Prosecution Insights
Last updated: August 18, 2026
Application No. 18/996,532

Method and Apparatus of Improving Performance of Convolutional Cross-Component Model in Video Coding System

Non-Final OA §102§103
Filed
Jan 17, 2025
Priority
Jul 27, 2022 — provisional 63/369,524 +1 more
Examiner
ABDOU TCHOUSSOU, BOUBACAR
Art Unit
2482
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
MediaTek Inc.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
68%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
12m
Est. Remaining
82%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 68% — above average
68%
Career Allowance Rate
307 granted / 449 resolved
+10.4% vs TC avg
Moderate +14% lift
Without
With
+13.7%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 7m
Avg Prosecution
18 currently pending
Career history
473
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
4.9%
-35.1% vs TC avg
§103
54.1%
+14.1% vs TC avg
§102
19.8%
-20.2% vs TC avg
§112
17.2%
-22.8% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 449 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. (a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 1-5 and 8-16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by JHU et al (US 20250126284). As to claim 1, JHU discloses a method of video coding for colour pictures using cross-component prediction (FIGS. 26-27), the method comprising: receiving input data associated with a current block comprising a luma block and a chroma block (see [0436], [0458]), wherein the input data comprise pixel data to be encoded at an encoder side or coded data associated with the current block to be decoded at a decoder side (FIGS. 2-3); deriving an auto-correlation matrix for reference luma samples in a reference area (see [0214]), wherein the auto-correlation matrix is associated with a footprint of a convolutional filter (see [0207]); deriving a cross-correlation vector between the reference luma samples and reference chroma samples in the reference area (see [0214]), wherein the cross-correlation vector is associated with the footprint of the convolutional filter (see [0207]); deriving coefficients of the convolutional filter based on the auto-correlation matrix and the cross-correlation vector using Gaussian elimination scheme (see [0212]-[0214], [0279], [0454]); for a target chroma sample in the chroma block, generating a convolutional cross-component model predictor for the target chroma sample by applying the convolutional filter with the coefficients derived to a corresponding location of the luma block (see [0212]-[0213], predChromaVal; see [0176]-[0177], ChromaVal); generating a final predictor for the target chroma sample from a set of prediction candidates comprising the convolutional cross-component model predictor (FIG. 12D and [0372]-[0374], final predictor; see [0440]); and encoding or decoding the target chroma sample using the final predictor (see [0439]). As to claim 2, JHU discloses an apparatus of video coding for colour pictures using cross-component prediction (FIG. 1), the apparatus comprising one or more electronics or processors arranged to (FIG. 28): receive input data associated with a current block comprising a luma block and a chroma block (see [0436], [0458]), wherein the input data comprise pixel data to be encoded at an encoder side or coded data associated with the current block to be decoded at a decoder side (FIGS. 2-3); derive an auto-correlation matrix for reference luma samples in a reference area (see [0214]), wherein the auto-correlation matrix is associated with a footprint of a convolutional filter (see [0207]); derive a cross-correlation vector between the reference luma samples and reference chroma samples in the reference area (see [0214]), wherein the cross-correlation vector is associated with the footprint of the convolutional filter (see [0207]); derive coefficients of the convolutional filter based on the auto-correlation matrix and the cross-correlation vector using Gaussian elimination scheme (see [0212]-[0214], [0279], [0454]); for a target chroma sample in the chroma block, generate a convolutional cross-component model predictor for the target chroma sample by applying the convolutional filter with the coefficients derived to a corresponding location of the luma block (see [0212]-[0213], predChromaVal; see [0176]-[0177], ChromaVal); generate a final predictor for the target chroma sample from a set of prediction candidates comprising the convolutional cross-component model predictor (FIG. 12D and [0372]-[0374], final predictor; see [0440]); and encode or decode the target chroma sample using the final predictor (see [0439]). As to claim 3, JHU discloses a method of video coding for colour pictures using cross-component prediction (FIGS. 26-27), the method comprising: receiving input data associated with a current block comprising a luma block and a chroma block (see [0436], [0458]), wherein the input data comprise pixel data to be encoded at an encoder side or coded data associated with the current block to be decoded at a decoder side (FIGS. 