Ohio-Based Technology Company Sues Many Over Interactive Fitness Patent

November 23, 2011 -

An Ohio-based technology company Impulse Technology has filed a lawsuit against multiple gaming companies for infringing on a motion-control technology patented by the group in 1996. Impulse Technology claims that companies such as Nintendo, EA, Namco Bandai, Konami, Ubisoft, and Majesco are all violating the patent, and should be fined for the infringement.

Impulse claims that these companies have violated its patent for 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" then send real-time data back to help form an “interactively controlled” video sequence on a monitor.

The claim specifically names Wii Fit Plus, Zumba Fitness, Grand Slam Tennis, Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 3 and UFC Personal Trainer as breaking the patent, because they use a device such as the Wii Remote and Balance Board.

Impulse Technology does have a device on the market called the InterActive Fitness Machine. The company is also currently engaged in legal disputes with Microsoft over the Kinect motion sensing technology.

Source: IndustryGamers

Comments

Re: Ohio-Based Technology Company Sues Many Over Interactive ...

Submitted by tallimar on Wed, 11/23/2011 - 20:51.

i wonder if anyone has patented breathing yet?

Re: Ohio-Based Technology Company Sues Many Over Interactive ...

Submitted by Neeneko on Wed, 11/23/2011 - 12:07.

1996 huh? Sueing for a system released in 2006?

There really needs to be a statute of limitations on these claims.

Re: Ohio-Based Technology Company Sues Many Over Interactive ...

Submitted by CyberSkull on Thu, 12/01/2011 - 20:18.

As I recall, the limitations on patents in the US is something like 17 years.

Re: Ohio-Based Technology Company Sues Many Over Interactive ...

Submitted by hellfire7885 on Wed, 11/23/2011 - 12:50.

Agreed. All I'm seeing are people who come up with a vague idea and sit on it so they can sue whoever comes up with anything similar.

 
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