Microsoft IllumiRoom revealed as coffee-table projector

Extend a TV screen's display beyond its own bezel is the idea behind Microsoft's IllumiRoom project, an ultra-wide video projector that's been designed using Xbox Kinect camera technology.

Extend a TV screen's display beyond its own bezel is the idea behind Microsoft's IllumiRoom project, an ultra-wide video projector that's been designed using Xbox Kinect camera technology.

Scanning its surrounds, the IllumiRoom system then throws visuals onto the opposite wall, bathing the room in light or letting on-screen action spill out onto nearby walls and furniture.

'Virtual objects can realistically interact with physical objects,' Microsoft's research paper explains.

'In 'Bounce,' a grenade rolls out of the TV and bounces around the living room. In 'Snow,' falling snow interacts with the physical environment, briefly collecting on surfaces in the room.'

First demonstrated at Samsung's CES keynote in January, the IllumiRoom prototype is now up for discussion at the CHI 2013 conference in Paris, France, running April 27 to May 2.

And in addition to confirming that the IllumiRoom technology is expected to take the form of a small projector, Microsoft's research paper suggests that 'a next generation game console' could benefit from the device -- a significant tidbit ahead of May 21st's official next Xbox reveal.