Could Microsoft be implementing Augmented Reality Glasses for use for its next-gen platform? This might be the case, as the company has filed a patent for it via the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
For those not familiar with the technology, it's the same one being used in some PlayStation Vita games. But the filing from Microsoft seems to take this a step further.
In the description of the filing, it states, "One example of this is the augmentation of football games to display a first down marker superimposed on a playing field in a broadcast television event, and the broadcast of replays both on broadcast television and large displays at the venue of the event." In conjunction with that, it also adds, "When attending live events, spectators may be provided with screen displays augmenting the performance. This augmentation can include instant replays and language translation. Such augmentation causes the user to divert their gaze away from the event toward the display device."
If that sounds exciting, what's listed in the summary is even more so. We've outlined the best part for you to pore over and even an image showcasing what it can potentially do.
Technology is presented to provide a user wearing a head mounted display with supplemental information when viewing a live event. The information is provided about actions and objects occurring within an event and within the user's field of view. A user wearing an at least partially see-through, head mounted display can view the live event while simultaneously receiving information on objects, including people, within the user's field of view, while wearing the head mounted display. The information is presented in a position in the head mounted display which does not interfere with the user's enjoyment of the live event.
From reading this patent, which was filed back in May, it reminds me of Google's still-in-development, Google Glass. If you haven't seen the thing in mock-up action, I suggest going over to YouTube to give it a watch.
Of course, Microsoft filing for this doesn't mean it will be used for the next-gen Xbox if and when they ever get something like this out on the market. The company could very well release this a standalone product; but seeing as this has so many applications for games, I doubt they won't integrate it into the Xbox 720 in some fashion — that is, if they haven't done so already.
Still, though, just think of all the gameplay possibilties! Not only can it replace your in-game Heads Up Display (HUD), but it can even make the game's on-screen display to be clutter-free, too! That's just the tip of the iceberg, as I'm sure developers can make use of this in ingenious ways, no?
Would you want something like this for the next-gen Xbox or would it be too cumbersome? If it is coming to the Xbox 720, what would you like to see it do?
Thanks, BBC
