Sony files a patent that could turn any object into a controller

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

An application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office provides a demonstration of how advanced technology could work. Using a diagram of a banana, Sony claims that a camera would capture an image of any object and then track the inputs using the same camera.

The user’s movements would be translated by the software into movements and actions within the game. However, the technology would not work with any bright objects, as this would prevent the tracking system from working effectively.

According to the patent, this is considered a possible solution for those who do not want or cannot afford to buy expensive peripherals. In this sense, the technology could allow gamers to play without traditional controllers and at a reduced price.

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