Ouch

Sony's decision not to settle comes back to haunt. Reuters (03.28.05):

"Sony Corp. said on Monday it was ordered by a U.S. court to halt sales of its blockbuster PlayStation consoles in the United States and pay $90 million in damages to a California tech company, Immersion Corp., whose shares jumped more then 5 percent. Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE), Sony's gaming unit, said it would appeal the decision by a California federal court in the patent infringement case. Immersion, a small, California-based developer of digital touch technologies, claimed Sony Computer Entertainment infringed on its technology that makes a game controller vibrate in sync with actions in games, the Japanese game maker said." Sony Ordered to Halt PlayStation Sales

The order is stayed pending Sony's appeal, so they don't have to stop selling 'em. Even so, Sony has to start paying licensing fees to Immersion right away. Immersion sued Sony and Microsoft (among others) back in 2002. Macworld (03.28.05):

"In the suit Immersion alleged that the three defendants had infringed on its patents covering haptic -- or touch -- feedback. Microsoft licensed Immersion's technology in 2003 but Sony decided to fight on." Sony loses PlayStation patent case, must pay $91M

Microsoft. Can't say they've got the greatest software, but their business acumen? They settled with Immersion, then turned around and bought a chunk the company. Macworld again (07.29.03):

"Microsoft Corp. has licensed patents on technology from Immersion Corp. that lets a user interact with a computer through the sense of touch, and invested in the company as part of a legal settlement, the companies said Tuesday. Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft will pay Immersion of San Jose, Calif., US$20 million for a perpetual patent license and invest $6 million in the company, said Immersion President and Chief Executive Officer Victor Viegas in an interview. The investment gives Microsoft a stake of just under 10 percent in Immersion, he said. Additionally, as part of the settlement Immersion has the right to take out a $9 million loan from Microsoft and pay that back in shares, Viegas said." Microsoft settles with Immersion, buys stake

Haptics is the technology that lets you feel stuff when you're doing stuff like shooting a laser gun. Here's a bunch of pictures projects/equipment using haptic technologies.