Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Shadow of the Eternals uses assets purchased from Silicon Knights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/shadow-of-the-eternals-uses-assets-purchased-from-silicon-knight/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/shadow-of-the-eternals-uses-assets-purchased-from-silicon-knight/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/shadow-of-the-eternals-uses-assets-purchased-from-silicon-knight/#comments A bit of that old Silicon Knights black magic lives on in Shadow of the Eternals, the "spiritual successor" to Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem from Precursor Games. Art assets originally created by Silicon Knights employees have been bought, paid for and implemented into this new project.

"We did purchase some art assets from Silicon Knights," Precursor Games CEO Paul Caporicci told Wired. "We were very happy to be able to put those assets created by the talented past employees to use." It was reported last October that as much as 40 percent of Silicon Knights had been working on a sequel to Eternal Darkness, which may explain the existence of said art assets.

Shadow of the Eternals is being built in CryEngine 3, Caporicci added - an important distinction to make considering the major issues Silicon Knights suffered after using Unreal Engine 3 and subsequently employing its own game engine. Though Nintendo owns the rights to Eternal Darkness and has patented the game's sanity mechanics, Caporicci said similar gameplay ideas can be safely implemented without breaking the law.

JoystiqShadow of the Eternals uses assets purchased from Silicon Knights originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart-assetsassetsnintendopatentpcPrecursor-Gamespurchaserightsshadow-of-the-eternalssilicon-knightswii-uThu, 09 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple patent turns in-game choices into a customized comic book]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/apple-patent-turns-in-game-choices-into-a-customized-comic-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/apple-patent-turns-in-game-choices-into-a-customized-comic-book/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/apple-patent-turns-in-game-choices-into-a-customized-comic-book/#comments Apple patent turns ingame choices into a customized comic bookIn 2009, Apple filed a patent to transfer players' unique video game story paths, choices and customized characters to book form, available automatically after the game was finished as an e-book, book or graphic novel. The USPTO granted Apple that patent today and made it public, complete with scores of Mass Effect-themed mock-ups demonstrating how the system would work.

Today, we can see this program working well with a narrative-driven game such as Telltale's The Walking Dead: At the end of each episode, Apple's system would spit out a single-issue comic populated with each player's individual choices, dialogue trees and screenshots, shown directly on the console or PC and transferrable to tablets or other mobile devices. It's the circle of undead life, according to The Walking Dead - comic to game and back to comic, with some other lucrative multimedia stops along the way.

Of course there's no telling if Apple is still interested in its patent, or how it would implement the system if it were. It could, however, prove a nice fit for those iPads people seem so fond of.

JoystiqApple patent turns in-game choices into a customized comic book originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applebookbookscomic-booke-bookgraphic-noveliosipadiphonemacmobilepatentUSPTOTue, 23 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo patents game controller integration in remote-controlled toys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/nintendo-patents-game-controller-integration-in-remote-controlle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/nintendo-patents-game-controller-integration-in-remote-controlle/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/nintendo-patents-game-controller-integration-in-remote-controlle/#comments Nintendo patents remotely controlled mobile device control systemNintendo has been granted a new patent this week, a "remotely controlled mobile device control system" filed back in 2011. In layman's terms, it's a patent that calls for embedding a Wiimote within a remote-controlled toy - a toy which then would interact with a game console.

Nintendo has been fairly quiet on the patent front lately, the latest patent emerging last year: a system to emulate handheld games on other platforms. Last month, Nintendo lost a lawsuit over a 3DS patent, awarding $30.2 million in damages to Tomija Technologies.

JoystiqNintendo patents game controller integration in remote-controlled toys originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendopatentusptowiiwii-uTue, 09 Apr 2013 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Patent troll Lodsys sues Gameloft, Disney and more for using in-app purchases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/patent-troll-lodsys-sues-gameloft-disney-and-more-for-using-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/patent-troll-lodsys-sues-gameloft-disney-and-more-for-using-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/patent-troll-lodsys-sues-gameloft-disney-and-more-for-using-in/#comments Patent troll Lodsys sues Gameloft, Disney and more for ingame app purchasesA company named Lodsys has filed suit against a number of mobile game developers, including Gameloft, Gamevil, and Disney, claiming that they're infringing on patents describing the technology behind in-app purchases. Lodsys is well known for its patent battles, previously filing suits against a number of smaller iOS developers, which forced Apple to get involved to say that it had already licensed Lodsys' patents and any other claims were superfluous. That case is scheduled to go to trial later this year.

The new lawsuits all name one specific title from each company: Gameloft is targeted for the in-app purchases in Real Soccer 2012, and Disney's suit mentions Where's My Water? [pictured]. The Electronic Frontier Foundation has also posted about the lawsuits, calling Lodsys a "patent troll" and asking for legal help to fight the company.

JoystiqPatent troll Lodsys sues Gameloft, Disney and more for using in-app purchases originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddevelopersdisneygameloftgameviliosipadiphonelawsuitlegallodsysmobilepatentpatent-trollpatentspocket-gemsMon, 08 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo loses lawsuit over 3DS patent infringement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/nintendo-loses-lawsuit-over-3ds-patent-infringement/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/nintendo-loses-lawsuit-over-3ds-patent-infringement/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/nintendo-loses-lawsuit-over-3ds-patent-infringement/#comments A federal jury has found Nintendo guilty of infringing on the 3D display patent of Seijiro Tomita of Tomita Technologies, awarding Tomita $30.2 million in damages.

Tomita first filed the lawsuit back in 2011 - his patent for "technology relating to displaying stereoscopic images on-screen for viewing with the naked eye, i.e., without utilizing glasses or other devices" was originally filed in 2003 and granted in 2008.

JoystiqNintendo loses lawsuit over 3DS patent infringement originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dslawsuitnintendopatentseijiro-tomitatomita-technologiesWed, 13 Mar 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patent would combat piracy by comparing load times]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/sony-patent-would-combat-piracy-by-comparing-load-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/sony-patent-would-combat-piracy-by-comparing-load-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/sony-patent-would-combat-piracy-by-comparing-load-times/#comments Sony files patent that would combat piracyA patent describing a "method for validating legitimate media products" attributed to Sony Computer Entertainment America surfaced earlier this week. Originally filed in August 2011, the patent elaborates on a process by a which a piece of media could be detected as legitimate (not pirated) by comparing two load times against a benchmark for the media.

