DETAILED ACTION
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and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.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 March 17, 2026, has been entered.
Status of Claims
This Office action is in response to the amendments filed on March 17, 2026. Claims 1, 3-9, 11-17, and 19-20 are pending, with Claims 1, 9, and 17 being amended.
Response to Amendments
In response to Applicant’s amendments, filed March 17, 2026, the Examiner withdraws the previous 35 U.S.C 103 rejections.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, filed October 13, 2025, with respect to the rejections of Claims 1, 3-9, 11-17, and 19-20 under Harshbarger, in view of Grady, Kunzig, and De Oliveira, have been fully considered and are persuasive. Therefore, the rejection has been withdrawn. However, upon further consideration, a new grounds of rejection is made of Claims 1, 3-9, 11-17, and 19-20 in view of Harshbarger, in view of Grady, Kunzig, De Oliveira, and Whitfield.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statements (IDS’s) submitted on November 06, 2025, March 17, 2026, and April 01, 2026, are in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statements are being considered by the Examiner.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth 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.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 1, 3-9, 11-17, and 19-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018/0276909 A1, to Harshbarger, et al (hereinafter referred to as Harshbarger; previously of record), in view of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0132323 A2, to Grady (hereinafter referred to as Grady; previously of record), in view of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0010023 A1, to Kunzig, et al (hereinafter referred to as Kunzig; previously of record), and further in view of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0040440 A1, to De Oliveira, et al (hereinafter referred to as De Oliveira; previously of record); and further in view of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021/0232137 A1, to Whitfield, et al (hereinafter referred to as Whitfield; newly of record).
As per Claim 1, Harshbarger discloses the features of a lift device, of a plurality of lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0014]; where mobile assets (12), which can include a fleet of forklifts; and where a plurality of mobile assets (12), (shown by way of illustration as a fleet of forklift trucks) wirelessly communicate with a processing device, such as an industrial vehicle application server (14); and may further facilitate interaction with the mobile assets (12)), comprising:
a cab including a housing having a top wall, the housing defining an enclosed volume configured to selectively contain an operator (e.g. Figure 1; where the mobile asset (12) comprises a body, with a cab for containing an operator);
an implement coupled with the cab (e.g. Paragraph [0044]; where the mobile asset (12) may be a forklift truck (i.e. comprises an implement for lifting); where a vehicle control module (VCM) controls the lift function of the vehicle);
a prime mover configured to drive the implement (e.g. Paragraph [0044]; where a motor control module (76) controls the drive wheels of the vehicle, and a hydraulics control module (78) controls the hydraulics, e.g., the lift of the vehicle, and any other controllers/modules associated with the vehicle); and
a connectivity module (e.g. Paragraphs [0014], [0031], [0034]-[0035], [0037]; Figures 1, 3; where a plurality of mobile assets (12) includes components that support wireless communication, and an information linking device (38) is coupled with or integrated with a mobile asset (12), and further comprises a transceiver (46), monitoring input/output module (40), a wireless communications interface controller (50)) including
a housing (e.g. Figure 2; where the information linking device (38) has a body and housing),
the connectivity module communicably coupled with the lift device (e.g. Paragraphs [0038], [0080]; where the monitoring input/output module (48) may be able to control outputs such as horns, buzzers, lights, and other components on the mobile assets (12); and where an add-on alarm and light (i.e. a beacon) may be mounted to the mobile asset (12), and may be electrically coupled to the information linking device (38) via the monitoring input/output module (48)), where
the housing of the connectivity module houses a controller, an analyzer, a communications modem, and a beacon (e.g. Paragraphs [0079]-[0080]; Figure 3; where the information linking device (38) comprises an input/output control module, a processor and a memory, a communications interface controller, and a monitoring input/output module (48), where the monitoring input/output module (48) can control inputs and outputs associated with horns, buzzers, lights, and other asset components and/or devices; and where an alarm and light may be mounted to the mobile asset (12) and may be coupled to the information linking device (38) via the monitoring input/output module (48)), ‘…’ wherein the connectivity module is configured to:
receive, by the controller and from a user device via the communications modem, a user selection of a criteria of a component each of the plurality of lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0026]-[0027], [0086]-[0087], [0090]; where the monitoring input/output module (48) may be utilized to receive sensor and control inputs, and receive data relating to travel usage, hydraulic usage, operational data, battery state of charge, etc. from a user or third party; and where the exchange of information across the vehicle network of an industrial vehicle may include functionality, hydraulic or control status of vehicle components or sub-components; and where the user may select and/or identify the type of hour meter, and select and/or associate the hour meter settings to one or more specific vehicles and/or vehicle types, classes, etc.) and
an indicator characteristic (e.g. Paragraphs [0038], [0080], [0087]; where the monitoring input/output module (38) may receive sensor data and control inputs and/or outputs, including horns, buzzers, lights, and other asset components and/or devices; and an alarm may be mounted to the mobile asset (12), and may be configured from the information linking device (38)); wherein
the selected criteria is a charge level of each of the plurality of lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0038], [0043], [0051], [0053]; where the monitoring input/output module (48) may be utilized to receive sensor and control inputs, and receive data relating to travel usage, hydraulic usage, operational data, battery state of charge, etc.; and where the exchange of information across the vehicle network of an industrial vehicle may include functionality, hydraulic or control status of vehicle components or sub-components; and where the application server (14) may conduct targeted communications with specific industrial vehicle information linking devices (38) or broadcast information to groups or all the industrial vehicle information linking devices (38)) ‘…’
