Prosecution Insights
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Application No. 19/056,406

METHOD AND APPARATUS OF ENCODING/DECODING IMAGE DATA BASED ON TREE STRUCTURE-BASED BLOCK DIVISION

Non-Final OA §102§112§DP
Filed
Feb 18, 2025
Priority
Oct 04, 2016 — RE 10-2016-0127890 +10 more
Examiner
CATTUNGAL, ROWINA J
Art Unit
2425
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
B1 Institute of Image Technology Inc.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
75%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
1y 0m
Est. Remaining
89%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 75% — above average
75%
Career Allowance Rate
401 granted / 532 resolved
+17.4% vs TC avg
Moderate +13% lift
Without
With
+13.4%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 5m
Avg Prosecution
27 currently pending
Career history
567
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.6%
-39.4% vs TC avg
§103
89.2%
+49.2% vs TC avg
§102
3.1%
-36.9% vs TC avg
§112
0.5%
-39.5% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 532 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §112 §DP
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . This office action is in response to application filed 02/18/2025 in which the claims 1-5 are pending. 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 1-5 are provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1-5 of copending Application No. 19/056,424 (reference application). Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because instant claim 1 is anticipated by the conflicting patented claim 1. The difference between the instant examined claim and the conflicting patented claim is that the conflicting patented claim is narrower in scope and falls within the scope of the examined claim. This is a provisional nonstatutory double patenting rejection because the patentably indistinct claims have not in fact been patented. Instant application: 19/056,406 Co-pending Application No. 19/056,424 1. A method of decoding an image with a decoding apparatus, comprising: obtaining syntax elements for the image from a bitstream; generating a prediction block and a residual block by decoding the syntax elements; reconstructing the image based on the prediction block and the residual block; and performing a post image processing on the reconstructed image based on post image processing information included in the bitstream, wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. 1. A method of decoding an image with a decoding apparatus, comprising: obtaining syntax elements for the image from a bitstream; generating a prediction block and a residual block by decoding the syntax elements; reconstructing the image based on the prediction block and the residual block; and performing a post image processing on the reconstructed image based on post image processing information included in the bitstream, wherein the syntax elements are decoded using a context based coding, wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the post image processing information is a SEI message 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the post image processing information is a SEI message. 3. A method of encoding an image with an encoding apparatus, comprising: generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image; obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block; encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream; and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream, wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image, the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block, and wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. 3. A method of encoding an image with an encoding apparatus, comprising: generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image; obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block; encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream; and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream, wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image, the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block, and wherein the syntax elements are encoded using a context based coding, wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image 4. A computer readable recoding medium storing a bitstream which is generated by a method of encoding an image, the method of encoding comprises: generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image; obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block; encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream; and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream, wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image, the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block, and wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. 4. A computer readable recoding medium storing a bitstream which is generated by a method of encoding an image, the method of encoding comprises: generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image; obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block; encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream; and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream, wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image, the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block, and wherein the syntax elements are encoded using a context based coding,, wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. 5. A method of transmitting a bitstream which is generated by a method of encoding an image, the method of encoding comprises: generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image; obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block; encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream; and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream, wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image, the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block, and wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. 5. A method of transmitting a bitstream which is generated by a method of encoding an image, the method of encoding comprises: generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image; obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block; encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream; and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream, wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image, the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block, and wherein the syntax elements are encoded using a context based coding, wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. Claims 1-5 are provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1-5 of copending Application No. 19/056,432 (reference application). Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because instant claim 1 is anticipated by the conflicting patented claim 1. The difference between the instant examined claim and the conflicting patented claim is that the conflicting patented claim is narrower in scope and falls within the scope of the examined claim. This is a provisional nonstatutory double patenting rejection because the patentably indistinct claims have not in fact been patented. Instant application: 19/056,406 Copending Application No. 19/056,424 1. A method of decoding an image with a decoding apparatus, comprising: obtaining syntax elements for the image from a bitstream; generating a prediction block and a residual block by decoding the syntax elements; reconstructing the image based on the prediction block and the residual block; and performing a post image processing on the reconstructed image based on post image processing information included in the bitstream, wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. 1. A method of decoding an image with a decoding apparatus, comprising: obtaining syntax elements for the image from a bitstream; generating a prediction block and a residual block by decoding the syntax elements; reconstructing the image based on the prediction block and the residual block; and performing a post image processing on the reconstructed image based on post image processing information included in the bitstream, wherein the prediction block is added to the residual block corresponding to each other, wherein the syntax elements are decoded using a context based coding, wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the post image processing information is a SEI message 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the post image processing information is a SEI message. 3. A method of encoding an image with an encoding apparatus, comprising: generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image; obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block; encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream; and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream, wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image, the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block, and wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. 3. A method of encoding an image with an encoding apparatus, comprising: generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image; obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block; encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream; and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream, wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image, the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block, and wherein the prediction block is added to the residual block corresponding to each other, wherein the syntax elements are encoded using a context based coding, wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. 4. A computer readable recoding medium storing a bitstream which is generated by a method of encoding an image, the method of encoding comprises: generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image; obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block; encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream; and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream, wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image, the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block, and wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. 4. A computer readable recoding medium storing a bitstream which is generated by a method of encoding an image, the method of encoding comprises: generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image; obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block; encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream; and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream, wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image, the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block, and wherein the prediction block is added to the residual block corresponding to each other, wherein the syntax elements are encoded using a context based coding, wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. 5. A method of transmitting a bitstream which is generated by a method of encoding an image, the method of encoding comprises: generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image; obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block; encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream; and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream, wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image, the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block, and wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. 5. A method of transmitting a bitstream which is generated by a method of encoding an image, the method of encoding comprises: generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image; obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block; encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream; and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream, wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image, the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block, and wherein the prediction block is added to the residual block corresponding to each other, wherein the syntax elements are encoded using a context based coding, wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image, wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 6. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b): (b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph: The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention. 7. Claim 5 is vague because it is directed to a method of transmitting a bitstream that only comprises a process for encoding the bitstream and does not contain any specific step(s) of transmitting the bitstream. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 8. 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. 9. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. 10. Claim 4 is rejected under 35 U.S.C 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Hannuksela et al. (US 2017/0085917 A1). Claim 4’s recitation of “a bit stream generated by a method, the method comprising…” is a product by process claim limitation where the product is the bit stream and the process is the method steps to generate the bitstream. MPEP §2113 recites “Product-by-Process claims are not limited to the manipulations of the recited steps, only the structure implied by the steps”. Thus, the scope of the claim is the storage medium storing the bitstream (with the structure implied by the method steps). The structure includes generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image and encoding post image processing information etc. manipulated by the steps. To be given patentable weight, computer readable medium and the bitstream (i.e. descriptive material) must be in a functional relationship. A functional relationship can be found where the descriptive material performs some function with respect to the computer readable medium to which it is associated. See MPEP §2111.05(I)(A). When a claimed “computer-readable medium merely serves as a support for the information data (i.e. generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image and encoding post image processing information), no functional relationship exists”. MPEP §2111.05(III). The storage medium storing the claimed bitstream in claim 5 merely services as a support for the storage of the bitstream and provides no functional relationship between the stored bitstream and storage medium. Therefore the structure bitstream, which scope is implied by the method steps, is non-functional descriptive material and given no patentable weight. MPEP §2111.05(III). Thus, the claim scope is just a storage medium storing data and is anticipated by Hannuksela et al. (para[0249] teaches coded data bitstreams storage). 11. Claims 1-5 are rejected under 35 U.S.C 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Hannuksela et al. (US 2017/0085917 A1). Regarding claim 1, Hannuksela discloses a method of decoding an image with a decoding apparatus (FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a video decoder), comprising: obtaining syntax elements for the image from a bitstream (para[0365 code syntax elements (SEs). SEs are the information that describe how a video has been encoded and how it should be decoded, para[0388] teaches decoder may decode from the bitstream one or more syntax elements); generating a prediction block and a residual block by decoding the syntax elements (para[0159] & Fig. 5 teaches video decoder with prediction error decoding and pixel prediction; Para[0365] teaches SEs are typically defined for all the prediction methods (e.g. CU/PU/TU partition, prediction type, intra prediction mode, motion vectors, and etc.) and prediction error (residual) coding information (e.g. residual skip/split, transform skip/split, coefficient_last_x, coefficient_last_y, significant_coefficient, and etc.);; reconstructing the image based on the prediction block and the residual block (para[0159] & Fig. 5 teaches P′ n: Predicted representation of an image block; D′n: Reconstructed prediction error signal; I′ n: Preliminary reconstructed image; R′ n: Final reconstructed image, Para[0031] teaches prediction of the samples of the border region, reconstruction of the samples of the border region, obtaining a prediction block for intra prediction based on the one or more sample values); and performing a post image processing on the reconstructed image based on post image processing information included in the bitstream (para[0266], [0376] & Figs.8 teaches extending the reference picture to be larger (in width and/or height) compared to the coded picture. para[0318] teaches when both scale factors are less than 1, a pre-defined downsampling process may be inferred; and when both scale factors are greater than 1, a pre-defined upsampling process may be inferred. Para[0330] –[0331] teaches reconstructed/decoded base-layer picture may be upsampled prior to its insertion into the reference picture lists for an enhancement-layer picture. para[0362] & Fig. 10 teaches scaled/upsampled base layer 1010. Para[0401] & Fig. 13 teaches upsampling at least a part of the 360-degree panoramic source picture, Para[0421] teaches decoder decodes from the bitstream whether sample locations outside a picture boundary and/or parameters associated to locations outside a picture boundary), wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image (para[0329] teaches In the resampling process of SHVC, the source picture for inter-layer prediction may be cropped, upsampled and/or padded to obtain an ILR picture. The relative position of the upsampled source picture for inter-layer prediction to the enhancement layer picture is indicated through so-called reference layer location offsets), wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image (para[0266], [0376] & Figs.8 teaches extending the reference picture to be larger (in width and/or height) compared to the coded picture), determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation (para[0318] teaches Inter-layer sample prediction may be comprise resampling of the sample array(s) of the source picture for inter-layer prediction. The encoder and/or the decoder may derive a horizontal scale factor (e.g. stored in variable ScaleFactorHor) and a vertical scale factor (e.g. stored in variable ScaleFactorVer) for a pair of an enhancement layer and its reference layer for example based on the reference layer location offsets for the pair) and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image (para[0329] teaches In the resampling process of SHVC, the source picture for inter-layer prediction may be cropped, upsampled and/or padded to obtain an ILR picture. The relative position of the upsampled source picture for inter-layer prediction to the enhancement layer picture is indicated through so-called reference layer location offsets). Regarding claim 2, Hannuksela discloses wherein the method of claim 1, wherein the post image processing information is a SEI message (Para[0225] teaches SEI messages are signaled, Para[0752], [0753] teaches encoded information may be included in any type of parameter set). Regarding claim 3, Hannuksela discloses a method of encoding an image with an encoding apparatus (Para[0159] & Fig. 4), comprising: generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image (Para[0159] & Fig. 4 teaches where In: Image to be encoded; P′n: Predicted representation of an image block; Dn: Prediction error signal; D′n: Reconstructed prediction error signal); obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block (para[0365] teaches SEs are typically defined for all the prediction methods (e.g. CU/PU/TU partition, prediction type, intra prediction mode, motion vectors, and etc.) and prediction error (residual) coding information (e.g. residual skip/split, transform skip/split, coefficient_last_x, coefficient_last_y, significant_coefficient, and etc.); encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream (Para[220]-[0221] teaches coding with syntax structure may be defined as zero or