The discovery of a US patent application has stirred speculation about the design of a third generation PlayStation console. Suggestions have focused on a distributed computing capability, which would allow computing power to be spread across a network.
The patent refers to a scheme for designing 鈥渁 computer architecture and programming model for high speed processing over broadband networks鈥�. It mentions a 鈥渕odular鈥� design for networked computers and processors, and 鈥渟oftware cells鈥� that could be transmitted across a network at high speed.
The application, made on 26 September 2002, states: 鈥淭he architecture employs a consistent modular structure, a common computing module and uniform software cells.鈥�
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UK computer hardware site The Inquirer links the patent application to the next version of Sony鈥檚 PlayStation console, citing an unnamed source. One of the names on the application Masakazu Suzuoki is reported to have worked for Sony on the design of the current PlayStation2 console.
However, a Sony UK spokesman could not confirm that the patent was linked to the company. He also said any reports concerning a future version of the PlayStation were speculative, as no new games console has been announced.
Distributed design
The concepts described in the application also resemble ideas discussed by Shin鈥檌chi Okamoto, chief technical officer for Sony Computer Entertainment, in a speech made in March 2002.
Okamoto said distributed computing was a significant part of console research at Sony and might feature in a forthcoming PlayStation.
In August 2002, Sony, IBM and Toshiba provided a glimpse of a new multipurpose microprocessor code-named 鈥淐ell鈥�. This is reported to be capable of carrying out various different tasks, from graphics to communications and has been widely linked to the next PlayStation. This chip could debut in 2004, according to reports.
Finally, on 6 January 2003, Sony and Toshiba announced a deal to license technology from US electronics company Rambus. This would provide fast data transfer between processors and computer memory. Industry observers, again, say this could feature in a new console.