P3D Re: 3d camera u.s. patent

[michaelk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Michael Kersenbrock)]

> ****  Actually this isn't quite right... Patents ONLY protect the specific
> implementation of an idea, NOT the idea itself. You cannot patent an idea,

This really isn't true from my point of view, but I think it's a matter
of sematics.

In my designs, I can get around a patent by implementing a function 
in a different manner than what a patent covers.  However, "the manner"
that the patent covers is itself an idea of how to do whatever it is.

Strong patents are written in generic terms.  That is, without
technology-specific'isms, even though any given implementation
would consist of some specific technology.

As an example, if a patent had been made for stereo pictures that
patented the idea of "presenting a recorded image for each eye that
was recorded from two different vantage points which nominally 
would be, but not limited to,  eye spacing apart", it would be
for an idea.  Doesn't matter if it's implemented using film, prints,
or a tachyon-beam.  One *could* have patented the film implementation,
but the inventor should fire his patent lawyer for having written it
that way.  A lot of patents *are* written to patent implementations,
but those are very weak and relatively useless because they are too
limited in scope (in other words, too easy to get around).


Mike K.


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