Case :14-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed O1l30:‘15 Page 1 of 55 Page ID #2415
`
`Ryan E. Hatch (SBN 235577)
`rhatch
`linerlaw.com
`Jason L.
`a_as SBN 217290)
`jhaas
`liner aw.com
`th
`LINER L P
`1100 Glendon Avenue, 14 Floor
`Los Angeles, California 900243518
`Telephone: 910% 500-3500
`
`310 500-3501
`
`Facsimile:
`
`Attorneys for Plaintiff SIGNAL IP, INC.
`
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`
`CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
`
`SIGNAL IP, lNC., a California
`corporation,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`vs.
`
`AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.,
`lNC., a California co oration;
`HONDA OF AMERI A MRG, INC,
`
`an Ohio corporation,
`
`Defendant.
`
`Case No. 2:14-cv—02454—JAl<ZéJEMx)
`Related to 2: 14-cv-02962-JA
`JEMx); SA CV14—00497—JAK (.lEMx);
`:14-cv-00491-JAK SlEMx); 2: 14-cv-
`02963 JAK (JEMX);
`:14-cv-024575
`JAK (JEMX); 2: 14-cv-03 106-JAK
`JEM:-: ; 2:14-cv-03111-JAK (JEMX);
`A C 14-03109 .lAK (JEMX); 2: I4-CV-
`03 1 05-JAK (JEMX); 2: 14-CV-03 I 07-
`)
`JAK (JEMX ' 2:14-CV-03113-JAK
`
`EJI132/lx);é23: lélizlcxj/:)I?é182%—fil/[AI)<'.) (JEIVIX);
`
`:
`
`-cv-
`
`-
`
`x
`
`AND RELATED CASES
`
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION
`AND PREHEARING STATEMENT
`
`Markmcm Hearing: March 16, 2015
`Time:
`10:00 am.
`Crtrm.:
`750
`
`The Hon. John A. Kronstadt
`
`Trial Date:
`
`TBD
`
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK(JEMx)
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREH EARING STATEMENT
`
`1
`
`HN-1006
`
`

`
`Case :14-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed O1!30l15 Page 2 of 55 Page ID #2416
`
`TABLE OF CONTENTS
`
`has
`
`CONSTRUCTION OF TERMS UPON WHICH PARTIES AGREE ........... .. 1
`
`PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF EACH DISPUTED CLAIM
`TERM AND IDENTIFICATION OF SUPPORTING EVIDENCE .............. ..3
`
`A.
`
`‘927 Patent ............................................................................................ ..3
`
`B
`
`C
`
`‘375 Patent .......................................................................................... .. 11
`
`‘486 Patent .......................................................................................... .. 18
`
`D.
`
`‘60I Patent .......................................................................................... ..20
`
`E
`
`F
`
`‘O07 Patent .......................................................................................... ..30
`
`‘374 Patent .......................................................................................... ..39
`
`G.
`
`‘775 Patent .......................................................................................... ..42
`
`IDENTIFICATION OF MOST SIGNIFICANT TERMS ............................ ..46
`
`A.
`
`B.
`
`S1'gnaI’s Statement ............................................................................... ..46
`
`Defendants’ Statement ........................................................................ ..46
`
`ANTICIPATED LENGTH OF TIME NECESSARY FOR THE
`CLAIM CONSTRUCTION HEARING ....................................................... ..48
`
`A.
`
`B.
`
`Signa1’s Statement............................................................................... ..48
`
`Defendants’ Statement ........................................................................ ..48
`
`DESCRIPTION OF EXPERT WITNESS PROPOSED TESTIMONY ...... ..48
`
`A.
`
`B.
`
`C.
`
`Signa1’s Statement............................................................................... ..48
`
`Defendants’ Statement (not including VWGOA and Bentley) ........... ..48
`
`VWGOA and Bentley Statement ......................................................... .. 49
`
`Case NO. 2:I4-cv-02454-JAK (JEMK)
`I
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREH EARING STATEMENT
`
`2
`
`

