PlayStation to be Controlled by 'Everyday Objects'

Author Hugo Jobling
Published 6th Jul 2009
PlayStation to be Controlled by 'Everyday Objects'
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You might have thought that Sony's motion controller, as shown off at E3, was impressive, but there might be more to come still, if a patent unearthed by Siliconera is any guide. The details within suggest Sony is developing a system capable of recognising 3D, everyday objects as controllers via the PlayStation Eye.

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The system would use the camera to 'map' the object, which could be as un-everyday as the pictured 'U' shaped block, or a common as "coffee mugs, drinking glasses, books, bottles, etc." This mapped object could then be used with real-world actions mapped to an in-game result. In the example of the block, Sony suggests having it pointed up turning on a 'light-sword' and down turning it off.

It's a fairly similar premise to Project Natal, which will also be able to map real objects into a game environment. However, while Natal maps body points, Sony's system is object-oriented; although holding a hairbrush or a plate to represent a sword or steering wheel is likely easier than just waving your hands around.

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Still, on the basis that the Sony patented system seems fairly similar to that shows in Microsoft's demo it looks like both platforms should (fully realised) enable gamers who have a real life skill - say, skateboarding, sword fighting or extreme ironing - to apply it without having to leave a house. Awesome!

Link:
Siliconera.

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comment ChaosDefinesOrder said on 6th July 2009

OMG! Can you imagine playing a FF7 re-make (if they made one obviously) where you attack by swinging a full sized Buster Sword prop?!

comment beardybuck said on 6th July 2009

Cue destroyed lounges and injured family members. Truly, awesome.

comment filey said on 7th July 2009

This already exists: http://www.camspace.com/
can they patent something that someone else already makes?

comment Ahlan said on 7th July 2009

@filey, wow a hater, inform your self first, the post a comment.

this Scan feature on the PS3Eye was older then camspace

Look here:
http://www.... more

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