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" Sony has filed a patent for a tablet gaming controller called the &amp;#039;EyePad&amp;#039;, it has been revealed. The Sony &amp;#039;EyePad&amp;#039; patent filing, which was discovered by Gamechup (via Eurogamer), describes a &amp;quot;panel, tablet or slab-like device comprising one or more illuminated regions, two stereoscopic video cameras and optionally a [touchpad]&amp;quot;.  Patented last summer, the device was designed to offer an alternative control method to the SIXAXIS controller and PlayStation Move camera. According to the filing, the device could be used as a grooming table for an EyePet, with the PlayStation Move camera and &amp;#039;EyePad&amp;#039;s illuminated regions combining to offer an augmented reality marker.  Tilting the &amp;#039;EyePad&amp;#039; in a downwards motion would see the EyePet jump onto the device, and remain in place as users move freely around the room. The &amp;#039;EyePad&amp;#039; cameras, meanwhile, could be used to form a 3D model of the user&amp;#039;s hand, which would enable precise interaction between pet and player.  The patent filing has been discovered on the same day that a leaked image of the rumoured PlayStation 4 controller was posted online (above). Consistent with previous rumours, the leaked photo shows a redesigned controller with a touchpad in the centre where the start and select buttons would be on the PS3 controller. Sony will be holding an event on February 20 where it is expected to announce the next PlayStation console. &amp;amp;gt; PS4, new Xbox: All the rumours you need to know on next-gen hardware Gallery - PS4, new Xbox games we can expect: "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a459227/sony-patents-playstation-eyepad-tablet-controller/>