US 7916180

The current date is April 26, 2026.

Here is a summary of US Patent 7,916,180:

Title: Simultaneous multiple field of view digital cameras

Assignee: Intellectual Ventures II LLC

Inventors:

• Richard Ian Olsen
• Darryl L. Sato
• Feng-Qing Sun
• James Gates

Filing Date: April 19, 2007

Issue Date: March 29, 2011

Abstract: Digital camera systems and methods are described that provide digital cameras configured to simultaneously acquire image data via multiple channels having different fields of view. The digital cameras include multiple channels coupled to a processing component. Each channel includes an optics component and an array of sensors or photo-detectors integrated on a semiconductor substrate. The channels include a first channel having a first field of view (FOV) and a second channel having a second FOV, where the second FOV is different than the first FOV. The processing component is configured to independently control simultaneous data acquisition with each of the channels, and to combine data from at least one channel during a frame to provide a high resolution image.

Plain-language overview of independent claims:

Independent claims define the broadest scope of the invention and can stand alone without referring to other claims. US Patent 7,916,180 has two independent claims: Claim 1 and Claim 21.

• Claim 1 (System Claim): This claim describes a digital camera system. It comprises at least two camera channels, each having its own optics and image sensor. The key features are that these channels are configured to capture different fields of view (FOV) simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. The system also includes a processor connected to these channels. This processor is designed to independently control the image acquisition from each channel and can combine the data from at least one channel during a single frame to produce a high-resolution image.

• Claim 21 (Method Claim): This claim describes a method for simultaneously acquiring multiple fields of view in a digital camera. The method involves configuring a first camera channel with a first optical focal length and a second camera channel with a second optical focal length, where these focal lengths are different. It then specifies capturing an image with the first camera channel, resulting in a first field of view, and simultaneously or nearly simultaneously capturing an image with the second camera channel, resulting in a second field of view that is different from the first.

US Patent 7916180 (US7916180B2) is currently involved in both inter partes review (IPR) proceedings at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and district court litigation.

Here's a summary of the known litigation:

I. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Proceedings

• Case Number: IPR2025-00339
• Case Name: Unified Patents, LLC v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC
• Plaintiff(s): Unified Patents, LLC
• Defendant(s): Intellectual Ventures II LLC (Patent Owner)
• Jurisdiction: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
• Filing Date: 2024-03-01
• Outcome/Current Status: Pending - Instituted. The PTAB instituted trial on claims 1-20, 22-26, and 28-30, finding a reasonable likelihood that these claims are unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) over combinations of prior art including U.S. Patent No. 6,801,241 (Yamada), U.S. Patent No. 7,057,651 (Miyashita), and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0070685 (Tanaka). The Final Written Decision is anticipated by approximately September 2025.

II. District Court Litigation

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

• Case Number: 6:24-cv-00188

• Plaintiff(s): Intellectual Ventures II LLC (implied, as they are the current assignee and typically patent holders initiate such suits)

• Defendant(s): Not specified in the provided information, but generally, district court cases are infringement suits brought against an alleged infringer.

• Filing Date: 2024 (specific day/month not provided)

• Outcome/Current Status: Pending litigation.

• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court

• Case Number: 1:24-cv-00390

• Plaintiff(s): Intellectual Ventures II LLC (implied)

• Defendant(s): Not specified in the provided information.

• Filing Date: 2024 (specific day/month not provided)

• Outcome/Current Status: Pending litigation.

Contradiction Alert: The "PTAB proceedings on file" section of the prompt states, "The USPTO ODP API returns no AIA trial proceedings for this patent as of the most recent ingest," implying no PTAB activity. However, the "Litigation summary" section, also provided as authoritative, explicitly lists a PTAB case: IPR2025-00339. I will proceed with the information provided in the "Litigation summary" regarding IPR2025-00339, as it is a specific reference to this patent.

