Opinion ID: 775954
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Factual Finding of Equivalents

Text: 49 Having concluded that resort to the doctrine of equivalents is not barred as a matter of law, we turn to the issue of equivalence in fact. The precise issue before us is whether substantial evidence supports the jury's finding that SmoothMove(r), with its equirectangular panorama file, contains an element substantially the same as the image transform processor means limitation. 50 Infinite argues that there are substantial differences according to both the known interchangeability test and the function-way-result test. Concerning the former, Infinite argues that the equirectangular panorama .pan file is not interchangeable with the claimed digitized fisheye image data because the SmoothMove(r) Viewer is compatible with only the .pan file format. Concerning the latter, Infinite argues that the image transform processor means and the SmoothMove(r) program differ in function, way, and result because the claimed means can transform images in real time relative to motion in the image, whereas SmoothMove(r) can transform only static images. 51 Interactive responds that substantial evidence supports the jury's finding of equivalence. In particular, Interactive cites the testimony of its expert, Dr. Birdwell, that notwithstanding the incompatibility of data formats, the equirectangular panorama format is a known substitute for digitized fisheye signals and that the function of transforming a portion of an image in equirectangular panorama format is substantially the same as the function of transforming a portion of an image represented by digitized fisheye signals. Furthermore, Birdwell testified that the SmoothMove(r) Viewer contains structure the same as or equivalent to the structure corresponding to the image transform processor means. 52 We agree that substantial evidence supports the finding of equivalence. Although Infinite attacks Birdwell's testimony as being conclusory, the testimony is more than that. Birdwell showed the jury both a fisheye image and an image in an equirectangular panorama format, while testifying that one can be derived from the other. He also explained that perspective-correction processing of one of the two image forms is substantially the same as that of the other, and he illustrated the similarity with reference to Infinite's own block diagrams of the processing steps. 53 Infinite's arguments do not persuade us to the contrary. First, incompatibilities in computer data files do not necessarily rise to the level of substantial differences. Even the slightest difference in file formats often creates an incompatibility, because computers are exact machines. However, the law of patent infringement is not so limiting. A patent claim may be infringed if an element of the infringing device is only substantially the same as a limitation of the patent claim. Warner-Jenkinson, 520 U.S. at 29. Indeed, we have upheld determinations of equivalence on the ground that hardware and software implementations of a component of an invention are interchangeable substitutes, Overhead Door Corp. v. Chamberlain Group, Inc., 194 F.3d 1261, 1269-70, 52 USPQ2d 1321, 1326 (Fed. Cir. 1999), even though such a substitution would require ancillary changes in affected circuitry and packaging. Rather than focusing on physical or electronic compatibility, the known interchangeability test looks to the knowledge of a skilled artisan to see whether that artisan would contemplate the interchange as a design choice. Id. Viewed in that light, Birdwell's testimony that the claimed digital fisheye image and SmoothMove's(r) equirectangular panorama file are interchangeable alternatives is substantial evidence supporting equivalence. 54 Secondly, we reject Infinite's function-way-result argument because the ability to transform moving images in real time relative to the motion is not part of either the function, way, or result of the image transform processor means. As a preliminary matter, we consider the entire image transform processor means with its two associated functions to be one limitation. We do so because the two functions are accomplished by the same structure and are closely related. In fact, the first function, processing said digitized signals in said input image memory means according to selected viewing angles and magnification, and the second function, producing output transform calculation signals according to a combination of said digitized signals, said selected viewing angles and said selected magnification, are practically inseparable. Having identified the functions in the claim language itself, Lockheed Martin Corp. v. Space Sys./Loral, Inc., 249 F.3d 1314, 1324, 58 USPQ2d 1671, 1678 (Fed. Cir. 2001), we look to the way in which those functions are accomplished and the attendant results in the specification. In this case, the specification discloses particular transform equations, '667 patent, ll. 30-54 (equations (17) and (18)), implemented in a pair of X-map and Y-map transform processors, which are application specific integrated circuits or other means as may be known to persons skilled in the art, id. at col. 4, ll. 1-5. The results achieved by those functions are not limited to real time capabilities relative to movement in the image. Instead, as the applicant's remarks to the Examiner indicated, the results include real time capabilities relative to user input of viewing angle and magnification. Accordingly, Infinite's argument in terms of the function-way-result test misses the mark. 55 Thus, Infinite's arguments do not reveal any flaw underlying the jury's finding of equivalence so serious as to indicate that the jury's finding is unsupported by substantial evidence. Essentially, Infinite invites us to reweigh the evidence of substantial similarity in its favor. We cannot accept that invitation. Nutrinova Nutrition Specialties & Food Ingredients GmbH v. Int'l Trade Comm'n, 224 F.3d 1356, 1359, 55 USPQ2d 1951, 1953 (Fed. Cir. 2000). We therefore affirm the district court's denial of Infinite's post-trial motion for JMOL on the issue of equivalence in fact.