Microsoft are being sued by an Ohio-based company called Impulse Technology for allegedly infringing on seven of their patents for technology that tracks the movement of users and lets them play video games without a controller.
Impulse Technology informed Microsoft of the patents before the suit and stated that they cover 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 use of a camera.”
In addition to Microsoft, eight other video game companies were named as defendants in the suit. EA, SEGA and Konami top the list of companies accused of creating exercise games, sports games and other titles that violate the patents that Impulse Technology mention.
The Ohio-based company is seeking a permanent injunction, damages, treble damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and costs.
It will be interesting to see if the claims Impulse Technology are making are indeed true. If they are, then Microsoft could be in a bit of trouble here. Either way, stay tuned to NGB and we’ll keep you updated if there are any further developments.
Source: Patent Arcade
