Sony has filed a patent application for a virtual reality glove controller that could provide precise VR hand-tracking without holding the device. This gadget could offer more functionality than PlayStation Move controllers released in for PS3 due to various sensors that would be an upgrade of the handheld wand.
Sony's VR patent was published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on February 26, Friday. However, it was first filed in October 2014 a few months after the company introduced its Project Morpheus VR headset.
The Japanese gaming giant rolled out Move controllers in 2010. However, the new VR glove would include sensors to detect finger positions, thumb-to-fingertip contact, and "finger position pose," according to Ars Technica.
Sony's patent application states that the main function of the device is to create a way of touching, holding, or playing with virtual objects. Those objects would show up on the display screen or be connected with items such as text, images, documents.
The official document shows a lit-up item attached to the glove for positional tracking. It is like the glowing balls used to track Move controllers. The VR device would also include inertial sensors to detect wrists' tilt.
A pressure sensor could measure how much force is applied to part of the VR glove to define an action's level. Meanwhile, "haptic feedback" would allow users to feel objects they are holding.
It is likely the glove controller was developed for VR gamers since the patent refers to "head-mounted displays" that provide an immersive experience.
However, it is unclear if Sony will produce a product based on the patent application. The company could be developing a device that would improve on the Nintendo Power Glove.
Mattel produced the gadget and released it in 1989 as an accessory for video games on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It was built so games could be played by waving a hand, tightening a fist, and pressing buttons.
Last year a group of teens gave their opinion of the glove controller in a "Teens React to Technology" video, according to CNET. They were not impressed. One team called the gadget a pre-Wii device.
Here's a retro Nintendo Power Glove commercial: