DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 07/29/2026 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Response to Amendment
The Amendment filed 06/30/2026 has been entered. Claims 1- 21 are pending in this application.
Claim 17 has been amended. Claim 18 is cancelled. Claim 21 is new.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 06/30/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive
Main Argument (pages 12- 13) under Remarks.
Astola fails to disclose or suggest at least selecting, based on the external luma sample values and the external chroma sample values, one filter shape candidate from a plurality of filter shape candidates for predicting internal chroma sample values of the video block.
…
Further, the Action considers the filter shape to be a prediction configuration. However, Applicant submits that Youvalari fails to disclose or suggest at least selecting, based on the external huma sample values and the external chroma sample values, one filter shape candidate from a plurality of filter shape candidates for predicting internal chroma sample values of the video block.
…
Although the Action considers the filter shape is a prediction configuration, …Thus, Youvalari fails to disclose selecting, based on the external luma sample values and … external chroma sample values, one filter shape candidate from a plurality of filter shape candidates for predicting internal chroma sample values of the video block.
Reply: The Examiner respectfully disagrees.
In response to applicant's arguments against the references individually, one cannot show nonobviousness by attacking references individually where the rejections are based on combinations of references. See In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981); In re Merck & Co., 800 F.2d 1091, 231 USPQ 375 (Fed. Cir. 1986).
The Office Action relies on Astola not Youvalari for the plurality of filter shape candidates corresponding to different coefficient sets. Astola teaches kernels “shaped as a cross or diamond or as any given shape by selecting only a subset of all possible kernel locations” (Astola [0222]). Youvalari is relied upon for the step of selecting one candidate based on the external luma and chroma sample values. The applicant’s assertion that Youvalari does not itself describe filter shapes therefore addresses the reference individually rather than the combination as applied.
As to the Office Action’s characterization of a filter shape as a prediction configuration. Claim 1 defines the candidates as configurations that correspond to different sets of weighting coefficients for predicting chroma sample values based on corresponding luma sample values; therefor under the broadest reasonable interpretation, the prediction configuration is the set of luma sample positions and associated weights used to predict a chroma sample; the filter shape determines which positions are used, and the coefficient set determines their weights.
The Applicant further asserts that Youvalari's parameters are limited to α and β parameter of a CCLM and of a filter shape disclosed in Fig. 16 and Fig. 18 of the present application. However, the embodiments relied upon are “not limited to linear models only” (Youvalari [0216]) and include a model with an additional spatial luma tap “predC(i, j)=α·recL′(i,j)+β+γ·recL′(i−1,j−1), where one additional data dependent term has been added.” (Youvalari [0255]). Youvalari’s parameters therefore define prediction configurations of differing spatial support, and the ground that Youvalari concerns only coefficient values is not supported by the reference as a whole. Youvalari selects among candidate configurations using “the reconstructed samples in the neighborhood of the current block” and “the reconstructed samples and the neighborhood of the co-located block and reference channel,” that is, the external chroma and external luma samples, respectively, treating them “as ground truth dataset in attempts to minimize the error by re-predicting the reconstructed samples and adjusting the CCLM parameters accordingly.” (Youvalari [0215]), and “in response to the second difference being smaller than the first difference, using said cross-component prediction model with the adjusted parameters for predicting the color samples of the current image block unit” (Youvalari [0224]).
Therefore, Youvalari is relied upon for the known technique of selecting among candidate prediction configurations by minimizing prediction error on the external reconstructed samples. The office Action applies Youvalari teaching to Astola’s plurality of filter shape candidates. Youvalari’s neighborhood error selection “enables to achieve an improved correlation between the luma and chroma channels” (Youvalari [0215]) and improves the quality of the output video before passing it for display (Youvalari [0086]).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
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.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claims 1- 2, 4-6, 9- 17, and 19- 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pekka Astola (US 20250227239 A1) (hereinafter Astola) in view of Ramin Ghaznavi Youvalari (US 20240292005 A1) (hereinafter Youvalari) further in view of Kai Zhang (US 20210092396 A1) (hereinafter Zhang):
Regarding Claim 1, Astola teaches a method for decoding video data (video decoding and encoding method [0001]), comprising:
obtaining external chroma sample values of the external region (obtain chroma samples from a reference are outside the block [0214], [0217]);
a plurality of filter shape candidates (multiple alternative filter shapes are available as candidate [0259], [0261]) … for predicting internal chroma sample values of the video block (the candidate is used to predict samples inside the current block [0273]),
wherein the plurality of filter shape candidates correspond to different sets of weighting coefficients for predicting chroma sample values based on corresponding luma sample values (each candidate filter shape has its own corresponding coefficient set that weights luma values to predict chroma [0007], [0010], [0214]);
predicting, with the selected filter shape candidate, the internal chroma sample values based on the internal luma sample values (the candidate is used to predict samples inside the current block [0273]).
