Microsoft Seeks 1-Click(er) Patent

theodp writes "Assuming things go patent reformer Microsoft's way, answering multiple choice, true/false, or yes/no questions in a classroom could soon constitute patent infringement. Microsoft's just-published patent application for its Adaptive Clicker Technique describes how 'multiple different types of clickers' can be used by students to answer questions posed by teachers. The interaction provided by its 'invention', explains Microsoft, 'increases attention and enhances learning.' Microsoft's Interactive Classroom Add-In for Office (video) provides polling features that allow students to 'answer and respond through their individual OneNote notebooks, hand-held clickers, or computers, and the results display in the [PowerPoint] presentation.' So, did Bill Gates mention to Oprah that the education revolution will be patented?"

Comments

Re:Don't forget to read the claims

[drmofe]

Wow. I may actually have prior art on this. I implemented such a system for my PhD thesis in 1990.

Re:Don't forget to read the claims

[blackest_k]

would a slashdot poll be an example of prior art?

Or even who wants to be a millionaire ask the audience.

The only positive about software patents such as this. Is as an example to show European politicians why we don't want software patents in Europe.