Sony's newest motion sensing patent
by Justin Murray 
{ Dec 14th 2006 at 7:45PM }
Sony's world hasn't been getting rained on by sunshine as of late. It would appear that everything they've done over the past year has ended in one form of disaster or another. However, it would seem that Sony is going to get a bit of good news.
According to patent #0060282873, Sony has apparently one-upped the now familiar Wii remote. Combining LED lights and what appears to be the EyeToy, Sony has created a control mechanism that appears to allow not just for full-range controller motion, but also allows the player's body movements to add to the input. Not only that, it would appear that the entire mechanism is different enough to avoid a serious legal challenge by Nintendo -- LED travels the other direction -- and Interlink Electronics -- their contraption doesn't use a camera.
Sony is certainly jumping all over the whole motion control craze, having filed two different methods previously. By cornering the motion sensing market, it would appear Sony is performing a preemptive strike for the PS4 generation; this would put pressure on Microsoft to come up with a new way of handling motion sensitivity and almost forcing Nintendo to keep the Wiimote as-is.
[Via Engadget]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
pete @ Dec 14th 2006 7:52PM
malarky by the next gen, xbox 720 will have full body suits you throw on to immerse yourself in the game, and nintendo will have virtual reality visors with a powerglove like contraption to interact with the environment. ps4, ha. wait im not done, hahahahaha
Darth Vader @ Dec 14th 2006 7:54PM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
b @ Dec 14th 2006 7:55PM
PS4? They'll be lucky to crawl though /this/ generation.
Nice try anyway, Sony.
Fozzie @ Dec 14th 2006 7:55PM
This doesn't mean anything, really. At the end of the day, it's still Nintendo that built a system from the ground up based on motion control. They also had the foresight to predict the mass appeal such a device would have. Wii's games will be the only ones in the industry that can utilize motion control in a mass-market (i.e., not $599 US dollars) way for the forseeable future.
Kevin @ Dec 14th 2006 8:03PM
lol, Sony copying someone? This is unheard of!
:P
Sinnen @ Dec 14th 2006 8:06PM
Haha.
I thought Sony was going in their own direction?
Stupid, stupid Sony.
A friend of mine, soon after playing Wii, said "It can only get better from here." Nintendo will lead the way for "VIRTUAL REALITY" as Wii is as close as you're going to get at home. Nintendo can only make it better.
Was the eyetoy a big hit? No because it was a TOY.
But I fret; I thought the eyetoy was fun for a toy.
I can see the future of this being the last of the PlayStation; the trilogy will end with sorrow.
I actually hope that the big 3 can bring SOME competition to Nintendo.
bigshynepo @ Dec 14th 2006 8:53PM
@pete
The Next-next-gen xbox you speak of, the "Xbox 720", is gonna have to be released in 2 years just to keep up with the playstation 3.
Micro$ucks wasn't thinking long term and we'll see how that pays off for them. I bet Sony will have the last laugh. They are still selling more PS2s world wide than 360s..
Rowd149 @ Dec 14th 2006 8:12PM
This article is biased. WTF H4x. THat is all.
Pedro @ Dec 14th 2006 8:59PM
Oh no! Future generation consoles will have to motion sense without using a combination of the eyetoy and a censor bar.
Who honestly WANTS games that are controlled this way? Not me. So thank sony, for helping MS and nintendo avoid a pitfall.
For the next gen all I want is controllers like the wiimote but with analog sticks and 4 face buttons each. (and each units it wireless, or course.)
FuzzyPickles @ Dec 14th 2006 8:14PM
If it wasn't Sony, it wouldn't smell so much of desperation.
Optimus Prime @ Dec 14th 2006 8:13PM
The next EyeToy is going to be fucking awesome:
- HD video conferencing
- facial expression recognition
- hand and limb recognition position and movement recognition (flip the bird)
- card reading (Eye of Judgment)
- whatever is described up there
Does wii even do video chat? Oh sorry, thats for grown ups only. Back to your Excite Truck.
