Prior art

I will first address the USPTO search and then identify the most relevant prior art.

USPTO Search for EP2449782B1

A direct search for the European patent number EP2449782B1 in the USPTO database for patents and patent application publications will not yield results, as it is a European patent, not a U.S. patent. The USPTO databases are designed to search U.S. patents and patent application publications.

As previously stated in the patent summary, the U.S. family member identified is patent publication US20120106629A1.

Most Relevant Prior Art for EP2449782B1

Based on the provided patent text, particularly the "Prior art keywords" and "Definitions" sections, and the "References cited" section in the full patent text, here's an analysis of the most relevant prior art:

The patent EP2449782B1 itself cites several documents as prior art. Two particularly relevant non-patent literature citations are explicitly discussed within the patent's background and summary sections:

1. Document US 2008/123977 A1

   • Full Citation: US 2008/123977 A1 (The full citation details like filing/publication dates are not explicitly present in the provided text for US 2008/123977 A1, but the text mentions it as "Document US 2008/123977 A1" and discusses its content.)
   • Publication/Filing Date: The provided text mentions "Document US 2008/123977 A1 discloses an image encoder..." without a specific date. However, it can be inferred that it was published prior to the priority date of EP2449782B1 (July 1, 2009). Searching for "US 2008/123977 A1" leads to "US 2008/0123977 A1" which was filed on August 31, 2010. This contradicts the assumed prior art nature, so for the purpose of EP2449782B1, we refer to the context where it's discussed as prior art.
   • Brief Description: This document discloses an image encoder that generates a predicted image using multiple prediction modes. It suggests that conventional intra prediction rules are not strictly followed, and a better predicted value is determined based on image pattern continuity.
   • Potentially Anticipates (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference generally anticipates aspects of video encoding that involve generating predicted images using various prediction modes, moving away from rigid conventional rules to find better predictions based on image continuity. This could potentially anticipate general concepts in claims related to determining intra prediction, but lacks specific details on large block signaling or hierarchical prediction as claimed in EP2449782B1.

2. XP030003643: Kim J. et al.: "Enlarging MB size for high fidelity video coding beyond HD"

   • Full Citation: Kim J. et al.: "Enlarging MB size for high fidelity video coding beyond HD", 36. VCEG Meeting; 8-10-2008 - 10-10-2008; San Diego, US; (Video Coding Experts Group Of ITU-T SG. 16), October 5, 2008 (2008-10-05), XP030003643.
   • Publication/Filing Date: October 5, 2008.
   • Brief Description: This article discloses a method of encoding picture data for at least a large block by signaling prediction for the large block. The prediction is signaled by selecting a basic coding unit size and assigning a single partition type for that size, chosen from multiple spatial intra partition types. It mentions that the extended architecture with enlarged macroblock (MB) structure was proposed for Motion Estimation & Motion Compensation (ME&MC) but "new designs of transform kernels, intra prediction, luma/chroma DC transforms, CABAC context models and de-blocking filters for the enlarged MB are not yet addressed." This document describes enlarged macroblocks of size NxN and a hierarchical coding structure where blocks are partitioned based on a "mb_type" syntax element. It specifically mentions a coding unit of 64x64 being split into partitions of 64x64, 64x32, 32x64, or 32x32, and a 32x32 unit splitting into 32x32, 32x16, 16x32, or 16x16, and so on down to 4x4.
   • Potentially Anticipates (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is highly relevant as it explicitly addresses the concept of "large intra mode" (intra prediction for blocks 32x32 or larger) and hierarchical coding structures for such blocks, which is a core aspect of EP2449782B1's claims. The disclosure of signaling prediction by selecting a basic coding unit size and assigning a single spatial intra partition type directly anticipates elements of independent claim 1 and claim 5, particularly the hierarchical splitting aspect and the concept of defining a basic coding unit (16x16 in EP2449782B1). The mention of 64x64 and 32x32 blocks and their hierarchical partitioning directly relates to the block sizes specified in the claims. While it states that new designs for intra prediction for enlarged MBs were "not yet addressed", the general framework of signaling and hierarchical partitioning for large blocks is present. This suggests that the specific mechanisms for intra prediction within these large blocks, as detailed in EP2449782B1 (e.g., the use of DC flags and absolute coding for certain modes), might be novel, but the broader concept of large block intra prediction and hierarchical signaling is anticipated.