Astola does not explicitly teach the following limitations; however, in an analogous art, Youvalari teaches selecting, based on the external luma sample values and the external chroma sample values, one filter shape candidate (select one predictor configured based on neighboring reconstructed luma/chroma sample performance Note: the filter shape is a prediction configuration [0006], [0007], [0215], [0224]).
It would have been obvious to the person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus and method of video coding and decoding as disclosed by Astola to add the teachings of Youvalari as disclosed above to improve the image quality. (Youvalari [0086]).
Youvalari does not explicitly teach the following limitations; however, in an analogous art, Zhang
obtaining a video block from a bitstream (receive a bitstream representation of the current block and process it to generate the current block [0011], [0391], [0393]);
internal luma sample values of the video block (obtaining luma samples inside the current luma block corresponding to the chroma block [0007], [0009]), external luma sample values of an external region of the video block (obtain luma samples outside the current block [0007], [0009]);
obtaining decoded video block using the predicted internal chroma sample values (using the predicted chroma samples to obtain the decoded current block [0007], [0011]).
It would have been obvious to the person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus and method of video coding and decoding as disclosed by Astola in view of Youvalari to add the teachings of Zhang as disclosed above to improve the compression efficiency (Zhang [0046]).
Regarding Claim 2, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the method of claim 1. Astola further teaches determining the plurality of filter shape candidates for predicting the internal chroma sample values (determining the filter kernel choice data by adaptive decision, the multiple alternative filter shapes are candidate shape. The determined filter shape/coefficient candidates are used for predicting chroma samples inside the current block [0258]- [0261], [0223], [0273]).
Regarding Claim 4, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the method of claim 1. Astola further teaches applying each of the sets of weighting coefficients for the plurality of filter shape candidates to the external region respectively, to predict chroma sample values in the external region based on corresponding luma sample values for the chroma sample values in the external region (multiple candidate coefficient sets are each applied to the reference area samples. And the external region chroma samples are predicted from corresponding samples using the candidate coefficient [0007], [0273], [0274], [0214], [0217], [0223]);
accumulating, for each of the plurality of filter shape candidates respectively, errors between the predicted chroma sample values and corresponding external chroma sample values in the external region (for each candidate, compute an aggregated prediction error/cost over the external reference area samples [0273]- [0274]); and
selecting one filter shape candidate from the plurality of filter shape candidates based on the accumulated errors for predicting the internal chroma sample values (the candidate producing the smallest cost on the reference area test is selected and used [0273]- [0274]).
Regarding Claim 5, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the method of claim 4. Astola further teaches applying each of the plurality of filter shape candidates to the external region respectively (the candidate filter shapes are used over the reference area/ external region [0217]- [0219], [0234]) to derive a set of weighting coefficients corresponding to each of the plurality of filter shape candidates (a candidate filter shape has corresponding derived set of filter/ weighting coefficients [0218]- [0220], [0235]) based on external luma sample values and corresponding external chroma sample values in the external region (the coefficient derivation uses the external region/ reference area luma values and the corresponding external region chroma values [0217]- [0220]).