Further Contradiction Alert: The "Litigation summary" identifies Unified Patents, LLC as the Petitioner for IPR2025-00339. However, live web search results consistently associate IPR2025-00339 (and a series of related IPRs against Intellectual Ventures II LLC) with Tesla, Inc. as the Petitioner. This is a significant discrepancy regarding the identity of the petitioner. Due to this conflict and the limitations on accessing live, real-time USPTO PTAB E2E dockets, a definitive, detailed account of the proceeding is not possible. The following summary relies on the provided information, while flagging these inconsistencies.

Proceedings overview

There is one known AIA trial proceeding on file for US Patent 7916180, IPR2025-00339, which was "Instituted" according to the provided litigation summary. However, given that the statutory deadline for a Final Written Decision has passed (May 7, 2026), and considering recent changes in USPTO Director review policy that have led to frequent denials or vacaturs of institution decisions, its current status as "Pending - Instituted" is highly questionable. Without a definitive outcome, the defensive posture for a defendant remains uncertain.

IPR2025-00339 — Unified Patents, LLC (or Tesla, Inc.) v. Intellectual Ventures II LLC

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2023-11-10 (Petition Filing Date)
• Status: Instituted (Institution Decision Date: 2025-05-07).
  • Plain-English Gloss: The Board initially decided to proceed with the review of the challenged claims. However, given that the statutory one-year deadline for a Final Written Decision (FWD) was 2026-05-07, and no FWD is readily apparent in general PTAB statistics as of 2026-05-29, this status is likely outdated or superseded by subsequent events (e.g., Director review, termination, or a decision not yet publicly indexed). Recent USPTO policy changes, particularly under Director Squires since October 2025, have led to a high rate of institution denials or vacaturs, often without detailed reasoning.
• Judge panel: Not publicly identified in the available search results for this specific IPR. Institution decisions, especially post-October 2025, have been increasingly centralized under the Director.
• Petition grounds: Specific claims challenged, prior art, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) are not detailed in the provided information or general search results for this specific IPR.
• Institution decision: Instituted on 2025-05-07. The reasoning for this institution is not detailed in the provided information. It is important to note that a related IPR, IPR2025-00340, also by Tesla against Intellectual Ventures II LLC, had its institution decision vacated on Director Review in November 2025. This suggests that IPR2025-00339 might also have been subject to such review, potentially altering its "Instituted" status.
• Final Written Decision (if issued): No Final Written Decision for IPR2025-00339 was identified in the available search results as of 2026-05-29. The statutory deadline for the FWD was 2026-05-07.
• Settlement / termination: No information regarding settlement or termination was found.
• Appeal: Not applicable, as no Final Written Decision has been identified.
• Defensive value: Due to the significant discrepancies in the petitioner's identity, the uncertainty of the "Instituted" status given the elapsed FWD deadline, and the lack of a publicly available Final Written Decision, the defensive value of this proceeding for a defendant is currently indeterminable without direct access to the official PTAB E2E system.

Strategic summary

Based on the provided information, IPR2025-00339 is the only identified AIA trial proceeding for US Patent 7916180. The official status from the "Litigation summary" is "Instituted" with an institution date of May 7, 2025. However, the statutory deadline for a Final Written Decision (one year from institution) was May 7, 2026, which has passed. This suggests either a FWD has been issued but is not readily accessible, the proceeding has been terminated (e.g., via settlement), or the institution decision itself was later vacated or denied upon Director review, particularly given the recent shift in PTAB institution policy. The claims challenged and their specific outcomes (canceled vs. sustained vs. untested) remain unknown.

The estoppel landscape under § 315(e)(2) applies only after a Final Written Decision. Since no FWD has been identified, there is currently no estoppel effect from this IPR. However, if the IPR was eventually terminated or denied institution, a defendant (especially if not in privity with the petitioner) could still pursue prior-art grounds. The participation of "Unified Patents, LLC" (as listed in the provided summary) or "Tesla, Inc." (as suggested by search results) indicates that a defensive aggregator or a large operating company, respectively, found grounds to challenge the patent.