more syntax elements present together in the bitstream, para[0365 teaches context-based Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding (CAB AC), a type of entropy coder, is a lossless compression tool to code syntax elements (SEs). SEs are the information that describe how a video has been encoded and how it should be decoded); and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream (para[0266], [0376] & Figs.8 teaches extending the reference picture to be larger (in width and/or height) compared to the coded picture. para[0266], [0376] & Figs.8 teaches extending the reference picture to be larger (in width and/or height) compared to the coded picture. para[0318] teaches when both scale factors are less than 1, a pre-defined downsampling process may be inferred; and when both scale factors are greater than 1, a pre-defined upsampling process may be inferred. Para[0330] –[0331] teaches reconstructed/decoded base-layer picture may be upsampled prior to its insertion into the reference picture lists for an enhancement-layer picture. para[0362] & Fig. 10 teaches scaled/upsampled base layer 1010. Para[0401] & Fig. 13 teaches upsampling at least a part of the 360-degree panoramic source picture, Para[0421] teaches decoder decodes from the bitstream whether sample locations outside a picture boundary and/or parameters associated to locations outside a picture boundary), wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image, the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block (para[0159] & Fig. 4 teaches R′ n: Final reconstructed image, Para[0422] & Fig. 14 teaches method comprises coding or decoding samples of a border region of a 360-degree panoramic picture; said coding or decoding utilizing one or more sample values of an opposite side border region and/or one or more variable values associated with one or more blocks of the opposite side border region in the prediction and/or reconstruction of the samples of the border region, wherein said prediction and/or reconstruction), and wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image (para[0329] teaches In the resampling process of SHVC, the source picture for inter-layer prediction may be cropped, upsampled and/or padded to obtain an ILR picture. The relative position of the upsampled source picture for inter-layer prediction to the enhancement layer picture is indicated through so-called reference layer location offsets), wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image (para[0266], [0376] & Figs.8 teaches extending the reference picture to be larger (in width and/or height) compared to the coded picture. para[0266], [0376] & Figs.8 teaches extending the reference picture to be larger (in width and/or height) compared to the coded picture. para[0318] teaches when both scale factors are less than 1, a pre-defined downsampling process may be inferred; and when both scale factors are greater than 1, a pre-defined upsampling process may be inferred), determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image (para[0329] teaches In the resampling process of SHVC, the source picture for inter-layer prediction may be cropped, upsampled and/or padded to obtain an ILR picture. The relative position of the upsampled source picture for inter-layer prediction to the enhancement layer picture is indicated through so-called reference layer location offsets). Regarding claim 4, Hannuksela discloses a computer readable recoding medium storing a bitstream which is generated by a method of encoding an image (Fig.4), the method of encoding comprises (para[0115 computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium bearing computer program code embodied therein for use with a computer): generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image (Para[0159] & Fig. 4 teaches where In: Image to be encoded; P′n: Predicted representation of an image block; Dn: Prediction error signal; D′n: Reconstructed prediction error signal); obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block (para[0365] teaches SEs are typically defined for all the prediction methods (e.g. CU/PU/TU partition, prediction type, intra prediction mode, motion vectors, and etc.) and prediction error (residual) coding information (e.g. residual skip/split, transform skip/split, coefficient_last_x, coefficient_last_y, significant_coefficient, and etc.); encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream (Para[220]-[0221] teaches coding with syntax structure may be defined as zero or more syntax elements present together in the bitstream, para[0365 teaches context-based Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding (CAB AC), a type of entropy coder, is a lossless compression tool to code syntax elements (SEs). SEs are the information that describe how a video has been encoded and how it should be decoded); and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream (para[0266], [0376] & Figs.8 teaches extending the reference picture to be larger (in width and/or height) compared to the coded picture. para[0266], [0376] & Figs.8 teaches extending the reference picture to be larger (in width and/or height) compared to the coded picture. para[0318] teaches when both scale factors are less than 1, a pre-defined downsampling process may be inferred; and when both scale factors are greater than 1, a pre-defined upsampling process may be inferred. Para[0330] –[0331] teaches reconstructed/decoded base-layer picture may be upsampled prior to its insertion into the reference picture lists for an enhancement-layer picture. para[0362] & Fig. 10 teaches scaled/upsampled base layer 1010. Para[0401] & Fig. 13 teaches upsampling at least a part of the 360-degree panoramic source picture, Para[0421] teaches decoder decodes from the bitstream whether sample locations outside a picture boundary and/or parameters associated to locations outside a picture boundary), wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image, the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block (para[0159] & Fig. 4 teaches R′ n: Final reconstructed image, Para[0422] & Fig. 14 teaches method comprises coding or decoding samples of a border region of a 360-degree panoramic picture; said coding or decoding utilizing one or more sample values of an opposite side border region and/or one or more variable values associated with one or more blocks of the opposite side border region in the prediction and/or reconstruction of the samples of the border region, wherein said prediction and/or reconstruction), and wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image (para[0329] teaches In the resampling process of SHVC, the source picture for inter-layer prediction may be cropped, upsampled and/or padded to