Regarding Claim 6, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the method of claim 1. Astola further teaches applying each of the plurality of filter shape candidates to … the external region respectively (the candidate filter shapes are used over the reference area/ external region [0217]- [0219], [0234]) to derive a set of weighting coefficients corresponding to each of the plurality of filter shape candidates (a candidate filter shape has corresponding derived set of filter/ weighting coefficients [0218]- [0220], [0235]) based on external luma sample values and corresponding external chroma sample values … in the external region (the coefficient derivation uses the external region/ reference area luma values and the corresponding external region chroma values [0217]- [0220]).
applying each of the derived sets of weighting coefficients for the plurality of filter shape candidates to … the external region respectively (multiple derived coefficient/weight sets are applied to reference area samples [0273]- [0274]), to predict chroma sample values in the … external region based on corresponding luma sample values for the chroma sample values in … the external region (multiple candidate coefficient sets are each applied to the reference area samples. And the external region chroma samples are predicted from corresponding samples using the candidate coefficient [0007], [0273], [0274], [0214], [0217], [0223]);
accumulating, for each of the plurality of filter shape candidates respectively (evaluation is performed across different candidate coefficient/weight sets [0274]) and
selecting one filter shape candidate from the plurality of filter shape candidates based on the accumulated errors for predicting the internal chroma sample values (select the best candidate by external region cost, then use it to predict samples inside the block [0273]- [0274]).
Astola does not explicitly teach the following limitations; however, in an analogous art, Youvalari teaches dividing the external region into two or more parts (the neighboring external region is partitioned into at least two part, an immediate neighboring part and a further away part [0261]- [0262]);
a first part of the external region (the neighboring external region is partitioned into at least two part, an immediate neighboring part and a further away part [0261]- [0262]);
a second part of the external region (the neighboring external region is partitioned into at least two part, an immediate neighboring part and a further away part [0261]- [0262]);
errors between the predicted chroma sample values and corresponding external chroma sample values in the external region (compute the error on second part predicated neighboring chroma values verses corresponding reconstructed neighboring chroma values [0022], [0262]);
It would have been obvious to the person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus and method of video coding and decoding as disclosed by Astola to add the teachings of Youvalari as disclosed above to improve the image quality. (Youvalari [0086]).
Regarding Claim 9, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the method of claim 4. Youvalari further teaches accumulating the errors by Sum of Absolute Difference (SAD), Sum of Squared Difference (SSD), or Sum of Absolute Transformed Difference (SATD) (Sum of Absolute Difference is used for error determination [0222]).
It would have been obvious to the person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus and method of video coding and decoding as disclosed by Astola to add the teachings of Youvalari as disclosed above to improve the image quality. (Youvalari [0086]).
Regarding Claim 10, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the method of claim 4. Astola further teaches selecting one filter shape candidate from the plurality of filter shape candidates with the smallest accumulated error for predicting the internal chroma sample values (the smallest error candidate is used to predict the current block’s internal chroma [0259]- [0261], [0272]- [0273], [0213]- [0214]).
Regarding Claim 11, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the method of claim 4. Astola further teaches sorting and selecting two or more filter shape candidates from the plurality of filter shape candidates with the smallest errors(the two smallest values of the samples are determined and used from smallest to largest [0178], the candidate producing the smallest cost on the reference area test is selected and used [0273]- [0274] Note: determining the smallest cost, requires sorting and comparison of the cost).; and
selecting one filter shape candidate from the two or more filter shape candidates based on a received signal indicating an applied filter shape candidate for predicting the internal chroma sample values (the candidate producing the smallest cost on the reference area test is selected and used [0273]- [0274]).
Regarding Claim 12, Astola teaches A computer system, comprising:
one or more processors ([0304] processor); and
one or more storage devices storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors (memory that stores code that gives instructions to the processor [0304]) to:
obtain external chroma sample values of the external region (obtain chroma samples from a reference are outside the block [0214], [0217]);
a plurality of filter shape candidates (multiple alternative filter shapes are available as candidate [0259], [0261]) … for predicting internal chroma sample values of the video block (the candidate is used to predict samples inside the current block [0273]),
wherein the plurality of filter shape candidates correspond to different sets of weighting coefficients for predicting chroma sample values based on corresponding luma sample values (each candidate filter shape has its own corresponding coefficient set that weights luma values to predict chroma [0007], [0010], [0214]);
predict, with the selected filter shape candidate, the internal chroma sample values based on the internal luma sample values (the candidate is used to predict samples inside the current block [0273]).
Astola does not explicitly teach the following limitations; however, in an analogous art, Youvalari teaches select, based on the external luma sample values and the external chroma sample values, one filter shape candidate (select one predictor configured based on neighboring reconstructed luma/chroma sample performance Note: the filter shape is a prediction configuration [0006], [0007], [0215], [0224]).
It would have been obvious to the person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus and method of video coding and decoding as disclosed by Astola to add the teachings of Youvalari as disclosed above to improve the image quality. (Youvalari [0086]).
