Re: [Classpathx-discuss] More Java Extensions

Andrew John Hughes wrote:
> On Sat, 2004-07-03 at 15:19, Dalibor Topic wrote:
> 
>>According to the page above, there was once a free implementation of 
>>java3d available at http://members.linuxstart.com/~jfreed/ but it 
>>doesn't seem toexist any more. Fortunately, archive.org has saved a copy 
>>of the page on 
>>http://web.archive.org/web/20001012122624/http://members.linuxstart.com/~jfreed/
>>
>>Jean-Christophe Taveau has been last seen on the newsgroups here 
>>http://groups.google.com/groups?q=jc.taveau&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&selm=3DF9A91A.8070907%40pobox.com&rnum=1
>>
> 
> Maybe worth looking at if I can still contact him.
> 
>>Regarding legal things, java3d seems to be covered by some patents. See 
>>http://www.3dcompression.com/patents.phtml for details. I have no idea 
>>how important 3d compression is for Java3d, but since you asked ;)
>>
> 
> Good point.  How does existing Free Software deal with patents?  I know
> OpenSSL provides some patented algorithms, leaving it up to the user to
> provide licenses if necessary or not compile them.  And, yes, I know
> what a huge pain in the ass they are -- I've been doing my own bit to
> try and stop us getting software patents here in the UK.  Would we never
> be able to fully implement Java 3D due to patents?  This being a heavy
> research area,  no doubt more than 3D compression is covered.

I guess the most commong approach is: don't look at patents, avoid them 
if they somehow get brought up in your face. See 
http://lwn.net/Articles/7636/ for Linus' take on it. :)

cheers,
dalibor topic