Trials@uspto.gov
`Tel: 571-272-7822
`
`
`
`
`Paper 14
`Entered: May 29, 2014
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`_______________
`
`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`_______________
`
`VALEO, INC., VALEO S.A., VALEO GMBH, VALEO SCHALTER UND
`SENSOREN GMBH, AND CONNAUGHT ELECTRONICS LTD.
`Petitioner
`
`v.
`
`MAGNA ELECTRONICS, INC.
`Patent Owner
`_______________
`
`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`_______________
`
`
`
`Before JAMESON LEE, PHILLIP J. KAUFFMAN, and
`MATTHEW R. CLEMENTS, Administrative Patent Judges.
`
`KAUFFMAN, Administrative Patent Judge.
`
`
`DECISION
`Institution of Inter Partes Review
`37 C.F.R. §§ 42.108, 42.122
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Tel: 571-272-7822
`
`
`
`
`Paper 14
`Entered: May 29, 2014
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`_______________
`
`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`_______________
`
`VALEO, INC., VALEO S.A., VALEO GMBH, VALEO SCHALTER UND
`SENSOREN GMBH, AND CONNAUGHT ELECTRONICS LTD.
`Petitioner
`
`v.
`
`MAGNA ELECTRONICS, INC.
`Patent Owner
`_______________
`
`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`_______________
`
`
`
`Before JAMESON LEE, PHILLIP J. KAUFFMAN, and
`MATTHEW R. CLEMENTS, Administrative Patent Judges.
`
`KAUFFMAN, Administrative Patent Judge.
`
`
`DECISION
`Institution of Inter Partes Review
`37 C.F.R. §§ 42.108, 42.122
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`
`I. INTRODUCTION
`In case IPR2014-00227, Valeo, Inc., Valeo S.A., Valeo GmbH, Valeo
`Schalter und Sensoren GmbH, and Connaught Electronics Ltd. (collectively,
`“Petitioner”) filed a Petition (Paper 2) to institute an inter partes review of
`claims 1-12, 15-19, and 21 of U.S. Patent No. 7,877,175 B2 (Ex. 1001, the
`“’175 patent”) pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 311-319. Petitioner submitted a
`revised Petition (Paper 6, “Pet. ’227”) on December 18, 2013. Magna
`Electronics, Inc, (“Patent Owner”) submitted a Preliminary Response on
`March 14, 2014 (Paper 12, “Prelim. Resp. ’227”).
`In case IPR2014-00228, Petitioner filed a Petition (Paper 4) to
`institute an inter partes review of claims 1, 8, 9, 12-16, 19, 20, and 22-27, of
`the ’175 patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 311-319. Petitioner submitted a
`revised Petition (Paper 7, “Pet. ’228”) on December 18, 2013. Patent Owner
`submitted a Preliminary Response on March 14, 2014 (Paper 13, “Prelim.
`Resp. ’228”).
`35 U.S.C. § 315(d) governs consolidation of inter partes reviews and
`provides:
`(d) MULTIPLE PROCEEDINGS.—Notwithstanding sections
`135(a), 251, and 252, and chapter 30, during the pendency of an
`inter partes review, if another proceeding or matter involving
`the patent is before the Office, the Director may determine the
`manner in which the inter partes review or other proceeding or
`matter may proceed, including providing for stay, transfer,
`consolidation, or termination of any such matter or proceeding.
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.122(a) provides that “[w]here another matter involving
`the patent is before the Office, the Board may during the pendency of the
`inter partes review enter any appropriate order regarding the additional
`
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`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`matter including providing for the stay, transfer, consolidation, or
`termination of any such matter.” The Board’s rules for AIA proceedings
`“shall be construed to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive resolution of
`every proceeding.” 37 C.F.R. § 42.1(b); Office Patent Trial Practice Guide,
`77 Fed. Reg. 48,758 (August 14, 2012).
`Case IPR2013-00227 and case IPR2013-00228 involve the same
`patent and parties, and there is overlap in the asserted prior art and additional
`evidence submitted by Petitioner.
`We conclude that, under the present circumstances, it is appropriate to
`consolidate case IPR2014-00227 with that of case IPR2014-00228.