`
`Case :14-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed 01l30l15 Page 3 of 55 Page ID #2417
`
`Pursuant to Standing Patent Rule (“S.P.R.”) 3.4 and the Court’s Minute Order
`
`of September 15, 2014 (Dkt. 38 in Case No. 2: 14-cv-02454) (“Minute Order”)
`
`Plaintiff Signal IP, Inc. (“Signal”) and Defendants American Honda Motor Co. and
`
`Honda of America Mfg., Inc. (collectively “I-Ionda”), Nissan North America, Inc.
`
`(“Nissan”), Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (“Mitsubishi”), Mazda Motor of
`
`America, Inc. (“Mazda”), Subaru of America, Inc. (“Subaru”), Kia Motors America,
`
`Inc. (“l<.MA”), BMW ofNorth America, LLC (“BMWNA”), Volvo Cars ofNorth
`
`America, LLC (“Volvo”), Mercedes-Benz USA LLC (“MBUSA”), Volkswagen
`
`Group of America (“VWGOA”) and Bentley Motors, Inc. (“Bentley”), Jaguar Land
`
`Rover North America, LLC (“JLRNA”), and Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
`
`(“PCNA”) (collectively, “Defendants”) hereby submit their Joint Claim
`
`Construction and Prehearing Statement for U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,714,927 (“the ‘927
`
`Patent"), 5,732,375 (“the ‘375 Patent”), 6,434,486 (“the ‘486 Patent”), 6,775,601
`
`(“the ‘60l Patent”), 6,012,007 (“the ‘007 Patent”), 5,463,374 (“the ‘.374 Patent”),
`
`and 5,954,775 (“the ‘775 Patent”) (Collectively “Patents-in-Suit” or “Asserted
`
`Patents”).
`
`1.
`
`CONSTRUCTION OF TERMS UPON WHICH PARTIES AGREE]
`
`The below chart reflects the constructions agreed to between Signal and the
`
`Defendants accused of infringing the patents and claims noted in the first column of
`
`the chart. Defendants take no position on (and do not agree to any construction for)
`
`claims that are not asserted in their particular cases.
`
`' Defendants VWGOA and Bentley take no position on the constructions offered in
`this Section I. VWGOA and Bentley contend only that certain terms in the asselted
`patents are indefinite, as set forth in Section II below. VWGOA and Bentley further
`contend that the other terms in the patents asserted against them require no
`construction other than “plain and ordinary meaning.” Rather than repeat the phrase
`“plain and ordinary meaning” in each section below, VWGOA and Bentley simply
`note their position here. VWGOA and Bentley reserve the right to contend that any
`specific construction proposed below by any party is incorrect.
`
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK (JEMx)
`l
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREHEARING STATEMENT
`
`3
`
`

`
`Case :14-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed O1f30l15 Page 4 of 55 Page ID #2418
`
`Terms (& Claims)
`
`Agreed Construction
`
`“blind spot”
`
`An area on a side or on a side and to the rear
`
`of the host vehicle not visible to the driver
`
`(‘927 Patent, Claim 1)
`
`through the mirrors
`
`“relative vehicle speed”
`
`Speed in relation to another vehicle.
`
`(‘927 Patent, Claim 1)
`
`“alert signal"
`
`A signal for alerting the driver
`
`(‘927 Patent, Claim 1)
`
`“detecting target vehicle
`presence and producing an alert
`command”
`
`Detecting that the target vehicle is present at
`least partially in the blind spot and producing
`an alert command
`
`(‘927 Patent, Claim 1)
`
`“total threshold force”
`
`(‘375 Patent, Claim 1)
`
`A minimum force that allows airbag
`deployment based on the total force sensed by
`the entire sensor array
`
`“providing an alarm”
`
`Providing a warning for the driver
`
`(‘486 Patent, Claims 21 & 28)
`
`“traction motor”
`
`An electric motor used to propel a vehicle2
`
`(‘60l Patent, Claims 8, 10-1 1,
`
`15, 17)
`
`“force”
`
`(’375 Patent, claim 1)
`
`Pressure that is indicative of weight
`
`“vehicle torque demand”
`
`Torque requested by the driver
`
`(’6(}l Patent, claim 8)
`
`“means for storing
`identification codes from the
`
`2 BMWNA agrees to the construction of “traction motor,” but takes no position on
`the constructions of the terms agreed upon by Signal and the other defendants.
`
`Case No. 2:l4-cv-02454-JAK (JEMx)
`2
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREH EARING STATEMENT
`
`4
`
`

`
`Case :14-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed O1f30l15 Page 5 of 55 Page ID #2419
`
`Terms (& Claims)
`
`Agreed Construction
`
`transmitted sign up messages
`for comparison with
`subsequently transmitted data
`messages to differentiate data
`transmitted from various tire
`
`locations”
`
`(‘374 Patent, Claim 3)
`
`“storing identification codes from the
`transmitted sign—up messages for comparison
`with subsequently transmitted data messages
`to differentiate data transmitted from various
`
`tire locations”
`
`Structure:
`
`the processor 24 and its associated non-
`volatile memory.
`
`“yaw rate sensor”
`
`Sensor that measures a vehicle’s deviation
`
`(’486 Patent, Claims 27, 34)
`
`from a straight course
`
`PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF EACH DISPUTED CLAIM TERM
`
`AND IDENTIFICATION OF SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
`
`A.
`
`‘927 Patent
`
`The ‘927 Patent is asserted in these actions against defendants Honda, KMA,
`
`Mazda, Nissan, Volvo, JLRNA, MBUSA, BMWNA, vwGoA, and PCNA.
`
`Terms & Claims
`
`Plaintiff’ s Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
`“In a radar system
`wherein a host
`
`vehicle uses radar
`
`to detect a target
`vehicle in a blind
`
`spot of the host
`vehicle driver, a
`method of
`
`improving the
`perceived zone of
`coverage response
`of automotive
`
`radar comprising
`the steps oi“
`
`Signal is of the view that
`this term does not require a
`construction by the Court,
`and should be given its
`plain and ordinary
`meaning. However, if the
`Court determines that a
`
`construction is necessary,
`Signal proposes the
`following:
`
`The preamble is limiting.
`
`Evidence: ‘927 Patent,
`Abstract; Figs.
`1 and 3-7;
`
`KMA Mazda Nissan
`
`Volvo JLRNA MBUSA
`
`PCNA BMWNA: The
`
`preamble is limiting.
`
`Honda: Preamble does not
`
`limit claim to radar.
`
`Field of the Invention;
`
`Abstract; Figs. 3d, 4, cols.
`2:28-32; 2:62-65; 3:52 -
`
`4:21; 4:35:44; claim 1.
`
`Case No. 2:l4-cv-02454-JAK (JEl'\/Ix)
`3
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREH EARING STATEMENT
`
`5
`
`

