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 .
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS), submitted on 11/29/2024, is being considered by the examiner.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) ELEMENT IN CLAIM FOR A COMBINATION.—An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as "configured to" or "so that"; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitations use a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitations are: a block segmentation unit, a quartering unit, a halving unit in claims 1 and 3; an encoding unit in claim 1; and a decoding unit in claim 3.
Because these claim limitations are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, they are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have these limitations interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitations recite sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
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 claims at issue 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); and 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 a nonstatutory double patenting ground provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with this 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 §§ 706.02(l)(1) - 706.02(l)(3) 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 USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/forms/. The 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 http://www.uspto.gov/patents/process/file/efs/guidance/eTD-info-I.jsp.
Claims 1-4 of the instant application are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over related claims of the U.S. Patent 10,893,270 B2. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
Instant Application
U.S. Patent 10,893,270 B2
1. An image encoding device adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that recursively segments the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block; and an encoding unit that encodes block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
1. An image encoding device adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising:
a block segmentation unit that recursively segments the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; and
an encoding unit that encodes block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes:
a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks; and
a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks,
wherein when a previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current
recursive segmentation from being segmented in the same direction as the direction in which the target block
was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation and thereby prevents:
block segmentation that results in a rectangle further elongated in the same direction and
an increase in the memory bandwidth necessary for at least one of intra prediction or inter prediction, and
wherein the memory bandwidth necessary for the intra prediction is prevented from increasing when the target block is halved inside the target block, by restricting the 60
target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in the same direction as the direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent 10,893,270 B2 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [10,893,270: col. 4, line 58-62].
2. An image encoding method adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: recursively segmenting the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block; and encoding block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
2. An image encoding method adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: recursively segmenting the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; and
encoding block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in the same direction as the direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation and thereby prevents:
block segmentation that results in a rectangle further elongated in the same direction, and
an increase in the memory bandwidth necessary for at least one of intra prediction or inter prediction, and
wherein the memory bandwidth necessary for the intra prediction is prevented from increasing when the target block is halved inside the target block, by restricting the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in the same direction as the direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent 10,893,270 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [10,893,270: col. 4, line 58-62].
3. An image decoding device adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that generates a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block; and a decoding unit that decodes the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
4. An image decoding device adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that generates a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; and a decoding unit that decodes the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in the same direction as the direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation and thereby prevents:
block segmentation that results in a rectangle further elongated in the same direction and
an increase in the memory bandwidth necessary for at least one of intra prediction or inter prediction, and
wherein the memory bandwidth necessary for the intra prediction is prevented from increasing when the target block is halved inside the target block, by restricting the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in the same direction as the direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent 10,893,270 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [10,893,270: col. 4, line 58-62].
4. An image decoding method adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: generating a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block; and decoding the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
5. An image decoding method adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising:
generating a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; and
decoding the target block, wherein '
the segmenting includes:
quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks; and
halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks,
wherein when a previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in the same direction as the direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation block is halved inside the target block, by restricting the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in the same direction as the direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation; and thereby prevents:
block segmentation that results in a rectangle further elongated in the same direction and
an increase in the memory bandwidth necessary for at least one of intra prediction or inter prediction and
wherein the memory bandwidth necessary for the intra prediction is prevented from increasing when the target block is halved inside the target block, by restricting the
target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in the same direction as the direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent Application 10,893,270 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [10,893,270: col. 4, line 58-62].
Claims 1-6 of the instant application are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over related claims of the U.S. Patent 12,192,456 B2. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
Instant Application
U.S. Patent 12,192,456 B2
1. An image encoding device adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that recursively segments the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block; and an encoding unit that encodes block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
1. An image encoding device adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising:
a block segmentation unit that recursively segments the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; and
an encoding unit that encodes block segmentation information of the target block,
wherein the block segmentation unit includes:
a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks,
wherein the block segmentation information contains a first flag indicating whether to quarter the target block and a second flag indicating whether to halve the target block, wherein the second flag is encoded in case that the first flag indicates that the target block is not quartered, and
wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation, and thereby prevents block segmentation that results in a rectangle further elongated in the same direction.
The US Patent 12,192,456 B2 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [12,192,456: col. 4, line 61-64].
2. An image encoding method adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: recursively segmenting the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block; and encoding block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks,
wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
2. An image encoding method adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising:recursively segmenting the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to
encoding; and
encoding block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the segmenting includes:
quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and
halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks,
wherein the block segmentation information contains a first flag indicating whether to quarter the target block and a second flag indicating whether to halve the target
block, wherein the second flag is encoded in case that the first flag indicates that the target block is not quartered, and
wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits
the target block subject to current recursive
segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation, and thereby
prevents block segmentation that results in a rectangle further elongated in the same direction.
