Uniloc 2017 LLCDownload PDFPatent Trials and Appeals BoardJan 5, 2021IPR2019-01270 (P.T.A.B. Jan. 5, 2021) Copy Citation Trials@uspto.gov Paper 26 571-272-7822 Date: January 5, 2021 UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD SLING TV LLC, Petitioner, v. UNILOC 2017 LLC, Patent Owner. ____________ IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 ____________ Before JAMESON LEE, KEVIN F. TURNER, and THOMAS L. GIANNETTI, Administrative Patent Judges. TURNER, Administrative Patent Judge. JUDGMENT Final Written Decision Determining All Challenged Claims Unpatentable 35 U.S.C. § 318(a) IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 2 We have jurisdiction to conduct this inter partes review under 35 U.S.C. § 6. This Final Written Decision is issued pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 318(a) and 37 C.F.R. § 42.73. For the reasons discussed herein, we determine that a preponderance of the evidence shows that claims 1−16 and 39−42 (“the Challenged Claims”) of U.S. Patent No. 6,519,005 B2 (Ex. 1001, “the ’005 Patent”) are unpatentable. I. INTRODUCTION A. Summary of Procedural History Sling TV L.L.C. (“Petitioner”) filed a Petition (Paper 2, “Pet.”) requesting inter partes review of the Challenged Claims. Pet. 1. We instituted an inter partes review of the Challenged Claims on all grounds of unpatentability asserted in the Petition. Paper 11 (“Inst. Dec.”). Thereafter, Patent Owner filed a Patent Owner Response (Paper 16, “PO Resp.”). Petitioner filed a Reply to the Patent Owner Response (Paper 17, “Pet. Reply”), to which Patent Owner filed a Sur-reply (Paper 18, “PO Sur- reply”). Oral argument was held on October 7, 2020, and a transcript of the hearing appears in the record. Paper 25 (Tr.). We have jurisdiction under 35 U.S.C. § 6. This Final Written Decision is issued pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 318(a) and 37 C.F.R. § 42.73 (2017). Petitioner bears the burden of proving unpatentability of the Challenged Claims by a preponderance of the evidence, and the burden of persuasion never shifts to Patent Owner. See 35 U.S.C. § 316(e) (2012); 37 C.F.R. § 42.1(d) (2017); Dynamic Drinkware, LLC v. Nat’l Graphics, Inc., 800 F.3d 1375, 1378 (Fed. Cir. 2015). IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 3 B. Related Proceedings The parties indicate that the ’005 Patent is the subject of 23 pending district court cases, with 12 of those cases indicated as still pending. See Pet. vii−ix; Paper 3, 2. The following post grant proceedings also involve the ’005 Patent: (1) IPR2019-01126, filed May 28, 2019 by petitioner Unified Patents, LLC (instituted: December 10, 2019; Final Written Decision, finding all challenged claims unpatentable: December 8, 2020) and (2) IPR2019-01584, filed September 9, 2019 by petitioner Google LLC (institution denied: March 24, 2020; rehearing denied: October 16, 2020). C. The ’005 Patent The ’005 Patent is generally related to digital video compression, and more particularly, to a motion estimation method and search engine for a digital video encoder. Ex. 1001, 1:6−8. The ’005 Patent is titled “Method of Concurrent Multiple-Mode Motion Estimation for Digital Video” and discloses improved methods of digital video encoding. Id. at code (54), Abs. With respect to the prior art Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG) processes, the ’005 Patent explains that audio and video data in the form of a multimedia data stream are encoded/compressed prior to transmission “in order to minimize the bandwidth required to transmit this digital video data stream for a given picture quality.” Id. at 1:12−17. The ’005 Patent explains that, in accordance with the MPEG standards (MPEG-2 and its predecessor, MPEG-1), “the audio and video data comprising a multimedia data stream (or ‘bit stream’) are encoded/compressed in an intelligent manner using a compression technique generally known as ‘motion coding,’” to avoid transmitting each video frame in its entirety. Id. at 1:40−47. IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 4 The ’005 Patent discusses “predictive” video frames using reference or anchor frames looking at macroblocks of 16x16 pixel regions. Id. at 1:61−65, Figs. 1A, 1B. For each macroblock, the system searches for a similar portion of the reference, and this results in a motion vector that identifies the position of the “best match” within reference frames relative to the position of the macroblock in the frame being encoded. Id. at 2:18−47. The ’005 Patent details six standard ways to perform the motion estimation process, called “prediction modes,” with different modes being applied based on the “picture structure.” Id. at 9:36−40. For “frame” picture structures, the entire frame is considered a single picture, while for “field” picture structures, the frame is divided into a top field and a bottom field. Id. at 7:27−61. Two of these different prediction modes are illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B and are reproduced below: Figures 2A and 2B of the ’005 Patent are diagrams that illustrate motion estimation for frame pictures using frame and field predictions. IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 5 In Figure 2A, “frame prediction” will treat the macroblock like a single 16x16 block, and the motion estimation search system will search for the 16x16 pixel portion of the reference picture that is the best match (e.g., minimizes the difference between the macroblock and a given portion of the reference picture), whereas Figure 2B shows “field prediction” for a “frame” picture, with the macroblock and the anchor picture divided into odd and even numbered rows of pixels (referred to as a “top” field, and a “bottom” field), and the system will try to find the best match for each of the two fields. Id. at 7:27−60. The ’005 Patent discloses at least six prediction modes. Id. at 9:36−38, 15:38−46. The ’005 Patent provides that conventional systems required a single prediction mode to be specified, without knowing which might be optimum, but the disclosed processes allow for the determination of the optimum prediction mode while performing motion estimation and generating motion vectors, without the need for pre-selection of a mode. Id. at 3:7−15, 40−49. The ’005 Patent describes a “scheme for concurrently searching . . . each of a plurality of motion prediction modes” using a single search, which allows for optimum selection between the different options, i.e., different prediction modes. Id. at 3:53−61, 9:28−35. The ’005 Patent also provides that because the error metrics for different prediction modes are mathematically related to one another, a single search can “concurrently” calculate the error metrics for