in response to receiving the user selection and the indicator characteristic: receive, by the controller and from a sensor of the lift device, an input relating to the selected criteria (e.g. Paragraphs [0032], [0038], [0043], [0051], [0053]; where the monitoring input/output module (48) may be utilized to receive sensor and control inputs, and receive data relating to travel usage, hydraulic usage, operational data, battery state of charge, etc.; and where the exchange of information across the vehicle network of an industrial vehicle may include functionality, hydraulic or control status of vehicle components or sub-components; and where the user may select a criteria which is sent to the vehicle); and
determine, by the analyzer and using the input, a measure associated with the selected criteria (e.g. Paragraphs [0040], [0043], [0051]-[0052], [0054]; where the processor may receive operational information from one or more components of the mobile asset (12); and where information detected by the monitoring input/output module (48) or otherwise obtained by accessing the network system (68) may be temporarily stored, collected, maintained, manipulated, and/or otherwise processed by a processor; and where the system monitors predetermined events associated with the mobile asset (12) and the processor implements a function in response to the predetermined event (i.e. analyzes an input to determine a response));
transmit, by the controller, the user selection of the criteria and the indicator characteristic to one or more additional lift devices of the plurality of lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0032], [0087]-[0088], [0091], [0097]; where the information linking device (38) may serve as an interface that facilitates interaction with the user and includes a display and controls for interacting with the user; and where the industrial vehicle application server software may allow a user to export data used to generate management reports; and where the operator may be able to establish one or more pre-conditions and conditions and exclude conditions associated with the vehicle, and where the fleet operator may can query data related to the fleet, to “wake up” a communication service at prescribed intervals to receive data collected by the vehicle application server; and the fleet operator may communicate with select mobile assets);
receive, by the controller, one or more additional measures associated with the selected criteria associated with the one or more additional lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0087]-[0088], [0090]; where the user selection of the hour meters can be applied to specific vehicles and/or vehicle types, classes, etc., and the corresponding configuration data is wirelessly transmitted from the industrial application server (14) to the associated mobile asset(s));
control, by the controller, the beacon to provide an output based on the determined measure and in accordance with the indicator characteristic (e.g. Paragraphs [0040], [0043], [0051]-[0054], [0079], [0090]; where the system monitors predetermined events associated with the mobile asset (12) and the processor implements a function in response to the predetermined event (i.e. analyzes an input to determine a response); and where an alarm, e.g., a flashing light, or audible alarm may be activated to indicate functionality status),
where the output is one of a plurality of outputs, each output associated with a determined measure of the selected criteria of one of the plurality of lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0043], [0079], [0084]; where either the mobile asset (12) or user interacting with the industrial vehicle application server (14) can collect specific types of data, and where the processor may receive operational information from one or more components of the mobile asset (12); and where the industrial application server (14) may provide a display message that indicates the information related to the condition; and where an alarm such as a buzzer, horn, or light may be activated in response to a condition (i.e. plurality of outputs)) ‘…’.
Harshbarger fails to disclose every feature of where the housing of the connectivity module houses a controller, analyzer, a communications modem, and a beacon; the housing of the connectivity module coupled with an exterior of the top of the housing of the cab above the enclosed volume of the cab; the indication characteristic is at least one color associated with at least one state of the selected criteria; where the output is one of a first colored indicator associated with a first value of the selected criteria or a second colored indicator associated with a second value of the selected criteria, where the second value is less than the first value.
However, Grady, in a similar field of endeavor, more explicitly teaches the features of where the housing of the connectivity module houses a controller, analyzer, a communications modem, and a beacon.
Grady teaches a strobe beacon, where the beacon comprises a cover (i.e. housing), and comprises control circuitry and a flash controller, which may actuate the LEDs within the housing, and which also contains optical receivers configured to send and receive data to a central location via a network connection to enable communication with the beacon (e.g. Paragraphs [0025], [0029], [0031], [0044]; Figure 1).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to modify the method for managing an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, with the feature of using having a housing for a connectivity module in the system of Grady, in order to provide visual indications to a user or operator conditions of the vehicle (see at least Paragraph [0003] of Grady).
Kunzig, in a similar field of endeavor, teaches the features of the housing of the connectivity module is coupled with an exterior of the top above the enclosed volume of the cab. Kunzig teaches a method for managing manned and automated utility vehicles, where the beacon and wireless communication links are mounted on top of the vehicle (e.g. Figure 1).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to further modify the method for managing a an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, in view of Grady, with the feature of mounting the beacon on top of a vehicle, in order to enable wireless communications and improve knowledge of where the autonomous vehicles are located/ operating and alert an operator (see at least Paragraphs [0010], [0081] of Kunzig).
