Patent reveals dual-analog controller connectivity for PSP

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 27th 2007 at 11:15AM }

US Patent Application 0070174531 is of particular interest to PSP fans: it reveals strange plans for connectivity between a DualShock/SIXAXIS controller and Sony's handheld. According to the patent, a "control docking unit" will "facilitate use of one or more controls provided on the control docking unit." Essentially, a controller connected to the PSP will be able to control the system.

The system will use a "wired or wireless communication link," which may suggest at both PS2 and PS3 controllers being compatible with this feature. In addition, "the portable processing unit can be configured to provide additional functions, features, or enhanced operation when coupled to the control docking unit." It looks like players will finally be able to use dual analog controls in-game. (Note: hackers have already been able to do something similar.)

Of course, not all patent applications come to fruition in the marketplace. Regardless, this is certainly an interesting development, one we wouldn't mind seeing Sony pursue.

[Thanks, anon!]

Tags: analog, controller, patent, psp, sony

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

miguel9 @ Jul 27th 2007 11:23AM

kool idea

GoBob @ Jul 27th 2007 11:25AM

Sort of want.

J.L.Jones @ Jul 27th 2007 11:31AM

Coupled with the idea of that they are making a TV out, This is a great great idea. Set the PSP by the TV, turn off or cover the screen and use the wireless controller to play your games. Since most people would need a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong TV out cord for their living rooms. This idea makes perfect sense.

Burning Adrenaline @ Jul 27th 2007 12:29PM

I don't see the point unless there are games to support it, and since it's not standard equipment, most games probably won't. (Official titles)

However, it does sound great if it can be adapted to running old PS1 games with both sticks. I'm sure that homebrew programmers could make good use of it for their applications, as well.

Joe @ Jul 27th 2007 1:08PM

I wonder if this will only work with the new PSP. Seeing as the new one will come with TV out it lets you play your PSP games on the TV. So this way you can use your PS3 controller and not have to be using the PSP system to play the games on TV. This seems like it would make sense to me.

hateraid @ Jul 27th 2007 1:14PM

The psp is already too big to carry around in your pocket, clip this thing on and it really eliminates the point of gaming on the go. Sony's ad for this product, "The psp now featuring 50% less portability."

Anthony @ Jul 27th 2007 1:17PM

i think its for the original psp only, well wireless for the original psp only, because in the bottom section, it had this.

"In another embodiment, the control interface module 230 can transform the control input signals to optical signals, such as IR signals, that are coupled to an IR receiver on the portable processing unit 10."

ir port. isnt that only on the old psp? i guess the new psp will have to use wires mentioned,

new psp, wires,

old psp, wireless.

Nice!

p-diddy @ Jul 27th 2007 1:34PM

Before people take the wording of the patent too literally, patent drafters, if they are worth anything, throw any variation of the invention they can think of into an application, e.g., wired or wireless. Once you file an application, you can only claim (i.e., get protection for) things you included in your original filing, so it behooves the applicant to put as many variations in as possible.

-p-