LG believes Samsung Galaxy S4 infringes eye-tracking patent
updated 03:16 pm EDT, Tue March 19, 2013
Smart Pause in S4 similar to Smart Video in Optimus G Pro
LG is accusing Samsung of infringing a patent relating to eye-tracking technology. A patent for the Smart Video feature of the LG Optimus G Pro, which automatically pauses a video when the user looks away from the device, may have been infringed by a similar feature called Smart Pause in the Samsung Galaxy S4.
It is claimed by LG that it applied for this specific patent in 2009, according to the Yonhap News Agency, as well as a number of other similar eye-tracking patents as early as 2005. While it cannot directly confirm, the company will be inspecting the Galaxy S4 when it is released next month. Samsung denies infringement, claiming to use its own methodology.
The two companies have fiercely fought each other over the years, at varying levels of intensity. LG attempted to ambush the Galaxy S4 launch in Times Square, New York, by placing a billboard above Samsungs's own, mimicking the visual style and layout but advertising the Optimus G instead. In September, Samsung sued LG over allegations that LG had stolen technology relating to OLED production, seeking compensation of $880,514 for each instance where LG used a Samsung-originated technology or made confidential details behind them public.
