The patent, filed in November 2006, describes a controller that seems perfectly designed to work with long-rumoured casual games platform Apple TV.

In the patent, the electronics maker notes that the three-dimensional remote control system can detect an absolute location to which a remote control is pointing via two axes (x and y).

The patent reads: ‘The absolute x- and y-positions of [the] remote control can be used, for example, in video games to position a user's character or to otherwise track the movement of the remote control in a user's environment.’

The device could be set up to work with Apple TV – the rumoured platform which PopCap boss Greg Canessa last year said would suit the firm’s casual games.

The Apple ‘Wiimote’ patent continues:

‘[The] remote control system also can include optional console . Console can have controller that can perform some or all of the processing described for controller.

‘Console also can have one or more connectors to which accessories can be coupled. Accessories can include cables and/or, game cartridges, portable memory devices (e.g., memory cards, external hard drives, etc.), adapters for interfacing with another electronic device (e.g., computers, camcorders, cameras, media players, etc.), or combinations thereof.’

CasualGaming.biz contacted Apple for a response, but the company declined to comment.

Thanks to Apple Insider for the data.