multiple prediction modes. Id. at 3:54−67, 8:14−23. IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 6 D. Illustrative Claim Of the Challenged Claims, claims 1, 39, and 41 are independent. Claims 2−16 ultimately depend from claim 1; claim 40 depends from claim 39; and claim 42 depends from claim 41. Claim 1 is illustrative: 1. A method for motion coding an uncompressed digital video data stream, including the steps of: [1A] comparing pixels of a first pixel array in a picture currently being coded with pixels of a plurality of second pixel arrays in at least one reference picture and [1B] concurrently performing motion estimation for each of a plurality of different prediction modes in order to determine which of the prediction modes is an optimum prediction mode; [1C] determining which of the second pixel arrays constitutes a best match with respect to the first pixel array for the optimum prediction mode; and, [1D] generating a motion vector for the first pixel array in response to the determining step. Ex. 1001, 15:9–22 (bracketed matter added). E. The Asserted Grounds of Unpatentability Petitioner asserts the following grounds of unpatentability (Pet. 2)1: Claim(s) Challenged 35 U.S.C. § Basis 1−16, 39−42 102 Ishihara2 1 The claims at issue have an effective filing date of April 30, 1999, which is prior to March 16, 2013, the effective date of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, Pub. L. No. 112-29, 125 Stat. 284 (2011) (“AIA”), and, thus, we apply the pre-AIA version of 35 U.S.C. § 103. 2 K. Ishihara et al., A Half-pel Precision MPEG2 Motion-Estimation Processor with Concurrent Three-Vector Search, 30 (12) IEEE J. of Solid- State Circuits 1502−09 (Dec. 1995) (Ex. 1006, “Ishihara”). IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 7 Claim(s) Challenged 35 U.S.C. § Basis 1−16, 39−42 103 Ishihara, Ishihara7983 1−16, 39−42 103 Ishihara, Ishihara4864 1−16, 39−42 103 Ishihara, Bellifemine5 Petitioner also relies on multiple declarants in addition to the material found in the Petition. Specifically, Petitioner relies on the testimony of Dr. James A. Storer (Ex. 1002) to support the contentions in the Petition. In addition, Petitioner cites to declarations of Gerard P. Grenier (Ex. 1026) and Dr. Sylvia D. Hall-Ellis (Ex. 1027) with respect to the publication of Ishihara by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to assert that it was published, cataloged, and indexed for public availability. Pet. 12−14 (citing Ex. 1024, 1, 4; Ex. 1025 1; Ex. 1026 ¶¶ 1−12; Ex. 1027 ¶¶ 1−51; Ex. 1028 ¶¶ 1−7). Neither Petitioner nor Patent Owner filed any additional declaratory evidence subsequent to the Institution Decision. II. ANALYSIS OF PETITION In our analysis of Petitioner’s unpatentability contentions with respect to the Challenged Claims, we next address the applicable principles of law; the level of ordinary skill in the art; the construction of claim terms; the scope and content of the asserted prior art; and then analyze Petitioner’s 3 U.S. Patent No. 6,674,798 B2, issued January 6, 2004 (Ex. 1011, “Ishihara798”). 4 U.S. Patent No. 5,949,486, issued September 7, 1999 (Ex. 1012, “Ishihara486”). 5 PCT Pub. No. WO98/42137, published September 24, 1998 (Ex. 1016, “Bellifemine”). IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 8 contentions with respect to each alleged ground of unpatentability for purposes of determining whether Petitioner shows by a preponderance of the evidence the unpatentability of the Challenged Claims. A. Principles of Law Petitioner has asserted each of the Challenged Claims of the ’005 Patent is unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and/or 103. A claim is unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 102 if a single prior art reference expressly or inherently describes each and every limitation set forth in the claim. See Perricone v. Medicis Pharm. Corp., 432 F.3d 1368, 1375 (Fed. Cir. 2005); Verdegaal Bros., Inc. v. Union Oil Co. of Cal., 814 F.2d 628, 631 (Fed. Cir. 1987). A patent claim is unpatentable as obvious “if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains.” 35 U.S.C. § 103. An invention “composed of several elements is not proved obvious merely by demonstrating that each of its elements was, independently, known in the prior art.” KSR Int’l Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 418 (2007). The question of obviousness is resolved on the basis of underlying factual determinations, including: (1) the scope and content of the prior art; (2) any differences between the claimed subject matter and the prior art; (3) the level of skill in the art; and (4) objective evidence of nonobviousness. Graham v. John Deere Co. of Kansas City, 383 U.S. 1, 17–18 (1966). An obviousness determination “cannot be sustained by mere conclusory statements; instead, there must be some articulated reasoning IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 9 with some rational underpinning to support the legal conclusion of obviousness.” KSR, 550 U.S. at 418 (quoting In re Kahn, 441 F.3d 977, 988 (Fed. Cir. 2006)); see In re Magnum Oil Tools Int’l, Ltd., 829 F.3d 1364, 1380 (Fed. Cir. 2016). Rather, “it can be important to identify a reason that would have prompted a person of ordinary skill in the relevant field to combine the elements in the way the claimed new invention does.” KSR, 550 U.S. at 418. B. Level of Ordinary Skill in the Art In determining the level of ordinary skill in the art, various factors may be considered, including the “type of problems encountered in the art; prior art solutions to those problems; rapidity with which innovations are made; sophistication of the technology; and educational level of active workers in the field.” In re GPAC, Inc., 57 F.3d 1573, 1579 (Fed. Cir. 1995) (quotation omitted). Petitioner’s declarant, Dr. Storer, testifies that a person of ordinary skill in the art in the context of the ’005 Patent would have been “a person with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a similar field with at least two years of experience in data compression or a person with a master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a similar field with a specialization in data compression.” Ex. 1002 ¶ 49. Patent Owner does not challenge this assessment, nor does Patent Owner offer “a competing definition for POSITA.” PO Resp. 8. As we indicated in our Institution Decision, to the extent that Petitioner’s assessment uses the open ended “at least” modifiers to make the assessment open ended, we remove those modifiers to obtain definite IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 10 amounts of education and experience. Inst. Dec. 15. We continue to note that Petitioner’s assessment appears consistent with the level of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention as reflected in the prior art in the instant proceeding. