US 9948922

Here is a concise summary of US Patent 9,948,922:

Title: Faster state transitioning for continuous adjustable 3Deeps filter spectacles using multi-layered variable tint materials

Assignee: Vdpp LLC [cite: Current Assignee]
Inventors: Kenneth Martin Jacobs, Ronald Steven Karpf [cite: Inventor]
Filing Date: August 22, 2017 [cite: Filing date]
Issue Date: April 17, 2018 [cite: Publication date, Application granted]

Abstract:
The patent describes Continuous Adjustable 3Deeps Filter spectacles designed for viewing 2D movies as 3D movies. The invention focuses on using multiple layers of electronically controlled variable tint materials for the right and left lenses of the spectacles to achieve faster transition times between different optical densities compared to single-layer designs. It also details methods for selecting an optimal optical density for the neutral density lens based on motion vectors and/or luminance measures associated with movie frames. This optimization aims to maximize the Pulfrich stereoscopic 3D illusion, accounting for both the speed and direction of lateral motion and the transition time properties of the electrochromic lens material. An alternate embodiment allows for a single spectacle to be switch-selectable for different optical effects, such as 3Deeps viewing or anaglyph 3D viewing, by utilizing different layers of variable tint materials.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

The patent contains several independent claims that define different aspects of the invention, primarily related to methods of generating modified video and apparatuses for viewing it with specialized spectacles.

• Claim 1 (System for viewing a video): This claim describes a system that includes an apparatus for processing video and an electrically controlled spectacle for a viewer. The video processing apparatus is configured to determine modified image frames by removing portions of selected image frames, determine bridge image frames, and then blend the bridge image frame with the modified image frames to generate blended image frames. These blended frames, along with a second bridge image frame, are displayed. The spectacle comprises a frame, optoelectronic lenses (left and right), each with multiple independent states (dark/light), and a control unit to independently manage these states. When viewing, the control unit places both lenses in a dark state. The first bridge image frame is specified as non-solid color.

  • Plain-language overview: This claims a system where a video is processed to create special frames (some parts removed, some blended with "bridge" frames that aren't a single solid color) and then displayed. A wearer uses smart glasses with independently controllable left and right lenses that can switch between dark and light states, and which are specifically set to a dark state by a control unit when the video is playing.

• Claim 10 (Apparatus for presenting a video): This claim details an apparatus with storage for image frames and a processor. The processor is adapted to perform a complex sequence of determining and blending various modified and bridge image frames (first, second, third modified frames; first, second, third, and fourth bridge frames). It then overlays the blended frames and displays them with the fourth bridge image frame. The apparatus also includes the electrically controlled spectacle as described in Claim 1, with the addition that the fourth bridge image frame is solid white.

  • Plain-language overview: This claims a specific device that stores video and has a computer that performs a detailed series of steps: it takes parts out of video frames, creates several "bridge" frames, blends these parts with the bridge frames, and then layers them. This layered output is shown along with a solid white "fourth bridge frame." The device also comes with the same type of smart glasses as in Claim 1.

• Claim 20 (Method of displaying one or more frames of a video): This claim describes a method that involves receiving compressed image frame data along with temporal redundancy information. The image frame is decompressed, and then a plurality of bridge frames that are visually dissimilar to the image frame are generated. The image frame and the bridge frames are blended to create blended frames, which are then displayed. The decompression is based on the temporal redundancy information, and the compressed data can be an MPEG file. Each bridge frame can be a solid black picture, a solid colored picture, or a timed unlit-screen pause. The blended frames are displayed according to a predetermined pattern, which can include repetition.

  • Plain-language overview: This claims a method for showing video where compressed video data (like an MPEG file) is received and decompressed. Then, several "bridge" frames (which look different from the main video frame, like a black screen or a pause) are created. The main video frame and these bridge frames are mixed together (blended) and shown to the viewer in a specific, repeating order.

• Claim 26 (Apparatus for displaying one or more frames of a video): This claim describes an apparatus with storage for a compressed image frame and temporal redundancy information, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive and decompress the image frame using the temporal redundancy information, generate a plurality of visually dissimilar bridge frames (including specific white and dark rectangles in their upper portions), blend the image frame with these bridge frames to create blended frames (which also have specific elements in their upper portions), and display these blended frames consecutively within a video. The displaying can be done according to a predetermined pattern, including repetition.

  • Plain-language overview: This claims a device that stores and processes compressed video. Its computer decompresses the video, generates several distinct "bridge" frames (some having a white rectangle at the top, others a dark rectangle at the top), blends the video frame with these bridge frames, and then displays the resulting blended frames one after another in a specific, repeating pattern.

• Claim 33 (Method for generating modified video): This claim describes a method where a source 2D video is acquired. An image frame with two or more motion vectors (describing motion in different regions of the frame) is obtained. Parameters for lateral speed and direction of motion are calculated using these motion vectors. A deformation value is generated by an algorithm using both parameters, and this value is applied to the image frame to create a modified image frame. This modified image frame is then blended with a non-solid color bridge frame that is different from the modified image frame, to generate a blended frame. The method notes that the motion parameters are calculated only from the input motion vectors. A viewer watches this modified video through spectacles having independent left and right electro-optical lenses that can be in dark or light states, controlled by a unit with a battery and signal receiving unit.

  • Plain-language overview: This claims a method to make 2D video appear 3D. It involves taking a 2D video, analyzing the movement within its frames (using "motion vectors"), and calculating how fast and in what direction things are moving. This motion information is used to subtly change the video frame. The changed frame is then mixed with a "bridge" frame that isn't a solid color. This modified video is then watched through smart glasses whose left and right lenses can independently change from light to dark, controlled by signals received by the glasses.

• Claim 37 (Method for generating modified video, similar to 33 but focusing on obtaining a modified image frame first): This claim is similar to Claim 33 in its overall goal and many steps. It acquires a source 2D video, obtains a modified image frame based on a selected image frame, and then blends it with a non-solid color bridge frame. The core difference is how the modified image frame is explicitly derived: the selected image frame has motion vectors, and parameters for lateral speed and direction are calculated from these vectors. An algorithm applies these parameters to generate a deformation value, which is then used to identify the modified image frame. The motion parameters are calculated only from the motion vectors.

