DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application is being examined under the pre-AIA first to invent provisions.
Claim Objections
Claim 2 objected to because of the following informalities: Line 2 of claim 2 punctuates the claimed “memory” with what appears to be a colon (:) which is the incorrect punctuation used to delimit the separate limitations of the claimed invention. The colon (:) should be replaced with a semicolon (;). Appropriate correction is required.
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 1-3 rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1,6, and 11 of U.S. Patent No. 11895333 in view of Chen; Ying et al. (US 20110194613 A1). The following mapping identifies how the instant application corresponds with the issued patent above:
Claim limitations of the instant application:
Claim limitations of corresponding claim language of U.S. Patent No. 11895333:
1. A decoding apparatus for image decoding, the decoding apparatus comprising:
a memory; and
at least one processor connected to the memory, the at least one processor configured to:
obtain information of a size of a minimum coding unit;
derive a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units;
check whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit based on the information of the size of the minimum coding unit;
determine whether the current coding unit is partitioned into multiple prediction units based on the result of the checking; and
perform a prediction for the current coding unit based on the result of the determination,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is obtained, one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit based on the explicit partition information, and the prediction is performed with respect to the derived one or multiple prediction units, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit and a prediction mode of the current coding unit being an intra prediction mode, one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived without obtaining the explicit partition information, and the current coding unit is not partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
1. An image decoding method performed by a decoding apparatus, the method comprising:
receiving information of a size of a minimum coding unit;
deriving a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units;
checking whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit based on the information of the size of the minimum coding unit;
determining whether the current coding unit is partitioned into multiple prediction units based on the result of the checking; and
performing a prediction for the current coding unit based on the result of the determination, wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is received, one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit based on the explicit partition information, and the prediction is performed with respect to the derived one or multiple prediction units, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit and a prediction mode of the current coding unit being an intra prediction mode, one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived without receiving the explicit partition information, and the current coding unit cannot be partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
But would not teach apparatus limitations of the claimed invention,
However, Chen teaches additionally,
A decoding apparatus for image decoding, (¶215-216 and fig. 14, wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14 including “decoder CODEC” 234 that may “decode digital video data”) the decoding apparatus (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “decoder CODEC” 234 that may “decode digital video data”) comprising:
a memory; (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “memory 244 may store instructions” included in wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14) and
at least one processor connected to the memory, (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “memory 244 may store “instructions executable by processor 240” included in wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14) the at least one processor configured to: (¶215-216 and fig. 14, memory 244 may store “instructions executable by processor 240 corresponding to various functions of video CODEC 234”)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art to combine method of U.S. Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen which includes a hardware and software combination to implement a video/decoder CODEC. This allows for using standards that guarantee generating bitstreams that are standard-compliant.
2. An encoding apparatus for image encoding, the encoding apparatus comprising:
a memory: and
at least one processor connected to the memory, the at least one processor configured to:
determine a size of a minimum coding unit, wherein the minimum coding unit represents a smallest coding unit derivable from a largest coding unit based on a quad-tree structure;
generate information of the size of the minimum coding unit;
derive a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units;
check whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit;
determine whether the current coding unit is partitioned into multiple prediction units based on the result of the checking; and
encode image information including the information of the size of the minimum coding unit and prediction mode information for each of one or multiple prediction units,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, the one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit and explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is generated, and the explicit partition information is included in the image information, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit and a prediction mode of the current coding unit being an intra prediction mode, the one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived from the current coding unit and the current coding unit is not partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
6. An image encoding method performed by an encoding apparatus, the method comprising:
determining a size of a minimum coding unit, wherein the minimum coding unit represents a smallest coding unit derivable from a largest coding unit based on a quad-tree structure;
generating information of the size of the minimum coding unit;
deriving a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units;
checking whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit;
determining whether the current coding unit is partitioned into multiple prediction units based on the result of the checking; and
encoding image information including the information of the size of the minimum coding unit and prediction mode information for each of one or multiple prediction units,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, the one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit and explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is generated, and the explicit partition information is included in the image information, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit and a prediction mode of the current coding unit being an intra prediction mode, the one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived from the current coding unit and the current coding unit cannot be partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
But would not teach apparatus limitations of the claimed invention,
However, Chen teaches additionally,
An encoding apparatus for image encoding, (¶215-216 and fig. 14, wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14 including “encoder” CODEC 234 that may “encode digital video data”) the encoding apparatus (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “encoder” CODEC 234 that may “encode digital video data”) comprising:
a memory; (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “memory 244 may store instructions” included in wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14) and
at least one processor connected to the memory, (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “memory 244 may store “instructions executable by processor 240” included in wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14) the at least one processor configured to: (¶215-216 and fig. 14, memory 244 may store “instructions executable by processor 240 corresponding to various functions of video CODEC 234”)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art to combine method of U.S. Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen which includes a hardware and software combination to implement a video/decoder CODEC. This allows for using standards that guarantee generating bitstreams that are standard-compliant.
