Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sony applies for wireless power patent, wants to daisy-chain your energy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/sony-applies-for-wireless-power-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/sony-applies-for-wireless-power-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/sony-applies-for-wireless-power-patent/#comments Sony wireless power patent

As much as we're familiar with wireless power, we know developing a truly contact-free form of charging has a whole raft of extra challenges, such as getting into the sweet spot for power delivery and the potential traffic jam caused by throwing another device into the mix. Sony thinks it has these problems licked through a newly-published patent application. Its method uses location-finding to steer users until they're close enough for the wireless power source to reliably do its job. In some cases, it can use one mobile device to relay power to another, keeping everything fed even if the main power hub is tied up. Multiple power sources next to each other can go so far as to decide which of them should be the one to send power. The patent isn't a certain sign that your VAIO or Xperia is about to cut the cord altogether -- Sony first submitted this vision of the future in 2009. Even so, it gives us hope that our gadgets will one day start charging themselves instead of making us hunt down a wire or charging plate.

Sony applies for wireless power patent, wants to daisy-chain your energy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphonecellphonescontactlesscontactless chargingcontactless powerContactlessChargingContactlessPowerlaptoplaptopspatentpatentsSONYUSPTOvaiowireless chargingwireless powerWirelessChargingWirelessPowerxperiaTue, 15 May 2012 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patent suggests Xperia Play with dual keyboards, it's slidingly slidable]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/sony-dual-slider-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/sony-dual-slider-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/sony-dual-slider-patent/#comments Sony patent suggests an Xperia Play with dual keyboards, it's slidingly slidable

Okay, so maybe physical keyboards were a bigger deal back in 2010 when this thing was filed, or maybe -- just maybe -- we'll one day see an Xperia Play smartphone with both a gamepad and a full QWERTY counterpart. A patent for such a contraption was just granted to Sony by the USPTO, which stakes its claim for a device with two sliding mechanisms in addition to the display. When the primary sliding mechanism is engaged, the second will come along for the ride -- and for those curious, it seems the default option is the keyboard. Once both are open, the sliding units may be disengaged from one another, so that when one of the units retracts, the other will remain accessible. It all sounds quite feasible, and if the mechanism works well enough, what's a few extra millimeters among friends?

Sony patent suggests Xperia Play with dual keyboards, it's slidingly slidable originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 05:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dual sliderdual-sliderDualSliderkeyboardmobilepostminipatentpatentsslidersonyusptoxperia playXperiaPlayFri, 27 Apr 2012 05:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patent proposal ponders planting physicians inside your plasma]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/sony-dr-tv-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/sony-dr-tv-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/sony-dr-tv-patent/#comments Image

Remember when Sony said it would "unify" its product lines and consider going into the medical device business? Well, we've unearthed this patent application from 2010 that does that just. A wireless wristband monitors your heart rate, vitals and blood glucose levels, and beams that information to your TV over infra-red. Your data will then update in real time for you to watch of an evening, if it's a choice between that and Gossip Girl, at least. Moreover, if your TV is web-connected, it could even send emergency messages to your local HMO if the conclusion of your favorite show / sporting event sends you into chest-clutching fits of apoplexy.

Sony patent proposal ponders planting physicians inside your plasma originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplicationDr TVDrTvFitnesshdpostcrossHealthHealth and FitnessHealthAndFitnessHeart Rate MonitorHeartRateMonitorPatentPatent ApplicationPatentApplicationSonySony Dr TVSonyDrTvTVThu, 19 Apr 2012 21:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony applies for a headset-based navigation pointer, knows you're not looking]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/sony-headset-navigation-pointer-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/sony-headset-navigation-pointer-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/29/sony-headset-navigation-pointer-patent/#comments ImageIf you're finding that the digital compass on your phone keeps leading you down the wrong path, then this patent application from Sony might get you back on track. The claims entail a wireless communication device (aka phone) configured to communicate with a headset. The novelty being, that using orientation information from the headset, the wireless device would determine which direction the user is looking. Based on this information (and your GPS coordinates), the device would then be able to "predict a destination location for the user." Is this hinting at a new navigation system / accessory, or some neat little tool for geocachers? One thing's for sure, if you point your head towards the source link below, you'll locate the full details.

Sony applies for a headset-based navigation pointer, knows you're not looking originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothgpsgps navigationGpsNavigationheadsetmobilepostcrossnavigationpatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationsonyusptoThu, 29 Mar 2012 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony applies for 'head control' patent to frustrate non-verbal communicators]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/sony-head-control-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/sony-head-control-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/sony-head-control-patent/#comments
The company formerly known as Sony Ericsson applied for a patent in 2010 that's yet to be granted, but you never know, one day it might wind up in a handset near you. Having recently introduced the "floating touch" Xperia Sola that doesn't require your hands to make contact with the display, the next logical step is to make the whole thing controlled just with the movement of your head. Wearing a Bluetooth earpiece with a motion sensor, you then map a custom motion onto a phone action, so shaking your head could answer a call, nodding up and down ends it and going from side-to-side will fire up an app. Designed for when it's not safe to jab at your phone (i.e. driving) we think it's a pretty neat idea, unless you're the sort who, even on the phone, nods in agreement to what the other person is... oh, nope, hung up again.

Sony applies for 'head control' patent to frustrate non-verbal communicators originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BluetoothBluetooth Earpiece ControlBluetoothEarpieceControlHands-freeHands-Free Control of Mobile Communication Device Based on HeadHands-freeControlOfMobileCommunicationDeviceBasedOnHeadMovementHead ControlHead Motion ControlHeadControlHeadMotionControlmobilepostcrossMotion ControlMotionControlPatentPatentsSonySony EricssonSony MobileSony Mobile CommunicationsSonyEricssonSonyMobileSonyMobileCommunicationsThu, 15 Mar 2012 18:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony makes a patent move for Kinect style controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/sony-patents-kinect-style-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/sony-patents-kinect-style-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/sony-patents-kinect-style-controller/#comments We're not suggesting Sony has a Kinect style controller coming soon, but it certainly filed a patent for one. The application for a "User-Driven Three-Dimensional Interactive Gaming Environment" was initially logged in October last year by Richard Marks of PlayStation Eye fame. The controller can "determine when to interact with the system by allowing part of the user's body, or an object, to cross the maximum depth range plane" meaning input could be limited to just the hands etc. This wouldn't be the first time Sony has created controller technology similar to its competitors, but the company is careful not to outright state that's what it's for. That said, amongst the legalese it does go as far too say the system can be implemented by an entertainment system "such as" its flagship console. So, sadly there's no way of knowing if we'll be getting a PlayStation Motion any time soon, but feel free to wave over the source link to see the patent for yourself.