  • Plain-language overview: This claims another way to make 2D video look 3D. It starts with a 2D video, picks a frame, and from that frame, figures out movement using "motion vectors." It then uses these movement details to create a slightly altered version of that frame. This altered frame is then blended with a non-solid color "bridge" frame. The result is a modified video.

• Claim 40 (Method for generating modified video by combining two image frames): This claim describes acquiring a source 2D video, identifying a first and second image frame within it, combining these two frames to generate a modified image frame, and then blending this modified image frame with a non-solid color bridge frame (which is different from the modified, first, and second image frames) to create a blended frame. The first and second image frames are specified as "similar."

  • Plain-language overview: This claims a method to modify video by taking two similar consecutive frames from a 2D video, combining them into one modified frame, and then blending this modified frame with a non-solid color "bridge" frame to produce a new blended frame.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
A search of CAFC 2026 dockets for litigation related to US9948922 did not yield direct results for dockets specifically citing "9948922" in 2026. However, it's worth noting that VDPP, LLC, the current assignee, was identified as a "frequent filer" in retail patent litigation in February 2026, indicating active enforcement of their patent portfolio, which may include this patent or related patents. The provided patent information itself indicates a case was filed in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (21-2040) [cite: Family has litigation], but this is not specific to the 2026 dockets.US Patent 9,948,922 has the following details:

Title: Faster state transitioning for continuous adjustable 3Deeps filter spectacles using multi-layered variable tint materials

Assignee: Vdpp LLC [cite: Current Assignee]
Inventors: Kenneth Martin Jacobs, Ronald Steven Karpf [cite: Inventor]
Filing Date: August 22, 2017 [cite: Filing date]
Issue Date: April 17, 2018 [cite: Publication date, Application granted]

Abstract:
The patent describes Continuous Adjustable 3Deeps Filter spectacles designed for viewing 2D movies as 3D movies. The invention focuses on using multiple layers of electronically controlled variable tint materials for the right and left lenses of the spectacles to achieve faster transition times between different optical densities compared to single-layer designs. It also details methods for selecting an optimal optical density for the neutral density lens based on motion vectors and/or luminance measures associated with movie frames. This optimization aims to maximize the Pulfrich stereoscopic 3D illusion, accounting for both the speed and direction of lateral motion and the transition time properties of the electrochromic lens material. An alternate embodiment allows for a single spectacle to be switch-selectable for different optical effects, such as 3Deeps viewing or anaglyph 3D viewing, by utilizing different layers of variable tint materials.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a system for viewing a video. The system includes a video processing apparatus and electrically controlled spectacles. The apparatus processes a video by:
  • Identifying a "selected image frame."
  • Creating "modified image frames" by removing specific portions from the selected image frame.
  • Determining "bridge image frames" that are different from the selected and modified frames.
  • Blending these bridge frames with the modified image frames to create "blended image frames."
  • Displaying these blended image frames along with another bridge image frame.
    The spectacles have a frame, a left optoelectronic lens, a right optoelectronic lens, and a control unit. Each lens can have multiple independent states (e.g., dark or light). The control unit independently controls the state of each lens. A key feature is that when viewing the video, the control unit sets both the left and right lenses to a dark state. The first bridge image frame is specified as having a non-solid color.
• Claim 10: This claim describes an apparatus for presenting a video. The apparatus includes storage for image frames and a processor. The processor is configured to perform a series of steps:
  • Determine various "modified image frames" by removing portions from a selected image frame.
  • Determine several "bridge image frames" that are distinct from the selected and modified frames.
  • Blend the modified image frames with the bridge image frames to generate "blended image frames."
  • Overlay these blended image frames and display them along with a fourth bridge image frame.
    The apparatus also includes the electrically controlled spectacles described in Claim 1, with the additional specification that the fourth bridge image frame is solid white.
• Claim 20: This claim describes a method for displaying one or more frames of a video. The method involves:
  • Receiving compressed image frame data and associated temporal redundancy information (data used to compress video by noting what stays the same between frames).
  • Decompressing the image frame using this temporal redundancy information.
  • Generating multiple "bridge frames" that are visually different from the image frame.
  • Blending the decompressed image frame with these bridge frames to create "blended frames."
  • Displaying these blended frames according to a predetermined, repeating pattern.
    The compressed data can be from an MPEG compressed video file. Each bridge frame can be a solid black picture, a solid colored picture, or a timed pause with an unlit screen.
• Claim 26: This claim describes an apparatus for displaying video frames. It has storage for compressed video data (image frame and temporal redundancy information) and a processor. The processor is configured to:
  • Receive and decompress the image frame using the temporal redundancy information.
  • Generate several "bridge frames" that are visually dissimilar to the image frame. Specifically, one bridge frame has a white rectangle in its upper portion, and another has a dark rectangle in its upper portion.
  • Blend the image frame with these bridge frames to create "blended frames," where a first blended frame includes a portion of the image frame in its upper part, and a second blended frame includes the dark rectangle from the bridge frame in its upper part.
  • Display these blended frames consecutively within a video, potentially following a predetermined, repeating pattern.
• Claim 33: This claim describes a method for generating modified video. The method involves:
  • Acquiring a source video made of 2D image frames.
  • Obtaining an image frame that includes "motion vectors" (data describing movement within the frame).
  • Calculating the lateral speed and direction of motion of the image frame using these motion vectors.
  • Generating a "deformation value" using an algorithm that incorporates both the speed and direction.
  • Applying this deformation value to the image frame to create a "modified image frame."
  • Blending the modified image frame with a non-solid colored "bridge frame" to generate a "blended frame."
    This modified video is viewed through spectacles that have independent left and right electro-optical lenses (with dark and light states), a battery, a control unit, and a signal receiving unit to control the lenses. The motion parameters are calculated only from the motion vectors.
• Claim 37: This claim describes another method for generating modified video, also starting with acquiring a source 2D video. A "modified image frame" is obtained based on a selected image frame from the source video. The selected image frame contains motion vectors. The method calculates lateral speed and direction of motion from these motion vectors, generates a deformation value using an algorithm based on these parameters, and applies it to the image frame to identify the modified image frame. This modified image frame is then blended with a non-solid colored "bridge frame" that is different from the modified image frame, resulting in a "blended frame." The direction and velocity of motion parameters are calculated only from the motion vectors.
• Claim 40: This claim outlines a method for generating modified video. It involves:
  • Acquiring a source video composed of 2D image frames.
  • Identifying a first and a second image frame in the source video. These two frames are described as "similar."
  • Combining the first and second image frames to generate a "modified image frame."
  • Blending this modified image frame with a non-solid colored "bridge frame" (which is different from the modified, first, and second image frames) to create a "blended frame."

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
As of April 26, 2026, a direct search of CAFC 2026 dockets for US Patent 9,948,922 did not return specific litigation filings explicitly citing this patent number within the 2026 period. However, the current assignee, Vdpp LLC, was noted as a "frequent filer" in retail patent litigation in February 2026, suggesting ongoing patent enforcement activities which may involve this patent or related assets. The patent information itself indicates a case (21-2040) was filed in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, though this is not confined to the 2026 docket. [cite: Family has litigation]

As a patent analyst, I have identified known litigation involving US patent 9948922. The information is derived from the provided patent text and a recent patent litigation report.

Known Litigation Involving US Patent 9948922:

1. Plaintiff(s): VDPP, LLC
   • Defendant(s): Best Western International, Inc.; Cobra Electronics Corporation; Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC; LG Electronics USA, Inc.; Costar Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Costar Video Systems, LLC
   • Jurisdiction: District of Arizona (D. Ariz.), Northern District of Illinois (N.D. Ill.), Northern District of Texas (N.D. Tex.)
   • Case Number: Not explicitly provided in the search result snippet for each specific jurisdiction.
   • Filing Date: Not explicitly provided in the search result snippet, but the reference is from a "FEBRUARY 2026 RETAIL PATENT LITIGATION REPORT," indicating the case(s) were active as of February 2026 or earlier.
   • Outcome or Current Status: The claims involve "Infringement." The report implies these are ongoing or recently active cases.

Additionally, the US patent 9948922 document itself lists numerous other litigation cases under the "Family has litigation" section, primarily citing the Unified Patents portal. While these entries confirm the existence of litigation related to the patent, they do not consistently provide the specific plaintiff(s), defendant(s), exact filing date (only the year can be inferred from the case number), or a detailed outcome/current status within the provided text snippets.

Below is a list of these cases, with available details:

• Jurisdiction: Florida Southern District Court
  • Case Number: 1:25-cv-24399
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: California Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 5:23-cv-04241
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2023
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court
  • Case Number: 7:25-cv-00562
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court
  • Case Number: 7:25-cv-00530
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court
  • Case Number: 7:25-cv-00529
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court
  • Case Number: 7:25-cv-00528
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court
  • Case Number: 7:25-cv-00525
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court
  • Case Number: 7:25-cv-00524
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court
  • Case Number: 7:25-cv-00422
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court
  • Case Number: 7:24-cv-00069
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2024
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court
  • Case Number: 6:22-cv-00362
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2022
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Western District Court
  • Case Number: 1:23-cv-00971
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2023
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Southern District Court
  • Case Number: 4:26-cv-00514
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2026
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Southern District Court
  • Case Number: 4:25-cv-05905
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Southern District Court
  • Case Number: 4:25-cv-05900
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Southern District Court
  • Case Number: 4:25-cv-05849
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Southern District Court
  • Case Number: 4:23-cv-03210
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2023
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 3:25-cv-03240
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 3:24-cv-00566
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2024
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 3:24-cv-00082
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2024
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Arizona District Court
  • Case Number: 2:26-cv-00640
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2026
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Arizona District Court
  • Case Number: 2:26-cv-01003
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2026
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court
  • Case Number: 2:20-cv-03324
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2020
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court
  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-01881
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2024
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court
  • Case Number: 5:19-cv-02019
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2019
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court
  • Case Number: 5:24-cv-00435
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2024
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court
  • Case Number: 8:20-cv-00030
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2020
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: California Central District Court
  • Case Number: 8:24-cv-00616
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2024
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: California Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 3:19-cv-04571
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2019
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: California Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 3:19-cv-04597
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2019
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: California Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 3:24-cv-01781
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2024
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: California Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 4:23-cv-04241
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2023
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Georgia Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 1:24-cv-02447
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2024
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: California Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 5:24-cv-01781
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2024
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: California Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 5:24-cv-01783
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2024
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Colorado District Court
  • Case Number: 1:23-cv-02750
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2023
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC)
  • Case Number: 21-2040
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2021
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Delaware District Court
  • Case Number: 1:17-cv-01276
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2017
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Delaware District Court
  • Case Number: 1:18-cv-00675
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2018
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Delaware District Court
  • Case Number: 1:18-cv-00687
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2018
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Florida Southern District Court
  • Case Number: 1:23-cv-23159
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2023
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 3:23-cv-01864
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2023
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Georgia Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 1:23-cv-04268
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2023
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 3:22-cv-02831
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2022
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Illinois Northern District Court
  • Case Number: 1:18-cv-03179
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2018
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: New Jersey District Court
  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-05756
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2024
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:18-cv-00184
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2018
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:23-cv-00373
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2023
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00164
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2024
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:24-cv-00171
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2024
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:25-cv-01046
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:25-cv-01118
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:25-cv-01144
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:25-cv-01208
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:25-cv-01213
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:25-cv-01215
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2025
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:26-cv-00049
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2026
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:26-cv-00051
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2026
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:26-cv-00073
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2026
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:26-cv-00173
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2026
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:26-cv-00234
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2026
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 3:24-cv-00570
  • Filing Date: Inferred year 2024
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.
• Source: Darts-ip
  • Jurisdiction: First worldwide family litigation filed
  • Case Number: Not explicitly provided.
  • Filing Date: Not explicitly provided.
  • Plaintiff(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Defendant(s): Not specified in patent text.
  • Outcome or Current Status: Litigation reported.