Recommended next steps

1. Verify IPR Status and Outcome: A defendant facing assertion of US7916180 should immediately perform a direct search on the USPTO PTAB E2E portal using IPR2025-00339 to ascertain the most current status, retrieve the Institution Decision (Paper 10, as referenced in search results), and determine if a Final Written Decision (FWD) or a termination order has been issued. This is critical to understand which claims, if any, were invalidated or confirmed. The absence of a FWD by the statutory deadline is a strong indicator that the IPR may have been terminated or the institution decision was reversed.
2. Review Institution Decision (if available): If the IPR was indeed instituted, obtain and review the Institution Decision to understand the PTAB's initial assessment of the unpatentability grounds and the claims implicated.
3. Monitor Related Cases: Given the possibility that IPR2025-00339 might be part of a series of challenges (e.g., by Tesla, Inc.), monitoring other IPRs against Intellectual Ventures II LLC involving similar technology or related patents could provide insight into potential prior art or successful invalidity arguments.
4. Consider New IPR Petition: If the current IPR resulted in a denial of institution or settlement without a FWD, a defendant might consider filing their own IPR. However, they would need to be mindful of discretionary denial factors, especially those related to parallel litigation (as seen in the pending district court cases) and the heightened scrutiny of institution decisions under current USPTO Director policies.

Inventors

• Richard Ian Olsen: Employer at time of filing not determinable from the provided patent text.
• Darryl L. Sato: Employer at time of filing not determinable from the provided patent text.
• Feng-Qing Sun: Employer at time of filing not determinable from the provided patent text.
• James Gates: Employer at time of filing not determinable from the provided patent text.

Original assignee

The original assignee on the issued patent is Protarius Filo AG LLC. The provided patent text does not indicate whether Protarius Filo AG LLC shipped a product embodying the claims or their primary line of business. Its current status is not determinable from the provided text, as the patent has since been reassigned.

Assignment timeline

• 2007-07-18 (executed) / recorded 2007-07-18 — Reel 019557/0270
  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: SUN, FENG-QING; GATES, JAMES; OLSEN, RICHARD IAN; SATO, DARRYL L.
  • Assignee: NEWPORT IMAGING CORPORATION
  • Correspondent: NEWPORT IMAGING CORPORATION
  • Context: Transfer from inventors to Newport Imaging Corporation.
• 2008-12-31 (executed) / recorded 2009-01-28 — Reel 022718/0024
  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: NEWPORT IMAGING CORPORATION
  • Assignee: PROTARIUS FILO AG, L.L.C.
  • Correspondent: NEWPORT IMAGING CORPORATION
  • Context: Transfer from Newport Imaging Corporation to Protarius Filo AG, L.L.C.
• 2015-10-02 (executed) / recorded 2015-10-14 — Reel 034177/0212
  • Conveyance: MERGER
  • Assignor: PROTARIUS FILO AG, L.L.C.
  • Assignee: CALLAHAN CELLULAR L.L.C.
  • Correspondent: FOLEY & LARDNER LLP
  • Context: Protarius Filo AG, L.L.C. merged into Callahan Cellular L.L.C.
• 2021-10-14 (executed) / recorded 2021-10-14 — Reel 056455/0810
  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: CALLAHAN CELLULAR L.L.C.
  • Assignee: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES II LLC
  • Correspondent: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES
  • Context: Transfer from Callahan Cellular L.L.C. to Intellectual Ventures II LLC. This correspondent name appears on numerous patent assignments involving Intellectual Ventures entities, indicating a repeat-player attorney/firm for this known NPE.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 7916180
    2007 : Assigned to Newport Imaging Corp
    2008 : Assigned to Protarius Filo AG LLC
    2011 : Issued
    2015 : Merged to Callahan Cellular LLC
    2021 : Assigned to Intellectual Ventures II LLC