`Therefore, decisions to institute inter partes review are entered concurrently
`in both proceedings. Petitioner will be required to re-file any exhibits
`unique to case IPR2014-00228 under case IPR2014-00227, and no further
`papers should be filed in case IPR2014-00228.
`The Board has jurisdiction under 35 U.S.C. § 314. The standard for
`instituting an inter partes review is set forth in 35 U.S.C. § 314(a):
`THRESHOLD – The Director may not authorize an inter partes
`review to be instituted unless the Director determines that the
`information presented in the petition filed under section 311
`and any response filed under section 313 shows that there is a
`reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with
`respect to at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition.
`Upon consideration of the Petition, we determine that Petitioner
`established a reasonable likelihood Petitioner would prevail with respect to
`at least one challenged claim. Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 314, we institute inter
`parties review as to claims 19 and 25-27, but not claims 1-18 and 20-24 of
`the ’175 patent.
`
` 3
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`
`
`A.
`
`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`Related Proceedings
`Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(2), Petitioner states that the ’175
`patent is involved in Magna Electronics, Inc. v. Valeo, Inc., et al., No. 2:13-
`cv-11376 (E.D. Mich.) (filed Mar. 28, 2013). Pet. ’227, 4; Pet. ’228, 4. This
`litigation remains pending. Pet. ’227, 4; Pet. ’228, 4.
`Petitioner filed four petitions for inter partes review of other related
`patents of the same Patent Owner: IPR2014-00220 (U.S. Patent No.
`7,859,565), IPR2014-00221 (U.S. Patent No. 7,991,522), IPR2014-00222
`(U.S. Patent No. 8,386,114, and IPR2014-00223 (U.S. Patent No.
`8,386,114).
`
`The ’175 Patent
`The ’175 patent relates to an imaging system that includes a lane
`departure warning system, and is operable to determine if a vehicle or object
`of interest is adjacent, forward, or rearward of the vehicle to assist the driver
`in changing lanes or parking the vehicle. Ex. 1001, 1:15-22.1
`
`B.
`
`
`1 The ’175 patent is Exhibit 1001 in both Pet. ’227 and Pet. ’228.
`
` 4
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`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
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`
`Figure 1 of the ’175 patent is reproduced below:
`
`
`Figure 1 is a top plan view of a vehicle incorporating
`the object detection system of the ’175 patent.2
`The system includes: 1) an imaging array sensor and 2) a control. Id.
`at 3:12-14.
`The imaging array sensor comprises a plurality of photo-sensing
`pixels. Id. at 3:14-16. The sensor is positioned with a field of view
`exteriorly of the vehicle, and is operable to capture an image of that view
`that comprises an image data set. Id. at 3:16-20.
`The control algorithmically processes the image data set of the
`captured image into a reduced image data set, and the control processes the
`reduced data set to extract information. Id. at 3:20-24. The control is
`operable to: determine if the imaging array sensor is misaligned, calculate a
`degree of misalignment, and adjust the image data set or the image
`processing to account for such misalignment. Id. at 6:10-29, 54-55.
`Additionally, the control may also be operable to activate a warning
`indicator to alert the driver of the vehicle that another vehicle is present at
`the side of the driver’s vehicle. Id. 4:57-60; Fig. 1.
`
` 5
`
`
`
`
`2 Ex. 1001, 4:7-8.
`
`
`
`
`
`C.
`
`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`Illustrative Claim
`Of the challenged claims, claims 1, 16, 19, 22, and 25 are
`independent. Claim 1 is illustrative and is reproduced below:
`1.
`An imaging system for a vehicle comprising:
`an imaging array sensor comprising a plurality of photo-
`sensing pixels, wherein said imaging array sensor is
`positioned at the vehicle and has a field of view exterior
`of the vehicle, and wherein said imaging array sensor is
`operable to capture an image of a scene exterior of the
`vehicle, said captured image comprising an image data
`set representative of the exterior scene;
`a control for processing said captured image, said control
`algorithmically processing said image data set to a
`reduced image data set of said image data set, said
`control processing said reduced image data set to extract
`information from said reduced image data set;
`wherein said control is operable to determine that said imaging
`array sensor is not aligned within a desired tolerance
`when said imaging array sensor is positioned at the
`vehicle; and
`wherein said control, responsive to a determination of a
`misalignment of said imaging array sensor when said
`imaging array sensor is positioned at the vehicle, is
`operable to adjust at least one of said image data set and
`said image processing to at least partially compensate for
`the determined misalignment of said imaging array
`sensor.
