Microsoft recently filed patents with the U.S Patent and Trademark Office for a virtual reality mat. Within the patent documents, Microsoft referred to the concept as a "virtual reality floor mat activity region".
The virtual reality mat could have the potential to be integrated with technology that would compliment a VR headset, like integrated "fiducial markers," or "spatially distributed pressure sensors." This could allow for the user's location on the mat to be accurately tracked and in turn used in virtual reality. In the patent, Microsoft also states that "vibration devices" could be used in the mat.
The mat could be used as a complementary piece of hardware that works well with VR headsets. The technology could help the functionality of headsets, as well as provide a more immersive experience.
VR Floor Sensors
Microsoft Has Filed a Patent for a Virtual Reality Mat to Work with a Headset
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Reality Enhanced Hardware - A trend of developing virtual reality complementary hardware - like Microsoft's virtual reality floor mat- to improve functionality and enhance immersive experiences.
2. Spatially Distributed Pressure Sensing Technology - A trend of using spatially distributed pressure sensors to accurately track user's location within virtual reality activities.
3. Integrated Fiducial Marker Technology - A trend of integrating fiducial markers with virtual reality technology such as Microsoft's virtual reality floor mat to enhance user tracking within virtual reality experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Virtual Reality Technology - Virtual reality technology will benefit from complementary hardware like Microsoft's virtual reality floor mat.
2. Gaming Industry - The gaming industry could enhance the viability of virtual reality applications by adopting complementary hardware like Microsoft's virtual reality floor mat.
3. Sports and Fitness Industry - The sports and fitness industry could leverage virtual reality designed with virtual reality floor mat technology to create immersive experiences that increase engagement.