2-3); determining, depending on one or more conditions, a number of filter taps for a target convolutional filter (see [0415], One or more shape/number of filter taps may be used for CCCM prediction, as shown in FIG. 22, FIG. 23, FIG. 24 … One or more predefined shape/number of filter taps may be used for CCCM prediction based on previous decoded information on TB/CB/slice/picture/sequence level); for a target chroma sample in the chroma block, generating a convolutional cross-component model predictor for the target chroma sample by applying the target convolutional filter to a corresponding location of the luma block (see [0212]-[0213], predChromaVal; see [0176]-[0177], ChromaVal); generating a final predictor for the target chroma sample from a set of prediction candidates comprising the convolutional cross-component model predictor (FIG. 12D and [0372]-[0374], final predictor; see [0440]); and encoding or decoding the target chroma sample using the final predictor (see [0439]). As to claim 4, JHU further discloses wherein said one or more conditions correspond to one or more pre-defined implicit rules (see [0310], [0416]-[0417]; see [0443], in response to the block size being larger than or equal to the third value, selecting a CCCM; see [0453], determining (2606) the one or more cross-component prediction models comprises: determining at least one of filter parameters of a luma filter, the filter parameters comprising a filter shape and a number of filter taps of the luma filter). As to claim 5, JHU further discloses wherein the target convolutional filter is determined implicitly according to a current block size (see [0443], [0453]). As to claim 8, JHU further discloses wherein the target convolutional filter is selected from multiple convolutional filters with different numbers of filter taps (see [0415]-[0417]). As to claim 9, JHU further discloses wherein the target convolutional filter is selected from multiple convolutional filters generated by separating a reference convolutional filter (FIGS. 21-25). As to claim 10, JHU further discloses wherein one of said multiple convolutional filters achieving a best performance is explicitly signalled as the target convolutional filter (see [0416]). As to claim 11, JHU further discloses wherein the target convolutional filter comprises an optional non-linear tap and a syntax is used to indicate whether the optional non-linear tap is used (see [0386]). As to claim 12, JHU discloses an apparatus of video coding for colour pictures using cross-component prediction (FIG. 1), the apparatus comprising one or more electronics or processors arranged to (FIG. 28): receive input data associated with a current block comprising a luma block and a chroma block (see [0436], [0458]), wherein the input data comprise pixel data to be encoded at an encoder side or coded data associated with the current block to be decoded at a decoder side (FIGS. 2-3); determine, depending on one or more conditions, a number of filter taps for a target convolutional filter (see [0415], One or more shape/number of filter taps may be used for CCCM prediction, as shown in FIG. 22, FIG. 23, FIG. 24 … One or more predefined shape/number of filter taps may be used for CCCM prediction based on previous decoded information on TB/CB/slice/picture/sequence level); for a target chroma sample in the chroma block, generate a convolutional cross-component model predictor for the target chroma sample by applying the target convolutional filter to a corresponding location of the luma block (see [0212]-[0213], predChromaVal; see [0176]-[0177], ChromaVal); generate a final predictor for the target chroma sample from a set of prediction candidates comprising the convolutional cross-component model predictor (FIG. 12D and [0372]-[0374], final predictor; see [0440]); and encode or decode the target chroma sample using the final predictor (see [0439]). As to claim 13, JHU discloses a method of video coding for colour pictures using cross-component prediction (FIGS. 26-27), the method comprising: receiving input data associated with a current block comprising a luma block and a chroma block (see [0436], [0458]), wherein the input data comprise pixel data to be encoded at an encoder side or coded data associated with the current block to be decoded at a decoder side (FIGS. 2-3); signalling or parsing one or more syntax elements to indicate a target convolutional cross-component filter selected from multiple convolutional cross-component filters (see [0415], One or more shape/number of filter taps may be used for CCCM prediction, as shown in FIG. 22, FIG. 23, FIG. 24 … One or more predefined shape/number of filter taps may be used for CCCM prediction based on previous decoded information on TB/CB/slice/picture/sequence level; see [0416], the filter shape/number of filter taps can be predefined or signaled/switched in SPS/DPS/VPS/SEI/APS/PPS/PH/SH/Region/CTU/CU/Subblock/Sample level), wherein each convolutional cross-component filter uses at least two different luma samples from two different positions (FIG. 15 and [0416], top/left neighbouring reconstructed luma samples; see [0453]); for a target chroma sample in the chroma block, generating a convolutional cross- component model predictor for the target chroma sample by applying the target convolutional cross-component filter to a corresponding location of the luma block (see [0212]-[0213], predChromaVal; see [0176]-[0177], ChromaVal); generating a final predictor for the target chroma sample from a set of prediction candidates comprising the convolutional cross-component model predictor (FIG. 12D and [0372]-[0374], final predictor; see [0440]); and encoding or decoding the target chroma sample using the final predictor (see [0439]). As to claim 14, JHU further discloses wherein the target convolutional filter is selected from multiple convolutional filters with different shapes according to a block-level syntax (see [0416]). As to claim 15, JHU further discloses wherein said one or more syntax elements are signalled or parsed at an SPS (Sequence Parameter Set), PPS (Picture Parameter Set), PH (Picture Header), SH (Slice Header), or CTU (Coding Tree Unit) level (see [0416]). As to claim 16, JHU discloses an apparatus of video coding for colour pictures using cross-component prediction (FIG. 1), the apparatus comprising one or more electronics or processors arranged to: receive input data associated with a current block comprising a luma block and a chroma block (see [0436], [0458]), wherein the input data comprise pixel data to be encoded at an encoder side or coded data associated with the current block to be decoded at a decoder side (FIGS. 2-3); signal or parse one or more syntax elements to indicate a target convolutional cross-component filter selected from multiple convolutional cross-component filters (see [0415], One or more shape/number of filter taps may be used for CCCM prediction, as shown in FIG. 22, FIG. 23, FIG. 24 … One or more predefined shape/number of filter taps may be used for CCCM prediction based on previous decoded information on TB/CB/slice/picture/sequence level; see [0416], the filter shape/number of filter taps can be predefined or signaled/switched in SPS/DPS/VPS/SEI/APS/PPS/PH/SH/Region/CTU/CU/Subblock/Sample level), wherein each convolutional cross-component filter uses at least two different luma samples from two different positions (FIG. 15 and [0416], top/left neighbouring reconstructed luma samples; see [0453]); for a target chroma sample in the chroma block, generate a convolutional cross- component model predictor for the target chroma sample by applying the target convolutional cross-component filter to a corresponding location of the luma block (see [0212]-[0213], predChromaVal; see [0176]-[0177], ChromaVal); generate a final predictor for the target chroma sample from a set of prediction candidates comprising the convolutional cross-component model predictor (FIG. 12D and [0372]-[0374], final predictor; see [0440]); and encode or decode the target chroma sample using the final predictor (see [0439]). 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) 6 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over JHU et al (US 20250126284) in view of ESER et al (US 20240212094). As to claim 6, JHU fails to explicitly disclose wherein the target convolutional filter is derived by setting a derived coefficient of a reference convolutional filter to zero if the derived coefficient is smaller than a pre-defined threshold value. However, ESER teaches wherein the target convolutional filter is derived by setting a derived coefficient of a reference convolutional filter to zero if the derived coefficient is smaller than a pre-defined threshold value (see [0024]). At the time before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skills in the art to modify JHU using ESER’s teachings to derive the target convolutional filter by setting a derived coefficient of a reference convolutional filter to zero if the derived coefficient is smaller than a pre-defined threshold value in order to provide a filter with low computational complexity, low memory requirement, low power and low resource consumption and high operating frequency (ESER; [0007]). Allowable Subject Matter Claim 7 is objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to BOUBACAR ABDOU TCHOUSSOU whose telephone number is (571)272-7625. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8am-4pm. 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, Chris Kelley can be reached at 5712727331. 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. /BOUBACAR ABDOU TCHOUSSOU/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2482
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Prosecution Timeline

Jan 17, 2025
Application Filed
Jul 17, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §103 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
68%
Grant Probability
82%
With Interview (+13.7%)
2y 7m (~12m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 449 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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