Office Action 1: Notice of Allowance (2024-02-12)

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1\. A method implemented by a decoder, the method comprising:
receiving, by the decoder, a bitstream comprising a hypothetical reference decoder (HRD) parameters syntax structure and one or more layers of coded pictures such that all of the layers are associated with a same number of coded picture buffer (CPB) delivery schedules as specified by the HRD parameters syntax structure; and
decoding, by the decoder, a picture from one of the layers to obtain a decoded picture.

2\. The method of claim 1, wherein the CPB delivery schedules are associated with a set of bitstream conformance tests performed by an HRD.
3\. The method of claim 1, wherein a number of CPB delivery schedules are specified in an HRD CPB count minus one (hrdcpbcntminusl) plus one, and wherein hrdcpbcnt\_minus 1 is in a range of zero to thirty one, inclusive.

4\. The method of claim 1, wherein the layers are organized into one or more output layer sets (OLSs), and wherein a corresponding CPB delivery schedule for a target OLS is referenced by a schedule index (Scldx) in a range of zero to a value of hrd\_cpbcntminusl, inclusive.

5\. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the CPB delivery schedules is described by a network abstraction layer (NAL) initial CPB removal delay (nal\_initial\_cpbremoval \_delay) and a NAL initial CPB removal offset (nal initialcpbremovaloffset).

6\. The method of claim 4, wherein each layer is associated with a buffering period (BP) CPB count minusl (bpcpb\_cnt\_minusi) plus one that specifies a number of nal\_initial\_cpbremoval \_delay and nal\_initialcpb removaloffset pairs for the each layer, and
wherein bpcpbcntminus1 is equal to the value of hrd cpbcntminus 1.

7\. The method of claim 4, wherein the HRD parameters are included in a video parameter set (VPS) specifying the OLSs.

8\. A method implemented by an encoder, the method comprising:
encoding, by the encoder, a bitstream comprising one or more layers of coded pictures;
encoding into the bitstream, by the encoder, a hypothetical reference decoder (HRD) parameters syntax structure specifying that all of the layers are associated with a same number of coded picture buffer (CPB) delivery schedules; and
performing, by the encoder, a set of bitstream conformance tests on the layers based on the CPB delivery schedules.

9\. The method of claim 8, wherein the set of bitstream conformance tests are performed by an HRD.

10\. The method of claim 8, wherein a number of CPB delivery schedules are specified in an HRD CPB count minus one (hrdcpbcntminus 1), and wherein hrdcpbcntminus 1 is in a range of zero to thirty one, inclusive.

11\. The method of claim 8, wherein the layers are organized into one or more output layer sets (OLSs), and wherein a corresponding CPB delivery schedule for a target OLS is referenced by a schedule index (ScIdx) in a range of zero to a value of hrd\_cpbcntminusI, inclusive.

12\. The method of claim 8, wherein each of the CPB delivery schedules is described by a network abstraction layer (NAL) initial CPB removal delay (nal\_initial\_cpbremoval \_delay) and a NAL initial CPB removal offset (nal initialcpbremovaloffset).

13\. The method of claim 11, wherein each layer is associated with a buffering period (BP) CPB count minusl (bpcpb\_cnt\_minusi) plus one that specifies a number of nal\_initial\_cpbremoval \_delay and nal\_initialcpb removaloffset pairs for the each layer, and
wherein bpcpbcntminus1 is equal to the value of hrd cpbcntminus 1.

14\. The method of claim 11, wherein the HRD parameters syntax structure is encoded in a video parameter set (VPS) specifying the OLSs.

15\. A video coding device comprising:
a receiver configured to receiN e a bitstream comprising a hypothetical reference decoder (HRD) parameters syntax structure and one or more layers of coded pictures such that all of the layers are associated with a same number of coded picture buffer (CPB) delivery schedules as specified by the HRD parameters syntax structure: and
a processor coupled to the receiver and configured to decode a picture from one of the layers to obtain a decoded picture.

16\. The video coding device of claim 15. wherein the CPB delivery schedules are associated with a set of bitstream conformance tests performed by an HRD.

