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Sony Patents Reconfigurable Controller

Posted by Soulskill on from the keeping-up-with-the-wiises dept.

1Up reports on a patent recently awarded to Sony for a game controller that fits together in several different ways to accommodate different types of gameplay. It also appears to make use of motion-sensing technology, much like the Wiimote. "This new controller isn't just another revision of the Sixaxis; rather, it looks like a complete overhaul of the form and function of the device, resembling a pair of ice cream cones more than Sony's ubiquitous Dual Shock. The images accompanying the patent display two Wii-like remotes with removable button faceplates, topped off with strange, bulb-like shapes. These glowing, spherical structures house LEDs and ultrasonic sound emitters, which would allow the PlayStation Eye camera to determine the controllers' positions in three-dimensional space."

32 comments

  1. already slashdotted... by Aranykai · · Score: 1

    anyone got a mirror?

    --
    If sharing a song makes you a pirate, what do I have to share to be a ninja?
  2. eggcellent by Denihil · · Score: 2, Interesting

    just one step closer to the ps9.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcmtDAVM-3A

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    WÌÌfÍ--ÍSÌÒÍ...Í...ÌHÌÍfÍÍÍ--ÍÍÍ
  3. Nifty! by Migylesa+Rex · · Score: 1

    I've been toying around with the idea of tearing apart a game console controller and making something modular like this for my computer...I'm glad to see the technology forwarded and hope it doesn't get snatched up by sony alone.

  4. It will come to market... by HTH+NE1 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Just in time for the release of Spaceballs: The Video Game.

    --
    Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner entwine / The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine?
  5. Damn! by brian0918 · · Score: 3, Funny

    I wish Nintendo would have thought of that first, so that I could put back together the Wiimote I threw through my TV.

  6. It will come to joysticks... by Ostracus · · Score: 1

    My swartz is bigger than your swartz.

    --
    Shai Schticks:"You don't make peace with friends, you make peace with enemies"
    1. Re:It will come to joysticks... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      not until you learn to spell "schwartz" it isn't

  7. Ultrasonic Emitters? by Endymion · · Score: 2, Informative

    Ultrasonic Emitters? Didn't we find out that didn't work with the PowerGlove?

    Not that I didn't love trying with that thing, well, it looked cool. But the spacial positioning from ultrasonics was way to inaccurate for most games.

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    Ce n'est pas une signature automatique.
    1. Re:Ultrasonic Emitters? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That was what? Like 25 years ago? Don't you suppose the technology may have advanced just a smidge?

  8. Alright by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Way to go Hitler.... I, I mean Sony.

    Whoops!

    1. Re:Alright by elrous0 · · Score: 1

      Common mistake.

      --
      SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    2. Re:Alright by ravenshrike · · Score: 1

      The correct analogy would be way to go Nazi Party.

    3. Re:Alright by KDR_11k · · Score: 1

      Yeah, NSDAP and SCEA are an easy mistake, the keys are right next to each other! NoE is pretty damn close to SED, too!

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
  9. Sony in a nutshell by neostorm · · Score: 3, Insightful

    This is a great example of Sony as a company - take someone else's idea, brainstorm on it, and then head off in precisely the wrong direction at full-steam.

    1. Re:Sony in a nutshell by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Nintendo didn't invent the idea of motion controllers either, they "stole" it too.

      Besides, Sony's method is different. They want to use a camera and sound to determine the position of the controller, almost like motion capture. Nintendo uses a primitive IR strip and sensor setup.

    2. Re:Sony in a nutshell by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 1

      This is a great example of Sony as a company - take someone else's idea, brainstorm on it, and then head off in precisely the wrong direction at full-steam.

      Somebody in Nintendo HQ is going *bang* *bang* with their fingers and shouting: "Dance!!"

      --

      "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

    3. Re:Sony in a nutshell by aliquis · · Score: 1

      I thought the Wii used a camera and IR?

      Wiis way of doing it seem to work, so who cares if it would be primitive or not? Primitive which work = reliable and cheap?

      But the patent seem to be for the whole controller, not just for the part which makes it reconfigurable? Because that would be pretty lame to patent, and on the Wii you can already add the thumb thing, put it in a steering wheel, zapper holder or similar so. Not replaceable buttons or such but it's not like they are the first in the world thinking about that either.

