Analysis

Why is Wii maker in bed with InPhase

posted on 31 July 2008 07:37

It's not patently obvious

PWii maker Nintendo is cited in a holographic storage patent filing by holo drive developer InPhase. Why?

InPhase and its employee Bradley Sissom have applied for a patent dealing with adjusting the direction and focus of a laser beam used in a holographic drive. Here is the patent abstract:

^{United States Patent 7336409

The present invention provides a spatial flexure comprising: a base section; an end section; and an intermediate laterally contracting and expanding section connecting the base and end sections, whereby when the intermediate section laterally expands or contracts, the end section pivots downwardly or upwardly. The present invention further provides a spatial flexure scanner comprising: a base section; a scanning beam reflective section; an intermediate laterally contracting and expanding section connecting the base and reflective sections; an actuator associated with the base section; a scanning beam reflective mirror connected to the reflective section; means connecting the actuator and the reflective member for causing lateral contraction or expansion of the intermediate section in response to the actuator, whereby when the intermediate section laterally expands or contracts, the reflective section pivots downwardly or upwardly.}
Doesn't it make your head hurt reading it. More here.

InPhase and Sissom mention in the application that Ninetendo and InPhase have a joint research agreement and the patent application is for an invention that resulted from activities undertaken within the scope of that agreement. Here is the relevant text: "...the claimed invention was made pursuant to a Joint Research Agreement as defined in 35 U.S.C. 103 (c)(3), that was in effect on or before the date the claimed invention was made, and as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of the Joint Research Agreement, by or on the behalf of Nintendo Co., and InPhase Technologies, Inc."

Intriguing. It's pretty inconceivable that Nintendo needs 300GB storage capacity with a $12,000 drive for its game controllers. Big companies with lots of money can splash it about though.