Miz @ Dec 14th 2006 8:13PM
Companies are filing patents like this all the time. This is most likely being done JUST IN CASE Sony goes through with a new motion-sensing device. There's no guarantee that anything will come of it; for all we know, the plans will be scrapped tomorrow.
Jackson Pritt @ Dec 14th 2006 8:15PM
With the PS3 already at 599 US DOLLARS I can't even begin to imagine how much the PS4 is going to be! 999 US DOLLARS, perhaps?!?
Sony fails it again, I guess!
A Reader @ Dec 14th 2006 8:16PM
"Rained on by the sunshine"? Seriously? Just quit.
Jackson Pritt @ Dec 14th 2006 8:20PM
@8
Optimus, the new EyeToy WOULD be really cool, if it came with every PS3. Since it's a tack-on and since the games it works for aren't the kinds of games that core Sony users want (trading card games? karaoke?) it's destinited to be adopted by a small minority of PS3 users, just like the original EyeToy.
If you really want all that stuff, buy a PC! They're cheaper!
JJ @ Dec 14th 2006 8:21PM
How is this desperation... its for the new Eye toy from what i've gathered.
Its just a periphrial people, calm down.
I swear people act like Nintendo created motion sensing and can do no wrong.
Yeah the Wii is cool, great system, but just because some one else is doing something similar (Even sony) doesn't mean they're desperate... hell their 6 year old system is STILL beating the pants off of every other device out thre (save the DS... but the handheld market and console market are two different beasts).
JJ @ Dec 14th 2006 8:25PM
I dont know about that Jackson... karaoke/music/etc games see to be all the rage now... heck everytime i'm in EB or bestbuy there's people buying Singstar and what not.
And i believe XBL vision camera sold decently as well. So there is a market for it apparently.
Moontart @ Dec 14th 2006 8:27PM
So, how is 1 camera gonna tell the difference between you and 3 friends who wanna play PS3 EYETENNIS together? Ah, no chance probably. So you'll be on your lonesome, dancing around like a goon with no friends.. GO SONY!
Amos @ Dec 14th 2006 8:31PM
It's a little overly complicated if you ask me. If MS really needs to come up with a new tech from their competitors, they could just use sound waves - http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=749566
Optimus Prime @ Dec 14th 2006 8:35PM
It hilarious and sad.
Anything that comes out which might 'trump' the wiimote, and all the Nintendo defenders come out to bash it right away. Dont give it a chance.. NOTHING can touch the awesomeness of the wiimote. HOW DARE Sony try to match the capabilities of the wiimote, etc, etc.
Some people are too insecure.
Guys, the introduction of this control scheme does not diminish the capabilities or potential of the wiimote. It has nothing to do with your precious wii. Obviously, you have to intention to purchase the PS3 anytime soon, so, how does this affect you?
It doesnt. The only reason you are bashing it is because you are afraid that something 'might' be better or just as innovative as the wiimote.
Its called insecurity. You've been told for 12+ months that the wiimote is the holy grail of control schemes.. so when something comes out (like this) you automatically come out to bash it.
Markham Carroll @ Dec 14th 2006 8:39PM
Why does the Wii need video conferencing? Heck, why do I need video conferencing? I want to play games, not talk to my boss about the new pie charts on whatever.
JJ @ Dec 14th 2006 8:48PM
Well i use video conferencing on my 360. Its fun to talk to friends in realtime and see what they're up to.
Now its not for everyone of course, but its a fun and neat little thing to keep people connected... and hey isnt that what gaming machines are about? Especially the wii? Keeping friends connected and to have fun together?
So whats the big deal?
and markham... why would you be talking to your boss about pie charts over the Ps3? Couldnt ya do that in person?
RUSKULL @ Dec 14th 2006 9:09PM
it's too late though. Nintendo could have come out with a standard controller, THEN released the remote later on too, but at that point it would just be a periferal. And that's all this would end up being for Sony, a periferal.
droptop GP @ Dec 15th 2006 4:00PM
to hell with these motion contollers.
i just wanna kick back and play a game.