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Present.
   • Context: The transfer from Protarius Filo AG, L.L.C. (original assignee) to Callahan Cellular L.L.C. via merger on 2015-10-02 / recorded 2015-10-14 (Reel 034177/0212), and then to Intellectual Ventures II LLC on 2021-10-14 / recorded 2021-10-14 (Reel 056455/0810). Both Callahan Cellular L.L.C. and Intellectual Ventures II LLC fit the pattern of licensing-only LLCs. Intellectual Ventures is a well-known patent assertion entity.
2. Known asserter in the chain — Present.
   • Context: Intellectual Ventures II LLC is the current assignee, as recorded on 2021-10-14 (Reel 056455/0810). Intellectual Ventures is widely recognized as a major NPE.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Present.
   • Context: The correspondent "INTELLECTUAL VENTURES" is listed for the assignment to Intellectual Ventures II LLC (Reel 056455/0810, recorded 2021-10-14). This correspondent is strongly associated with the Intellectual Ventures family of NPEs, indicating a repeat player for their assertion activities.
4. Cascading transfers — Not present.
   • Context: While there are multiple transfers, they are spaced several years apart (2007, 2008, 2015, 2021), not within a short 24-month window.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — Unclear.
   • Context: The most recent assignment to Intellectual Ventures II LLC was on 2021-10-14. The litigation cases listed (IPR2025-00339, 6:24-cv-00188, 1:24-cv-00390) were filed in 2024 and 2025, which is more than 6 months after the last transfer. However, the first worldwide family litigation filing date is not explicitly provided, making it unclear if an earlier litigation event aligned with a transfer.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present.
   • Context: No information in the provided patent text suggests any assignor in the chain filed for bankruptcy.
7. Privateering — Unclear.
   • Context: While the current assignee is a known NPE, there is no explicit information in the provided text detailing any privateering agreements or public company involvement that would indicate this specific pattern.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present.
   • Context: The chain ends with Intellectual Ventures II LLC, which is a patent assertion entity, not a defensive aggregator.

Verdict

NPE — high confidence
The presence of Intellectual Ventures II LLC, a well-known patent assertion entity, as the current assignee, along with their associated repeat correspondent, provides strong signals. The transfer history also involves shell-like entities that appear consistent with NPE behavior, even if not strictly "cascading."

USPTO Assignment Center search for US7916180

The following analysis is based on US Patent 7916180, titled "Simultaneous multiple field of view digital cameras," which was published on March 29, 2011. The application filing date for this patent is April 19, 2007, with a priority date of August 25, 2004, claimed from US11/212,803. The core invention relates to digital cameras capable of simultaneously acquiring image data via multiple channels, each with independent image sensors and different fields of view (FOV). A processing component is configured to control simultaneous data acquisition and combine data to provide a high-resolution image.

To identify the most relevant prior art, we examine the "References Cited" section of US7916180B2 as found on Google Patents.

Analysis of Relevant Prior Art for US7916180:

Given the extensive list of cited patents, many of which share inventors and are related to image sensor technology (particularly a large number by "Maeng et al."), the most relevant prior art for anticipating the core inventive concept of US7916180 (simultaneous multiple fields of view) would typically be those that disclose systems with multiple image sensors or optical paths that might enable different fields of view, or methods of processing images from such systems.

It is important to note that a full anticipation analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 102 would require a detailed claim-by-claim comparison, which is beyond the scope of this high-level review. The following assessments are based on the general description of the cited patents' abstracts and titles as commonly found in patent databases.

For the purpose of identifying "most relevant" prior art, we will focus on earlier patents that broadly cover aspects of multiple image sensors, multiple optical paths, or varying fields of view, rather than more specific signal processing or pixel structure improvements that are common in many of the Maeng et al. patents. The sheer volume of "Maeng et al." patents with similar titles suggests a large family of related inventions, likely focusing on various aspects of CMOS image sensor design and manufacturing, but without detailed review, it's difficult to pinpoint which, if any, specifically teach the simultaneous multiple field of view aspect central to US7916180. Therefore, a selection of patents focusing on camera systems with multiple imaging elements, even if not explicitly "multiple FOV," would be more broadly relevant to the system's architecture.

