Prosecution Insights
Last updated: August 17, 2026
Application No. 18/912,041

CODING METHOD AND APPARATUS, DECODING METHOD AND APPARATUS, AND CODING DEVICE, DECODING DEVICE AND STORAGE MEDIUM

Non-Final OA §103§DOUBLEPATENT
Filed
Oct 10, 2024
Priority
Apr 12, 2022 — continuation of PCTCN2022086470
Examiner
BECK, LERON
Art Unit
2487
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd.
OA Round
2 (Non-Final)
80%
Grant Probability
Favorable
2-3
OA Rounds
8m
Est. Remaining
91%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 80% — above average
80%
Career Allowance Rate
700 granted / 876 resolved
+21.9% vs TC avg
Moderate +11% lift
Without
With
+11.0%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 7m
Avg Prosecution
35 currently pending
Career history
929
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
8.8%
-31.2% vs TC avg
§103
52.2%
+12.2% vs TC avg
§102
12.5%
-27.5% vs TC avg
§112
12.4%
-27.6% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 876 resolved cases

Office Action

§103 §DOUBLEPATENT
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 . Status of Claims 2. This is a final action on the merits in response to the reply received 3/10/2026. Response to Arguments Applicant’s arguments have been considered but are moot in view of new grounds of rejections. Double Patenting The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969). A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b). The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13. The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer. Claims 1, 11, and 20 provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1, 19-20 of copending Application No. 18910977 in view of US 20220094940 A1-Bandyopadhyay (Hereinafter referred to as “Band”), in view of US 20220248025 A1-Deng et al (Hereinafter referred to as “Deng”). Referring to claims 1, 11, and 20, taking claim 1 as exemplary, although conflicting application 18910977, does not explicitly disclose what’s claimed in instant application 18912041, wherein determining the first decoding parameter based on the template region comprises: determining a reference sample value of the template region and determining the first decoding parameter based on the reference sample value of the template region ,wherein determining the reference sample value of the template region comprises: determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the template region, and determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of a reference region of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the reference region of the template region; when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template. However, Band discloses determining a first predicted value of a second colour component of the current block based on the first weighting coefficient and a reference sample value of the second colour component of the current block ([0113]), wherein determining the first decoding parameter based on the template region comprises: determining a reference sample value of the template region (Fig 9-10, 13-14); and determining the first decoding parameter based on the reference sample value of the template region ([0110]), wherein determining the reference sample value of the template region comprises: determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the template region ([0113], reconstructed luma and chroma); and determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of a reference region of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the reference region of the template region ([0113], reconstructed chroma and luma) Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of applicant's invention would have clearly recognized that it is quite advantageous for the instant application 18912041 to combine the teachings of Band. It is for this reason one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to implement wherein determining the first decoding parameter based on the template region comprises: determining a reference sample value of the template region and determining the first decoding parameter based on the reference sample value of the template region ,wherein determining the reference sample value of the template region comprises: determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the template region, and determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of a reference region of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the reference region of the template region to improve linear model estimation for template-based video coding (Band, [0122]). In addition, conflicting application 18910977, does not explicitly disclose what’s claimed in instant application 18912041, when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template. . Conversely, Deng discloses when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block (Fig 20, shows above and left templat that is adjacent to a target block; Fig 25 also discloses this limitation; fig 33), the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template (Fig. 20 shows reference region comprising top neigboring region of the above and left regions; see fig. 25; fig 33), when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block (Fig 32 discloses above and left templates that are not adjacent. [0199] discloses an above sub-template 3230, and a right-above sub-template 3260 that are spaced apart from a block. the left sub-template 3240, and the left-below sub-template 3260 may be spaced horizontally apart from the block 2410 by a gap 3270), the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template (See fig. 32). Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of applicant's invention would have clearly recognized that it is quite advantageous for the instant application 18910977 to combine the teachings of Band and Deng. It is for this reason one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to implement when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template to improve the prediction of the template ([0206], Deng). This is a provisional nonstatutory double patenting rejection. Claims 1, 11, and 20 provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1, 19-20 of copending Application No. 18909593 in view of US 20220094940 A1-Bandyopadhyay (Hereinafter referred to as “Band”), in view of US 20220248025 A1-Deng et al (Hereinafter referred to as “Deng”). Referring to claims 1, 11, and 20, taking claim 1 as exemplary, although conflicting application 18909593, does not explicitly disclose what’s claimed in instant application 18912041, wherein determining the first decoding parameter based on the template region comprises: determining a reference sample value of the template region