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Gaming's Gun-Like Peripherals: A Patent-Driven Evolution

From light-sensing to AI, gaming's gun-like controllers have come a long way. See how patents have driven this innovation.

In this picture we can see a green color game controller, cables and a game cartridge on the wooden...
In this picture we can see a green color game controller, cables and a game cartridge on the wooden object.

Gaming's Gun-Like Peripherals: A Patent-Driven Evolution

The evolution of gun-like peripherals in gaming has seen a rich history of innovation, backed by numerous patents. From the early days of the NES Zapper to the latest AI-driven light guns, the technology has continually advanced.

The journey began with the NES Zapper in 1984, using CRT light-sensing photodiode technology to detect targets on the screen. Nintendo and Sony have been at the forefront of this evolution, receiving multiple patents for their motion-sensing controllers. Nintendo's Wii Remote, for instance, used infrared emitters and motion sensors, marking a shift with the advent of LCDs.

Sinden's patent (USPN 11,314,339) introduced the use of a built-in camera and computer vision to pick up on LCD pixel coordinates, a significant advancement in light gun technology. Sony's PlayStation Move controller, with its LED-based sphere and motion sensing, further pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

Modern AI-based light guns, like the Sinden Light Gun and G'AIM'E Gun, now use artificial intelligence and high-res cameras for precise location tracking. Companies like Sega, Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony have all contributed to this field, with Sega's Lightgun technology and Microsoft's Kinect being notable examples. Patents for such technologies are held by various parties, including tech companies, research institutions, and private inventors.

The future of gun-like peripherals in gaming looks increasingly immersive, with advancements in XR and spatial computing. As the technology continues to evolve, so too will the patents that protect these innovations. Keeping up with the latest developments in patent databases and tech journalism will be key to staying informed in this rapidly advancing field.

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