rapid introduction of 3D screens, which command a higher price point ($2-3 surcharge per ticket) and make moviegoing more of an "event" - i.e. "You've gotta see Avatar in 3D; it just won't be the same on DVD".

The future of 3D, however, is not limited to the movie theater.  Home theaters will begin to be 3D-capable within the next few years, but that's only the beginning.  Eventually, I have no doubt that we will get to a Minority Report-like point, where every display in the "real world" is in 3D - though hopefully, not so creepily.

To get there, though, we'll either have to make some huge leaps forward in holography or adapt existing 3D technologies in new ways.  To me, the latter seems more likely.

Stereoscopic 3D effects are achieved in a number of ways, but all methods involve a way of delivering discreet images to each eye.  These methods include color-keying (the "old school" red & blue glasses), shutter glasses, and polarization. Check out the Wikipedia article on the subject for more information on each of these methods.

RealD is currently the industry-leader in theatrical 3D technology, and its system seems the most ripe for adaptation. RealD is unique because of its use of circular polarization. From Wikipedia:

With linear polarization, a horizontal filter is used for one eye, and a vertical filter for the other. Linearly polarized glasses require the viewer to keep his or her head level, as tilting of the viewing filters will cause the images of the left and right channels to bleed over to the opposite channel. This is generally not a problem as viewers learn very quickly not to tilt their heads.

In using circular polarization, a clockwise filter is used for one eye, and a counterclockwise filter for the other. The result is similar to that of stereoscopic viewing using linearly polarized glasses; except the viewer can tilt his or her head and still maintain left/right separation.

Now imagine that it was possible to create a set of contact lenses that were circularly polarized.  If these lenses could be made such that they could be worn at all times, it would be possible for 3D displays to simply "exist" in the real world without the need to worry about handing out 3D glasses.  The possibilities of such a system are endless: 3D user interfaces on computers, medical imagery, store displays, advertisements, and more.

Already, RealD is heading down the path of pushing 3D beyond the theater.  They're partnering with television manufacturers to provide 3D technology for home theaters, and they've contracted with a company to manufacture non-disposable designer and prescription 3D eyeware. It's not a huge leap to see them expanding into other arenas, as well.

Now, I'm not the first person to think of this - a discussion going on at Halfbakery has explored some of the options for 3D contacts - but bringing 3D into the "real world" would be a major step in bring us into "the future".