obtain an ILR picture. The relative position of the upsampled source picture for inter-layer prediction to the enhancement layer picture is indicated through so-called reference layer location offsets), wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image (para[0266], [0376] & Figs.8 teaches extending the reference picture to be larger (in width and/or height) compared to the coded picture. para[0266], [0376] & Figs.8 teaches extending the reference picture to be larger (in width and/or height) compared to the coded picture. para[0318] teaches when both scale factors are less than 1, a pre-defined downsampling process may be inferred; and when both scale factors are greater than 1, a pre-defined upsampling process may be inferred), determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation, and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image (para[0329] teaches In the resampling process of SHVC, the source picture for inter-layer prediction may be cropped, upsampled and/or padded to obtain an ILR picture. The relative position of the upsampled source picture for inter-layer prediction to the enhancement layer picture is indicated through so-called reference layer location offsets). Regarding claim 5, Hannuksela discloses a method of transmitting a bitstream which is generated by a method of encoding an image (Fig.4), the method of encoding comprises (Para[0173] teaches bitstream structures, para[0280] para [0379] teaches encoder indicates the method in the bitstream): generating a prediction block and a residual block for the image (Para[0159] & Fig. 4 teaches where In: Image to be encoded; P′n: Predicted representation of an image block; Dn: Prediction error signal; D′n: Reconstructed prediction error signal); obtaining syntax elements for the prediction block and the residual block (para[0221] a syntax element may be defined as an element of data represented in the bitstream. para[0365] teaches SEs are typically defined for all the prediction methods (e.g. CU/PU/TU partition, prediction type, intra prediction mode, motion vectors, and etc.) and prediction error (residual) coding information (e.g. residual skip/split, transform skip/split, coefficient_last_x, coefficient_last_y, significant_coefficient, and etc.); encoding the syntax elements into a bitstream (Para[220]-[0221] teaches coding with syntax structure may be defined as zero or more syntax elements present together in the bitstream, para[0365 teaches context-based Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding (CAB AC), a type of entropy coder, is a lossless compression tool to code syntax elements (SEs). SEs are the information that describe how a video has been encoded and how it should be decoded),; and encoding post image processing information into the bitstream, wherein the post image processing information is used for performing a post image processing on a reconstructed image (para[0266], [0376] & Figs.8 teaches extending the reference picture to be larger (in width and/or height) compared to the coded picture. para[0266], [0376] & Figs.8 teaches extending the reference picture to be larger (in width and/or height) compared to the coded picture. para[0318] teaches when both scale factors are less than 1, a pre-defined downsampling process may be inferred; and when both scale factors are greater than 1, a pre-defined upsampling process may be inferred. Para[0330]–[0331] teaches reconstructed/decoded base-layer picture may be upsampled prior to its insertion into the reference picture lists for an enhancement-layer picture. para[0362] & Fig. 10 teaches scaled/upsampled base layer 1010. Para[0401] & Fig. 13 teaches upsampling at least a part of the 360-degree panoramic source picture), the reconstructed image is obtained based on the prediction block and the residual block (para[0159] & Fig. 4 teaches R′ n: Final reconstructed image, Para[0422] –[0429] & Fig. 14 teaches FIG. 14, a method comprises coding or decoding samples of a border region of a 360-degree panoramic picture; said coding or decoding utilizing one or more sample values of an opposite side border region and/or one or more variable values associated with one or more blocks of the opposite side border region in the prediction and/or reconstruction of the samples of the border region, wherein said prediction and/or reconstruction), and wherein the post image processing comprises padding at least one region to the reconstructed image (para[0329] teaches In the resampling process of SHVC, the source picture for inter-layer prediction may be cropped, upsampled and/or padded to obtain an ILR picture. The relative position of the upsampled source picture for inter-layer prediction to the enhancement layer picture is indicated through so-called reference layer location offsets), wherein the padding is performed by determining at least one equation based on a width of the image or a height of the image, determining a sample inside the reconstructed image based on the equation (Para[0266] teaches handling of pixels outside picture boundaries can be handled by extending the reference picture to be larger (in width and/or height) compared to the coded picture, para[0318] teaches Inter-layer sample prediction may be comprise resampling of the sample array(s) of the source picture for inter-layer prediction. The encoder and/or the decoder may derive a horizontal scale factor (e.g. stored in variable ScaleFactorHor) and a vertical scale factor (e.g. stored in variable ScaleFactorVer) for a pair of an enhancement layer and its reference layer for example based on the reference layer location offsets for the pair), and padding the region to be padded based on the sample inside the reconstructed image (para[0329] teaches In the resampling process of SHVC, the source picture for inter-layer prediction may be cropped, upsampled and/or padded to obtain an ILR picture. The relative position of the upsampled source picture for inter-layer prediction to the enhancement layer picture is indicated through so-called reference layer location offsets). Conclusion 11. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ROWINA J CATTUNGAL whose telephone number is (571)270-5922. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Thursday 7:30am-6pm. 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, Brian Pendleton can be reached at (571) 272-7527. 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. /ROWINA J CATTUNGAL/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2425
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Prosecution Timeline

Feb 18, 2025
Application Filed
Jun 11, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §112, §DP (current)

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