Microsoft has filed a patent in the US for a real-time event augmentation system using a head mounted display, which sounds similar to Googles Project Glass connected glasses.

It will give fans watching live sporting and artistic events extra information, including video replays, and could also be used ‘when the user views the event on broadcast media’.

The user, ‘wearing an at least partially see-through, head mounted display views the live event while simultaneously receiving information on objects, including people, within the users field of view.

Ticketing funtionality

The information is presented in a position in the head mounted display which does not interfere with the users enjoyment of the live event.’ The patent also provides for the registration of attendance at the live event with an ‘information provider’.

The technology could offer ‘video such as an instant replay of the live event’ without the need to ‘divert their gaze away from the event toward the display device’ as is currently experienced with live screens provided within a venue.

It will ‘track the users location, the users head position and orientation, and gaze, to determine the users field of view, in order to present the user with supplemental information regarding the live event at which the user is in attendance.’

Internet connected

The device may operate in a networked environment to one or more remote computers, including a PC, a server or a router. The technology could also be used with hand-held devices, laptops and set top boxes, the patent says. It also mentions links with other output devices like speakers and printers.

It says that these environments are commonplace in offices – potentially providing for enterprise-level solutions – enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the internet. Connection with the device can be a direct connection, or via another part.

The Verge has reported that Microsoft is also building an Xbox set-top box as a low-cost alternative to the Xbox console and set to compete with Apple TV. The device will be unveiled in 2013 and run on Windows 8.

Microsoft told them: “Xbox 360 has found new ways to extend the console lifecycle by introducing controller-free experiences with Kinect and re-inventing the console with a new dashboard and new entertainment content partnerships. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform and how to continue to defy the lifecycle convention.”