Sony has filed a patent for a 3D holographic display screen that could be implemented in the next generation of PS5.
According to the Dutch website LetsGoDigital, Sony Interactive Entertainment has developed and patented a holographic display technology that allows users to view 3D videos (video games and movies) without having to wear 3D glasses.
The patent was originally applied for in 2017, but the USPTO (Patent and Trademark Office) officially released it on September 3, 2019.
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How is it going to work?
(Image credit: USPTO / Sony)
According to the patent, this technology will work by exploiting at least one screen and several pixel elements. At least one of these pixel elements will include a light emitter that will work with multiple moving micro-mirrors to reflect light in different directions and create an image for the viewer.
To create a 3D image, eye tracking is implemented with the help of an external sensor, which sees this modulated light so that the left and right eyes receive different images. which means you don't need awkward 3D glasses.
Sony Alpha cameras are known for their eye-tracking technology, Eye AF, which the company has also used in its Sony smartphones. So it stands to reason that Sony is looking to reproduce the same thing elsewhere.
In addition, facial recognition is discussed, which would allow the technology to decipher how many people are actually looking at the screen, as well as the ability to recognize facial gestures such as blinking or moving the head, adjusting the Image as necessary. If that's not enough, the technology should be able to detect the distance that separates you from the screen.
The new generation in 3D?
(Image credit: Sony)
This new technology is likely integrated into the PS5 (because it is compatible with Sony consoles), but it is also possible to see it on Xbox Project Scarlett and Nintendo Switch.
In the patent, Sony specifies that the holographic display could work with Xbox and Nintendo consoles, as well as laptops, virtual reality, augmented reality, smart TVs and even mobile devices.
The company did not specify what it wanted to do with this technology, but it would give users the ability to view 3D content on a console, without the need for glasses, like an upgraded version of the 3DS.
This patent is likely related to Sony's earlier patent for eye tracking. Regardless, it appears that Sony still has a lot to do to equip its next-gen hardware.