The scientist, who applied for his first patent at the age of 15, is busy bringing to life holograms like those created by his beloved droid in the classic film. And the San Diego- based IKIN company founded by Mr Scott is on the verge of achieving this goal. During CES, which kicks off on Monday, IKIN will meet with potential sellers and investors to discuss an upcoming smartphone accessory that promises to be affordable and transform content on the device into 3D holograms.

For years, people have considered holographic communication to be some kind of idealized magical future, but in fact, it is 2021,” Taylor Scott said. IKIN accessories create 3D holograms that can be viewed in daylight from Android or iOS smartphones using a special patented chemical polymer lens – Mr Scott’s first patent was specifically for polymers.

IKIN itself will create holographic content – the company has already developed games and technical demos. However, developers of mobile applications are expected to license this technology in the future. To launch holograms, consumers will buy a special accessory – a device designed for the size of a smartphone and literally acting as a portal to a multidimensional world.

For example, you can explore the photo gallery of your smartphone as if a person was looking at an art gallery. And when you select the appropriate images, they will be displayed in 3D, and they can be controlled (for example, rotate and enlarge objects). Similar interaction can be used in games, with your fingers acting as a controller. Video conferencing and meetings can have real depth. “Our technology has many uses beyond games, ” said IKIN CTO Joe Ward. ” Multi-screen functionality, interaction with social media – we are really going to use this entire ecosystem.”

IKIN plans to release its first consumer smartphone accessories later this year. The product, whose brand name is RYZ, relies on artificial intelligence that adapts to each user and the environment in which it is used. The hologram output will adjust to the position of the user’s eyes and head.

The company is already developing devices capable of displaying larger holograms. IKIN has raised more than $ 13 million in investment and is looking for strategic partnerships to raise at least another $ 10 million. “This is the first version of a completely new form of technology, ” said Mr Scott. ” As for the emotional participation of the user in the mobile environment, this is a qualitative leap that will lead us to the embodiment of that futuristic idea from Star Wars, which we have dreamed of for years. ” Let’s see if the technology isn’t just another flashy demonstration with minimal impact on the mass market.