Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 18/355,788

METHOD AND APPARATUS WITH FRAME CLASS IDENTIFICATION

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Jul 20, 2023
Priority
Nov 17, 2022 — RE 10-2022-0154562
Examiner
VANCHY JR, MICHAEL J
Art Unit
2666
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Seoul National University R&DB Foundation
OA Round
2 (Final)
67%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
1m
Est. Remaining
87%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 67% — above average
67%
Career Allowance Rate
408 granted / 611 resolved
+4.8% vs TC avg
Strong +20% interview lift
Without
With
+20.1%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 3m
Avg Prosecution
24 currently pending
Career history
632
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
12.8%
-27.2% vs TC avg
§103
63.2%
+23.2% vs TC avg
§102
8.8%
-31.2% vs TC avg
§112
9.2%
-30.8% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 611 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Response to Arguments Applicant's arguments filed 04/20/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Applicant’s arguments will now be addressed: Applicant argues (Remarks; p. 8, 3rd paragraph and p. 9, 3rd paragraph) that prior art Sundareson (Sundareson, US 2020/0410241 A1) “does not teach or suggest wherein the second frame comprises a non-final feature frame for which the final feature vector is not generated”. The Examiner respectfully disagrees based on the broadest reasonable interpretation of the claim language. Specifically, the claim states that the “second frame” is a non-final feature frame for which the final feature vector is not generated. Sundareson teaches to classify a video clip, a number of frames (or adjacent sets of frames) of the video clip may be individually assigned to one of the classes based on a similarity of a feature vector of the frame to one or more feature vectors associated with the class (e.g., using a distance metric) ([0020]); for example, the distance metric may be between the feature vector of the frame and a feature vector that is representative of the class (e.g., a cluster center) ([0020]); a class may then be assigned to the video clip based on a quantity of the frames that are assigned to the class (e.g., the class that has the most frames assigned to it) ([0020]). Thus, if the video clip (which is more than two frames), since stating “adjacent sets of frames” would be redundant and because Sundareson states a video clip can be 30 seconds ([0002]), has three or more frames, the “second frame” would comprise a non-final feature frame for which the final feature vector is not generated, since the last frame would be that frame. Therefore, based on the broadest reasonable interpretation of the claim language, Sundareson teaches that the “second frame” comprises a non-final feature frame for which the final feature vector is not generated, when the video clip has three or more frames, since the third or more frame would be the final feature frame for which the final feature vector is generated. Applicant also argues (Remarks; p. 3, 3rd paragraph) that Sundareson does not consider the “claimed skipping or stopping of neural network operations” and “Conversely, examples of claim 1 may stop the neural network sequence for the "second frame" (non-final feature frame), meaning the final feature vector is never generated for that frame”. In response to applicant's argument that the references fail to show certain features of the invention, it is noted that the features upon which applicant relies (i.e., “skipping or stopping of neural network operations”) are not recited in the rejected claim 1. Although the claims are interpreted in light of the specification, limitations from the specification are not read into the claims. See In re Van Geuns, 988 F.2d 1181, 26 USPQ2d 1057 (Fed. Cir. 1993). Thus, the argument with regards to claim 1 for skipping and stopping are moot, since the limitations are not recited in independent claim 1. Applicant also argues (Remarks; p. 9, 6th paragraph) that “Sundareson teaches only that its feature extractor 156 takes feature vectors from pre-identified clips”. The Examiner points out that the claim language does not preclude the use of “pre-identified clips” and thus this argument is moot. Applicant also argues (Remarks; p. 10, 2nd paragraph) that “Sundareson is not describing generating respective final feature vectors of a plurality of frames of time-series data, while sequentially processing the plurality of frames by using a neural network comprising a plurality of layers, but a general use of LLM's to quantify features in images”. The Examiner respectfully disagrees. Sundareson teaches generating respective final feature vectors of a plurality of frames of time-series data (generating feature vectors for the plurality of frames within the clip) ([0058] and [0062]), while sequentially processing the plurality of frames by using a neural network comprising a plurality of layers (processing each of the plurality of frames using feature extractor 156 which is a neural network with a plurality of