A new patent has been lodged by it would seem, the platform holder going after the next big thing: emotion. According to Siliconera, Sony's new filing covers a system that can detect laughter, sadness, anger, boredom et al.

According to the patent, the new system will use a microphone and webcam to detect emotion in the user's voice and facial expressions, which will be analysed by some presumably very clever software.

The system will also work with groups of people, detecting interactions such as high-fives, and also working with boredom; noting a disinterested user, talking over or looking away from the on-screen action.

Sony reckon this secretive new system could be used for TV, film and other media - in addition to games.

More on this as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge