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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."

2 of 32 comments (clear)

  1. 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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  2. 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...)

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