Do you think the 3DS could benefit by having a new method in controlling games? Nintendo seems to think so as it has filed a patent that will allow users to manipulate 3D images on the 3DS' top screen without the need for physical controls.
The patent, which was unearthed by NintendoLife, states that it will use the 3DS' inner-facing camera to detect a "marker" applied to the end of the stylus. The 3DS can then calculate the marker's position in 3D space based on the stylus' size and position. It can then use this info to manipulate an item on the 3DS' top screen.
There's an image to go along with what we're trying to say.
This won't be limited to just the inner camera as the patent also shows you could use the same stylus-marker combo to move items behind the machine.
The patent also covers a new kind of stylus — one with a vibrating function that will give you physical feedback (vibrate) when you interact with items in-game; this stylus will also have a marker that can be tracked by the 3DS' camera — though it's not really needed as it can also work just by putting the marker on your finger.
Obviously, while Nintendo has patented this, that doesn't mean it will definitely be revealed. Publishers, developers and hardware makers like Nintendo file patents all the time in order to secure ideas legally.
