An Ohio-based technology firm is now claiming that multiple gaming companies, both publishers and developers, are infringing upon motion-control technology patented by the group in 1996. Impulse Technology claims that Nintendo, EA, Namco Bandai, Konami, Ubisoft and Majesco are all violating the patent, and should therefore be fined for such infringement.
Impulse claims that those developers and publishers have violated the patent by utilizing an “interactive system for measuring physiological exertion,” and that the patent clearly explains a system that measures user activity through devices attached to limbs. These devices would then send real-time data back to help form an “interactively controlled” video sequence on a monitor.
The claim specifically accuses games such as Wii Fit Plus, Zumba Fitness, Grand Slam Tennis, Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 3 and UFC Personal Trainer as breaking the patent, thanks to the usage of such devices as the Wii Remote and Balance Board.
As for the merit of such a claim, Nintendo has been successful in repelling similar lawsuits regarding motion control in the past. This time however, Impulse does have a viable product out on shelves in the form of an InterActive Fitness Machine. The company is also currently engaged in legal disputes with Microsoft, claiming that yet another patent is being violated with the Kinect.
[via Gamasutra]