As seen in the flow chart above, the patent also describes a secondary validation stage in which a serial number and "user identification information" are checked against "reliable data, such as that sourced from the manufacturer or developer of the media title." Examples of the user information could include account names, location, IP addresses, the speed of the user's connection and product license numbers.

The secondary validation cycle would account for load time errors due to hardware issues, but would also be skipped entirely if the first cycle (the load time benchmark comparisons) checks out. Whether the "load time" method for combating piracy is used in future hardware efforts by Sony is unknown.

JoystiqSony patent would combat piracy by comparing load times originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>load-timespatentpiracySCEASONYSony-Computer-Entertainment-AmericaSat, 23 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patents 'Eyepad,' a Move-enabled PS3 tablet controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/16/sony-patents-eyepad-a-move-enabled-ps3-tablet-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/16/sony-patents-eyepad-a-move-enabled-ps3-tablet-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/16/sony-patents-eyepad-a-move-enabled-ps3-tablet-controller/#comments Sony patents 'Eyepad,' a Moveenabled PS3 tablet controller It's important to remember, especially in situations like this, that the existence of a patent does not necessarily correlate to the existence of a product, or even a company's desire to build what it has patented. So, with that in mind, let's take a look at Sony's ridiculously named PlayStation 3 tablet controller patent.

The device Sony refers to as an "EyePad" in its patent application, seen in the sketch above, would theoretically come equipped with the usual trappings you'd expect from a PS3 controller: D-Pad, buttons, analog stick, SIXAXIS motion sensors, etc. The more interesting bits, however, are a bit harder to pick out from the drawing.

First of all, those shaded stripes on the edge are not a creamy nougat center, as we had originally surmised, but rather illuminated strips of LEDs or comparable light source. This would allow the EyePad, in conjunction with an EyeToy camera, to function as a PlayStation Move controller.

Secondly, those dots on either corner of the apparent display (which could actually be a normal display, touchscreen or Vita-esque touchpad, according to the filing) are paired stereoscopic cameras. The cameras are arranged in such as way that their respective fields of vision provide a full, 360-degree view of any object placed onto the surface of the EyePad's screen, allowing for objects to be fully scanned in three dimensions and then rendered in game. Theoretically the player could also place their face within this field, allowing for face mapping in character customization applications, for instance.

Again, we doubt this patent represents anything more than a combination of day-dreaming and butt-covering on the parts of Sony's engineers and legal department, respectively, but the ideas presented here are definitely interesting.

JoystiqSony patents 'Eyepad,' a Move-enabled PS3 tablet controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-camerasARcontrollereyepadeyetoymovepatentplaystationps3stereoscopictabletSat, 16 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patents a Vita with HDMI, USB ports [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/sony-patents-a-vita-with-hdmi-usb-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/sony-patents-a-vita-with-hdmi-usb-ports/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/sony-patents-a-vita-with-hdmi-usb-ports/#comments Sony patents Vita with an HDMI portSony filed a patent for a Vita that includes HDMI and USB ports. The patent, spotted by Patent Bolt, was filed on February 7 in the US and includes a detailed run-down of the hardware, including the above photo of a Vita with HDMI and USB connection slots (25 and 24, respectively).

Update: This configuration matches that of a Vita dev kit, so it could be as simple as patenting that (existing, non-public) model.

JoystiqSony patents a Vita with HDMI, USB ports [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HDMIpatentplaystationplaystation-vitaSONYusbvitaTue, 12 Feb 2013 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patent shows redesigned Move with dangerous possibilities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/sony-patent-shows-redesigned-move-with-dangerous-possibilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/sony-patent-shows-redesigned-move-with-dangerous-possibilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/sony-patent-shows-redesigned-move-with-dangerous-possibilities/#comments Sony patent shows redesigned Move with dangerous possibilitiesSony recently filed a patent that describes a method for determining the location of a PS Move-like controller through a sound capturing device. The patent describes the two-dimensional light-tracking that the current Move device uses in conjunction with sounds emitted from the controller, which would provide a gauge for the controller's "depth" in association with the sound capture device located on the TV.

What's more, the patent includes a number of pictures that show a Move-like controller with swappable face plates for different button setups, as seen after the break, as well as the ability to attach controllers together in a number of ways. Among the patent's illustrations is one depicting a child performing a bicycle kick while playing a soccer game with Move controllers attached to his hands and legs. Simulation sports games may never be the same.

Continue reading Sony patent shows redesigned Move with dangerous possibilities

JoystiqSony patent shows redesigned Move with dangerous possibilities originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>movepatentplaystationplaystation-moveps3SONYSat, 12 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patents tech to tie discs to user IDs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/sony-patents-tech-to-tie-discs-to-user-ids/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/sony-patents-tech-to-tie-discs-to-user-ids/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/sony-patents-tech-to-tie-discs-to-user-ids/#comments Sony patents tech that ties disc usage to player IDsA new patent application by Sony, if developed into a real-world product, will make it impossible for game discs to be sold, shared, or traded, by tying each disc to a console or user account. The patented technology works by embedding an RFID tag in the disc, which a reader in the console can log against a user ID. "When the game is to be played, the reproduction device conveys the disk ID and a player ID to the use permission tag," which then determines whether it is permissible for the game to run.

Diagrams included with the patent application show "temporary use information," showing that the system can be built to permit limited use of a disc, even if flagged. "The number of temporary uses is within the limits?" reads one of the checks.

This is just a patent application, and may never make it into the real world. Therefore, we're not getting irritated about the erosion of rights ... yet.

JoystiqSony patents tech to tie discs to user IDs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drmpatentpatent-applicationused-gamesThu, 03 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony files patent for transforming Move/DualShock controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/sony-files-patent-for-transforming-move-dualshock-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/sony-files-patent-for-transforming-move-dualshock-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/sony-files-patent-for-transforming-move-dualshock-controller/#comments Sony patents hybrid DualShockMove thingA newly discovered Sony patent application reveals a device that literally sticks together the functionality of the PlayStation Move and its Navigation Controller with the form factor of the DualShock. The "Hybrid Separable Motion Controller," filed last May, consists of two halves of a standard DualShock shape, each with a Move-style orb at the top.

Both sides have accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to sense motion, and can be operated either separately or locked together into one unit. It's designed such that games will be able to detect the configuration in use.

We're asking Sony if the company intends to use this concept in the PS3 or future devices.

