DETAILED ACTION
Claims 1, 3-4, 6-11, and 13-23 are pending. Claim 5 has been canceled. Claim 23 has been added. Claims 1, 7, 11, 19, and 20 have been amended. Claims 1, 3-4, 6-11, and 13-23 are rejected.
The instant application claims priority to provisional application No. 62/564,247 filed on 09/27/2017.
The instant application claims priority to provisional application No. 62/588,114 filed on 11/17/2017.
The instant application claims priority to provisional application No. 62/588,179 filed on 11/17/2017.
The instant application claims priority to provisional application No. 62/588,190 filed on 11/17/2017.
The instant application claims priority to provisional application No. 62/611,962 filed on 12/29/2017.
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 .
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 12/10/2025 has been entered.
Information Disclosure Statement
An information disclosure statement (IDS) was submitted on 09/17/2025. The submission is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
An information disclosure statement (IDS) was submitted on 03/03/2026. The submission is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1, 3-4, 6-11, 13-23 are allowable over the prior art of record.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101
35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows:
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
Claims 1, 3-4, 6-11, 13-23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to an abstract idea without significantly more.
Step 1 (All Claims)
According to the first part of the analysis, in the instant case, claims 1, 3-4, and 6-10 are directed to computer readable media, claims 11 and 13-18 are directed to a method, and claims 19-23 are directed to a management cloud computing system comprising one or more processors and storage media. Thus, each of the claims falls within one of the four statutory categories (i.e. process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter).
Step 2A, Prong 1 (Claims 1, 11, and 19)
Regarding claim 1, the following limitations are abstract ideas:
identifying the first object entity representing the first device from a first device identifier in the first input timeseries; is a step that can be practically performed in the human mind and is a mental process which encompasses observation, evaluation and/or judgement;
identifying the data entity from the second relational object indicating the relationship between the first object entity and the data entity; is a step that can be practically performed in the human mind and is a mental process which encompasses observation, evaluation and/or judgement;
Step 2A, Prong 2 (Claims 1, 11, and 19)
Regarding claim 1, the following limitations are additional elements:
One or more non-transitory computer readable media storing program instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising (recited at a high‐level of generality (i.e., generic computer components performing generic computer functions) such that they amount to no more than components comprising mere instructions to apply the exception. Accordingly, these additional elements do not integrate the abstract idea(s) into a practical application because they do not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea(s)):
receiving first raw data from a first device of a plurality of physical devices, the first raw data including one or more first data points collected by the first device; is directed to the insignificant extra-solution activity of mere data gathering as identified in MPEP 2106.05(g).
storing first input timeseries according to the one or more first data points; is directed to the insignificant extra-solution activity of mere data gathering as identified in MPEP 2106.05(g).
accessing a database of interconnected smart entities, the smart entities comprising object entities representing each of the plurality of physical devices and data entities representing stored data, the smart entities being interconnected by: is directed to the insignificant extra-solution activity of mere data gathering as identified in MPEP 2106.05(g), this limitation is also directed to generally linking the use of a judicial exception to a particular technological environment or field of use as identified in MPEP 2106.05(h).
a first relational object that semantically define a relationship between a first object entity and a second object entity by storing a first natural language description and an indication of a direction for the first natural language description to apply between the first object entity and the second object entity; is directed to the insignificant extra-solution activity of mere data gathering as identified in MPEP 2106.05(g).
a second relational object that semantically defines a relationship between the first object entity and a data entity by storing a second natural language description and an indication of a direction for the second natural language description to apply between the first object entity and the data entity; is directed to the insignificant extra-solution activity of mere data gathering as identified in MPEP 2106.05(g).
storing the first input timeseries in the data entity. is directed to the insignificant extra-solution activity of mere data gathering as identified in MPEP 2106.05(g).