layers) (Fig. 1, item 156; [0058]). Applicant also argues (Remarks; p. 11, 1st paragraph) that “Sundareson teaches that the clip is classified (and not a class being used to find a clip as claimed) based on a quantity of frames that fall within that class”. In response to applicant's argument that the references fail to show certain features of the invention, it is noted that the features upon which applicant relies (i.e., “a class being used to find a clip”) are not recited in the rejected claim(s). Although the claims are interpreted in light of the specification, limitations from the specification are not read into the claims. See In re Van Geuns, 988 F.2d 1181, 26 USPQ2d 1057 (Fed. Cir. 1993). Thus, the argument is moot, since independent claim 1 does not recite using a class to find a clip (and specifically nowhere in the claim language does it state a “clip”). Applicant also argues (Remarks; p. 11, 2nd paragraph) that “Sundareson does not teach or suggest the claimed generating respective final feature vectors of a plurality of frames of time-series data, while sequentially processing the plurality of frames by using a neural network comprising a plurality of layers, to determining a class of the time-series data based on at least one final feature vector of the respective final feature vectors, and then determining the at least one second frame to be a frame corresponding to the class, based on a result of comparing the similarity score and a threshold value as recited in claim 1”. The Examiner respectfully disagrees. Sundareson teaches generating respective final feature vectors of a plurality of frames of time-series data (generating feature vectors for the plurality of frames within the clip) ([0058] and [0062]), while sequentially processing the plurality of frames by using a neural network comprising a plurality of layers (processing each of the plurality of frames using feature extractor 156 which is a neural network with a plurality of layers) (Fig. 1, item 156; [0058]); determining a class of the time-series data based on at least one final feature vector of the respective final feature vectors (wherein the video clip can be classified based on the one or more feature vectors) ([0006] and [0019-0020]); and determining the at least one second frame to be a frame corresponding to the class (wherein the second frame corresponds to the class based on using a distance metric associated with the detected feature vector class) ([0020]), based on a result of comparing the similarity score and a threshold value (wherein the feature vectors similarity is based on a distance metric and a distance threshold value) (Abstract and [0020-0021]). Although Sundareson does not explicitly teach a “similarity score” it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention that the “distance metric” in Sundareson is a type of similarity score; wherein the closer the feature vectors are to each other the higher the similarity (Sundareson; [0020-0021]). Applicant also argues (Remarks; p. 11, 3rd paragraph) that “Sundareson uses its feature vector determination to find which class these clips belong to based on the length of similar moments between the clips, not to find the clips themselves”. As stated above, and reiterated here, in response to applicant's argument that the references fail to show certain features of the invention, it is noted that the features upon which applicant relies (i.e., “a class being used to find a clip”) are not recited in the rejected claim(s). Although the claims are interpreted in light of the specification, limitations from the specification are not read into the claims. See In re Van Geuns, 988 F.2d 1181, 26 USPQ2d 1057 (Fed. Cir. 1993). Thus, the argument is moot, since independent claim 1 does not recite using a class to find a clip (and specifically nowhere in the claim language does it state a “clip”). Applicant also argues (Remarks; p. 11, 4th paragraph) that claim 1 “may build a reference average to dynamically add matching frames to a class to create these clips (i.e., to expand the classified group within the additional frames)”. In response to applicant's argument that the references fail to show certain features of the invention, it is noted that the features upon which applicant relies (i.e., “may build a reference average to dynamically add matching frames to a class to create these clips”) are not recited in the rejected claim(s). Although the claims are interpreted in light of the specification, limitations from the specification are not read into the claims. See In re Van Geuns, 988 F.2d 1181, 26 USPQ2d 1057 (Fed. Cir. 1993). Thus, the argument is moot since independent claim 1 does not recite this limitation. Claims 1-20 are pending. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows: 1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art. 2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue. 3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art. 4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness. Claim(s) 1, 2, 4-6, 8-10, 12-15, and 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sundareson, US 2020/0410241 A1 (Sundareson). Regarding claim 1, Sundareson teaches a processor-implemented method (wherein various functions may be carried out by a processor executing instructions stored in memory) (Fig. 1; [0024]), the method comprising: generating respective final feature vectors of a plurality of frames of time-series data (generating feature vectors for a plurality of frames in video clips using feature extractor 156) (Fig. 1; [0058]), while sequentially processing the plurality of frames (wherein the frames are sequentially processed being each frame of a video clip) (Fig. 1; [0006] and [0037-0038]) by using a neural network comprising a plurality of layers (wherein the feature extractor 156 is a machine-learning model; such as a neural network) (Fig. 1; [0006] and [0058]); determining a class of the time-series data based on at least one final feature vector of the respective final feature vectors (wherein the video clip can be classified based on the one or more feature vectors) ([0006] and [0019-0020]); generating a reference feature vector based on the at least one final feature vector (wherein now a feature vector is associated with a class) ([0020]); calculating a similarity score (distance metric) ([0020-0023]) between the reference feature vector and a feature vector of at least one second frame (wherein the next frame can be compared to the feature vector to determine similarity based on using a distance metric) ([0020]), wherein the second frame comprises a non-final feature frame for which the final feature vector is not generated (wherein the second frame is not yet used to generate the final feature vector within the representative feature vector; cluster) ([0020]); and determining the at least one second frame to be a frame corresponding to the class (wherein the second frame corresponds to the class based on using a distance metric associated with the detected feature vector class) ([0020]), based on a result of comparing the similarity score and a threshold value (wherein the feature vectors similarity is based on a distance metric and a distance threshold value) (Abstract and [0020-0021]). Although Sundareson does not explicitly teach a “similarity score” it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention that the “distance metric” in Sundareson is a type of similarity score; wherein the closer the feature vectors are to each other the higher the similarity (Sundareson; [0020-0021]). Regarding claim 2, Sundareson teaches wherein the generating the respective final feature vectors (generating feature vectors) ([0020] and [0058]) comprises: determining whether to proceed with a sequence for generating the final feature vector of a frame of the plurality of frames by using the layers for each of the plurality of frames (continuing to generate a feature vector and class for the clip until a distance is above a threshold, and thus a new feature vector class has been detected) (Abstract and [0021]); and generating the final feature vector of the frame when the sequence reaches a final stage (wherein the clip has a final feature vector when it reaches that last frame) ([0020-0021] and [0066-0067]). Regarding claim 4, Sundareson teaches wherein the neural network (feature extractor 156 that is a neural network) (Fig. 1; [0006] and [0058]) is configured to perform an operation for a frame of the plurality of frames based on an internal state of the layers calculated in a previous frame of which a final feature vector is generated (wherein the neural network is a trained feature vector and thus uses previous frames and vectors for generating the final feature vector) ([0006] and [0058-0060]). Regarding claim 5, Sundareson teaches wherein the determining the class comprises determining the class for a first frame comprising a frame determined to be the frame corresponding to the class of the at least one second frame or a frame of which a final feature vector is generated (determining if the frame corresponds to the final feature vector created, the clustered feature vector, and/or if it corresponds also to the class of the second/next frame based on a distance metric and threshold) ([0019-0021]). Regarding claim 6, Sundareson teaches wherein the generating the reference feature vector comprises generating reference feature vectors for each stage corresponding to each of stages comprising a sequence (wherein generating the feature vectors that correspond to each sequence and video clips of the video) (Fig. 1; [0019-0023]). Regarding claim 8, Sundareson teaches wherein a feature vector of the at least one second frame comprises a feature vector for each stage that is generated based on a sequence corresponding to the at least one second frame (wherein the second frame has a feature vector that is based on the sequence or video clip that the second frame is part of) ([0019-0021] and [0066-0067]). Regarding claim 9, Sundareson teaches wherein a feature vector of the at least one second frame comprises a feature vector for each stage corresponding to a stage at which a sequence stops (wherein the feature vector for the second frame does not correspond to the video clip feature