If this doesn't prove the need for patent reform, nothing does.
Forget The Matrix as prior art--the very research papers this "idea" is based on are prior art.
Following the precedent established by granting this patent and others like it, every research paper produced, whether it contains an original idea or not, should be granted at least one patent.
If this catches on in the scientific and engineering communities, it might spread in academia. Then literary criticism will be patented. It's a short leap from that to patented movie reviews.
Of course, movies and songs themselves will then be patented. RIAA will then not have to worry about fair use rights. This is not so absurd once you recognize that this ridiculous scenario has already happened with software code.
Consumers will, of course, have to sign a licensing agreement to listen to the radio. Being inspired by the music will, of course, be prohibited. Perhaps I should patent the idea of patenting things which should only be copyrighted as a business method... Then I could demand licensing fees or better yet sue to stop this insanity.
Slashdot Mirror
If this doesn't prove the need for patent reform, nothing does.
Forget The Matrix as prior art--the very research papers this "idea" is based on are prior art.
Following the precedent established by granting this patent and others like it, every research paper produced, whether it contains an original idea or not, should be granted at least one patent.
If this catches on in the scientific and engineering communities, it might spread in academia. Then literary criticism will be patented. It's a short leap from that to patented movie reviews.
Of course, movies and songs themselves will then be patented. RIAA will then not have to worry about fair use rights. This is not so absurd once you recognize that this ridiculous scenario has already happened with software code.
Consumers will, of course, have to sign a licensing agreement to listen to the radio. Being inspired by the music will, of course, be prohibited. Perhaps I should patent the idea of patenting things which should only be copyrighted as a business method... Then I could demand licensing fees or better yet sue to stop this insanity.