3. An apparatus for transmitting data for an image, the apparatus comprising:
at least one processor configured to obtain a bitstream for the image, wherein the bitstream is generated based on determining a size of a minimum coding unit, wherein the minimum coding unit represents a smallest coding unit derivable from a largest coding unit based on a quad-tree structure, generating information of the size of the minimum coding unit, deriving a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units, checking whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, determining whether the current coding unit is partitioned into multiple prediction units based on the result of the checking, and encoding image information including the information of the size of the minimum coding unit and prediction mode information for each of one or multiple prediction units; and
a transmitter configured to transmit the data comprising the bitstream,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, the one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit and explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is generated, and the explicit partition information is included in the image information, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit and a prediction mode of the current coding unit being an intra prediction mode, the one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived from the current coding unit and the current coding unit is not partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
11. A non-transitory decoder-readable storage medium storing a bitstream generated by an image encoding method, the method comprising:
determining a size of a minimum coding unit, wherein the minimum coding unit represents a smallest coding unit derivable from a largest coding unit based on a quad-tree structure;
generating information of the size of the minimum coding unit; deriving a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units; checking whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit; determining whether the current coding unit is partitioned into multiple prediction units based on the result of the checking; and encoding image information including the information of the size of the minimum coding unit and prediction mode information for each of one or multiple prediction units to output the bitstream,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, the one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit and explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is generated, and the explicit partition information is included in the image information, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit and a prediction mode of the current coding unit being an intra prediction mode, the one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived from the current coding unit and the current coding unit cannot be partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
But would not teach apparatus limitations of the claimed invention,
However, Chen teaches additionally,
An apparatus for transmitting data for an image, (¶264, “Video encoder 20 may then output the encoded video data (502)”) the apparatus (¶264, “video encoder 20”) comprising:
at least one processor configured to obtain a bitstream for the image, wherein the bitstream is generated (¶264 and fig. 22, “Video encoder 20 may then output the encoded video data (502)” that is a product of “encoded video data of a bitstream (500)” as depicted in fig. 22)
a transmitter configured to transmit the data comprising the bitstream (¶264, Video encoder 20 may “output the encoded video data (502), which may be transmitted to and received by video decoder 30 (504)”)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art to combine method of U.S. Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen which includes a hardware and software combination to implement a video/decoder CODEC that can transmit encoded video data of a bitstream. This allows for using standards that guarantee generating bitstreams that are standard-compliant and can be properly decoded.