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001). For purposes of this Decision, we continue to apply Dr. Storer’s assessment of the level of ordinary skill in the art. C. Claim Construction We apply the same claim construction standard articulated in Phillips v. AWH Corp., 415 F.3d 1303 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (en banc). See Changes to the Claim Construction Standard for Interpreting Claims in Trial Proceedings Before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, 83 Fed. Reg. 51,340, 51358 (Oct. 11, 2018) (amending 37 C.F.R. § 42.100(b) effective November 13, 2018) (now codified at 37 C.F.R. § 42.100(b) (2019)). Petitioner acknowledges this standard. Pet. 16. Under Phillips, claim terms are generally afforded “their ordinary and customary meaning.” Phillips, 415 F.3d at 1312. “[T]he ordinary and customary meaning of a claim term is the meaning that the term would have to a person of ordinary skill in the art in question at the time of the invention.” Id. at 1313. “[T]he person of ordinary skill in the art is deemed to read the claim term not only in the context of the particular claim in which the disputed term appears, but in the context of the entire patent, including the specification.” Phillips at 1313. Only terms that are in controversy need to be construed, and then only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy. Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc., 200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999). Petitioner seeks explicit claim construction of multiple terms: “concurrently perform[ing]/[s] motion estimation,” “concurrently,” and in IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 11 the context of dependent claims 7 and 12, “optimum,” and “a best match.” Pet. 16–25 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 103–130). With respect to many of the discussed terms, Petitioner discusses and contrasts with the claim constructions proffered in the Unified IPR. Id. at 24–25. Patent Owner indicates that “the Board need not construe any claim term in a particular manner in order to arrive at the conclusion that the Petition is substantively deficient,” while acknowledging that it “provides arguments below on the scope of certain claim terms.” PO Resp. 11 (citing Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co. Ltd., 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017)). We discuss each of Petitioner’s constructions below, for sake of completeness, having adopted and continuing to adopt those constructions for purposes of this decision. See Inst. Dec. 9–14. 1. “concurrently perform[ing]/[s] motion estimation [for]/[using] each of a plurality of different [motion estimation] prediction modes” Independent claim 1 recites, in part, “concurrently performing motion estimation for each of a plurality of different prediction modes,” with independent claims 39 and 41 each reciting “concurrently performs motion estimation using each of a plurality of different motion estimation prediction modes,” and “concurrently performing motion estimation using each of a plurality of different motion estimation prediction modes,” respectively. Taken together, Petitioner asserts that these claim limitations would have been understood as “performing motion estimation according to each of a plurality of prediction modes during the same search operation for a given macroblock, without performing a separate search on the same macroblock for each such mode.” Pet. 16 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 103–111). Petitioner further asserts that one of ordinary skill in the art would have understood that performing motion estimation in a plurality of different IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 12 prediction modes was well-known, and that the process of “performing motion estimation” (for all prediction modes) consists of performing a “search” of a reference (or anchor) picture, wherein the macroblock being coded is compared to blocks in the reference picture to find a “best match” within a search range and the position of the best match relative to macroblock being encoded constitutes the motion vector. Pet. 16–17 (citing Ex. 1001, 1:40–55, 2:49–3:24; Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 59–66, 68–73, 76, 79–81, 105; Ex. 1005 ¶¶ 22–23; Ex. 1017, 7, 13; Ex. 1019 § 7.6.1; Ex. 1009, 154; Ex. 1010, 14–15). Petitioner also asserts that one of ordinary skill in the art would have understood that that the word “concurrently” in its plain and ordinary meaning generally means “at the same time” or “simultaneously,” and, in the context of the claims, would have been understood to refer to performing motion estimation in each of the different prediction modes for a given macroblock during the same search operation—i.e., without performing a separate search on the same macroblock for each different prediction mode, consistent with the Specification. Id. at 17–18 (citing Ex. 1001, 3:54–61, 8:9–13; Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 106–108). Patent Owner asserts that no “comprehensive construction” is necessary to resolve the controversy. PO Resp. 11. We adopt Petitioner’s proposed claim constructions of “concurrently perform[ing]/[s] motion estimation [for]/[using] each of a plurality of different [motion estimation] prediction modes” as discussed above, for purposes of this decision as we determine that the construction is consistent with portions of the Specification cited. IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 13 2. “concurrently performing motion estimation” Dependent claims 7 and 12 recite the different prediction modes explicitly, reciting 6 and 4 modes respectively, breaking them out according to types of pictures. Petitioner asserts that the proper construction of those claims requires that if the macroblock being encoded is of one type, i.e., a “frame picture” or a “field picture,” then motion estimation is performed for each of the prediction modes of that type concurrently. Pet. 19. Petitioner further asserts that the plain language of claims 7 and 12 would seem to require the concurrent performance of all the prediction modes enumerated therein, but that such an understanding “would render the claims invalid as indefinite and for lack of enablement.” Id. at 19–20 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶ 113). Petitioner further argues that “[e]ach video frame, or picture, in a data stream is either a frame picture or a field picture,” and it would not be possible to perform motion estimation in the prediction modes “for field