`Ex. 1001, claim 1.
`
`
`
`
`
` 6
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`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`Prior Art Relied Upon
`Petitioner relies upon the following prior art references:
`
`D.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Ex. #
`Pet. ’227
`1006
`n/a
`
`July 23, 2002
`January 17,
`2002
`October 7, 2003 1007
`August 26, 2004 n/a
`
`July 2, 2001
`
`n/a
`
`Gutta
`Breed
`
`US 6,424,273 B1
`US 2002/0005778
`A1
`US 6,631,316 B2
`Stam
`Gentex3 US 2004/0164228
`A1
`EP 1 074 430 A1
`
`Diamler
`Chrysler4
`Hitachi5
`Nissan6
`
`Ex. #,
`Pet. ’228
`1006
`1012
`
`n/a
`1007
`
`1008
`
`1003
`1005
`
`JP 2002-74339
`JP 2004-1658
`
`March 15, 2002 1003
`January 8, 2004 1005
`
`
`
`
`3 The named inventors are Jeremy Fogg, et al., but we denote this reference
`as “Gentex” (the assignee) for consistency with its use in the Petition. See
`e.g., Pet. ’228, 7.
`4 The named inventors are Boon and Mehring, but we denote this reference
`as “DaimlerChrysler” (the assignee) for consistency with its use in the
`Petition. See e.g., Pet. ’228, 8.
`5 The named inventor is Isao Furusawa, but we denote this reference as
`“Hitachi” for consistency with its use in the Petition. See, e.g., Pet. ’227 at
`6-7; see also Pet. ’227, Ex. 1003 at page 1 (identifying Hitachi as the
`applicant). In IPR2014-00227, Hitachi is Ex. 1002, and Ex. 1003 is its
`certified English translation.
`6 The named inventor is Hiroshi Saito, but we denote this reference as
`“Nissan” for consistency with Petitioner. See, e.g., Pet. ’227 at 7; see also
`Pet. ’227, Ex. 1005 at page 26 (identifying Nissan as the assignee). In
`IPR2014-00227, Nissan is Ex. 1004, and Ex. 1005 is its certified English
`translation.
`
` 7
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`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`Alberto Broggi et al., Multi-Resolution Vehicle Detection Using
`
`Artificial Vision, 2004 IEEE INTELLIGENT VEHICLES SYMP. 310 (Pet. ’227,
`Ex. 1008) (“Broggi”).
`
`
`
`V. Kastrinaki, et al., A Survey of Video Processing Techniques for
`Traffic Applications 21 IMAGE & VISION COMPUTING 359 (2003) (Pet. ’228,
`Ex. 1010) (“Kastrinaki”)
`
`
`
`Zehang Sun, et al., On-Road Vehicle Detection Using Optical
`Sensors: A Review, 2004 IEEE INT’L CONF. ON INTELLIGENT TRANSP. SYS. 1
`(Pet. ’227 & Pet. ’228, Ex. 1009) (“Sun”).
`
`E.
`
`The Asserted Grounds
`1.
`Pet. ’227
`Petitioner contends that claims 1-12, 15-19, and 21 of the ’175 patent
`are unpatentable on the following grounds. Pet. ’227, 8.
`Reference[s]
`Basis
`Claims challenged
`Hitachi
`§ 102(b)
`1-7, 9, 12, 15-19, and 21
`
`Nissan and Stam
`
`Nissan and Stam7
`
`Nissan, Stam, and Gutta
`
`Hitachi and Broggi
`
`Hitachi and Sun
`
`§ 103
`
`§ 103
`
`§ 103
`
`§ 103
`
`§ 103
`
`1, 3, and 5-7
`
`1, 2, 4-6, 8, and 15
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`
`7 The difference between this ground of unpatentability and the preceding
`ground is explained in section IV.C. below.