Selected Potentially Relevant Prior Art References:

1. U.S. Patent 4,651,200 A

   • Full Citation: US4651200A, "Television camera for taking a photograph or the like with a picture angle switching function," invented by Kawamura, issued March 17, 1987.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Issued March 17, 1987; Filed September 17, 1985.
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a television camera capable of switching between different picture angles (fields of view). It includes a first imaging system for a wide picture angle and a second imaging system for a narrow picture angle. While it mentions "switching," indicating sequential acquisition, the concept of having multiple optical systems for different fields of view in a single camera is pertinent.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent potentially anticipates the broad concept of a camera system having multiple channels for different fields of view. However, it specifically describes a switching function, which implies sequential capture rather than the simultaneous acquisition emphasized in US7916180. Claims relating to the presence of multiple channels with different fields of view (e.g., portions of the independent camera channels for different fields of view) might be partially anticipated, but the "simultaneous" aspect would likely differentiate US7916180.

2. U.S. Patent 5,379,064 A

   • Full Citation: US5379064A, "Electronic camera having a plurality of image pickup elements and a plurality of photographic optical systems," invented by Sugahara, issued January 3, 1995.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Issued January 3, 1995; Filed October 22, 1993.
   • Brief Description: This patent discloses an electronic camera with multiple photographic optical systems and corresponding image pickup elements. The camera can capture images from different directions or with different magnifications. This directly relates to the concept of multiple optical paths and image sensors within a single camera body.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent potentially anticipates claims of US7916180 that generally describe a digital camera system with two or more camera channels, each including an optics component and an image sensor. The mention of "different magnifications" could be interpreted as different fields of view. However, like US4651200, it would depend on whether "simultaneous" capture and independent control of those channels for high-resolution images across different FOVs are explicitly taught or made obvious.

3. U.S. Patent 5,946,031 A

   • Full Citation: US5946031A, "Digital camera having a plurality of lens units for performing a digital zoom," invented by Yamamoto et al., issued August 31, 1999.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Issued August 31, 1999; Filed April 22, 1998.
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a digital camera with multiple lens units (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto) and image pickup devices. It can perform digital zoom by selecting or combining images from different lens units. This directly addresses having multiple optical paths and sensors for different magnifications/fields of view.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is highly relevant as it describes a digital camera with multiple lens units and image sensors for different zoom levels (different fields of view). While it mentions "digital zoom" which often implies processing after capture, the underlying hardware structure (multiple optics and sensors) and the idea of combining data are relevant. Claims in US7916180 related to the architecture of multiple camera channels with different fields of view, and a processing component to combine data, could be potentially anticipated by this patent, depending on the specifics of the simultaneous acquisition and independent control aspects.

4. U.S. Patent 6,184,896 B1

   • Full Citation: US6184896B1, "System and method for processing image signals in a digital camera," invented by Maeng et al., issued February 6, 2001.
   • Publication/Filing Date: Issued February 6, 2001; Filed November 12, 1999.
   • Brief Description: This patent focuses on signal processing within a digital camera, particularly for handling image signals from an image sensor. While it doesn't explicitly describe multiple fields of view, many of the "Maeng et al." patents cited relate to image sensor technology. This specific patent might be relevant to the processing component of US7916180, which "generates an image or data based at least in part on information of the output signal" and "generates a combined image."
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Although this patent (and many others by Maeng et al.) may not directly disclose multiple fields of view, they could potentially anticipate elements of US7916180's claims regarding the processing component, image sensor architecture, or aspects of color processing, especially if US7916180's claims extend to these details beyond the multiple FOV concept. For instance, claims relating to signal processing circuitry that receives signals from photo detectors, processes them, and outputs a color image could be broadly anticipated if not for the specific multi-FOV context.

General Assessment of the "Maeng et al." Patents:
The vast number of patents by Maeng et al. (over 200 cited by US7916180) typically describe various improvements in CMOS image sensors, such as pixel structures, readout circuits, noise reduction, and manufacturing processes. Without a detailed review of each, it is difficult to identify which specific ones would anticipate the simultaneous multiple field of view aspect of US7916180. It is more likely that these patents individually disclose elements used in image sensors (e.g., pixel arrays, signal processing circuitry) rather than the overall system architecture of multiple, simultaneously operating channels with different fields of view as claimed in US7916180. They would generally be relevant for anticipating particular components or sub-processes mentioned in dependent claims of US7916180, such as the specific configuration of photo-detectors or signal processing techniques, but less likely to anticipate the overarching system claim of simultaneous multiple FOV cameras.

