At times, when lawsuits are being slapped for patent infringements in the world of technology, Microsoft has decided to rather play it safe, than being sorry. The software giant patents compact virtual image display designed to be used for gaming on Xbox and for entertainment on smartphones & portable media players.
The patent was recently published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, as reported by PatentBolt. The patent was originally filed by Microsoft in the third quarter of 2010.
The compact display system will enable the viewer to view images in complete privacy and mobility from any electronic device, be it computer, media player or a gaming console. The display system can be integrated both in helmets and eye wear. There is a possibility that, the system may be used for virtual display applications if, adapted to display two different images concurrently.
A human eye can only focus on objects which are a few centimeters away from the eye. The system will have a virtual image projector, that will form an image on a focal plane, located a few centimeters away from the eye. The challenge, however, will be to make the compact, optical arrangement, that will form such an image.
An interesting point in the patent stated, that the projector may be partially transparent, enabling the wearer to see external objects as well as virtual images. Well seems like someone has been working hard to make the gadgets seen in sci-fi films, a reality. Who knows, this invention could help boost, the sales figures of Windows based phones as well.
