In the system outlined in the patent, "An immersive display environment is provided to a human user by projecting a peripheral image onto environmental surfaces around the user. The peripheral images serve as an extension to a primary image displayed on a primary display."

The system components include a game console, primary screen (HDTV), environmental display, and system-depth camera. Purcher explained that the environmental display, which sits on top of a TV with the depth camera, is a wide-angle RGB-projection display device configured to project a peripheral image in a 360-degree field around the environmental display.

The peripheral images on the walls around the gamer are an extension of the game. So, with his peripheral vision, a player might see an enemy trying to outflank him before the foe appears on the primary screen.

While the patent is illustrated with 2D images, Microsoft notes "it will be appreciated that suitable 3D displays may be used without departing from the scope of the invention."

Incorporated into the environmental display is a user-tracking device, such as Microsoft's Kinect. "[G]estures performed by the gamer while playing a video game may be recognized and interpreted as game controls," Purcher explained. "In other words, Microsoft's Kinect will allow the gamer to control the game without the use of conventional, hand-held game controllers."