Sony makes a patent move for Kinect style controller originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3Dgamingkinectmotion controllermotion detectionMotion sensingMotionControllerMotionDetectionMotionSensingobject recognitionObjectRecognitionpatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationplaystationplaystation movePlaystationMovesonysony playstationSonyPlaystationTue, 21 Feb 2012 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patent sketches reveal Wii U-esque controller system, keeps it vague]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/sony-patent-sketches-reveal-wii-u-esque-controller-system-keeps/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/sony-patent-sketches-reveal-wii-u-esque-controller-system-keeps/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/06/sony-patent-sketches-reveal-wii-u-esque-controller-system-keeps/#comments Sony patent sketches reveal Wii U-esque controller system, keeps it vague

While Nintendo is darn proud of its attempts to differentiate itself from other console manufacturers with its unusual hardware choices, it looks like Sony also had plenty of touchscreen-toting, TV-connected ideas way back in 2010. These patent sketches explain a handheld device that bares a foggy resemblance to Nintendo's incoming Wii U. The "position-dependent gaming, 3-D controller, and handheld as a remote," would act as the "input to a video game" -- or controller, as we technical types like to call it -- adding in some augmented reality functionality as an overlay to camera input on the device. The PS Vita is already capable of doing most of what's posited above, including the ability to hook up to its older (bigger) brother, the PS3 -- possibly that anonymous box you can see above. If such a mystery device device does appear, at least it looks like Sony's got its bases covered, again.

Sony patent sketches reveal Wii U-esque controller system, keeps it vague originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmented realityAugmentedRealitygamingnintendopatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationps vitaPsVitasonytouchscreenwii uWiiUMon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[LG, Sony drop patent infringement lawsuits, strike cross-licensing agreement]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/lg-sony-drop-patent-infringement-lawsuits-strike-cross-licensi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/lg-sony-drop-patent-infringement-lawsuits-strike-cross-licensi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/lg-sony-drop-patent-infringement-lawsuits-strike-cross-licensi/#comments
The testy patent battle between LG and Sony has finally come to an end, now that the companies have decided to lay down their arms and call a truce. In a statement issued today, an LG spokeswoman declared that the two parties have "agreed to drop patent infringement lawsuits against each other," adding that they've struck a cross-licensing deal on the TVs, smartphones and other gadgets in question. A Sony representative confirmed this, but did not offer further details. The spat began back in December, when Sony filed a complaint with the ITC over a handful of allegedly patent infringing LG mobile devices. The Korean manufacturer later struck back with an ITC complaint of its own, targeting Sony products like the Bravia and PlayStation 3. Now, however, the two have apparently learned how to play nice, though details on their settlement remain scarce. As soon as we have them, we'll pass them along.

LG, Sony drop patent infringement lawsuits, strike cross-licensing agreement originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braviacross-licensingITCITC complaintItcComplaintlawsuitlglg electronicslg sonyLgElectronicsLgSonymoneypatentpatent disputepatent infringementpatent infringement lawsuitPatentDisputePatentInfringementPatentInfringementLawsuitplaystation 3Playstation3ps3settlementsmartphonesonyThu, 11 Aug 2011 02:01:00 EST<![CDATA[It's official: Nortel patent sale approved by US and Canadian courts (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/its-official-nortel-patents-sale-approved-in-us-and-canada/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/its-official-nortel-patents-sale-approved-in-us-and-canada/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/its-official-nortel-patents-sale-approved-in-us-and-canada/#commentsNortel was just looking for some quick cash when the company put its 6,000 telecommunications patents up for auction. Then Google decided that IP would make a mighty fine troll deterrent, and started a crazy bidding war to get it. A coalition of the willing -- including Apple, EMC, Ericsson, Microsoft, RIM, and Sony -- opposed Big G and paid $4.5 billion for the prize portfolio pending approval by the powers that be. Well, both Canadian and US bankruptcy judges just gave the purchase two thumbs up, and the deal is officially done. Now the question is whether the auction's victors will use these patents as a shield against those with trollish intentions or as a sword to strike at their enemies?

Update: To clarify, the deal was only approved by the bankruptcy courts, and the US DOJ is examining the sale for its possible anti-competitive effects.

It's official: Nortel patent sale approved by US and Canadian courts (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 07:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleauctionbankruptbankruptcybankruptcy auctionBankruptcyAuctionemcericssongoogleintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertyiplawlegalnortelnortel networksNortelNetworkspatentpatent portfolioPatentPortfoliopatentsresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimsonywirelesswireless patentsWirelessPatentsTue, 12 Jul 2011 07:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Consortium including Apple, EMC, Ericsson, Microsoft, RIM and Sony snags Nortel patents for $4.5 billion]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/rim-apple-sony-microsoft-consortium-snags-nortel-wireless-pat/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/rim-apple-sony-microsoft-consortium-snags-nortel-wireless-pat/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/rim-apple-sony-microsoft-consortium-snags-nortel-wireless-pat/#commentsNews that Google had competition for a bundle of patents being sold by bankrupt Nortel Networks surfaced a week ago and now it's official; a consortium of companies including Apple, EMC, Ericsson, Microsoft, RIM and Sony won the multi-day auction with a bid of $4.5 billion. According to Reuters, RIM contributed $770 million to the effort while Ericsson is on the hook for $340 million when the deal closes, which is expected to be in the third quarter of this year. What they'll do with the over 6,000 patents and patent applications covering everything from wireless to optical to semiconductors isn't immediately clear, but what won't happen is Google using them as leverage to stave off the patent trolling hordes. Before any of that happens, the sale has to clear US and Canadian courts which is why a joint hearing has been scheduled for July 11th, so expect plenty of words -- and probably a few more cross licensing agreements -- from the involved parties by then.

Continue reading Consortium including Apple, EMC, Ericsson, Microsoft, RIM and Sony snags Nortel patents for $4.5 billion

Consortium including Apple, EMC, Ericsson, Microsoft, RIM and Sony snags Nortel patents for $4.5 billion originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 01:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleauctionbreaking newsemcericssongooglenortelnortel networksNortelNetworkspatentpatentsresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimsonywirelessFri, 01 Jul 2011 01:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Court rules in Sony's favor against LG, PlayStation 3 free to enter Europe again]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/court-rules-in-sonys-favor-against-lg-playstation-3-free-to-en/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/court-rules-in-sonys-favor-against-lg-playstation-3-free-to-en/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/10/court-rules-in-sonys-favor-against-lg-playstation-3-free-to-en/#comments Well, it looks like there won't be a widespread PlayStation 3 shortage in Europe anytime soon -- the Hague's civil court of justice has just ruled in Sony's favor in its dispute with LG, and ordered that the 300,000 PS3s currently seized by customs be released to Sony for distribution across the continent. LG has also reportedly been ordered to pay €130,000 in legal fees -- and if it doesn't comply, it will face a fine of €200,000 per day until it does. That doesn't mean that the tussle between the two companies is over, however, as this ruling doesn't have anything to do with the patents at the heart of the dispute.

