Sony Corporation is the owner of thousands of different patents. These are registered as the intellectual property of the company and, therefore, are public knowledge. For years now, Sony enthusiasts have been pouring over the patent documents, as these may be a clue about the technological innovations the company is pursuing and may soon present to the public.
In this article, we'll go over some interesting patents and how they may be used. It's important, however, to keep in mind that Sony has licensed some of these patents years ago and that the path from an idea for a patent to a product may be long.
New AI-Powered Controllers
The PS 5 Dual Sense controller was a fascinating piece of tech from the start, but there's evidence that Sony is already working on improving it. A recent patent shows that the company is working on creating a new controller, which will use AI and machine learning to improve gameplay.
The new controller should integrate a touch screen and light-up buttons to direct players through their gaming experience. The new design should also make gaming more accessible, which is one of the long-term goals Sony is trying to focus on.
It's important to note that Sony creates about 1400 different patents every year, which means that the new controller may not be on shelves yet. However, if and when it does, chances are that other controller manufacturers will follow along and modify their devices in accordance with the new standard.
NFT Patent
Non-fungible tokens were one of the most important tech innovations that came out of the blockchain and crypto surge. They were prominently featured on Cryptomaniacs and other platforms that covered the crypto world. Sony has also seen the potential in this technology and created a patent based on it.
The patent allows Sony product players to have an interoperable Web3 gameplay experience. This means that a player can access and transfer in-game assets between different devices – such as the PS5 console, VR headsets, tablets, or computers.
The patent could also have similar applications when it comes to transferring trophies and bonuses from one device to another or even from one game to another. This can have huge applications for esports, which are rising in popularity.
The patent also states that "In some examples, the NFT can be used cross-generationally (e.g., from PS4 to PS5)." It's an important feature now that Sony has two consoles in wide use, and it's planning to introduce the PS5 Pro.
Game Replays over Streaming
Another fascinating patent that Sony has protected created a new feature for game streamers. The patent allows the users to replay a game from specific points while streaming and experience its storyline again. Streaming is already a huge industry, and it's becoming more commercialized.
The patent created by Sony would be a step in that direction as it would allow the viewers to have a more produced and professional experience, similar to replays you would get at a sporting event.
The patent describes a game that contains multiple "trigger points of media content." These points are the moments from which a player could start a replay. The points would be provided by "the platform, publisher, or third-party publisher."
Sony has had other patents in this area, and this builds up on the previous ones, some of which are going back to 2019.
Virtual Controller Buttons
In another attempt to improve on the existing controllers, Sony has filed for a patent that introduces virtual buttons. The buttons are described in the patent as multi-modal, and they would use "multiple different sources to detect finger gestures and translate that into virtual button presses."
The patent defines the data used to trigger the buttons very broadly. In a way, the new devices won't have buttons that need to be pressed on the controller, as they can be activated by a swipe or even by voice commands. It's another feature that has been made to help make PS5 more accessible to persons with disabilities.
At this point, the technology needs further development, and that's why it wasn't a part of the controller when it was first introduced along PS5. However, it's an interesting direction for Sony to take.
Dynamic Difficulty Settings
Sony has created a patent that is designed to change the difficulty settings within the game in real-time. The changes are supposed to be made based on how well the player is performing. This means that the game would become easier if the player kept losing or that it would become more challenging if it was too easy for a player.
It's a huge improvement from the existing system in which the players choose between a few existing modes beforehand.
The patent states that the features that could change based on the performance include "movement speed, delay or hesitation, character strengths, numbers of competitors," as well as "an expected level of performance."
The idea isn't new, and it's unique to Sony. EA Games have created a similar patent for a controller that they produce. Chances are that Sony would have a different approach to execution, however, and that it could significantly improve the gameplay.
Spherical Controller
Among many patents dealing with controllers, one has caught the eye of the public. Sony has plans to produce a controller that's spherical in shape, and it has already created a patent for it. The controller is envisaged as an addition to VR gaming, which will be a point of focus for Sony in the years to come.
Sony filed several such patterns, and each has new features. For instance, when combined with the headset, these controllers will be able to track the player's eye movement and change based on it. The patent also includes a better version of parental control, which will be needed given how immersive VR games are.
In addition to these, the controller should have a roulette version, which will propose a game for the players to try based on their previous gaming experiences. In this regard, Sony is taking inspiration from the world of video streaming platforms that have been doing the same.
Ad Patent
One of the funniest patents that Sony has filed for but never used isn't for gaming consoles but for TVs. However, it can be used by both gamers and those who like to stream content. The concept behind this patent is simple. The user can stop the ad from playing on their screen by shouting the name of the brand being promoted.
It's rather silly, and some would say it is a dystopian notion, but Sony is holding on to the patent even though it's not using it, so we may actually get to see it in action at some point.
Conclusion
Sony owns hundreds of patents that provide insight into the technology it is developing and the IPs it wants to protect. Some of these are improvements to existing products, and others are just ideas at this point.
Sony is taking advantage of trends in the world of VR and crypto and finding ways to implement them with their consoles. However, it will take some time before some of these are used.