New Nintendo Patent Shows Wii Remote Could be Used as Barcode Scanner

Nintendo has designed several unconventional attachments for their Wii Remote controller and their patent filings were recently unveiled. Two attachments make use of the Wii Remote’s infrared camera, which is normally used to detect the position of the sensor bar for position tracking.

…

The second [patent] invention enables the Remote to read data off of printed cards like a crude e-Reader or barcode scanner. This device attaches in front of the infrared sensor. The device has a slot where a plate can be inserted, which activates infrared lights. This plate includes a vertical slot, which allows light to shine only through a small area. A card with a printed dot pattern can be slid through the guide slot, and the pattern is read one column at a time. Removing the plate allows the Remote to be used as a pointer without removing the entire apparatus.

This reminds me a little of the Barcode Battler from the early 90’s. Using the Wii Remote as a bluetooth barcode scanner is definitely clever, but I don’t think it’s going to put Motorola or Honeywell out of the barcode scanning business any time soon.

Source Nintendo Files for Wii Remote Infrared Add-on Patents