Youvalari does not explicitly teach the following limitations; however, in an analogous art, Zhang
obtaining a video block from a bitstream (receive a bitstream representation of the current block and process it to generate the current block [0011], [0391], [0393]);
obtain internal luma sample values of the video block (obtaining luma samples inside the current luma block corresponding to the chroma block [0007], [0009]), external luma sample values of an external region of the video block (obtain luma samples outside the current block [0007], [0009]);
obtain decoded video block using the predicted internal chroma sample values (using the predicted chroma samples to obtain the decoded current block [0007], [0011]).
It would have been obvious to the person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus and method of video coding and decoding as disclosed by Astola in view of Youvalari to add the teachings of Zhang as disclosed above to improve the compression efficiency (Zhang [0046]).
Regarding Claim 13, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the computer system of claim 12. Astola further teaches determine the plurality of filter shape candidates for predicting the internal chroma sample values (determining the filter kernel choice data by adaptive decision, the multiple alternative filter shapes are candidate shape. The determined filter shape/coefficient candidates are used for predicting chroma samples inside the current block [0258]- [0261], [0223], [0273]).
Regarding Claim 14, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the computer system of claim 12. Astola further teaches applying each of the sets of weighting coefficients for the plurality of filter shape candidates to the external region respectively, to predict chroma sample values in the external region based on corresponding luma sample values for the chroma sample values in the external region (multiple candidate coefficient sets are each applied to the reference area samples. And the external region chroma samples are predicted from corresponding samples using the candidate coefficient [0007], [0273], [0274], [0214], [0217], [0223]);
accumulating, for each of the plurality of filter shape candidates respectively, errors between the predicted chroma sample values and corresponding external chroma sample values in the external region (for each candidate, compute an aggregated prediction error/cost over the external reference area samples [0273]- [0274]); and
selecting one filter shape candidate from the plurality of filter shape candidates based on the accumulated errors for predicting the internal chroma sample values (the candidate producing the smallest cost on the reference area test is selected and used [0273]- [0274]).
Regarding Claim 15, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the computer system of claim 14. Astola further teaches apply each of the plurality of filter shape candidates to the external region respectively (the candidate filter shapes are used over the reference area/ external region [0217]- [0219], [0234]) to derive a set of weighting coefficients corresponding to each of the plurality of filter shape candidates (a candidate filter shape has corresponding derived set of filter/ weighting coefficients [0218]- [0220], [0235]) based on external luma sample values and corresponding external chroma sample values in the external region (the coefficient derivation uses the external region/ reference area luma values and the corresponding external region chroma values [0217]- [0220]).
Regarding Claim 16, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the computer system of claim 12. Astola further teaches applying each of the plurality of filter shape candidates to … the external region respectively (the candidate filter shapes are used over the reference area/ external region [0217]- [0219], [0234]) to derive a set of weighting coefficients corresponding to each of the plurality of filter shape candidates (a candidate filter shape has corresponding derived set of filter/ weighting coefficients [0218]- [0220], [0235]) based on external luma sample values and corresponding external chroma sample values … in the external region (the coefficient derivation uses the external region/ reference area luma values and the corresponding external region chroma values [0217]- [0220]).
applying each of the derived sets of weighting coefficients for the plurality of filter shape candidates to … the external region respectively (multiple derived coefficient/weight sets are applied to reference area samples [0273]- [0274]), to predict chroma sample values in the … external region based on corresponding luma sample values for the chroma sample values in … the external region (multiple candidate coefficient sets are each applied to the reference area samples. And the external region chroma samples are predicted from corresponding samples using the candidate coefficient [0007], [0273], [0274], [0214], [0217], [0223]);
accumulating, for each of the plurality of filter shape candidates respectively (evaluation is performed across different candidate coefficient/weight sets [0274]) and
selecting one filter shape candidate from the plurality of filter shape candidates based on the accumulated errors for predicting the internal chroma sample values (select the best candidate by external region cost, then use it to predict samples inside the block [0273]- [0274]).
