Sony is working on an AR (Augmented Reality) headset, according to Dutch publication LetsGoDigital.

The source has been at the forefront where designs for the upcoming PlayStation 5 are concerned, having rendered 3D images of the 2020 release recently.

They’ve also unveiled specs on a new PlayStation VR headset with built-in cameras that make for pinpoint tracking. And their latest claim points to the discovery of a new AR headset being developed by Sony.

The electronics manufacturers are quite experienced in the field of Virtual Reality but Augmented Reality is a different thing altogether. While users have no awareness as it relates to the real world when they put on a VR headset as they enter a virtual one, AR keeps you grounded due to images being added to the real world so you remain aware of your environment.

According to LetsGoDigital, Sony has filed a utility patent with the Japan Patent Office for a headset featuring three stereoscopic cameras or 3 X 2 cameras. The patent is said to have been published in July and is titled “Image processing device.”

The HMD (head mounted display) has two cameras on the front and on both sides, leaving it with six in total. Those cameras are there to take photos of the environment which will be used to calculate distances between various objects in the area. The images are then used to visualize the space in real time.

The headset can be used wirelessly and gamers could connect it to a PlayStation console or a computer via Bluetooth; the operation will come from a controller, or a keyboard if a PC is being used. The patent description also says that the headset will have smartphone and tablet support so users can play mobile games with it as well.

It’s been suggested that Sony could be using the same tech for the prototype AR glasses being used for its ongoing “Ghostbusters In The Park” project at the Ginza Sony Park in Japan.

Said project kicked off on October 12 and will last until December 8. Players can register to compete against virtual spirits via this website, with two to four sessions taking place every day and lasting an hour. The sessions allow for 50-160 people to play per.

Sony has announced that prototype AR eyewear will be used as part of this. And, while there’s no confirmation of it being linked to their AR headset patent, there’s really no reason it shouldn’t be.

Source: LetsGoDigital