In January, Eastman Kodak said it was suing smartphone makers RIM and Apple for patent violations relating to the cameras used in BlackBerrys and the iPhone.
In April, Apple countersued Kodak , accusing the film pioneer of violating two digital photography patents that Apple owns.
The International Trade Commission (ITC) has said this week that it will investigate into the countersuit, after agreeing to investigate into Kodak’s claims earlier this year.
The two patents specifically noted in the suit are patents 6,031,964 and RE38,911, which are “a system and method for using a unified memory architecture to implement a digital camera device,” and a “modular digital image processing via an image processing chain with modifiable parameter controls.”
The decision by the ITC is not a surprise as it, in most cases, accepts complaints from major corporations. The dispute can take up to years to be resolved, however.
Apple is currently in patent lawsuit disputes with Kodak, Nokia and HTC.
Result for: image processing
In January, Eastman Kodak said it was suing RIM and Apple over patent violations relating to the cameras used in BlackBerrys and the iPhone.
Today, Apple countersued Kodak, accusing the film pioneer of violating two digital photography patents that Apple owns.
Apple has accused EK of violating patents 6,031,964 and RE38,911, which are “a system and method for using a unified memory architecture to implement a digital camera device,” and a “modular digital image processing via an image processing chain with modifiable parameter controls.”
Adds Kodak: “As regards our intellectual property, Kodak has a long history of digital imaging innovation and we have invested hundreds of millions of dollars creating our industry-leading patent portfolio. We have an obligation to our shareholders and the other licensees to protect their interests. When others use our technology, we merely seek fair compensation for that use, in the same way that many other leading technology companies pay us to license Kodak technology.”
Kodak currently has 1100 patents relating to digital photography technologies and licenses them to over 30 companies.
Result for: image processing
Posted on the main screen of the Creative and ZiiLABS Showcase Green Solutions for Developers at Zii Summit 2009 in China is the interesting notion that a possible Zii Android smartphone may be in the works, using the extremely powerful StemCell Computing Technology found on the Zii Egg device.
Under “Zii Powered Devices” reads the following:
A range of OEM-ready Zii Powered devices will be showcased - powered by ZiiLABS ZMS-05 and ZMS-08 media-rich application processors. The line-up of devices on display include: a Touch Tablet PC, a Netbook, a Web-Box, a 360o Multi-View Camera System, ultra high-performance Speakers, a Piano Keyboard for the PC, and a Portable e-Book Reader. But the highlight of our devices line-up is our Mobile Phone platform. ZiiLABS ushers in a new era of explosive high definition 3D with the Zii Optimized Android Phone platform. The Zii Optimized Android Phone platform gives developers the chance to use the familiar Android OS, but with a difference. Harnessing StemCell Computing Technology found on the ZMS-05 Media Rich Processor, Android is now super-charged with seamless 3D graphics and High Definition video playback performance.
* Phone with Fully featured Android Platform
* OpenGL ES 3D graphics
* 1080p HD video output
* Accelerated video, graphic and imaging
* Full integration with SurfaceFlinger
* High Quality Audio
* Enhanced User Interfaces
* Image Processing
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