`
`Case :14-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed 01130715 Page 6 0155 Page ID #:420
`
`Terms & Claims
`
`Plaintiff’ s Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
`(Claim 1)
`
`1:23-27, 31-39, 45-67; 2:1-
`
`6, 15-34, 41-59, 62-65; 3:2-
`
`13, 41-51, 57-4:21; 4:22-
`
`49; 4:56-61; 5:1-25,
`Claims.
`
`Prosecution history of the
`‘927 Patent, eg. at Notice
`of Allowance
`
`(S1G0000l 33 1 —
`SlG0000l333), e.g. p. 6.
`
`Dictionary definitions of
`Blind Spot, S1G00000l704.
`
`Dictionary definitions of
`Radar, SlG0O00017lO.
`
`Signal is of the View that
`this term does not require a
`construction by the Court,
`and should be given its
`plain and ordinary
`meaning. However, if the
`Court determines that a
`
`construction is necessary,
`Signal proposes the
`following:
`
`A variable period of time
`for which the alert signal
`persists
`
`Honda JLRNA KMA
`
`Mazda MBUSA Nissan
`
`PCNA Volvo: “a variable
`
`period of time for which the
`alert signal persists after a
`target Vehicle is no longer
`detected”
`
`Additional clarifying
`statement: The ’927 Patent
`
`distinguishes “variable
`sustain time” from a
`
`separate concept of “hold”
`time. A “hold” time is the
`
`minimum time for which
`
`“Variable sustain
`'
`as
`time
`
`(Claims 1 and 2)
`
`Evidence: ‘927 Patent,
`
`1 and 3-7;
`Abstract; Figs.
`1:23-27, 31-39, 45-67; 2:1-
`
`the signal persists after a
`target vehicle is no longer
`detected. The “variable
`
`6, 15-34, 41-59, 62-65; 3:2-
`
`sustain time” is used when
`
`13, 41-51, 57-4:21; 4:22-
`
`49; 4:56-61; 5:1-25,
`Claims.
`
`the alert signal time has
`been equal to or greater
`than the threshold time. The
`
`minimal “hold” time is
`
`4
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK (JEMx)
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREH EARING STATEMENT
`
`6
`
`

`
`Case :14-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed 01l30l15 Page 7 of 55 Page ID #2421
`
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`Terms & Claims Plaintiffs Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
`Prosecution history of the
`‘927 Patent, e.g. at Notice
`ofAllowance
`
`used when the alert signal
`time is less than the
`
`threshold time.
`
`(SlG00O0l33l —
`
`SIG0000l 333), e.g. p. 6.
`
`Abstract; Figs. 2, 3a-3d, 4,
`5, 7; cols. 1:45-55; 2:1-6;
`
`2:15-34; 3:52 — 4:44, 5:1-
`
`16; claims 1, 7-12.
`
`File History: Notice of
`Allowance at 2.
`
`Deposition Transcript of
`Dr. Petros loannou
`
`(Rough). See, e.g., 41:7-
`
`11, 45:17-22, 47:6-14,
`
`49:2-50: 19, 88:22-94:14.
`
`IBM Dictionary of
`Computing, p. 728 (1994)
`(“variable .
`.
`. (9) Contrast
`with constant”); The IEEE
`
`Standard Dictionary of
`Electrical and Electronics
`
`1 174 (6th Ed.
`Terms, p.
`1996) (“variable .
`.
`. (3) A
`quantity or data item whose
`value can change .
`.
`.
`Contrast: constant”);
`American Heritage
`Dictionary ((variable): lb.
`lnconstant; 3. Mathematics
`Having no fixed
`quantitative value); Oxford
`Dictionary ((variable): Not
`consistent); Collins
`Dictionary ((variable): “l.
`Liable to or capable of
`change; 2. Lacking
`constancy; 3. Having a
`
`5
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK (JEMx)
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREHEARING STATEMENT
`
`7
`
`

