Re: History of video compression paper

On Thu, 18 Jul 2002, mpeg minus wrote:

> It proves that variable shape motion compensation with
> 8x8 and 4x4 blocks was invented way back in 1975, and
> subpel filters in 1979! The whole MPEG paradigm is now
> more than 17 years old.
>
> Lots of prior art listed, and I suspect much more will
> be revealed soon!!

What would it take to provide a database of otherwise patented algorithms
that are quite clearly invalidated by prior art, set up such that if
someone tries to assert patent "rights" against any open-source software
that uses such math, they can be quickly dispatched and sent back with
their tail between their legs?

I know there's a potential mine field involved in challenging a patent,
does anyone know exactly what it takes in order to safely assume that a
patent is invalid?  Does it require a patent attorney to go through the
materials and make absolutely certain all the various claims are bogus?

If such a thing is possible, it would open up a lot of algorithms for use
in an open codec.  This is good.

      Erik Walthinsen <[email protected]> - System Administrator
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