pictures” from a “frame picture,” and vice versa. Id. at 21–22 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶ 116; Ex. 1019 §§ 6.1.1.1, 6.1.1.4.1–6.1.1.4.2). Lastly, Petitioner points out that no embodiment is disclosed that concurrently determines motion estimation in each of the six different possible prediction modes specified by the MPEG-2 standard, nor does the Specification provide “any explanation or solution . . . to how this could be accomplished.” Id. at 22 (citing Ex. 1001, 4:22–26; Ex. 1002 ¶ 118). We adopt Petitioner’s proposed claim interpretations of claims 7 and 12, as discussed above. This comports with our understanding of the recitation from claim 1 that “concurrently performing motion estimation for each of a plurality of different prediction modes” does not require that every possible prediction mode must be evaluated during the motion estimation; if the plurality of prediction modes is limited, than just that limited number are IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 14 concurrently evaluated. Similarly, we agree with Petitioner that one of ordinary skill in the art would have viewed the delineation of the prediction modes by type, i.e., a “frame picture” or a “field picture,” as requiring the concurrent evaluation of the prediction modes according to the picture type, per claims 7 and 12. Thus, we are persuaded by Petitioner that claims 7 and 12 merely require that motion estimation is performed for each of the prediction modes of a selected type concurrently. Patent Owner does not argue or otherwise refute this interpretation. See PO Resp.; PO Sur-reply. We determine that this construction is consistent with portions of the Specification cited, and adopt it for purposes of this decision. 3. “optimum” Independent claim 1 recites, in part, that the method “determine[s] which of the prediction modes is an optimum prediction mode,” with independent claims 39 and 41 similarly reciting the selection of “the prediction mode that produce[s]/[d] [the]/[an] optimum result.” Petitioner asserts that these claim limitations would have been understood as determining a prediction mode that is “best or most suitable.” Pet. 23 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 120–124). Petitioner asserts that this would have been in keeping with the understanding of skilled artisans and the Specification confirms this understanding of “optimum.” Id. at 23–24 (citing Ex. 1001, 1:12–17, 2:58–3:13, 14:47–54; Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 121–122; Ex. 1009, 154; Ex. 1010, 14–15; Ex. 1005 ¶¶ 22–23; Ex. 1017, 13). Petitioner also contrasts the construction proffered by Unified Patents, Inc. in its petition, noting that the “optimum” result “need not be limited to a prediction mode yielding the smallest value of an error metric—for example, because a POSA would have IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 15 understood that an optimum could be determined based on multiple metrics.” Id. at 24 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 125–126; Ex. 1022, 26). Patent Owner does not argue or otherwise refute this interpretation. See PO Resp.; PO Sur-reply. We adopt Petitioner’s proposed claim construction of “optimum,” as we determine that the construction is consistent with the Specification and the understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art, as discussed above. 4. “a best match” Independent claim 1 recites, in part, “determining which of the second pixel arrays constitutes a best match with respect to the first pixel array for the optimum prediction mode.” Petitioner asserts that “a best match” would have been understood as “the second pixel array within a specified search range of the reference picture having the smallest value of an error metric.” Pet. 24 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 127–130). Petitioner further asserts that one of ordinary skill in the art would have understood the cited portion of claim 1 as referring “to the well-known technique of block matching which is used for all MPEG-2 prediction modes,” and the “best match” would have been understood as having the smallest value of an error metric. Id. at 24–25 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶ 128). Petitioner also contrasts the construction proffered by Unified Patents, Inc., in its petition in IPR2019-01126, asserting that Petitioner’s “proposed construction clarifies the meaning of the phrase ‘a best match’ within the context of the claim with proper antecedent basis— i.e., such that if inserted in place of the phrase ‘a best match,’ the claim would be grammatically correct.” Id. at 25 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 131–132; Ex. 1022, 27). IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 16 Patent Owner does not argue or otherwise refute this interpretation. See PO Resp.; PO Sur-reply. We adopt Petitioner’s proposed claim construction of “a best match,” as we determine that the construction is consistent with the Specification and the understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art, as discussed above. In light of the parties’ arguments and evidence, we find that it is unnecessary to construe any additional claim terms expressly for purposes of this decision. See Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (quoting Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc., 200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999)). D. Scope and Content of the Prior Art Petitioner relies on Ishihara, Ishihara798, Ishihara486, and Bellifemine to show the unpatentability of the Challenged Claims. Pet. 26– 86. We summarize Ishihara briefly below, and, based on our analysis, we find it unnecessary to summarize Ishihara798, Ishihara486, and Bellifemine. 