Sony’s latest patent application seems to show the VR headset competitor chasing after Apple’s lead in figuring out how to eliminate the middleman between a user and a device. Filed cumulatively over three applications, Sony’s invention would remove the button-based input controller and instead use a glove to monitor specific finger movements to overall hand motion through space.
If this sounds familiar to you, you’re right. The idea has been around in pop culture for quite some time — Tom Cruise in Minority Report — but for the same reason the Nintendo Virtual Boy flunked in the mid 90s, it wouldn't be fair to compare Sony’s new controller-less controller idea to the also-awesome late 80s Power Glove.
There are three parts to Sony’s new invention. The first part is a physical glove capable of sensing when a user has bent, touched together or formed a shape with their fingers (in a specific gesture). The second is a wrist module that sends that data to an external processing unit, such as the one coming with the Playstation VR headset, or possibly even the PS4 itself. And the third part is a camera sensor situated at a distance that double checks that data to make sure a user’s hand and arm motions translate correctly into a virtual reality experience.
At the moment, virtual reality headsets are going one of two routes with game control. The first, utilized by the Oculus Rift, uses console gaming controllers such as the Xbox One or PS4 controllers for in-game manipulation. The second, which HTC Vive is banking on to justify their higher list price, uses two handheld, wireless motion-sensing controller wands combined with external sensors that track the player’s movements physically in space. Oculus is developing similar technology called the Oculus Touch, but the controller’s release has not been announced and will require an additional purchase to boot.
The difference the latter makes in creating an immersive virtual reality experience is substantial, but Sony’s glove invention could be just as big as a leap forward — if it ever makes it to market.
Apple’s ideas on the subject focus more on hover based touch events for the iPhone and iPad and manipulating projected virtual keyboards, compared to Sony’s goal of translating the real world into the virtual. However it seems both companies have recognized the same trend and are leading the way to remove the obstacles to immersion.
While both the Oculus RIft and HTC VIve have started accepting pre-orders with a shipping date of around late March to early April, the PlayStation VR headset’s price and release date have yet to be announced. Excitement is running high however, and the PlayStation VR headset is expected to give HTC and Oculus a run for their money.
Sony is holding an exclusive press event for the PlayStation VR headset on March 15. While no specific details have been leaked, Sony may offer a livestream of the press conference for any PlayStation VR headset hopefuls.
