Sony Patents Wii-like Control Interface

Japanese website Tech-On! has discovered a new Sony patent which describes a motion sensing device very similar to the Wii remote. The difference is that Sony’s device would use an EyeToy-style camera to work out the position of the controller.

Patent 2006-178948, viewable on the Japanese patent website, reveals the following:

“This invention focuses on an object with a video camera and… maps the location and direction of an object to three-dimensional space. The three-dimensional information on an object is stored in memory and the rendering of the virtual object in the scene on a video screen, being used for control of action in a game program.”

While gamers are already quite pleased with the built-in limited tilt sensors of the PS3 controller, Sony seems to be working on a controller that’s very similar to the Wiimote‘s form and concept. While the Wiimote uses locational information, the Sony device makes use of visual info taken by the camera.

The patent also recalls Sony’s The Eye of Judgement demo which used spatial recognition as part of gameplay. It’s not clear if the patented device would be used for PS3, but the patent title specifically indicates that the device is intended to let users control action in a game.

Via Gamasutra

Japanese website Tech-On! has discovered a new Sony patent which describes a motion sensing device very similar to the Wii remote. The difference is that Sony’s device would use an EyeToy-style camera to work out the position of the controller.

Patent 2006-178948, viewable on the Japanese patent website, reveals the following:

“This invention focuses on an object with a video camera and… maps the location and direction of an object to three-dimensional space. The three-dimensional information on an object is stored in memory and the rendering of the virtual object in the scene on a video screen, being used for control of action in a game program.”

While gamers are already quite pleased with the built-in limited tilt sensors of the PS3 controller, Sony seems to be working on a controller that’s very similar to the Wiimote‘s form and concept. While the Wiimote uses locational information, the Sony device makes use of visual info taken by the camera.

The patent also recalls Sony’s The Eye of Judgement demo which used spatial recognition as part of gameplay. It’s not clear if the patented device would be used for PS3, but the patent title specifically indicates that the device is intended to let users control action in a game.

Via Gamasutra