[Thanks, Manit]

Court rules in Sony's favor against LG, PlayStation 3 free to enter Europe again originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newscourtdisputehaguelgpatentpatent disputePatentDisputeplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3ps3rulingseizuresonyThu, 10 Mar 2011 12:34:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation 3 shipments to Europe now being seized after LG wins injunction against Sony]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/28/playstation-3-shipments-to-europe-now-being-seized-after-lg-wins/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/28/playstation-3-shipments-to-europe-now-being-seized-after-lg-wins/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/28/playstation-3-shipments-to-europe-now-being-seized-after-lg-wins/#comments
Sony and LG have been going toe to toe with allegations of patent infringement for over a year now, but Sony's now been dealt what's surely its biggest setback to date in Europe. The civil court of justice in the Hague has just granted LG a preliminary injunction that will see all new PlayStation 3s imported into Europe confiscated by customs for at least ten days. Those are apparently now already being stockpiled in Dutch warehouses while the drama plays out, and there remains a possibility that the injunction will be extended even further, which would almost certainly lead to a shortage of PS3s on store shelves -- as the Guardian notes, retailers generally have two to three weeks worth of stock on hand across the continent. Not surprisingly, Sony is said to be "frantically" trying to get the ban lifted, but it isn't making any public comments on the matter at the moment.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

PlayStation 3 shipments to Europe now being seized after LG wins injunction against Sony originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandisputeeuropeinjunctionlgpatentpatent disputepatent infringementPatentDisputePatentInfringementplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonyukMon, 28 Feb 2011 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[LG files ITC complaint against Sony, goes blow for blow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/lg-files-itc-complaint-against-sony-goes-blow-for-blow/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/lg-files-itc-complaint-against-sony-goes-blow-for-blow/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/lg-files-itc-complaint-against-sony-goes-blow-for-blow/#comments Late last year, Sony smacked LG with claims of patent infringement, and now the Korean company is swinging back with complaints of its own. LG reportedly filed two claims with the ITC on February 4th, accusing Sony devices -- including Bravia and PlayStation 3 -- of stepping on eight separate LG patents. We knew something like this couldn't be far behind Sony's ITC filing and accompanying federal court case, and we're equally unmoved to hear LG is firing back with its very own civil suit, recently filed in California. Last year we saw patent infringement suits spread like meningitis in a college dorm, and if this dispute is any sign, we can expect to see more of the same in 2011. Let the litigation begin!

LG files ITC complaint against Sony, goes blow for blow originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Braviainfringementinternational trade commissionInternationalTradeCommissionITClawlawsuitlegalLGpatentpatent infringementpatent lawsuitPatentInfringementPatentLawsuitPlayStation 3Playstation3SonysuitTue, 08 Feb 2011 21:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony, Fujifilm patents are half-camera, half-origami]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/sony-fujifilm-patents-are-half-camera-half-origami/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/sony-fujifilm-patents-are-half-camera-half-origami/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/sony-fujifilm-patents-are-half-camera-half-origami/#comments Point and shoot cameras are tricky to hold still, but the powers that be thought up a crazy fix -- build bending, sliding, transforming grips right into the body of the camera. Sony's patented the idea you see immediately above, which turns the sliding lens cover into a handle using tiny hinges (or perhaps electrorheological fluid, we're not sure). Amazingly enough, the basic concept actually isn't new: Sony itself references a Fujifilm patent whose cover-turned-grip protects the rear LCD instead. Neither look terribly comfortable, but which would you rather choose: a pocketable camera that snaps stable single-handed shots, or one that monopolizes your fingertips? Take a gander at one of Fujifilm's proposed designs after the break.

Continue reading Sony, Fujifilm patents are half-camera, half-origami

Sony, Fujifilm patents are half-camera, half-origami originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameracamerascoverfoldfoldinggriplens coverLensCoverpatentpoint and shootPointAndShootSonytransformtransformingWed, 02 Feb 2011 00:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony files ITC complaint about LG, adds another patent infringement lawsuit to the stack]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/sony-files-itc-complaint-about-lg-adds-another-patent-infringem/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/sony-files-itc-complaint-about-lg-adds-another-patent-infringem/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/sony-files-itc-complaint-about-lg-adds-another-patent-infringem/#comments Did the world's tech giants just discover they have lawyers on retainer? That's certainly how it seems, as company after company has decided 'tis the season to target the competition with patent infringement allegations. Sony, the latest, is aiming squarely at LG, claiming that the Korean manufacturer's violating eight patents with its mobile devices -- including the LG Fathom, Xenon, Neon, Remarq, Rumor 2, Lotus Elite and VL600 LTE modem -- claiming that these devices transmit variable-bandwidth audio streams, live-preview camera snapshots, hand off cellular calls and more in ways that infringe Sony's intellectual property. Sony's now filed both an ITC complaint in an attempt to ban new product shipments from the US, and a lawsuit in federal court that will no doubt seek monetary damages. Now, if recent history is any indication, LG will turn around and smack Sony with a patent stack of its own, and we'll all go back to dreaming about LG devices we'd actually care to purchase.

Sony files ITC complaint about LG, adds another patent infringement lawsuit to the stack originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fathominternational trade commissionInternationalTradeCommissionITClawsuitlgLG ElectronicsLgElectronicslotus eliteLotusEliteNeonpatentpatent infringementpatent lawsuitPatentInfringementPatentLawsuitremarqrumor 2Rumor2SONYVL600xenonWed, 29 Dec 2010 22:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony fires barrage of touchscreen patent applications, only one points at new PSP]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/sony-fires-barrage-of-touchscreen-patent-applications-only-one/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/sony-fires-barrage-of-touchscreen-patent-applications-only-one/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/sony-fires-barrage-of-touchscreen-patent-applications-only-one/#comments Lawyers for Sony Computer Entertainment America must have been mighty busy last October, hatching the wild scheme that came to light this week -- a series of eight intertwining patent applications all describing a single device with an intriguing touchscreen interface. Though it's hard to tell what form the final device might take -- the apps suggest sliders, clamshells and slates -- a few distinct ideas bubble to the surface, and we'll knock them out one by one. First, the inventors seem to be rather particular about having a touchpad that's separate from the main screen -- perhaps even on its back like the rumored PSP2 -- and Sony's trying to patent a way to manipulate objects through the screen as well. Second, there's a lot of mumbo-jumbo about being able to "enhance" or "transform" the user interface in response to different forms of input, which seems to boil down to this: Sony's trying to get some multitouch up in there, especially pinch-to-zoom.

Last but not least, the company's looking to cordon off a section of touchscreen buttons, including a 'paste' command, and patent a "prediction engine" that would dynamically change the onscreen layout based on your past behavior. If most of these ideas sound more at home in a new tablet computer rather than a gaming handheld, then great minds think alike. Still, SCEA is Sony's gaming division -- forlorn Linux computing aside -- so consider us stumped for now.

