Prosecution Insights
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Application No. 18/797,485

VALIDATING IMAGE CONTENT AND FORMAT USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Non-Final OA §103
Filed
Aug 07, 2024
Priority
Apr 02, 2024 — continuation of 12/141,631
Examiner
WASHINGTON, JAMARES
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Citibank, N.A.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
82%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
7m
Est. Remaining
94%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 82% — above average
82%
Career Allowance Rate
559 granted / 685 resolved
+21.6% vs TC avg
Moderate +12% lift
Without
With
+11.9%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 6m
Avg Prosecution
23 currently pending
Career history
709
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
2.2%
-37.8% vs TC avg
§103
84.9%
+44.9% vs TC avg
§102
9.3%
-30.7% vs TC avg
§112
2.1%
-37.9% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 685 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 . Priority Applicant’s claim for the benefit of a prior-filed application under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) or under 35 U.S.C. 120, 121, 365(c), or 386(c) is acknowledged. 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. Claims 1, 2, 8, 13 and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Mohamed Abdolell et al (US 20230071400 A1) in view of Dongpei Su (US 10831417 B1). Regarding claim 1, Abdolell et al discloses a system for validating image content and formatting (¶ [137-138]), the system comprising: one or more processors (¶ [152]); and one or more memories configured to store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, perform operations (¶ [187-188]) comprising: inputting an image into one or more machine learning models to obtain one or more predictions indicating whether the image conforms to one or more predetermined parameters (¶ [189]), wherein each machine learning model of the one or more machine learning models is trained to predict a corresponding predetermined parameter of the one or more predetermined parameters (¶ [190-191]); determining that a prediction of the one or more predictions indicates that the image does not conform to the corresponding predetermined parameter (¶ [198]); determining whether the prediction is associated with a second machine learning model that is enabled to modify the image to conform the image to the corresponding predetermined parameter (¶ [219-220]); based on determining that the prediction is associated with the second machine learning model that is enabled to modify the image to conform the image to the corresponding predetermined parameter, inputting the image into the second machine learning model to obtain a final image, wherein the second machine learning model is trained to modify images to conform with the corresponding predetermined parameter (¶ [220] and ¶ [196]). Abdolell et al fails to explicitly disclose providing the final image to be printed. Su, in the same field of endeavor of utilizing trained models to conform images to specified parameters (Col. 11 lines 32-40), teaches providing the final image to be printed (Col. 31 lines 43-45). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the invention was effectively filed for the system as disclosed by Abdolell et al comprising one or more processors performing operations comprising inputting an image into one or more machine learning models to obtain predictions indicating whether an image conforms to one or more predetermined parameters to utilize the teachings of Su which teaches providing the final image to be printed to improve the quality of digital images from source images exhibiting defects. Regarding 2, Abdolell et al discloses a method for validating image content and formatting (see rejection of claim 1), the method comprising: inputting an image into one or more machine learning models to obtain one or more predictions indicating whether the image conforms to one or more predetermined parameters, wherein each machine learning model of the one or more machine learning models is trained to predict a corresponding predetermined parameter of the one or more predetermined parameters (see rejection of claim 1); determining that a prediction of the one or more predictions indicates that the image does not conform to the corresponding predetermined parameter (see rejection of claim 1); determining whether the prediction is associated with a second machine learning model that is enabled to modify the image to conform the image to the corresponding predetermined parameter (see rejection of claim 1); based on determining that the prediction is associated with the second machine learning model that is enabled to modify the image to conform the image to the corresponding predetermined parameter, inputting the image into the second machine learning model to obtain a final image, wherein the second machine learning model is trained to modify images to conform with the corresponding predetermined parameter (see rejection of claim 1); and providing the final image to be printed (see rejection of claim 1). Regarding claim 8, Abdolell et al discloses the method of claim 2, wherein inputting the image into the one or more machine learning models to obtain the one or more predictions indicating whether the image conforms to the one or more predetermined parameters further comprises: determining a plurality of predetermined parameters from available parameters (¶ [172]); identifying a plurality of machine learning models corresponding to the plurality of predetermined parameters (¶ [189-190]); and inputting the image into each machine learning model of the plurality of machine learning models (¶ [206-207]). Regarding claim 13, Abdolell et al discloses one or more non-transitory, computer-readable media storing instructions thereon that cause one or more processors to perform operations (¶ [123-124]) comprising: inputting an image into one or more machine learning models to obtain one or more predictions indicating whether the formatted image conforms to one or more predetermined parameters, wherein each machine learning model of the one or more machine learning models is trained to predict a corresponding predetermined parameter of the one or more predetermined parameters (see rejection of claim 1); determining that a prediction of the one or more predictions indicates that the image does not conform to the corresponding predetermined parameter (see rejection of claim 1); determining whether the prediction is associated with a second machine learning model that is enabled to modify the image to conform the image to the corresponding predetermined parameter (see rejection of claim 1); based on determining that the prediction is associated with the second machine learning model that is enabled to modify the image to conform the image to the corresponding predetermined parameter, inputting the image into the second machine learning model to obtain a final