The US Patent 12,192,456 B2 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [12,192,456: col. 4, line 61-64].
3. An image decoding device adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that generates a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block; and a decoding unit that decodes the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
3. An image decoding device adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising:a block segmentation unit that generates a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; and
a decoding unit that decodes the target block,
wherein the block segmentation unit includes:
a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and
a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks,
wherein the block segmentation information contains a first flag indicating whether to quarter the target block and a second flag indicating whether to halve the target
block, wherein the second flag is encoded in case that the first flag indicates that the target block is not quartered, and
wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit
prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation, and thereby
prevents block segmentation that results in a rectangle further elongated in the same direction.
The US Patent 12,192,456 B2 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [12,192,456: col. 4, line 61-64].
4. An image decoding method adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: generating a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block; and decoding the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
4. An image decoding method adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising:
generating a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; and
decoding the target block, wherein the segmenting includes:
quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, andhalving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks,
wherein the block segmentation information contains a first flag indicating whether to quarter the target block and a second flag indicating whether to halve the target
block, wherein the second flag is encoded in case that the first flag indicates that the target block is not quartered, and
wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive
segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation, and thereby prevents block segmentation that results in a rectangle further elongated in the same direction.
The US Patent 12,192,456 B2 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [12,192,456: col. 4, line 61-64].
5. A storing method adapted to store on a computer-readable recording medium a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
5. A storing method adapted to store on a computer-readable recording medium a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
6. A transmission method adapted to transmit a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
6. A transmission method adapted to transmit a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
Claims 1-6 of the instant application are rejected on the ground of provisional nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over related claims of the U.S. Patent Application Publication 18/964099. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
Instant Application
U.S. Patent Application 18/964099
1. An image encoding device adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that recursively segments the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block; and an encoding unit that encodes block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
1. An image encoding device adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that recursively segments the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; an inter prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded picture; and an encoding unit that encodes block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent Application 18/964099 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [18/964099: para. 0043].
2. An image encoding method adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: recursively segmenting the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block; and encoding block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
2. An image encoding method adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: recursively segmenting the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded picture; and
encoding block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the segmenting includes:
quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent Application 18/964099 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [18/964099: para. 0043].
3. An image decoding device adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that generates a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block; and a decoding unit that decodes the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
3. An image decoding device adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that generates a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; an inter prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded picture; and a decoding unit that decodes the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent Application 18/964099 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [18/964099: para. 0044].
4. An image decoding method adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: generating a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block; and decoding the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
4. An image decoding method adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: generating a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded picture; and decoding the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent Application 18/964099 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [18/964099: para. 0043].
5. A storing method adapted to store on a computer-readable recording medium a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
5. A storing method adapted to store on a computer-readable recording medium a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
6. A transmission method adapted to transmit a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
6. A transmission method adapted to transmit a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
Claims 1-6 of the instant application are rejected on the ground of provisional nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over related claims of the U.S. Patent Application Publication 18/951961. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
Instant Application
U.S. Patent Application 18/951961
1. An image encoding device adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that recursively segments the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block; and an encoding unit that encodes block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
1. An image encoding device adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that recursively segments the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; an inter prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded picture; and an encoding unit that encodes block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent Application 18/951961 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [18/951961: para. 0043].
2. An image encoding method adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: recursively segmenting the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block; and encoding block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
2. An image encoding method adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: recursively segmenting the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded picture; and
encoding block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent Application 18/951961 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [18/951961: para. 0043].
3. An image decoding device adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that generates a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block; and a decoding unit that decodes the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
3. An image decoding device adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that generates a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; an inter prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded picture; and
a decoding unit that decodes the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent Application 18/951961 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [18/951961: para. 0043].
4. An image decoding method adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: generating a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block; and decoding the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
4. An image decoding method adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: generating a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded picture; and decoding the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent Application 18/951961 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [18/951961: para. 0044].
5. A storing method adapted to store on a computer-readable recording medium a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
5. A storing method adapted to store on a computer-readable recording medium a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
6. A transmission method adapted to transmit a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
6. A transmission method adapted to transmit a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
Claims 1-6 of the instant application are rejected on the ground of provisional nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over related claims of the U.S. Patent Application Publication 18/964103. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
Instant Application
U.S. Patent Application 18/964103
1. An image encoding device adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that recursively segments the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block; and an encoding unit that encodes block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks,
wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
1. An image encoding device adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that recursively segments the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; and
an encoding unit that encodes block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein the four blocks are encoded in an order of top-left, top-right, bottom-left, and bottom-right; and wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent Application 18/964103 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [18/964103: para. 0044].