JoystiqSony files patent for transforming Move/DualShock controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dualshock3movepatentplaystationplaystation-moveps3Fri, 30 Nov 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft files patent for device that enforces licenses through visual surveillance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/microsoft-files-patent-for-device-that-enforces-licenses-through/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/microsoft-files-patent-for-device-that-enforces-licenses-through/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/microsoft-files-patent-for-device-that-enforces-licenses-through/#comments Microsoft files patent for device that enforces licenses through visual surveillance

Microsoft has filed a patent for a system that could potentially use a camera to determine whether you're breaking its content-viewing rules or not. US Patent Application 20120278904 describes the ability to use a Kinect-like camera-enabled device for "continuously monitoring a number of users at a display device during the performance of [some] content," which basically means the camera would watch the faces of anyone watching a display showing licensed content (like a movie or a game), and then track those faces to see if the viewers had appropriately licensed it.

The patent lists a number of options for determining the validity of the possible viewers, including counting their number (as in, making sure only three people were able to see a movie), or actually identifying specific users (to make sure Julie isn't watching a movie that Mark was only licensed to see). The patent itself doesn't specifically mention Kinect, but it does mention the idea of a "gaming and media system" as well as "mobile devices" with the same capability.

Obviously, such a system would have some weaknesses (could you use a picture or a sculpture to spoof the camera?), and the patent states at the end that this is just one possible implementation of a setup like this. But Microsoft is apparently thinking about using Kinect's ability to recognize you for more than just throwing around spells and playing games. In the future, that camera may be used to figure out whether you're following the rules or not.

JoystiqMicrosoft files patent for device that enforces licenses through visual surveillance originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camerakinectlicensingmicrosoftpatentusptoxboxWed, 07 Nov 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizards of the Coast sued over 'Electronic Trading Card' patent infringement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/wizards-of-the-coast-sued-over-electronic-trading-card-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/wizards-of-the-coast-sued-over-electronic-trading-card-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/wizards-of-the-coast-sued-over-electronic-trading-card-patent/#comments Wizards of the Coast sued over 'Electronic Trading Card' patent infringementWizards of the Coast is being sued by Texas-based Wildcat Intellectual Property Holdings over an alleged patent infringement. Courthouse News reports Wildcat believes Wizards of the Coast's 2002 game Magic: The Gathering Online infringes upon the former's 'Electronic Trading Card' patent, and is seeking an injunction to prohibit the transgression.

The patent in question, US Patent No 6200216, was filed by Wildcat on March 6 1995 and issued on March 13 2001. It describes. among other components, "taking the traditional trading card metaphor and uniquely updating and enhancing it for application in consumer digital media." Wildcat claims the patent applies to its game 'Unit Commander' which it calls "the ultimate mercenary trading card game."

Wildcat's allegations seem to date back to a lawsuit filed last year against Wizards of the Coast and 11 other companies, including Nintendo, EA, Sony Computer Entertainment America, Sony Online Entertainment, Konami, and Zynga. The complaint pertains to the same patent infringement Wildcat is presently suing Wizards of the Coast over.

According to The Cardboard Connection, as of August 2 of this year Chaotic USA and Nintendo were dismissed without prejudice, leaving both open to being sued by Wildcat again separately. It's unclear if Wildcat's present case against Wizards of the Coast is a retooling of the previous one following a similar dismissal.

Continue reading Wizards of the Coast sued over 'Electronic Trading Card' patent infringement

JoystiqWizards of the Coast sued over 'Electronic Trading Card' patent infringement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAkonamilawsuitpatentpcSony-Computer-Entertainment-Americasony-online-entertainmentwildcatwizards-of-the-coastzyngaMon, 05 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Treehouse Avatar Technologies sues Turbine over a patent granted in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/treehouse-avatar-technologies-sues-turbine-over-a-patent-granted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/treehouse-avatar-technologies-sues-turbine-over-a-patent-granted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/treehouse-avatar-technologies-sues-turbine-over-a-patent-granted/#comments Treehouse sues Turbine over a 2012 patentA company named Treehouse Avatar Technologies was granted United States Patent No. 8,180,858 in May of this year, which covers a "Method And System For Presenting Data Over A Network Based On Network User Choices And Collecting Real-Time Data Related To Said Choices," according to the patent's title. In other words, it covers a method of taking and tracking user choices over a network, a vague description to say the least.

Nevertheless, Treehouse has decided to use the patent to take on Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons and Dragons Online creator Turbine, Inc., and has sued the game maker for infringement on a number of counts, including character attributes like Strength and Charisma. Specifically, Treehouse mentions "the feature of tallying the number of times the selected character attribute(s) have been selected by users of the game."

Too vague? That's for the courts to decide, apparently. Treehouse is aiming for a full injunction against Turbine from using the system described by the patent, and for "adequate compensation" in damages. The full complaint is available to read online.

JoystiqTreehouse Avatar Technologies sues Turbine over a patent granted in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infringementLord-of-the-Rings-OnlinelotropatentpcturbineFri, 12 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai sued over alleged patent infringement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/gaikai-sued-over-alleged-patent-infringement/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/gaikai-sued-over-alleged-patent-infringement/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/gaikai-sued-over-alleged-patent-infringement/#comments A Delaware company called T5 Labs has filed suit against cloud-gaming service Gaikai for alleged patent infringement, putting the technology that underpins Gaikai's fancy cloud-computing/game-streaming wizardry under the legal microscope.

Specifically, T5 Labs claims that by "providing a system and methods of sharing a graphics processing unit (GPU) between a plurality of programs," Gaikai is "actively, knowingly and intentionally" using the technology covered by T5's patent for "Sharing a graphical processing unit between a plurality of programs."

Multiple programs using the same GPU may sound like something that every single computer does on a regular basis, but T5's patent actually covers a specific scenario involving servers, remote terminals and compression algorithms. No specific dollar amount is listed in the complaint, but T5 is seeking damages, attorney's fees and "a judgement permanently enjoining Gaikai from further infringement."

Gaikai has "no comment at this time" regarding the situation.

