Remember several months back when we told you Microsoft was working on making the holodeck a reality? Well, it turns out some of the proto-holodeck technology Microsoft’s been working on may be available to purchase sooner than you might think. In fact, it may be one of the main hooks for the Xbox 720.
Microsoft patents have been uncovered for a system that would project visuals on all four walls of a room. The effect would be enhanced by a Kinect-like camera that would detect your position within the room, and some kind of 3D glasses. In theory this new system could turn any room into a fully immersive, 3D gaming environment. In practice — well, Kinect has already shown us the difference between Microsoft promises and practice.
Hit the jump for a patent diagram of how the system will work…
Interestingly Microsoft’s patent identifies figure 110 in the image as the “Future Xbox”. Also, the system is designed to work around the objects in your room — in other words you won’t have to prepare a featureless white room for this thing to work.
So, what do you folks think? I know GAMING SHOULD ONLY BE PUSHING BUTTONS forever and ever until the end of time, but still this is pretty much the holodeck guys. I’m just going to come out and say it even if it costs me hardcore gamer cred — this is kind of cool.
via Patently Apple