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Geek Culture / lol wut? Worlds.com patent killing the industry?

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MiRRoRMaN 64
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Posted: 31st Dec 2008 19:54
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Check out this patent filed by Worlds.com:

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=2&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=%22Worlds.com%22&OS=%22Worlds.com%22&RS=%22Worlds.com%22

Quote: "Network-based three-dimensional multiple-user shared environment apparatus and method

Abstract

A client computer program provides instructions for a processor to locate and retrieve rich media and HTML files for running in a three-dimensional graphical user interface. The program provides instructions for the processor to generate a three-dimensional (3D) graphical user interface on a display. Then, the processor generates a metaphorical user object for navigating and interacting in the three dimensions within the environment via navigational and interactional inputs, respectively, from a user. The processor also integrates an HTML object into the environment, and interacts the user object with the HTML object in response to an interactional input from the user. Preferably, the processor generates one or more additional user objects for additional users. Each of the additional user objects can also interact with the HTML object, the first user object and/or each other within the environment in response to interactional inputs from the additional users. In addition, the first user object may interact with any or all of the additional user objects in response to interactional inputs from the first user. The interactional inputs may be proxy expressions from one user to another."


That pretty much covers ALL internet 3D games and clients.
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Marc Steene
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Posted: 31st Dec 2008 19:59
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I'm not sure how fool-proof this patent is, but maybe the owner of it is waiting for as many game companies to produce games as possible then sue them

Coming Soon...
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Avid
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Posted: 31st Dec 2008 23:32 Edited at: 31st Dec 2008 23:32
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Well, it's kind of foolish, as patent law isn't that simple.

For example, if someone can prove that they were making 3d graphics/networking/etc. BEFORE that patent was issued, then they would not be able to sue anybody. I mean, you couldn't patent the wheel because of that same principle.

Visit my site http://www.fpsmodels.com for models and media for fps creator.
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xplosys
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Posted: 31st Dec 2008 23:36
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Quote: "The program provides instructions for the processor to generate a three-dimensional (3D) graphical user interface on a display."


I have not seen a three-dimensional display as of yet. If they mean a simulated 3d display on a two dimensional monitor, then we already have that. The rest is a bunch of gobledee gook!

Best.

fpsFREE - Contact Me
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Plystire
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Posted: 31st Dec 2008 23:49
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To me, the patent isn't FOR 3D games. It's for a 3D GUI setup. Right now, every single GUI I've ever seen is either 2D images or 3D objects positioned on a 2D plain.

I'm not sure how well a truly 3D GUI would pan out. That kind of thing may need to wait for holographic editting software.


(Wouldn't this thread be better suited in Geek Culture? )


The one and only,


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ionstream
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Posted: 1st Jan 2009 00:41
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Quote: "gook!"


RACISMS!

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Seppuku Arts
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Posted: 1st Jan 2009 02:23
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Quote: "The program provides instructions for the processor to generate a three-dimensional (3D) graphical user interface on a display"


A: What kind of processor?
B: Which processor?

Given the definite article in that statement, they're trying to be specific, yet not defining what specific processor we're talking, or which type?

Perhaps we're programming meat processors now? It would seem ridiculous, but the document isn't specific enough. If it's a computer one - is it a processor as in the CPU, or the GPU or even SPU?



Of course this is me just being me.


Given it states 'Graphical User Interface' or 'GUI' for short, it is patenting games, it seems to be a web based, multi-user GUI that's 3D...maybe a 3D web browser? Or something else.

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BMacZero
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Posted: 2nd Jan 2009 02:15
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We need a resident lawyer.

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Insanity Complex
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Posted: 2nd Jan 2009 02:56
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Quote: "Right now, every single GUI I've ever seen is either 2D images or 3D objects positioned on a 2D plain."


I do believe someone here WAS working on a 3D web browser, if that's what this patent is going at...

And the 3D browser was actually coming along well from what I saw, iirc. It was especially useful in websites showcasing 3D models(in theory), because it allowed a 3D view of the models via the website o.O

If anyone remembers who was doing this, feel free to mention


www.aeriagames.com <-They have some decent ones
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BatVink
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Posted: 2nd Jan 2009 08:59
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Quote: "I mean, you couldn't patent the wheel because of that same principle"


Actually, the wheel was patented in 2000 by an Australian who realised it had never been done.
However, the guy only did it to become the inventor of the wheel, as far as records go. He cannot enforce his patent due to prior art.

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RalphY
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Posted: 2nd Jan 2009 13:00 Edited at: 2nd Jan 2009 13:04
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The problem though is the patent though only granted in 2007 actually dates back to 1995, before most MMOs came out.

They are taking on NCSoft which was founded in 1997, so will be interesting to see what the outcome is.

More info: http://www.virtualworldsnews.com/2008/12/worldscom-v-ncsoft-update.html

[Edit] Better link to the patent: http://www.google.com/patents?id=wv5-AAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4&dq=7,181,690, I love Fig. 5 of two penguins .


Oh boy! Sleep! That's when I'm a Viking! | Super Nintendo Chalmers!
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Diggsey
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Posted: 2nd Jan 2009 17:04
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Well I don't know many games which use HTML to send/receive realtime data

[b]Yuor signutare was aresed by a deslyxic mud...
BOX2D V2 HAS HELP FILES! AND A WIKI!
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Chris K
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Posted: 3rd Jan 2009 16:39 Edited at: 3rd Jan 2009 16:42
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http://www.penny-arcade.com/images/2009/20090102.jpg

Whoops - contains some swearing.

-= Out here in the fields, I fight for my meals =-
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