US 6950469

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 6950469:

US Patent 6,950,469

• Title: Method for sub-pixel value interpolation
• Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy (Current Assignee), Nokia Inc (Original Assignee)
• Inventors: Marta Karczewicz, Antti Olli Hallapuro
• Filing Date: September 17, 2001
• Issue Date: September 27, 2005
• Abstract: The patent describes a method for sub-pixel value interpolation used in encoding and decoding data, particularly digital video. It aims to reduce computational complexity and memory usage compared to prior art methods. The method involves interpolating sub-pixel values at various fractional horizontal and vertical locations (e.g., 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 pixel resolutions) using weighted sums or averages of neighboring pixel or sub-pixel values. The interpolation can be performed directly for certain sub-pixel resolutions and can involve intermediate values with a greater dynamic range. The method is applicable in video encoders, decoders, and telecommunications systems.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

US Patent 6,950,469 contains multiple independent claims. Below is an overview of the primary independent claims (Claim 1, Claim 15, Claim 28, Claim 42, and Claim 43), as the patent text includes several main aspects of the invention with variations.

• Independent Claim 1 (Method of Interpolation in Video Coding): This claim describes a method for generating sub-pixel values in an image. The image has pixels at "unit horizontal" and "unit vertical" locations, and the sub-pixels are at fractional locations (1/2^x resolution, where 'x' is an integer up to 'N'). The method involves:

  • Step (a): When sub-pixel values at a specific resolution (1/2^(N-1) unit horizontal and 1/2^(N-1) unit vertical) are needed, they are interpolated directly using a choice of two weighted sums. The first weighted sum uses sub-pixels at 1/2^(N-1) horizontal and unit vertical locations, and the second uses sub-pixels at unit horizontal and 1/2^(N-1) vertical locations.
  • Step (b): When sub-pixel values at a quarter unit horizontal or quarter unit vertical location are needed, they are interpolated directly using either a first weighted sum (for vertical locations) or a second weighted sum (for horizontal locations).
  • Step (c): When sub-pixel values at a higher fractional resolution (1/2^N unit horizontal and 1/2^N unit vertical) are required, they are interpolated by taking a weighted average of two other sub-pixels or pixels. These two reference points are located diagonally relative to the sub-pixel being calculated. The weights used in this average are inversely proportional to the diagonal proximity of the reference points to the sub-pixel.

• Independent Claim 15 (Video Coder): This claim describes a video coder (e.g., for encoding or decoding) that includes an interpolator. The interpolator is designed to generate sub-pixel values at fractional horizontal and vertical locations (defined by 1/2^x, where x is a positive integer up to N). The interpolator is adapted to perform steps (a) and (c) as described in Independent Claim 1.

• Independent Claim 28 (Communications Terminal): This claim covers a communications terminal that comprises a video coder as described in Independent Claim 15.

• Independent Claim 42 (Telecommunications System - Terminal Side): This claim defines a telecommunications system that includes a communications terminal (as described in Independent Claim 28) and a network. The terminal and network are connected by a link for transmitting coded video.

• Independent Claim 43 (Telecommunications System - Network Side): This claim defines a telecommunications system where the network itself comprises a video coder (as described in Independent Claim 15) for coding images.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:

As of April 26, 2026, a search of CAFC 2026 dockets specifically for US patent 6950469 did not return any direct results. While there are various patent-related cases being heard by the Federal Circuit in 2026, they pertain to different patent numbers and technologies.

It is worth noting that Google Patents lists several litigations for US6950469, including cases filed in the Minnesota District Court, International Trade Commission, Texas Eastern District Court, Delaware District Court, and North Carolina Eastern District Court, as well as multiple PTAB cases. However, none of these specifically indicate active CAFC dockets for 2026 for this particular patent. The patent itself expired on August 6, 2023.