Sony’s PlayStation VR has generally been a well received virtual reality platform, but the developer is still looking into new VR options. According to a recent patent filing, Sony is exploring a VR hardware setup similar to the HTC Vive.
As the patent’s abstract describes, the technology would be “a method for determining an orientation of a photosensor of a controller with respect to a projector.” In layman’s terms, it means that projectors, beams and light could be used to determine a user’s real-world location. This hardware approach is similar to the one used for the HTC Vive, as its two wall-mounted sensors allow for more accurate and in-depth motion tracking. Basically, as you take a step in the “real” world you can take a step in the virtual world at the same time.
The potential device is also expected to be wireless, as Engadget notes. As more VR companies start to explore and integrate wireless functionality into their headsets, it puts Sony’s potential hardware in line with its competitors.
Filing a patent is rarely a guarantee that the technology will make it to market, but if Sony’s filing ends up being part of an eventual PlayStation VR 2, it’ll make up for many of the current platform’s weaknesses. Sony’s current titles and the PlayStation’s VR abilities are consistent, but the platforms unidirectional sensor limits how accurate and immersive the tech can be. The PSVR, and other VR headsets, suffer from tethering.
But as one of the more accessible entry points to full VR, Sony will likely continue to invest in the platform. PlayStation VR, which was released last fall for $399, saw additional performance bumps with the upgraded PS4 Pro and Resident Evil 7’s VR-specific features have generally been well-received.
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