JoystiqGaikai sued over alleged patent infringement originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudcloud-gaminggaikailawsuitlegalmacpatentpcstreamingsuet5-labsUSPTOThu, 11 Oct 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patents player recognition on sci-fi scale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/23/sony-patents-player-recognition-on-sci-fi-scale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/23/sony-patents-player-recognition-on-sci-fi-scale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/23/sony-patents-player-recognition-on-sci-fi-scale/#comments Sony patents player recognition on scifi scaleA patent Sony filed in May 2012 was recently uncovered, indicating the company has interest in knowing exactly who the users of its products are. The patent, titled "Process and Apparatus for Automatically Identifying User of Consumer Electronics," describes the inclusion of fingerprint sensors that would read biometric data of its users on products such as phones, keyboards and gaming controllers.

The patent's abstract reads, "A user of a device may be uniquely identified using a metric that is contingent upon the user using the device for its intended purpose without the user having to perform a separate step, function or operation for the express purpose of identifying the user." The document continues to elaborate on context-sensitive content that would be automatically generated for users upon identification.

Biometric data has mingled with gaming before, most notably when Nintendo introduced (but did not release) the Vitality Sensor device.

JoystiqSony patents player recognition on sci-fi scale originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Sep 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-brotherbiometricfingerprintmovepatentplayer-recognitionplaystationps3SONYvitality-sensorSun, 23 Sep 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patents method of turning TV ads into interactive mini-games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/sony-patents-method-of-turning-tv-ads-into-interactive-mini-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/sony-patents-method-of-turning-tv-ads-into-interactive-mini-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/sony-patents-method-of-turning-tv-ads-into-interactive-mini-game/#comments Sony patents method for turning commercials into social gamesSony holds the patent for turning television commercials into interactive video games, taking humanity one step closer a future resembling Wall-E, while the likelihood of Blade Runner fades to a distant, neon second. The patent describes one method of gaming as advertisement as a "commercial overlaid on frames of the television program allowing the user to play the game while the television program is displayed."

Sony's patent provides visuals of various implementation processes, some of which include using the PlayStation console itself, along with the PS Eye, the Move or DualShock controllers, or a microphone. The controllers would allow viewers to play mini-games designed to sell products while they entertain, and they would enable people to purchase items directly from the ad. One drawing shows someone ordering a pizza by using the Move to select a large "Buy" button, and another has someone voting for a character with the X, O, square and triangle buttons.

The patent also shows a microphone hooked up to the PlayStation console, enabling viewers to vocalize whether they want an action or romantic commercial. Another voice-input idea makes viewers yell out brand names to continue their shows, pictured above.

The patent appears to work with internet TVs or screens attached to network-enabled devices, such as the PlayStation. If you've yet to disable your cable and hook up your PC to an HD flatscreen, now may be the time - or maybe consider that Steam Big Picture box when it launches. They can take our TVs, but they'll never take our PCs.

Please scream "Joystiq!" to continue.

JoystiqSony patents method of turning TV ads into interactive mini-games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingBladeRunnercommercialfuturemovepatentplaystationps3SONYUSPTOWall-EThu, 23 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect goes mobile, gets movie editing in Microsoft patent filings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/kinect-goes-mobile-gets-movie-editing-in-microsoft-patent-filin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/kinect-goes-mobile-gets-movie-editing-in-microsoft-patent-filin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/kinect-goes-mobile-gets-movie-editing-in-microsoft-patent-filin/#comments Kinect goes mobile, gets movie editing in Microsoft patent filingsFor all Kinect does, it's got some pretty glaring flaws. For one, it's bound by that silly USB cable to the back of the Xbox 360. Good thinking, Microsoft!

Thankfully, Microsoft also finds Kinect's tethered nature troubling, and is working on a mobile solution. The company filed a patent application this week that allows a Kinect-esque device (though the word "Kinect" is never directly used ... come on) to capture and update "parameters which specify how the mobile depth camera has moved." In other words, it's a Kinect that can - in real time, at 20 frames per second - reestablish where it's being positioned in a room. Neat! We can already see the possibilities for motion control and ... uh ... maybe augmented reality stuff?

Beyond mobile Kinecting, Microsoft is also interested in movie editing, filing for a "living room movie creation" patent as well. And given that the Kinect is Microsoft's primary living room camera connected to a computer, this one sounds like it applies there as well. The filing says "movies can be directed, captured, and edited using a system that includes a depth camera," and that various real life objects can be implemented "as virtual props." Said filming system also allows for editing after shooting, should your living room movie not come out perfect in the first take.

JoystiqKinect goes mobile, gets movie editing in Microsoft patent filings originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosoftpatentpatent-filingunited-states-patent-and-trade-organizationusptoxboxFri, 03 Aug 2012 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo is victorious in Wiimote patent lawsuit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/nintendo-is-victorious-in-wiimote-patent-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/nintendo-is-victorious-in-wiimote-patent-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/nintendo-is-victorious-in-wiimote-patent-lawsuit/#comments Nintendo is victorious in Wiimote patent lawsuitNintendo has prevailed in a patent lawsuit first filed by Copper Innovations Group in 2008, claiming the Wiimote and console infringed on Copper's 1996 patent for a "hand held computer input apparatus and method." The Pittsburgh U.S. District Court granted summary judgement in Nintendo's favor, halting any need for a jury trial.

"We are very pleased with the court's decision," Nintendo of America's deputy general counsel Richard Medway said. "Nintendo has a long history of developing innovative products while respecting the intellectual property rights of others. We also vigorously defend patent lawsuits when we firmly believe that we have not infringed another party's patent, despite the risks that this policy entails. I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the tireless efforts of our legal team."

Continue reading Nintendo is victorious in Wiimote patent lawsuit

JoystiqNintendo is victorious in Wiimote patent lawsuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>copper-innovationslawsuitnintendopatentpatent-infringementwiiWed, 01 Aug 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple patents NFC tech for controlling gadgets with iThings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/apple-patents-nfc-tech-for-controlling-gadgets-with-ithings/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/apple-patents-nfc-tech-for-controlling-gadgets-with-ithings/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/apple-patents-nfc-tech-for-controlling-gadgets-with-ithings/#comments Apple patents NFC tech for controlling gadgets with iThingsApple has been issued a patent (this one) that outlines virtually every conceivable way in which an iProduct equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) could wirelessly interface and control a similarly NFC-equipped gadget, doodad or whatsit.

Many examples are given in the documentation -- everything from using your iPhone to control your house's thermostat to its automated sprinkler system -- but we're mostly interested in its applications as a gaming interface, of which two main methods are shown.