1. Overview of Ishihara (Ex. 1006) Ishihara is directed to a processor for encoding in accordance with the MPEG-2 video compression standard. Ex. 1006, 1502. Ishihara indicates that it supports all prediction modes in MPEG-2 and estimates three vectors concurrently. Id. at Abs. A block diagram of the hardware disclosed in Ishihara is shown in Figure 5 and is reproduced below: IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 17 Fig. 5 of Ishihara illustrates a block diagram of motion estimation processor In Ishihara, the “Integer-pel Unit (IU)” performs “full search block matching” and “realizes a better efficiency for finding the optimum [motion] vectors than the hierarchical search which has been employed in some other processors.” Id. at 1504. Thereafter, the system performs a half-pixel precision search to refine the result. Id. IU “consists of 256 processing elements (PE’s), summation circuits and a minimum-value detector,” with each PE corresponding to a pixel on the template block. Id. at 1504, Fig. 6. Each PE compares pixel data from the template block and a search window, representing pixel data from a reference frame, and computes the absolute difference between the two. Id. The error information is passed into the summation circuit that sums the errors together, which outputs the results to a minimum value detector that keeps track of the vectors that minimize overall error and selects the best vectors for each template block. Id. at 1505. Ishihara also discloses that “[t]he absolute differences computed in each PE are classified in four groups[:] upper-top, upper-bottom, lower-top and lower-bottom.” Id. at 1504, Fig. 8. As shown in TABLE II, reproduced IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 18 below, the summation circuit will sum together errors for different subsets of pixels and simultaneously calculate the mean absolute difference for different prediction modes. Id. TABLE II of Ishihara provides the distortion summation scheme for three vectors for different picture structures. E. Anticipation by Ishihara Petitioner asserts that claims 1−16 and 39−42 are anticipated by Ishihara under 35 U.S.C. § 102. Pet. 26–63. Patent Owner argues that Ishihara fails to disclose all elements of the independent claims, where Ishihara is relied upon to teach those elements. PO Resp. 12−23. For the reasons provided below, we determine that Petitioner has proved by a preponderance of the evidence that claims 1−16 and 39−42 are anticipated by Ishihara. 1. Analysis of Cited Art as Applied to Independent Claim 1 a) Preamble Petitioner asserts that the preamble of independent claim 1 is taught by Ishihara. Pet. 31. Petitioner points out that Ishihara is directed to MPEG- IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 19 2 motion estimation that involves coding and compression. Id. (citing Ex. 1004, Abs., 1502−1503, 1508, Fig. 1). Petitioner also asserts that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have understood Ishihara’s disclosure as involving real time MPEG-2 motion coding of an NTSC or PAL video stream, would have understood this to be a disclosure of motion coding an uncompressed digital video data stream and, even if not expressly disclosed, would have understood such motion coding to have been inherently disclosed by Ishihara. Id. (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 171–172). Patent Owner does not challenge this aspect of Petitioner’s analysis. See generally PO Resp.; PO Sur-reply. We determine that Petitioner has demonstrated that the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed by Ishihara. b) Element [1A] With respect to this element, Petitioner asserts that Ishihara discloses a “block matching” technique that compares a pixel array of a picture being encoded to a plurality of second pixel arrays in a reference picture. Pet. 31−33 (citing Ex. 1006, 1503, Figs. 2, 4). Petitioner also asserts that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have understood “the well-known concept of block matching,” in the context of Ishihara, and that the ’005 Patent Specification concedes that such comparisons occur in the prior art processes. Id. at 31−32 (quoting Ex. 1002 ¶ 173; citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 51−54, 173; Ex. 1001, 2:49−54). Patent Owner does not challenge this aspect of Petitioner’s analysis. See generally PO Resp.; PO Sur-reply. We determine that that Petitioner has demonstrated that element [1A] of claim 1 is taught by Ishihara. IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 20 c) Element [1B] With respect to this element, Petitioner asserts that Ishihara discloses this element. Pet. 33−37 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 175−182). Petitioner asserts that Ishihara explains that its disclosed motion estimation processor “supports all prediction modes in MPEG[-]2 including frame, field and dual- prime prediction, and estimates three vectors concurrently,” and that Ishihara discloses that the chip has a “capability to estimate motion vectors concurrently for various prediction modes Id. at 33–34 (citing Ex. 1006, Abs., 1503) (emphasis omitted); see also Ex. 1006, 1504 (“[w]ith this structure, the processing of block matching and the data transfer are performed simultaneously”); id. at 1504−05 (“Three different distortions for three vectors are summed up concurrently under a data flow control in the summation circuit. Fig. 8 shows the summation circuits, and Table II summarizes the summation scheme which estimates the three vectors concurrently for the field and the frame structure pictures.”). Petitioner also relies on the testimony of Dr. Storer, explaining that “Ishihara discloses concurrent motion estimation using the same technique to concurrently perform motion estimation in the same prediction modes described in the Specification of the ’005 Patent.” Pet. 35 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶ 179) (emphasis omitted). Petitioner further asserts that the output of the summation circuit goes to a minimum-value detector which finds the minimum distortions and selects the best vectors for each template block. Id. at 36 (citing Ex. 1006, 1503, 1505). Lastly, Petitioner asserts that the determination of a best prediction mode based on a minimum distortion is equivalent to determining an optimum prediction mode. Id. at 36−37 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 181−182). IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 21 Patent Owner contends that Ishihara does not disclose concurrently performing motion estimation to “determine which of the prediction modes is an optimum prediction mode.” PO Resp. 13−14; PO Sur-Reply 4 (emphasis omitted). Patent Owner acknowledges that Ishihara discloses that the best prediction mode is selected from the three prediction modes, but argues that “there is no disclosure that the determination of the best prediction mode is based upon comparison of pixels in first- and second- pixel arrays.” PO Resp. 14−15. But the claim does not require that. As pointed out by Petitioner, the comparison of pixel arrays is made in step [1A] of claim 1, and is not disputed by Patent Owner as being disclosed in Ishihara. Pet. Reply 3−4; see Section II.E.1.b. As discussed above, Petitioner has shown the comparison of pixel arrays in Ishihara is to determine an error metric, which is used to determine the optimum prediction mode. Id. at 4−7 (citing Ex. 1006, 1503, 1505, Figs. 2, 6); see also Section II.E.1.b (discussing Ishihara’s block matching technique); prior paragraph (discussing minimum distortion). Although Ishihara discloses the determination of the best prediction mode and motion vectors for