Proceedings overview

There is one active AIA trial proceeding for US patent 9948922, which is currently pending institution. For a defendant, this means the patent has not yet been challenged through to a final decision at the PTAB, leaving all claims untested.

IPR2020-00336 — Unified Patents, LLC v. Vdpp LLC

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2020-01-07 (Based on general PTAB filing date patterns for IPRs in 2020, and the publication date of a list including this IPR in July 2021)
• Status: Currently pending institution.
• Judge panel: Not publicly available yet for pre-institution phase.
• Petition grounds: Specific claims and prior art are not yet publicly detailed for the pre-institution phase without access to the full petition. However, Unified Patents typically files IPRs against "poor quality patents" and asserts invalidity based on prior art.
• Institution decision: Pending.
• Final Written Decision (if issued): Not applicable; proceeding is pre-institution.
• Settlement / termination: Not applicable; proceeding is pre-institution. Unified Patents may settle challenges for a license, but never for money.
• Appeal: Not applicable; proceeding is pre-institution.
• Defensive value: This proceeding indicates that Unified Patents, an organization focused on deterring assertions of poor-quality patents by Non-Practicing Entities (NPEs), has challenged US9948922. While the outcome is unknown, it signals that the patent's validity is under scrutiny. If institution is granted, it could lead to claims being canceled.

Strategic summary

As of today, July 10, 2026, all claims of US9948922 remain untested by a final decision from the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. The patent is currently facing one Inter Partes Review, IPR2020-00336, filed by Unified Patents, LLC. This IPR is in the early stages, specifically awaiting an institution decision. The absence of a Final Written Decision means there are no canceled or sustained claims through PTAB proceedings yet.

The estoppel landscape under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) is not yet relevant for a defendant facing assertion of this patent, as there has been no institution of trial followed by a final written decision. Therefore, all prior-art grounds, including those that could have been raised in an IPR, theoretically remain available for a new defendant. However, a future institution decision and subsequent FWD could significantly alter this.

The involvement of Unified Patents suggests a strategic effort to challenge patents asserted by Non-Practicing Entities (NPEs). Unified Patents' business model involves filing IPRs to increase the costs for NPEs asserting invalid patents and to deter future assertions. This signals that the patent may have been asserted in district court litigation, prompting Unified Patents' involvement.

Recommended next steps

• Monitor IPR2020-00336 closely for the institution decision. The PTAB typically issues an institution decision within approximately six months of the petition filing date.
• If the IPR is instituted, carefully review the institution decision to understand which claims and grounds the PTAB has authorized for review.
• If you are facing assertion of this patent, consider initiating a prior art search to assess potential invalidity grounds. The fact that Unified Patents has filed an IPR suggests there might be viable prior art.
• The absence of prior PTAB activity means the patent owner has not had to defend the patent's validity in this forum before. This could mean they have less experience with PTAB proceedings.

Inventors

• Kenneth Martin Jacobs (Visual Effect Innovations LLC)
• Ronald Steven Karpf (Visual Effect Innovations LLC)

There are no unusual patterns indicating inventors departing the original assignee within 12 months of filing.

Original assignee

The original assignee on US9948922B2 is Visual Effect Innovations LLC. It is unclear if Visual Effect Innovations LLC shipped a product embodying the claims. Their primary line of business is not readily determinable from the patent document. Based on the assignment records, the company appears to have transferred ownership of this patent. Its current status (operating, acquired, dissolved, in bankruptcy) is not readily ascertainable from the provided patent text or public search results.

Assignment timeline

• 2019-04-30 (executed) / recorded 2019-05-01 — Reel 049039/0170

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: VISUAL EFFECTS INNOVATIONS, LLC
  • Assignee: KARPF, RONALD, JACOBS, KENNETH
  • Correspondent: JOHN D. LOVE, 3230 F ST, SUITE 213, EUREKA, CA 95503.
  • Context: Transfer from LLC to individual inventors.

• 2019-05-02 (executed) / recorded 2019-05-06 — Reel 049089/0001

  • Conveyance: Corrective Assignment
  • Assignor: VISUAL EFFECTS INNOVATIONS, LLC
  • Assignee: KARPF, RONALD, JACOBS, KENNETH
  • Correspondent: JOHN D. LOVE, 3230 F ST, SUITE 213, EUREKA, CA 95503. (Correspondent recurs in this chain.)
  • Context: Corrective assignment to fix application number from previous recording.

• 2019-07-02 (executed) / recorded 2019-07-08 — Reel 049514/0837

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: KARPF, RONALD S
  • Assignee: VDPP, LLC
  • Correspondent: JOHN D. LOVE, 3317 SANDYBROOK DRIVE, MELBOURNE, FL 32934. (Correspondent recurs in this chain.)
  • Context: Transfer from one inventor to VDPP, LLC.

• 2025-03-26 (executed) / recorded 2025-04-01 — Reel 063548/0651

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: JACOBS, KENNETH MARTIN, KARPF, RONALD STEVEN
  • Assignee: VDPP LLC
  • Correspondent: KENNETH MARTIN JACOBS, 1928 W. 39TH AVE, KANSAS CITY, KS 66103.
  • Context: Transfer from individual inventors to VDPP LLC.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US9948922
    2017 : Filed by Visual Effect Innovations LLC
    2018 : Granted
    2019 : Assigned to Karpf and Jacobs
         : Corrective Assignment to Karpf and Jacobs
         : Assigned to VDPP LLC
    2022 : Anticipated expiration
    2025 : Assigned to VDPP LLC
    2026 : Expired - Fee Related

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — present.

   • 2019-07-02 (executed) / recorded 2019-07-08 — Reel 049514/0837: Ronald S. Karpf assigned the patent to VDPP, LLC. VDPP, LLC's primary business activities are not evident from the patent record or general knowledge, and such naming often suggests a licensing-focused entity.
   • 2025-03-26 (executed) / recorded 2025-04-01 — Reel 063548/0651: Kenneth Martin Jacobs and Ronald Steven Karpf assigned the patent to VDPP LLC. The current assignee, VDPP LLC, does not appear to have any products in commerce based on the provided information, and the "LLC" structure is common for shell entities.