17\. The video coding device of claim 15, wherein a number of CPB delivery schedules are specified in an HRD CPB count minus one (hrd cpb cntminusl) plus one, and wherein hrdcpbcnt\_minus1 is in a range of zero to thirty one. inclusive.

18\. The video coding device of claim 15. wherein the layers are organized into one or more output layer sets (OLSs). and wherein a corresponding CPB delivery schedule for a target OLS is referenced by a schedule index (Scldx) in a range of zero to a value of hrdcpbcntminusl. inclusive.
19\. The video coding device of claim 15, wherein each of the CPB delivery schedules is described by a network abstraction layer (NAL) initial CPB removal delay (nalinitial cpb removal delay) and a NAL initial CPB removal offset (nal\_initial cpb removal offset).

20\. The video coding device of claim 18, wherein each layer is associated with a buffering period (BP) CPB count minusI (bpcpbcntminusI) plus one that specifies a number of nalinitialcpb removal delay and nal\_initial cpbremovaloffset pairs for the each layer, and
wherein bpcpbcntminusl is equal to the v alue of hrd cpb cnt minus1. 67 68 69

OFFICE ACTION:
REASONS FOR ALLOWANCE
[1]	The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: The instant invention is related to image transmission and decoding.
[2]	Prior art was found for the claims as follows:
Wang et al. (Wang) (US 2014/0086344) discloses the following claim limitations:
A method implemented by a decoder (30), the method comprising:
receiving, by the decoder (30), a bitstream comprising a hypothetical reference decoder (HRD) parameters syntax structure ([0169], HRD parameters are signaled) and one or more layers of coded pictures ([0200], layers are signaled) such that layers are associated with a same number of coded picture buffer (CPB) delivery schedules as specified by the HRD parameters syntax structure ([0169], CpbCnt is derived to be equal to cpb_cnt_minus1); and
decoding, by the decoder (30), a picture from one of the layers to obtain a decoded picture (564).
[3]	Applicant uniquely claimed a distinct feature in the instant invention, which are not found in the prior art, either singularly or in combination. The feature is “such that all of the layers are associated with a same number of coded picture buffer (CPB) delivery schedules as specified by the HRD parameters syntax structure”.  This feature is not found or suggested in the prior art.
[4]	Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
[5]	Claims 1-20 are allowed.
Conclusion



CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20150264099A1: Claims:
A method for constraining a bitstream by an electronic device, comprising: obtaining a message structure, wherein the message structure comprises a parameter structure corresponding to a bitstream partition; obtaining a parameter structure index referring to the parameter structure; determining whether the parameter structure index is within a parameter structure index valid range; and generating a first indication if the parameter structure index is not within the parameter structure index valid range.
obtaining a message structure, wherein the message structure comprises a parameter structure corresponding to a bitstream partition;
obtaining a parameter structure index referring to the parameter structure;
determining whether the parameter structure index is within a parameter structure index valid range; and
generating a first indication if the parameter structure index is not within the parameter structure index valid range.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the message structure is a Video Parameter Set (VPS) Video Usability Information (VUI) message structure or a bitstream partition Hypothetical Reference Decoder (HRD) parameters Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) message structure.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the message structure further comprises a delivery schedule index and a sub-layer Hypothetical Reference Decoder (HRD) parameter structure, wherein the method further comprises: identifying a delivery schedule valid range from the sub-layer HRD parameter structure; determining whether the delivery schedule index is within the delivery schedule valid range; and generating a second indication if the delivery schedule index is not within the delivery schedule valid range.
identifying a delivery schedule valid range from the sub-layer HRD parameter structure;
determining whether the delivery schedule index is within the delivery schedule valid range; and
generating a second indication if the delivery schedule index is not within the delivery schedule valid range.
The method of claim 1 , wherein if only one bitstream partition is signaled for a layer set in the message structure, the bitstream partition does not exactly match the layer set.
The method of claim 1 , wherein if only one bitstream partition is signaled for a layer set in the message structure, the bitstream partition is allowed to match the layer set if no parameters in the message structure are signaled for the layer set or if parameters specific to the bitstream partition match any parameters signaled in a Video Parameter Set (VPS) for the layer set.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the parameter structure index is coded using a fixed length coding scheme.
The method of claim 1 , wherein any layer in a layer set is not included in more than one bitstream partition.
The method of claim 1 , wherein each bitstream partition of a layer set is distinct from any other bitstream partition of the layer set.
An electronic device for constraining a bitstream, comprising: a processor; memory in electronic communication with the processor, wherein instructions stored in the memory are executable to: obtain a message structure, wherein the message structure comprises a parameter structure corresponding to a bitstream partition; obtain a parameter structure index referring to the parameter structure; determine whether the parameter structure index is within a parameter structure index valid range; and generate a first indication if the parameter structure index is not within the parameter structure index valid range.
memory in electronic communication with the processor, wherein instructions stored in the memory are executable to: obtain a message structure, wherein the message structure comprises a parameter structure corresponding to a bitstream partition; obtain a parameter structure index referring to the parameter structure; determine whether the parameter structure index is within a parameter structure index valid range; and generate a first indication if the parameter structure index is not within the parameter structure index valid range.
obtain a message structure, wherein the message structure comprises a parameter structure corresponding to a bitstream partition;
obtain a parameter structure index referring to the parameter structure;
determine whether the parameter structure index is within a parameter structure index valid range; and
generate a first indication if the parameter structure index is not within the parameter structure index valid range.
The electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the message structure is a Video Parameter Set (VPS) Video Usability Information (VUI) message structure or a bitstream partition Hypothetical Reference Decoder (HRD) parameters Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) message structure.
The electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the message structure further comprises a delivery schedule index and a sub-layer Hypothetical Reference Decoder (HRD) parameter structure, wherein the instructions are further executable to: identify a delivery schedule valid range from the sub-layer HRD parameter structure; determine whether the delivery schedule index is within the delivery schedule valid range; and generate a second indication if the delivery schedule index is not within the delivery schedule valid range.
identify a delivery schedule valid range from the sub-layer HRD parameter structure;
determine whether the delivery schedule index is within the delivery schedule valid range; and
generate a second indication if the delivery schedule index is not within the delivery schedule valid range.
The electronic device of claim 9 , wherein if only one bitstream partition is signaled for a layer set in the message structure, the bitstream partition does not exactly match the layer set.
The electronic device of claim 9 , wherein if only one bitstream partition is signaled for a layer set in the message structure, the bitstream partition is allowed to match the layer set if no parameters in the message structure are signaled for the layer set or if parameters specific to the bitstream partition match any parameters signaled in a Video Parameter Set (VPS) for the layer set.
The electronic device of claim 9 , wherein the parameter structure index is coded using a fixed length coding scheme.
The electronic device of claim 9 , wherein any layer in a layer set is not included in more than one bitstream partition.
The electronic device of claim 9 , wherein each bitstream partition of a layer set is distinct from any other bitstream partition of the layer set.
