Watch out Immersion, new force feedback system created that will work with sixaxis

[Brimstone]

SplitFish Has Developed a New Force Feedback System for Use with the Sony Playstation 3 and Other Next-Generation Video Game Consoles
Tuesday January 30, 12:44 pm ET

The technology allows us to deliver a broad range of sensations connecting the game player closer to a real experience.


EDMONTON, Alberta, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- SplitFish GameWare Inc., a leader in video game hardware innovation, today announced it has developed a new dynamic force feedback system for use with the Sony Playstation 3 and other next-generation video game systems. Basic PS2 and Xbox versions are being considered.

The new SplitFish dynamic force feedback system was designed to insure compliant operation with the new tilt, motion and directional sensor technologies currently found in the next generation game consoles. The potential interference on the Sony PS3 SIXAXIS Controller caused by rotating mass force feedback systems such as Immersion's Rotating Mass Patent, required us to approach the solution from a completely new direction. While the SplitFish EdgeFX uses a mechanical feedback system, this new technology produces a whole new aspect of force and tactile feedback.

This low power consumption force feedback technology called "Sensor Effects -- SensorFX" uses no moving parts to produce meaningful sensory feedback. A broad range of intensity and sensation compliment the ability to derive feedback sensations from isolated areas on the controller, to isolate one side or the other, movement from front to back or all areas at the same time. As an example, a gamer playing a race game can feel variations in pulse, strength and collision location and to feel intensity differences between a smooth guardrail swipe and a full frontal slam into a wall.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070130/sftu121.html?.v=70



1up speculation

SplitFish Could Make Sony's SIXAXIS Rumble
It's another 'if the price is right' situation.
By Luke Smith, 01/30/2007



Immersion's well documented legal mess with Sony Computer Entertainment regarding their rumble/force feedback technology still hangs in legal limbo. There may be another solution to Sony's rumble, if they want it, according to hardware manufacturers SplitFish.

The Edmonton-based company claims their new dynamic force feedback system will work in Sony's PlayStation 3 controller, SIXAXIS. SplitFish's PR recognizes that Immersion's patents required them to approach the problem of rumbling the SIXAXIS from a different angle (rather than infringing on Immersion's "rotating mass force" system).

Does this mean Sony's SIXAXIS is set to rumble sometime this year with help from SplitFish? Not quite. The press release, issued by SplitFish, has no ties to Sony (if they did, there would've been a joint release announcing the partnership and Sony released nothing this morning). SplitFish is announcing that they have the ability to make Sony's controller rumble without infringing on the existing Immersion patents. Should Sony decide that rumble technology is something they want to employ in a SIXAXIS revision, SplitFish may have a solution -- if Sony is willing to pay.

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3156806

 

[TheChefO]

Didn't Immersion also claim that they could work around the sixaxis functionailty to provide rumble for ps3 if Sony was willing to pay for it?

 

[Hardknock]

Immersion already stated their tech was compatible with SIXAXIS.

 

[Almasy]

The issue was never whether rumble could be added, but who Sony would have to pay to. This may be a viable option, if the price is right like the article says.

 

[Nesh]

Sony doesnt want to make deals with immersion after what happened. But they might with SplitFish

 

[baten]

By their claims, it's even a better rumble than that of Imersion. I think Sony will buy it - unless they have something of their own in planning.

 

[TheChefO]

Sony doesnt want to make deals with immersion after what happened. But they might with SplitFish

After What hapened? Sony infringed on Immersion patents is what happened and then they refused to pay after multiple court rulings. MS didn't have a problem with Immersion after "what happened" to them, they paid up and added the tech to their next box.

Potentially better tech in this but how is it possible to have "rumble" without moving parts?

 

[_xxx_]

Potentially better tech in this but how is it possible to have "rumble" without moving parts?

There are a few ways. For example, using alternating electro-magnetic field.

 

[Diamond.G]

There are a few ways. For example, using alternating electro-magnetic field.

Wouldn't that require a moving part?

 

[Nesh]

After What hapened? Sony infringed on Immersion patents is what happened and then they refused to pay after multiple court rulings. MS didn't have a problem with Immersion after "what happened" to them, they paid up and added the tech to their next box.

Potentially better tech in this but how is it possible to have "rumble" without moving parts?

Ahm yeah. Sony made the Dual Shock, Immersion decides after some years that their patents have been violated by MS, Nintendo and Sony, they deman compensation, Sony prefers court than paying them, they lose and so they dont want to have any collaborations with immersion

Why are you so upset by what I said I dont understand

 

[vazel]

Oh wow I hope this goes through. I looovvveee rumble.

 

[TheChefO]

Ahm yeah. Sony made the Dual Shock, Immersion decides after some years that their patents have been violated by MS, Nintendo and Sony, they deman compensation, Sony prefers court than paying them, they lose and so they dont want to have any collaborations with immersion

Why are you so upset by what I said I dont understand

Difference of opinion I suppose. Sony should have just paid Immersion what the courts have already ordered and licensed the tech so they weren't in the situation of having a next gen console with features missing from their previous console.

Immersion offered to help add the tech to sixaxis.

This tech might be better in the long run than Immersion's but in the meantime they're still selling ps3's without rumble.

 

[Black Dragon37]

Will Sony go with them?

Hopefully...

 

[Bigus Dickus]

This low power consumption force feedback technology called "Sensor Effects -- SensorFX" uses no moving parts to produce meaningful sensory feedback.

Erm, Newton would be rolling over in his grave. Of course it requires moving parts.

 

[Capeta]

So if SONY decides to go this route, how will they get it out there? Make another PS3 SKU?

What about existing PS3 owners?

 

[Fu3lFr3nzy]

So if SONY decides to go this route, how will they get it out there? Make another PS3 SKU?

What about existing PS3 owners?

The original Playstation came with this controller and later on replaced with what was the dual shock controller

So I dont see any problems here...

 

[_xxx_]

Wouldn't that require a moving part?

Not in the same manner.

 

[Capeta]

The original Playstation came with this controller and later on replaced with what was the dual shock controller

So I dont see any problems here...

It was easy to get people to accept the DS2 because it was a nice improvement. With SIXAXIS, gamers would need to pay for a new controller that adds a feature that was removed.

 

[22psi]

Doesn't rumble consist of a tiny motor in a controller? If PS3 is to gain rumble, would that mean that controllers will have to add the motor?

 

[Sankari]

Sony could always make developers add rumble function so people could turn it off and on (like it was in PS1 days, most PS2 games had rumble on - if not all). I think this would be the best way to make people go out and buy new controller with rumble if they ain't happy with sixaxis as it is now. Its not needed, but some people will love to have one.