Nintendo Patent Highlights Advanced Microphone Sound Detection for Future Devices
Entry information
Published on: January 11, 2017
Description
Nintendo Patent Unveils Advanced Microphone Sound Recognition Technology
Nintendo continues its legacy of innovation with the recent discovery of a patent filed for a sophisticated sound determination unit, as spotted by our editorial team on the United Patent Office database.
Initially submitted on January 10, 2017, this patent outlines a novel approach to processing and recognizing audio input, further underlining Nintendo’s commitment to enhancing user interaction across its hardware and software ecosystems, including prominent platforms like the Nintendo Switch.
The patent, officially titled as an "information processing device," details a technology designed to accurately determine and respond to specific types of sounds directed into a microphone.
According to the documentation, the device is equipped with several critical components: an obtaining section that captures audio data from the microphone, a mean amplitude calculation section tasked with calculating the average amplitude for various segments of the audio, and a determination section that assesses whether the detected sound matches a predefined audio pattern, such as the sound created by blowing air or breathing.
Instead of reacting to general noises, the device’s core functionality is its ability to analyze the mean amplitude across a series of partial sound segments within a larger audio sample.
By breaking down the input in this way, Nintendo’s technology can more accurately distinguish between ordinary environmental sounds and deliberate actions like a user blowing into the microphone—a feature that could find applications in future game mechanics or voice-controlled experiences on Nintendo hardware.
A representative explanation from the official patent describes the device as follows: “The information processing unit is structured to obtain data from the microphone, calculate an average amplitude across multiple segments of the input, and then identify if the sound corresponds to a specific, predefined type—such as breath—on the basis of these measurements.” This clear segmentation and analysis technique represents a substantial step forward in interactive sound technology for gaming.
While the patent’s immediate connection to current hardware such as the Nintendo Switch remains unconfirmed, it is evident that Nintendo is proactively securing intellectual property to support advances in audio-based interaction.
Nintendo’s track record includes integrating microphones in past systems like the Nintendo DS and certain Joy-Con controllers, enabling unique gameplay mechanics.
The company’s continuous investment in such technology may signal expanded future uses, protecting its innovations for potential incorporation in upcoming devices or games distributed through the Nintendo eShop or highlighted in future Nintendo Direct presentations.
The patent can be viewed in full on the United Patent Office website, complete with technical diagrams and the official PDF submission, offering industry observers and developers valuable insight into Nintendo’s ongoing research and development efforts.
With over three decades of hardware leadership and software sales milestones, Nintendo’s dedication to expanding interactive possibilities ensures that its platforms remain at the forefront of gaming innovation.