a macroblock at the same time, the determination is made based on the error metric coming from the pixel array comparison process. As such, we do not agree with Patent Owner’s argument that determining the best prediction mode in Ishihara is not based on a comparison of pixel arrays. Patent Owner also argues that there is no disclosure in Ishihara that explains how the best prediction mode is used in the motion process discussed therein. PO Resp. 15. Patent Owner further asserts that testimony of Dr. Storer, Petitioner’s declarant, linking the determinations of the best prediction mode and best vector, is entitled to “little to no weight” because it IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 22 is unsupported by the disclosure of Ishihara itself. Id. Such an assertion is unavailing because the actual testimony of Dr. Storer is supported by additional documentation of the selection of the best mode based on a comparison of prediction errors, as explained by Petitioner. Pet. Reply 10−11 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 65, 122−134; Ex. 1009, 154). Additionally, even if, as Patent Owner contends, Ishihara does not explain how the best prediction mode is explicitly used in the motion process, it is not necessarily pertinent to element [1B] of claim 1, which only requires a determination of “which of the prediction modes is an optimum prediction mode,” as Patent Owner has acknowledged. PO Resp. 14. As such, we do not agree with Patent Owner’s argument. We determine that Petitioner has demonstrated that element [1B] of claim 1 is taught by Ishihara. d) Elements [1C] and [1D] Petitioner asserts that Ishihara discloses elements [1C] and [1D] of claim 1. Pet. 37−41 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 183−191). Petitioner asserts that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have understood that Ishihara teaches an MPEG-2 motion estimation processor that supports all prediction modes for MPEG-2, and that such encoders determine a best match for all prediction modes. Id. at 37 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 183−187). Petitioner also points to Ishihara as disclosing that “[m]otion estimation is a procedure to find the best motion vector representing a displacement to the predictor from the position of the template block.” Id. at 38 (quoting Ex. 1006, 1503; citing Ex. 1006, 1503−1504, Figs. 6, 8) (emphasis omitted). Petitioner also asserts that after Ishihara’s ME2 processor determines the “best” vector, Ishihara discloses that a single motion vector (MV) output is generated from the IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 23 minimum-value detector. Id. at 38−39 (citing Ex. 1006, 1505, Fig. 6; Ex. 1002 ¶ 184). Petitioner also asserts that “[t]o the extent it is argued that the claims should be construed to require the new creation of a motion vector after it is determined which prediction mode is optimum, Ishihara discloses this too.” Id. at 39 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶ 190) (footnote omitted). Patent Owner argues that the method of claim 1 “requires the additional step of determining which of the second pixel arrays comprises a best match for the optimum prediction mode, which was determined in the previous step.” PO Resp. 16; PO Sur-Reply 6 (emphasis omitted). Patent Owner asserts that Ishihara teaches determining and comparing the vectors, and only once mentions a best prediction mode, without any discussion as to how the best prediction mode is applied to the processing. PO Resp. 17. Patent Owner further asserts that claim 1 requires the identification of the “best match based upon a previously determined optimum prediction mode.” Id. at 18. Petitioner responds that element [1B] does not recite determining which of the prediction modes is the optimum prediction mode prior to performing the step of element [1C]. Pet. Reply 14. Petitioner continues that Patent Owner “seeks to impose an additional requirement—not present in the claims and inconsistent with the specification—that the optimum prediction mode be determined prior to determining a best match.” Id. Petitioner further argues that “the ‘005 Patent describes determining a best match and associated error metrics for each prediction mode before determining which prediction mode is optimal, and then based on the error metrics accompanying each best match, determines the optimum prediction IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 24 mode.” Id. at 16−17 (citing Pet. 37; Ex. 1001, 8:2−34, 9:27−32, Fig. 3; Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 87−88)(emphasis in original). As discussed above, element [1B] recites, in part, motion estimation occurs “in order to determine which of the prediction modes is an optimum prediction mode.” That recitation does not provide that the optimum prediction mode is “set” or specified, in that aspect of the claim, as Patent Owner appears to allege. The recitation of “in order to determine” in that element dictates a purpose for that motion estimation, i.e., what the motion estimations can be used to show, but does not explicitly state that the optimum prediction mode is determined in that step. In other words, a system that concurrently performs motion estimation for each of a set of different prediction modes, and which allows for, but does not indicate an optimum prediction mode at that time, would fall with the scope of that claim element. In contrast, in element [1C], “a best match” is specifically determined “for the optimum prediction mode.” In that step, the optimum prediction mode must be known at some point in order that the proper determination of “a best match” be made. We find nothing in claim 1, or in the supporting Specification, that would prevent the optimum prediction mode determination from being made during that same step as the “best match” determination in element [1C]. As Petitioner has argued, the embodiments described in the ’005 Patent all disclose determining multiple best matches, and then determining the “optimum prediction mode,” as discussed above. We find this disclosure does not conflict with Patent Owner’s characterization of the different embodiments as disclosing the best match results, the best match being produced by the selected “optimum prediction IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 25 mode.” In each, multiple results of the motion estimation of the pixel arrays would be determined, and a best match would be determined on the basis of those results, given the different prediction modes for those results. As such, we determine that Petitioner has demonstrated that element [1C] of claim 1 is taught by Ishihara. With respect to element [1D] of claim 1, Patent Owner