First, figure 44 shows how an iPhone can be linked with a familiar looking NFC-equipped controller by tapping the two devices together. Once paired, the iPhone can then be used to play the game rather than the controller itself, via on-screen controls. The phone recognizes the game being played (in this case, Prince of Persia) and displays three controller layout options: Classic, Custom or Game Developer Recommended. Selecting one of the three options causes a button layout to appear on the screen.

In the other gaming-centric example given, the iPhone is shown skipping the controller and interfacing directly with a gaming console via infrared, wireless internet or NFC. If NFC is present, tapping the iDevice to the console initiates the link; alternatively an RFID tag or QR code may be substituted to establish the connection.

For the system to be functional, everyone involved in every step of each device and piece of software will need to be on board. Console manufacturers will have to put NFC chips in their wares, game developers will have to code iOS device support into their products, and Apple themselves will have to release a version of iOS that actually does all this stuff.

Gallery: Apple NFC patents

JoystiqApple patents NFC tech for controlling gadgets with iThings originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiosipadiphonemacmobileNFCpatentpatentsRFIDUSPTOThu, 26 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxembourg software company suing EA, Square Enix, several others over patent infringement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/luxembourg-software-company-suing-ea-square-enix-several-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/luxembourg-software-company-suing-ea-square-enix-several-other/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/luxembourg-software-company-suing-ea-square-enix-several-other/#comments What do Notch, John Riccitiello, Yoichi Wada, and Phil Larsen all have in common? A likely lacking fondness for Luxembourg-based software company Uniloc, who filed lawsuits against Notch's Mojang, Riccitiello's EA, Wada's Square Enix, and Larsen's Halfbrick recently (among others), contending that all the companies infringe on a networking patent held by Uniloc.

The patent, US patent number 6,857,067, says that Uniloc has rights to a "system and method for preventing unauthorized access to electronic data," and Uniloc contends that the aforementioned corporations are infringing on that patent via Android-based games. In the case of EA, it's Bejeweled 2, and in the case of Square Enix, it's Final Fantasy III that's cited - if the game at any time communicates with a centrally owned server to legitimize its license, Uniloc contends that it violates the patent.

Uniloc has a history of patent litigation over software. The company sued Microsoft in 2003, eventually winning. It has since filed suit against many, many other software manufacturers for other alleged patent violations.

JoystiqLuxembourg software company suing EA, Square Enix, several others over patent infringement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artshalfbrickhalfbrick-studiosjohn-riccitiellolawsuitlegallitigationpatentpatent-trollphil-larsensquare-enixunilocyoichi-wadaMon, 23 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Uniloc sues Mojang over alleged patent infringement in Android version of 'Mindcraft']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/21/uniloc-sues-mojang-over-alleged-patent-infringement-in-android-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/21/uniloc-sues-mojang-over-alleged-patent-infringement-in-android-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/21/uniloc-sues-mojang-over-alleged-patent-infringement-in-android-v/#comments Uniloc sues Mojang over alleged patent infringement in Android version of 'Mindcraft'Texas-based tech-patent collector Uniloc has filed suit against Mojang, claiming that the Android version of "Mindcraft," (seriously, that's what it says in the filing), infringes upon Patent #6,857,067, "System and method for preventing unauthorized access to electronic data." Specifically, the filing references claim 107 of the patent, which covers a "Computer code executable on an electronic device to prevent unauthorized access to electronic data stored on the electronic device."

Yup, Mindcraft.

"Unfortunately for them, they're suing us over a software patent. If needed, I will throw piles of money at making sure they don't get a cent," Notch said on Twitter this morning. "Software patents are plain evil. Innovation within software is basically free, and it's growing incredibly rapid. Patents only slow it down."

Uniloc is seeking damages compounded by both pre and post-judgment interest, as well as ongoing royalties from Mojang. This should be a good one.

[Thanks, Cody!]

JoystiqUniloc sues Mojang over alleged patent infringement in Android version of 'Mindcraft' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidlawsuitlegalmindcraftMinecraftmobileMojangpatentUnilocSat, 21 Jul 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SCEA patents advertising that interrupts gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/scea-patents-advertising-that-interrupts-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/scea-patents-advertising-that-interrupts-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/scea-patents-advertising-that-interrupts-gameplay/#comments ImageA patent filed by Sony Computer Entertainment America in 2011 describes an advertising system in which a game would be "suspended" during play, an advertisement would come up, and then the game would continue - much like TV commercials interrupt segments of programming. According to the patent, ads would be preceded by a warning and a slowdown of gameplay, with another warning displayed when gameplay is about to resume.

The mere filing of a patent is no indication that this will be implemented, simply that the idea came up. Now, while we primarily work as journalists, we consider ourselves reasonably industry-savvy, and can thus be trusted to provide game industry analysis, pro-bono, in an advisory capacity.

It is to that end we present the following advice to Sony:

DON'T DO THIS

JoystiqSCEA patents advertising that interrupts gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingpatentplaystationplaystation-vitaps3sceavitaFri, 25 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 import ban to the US recommended by ITC judge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/xbox-360-import-ban-to-the-us-recommended-by-itc-judge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/xbox-360-import-ban-to-the-us-recommended-by-itc-judge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/xbox-360-import-ban-to-the-us-recommended-by-itc-judge/#comments Both the 4GB and 250GB Xbox 360 S models were recommended for a trade ban in the US this week by International Trade Commission judge David Shaw. Said recommendation came several weeks after Shaw ruled in favor of Motorola in a case alleging Microsoft violated several patents held by the mobile phone manufacturer, ranging from Wi-Fi technology to video patents.

The recommendation alone doesn't ban the import of the two console models - a panel of six judges on the ITC board will review Shaw's recommendation and decide whether it should be made into law. Florian Mueller of patent site Foss Patents told GamesIndustry International that it's unlikely Shaw's recommendation will make it past its current point. "Unlike judges at courts, ITC judges don't make the decisions: they merely recommend them. Their recommendations are very frequently not adopted by the Commission, the six-member decision-making body at the top of the ITC," he said.

Moreover, Mueller pointed out that he's "never seen an ITC judge make any other recommendation than an exclusion order [the import ban in question] if his initial determination is that there is a violation." And given Shaw's initial determination earlier this year that Microsoft was in violation of Motorola's patents, today's news is actually "normal course of business," said Mueller.