De Oliveira, in a similar field of endeavor, further teaches the features of the indication characteristic is at least one color associated with at least one state of the selected criteria; and control, by the controller, the beacon to provide an output based on the determined measure, where the output is one of a first color indicator associated with a first value of the selected criteria or a second colored indicator associated with a second value of the selected criteria, where the second value is less than the first value.
De Oliveira teaches an information system for industrial vehicles, where the monitoring input/output module (48) may be utilized to receive sensor and control inputs and/or to control outputs such as horns, buzzers, lights, and other asset components; and where the status indicators (146) may take one or four states, where the various states may be represented visually within the user interface by a colored light that appears as a visual indication directly on the category icon; and where various colors may be utilized to characterize the various states of the status indicators (146) associated with corresponding fleet management categories (130) to delineate the importance of the condition, and where a normal condition is indicated in a green color, and a different color is associated with the condition when it falls outside of a benchmark range (e.g. Paragraphs [0043], [0077]-[0078], [0111]-[0112], [0127]).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to further modify the method for managing an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, in view of Grady and Kunzig, with the feature of using light indicators in the system of De Oliveira, in order to provide visual indications to a user or operator conditions of the vehicle (see at least Paragraphs [0076]-[0077] of De Oliveira).
Harshbarger further fails to disclose every feature of display, by the controller, via a graphical user interface, a map including one or more indicators associated with the measure and the one or more additional measures associated with the lift device and the one or more additional lift devices in accordance with the indicator characteristic.
De Oliveira further teaches the features of display, by the controller, via a graphical user interface, ‘…’ one or more indicators associated with the measure and the one or more additional measures associated with the lift device and the one or more additional lift devices in accordance with the indicator characteristic.
De Oliveira teaches an information system for industrial vehicles, where the status indicators (146) may take one or four states, where the various states may be represented visually within the user interface by a colored light that appears as a visual indication directly on the category icon; and where various colors may be utilized to characterize the various states of the status indicators (146) associated with corresponding fleet management categories (130) to delineate the importance of the condition, and where a normal condition is indicated in a green color, and a different color is associated with the condition when it falls outside of a benchmark range (e.g. Paragraphs [0043], [0077]-[0078], [0111]-[0112], [0127]).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to further modify the method for managing an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, in view of Grady and Kunzig, with the feature of using displaying indicator data in the system of De Oliveira, in order to provide visual indications to a user or operator conditions of the vehicle (see at least Paragraphs [0076]-[0077] of De Oliveira).
Whitfield, in a similar field of endeavor, teaches display, by the controller, via a graphical user interface, a map including one or more indicators associated with the measure ‘…’.
Whitfield teaches a method for controlling a plurality of autonomous vehicle, where the display is configured to graphically show the position of the vehicles, and may show a map of the surrounding terrain and the vehicles present in this terrain, and may display status information for the vehicles (e.g. Paragraph [0085]).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to further modify the method for managing an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, in view of Grady, Kunzig, and De Oliveira, with the feature of using mapped data in the system of Whitfield, in order to communicate missions to the vehicles (see at least Paragraph [0037] of Whitfield).
As per Claim 9, Harshbarger discloses the features of a fleet connectivity system (e.g. Paragraph [0014]; where a plurality of mobile assets (12) wirelessly communicate with a processing device, such as an industrial vehicle application server (14)), comprising:
a user device (e.g. Paragraphs [0029], [0031]; where the information linking device (38) may serve as an interface that facilitates interaction with the user at the mobile asset (12); or a user may access the system via computer for accessing the corresponding mobile asset application server (14)); and
a plurality of lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0014]; where mobile assets (12), which can include a fleet of forklifts; and where a plurality of mobile assets (12), (shown by way of illustration as a fleet of forklift trucks) wirelessly communicate with a processing device, such as an industrial vehicle application server (14); and may further facilitate interaction with the mobile assets (12)), each lift device comprising:
a cab including a housing defining a volume configured to selectively contain an operator (e.g. Figure 1; where the mobile asset (12) comprises a body, with a cab for containing an operator);
an implement coupled with the cab (e.g. Paragraph [0044]; where the mobile asset (12) may be a forklift truck (i.e. comprises an implement for lifting); where a vehicle control module (VCM) controls the lift function of the vehicle);
a prime mover configured to drive the implement (e.g. Paragraph [0044]; where a motor control module (76) controls the drive wheels of the vehicle, and a hydraulics control module (78) controls the hydraulics, e.g., the lift of the vehicle, and any other controllers/modules associated with the vehicle); and
a connectivity module (e.g. Paragraphs [0014], [0031], [0034]-[0035], [0037]; Figures 1, 3; where a plurality of mobile assets (12) includes components that support wireless communication, and an information linking device (38) is coupled with or integrated with a mobile asset (12), and further comprises a transceiver (46), monitoring input/output module (40), a wireless communications interface controller (50)) including
a housing (e.g. Figure 2; where the information linking device (38) has a body and housing),
the connectivity module communicably coupled with the lift device (e.g. Paragraphs [0038], [0080]; where the monitoring input/output module (48) may be able to control outputs such as horns, buzzers, lights, and other components on the mobile assets (12); and where an add-on alarm and light (i.e. a beacon) may be mounted to the mobile asset (12), and may be electrically coupled to the information linking device (38) via the monitoring input/output module (48)), where