Ritz @ Dec 14th 2006 8:59PM
I don't understand why the Nintendo fans are so up in arms about this. Didn't we go along with Nintendo declaring that motion control would be the future of gaming? How do you think thats going to happen if its only Nintendo that develops the technology for games?
Let Sony and Microsoft adopt and improve upon the technology, if anything, it should be an ego boost, no?
Pedro @ Dec 14th 2006 9:00PM
bigshynepo
You must not read this blog very much if you still think that way. The 360 is in some ways MORE advanced than the ps3. The GPU kicks the RSX's ass.
The ps2's continued good performance shows that even overwhelming hardware superiority doesn't guarantee success. What does is masses of exlcusive games and the ability to appeal to the mass market.
Well guess which console is getting all the exclusives? And guess which one is closer to reaching a mass market price point? That would be the 360.
Revo @ Dec 14th 2006 9:03PM
Aside from being a form of motion control this doesn't really seem to be comparable to the Wiimote, so people shouldn't be complaining and worrying (Wii proponents) or proclaiming its superiority (PS3 proponents).
Even if something does come of it, it probably won't be a major factor in Sony's plans for the PS3 unless they decide to include it with the system.
Terrak @ Dec 14th 2006 9:06PM
No optimus the most hilarious thing here is how sony punk'd all your sonyfanboys asses, thats what is hilarious. If ps4 does indeed have copied motion sensing like the Wii sony just made you fanboys laughing stocks. FOr almost a year now all sonyfanbots have been doing is carrying on that the Wii's motion sensing is 'gimmicky', or a 'passing fad'. But now it looks like sony want something exactly the same for there next console sonyfanbots now sing a different tune. Watch as like the great Houdini sonyfanbots make the word 'Gimmick' disappear from there vocabulary when commenting on Wiimote type motion sensing now that there is a strong chance of the ps4 sporting ripped of Wii functionality. Now sony has there own version its no longer a gimmick, but the best thing since sliced bread? You guys are the real jokes.
sony fanboys credibility just flew out the window (as if they had any left), but since they whorship sony there in good company (you know the company with little to no credibility).
HAHAHAHA you sony fanbots crack me up.
shagi what do you have to say now????
CYRiX @ Dec 14th 2006 9:10PM
anyone else think the drawing was done by a 10 y/o?
Optimus Prime Hater @ Dec 14th 2006 9:13PM
Speaking of insecure... Your knee-jerk posts in any Sony and Nintendo thread are getting really tiresome to read. If you aren't insecure then why do you feel the need to respond to ... every ... slightly ... negative ... thing ... said about your favorite console?
Optimus Prime @ Dec 14th 2006 9:17PM
Hey Terrak, thanks. Your post basically proves the point in my previous post. You probably didnt intend to do that, but, thats a-ok.
And, please use paragraphs next time. They teach you that in grade 2. It makes things easier to read. Especially long, nonsensical rants.
See!
It works.
Do you want to post anything else tonite?
xoxo
Optimus
David4 @ Dec 14th 2006 9:21PM
Sony can't even make a PS3 right, so what makes you think there will be a PS4?
And with all the PS3's problem if there is a PS4 it won't be until 2024 because Sony will only make 1,000 systems a year.
GoW-playin Moron @ Dec 14th 2006 9:32PM
Let's see... story posted 7:45PM
JJ jumped to Sony's rescue at 8:20PM
That's a 35 minutes delay. You Sony fanbots have really been slipping lately... could this be a sign that your dynasty has ended?
Yaanu @ Dec 14th 2006 9:32PM
If Sony succeeds, and at this rate it is unlikely but still, couldn't Nintendo, Immersion, Microsoft, and everyone else press charges against Sony for trying to monopolize the video game market? I think Microsoft got sued for that, so they would have some experience.
Rev. Nathan Speer @ Dec 14th 2006 9:32PM
One step off of that Vibrating controller, guys!
Markham Carroll @ Dec 14th 2006 9:36PM
"and markham... why would you be talking to your boss about pie charts over the Ps3? Couldnt ya do that in person?"