`
`Case :14-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed O1l30l15 Page 8 0155 Page ID #2422
`
`Terms & Claims Plaintiff’ 5 Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
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`range of possible values; 6.
`(of an electrical component
`or device) designed so that
`a characteristic property,
`such as resistance, can be
`
`varied”); Cambridge
`Dictionary ((variable):
`“likely to change, or
`showing change or
`difference as a
`
`characteristic”); Oxford
`Amer. Eng. Dictionary
`((sustain): “cause to
`continue or be prolonged
`for an extended period or
`without interruption”);
`American Heritage
`Dictionary ((sustain): “to
`keep in existence; maintain,
`continue, or prolong”)
`Collins Dictionary
`((sustain): “to maintain or
`prolong”); Cambridge
`Amer. Dictionary
`((sustain): “to cause or
`allow something to
`continue for a period of
`time”).
`
`Deposition Transcript of
`Dr. Petros loannou
`
`(Rough), 39:19-42:24;
`49:7-50:19; 81:16-84:18.
`
` : “the length of
`time for which an alert is
`
`sustained once the alert
`
`lasts longer than a threshold
`time. The length of the
`sustain time varies with the
`
`6
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK (JEMx)
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREH EARING STATEMENT
`
`8
`
`

`
`Case :14-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed O1l30l15 Page 9 0155 Page ID #2423
`
`Terms & Claims Plaintiff’ s Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
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`relative speed between the
`host and target vehicles”
`
`Claims 1, 2
`Abstract
`
`Figs. 3a-3d, 4, 5
`Col. 2, 11. 15-34
`
`C01. 4, ll. 4-21, 32-49
`
`Col. 5, 11. 1-44
`
`Expert Deposition
`Transcript of Dr. Petros
`Ioannou (Rough), 25:10-
`94: 12.
`
`“wherein the zone
`
`Not indefinite.
`
`Honda Mazda Nissan
`
`of coverage
`
`appears to
`increase
`
`according to the
`variable sustain
`-
`as
`time
`
`(Claim 1)
`
`Signal is of the view that
`this term does not require a
`construction by the Court,
`and should be given its
`plain and ordinary
`meaning. However, if the
`Court determines that a
`
`construction is necessary,
`Signal proposes the
`following:
`
`Wherein the zone of
`
`coverage as perceived by
`the vehicle driver appears
`to increase according to a
`variable sustain time.
`
`Evidence: ‘927 Patent,
`Abstract; Figs.
`1 and 3-7;
`1:23-27, 31-39, 45-67; 2:1-
`
`6, 15-34, 41-59, 62-65; 3:2-
`
`13,41-51, 57-4:21; 4:22-
`
`49; 4:56-61; 521-25,
`
`Volvo JLRNA MBUSA
`
`PCNA: Indefinite under
`
`§ 112, paragraph 2.
`
`Expert Declaration ofAzim
`Eskandarian, D.Sc.
`Cols. 2:32-34; 4:4-’'/'; 4:8-
`
`21; 5:17-25.
`
`Declaration of Dr. Petros
`
`Ioannou; Deposition
`Transcript of Dr. Petros
`loannou (Rough), 25:10-
`94: 12
`
`Honda: Alternatively,
`“wherein the alert signal
`remains active when a
`
`target vehicle is beyond the
`range that the object
`detection system can
`detect”
`
`7
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK (JEMx)
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREH EARING STATEMENT
`
`9
`
`

`
`Case 2 4-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed 01f30I15 Page 10 of 55 Page ID #2424
`
`Terms & Claims
`
`Plaintiff’s Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
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`Claims.
`
`Prosecution history of the
`‘927 Patent, e.g. at Notice
`of Allowance
`
`(SIG0000l33l —
`SIGOOOOI333), e.g. p. 6.
`
`Expert Declaration of Dr.
`Petros loannou, e.g. at 111]
`20-25; Eskandarian Decl.,1l
`25; ‘927 Patent, 2:32-34,
`4:4-7.
`
`Expert Deposition
`Transcript of Dr. Petros
`loannou (Rough), 25:10-
`94:12.
`
`“a threshold time”
`
`(Claim 1)
`
`Signal is of the view that
`this term does not require a
`construction by the Court,
`and should be given its
`plain and ordinary
`meaning. However, if the
`Court determines that a
`
`construction is necessary,
`Signal proposes the
`following:
`
`Cols. 4:18-20; Fig. 4. See
`generally Declaration and
`Deposition Transcript of
`Dr. Petros loannou
`
`(Rough).
`
`VWGoA/Bentley:
`Indefinite
`
`The claim term fails to
`
`inform those skilled in the
`
`art of the scope of the
`claimed invention with
`
`reasonable certainty. There
`is an absence of any
`intrinsic evidence that
`
`would support construction
`of this term.
`
`For example, the term as
`used in claim I is
`
`inherently subjective, and
`depends on the perception
`of the user. The patent fails
`to define when or how the
`
`claimed zone of coverage
`“appears to increase
`according to the variable
`sustain time.”
`
`JLRNA and Mazda:
`
`“amount of time that must
`
`be exceeded or equaled to
`trigger the variable sustain
`time”
`
`Abstract; Figs. 5, 6; cols.
`2:15-34, 4:22-64; 5:1-16;
`claims 7-12.
`
`8
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK (JEMx)
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREHEARING STATEMENT
`
`10
`
`

