Apparently Sony has patented using everyday objects for motion control.  They did it after E3 and it's especially interesting since Project Natal had a video with the idea and Sony never gave any indication at E3 that they were also working on the same thing.  So does anyone here think this might affect Project Natal?  On a side note I now understand why Nintendo is so secretive about their ideas.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/sony-patents-motion-control-using-ordinary-objects

Kath Brice 16:31 (BST)
03/07/2009

Sony patents motion control using ordinary objects

Following its unveiling of a new EyeToy-compatible motion controller at this year's E3, Sony has patented more motion control related technology which lets users dynamically map everyday items for use in a game.

The patent details a system where a camera can map in any real world item, reports Siliconera. Examples given include a coffee mug, drinking glass, books and bottles, however the mapping system is expected to be able to identify any three dimension object.

Sony uses a U-shaped block to show how the technology will work, explaining the player must show the object to the camera, rotate it and save it to a file. The system can then analyse movements and transfer them into in-game actions.

During Sony's E3 press conference, the publisher demoed its new motion controller being used to control a range of in-game items, including a sword, a torch and a fan. While the player holds the new PlayStation 3 'wand', in the game the wand is transformed into a different object.

This new item-scanning patent could easily be planned to tie-in with what Sony has already announced, although comparisons to Microsoft's Project Natal are bound to be made.

(More at the link)

I suspect if it did Microsoft would fight as they demonstrated this idea like you said. Of course Microsoft may also have a patent pending who knows.

Presumably MS has its bases covered. No-one is dumb enough to showcase a technology without already possessing the necessary patents

Prior Art.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prior_art

I think the patent was filed back in 2004

Following its unveiling of a new EyeToy-compatible motion controller at this year's E3, Sony has patented more motion control related technology which lets users dynamically map everyday items for use in a game.

Remember the last keynote Bill Gates had at CES; They showed a camera phone that recognized people and buildings on the street, could that interfere with the patent.

Not if Microsoft pulls of a dildo too...

Then only Nintendo would need a camera (or use that one from ubisoft).

And all 3 should the tied...

Tbh I think all motion control is rubbish. I used to have a Wii, but after a few months I got rid of it, the controls just aren't a patch on a proper controller. Im so annoyed Sony and Microsoft have entered the motion control market (inevitable I guess), I just hope they dont abandon the hardcore. Rant over lol

But to answer your question, I think each have their own strengths, im not sure which is better than the other atm, im on the fence

1. reading through your link shows that invention won't always be first to file if the other inventor can prove they came up with the idea earlier. i.e. it could go either way sony/microsoft...hell maybe someone else completely.

2. This is America - we can sue anyone over anything and being in the right has little (if anything) to due with it in many of these patent lawsuits involving large companies.