JoystiqXbox 360 import ban to the US recommended by ITC judge originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-shawinternational-trade-commissionlegalmicrosoftmotorolapatentpatentsxboxWed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U patent shows off Wiimote-to-WiiPad pointing and dragging]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/wii-u-patent-shows-off-wiimote-to-wiipad-pointing-and-dragging/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/wii-u-patent-shows-off-wiimote-to-wiipad-pointing-and-dragging/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/wii-u-patent-shows-off-wiimote-to-wiipad-pointing-and-dragging/#comments ImageA patent filed by Nintendo in October of last year has just surfaced online, suggesting a neat feature for the Wii U. The patent outlines a feature in which the player can use the Wiimote to grab things from the television and transport them over to the Wii U tablet.

In the example provided, the player is under attack from a UFO and uses the Wiimote to move a character from the TV to the safety of the tablet. Sounds like an interesting feature, though we're not looking forward to taking a bath in radioactive liquid so we can grow that extra arm to use all this stuff.

JoystiqWii U patent shows off Wiimote-to-WiiPad pointing and dragging originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendopatentusptowii-uwiipadFri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft patents pressure-sensitive controller that identifies who's holding it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/microsoft-patents-pressure-sensitive-controller-that-identifies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/microsoft-patents-pressure-sensitive-controller-that-identifies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/microsoft-patents-pressure-sensitive-controller-that-identifies/#comments ImageIris scans are old hat. The future of biometric identification is in registering and identifying a person's unique hand pressure profile - at least, that's what someone at Microsoft believes. The megalithic multimedia mogul has been granted a patent for "personalization using a hand-pressure signature," specifically in conjunction with game console controllers.

A device outfitted with this technology would include internal memory and a processing unit. Once gripped by a user, the device would register the pressure exerted by the user's mits and compare that to a stored database of recognized pressure profiles. Once a match is found, the device (in this case a 360) knows who is holding the controller and can then display advertisements information appropriately. Despite this patent being specific to controllers, we could see the usefulness of this technology in cell phones, tv remotes, or essentially any hand-held electronic device, should it ever come to fruition.

JoystiqMicrosoft patents pressure-sensitive controller that identifies who's holding it originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biometricsmicrosoftpatentUSPTOxboxWed, 09 May 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto's DS patent offers upgraded tourist hunting techniques]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/miyamotos-ds-patent-offers-upgraded-tourist-hunting-techniques/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/miyamotos-ds-patent-offers-upgraded-tourist-hunting-techniques/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/miyamotos-ds-patent-offers-upgraded-tourist-hunting-techniques/#commentsImage
The DS Lite could see society's next great advancement in GPS technology, at least in tourist-heavy areas such as museums and haunted-home expeditions, a patent from Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto suggests.

The patent describes a system where an overhead grid of infrared "positional information transmitters" reads a user's DS to light up floor patterns and potential walkways. The user can then pick which route he'd like to take, reading tourist facts along the way.

Nintendo has already infiltrated the museum scene with the 3DS giving guided tours in the Louvre, and it's doing a pretty great job, from what we hear. There's no guarantee that a patent will translate to an actual product, but the thousands of infrared beams hovering over the Mona Lisa fulfills a few of our own spy fantasies, so we'll hope this one works out in some way.

JoystiqMiyamoto's DS patent offers upgraded tourist hunting techniques originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsmuseumnintendopatentshigeru-miyamototourtourismUSPTOSun, 06 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola granted injunction against Xbox 360 sales in Germany, not as dramatic as it sounds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/motorola-granted-injunction-against-xbox-360-sales-in-germany-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/motorola-granted-injunction-against-xbox-360-sales-in-germany-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/motorola-granted-injunction-against-xbox-360-sales-in-germany-n/#comments ImageA German court has granted Motorola Mobility an injunction against the sale and/or distribution of the Xbox 360 in Germany, as well as copies of Windows 7, Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player, following a ruling that some of Microsoft's products violate patents that pertain to the H.264 video codec and are held by Motorola.

Were Motorola to enforce this injunction, it would mean that Microsoft would lose the ability to sell its flagship products in Deutschland until the matter of Motorola's patents is settled, which would be a Very Big Deal[TM]. Thing is, though, Motorola is currently prohibited from enforcing the injunction due to a restraining order issued by an American judge in Seattle.

Microsoft argued that Motorola is abusing its "Frand-commitments," which are essentially a pinky swear that a massive company makes to the world when it is in possession of a universally required piece of technology, wherein it commits to providing licenses for said technology at "fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory" rates. Microsoft says that Motorola's asking price goes beyond fair and reasonable, so the judge issued the restraining order to prevent the injunction from happening until the case can be heard, which is currently scheduled to happen on May 7.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is also appealing the German court's decision, and thanks to the restraining order from the American judge, it'll be able to conduct business as usual during that process. Patent infringement cases like this are all about applying pressure on both sides until one of the companies involved cracks, so we doubt that Motorola ever actually expected that it'd be able to enforce a successful injunction. The fact that it happened at all, however, despite being nullified, adds another layer of trouble and stress to Microsoft's half of the situation.

It's a lot like vs. Dr. Mario, but with slightly more money involved.

JoystiqMotorola granted injunction against Xbox 360 sales in Germany, not as dramatic as it sounds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>germanyh-264injunctionlawlawsuitlegalmicrosoftMotorolaMotorola-MobilitypatentpcxboxThu, 03 May 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft patent brings us one step closer to real-life Deus Ex]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/microsoft-patent-brings-us-one-step-closer-to-real-life-deus-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/microsoft-patent-brings-us-one-step-closer-to-real-life-deus-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/microsoft-patent-brings-us-one-step-closer-to-real-life-deus-ex/#comments In the Deus Ex universe, technology has advanced to the point where human beings are able to augment themselves with technology, enhancing their abilities and giving themselves raspy, chain-smoking truck driver voices. It's what came to mind after our pals at Engadget discovered a Microsoft patent for an EMG (electromyography) device.

The patent calls it the "Wearable Electromyography-Based Controller," which would potentially allow users to control their devices (smartphone, computer and the like) through movement - the device would monitor muscle movement, either through a wireless or wired connection. The patent suggests a variety of different devices on Microsoft's mind: the armband seen above; a shirt (smartshirt, we like to call it); and even a pair of sunglasses, though they appear less badass and expensive than Adam Jensen's or, heck, even the shades JC Denton rocks in the original Deus Ex.

