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SonyGranted patentPhones & computersInterest 4/10

Sony patents controller with wider base for better tracking

Sony has been granted a patent for a game controller design that features a wider lower section than the main grip. This expanded area allows the device to hold more light-emitting points, which helps cameras track the controller's position and angle more accurately.

Why it mattersThis design tweak could lead to more precise motion controls in future gaming hardware, reducing the need for players to adjust their aim manually.

In the filing’s own words

An improvement in accuracy in recognition of the position and posture of input devices is achieved. The input device has a grip extending in an up-down direction, an upper portion positioned upward of the grip and having operating members to be operated by a finger disposed therein, and a lower portion positioned downward of the grip and having a plurality of to-be-tracked points disposed therein. The width of the lower portion is greater than the width of the grip. This makes it easier to dispose a large number of to-be-tracked points in the lower portion.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An input device comprising: a grip extending in a first direction, wherein the grip includes a first width extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction; a first portion positioned on a first side of the grip in the first direction, wherein the first portion includes: a first surface having a plurality of operating members to be operated by a finger; a second surface having an operating button; a first curved surface between the first surface and the second surface, wherein: the first curved surface includes a first to-be-tracked point configured to emit light; and the first to-be-tracked point is oriented along the first curved surface toward a first point direction; a second curved surface between the first curved surface and the second surface, wherein: the second curved surface includes a second to-be-tracked point configured to emit light; the second to-be-tracked point is oriented along the second curved surface toward a second point direction; and the second point direction and the first point direction define an oblique angle therebetween; and a second portion positioned on a second side of the grip in the first direction, wherein: the second portion includes a plurality of to-be-tracked points that are configured to emit light; and the second portion includes a second width extending in the second direction that is greater than the first width.

Facts

Company
Sony (Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.)
Official title
Input device
Patent number
US12737057B2
Application number
18692345
Filed
Sep 22, 2021
Granted
Sep 15, 2026
Inventors
5
Claims
20

Classified under

G06F 3/0346 Physics & computing
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.