Sony fires barrage of touchscreen patent applications, only one points at new PSP originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gesturegesturesmulti touchmulti-touchmultitouchpatentpatent applicationpatent applicationsPatentApplicationPatentApplicationspatentspinch to zoomPinchToZoomprediction enginePredictionEnginePSPPSP 2Psp2SCEASonySony Computer EntertainmentSony Computer Entertainment AmericaSonyComputerEntertainmentSonyComputerEntertainmentAmericatouchscreenSun, 28 Nov 2010 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony stereoscopic screen sharing patent puts two players on one display]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/sony-stereoscopic-screen-sharing-patent-puts-two-players-on-one/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/sony-stereoscopic-screen-sharing-patent-puts-two-players-on-one/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/sony-stereoscopic-screen-sharing-patent-puts-two-players-on-one/#comments
After that last bummer, where Sony applied for a patent "feature erosion" in game demos, we're glad to see the company come up with something positive for the gamers among us. Two recent patent apps, titled "Stereoscopic Screen Sharing Method and Apparatus Patent" and "3D Shutter Glasses with Mode Switching Based on Orientation to Display Device," detail the use of stereoscopic 3D technology to let two individual players see different information on the same screen (you might remember that Microsoft has also been working on something similar). Not only that, but the glasses could have earbuds -- for separate audio feeds. Of course, you'd need a 3D display for this to work, and you'd need to wear those silly glasses -- but that's a small price to pay to get rid of the ol' split screen, don't you think? [Warning: PDF source links]

Sony stereoscopic screen sharing patent puts two players on one display originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d glasses3D Shutter Glasses with Mode Switching Based on Orientation to D3dGlasses3dShutterGlassesWithModeSwitchingBasedOnOrientationToDisplayDevigamingmulti-playermultiplayerpatentscreen sharingScreenSharingsonysplit screenSplitScreenstereoscopicstereoscopic screen sharingStereoscopic Screen Sharing Method and Apparatus PatentStereoscopicScreenSharingStereoscopicScreenSharingMethodAndApparatusPatentTue, 20 Jul 2010 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Would you buy a voice-controlled camera, or perhaps a DSLR with touchsceen?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/would-you-buy-a-voice-controlled-camera-or-perhaps-a-dslr-with/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/would-you-buy-a-voice-controlled-camera-or-perhaps-a-dslr-with/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/would-you-buy-a-voice-controlled-camera-or-perhaps-a-dslr-with/#comments Do you talk to your digital camera? Perhaps stroke its glossy LCD? If a pair of recent patent applications are any indication, those mildly creepy gestures might one day actually do something. Sony's just laid claim to a DSLR touchscreen that can be manipulated by thumb even while the rest of one's face is smushed up against the viewfinder, and Canon's got its eye on technology that lets shooters activate advanced camera functions using simple voice control. The latter wouldn't be limited to "fire," but could potentially be directed to switch modes, stops and even zoom in and out of the frame. It wouldn't necessarily substitute for a remote as there are just two modes, "close-talking" for speech uttered when using the viewfinder, and "non-close-talking" when you line up shots on the LCD display. Neat as they are, these alternatives to physical controls make some at Engadget HQ quite sad, but we understand that minimalism is the word of the day.

Would you buy a voice-controlled camera, or perhaps a DSLR with touchsceen? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CanonDSLRpatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationpatentedpatentsSonyspeech controlspeech recognitionSpeechControlSpeechRecognitiontouch controlTouchControltouchscreenvoice controlvoice recognitionVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionWed, 09 Jun 2010 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patent application points to dual-screen, dual-use tablet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/sony-patent-application-points-to-dual-screen-dual-use-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/sony-patent-application-points-to-dual-screen-dual-use-tablet/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/sony-patent-application-points-to-dual-screen-dual-use-tablet/#comments
We never put too much faith in patent applications leading to actual products, but we can't help but get a little bit excited about the possibilities presented by a recent Sony application for a dual-screen tablet. Described specifically as an "electronic book with enhanced features," the device would sport two screens that could take on a different functionality depending on how the device is oriented -- functioning as an e-reader when in portrait mode, and displaying a keyboard on the lower screen when placed on a table, for instance. Now, this obviously has a few similarities to the Courier, and even more to Microsoft's earlier Codex project (with its "Battleship posture"), but Sony does seem to have put a slightly unique spin on things, and has even thrown in a few more ideas of its own -- even mentioning solar charging in its claims for the application.

Sony patent application points to dual-screen, dual-use tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 May 2010 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dual-screendual-screen tabletDual-screenTablete booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readerspatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationsolarsolar chargersolar chargingsolar powerSolarChargerSolarChargingSolarPowersonytabletFri, 28 May 2010 19:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo escapes patent troll in appeals court -- thanks to Sony]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/14/nintendo-escapes-patent-troll-in-appeals-court-thanks-to-sony/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/14/nintendo-escapes-patent-troll-in-appeals-court-thanks-to-sony/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/14/nintendo-escapes-patent-troll-in-appeals-court-thanks-to-sony/#comments
 About, oh -- four years ago -- a little Texas company called Anascape sued Nintendo and Microsoft for ostensibly violating its controller patents. Microsoft settled. Nintendo didn't. Anascape won. One $21 million judgment, two years and countless legal bills later, Nintendo has finally emerged victorious over the patent troll. This week, a Federal Circuit Court overturned two earlier decisions, ruling that Nintendo's GameCube, WaveBird and Wii Classic Controllers don't violate Anascape's six-degrees-of-freedom patent, because Anascape only added that 6DOF claim to its patent in 2000... making Sony's original DualShock controller -- released in 1998 -- prior art. Game, set, match.

Nintendo escapes patent troll in appeals court -- thanks to Sony originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 03:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anascapecontrollergame controllerGameControllerlawsuitlegalNintendopatentpatent lawsuitpatent trollPatent TrollsPatentLawsuitPatentTrollPatentTrollsSonyWed, 14 Apr 2010 03:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony wants to patent 'feature erosion' in game demos, illustrates the idea vividly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/sony-patents-degradable-video-game-demos-illustrates-the-idea/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/sony-patents-degradable-video-game-demos-illustrates-the-idea/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/sony-patents-degradable-video-game-demos-illustrates-the-idea/#comments Want more evidence of the patent degradation of modern society? Well, here's Sony with its latest idea for selling games. The feature-eroding demo concept gives the user the full game to start off with, but then grows increasingly more limited the more you play it. In racing games, that means the number of tracks you can race on gradually dwindles, whereas in classically themed smack-em-ups like God of War your sword, erm... well, it also dwindles. We're kind of on the fence about this -- on the one hand, it's hilariously insulting to the user as it perpetually nags him about what a cheapskate he is for not purchasing the entire game, and yet on the other it does at least let you taste the full breadth of the game, albeit for a limited time. However you may feel, this is still at the application stage, but given the patent office's recent track record, there's no reason why Sony should be denied the rights over this supposed innovation.