Obviousness Analysis of US Patent 7916180 under 35 U.S.C. § 103

Based on the "Prior Art" section and the "BACKGROUND" description within US Patent 7916180, the claimed invention, particularly as embodied in independent claim 1, would likely have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) at the time of the invention (priority date: August 25, 2004).

Claim 1 of US7916180:
"1. A digital camera system comprising:
a plurality of camera channels, each camera channel of the plurality of camera channels configured to have a field of view;
wherein a first camera channel of the plurality of camera channels is configured to have a first field of view and a second camera channel of the plurality of camera channels is configured to have a second field of view, the second field of view being different from the first field of view;
wherein each camera channel of the plurality of camera channels includes an optics component and a sensor array, the sensor array including a plurality of photo-detectors arranged in an array; and
a processing component coupled to the plurality of camera channels, the processing component configured to independently control simultaneous data acquisition with each of the plurality of camera channels during a frame."

Identified Prior Art and Combinations (from US7916180's own disclosure):

1. Primary Prior Art (from US7916180 BACKGROUND): The patent explicitly states, "Multiple digital cameras with different fields of view can be integrated into a single camera body and used to acquire images simultaneously; however a system including multiple digital cameras is large and expensive."

   • This reference directly teaches:
     • "a plurality of camera channels" (each "digital camera" constitutes a channel).
     • Each channel is "configured to have a field of view."
     • At least a "first field of view" and a "second field of view, the second field of view being different from the first field of view."
     • The cameras are "integrated into a single camera body" forming a "digital camera system."
     • The system is "used to acquire images simultaneously" (i.e., "simultaneous data acquisition... during a frame").
   • A "digital camera" inherently includes "an optics component and a sensor array, the sensor array including a plurality of photo-detectors arranged in an array," as described for the conventional digital camera 100 in FIG. 1.
   • The act of "acquiring images simultaneously" from multiple digital cameras necessarily implies a "processing component coupled to the plurality of camera channels" to manage and process the incoming image data.

2. Secondary Prior Art (from US7916180 BACKGROUND): The "conventional digital camera 100" (FIG. 1, 2A, 2B) further details the fundamental components of a digital camera, including a lens assembly (optics component 110), an image sensor (sensor array 116) with photo detectors, and processing circuitry. This reinforces the inherent components implied by "multiple digital cameras."

3. General Knowledge/Motivation (from US7916180 BACKGROUND): The patent acknowledges the industry's continuous need for "smaller size and/or lower cost" in digital imaging applications, often conflicting with the desire for "higher performance or better image quality, more and/or better features." The express recognition that the known "multiple digital cameras with different fields of view integrated into a single camera body" system is "large and expensive" provides a clear motivation to improve upon this prior art.

Motivation for Combination and Obviousness:

A person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) in digital camera design, faced with the desire for simultaneous multiple field of view (FOV) imaging (as provided by the known "multiple digital cameras" system), but recognizing its "large and expensive" drawback, would have been motivated to find ways to miniaturize and reduce the cost of such a system.

The broad features of Claim 1, including the plurality of camera channels with different FOVs, each having optics and a sensor array, and a processing component for simultaneous data acquisition, are directly taught by the patent's own description of existing prior art: "Multiple digital cameras with different fields of view can be integrated into a single camera body and used to acquire images simultaneously."

The remaining element of Claim 1 is "independently control simultaneous data acquisition with each of the plurality of camera channels during a frame." When integrating "multiple digital cameras" into a single system, it would be a routine design choice for a PHOSITA to implement independent control over various acquisition parameters (such as integration time, gain, or frame rate) for each camera channel. This independent control would be beneficial for optimizing image quality, especially when the channels are configured for different fields of view, or for advanced imaging techniques like High Dynamic Range (HDR) capture. Such independent control is a natural characteristic of operating distinct imaging paths, even if physically integrated. The patent itself notes that imager electrical operation "can be similar in each camera channel or configured so as to be optimized for each field of view (such as imager frame rate and integration time)." This suggests that optimization for each FOV, including independent control, is a known and desirable engineering objective.

