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`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
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`____________
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`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
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`____________
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`ROKU, INC.,
`Petitioner,
`
`v.
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`UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC.,
`Patent Owner.
`
`____________
`
`Case IPR2019-01612
`U.S. Patent No. 7,589,642
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`____________
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`EXHIBIT 2100
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`(Exhibit 1 to the Declaration of Michael Sprenger, Ph.D.)
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`M ichael Sprenger, Ph.D.
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`4069 Bimini Ct., Boulder, CO 80301 • 720-291-8124 (mobile)
`MichaelSprenger@outlook.com
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`
`Summary
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`Michael Sprenger is a communications, video, imaging, and engineering expert with 30 years of professional
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`industry and research experience. He has successfully led engineering efforts in fiber-optic communication, video
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`encoding, imaging, computing, and advanced technology evaluation. He has been granted 10 patents and has 9
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`pending patents.
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`Sprenger Consulting, LLC
`November 2017 – Present
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`Employment Experience
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`• Expert witness in patent litigation case (consumer electronics area, 2018 - ongoing), involving claim charts
`construction, circuit schematic analysis, hardware design and circuit board breakdown and examination,
`analysis of System-on-Chip (SoC) functions, as well as source code analysis, investigating correlation
`between patents and software & hardware functions in high volume consumer devices. Direct and cross-
`examination at Markman hearing.
`• Expert witness for patent infringement case regarding H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC video encoding
`technologies (2019, ongoing). Work involves several Standards Essential Patents (SEPs), in-depth ITU-T
`H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC standards specification review, correlating patent claims with evidence,
`assisting legal team with charting, reviewing infringement contentions, identifying source code segments
`implementing functions described in specific patent claims. Compiled portions of source code to pinpoint
`and verify functionality relevant to specific patent claims.
`• Expert witness for patent infringement case in broadband communication technology (2019, ongoing).
`• Expert witness for patent infringement case regarding in-home networking, remote control and video
`streaming technologies (2019, ongoing).
`• Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC et al v. Techno View IP, Inc. (2018-2019) - Inter Partes Review. Expert
`witness representing Techno View. Area: 3D vision and Virtual Reality goggles, involving C++ source code
`analysis. Outcome: settlement.
`• Consultant for company in the area of free-space infrared optical communication links, co-authored
`patent covering detection technology for optical beam interruption.
`• Consultant for startup company designing ecosystem and proof-of-principle prototype of large-scale
`industrial IoT application using RFID, NFC, beacon positioning, spatial location, sensor fusion, data
`acquisition, computer vision, imaging enhancements and integrated A/V technology.
`o Data pre-fetching and data acquisition based on spatial position of vehicle and machine assets.
`o Author of key whitepapers and presentations used to raise funding.
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`Universal Electronics Inc., Exhibit 2100
`Roku, Inc. v. Universal Electronics Inc., IPR2019-01612
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`Century Link
`February 2016 – November 2017
`Principal Video Architect
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`Patents and Intellectual Property:
`Led intellectual property effort for CenturyLink video organization: authored/co-authored patents (7 granted, 9
`pending) and mentored key team members, building solid patent portfolio to enable future licensing revenue
`opportunities. Areas: Visualization, GUI navigation, novel content navigation methods, video streaming, dynamic
`High Dynamic Range & Wide Color Gamut signaling, media processing, time-/place-shifting applications for set
`top boxes and in-home integration, Fiber-To-The-Home operational status, network health, broadband, enhanced
`GUIs, advanced audio control mechanisms, video encoding artifact detection, agile Digital Rights Management
`(DRM).
`
`Video Architecture and Technology:
`Led evaluation and vendor selection of RFP for High Efficiency Video Codec (HEVC) / H.265 cloud-based
`•
`video encoders-transcoders for new CenturyLink Over-The-Top (OTT) video streaming architecture.
`Optimized video coding rates. Coached team members in visually identifying video coding artifacts.
`Directed requirements for 4K/HDR-capable Set Top Box and System-on-Chip (SOC). Incorporated multiple
`DRM technologies into architecture: Microsoft PlayReady, Adobe PrimeTime, Google Widevine, Apple
`FairPlay.
`• SME in established and emerging video & audio encoding technologies & standards: MPEG-2, MPEG-4
`AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265, VC-1, Google VP8/VP9, Alliance for Open Media (AOM) AV1, Dolby Digital / AC-
`3 / AC-4, DD+, AAC, HE-AAC.
`• Modeling and visualization of bandwidth and storage requirements for multi-resolution, adaptive-bitrate
`Video-on-Demand (VoD) and Cloud-based Digital Video Recording (DVR) infrastructure.