Sony wants to patent 'feature erosion' in game demos, illustrates the idea vividly originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applicationconsoleconsolesdegradabledegradable demoDegradableDemodemodemosgame demoGameDemogamesgaminglawpatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3sceasonysony playstationSonyPlaystationtrialFri, 05 Mar 2010 13:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patent application reveals universal, LCD-based game controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/sony-patent-application-reveals-universal-lcd-based-game-contro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/sony-patent-application-reveals-universal-lcd-based-game-contro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/sony-patent-application-reveals-universal-lcd-based-game-contro/#comments
Well, here's a bit of an odd one. A recent patent application from Sony has not only revealed an LCD-based game controller (which would be notable enough in itself), but an LCD-based, universal game controller that's designed to work with more than one game console. As you can see above, the touchscreen would be able to accommodate various buttons and layouts for different consoles -- Sony even curiously mentions consoles like the Amiga CD-32 and Atari Jaguar (for emulation, perhaps?), in addition to Microsoft and Nintendo -- and the screen itself would be housed in what Sony describes as a "game controller skin." Of course, this is still just an application for a patent, and we're pretty sure Sony is focused on another controller at the moment.

[Thanks, Anand]

Sony patent application reveals universal, LCD-based game controller originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game controllerGameControllerlcd game controllerLcdGameControllerpatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationplaystation 3 motion controllerPlaystation3MotionControllerPlaystationPortablesonyuniversal game controllerUniversalGameControllerFri, 19 Feb 2010 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's PlayStation motion controller patents venture into abstract realms]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/08/sonys-playstation-motion-controller-patents-venture-into-abstra/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/08/sonys-playstation-motion-controller-patents-venture-into-abstra/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/08/sonys-playstation-motion-controller-patents-venture-into-abstra/#comments We've seen plenty of PlayStation motion control patents from Sony, some of them surprisingly similar to what we've actually observed of the as-yet-unnamed controller. This new one, however, gets a little odd. The basic structure seems familiar, but Sony's recently-filed patent application deals with add-ons in wild ways that not even the peripheral-happy folks at Nintendo have envisioned. Our favorite is probably the double-ender (Fig. 6B for those of you following along at home), which is probably the most assured recipe for a little brother's bloody nose to be run by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office since the longstaff was invented. So, does this mean more cash to shell out for a "full" PS3 motion control experience? We can't imagine Sony being gung-ho about that strategy in the face of the (as yet) add-on free Project Natal, but we suppose we'll just have to wait and find out.

Sony's PlayStation motion controller patents venture into abstract realms originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>motion controlmotion controllerMotionControlMotionControllerpatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationplaystationplaystation motion controllerplaystation movePlaystationMotionControllerPlaystationMoveps3 motion controllerPs3MotionControllersonyTue, 08 Dec 2009 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/sony-and-vizio-ditch-the-courtroom-clear-up-licensing-issues/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/sony-and-vizio-ditch-the-courtroom-clear-up-licensing-issues/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/sony-and-vizio-ditch-the-courtroom-clear-up-licensing-issues/#comments
 VIZIO sure ends up in a whole lot of legal battles, but one way or another, it always seems to find its way out in the long run. Such is the case once again today, as the current LCD TV king has apparently said all the right things to Sony. If you'll recall, Sony (along with a slew of others) filed suit against Vizio awhile back over patent licensing concerns, but now it seems the two have reached a mutual agreement to use each other's technologies without bickering over who owns what. The release on the matter states that Sony "has become a licensee under VIZIO's patent portfolio," and that "VIZIO now is a licensee under Sony's color television patent portfolio." Who knows how much under-the-table cash and shaky promises had to be passed along in order to make everyone happy, but hey, a problem solved is a problem solved.

[Image courtesy of TooMuchNick / WireImage]

Update: Sony's response to all of this is after the break, courtesy of a company spokesperson who pinged us directly.

Continue reading Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues

Filed under: , ,

Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementcourthdhdtvlawsuitlcdlcd hdtvlcd tvLcdHdtvLcdTvlegallicensingotherspatentpatent disputePatent InfringementPatentDisputePatentInfringementsettlementsonysuesuittelevisiontvvizioThu, 29 Oct 2009 09:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/sony-and-vizio-ditch-the-courtroom-clear-up-licensing-issues/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/sony-and-vizio-ditch-the-courtroom-clear-up-licensing-issues/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/sony-and-vizio-ditch-the-courtroom-clear-up-licensing-issues/#comments
 VIZIO sure ends up in a whole lot of legal battles, but one way or another, it always seems to find its way out in the long run. Such is the case once again today, as the current LCD TV king has apparently said all the right things to Sony. If you'll recall, Sony (along with a slew of others) filed suit against Vizio awhile back over patent licensing concerns, but now it seems the two have reached a mutual agreement to use each other's technologies without bickering over who owns what. The release on the matter states that Sony "has become a licensee under VIZIO's patent portfolio," and that "VIZIO now is a licensee under Sony's color television patent portfolio." Who knows how much under-the-table cash and shaky promises had to be passed along in order to make everyone happy, but hey, a problem solved is a problem solved.

[Image courtesy of TooMuchNick / WireImage]

Update: Sony's response to all of this is after the break, courtesy of a company spokesperson who pinged us directly.

Continue reading Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues

Filed under: , ,

Sony and VIZIO ditch the courtroom, clear up licensing issues originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agreementcourthdtvlawsuitlcdlcd hdtvlcd tvLcdHdtvLcdTvlegallicensingpatentpatent disputePatent InfringementPatentDisputePatentInfringementsettlementsonysuesuittelevisiontvvizioThu, 29 Oct 2009 09:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony nabs patent for everyday object motion detection: the fragile glass of your TV won't know what hit it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/05/sony-nabs-patent-for-everyday-object-motion-detection-the-fragi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/05/sony-nabs-patent-for-everyday-object-motion-detection-the-fragi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/05/sony-nabs-patent-for-everyday-object-motion-detection-the-fragi/#comments All we've got to say is that they'd better be selling seats to the first living room demonstration of this tech when somebody gets cute and grabs a real baseball bat for a demo. Sony has filed a patent for technology using the PlayStation Eye which can detect regular objects in 3D space and file them away in a database for later use in gameplay. Naturally, the camera already does object motion detection of a sort with the blocky embedded codes on Eye of Judgement cards, but this seems to be taking that tech to a new level, and would imply that you won't necessarily need to be waggling that goofy ball-on-a-stick controller that Sony demoed at E3 for all upcoming motion control titles for the PS3. But for some reason we're sure we should be scared of whatever combination it does turn out to be.

