Details of Microsoft’s IllumiRoom have surfaced, a day before it is showcased at the 2013 Computer-Human Interaction conference.

Described as a device that provides “peripheral projected illusions for interactive experiences”, IllumiRoom came to the attention of the press thanks to a patent application last September.

According to a new preview video, "IllumiRoom envisions a next-generation gaming console with a projector that sits on your coffee table and surrounds your television with projected light".

It seeks to enhance games by extending some or all of their content onto adjacent surfaces.

It can also blanket a room with a certain colour, or provide environments and images not directly related to the play on screen.

Microsoft said the technology was a "proof-of-concept system", and its current prototype features a table-mounted project and a Kinect for Windows camera working in tandem to augment gameplay.

IllumiRoom is self-calibrating and designed to work in any living room.