`
`Case 2 4-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed 01f3OI15 Page 11 of 55 Page ID #2425
`
`Terms & Claims Plaintiff’ 5 Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
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`
`Amount of time that must
`
`be exceeded or equaled
`
`Evidence: ‘927 Patent,
`Abstract; Figs.
`1 and 3-7;
`1:23-27, 31-39, 45-67; 2:1-
`
`6, 15-34, 41-59, 62-65; 3:2-
`
`13, 41-51, 57-4:21; 4:22-
`
`49; 4:56-61; 5:1-25,
`Claims.
`
`File History: Notice of
`Allowance at 2.
`
`Deposition Transcript of
`Dr. Petros loannou
`
`(Rough). See, e.g., 88:22-
`94:14.
`
`Oxford Dictionary
`((threshold): “2. The
`magnitude or intensity that
`must be exceeded for a
`
`Prosecution history of the
`‘927 Patent, e.g. at Notice
`of Allowance
`
`certain reaction,
`
`phenomenon, result, or
`condition to occur or be
`
`(SlG00O01331 —
`
`SIGOOOOI 333), e.g. p. 6.
`
`Dictionary definitions of
`Threshold, SIGUOOOU 1 7 I 2.
`
`manifested”); American
`Heritage Dictionary
`((threshold): “4. The point
`that must be exceeded to
`
`begin producing a given
`effect or result or to elicit a
`
`response”); Collins English
`Dictionary ((threshold): “5.
`a level or point at which
`something would happen,
`would cease to happen, or
`would take effect, become
`
`true, etc.; 6. The minimum
`
`intensity or value of a
`signal, etc., that will
`produce a response or
`specified effect”);
`MacMillan Dictionary
`((threshold): “1. A limit at
`which an arrangement
`changes. For example a tax
`threshold is the level of
`
`income or profit at which
`you start to pay a tax; l.a. a
`level at which something
`
`9
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK (JEMx)
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREH EARING STATEMENT
`
`11
`
`

`
`Case 2 4-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed 01130115 Page 12 of 55 Page ID #2426
`
`Terms & Claims
`
`Plaintiff’ s Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
`©\O%--IONUI-lib-Il~Ji—t
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`happens. For example, you
`hearing threshold is the
`level of sound that you can
`hear, and you pain
`threshold is the level of
`
`pain that you can feel
`without suffering or
`Complaining”); Merriam-
`Webster Dictionary
`((threshold): “a level, point,
`or value above which
`
`something is true or will
`take place and below which
`it is not or will not”)
`
`“improving the
`perceived zone of
`coverage”
`
`(Claim 1)
`
`Not indefinite.
`
`Honda Mazda Nissan
`
`Signal is ofthe view that
`this term does not require a
`construction by the Court,
`and should be given its
`plain and ordinary
`meaning. However, ifthe
`Court determines that a
`
`construction is necessary,
`Signal proposes the
`following:
`
`Improving the perceived
`zone of coverage,
`compared to an
`interrupted signal.
`
`Volvo JLRNA MBUSA
`
`DI
`
`Indefinite under § 1 12,
`
`paragraph 2.
`
`Expert Declaration ofAzim
`Eskandarian, D.Sc.
`
`Cols. 2:32-34; 4:4-7; 4:8-
`
`21; 5:17-25.
`
`Declaration of Dr. Petros
`
`loannou; Deposition
`Transcript of Dr. Petros
`loannou (Rough). See, e.g.,
`25:10-94:12
`
`Evidence: ‘927 Patent,
`
`1 and 3-7;
`Abstract; Figs.
`1:23-27, 31-39, 45-67; 2:]-
`
`VWGoA/Bentley:
`Indefinite
`
`6, 15-34, 4] -59, 62-65; 3:2-
`
`The claim term fails to
`
`13, 41-51, 57-4:21; 4:22-
`
`49; 4:56-61; 5:1-25,
`
`inform those skilled in the
`
`art ofthe scope of the
`claimed invention with
`
`10
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK (JEMx)
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREH EARING STATEMENT
`
`12
`
`

`
`Case 2 4-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed 01f3OI15 Page 13 of 55 Page ID #2427
`
`Terms & Claims
`
`Plaintiff’s Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
`©\O%--IIGNUI-lib-Il\ll—t
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`
`Claims.
`
`Prosecution history of the
`‘927 Patent, e.g. at Notice
`of Allowance
`
`(SIG0000l33l —
`SIGOOOOI333), e.g. p. 6.
`
`Expert Declaration of Dr.
`Petros loannou, e.g. at W
`20-25; ‘927 Patent, Fig. 3c,
`3d, 3:52-4:7.
`
`Expert Deposition
`Transcript of Dr. Petros
`loannou (Rough), 25:10-
`94:12.
`
`reasonable certainty. There
`is an absence of any
`intrinsic evidence that
`
`would support construction
`of this term.
`
`For example, the term as
`used in claim I is
`
`inherently subjective, and
`depends on the perception
`of the user. The patent fails
`to define when or how the
`
`claimed “perceived” zone
`of coverage is improved.
`
`B.
`
`‘375 Patent
`
`The ‘375 Patent is asserted in these actions against defendants Honda, KMA,
`
`Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, BMWNA, and VWGOA.
`
`I Terms & Claims Plaintiffs Position
`
`“force
`
`distribution”
`
`(Claim 1)
`
`Signal is of the view that this
`term does not require a
`construction by the Court, and
`should be given its plain and
`ordinary meaning. However,
`if the Court determines that a
`
`construction is necessary,
`Signal proposes the following:
`
`A distribution of force or
`ressure on the seat
`videncez ‘375 Patent,
`Abstract; Fi 5. 2-9‘ 1:44-2:21,
`63-3:10; 3:2 -47; 3:51-4:17;
`4: 18-29, 30-5:37, Claims.
`Prosecution history of the ‘375
`Patent e.. at First Office
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
`Honda Mazda
`
`Mitsubishi Nissan:
`
`“a pattern of pressure
`distribution measured by
`Sampling a plurality of
`seat sensors”
`
`Cols. 1:59-2:3; Abstract.
`
`11
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK (JEMx)
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREH EARING STATEMENT
`
`13
`
`