vector, that clip sequence is stopped and a new class is generated or found) ([0019-0021]). Regarding claim 10, Sundareson teaches wherein the calculating the similarity score comprises calculating a similarity score (distance metric) ([0020-0023]) between a feature vector for each stage corresponding to a stage at which a sequence stops corresponding to the at least one second frame and a reference feature vector for each stage corresponding to a same stage as the stage at which the sequence stops (wherein the feature vector for the second frame does not correspond to the video clip feature vector, that video clip sequence is stopped and a new class is generated or found; all which is based on a distance metric) ([0019-0021]). Although Sundareson does not explicitly teach a “similarity score” it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention that the “distance metric” in Sundareson is a type of similarity score; wherein the closer the feature vectors are to each other the higher the similarity (Sundareson; [0020-0021]). Regarding claim 12, Sundareson teaches wherein, when the time-series data is a video (wherein the time-series data is a video clip) ([0006]) for detecting an abnormality in a production process (for detecting a specific class; wherein the class can be anything desired by the user, and thus could be an “abnormality”) ([0006], [0019], and [0022-23]), the class is the abnormality in the production process (for detecting a specific class; wherein the class can be anything desired by the user, and thus could be an “abnormality”) ([0006], [0019], and [0022-0023]), and a first frame is a frame corresponding to the abnormality in the production process (wherein the first frame can correspond to a specific class set by the user, which can be an “abnormality” class) ([0006], [0019], and [0022-0023]). Regarding claim 13, Sundareson teaches wherein, when the time-series data is streaming data and the class is a streaming filter (wherein the video classification system 100 may be part of a game streaming system) ([0031]), a first frame is a filtering target frame (wherein the first frame can be used as the class for detecting frames that match the feature vector and thus are part of that class) ([0057-0060] and [0063-0064]). Regarding claim 14, see the rejection made to claim 1, as well as prior art Sundareson for an electronic device (wherein the video classification system 100 may be implemented using one or more computing devices) (Figs. 1 and 6; [0025]), the device comprising: a processor configured to execute a plurality of instructions (processor for executing instructions) (Fig. 6; [0024]); and a memory storing the plurality of instructions (wherein the instructions are stored in a memory) (Fig. 6; [0024]), wherein execution of the plurality of instructions configures the processor (wherein the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory) (Fig. 6; [0024]), for they teach all the limitations within this claim. Regarding claim 15, Sundareson teaches wherein a first frame comprises a frame determined to be the frame corresponding to the class of the at least one second frame and a final feature frame where the final feature vector is generated (determining if the frame corresponds to the final feature vector created, the clustered feature vector, and if it corresponds also to the class of the second/next frame based on a distance metric and threshold) ([0019-0021]). Regarding claim 17, see the rejection made to claim 10, as well as prior art Sundareson for an electronic device (wherein the video classification system 100 may be implemented using one or more computing devices) (Figs. 1 and 6; [0025]), the device comprising: a processor configured to execute a plurality of instructions (processor for executing instructions) (Fig. 6; [0024]); and a memory storing the plurality of instructions (wherein the instructions are stored in a memory) (Fig. 6; [0024]), wherein execution of the plurality of instructions configures the processor (wherein the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory) (Fig. 6; [0024]), for they teach all the limitations within this claim. Claim(s) 3, 7, 11, 16, and 18-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sundareson, US 2020/0410241 A1 (Sundareson), and further in view of Alcock et al., US 2020/0082212 A1 (Alcock). Regarding claim 3, Sundareson teaches wherein the sequence comprises: generating feature vectors (generating feature vectors for a plurality of frames in video clips using feature extractor 156) (Fig. 1; [0058]), for each of a plurality of stages (Fig. 1, item 156), of the frame by using a first neural network corresponding to each of the stages comprising the sequence (wherein the feature extractor 156 is a machine-learning model; such as a neural network) (Fig. 1; [0006] and [0058]) (for the frames of the video clips) (Fig. 1; [0019-0021]); and determining whether to proceed with the sequence corresponding to each of the stages and the feature vectors for each of the stages (continuing to generate a feature vector and class for the clip until a distance is above a threshold, and thus a new