`
` 8
`
`
`
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`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`2. Pet. ’228
`Petitioner contends that claims 1, 8, 9, 12-14, 16, 19, 20, and 22-27 of
`the ’175 patent are unpatentable on the following grounds. Pet. ’228, 9-10.
`Reference[s]
`Basis
`Claims challenged
`
`Gutta and Hitachi
`
`Gutta, Hitachi, and
`Gentex
`Gutta, Hitachi, and
`Kastrinaki
`Gutta and Hitachi
`
`Gutta, Hitachi, and
`Gentex
`Gutta, Hitachi, Gentex,
`and Sun
`Gutta and Nissan
`
`Gutta, Nissan, and
`Gentex
`Gutta, Nissan, and
`DaimlerChrylser
`Gutta, Hitachi, and
`Breed
`
`
`
`§ 103
`
`§ 103
`
`§ 103
`
`§ 103
`
`§ 103
`
`§ 103
`
`§ 103
`
`§ 103
`
`§ 103
`
`§ 103
`
`1, 8, 9, 13, and 15
`
`12 and 16
`
`14
`
`22
`
`19, 23, and 24
`
`20
`
`25-27
`
`26
`
`26
`
`13
`
`CLAIM INTERPRETATION
`II.
`The Board interprets claims using the broadest reasonable
`construction. See 37 C.F.R. § 42.100(b); Office Patent Trial Practice Guide,
`77 Fed. Reg. 48,756, 48,766 (Aug. 14, 2012).
`
`
` 9
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`A.
`
`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`Operable to adjust
`Independent claim 1 is directed to an imaging system for a vehicle
`that includes an imaging array sensor and a control. The imaging array
`sensor is operable to capture an image of a scene exterior of the vehicle
`comprising an image data set. Responsive to a determination of
`misalignment of the imaging array sensor, the control “is operable to adjust
`at least one of [1] said image data set and [2] said image processing to at
`least partially compensate for the determined misalignment of said imaging
`array sensor.” Ex. 1001, 17:15-21 (numbering added). Claims 16, 19, 22,
`and 25 contain similar requirements.
`1.
`Adjusting the Image Data Set
`Petitioner construes adjusting the image data set as claimed to mean
`any modification of the data captured or “what data the camera or image
`sensor is capturing” prior to such data being analyzed using image
`processing. Pet. ’227, 17.8 Patent Owner argues that Petitioner’s
`construction of adjusting the image data set as claimed is incorrect. Prelim.
`Resp. ’227, 11-19; Prelim. Resp. ’228, 9-13. Specifically, Patent Owner
`asserts that adjusting the image data set as claimed is an adjustment to
`already captured image data and does not cover modifying what data the
`camera (imaging array sensor) is capturing prior to such data being provided
`to the image processor.9 Prelim. Resp. ’227, 10-19; Prelim. Resp. ’228,
`9-13.
`
`
`8 Petitioner’s claim construction in IPR2014-00228 is similar. See Pet.
`’228, 18-20.
`9 With regard to case IPR2014-00227, Patent Owner’s proffered claim
`construction is only made with respect to Nissan, and in case IPR2014-
`
`10
`
`
`
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`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`Adjusting Image Processing
`2.
`Petitioner construes adjusting image processing as claimed to mean
`modifying how the image data provided by the camera is processed in order
`to extract information. Id. at 18-19. Patent Owner does not address
`Petitioner’s construction of adjusting image processing as claimed.
`The claim terms “said image data set” and “said image processing”
`each have antecedent basis in the claim. Specifically, the claim recites, “said
`captured image comprising an image data set,” and “a control for processing
`said captured image.” Ex. 1001, 17:4-6. Consequently, the independent
`claims require that the control is operable to adjust at least one of: 1) the
`image data set of the captured image and 2) the image processing of the
`captured image.
`Consistent with this interpretation, the Specification describes that
`during camera calibration, the control determines that the camera is
`misaligned, and the control may “adjust the image and/or image processing”
`to account for such misalignment. Id. at 6:10-24. The Specification goes on
`to describe that, “[f]or example, the degree of misalignment may be
`calculated, and the image processing may be adjusted or shifted and/or
`rotated to position the reference structure at the appropriate location in the
`captured images.” Id. at 6:25-29.
