Sony patents tiny PSP-controlled spy car

by JC Fletcher { Apr 10th 2009 at 12:40PM }

So this is why Gran Turismo hasn't come out for PSP: Sony has a much better idea for "realistic" PSP racing. Siliconera found a patent filed by SCEE for a remote-controlled car that uses the PSP as an interface. The car is equipped with a camera that feeds video back to the PSP. One possible application: "a user may control the car... so as to spy on their friends... then upload the stored video images to a website."

In addition, the patent application states that the car could be used for an "augmented reality" racing game in which the game recognizes real objects as elements in the racing game. Basically, you build your own track from stuff around the house.

The only thing we can't figure out about this patent is why it's not a real product yet. Why is nobody selling us this right now? If Sony really wants the PSP to succeed, here's how to do it. A pink PSP and a Hannah Montana game aren't going to be any significant competition for the DS. But a remote-controlled spy car is, because that is awesome.

Tags: augmented-reality, car, patent, remote-control, scee, sony

Related From Joystiq

New Sony controller patent is rich with opportunities
17 days ago
Sony to never stop getting sued for rumble technology
172 days ago
Sony patents ultrasonic controller [Update]
368 days ago

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

baby sea tuna @ Apr 10th 2009 12:43PM

Whoa! I would buy the fuck out of that.

Troy Powers (PSN: TroyPowers) @ Apr 10th 2009 1:32PM

And THS, ladies and gentlemen, is how you "buy the fuck" out of something.

You walk up to the cash register and say very loudly, "I wanna buy THAT SHIT RIGHT THERE!!!" Pointing at your selection.

Then you slap your money (or credit card) down on the counter...REAL HARD!

Grab the salesperson by the counter, yank them over real close, "AND I WANT THAT BITCH GIFTWRAPPED!"

Then you let out a nice, hard Master P "UUUUUUUUUGHHH!!!"

Next lesson: How to "enjoy the fuck" out of your purchase.

PR0F3TA @ Apr 10th 2009 1:38PM

LMFAO @ Troy Powers

+1 internet

baby sea tuna @ Apr 10th 2009 1:39PM

Haha, make that +2!

Cosmo @ Apr 10th 2009 1:45PM

+3 from me! XD

Laurens Holst @ Apr 10th 2009 1:53PM

Hell yeah!

*wonders if you could aim the camera upwards…

Noshino @ Apr 10th 2009 1:56PM

"*wonders if you could aim the camera upwards…"

If so, then that would make many guys happy, VERY happy....

Marco @ Apr 10th 2009 2:40PM

Yup that was hilarious.

NineT9 @ Apr 10th 2009 6:34PM

haha @ baby sea tuna

friggin hilarious :D

On topic, would be nice to see the PSP be able to control the AIBO, or that cute little thing called Sony Rolly :)

Gawd I love all this PSP / PS3 stuff going around

Kinsey @ Apr 10th 2009 12:44PM

Agreed! WHY DO WE NOT HAVE THIS!!!!!

skyzbig @ Apr 10th 2009 12:46PM

Inspired.

BxGT @ Apr 10th 2009 12:48PM

Can't wait for the fox news story.

hunter2223 @ Apr 10th 2009 12:50PM

The PSEXP Car

hunter2223 @ Apr 10th 2009 12:49PM

I'd get one... Fo'Sho

Haon @ Apr 10th 2009 12:50PM

When I was younger and had a RC10T I dreamed of using my gameboy for first person racing. Glad someone else had the same idea.

JuanDHexen @ Apr 10th 2009 12:51PM

That sh#$ would sell like bananas!

sony boy @ Apr 10th 2009 12:51PM

Perfect for Pedophiles like me!!!

Neuromancer @ Apr 10th 2009 1:18PM

You shouldn't even joke about shit like that bro.

smooth @ Apr 11th 2009 1:51PM

Unless you enjoy taking seats over there.

Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Apr 10th 2009 12:54PM

Thats Sweet as fuck!!!

But what would the range of that be and how much would the car cost??? With it having a camera and Wi-fi built in I'm going for a price around $150 for just the car.

Hell I'm expecting this to be PSP2 tech as well. that is if it ever comes to fruition....

GoldN @ Apr 10th 2009 12:56PM

Woah, woah, woah... Don't be dissing Hannah Montana, Joystiq.

Seoulfood @ Apr 10th 2009 1:09PM

reminds of controlling the Metal Gear Mk.II in MGS4. I would so buy this.

GoldN @ Apr 10th 2009 1:12PM

If they made another MGS game for PSP maybe they'd be able to implement this somehow. It would probably end up being too gimmicky though since MGS already has an established type of gameplay.

Cosmo @ Apr 10th 2009 12:58PM

Interesting the PSP illustrated is the first gen 1000 model instead of the newer 2000-3000 models. I'm just waiting for a PSP2 Sony!

Obie (XBL: Obienator) @ Apr 10th 2009 1:02PM

Dude, wrap that sucker in a towel, and drive it in to the cheerleader locker room! :O

Popfrogs @ Apr 10th 2009 7:07PM

Damn, Susan Tomlinson really does have a third nipple!

DBuck_Eye @ Apr 10th 2009 1:04PM

I've never bought a Sony game system in my life, as I think that they are the root of all evil, but I have to say that I would want this.

NoughtSoClever @ Apr 10th 2009 1:42PM

All evil comes from a company formed in 1945.

DBuck_Eye @ Apr 10th 2009 2:02PM

Open your eyes man! They only changed their name from Nazi to Sony in 1945! They've been around since the beginning of time when they were known as T-Rex! (And yes, all of their former names have been 4 letters long.)

Blaqdragon @ Apr 10th 2009 2:05PM

Uh....just asking...but, why doesn't Sony focus on the PS3? I do agree the concept of a psp controlled spycam car is cool, but they are bleeding money from the platform that is suppose to their bread and butter.

Shoyz @ Apr 10th 2009 5:37PM

You obviously aren't signed up for the Playstation Network e-Newsletter.

Every single email you get will consist of 90% PS3, 10% PSP, if there's any PSP news in there at all. Heart shattering.

Popfrogs @ Apr 10th 2009 7:10PM

Who says the PS3 is their bread and butter? Judging by market penetration and ongoing sales, the PS2 and PSP are bread, and the PS3 is butter.

j.howlett @ Apr 10th 2009 1:13PM

that sounds cool

chispito @ Apr 10th 2009 1:13PM

Limited to wifi, the networking for that thing would be a nightmare. I don't think a racecar is really very practical, though slower moving rover should be feasible. The camera and control lag would be considerable.

Neuromancer @ Apr 10th 2009 1:19PM

Stop being a buzzkill, bro!

Neuromancer @ Apr 10th 2009 1:20PM

I have never wanted anything so badly, in all my life.

Hylian7 @ Apr 10th 2009 2:16PM

How do you guys not see what this actually is? I think that this is Google Street View for the PSP. Why do you think they have all the numbers in the PSP screenshot?