Is this the new PS Move controller?

Sony has filed a patent for something that looks like a new version of the PlayStation Move controller.

The patent, spotted by CVG after it was published on 5th December 2013, is for a "Flat joystick controller".

It looks like the existing Move controller, except there's a touch surface on one side of the handle. Could this mimic the controls we currently have on the DualShock 4, which also has a touch surface?

The patent explains the inclusion of a touch surface:

"In a traditional joystick, it's hard to keep a user's thumb still while the user provides input by engaging various motions with the joystick. This is due to the fact that in the joystick, the thumb's support moves. However, using a touch input surface, the thumb can be kept still while continuing to provide the user's input by pressing on the input surface. The pressing of the user's finger on the input surface causes friction that is recognized."

Of course, there's no indication this patent will result in the release of a product, and it should be noted that the patent was filed over a year ago, on 4th June 2012. The existing Move controller hasn't played a big part of Sony's marketing of the PlayStation 4 so far, but it could be set to give it another push with an improved model in conjunction with its in-the-works virtual reality headset.