It's kinda the point. Video conferencing, which apparently is "for grown-ups only," is used mainly for business purposes. On a game console, why would you waste your time with a video conferencing feature instead of playing a game?
JJ @ Dec 14th 2006 9:36PM
GOW playin moron... how am i a Sony Fanboy?... i believe i've posted in many comment section how i'm an avid fan of 3Ps3, 360 and Wii (once i can get one).
I'm not a fanboy... I'm a gamer, big difference. I play all systems and love all types of games, but at the same time i can see faults in all systems.
I see no need to bash any company for whatever reason. They've all had issues, its not like each console is 100% perfect from launch
So if i'm a fanboy because I dont trumpet to the heavens the revolution that is the 360... please forgive me.
I guess i didn't get that memo that i have to prefer one console over all else (IF i had to do that it'd probably be the super nintendo)
Al @ Dec 14th 2006 9:36PM
I don't see this as a 'problem' for Nintendo. Couldn't they just release a simple USB camera for the Wii and have exactly the same thing?
I don't see this going anywhere.
JJ @ Dec 14th 2006 9:40PM
But markham then you could say that for ANY utility feature for a console.
Why buy and HDDVD player for the 360 when its a gaming console?
Why chat with friends online on the 360 or listen to music or stream media center files? Its a gaming console.
Granted a lot of things on the current consoles aren't for everybody, they're just fun little asides.
If its silly for Sony to do it, why isn't it the same for 360, thats been doing it for months now?
Digital Fine Art Guy @ Dec 14th 2006 9:39PM
Why would they wait for the PS4 if it's an EyeToy add-on? They'd just release it for the PS3, right?
If motion-sensing really is big, why wait?
Of course, it's still a rip-off of Nintendo, but whatever.
NintendoFanbot @ Dec 14th 2006 9:41PM
Too bad the original Eyetoy ate up a ton of the PS2's processing power. If indeed they had High-def picture-referencing it just might do it again. The EyeToy LED remotes work by leaving a bright point of light onto the flat image the camera recieves. You can get up, down, left, right, 2D motions but it still doesn't sound like it senses depth, like the Wii does.
Seriously, you could make one bolt protrude from the Wiimote casing and patent that.
This isn't threatening anyone and only shows who was in the right direction. Of course Sony won't admit it. ^_^
Terrak @ Dec 14th 2006 9:44PM
What you now advocating the Wiimote motion sensing?? Hell has frozen over. Oh well i guess you can admit it, but that still doesn't change the fact that all the sony fanbots pretty much laughed at the Wiimote concept. Now sony might have something similar the joke is on you.
I proved your point? Wow are you dillusional. So pointing out how you sony fanboys flip flop there opinions on sonys whim proves your point, well so be it.
Oh and now you must point out my grammar - what? Thats the best argument you can come up with? I don't give a crap about my grammar, this ain't a writing competition or thesis its a discussion site. You got the point thats all that matters, and apparently you got nothing.
Thanks for the laughs though, just made my day.
JJ @ Dec 14th 2006 9:52PM
Just a question, didn't the original eye toy have motion sensing capability?
I seem to recall a few games being played that tracked peoples movement, same with the XBL camera and a few games.
So if that true then technically the Wiimote would be similar to those instead of vice versa.
But in the end, does it really matter? Shouldnt this be seen as a good thing on nintendo's part? Like the rumble pack became a hit and so on?
I mean do people say the PS2 rumble feature and Xbox and 360 rumble feature are useless because the N64 did it first?
Just chalk it up to Nintendo's great insight, that Sony and probably in the future, MS, Will probably hop on the tech that ninty made popular.
Wii @ Dec 14th 2006 9:57PM
This is exactly what Nintendo wanted.
I guess you can say Nintendo fanboys are insecure about this, Optimus, but you could also say that Sony is insecure as well no? They're getting beat by the DS, in the hand-held market, which was thought to be a gimmick so they have learned from that mistake by implementing motion sensing on the PS3, because of the Wii, and now this, they're starting to catch on, hooray for Sony. They better make this work, it looks good.