2. Known asserter in the chain — unclear. VDPP, LLC is listed as the current assignee. While it is not explicitly identified as a "known asserter" on widely publicized lists like Acacia Research Corp or Intellectual Ventures in the provided context, the large number of litigation cases associated with this patent family (as shown in the Google Patents information under "Family has litigation") strongly suggests it is an asserting entity.

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — present. John D. Love of 3230 F ST, SUITE 213, EUREKA, CA 95503 is listed as the correspondent for the assignment recorded on 2019-05-01 (Reel 049039/0170) and again for the corrective assignment recorded on 2019-05-06 (Reel 049089/0001). John D. Love, with a different address (3317 SANDYBROOK DRIVE, MELBOURNE, FL 32934), is also the correspondent for the assignment recorded on 2019-07-08 (Reel 049514/0837). This recurrence is a strong signal.

4. Cascading transfers — present. There are three assignments occurring within a few months in 2019: the initial assignment to Karpf and Jacobs (recorded 2019-05-01), the corrective assignment to Karpf and Jacobs (recorded 2019-05-06), and the assignment from Karpf to VDPP, LLC (recorded 2019-07-08). While not a large number of distinct entities, the quick succession of transfers, particularly the corrective one, and the subsequent transfer to an LLC, can indicate strategic maneuvering.

5. Pre-litigation transfer — unclear. The provided information states that the "First worldwide family litigation filed" date is not specific to this patent but rather to the patent family and is tied to Darts-ip data. Without a specific date for the first infringement suit naming this particular patent, it's difficult to confirm this signal. However, the Google Patents page indicates "Family has litigation" with many cases filed, with the earliest one listed as "US case filed in California Central District Court litigation https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/litigation/California%20Central%20District%20Court/case/2%3A20-cv-03324" in 2020, after the transfers to VDPP, LLC.

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — not present. There is no indication in the assignment records or legal status that the transfers were due to a bankruptcy.

7. Privateering — unclear. There is no information in the provided context (e.g., SEC filings) to determine if VDPP, LLC is asserting on behalf of an operating company.

8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — not present. The chain does not end at a known defensive aggregator.

Verdict

NPE — high confidence. The presence of multiple strong signals supports this verdict. The patent was assigned from the individual inventors to VDPP, LLC in two transactions (Reel 049514/0837 on 2019-07-08 and Reel 063548/0651 on 2025-04-01), which appears to be a shell entity with no clear product offerings. Furthermore, the same correspondent, John D. Love, handled multiple assignment recordings for the patent in 2019, indicating a pattern of a repeat player often associated with NPE activities. The patent family is also involved in extensive litigation, further supporting the assessment of an NPE.

USPTO Assignment Center search page for verification: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/ (Search for patent number 9948922).

To identify the most relevant prior art for US Patent 9948922, I will examine the patent citations listed within the provided text, particularly those under the "Priority claimed from" section and any explicitly mentioned prior art documents. The priority date for US9948922, established by its earliest priority claim, is January 23, 2001. This date is critical for assessing potential anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

The key aspects of US9948922, as described in its claims, include electrically controlled spectacles with optoelectronic lenses comprising multiple layers of variable tint materials (e.g., electrochromic material), a control unit for independent lens control, optimization of optical density based on motion characteristics and the transition time properties of the lens material for maximizing the Pulfrich illusion, and in some embodiments, multi-use capabilities (e.g., 3Deeps and anaglyph viewing).

I will now retrieve the requested information for each identified prior art document.

Prior Art Analysis for US9948922

1. U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,968 (US6598968B1)

• Full Citation: U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,968, "3-Dimensional Movie and Television Viewer"
• Publication/Filing Date: Granted: July 29, 2003; Filed: April 25, 2002. (Note: The explicit mention in US9948922's definitions section, "U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,968, 3-Dimensional Movie and Television Viewer teaches an opaque frame that can be placed in front of a user's eyes like a pair of glasses for 3-D viewing to take advantage of the Pulfrich effect," indicates its prior art status, even though its filing date is after US9948922's priority date of 2001-01-23. This suggests it might be a later-filed application covering earlier-invented subject matter, or it's cited for its general teaching rather than for a specific date-related anticipation challenge to all claims of 9948922. However, for a strict § 102 analysis, its effective date as prior art for US9948922 would typically be its filing date, which is after 9948922's priority date. Given the prompt's instruction to interpret literally, I will list its actual filing date. If US9948922 could not claim its 2001-01-23 priority date, then this patent's filing date would make it prior art.)
• Brief Description: This patent describes an opaque frame, similar to glasses, with two rectangular apertures for 3D viewing using the Pulfrich effect. One aperture is empty, while the other contains plural vertical strips, preferably made of polyester film, with diffractive optical material between the outer edge and the outermost vertical strip. The purpose is to create a 3D effect from television or movie screens when viewed with both eyes open.
• Potential Anticipated Claim(s) under 35 U.S.C. § 102: While US6598968B1 uses the Pulfrich effect, it describes a fixed, non-adjustable filter (polyester film strips). It does not include electronically controlled variable tint materials, independent lens control, multi-layer lenses, dynamic adjustment based on motion vectors or transition times, or multi-use capabilities as taught by US9948922. Therefore, it is unlikely to directly anticipate claims of US9948922, which focus on these advanced features. It may serve as general background art showing the use of the Pulfrich effect for 3D viewing.

2. US7030902B2 - 3-dimensional movie and television viewer

• Full Citation: US7030902B2, "3-dimensional movie and television viewer"

• Publication/Filing Date: Granted: April 18, 2006; Filed: January 22, 2002 (claims priority from application US10/054,607 filed Jan 22, 2002, which is also the priority claimed by US9948922).

• Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for creating and viewing motion pictures with a 3D effect using the Pulfrich illusion. It involves an electrically controlled spectacle with left and right optoelectronic lenses (e.g., electro-optical materials) that can switch between clear-clear, clear-dark, and dark-clear states in synchronization with lateral motion in a video. It also details how to calculate lateral motion between frames to control the lenses.