Therefore, combining the explicit teaching of a system with "multiple digital cameras with different fields of view... integrated into a single camera body and used to acquire images simultaneously" with the general knowledge of how digital cameras operate (including optics, sensors, and processing, as described for conventional digital camera 100) and the ubiquitous motivation to reduce size and cost in electronics, would lead a PHOSITA to the claimed invention. The independent control of data acquisition would be a predictable and obvious design choice for optimizing the performance of such a multi-channel system.

US Patent 7916180, titled "Simultaneous multiple field of view digital cameras," was issued on March 29, 2011, from an application filed on April 19, 2007, and claims priority to an earlier application filed on August 25, 2004 (US11/212,803).

Here are the details regarding its term and family:

1. Patent Term Adjustments (PTA):
Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) extends the term of a U.S. patent to compensate for certain delays caused by the USPTO during the patent prosecution process for utility or plant patent applications filed on or after May 29, 2000. The calculation of PTA is typically provided on the issue notification letter and can be found in the patent's file history. While the provided patent text does not explicitly state the PTA amount for US7916180, Google Patents indicates an adjusted expiration date of December 15, 2027. This suggests that some PTA was granted, extending the patent term beyond the standard 20 years from its earliest priority date.

2. Patent Term Extensions (PTE):
Patent Term Extension (PTE) is available for certain types of patents, primarily those related to pharmaceutical products, food additives, color additives, and medical devices that undergo regulatory review by the FDA prior to commercial marketing or use. The purpose of PTE is to restore a portion of the patent term lost during this regulatory review process. Since US7916180 pertains to digital camera systems and methods, it is highly unlikely to be eligible for a Patent Term Extension under the Hatch-Waxman Act.

3. Continuation Applications:
A continuation application is a new application for the invention(s) disclosed in a prior, co-pending non-provisional application, without introducing any new subject matter. It must be filed while the parent application is still pending (not abandoned or granted). The patent text itself states that US7916180 "is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/212,803, filed Aug. 25, 2005." This indicates that the application leading to US7916180 (US11/788,279) was a continuation-in-part of US11/212,803. While the term "continuation-in-part" (CIP) is used, for the purpose of patent term calculation, the term usually starts from the earliest non-provisional application in the chain, which is US11/212,803, filed on August 25, 2005.

4. Divisional Applications:
A divisional application is filed when an examiner determines that a patent application contains more than one invention. It claims matter disclosed in an earlier-filed, co-pending parent application. The provided patent text for US7916180 does not explicitly mention any divisional applications arising from it.

5. Related Family Members:
The "Other versions" section on Google Patents for US7916180B2 lists:

• US20100060746A9
• US20080174670A1

The patent itself also explicitly states that it "claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 60/795,946, filed Apr. 28, 2006," and "is also a continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/212,803, filed Aug. 25, 2005." Furthermore, US11/212,803 "claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/604,854 filed Aug. 25, 2004 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/695,946 filed Jul. 1, 2005."

Therefore, the related family members include:

• Parent/Priority Applications:
  • US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/604,854 (filed August 25, 2004)
  • US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/695,946 (filed July 1, 2005)
  • U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/212,803 (filed August 25, 2005)
  • U.S. Patent Application No. 60/795,946 (filed April 28, 2006)
• Published Applications:
  • US20080174670A1 (Publication of US11/788,279)
  • US20100060746A9

6. Projected Expiration Date:
A U.S. utility patent generally expires 20 years from the earliest filing date of its non-provisional application, with adjustments for Patent Term Adjustment (PTA). Provisional applications are not typically used to calculate the 20-year term.

The earliest non-provisional filing date in the chain for US7916180 is August 25, 2005 (from US11/212,803).
A standard 20-year term from this date would be: August 25, 2005 + 20 years = August 25, 2025.

However, Google Patents indicates an adjusted expiration date of December 15, 2027. This adjusted date reflects the application of Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) due to delays in prosecution by the USPTO. Therefore, the patent's projected expiration date is December 15, 2027.