The more advanced technology gets, the more difficult it's becoming to work out what is real and what's not. NTT's latest innovation is going to make it even harder—in a good way.

The Mirror-Transcending Aerial Imaging System (MiTAI) currently in development allows digital information—such as virtual characters—to move seamlessly in and out of mirrors, making for a fun, immersive experience without the need for VR headsets or 3D glasses. One day soon, MiTAI could end up totally changing how we interact with digital content, with new possibilities for applications across entertainment, education, and commercial spaces.

The Problem with Current Mirror Display Technologies

What's wrong with current technology? Well, the mirror display technologies we have at the moment all have big limitations. While some mirror-based systems are able to show digital content behind see-through surfaces, their content is fixed to one location, either inside or outside the mirror. Nothing can go from one to the other. There are also issues with aerial imaging, which forms images in space without a visible display. Current technology is limited in terms of movement and scale. All things considered, so far it has been impossible to create an immersive experience where virtual elements can interact between the mirrored and physical world. Until now, that is.

NTT's MiTAI goes way beyond what current mirror display technologies can do by creating a continuous flow of digital information between mirror space and physical space.

How MiTAI Works

MiTAI is possible because of "retroreflection," which is key to creating the floating images that can move between real and virtual spaces.

Retroreflection is the process by which light reflects directly back to its source, rather than scattering in different directions as it would with a standard mirror. You've seen it before, even if you didn't know it—retroreflection can be observed by drivers every day with road signs or bicycle reflectors, which shine brightly when hit by headlights, because the light is returned to the driver's eyes.

With MiTAI, retroreflection is used to form highly realistic images in space. Light emitted from a display is reflected by a mirror, then directed back to the source by a retroreflector. This creates the illusion of a virtual image moving in and out of the mirror, blending seamlessly with the real world.

What makes the system even more special is that it can present these aerial images to multiple viewers at once—all without the need for headsets or glasses.

The name is a play on words, by the way: "mitai" in Japanese means "I want to see." Perfect name for this technology, right?

MiTAI: Coming to a Theme Park Near You

There are any number of industries where immersive, interactive experiences would be in great demand. Here are a few where MiTAI could be a hit:

Entertainment and Theme Parks: MiTAI could help to create magical moments where characters or objects pop out of mirrors, making amazing attractions without the need for wearable devices.

Museums and Exhibits: Educational or cultural installations could use MiTAI to show virtual artifacts or historical figures. Can you imagine Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart stepping out of a mirror to talk about how he composed his symphonies?

Retail and Advertising: Retailers could create dynamic window displays where products appear to move from inside a mirror into the physical store. Advertising spaces in malls or airports could also use MiTAI for unique digital campaigns, where virtual brand mascots interact with the real environment.

Live Events: Concerts, theater performances, and live shows could incorporate MiTAI to create stunning effects, with virtual elements moving in and out of mirrored surfaces on stage. Live entertainment would never be the same again.

Luxury and Hospitality: High-end hotels and resorts could put MiTAI in lobbies or suites to give guests personalized experiences—think of a virtual concierge that could help guests settle in to their rooms.

Reality 2.0

The Mirror-Transcending Aerial Imaging System being developed by NTT could help us to enjoy a new era of interactive visual experiences, seamlessly bringing virtual elements into real-world environments without having to use wearable devices. It's got the potential to create ways of presenting the world that push the boundaries of what's possible in digital display technology.

For further information, please see this link:
https://group.ntt/en/newsrelease/2024/07/26/240726b.html

NTT—Innovating the Future of Reality

Daniel O'Connor

Daniel O'Connor joined the NTT Group in 1999 when he began work as the Public Relations Manager of NTT Europe. While in London, he liaised with the local press, created the company's intranet site, wrote technical copy for industry magazines and managed exhibition stands from initial design to finished displays.

Later seconded to the headquarters of NTT Communications in Tokyo, he contributed to the company's first-ever winning of global telecoms awards and the digitalisation of internal company information exchange.

Since 2015 Daniel has created content for the Group's Global Leadership Institute, the One NTT Network and is currently working with NTT R&D teams to grow public understanding of the cutting-edge research undertaken by the NTT Group.