Re parametrics, and a shopbot patent attempt

Hello,

Since I just posted about shopbot...

You may be interested to know that shopbot is in the midst of
patenting (or trying to) the idea of widely available parametric part
programs for making specific things. For example, you/they design a
bookcase; and then the plans are sold as parametric CNC files so
people can easily build your design in many sizes; possibly with
optional features as well.

It's a great idea, but is it patentable? I believe that if they are
successful in patenting this, it will be a bad thing for the world of
hobby CNC.

If "prior art" (a USPTO term meaning someone already thought of it,
AND let others know about it-that second part is VERY important) can
be found, and brought to the attention of the patent examiner, this
patent will not be granted...

So, In the future do you want to only be able to get CNC project
plans from shopbot, or its licensees????

For example, the sherline tool changer that Joe V is marketing, could
very likely require shopbots approval, if joe includes gcode...

It's more possible than you think,

Ballendo

P.S. To make it sound like a good idea to their users, they are
promoting the idea that they will sell the designs they all come up
with (meaning their customers). But if there is a patent, then any of
us cannot do the same in any other market, without shopbots express-
and likely paid for:-( permission...