2. An image encoding method adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: recursively segmenting the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block; and encoding block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
2. An image encoding method adapted to segment an image into blocks and encode the image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: recursively segmenting the image into rectangles of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding; and encoding block segmentation information of the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein the four blocks are encoded in an order of top-left, top-right, bottom-left, and bottom-right; and wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent Application 18/964103 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [18/964103: para. 0044].
3. An image decoding device adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that generates a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block; and a decoding unit that decodes the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
3. An image decoding device adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: a block segmentation unit that generates a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; and a decoding unit that decodes the target block, wherein the block segmentation unit includes: a quartering unit that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and a halving unit that halves the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein the four blocks are decoded in an order of top-left, top-right, bottom-left, and bottom-right; and wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent Application 18/964103 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
an intra prediction unit that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [18/964103: para. 0044].
4. An image decoding method adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: generating a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block; and decoding the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
4. An image decoding method adapted to decode an image in units of blocks resulting from segmenting the image, comprising: generating a target block subject to decoding based on decoded recursive block segmentation information; and decoding the target block, wherein the segmenting includes: quartering the target block in recursive segmentation in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to generate four blocks, and halving the target block in recursive segmentation in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction to generate two blocks, wherein the four blocks are decoded in an order of top-left, top-right, bottom-left, and bottom-right; and wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
The US Patent Application 18/964103 further meets the different claim limitations as follow:
generating a predicted image signal using an image signal of a decoded block neighboring the target block (i.e. In intra prediction, a predicted image signal is generated by using the image signal of the block subject to encoding supplied from the block segmentation unit 101 and an image signal) [18/964103: para. 0044].
5. A storing method adapted to store on a computer-readable recording medium a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
5. A storing method adapted to store on a computer-readable recording medium a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
6. A transmission method adapted to transmit a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
6. A transmission method adapted to transmit a bitstream generated in accordance with the image encoding method of Claim 2.
Reason for Allowance
Subject to the filing of a terminal disclaimer and addressing remain issues of related claims, claims 1-6 would be allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance. The instant invention relates to methods and devices for segmenting an image block for video encoding and video decoding.
Regarding claim 1, Sullivan (Overview of the High Efficiency Video Coding Standard) meets the claim limitations as follow.
An image encoding device (i.e. mobile devices) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1649] adapted to segment an image into blocks (i.e. A picture is partitioned into coding tree units (CTUs)) [Sullivan: col. 1, page 1655; Fig. 3] and encode the image in units of blocks (i.e. an encoder encodes a picture using multiple tiles) [Sullivan: col. 1, page 1665] resulting from segmenting the image ((i.e. a picture into rectangular regions called tiles) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1652]; (i.e. tiles used horizontally and vertically within each picture) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1665]), comprising: a block segmentation unit (i.e. encoders) [Sullivan: col. 1, page 1655; Fig. 1] that recursively segments the image into rectangles ((i.e. A picture is partitioned into coding tree units (CTUs), which each contain luma CTBs and chroma CTBs. A luma CTB covers a rectangular picture area of L×L samples of the luma component and the corresponding chroma CTBs cover each L/2×L/2 samples of each of the two chroma components. The value of L may be equal to 16, 32, or 64 as determined by an encoded syntax element specified in the SPS.) [Sullivan: col. 1, page 1655]; (i.e. a CB can be recursively partitioned into transform blocks (TBs)) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1655]) of a predetermined size to generate a target block subject to encoding ((i.e. Only square CB and TB partitioning is specified, where a block can be recursively split into quadrants, as illustrated in Fig. 4. For a given luma CB of size M×M, a flag signals whether it is split into four blocks of size M/2×M/2) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1655; Fig. 3]; (i.e. The residual block is partitioned into multiple square TBs, as described in Section IV-E. The supported transform block sizes are 4×4, 8×8, 16×16, and 32×32) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1661]);
an intra prediction unit (i.e. encoders) [Sullivan: col. 1, page 1655] that generates a predicted image signal using an image signal of a coded block neighboring the target block (i.e. intrapicture prediction (that uses some prediction of data spatially from region-to-region within the same picture, but has no dependence on other pictures)) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1650];
and an encoding unit (i.e. encoders) [Sullivan: col. 1, page 1655] that encodes block segmentation information of the target block (i.e. prediction modes are encoded) [Sullivan: col. 1, page 1652]; (i.e. Tiles are independently decodable regions of a picture that are encoded with some shared header information) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1652], wherein the block segmentation unit (i.e. input) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1654; Fig. 1] includes: a quartering unit (i.e. encoders) [Sullivan: col. 1, page 1655] that quarters the target block in recursive segmentation (i.e. Only square CB and TB partitioning is specified, where a block can be recursively split into quadrants, as illustrated in Fig. 4. For a given luma CB of size M×M, a flag signals whether it is split into four blocks of size M/2×M/2) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1655; Fig. 3] in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction (i.e. the horizontal and vertical directions) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1661; Fig. 3] to generate four blocks (i.e. the CB is split into four PB quadrants) [Sullivan: col. 1, page 1655; Fig. 3], and a halving unit (i.e. encoders) [Sullivan: col. 1, page 1655] that halves the target block in recursive segmentation ((i.e. a CB can be recursively partitioned into transform blocks (TBs)) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1655; Fig. 3]; (i.e. a CB is split into two PBs) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1655; Fig. 3]) in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction (i.e. the horizontal and vertical directions) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1661; Fig. 3] to generate two blocks (i.e. a CB is split into two PBs) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1655; Fig. 3],
wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving ((i.e. a CB can be recursively partitioned into transform blocks (TBs)) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1655; Fig. 3]; (i.e. a CB is split into two PBs) [Sullivan: col. 2, page 1655; Fig. 3]) and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size (i.e. A picture is partitioned into coding tree units (CTUs), which each contain luma CTBs and chroma CTBs. A luma CTB covers a rectangular picture area of L×L samples of the luma component and the corresponding chroma CTBs cover each L/2×L/2 samples of each of the two chroma components. The value of L may be equal to 16, 32, or 64 as determined by an encoded syntax element specified in the SPS.) [Sullivan: col. 1, page 1655], the halving unit (i.e. encoders) [Sullivan: col. 1, page 1655] prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation.
