Virtual reality might be the wave of the future for gaming, and Sony looks like it’s trying to make it’s own unique mark on the new tech with a unique recent patent: a glove that will allow users and players to use their hands to manipulate the game world.
According Engadget, Sony has filed a new patent for a system described as “a trackable object that is configured to be illuminated during interactivity” and “at least one inertial sensor for generating inertial sensor data.”
Sony’ previous foray into foray into motion based controllers was in the form the of Playstation 3’s move controller, which used a light up ball along the lines of the one described in this new patent. However, the new patent seems to work in a way very specific to VR.
“Users collaborating may use their gloves to touch objects, move object, interface with surfaces, press on objects, squeeze objects, toss objects, make gesture actions or motions,” the patent filing claims.
VR will be making its gaming debut this year in the form of the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Playstation’s VR. While a company filing a patent does not automatically mean their product is going to be made, Sony’s new patent would work to differentiate their platform from the others.
Playstation’s VR, called the PSVR, has no set release date, but it rumored to be coming in the fall. This would make sense, given Oculus Rift’s coming release and the growing fervor over VR in general.