`
`Case 2 4-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed 01i'3OI15 Page 14 of 55 Page ID #2428
`
`Terms & Claims Plaintiffs Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
`\D%--IIGNUI-lib-Il\ll—t
`
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`
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`7.
`
`“on the passenger
`seat”
`
`(Claim 1)
`
`Honda KMA Mazda
`
`Mitsubishi Nissan:
`
`“on the top surface of the
`seat, just under the seat
`cover”
`
`Abstract; Fig. 2; cols.
`1:59-61; 2:4-6; 2:8;
`
`3:21-32; 4:65-5:8; 5:31-
`33.
`
`‘007 patent, col. 1:31-45.
`
`‘ ction
`'
`"SHIV '
`. 40;
`SIG0000499:)f cg.
`Response SI 00 08695 —
`SIG00000 12), e.
`.p. 25;
`Response (SIGOO 00695 —
`SlG00000712), e.%. p. 26;
`Response §SlG00 00695 —
`S1G_00000 12), e.g. p. 27;
`Notice of Allowability
`EIGOOO-00723), e.g. p. 10;
`easons for Allowance
`SlG00000724 —
`IG00000727), e.g. p. 6.
`Signal is ofthe View that this
`term does not require a
`construction by the Court, and
`should be given its plain and
`ordinary meaning. However,
`if the Court determines that a
`
`construction is necessary,
`Signal proposes the following:
`
`Located such that wei ht on
`the passenger seat can e
`detected.
`Evidence: ‘375 Patent,
`Abstract; Figs. 2-9; 1:44-2:21,
`63-3:10; 3:21-47; 3:51-4:17;
`4:18-29, 30-5:37, Claims.
`‘O07 Patent, 1:39-43. ‘007
`Patent, 1:31-42, citin U.S.
`Pat. No. 5,474,327;
`.S. Pat.
`No. 5,474,327, 4:37-5:3.
`Prosecution history of the ‘375
`Patent, e.
`. at First Office
`Action (0 G00000492 —
`SIGOOO 04998, eg. 40;
`Response SI ‘00 0 695 -
`SIG00000 12), e.
`.
`.25;
`Response (SlG00% 0695 —
`SIG00000712), e.%. p. 26;
`Response (SIGOO 00695 —
`SIG000007l2), e.g. p. 27;
`Notice of Allowability
`SIG0000‘0723%, e.g. p. 10;
`easons for Al owance
`SIGOOOOO724 —
`IG00000727 e.. . 6.
`
`12
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK (JEMx)
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREHEARING STATEMENT
`
`14
`
`

`
`Case 2 4-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed 01730715 Page 15 of 55 Page ID #2429
`
`Terms & Claims
`
`Plaintiffs Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
`“seat area”
`
`(Claim 1)
`
`“sensor array"/
`“array of force
`sensors”
`
`(Claim 1)
`
`Signal is of the view that this
`term does not require a
`construction by the Court, and
`should be given its plain and
`ordinary meaning. However,
`if the Court determines that a
`
`construction is necessary,
`Signal proposes the following:
`
`Area of the seat.
`Evidence: ‘375 Patent,
`Abstract; Fi s. 2-9; 1:44-2:21,
`63-3:10; 3:2 -47; 3:51-4:17;
`4: 18-29, 30-5:37, Claims.
`Prosecution history of the ‘375
`Patent, e.
`. at First Office
`Action ( G00000492 —
`SIG00000499&, eg.
`40;
`Res onse SI 00 0 695 ~
`S1 00000 12), e.
`. p. 25;
`Response (SIG00 00695 —
`SIG00000712), e.
`. p. 26;
`Response (S1G00%00695 —
`S1G_00000712), e.g.p. 27;
`Notice otA11owab111ty
`SlG0000O723%, e.g. p. 10;
`easons for A1 owance
`S1G00000724 —
`IG00000727), eg. p. 6.
`‘007 Patent, 1:39-_ _3. ‘007
`Patent, 1:31-42, citin U.S.
`Pat. No. 5,474,327;
`.8. Pat.
`No.5 474 327 4:37-5:3.
`
`Signal is ofthe View that this
`term does not require a
`construction by the Court, and
`should be given its plain and
`ordinary meaning. However,
`if the Court determines that a
`
`construction is necessary,
`Signal proposes the following:
`
`Ordered grouping of [force]
`sensors.
`
`Evidence: ‘375 Patent,
`Abstract; Figs. 2-9; 1:44-2:21,
`63-3:10; 3:21-47; 3:51-4:17;
`
`Honda KMA Mazda
`
`Mitsubishi Nissan:
`
`“area of the bottom seat
`
`cushion”
`
`Abstract; Figs. 2, 4, 7, 8;
`cols. 1:59 — 2:3; 2:12-21;
`
`3:21-32; 3:48-67; 4:17-
`
`5:33; Mar. 27, 1997
`
`Examiner Office Action;
`
`July 3, 1997 Applicant
`Amendment and
`
`Response; Sept. 10, 1997
`Notice of Allowance;
`U.S. Patent No.
`
`5,474,327; U.S. Patent
`
`No. 6,012,007.
`
`Honda KMA Mazda
`
`Mitsubishi Nissan:
`
`“an ordered or
`
`symmetrical grouping of
`[force] sensors arranged
`in rows and columns”
`
`Abstract; Figs. 1-4, 7, 8;
`cols. 1:59 — 2:20; 3:21-
`
`47; 3:66-4:2; 4:17 —
`
`5:11; Mar. 27,1997
`
`Examiner Office Action;
`
`13
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK (.lEMx)
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREHEARING STATEMENT
`
`15
`
`