[Via Joystiq]

Filed under: ,

Sony nabs patent for everyday object motion detection: the fragile glass of your TV won't know what hit it originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eyemotion controlmotion controllerMotionControlMotionControllerpatentplaystationplaystation eyeplaystation motion controllerplaystation movePlaystationEyePlaystationMotionControllerPlaystationMoveps3sonySun, 05 Jul 2009 10:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson's facial recognition patent plays the perfect song to complement your mood]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/sony-ericssons-facial-recognition-patent-plays-the-perfect-song/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/sony-ericssons-facial-recognition-patent-plays-the-perfect-song/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/sony-ericssons-facial-recognition-patent-plays-the-perfect-song/#comments We don't expect this to be indicative of any near-term projects for the now financially hindered phone maker, but one of Sony Ericsson's recently unearthed patents paves the way for some interesting uses. From what we gather, while listening to music on your device, a picture of your face would be taken. That image would then be run through software that interprets your mood, and an appropriate next song based on those emotions would be picked -- so much for the art of mixtapes. Presumably, it'd also require a phone or device with a camera mounted on the same side as the screen, so unless mobile video conferencing takes off in a huge way, we can't see people paying extra for a phone or device with this configuration. And if you just got dumped over SMS, we hope it doesn't intepret those tears as a good time to play that Damien Rice song you two fell in love with. Hit up the read link for the full patent details.

[Via Slash Gear]

Filed under: ,

Sony Ericsson's facial recognition patent plays the perfect song to complement your mood originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 23:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audio playerAudioPlayercameracell phoneCellPhonedapdigital audio playerdigital media playerDigitalAudioPlayerDigitalMediaPlayerdmpericssonfaceface recognitionFaceRecognitionfacialfacial recognitionFacialRecognitionmedia playerMediaPlayermobilemusicmusic playermusic selectionMusicPlayerMusicSelectionpatentpatentsphone cameraPhoneCamerasonysony ericssonSonyEricssonThu, 21 May 2009 23:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson's facial recognition patent plays the perfect song to complement your mood]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/sony-ericssons-facial-recognition-patent-plays-the-perfect-song/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/sony-ericssons-facial-recognition-patent-plays-the-perfect-song/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/sony-ericssons-facial-recognition-patent-plays-the-perfect-song/#comments We don't expect this to be indicative of any near-term projects for the now financially hindered phone maker, but one of Sony Ericsson's recently unearthed patents paves the way for some interesting uses. From what we gather, while listening to music on your device, a picture of your face would be taken. That image would then be run through software that interprets your mood, and an appropriate next song based on those emotions would be picked -- so much for the art of mixtapes. Presumably, it'd also require a phone or device with a camera mounted on the same side as the screen, so unless mobile video conferencing takes off in a huge way, we can't see people paying extra for a phone or device with this configuration. And if you just got dumped over SMS, we hope it doesn't intepret those tears as a good time to play that Damien Rice song you two fell in love with. Hit up the read link for the full patent details.

[Via Slash Gear]

Filed under: ,

Sony Ericsson's facial recognition patent plays the perfect song to complement your mood originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 23:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audio playerAudioPlayercameracell phoneCellPhonedapdigital audio playerdigital media playerDigitalAudioPlayerDigitalMediaPlayerdmpericssonfaceface recognitionFaceRecognitionfacialfacial recognitionFacialRecognitionmedia playerMediaPlayermusicmusic playermusic selectionMusicPlayerMusicSelectionpatentpatentsphone cameraPhoneCameraportable audioportableaudiosonysony ericssonSonyEricssonThu, 21 May 2009 23:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony sued for cheating man out of rumble patents]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/24/sony-sued-for-cheating-man-out-of-rumble-patents/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/24/sony-sued-for-cheating-man-out-of-rumble-patents/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/24/sony-sued-for-cheating-man-out-of-rumble-patents/#comments
Two years after we thought it was all over, it sounds like the saga of Sony, Immersion, and the rumblin' DualShock has yet another chapter: a New Jersey electrical engineer named Craig Thorner is now suing Sony and its attorneys, claiming that he was more or less duped out of one of his patents in a shady deal designed to help Sony and PDP/Electrosource beat Immersion's cases against them. Oh yeah, it's a tangled mess -- Thorner first signed over his patent to Immersion, hoping to score a little slice of royalty pie when the lawsuit settled, but then took it back when he decided Immersion wasn't pursuing it hard enough and signed it over to PDP/Electrosource, who promised him $150,000. So where does Sony come in? Thorner says PDP and Sony were teamed up to beat Immersion, and that Sony was secretly the one licensing the patent but trying to remain out of the picture to keep the price down -- and he's got proof, in the form of a $150,000 wire transfer between the two companies. Not only that, but Sony's attorneys apparently promised Thorner that they could "wear two hats" during negotiations and represent both him and Sony, which is ten kinds of shady. You can guess what happened next: Sony lost, PDP settled, and Immersion sued Thorner for breaking his agreement -- and Sony's attorneys didn't help him defend the lawsuit. Did we say ten kinds of shady? Eleven kinds. Of course, it's doubtful that Thorner is totally innocent here, so it'll be interesting to see how Sony responds, but at this point we're treating the DualShock 3 as a miracle of nature and leaving it at that.

[Via Joystiq]

Read - GamePolitics article (with PDF of the complaint)
Read - Law.com article

Filed under:

Sony sued for cheating man out of rumble patents originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craig thornerCraigThornerdual shockdual shock 3DualShockDualShock3immersionlawsuitlegalpatentplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3ps3rumblesonyFri, 24 Apr 2009 13:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patents PSP-controlled spy car]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/11/sony-patents-psp-controlled-spy-car/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/11/sony-patents-psp-controlled-spy-car/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/11/sony-patents-psp-controlled-spy-car/#comments
Check it out, all you budding G. Gordon Liddys -- if the usual assortment of spy gadgets isn't doing the job, Sony's got something in the works that should be right up your alley. According to a little site called Siliconera, Sony's European arm has filed a patent for a remote-controlled car uses the PSP as an interface. This bad boy is equipped with a camera that feeds video back to the hand held and allows the user to upload the footage to a website. If that weren't all, the patent makes mention of an augmented reality racing game incorporating virtual markers and paths that the players physically create -- that is, the junk in your apartment is incorporated into on-screen game play. Innocent fun, right? Well, perhaps -- at least until Iran gets involved. They're still pretty bent by the whole squirrel thing.

