[simpits-tech] collimated display progress...

[Gene Buckle]

On Mon, 2 May 2011, Rick Davis wrote:

>>>
>> The problem doesn't come up when you're making a one-off for yourself
>> (even though there is no "fair use" for patents), but it gets really,
>> really sticky when you publish plans for others to duplicate your work.
>> While we might _technically_ be able to get away with it, all it would
>> take is one overzealous jr. partner in a law firm that wants to make an
>> example of us.
>>
>> g.
>>
>
> I totally get what you're saying Gene, but plans in themselves are not
> patentable. They are comprised of paper and ink, neither of which has any

Rick, the issue is that we built the mechanical device described in the 
patent in order to solve the same issue that the patent covered.  While 
we're pretty sure that we're safe in building this for our own use, 
publishing plans so anyone can build it might cross the line.  This would 
become a real problem if someone were to build it and then either try to 
sell it or use it in a commercial setting.  You figure that every 
commercial flight simulator that uses a collimated display utilizes this 
technique (it provides extra material in order to allow the mirror to 
properly form) in their visual systems.  I suspect that 
SEOS/Rockwell-Collins makes quite a penny on licensing that patent.

g.


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