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`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and TrademarkOffice
`Address; COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`
`17/120,995
`
`12/14/2020
`
`Hideo SAITOU
`
`2020-3087A
`
`1765
`
`CP
`Lind&
`Wenderoth,
`Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack, L.L.P.
`1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW
`Suite 500
`Washington, DC 20036
`
`RAHMAN, MOHAMMAD J
`
`2487
`
`PAPER NUMBER
`
`NOTIFICATION DATE
`
`DELIVERY MODE
`
`04/25/2022
`
`ELECTRONIC
`
`Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding.
`
`The time period for reply, if any, is set in the attached communication.
`
`Notice of the Office communication was sent electronically on above-indicated "Notification Date" to the
`following e-mail address(es):
`eoa@ wenderoth.com
`kmiller@wenderoth.com
`
`PTOL-90A (Rev. 04/07)
`
`

`

`
`
`Disposition of Claims*
`1-18 is/are pending in the application.
`)
`Claim(s)
`5a) Of the above claim(s) ___ is/are withdrawn from consideration.
`Cj] Claim(s)
`is/are allowed.
`Claim(s) 1-3 and 6-18 is/are rejected.
`Claim(s) 4-5 and 12-13 is/are objected to.
`£] Claim(s)
`are subjectto restriction and/or election requirement
`* If any claims have been determined allowable, you maybeeligible to benefit from the Patent Prosecution Highway program at a
`participating intellectual property office for the corresponding application. For more information, please see
`http:/Awww.uspto.gov/patents/init_events/pph/index.jsp or send an inquiry to PPHfeedback@uspto.gov.
`
`) ) ) )
`
`Application Papers
`10) The specification is objected to by the Examiner.
`11)() The drawing(s) filedon__ is/are: a)C) accepted or b)C) objected to by the Examiner.
`Applicant may not request that any objection to the drawing(s) be held in abeyance. See 37 CFR 1.85(a).
`Replacement drawing sheet(s) including the correction is required if the drawing(s) is objected to. See 37 CFR 1.121 (d).
`
`Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119
`12). Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d)or (f).
`Certified copies:
`cc) None ofthe:
`b)L) Some**
`a)D) All
`1.1) Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.
`2.1) Certified copies of the priority documents have beenreceived in Application No.
`3.2.) Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been receivedin this National Stage
`application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).
`* See the attached detailed Office action for a list of the certified copies not received.
`
`Attachment(s)
`
`1)
`
`Notice of References Cited (PTO-892)
`
`2) (J Information Disclosure Statement(s) (PTO/SB/08a and/or PTO/SB/08b)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`3) (J Interview Summary (PTO-413)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date
`(Qj Other:
`
`4)
`
`PTOL-326 (Rev. 11-13)
`
`Office Action Summary
`
`Part of Paper No./Mail Date 20220420
`
`Application No.
`Applicant(s)
`17/120,995
`SAITOU etal.
`
`Office Action Summary Art Unit|AIA (FITF) StatusExaminer
`MOHAMMAD J RAHMAN
`2487
`Yes
`
`
`
`-- The MAILING DATEofthis communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address --
`Period for Reply
`
`A SHORTENED STATUTORY PERIOD FOR REPLYIS SET TO EXPIRE 3 MONTHS FROM THE MAILING
`DATE OF THIS COMMUNICATION.
`Extensions of time may be available underthe provisions of 37 CFR 1.136(a). In no event, however, may a reply betimely filed after SIX (6) MONTHSfrom the mailing
`date of this communication.
`If NO period for reply is specified above, the maximum statutory period will apply and will expire SIX (6) MONTHSfrom the mailing date of this communication.
`-
`- Failure to reply within the set or extended period for reply will, by statute, cause the application to become ABANDONED (35 U.S.C. § 133}.
`Any reply received by the Office later than three months after the mailing date of this communication, evenif timely filed, may reduce any earned patent term
`adjustment. See 37 CFR 1.704(b).
`
`Status
`
`1) Responsive to communication(s) filed on 01/21/2022.
`C} A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/werefiled on
`2a)¥) This action is FINAL.
`2b) (J This action is non-final.
`3)02 An election was madeby the applicant in responseto a restriction requirement set forth during the interview
`on
`; the restriction requirement and election have been incorporated into this action.
`4\0) Since this application is in condition for allowance except for formal matters, prosecution as to the merits is
`closed in accordance with the practice under Exparte Quayle, 1935 C.D. 11, 453 O.G. 213.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/120,995
`Art Unit: 2487
`
`Page 2
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`Notice of Pre-AlA or AIA Status
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`1.
`
`The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first
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`inventor to file provisions of the AIA.
`
`Detailed Action
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`Response to Amendment
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`2.
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`This Office Action is in response to the correspondence on 01/21/2022. Applicant’s argument,
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`filed on 01/21/2022 has been entered and carefully considered. Claims 1-18 are pending.
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`3.
`
`The application filed on 12/14/2020 claiming priority to 62/948,431 filed on 12/16/2019.
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`Response to Arguments
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`4.
`
`Applicant’s argumentsin the 01/21/2022 Remarks have been fully considered but they are not
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`persuasive becauseofthe following:
`
`Regarding claim, on page 7-11 argues “a plurality of quantization matrices with different block
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`sizes”, “quantizing the current block according to the block size”. While the applicant’s argument points
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`are understood, the examiner respectfully disagreesit is because Hsiang in view of Lee in view of Lu
`
`teaches (MPEP 2111, “reading a clairn in Hoht of the specification, to thereby interpret Hmilations
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`axplicitty recited in the claim, is a quite diferent thing from ‘reading Hmitations of the
`
`specification into a claim,’ to thereby narrow the scope of the claim by imoalicitly adding disclosed
`
`limitations which have no express basis in the claim’, MPEP 2111.01 1, The words of a claim must
`
`be given their "Plain Meaning” and MPEP 2111.01 II., It is improper to import claim limitations from
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`

