The patent was published just days ago on the 16th. It details a ”depth sensing device” featuring a ”three-dimensional camera” using ”controlled infrared lighting” to see an area.
Is Sony admitting a defeat with this new patent? Maybe, as they did tout how much better motion gaming was with something physical to manipulate in the hands.
”With the increased processing capabilities of today’s computer technology, new creative methods for interacting with computer systems have become available,” blurbs the Sony patent.
”There is a need for enhanced systems and methods that allow interaction in a three-dimensional environment. The methods should allow user interaction without requiring additional equipment, such as arm coverings or gloves. In addition, the method should not require overly burdensome processing ability and should have the ability to function in real-time, thus providing the user with a natural computer interaction experience.”
The filing does have one reference to gaming and PlayStation:
Gaming
”Embodiments of the present invention provide real-time interactive gaming experiences for users. For example, users can interact with various computer-generated objects in real-time. Furthermore, video scenes can be altered in real-time to enhance the user’s game experience. For example, computer generated costumes can be inserted over the user’s clothing, and computer generated light sources can be utilised to project virtual shadows within a video scene. Hence, using the embodiments of the present invention and a depth camera, user’s can experience an interactive game environment within their own living room.”
PlayStation
”The processing system 174 can be implemented by an entertainment system, such as a Sony.RTM. Playstation.TM. II or Sony.RTM. Playstation.TM. I type of processing and computer entertainment system. It should be noted, however, that processing system 174 can be implemented in other types of computer systems, such as personal computers, workstations, laptop computers, wireless computing devices, or any other type of computing device that is capable of receiving and processing graphical image data.”
Sony had dismissed Kinect-like technology a while ago as being too experimental and new at the time. Engineers did say they’d consider something along those lines if costs came down.
”I feel it’s a case of early tech,” said Sony technician Anton Mikhailov. ”The same thing happened to the Wii. The Wii started out with accelerometers. They hit that point right where accelerometers started to become cheap, but still at that point they weren’t very good. When Sony looked at that idea it said, ‘We’re not so sure about it.’”
Have times changed enough for Sony?
