Sony actually did it.

Praxis · Post by **Praxis** » 2006-12-06 03:02am

http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=12322

ony Files Patent for Wii Remote Type Device

Sony has filed a patent for a Wii remote type device which will allow for on-screen pointing. The patent application even states "A receiver portion including one or more sensor units located in or near the target area." This sounds like a sensor bar!

Wow, we all made jokes about how Sony would copy the Wiimote...but they actually went and did it

Spanky The Dolphin · Post by **Spanky The Dolphin** » 2006-12-06 03:47am

Yeah, and they did it last year: the patent was filed 27 May 2005.

And if I recall what I read on PA correctly, it was the development of an EyeToy accessory that operated like the Wii Remote-sensor bar setup in reverse: basically a reflective wand that you used with the Eyetoy. In fact, reading the abstract for the patent gives that exact impression.

It's odd that it's being suddenly reported about now...

Tatterdemalion · Post by **Tatterdemalion** » 2006-12-06 03:58am

Yeah, this came up on the Penny Arcade forums a while back, only that time it was a Sony fanboy trying to claim Nintendo stole the idea off Sony.

Given the time frame involved I really think this is just a case of two companies having a similar idea and only one actually deciding to run with it.

Spanky The Dolphin · Post by **Spanky The Dolphin** » 2006-12-06 04:16am

I recall Microsoft doing R&D on some kind of remote/wand device about a year or two ago as well.

And mind that Sony's patent is just for a pointer device. There's not a word about motion sensing or accelerometers.

Praxis · Post by **Praxis** » 2006-12-06 04:27am

Spanky The Dolphin wrote:Yeah, and they did it last year: the patent was filed 27 May 2005.

And if I recall what I read on PA correctly, it was the development of an EyeToy accessory that operated like the Wii Remote-sensor bar setup in reverse: basically a reflective wand that you used with the Eyetoy. In fact, reading the abstract for the patent gives that exact impression.

It's odd that it's being suddenly reported about now...

That was a different thing; the one you are referring to was a "magic wand" used with EyeToy that the EyeToy tracks so you can use it like the Wii remote for 3D movements. It didn't work for pointing on the screen.

Anyway...nice point about the 2005 date

The Grim Squeaker · Post by **The Grim Squeaker** » 2006-12-06 04:33am

Herm, would this allow Sony to Sue Nintendo? I find it hard to believe that Nintendo hasn't filed a patent application for the Wii mote...

Andrew J. · Post by **Andrew J.** » 2006-12-06 08:04am

DEATH wrote:Herm, would this allow Sony to Sue Nintendo? I find it hard to believe that Nintendo hasn't filed a patent application for the Wii mote...

Why would you think they wouldn't have?

Losonti Tokash · Post by **Losonti Tokash** » 2006-12-06 08:09am

DEATH wrote:Herm, would this allow Sony to Sue Nintendo? I find it hard to believe that Nintendo hasn't filed a patent application for the Wii mote...

It's a similar device. They didn't file the patent for the exact same thing, that'd be insane.

Sharp-kun · Post by **Sharp-kun** » 2006-12-06 02:28pm

Why should I care? If it works well why should anyone other than fanboys care? "ZOMG! Sony stealz from NinTendOs LolZ!"

Are only Nintendo consoles alowed to have similar devices?

Medic · Post by **Medic** » 2006-12-06 04:43pm

Sharp-kun wrote:Why should I care? If it works well why should anyone other than fanboys care? "ZOMG! Sony stealz from NinTendOs LolZ!"

Are only Nintendo consoles alowed to have similar devices?

By doing this, Sony proves it has more money than sense, and balls than brains, but nothing really does prevent them from blatantly stealing the ideas of others I suppose.

Seriously though, if PS3 gets killer apps, Blu-ray movies are supported well and the PS3 isn't as technically unreliable as the early PS2's, then this is a GOOD development for the system. Still, this is just me, but it's gonna TAKE those conditions to convince me to think about getting the PS3. As is, either Wii or X360 are more attractive and I don't care that next-gen games are $60 nowadays either.