Claims 1-3 rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1,6, and 11 of U.S. Patent No. 11375233 in view of Chen; Ying et al. (US 20110194613 A1) in view of Le; Delphine Anh Dao et al. (US 7031517 B1). The following mapping identifies how the instant application corresponds with the issued patent above:
Claim limitations of the instant application:
Claim limitations of corresponding claim language of U.S. Patent No. 11375233:
1. A decoding apparatus for image decoding, the decoding apparatus comprising:
a memory; and
at least one processor connected to the memory, the at least one processor configured to:
obtain information of a size of a minimum coding unit;
derive a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units;
check whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit based on the information of the size of the minimum coding unit;
determine whether the current coding unit is partitioned into multiple prediction units based on the result of the checking; and
perform a prediction for the current coding unit based on the result of the determination,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is obtained, one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit based on the explicit partition information, and the prediction is performed with respect to the derived one or multiple prediction units, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit and a prediction mode of the current coding unit being an intra prediction mode, one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived without obtaining the explicit partition information, and the current coding unit is not partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
1. An image decoding method performed by a decoding apparatus, the method comprising:
determining a size of a minimum coding unit, wherein the minimum coding unit represents a smallest coding unit derivable from a largest coding unit based on a quad-tree structure;
deriving a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units, and wherein an intra prediction is applied on the current coding unit;
checking whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit;
deriving one or multiple prediction units from the current coding unit based on the result of the checking;
receiving intra prediction mode information for each of the derived one or multiple prediction units; and
performing the intra prediction with respect to the derived one or multiple prediction units based on the intra prediction mode information,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, explicit partition information is received and the one or multiple prediction units are derived from the current coding unit based on the explicit partition information, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit, the one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived without receiving the explicit partition information, and the current coding unit cannot be partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
But would not teach apparatus limitations of the claimed invention and the following limitations,
check whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit based on the information of the size of the minimum coding unit;
explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is obtained,
However, Chen teaches additionally,
A decoding apparatus for image decoding, (¶215-216 and fig. 14, wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14 including “decoder CODEC” 234 that may “decode digital video data”) the decoding apparatus (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “decoder CODEC” 234 that may “decode digital video data”) comprising:
a memory; (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “memory 244 may store instructions” included in wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14) and
at least one processor connected to the memory, (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “memory 244 may store “instructions executable by processor 240” included in wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14) the at least one processor configured to: (¶215-216 and fig. 14, memory 244 may store “instructions executable by processor 240 corresponding to various functions of video CODEC 234”)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art to combine method of U.S. Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen which includes a hardware and software combination to implement a video/decoder CODEC. This allows for using standards that guarantee generating bitstreams that are standard-compliant.
Le teaches additionally,
check whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit based on the information of the size of the minimum coding unit; (12:25-39 and Fig. 4, “a check is made whether the size of the rectangle is greater than a predetermined minimum size”)
explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is obtained, (12:25-39 and Fig. 4, “If, however, the decision block 424 returns true” during the size check, “the rectangle is divided into four sub-rectangles”)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art at the time of the filing date of the claimed invention to combine US Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen with the image segmentation of Le which checks if the size is the minimum size. This allows for splitting medium and high contrast rectangles.
2. An encoding apparatus for image encoding, the encoding apparatus comprising:
a memory: and
at least one processor connected to the memory, the at least one processor configured to:
determine a size of a minimum coding unit, wherein the minimum coding unit represents a smallest coding unit derivable from a largest coding unit based on a quad-tree structure;
generate information of the size of the minimum coding unit;
derive a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units;
check whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit;
determine whether the current coding unit is partitioned into multiple prediction units based on the result of the checking; and
encode image information including the information of the size of the minimum coding unit and prediction mode information for each of one or multiple prediction units,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, the one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit and explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is generated, and the explicit partition information is included in the image information, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit and a prediction mode of the current coding unit being an intra prediction mode, the one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived from the current coding unit and the current coding unit is not partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
6. An image encoding method performed by an encoding apparatus, the method comprising:
determining a size of a minimum coding unit, wherein the minimum coding unit represents a smallest coding unit derivable from a largest coding unit based on a quad-tree structure;
deriving a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units, wherein an intra prediction is applied on the current coding unit;
checking whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit;
deriving one or multiple prediction units from the current coding unit based on the result of the checking; and
encoding image information including intra prediction mode information for each of the derived one or multiple prediction units,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, the one or multiple prediction units are derived from the current coding unit and explicit partition information indicating whether the one or multiple prediction units are derived from the current coding unit is generated, and the explicit partition information is included in the image information, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit, the one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived from the current coding unit and the current coding unit cannot be partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
But would not teach apparatus limitations of the claimed invention and the following limitations,
generate information of the size of the minimum coding unit;
encode image information including the information of the size of the minimum coding unit
prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit
However, Chen teaches additionally,
An encoding apparatus for image encoding, (¶215-216 and fig. 14, wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14 including “encoder” CODEC 234 that may “encode digital video data”) the encoding apparatus (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “encoder” CODEC 234 that may “encode digital video data”) comprising:
a memory; (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “memory 244 may store instructions” included in wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14) and
at least one processor connected to the memory, (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “memory 244 may store “instructions executable by processor 240” included in wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14) the at least one processor configured to: (¶215-216 and fig. 14, memory 244 may store “instructions executable by processor 240 corresponding to various functions of video CODEC 234”)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art to combine method of U.S. Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen which includes a hardware and software combination to implement a video/decoder CODEC. This allows for using standards that guarantee generating bitstreams that are standard-compliant.
