Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 17/823,214

PHOTODIODE MONITOR FOR FIBER ILLUMINATED BACKLIGHT

Non-Final OA §102
Filed
Aug 30, 2022
Examiner
GAGNON, GRANT A
Art Unit
2872
Tech Center
2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems
Assignee
Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
84%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
2y 8m
To Grant
91%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 84% — above average
84%
Career Allow Rate
381 granted / 453 resolved
+16.1% vs TC avg
Moderate +7% lift
Without
With
+6.9%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 8m
Avg Prosecution
38 currently pending
Career history
491
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.5%
-39.5% vs TC avg
§103
41.0%
+1.0% vs TC avg
§102
45.1%
+5.1% vs TC avg
§112
5.5%
-34.5% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 453 resolved cases

Office Action

§102
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 . Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 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 the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 1-20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Wyatt (US 2021/0097943) herein after referred to as D1. With regard to claim 1, D1 teaches a method, comprising: emitting light from a light source ([0068]); transmitting the light from the light source ([0068]) via a light transmitting element ([0425]; color filter) to illuminate a light guide plate ([0304]) located remotely from the light source ([0068]); emitting light from the light guide plate ([0304]) to illuminate a display panel ([0274]) located remotely from the light source ([0068]); detecting ([0376]), via a photodiode ([0376], [0703]), a characteristic of light ([0459], and [0460]) transmitted by the light transmitting element ([0425]; color filter) at a location proximate the display panel ([0274]) and remote from the light source ([0068]); and determining, via one or more processors ([0274]) of an electronic headset device ([0667-0668]), a power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) ([0529]; luminous intensity) of the light source ([0068]) based at least in part on the characteristic ([0459], and [0460]) detected by the photodiode ([0376], [0703]). With regard to claim 2, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein the one or more processors ([0274]) determines if the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above a threshold ([0713]), and in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above the threshold ([0713]), the one or more processors ([0274]) adjusts the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) of the light source ([0068]) to a power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) below the threshold ([0713]). With regard to claim 3, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 2, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above the threshold ([0713]), the one or more processors ([0274]) turn off the light source ([0068]). With regard to claim 4, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 2, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein the light source ([0068]) includes an RGB (red, green, and blue) laser, and in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above the threshold ([0713]), the one or more processors ([0274]) adjusts the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) of a color of the RGB laser ([0272]). With regard to claim 5, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 2, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein the light source ([0068]) comprises multiple laser light source ([0068])s, each laser light source ([0068]) is coupled to a surface of the light transmitting element ([0425]; color filter), and in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above the threshold ([0713]), the one or more processors ([0274]) adjust the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) of one laser light source ([0068]) of the multiple laser light source ([0068])s. With regard to claim 6, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 2, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein the one or more processors ([0274]) determines if the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) fluctuates between a first power and a second power level ([0529]; luminous intensity), and in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) fluctuates, the one or more processors ([0274]) stabilizes the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) of the light source ([0068]) at a power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) below the threshold ([0713]). With regard to claim 7, D1 teaches a system, in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); comprising: one or more processors ([0274]); and one or more non-transitory computer readable media ([0275]) storing computer executable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors ([0274]) to perform operations comprising: emitting light from a light source ([0068]), wherein the light is transmitted from the light source ([0068]) via a light transmitting element ([0425]; color filter) to illuminate a light guide plate ([0304]) located remotely from the light source ([0068]), and light from the light guide plate ([0304]) illuminates a display panel ([0274]) located remotely from the light source ([0068]); detecting, via a photodiode ([0376], [0703]), a characteristic of light ([0459], and [0460]) transmitted by the light transmitting element ([0425]; color filter) at a location proximate the display panel ([0274]) and remote from the light source ([0068]); and determining, via the one or more processors ([0274]) of an electronic headset device ([0667-0668]), a power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) of the light source ([0068]) based at least in part on the characteristic detected by the photodiode ([0376], [0703]). With regard to claim 8, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 7, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein the photodiode ([0376], [0703]) comprises at least one of silicon ([0253]), germanium, gallium arsenide, and indium gallium arsenide, and the photodiode ([0376], [0703]) is configured to handle the power and spectrum of the light source ([0068]). With regard to claim 9, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 7, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein the photodiode ([0376], [0703]) is coupled to the light transmitting element ([0425]; color filter) at an end surface of the light transmitting element ([0425]; color filter) or a side surface of the light transmitting element ([0425]; color filter). With regard to claim 10, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 7, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein the one or more processors ([0274]) determines if the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above a threshold ([0713]), and in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above the threshold ([0713]), the one or more processors ([0274]) adjusts the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) of the light source ([0068]) to a power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) below the threshold ([0713]). With regard to claim 11, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 10, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above the threshold ([0713]), the one or more processors ([0274]) turn off the light source ([0068]). With regard to claim 12, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 10, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein the light source ([0068]) includes an RGB (red, green, and blue) laser, and in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above the threshold ([0713]), the one or more processors ([0274]) adjusts the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) of a color of the RGB laser ([0272]). With regard to claim 13, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 10, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein the light source ([0068]) comprises multiple laser light source ([0068])s, each laser light source ([0068]) is coupled to a surface of the light transmitting element ([0425]; color filter), and in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above the threshold ([0713]), the one or more processors ([0274]) adjust the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) of one laser light source ([0068]) of the multiple laser light sources ([0068]). With regard to claim 14, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 10, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein the one or more processors ([0274]) determines if the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) fluctuates between a first power and a second power level ([0529]; luminous intensity), and in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) fluctuates, the one or more processors ([0274]) stabilizes the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) of the light source ([0068]) at a power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) below the threshold ([0713]). With regard to claim 15, D1 teaches, in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); one or more non-transitory computer readable media ([0275]) storing instructions executable by a processor, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: emitting light from a light source ([0068]), wherein the light is transmitted from the light source ([0068]) via a light transmitting element ([0425]; color filter) to illuminate a light guide plate ([0304]) located remotely from the light source ([0068]), and light from the light guide plate ([0304]) illuminates a display panel ([0274]) located remotely from the light source ([0068]); detecting, via a photodiode ([0376], [0703]), a characteristic of light ([0459], and [0460]) transmitted by the light transmitting element ([0425]; color filter) at a location proximate the display panel ([0274]) and remote from the light source ([0068]); and determining, via the one or more processors ([0274]) of an electronic headset device ([0667-0668]), a power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) of the light source ([0068]) based at least in part on the characteristic detected by the photodiode ([0376], [0703]). With regard to claim 16, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 15, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein the processor determines if the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above a threshold ([0713]), and in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above the threshold ([0713]), processors ([0274]) adjusts the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) of the light source ([0068]) to a power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) below the threshold ([0713]). With regard to claim 17, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 16, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above the threshold ([0713]), the processor turns off the light source ([0068]). With regard to claim 18, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 16, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein the light source ([0068]) includes an RGB (red, green, and blue) laser, and in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above the threshold ([0713]), the processor adjusts the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) of a color of the RGB laser ([0272]). With regard to claim 19, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 16, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein the light source ([0068]) comprises multiple laser light source ([0068])s, each laser light source ([0068]) is coupled to a surface of the light transmitting element ([0425]; color filter), and in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) is above the threshold ([0713]), the processor adjust the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) of one laser light source ([0068]) of the multiple laser light source ([0068])s. With regard to claim 20, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 16, wherein D1 further teaches a Method of emitting light from a light source ([0068]), in at least ([0068], [0274], [0304], [0376], [0425], [0459-0460], [0529], ([0667-0668]), [0703]); wherein the processor determines if the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) fluctuates between a first power and a second power level ([0529]; luminous intensity), and in response to at least determining that the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) fluctuates, the processor stabilizes the power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) of the light source ([0068]) at a power level ([0529]; luminous intensity) below the threshold ([0713]). Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to GRANT A GAGNON whose telephone number is (571)270-0642. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 7:30-5:30. 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, Bumsuk Won can be reached at (571) 272-2713. 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. /GRANT A GAGNON/ Examiner, Art Unit 2872 /BALRAM T PARBADIA/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2872
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Prosecution Timeline

Aug 30, 2022
Application Filed
Sep 24, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §102 (current)

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
84%
Grant Probability
91%
With Interview (+6.9%)
2y 8m
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 453 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

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