the housing of the connectivity module houses a controller, an analyzer, a communications modem, and a beacon (e.g. Paragraphs [0079]-[0080]; Figure 3; where the information linking device (38) comprises an input/output control module, a processor and a memory, a communications interface controller, and a monitoring input/output module (48), where the monitoring input/output module (48) can control inputs and outputs associated with horns, buzzers, lights, and other asset components and/or devices; and where an alarm and light may be mounted to the mobile asset (12) and may be coupled to the information linking device (38) via the monitoring input/output module (48)), ‘…’ wherein the connectivity module is configured to:
receive, by the controller and from the user device via the communications modem, a user selection of a criteria of a component each of the plurality of lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0026]-[0027], [0086]-[0087], [0090]; where the monitoring input/output module (48) may be utilized to receive sensor and control inputs, and receive data relating to travel usage, hydraulic usage, operational data, battery state of charge, etc. from a user or third party; and where the exchange of information across the vehicle network of an industrial vehicle may include functionality, hydraulic or control status of vehicle components or sub-components; and where the user may select and/or identify the type of hour meter, and select and/or associate the hour meter settings to one or more specific vehicles and/or vehicle types, classes, etc.) and
an indicator characteristic (e.g. Paragraphs [0038], [0080], [0087]; where the monitoring input/output module (38) may receive sensor data and control inputs and/or outputs, including horns, buzzers, lights, and other asset components and/or devices; and an alarm may be mounted to the mobile asset (12), and may be configured from the information linking device (38)); wherein
the selected criteria is a charge level of each of the plurality of lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0038], [0043], [0051], [0053]; where the monitoring input/output module (48) may be utilized to receive sensor and control inputs, and receive data relating to travel usage, hydraulic usage, operational data, battery state of charge, etc.; and where the exchange of information across the vehicle network of an industrial vehicle may include functionality, hydraulic or control status of vehicle components or sub-components; and where the application server (14) may conduct targeted communications with specific industrial vehicle information linking devices (38) or broadcast information to groups or all the industrial vehicle information linking devices (38)) and ‘…’
in response to receiving the user selection and the indicator characteristic: receive, by the controller and from a sensor of the lift device, an input relating to the selected criteria (e.g. Paragraphs [0032], [0038], [0043], [0051], [0053]; where the monitoring input/output module (48) may be utilized to receive sensor and control inputs, and receive data relating to travel usage, hydraulic usage, operational data, battery state of charge, etc.; and where the exchange of information across the vehicle network of an industrial vehicle may include functionality, hydraulic or control status of vehicle components or sub-components; and where the user may select a criteria which is sent to the vehicle); and
determine, by the analyzer and using the input, a measure associated with the selected criteria (e.g. Paragraphs [0040], [0043], [0051]-[0052], [0054]; where the processor may receive operational information from one or more components of the mobile asset (12); and where information detected by the monitoring input/output module (48) or otherwise obtained by accessing the network system (68) may be temporarily stored, collected, maintained, manipulated, and/or otherwise processed by a processor; and where the system monitors predetermined events associated with the mobile asset (12) and the processor implements a function in response to the predetermined event (i.e. analyzes an input to determine a response)); and
transmit, by the controller, the user selection of the criteria and the indicator characteristic to one or more additional lift devices of the plurality of lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0032], [0087]-[0088], [0091], [0097]; where the information linking device (38) may serve as an interface that facilitates interaction with the user and includes a display and controls for interacting with the user; and where the industrial vehicle application server software may allow a user to export data used to generate management reports; and where the operator may be able to establish one or more pre-conditions and conditions and exclude conditions associated with the vehicle, and where the fleet operator may can query data related to the fleet, to “wake up” a communication service at prescribed intervals to receive data collected by the vehicle application server; and the fleet operator may communicate with select mobile assets);
receive, by the controller, one or more additional measures associated with the selected criteria associated with the one or more additional lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0087]-[0088], [0090]; where the user selection of the hour meters can be applied to specific vehicles and/or vehicle types, classes, etc., and the corresponding configuration data is wirelessly transmitted from the industrial application server (14) to the associated mobile asset(s));
control, by the controller, the beacon to provide an output based on the determined measure and in accordance with the indicator characteristic (e.g. Paragraphs [0040], [0043], [0051]-[0054], [0079], [0090]; where the system monitors predetermined events associated with the mobile asset (12) and the processor implements a function in response to the predetermined event (i.e. analyzes an input to determine a response); and where an alarm, e.g., a flashing light, or audible alarm may be activated to indicate functionality status),
where the output is one of a plurality of outputs, each output associated with a determined measure of the selected criteria of one of the plurality of lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0043], [0079], [0084]; where either the mobile asset (12) or user interacting with the industrial vehicle application server (14) can collect specific types of data, and where the processor may receive operational information from one or more components of the mobile asset (12); and where the industrial application server (14) may provide a display message that indicates the information related to the condition; and where an alarm such as a buzzer, horn, or light may be activated in response to a condition (i.e. plurality of outputs)) ‘…’.