Le teaches additionally,
generate information of the size of the minimum coding unit; (12:25-39 and Pseudocode SEED, “minimum size called LO_MIN_SIZE” is predetermined for block splitting)
encode image information including the information of the size of the minimum coding unit (9:11-27,11:42-52,12:25-39, and Pseudocode SEED, “necessary parameters are initialized” from pseudocode indicating “minimum size called LO_MIN_SIZE”)
prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit (12:3-11, “rectangle is divided into four sub-rectangles in the manner of a quadtree approach” that correspond to rectangles of a large size)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art at the time of the filing date of the claimed invention to combine US Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen with the image segmentation of Le which checks if the size is the minimum size. This allows for splitting medium and high contrast rectangles.
3. An apparatus for transmitting data for an image, the apparatus comprising:
at least one processor configured to obtain a bitstream for the image, wherein the bitstream is generated based on determining a size of a minimum coding unit, wherein the minimum coding unit represents a smallest coding unit derivable from a largest coding unit based on a quad-tree structure, generating information of the size of the minimum coding unit, deriving a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units, checking whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, determining whether the current coding unit is partitioned into multiple prediction units based on the result of the checking, and encoding image information including the information of the size of the minimum coding unit and prediction mode information for each of one or multiple prediction units; and
a transmitter configured to transmit the data comprising the bitstream,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, the one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit and explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is generated, and the explicit partition information is included in the image information, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit and a prediction mode of the current coding unit being an intra prediction mode, the one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived from the current coding unit and the current coding unit is not partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
11. A non-transitory decoder-readable storage medium storing encoded image information generated by steps of:
determining a size of a minimum coding unit, wherein the minimum coding unit represents a smallest coding unit derivable from a largest coding unit based on a quad-tree structure;
deriving a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units, wherein an intra prediction is applied on the current coding unit;
checking whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit;
deriving one or multiple prediction units from the current coding unit based on the result of the checking; and
encoding the image information including intra prediction mode information for each of the derived one or multiple prediction units,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, the one or multiple prediction units are derived from the current coding unit and explicit partition information indicating whether the one or multiple prediction units are derived from the current coding unit is generated, and the explicit partition information is included in the image information, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit, the one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived from the current coding unit and the current coding unit cannot be partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
But would not teach apparatus limitations of the claimed invention,
generating information of the size of the minimum coding unit,
encoding image information including the information of the size of the minimum coding unit
a transmitter configured to transmit the data comprising the bitstream,
the one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit
However, Chen teaches additionally,
An apparatus for transmitting data for an image, (¶264, “Video encoder 20 may then output the encoded video data (502)”) the apparatus (¶264, “video encoder 20”) comprising:
at least one processor configured to obtain a bitstream for the image, wherein the bitstream is generated (¶264 and fig. 22, “Video encoder 20 may then output the encoded video data (502)” that is a product of “encoded video data of a bitstream (500)” as depicted in fig. 22)
a transmitter configured to transmit the data comprising the bitstream (¶264, Video encoder 20 may “output the encoded video data (502), which may be transmitted to and received by video decoder 30 (504)”)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art to combine method of U.S. Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen which includes a hardware and software combination to implement a video/decoder CODEC that can transmit encoded video data of a bitstream. This allows for using standards that guarantee generating bitstreams that are standard-compliant and can be properly decoded.