Astola does not explicitly teach the following limitations; however, in an analogous art, Youvalari teaches dividing the external region into two or more parts (the neighboring external region is partitioned into at least two part, an immediate neighboring part and a further away part [0261]- [0262]);
a first part of the external region (the neighboring external region is partitioned into at least two part, an immediate neighboring part and a further away part [0261]- [0262]);
a second part of the external region (the neighboring external region is partitioned into at least two part, an immediate neighboring part and a further away part [0261]- [0262]);
errors between the predicted chroma sample values and corresponding external chroma sample values in the external region (compute the error on second part predicated neighboring chroma values verses corresponding reconstructed neighboring chroma values [0022], [0262]);
It would have been obvious to the person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus and method of video coding and decoding as disclosed by Astola to add the teachings of Youvalari as disclosed above to improve the image quality. (Youvalari [0086]).
Regarding Claim 17, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the computer system of claim 14. Astola further teaches selecting one filter shape candidate from the plurality of filter shape candidates with the smallest accumulated error for predicting the internal chroma sample values (the smallest error candidate is used to predict the current block’s internal chroma [0259]- [0261], [0272]- [0273], [0213]- [0214]), or
Wherein selecting one filter shape candidate from the plurality of filter shape candidates based on the accumulated errors for predicting the internal chroma sample values includes:
sorting and selecting two or more filter shape candidates from the plurality of filter shape candidates with the smallest errors (the two smallest values of the samples are determined and used from smallest to largest [0178], the candidate producing the smallest cost on the reference area test is selected and used [0273]- [0274] Note: determining the smallest cost, requires sorting and comparison of the cost).; and
selecting one filter shape candidate from the two or more filter shape candidates based on a received signal indicating an applied filter shape candidate for predicting the internal chroma sample values (the candidate producing the smallest cost on the reference area test is selected and used [0273]- [0274]).
Regarding Claim 19, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the method of claim 1. Astola further teaches a computer readable storage medium storing a bitstream to be decoded by the method for decoding video data according to claim 1 (the encoder stores the data into the bitstream, and the decoder parses the bitstream and decodes the video data [0307]; memory that stores code that gives instructions to the processor [0304]).
Regarding Claim 20, Astola teaches a method for storing a bitstream, comprising
obtaining external chroma sample values of the external region (obtain chroma samples from a reference are outside the block [0214], [0217]);
a plurality of filter shape candidates (multiple alternative filter shapes are available as candidate [0259], [0261]) … for predicting internal chroma sample values of the video block (the candidate is used to predict samples inside the current block [0273]),
wherein the plurality of filter shape candidates correspond to different sets of weighting coefficients for predicting chroma sample values based on corresponding luma sample values (each candidate filter shape has its own corresponding coefficient set that weights luma values to predict chroma [0007], [0010], [0214]);
predicting, with the selected filter shape candidate, the internal chroma sample values based on the internal luma sample values (the candidate is used to predict samples inside the current block [0273]).
Astola does not explicitly teach the following limitations; however, in an analogous art, Youvalari teaches selecting, based on the external luma sample values and the external chroma sample values, one filter shape candidate (select one predictor configured based on neighboring reconstructed luma/chroma sample performance Note: the filter shape is a prediction configuration [0006], [0007], [0215], [0224]).
It would have been obvious to the person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus and method of video coding and decoding as disclosed by Astola to add the teachings of Youvalari as disclosed above to improve the image quality. (Youvalari [0086]).
Youvalari does not explicitly teach the following limitations; however, in an analogous art, Zhang performing an encoding method to generate a bitstream (encoding to generate the bitstream [0651]); and
storing the bitstream on a computer readable storage medium (storing the bitstream on memory (0651)),
wherein the encoding method comprises:
obtaining a video block (receive a bitstream representation of the current block and process it to generate the current block [0011], [0391], [0393]);
internal luma sample values of the video block (obtaining luma samples inside the current luma block corresponding to the chroma block [0007], [0009]), external luma sample values of an external region of the video block (obtain luma samples outside the current block [0007], [0009]);
generating a bitstream comprising encoded video block by using the predicted internal chroma sample values (using the predicted chroma samples to obtain the decoded current block, the encoder generates the bitstream from the decoded video data [0007], [0011], [0651]).
It would have been obvious to the person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus and method of video coding and decoding as disclosed by Astola in view of Youvalari to add the teachings of Zhang as disclosed above to improve the compression efficiency (Zhang [0046]).
