(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Sony Patent Unveils Kinect-Like Device For Consoles
Written by SchaffinOSX (Reporter)

Writer's Note: You'll notice near the bottom of this article some quotes, rather than my own writing an explanation of the figure. I thought that, for this situation, it would be best for me to quote, rather than attempting to explain something that is not utterly clear to me. To give my reader's the best possible news that is easier to understand, I felt that directly quoting my source was necessary here.

With the recent release of the PlayStation Move, one could expect that we wouldn't be seeing another motion-device from some time. However, a new patent application filed in the United States by SCEA says otherwise.

Before you get excited, do know that this device is not a controller-free environment like the Kinect. However, it is a new device that tracks the location of players.

The controller is equipped with the gyroscope, an accelerometer, magnometer, and an ultrasonic transmitter. With these devices working together, it can determine the location of the controller through echolocation.



The controller isn't the only aspect of the device. Users of the device will also place this device on the ground, and with the usage of radio waves, will communicate with a console.



The floor sensor comes with a motion detector, ultrasonic processor, sound processors, and cameras. Image detection indicates where players are, and where the floor sensor is located, and whether or not is has been located. It is similar to the PlayStation Move in the sense that there is an LED on the top that provides visual feedback concerning battery charge and in-game events. There are also sound processors and microphones present for voice control.



The above figures give an example as to how the new device works. Figure 4 shows how the devices can connect with the console wirelessly, and how it communicates with the players through echolocation. Figure 5 shows how the wide angle cameras can determine depth.









Granted all we have at this time is a patent, we can't be sure as to what Sony's plans for this will be. Is this just a move by Sony to ensure that they can have a jump start in the future, or is this something they're planning on making for the use with the PlayStation 3 console? Or, will this be one of many patents to get lost in the archives of patents?

Source: You must login or register to view this content. & Game News HQ and N4G

DANG SCHAFFIN. You are spittin out some crazy threads.

As for the device, I'm totally lost.

Essentially, the device is similar to the Kinect. However, instead of just having one device, there are multiple devices that play role in tracking the movement of the player. If I read correctly, the tracking of movement in this device would be more detailed than that of the Kinect.

I apologize for not being able to explain the device entirely. I hope that clears it up to an extent.

Loving the threads you are putting out Schaffin. Great work coming from you man. :y:

Kinect-wars!

thanks, now I understand it a little bit better

Well this could be very well possible since the Sony Aibo could track movement very well way back in the 90s ;P

Loving the threads you are putting out Schaffin

A more precise Kinect? If Kinect prove's to be a success Sony will probably bring this out with the PS4

Isn't this just like PS Move but with a camera? :/ if not, then I can't wait to see it. But was I wrong in getting a new 360 last week..