      I wonder if people really want big spherical balls on their controllers.

    4. Re:Sony in a nutshell by Sir_Dill · · Score: 1
      A few things...

      First off, the nintendo power glove from the 80's used ultrasonic positioning to determine x,y,and z axis orientations so positioning via sound is not only not new....but not something sony did first.

      Second, how exactly does the camera "see" sound? What is it tripping on acid? The wiimote uses a camera to see the the as you put it...primitive IR strip. Frankly I think it was a stroke of genius to make it so simple. Many times the simpler implementation turns out to be the most robust and reliable. With complexity comes additional vectors for failure.

    5. Re:Sony in a nutshell by khellendros1984 · · Score: 1

      Not replaceable buttons? That's essentially all that a Guitar Hero control is. Replacement buttons put into a weird configuration.

      --
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    6. Re:Sony in a nutshell by aliquis · · Score: 1

      But you don't switch them around do you? Controllers whatever form has been there for long but who cares?

  10. How is this different from cockpit multi-function by davidsyes · · Score: 2, Informative

    displays, or MFDs?

    Or, any number of input devices that have so much information overloading the user that the use is offered a user-defined toggle? Hell, for that matter, just imagine all the Saitek and Thrustmaster:

    http://ecoustics-cnet.com.com/game-accessories/saitek-x52-flight-control/4505-10110_7-31255706.html

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joystick

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saitek

    And, Saitek keyboards:

    http://www.saitek.com/

    And, what about computer BIOS and software overlays? How far different is Sony that they can get a patent? Is it *just* for game controllers, and only a FINITE set of functions? Otherwise, they should not have this patent protection in countries where joysticks exist in aircraft, games, bulldozers/shovel loaders, and so on, especially in micro-surgery operating suites.

    (Disclaimer: Though I like Saitek products, I don't have any of their stock/shares...)

    --
    Previously: "Linux... Toward the Sunrise..." Now: "Linux... Toward the-- No, now, part of Every Sunrise"
  11. Re:How is this different from cockpit multi-functi by davidsyes · · Score: 1

    damn me!!!!!

    Those users i mentioned don't do the WII dances with their equipment and instruments.... SUCKS to not fully read the summary...

    --
    Previously: "Linux... Toward the Sunrise..." Now: "Linux... Toward the-- No, now, part of Every Sunrise"
  12. so, this means..... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The Wii has nothing going for it.....bad games and a controller that will not be so unique anymore.

    1. Re:so, this means..... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Don't forget subpar graphics and an overall focus on pre-adolescents.

  13. ya...... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    like i'm going to trust SONY of all companies, with a pair of "eyes" in my house
    even if sony doesnt repeat their mistake of installing bogus software (rootkit anyone) without the users permission, i can still see this becoming the next thing to laugh at on youtube

    OMG LOOK! THERES ANOTHER HACKED PLAYSTATION 4 ooh look this guys got NAKED WOMEN SITTING ON HIS COUCH!! as he jerks off his iced cream cones in a fit of fury to show off to them.

    ya.. you all know what i'm talking about dont pretend this didnt make sense and mod me down for anon

  14. Source of inspiration? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    with removable button faceplates, topped off with strange, bulb-like shapes...

    Sounds as if they were 'inspired' by a trip to the tittie bar! Wonder if they'll have any tactile feedback/rumble pack?

  15. All together now by sir_eccles · · Score: 1

    It's an application NOT a patent.

    1. Re:All together now by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This is slashdot man. Anytime anything is termed 'patented' on slashdot, it can just as easily be a publication of a patent application.

      Even when it says 'patent application' in big bold letters across the top of the page. Large numbers of people make this mistake all the time (probably fairly evenly distributed across the intelligence spectrum) including slashdot posters and editors.

  16. Game scepter by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Wow. Now don't we all want to look like the guy in fig 9B.

    I know I can't wait to get my game scepter.

  17. Only a few months late by Bitmanhome · · Score: 1

    Benheck already designed one, and you can buy your own. Even works with the PS2 and PS3.

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    Not that this wasn't entirely predictable.
  18. Wow by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I can't imagine Sony stealing a controller idea. Oh yeah I can, they've done it with every controller they've ever had.

    I am so glad to see Sony and all of their crappy proprietary standards dying a painful death. That's one company I would really take pleasure in seeing fail.