feature vector class has been detected) (Abstract and [0021]). However, Sundareson does not explicitly teach “using a second neural network”. Alcock teaches a method and system for processing images for a search is provided, including: receiving a plurality of images selected from search results (Abstract); for each image in the plurality of images, retrieving a feature vector associated with the image (Abstract); selecting a subset of the feature vectors based on similarity of feature vectors associated with the images in the plurality of images (Abstract); performing a search for feature vectors in a database similar to the feature vectors in the subset of feature vectors (Abstract); and wherein multiple learning engines (such as multiple different neural networks) can be used ([0067]). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Sundareson to include a second/plurality of neural networks since using multiple neural networks can have the goal of yielding results that are in average better than the each of the engines (neural networks) alone (Alcock; [0067]). Regarding claim 7, Sundareson teaches wherein the generating the reference feature vector comprises determining, to be a reference feature vector for each stage (wherein generating the feature vectors that correspond to each sequence and video clips of the video) (Fig. 1; [0019-0023]), feature vectors for each stage calculated for each of stages comprising a sequence corresponding to each frame of which a final feature vector is generated (wherein taking the majority of frames to be considered part of a class for the video clip) ([0066-0067]); and wherein the feature vectors are clustered to identify classes ([0006]). However, Sundareson does not explicitly teach “an average of feature vectors”. Alcock teaches a method and system for processing images for a search is provided, including: receiving a plurality of images selected from search results (Abstract); for each image in the plurality of images, retrieving a feature vector associated with the image (Abstract); selecting a subset of the feature vectors based on similarity of feature vectors associated with the images in the plurality of images (Abstract); performing a search for feature vectors in a database similar to the feature vectors in the subset of feature vectors (Abstract); and wherein using an average of feature vectors can be used (in an alternative exemplary embodiment a feature vector may be generated to represent each cluster, for example an average feature vector may be determined) ([0074]). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Sundareson to include generating an average of the feature vectors with the clusters of Sundareson since it can be used to determine the best image/frame for the class (Alcock; [0074]). Regarding claim 11, Sundareson teaches wherein the determining whether the at least one second frame to be the frame corresponding to the class comprises determining a second frame corresponding to the similarity score to be the frame corresponding to the class when the similarity score satisfies a distance threshold (wherein the next frame can be compared to the feature vector to determine similarity based on using a distance metric) ([0006] and [0020-0021]). Although Sundareson does not explicitly teach a “similarity score” it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention that the “distance metric” in Sundareson is a type of similarity score; wherein the closer the feature vectors are to each other the higher the similarity (Sundareson; [0020-0021]). However, Sundareson does not explicitly teach “the similarity score is greater than or equal to the threshold value”. Alcock teaches determining that the candidate feature vectors similar to at least one feature vector in the subset of feature vectors, i.e. passing a threshold confidence level ([0075]). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Sundareson to include another way of determining similarity because it can have the goal of yielding results that are in average better than using a single type of similarity matching (Alcock; [0067]). Regarding claim 16, see the rejection made to claim 7, as well as prior art Sundareson for an electronic device (wherein the video classification system 100 may be implemented using one or more computing devices) (Figs. 1 and 6; [0025]), the device comprising: a processor configured to execute a plurality of instructions (processor for executing instructions) (Fig. 6; [0024]); and a memory storing the plurality of instructions (wherein the instructions are stored in a memory) (Fig. 6; [0024]), wherein execution of the plurality of instructions configures the processor (wherein the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory) (Fig. 6; [0024]), for they teach all the limitations within this claim. Regarding claim 18, Sundareson teaches a processor implemented method (wherein various functions may be carried out by a processor executing instructions stored in memory) (Fig. 1; [0024]), the method comprising processing, by a neural network (wherein the feature extractor 156 is a machine-learning model; such as a