Le teaches additionally,
generating information of the size of the minimum coding unit, (12:25-39 and Pseudocode SEED, “minimum size called LO_MIN_SIZE” is predetermined for block splitting)
encoding image information including the information of the size of the minimum coding unit (9:11-27,11:42-52,12:25-39, and Pseudocode SEED, “necessary parameters are initialized” from pseudocode indicating “minimum size called LO_MIN_SIZE”)
the one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit (12:3-11, “rectangle is divided into four sub-rectangles in the manner of a quadtree approach” that correspond to rectangles of a large size)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art at the time of the filing date of the claimed invention to combine US Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen with the image segmentation of Le which checks if the size is the minimum size. This allows for splitting medium and high contrast rectangles.
Claims 1-3 rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1,6, and 11 of U.S. Patent No. 10863196 in view of Chen; Ying et al. (US 20110194613 A1) in view of Le; Delphine Anh Dao et al. (US 7031517 B1).
Claim limitations of the instant application:
Claim limitations of corresponding claim language of U.S. Patent No. 10863196:
1. A decoding apparatus for image decoding, the decoding apparatus comprising:
a memory; and
at least one processor connected to the memory, the at least one processor configured to:
obtain information of a size of a minimum coding unit;
derive a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units;
check whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit based on the information of the size of the minimum coding unit;
determine whether the current coding unit is partitioned into multiple prediction units based on the result of the checking; and
perform a prediction for the current coding unit based on the result of the determination,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is obtained, one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit based on the explicit partition information, and the prediction is performed with respect to the derived one or multiple prediction units, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit and a prediction mode of the current coding unit being an intra prediction mode, one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived without obtaining the explicit partition information, and the current coding unit is not partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
1. A decoding apparatus for decoding an image, the apparatus comprising:
an entropy decoder configured to:
receive information of a size of a minimum coding unit, wherein the minimum coding unit represents a smallest coding unit derivable from a largest coding unit based on a quad-tree structure;
derive, based on the information of the size of the minimum coding unit, a size of a minimum coding unit;
derive a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units, and wherein an intra prediction is applied on the current coding unit;
check whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit; and
derive one or multiple prediction units from the current coding unit based on the result of the checking; and
a predictor configured to perform the intra prediction with respect to the derived one or multiple prediction units,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, explicit partition information is received and the one or multiple prediction units are derived from the current coding unit based on the explicit partition information, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit, the one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived without receiving the explicit partition information, and the current coding unit cannot be partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
But would not teach some particular aspects of the claimed apparatus and the following limitations,
explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is obtained,
one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit
However, Chen teaches additionally,
A decoding apparatus for image decoding, (¶215-216 and fig. 14, wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14 including “decoder CODEC” 234 that may “decode digital video data”) the decoding apparatus (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “decoder CODEC” 234 that may “decode digital video data”) comprising:
a memory; (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “memory 244 may store instructions” included in wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14) and
at least one processor connected to the memory, (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “memory 244 may store “instructions executable by processor 240” included in wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14) the at least one processor configured to: (¶215-216 and fig. 14, memory 244 may store “instructions executable by processor 240 corresponding to various functions of video CODEC 234”)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art to combine method of U.S. Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen which includes a hardware and software combination to implement a video/decoder CODEC. This allows for using standards that guarantee generating bitstreams that are standard-compliant.
Le teaches additionally,
explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is obtained, (12:25-39 and Fig. 4, “If, however, the decision block 424 returns true” during the size check, “the rectangle is divided into four sub-rectangles”)
one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit (12:3-11, “rectangle is divided into four sub-rectangles in the manner of a quadtree approach” that correspond to rectangles of a large size)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art at the time of the filing date of the claimed invention to combine US Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen with the image segmentation of Le which checks if the size is the minimum size. This allows for splitting medium and high contrast rectangles.
