Microsoft Xbox Controller With Haptic Braille Output Spotted In New Patent

A new patent filing revealed Microsoft’s plans to allow more people to play video games.

Last year, Microsoft released the Xbox Adaptive Controller, a clever and thoughtful invention designed to make gaming accessible and enjoyable to more people. This controller was designed for players who are unable to hold and manipulate traditional controllers with their two hands.

Created in partnership with groups such as The AbleGamers Charity, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation, SpecialEffect and Warfighter Engaged, the Adaptive Controller would allow people with muscular disabilities such muscular dystrophy to enjoy games they previously were unable to play.

Spurred on by the success of the Xbox Adaptive Controller, Microsoft went further and made plans to create a controller that would allow the blind and visually impaired to play games as well.

A patent Microsoft filed last year describes what appears to be an Xbox controller upgraded to provide haptic Braille output, Gizmodo reported. The controller looks like a standard Xbox controller in front, but features a “Braille accessory” that includes a matrix display and some paddles with a touch-sensitive surface.

The matrix display is capable of showing braille characters, and might be used to tell visually impaired players what’s happening on the screen, or what’s being said in the in-game chat. The patent states that this display might do that using a “scroll actuator” which will scroll text on the screen.

The paddles, on the other hand, allow visually impaired players to receive output from the game, and send their responses as well. While the display can be used to describe general game information, the paddles can be used to inform specific players about details relevant to them, such as an incoming attack.

Six paddles -- three on the left and three on the right -- are used to provide haptic feedback to players. The patent states that the paddles might use electric or mechanical stimulation methods to provide feedback to users.

Players can then respond to feedback by inputting braille characters using the paddles. By using the braille accessory, visually-impaired players will be able to communicate with other players in real-time, and understand what they are saying as well.

Regardless of how Microsoft’s idea sounds like, it still is a patent application as of the moment. Engadget noted that there’s no guarantee that Microsoft will be able to release a fully developer braille-capable controller. Nevertheless, it’s a great idea that adds inclusivity to gaming.