Unity patents ECS
pdfpiw.uspto.gov
Unity patents ECS
1–10 of 175 posts
Re: Unity patents ECS
#2How does such an abstract idea get approval?
Like Figure 4B. It's a diagram that basically says, if something happens and we need a new entity we create one... Figure 4A is literally talking about adding to an array. Figure 1 is just a diagram of a computer?
The abstract is just garbage collection...
Re: Unity patents ECS
#3I should patent arrays.
Re: Unity patents ECS
#4Does this need a (2020) or am interpreting this document wrong?
Either way, how the hell do you get a patent for some abstract diagrams that represent a design pattern.
Like can I patent the "novel" by submitting a diagram like:
_______________________
| Character | Setting |
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| Situation | Theme |
_______________________Re: Unity patents ECS
#5Ridiculous, and corrosive. I understand this isn't "patenting ECS" but patenting optimizations to ECS that are heavily inspired from existing work like, for example, JIT javascript runtimes, is shameful behavior. I hope Epic or someone else produces prior art and the requisite shaming. The reason ECS is even a thing is because of the endless amount of sharing and openness from game engine studios at conferences like GDC. This runs counter to that openness, and is particularly corrosive given the trend towards game engines becoming more and more aligned with trying to lift all boats (such as the efforts by Epic and more recently Amazon's Open 3D engine.)
Re: Unity patents ECS
#6How does such an abstract idea get approval? Like Figure 4B. It's a diagram that basically says, if something happens and we need a new entity we create one... Figure 4A is literally talking about adding to an array. Figure 1 is just a diagram of a computer? The abstract is just garbage collection...
The patent went through as it was described in the context of device - where a device is a core element of the application.
Terrifying that went through.
Re: Unity patents ECS
#7This is bullshit, not only is it too abstract of an idea, they aren't even the ones that invented nor perfected it. They have no right.
Re: Unity patents ECS
#8Patenting Entity-Component-System sounds like a hot take.
I didn't look close enough to see if what they're patenting is something specifically unique to Unity3d's implementation. It would have to be?
From the abstract it sounds like the equivalent of trying to patent Observer/Observable.
Maybe there is a history of patenting software architecture that I'm not aware of, I'm not an expert in patenting in software development.
Re: Unity patents ECS
#9I suspect the meat of the patent will be very specific about the types of optimizations they do in Unity DOTS, rather than the concept of an ECS. There's plenty of public prior art about ECS, but the concrete set of choices they made to implement and optimize theirs is a concrete thing. (ftr I don't think it should be patentable either way)
Re: Unity patents ECS
#10ECS has been around since like 2007 and there's plenty of public prior art on this, but suuuuuuuuuure Epic Games yep you guys totally invented the concept and deserve a monopoly on use of the technology. This might directly affect several projects I have if they choose to use this patent offensively. This further cements my disgust with IP law, honestly I'd rather we just have information anarchy when it comes to abstract computer stuff at this point.