Claim 3 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pekka Astola (US 20250227239 A1) (hereinafter Astola) in view of Ramin Ghaznavi Youvalari (US 20240292005 A1) (hereinafter Youvalari) further in view of Kai Zhang (US 20210092396 A1) (hereinafter Zhang) further in view of Jing Ye (US 20200045322 A1) (hereinafter Ye):
Regarding Claim 3, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the method of claim 1; however, do not explicitly teach the plurality of filter shape candidates comprise at least one gradient filter candidate enabling calculation of sample differences between luma sample values.
However, in an analogous art, Ye teaches the plurality of filter shape candidates comprise at least one gradient filter candidate enabling calculation of sample differences between luma sample values (gradient filter that uses sample differences [0010]- [0012], [0014]).
It would have been obvious to the person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus and method of video coding and decoding as disclosed by Astola in view of Youvalari, and Zhang to add the teachings of Ye as disclosed above to improve the quality of predictions (Ye [0011]).
Claim 7 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pekka Astola (US 20250227239 A1) (hereinafter Astola) in view of Ramin Ghaznavi Youvalari (US 20240292005 A1) (hereinafter Youvalari) further in view of Kai Zhang (US 20210092396 A1) (hereinafter Zhang) further in view of Li Zhang (US 20200382769 A1) (hereinafter Li):
Regarding Claim 7, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the method of claim 6; however, do not explicitly teach wherein the first part of the external region includes even-numbered rows or columns of the external region, and the second part of the external region includes remaining odd-numbered rows or columns of the external region.
However, in an analogous art, Li teaches wherein the first part of the external region includes even-numbered rows or columns of the external region (a first group that is based on their location using modulo 2. Note: Modulo 2 determines if the position is even or odd [0266]- [0270], [0174]- [0177]), and the second part of the external region includes remaining odd-numbered rows or columns of the external region (a second group that is based on their location using modulo 2. And it is not in group one that is even. Note: Modulo 2 determines if the position is even or odd [0266]- [0270], [0174]- [0177]).
It would have been obvious to the person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus and method of video coding and decoding as disclosed by Astola in view of Youvalari, and Zhang to add the teachings of Li as disclosed above to improve coding efficiency (Li [0040]).
Claim 8 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pekka Astola (US 20250227239 A1) (hereinafter Astola) in view of Ramin Ghaznavi Youvalari (US 20240292005 A1) (hereinafter Youvalari) further in view of Kai Zhang (US 20210092396 A1) (hereinafter Zhang) further in view of Chen-Yen Lai (US 20180359486 A1) (hereinafter Lai):
Regarding Claim 8, Astola in view of Youvalari, Zhang, and Li teach the method of claim 6; however, do not explicitly teach the first part of the external region and the second part of the external region are interleaved parts of the external region.
However, in an analogous art, Lai teaches the first part of the external region, and the second part of the external region are interleaved parts of the external region (the first group and the second group are interleaved with each other [0011]- [0013], [0121]), [0123]).
It would have been obvious to the person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus and method of video coding and decoding as disclosed by Astola in view of Youvalari, and Zhang to add the teachings of Lai as disclosed above to improve the filter performance (Lai [0037]).
Claim 21 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Pekka Astola (US 20250227239 A1) (hereinafter Astola) in view of Ramin Ghaznavi Youvalari (US 20240292005 A1) (hereinafter Youvalari) further in view of Kai Zhang (US 20210092396 A1) (hereinafter Zhang) further in view of Xin Zhao (US 20200296382 A1) (hereinafter Zhao):
Regarding Claim 21, Astola in view of Youvalari and Zhang teach the method of claim 1; however, do not explicitly wherein the chroma format of the video block is 4:4:4.
However, in an analogous art, Zhao teaches the chroma format of the video block is 4:4:4 (4:4:4 chroma format [0072]).
It would have been obvious to the person having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the apparatus and method of video coding and decoding as disclosed by Astola in view of Youvalari, and Zhang to add the teachings of Zhao as disclosed above to improve the encoding and decoding operations (Zhao [0063]).
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MAHMOUD KAMAL ABOUZAHRA whose telephone number is (703)756-1694. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
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, Jamie Atala can be reached at (571) 272-7384. 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.
/MAHMOUD KAMAL ABOUZAHRA/Examiner, Art Unit 2486
/JAMIE J ATALA/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2486
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