Holimage Projector

Definition: A device that causes the Æther to reconfigure itself according to the projector's specifications.

Description: Holimage projectors have two parts to them, a base and a sphere which sits on top of the base. The base is either of a round shape or a squarish shape (this varies) and has interface ports, an on/off button and a control light. On top of this base is a dark sphere which looks like it is made of glass, though in actuality it is composed of some other material.

There are subprojectors upon the top outer rim of the base which project energy (the exact type is unknown) at the sphere. The projected energy keeps the material of the sphere itself from being reconfigured by activation of the holimage projector. When activated, the surface of the sphere glows as well as the volume of space between the subprojector openings and the sphere. This glow is a function of the subprojectors. It is actually the "limiting factor" of the holimage. Remove the subprojectors and the main projector might configure an image 15 miles wide and actually change the molecules of the sphere so that it becomes part of the new image. The energy emitted by the subprojectors essentially "tells" the Æther inside of the sphere to "go no further" than the inner diameter of the sphere.

A holimage projector causes a 3 dimensional image to appear inside of the sphere and also causes that same 3d image to appear somewhere else, usually in the vicinity of the projector. This second image usually is larger than the first, but can vary is size. The use of the word projector is not entirely accurate. The holimage projector doesn't actually project any image anywhere. It doesn't act like a movie projector with a nozzle that sends out light. Instead, holimage projectors cause the structured space inside of the sphere to configure itself into the shape and image of some object, say the scientist Ionest. Then, once the structured space (the Æther) inside of the sphere is reconfigured properly, it commands/manipulates the Æther in another volume of space (normally near the projector) to assume the same exact configuration with a size modification (which makes the second image larger or smaller than the one in the sphere). The reason that the projector first configures a small image (in the sphere) and then a larger image (elsewhere) is for accuracy. It is much easier to get a sharp, clear, accurate image in a small, defined, controlled volume of space (inside of the sphere) and then command the body Æther to produce an exact copy of this "example" with size modifications at another location. Holimage projectors are capable of by-passing the sphere altogether and simply commanding the Æther at some location to assume some shape. However, when this is done, the image more often than not is blurry and inconsistent, and can easily be seen to be nothing more than an image, whereas when using the sphere first, the "projected" image literally is so sharp as to deceive the senses.

Holimage projectors may be activated by hand, via radio transmission, or by manual data tubes. They can be pre-programmed or manually operated. The interface ports at the base of the projector may be hooked into battle, history or Replication computers. Through these computers an operator may manually (via switches on the computer) program the holimage projector. Certain Replicators, such as computer programmers, have data tubes in their outer forearms which swing out and can attach to computers, holimage projectors and other machinery. By inserting a data tube, a Replicator may transfer commands directly to the machine without the use of a computer or other console. Data tube interface ports can be used to overcome radio transmission jamming devices and also as a security measure in case the user wants to "lock out" the use of a holimage projector from unauthorized personnel.

The button upon the holimage projector is for pre-programmed projectors. It turns the machine on/off and causes it to project whatever image was programmed into it. A pre-programmed holimage projector may always be re-programmed.

The control light indicator tells when the machine is fully programmed, as well as other data, depending on the program.

Holimage projectors may be programmed for timing sequences. In other words, they may project a series of images in different locations or the same location at variable intermissions between images.

There is no standard coloring of a holimage projector. However, the sphere is always a blackish color when not active.

Holimage projectors come in varying sizes, from the hand-held type to giant 15 footers. The size of the projector mainly depends upon the size of the user and the size of the computer base it rests upon. A 36 foot tall user would naturally require a larger holimage projector and/or computer base than a 9 foot tall user would. There are also larger (special) holimage projectors used specifically for warfare. These machines may stand on their own, having built in computer bases with switches upon their faces. The warfare type can "project" extremely detailed holimages which carry an enormous amount of information and which are spread over vast distances.