Prosecution Insights
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Application No. 19/002,390

ENCODER, DECODER, ENCODING METHOD, AND DECODING METHOD

Non-Final OA §DP
Filed
Dec 26, 2024
Priority
Sep 05, 2018 — provisional 62/727,281 +4 more
Examiner
BECKER, JOSEPH W
Art Unit
2483
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Panasonic Holdings Corporation
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
73%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
1y 3m
Est. Remaining
97%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 73% — above average
73%
Career Allowance Rate
288 granted / 396 resolved
+14.7% vs TC avg
Strong +25% interview lift
Without
With
+24.7%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 9m
Avg Prosecution
13 currently pending
Career history
411
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
1.3%
-38.7% vs TC avg
§103
84.5%
+44.5% vs TC avg
§102
7.3%
-32.7% vs TC avg
§112
0.8%
-39.2% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 396 resolved cases

Office Action

§DP
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 . Double Patenting The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969). A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b). The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13. The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer. Claims 1-2 rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-2 of U.S. Patent No. 11849139 in view of Xiu et al. US 2020/0045336. Current 11849139 1. An encoder, comprising: memory; and a processor connected to the memory and configured to: generate a reconstructed image based on a prediction mode selected from candidate prediction modes, the candidate prediction modes including a block prediction mode and a sub-block prediction mode; and perform a determination process on each boundary having a pixel position of 4n, where n is an integer, wherein, in response to the block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes: determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent blocks in the reconstructed image; and selecting, for each block boundary, a first deblocking filter or a second deblocking filter different from the first deblocking filter; and in response to the sub-block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each sub-block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent sub-blocks among the sub-blocks in the block, wherein, (i) each sub-block has a size of 4 by 4 pixels, (ii) the deblocking filter is determined to be applied only to sub-block boundaries having an 8n-th pixel position, (iii) the deblocking filter determined to be applied is the first deblocking filter, and (iv) the sub-block prediction mode is equal to affine mode. 2. A decoder, comprising: memory; and a processor connected to the memory and configured to: generate a reconstructed image based on a prediction mode selected from candidate prediction modes, the candidate prediction modes including a block prediction mode and a sub-block prediction mode; and perform a determination process on each boundary having a pixel position of 4n, where n is an integer, wherein in response to the block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes: determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent blocks in the reconstructed image; and selecting, for each block boundary, a first deblocking filter or a second deblocking filter different from the first deblocking filter; and in response to the sub-block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each sub-block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent sub-blocks among the sub-blocks in the block, wherein, (i) each sub-block has a size of 4 by 4 pixels, (ii) the deblocking filter is determined to be applied only to sub-block boundaries having an 8n-th pixel position, (iii) the deblocking filter determined to be applied is the first deblocking filter, and (iv) the sub-block prediction mode is equal to affine mode. 1. An encoder comprising: memory; and a processor connected to the memory and configured to: generate a reconstructed image based on a prediction mode selected from candidate prediction modes, the candidate prediction modes including a block prediction mode and a sub-block prediction mode; and perform a determination process on each boundary having a pixel position of 4n, where n is an integer, wherein, in response to the block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes: determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent blocks in the reconstructed image; and selecting, for each block boundary, a first deblocking filter or a second deblocking filter different from the first deblocking filter; and in response to the sub-block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each sub-block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent sub-blocks among the sub-blocks in the block, wherein, (i) each sub-block has a size of 4 by 4 pixels, (ii) the deblocking filter is determined to be applied only to sub-block boundaries having an 8n-th pixel position, and (iii) the deblocking filter determined to be applied is the first deblocking filter. 2. A decoder comprising: memory; and a processor connected to the memory and configured to: generate a reconstructed image based on a prediction mode selected from candidate prediction modes, the candidate prediction modes including a block prediction mode and a sub-block prediction mode; and perform a determination process on each boundary having a pixel position of 4n, where n is an integer, wherein in response to the block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes: determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent blocks in the reconstructed image; and selecting, for each block boundary, a first deblocking filter or a second deblocking filter different from the first deblocking filter; and in response to the sub-block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each sub-block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent sub-blocks among the sub-blocks in the block, wherein, (i) each sub-block has a size of 4 by 4 pixels, (ii) the deblocking filter is determined to be applied only to sub-block boundaries having an 8n-th pixel position, and (iii) the deblocking filter determined to be applied is the first deblocking filter. While the patent doesn’t explicitly disclose the following, however Xiu teaches (iv) the sub-block prediction mode is equal to affine mode (0095) Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill before the effective filing date to modify the reference(s) as above in order so The coding mode(s) may be used to derive motion information at a sub-block level (Xiu 0095) Claims 1-3 rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-3 of U.S. Patent No. 12219169 in view of Xiu et al. US 2020/0045336. Current 12219169 1. An encoder, comprising: memory; and a processor connected to the memory and configured to: generate a reconstructed image based on a prediction mode selected from candidate prediction modes, the candidate prediction modes including a block prediction mode and a sub-block prediction mode; and perform a determination process on each boundary having a pixel position of 4n, where n is an integer, wherein, in response to the block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes: determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent blocks in the reconstructed image; and selecting, for each block boundary, a first deblocking filter or a second deblocking filter different from the first deblocking filter; and in response to the sub-block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each sub-block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent sub-blocks among the sub-blocks in the block, wherein, (i) each sub-block has a size of 4 by 4 pixels, (ii) the deblocking filter is determined to be applied only to sub-block boundaries having an 8n-th pixel position, (iii) the deblocking filter determined to be applied is the first deblocking filter, and (iv) the sub-block prediction mode is equal to affine mode. 2. A