Harshbarger fails to disclose every feature of where the housing of the connectivity module houses a controller, analyzer, a communications modem, and a beacon; the housing of the connectivity module coupled with an exterior of the top of the housing of the cab above the enclosed volume of the cab; the indication characteristic is at least one color associated with at least one state of the selected criteria; where the output is one of a first colored indicator associated with a first value of the selected criteria or a second colored indicator associated with a second value of the selected criteria, where the second value is less than the first value.
However, Grady, in a similar field of endeavor, more explicitly teaches the features of where the housing of the connectivity module houses a controller, analyzer, a communications modem, and a beacon.
Grady teaches a strobe beacon, where the beacon comprises a cover (i.e. housing), and comprises control circuitry and a flash controller, which may actuate the LEDs within the housing, and which also contains optical receivers configured to send and receive data to a central location via a network connection to enable communication with the beacon (e.g. Paragraphs [0025], [0029], [0031], [0044]; Figure 1).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to modify the method for managing an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, with the feature of using having a housing for a connectivity module in the system of Grady, in order to provide visual indications to a user or operator conditions of the vehicle (see at least Paragraph [0003] of Grady).
Kunzig, in a similar field of endeavor, teaches the features of the housing of the connectivity module is coupled with an exterior of the top above the enclosed volume of the cab. Kunzig teaches a method for managing manned and automated utility vehicles, where the beacon and wireless communication links are mounted on top of the vehicle (e.g. Figure 1).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to further modify the method for managing a an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, in view of Grady, with the feature of mounting the beacon on top of a vehicle, in order to enable wireless communications and improve knowledge of where the autonomous vehicles are located/ operating and alert an operator (see at least Paragraphs [0010], [0081] of Kunzig).
De Oliveira, in a similar field of endeavor, further teaches the features of the indication characteristic is at least one color associated with at least one state of the selected criteria; and control, by the controller, the beacon to provide an output based on the determined measure, where the output is one of a first color indicator associated with a first value of the selected criteria or a second colored indicator associated with a second value of the selected criteria, where the second value is less than the first value.
De Oliveira teaches an information system for industrial vehicles, where the monitoring input/output module (48) may be utilized to receive sensor and control inputs and/or to control outputs such as horns, buzzers, lights, and other asset components; and where the status indicators (146) may take one or four states, where the various states may be represented visually within the user interface by a colored light that appears as a visual indication directly on the category icon; and where various colors may be utilized to characterize the various states of the status indicators (146) associated with corresponding fleet management categories (130) to delineate the importance of the condition, and where a normal condition is indicated in a green color, and a different color is associated with the condition when it falls outside of a benchmark range (e.g. Paragraphs [0043], [0077]-[0078], [0111]-[0112], [0127]).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to further modify the method for managing an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, in view of Grady and Kunzig, with the feature of using light indicators in the system of De Oliveira, in order to provide visual indications to a user or operator conditions of the vehicle (see at least Paragraphs [0076]-[0077] of De Oliveira).
Harshbarger further fails to disclose every feature of display, by the controller, via a graphical user interface, a map including one or more indicators associated with the measure and the one or more additional measures associated with the lift device and the one or more additional lift devices in accordance with the indicator characteristic.
De Oliveira further teaches the features of display, by the controller, via a graphical user interface, ‘…’ one or more indicators associated with the measure and the one or more additional measures associated with the lift device and the one or more additional lift devices in accordance with the indicator characteristic.
De Oliveira teaches an information system for industrial vehicles, where the status indicators (146) may take one or four states, where the various states may be represented visually within the user interface by a colored light that appears as a visual indication directly on the category icon; and where various colors may be utilized to characterize the various states of the status indicators (146) associated with corresponding fleet management categories (130) to delineate the importance of the condition, and where a normal condition is indicated in a green color, and a different color is associated with the condition when it falls outside of a benchmark range (e.g. Paragraphs [0043], [0077]-[0078], [0111]-[0112], [0127]).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to further modify the method for managing an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, in view of Grady and Kunzig, with the feature of using displaying indicator data in the system of De Oliveira, in order to provide visual indications to a user or operator conditions of the vehicle (see at least Paragraphs [0076]-[0077] of De Oliveira).
Whitfield, in a similar field of endeavor, teaches display, by the controller, via a graphical user interface, a map including one or more indicators associated with the measure ‘…’.
