Sony Files Patent That Could Turn Any Object Into a Controller

A new patent filed by Sony has emerged online that includes technology that could potentially turn almost any object into a useable controller.

An application at the US Patent and Trademark Office gives a demonstration of how the advanced tech might work. Using a diagram of a banana, Sony states that a camera would take an image of any object and then track inputs using the same camera.

The user’s movements would be translated by software into in-game movements and actions. However, the tech would not work with any luminous object, as this would stop the tracking system from working effectively.

According to the patent, this is deemed a possible solution for those who do not want to or can’t afford to buy expensive peripherals. In that sense, the technology might allow players to play games without traditional controllers and at a reduced price.

“It would be desirable if a user could use an inexpensive, simple, and non-electronic device as a video game peripheral,” says the company in the patent filing. “The present disclosure seeks to address or at least alleviate some of the above-identified problems.”