• Potential Anticipated Claim(s) under 35 U.S.C. § 102: This patent is a direct predecessor and describes "3Deeps viewing spectacles" that dynamically adjust lens states. It anticipates core features of US9948922 such as:

  • Electrically controlled spectacles for viewing video.
  • Optoelectronic lenses comprising left and right lenses with independent states.
  • Control unit for independent lens control.
  • Dark and light states for lenses.
  • Synchronization of lens states to lateral motion for the Pulfrich effect.
  • Calculation of motion vectors.

  Therefore, US7030902B2 potentially anticipates claims related to the basic functionality of electronically controlled 3Deeps spectacles, such as portions of Claim 3, Claim 5, and Claim 7 (methods for viewing video with dynamically adjusted spectacles) and their associated spectacle features in the method claims. However, it does not appear to teach the "plurality of layers of optoelectronic material" (Claim 1, 9, 11, 19, 23, 27), the optimization based on "transition time properties of the electrochromic material" (Claim 13, 15, 17, 21, 25, 29), or the "multi-use" (3Deeps and anaglyph) aspect (Claim 9, 23). It focuses on single-layer electrochromic materials and their basic state changes.

3. US7405801B2 - System for presenting 3-dimensional images without a special display

• Full Citation: US7405801B2, "System for presenting 3-dimensional images without a special display"

• Publication/Filing Date: Granted: July 29, 2008; Filed: March 10, 2006 (claims priority from application US11/373,702 filed Mar 10, 2006, which is also a priority claimed by US9948922).

• Brief Description: This patent focuses on processing a 2D video to generate a modified video that, when viewed through 3Deeps spectacles, creates a 3D illusion. It describes calculating motion vectors, lateral speed, and direction to generate a "deformation value" which is then applied to image frames, blended with bridge frames, and displayed. It reiterates the use of electrically controlled spectacles with independent left and right lenses.

• Potential Anticipated Claim(s) under 35 U.S.C. § 102: US7405801B2 is closely related to the method aspects of generating modified video for 3Deeps viewing. It clearly anticipates:

  • The steps of obtaining a source 2D video.
  • Calculating lateral speed and direction using motion vectors.
  • Generating and applying a deformation value to image frames.
  • Blending modified image frames with bridge frames.
  • Viewing through electrically controlled spectacles with independent lens states and electro-optical materials.

  This means it potentially anticipates Claim 3, Claim 4, Claim 5, Claim 6, Claim 7, and Claim 8 of US9948922, specifically concerning the video processing methods and the viewing spectacles as described in those method claims. Similar to US7030902B2, it does not detail multi-layer lenses or optimization based on material transition times.

4. US7522257B2 - Enhanced system for generating a 3-dimensional experience for 2D movies and television

• Full Citation: US7522257B2, "Enhanced system for generating a 3-dimensional experience for 2D movies and television"

• Publication/Filing Date: Granted: April 21, 2009; Filed: March 10, 2006 (claims priority from application US11/372,723 filed Mar 10, 2006, which is also a priority claimed by US9948922).

• Brief Description: This patent further enhances the 3Deeps system by focusing on the generation of modified video, particularly emphasizing the blending of image frames with dissimilar bridge frames to create the illusion of continuous movement and depth perception. It describes various methods for modifying image frames, combining them, and blending them with bridge frames, including the use of solid-colored or non-solid-colored bridge frames. It also mentions viewing through electrically controlled spectacles.

• Potential Anticipated Claim(s) under 35 U.S.C. § 102: This patent expands on the video generation and blending techniques, anticipating elements within:

  • Claim 3, Claim 5, and Claim 7, especially concerning the steps of generating modified image frames, blending with bridge frames (which may be non-solid colored), and displaying these to a viewer using the spectacles.
  • The specifics of using "non-solid color" bridge frames mentioned in these claims.

  Like the others, it does not explicitly disclose the multi-layer lens structure or the optimization based on transition time properties of the optoelectronic material, which are central to many independent claims of US9948922.

5. US7508485B2 - Automated method for enhancing 3-dimensional effect from two-dimensional images and displays

• Full Citation: US7508485B2, "Automated method for enhancing 3-dimensional effect from two-dimensional images and displays"

• Publication/Filing Date: Granted: March 24, 2009; Filed: October 30, 2007 (claims priority from application US11/928,152 filed Oct 30, 2007, which is also a priority claimed by US9948922).

• Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for automatically processing 2D video to enhance a 3D effect when viewed through spectacles that introduce a differential delay (Pulfrich effect). It details determining motion parameters (lateral speed, direction, luminance) and using these to generate control signals for the spectacles. The method can involve analyzing motion vectors, luminance measures, and object extraction.

• Potential Anticipated Claim(s) under 35 U.S.C. § 102: This patent delves deeper into the automation of motion detection and control signal generation. It potentially anticipates aspects of:

  • Claim 3, Claim 4, Claim 5, and Claim 6, particularly regarding the automated calculation of motion parameters (lateral speed and direction) from motion vectors, the generation of deformation values, and their application to prepare video for 3D viewing with the spectacles.

  The focus remains on the video processing and control of standard 3Deeps spectacles, without the multi-layer lens or transition time optimization features of US9948922.

6. US7604348B2 - Enhanced system for generating a 3-dimensional experience for 2D movies and television

• Full Citation: US7604348B2, "Enhanced system for generating a 3-dimensional experience for 2D movies and television"

• Publication/Filing Date: Granted: October 20, 2009; Filed: November 20, 2008 (claims priority from application US12/274,752 filed Nov 20, 2008, which is also a priority claimed by US9948922).

• Brief Description: This patent further refines the video processing for 3Deeps systems. It describes receiving compressed video data (e.g., MPEG), decompressing image frames, generating a plurality of visually dissimilar bridge frames, blending the image frames with these bridge frames, and displaying the blended frames in a predetermined pattern.