Step 2B (Claims 1, 11, and 19)
Regarding claim 1, the following limitations are additional elements:
One or more non-transitory computer readable media storing program instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising (recited at a high‐level of generality (i.e., generic computer components performing generic computer functions) such that they amount to no more than components comprising mere instructions to apply the exception. Accordingly, these additional elements do not integrate the abstract idea(s) into a practical application because they do not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea(s)):
receiving first raw data from a first device of a plurality of physical devices, the first raw data including one or more first data points collected by the first device; is directed to the well-understood, routine, and conventional activity of receiving or transmitting data as identified in MPEP 2106.05(d)II “i. Receiving or transmitting data over a network, e.g., using the Internet to gather data, Symantec, 838 F.3d at 1321, 120 USPQ2d at 1362 (utilizing an intermediary computer to forward information); TLI Communications LLC v. AV Auto. LLC, 823 F.3d 607, 610, 118 USPQ2d 1744, 1745 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (using a telephone for image transmission); OIP Techs., Inc., v. Amazon.com, Inc., 788 F.3d 1359, 1363, 115 USPQ2d 1090, 1093 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (sending messages over a network);”.
storing first input timeseries according to the one or more first data points; is directed to the well-understood, routine, and conventional activity of storing and retrieving information as identified in MPEP 2106.05(d)II “iv. Storing and retrieving information in memory, Versata Dev. Group, Inc. v. SAP Am., Inc., 793 F.3d 1306, 1334, 115 USPQ2d 1681, 1701 (Fed. Cir. 2015); OIP Techs., 788 F.3d at 1363, 115 USPQ2d at 1092-93;”.
accessing a database of interconnected smart entities, the smart entities comprising object entities representing each of the plurality of physical devices and data entities representing stored data, the smart entities being interconnected by: is directed to the well-understood, routine, and conventional activity of receiving or transmitting data as identified in MPEP 2106.05(d)II “i. Receiving or transmitting data over a network, e.g., using the Internet to gather data, Symantec, 838 F.3d at 1321, 120 USPQ2d at 1362 (utilizing an intermediary computer to forward information); TLI Communications LLC v. AV Auto. LLC, 823 F.3d 607, 610, 118 USPQ2d 1744, 1745 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (using a telephone for image transmission); OIP Techs., Inc., v. Amazon.com, Inc., 788 F.3d 1359, 1363, 115 USPQ2d 1090, 1093 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (sending messages over a network);”.
a first relational object that semantically define a relationship between a first object entity and a second object entity by storing a first natural language description and an indication of a direction for the first natural language description to apply between the first object entity and the second object entity; when re-evaluated under step 2B, this claim is further directed to elements that are well-understood, routine, and conventional such as electronic recordkeeping and storing and retrieving information as identified in MPEP 2106.05(d)II “iii. Electronic recordkeeping, Alice Corp. Pty. Ltd. v. CLS Bank Int'l, 573 U.S. 208, 225, 110 USPQ2d 1984 (2014) (creating and maintaining "shadow accounts"); Ultramercial, 772 F.3d at 716, 112 USPQ2d at 1755 (updating an activity log);” “iv. Storing and retrieving information in memory, Versata Dev. Group, Inc. v. SAP Am., Inc., 793 F.3d 1306, 1334, 115 USPQ2d 1681, 1701 (Fed. Cir. 2015); OIP Techs., 788 F.3d at 1363, 115 USPQ2d at 1092-93;”.
a second relational object that semantically defines a relationship between the first object entity and a data entity by storing a second natural language description and an indication of a direction for the second natural language description to apply between the first object entity and the data entity; when re-evaluated under step 2B, this claim is further directed to elements that are well-understood, routine, and conventional such as electronic recordkeeping and storing and retrieving information as identified in MPEP 2106.05(d)II “iii. Electronic recordkeeping, Alice Corp. Pty. Ltd. v. CLS Bank Int'l, 573 U.S. 208, 225, 110 USPQ2d 1984 (2014) (creating and maintaining "shadow accounts"); Ultramercial, 772 F.3d at 716, 112 USPQ2d at 1755 (updating an activity log);” “iv. Storing and retrieving information in memory, Versata Dev. Group, Inc. v. SAP Am., Inc., 793 F.3d 1306, 1334, 115 USPQ2d 1681, 1701 (Fed. Cir. 2015); OIP Techs., 788 F.3d at 1363, 115 USPQ2d at 1092-93;”.
storing the first input timeseries in the data entity. is directed to the well-understood, routine, and conventional activity of storing and retrieving information as identified in MPEP 2106.05(d)II “iv. Storing and retrieving information in memory, Versata Dev. Group, Inc. v. SAP Am., Inc., 793 F.3d 1306, 1334, 115 USPQ2d 1681, 1701 (Fed. Cir. 2015); OIP Techs., 788 F.3d at 1363, 115 USPQ2d at 1092-93;”.
