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Microsoft 'Fesses Up, Passed Off Public Art Project As Its Now-Patented 'Virtual Skywriting' Invention
from the is-that-copyright-infringement dept
theodp writes
Of course, now I'm wondering if this patent infringes on someone's copyright, which would make for a really interesting legal discussion.
"Even more curious than the USPTO's decision to award a patent (7,966,024) this week to Microsoft on something it calls 'virtual skywriting,' was the software giant's decision to provide the USPTO with a well-known, unattributed photo of real skywriting in its patent application as a purported example of its virtual skywriting system 'in use.' In response to an inquiry from GeekWire, Microsoft had this to say: 'The use of the skywriting image in the patent was an error and Microsoft will immediately submit the patent for re-issue proceedings to correct the drawings. Microsoft regrets any confusion caused by this error.'"You can see a comparison image from GeekWire below:
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Real skywriting was already patented!
So why didn't this fall at the prior art hurdle.
I could also point out that 25 years ago I worked on a CGI system for periscope simulation. Our cloud sky pattern (accidentally) spelled a word - so I have some prior art too.
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Re: Real skywriting was already patented!
Because somehow they figured out how to take this program that should be for a touch screen, smart phone and made it work on a 10 year old flip phone.
All joking aside, I just read the abstract and it looks a hell of a lot like the augmented reality program I have for my android called "Layar". You take a picture, it goes out to the web, finds previously made skywriting, and puts it in for you.
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Re: Re: Real skywriting was already patented!
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WTF?
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Easy street here I come!
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Who really gives a toss ?
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Sorry Microlosers, I mean Microsoft
On my iPhone now and adds a variety of UFO's to pictures you take and you can ad cloud formations!
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