`In light of this, we agree with Patent Owner that the claims require
`that the control is operable to adjust the image data set of a captured image.
`To the extent that Petitioner’s proposed construction encompasses the
`
`00228 Patent Owner does not tie the proffered claim construction to a single
`reference. See Prelim. Resp. ’227, 11-19; Prelim. Resp. 2’228, 9-13.
`
`11
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`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`adjustment of something other than a previously captured image, this
`interpretation is incorrect. See Pet. ’227, 17.
`Patent Owner also draws a distinction between “modifying,” as used
`by Petitioner, and “compensating,” as recited in the claims. See Prelim.
`Resp. ’227, 15-16; Ex. 2001; Ex. 200210; see also Pet. ’227, 17-18 (asserting
`that the adjusting as claimed should be interpreted as modifying). Based
`upon this distinction, Patent Owner asserts that the claims require the control
`to be operable to compensate for misalignment by adjusting the image data
`set of a captured image and not by physical adjustment of camera alignment.
`Prelim. Resp. ’227, 16. Our interpretation is consistent with the contention
`that the claims require adjusting either the image data set or the image
`processing of a captured image.
`Petitioner’s contention that adjusting image processing means
`modifying how the image data provided by the camera (a captured image) is
`processed in order to extract information is consistent with our
`interpretation. See Pet. ’227, 18; Pet. ’228, 19-20.
`Consequently, independent claims 1, 16, 19, 22, and 25 require that
`the control is operable to adjust at least one of 1) the image data set of the
`captured image and 2) the image processing of the captured image.
`
`
`III. Revised Petitions
`
`A.
`
`Pet. ’227
`The Board notified Petitioner that the original Petition (Paper 2) was
`accorded a filing date, and ordered Petitioner to correct the improper
`
`10 Exhibits 2001 and 2002 are the same in Pet. ’227 and Pet. ’228.
`
`12
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`Patent 7,877,175 B2
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`inclusion of attorney argument in the claim charts without making
`substantive changes. Paper 5, 1-2. In response, Petitioner made a timely
`submittal of a revised Petition (Pet. ’227). In section IV.B.1 of the revised
`Petition, Petitioner added citations to Exhibit 1010 (Declaration of Dr. -ing
`Frahm) to each of paragraphs (1)-(6) (e.g., “See also Ex. 1010 ¶ 95-103”).
`See Pet. ’227, 6-8; see also Prelim Resp. ’227, 3-4 (noting the addition of
`these citations).
`The Board directed Petitioner to remove attorney argument from the
`claim charts, and no other changes were authorized. See Paper 5, 1-2. The
`citations Petitioner added to the revised Petition (Pet. ’227) were not present
`in the claim charts of the original Petition (Paper 2). Therefore, these
`additions were not authorized. See 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(c) (requiring a
`motion to correct clerical or typographical mistakes in a petition).
`Accordingly, we evaluate the revised Petition (Pet. ’227) as if the citations at
`issue were not included.
`
`B. Pet. ’228
`The Board notified Petitioner that the original Petition (Paper 4) was
`awarded a filing date, and ordered Petitioner to correct the improper
`inclusion of attorney argument in the claim charts without making
`substantive changes. Paper 6, 1-2. In response, the Petitioner made a timely
`submittal of a revised Petition (Pet. ’228). In section IV.B.1 of the revised
`Petition, Petitioner added citations to Exhibit 1011 (Declaration of Dr.-Ing
`Frahm) to each of paragraphs (1)-(8) (e.g., “See also Ex. 1011 ¶ 95-103”).
`See Pet. ’228, 6-9; see also Prelim Resp. ’228, 3-4 (noting the addition of
`these citations).
`
`
`13
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`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`The Board directed Petitioner to remove attorney argument from the
`claim charts, and no other changes were authorized. See Paper 6, 1-2. The
`citations Petitioner added to the revised Petition (Pet. ’228) were not present
`in the claim charts of the original Petition (Paper 4). Therefore, these
`additions were not authorized. See 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(c) (requiring a
`motion to correct clerical or typographical mistakes in a petition).