decoder, comprising: memory; and a processor connected to the memory and configured to: generate a reconstructed image based on a prediction mode selected from candidate prediction modes, the candidate prediction modes including a block prediction mode and a sub-block prediction mode; and perform a determination process on each boundary having a pixel position of 4n, where n is an integer, wherein in response to the block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes: determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent blocks in the reconstructed image; and selecting, for each block boundary, a first deblocking filter or a second deblocking filter different from the first deblocking filter; and in response to the sub-block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each sub-block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent sub-blocks among the sub-blocks in the block, wherein, (i) each sub-block has a size of 4 by 4 pixels, (ii) the deblocking filter is determined to be applied only to sub-block boundaries having an 8n-th pixel position, (iii) the deblocking filter determined to be applied is the first deblocking filter, and (iv) the sub-block prediction mode is equal to affine mode. 3. An apparatus generating a bitstream to cause a computer to perform a decoding process including: generating a reconstructed image based on a prediction mode selected from candidate prediction modes, the candidate prediction modes including a block prediction mode and a sub-block prediction mode; and performing a determination process on each boundary having a pixel position of 4n, where n is an integer, wherein in response to the block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes: determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent blocks in the reconstructed image; and selecting, for each block boundary, a first deblocking filter or a second deblocking filter different from the first deblocking filter; and in response to the sub-block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each sub-block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent sub-blocks among the sub-blocks in the block, wherein, (i) each sub-block has a size of 4 by 4 pixels, (ii) the deblocking filter is determined to be applied only to sub-block boundaries having an 8n-th pixel position, (iii) the deblocking filter determined to be applied is the first deblocking filter, and (iv) the sub-block prediction mode is equal to affine mode. 1. An encoding method, comprising: generating a reconstructed image based on a prediction mode selected from candidate prediction modes, the candidate prediction modes including a block prediction mode and a sub-block prediction mode; and performing a determination process on each boundary having a pixel position of 4n, where n is an integer, wherein, in response to the block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes: determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent blocks in the reconstructed image; and selecting, for each block boundary, a first deblocking filter or a second deblocking filter different from the first deblocking filter; and in response to the sub-block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each sub-block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent sub-blocks among the sub-blocks in the block, wherein, (i) each sub-block has a size of 4 by 4 pixels, (ii) the deblocking filter is determined to be applied only to sub-block boundaries having an 8n-th pixel position, and (iii) the deblocking filter determined to be applied is the first deblocking filter. 2. A decoding method, comprising: generating a reconstructed image based on a prediction mode selected from candidate prediction modes, the candidate prediction modes including a block prediction mode and a sub-block prediction mode; and performing a determination process on each boundary having a pixel position of 4n, where n is an integer, wherein in response to the block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes: determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent blocks in the reconstructed image; and selecting, for each block boundary, a first deblocking filter or a second deblocking filter different from the first deblocking filter; and in response to the sub-block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each sub-block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent sub-blocks among the sub-blocks in the block, wherein, (i) each sub-block has a size of 4 by 4 pixels, (ii) the deblocking filter is determined to be applied only to sub-block boundaries having an 8n-th pixel position, and (iii) the deblocking filter determined to be applied is the first deblocking filter. 3. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a bitstream, the bitstream comprising decoding information that causes a decoder to execute a decoding process, the decoding process comprising: generating a reconstructed image based on a prediction mode selected from candidate prediction modes, the candidate prediction modes including a block prediction mode and a sub-block prediction mode; and performing a determination process on each boundary having a pixel position of 4n, where n is an integer, wherein in response to the block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes: determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent blocks in the reconstructed image; and selecting, for each block boundary, a first deblocking filter or a second deblocking filter different from the first deblocking filter; and in response to the sub-block prediction mode being selected, the determination process includes determining whether to apply a deblocking filter to each sub-block boundary between a corresponding pair of adjacent sub-blocks among the sub-blocks in the block, wherein, (i) each sub-block has a size of 4 by 4 pixels, (ii) the deblocking filter is determined to be applied only to sub-block boundaries having an 8n-th pixel position, and (iii) the deblocking filter determined to be applied is the first deblocking filter. While the patent doesn’t explicitly disclose the following, however Xiu teaches (iv) the sub-block prediction mode is equal to affine mode (0095) Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill before the effective filing date to modify the reference(s) as above including equating the device to the methods in order so The coding mode(s) may be used to derive motion information at a sub-block level (Xiu 0095) Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JOSEPH W BECKER whose telephone number is (571)270-7301. The examiner can normally be reached flexible usually 10-6. 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, Joseph G Ustaris can be reached at 5712727383. 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. /JOSEPH W BECKER/Examiner, Art Unit 2483
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Dec 26, 2024
Application Filed
May 19, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §DP (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12684174
RESTRICTIONS ON IN-LOOP FILTERING
3y 7m to grant Granted Jul 14, 2026
Patent 12676968
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CODING VIDEO DATA
2y 6m to grant Granted Jul 07, 2026
Patent 12659454
TEMPORAL MOTION VECTOR PREDICTION
2y 5m to grant Granted Jun 16, 2026
Patent 12652380
CONCEPT FOR ENHANCING PARALLEL CODING CAPABILITIES
2y 8m to grant Granted Jun 09, 2026
Patent 12641292
ENCODER, A DECODER AND CORRESPONDING METHODS
4y 1m to grant Granted May 26, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

Strategy Recommendation AI-generated — please review before filing

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

Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
73%
Grant Probability
97%
With Interview (+24.7%)
2y 9m (~1y 3m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 396 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

Sign in with your work email

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

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

Free tier: 3 strategy analyses per month