This analysis applies to all independent claims.
The dependent claims 3-4, 6-11, and 13-23 recite mental steps thus is not eligible under 101.
Claims 3, 13, and 21 further clarify what the object entities comprise. These claims further add a static attribute, a dynamic attribute, and a behavioral attribute which merely clarifies the object entities. These clarifications and further detail do not overcome the rejection under 35 U.S.C. 101. Therefore, claims 3, 13, and 21 fall under the same analysis as the independent claims.
Claims 4, 14, 15, and 22 further recites the dynamic attribute and ties it to the first input timeseries or further clarifies the dynamic characteristics. This is similar to claims 3, 13, and 21. Therefore, claims 4, 14, 15, and 22 fall under the same analysis as claims 3, 13, and 21.
Claims 6, 16, and 20 further add a timestamp and an identifier. These are similar to aspects of the independent claim such as the first device identifier. The timestamp and identifier can be used to identify certain elements of the timeseries. Therefore, claims 6, 16, and 20 fall under the same analysis as the independent claims.
Claims 7, 8, 17, 18, and 23 contain further identifying steps. These identifying steps are mental processes similar to the ones identified for the independent claims. These claims add second and third entities and additional relationships and workflows. Therefore claims 7, 8, 17, 18, and 23 fall under the same analysis as the independent claims.
Claim 9 is directed to calculations. These calculations are mental processes since an individual could perform calculations mentally. Therefore, claim 9 falls under the same analysis as claim 8.
Claim 10 is directed to receiving measurements. This aspect is similar to the independent claims where data is received which is a generic computer function. Updating the timeseries is merely updating stored data. Therefore, claim 10 falls under the same analysis as claim 8.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 12/10/2025 have been fully considered and they are either persuasive or they are not persuasive. A detailed explanation is provided below.
Applicant’s arguments, see pages 10-11, filed 12/10/2025, with respect to the rejection under 35 U.S.C. 103 have been fully considered and are persuasive. The rejection under 35 U.S.C. 103 has been withdrawn.
On pages 12-18, Applicant argues against the rejection under 35 U.S.C. 101.
On pages 13-15, Applicant argues that the claims do not recite a mental process, the Examiner disagrees. Applicant points to the new amendments that are directed to limitations of accessing, a first relation object, and a second relational object. These limitations have been found to be additional elements. The accessing limitation is similar to the previous limitations of sending or receiving data while the other limitations are directed to storing information and defining what the relational object is. These limitations are similar to the previously identified additional elements and are therefore not significantly more than the abstract idea. Therefore, the claims are still directed to a mental process without significantly more.
On pages 15-16, Applicant argues that the claims improve the functioning of a computer or improves another technology or technical field, the Examiner disagrees. Applicant further states that the specification shows improvements to the functioning of the computer via relational objects that can semantically define relationships between entities to increase analysis speed and improve navigation and browsing. Specification paragraph 121 states that “may help to increase speeds in analyzing data, as well as provide ease of navigation and browsing”, this shows that these improves are only a possibility and may not even occur. Therefore, it is unclear how possible improvements would be improvements to the functioning of the computer or improving another technology or technical field.
On pages 16-18, Applicant argues that certain identified elements are not well-understood, routine, and conventional activities, the Examiner disagrees. The new limitations directed to the first and second relational objects are well-understood, routine, and conventional activities. The claims state how the relational objects are defined and state that they define a relationship between and object entity and a data entity by storing certain information. This shows that the relational object limitations are directed to the well-understood, routine, and conventional activity of storing data as identified in the above rejection. The other argued limitation is directed to accessing a database of interconnected smart entities. The act of accessing the database is directed to the well-understood, routine, and conventional activity of sending and receiving data as accessing is similar to receiving data as identified in the above rejection. Therefore, the claims are still rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Tal et al., Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0041381 (hereinafter Tal). Tal teaches a gateway device may refer to any computing device capable of supporting the required functionality to facilitate local network control of smart/connected devices (Paragraph 65). This shows that Tal is analogous art as both the claimed invention and Tal are directed to connected smart devices.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to DUSTIN D EYERS whose telephone number is (408)918-7562. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Thursday 9:00am-7:00pm ET.
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/DUSTIN D EYERS/ Examiner, Art Unit 2164
/AMY NG/ Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2164
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