Whitfield teaches a method for controlling a plurality of autonomous vehicle, where the display is configured to graphically show the position of the vehicles, and may show a map of the surrounding terrain and the vehicles present in this terrain, and may display status information for the vehicles (e.g. Paragraph [0085]).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to further modify the method for managing an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, in view of Grady, Kunzig, and De Oliveira, with the feature of using mapped data in the system of Whitfield, in order to communicate missions to the vehicles (see at least Paragraph [0037] of Whitfield).
As per Claim 17, Harshbarger discloses the features of a method for controlling a lift device (e.g. Paragraphs [0014]; where mobile assets (12), which can include a fleet of forklifts; and where a plurality of mobile assets (12), (shown by way of illustration as a fleet of forklift trucks) wirelessly communicate with a processing device, such as an industrial vehicle application server (14); and may further facilitate interaction with the mobile assets (12)), comprising:
receiving, from a user device and via a controller of a connectivity module, a user selection of a criteria of a component each of the plurality of lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0026]-[0027], [0086]-[0087], [0090]; where the monitoring input/output module (48) may be utilized to receive sensor and control inputs, and receive data relating to travel usage, hydraulic usage, operational data, battery state of charge, etc. from a user or third party; and where the exchange of information across the vehicle network of an industrial vehicle may include functionality, hydraulic or control status of vehicle components or sub-components; and where the user may select and/or identify the type of hour meter, and select and/or associate the hour meter settings to one or more specific vehicles and/or vehicle types, classes, etc.) and
an indicator characteristic (e.g. Paragraphs [0038], [0080], [0087]; where the monitoring input/output module (38) may receive sensor data and control inputs and/or outputs, including horns, buzzers, lights, and other asset components and/or devices; and an alarm may be mounted to the mobile asset (12), and may be configured from the information linking device (38)); wherein
the selected criteria is a charge level of each of the plurality of lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0038], [0043], [0051], [0053]; where the monitoring input/output module (48) may be utilized to receive sensor and control inputs, and receive data relating to travel usage, hydraulic usage, operational data, battery state of charge, etc.; and where the exchange of information across the vehicle network of an industrial vehicle may include functionality, hydraulic or control status of vehicle components or sub-components; and where the application server (14) may conduct targeted communications with specific industrial vehicle information linking devices (38) or broadcast information to groups or all the industrial vehicle information linking devices (38)) and ‘…’ where
the connectivity module includes a housing that houses a controller, an analyzer, and a beacon(e.g. Paragraphs [0079]-[0080]; Figure 3; where the information linking device (38) comprises an input/output control module, a processor and a memory, a communications interface controller, and a monitoring input/output module (48), where the monitoring input/output module (48) can control inputs and outputs associated with horns, buzzers, lights, and other asset components and/or devices; and where an alarm and light may be mounted to the mobile asset (12) and may be coupled to the information linking device (38) via the monitoring input/output module (48));
in response to receiving the user selection and indicator characteristic: receiving, by the controller and from a sensor, an input relating to the selected criteria (e.g. Paragraphs [0032], [0038], [0043], [0051], [0053]; where the monitoring input/output module (48) may be utilized to receive sensor and control inputs, and receive data relating to travel usage, hydraulic usage, operational data, battery state of charge, etc.; and where the exchange of information across the vehicle network of an industrial vehicle may include functionality, hydraulic or control status of vehicle components or sub-components; and where the user may select a criteria which is sent to the vehicle); and
determining, by the analyzer and using the input, a measure associated with the selected criteria (e.g. Paragraphs [0040], [0043], [0051]-[0052], [0054]; where the processor may receive operational information from one or more components of the mobile asset (12); and where information detected by the monitoring input/output module (48) or otherwise obtained by accessing the network system (68) may be temporarily stored, collected, maintained, manipulated, and/or otherwise processed by a processor; and where the system monitors predetermined events associated with the mobile asset (12) and the processor implements a function in response to the predetermined event (i.e. analyzes an input to determine a response)); and
transmitting, by the controller, the user selection of the criteria and the indicator characteristic to one or more additional lift devices of the plurality of lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0032], [0087]-[0088], [0091], [0097]; where the information linking device (38) may serve as an interface that facilitates interaction with the user and includes a display and controls for interacting with the user; and where the industrial vehicle application server software may allow a user to export data used to generate management reports; and where the operator may be able to establish one or more pre-conditions and conditions and exclude conditions associated with the vehicle, and where the fleet operator may can query data related to the fleet, to “wake up” a communication service at prescribed intervals to receive data collected by the vehicle application server; and the fleet operator may communicate with select mobile assets);
receiving, by the controller, one or more additional measures associated with the selected criteria associated with the one or more additional lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0087]-[0088], [0090]; where the user selection of the hour meters can be applied to specific vehicles and/or vehicle types, classes, etc., and the corresponding configuration data is wirelessly transmitted from the industrial application server (14) to the associated mobile asset(s));
controlling, by the controller, the beacon to provide an output based on the determined measure and in accordance with the indicator characteristic (e.g. Paragraphs [0040], [0043], [0051]-[0054], [0079], [0090]; where the system monitors predetermined events associated with the mobile asset (12) and the processor implements a function in response to the predetermined event (i.e. analyzes an input to determine a response); and where an alarm, e.g., a flashing light, or audible alarm may be activated to indicate functionality status),
where the output is one of a plurality of outputs, each output associated with a determined measure of the selected criteria of one of the plurality of lift devices (e.g. Paragraphs [0043], [0079], [0084]; where either the mobile asset (12) or user interacting with the industrial vehicle application server (14) can collect specific types of data, and where the processor may receive operational information from one or more components of the mobile asset (12); and where the industrial application server (14) may provide a display message that indicates the information related to the condition; and where an alarm such as a buzzer, horn, or light may be activated in response to a condition (i.e. plurality of outputs)) ‘…’.