`• Significant input into new architecture design for pre-processing, ingesting and indexing large data sets
`and generating meta-data.
`• Transformed CenturyLink Video Evaluation Lab, modernized large switch fabric to accommodate
`emerging video standards.
`• SME in Video and Audio standards, formats, encoding schemes, professional & consumer interfaces,
`display technologies, 4K and 8K Video, color spaces, chroma sampling, Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG), High
`Dynamic Range (HDR) & Wide Color Gamut (WCG), High Frame Rate (HFR) technologies as well as current
`and emerging trends in consumer electronics.
`
`
`CableLabs
`2014 – 2016
`Principal Architect (Optical Technologies, 2014-2016)
`Consultant (2016)
`
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`• Coherent Modulation to multiply spectral efficiency in fiber link to HFC Fiber Nodes: pioneered novel low-
`complexity method for fiber-optic high-order signal modulation, addressing future fiber strand shortage
`in operator networks. Initiated innovation project to demonstrate the viability of low-complexity approach
`to coherent modulation over short distances, demonstrating long remaining life of deployed fiber to
`accommodate anticipated growth, significantly reducing future capital expenses for new fiber builds.
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`Michael Sprenger, Ph.D.
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`Page 2 of 8
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`Universal Electronics Inc., Exhibit 2100
`Roku, Inc. v. Universal Electronics Inc., IPR2019-01612
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`• Established Foundation for Novel Methods for Detecting Interference Effects in fiber-optic RF-over-Glass
`Networks (RFoG): Discovered unique noise characteristic suitable for detection of detrimental Optical Beat
`Interference (OBI) in RFoG networks; developed fundamental principles for multiple approaches to detect
`OBI via dedicated hardware and signal processing algorithms.
`• Established new fiber-optic lab from ground up. Extensive experience in fiber-optic lab work and test
`instruments, including optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), optical time domain reflectometers (OTDRs),
`fusion splice machines, GHz-range signal generators. Set up & verified novel fiber-optic configurations,
`conducted physical layer tests and analyzed results. Selected fiber-optic test instruments from a range of
`available vendors. Extensive experience with Fiber Optic Test Procedures (FOTP), including measuring
`connector & splice loss and back-reflectance using an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR).
`Coached team members in using fiber-optic test Instruments.
`• Adapted fiber-optic lab for testing of EPON/GPON equipment and new fiber-optic technologies, as well
`as development of novel deployment scenarios. Hands-on experience with fiber cabling, fiber handling &
`management, high-density patch panels and optical distribution frames, fiber trays & rack-mounted fiber
`management hardware, connector types (SC, LC, ST, FC, MU, MTP/MPO etc), visual inspection of
`fiber/connector end-points, connector cleaning & polishing procedures, passive optical splitters and eye
`safety procedures. Evaluated Ultra-Physical Contact (UPC) vs. Angled Physical Contact (APC) connectors
`for PON applications. Connectorized single-mode fiber-optic cables for dedicated custom-length lab
`applications. Experience with pluggable optics & modules.
`• Produced and led panel discussion at CableLabs Summer Conference: "Fiber-Optic Communication
`Beyond 100 Gbps"; hosted recognized industry experts in the field (representing cable TV, equipment and
`fiber cable manufacturers), addressing exponential bandwidth growth, super-channel approach to higher
`spectral efficiency and novel ultra-low loss & large effective area fiber types.
`• Pioneered novel secure imaging system using unique ID, time & location information with Trusted
`Platform Module (TPM).
`• Co-authored secure imaging patent (granted).
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`CenturyLink / Qwest / US-West
`1998 – 2014
`Staff Engineer, Distinguished Member of Technical Staff
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`• Video encoder and head-end equipment evaluation & vendor selection (MPEG-2, H.264/AVC):
`CenturyLink (Qwest) IPTV system (multiple rounds, 2004-2012), responsible for strategy, deployment
`criteria and recommendation to leadership. Took projects from beginning to end, directed other team
`members throughout encoder evaluation process and led entire process involving hardware setup (source
`– encoders/transcoders – decoders – displays), test content acquisition/selection and video quality
`evaluation, numerous video encoder RFIs/RFPs, multiple rounds of CenturyLink (Qwest) IPTV Set-Top-Box
`RFPs, requirements and vendor selection.