We just hope one of those EMG devices has a built-in niceness chip, to prevent future cyber-people from freaking out over tiny problems.

JoystiqMicrosoft patent brings us one step closer to real-life Deus Ex originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerdeus-ex-human-revolutionemgemg-devicemicrosoftpatentusptoWearable-Electromyography-Based-ControllerThu, 03 May 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony awarded patent for Xperia Play with double the keyboards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/sony-awarded-patent-for-xperia-play-with-double-the-keyboards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/sony-awarded-patent-for-xperia-play-with-double-the-keyboards/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/sony-awarded-patent-for-xperia-play-with-double-the-keyboards/#comments ImageThe United States Patent and Trademark Office has assigned Sony a patent for "electronic devices having multiple keypads and related methods," which when translated out of Patentese and into The Queen's English, means "cell-phones with two sliding keyboards and stuff."

The patent application is chock full of ballistically confusing descriptions like "a second slidable unit having a second keypad thereon, the second slidable unit being slidably connected to the upper unit and the first slidable unit," but the basic idea of the patent is fairly straight forward: Rather than having one slide-out keypad like the existing Xperia Play, this device would have two keyboards stacked on top of each other, and the user would decide which to slide out depending on the situation.

Obviously, the most practical application of this tech would be to equip one keyboard with a QWERTY layout and the other with PlayStation controls, but whether or not this patent will get any actual use remains to be seen. With phones getting larger, physical keyboards falling to the wayside and the PlayStation Suite still in beta testing, the chances of Sony taking a risk on a device that's market is slowly waning seems unlikely.

JoystiqSony awarded patent for Xperia Play with double the keyboards originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cell-phonedouble-keyboarddual-keyboardmobilepatentsonysony-ericssonXperia-PlaySat, 28 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preliminary ruling: Xbox 360 infringes on some Motorola patents]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/preliminary-ruling-xbox-360-infringes-on-some-motorola-patents/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/preliminary-ruling-xbox-360-infringes-on-some-motorola-patents/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/preliminary-ruling-xbox-360-infringes-on-some-motorola-patents/#comments ImageAn ITC ruling has found that the Xbox 360 infringes on four patents owned by Motorola. According to The Verge, some of the patents deal with the H.264 video codec, which is the subject of other legal proceedings between Microsoft and Motorola - with Motorola demanding 2.25% of the final price for any Microsoft product using the standard.

Bloomberg reports that the other two are about Wi-Fi tech, and that a fifth contentious patent was about communication between the Xbox and accessories. One of the Wi-Fi patents was not infringed, and one unspecified claim regarding one of the video patents was "invalid," judge David Shaw ruled.

In other proceedings related to this issue, Microsoft is seeking to force Motorola to license its "standard" patents on more "fair and reasonable terms." This preliminary ruling would seem to be a blow towards Microsoft's effort; however, it is still subject to review by a panel of six judges.

JoystiqPreliminary ruling: Xbox 360 infringes on some Motorola patents originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>h-264microsoftmotorolapatentsoftware-patentvideoxboxTue, 24 Apr 2012 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Just look at this PS Move steering wheel patent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/just-look-at-this-ps-move-steering-wheel-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/just-look-at-this-ps-move-steering-wheel-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/just-look-at-this-ps-move-steering-wheel-patent/#comments ImageAt first glance, it looks like Sony's answer to the Wii Wheel. But the patent proposing the above device has one odd feature: controller grips on the side of the wheel, which houses a PlayStation Move, that extend outward.

The patent - it's described as "ornamental design for a video game controller peripheral" - was originally filed in April of last year and recently surfaced online. As is the case with many patents, this is less of a guaranteed product and more of snapshot of some of the ideas that went through a peripheral designer's head.

JoystiqJust look at this PS Move steering wheel patent originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>movepatentplaystationplaystation-moveps3trademarkusptoThu, 19 Apr 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo patents handheld game emulation on 'low-capability' systems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/nintendo-patents-handheld-game-emulation-on-low-capability-sys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/nintendo-patents-handheld-game-emulation-on-low-capability-sys/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/nintendo-patents-handheld-game-emulation-on-low-capability-sys/#comments ImageNintendo has been awarded a US patent for emulation of handheld video games on other platforms, something that may not impress anyone playing a Game Boy game through the 3DS Virtual Console right now.

Nintendo applied for the patent back in 2003, for technology to emulate a handheld game system (examples given: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance) on low-powered systems like cell phones and displays in airplane seat backs.

Nintendo may have been exploring options like in-airplane Game Boy games (SNES-based systems were a staple in airplanes for years), but it's much more likely that the company was attempting to get a footing from which to defend its IPs against other, unauthorized emulation.

JoystiqNintendo patents handheld game emulation on 'low-capability' systems originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emulationgame-boypatentusptoWed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's a Microsoft patent for a bizarre gaming helmet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/heres-a-microsoft-patent-for-a-bizarre-gaming-helmet/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/heres-a-microsoft-patent-for-a-bizarre-gaming-helmet/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/heres-a-microsoft-patent-for-a-bizarre-gaming-helmet/#comments The gaming world certainly isn't without its crazy patents and, today, we see Microsoft add another to the pile. The patent in question is a "laser-scanning virtual image display" able to display an image very close to a user's eyes. Specifically, two such displays would be incorporated into a helmet, allowing a user to see a stereoscopic, three dimensional image. While not exclusively meant for video games, the patent does mention that the helmet could "be used in applications ranging from video gaming to aviation."

Furthermore, as spotted by Patent Bolt, the displays "may be at least partly transparent," which would allow the user to see the world around him as well as the projected image. That's good, because we prefer our pilots to keep their eyes on the sky, thank you very much.

JoystiqHere's a Microsoft patent for a bizarre gaming helmet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>head-mounted-displayhelmetmicrosoftpatentpatentsxboxTue, 20 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rampant Speculation Theatre presents: THQ trademarks 'Evolve']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/rampant-speculation-theatre-presents-thq-trademarks-evolve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/rampant-speculation-theatre-presents-thq-trademarks-evolve/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/rampant-speculation-theatre-presents-thq-trademarks-evolve/#comments THQ has filed a trademark for "Evolve" with the United States Patent & Trademark Office, according to an application dug up by Gamespot. The trademark's classification is rather wordy and all encompassing, ranging from what you'd expect ("computer game software") to what you might not ("providing entertainment services, in the nature of a site featuring entertainment information, discussion groups, non-downloadable video games, and downloads relating to video games").