Harshbarger fails to disclose every feature of where the housing of the connectivity module houses a controller, analyzer, a communications modem, and a beacon; the housing of the connectivity module coupled with an exterior of the top of the housing of the cab above the enclosed volume of the cab; the indication characteristic is at least one color associated with at least one state of the selected criteria; where the output is one of a first colored indicator associated with a first value of the selected criteria or a second colored indicator associated with a second value of the selected criteria, where the second value is less than the first value.
However, Grady, in a similar field of endeavor, more explicitly teaches the features of where the housing of the connectivity module houses a controller, analyzer, a communications modem, and a beacon.
Grady teaches a strobe beacon, where the beacon comprises a cover (i.e. housing), and comprises control circuitry and a flash controller, which may actuate the LEDs within the housing, and which also contains optical receivers configured to send and receive data to a central location via a network connection to enable communication with the beacon (e.g. Paragraphs [0025], [0029], [0031], [0044]; Figure 1).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to modify the method for managing an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, with the feature of using having a housing for a connectivity module in the system of Grady, in order to provide visual indications to a user or operator conditions of the vehicle (see at least Paragraph [0003] of Grady).
Kunzig, in a similar field of endeavor, teaches the features of the housing of the connectivity module is coupled with an exterior of the top above the enclosed volume of the cab. Kunzig teaches a method for managing manned and automated utility vehicles, where the beacon and wireless communication links are mounted on top of the vehicle (e.g. Figure 1).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to further modify the method for managing a an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, in view of Grady, with the feature of mounting the beacon on top of a vehicle, in order to enable wireless communications and improve knowledge of where the autonomous vehicles are located/ operating and alert an operator (see at least Paragraphs [0010], [0081] of Kunzig).
De Oliveira, in a similar field of endeavor, further teaches the features of the indication characteristic is at least one color associated with at least one state of the selected criteria; and control, by the controller, the beacon to provide an output based on the determined measure, where the output is one of a first color indicator associated with a first value of the selected criteria or a second colored indicator associated with a second value of the selected criteria, where the second value is less than the first value.
De Oliveira teaches an information system for industrial vehicles, where the monitoring input/output module (48) may be utilized to receive sensor and control inputs and/or to control outputs such as horns, buzzers, lights, and other asset components; and where the status indicators (146) may take one or four states, where the various states may be represented visually within the user interface by a colored light that appears as a visual indication directly on the category icon; and where various colors may be utilized to characterize the various states of the status indicators (146) associated with corresponding fleet management categories (130) to delineate the importance of the condition, and where a normal condition is indicated in a green color, and a different color is associated with the condition when it falls outside of a benchmark range (e.g. Paragraphs [0043], [0077]-[0078], [0111]-[0112], [0127]).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to further modify the method for managing an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, in view of Grady and Kunzig, with the feature of using light indicators in the system of De Oliveira, in order to provide visual indications to a user or operator conditions of the vehicle (see at least Paragraphs [0076]-[0077] of De Oliveira).
Harshbarger further fails to disclose every feature of display, by the controller, via a graphical user interface, a map including one or more indicators associated with the measure and the one or more additional measures associated with the lift device and the one or more additional lift devices in accordance with the indicator characteristic.
De Oliveira further teaches the features of display, by the controller, via a graphical user interface, ‘…’ one or more indicators associated with the measure and the one or more additional measures associated with the lift device and the one or more additional lift devices in accordance with the indicator characteristic.
De Oliveira teaches an information system for industrial vehicles, where the status indicators (146) may take one or four states, where the various states may be represented visually within the user interface by a colored light that appears as a visual indication directly on the category icon; and where various colors may be utilized to characterize the various states of the status indicators (146) associated with corresponding fleet management categories (130) to delineate the importance of the condition, and where a normal condition is indicated in a green color, and a different color is associated with the condition when it falls outside of a benchmark range (e.g. Paragraphs [0043], [0077]-[0078], [0111]-[0112], [0127]).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to further modify the method for managing an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, in view of Grady and Kunzig, with the feature of using displaying indicator data in the system of De Oliveira, in order to provide visual indications to a user or operator conditions of the vehicle (see at least Paragraphs [0076]-[0077] of De Oliveira).