and determining the first decoding parameter based on the reference sample value of the template region ,wherein determining the reference sample value of the template region comprises: determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the template region, and determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of a reference region of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the reference region of the template region; when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template. However, Band discloses determining a first predicted value of a second colour component of the current block based on the first weighting coefficient and a reference sample value of the second colour component of the current block ([0113]), wherein determining the first decoding parameter based on the template region comprises: determining a reference sample value of the template region (Fig 9-10, 13-14); and determining the first decoding parameter based on the reference sample value of the template region ([0110]), wherein determining the reference sample value of the template region comprises: determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the template region ([0113], reconstructed luma and chroma); and determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of a reference region of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the reference region of the template region ([0113], reconstructed chroma and luma) Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of applicant's invention would have clearly recognized that it is quite advantageous for the instant application 18912041 to combine the teachings of Band. It is for this reason one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to implement wherein determining the first decoding parameter based on the template region comprises: determining a reference sample value of the template region and determining the first decoding parameter based on the reference sample value of the template region ,wherein determining the reference sample value of the template region comprises: determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the template region, and determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of a reference region of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the reference region of the template region to improve linear model estimation for template-based video coding (Band, [0122]). In addition, conflicting application 18909593, does not explicitly disclose what’s claimed in instant application 18912041, when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template. . Conversely, Deng discloses when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block (Fig 20, shows above and left templat that is adjacent to a target block; Fig 25 also discloses this limitation; fig 33), the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template (Fig. 20 shows reference region comprising top neigboring region of the above and left regions; see fig. 25; fig 33), when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block (Fig 32 discloses above and left templates that are not adjacent. [0199] discloses an above sub-template 3230, and a right-above sub-template 3260 that are spaced apart from a block. the left sub-template 3240, and the left-below sub-template 3260 may be spaced horizontally apart from the block 2410 by a gap 3270), the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template (See fig. 32). Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of applicant's invention would have clearly recognized that it is quite advantageous for the instant application 18910977 to combine the teachings of Band and Deng. It is for this reason one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to implement when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template to improve the prediction of the template ([0206], Deng). This is a provisional nonstatutory double patenting rejection. Claims 1, 11, and 20 provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1, 19-20 of copending Application No. 18908346 in view of US 20220094940 A1-Bandyopadhyay (Hereinafter referred to as “Band”), in view of US 20220248025 A1-Deng et al (Hereinafter referred to as “Deng”). Referring to claims 1, 11, and 20, taking claim 1 as exemplary, although conflicting application 18908346, does not explicitly disclose what’s claimed in instant application 18912041, wherein determining the first decoding parameter based on the template region comprises: determining a reference sample value of the template region and determining the first decoding parameter based on the reference sample value of the template region ,wherein determining the reference sample value of the template region comprises: determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the template region, and determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of a reference region of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the reference region of the template region; when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template. However, Band discloses determining a first predicted value of a second colour component of the current block based on the first weighting coefficient and a reference sample value of the second colour component of the current block ([0113]), wherein determining the first decoding parameter based on the template region comprises: determining a reference sample value of the template region (Fig 9-10, 13-14); and determining the first decoding parameter based on the reference sample value of the template region ([0110]), wherein determining the reference sample value of the template region comprises: determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the template region ([0113], reconstructed luma and chroma); and determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of a reference region of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the reference region of the template region ([0113], reconstructed chroma and luma) Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of applicant's invention would have clearly recognized that it is quite advantageous for the instant application 18912041 to combine the teachings of Band. It is for this reason one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to implement wherein determining the first decoding parameter based on the template region comprises: determining a reference sample value of the template region and determining the first decoding parameter based on the reference sample value of the template region ,wherein determining the reference sample value of the template region comprises: determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the template