Sony patents ultrasonic controller [update]
by Ross Miller 
{ Nov 4th 2008 at 10:45AM }
What's interesting to note as well is that the diagrams included in the patent show a pair of nunchuk-style devices for two of the the three shown people, perhaps related to recent rumors of a "break apart" PS3 controller. We'll poke Sony for the usual "no comment," "patents get filed all the time, nothing to see here" and "hey look, a hamster!"
Update: The official statement: "Sony Computer Entertainment files numerous patents globally for the purpose of protecting our inventions. However, it doesn't mean that every patent we file becomes a commercial product. We do not comment on rumors or speculation or comment on each and every patent we file."
[Via GamesIndustry.biz]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
SyChO @ Nov 4th 2008 10:48AM
Hmmm... sure looks like the Wiimote + Nunchuk to me..
Haggard @ Nov 4th 2008 11:07AM
It seems exactly the same function of a Wiimote, except doing it in a different way.
Killjebus @ Nov 4th 2008 11:18AM
Since this controller will know where YOU are in relation to the 3D space around you...it is lightyears ahead of an IR pointer and accelerometers that do NOT know where you are in 3D space.
Other than that, it's the same.
sarcasm
bm @ Nov 4th 2008 12:29PM
Haha, try a bit harder killjebus.
Ayman @ Nov 4th 2008 1:03PM
more like to nunchucks
and also they are using the camera (i think)
speaking of Camera, sony made a system that utilizes the camera's feature to facial recognitions (same as in cybershot cameras, so as you move your face the system will adjust)
The Fatass of Kickassness @ Nov 4th 2008 3:49PM
"Since this controller will know where YOU are in relation to the 3D space around you...it is lightyears ahead of an IR pointer and accelerometers that do NOT know where you are in 3D space."
In other words, it's Wii Remote + Nunchuk... plus WiiMotionPlus.
CAHLITO @ Nov 4th 2008 10:49AM
Freaking awesome
I always looked to something like this
Right when i thought Sony was losing it
Slick ideas like this give me faith
Thank you SONY!!!!!!!!!!!!
GearSecond!! (Gamertag: xGearSecondx ) @ Nov 4th 2008 9:55PM
Surely you jest..
dark_inchworm @ Nov 4th 2008 10:54AM
Maybe an ultrasonic controller will make Sonic fun again.
John Z @ Nov 4th 2008 11:02AM
A hamster would not be a practical controller for many reasons, the primary one being that you could only charge it up once.
samfish @ Nov 4th 2008 11:12AM
Yeah, but they have like a 3 year battery life and only cost like $10 bucks. You can't beat that!
John Z @ Nov 4th 2008 11:16AM
Then you run into the problems of twitchiness in the controls and non-responsiveness if you fail to perform regular maintenance on the hamster (read: feeding it). That $10 quickly becomes much more when you factor in the upkeep costs.
Face it, until we have cost-effective lithium-rechargeable hamsters, the small rodent controller is going to be pretty underutilized.
Marty @ Nov 4th 2008 12:23PM
You forgot to mention that it will shit all over your hands.
Grant @ Nov 4th 2008 12:59PM
at least it tastes good.....?
tmacairjordan87 @ Nov 4th 2008 11:16AM
Doesn't mean they're going to use it. Boomerang dualshock controller anyone?
samfish @ Nov 4th 2008 11:31AM
Totally different things.
The boomerang controller was just a redesign. Sony giving in to fanboy shrieking didn't really have an effect on the PS3.
If the PS4 comes with this kind of controller and has an emphasis on motion control, no amount of fanboy crying is going to change that.
j.howlett @ Nov 4th 2008 4:48PM
my dad had a controller for ps2 that looked just like the boomerang. it wasn't a pleasure to play with.
lawlersauce @ Nov 4th 2008 5:05PM
^Your dad or the controller?
ZING!
lawlersauce @ Nov 4th 2008 5:05PM
...gross
syrik zero @ Nov 4th 2008 11:20AM
"and nearby nuclear submarines" hahaha that's great
Double J @ Nov 4th 2008 11:28AM
Dear Sony, it works for Nintendo because the console is 250 dollars. We know as gamers and consumers you won't be as forgiving...
Muttley @ Nov 4th 2008 11:34AM
We're not interested in gimmicks in gimmicks.
theturtle363 @ Nov 4th 2008 11:34AM
I have absolutely no idea how that would work
Just_a_guy @ Nov 4th 2008 11:47AM
I personally think that UNLESS there is a tilt sensor in these remotes, or some software to sense tilt then the wiimote will win this battle if this tech sees the light of day.
Sam @ Nov 4th 2008 11:47AM
We gonna be able to track speed cameras with the controllers then? Bloody Gatso cameras use radar to check your speed
http://gadgetsgamesandstuff.blogspot.com
WRE @ Nov 4th 2008 12:21PM
Oh Sony. Keep reaching for that Wiimote!
Mr Khan @ Nov 4th 2008 12:32PM
PS4 to have similar architecture, also
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/impress-watch-sony-contemplating-upgraded-cell-for-playstation/
The lessons are sinking in, it seems
DS6220 @ Nov 4th 2008 12:33PM
Oh man, it sure looks like Player B is screwed. He is only living up to half his potential. Maybe bald men are only allowed one half of a ......whatever this is called.
WRE @ Nov 4th 2008 12:39PM
It's called a Piimote.
Yatcho @ Nov 4th 2008 12:47PM
Nice try, but not quite sony...
Grant @ Nov 4th 2008 12:59PM
errrr.
that looks retarded.
and Sony, you're not going to sell more consoles with cheap gimmicks, your console costs way too much to lure in the casual gamers.
Moptimus Slime @ Nov 4th 2008 4:42PM
Wait, if Sony doesn't comment on rumors, than they must be making this controller. Or else they wouldn't have released a statement denying it! Thereby commenting on it! There for making it a non-rumor!
rokobungi @ Nov 4th 2008 5:53PM
hey wasn't there a controller that used ultrasonic emitters and a detector a while back ?? I think it was called a power glove or something
I heard it was so bad!
drun @ Nov 4th 2008 10:49PM
will players catch enough rads to mutate?
Davide Inglima - limaCAT @ Nov 5th 2008 6:04AM
Ultrasonic? Will it be compatible with my dog too?
Kokomadeta @ Nov 5th 2008 8:18PM
This isn't new technology. Sega has been using this in arcade units for a long time, and brought it home for Samba de Amigo on the Dreamcast. Just like the DreamEye, Sony will take credit for this too.