From Dualsense Edge to Project Leonardo, Sony has been experimenting with assorted varieties of their Dualsense controller to give players unique and accessible experiences. Their latest endeavor has intrigued PlayStation fans and others in the gaming community alike.
Sony recently filed a patent for PlayStation controller that reportedly alters temperature through haptic feedback. This patent was first noticed by Exputer just a few days ago. This innovative change would entail temperature changes based on player actions and gameplay.
The patent’s global dossier dates back to August 2022, which indicates the length of idea development. The patent’s abstract reads: “A controller includes a sensor that uses an elastically deformable elastic member, detects user’s contact with or deforming action of the elastic member, and outputs an electric signal based on the detected contact or deforming action in question.”
The controller will contain a temperature control apparatus that drives this new mechanism. On this feature, the patent states, “The temperature control apparatus may be controlled such that the larger the amount of deformation, the higher the temperature becomes. This allows the user to feel the temperature change corresponding to deformation.”
According to the document, the controller’s elastic member will work in conjunction with this temperature control apparatus. The patent reads: “The elastic member may include such a material as gel whose elastic modulus or hardness changes under heat to control the elastic modulus or hardness by change of the temperature with the above temperature control apparatus.”
The patent also outlines the use of magnetic (MR) or electrorheological (ER) fluid to change the shape and hardness of the controller.
“An external field application section (e.g., electrode plate or electromagnet) that applies an electric or magnetic field may be provided in the circuit section,” the patent describes, “to apply an electric or magnetic field to the elastic member with this external field application section and change the shape of the elastic member by controlling the MR fluid or ER fluid.”
As of now, Sony has yet to make an official announcement of this product. All details are to be confirmed.