14 DAY TRIAL // The past years saw an increase in intellectual rights issues concerning pretty much every, so called new, development in the business. For instance, Microsoft saw enough legal actions to last them a lifetime. In order to avoid these unwanted lawsuits, big companies became extra careful to cover each aspect of their releases with the respective patent. As covered by Japanese web site Tech-On!, it is indeed the case for Sony's latest gimmick: a rather Wii-like, motion sensing interface.
This system would allow the console to collect information from a rod-like device, practically viewing its movements. Taking advantage of the controller's fixed length, its position is mapped within the 3D game environment by just one camera. The patent's title clearly states that the process is intended to let users control the action in a game. Moreover, the Tech-On! coverage indicates the patent relies on Playstation 3 and its Cell processor, which is said to be "optimized for image recognition". Although the Wii controller will be the first to see the shelves, Sony's alternative brings a great deal of novelty, since past efforts required multiple cameras to work.
Microsoft was granted a patent for its two camera method of spatial measurement earlier this year and everyone is already bursting with anticipation for Nintendo's Wii release. Seeing that Sony made its first steps into the same direction, it's safe to assume motion sensing interfaces will soon become the industry standard in game controllers.