[Via Joystiq]

Filed under:

Sony patents PSP-controlled spy car originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmented realityAugmentedRealityespionageg. gordon liddyG.GordonLiddypatentpsprace carRaceCarracingsonysony pspSonyPspspyspy gearSpyGearSat, 11 Apr 2009 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony, Nintendo and Nokia sued for making gaming devices that do stuff]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/24/sony-nintendo-and-nokia-sued-for-making-gaming-devices-that-do/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/24/sony-nintendo-and-nokia-sued-for-making-gaming-devices-that-do/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/24/sony-nintendo-and-nokia-sued-for-making-gaming-devices-that-do/#commentsWhile most folks welcome gaming devices that do more than simply play games, Texas-based Wall Wireless LLC seems to think that's a bit over the line, at least when it's not getting a piece of the action. More specifically, the little known company says that Sony, Nintendo, and Nokia are infringing on its patent for a "Method and Apparatus for Creating and Distributing Real-Time Interactive Media Content Through Wireless Communication Networks and the Internet," which apparently relates to someone distributing "messages having aural or visual content that is generated by the operator using handheld apparatuses such as mobile telephones." According to Wall Wireless, that patent not only covers the DS and PSP, but specific games like Mario Kart and Wipeout Pulse, and a whole host of Nokia's game-playing phones, including the N95, N93, and N82. As a result, it's seeking a permanent injunction against the allegedly infringing companies lest it be "irreparably harmed," as well as the usual damages, expenses, and attorney's fees, not to mention "pre-judgment and post-judgment interest."

[Via Register Hardware]

Filed under: , ,

Sony, Nintendo and Nokia sued for making gaming devices that do stuff originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lawsuitmobilenintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnokiapatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementpspsonysony pspSonyPspwall wirelesswall wireless llcWallWirelessWallWirelessLlcTue, 24 Feb 2009 18:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony, Nintendo and Nokia sued for making gaming devices that do stuff]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/24/sony-nintendo-and-nokia-sued-for-making-gaming-devices-that-do/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/24/sony-nintendo-and-nokia-sued-for-making-gaming-devices-that-do/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/24/sony-nintendo-and-nokia-sued-for-making-gaming-devices-that-do/#commentsWhile most folks welcome gaming devices that do more than simply play games, Texas-based Wall Wireless LLC seems to think that's a bit over the line, at least when it's not getting a piece of the action. More specifically, the little known company says that Sony, Nintendo, and Nokia are infringing on its patent for a "Method and Apparatus for Creating and Distributing Real-Time Interactive Media Content Through Wireless Communication Networks and the Internet," which apparently relates to someone distributing "messages having aural or visual content that is generated by the operator using handheld apparatuses such as mobile telephones." According to Wall Wireless, that patent not only covers the DS and PSP, but specific games like Mario Kart and Wipeout Pulse, and a whole host of Nokia's game-playing phones, including the N95, N93, and N82. As a result, it's seeking a permanent injunction against the allegedly infringing companies lest it be "irreparably harmed," as well as the usual damages, expenses, and attorney's fees, not to mention "pre-judgment and post-judgment interest."

[Via Register Hardware]

Filed under: ,

Sony, Nintendo and Nokia sued for making gaming devices that do stuff originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lawsuitnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnokiapatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementpspsonysony pspSonyPspwall wirelesswall wireless llcWallWirelessWallWirelessLlcTue, 24 Feb 2009 18:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Patent app for touchscreen printer from Sony Surfaces]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/28/patent-app-for-touch-screen-printer-from-sony-surfaces/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/28/patent-app-for-touch-screen-printer-from-sony-surfaces/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/28/patent-app-for-touch-screen-printer-from-sony-surfaces/#commentsPatent app for touch-screen printer from Sony surfaces
An interesting concept from Sony has come to light courtesy of the US Patent & Trademark Office, deftly titled: "Image forming device, having an ejection tray, and a display is mounted to a cover." That's a lot of words to describe what is basically a Surface-like touchscreen mounted onto a flat, clamshell printer (shown open after the break). The idea is for users to set their cameras down, view and manipulate images wirelessly, and then print them directly to honest to gosh paper. It appears to be quite a bit smaller than Microsoft's uber-table, and a lot less likely to get Al Roker's groove on too, but it also looks rather more practical and affordable; something you might actually expect to see in someone's home in the next few years. But, don't get too excited about the real-world prospects here -- your guess is as good as ours about Sony's plans for bringing this to market.

Continue reading Patent app for touchscreen printer from Sony Surfaces

Filed under:

Patent app for touchscreen printer from Sony Surfaces originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoft surfaceMicrosoftSurfacepatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationprintersonysurfacetableusptoWed, 28 Jan 2009 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony loses patent suit, ordered to pay $18.5 million]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/sony-loses-patent-suit-ordered-to-pay-18-5-million/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/sony-loses-patent-suit-ordered-to-pay-18-5-million/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/20/sony-loses-patent-suit-ordered-to-pay-18-5-million/#commentsSony loses patent suit, ordered to pay $18.5 million
Way back in 2006, Lucent-spin off Agere Systems filed a lawsuit against Sony, claiming the electronics behemoth had infringed on not one, not two, but eight of its patents. As it turns out a prior deal with Lucent gave Sony the rights to use seven of those, but that one unlicensed patent became Sony's weak point, allowing Agere's lawyers to inflict massive damage(s). The jury's findings state not only that Sony wrongly utilized Agere's intellectual property in the mylo, Network Walkman, and the PSP, but that there was "clear and convincing evidence that such infringement was willful." In other words: big payout, in this case an eye-opening $18.5 million. Don't blame us Sony, we told you to settle! [Warning: PDF read link]

[Via PSP Fanboy]

Filed under:

Sony loses patent suit, ordered to pay $18.5 million originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agere systemsAgereSystemsintellectual propertyIntellectualPropertylawsuitmylonetwork walkmanNetworkWalkmanpatentpspsonyThu, 20 Nov 2008 09:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Vizio caves on patent dispute and joins MPEG-LA licensees, gobble gobble]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/18/vizio-caves-on-patent-dispute-and-joins-mpeg-la-licensees-gabba/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/18/vizio-caves-on-patent-dispute-and-joins-mpeg-la-licensees-gabba/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/18/vizio-caves-on-patent-dispute-and-joins-mpeg-la-licensees-gabba/#comments
Chalk another one up for MPEG-LA, as the licensing group's members have dropped lawsuits against Vizio stemming from the one-time value HDTV company's refusal to license MPEG-2 technology, claiming it's suppliers had already paid the necessary fees. Despite Amtran's pleas, just like Target's TruTech brand televisions and DVD players, that argument appears to have quickly folded, . It remains to be seen what direct effect this will have on price, but between this and Vizio's notable Black Friday absence they must be serious about changing to a more upscale image, we wonder if Sony will invite them to a special reception. (Warning: PDF read link)

Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Vizio caves on patent dispute and joins MPEG-LA licensees, gobble gobble originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amtranhdjvclawsuitmitsubishimpeg-2mpeg-laotherspatentphilipssamsungsonysuppliertargettrutechvizioTue, 18 Nov 2008 05:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony patent app details motion sensing break-apart controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/31/sony-patent-app-details-motion-sensing-break-apart-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/31/sony-patent-app-details-motion-sensing-break-apart-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/31/sony-patent-app-details-motion-sensing-break-apart-controller/#comments
We heard some pretty far-fetched stuff back in June to the tune of a break-apart DualShock 3, and lo and behold, it seems that someone at Sony Computer Entertainment America is taking the idea quite seriously. A recent patent application was filed by the company, and it fairly clearly lays out the very kind of design we'd (not really) been expecting. In essence, the gamepad would consist of two pieces, each of which would utilize an "ultrasonic tracking system" for some type of game console / peripheral to recognize 3D inputs. Best of all, the approach here sounds significantly different enough from what's used in the Wiimote that Sony could avoid months upon months of litigation -- imagine that, right? It's hard to say whether this stroke of genius will ever amount to anything, but at least there's a chance, however minuscule.