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`Application/Control Number: 17/120,995
`Art Unit: 2487
`
`Page 3
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`the specification, Hsiang, [0008], teaches quantization matrix set is determined depending on a
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`local ragion of the current block, plurality of region is considered).
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`Therefore, the rejection is maintained.
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`Examiner’s Note
`
`5.
`
`Claims 1-8 refer to "An encoder”, Claims 9-16 refer to "A decoder”, Claim 17 refers to "An
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`encoding method’, and, Claim 18 refers to "A decoding method’. Claims 9-18 are similarly rejectedin light
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`of rejection of claims 1-8, any obvious combination of the rejection of claims 1-8, or the differences are
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`obvious to the ordinary skill in the art. It is well Known in the art that encoding and decoding are reverse
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`processesof video coding method/system.
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
`
`6.
`
`The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousnessrejections
`
`setforth 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.
`
`7.
`
`Claims 1-3, and 6-8 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Hsiang et al.
`
`(US 20210281846 A1), hereinafter Hsiang, hereinafter Hsiang, in view of Lee et al. (US 5,960,120),
`
`hereinafter Lee, further in in view of Lu et al. (US 20150039779 A1), hereinafter Lu.
`
`Regarding claim 1, Hsiang discloses an encoder carmprising (Absiraeth: crcultry; and memory
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`coupled io ihe clrourtry, wherein ihe circuibry, in operation (G0327): generates @ a first quantization matrix
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`for iransform coefficients included in a current block lo be processed and (1) a second quantization matrix
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`for transform coefficients included in the current block (Fig. 2, Quantization matrix sel corresponding
`
`
`to different block types, [0007]): and when the size of the current block is larcer than or equal to afirst
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`

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`Application/Control Number: 17/120,995
`Art Unit: 2487
`
`Page 4
`
`
`gigs,Quaniizes the transiorm coefficients included in the current blockl[{}#
`
`
`
`currentblock
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`(TQ007], black lypes could be block sizes, [0008], quantization matrix set is
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`delermined depending on a local region of the current block, [O00gah.
`
`Hsiang discloses all the elernents of claim 1 bul Hsiang dees not appear to expheltiy disclose in
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`ihe cited secilon inciuded in a low frequency domain among tne transform coefficients.
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`However, Lee from ing same or similar endeavor teaches included in a iow frequency domain
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`among the transform coefficients (Fig. 2, Column 3, ine 23-39).
`
`iiwould have been obvious to one of ordinary Skil in the art before the effective Hing date of the
`
`claimed invention to modify Hsiang to incorporate ihe teachings of Lae to efficiently quantizing for iow
`
`transmission rate (Lee, Column 1, Hine 8-11}. Similar reasaning/motivation of modification can be
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`appledc/extended to the other related/dependent claims.
`
`Hsiang in view of Lee discloses all ihe elements of claim 1 but they do not appear to explicitly
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`disclose in the cliec! section using at least one of thefirst quantization matrix or the second quantization
`
`matrix,
`
`However, Lu from the sarne or similar encleavor teaches using at least one of the first
`
`quantization matrix ar the second quantization matrix (POO4 7p.
`
`liwould have been obvious fo one of ordinary skill in the arf before the effective fing date of the
`
`claimed invention to modify Hsiang in view of Lee io incorporate the teachings of Lu te improve systerri
`
`performance (Lu, (M0081). Similar reasonina/motivation of modification can be applied/extended to the
`
`other relatecd/dependeni claims.
`
`Rederding claim 2, Hsiang in view of Lee in view of Lu discloses ihe encoder according to claim
`
`
`
` 12 current block is smaller than tne first size, quantizes the
`
`
`transformcoefficients inchided in the current block using the first quantization matrix:
`
` iHsiang, Fig. 2, Quantization matrix set corresponding to
`
`different block types, [0007], block types could be block sizes, Lee, Column 1, line &-1, Fig. 4,
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`

