Project Natal isn’t due out for the Xbox 360 until 2010. Between this time another research and development group is hoping to get the leg-up on Microsoft’s ambitious full-body/full-voice recognition gaming device, and it’s called Helium3D.

In development by De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) researchers (i.e., the same folks that were published in the Darkstalkers tribute, as reported by Electronic Theatre) , the Helium3D project (i.e., high efficiency, laser-based, multi-user, multi-modal 3D display) is an extremely ambitious project that introduces gamers and television users with unprecedented control and functionality over their viewing experience.

“The inherent flexibility of the HELIUM display takes it beyond mere 3D and will open up a whole new world of exciting interactive possibilities.” Said DMU’s Dr. Ian Sexton. He continued on to say, “The display will give gamers a new freedom to enjoy interactive 3D television and games – for example viewers or gamers will be able to see 3D on the HELIUM TV and also interact with the game through the viewer sensing built into the system wherever they are in the room and without 3D glasses. This will make 3D games more natural, exciting and ‘real’.”

As confusing as it sounds it’s actually unbelievably awesome: The device will allow multiple users to experience different television programs from one unit. It also allows gamers to full interact with the game, ala Natal. It has full-body recognition and 3D depth sensory, supporting up to multiple users in one room. Is that insane or what?

Instead of utilizing the standard-fare LCD screens that most commercial TVs use, DMU will be utilizing the Gabor superlens for projected viewing. The research is expected to last up until 2010, in which case commercial and consumer production are estimated to begin within the next decade.