2. An encoding apparatus for image encoding, the encoding apparatus comprising:
a memory: and
at least one processor connected to the memory, the at least one processor configured to:
determine a size of a minimum coding unit, wherein the minimum coding unit represents a smallest coding unit derivable from a largest coding unit based on a quad-tree structure;
generate information of the size of the minimum coding unit;
derive a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units;
check whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit;
determine whether the current coding unit is partitioned into multiple prediction units based on the result of the checking; and
encode image information including the information of the size of the minimum coding unit and prediction mode information for each of one or multiple prediction units,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, the one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit and explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is generated, and the explicit partition information is included in the image information, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit and a prediction mode of the current coding unit being an intra prediction mode, the one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived from the current coding unit and the current coding unit is not partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
6. An encoding apparatus for encoding an image, the apparatus comprising:
a picture partitioner configured to:
derive a size of a minimum coding unit, wherein the minimum coding unit represents a smallest coding unit derivable from a largest coding unit based on a quad-tree structure;
derive a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units, wherein an intra prediction is applied on the current coding unit;
check whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit;
derive one or multiple prediction units from the current coding unit based on the result of the checking; and
an entropy encoder configured to encode image information including information on the size of the minimum coding unit,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, the one or multiple prediction units are derived from the current coding unit and explicit partition information indicating whether the one or multiple prediction units are derived from the current coding unit is generated, and the explicit partition information is included in the image information, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit, the one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived from the current coding unit and the current coding unit cannot be partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
But would not teach apparatus limitations of the claimed invention and the following limitations,
generate information of the size of the minimum coding unit;
encode image information including the prediction mode information for each of one or multiple prediction units,
prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit
However, Chen teaches additionally,
An encoding apparatus for image encoding, (¶215-216 and fig. 14, wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14 including “encoder” CODEC 234 that may “encode digital video data”) the encoding apparatus (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “encoder” CODEC 234 that may “encode digital video data”) comprising:
a memory; (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “memory 244 may store instructions” included in wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14) and
at least one processor connected to the memory, (¶215-216 and fig. 14, “memory 244 may store “instructions executable by processor 240” included in wireless communication device 230 depicted in fig. 14) the at least one processor configured to: (¶215-216 and fig. 14, memory 244 may store “instructions executable by processor 240 corresponding to various functions of video CODEC 234”)
encode image information (¶129,112-113, and 108, “syntax information for a block” indicating “coding mode of the block” forwarded to intra-prediction unit 52 indicating “coding mode”) including the prediction mode information (¶129 and 112-113, “coding mode of the block” used to indicate “intra-predictive coding of the received video block”) for each of one or multiple prediction units, (¶129 and 112-113, select “coding mode of the block” used to perform intra-predictive “coding of the received video block relative to one or more neighboring blocks”)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art to combine method of U.S. Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen which includes a hardware and software combination to implement a video/decoder CODEC. This allows for using standards that guarantee generating bitstreams that are standard-compliant.
Le teaches additionally,
generate information of the size of the minimum coding unit; (12:25-39 and Pseudocode SEED, “minimum size called LO_MIN_SIZE” is predetermined for block splitting)
prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit (12:3-11, “rectangle is divided into four sub-rectangles in the manner of a quadtree approach” that correspond to rectangles of a large size)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art at the time of the filing date of the claimed invention to combine US Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen with the image segmentation of Le which checks if the size is the minimum size. This allows for splitting medium and high contrast rectangles.
3. An apparatus for transmitting data for an image, the apparatus comprising:
at least one processor configured to obtain a bitstream for the image, wherein the bitstream is generated based on determining a size of a minimum coding unit, wherein the minimum coding unit represents a smallest coding unit derivable from a largest coding unit based on a quad-tree structure, generating information of the size of the minimum coding unit, deriving a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units, checking whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, determining whether the current coding unit is partitioned into multiple prediction units based on the result of the checking, and encoding image information including the information of the size of the minimum coding unit and prediction mode information for each of one or multiple prediction units; and
a transmitter configured to transmit the data comprising the bitstream,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, the one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit and explicit partition information related to whether the current coding unit is partitioned into the multiple prediction units is generated, and the explicit partition information is included in the image information, and
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit and a prediction mode of the current coding unit being an intra prediction mode, the one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived from the current coding unit and the current coding unit is not partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
11. A non-transitory decoder-readable storage medium storing encoded image information generated by an encoding method comprising:
deriving a size of a minimum coding unit, wherein the minimum coding unit represents a smallest coding unit derivable from a largest coding unit based on a quad-tree structure;
deriving a current coding unit, wherein a coding unit is split into multiple coding units in a current picture, wherein the current coding unit is one of the multiple coding units, wherein an intra prediction is applied on the current coding unit;
checking whether a size of the current coding unit is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit;
deriving one or multiple prediction units from the current coding unit based on the result of the checking; and
encoding image information including information on the size of the minimum coding unit,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, the one or multiple prediction units are derived from the current coding unit and explicit partition information indicating whether the one or multiple prediction units are derived from the current coding unit is generated, and the explicit partition information is included in the image information, and,
wherein based on the size of the current coding unit being different from the size of the minimum coding unit, the one prediction unit of a same size as the current coding unit is derived from the current coding unit and the current coding unit cannot be partitioned into the multiple prediction units.