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`Application/Control Number: 17/120,995
`Art Unit: 2487
`
`Page 5
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`Cohimn 4, line 14-47, Lu, [Qt7], sa, His chvious to the ordinary skill in the art that io have
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`diferent quantization for different sizes).
`
`Hagarding claim 3, Hsiang in view of Lee in view of Lu discloses the encoder according fo claim
`
`1 elaie-2, wherein the irsi size is 64 pixels x 04 pixels (Hsiang, Fig. 2, Quantization matrix set
`
`corresponding to different block types, [0G07], block types could be block sizes, Lee, Column 1,
`
`line 8-1, Fhy. 4, Column 4, ine 14-47, Lu, KENT] so, it is obvious to the ordinary skill in the art}.
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`Regarding claim &, Hsiang in view of Lee in view of Lu discloses the encorer according to claim
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`1, wherein the circuliry: generates the first quantization matrix using matrix elements corresponding to the
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`transform coefficients included in ine current block: and generates the second quantization matrix using
`
`matrix elements corresponding to transform coefficients in a predetermined range in the low frequency
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`iomain {Hslang, Fig. 2, Quantization matrix set corresponding to differant block types, [00071,
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`biock types could be block sizes, Lee, Column 1, line 8-1, Fig. 4, Column 4, line 14-47, Column 2,
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`line 6-14, four band classification, Lu, [0017], so, # is obvious to the ordinary skill in the art).
`
`Rederding claim 7, Hsiang in view of Lee in view of Lu discloses ihe encoder according to claim
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`6, wherein the circuitry generates a quantization matrix for each of four regions using a corresponding
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`one of four matrix elements, the four regions being obtained by dividing the low frequency domain in the
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`current block into four, the four matrix elements corresponding to the transiorm ceefiicients in the
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`predetermined range (Hsiang, Fig. 2, Quantization matrix sel corresponding to diferent block
`
`types, [GO071, block tvpes could be block sizes, Lee, Colurnm 1, line 8-1, Fig. 4, Colurnn 4, line 14-
`
`47, Cohimn 2, Hine 6-14, four band classification, Lu, [QG17], se, itis obvious to the ordinary skill in
`
`the art.
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`Regarding claim 8, Hsiang in view of Lee in view of Lu discloses ine encoder according io claim
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`6, wherein the clreuntry (3 qeneraies a quantization matrix for each of three regions of an upper left
`
`region, an upper tight region, and a lowerleft region arnmoang four regions using a corresponding ore of
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`

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`Application/Control Number: 17/120,995
`Art Unit: 2487
`
`Page 6
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`ihree matrix elements, the four regions being obtained by divicing ine low frequency domain in the current
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`bleck info four, ine ihree mainx elemeris corresponding fo the transiorm coefficients in the predetermined
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`fangs, and (0 generates a quaniization matrix for a lower right region among the four regions using
`
`matrix elements corresponding to the lower might region among matrix elernents included in the first
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`gQuariization matrix (Hsleng, Fig. 2, Quantization matrix set corresponding to different block types,
`
`fOo07], block types could be block sizes, Lee, Column 1, Hine 8-1, Fly. 4, Column 4, Ene 14-47,
`
`Column 2, line 6-14, four hand classiicaltion, Lu, [0017], so, Ris obvious to the oriingry skill in the
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`arti and known in the technology, ¢.g., Koo et al., US 20210921134 Al, (O204]-fO236h.
`
`Regarding claim 9-18, See Examiner’s Note.
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`Allowable Subject Matter
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`8.
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`Claim 4-5 and 12-13 objected to as being dependent upona rejected base claim, but would be
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`allowable if rewritten in independentform including all of the limitations of the base claim and any
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`intervening claims.
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`Conclusion
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`9.
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`THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension oftime policy as setforth
`
`in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
`
`A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from
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`the mailing date of this action.
`
`In the eventa first replyis filed within TWO MONTHS ofthe mailing date
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`of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH
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`shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action
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`is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of
`
`

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`Application/Control Number: 17/120,995
`Art Unit: 2487
`
`Page 7
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`the advisory action.
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`In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX
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`MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
`
`10.
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`The examiner has pointed out particular references contained in the prior arts of record in the
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`body of this action for the convenience of the applicant. Although the specified citations are
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`representative of the teachingsin the prior art and are applied to the specific limitations within the
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`individual claims, other passages and figures may apply to the claims as well. Further, references that
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`have been mentioned but not asserted have been presented to provide further evidencethat certain
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`limitations in Applicants claims were known and also so that Applicant in making arguments against the
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`asserted references can keepthe teachings of the non-asserted references in mind to support compact
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`prosecution.
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`11.
`
`Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should
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`be directed to MOHAMMAD J RAHMANwhosetelephone number is (571)270-7190. The examiner can
`
`normally be reached Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM.
`
`Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a
`
`USPTO supplied web-basedcollaboration 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,
`
`David Czekaj can be reached on (571) 272-7327. The fax phone number for the organization wherethis
`
`application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
`
`Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from
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`contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance
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`

`

`Application/Control Number: 17/120,995
`Art Unit: 2487
`
`Page 8
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`from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA)or 571-272-
`
`1000.
`
`/Mohammad J Rahman/
`Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2487
`
`