An Ohio-based firm, Impulse Technology, says that Microsoft is violating seven patents on motion tracking technology, and has decided to take things to court. Impulse alleges that they developed the technology first and rightfully own the technology thanks to patent filings.
One patent in particular covers a “wide variety of games where the movement of a player is tracked in three dimensions…and certain exercise games where the motion of the player is tracked to effect movement of a virtual avatar, and the exertion of the user is monitored, including where the tracking of the player is done by the use of a camera."
Yet another patent holds sway over the ability to provide an “Education system challenging a subject’s physiologic and kinesthetic systems to synergistically enhance cognitive function."
Microsoft is not the only one affected, as Impulse is fighting EA, Konami and Sega for developing games and using the technology to make said Kinect games.
Impulse is seeking a permanent injunction on the sale of the Kinect device, as well as damages, treble damages, interest, and associated court and attorney costs.
[Thanks Patent Arcade]