`• Technical Advisory Board: Editor, contributor & team lead, bi-annual technology assessment, report and
`readout to CenturyLink (Qwest) CTO, interfacing with large customers (incl. US Government agencies),
`covering emerging technologies (fiber-optic networking, security, traffic analysis & optimization, network
`redundancy, video) and assessing their impact onto CenturyLink network, services & business. Successfully
`led a diverse team of expert contributors on a broad range of technologies, ga thering and compiling key
`information into reports for distribution to executive leadership and presentation to high-level
`government officials.
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`Michael Sprenger, Ph.D.
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`Page 3 of 8
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`Universal Electronics Inc., Exhibit 2100
`Roku, Inc. v. Universal Electronics Inc., IPR2019-01612
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`• Fiber Strategy: Responsible for assessment and selection of new fiber types for Long Haul, Metro and
`Access applications, including physical layer propagation characteristics, in view of future-proofing
`CenturyLink’s fiber backbone for 400G & superchannel transmission and beyond. Responsible for
`establishing 400km fiber-optic testbed with new Super-Large Area fiber, enabling the evaluation of higher
`optical power, improved SNR & extended reach optical transmission systems. Sized fiber-optic cables for
`planned deployments, including projections of future bandwidth growth and expected transmission
`technology advances. Selected fiber-optic cable types and packaging of fiber (buffer tubes, gels,
`individual strands vs. stacked ribbons). Selected jumper cables & vendors for telecom router and data
`center applications. Worked with relevant industry standards (including the TIA/EIA-568 and related
`specifications).
`• Access Network Evolution: responsible for emerging Fiber-To-The-x/FTTH access architectures, network
`evolution and migration path, responsible for assessing viability of emerging broadband technologies and
`developing migration strategies.
`• National Network Data Planning: responsible for strategic planning of CenturyLink architecture and
`network scalability to handle doubling of data traffic every 18-24 months. Initiated and took technical lead
`in Proof-of-Concept for Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV)
`system.
`• Home Network Technology: initiated and took project & technical lead in HPNA 3.0 vs. MoCA evaluation,
`took projects from beginning to end, directed other team members, coordinated vendor equipment and
`home trial locations, directed and conducted field test with video team, responsible for vendor selection
`and strategy recommendation to leadership. Main author of initial ITU-T/ATIS Joint Effort Multi-Wire-type
`Home Network Technology Proposal for a new, unified HN technology operating over coax, twisted pair,
`electrical lines with QoS provisions for high-quality video services; coordinating proposal with other North
`American carriers, resulted in new ITU-T G.hn Home Networking standard.
`• Technical lead for strategic projects and numerous RFPs in the IPTV, Video Head-End and Broadband
`space:
`o Spearheaded DSL Speed & Stability Optimization (ASSIA) deployment: took multi-year project
`from first vendor contact to lab evaluation, field trial, software fine-tuning and final hand-off to
`Operations. Increased first-year revenue in upgraded areas by $5M (15% higher than projected).
`ASSIA technology is now used throughout CenturyLink DSL network.
`o Conducted RFIs/RFPs for Next-Generation Access Networks using Fiber-To-The-x and GPON
`technologies.
`o Established BPON to GPON evolution scenarios and determined optimal migration strategies;
`initiated FTTH/PON Optical Power Budget calculation, selection of fiber types for outside plant
`(OSP), drop & indoor fibers (bend-insensitive), setup of tools and knowledge transfer into
`planning documents, workflow and IT systems.
`o Established VDSL2, ADSL2+ and Pair Bonding technology migration strategies and established
`deployment criteria.
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`• Key technical fact witness for CenturyLink in litigation related to fiber-optic access & backhaul
`technologies. Infringement claims centered on Standards Essential Patents (SEPs).
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`Michael Sprenger, Ph.D.
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`Page 4 of 8
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`Universal Electronics Inc., Exhibit 2100
`Roku, Inc. v. Universal Electronics Inc., IPR2019-01612
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`University of Colorado
`1991 – 1997
`Doctoral Student and Research Assistant, Optical Computing Systems Center
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`• Doctoral dissertation: “Benefits and Limits of Multithreading in Shared-Memory Multiprocessors” –
`simulation, design and implementation of optical deflection router and WDM interconnects for ultra-
`highspeed shared memory multiprocessors.
`• Pioneered novel, adaptive wavelength-tracking WDM technology (principal design, physical layer
`simulation, demonstration hardware); main author of patent text and main designer of proof-of-principle
`demonstration project for raising of research funds; main author of Small Business Innovation Research
`grant request (SBIR) to move project out of research phase into commercialization.
