Impulse Technologies a company most famous for suing Microsoft over Kinect is now turning their attention to Nintendo. Impulse Technologies filed a patent for a piece of technology that is very similar to the Wii balance board. Check out the original patents picture below.
The similarities seem enough for the company to try and sue Nintendo for all they've got. Much like how Impulse is suing Microsoft , they are seeking damages from all the major publishers which support the balance board or the camera like controls of Kinect. Among those being sued are Electronic Arts (EA Sports Active 2.0), Ubisoft (Gold's Gym Cardio Workout), THQ (UFC Personal Trainer: The Ultimate Fitness System), Namco Bandai (Exerbeat), Konami (Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 3), and Majesco (Zumba Fitness 2).
All the companies are supposedly in violation of Impulses patent filed in 1996. Impulse says their patent specifically talks about the interactive entertainment that the device would offer "where the motion of the player is tracked to effect movement of a virtual avatar, and the exertion of the user is monitored."
Impulse Technologies baby company Traq is responsible for the Trazer fitness system. Which according to Impulse is a "interactive sports simulator," I've gotta say that the Trazer system appears to be a lot more like Kinect then WiiFit, though the patent does have various similarities.
I guess this is yet another company trying to get what they feel is owed to them. What do you think does Impulse have a case here? The technology is very similar to what they patented, is that enough to win a lawsuit against Nintendo? In Microsoft's case apparently Impulse not only wants a share of the profits they want the device shelved. Apparently they might seek an injunction against Nintendo's Wii balance board. I wonder if Impulse will go after Sony for their camera?
-JC7
"In God We Trust - In Games We Play " - Joel Reimer