image, wherein the second machine learning model is trained to modify images to conform with the corresponding predetermined parameter (see rejection of claim 1); and providing the final image to be printed (see rejection of claim 1). Regarding claim 19, Abdolell et al discloses the one or more non-transitory, computer-readable media of claim 13 (see rejection of claim 13), wherein the operations inputting the image into the one or more machine learning models to obtain the one or more predictions indicating whether the image conforms to the one or more predetermined parameters further cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: determining a plurality of predetermined parameters from available parameters (see rejection of claim 8); identifying a plurality of machine learning models corresponding to the plurality of predetermined parameters (see rejection of claim 8); and inputting the image into each machine learning model of the plurality of machine learning models (see rejection of claim 8). Claims 6, 7, 17 and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Abdolell et al in view of Su as applied to claim 2 above, and further in view of Carlos A. Davila et al (US 20160278427 A1). Regarding claim 6, Abdolell et al discloses the method of claim 2 (see rejection of claim 2). Abdolell et al fails to explicitly disclose causing a user device to generate for display a prompt prompting a user to select the image for printing on a physical object; and receiving the image from the user device. Davila et al, in the same field of endeavor of searching, selecting and outputting a desired image (¶ [55]), teaches generating for display a prompt prompting a user to select the image for printing on a physical object (¶ [53-55]); and receiving the image from the user device (¶ [53-54]). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the invention was effectively filed for the system as disclosed by Abdolell et al comprising one or more processors performing operations comprising inputting an image into one or more machine learning models to obtain predictions indicating whether an image conforms to one or more predetermined parameters to utilize the teachings of Davila et al which teaches generating for display a prompt prompting a user to select the image for printing on a physical object and receiving the image from the user device to enable the user the ability to modify designs without having to move through multiple screens. Regarding claim 7, Abdolell et al discloses the method of claim 2, further comprising: Abdolell et al fails to explicitly disclose causing a user device to generate for display a request for a user to describe the image to be printed on a physical object; receiving a description from the user device; and retrieving the image based on the description. Davila et al teaches a user device to generate for display a request for a user to describe the image to be printed on a physical object (¶ [96]); receiving a description from the user device (¶ [96]); and retrieving the image based on the description (¶ [100]). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the invention was effectively filed for the system as disclosed by Abdolell et al comprising one or more processors performing operations comprising inputting an image into one or more machine learning models to obtain predictions indicating whether an image conforms to one or more predetermined parameters to utilize the teachings of Davila et al which teaches a user device to generate for display a request for a user to describe the image to be printed on a physical object, receiving a description from the user device, and retrieving the image based on the description to optimize browsing and selection of desired image data and provide an efficient storage and retrieval process. Regarding claim 17, Abdolell et al discloses the one or more non-transitory, computer-readable media of claim 13 (see rejection of claim 13), wherein the operations further cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: causing a user device to generate for display a prompt prompting a user to select the image for printing on a physical object (see rejection of claim 6); and receiving the image from the user device (see rejection of claim 6). Regarding claim 18, Abdolell et al discloses the one or more non-transitory, computer-readable media of claim 13 (see rejection of claim 13), wherein the operations further cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: causing a user device to generate for display a request for a user to describe the image to be printed on a physical object (see rejection of claim 7); receiving a description from the user device; and retrieving the image based on the description (see rejection of claim 7). Allowable Subject Matter Claims 3-5, 9-11, 14-16 and 20 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JAMARES Q WASHINGTON whose telephone number is (571) 270-1585. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm. 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, Akwasi M. Sarpong can be reached at (571) 270-3438. 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. /JAMARES Q WASHINGTON/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2681 June 18, 2026
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Aug 07, 2024
Application Filed
Jun 24, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12654437
IMAGE INSPECTION APPARATUS, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, IMAGE INSPECTION SYSTEM, IMAGE INSPECTION METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM
2y 7m to grant Granted Jun 16, 2026
Patent 12650793
INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD FOR SETTING A REGION TO BE INSPECTED BY READING AN IMAGE ON A SHEET
2y 3m to grant Granted Jun 09, 2026
Patent 12642511
COLOR MAP GENERATION TECHNIQUES FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPLAYING DIFFERENT TYPES OF CAVITATION ACTIVITY ON A DIGITAL IMAGE
3y 5m to grant Granted Jun 02, 2026
Patent 12647523
IMAGE READING APPARATUS, NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM FOR READING IMAGE, AND IMAGE READING METHOD
3y 3m to grant Granted Jun 02, 2026
Patent 12645410
DOCUMENT PROCESSING DEVICE AND SIGNAL TRANSMISSION METHOD THEREOF
2y 6m to grant Granted Jun 02, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

Strategy Recommendation AI-generated — please review before filing

Get a prosecution strategy drawn from examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.
Typically takes 5-10 seconds — AI-generated, attorney review required before filing

Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
82%
Grant Probability
94%
With Interview (+11.9%)
2y 6m (~7m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 685 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

Sign in with your work email

Enter your email to receive a magic link. No password needed.

Personal email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) are not accepted.

Free tier: 3 strategy analyses per month