Holo-Flight Deck Prototype

Holo-Flight Deck Story

  • Inspiration Aboard the Collings Foundation B-17, "Nine-O-Nine"



  • "B-17 in a Closet" 3D Mockup   |   Environmental Projection Tests

The Original Concept

The initial idea was to build a simplified, scaled down wooden B-17 flight deck into our downstairs closet for the kids to play in. After measuring, I translated the closet into a 3D program. I then obtained some B-17 blueprints online and made a 3D cockpit from the profiles. I scaled this into the closet digitally, keeping it as large as possible; this enabled me to take virtual measurements. I thought using monitors in the windows for some environment would be neat, but there were issues: at least six would be needed to sell the illusion, and that was cost and hardware prohibited. Then I remembered our old digital movie projector and the concept changed for good.

Experimentation

I discovered that by using a single projector, I could create not only a wrap around environment but a dimensional instrument panel as well. This setup projects images onto various surfaces, creating a faux "holographic" experience, hence the "Holo" part of its title. I achieved this by working backwards from the optimum viewing angles/ratios, while trying to keep cast shadows to a minimum.

Design Evolution

Now that some interesting discoveries were made using projection, it was time to brainstorm a solution that could contain the recorded measurements. It was time to construct!