A non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium for constraining a bitstream, comprising executable instructions for: obtaining a message structure, wherein the message structure comprises a parameter structure corresponding to a bitstream partition; obtaining a parameter structure index referring to the parameter structure; determining whether the parameter structure index is within a parameter structure index valid range; and generating a first indication if the parameter structure index is not within the parameter structure index valid range.
The computer-readable medium of claim 17 , wherein the message structure is a Video Parameter Set (VPS) Video Usability Information (VUI) message structure or a bitstream partition Hypothetical Reference Decoder (HRD) parameters Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) message structure.
The computer-readable medium of claim 17 , wherein the message structure further comprises a delivery schedule index and a sub-layer Hypothetical Reference Decoder (HRD) parameter structure, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises executable instructions for: identifying a delivery schedule valid range from the sub-layer HRD parameter structure; determining whether the delivery schedule index is within the delivery schedule valid range; and generating a second indication if the delivery schedule index is not within the delivery schedule valid range.
The computer-readable medium of claim 17 , wherein if only one bitstream partition is signaled for a layer set in the message structure, the bitstream partition does not exactly match the layer set.
Ref US20140086344: Claims:
1. A method for decoding video data, the method comprising:
deriving at least one of a coded picture buffer (CPB) arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time for an access unit (AU) at both an access unit level and a sub-picture level regardless of a value of a syntax element that defines whether a decoding unit (DU) is the entire AU; determining a removal time of the AU based at least in part on one of the CPB arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time; and decoding video data of the AU based at least in part on the removal time.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
responsive to the syntax element having a true value, deriving a CPB removal time only for the AU level; and responsive to the syntax element having a false value, deriving a CPB removal time only for the sub-picture level.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of a CPB arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time are derived only when a syntax flag that indicates CPB parameters are present has a true value.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
decoding a duration between CPB removal of a first DU in the AU and CPB removal of a second DU; determining a removal time of the first DU based at least in part on the decoded duration; and decoding video data of the first DU based at least in part on at least one of the removal time, the CPB arrival time, and the CPB nominal removal time.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the second DU is subsequent to the first DU in decoding order and in the same AU as the first DU.
6. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
decoding one or more sub-picture level CPB parameters, wherein determining the removal time of the first DU comprises determining the removal time of the first DU based at least in part on the decoded duration and the sub-picture level CPB parameters.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
decoding a sequence level flag to determine the presence of sub-picture level CPB parameters either in picture timing SEI messages or in sub-picture timing SEI messages.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first DU comprises a non-video coding layer (VCL) network abstraction layer (NAL) unit with nal_unit_type equal to UNSPEC0, EOS_NUT, EOB_NUT, in the range of RSV_NVCL44 to RSV_NVCL47 or in the range of UNSPEC48 to UNSPEC63.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the AU has a TemporalId equal to 0, the method further comprising:
decoding at least one of a buffering period supplemental enhancement information (SEI) message or a recovery point SEI message associated with the AU.
10. A video decoding device comprising a video decoder configured to:
derive at least one of a coded picture buffer (CPB) arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time for an access unit (AU) at both an access unit level and a sub-picture level regardless of a value of a syntax element that defines whether a decoding unit (DU) is the entire AU; determine a removal time of the AU based at least in part on one of the CPB arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time; and decode video data of the AU based at least in part on the removal time.
11. The video decoding device of claim 10, the video decoder further configured to:
responsive to the syntax element having a true value, derive a CPB removal time only for the AU level; and responsive to the syntax element having a false value, derive a CPB removal time only for the sub-picture level.
12. The video decoding device of claim 10, wherein at least one of a CPB arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time are derived only when a syntax flag that indicates CPB parameters are present has a true value.
13. The video decoding device of claim 10, the video decoder further configured to:
decode a duration between CPB removal of a first DU in the AU and CPB removal of a second DU; determine a removal time of the first DU based at least in part on the decoded duration; and decode video data of the first DU based at least in part on at least one of the removal time, the CPB arrival time, and the CPB nominal removal time.
14. The video decoding device of claim 13, wherein the second DU is subsequent to the first DU in decoding order and in the same AU as the first DU.
15. The video decoding device of claim 13, the video decoder further configured to decode one or more sub-picture level CPB parameters, wherein determine the removal time of the first DU comprises determine the removal time of the first DU based at least in part on the decoded duration and the sub-picture level CPB parameters.
16. The video decoding device of claim 10, the video decoder further configured to decode a sequence level flag to determine the presence of sub-picture level CPB parameters either in picture timing SEI messages or in sub-picture timing SEI messages.
17. The video decoding device of claim 10, wherein the first DU comprises a non-video coding layer (VCL) network abstraction layer (NAL) unit with nal_unit_type equal to UNSPEC0, EOS_NUT, EOB_NUT, in the range of RSV_NVCL44 to RSV_NVCL47 or in the range of UNSPEC48 to UNSPEC63.
