CES 2013: Microsoft Unveils Concept Video for IllumiRoom

During this morning’s Samsung keynote speech at CES 2013, Microsoft took a moment to share its vision for improving video game interaction in gamer’s living rooms. The IllumiRoom was shown off during a proof-of-concept video that displayed how the device augments video game action onto any surface of your home.

Eric Rudder, Microsoft’s Chief Technology Strategy Officer, presented the video to the audience during Samsung’s keynote presentation. The video wasn’t meant to reveal a product launch. Instead, it showcased the potential that the device is capable of realizing.

The video displays the technology and how it fills up one’s room with images and lights emanating from a video game. A gamer is shown playing games on an Xbox 360 as he is enveloped in visuals that replicate the environmental elements of the game on screen. Falling snow, fire, and explosions are seen as projections in the room during gameplay.

Microsoft Research described IllumiRoom as “a proof-of-concept system from Microsoft Research. It augments the area surrounding a television screen with projected visualizations to enhance the traditional living room entertainment experience.”

The IllumiRoom “uses a Kinect for Windows camera and a projector to blur the lines between on-screen content and the environment we live in allowing us to combine our virtual and physical worlds.”

This impressive piece of tech was first revealed through a Microsoft patent in September 2011. The patent notes that the system will make use of a 3D depth camera in order to calculate the player’s position by emitting infrared light patterns.

The patent also stated that thIS tech will somehow be compatible with the rumored Kinect Glasses that were seen in a leaked Xbox 720 document.

This use of 4D technology has also been utilized by Nokia and Samsung for their recent marketing efforts. Unlike the live footage captured for IllumiRoom, both companies’ videos made use of pre-rendered footage.

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