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

Filed under: ,

Sony patent app details motion sensing break-apart controller originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dcontrollergamingmotion sensingMotionSensingpatentpatent apppatent applicationPatentAppPatentApplicationplaystationplaystation 3playstation 4Playstation3Playstation4ps3ps4SCEAsensingsensorsensorssonytrackingultrasonicFri, 31 Oct 2008 00:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson patent app takes the tedium out of zooming your camera]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/03/sony-ericsson-patent-app-takes-the-tedium-out-of-zooming-your-ca/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/03/sony-ericsson-patent-app-takes-the-tedium-out-of-zooming-your-ca/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/03/sony-ericsson-patent-app-takes-the-tedium-out-of-zooming-your-ca/#comments
It's a beautiful autumn day, and you're out in the wooded path beyond the railroad tracks just taking it all in and killing some time. Hey, what's that? Why, it's the cutest bunny rabbit you've ever seen! Time to pull out that 8-megapixel C905 and... oh, this sucks, you actually have to press a button to zoom in and out! Screw this noise -- you're a visionary photographer, not a manual laborer. Happily, Sony Ericsson feels your pain, and a new patent application reveals that they're hard at work on a system to control your cameraphone's zoom level simply by moving it back and forth. Just get the phone closer to the subject, and boom, welcome to telephoto city, population one. We're still totally cool with the old-fashioned way of capturing Pulitzer-winning shots, but we're happy that someone's thinking of this type of stuff so we don't have to -- that'd be work.

[Via Unwired View]

Filed under: ,

Sony Ericsson patent app takes the tedium out of zooming your camera originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameraericssonpatentsonysony ericssonSonyEricssonFri, 03 Oct 2008 02:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson patent app takes the tedium out of zooming your camera]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/03/sony-ericsson-patent-app-takes-the-tedium-out-of-zooming-your-ca/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/03/sony-ericsson-patent-app-takes-the-tedium-out-of-zooming-your-ca/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/03/sony-ericsson-patent-app-takes-the-tedium-out-of-zooming-your-ca/#comments
It's a beautiful autumn day, and you're out in the wooded path beyond the railroad tracks just taking it all in and killing some time. Hey, what's that? Why, it's the cutest bunny rabbit you've ever seen! Time to pull out that 8-megapixel C905 and... oh, this sucks, you actually have to press a button to zoom in and out! Screw this noise -- you're a visionary photographer, not a manual laborer. Happily, Sony Ericsson feels your pain, and a new patent application reveals that they're hard at work on a system to control your cameraphone's zoom level simply by moving it back and forth. Just get the phone closer to the subject, and boom, welcome to telephoto city, population one. We're still totally cool with the old-fashioned way of capturing Pulitzer-winning shots, but we're happy that someone's thinking of this type of stuff so we don't have to -- that'd be work.

[Via Unwired View]

Filed under:

Sony Ericsson patent app takes the tedium out of zooming your camera originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameraericssonmobilepatentsonysony ericssonSonyEricssonFri, 03 Oct 2008 02:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony applies for "tactile pixel" haptic touchscreen patent]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/30/sony-applies-for-tactile-pixel-haptic-touchscreen-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/30/sony-applies-for-tactile-pixel-haptic-touchscreen-patent/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/30/sony-applies-for-tactile-pixel-haptic-touchscreen-patent/#comments
It's never clear how a company plans on implementing a given patent, but Sony's patent application for a haptic touchscreen composed of "tactile pixels" lists former Sony Computer Entertainment chief Phil Harrison as the inventor and makes several references to potential use in "a game device" and to "game events," so it's a safe bet that it was at least developed with the PSP in mind. The patent app describes a sophisticated haptic feedback system that goes well beyond the basic rumble of today's device -- the pixels themselves are able to move up and down between two positions, providing direct feedback to user actions. That's certainly an interesting idea, but like all patent news, we're not going to hold out hope for it to surface in a consumer device anytime soon -- but we're willing to be surprised, you know?

[Via PSP Fanboy]

Filed under: ,

Sony applies for "tactile pixel" haptic touchscreen patent originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>haptichaptic feedbackhaptic touchscreenHapticFeedbackHapticTouchscreenpatentplaystationplaystation portablePlaystationPortablepspsonytactile feedbacktactile pixelsTactileFeedbackTactilePixelstouchscreenMon, 30 Jun 2008 20:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi (and the world) sue Vizio over MPEG-2 patents]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/05/mitsubishi-and-the-world-sue-vizio-over-mpeg-2-patents/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/05/mitsubishi-and-the-world-sue-vizio-over-mpeg-2-patents/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/05/mitsubishi-and-the-world-sue-vizio-over-mpeg-2-patents/#commentsIt's no secret the rest of the display industry hasn't been happy with Vizio shaking up the low end with its cheap HDTVs, and now Mitsubishi and others have joined in a lawsuit accusing the manufacturer of refusing to license necessary patents. The 15 patents allegedly violated are for MPEG-2 compression that Mitsu, Sony, Samsung, Philips, Thomson, JVC and Columbia University of New York claim Vizio refuses to license. Vizio says it don't need no stinking licenses, since its suppliers already have them and it believes these licenses extend to its products. MPEG-LA also filed a similar suit against Target's TruTech house brand of televisions; while we'll have to wait for a ruling on the case to see who is right, it seems if they can't compete with these lower prices, other manufacturers will make sure cheap HDTVs cost more to make. For its part, Vizio says it does not believe this suit will have a materially adverse impact on its business, so for now, let the low-price flat screens roll.

Read - Mitsubishi, Samsung Sue Vizio Over Video Patents
Read - VIZIO Comments on MPEG-2 Lawsuit By Electronics Competitors

Filed under:

Mitsubishi (and the world) sue Vizio over MPEG-2 patents originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdtvjvclawsuitlcdmitsubishimpeg-2mpeg-lapatentphilipsplasmasamsungsonytargettrutechvizioThu, 05 Jun 2008 14:40:00 EST