Zhang et al. (US Patent Application Publication 2018/0213264 A1) further discloses the claim limitations and the deficient claim limitations, as follows:
wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation (i.e. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of un-allowed partitioning in a below 2NxN block according to an embodiment of the present invention) [Zhang: para. 0033; Fig. 7] from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation ((i.e. In one embodiment, when a block is split into an above block and a below block using horizontal binary partition (partition 710) and the above block is split into a left block and a right block using vertical binary partition (partition 720), then the below block is not allowed to be split into a left block and a right block (partition 730 is not allowed). This constraint is named constraint I or first constraint in this disclosure as illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, when a current block is partitioned into an above block and a below block, the first constraint is used if the above block is split into an upper-left block and an upper-right block.) [Zhang: para. 0037; Fig. 7] – Note: Zhang discusses a constraint after a horizontal segmentation, in which a block is partitioned into an above block and a below block, then the next segmentation can only partitioned in a vertical direction, in which the above block is spit into an upper-left block and an upper-right block), and thereby prevents block segmentation that results in a rectangle further elongated in the same direction (i.e. In one embodiment, when a block is split into an above block and a below block using horizontal binary partition (partition 710) and the above block is split into a left block and a right block using vertical binary partition (partition 720), then the below block is not allowed to be split into a left block and a right block (partition 730 is not allowed). This constraint is named constraint I or first constraint in this disclosure as illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, when a current block is partitioned into an above block and a below block, the first constraint is used if the above block is split into an upper-left block and an upper-right block.) [Zhang: para. 0037; Fig. 7].
Examiner was unable to find a teaching or suggestion in the prior arts that would explicitly render obvious the recited features, “wherein when previous recursive segmentation is halving and the target block is of a predetermined size or smaller than the predetermined size, the halving unit prohibits the target block subject to current recursive segmentation from being segmented in a same direction as a direction in which the target block was segmented in the previous recursive segmentation” in the context that are illustrated as in Figs. 11 and 13 of the application specification. Please see the prosecution history of the parent application 17/115191 for more details. No prior art was found that anticipates or renders obvious the combination of claim elements as presented in a context of the claim invention. As a result, claims 1-6 are allowed.
Reference Notice
Additional prior arts, included in the Notice of Reference Cited, made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Joshi (US Patent US 9,332,257 B2) discloses a method that uses syntax elements to control splitting operations of a largest coding unit (LCU) into smaller blocks.
Puri (US Patent US 9,819,965 B2) discloses a bi-tree coding partitioner module 301 that provides flexible partitioning that may allow for alternatively splitting into partitions in the horizontal and vertical directions.
Wang (US Patent US 9,807,401 B2) discloses a partitioning method that the video block can be divide in a horizontal and a vertical direction, whereas the subblocks need not necessarily have the same number of pixels in the horizontal direction as in the vertical direction.
Jaeger (US Patent US 11,323,702 B2) discloses a method that can perform a video block partitioning pattern for horizontally partitioning the video coding block at one quarter of the height of the video coding block, a video block partitioning pattern for horizontally partitioning the video coding block at one half of the height of the video coding block, a video block partitioning pattern for horizontally partitioning the video coding block at three quarters of the height of the video coding block, a video block partitioning pattern for vertically partitioning the video coding block at one quarter of the width of the video coding block, a video block partitioning pattern for vertically partitioning the video coding block at one half of the width of the video coding block, or a video block partitioning pattern for vertically partitioning the video coding block at three quarters of the width of the video coding block.
Contact Information
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Philip Dang whose telephone number is (408) 918-7529. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday-Thursday between 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (PST).
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Sath Perungavoor can be reached on 571-272-7455. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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