Microsoft is looking to make gaming more accessible. Last year, the company released the Xbox Adaptive Controller to help disabled gamers play games on the Xbox. But that didn't stop there. According to a new patent (spotted by Windows Latest and published by WIPO), Microsoft has filed a patent for a game controller with a haptic braille adjustment capability. The patent details a game controller that includes "various adaptations that provide alternate inputs and outputs to facilitate gaming by users who are blind or visually impaired." You can see the layout image, included in the repository, below:
How would it work?
The haptic braille output of a game controller listed in Microsoft's patent application (Image credit: Microsoft/WIPO) According to Microsoft's patent application, the controller's design means gamers can encode Braille characters using "a number of paddles (in the" "game controller enclosure." This would allow gamers to play a game with the controller or enter Braille text. The patent states that the combination of the paddles (a removable panel accessory attached to the back of the controller) will provide haptic feedback to the reader, allowing them to receive and enter Braille on contact with the paddles.In addition, the accessory could even convert speech into Braille, allowing users to grasp with the help of the sound, as well as contacting the paddles.The patent then explains that improved graphics in modern games and fast-paced games like those in the fighting genre have made the game more difficult for blind and visually impaired users, They may be limited by audible delay or accompanied Game delay. .
The game controller's braille panel described in the patent (Image credit: Microsoft/WIPO) "Although the video game industry has made progress in improving the general accessibility of a game, there is still a need to improve controllers and accessories of the game, tailored "very specifically for users who are blind or visually impaired to interact with video games," Microsoft writes.The patent also explains that the controller will be the typical size of the Xbox One controller, but Microsoft acknowledges that this is not "It will be understood that different target audiences may be determined and that specific controller sizes and/or shapes are used in the design of a game controller to suit a specific audience," the patent states. How it would work An example provided by Microsoft is that the controller could include both up and down controls to allow for easier use. The company also indicates that it is aware that some users may have different needs in terms of the shape, size, texture, and position of the controls.
Will it only work with Xbox One?
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Xbox Adaptive Controller (Image credit: TechRadar) This doesn't appear to be the case. Driver patent details can be configured to translate the output to computer peripherals such as laptops, game consoles, mobile phones, and tablets. However, it is not specified whether these products must be Microsoft products. The Xbox Adaptive Controller only works with Xbox One games or Windows devices that are compatible with the Xbox One Wireless Controller. That is the case for the braille driver not being specified. However, it seems that Microsoft is looking to improve accessibility for gamers or various needs. We've reached out to Microsoft for comment, but in the meantime, let's hope the new controller isn't as expensive as the Xbox Adaptive Controller...