Experiencing a virtual or augmented world without a headset? That is what Mobeus, a technology startup, is envisioning. Together with IP law firm Oblon, they have filed a portfolio of patent applications for a new genre of virtual reality experiences. The non-headset virtual reality should be accessible and inclusive to all and will be similar to the experience that was portrayed in the movie ‘Minority Report’.
The non-headset virtual reality that Mobeus is creating together with Oblon, is already two years in the making. That’s when the two companies started working together to create a more inclusive and accessible VR experience. To create this they have filed a portfolio of patent applications, such as virtual smart glass technology. The predecessor of this technology is already available as Mobeus Airglass, that mixes meetings and illustration into a sense of depth around the screens of Apple Macs and Microsoft PCs.
A non-headset virtual reality with smart glass
“Mobeus has taken a step forward in pioneering innovation that will transcend the current hardware limitations for virtual reality,” said Mike Sutcliff, co-founder, and CEO at Mobeus. “It is exciting to enable users of any proficiency to reap the rewards of technology like we saw Tom Cruise used in the movie Minority Report. This portfolio of patents shows our commitment to being a forward-thinking tech company that will help customers deliver superior immersive and interactive experiences.”
“The portfolio includes inventions that add a ‘futuristic gesture-like experience’ to the outside of any computer and a ‘depth-like metaverse experience’ to the inside of any computer screen, without needing a headset,” said James Love, a partner at Oblon. He adds, “The first time I tried the prototype comprising the inventions was transformative; the connectedness you feel with your old screen is a new relationship between us and our existing devices.”
New path to virtual reality
The eventual virtual smart glass technology will enable consumers to see and interact with any existing document, media, website, game, or app within the depth of the new virtual reality genre. The result is an interactive perception of depth surrounding a screen derived from the built-in camera on the device.
While putting the portfolio of applications into a broader context, Maryam Imam, Head of Intellectual Property at Mobeus, said, “Just like we all added a browser to our devices to see the Internet, we might add a virtual smart glass to our devices to see this new genre of virtual reality. Working with this team has been the highlight of my career; the team here is pioneering.”
A demonstration
Mobeus will demonstrate the new virtual reality genre using a prototype of the company’s virtual smart glass technology at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
