Alright, ever since E3 when the specs of PS3 where touted I've thought of one thing---VR. And more specifically GT5 VR.
Here's what I think it could be like.
Hardware
Lightweight Lemans style racing helmet.
Fold down visor VR unit containing 2 PSP screens (.3 inch, 16:9 Wide screen TFT LCD 480 x 272 pixel, 16.77 million colors). One for each eye. If you've seen Spider-man on the PSP then you know they are awesome! Each one displaying it's own in car render at about 6 inches apart for a realtime 3D in-car view.
Integrated in-helmet surround sound speakers, allows wearer to 'hear' where other cars are in relation to him. Possibly, a larger bass-type speaker mounted directly behind your head exclusively for in car engine noise.
Integrated microphone for online car to car chat.
Possible 'dual-shock' vibration.
The helmet could possibly connect to the second DVI port on the PS3.
Cost
Who knows, but since they're cranking out PSPs, the screens shouldn't be too expensive at wholesale. The rest of the components (speakers, microphone) are already out there in other low cost products. They would just need to wrap it up in a adjustably sized lightweight plastic padded helmet. I would guess $150 ($200 if bundled with GT5).
Software Integration
Of course the games would have to be adjusted to accomodate the new hardware. Specifically, instead of rendering one in-car view, when the helmet is plugged in and recognized by the system it would switch into a binocular camera mode. This would be just for the helmet, the TV connected to the first DVI port would still render one in-game camera allowing others to watch. Better yet, a second helmet could be added for head-to-head VR racing by using both DVI ports.
Result
Pure 3D racing action, now instead of guessing how far away a turn is you will actually see the distance. You will be able to tell if an opponent is 1 foot away from you or 3 feet away. The terrain and the all the models are already being rendered in 3D by the computer anyways so why not use it to it's fullest.
Bonus Points
This unit doesn't have to be used JUST for GT5, but really for any game that developers want to use it for. Imagine a FPS like Splinter Cell in full 3D! If fully exploited, it could be a goldmine for Sony, this hardware alone would sell PS3s by the boat-load.
I think the next gen systems have the power to pull it off convincingly. Personally, I think the one that does it first will leave the others in the dust. Think of how much better GT is with the steering wheel than the controller. Same thing here, it will be that much better. Hopefully someone in Sony (or maybe even Logitech) will catch wind of this and do it.
Thanks for listening,
Pat
Here's what I think it could be like.
Hardware
Lightweight Lemans style racing helmet.
Fold down visor VR unit containing 2 PSP screens (.3 inch, 16:9 Wide screen TFT LCD 480 x 272 pixel, 16.77 million colors). One for each eye. If you've seen Spider-man on the PSP then you know they are awesome! Each one displaying it's own in car render at about 6 inches apart for a realtime 3D in-car view.
Integrated in-helmet surround sound speakers, allows wearer to 'hear' where other cars are in relation to him. Possibly, a larger bass-type speaker mounted directly behind your head exclusively for in car engine noise.
Integrated microphone for online car to car chat.
Possible 'dual-shock' vibration.
The helmet could possibly connect to the second DVI port on the PS3.
Cost
Who knows, but since they're cranking out PSPs, the screens shouldn't be too expensive at wholesale. The rest of the components (speakers, microphone) are already out there in other low cost products. They would just need to wrap it up in a adjustably sized lightweight plastic padded helmet. I would guess $150 ($200 if bundled with GT5).
Software Integration
Of course the games would have to be adjusted to accomodate the new hardware. Specifically, instead of rendering one in-car view, when the helmet is plugged in and recognized by the system it would switch into a binocular camera mode. This would be just for the helmet, the TV connected to the first DVI port would still render one in-game camera allowing others to watch. Better yet, a second helmet could be added for head-to-head VR racing by using both DVI ports.
Result
Pure 3D racing action, now instead of guessing how far away a turn is you will actually see the distance. You will be able to tell if an opponent is 1 foot away from you or 3 feet away. The terrain and the all the models are already being rendered in 3D by the computer anyways so why not use it to it's fullest.
Bonus Points
This unit doesn't have to be used JUST for GT5, but really for any game that developers want to use it for. Imagine a FPS like Splinter Cell in full 3D! If fully exploited, it could be a goldmine for Sony, this hardware alone would sell PS3s by the boat-load.
I think the next gen systems have the power to pull it off convincingly. Personally, I think the one that does it first will leave the others in the dust. Think of how much better GT is with the steering wheel than the controller. Same thing here, it will be that much better. Hopefully someone in Sony (or maybe even Logitech) will catch wind of this and do it.
Thanks for listening,
Pat
. Would be quite hard on some games like splinter cell where you're walking/running for hours on end. No good for GT though, although there are some idiots starting up threads about including horses and running in races in the next GT series, so who knows... a running pad may come in handy!
