US 6972774

Here's a concise summary of US patent 6972774:

US Patent 6972774

• Title: Image processing system for inserting plurality of images into composite area, and medium
• Original Assignee: Fujitsu Ltd
• Current Assignee: Cedar Lane Technologies Inc
• Inventor: Harutaka Eguchi
• Filing Date: 2000-12-18
• Issue Date: 2005-12-06
• Abstract: An image processing system providing efficient management and utilization of image data. It includes a display unit that shows a composite area, which is an aggregation of unit areas where images can be inserted, and an operation unit for inserting a target image into a unit area within this composite area.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claims an image processing apparatus that takes one or more images (processing target unit images) and stores them into a grid of empty storage spaces. A control unit manages this storage, accessing the spaces in a specific order to create a single combined image from the inserted images.
• Claim 3: This claims a computer-readable storage medium that, when a program on it is executed, causes a machine to display a grid of empty sections (a composite area) on a screen. Users can then select and place images into these empty sections within the composite area.
• Claim 4: This claims a computer-readable storage medium that, when a program on it is executed, causes a machine to display a grid of empty sections (a composite area). It then detects when an image is pointed to, senses when that image is moved, and allows the selected image to be placed into one of the empty sections.
• Claim 5: This claims an image processing apparatus with a control unit that divides a display into a specific grid of empty blocks (composite area), where images can be inserted into these blocks or they can remain empty. An operation unit then combines this entire grid of blocks, whether filled or vacant, into a single composite image.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
A search for "CAFC 2026 dockets 6972774" did not return any specific results indicating litigation involving US6972774 in the CAFC in 2026. The Google Patents information indicates that the patent expired on 2021-04-28. Therefore, new litigation is unlikely. While Google Patents lists several district court litigation cases for this patent from 2019-2022, there is no indication of active CAFC dockets in 2026.