Microsoft's Hologram System That Reacts to Your Location

Microsoft's 2020 patent describes a headset that shows holograms based on where you are in a physical space, guiding you along a path and reacting to your movement.

What it covers

This patent describes a special headset, called a head-mounted display, designed for augmented or mixed reality experiences. It uses position sensors to track exactly where you are in a defined physical area, known as an 'experience space.' The headset has a computer inside that knows the layout of this space, like a map. It also has data for digital objects, called 'holographic objects,' and knows where each one should appear in the space. As you move along a set path, the headset detects your position and shows you a hologram when you reach a specific spot. For example, it could show a virtual guide pointing the way or display information about a historical site as you walk past it, updating the hologram as you move.

What it doesn't cover

• —Holograms that are not tied to a specific location in a physical space.
• —Experiences where the hologram doesn't change or update based on the user's real-time position.
• —Systems that don't use a headset with position sensors to track the user.
• —Holographic experiences that don't follow a defined path from a beginning to an end.
• —Triggering physical effects without first detecting the user's position relative to a hologram.

The clever bit

The core innovation is precisely linking holographic object display to the user's real-world position within a mapped space, creating a dynamic and interactive experience that feels integrated with the environment, rather than just overlaid.

Why it matters

This patent is part of the foundational technology for creating immersive mixed-reality experiences. It outlines how digital content can be anchored to the real world and react to a user's physical presence, which is key for applications ranging from interactive museum exhibits to training simulations and advanced gaming.

Real-world examples

• 1.Microsoft HoloLens experiences
• 2.Location-based AR attractions
• 3.Interactive museum exhibits
• 4.Training simulations with virtual guides