Sony Patents Reconfigurable Controller 32
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."
already slashdotted... (Score:2)
anyone got a mirror?
eggcellent (Score:2, Interesting)
Nifty! (Score:1)
It will come to market... (Score:3, Funny)
Just in time for the release of Spaceballs: The Video Game.
It will come to joysticks... (Score:2)
My swartz is bigger than your swartz.
Damn! (Score:4, Funny)
Ultrasonic Emitters? (Score:3, 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.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (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!
Sony in a nutshell (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.
Re: (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.
Re: (Score:2)
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
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
But you don't switch them around do you? Controllers whatever form has been there for long but who cares?
Re: (Score:2)
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 a
Re: (Score:2)
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!!"
How is this different from cockpit multi-function (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 [com.com]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joystick [wikipedia.org]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saitek [wikipedia.org]
And, Saitek keyboards:
http://www.saitek.com/ [saitek.com]
And, what about computer BIOS and software overlays? How far different is Sony th
Re: (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...
ya...... (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
All together now (Score:1)
Only a few months late (Score:2)
Benheck already designed one, and you can buy your own [edimensional.com]. Even works with the PS2 and PS3.