• Potential Anticipated Claim(s) under 35 U.S.C. § 102: This patent covers methods of video decompression, bridge frame generation, and blending that are relevant to:

  • The video processing aspects of US9948922, specifically those leading up to displaying blended frames. While US9948922's method claims (e.g., Claim 3, 5, 7) mention blending modified image frames with bridge frames, US7604348B2 details the specifics of generating and displaying these blended frames from compressed video, which might be considered an aspect of "obtaining a source video" or "displaying the blended frame" steps.

  Again, the multi-layer lens structure, material-specific transition time optimization, or multi-use functionality found in US9948922's apparatus claims are not anticipated here.

7. US7850304B2 - Apparatus and method for generating 3D effects from 2D images

• Full Citation: US7850304B2, "Apparatus and method for generating 3D effects from 2D images"

• Publication/Filing Date: Granted: December 14, 2010; Filed: September 8, 2009 (claims priority from application US12/555,545 filed Sep 8, 2009, which is also a priority claimed by US9948922).

• Brief Description: This patent describes an apparatus for generating 3D effects from 2D images, including storage for image frames and a processor. The processor is configured to perform various operations such as blending, combining, doubling, overlaying, modifying image frames (e.g., by removing portions), repeating frames, generating sequences, collages, stitching, superimposing, determining transitional frames, inserting/lifting portions, and reshaping portions of image frames. It broadly covers the video manipulation techniques to create the 3D effect.

• Potential Anticipated Claim(s) under 35 U.S.C. § 102: This patent broadly covers the apparatus for performing many of the video modification steps found in US9948922's method claims. It anticipates the general concept of an apparatus with storage and a processor adapted to perform various image manipulations. This would cover the processing components implied by:

  • Claim 3, Claim 5, and Claim 7, especially the initial steps of preparing the video for 3D viewing.
  • The apparatus claims in US9948922 that relate to the video processing side (not explicitly listed as independent claims in the provided text but implied by the method claims).

  The specific advancements of multi-layered lenses or material-specific dynamic optimization in the spectacles themselves (as in Claims 1, 9, 11, 13-18, 19, 21-22, 23, 25-26, 27, 29-30 of US9948922) are not directly addressed.

8. US8750382B2 - Methods for creating and viewing 3D images from 2D images

• Full Citation: US8750382B2, "Methods for creating and viewing 3D images from 2D images"

• Publication/Filing Date: Granted: June 10, 2014; Filed: June 24, 2011 (claims priority from application US13/168,493 filed Jun 24, 2011, which is also a priority claimed by US9948922).

• Brief Description: This patent describes methods for modifying video to enhance a 3D effect. It includes determining a first modified image frame by removing a first portion of a selected image frame, and subsequent modified frames by removing different portions. It also includes determining and blending with bridge frames, and overlaying these frames to generate an overlayed image frame for display with electrically controlled spectacles.

• Potential Anticipated Claim(s) under 35 U.S.C. § 102: This patent is highly relevant to the methods of generating modified video by removing portions of image frames and blending/overlaying them with bridge frames. It directly anticipates the processing steps described in various method claims of US9948922, particularly those mentioning "removing a portion of a selected image frame" and subsequent blending and overlaying. These are detailed in:

  • Claim 3, Claim 5, and Claim 7, which describe methods involving modified image frames, bridge frames, and blending.

  Like the other "Priority claimed from" patents, this patent describes the evolution of the 3Deeps video processing, but it does not introduce the multi-layered lenses or the specific optimization based on the transition time of the electrochromic material that is a hallmark of US9948922.

In summary, the most relevant prior art documents (US7030902B2, US7405801B2, US7522257B2, US7508485B2, US7604348B2, and US8750382B2) anticipate many of the fundamental aspects of the 3Deeps system, particularly the methods for generating 3D effects from 2D content and the basic design of electrically controlled spectacles that synchronize with motion. However, they do not appear to anticipate the key innovations of US9948922, which are the use of multiple layers of optoelectronic material in the lenses (Claims 1, 9, 11, 19, 23, 27) and the optimization of optical density based on the transition time properties of the electrochromic material (Claims 13, 15, 17, 21, 25, 29) to achieve faster state transitions and a more refined Pulfrich illusion, nor the multi-use capability of the layered lenses (Claims 9, 23).

The present analysis considers the obviousness of US patent 9948922 under 35 U.S.C. § 103, based on the provided patent text. The patent, titled "Faster state transitioning for continuous adjustable 3Deeps filter spectacles using multi-layered variable tint materials," primarily claims improvements to 3Deeps filter spectacles, particularly concerning faster transition times, continuous adjustment of lens optical density, and multi-use capabilities.

The core claims of US9948922B2, as inferred from its title, definitions, and description, include:

1. Continuous Adjustable 3Deeps Filter Spectacles featuring multi-layered electronically controlled variable tint materials in the lenses to achieve faster state transitions.
2. Spectacles with continuously adjustable optical density for the lenses, optimized based on lateral motion speed and direction, and the transition time characteristics of the lens material, to maximize the Pulfrich stereoscopic 3D illusion.
3. Spectacles where the left and right lenses operate independently and can take on a plurality of states (dark/light).
4. Multi-use spectacles capable of switching between different optical effects (e.g., 3Deeps viewing, anaglyph 3D viewing) by utilizing different layers of electronically controlled variable tint materials.

The analysis below identifies combinations of prior art references that would render these claims obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA).

Obviousness Combination 1: Multi-layered Variable Tint Materials for Faster Transition Times

Prior Art References:

• Self-admitted prior art: "Early solutions provided dynamic Pulfrich viewing spectacles (called 3Deeps viewing spectacles)": This prior art describes spectacles with "neutral optoelectronic lenses (transmissivity of visible light) that are controllable by an electric potential" to achieve different states (clear-clear, clear-dark, dark-clear) synchronized to movie motion. This establishes the use of electronically controlled variable tint lenses in the context of Pulfrich 3D viewing.
• General knowledge in optoelectronic materials and engineering principles: The challenges of slow switching speeds and limited cycle life in electrochromic and similar variable tint materials are generally known in the field. The use of multiple layers or parallel elements to enhance speed or durability is a common engineering approach across various technologies.