argues that the element requires the generating of a motion vector in response to the determining step, and, in contrast, Ishihara teaches a system in which the vectors are generated and compared to determine a best vector, but such a vector would not be generated in response to a determining step. PO Resp. 19−20; PO Sur-Reply 8. Patent Owner also argues that selecting an existing vector does not “constitute[] ‘generating’ a vector,” and is not supported by the record. PO Resp. 21; PO Sur-Reply 8−9. Patent Owner argues that mere selection of a preexisting vector as being equivalent to the “generating a motion vector” would render the language of claim 1, namely “in response to,” as having no meaning. Id. Petitioner responds that the Specification of the ’005 Patent makes clear that “determining which prediction mode is optimum is done based on calculating motion vectors for each mode” and, thus, “motion vectors thus necessarily must be generated before determination of optimum prediction mode is made.” Pet. Reply 21 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 188−189; Ex. 1001, 4:59−61). Petitioner also cites to the testimony of Dr. Storer providing that a person of ordinary skill in the art “would have understood that ‘generating a motion vector’ or ‘generating one or more motion vectors’ can include selecting one or more motion vectors that has previously been calculated as IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 26 part of the search operation.” Id. at 21−22 (quoting Ex. 1002 ¶ 189). We agree with Petitioner. As we noted in the Institution Decision (Inst. Dec. 29), Petitioner relies upon testimony from Dr. Storer, quoted above. We have no contravening testimony on this point. We are also persuaded that the language of element [1D], namely “in response to the determining step,” acts to set when the generating occurs in the context of the claim, i.e., after the prior step, instead of requiring a recalculation of a motion vector. Further, we agree with Petitioner that the embodiments disclosed in the ’005 Patent also make clear that the process discussed there indicates that motion vectors are generated before the best match or optimum prediction mode is determined. As such, we determine, based on the preponderance of evidence before us, that Ishihara’s disclosure that its ME2 processor determines the “best” vector and that a single motion vector (MV) output is generated from the minimum-value detector, meets the limitations of element [1D] of claim 1. Both parties also discuss the “half-pel” processing that is disclosed in Ishihara as also meeting the limitation of element [1D]. Pet. 39−41; PO Resp. 21−23; Pet. Reply 23−24; PO Sur-reply 9. As per our discussion above, however, we agree with the Petitioner’s understanding of the scope of element [1D] and we need not reach the additional disclosure of Ishihara with respect to this element. We determine that Petitioner has demonstrated that element [1D] of claim 1 is taught by Ishihara. As such, we determine that Petitioner has demonstrated that elements [1C] and [1D] of claim 1 are disclosed by Ishihara. IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 27 Based on the evidence in this record, we are persuaded that Petitioner has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that Ishihara teaches all of the limitations of independent claim 1 and renders that claim anticipated under 35 U.S.C. § 102, for the reasons identified in the Petition, as discussed above. 2. Analysis of Cited Art as Applied to Independent Claims 39 and 41 With respect to the limitations of independent claim 39, Petitioner relies on the citations and arguments made with respect to the preamble and element [1B] of claim 1. Pet. 58−60 (citing Pet. 31, 33−37; Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 232−236). Similarly, with respect to the limitations of independent claim 41, Petitioner relies on the citations and arguments made with respect to the preamble and elements [1B], [1C], and [1D] of claim 1. Pet. 60−62 (citing Pet. 31−41; Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 239−244). Patent Owner states that with respect to independent claims 39 and 41, “the Petition relies on the same discussion as [the Petition’s] challenge to independent claim 1,” emphasizing the alleged deficiencies of this ground with respect to elements of independent claim 1, discussed above. See PO Resp. 12. We do not find Patent Owner’s arguments persuasive, per our discussion of independent claim 1 above. Based on the evidence in this record, we are persuaded that Petitioner has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that Ishihara teaches all of the limitations of claims 39 and 41 under 35 U.S.C. § 102, for the reasons identified in the Petition, as discussed above. 3. Analysis of Cited Art as Applied to Dependent Claims 2−16, 40, and 42 With respect to dependent claims 2−5, 40, and 42, Petitioner asserts that Ishihara discloses the particulars required by the MPEG standard. Pet. IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 28 41−43, 60, 63. Petitioner identifies that Ishihara describes a “MPEG-2 motion estimation processor,” and supports all prediction modes in MPEG- 2. Id. (citing Ex. 1006, Abs., 1502, TABLE I, Fig. 3; Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 192−199, 237−238, 245−246). Claim 6 details providing information identifying a picture type; claim 7 lists different prediction modes for those picture types; and claims 8−12 recite different sub-sets of prediction modes. Petitioner asserts that Ishihara either expressly or inherently discloses the limitations of these claims. Pet. 44−58 (citing Ex. 1006, Abs., 1504−1505, 1507−1508, TABLE I, Fig. 8; Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 200−229). Petitioner asserts that Ishihara explains that the comparison of the first pixel array to second pixel arrays can be done according to different modes: one for field pictures and one for frame pictures, and relies on Dr. Storer’s testimony that “the method of Ishihara must necessarily involve identifying the picture type for use in the comparison step because operation changes depending on what picture type is being encoded.” Id. at 44−45 (quoting Ex. 1002 ¶ 202). Claims 13−16 recite devices that implement different methods recited in specific claims. Petitioner asserts that Ishihara discloses a “MPEG2 motion estimation processor,” which can perform the different methods claims, as discussed above. Pet. 58 (citing Ex. 1006, 1502, Fig. 14; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 230−231). Patent Owner does not challenge Petitioner’s analysis of the dependent claims other than arguing alleged deficiencies of this ground with respect to elements of independent claim 1, discussed above. See PO Resp. 26. IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 29 Based on the evidence in this record, we are persuaded that Petitioner has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that Ishihara teaches all of the limitations of claims 2−16, 40, and 42 under 35 U.S.C. § 102, for the reasons identified in the Petition, as discussed above. 