`• Conducted research on superscalar and multithreaded processor architectures, MIMD and SIMD
`multiprocessor architectures, processor-memory interconnection fabrics, cache coherency, instruction-
`level parallelism, speculative execution, out-of-order execution and branch prediction mechanisms.
`Image Processing: scientific satellite image processing, including artifact removal, de-noising, sharpening
`and color correction.
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`•
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`Graf & Reber Consulting & Engineering (Basel, Switzerland)
`1988 – 1989
`Software Engineer
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`Industrial facilities and building automation, control & HVAC using Siemens control systems; initiated introduction
`of novel project management software and database systems into IT workflow.
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`Education
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`1988 – Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zürich, Switzerland – B.S. Electrical Engineering
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`1991 – University of Colorado at Boulder – M.S. Electrical Engineering
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`1998 – University of Colorado at Boulder – Ph.D. Electrical Engineering
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`Michael Sprenger, Ph.D.
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`Page 5 of 8
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`Universal Electronics Inc., Exhibit 2100
`Roku, Inc. v. Universal Electronics Inc., IPR2019-01612
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`Skills
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`Excellent analysis and problem-solving skills, with ability to quickly acquire new knowledge and apply it to new
`challenges
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`Strong written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated ability in developing and delivering complex
`technical presentations & papers to a broad range of audiences
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`Broad & deep background across multiple engineering disciplines, computer architecture, physics and general
`science
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`Broad & deep computer and programming skills on variety of platforms & operating systems: Unix, PC/Windows,
`OS X
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`Languages: English, German (native), French, Spanish.
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`Areas of Expertise
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`• Video coding and streaming technologies and standards:
`o MPEG-2, H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC Video coding industry standards; adaptive bit rate streaming;
`2D and 3D video encoding and imaging technologies, including stereoscopic/multiview/free-view
`3D video, capturing and display technologies, video & image processing, transcoding and data
`formats.
`o Over-The-Top (OTT) video streaming architectures, video formats & interfaces, Set Top Boxes
`(STBs), Smart TVs, media players, remote controls and related protocols.
`
`• Communication Industry Standards Body Representation (Qwest/CenturyLink 1998-2017):
`o Video: MPEG-DASH IF (Motion Picture Expert Group – Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP)
`Interoperability Forum, SVA (Streaming Video Alliance) and CMAF (Common Media Application
`Format).
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`o Fiber-optic access: Full-Service Access Network initiative (FSAN) for FTTH Passive Optical
`Networks (PON) for 16 years, extending current standards (GPON, EPON) and defined new
`higher-speed, long-reach PON standards (NextGen-PON).
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`o Telecom infrastructure: ITU-T, Broadband Forum, ATIS T1E1.4 / NIPP-NAI and FS-VDSL standards
`bodies, defining new standards to improve rate and reach of xDSL technologies over existing
`twisted pair copper infrastructure: VDSL2, Dynamic Spectrum Management, cross-talk
`cancellation (“vectoring”), MIMO, G.fast. Coordinated carriers’ position regarding VDSL Line Code
`standard. Authored and co-authored numerous standards contributions.
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`Michael Sprenger, Ph.D.
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`Page 6 of 8
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`Universal Electronics Inc., Exhibit 2100
`Roku, Inc. v. Universal Electronics Inc., IPR2019-01612
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`• Communication Networks & Architectures:
`o Extensive expertise in fiber-optic transmission systems (Wavelength Division Multiplexing):
`architectures, standards & physical layer characteristics. SME in modulation schemes, coherent
`modulation techniques / Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), super-channels, fiber types
`(SMF – Single Mode Fibers, NZ-DSF – Non-Zero Dispersion Shifted Fibers; large area, few-mode,
`multi-core & hollow-core fiber).
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`o Access Network Technology: SME in telco and cable access network technology: Fiber-To-The-
`Home and Passive Optical Networks, in-depth knowledge of cable Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC)
`architectures and evolution scenarios.
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`In-Home Networking Technologies: SME on MoCA, G.hn, powerline, plastic optical fiber (POF) and
`HPNA technologies.
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`o
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`• Computer & processor architecture: instruction-level parallelism, speculative execution, out-of-order
`execution, branch prediction, memory prefetching, memory dependence prediction, hardware
`multithreading, multi-core processors, parallel processing, multiprocessor architectures, processor-
`memory interconnection fabrics.
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`• Computer security: microarchitectural side-channel attacks (incl. Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities)
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`• Coding skills: C/C++, Perl, shells, R, Python (prototyping/SciPy/NumPy/scikit-learn), math/simulation
`packages: Mathematica, MatLab, MathCAD, visualization packages, distributed systems.