Whitfield, in a similar field of endeavor, teaches display, by the controller, via a graphical user interface, a map including one or more indicators associated with the measure ‘…’.
Whitfield teaches a method for controlling a plurality of autonomous vehicle, where the display is configured to graphically show the position of the vehicles, and may show a map of the surrounding terrain and the vehicles present in this terrain, and may display status information for the vehicles (e.g. Paragraph [0085]).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to further modify the method for managing an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, in view of Grady, Kunzig, and De Oliveira, with the feature of using mapped data in the system of Whitfield, in order to communicate missions to the vehicles (see at least Paragraph [0037] of Whitfield).
As per Claim 3, and similarly for Claims 11 and 19, Harshbarger, in view of Grady, Kunzig, De Oliveira, and Whitfield, teaches the features of Claims 1, 9, and 17, respectively, and Harshbarger further teaches the features of wherein each of the plurality of outputs is configured provide an indication of a status of the associated lift device to an observer (e.g. Paragraphs [0038], [0079]-[0080]; where an alarm and light may be mounted on the mobile asset (12) provides distinction from normal functionality of the mobile asset (12); and where the monitoring input/output module (48) may control outputs such as horns, buzzers, lights, and other asset components and/or devices).
As per Claim 4, and similarly for Claim 12, Harshbarger, in view of Grady, Kunzig, De Oliveira, and Whitfield, teaches the features of Claims 3 and 11, respectively, and De Oliveira further teaches the features of wherein the connectivity module is configured to control the beacon to be in at least one of a solid on state, a solid off state, a flashing state, and a strobe state.
De Oliveira teaches an information system for industrial vehicles, where the colors, symbols, etc., can be illuminated at different intensities, flashed, have their illumination intensities varied (e.g. Paragraphs [0078]).
It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the Applicant’s invention to modify the method for managing an information system for industrial vehicles in the system of Harshbarger, in view of Grady, with the feature of using different light indicators in the system of De Oliveira, in order to provide visual indications to a user or operator conditions of the vehicle (see at least Paragraphs [0076]-[0077] of De Oliveira).
As per Claim 5, and similarly for Claim 13 and 20, Harshbarger, in view of Grady, Kunzig, De Oliveira, and Whitfield, teaches the features of Claims 1, 9, and 17, respectively, and Harshbarger further teaches the features of wherein the connectivity module is configured to communicate an instruction to an interface of the lift device in order to provide a message to a user relating to commercial services (e.g. Paragraphs [0097]-[0099]; where the fleet operator can farm the data collected by the industrial vehicle application server (14) to the vehicle manufacturer, to facilitate communication with the manufacturer server to determine what data to send to the manufacturer, if a work request needs to be generated, etc.).
As per Claim 6, and similarly for Claim 14, Harshbarger, in view of Grady, Kunzig, and De Oliveira, and Whitfield, teaches the features of Claims 1 and 9, respectively, and Harshbarger further teaches the features of wherein the connectivity module is configured to communicate an instruction to a control system of the lift device in order to provide a software update to the lift device (e.g. Paragraph [0049]]; where the industrial vehicle application server (14) may implement changes from the server software, and dynamically adjust data within the software, and communicate the updated settings to the corresponding mobile asset (12)).
As per Claim 7, and similarly for Claim 15, Harshbarger, in view of Grady, Kunzig, and De Oliveira, and Whitfield, teaches the features of Claims 1 and 9, respectively, and Harshbarger further teaches the features of wherein the connectivity module is configured to communicate an instruction to the implement of the lift device in order to reposition the lift device (e.g. Paragraph [0044]; where the information linking device (38) may communicate with input/output controls and corresponding I/O controller (72), such as for controlling switches, buttons, levers, handles, pedals, etc., that are assigned to functions of the industrial vehicle, and may communicate with a vehicle control module (VCM, 74) to control the hydraulics, e.g., the lift of the vehicle (i.e. reposition an implement of the lift device)).
As per Claim 8, and similarly for Claim 16, Harshbarger, in view of Grady, Kunzig, and De Oliveira, and Whitfield, teaches the features of Claims 1 and 9, respectively, and Harshbarger further teaches the features of wherein the connectivity module is configured to communicate an instruction to an interface of the lift device in order to provide a message to a user relating to commerce services relating to the lift device (e.g. Paragraphs [0082], [0097]-[0099]; where the fleet operator can farm the data collected by the industrial vehicle application server (14) to the vehicle manufacturer, to facilitate communication with the manufacturer server to determine what data to send to the manufacturer, if a work request needs to be generated, etc.; and where a message may be communicated to the industrial application server (14) so that an appropriate action may be taken).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MERRITT LEVY whose telephone number is (571)270-5595. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Fri 0630-1600.
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, Abby Flynn can be reached at (571) 272-9855. 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.
/MERRITT LEVY/Examiner, Art Unit 3663
/ABBY J FLYNN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3663
Prosecution Insights