Summary
A recent patent publication has revealed an in-development software atSonythat would utilize the gyroscopic orientation system in video game controllers to allow players to change the control scheme based on the position they are playing in. This latest patent joins a number of recent research and developments bySonythat have focused on improving the accessibility and customization features of PlayStation gaming hardware.
One of the biggest names in technology and video games, Sony has revolutionized video game hardware and software over the years, with major advancements aimed at improving the player experience. In addition to previousSony gaming controller patents, this newest publication has once again revealed the Japanese conglomerate’s focus on innovating its existing hardware with software modifications.
According to a patent filed in August 2024 and published on February 27, Sony is working on an improved gyroscope software that would allow players to reconfigure their controller’s input scheme based on the gyroscopic positioning of the controller’s orientation. ExistingPlayStation DualSense gaming controllersalready have a gyroscope sensor within them, and this software would allow the gyroscope to read the orientation of the controller and make adjustments for new inputs. For example, a person lying on their back may be holding the controller against their chest, or “upside down” compared to someone holding the controller parallel to the ground. The person lying down may wish to change the control scheme to make input movements more accommodating for their body position. With this improved gyroscope software, players would be able to change their baseline controller orientation, granting more freedom for comfortable gaming in different positions.
Sony Gyroscope-Oriented Control Scheme Patent Details
As detailed in the Sony gyroscope-oriented control scheme patent, players would be able to change their controller inputs to best suit the position they are gaming in. An example in the patent explains how a player lying on their back may wish to move a joystick towards the gaming screen in order to move an in-game character forward. If lying on their back, moving the joystick towards the screen may actually require pushing the joystick “down” from a standard orientation. With this improved software, the player would be able to change their gyroscope orientation to register the upside-down controller as standard position, thus allowing them to move the joystick towards the screen and still move the in-game character forward rather than backwards. This would also be useful in altering control schemes that require the entire controller to be moved in a certain way, improvingaccessibility in gaming controllers.
Companies like Sony filevideo game technology patentsall the time, with many never making their way to consumers, so there is currently no guarantee that this gyroscope-oriented control scheme software will ever be fully developed. The patent does give audiences an insight into continued efforts bySonyto work on improved accessibility for gaming fans, and interested players may want to stay tuned for any updates on this gyroscope software and other exciting developments in the video game industry.