18. The video decoding device of claim 10, wherein the AU has a TemporalId equal to 0, the video decoder further configured to decode at least one of a buffering period supplemental enhancement information (SEI) message or a recovery point SEI message associated with the AU.
19. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed, cause a processor of a device for decoding video data to:
derive at least one of a coded picture buffer (CPB) arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time for an access unit (AU) at both an access unit level and a sub-picture level regardless of a value of a syntax element that defines whether a decoding unit (DU) is the entire AU; determine a removal time of the AU based at least in part on one of the CPB arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time; and decode video data of the AU based at least in part on the removal time.
20. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 19, the instructions further cause the processor to:
responsive to the syntax element having a true value, derive a CPB removal time only for the AU level; and responsive to the syntax element having a false value, derive a CPB removal time only for the sub-picture level.
21. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein at least one of a CPB arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time are derived only when a syntax flag that indicates CPB parameters are present has a true value.
22. A video decoding device comprising:
means for deriving at least one of a coded picture buffer (CPB) arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time for an access unit (AU) at both an access unit level and a sub-picture level regardless of a value of a syntax element that defines whether a decoding unit (DU) is the entire AU; means for determining a removal time of the AU based at least in part on one of the CPB arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time; and means for decoding video data of the AU based at least in part on the removal time.
23. The video decoding device of claim 22, further comprising:
responsive to the syntax element having a true value, means for deriving a CPB removal time only for the AU level; and responsive to the syntax element having a false value, means for deriving a CPB removal time only for the sub-picture level.
24. The video decoding device of claim 22, wherein at least one of a CPB arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time are derived only when a syntax flag that indicates CPB parameters are present has a true value.
25. A method for encoding video data, the method comprising:
deriving at least one of a coded picture buffer (CPB) arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time for an access unit (AU) at both an access unit level and a sub-picture level regardless of a value of a syntax element that defines whether a decoding unit (DU) is the entire AU; determining a removal time of the AU based at least in part on one of the CPB arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time; and encoding the removal time.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising:
responsive to the syntax element having a true value, encoding a CPB removal time only for the AU level; and responsive to the syntax element having a false value, encoding a CPB removal time only for the sub-picture level.
27. The method of claim 25, wherein at least one of a CPB arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time are encoded only when a syntax flag that indicates CPB parameters are present has a true value.
28. The method of claim 25, further comprising:
encoding a duration between CPB removal of a first DU in the AU and CPB removal of a second DU, wherein encoding the removal time further comprises encoding the duration.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the second DU is subsequent to the first DU in decoding order and in the same AU as the first DU.
30. The method of claim 28, further comprising:
encoding one or more sub-picture level CPB parameters, wherein determining the removal time of the first DU comprises determining the removal time of the first DU based at least in part on the decoded duration and the sub-picture level CPB parameters.
31. The method of claim 25, further comprising:
encoding a sequence level flag to indicate the presence of sub-picture level CPB parameters either in picture timing SEI messages or in sub-picture timing SEI messages.
32. The method of claim 25, wherein the first DU comprises a non-video coding layer (VCL) network abstraction layer (NAL) unit with nal_unit_type equal to UNSPEC0, EOS_NUT, EOB_NUT, in the range of RSV_NVCL44 to RSV_NVCL47 or in the range of UNSPEC48 to UNSPEC63.
33. The method of claim 25, wherein the AU has a TemporalId equal to 0, the method further comprising:
encoding at least one of a buffering period supplemental enhancement information (SEI) message or a recovery point SEI message associated with the AU.
34. A video encoding device comprising a video encoder configured to:
derive at least one of a coded picture buffer (CPB) arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time for an access unit (AU) at both an access unit level and a sub-picture level regardless of a value of a syntax element that defines whether a decoding unit (DU) is the entire AU; determine a removal time of the AU based at least in part on one of the CPB arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time; and encode the removal time.
35. The video encoding device of claim 34, the video encoder further configured to:
responsive to the syntax element having a true value, encode a CPB removal time only for the AU level; and responsive to the syntax element having a false value, encode a CPB removal time only for the sub-picture level.
36. The video encoding device of claim 34, wherein at least one of a CPB arrival time and a CPB nominal removal time are encoded only when a syntax flag that indicates CPB parameters are present has a true value.
37. The video encoding device of claim 34, the video encoder is further configured to encode a duration between CPB removal of a first DU in the AU and CPB removal of a second DU, wherein encode the removal time further comprises encode the duration.
38. The video encoding device of claim 37, wherein the second DU is subsequent to the first DU in decoding order and in the same AU as the first DU.
39. The video encoding device of claim 37, the video encoder further configured to encode one or more sub-picture level CPB parameters, wherein determining the removal time of the first DU comprises determining the removal time of the first DU based at least in part on the decoded duration and the sub-picture level CPB parameters.
40. The video encoding device of claim 34, the video encoder further configured to encode a s
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