`
`Case 2 4-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed 01f30I15 Page 16 of 55 Page ID #2430
`
`Terms & Claims Plaintiffs Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
`\D%--IIGNUI-lib-Il\lh—t
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`_
`Proecuiion history ofthe ‘375
`. at First Office
`Patent, e.
`Action ( G00000492 —
`SlG00000499&, etg.
`40;
`Response SI 00 0 695 —
`SIG00000 12), eg). p. 25'
`Response (SIGOO 00695’-
`SlG00000712), e.%.
`. 26;
`Response (SlG00
`0695 —
`SlG_00000712), e.g. p. 27;
`Notice of Allowabillty
`%SlG00000'/'23), e.g. p. 10;
`easons for Allowance
`s1o00000724 —
`1000000727 , e.g. p. 6.
`Dictiona
`de 1n1t1ons of
`Array, Sl 000001703.
`
`July 3, 1997 Applicant
`Amendment and
`
`Response; Sept. 10,
`1997 Notice of
`
`Allowance; U.S. Patent
`
`No. 5,474,327; U.S.
`
`Patent No. 5,570,903.
`
`Webster’s [I New
`
`College Dictionary
`(1999), pg. 62 ((array):
`“a rectangular
`arrangement of
`quantities in rows and
`columns, as in a
`matrix”); Merriam-
`Webster’s School
`
`Dictionary (1999), pg.
`48 ((array): “Regular
`order or arrangement;
`An imposing group:
`large number; A group
`of mathematical
`
`elements (as numbers or
`letters) arranged in rows
`and columns”)
`
`“seat area
`
`threshold force”
`
`(Claim 1)
`
`Signal is of the View that this
`term does not require a
`construction by the Court, and
`should be given its plain and
`ordinary meaning. However,
`if the Court determines that a
`
`construction is necessary,
`Signal proposes the following:
`
`Honda and Mazda: “A
`
`minimum force different
`
`than the total threshold
`
`force that allows airbag
`deployment based on the
`forces measured by the
`sensors in only one of
`the seat areas.”
`
`A minimum force that allows
`airbag deployment based on
`the forces in one of the seat
`
`Abstact; Figs. 2-9; Cols.
`3:48—67; 4:1—l6; 5:12-
`
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK (JEMx)
`14
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREH EARING STATEMENT
`
`16
`
`

`
`Case 2 4-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed 01f3OI15 Page 17 of 55 Page ID #2431
`
`Terms & Claims Plaintiffs Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
`;\O%--IGNUI-lib-Il\)1—t
`
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`
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`
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`
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`
`areas.
`
`Evidence: ‘375 Patent,
`Abstract; Fi s. 2-9' 1:44-2:21,
`63-3:10; 3:2 -47; 3:51-4:17;
`4: 18-29, 30-5:37, Claims.
`Prosecution history of the ‘375
`Patent, e.
`. at First Office
`Action (S G00000492 -
`S1G00000499()}, e.(g.
`40;
`Response SI 00 0 695 —
`SIG00000 12), e.
`.
`. 25;
`Res onse SlG00% 0695—
`SI 00000 12), e.
`. p. 26;
`Response (SlG00 00695-
`SlG00000712), e.g. p. 27;
`Notice ofAllowab1l1ty
`%SIG000O0'/'23), e.g. p. 10;
`easons for Allowance
`SIG00000724 —
`IG00000727 e.g. p. 6.
`Dictiona
`de mitions of
`_ Threshol
`, SlG000001712.
`Signal is of the view that this
`term does not require a
`construction by the Court, and
`should be given its plain and
`ordinary meaning. However,
`if the Court determines that a
`
`construction is necessary,
`Signal proposes the following:
`
`. “determining the
`existence of a
`
`local pressure
`area when the
`
`calculated total
`
`force is
`
`concentrated in
`
`one of said seat
`
`areas”
`
`(Claim 1)
`
`Determining if pressure is
`concentrated in one seat area
`
`Evidence: ‘375 Patent,
`
`Abstract; Figs. 2-9; 1:44-2:21,
`63—3:10; 3:21-47; 3:51-4:17;
`
`4:18-29, 30-5:37, Claims.
`
`‘375 Patent, 4:18-29.
`
`Prosecution history of the ‘375
`Patent, e.g. at First Office
`Action (SlG00000492 —
`
`SIG00000499), e.. . 40;
`
`30; Claims; Prosecution
`
`History at Response
`(SlG00000695 —
`
`SIG00000712), e.g., p.
`S1G00000706.
`
`Honda:
`
`“comparing the pressure
`in each seat area to
`
`identify if pressure is
`concentrated in one
`
`area”
`
`Abstract; Figs. 4, 7, 8;
`cols. 1:59 — 2:3; 2: 12-21;
`
`3:21-32; 3:48-67; 4:17 —
`
`5:30; Mar. 27, 1997
`
`Examiner Office Action;
`July 3, 1997 Applicant
`Amendment and
`
`Response; Sept. 10, 1997
`Notice of Allowance.
`
`15
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK (JEMx)
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREH EARING STATEMENT
`
`17
`
`