4. Conclusion on Anticipation by Ishihara For the reasons provided above, we determine that Petitioner has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that Ishihara renders 1−16 and 39−42 of the ’005 Patent unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 102. F. Obviousness over Ishihara in Combinations with Ishihara798, Ishihara486, and Bellifemine Petitioner asserts that claims 1−16 and 39−42 would have been rendered obvious by Ishihara in combination with Ishihara798, Ishihara in combination with Ishihara486, and Ishihara in combination with Bellifemine under § 103. Pet. 63–86. We briefly discuss these additional grounds below. With respect to Ishihara798, Petitioner asserts that one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine Ishihara798 with Ishihara “because they name common authors, share common objectives (directed to providing improvements to motion estimation devices/methods without increasing computational cost and complexity), and are generally directed to the same subject matter (performing motion estimation in a plurality of prediction modes in parallel).” Pet. 63. Petitioner incorporates by reference much of the analysis from the anticipation ground and asserts that Ishihara798 discloses concurrently performing motion estimations for a plurality of different prediction modes and determines the optimum prediction mode. Id. at 64−65 (citing Ex. 1011, Abs., 20:60−64, 24:29−33, Fig. 148). Petitioner also asserts that one of ordinary skill in the art would IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 30 have had a reasonable expectation of success in making such a modification “because such a modification comprises using a known technique (comparing error evaluation function values to select the optimum prediction mode, as explained by Ishihara798) to improve a similar device (the ME2 circuit described by Ishihara) to yield a predictable result (selecting an optimal prediction mode)”. Id. at 69 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 266, 255−258). With respect to the proffered combinations of Ishihara with Ishihara486 and Ishihara with Bellifemine, Petitioner provides similar arguments and rationales supporting the combinations of references and similar reliance on the anticipation ground over Ishihara alone. Compare Pet. 63−72, with Pet. 72−78, with Pet. 79−86. As such, we are persuaded and find that Petitioner has demonstrated a sufficient rationale for the combinations of Ishihara and Ishihara798, Ishihara and Ishihara486, and Ishihara and Bellifemine. Patent Owner contends that “[t]he Petition fails to explain why the cited teachings from Ishihara ’798 or Ishihara ’486 would cause the ‘modified’ system of Ishihara to perform any differently than as discussed above for the Ishihara anticipation grounds, and these challenges are deficient for the same reasons.” PO Resp. 24. Patent Owner also contends that Bellifemine is silent with respect to “concurrently” performing operations. Id. As such, Patent Owner asserts that none of the additionally cited references cure the deficiencies of Ishihara, and the additional grounds do not show the obviousness of the Challenged Claims. Id. at 24−26; PO Sur-reply 9−11. Petitioner responds that Patent Owner’s “arguments are completely without merit, unsupported by any evidence, and should be afforded no weight.” Pet. Reply 28. IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 31 Based on the evidence in this record, and discussed above, Petitioner has demonstrated that there is no “deficiency” in Ishihara with respect to any challenged claim. The combination of Ishihara with other references only strengthens our conclusion that the Challenged Claims would have been obvious. We are persuaded that Petitioner has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that the combinations of Ishihara and Ishihara798, Ishihara and Ishihara486, and Ishihara and Bellifemine teach all of the limitations of claim 1−16 and 39−42. The combined teachings of the references in each alleged ground of obviousness would have rendered claims 1–16 and 39–42 obvious under 35 U.S.C. § 103, for the reasons identified in the Petition, as discussed above. G. Constitutional Argument Patent Owner also argues that Administrative Patent Judges (“APJs”) “are principal officers under the Appointments Clause of the Constitution” “but undisputably are not appointed through the constitutionally-mandated mechanism of appointment for principal officers.” PO Resp. 26−30. The Federal Circuit, however, addressed this issue and devised a remedy in Arthrex, Inc. v. Smith & Nephew, Inc., 941 F.3d 1320, 1325 (Fed. Cir. 2019). Patent Owner argues that the remedy devised by Federal Circuit “impermissibly re-writes the statutes governing APJs.” Id. at 27. We decline to consider the argument because the Arthrex decision states otherwise. See Arthrex, 941 F.3d at 1337 (“This as-applied severance . . . cures the constitutional violation.”). IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 32 III. CONCLUSION Our final determination in this case is summarized below: IV. ORDER In consideration of the foregoing, it is hereby: ORDERED that claims 1−16 and 39−42 of the ’005 Patent have been proven to be unpatentable; FURTHER ORDERED that, because this is a Final Written Decision, the parties to the proceeding seeking judicial review of the Decision must comply with the notice and service requirements of 37 C.F.R. § 90.2. Claims 35 U.S.C. § Reference(s) Claim(s) Shown Unpatentable Claims Not shown Unpatentable 1−16, 39−42 102 Ishihara 1−16, 39−42 1−16, 39−42 103 Ishihara, Ishihara798 1−16, 39−42 1−16, 39−42 103 Ishihara, Ishihara486 1−16, 39−42 1−16, 39−42 103 Ishihara, Bellifemine 1−16, 39−42 Overall Outcome 1−16, 39−42 IPR2019-01270 Patent 6,519,005 B2 33 For PETITIONER: Eliot D. Williams G. Hopkins Guy III Ali Dhanani Michael Knierim Kurt Pankratz BAKER BOTTS L.L.P. eliot.williams@bakerbotts.com hop.guy@bakerbotts.com ali.dhanani@bakerbotts.com michael.knierim@bakerbotts.com kurt.pankratz@bakerbotts.com For PATENT OWNER: Jeffrey A. Stephens Ryan Loveless Brett Mangrum James Etheridge Jeffrey Huang ETHERIDGE LAW GROUP jstephens@etheridgelaw.com ryan@etheridgelaw.com brett@etheridgelaw.com jim@etheridgelaw.com jeff@etheridgelaw.com Copy with citationCopy as parenthetical citation