`Accordingly, we evaluate the revised Petition (Pet. ’228) as if the citations at
`issue were not included.
`Patent Owner also asserts that Petitioner improperly added two
`paragraphs to the revised Petition. Prelim. Resp. ’228, 3-4 (citing page 28 of
`the original and the revised Petition).
`The information added is information that was removed from the
`claims charts. Cf. Paper 4, 30 to Pet. ’228, 28. Such modification was
`directed by the Board, and therefore this information is properly before us on
`review. See Paper 6, 1-2.
`
`
`IV. PATENTABILITY11
`Anticipation by Hitachi - Claims 1-7, 9, 12, 15-19, and 21
`A.
`Petitioner contends that claims 1-7, 9, 12, 15-19, and 21 are
`
`unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 102 as anticipated by Hitachi. Pet. ’227, 19-
`34.
`
`On the record before us, for the reasons that follow, we are not
`persuaded that there is a reasonable likelihood Petitioner will prevail with
`
`11 Subsections A-E address grounds from Pet. ’227, and subsections F-N
`address grounds from Pet. ’228. Exhibit numbers cited are to the respective
`petition involved.
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`14
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`Patent 7,877,175 B2
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`respect to claims 1-7, 9, 12, 15-18, and 21; however, we are persuaded there
`is a reasonable likelihood that Petitioner will prevail in establishing that
`claim 19 is anticipated by Hitachi.
`1.
`Hitachi (Ex. 1003)
`
`Hitachi discloses an image capture apparatus for recognizing a vehicle
`driving environment that is capable of detecting changes in either field angle
`or image rotation through reference to two photographic subjects in the
`image capture viewing field. Ex. 1003 ¶¶ [0001], [0010].
`Figure 2 is reproduced below:
`
`
`
`
`Figure 2 shows an embodiment of Hitachi’s automotive image
`capture apparatus being used as a driving environment
`recognition apparatus.
`Hitachi’s camera includes image capture device 11 such as a charge-
`coupled device (CCD) having an optoelectic conversion surface made up of
`a plurality of optoelectric conversion elements known as pixels. Id. at ¶¶
`[0003], [0015] - [0017]. Rather than capturing image data on the entire
`optoelectric surface of the camera (capture-capable image area A0), the
`
`15
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`Patent 7,877,175 B2
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`camera captures image data on used image area A1. Id. at ¶ [0015]; Fig. 1.
`By selecting the pixels that will acquire image data (the used image area
`A1), the field angle can be altered and image rotation can be obtained
`without actually moving the optoelectrical conversion surface (capture-
`capable image area A0) of the image capture device 11. Id. at ¶ [0017].
`Thus, misalignment may be detected and corrected without moving the
`camera by selecting the pixels that acquire image data to alter the field angle
`and/or rotate the image. Id. at ¶¶ [0043]-[0046].
`Hitachi discloses an embodiment having marks 3 disposed on the left
`and right of hood MB of the automobile M. Id. at ¶ [0018]; Fig. 2. When
`the initial mark position X of mark 3 is not identical to the current mark
`position Y (steps S4, S5) and correction is within the correctable range (step
`S9), a correction is calculated (step S10), and image data is corrected (step
`S11). Id. at ¶¶ [0032]-[0048]; Figs. 4, 5.
`
`Additionally, Hitachi’s forward vehicle recognition unit 151 detects
`objects, such as a forward vehicle, and danger avoidance decision unit 17
`and warning issuance decision unit 172 determines when the driven vehicle
`is abnormally close to that object, and warns the driver via display unit 5.
`Id. at ¶¶ [0025]-[0029]; Fig. 3. Hitachi’s same-vehicle lane positional
`relationship calculation unit 154, in conjunction with danger avoidance
`decision unit 17 and warning issuance decision unit 172, detects when the
`driven vehicle is about to deviate from its lane and warns the driver via
`display 5. Id.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`16
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`2. Analysis
`
`a. Claims 1-7, 9, 12, 15-18, and 21
`Each of independent claims 1 and 16 are directed to an imaging
`system having a control that algorithmically processes a captured image
`comprising an image data set to a reduced image data set. This limitation is
`also present in claims 2-7, 9, 12, 15, 17, and 18 by virtue of their
`dependence from claims 1 and 16, respectively. Claim 21 depends from
`independent claim 19 and contains a similar limitation.