Anyways, this can only make the industry better, it adds more competition and makes things more interesting. It's not like I care anyway, I always buy all the systems because if I don't I would be missing out on some great games on the platforms I don't get. Now if only the PS3 and Wii could get some better games out soon, Resistance and Zelda will eventually get old.
Motion sensing FTW!!
Markham Carroll @ Dec 14th 2006 10:00PM
"If its silly for Sony to do it, why isn't it the same for 360, thats been doing it for months now?"
I was unaware of that. My argument is that video conferencing is nothing so spectacular that the one system that doesn't have it is crippled for life.
rubaiyat @ Dec 14th 2006 10:23PM
"24. I don't understand why the Nintendo fans are so up in arms about this. Didn't we go along with Nintendo declaring that motion control would be the future of gaming? How do you think thats going to happen if its only Nintendo that develops the technology for games?
Let Sony and Microsoft adopt and improve upon the technology, if anything, it should be an ego boost, no?"
Cause Nintendo fans had to go through a year of crap after the unveiling of the Wiimote. All the (mainly Sony just by virtue of their numbers) fanboys just lined up and suddenly became market experts about how lame it was and that it was a "gimmick" and just on and on and on about the overall crappiness of the Wiimote.
It's in poor taste, but rubbing your naysayer's faces in your vindication is a sweet thing.
Questworld @ Dec 15th 2006 8:58AM
I think any retaliation from "Nintendo fanboys" is based on the fact that Sony fanboys (note: fanboys of the most arrogant types and not generally all Sony fanboys or fans), which incidentally includes some Sony reps and CEOs (how wrong is that when company heads talk like fanboys), had a tendency to keep calling Nintendo's efforst "kiddy" and "gimmick." I'm pretty sure a lot of you spotted one person at one time or another trying to downplay the Wiimote and calling it "gimmicky" (e.g. "GameCube with a gimmicky controller").
So now that Sony admits doing or have tinkered with similar ideas, why is it now they're going forward with it when just a few months ago they were trying to convince people that Nintendo's Wiimote is just a "gimmick" and a "novelty?" Why is it that the same Sony fanboys who'd like nothing more than to bash Nintendo for their lame system suddenly trying to vindicate themselves to the onslaught of people they were making fun of by saying "hey, see, Sony's been doing these things for years too" or "Nintendo didn't invent motion sensing." True, Nintendo didn't invent it, so how does this excuse your past rude behaviors and inexcusable trolling?
You see those people who were just skeptical and said "I don't know, I don't think I like it" and moved on wouldn't receive any of this retaliation. Those, however, who kept nagging, trolling, and generally being pains in the butt trying to drill their opinions into everyone hoping they'd change people's minds - people who probably are just excited to try the Wiimote or just wanted something a little different - probably deserve this. Yeah, it can get to the point you just wish these "Nintendo fanboys" would just stop and I can symphatize to you who didn't troll before, but to those who did, well, I guess you should've been nicer. Now if you had your fill maybe you'd like to approach each other with better etiquette and manners without the usual trash talking and put downs. This whole internet thing may provide a security in anonymity, but it doesn't have to be that you people act like jerks hiding behind your keyboard or your headsets (i.e. in online games). I ask, no, I demand better behaviors from you all. I may not be your parents or anything but hey you know I'm right so don't roll your eyes at me. You let this behavior fester long enough and it's the kind of thing that'll flush society down the toilet.
im an idiot @ Dec 14th 2006 10:47PM
HALF OF YOU GUYS ARE FU**ING LOSERS.
J @ Dec 14th 2006 11:18PM
Sony copy other people's stuff. It's how they work. Nintendo had it first, got it the first time round, have it this gen.
Ritz @ Dec 14th 2006 10:58PM
Haha, rubaiyat, I don't doubt "rubbing your naysayer's faces in your vindication is a sweet thing", but I speak more to those who feel threatened or upset Sony ended up embracing motion control (or when MS invetiably does so too). We should all be glad =(