Sony patents game controllers that show visual cues for sound effects
Sony has filed a patent for a system that analyzes the intended emotional or physical effect of a sound in a virtual environment. Based on this classification, the system generates a specific visual element, such as a light or image, to be displayed directly on a game controller. This allows the visual feedback to match the audio experience, enhancing the interaction between the user and the virtual world.
In the filing’s own words
An audio visualisation method comprises the steps of generating for output a virtual environment comprising at least a first virtual sound source, classifying an intended effect on a user of a sound to be output by the at least first virtual sound source, outputting the sound, and producing a visual element for view by the user that has a visual property selected to correspond to the classified intended effect.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A method, comprising: prior to presenting a sound, classifying an intended effect on a user of the sound that is to be output to the user, the sound corresponding to a virtual sound source in a virtual environment that supports interactions via a controller; selecting a type of an output element based on the intended effect, the output element to be presented to the user in addition to the sound; and causing the sound and the output element to be presented, wherein the output element is presented at the controller.
Facts
- Company
- Sony (Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.)
- Official title
- AUDIO PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD
- Publication number
- US20260329526A1
- Application number
- 19728711
- Filed
- Jul 2, 2026
- Published
- Oct 22, 2026
- Inventors
- 4
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G06F 3/165 Physics & computingG06F 3/012 Physics & computingMore from Sony in Games & media
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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.