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`• Discrete Event Simulation: developed simulators in C++ to model large multiprocessor networks,
`evaluating routing protocols, determining latency, traffic flow, link utilization, congestion patterns and
`scalability under realistic multiprocessor workloads.
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`• Secure communication and cryptography: symmetric- & public-key cryptography, key exchange
`protocols.
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`• Extensive hands-on experience in fiber-optic lab environment: fiber-optic test instruments, optical
`spectrum analyzers (OSA), optical time domain reflectometers (OTDRs), optical power meters, fusion
`splicing machines; Fiber Optic Test Procedures (FOTP), including measuring connector & splice loss and
`back-reflectance; fiber handling & management.
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`•
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`Lossy and lossless compression of large data volumes (video/audio content, meta data) in cloud-based
`infrastructure for real-time and off-line applications.
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`• Excellent rapid HW & SW prototyping skills: Raspberry Pi & Arduino I/O, digital & analog circuit design,
`HW/SW interfaces.
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`o Solid understanding of principles of Virtual and Augmented Reality, AI, Neural Networks, Decision
`Trees, Machine Learning, Sensor Fusion.
`o Solid understanding of principles of GNSS, GPS, GIS, mapping systems (SLAM) & underlying
`technologies (Radar, LiDAR).
`o Solid understanding of RFID technology (active/passive), NFC, active beacons and positioning for
`industrial applications.
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`Michael Sprenger, Ph.D.
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`Page 7 of 8
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`Universal Electronics Inc., Exhibit 2100
`Roku, Inc. v. Universal Electronics Inc., IPR2019-01612
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`

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`Awards and Achievements
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`• Received CenturyLink Government Services Award 2013: Outstanding Contributions for leading
`Technology Advisory Board.
`• Representative, Industrial Advisory Board, University of Colorado, Dept. of Electrical, Computer and Energy
`Engineering (CableLabs Outreach Program 2014-2016).
`• Award for Outstanding Personal Contribution in Completing the Objectives of the Full Service Very High-
`Speed Digital Subscriber Line standardization effort (FS-VDSL).
`• Featured on OSP Magazine cover and in main cover story (05/2013 issue, "Game Changers 2013").
`• Best Speaker Award: BOBAN Conference, CSELT (2000).
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`Patents
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`Granted:
`• US 7,889,670 B2 - Dynamic Modem Bandwidth Checking
`• US 8,583,758 B2 - Network-based format conversion
`• US 8,621,531 B2 - Real-time on demand server
`• US 8,856,118 B2 - Creation and transmission of rich content media
`• US 9,246,582 B2 - Use of Dying Gasp to Locate Faults in Communications Networks
`• US 9,722,699 B2 - Systems and methods for managing power at an optical network terminal
`• US 9,866,316 B2 - Use of Dying Gasp to Locate Faults in Communications Networks [Continuation]
`• US 10,051,312 B2 - Method and System for Implementing Media Stream Synchronization
`• US 10,271,089 B2 - Method and System for Implementing Media Stream Synchronization [Continuation]
`• US 10,341,732 B2 - Video Quality Optimization Based on Display Capabilities
`• US 10,353,577 B2 - Method and System For Implementing Content Navigation Or Selection Using Touch-
`Based Input
`• US 20180109837 A1 - Method and System for Implementing Automatic Audio Optimization for Streaming
`Services
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`Pending:
`• US 20190140899 A1 - Method and System for Restoring Configuration Settings of Customer Premises
`Equipment
`• US 20170206523 A1 - Systems and Methods for Digital Asset Security Ecosystems
`• US 20180160151 A1 - Method and System for Implementing Detection and Visual Enhancement of Video
`Encoding Artifacts
`• US 20180167670 A1 - Media Player with Integrated Wireless Video Link Capability & Method and System
`for Implementing Video Tuning and Wireless Video Communication
`• US 20180176639 A1 - Method and System for Implementing Advanced Audio Shifting
`• US 20180309762 A1 - DRM-agnostic Entitlement Gateway and Verification System
`• US 20180332328 A1 - Conflict Resolution Mechanism for Electronic Program Guides
`• US 20180332356 A1 - Method and System for Implementing Unified Multi-Source Video Programming &
`Navigation Guide
`• US 2018xxxxxxx A1 - Passcode Protection and Remote Storage for Video Display Calibration Settings
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`Michael Sprenger, Ph.D.
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`Page 8 of 8
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`Universal Electronics Inc., Exhibit 2100
`Roku, Inc. v. Universal Electronics Inc., IPR2019-01612
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