New patented handheld technology from Sony may suggest a touch-screen follow-up to PSP could be on the way.

The American division of electronics giant Sony was granted a new patent involving the use of "touchscreen and digital tactile pixels" with "game device" listed as one of the potential uses for the technology.

According to Joystiq tactile response comes in the form of vibration feedback, and it may be some time before or if the technology is put to good use. Interestingly enough former Sony exec Phil Harrision, now of Infogrames, was listed as inventor when originally filed back in January.

Do you think this has the potential to become a new gaming device for Sony, or would it be more likely be seen in future attempts to crack the touch-screen multimedia player market?