`
`Case 2 4-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed 01f3OI15 Page 18 of 55 Page ID #2432
`
`Terms & Claims
`
`Plaintiffs Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
`;\O%--IGNUI-lib-Il\)l—t
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`Response (SlG00000695 —
`
`SIG00000712}, e.g. p. 25;
`Response (SlG00000695 —
`SlG00000712), e.g. p. 26;
`Response (SIG00000695 —
`SlG00000712), e.g. p. 27;
`Notice of Allowability
`(SlG00000723), e.g. p. 10;
`Reasons for Allowance
`
`(SIG00000724 —
`SIG00000727), e.g. p. 6.
`
`Dictionary definitions of
`Local, SIG000001708.
`
`. “calculating the
`total force of the
`
`sensor array”
`
`(Claim 1)
`
`Signal is ofthe View that this
`term does not require a
`construction by the Court, and
`should be given its plain and
`ordinary meaning. However,
`if the Court determines that a
`
`Mazda Mitsubishi
`
`Nissan:
`
`“calculating the total
`force sensed by the
`entire sensor array”
`
`construction is necessary,
`Signal proposes the following:
`
`Honda:
`
`“calculating based on the
`value from each sensor
`
`in the entire sensor
`
`array”
`
`Cols. 1:65-2:3; 3:48-50;
`Fig. 4.
`
`Calculating the total force
`sensed by the entire sensor
`
`array.
`
`Evidence: ‘375 Patent,
`Abstract; Figs. 2-9; 1:44-2:21,
`63—3:l0; 3:21-47; 3:51-4:17;
`4:18-29, 30-5:37, Claims.
`
`‘375 Patent, 4:9- 15.
`
`Prosecution history of the ‘375
`Patent, e.g. at First Office
`Action (SIG00000492 —
`
`SIGOOOOO499), e.g. p. 40;
`Response (SIG00000695 —
`
`16
`Case No. 2:14-cv-02454-JAK (JEMx)
`JOINT CLAIM CONSTRUCTION AND PREH EARING STATEMENT
`
`18
`
`

`
`Case 2 4-cv-02454-JAK-JEM Document 46 Filed 01730715 Page 19 of 55 Page ID #2433
`
`Terms & Claims Plaintiffs Position
`
`Defendants’ Position
`
`13. “concentrated”
`
`(Claim l)
`
`;\O%--IGNUI-lib-Il\)l—t
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`SlG00000712), e.g. p. 25;
`
`Response (SlG00000695 —
`SlG0000O7l2), e.g. p. 26;
`Response (SlGO0O00695 —
`SIG000007l2), e.g. p. 27;
`Notice of Al lowability
`(SlG00000723), e.g. p. 10;
`Reasons for Allowance
`
`(SIG00000724 —
`SlG00000727), e.g. p. 6.
`Signal is of the View that this
`term does not require a
`construction by the Court, and
`should be given its plain and
`ordinary meaning.
`
`‘375 Patent, Abstract; Figs. 2-
`9; 1:44-2:21, 63-3: 10; 3:21-47;
`
`3:51-4:17; 4: 1 8-29, 30-5:37,
`Claims.
`
`‘375 Patent, 4:18-29.
`
`Prosecution history of the ‘375
`Patent, e.g. at First Office
`Action (SIGOOOOO492 -
`
`SIG00000499), e.g. p. 40;
`Response (SIG00000695 —
`SIG000007l2), e.g. p. 25;
`Response
`
`(SIGO000D695 —
`SIG000007l2), e.g. p. 26;
`Response (SlG00000695 —
`
`SIG00O007l2}, e.g. p. 27;
`Notice of Allowability
`(SIG00000723), e.g. p. 10;
`Reasons for Allowance
`
`(SIGOOOOU724 —
`
`VWGOA/Bentley:
`Indefinite
`
`The claim term fails to
`
`inform those skilled in
`