`Petitioner asserts that, “Hitachi discloses an image processor that
`reduces the captured image data.” Pet. ’227, 20, 28, 34. In support of this
`contention, Petitioner identifies image operation unit 1B as depicted in
`Figure 3 of Hitachi as an image processor, and quotes a portion of
`paragraphs [0016] and [0025] of Hitachi.12 Id. at 20.
`Petitioner asserts that the image processor processes the image data
`set to a reduced image data set, but does not address that the claims require
`“algorithmically processing.”
`Further, the portions of the reference quoted by Petitioner do not
`describe algorithmically processing a captured image. See Pet. ’227, 20
`(citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ [0016], [0025]; Fig. 3. Specifically, the first portion of
`the reference quoted by Petitioner describes that Hitachi’s image capture
`device has a large optoelectric conversion surface so that the used image
`capture area A1 is smaller the capture-capable image area A0. Ex. 1003 ¶
`[0016]. The second portion cited by Petitioner relates to the components of
`image processing unit 15 (i.e., units 151-154), and does not address
`
`12 It appears Petitioner cited “Ex. 1002” when “Ex. 1003” was intended.
`See Pet. ’227, 20.
`
`
`17
`
`
`
`
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`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`algorithmically processing image data. Id. ¶ 25. Nor does Figure 3 support
`Petitioner’s contention. Figure 3 of Hitachi, depicts image operation unit
`1B, which is comprised of numerous sub-units (e.g., Comparison Unit 164,
`Forward Vehicle Recognition Unit 151) that perform a variety of functions,
`none of which have a name indicating algorithmic processing of image data..
`Ex 1003, Fig. 3, ¶¶ [0022]-[0024]. Further, Petitioner fails to identify
`which of these sub-units performs algorithmic processing to reduce the data
`set as claimed. See Pet. ’227, 20.
`As detailed above, Hitachi’s camera does not capture image data on
`the entire optoelectric surface of the camera (capture-capable image area
`A0); rather, the camera captures image data on a portion (used image area
`A1) of that entire surface. Id. at ¶ [0015]; Fig. 1. In a sense, Hitachi’s
`camera captures a reduced image data set in that used image area A0 is
`smaller than the capture-capable image area A1. However, capturing a
`reduced image data set differs from capturing an image that comprises an
`image data set and then algorithmically processing it into a reduced image
`data set as claimed.
`Petitioner has not provided sufficient and credible evidence that
`Hitachi discloses the limitation at issue. Therefore, on the record before us,
`Petitioner has not established a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on the
`assertion that claims 1-7, 9, 12, 15-18, and 21 are anticipated by Hitachi.
`b. Claim 19
`
`
`
`Independent claim 19 differs from independent claims 1 and 16 in that
`claim 19 does not require the control to process the captured imaged to a
`reduced image data set. Due to this distinction, the shortcoming of
`
`
`18
`
`
`
`
`
`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`Petitioner’s assertion with regard to Hitachi discussed above is not relevant
`to claim 19.
`
`Claim 19 also differs from independent claims 1 and 16 in that the
`imaging system of claim 19 is required to include at least one of: an object
`detection system for detecting an object exterior of the vehicle, a headlamp
`control system for detecting a headlamp of a vehicle in the field of view, and
`a lane departure warning system.
`
`Petitioner explains how each claim limitation is disclosed by Hitachi.
`Pet. ’227, 32-34 (incorporating support from claim 1 at Pet. ’227, 19-22).
`For example, Petitioner identifies Hitachi’s camera 1 as an imaging array
`sensor, and Hitachi’s image operation unit 1B as a control for processing the
`captured image. Id. at 32, 19-20; Ex. 1003 ¶ [0022]; Fig. 3. Petitioner
`explains that Hitachi’s system detects camera misalignment and corrects by
`adjusting the captured image. Pet. ’227, 33; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ [0032], [0039]-
`[0041]. Further, Petitioner explains that Hitachi’s system includes an object
`detection system (image processing unit 15 includes a forward vehicle
`recognition unit 151) and a lane departure warning system (same-vehicle
`lane positional relationship calculation unit 154 in conjunction with warning
`issuance decision unit 172). Pet. ’227, 33-34; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ [0025], [0029].