region, and determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of a reference region of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the reference region of the template region to improve linear model estimation for template-based video coding (Band, [0122]). In addition, conflicting application 18909593, does not explicitly disclose what’s claimed in instant application 18912041, when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template. . Conversely, Deng discloses when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block (Fig 20, shows above and left templat that is adjacent to a target block; Fig 25 also discloses this limitation; fig 33), the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template (Fig. 20 shows reference region comprising top neigboring region of the above and left regions; see fig. 25; fig 33), when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block (Fig 32 discloses above and left templates that are not adjacent. [0199] discloses an above sub-template 3230, and a right-above sub-template 3260 that are spaced apart from a block. the left sub-template 3240, and the left-below sub-template 3260 may be spaced horizontally apart from the block 2410 by a gap 3270), the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template (See fig. 32). Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of applicant's invention would have clearly recognized that it is quite advantageous for the instant application 18908346 to combine the teachings of Band and Deng. It is for this reason one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to implement when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template to improve the prediction of the template ([0206], Deng). This is a provisional nonstatutory double patenting rejection. Claims 1, 11, and 20 provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1, 19-20 of copending Application No. 18909187 in view of US 20220094940 A1-Bandyopadhyay (Hereinafter referred to as “Band”), in view of US 20220248025 A1-Deng et al (Hereinafter referred to as “Deng”). Referring to claims 1, 11, and 20, taking claim 1 as exemplary, although conflicting application 18909187, does not explicitly disclose what’s claimed in instant application 18912041, wherein determining the first decoding parameter based on the template region comprises: determining a reference sample value of the template region and determining the first decoding parameter based on the reference sample value of the template region ,wherein determining the reference sample value of the template region comprises: determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the template region, and determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of a reference region of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the reference region of the template region; when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template. However, Band discloses determining a first predicted value of a second colour component of the current block based on the first weighting coefficient and a reference sample value of the second colour component of the current block ([0113]), wherein determining the first decoding parameter based on the template region comprises: determining a reference sample value of the template region (Fig 9-10, 13-14); and determining the first decoding parameter based on the reference sample value of the template region ([0110]), wherein determining the reference sample value of the template region comprises: determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the template region ([0113], reconstructed luma and chroma); and determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of a reference region of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the reference region of the template region ([0113], reconstructed chroma and luma) Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of applicant's invention would have clearly recognized that it is quite advantageous for the instant application 18912041 to combine the teachings of Band. It is for this reason one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to implement wherein determining the first decoding parameter based on the template region comprises: determining a reference sample value of the template region and determining the first decoding parameter based on the reference sample value of the template region ,wherein determining the reference sample value of the template region comprises: determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the template region, and determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of a reference region of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the reference region of the template region to improve linear model estimation for template-based video coding (Band, [0122]). In addition, conflicting application 18909187, does not explicitly disclose what’s claimed in instant application 18912041, when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template. . Conversely, Deng discloses when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block (Fig 20, shows above and left templat that is adjacent to a target block; Fig 25 also discloses this limitation; fig 33), the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template (Fig. 20 shows reference region comprising top neigboring region of the above and left regions; see fig. 25; fig 33), when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block (Fig 32 discloses above and left templates that are not adjacent. [0199] discloses an above sub-template 3230, and a right-above sub-template 3260 that are spaced apart from a block. the left sub-template 3240, and the left-below sub-template 3260 may be spaced horizontally apart from the block 2410 by a gap 3270), the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template (See fig. 32). Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of applicant's invention would have clearly recognized that it is quite advantageous for the instant application 18912041 to combine the teachings of Band and Deng. It is for this reason one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to implement when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template to improve the prediction of the template ([0206], Deng). This is a provisional nonstatutory double patenting rejection. Claims 1, 11, and 20 provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1, 12, 20 of copending Application No. 18907838 in view of US 20220094940 A1-Bandyopadhyay (Hereinafter referred to as “Band”), in view of US 20220248025 A1-Deng et al (Hereinafter referred to as “Deng”). Referring to claims 1, 11, and 20, taking claim 1 as exemplary, although conflicting application 18907838, does not explicitly disclose what’s claimed in instant application 18912041, when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template. However, Deng discloses when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block (Fig 20, shows above and left templat that is adjacent to a target block; Fig 25 also discloses this limitation; fig 33), the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template (Fig. 20 shows reference region comprising top neigboring region of the above and left regions; see fig. 25; fig 33), when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block (Fig 32 discloses above and left templates that are not adjacent. [0199] discloses an above sub-template 3230, and a right-above sub-template 3260 that are spaced apart from a block. the left sub-template 3240, and the left-below sub-template 3260 may be spaced horizontally apart from the block 2410 by a gap 3270), the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template (See fig. 32). Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of applicant's invention would have clearly recognized that it is quite advantageous for the instant application 18912041 to combine the teachings of Deng. It is for this reason one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to implement when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template to improve the prediction of the template ([0206], Deng). This is a provisional nonstatutory double patenting rejection. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 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. Claim(s) 1, 11, and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 20220094940 A1-Bandyopadhyay (Hereinafter referred to as “Band”), in view of US 20220248025 A1-Deng et al (Hereinafter referred to as “Deng”). Regarding claim 1, Band discloses a decoding method, comprising: determining a first decoding parameter based on a template region ([0110], LIC parameters); determining a reference sample value of a first colour component of a current block ([0107], wherein reconstructed samples are used. Reconstructed samples are reference samples; [0109], wherein reconstructed neighboring luma samples. The luma samples are interpreted as the first colour component); determining a first weighting coefficient based on the reference sample value of the first colour component of the current block and the first decoding parameter ([0107], [0110] wherein scaling factor α and offset β based on template reference samples from regions. The scaling factors are weight); and determining a first predicted value of a second colour component of the current block based on the first weighting coefficient and a reference sample value of the second colour component of the current block ([0113]), wherein determining the first decoding parameter based on the template region comprises: determining a reference sample value of the template region (Fig 9-10, 13-14); and determining the first decoding parameter based on the reference sample value of the template region ([0110]), wherein determining the reference sample value of the template region comprises: determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the template region ([0113], reconstructed luma and chroma); and determining a reconstructed value of a first colour component of a reference region of the template region, and a reconstructed value of a second colour component of the reference region of the template region ([0113], reconstructed chroma and luma) Band explicitly fails to disclose when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template. However, in the same field of endeavor, Deng discloses when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block (Fig 20, shows above and left templat that is adjacent to a target block; Fig 25 also discloses this limitation; fig 33), the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template (Fig. 20 shows reference region comprising top neigboring region of the above and left regions; see fig. 25; fig 33), when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block (Fig 32 discloses above and left templates that are not adjacent. [0199] discloses an above sub-template 3230, and a right-above sub-template 3260 that are spaced apart from a block. the left sub-template 3240, and the left-below sub-template 3260 may be spaced horizontally apart from the block 2410 by a gap 3270), the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template (See fig. 32). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the method disclosed by Band to disclose when the above template and the left template are adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a top neighbouring region of the above template and a left neighbouring region of the left template, when the above template and the left template are non-adjacent to the current block, the reference region of the template region comprises a bottom neighbouring region of the above template and a right neighbouring region of the left template as taught by Deng, to improve the prediction of the template ([0206], Deng). Regarding claim 11, analyses are analogous to those presented for claim 1 and are applicable for claim 11, wherein encoding is the opposite of decoding ([0122]) Regarding claim 20, analyses are analogous to those presented for claim 1 and are applicable for claim 20. Allowable Subject Matter Claims 3-10, 13-19 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 if Double Patent issues are resolved. Conclusion Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). 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. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to LERON BECK whose telephone number is (571)270-1175. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8 am-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, David Czekaj can be reached at (571) 272-7327. 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. LERON . BECK Examiner Art Unit 2487 /LERON BECK/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2487
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Prosecution Timeline

Oct 10, 2024
Application Filed
Dec 10, 2025
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103, §DOUBLEPATENT
Mar 10, 2026
Response Filed
May 27, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103, §DOUBLEPATENT
Jul 24, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action

Precedent Cases

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

2-3
Expected OA Rounds
80%
Grant Probability
91%
With Interview (+11.0%)
2y 7m (~8m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 876 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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