Sony was recently granted a patent for a device or method for an optical disc cartridge.  In addition to more details regarding chip embedded discs previously reported, Sony received a patent for a cartridge that would appear to sit in a space on a top-loading console.  The device features dual shutters on the bottom of the unit, that offers full access for the laser to the disc (front to back) in a slot.  The rear features two pivot points toward the back where the cartridge would slide over a pin, and the front features two locking points; one on each side. 

Fastened with screws, this isn't a temporary feature.  It would appear every new game would feature the new cartridge and it would be an integral part of the next generation console.  In other words, if the game isn't in the cartridge it won't play.  However, in terms of packaging this would likely mean the end to Blu-Ray cases for PS4 games. 

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PALL&S1=08365211&OS=PN/08365211&RS=PN/08365211

do you just go around the us patent websites and look for patents about sony just to post them?

Actually, I actively look at Microsoft patents, and occasionally look at Sony.    These three patents that I mentioned today are from this week.

Sony patents are often much dryer than Microsoft's, often being much more technical to the manufacturing process and components.  For instance, laser arrays.  It makes Sony patents a lot more difficult to search through and find something interesting. 

I try to stay away from things that may not necessarily be used in a console or that may be a part of a much bigger process, like image resolutions or 3D technologies.  Same thing with Microsoft. 

If you look at the image for this patent, your first thought might be PS1.  It was mine, but in reality it is just the cartridge that would appear to fit in a top-loading device.  As far as I know, cartridges have completely gone out of use.  I can't quite imagine, other than a console, where you'd use a cartridge anymore.  The benefits to an integrated cartridge, from a Sony perspective, is it must be present to play the game.   You can't just pop it into a console and play it like a burned disc today.  It also reduces any problems with disc damage and packaging.  Put a card stock wrapper around it with artwork, and you're done.

lol dude i was being sarcastic with my question

I honestly don't understand lol

A disc cartridge is essentially a solid/sealed carrier for an optical disc.  Like an old 3.5" floppy disc but larger.  They're intended to protect the disc media from scratching or finger prints, but it could be a way to thwart pirating. 

The cartridge, in this design, is an integral part of the unit.  You can't just set a disc in a tray or slot opening, you have to use the cartridge.  If you don't have a cartridge, because it's a pirated copy of a disc, you can't play the game.  Because Sony has a patent on the design of the cartridge, they'll likely be able to shutter any company offering knock-off cartridges. 

ah i see! thank you 

How is this different from the MiniDisc?

Couldn't someone just produce a disk cartridge that can accept custom disks to by pass this?

i'm calling it now. this is actually a cross-buy feature. buy a disc and get the cloud (gaikai) version for free. this is to limit the free online version to just one user without the need to put in all those stupid codes in like i have to for my ps3 games.