`
`Patent Owner presents two arguments against this ground of
`unpatentability. First, Patent Owner argues that Petitioner “at no point cites
`to any expert testimony to support its case for anticipation.” Prelim. Resp.
`’227, 10. This argument is unpersuasive because expert testimony is not
`required in every case.
`
`Second, Patent Owner argues that the Petition only quotes various
`portions of Hitachi without an accompanying discussion of the basis for
`
`19
`
`
`
`
`
`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`applying Hitachi. Id. Contrary to this assertion, the Petition contains
`discussion of the basis for applying Hitachi. For example, the Petition
`explains that Hitachi discloses “an automotive image capture apparatus,”
`and “a vehicle-mounted camera” having an exterior field of view. Pet. ’227,
`32-34, 19-22. The Petition also explains that Hitachi discloses
`“functionality to detect camera misalignment,” and “correction of the
`detected misalignment by adjusting the captured image.” Id. at 33.
`We note that Petitioner cites for support to Hitachi’s Figure 6. Id. at
`
`33 (“see also, FIG. 6”). Figure 6 of Hitachi relates to Hitachi’s third
`embodiment, while the remainder of this ground of unpatentability relies
`upon Hitachi’s first embodiment. See id. at 19-22, 32-34; Ex. 1003
`¶¶ [0015]-[0048] (first embodiment); [0052]-[0056], Figs. 6, 7 (third
`embodiment). Given that Figures 4 and 6 utilize similar step numbering
`(e.g., S10), it is possible that reference to Figure 4 was intended. See Ex.
`1003, Figs. 4, 6. More importantly, Petitioner’s citation to Figure 6 does not
`amount to an improper attempt to mix embodiments in an anticipation
`ground because Petitioner has demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of
`prevailing in demonstrating that claim 19 is anticipated by Hitachi’s first
`embodiment. See Net MoneyIN, Inc. v. Verisign, Inc., 545 F.3d 1359, 1371
`(Fed. Cir. 2008) (combining different embodiments not proper for
`anticipation).
`Based on Petitioner’s above-mentioned contentions and cited
`evidence in the record, we are persuaded that Petitioner has demonstrated a
`reasonable likelihood Petitioner will prevail in demonstrating that claim 19
`is unpatentable over Hitachi.
`
`
`
`20
`
`
`
`
`
`B.
`
`Cases IPR2014-00227 and IPR2014-00228
`Patent 7,877,175 B2
`
`Obviousness over Nissan and Stam - Claims 1, 3, and 5-7
`Petitioner contends that claims 1, 3, and 5-7 are unpatentable under
`35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as obvious over Nissan and Stam. Pet. ’227, 35-41. On
`the record before us, for the reasons that follow, Petitioner has not
`demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of prevailing in this contention.
`1. Nissan
`Nissan describes a vehicle-mounted camera optical axis misalignment
`
`detection system. Ex. 1005, Title. The vehicle-mounted system 30 of the
`second embodiment captures an image of a position which is a blind spot for
`the driver at the front left of the car (near the left fender) with the vehicle-
`mounted camera 2, in response to an instruction input by the passenger of
`the car, and displays this image to the display 3, thereby providing the driver
`with driving support when, for example, making a left turn. Id. at ¶ 0032.
`The vehicle-mounted camera 2 is built in to a left-hand door mirror of the
`car. Id. The vehicle-mounted camera 2 is mounted on the car such that a
`left turn signal provided to the side of the car is visible, so as to capture
`images including the left turn signal. Id. A data ROM 8 stores an image
`showing where the turn signal ought to be observed in images captured by
`the vehicle-mounted camera 2 when the vehicle-mounted camera 2 is in an
`ideal state, mounted in a correct position and with no optical axis
`misalignment occurring. Id. at ¶ 0034. A CPU 6 of control unit 5 executes
`an optical axis misalignment detection program to determine periodically
`whether or not optical axis misalignment has occurred in the vehicle-
`mount
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