But would not teach apparatus limitations of the claimed invention,
generating information of the size of the minimum coding unit,
encoding image information including prediction mode information for each of one or multiple prediction units; and
a transmitter configured to transmit the data comprising the bitstream,
the one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit,
However, Chen teaches additionally,
An apparatus for transmitting data for an image, (¶264, “Video encoder 20 may then output the encoded video data (502)”) the apparatus (¶264, “video encoder 20”) comprising:
at least one processor configured to obtain a bitstream for the image, wherein the bitstream is generated (¶264 and fig. 22, “Video encoder 20 may then output the encoded video data (502)” that is a product of “encoded video data of a bitstream (500)” as depicted in fig. 22)
encode image information (¶129,112-113, and 108, “syntax information for a block” indicating “coding mode of the block” forwarded to intra-prediction unit 52 indicating “coding mode”) including the prediction mode information (¶129 and 112-113, “coding mode of the block” used to indicate “intra-predictive coding of the received video block”) for each of one or multiple prediction units, (¶129 and 112-113, select “coding mode of the block” used to perform intra-predictive “coding of the received video block relative to one or more neighboring blocks”)
a transmitter configured to transmit the data comprising the bitstream, (¶264, Video encoder 20 may “output the encoded video data (502), which may be transmitted to and received by video decoder 30 (504)”)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art to combine method of U.S. Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen which includes a hardware and software combination to implement a video/decoder CODEC that can transmit encoded video data of a bitstream. This allows for using standards that guarantee generating bitstreams that are standard-compliant and can be properly decoded.
Le teaches additionally,
generating information of the size of the minimum coding unit, (12:25-39 and Pseudocode SEED, “minimum size called LO_MIN_SIZE” is predetermined for block splitting)
the one or multiple prediction units are derived by partitioning from the current coding unit (12:3-11, “rectangle is divided into four sub-rectangles in the manner of a quadtree approach” that correspond to rectangles of a large size)
It would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art at the time of the filing date of the claimed invention to combine US Patent No. 11895333 with the communication device of Chen with the image segmentation of Le which checks if the size is the minimum size. This allows for splitting medium and high contrast rectangles.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-3 would be allowable once a Terminal Disclaimer is filed, as that would resolve the double patenting issue.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: The claimed invention relates to a process of coding image data by first obtaining information relating to the size of a minimum coding unit, deriving the splitting of a coding unit in a current picture into multiple coding units, checking if the coding unit size is equal to the size of the minimum coding unit, determining partition based on the checked coding unit size to the minimum coding unit, and performing prediction accordingly. The relied upon prior art disclose teaching the block comparison to the minimum coding unit (taught by Le 12:25-39), unit splitting (taught by Le 12:25-39), and the prediction mode information (taught by Chen ¶129 and 112-113) of the claimed invention. However, the combination of prior art do not teach the claimed conditions based on the size of the current coding unit size comparison which results in what explicit partition information is obtained, the derivation of the prediction units, and then have prediction performed on the derived prediction units. The claimed invention also sets out a condition based on the size of the current coding unit size comparison and the prediction mode being intra prediction, which determines a prediction unit size without obtaining explicit partition information that results in no partitioning into multiple prediction units. The prior art of record does not disclose these particular conditions individually or in combination.
Conclusion
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/JOSEPH G USTARIS/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2483
/JIMMY S LEE/
Examiner, Art Unit 2483