neural network) (Fig. 1; [0006] and [0058]), a first frame of a plurality of frames (a first frame of a plurality of frames within the video clip) ([0019-0020]) of time-series data in a sequence (wherein the time-series data is a video clip) ([0006]); determining, whether to stop the processing of the first frame before an end of the sequence (determining whether to stop based on the similarity distance metric exceeding a threshold value) ([0020-0021]); generating a final feature vector for the first frame responsive to reaching the end of the sequence (generating a feature vector for the first frame; wherein if the first frame is not similar to later frames, it can be its own class and thus reaches the end) ([0019-0021]); generating a first frame reference feature vector for the final feature vector (generating a feature vector for the first frame that is based on a specific class) ([0020-0021]); and determining a class (determine a specific class) ([0006], [0019], and [0022-0023]) of the time-series data based on the final feature vector (wherein the single frame is a single class for the time series data of the frame and/or the class for the whole video clip) ([0019-0023]). However, Sundareson does not explicitly teach “a series of neural networks”. Alcock teaches a method and system for processing images for a search is provided, including: receiving a plurality of images selected from search results (Abstract); for each image in the plurality of images, retrieving a feature vector associated with the image (Abstract); selecting a subset of the feature vectors based on similarity of feature vectors associated with the images in the plurality of images (Abstract); performing a search for feature vectors in a database similar to the feature vectors in the subset of feature vectors (Abstract); and wherein multiple learning engines (such as a series of different neural networks) can be used ([0067]). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Sundareson to include a second/plurality of neural networks since using multiple neural networks can have the goal of yielding results that are in average better than the each of the engines (neural networks) alone (Alcock; [0067]). Regarding claim 19, Sundareson teaches further comprising: generating a second frame reference feature vector for a second frame responsive to stopping the processing of the second frame (generating a feature vector for the second frame based on stopping the similar classification; i.e. potential new class) ([0019-0023]); calculating a similarity score (distance metric) ([0020-0023]) between the first frame reference feature vector and the second frame reference feature vector (wherein the next frame can be compared to the feature vector to determine similarity based on using a distance metric) ([0020-0023]); and assigning the second frame to the class (wherein the second frame corresponds to the class based on using a distance metric associated with the detected feature vector class) ([0020]) based on a result of comparing the similarity score and a threshold value (wherein the feature vectors similarity is based on a distance metric and a distance threshold value) (Abstract and [0020-0021]). Although Sundareson does not explicitly teach a “similarity score” it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention that the “distance metric” in Sundareson is a type of similarity score; wherein the closer the feature vectors are to each other the higher the similarity (Sundareson; [0020-0021]). Regarding claim 20, Sundareson teaches wherein the processing of the first frame comprises sequentially processing each frame of the plurality of frames (wherein the frames are sequentially processed being each frame of a video clip) (Fig. 1; [0006] and [0037-0038]) until reaching the end of the sequence for the each frame or responsive to stopping the processing of the each frame (wherein the feature vector for each frame either corresponds or doesn’t correspond to the video clip feature vector, that video clip sequence is stopped if there isn’t a similarity and a new class is generated or found; all which is based on a distance metric) ([0019-0021]). Conclusion THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a). A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action. Contact Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MICHAEL J VANCHY JR whose telephone number is (571)270-1193. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Emily Terrell can be reached at (571) 270-3717. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /MICHAEL J VANCHY JR/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2666 Michael.Vanchy@uspto.gov
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Jul 20, 2023
Application Filed
Jan 23, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Apr 20, 2026
Response Filed
May 08, 2026
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)
Aug 11, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
67%
Grant Probability
87%
With Interview (+20.1%)
3y 3m (~1m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
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