Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

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."

3 of 32 comments (clear)

  1. 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. 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