All articles tagged with #patent
Sony has published a patent for a future PlayStation controller whose buttons can harden or soften in response to gameplay, using a magneto-viscoelastic elastomer and magnets to adjust resistance and feel—potentially expanding tactile feedback beyond the current DualSense.
Sony has filed a World Intellectual Property Organization patent for a PlayStation controller whose buttons can harden, soften, or envelop a finger using materials like magneto-viscoelastic elastomers or fluid-filled membranes, potentially enabling more context‑sensitive in‑game actions, though a patent filing doesn’t guarantee the feature will be released.
A report says Nintendo is unlikely to win its two-year lawsuit against Palworld developer Pocketpair, with potential damages capped at about 5 million yen (roughly $30,000) and Palworld unlikely to be taken offline. The case, which centers on older Palworld versions, is nearing its conclusion with court dates in 2026 and a ruling expected later that year; Nintendo’s patent tactic and high litigation costs are viewed as weak paths to victory and Pocketpair is poised to come out on top regardless of any settlement.
Public records show Nintendo’s patent case against Palworld creator Pocketpair is effectively winding down: damages are capped at 5 million yen (about $30,000) and Nintendo’s ability to halt Palworld’s current versions is minimal as Palworld 1.0 launches on July 10 after patches that narrow the claims. The Tokyo District Court hearing is set for Oct 1, 2026 with a formal opinion due Nov 9, 2026; Nintendo’s broader patent-litigation costs have been substantial, but Pocketpair continues toward a major 1.0 release.
Sony’s patent would use AI to fill loading and matchmaking waits with picture-in-picture content—videos, highlights, analytics, tips, and promos—from linked apps, timed to the expected wait; if the wait ends early, playback ends early, and the feature could boost engagement or be monetized, though it may be optional or never shipped.
Japan's Patent Office denied Nintendo and The Pokémon Company's patent on touchscreen Poké Ball–style capture mechanics for lacking an inventive step, adding another setback to their ongoing patent battles against Pocketpair's Palworld. Nintendo may amend the claims, but the ruling blocks the broad touch-screen capture idea from patent protection.
The USPTO rejected Nintendo's touchscreen-specific patent related to Palworld's monster-catching mechanics, delivering another setback in the ongoing lawsuit with Pocketpair.
Sony has filed a 2023 patent for an AI-assisted system that analyzes PS5 gameplay to automatically generate personalized highlight reels, identifying milestone moments and gameplay feats based on a player's style to create ready-to-share video packages; the idea could promote the platform, but it’s unclear if it will ever become a real feature and it may be opt-in.
Chinese EV maker Seres has patented an onboard toilet that slides out from beneath a passenger seat and can be activated by voice or push, featuring a fan and exhaust pipe, a waste tank, and a heating element to evaporate urine and dry waste; when not in use it is concealed under the seat. There is no announced production and it remains unclear if any Seres cars will include such a feature; in-car toilets are rare but have appeared in the past, underscoring the trend of experimental cabin features in China’s crowded EV market.
Porsche has filed a patent for a changeable coating (using e-paper) that can reveal racing stripes and other signals, such as a vehicle’s state of charge, when Sport or Sport Plus modes are active—an application rather than a finished technology, meant to visibly signal high-performance status to onlookers.
Novo Nordisk has filed a US lawsuit to block Hims & Hers from selling weight‑loss pills and injections it says are unapproved and infringe its patents, arguing safety concerns over compounded versions. The move comes as the FDA tightens rules on compounding, and amid broader pressure from expiring patents on Wegovy/Ozempic; Hims & Hers’ stock fell while Novo Nordisk edged higher following the filing.
Sony has patented personalized AI-generated podcasts that would use the voices of video game characters to deliver in-game news, tips, and cross-promotions, potentially surfacing other games; the article criticizes the idea as unnecessary, environmentally taxing, and potentially harmful to immersion, while raising concerns about voice-actor compensation and the broader use of advertising in games.
Sony has patented an AI system called 'AI-Generated Ghost Player' that could create AI-powered in-game assistants to help players with gameplay, raising concerns about AI's effectiveness and impact on gaming experiences.
Russia's Energia has patented a space station design capable of generating artificial gravity through rotation, potentially benefiting long-term crewed missions by mitigating microgravity effects, although no timeline or resources are specified for development.
Porsche has patented a unique W-shaped engine design with three cylinder banks and three turbos, potentially an 18-cylinder engine, but it is unlikely to be produced for consumer cars due to high costs and limited market appeal.