Here on Rampant Speculation Theatre, it's our job to take news that is particularly svelte and jazz it up with lies predictions, so let's get to it: Evolve will be a Spore-esque artificial life simulator, covering the evolution of all planetary life from single-celled organisms through modern man. Evolve's differentiating factor will be the fact that all evolution takes place in real time; at 6 billion years long, it offers players excellent value for money.

JoystiqRampant Speculation Theatre presents: THQ trademarks 'Evolve' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EvolvePatentTHQTrademarkSat, 03 Mar 2012 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patents filed for Kinect-like PS Eye camera, backwards compatibility adapter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/sony-patents-filed-for-kinect-like-ps-eye-camera-backwards-comp/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/sony-patents-filed-for-kinect-like-ps-eye-camera-backwards-comp/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/sony-patents-filed-for-kinect-like-ps-eye-camera-backwards-comp/#comments A new patent suggests Sony is considering -- or considered at one time -- its own take on a 3D depth-sensing camera. The patent in question was filed by Dr. Richard Marks, the inventor of the PS Eye and PlayStation Move, back in October.

The filing calls for "a real-time three-dimensional interactive environment using a depth sensing device" that players would move in front of and interact with. "Embodiments of the present invention provide real-time interactive gaming experiences for users. For example, users can interact with various computer-generated objects in real-time." That sounds awfully close to Kinect, doesn't it?

Another patent suggests Sony is also considering a separate set of hardware that would allow for better backwards compatibility. Rather than provide an on-board solution, this would plug into your game console and provide the hardware needed to properly run an older game. (Sound familiar?) Patents are quite a few steps removed from reality, but they might just give us a glimpse at how we might play our games in the future, whether they're new or old.

JoystiqSony patents filed for Kinect-like PS Eye camera, backwards compatibility adapter originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backwards-compatibilitykinectmicrosoftmovepatentplaystationplaystation-eyeps-eyeps3usptoTue, 21 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/sony-patented-wii-u-esque-controller-pics-to-prove-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/sony-patented-wii-u-esque-controller-pics-to-prove-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/sony-patented-wii-u-esque-controller-pics-to-prove-it/#comments Sony may have been caught in the same handheld wavelengths as Nintendo in 2010. A patent uncovered by Games Beat shows Sony considering a handheld, touchscreen device that would function similarly to Nintendo's Wii U. Titled the "Position-dependent gaming, 3-D controller, and handheld as a remote," the device would track its own location as "input to a video game" and render "an avatar on a mobile device such that it appears to overlay a competing user in the real world."

Sony's Vita can share saves and transfer data with the PS3, and even has the capability to be used as a controller for compatible PS3 games, meaning this patent could simply be a tale of what might have been. Inspect some more images of Sony's device below.

Continue reading Sony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it

JoystiqSony patented Wii U-esque controller, has pics to prove it originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerhandheldnintendopatentplaystationplaystation-vitaSONYtabletvitawii-uFri, 03 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Old Microsoft patent details gaming console with DVR functionality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/old-microsoft-patent-details-gaming-console-with-dvr-functionali/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/old-microsoft-patent-details-gaming-console-with-dvr-functionali/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/old-microsoft-patent-details-gaming-console-with-dvr-functionali/#comments Can you imagine the original Xbox 360, with its 20GB hard drive, being used as a DVR? We really can't see it working, but in January of 2007 Microsoft was down with the idea.

Patents discovered by Tom's Guide detail plans for a gaming console similar to the Xbox 360 with a "digital video recorder (DVR) application running alongside a television client component." In the alternate reality where Microsoft actually followed through with this patent, the console in question would be able to directly record content even when playing games or if "the gaming console is turned off."

Of course today the Xbox 360 can stream content in a number of ways, but does not allow for direct recording to the hard drive. Now that the ceiling for storage has been raised on the platform we'd be on board with such functionality, but if this languishing patent is any indication Microsoft is fine with the current state of things.

JoystiqOld Microsoft patent details gaming console with DVR functionality originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-video-recorderdvrmicrosoftpatentusptoxboxThu, 29 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Impulse Technology suing Nintendo for patent infringement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/impulse-technology-suing-nintendo-for-patent-infringement/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/impulse-technology-suing-nintendo-for-patent-infringement/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/impulse-technology-suing-nintendo-for-patent-infringement/#comments Tech developer Impulse Technology -- that name sound familiar? -- has filed a lawsuit against Nintendo and a score of third-party studios, accusing them of violating a 1996 patent for an "interactive system for measuring physiological exertion." The suit is largely based on the weight-tracking Wii Balance Board (and the games which use it, like Wii Fit Plus, Zumba Fitness 2 and UFC Personal Trainer), which Impulse claims too closely resemble its own Trazer Interactive Fitness machine.

Normally, we'd scoff at such a lawsuit, especially since Impulse leveraged almost the exact same claims against Microsoft for its Kinect hardware this past July. Still, take a look at the Trazer Interactive Fitness machine, seen above. The resemblance truly is uncanny, right?

Right?

JoystiqImpulse Technology suing Nintendo for patent infringement originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>impulse-technologylawsuitnintendopatentTRAZERwiiWii-Fit-Pluswii-motion-plusFri, 25 Nov 2011 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo patents periscope-esque Wiimote touchpad attachment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/nintendo-patents-periscope-esque-wiimote-touchpad-attachment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/nintendo-patents-periscope-esque-wiimote-touchpad-attachment/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/nintendo-patents-periscope-esque-wiimote-touchpad-attachment/#comments A Nintendo patent shows that Nintendo is, or was, considering the graft of Wii U-like features onto the regular old Wiimote. The company applied for a patent for a device that adds a touch panel to the Wiimote, using an infrared LED and mirrors to feed info about the position of your finger into the Wiimote's IR sensor. The patent describes using it as a mouse pointer or a drawing interface. You know, touch panel stuff.

The tech doesn't exactly emulate the WiiPad, as the touch panel is just for controls, and isn't a screen. It's unclear whether this is something Nintendo is planning for the future -- for enhancing Wiimotes for use on Wii U -- or if it's just an idea someone cooked up.

JoystiqNintendo patents periscope-esque Wiimote touchpad attachment originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendopatentwiiwii-uwiimoteFri, 04 Nov 2011 10:28:00 EST