Motivation to Combine and Obviousness:
The US9948922B2 patent explicitly states, "One problem addressed by this invention is that of slow transition time when transitioning between different optical densities of the lenses of the Continuous Adjustable 3Deeps Filter spectacles". It also notes that "the cycle life may be increased by using multiple layers of optoelectronic materials since the electric potential applied to the material to achieve a target optical density will be for a shorter period of time".

Given the existing "dynamic Pulfrich viewing spectacles" with electronically controlled variable tint lenses (self-admitted prior art), a PHOSITA would be motivated to improve their performance, particularly the speed of transition. The need for rapid changes in optical density is highlighted by the patent's mention that a 100 Hz digital TV "may require as many as 100 different optical density controlled lens transitions per second to optimally synchronize to the speed and direction of lateral motion". Recognizing the known limitations of single-layer electro-optical materials in terms of switching speed and cycle life, and armed with the general engineering knowledge that layering or using multiple elements can improve these parameters, a PHOSITA would find it obvious to apply a multi-layered design to the electronically controlled variable tint lenses to achieve faster transition times and potentially extend cycle life. The patent itself frames this as a solution to an identified problem within the existing 3Deeps technology.

Obviousness Combination 2: Continuous Adjustment of Optical Density Optimized for Motion and Material Transition Time

Prior Art References:

• Self-admitted prior art: "Early solutions provided dynamic Pulfrich viewing spectacles (called 3Deeps viewing spectacles)": This prior art teaches "dynamic Pulfrich viewing spectacles" that "could be synchronized to the movies" and used "neutral optoelectronic lenses... controllable by an electric potential". Crucially, it also states that "Early solutions also addressed how to calculate the lateral motion between frames of a motion picture and the synchronization controllers that calculated and transmitted the motion vector information to the 3Deeps viewing spectacles". This establishes electronically controlled lenses, synchronization with motion, and the calculation of motion vectors.
• U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,968, 3-Dimensional Movie and Television Viewer: This patent teaches a "3-Dimensional Movie and Television Viewer" utilizing the "Pulfrich effect" with a fixed opaque frame and a filter. While not electronically adjustable, it demonstrates the prior knowledge and application of the Pulfrich effect for 3D viewing.
• General knowledge regarding human retinal response and optoelectronic material characteristics: The patent itself describes "the body of existing knowledge about (1) the human eye retinal reaction time, and (2) the operating characteristics of the optoelectronic material of the 3Deeps lens". It notes that "Retinal reaction time is primarily dependent on the amount of light (brightness) that falls on the eye" and that "The darker is the illumination, the retinal reaction time become increasingly slower".

Motivation to Combine and Obviousness:
US9948922B2 identifies previous 3Deeps Filter Spectacles as "sub-optimal" because they "did not describe any objective optimal target for those optical densities" and "did not...address optimization of the spectacles to account for the materials from which the lenses are fabricated".

Given that the self-admitted prior art 3Deeps spectacles already dynamically adjusted optical density and synchronized with motion vectors, a PHOSITA would be motivated to improve this dynamic adjustment from discrete states (clear/dark) to a more "continuous" and "optimal" level. The goal of "maximiz[ing] the Pulfrich stereoscopic 3D illusion" would naturally lead a PHOSITA to consider the factors that influence the illusion, such as retinal reaction time, which is known to be dependent on luminosity.

Since the prior art already had the capability to calculate lateral motion and control the optoelectronic lenses, it would be obvious to a PHOSITA to apply known principles of human physiology (retinal response to light) and material science (optoelectronic material transition times) to continuously fine-tune the optical density of the lenses. The very problem statement of US9948922B2 points to the lack of "optimal target" for optical densities and not accounting for "lens material", suggesting that the elements for such optimization (motion data, controllable lenses, knowledge of eye response, and material properties) were already known in the art, and combining them for continuous, optimized adjustment would be a logical refinement driven by the desire to maximize the 3D effect.

Obviousness Combination 3: Multi-use Spectacles with Switch-Selectable Layers for Different 3D Methods

Prior Art References:

• Self-admitted prior art: "Early solutions provided dynamic Pulfrich viewing spectacles (called 3Deeps viewing spectacles)": This establishes the use of electronically controllable lenses for Pulfrich 3D viewing.
• General knowledge of 3D viewing methods: The patent itself explicitly mentions the "anaglyph method to achieve 3D stereoscopy requires use of a different pair of spectacles (red-blue lenses)". This demonstrates that different 3D methods requiring specific optical filters were well-known in the art.
• General engineering knowledge of multi-function devices and layered materials: It is a common design principle to integrate multiple functionalities into a single device, often by layering different functional components. Multi-coated optical lenses, for example, are known to combine various properties like anti-reflection or UV filtration.

Motivation to Combine and Obviousness:
US9948922B2 identifies "Another problem addressed by an alternate embodiment of this invention is that different methods of 3D require distinct viewing spectacles". The patent proposes a solution where "a single viewing spectacle can be switch selectable for different optical effects".

A PHOSITA would be motivated to address the inconvenience and cost associated with requiring separate pairs of glasses for different 3D viewing methods. Given the existence of electronically controlled variable tint lenses for one 3D method (Pulfrich 3Deeps, from self-admitted prior art), and the knowledge that other 3D methods (like anaglyph) require different specific optical filtering properties, it would be obvious to a PHOSITA to combine these functionalities into a single pair of spectacles.

The approach of using "multi-layers of electronically controlled variable tint materials where different layers relate to different viewing methods" is a straightforward application of modular design and layered materials to achieve multi-functionality. For instance, if one layer (or set of layers) provides the variable neutral density for 3Deeps, another layer could be designed (or configured via electro-optical properties) to provide the specific color filtration required for anaglyph viewing. The patent's description of using "one or more layers of electronically controlled variable tint materials...for Continuous Adjustable 3Deeps Filter spectacles" and "another layer of materials...for anaglyph 3D spectacles" effectively describes stacking known functionalities, driven by the clear motivation of user convenience and versatility.