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 .
The instant application having Application No. 17/896,276 filed on 8/26/2022 is presented for examination by the examiner.
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and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.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 10/14/2025 has been entered.
Response to Amendment
This Office Action is in response to the communication filed 10/14/2025.
The amendments to claims 1, 8, and 15, filed 10/14/2025, are acknowledged and accepted.
Claims 1, 4, 7, 8, 11-15, and 18-20 remain pending in the application.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claims 1, 8, and 15 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
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.
Claims 1, 4, 8, 11-15, 18, and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fujikura (JP 2013218256 A)(Embodiment 4)(see attached machine translation), in view of Kim (US20060222088 A1), in view of Fujiwara (JP WO2016147501 A)(see attached machine translation), and further in view of Wei (JP 2017207665 A)(see attached machine translation).
Regarding claim 1, Fujikura (Embodiment 4) discloses a zoom lens, in at least Figure 7, comprising:
a first lens group, wherein the first lens group (G1 "first lens group") is a fixed lens group (page 9, paragraph 7 of translation states " When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens group G1 is fixed (stationary)") with negative focal power (page 9, paragraph 2 of translation states "a first lens group G1 having negative refractive power");
a second lens group (G2 "second lens group"), wherein the second lens group (G2 "second lens group") is a zoom lens group (page 9, paragraph 7 of translation states "When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, …, the second lens group G2 moves to the object side") with positive focal power (page 9, paragraph 2 of translation states "a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power") configured to slide along an optical axis on an image side of the first lens group (G1 "first lens group", Figure 7); and
a third lens group (G3 "third lens group"), wherein the third lens group (G3 "third lens group") … negative focal power (page 9, paragraph 2 of translation states "a third lens group G3 having a negative refractive power") configured to slide along the optical axis on an image side of the second lens group (G2 "second lens group", page 9, paragraph 7 of translation states "When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, ..., the third lens group G3 moves to the object side", Figure 5), and the lens groups are arranged from an object side to an image side (Figure 5),
wherein a total quantity N of lenses in the first lens group (G1 “first lens group”), the second lens group (G2 “second lens group”), and the third lens group (G3 “third lens group”) meets: 7 <= N <= 11 (page 9, paragraph 5 of translation states "The third lens group G3 includes a positive meniscus lens L8 having a convex surface directed toward the image side, and a biconcave negative lens L9", Figure 7 shows that there are 9 lenses in lens groups 1, 2, and 3 which falls within the claimed range thereby anticipating the claimed range);
wherein lenses comprised in the zoom lens meet: N <= a quantity of aspheric surfaces <= 2N (page 9, paragraph 8 of translation states "The aspherical surfaces include both sides of the biconcave negative lens L1, both sides of the biconvex positive lens L4, both sides of the biconvex positive lens L7, both sides of the positive meniscus lens L8, both sides of the biconcave negative lens L9, and biconvex. A total of 12 surfaces including both surfaces of the positive lens L10 are provided", table on line 21 of page 17 of original document shows that there are 10 aspheric surfaces in lens groups 1, 2, and 3), wherein the quantity of aspheric surfaces is a quantity of aspheric surfaces of all lenses comprised in the zoom lens (Figure 5).
However, Fujikura (Embodiment 4) does not disclose the third lens group is a compensation lens group, wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6°, and the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy 0.8< |TTL/ft| <1.2.
Kim teaches a compensation lens (paragraph 0032).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have the third lens group, which is the focusing lens group, of Fujikura (Embodiment 4) modified by a compensation lens, as taught by Kim, in order to compensate for smaller focusing adjustments and for the refractive index of the lens system (paragraph 0035).
Fujiwara teaches wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6° (page 4, paragraph 9 of translation states “If the incident angle θ of the principal ray R to the imaging surface satisfies −3 ° ≦ θ ≦ + 3 ° at both the wide-angle end and the telephoto end, the wide-angle end and the telephoto end are hardly changed with little variation in the incident angle θ”).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize the zoom lens of Fujikura modified by wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6°, as taught by Fujiwara, in order to suppress color shading (page 4, paragraph 6 of translation).
Wei teaches the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy |TTL/ft| <1.2 (page 6, paragraph 10 – page 7, paragraph 5 states “It is preferable that the variable magnification optical system satisfies the following conditional expression (5). (5) 0.3 < TTL / Ft < 0.8 However, TTL is the total length of the entire variable magnification optical system at the telephoto end. Conditional expression (5) defines the ratio between the total length of the entire variable magnification optical system and the focal length of the variable magnification optical system at the telephoto end. By satisfying conditional expression (5), it is possible to reduce the size in the full length direction even when a high zoom ratio is realized. Further, by satisfying conditional expression (5), it is possible to satisfactorily correct field curvature and axial chromatic aberration, and to realize good optical performance over the entire zoom range. If the numerical value of conditional expression (5) exceeds the upper limit, the total length of the variable magnification optical system becomes long when a variable magnification optical system with a high variable magnification ratio is used. Therefore, a compact variable magnification optical system is realized. It becomes difficult to do. On the other hand, when the numerical value of the conditional expression (5) is less than or equal to the lower limit value, it becomes difficult to correct curvature of field and axial chromatic aberration, and it becomes difficult to maintain good optical performance over the entire zoom range”).
However, Wei does not disclose 0.8 < |TTL/ft| < 1.2. Although it should be noted that Wei does teach an optical imaging system wherein 0.3 < |TTL/ft| < 0.8, such that it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant invention to modify the optical imaging system, such that 0.8 < |TTL/ft| < 1.2, since it has been held that a prima facie case of obviousness exists where the claimed ranges or amounts do not overlap with the prior art but are merely close (Titanium Metals Corp. of America v. Banner, 778 F.2d 775, 783, 227 USPQ 773, 779 (Fed. Cir. 1985)).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize the zoom lens of Fujikura modified by the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy 0.3 < |TTL/ft| < 0.8, as taught by Wei, in order to correct field curvature and axial chromatic aberration as well as realize good optical performance (page 6, paragraph 10 – page 7, paragraph 5).
Regarding claim 4, the combination of Fujikura (Embodiment 4), Kim, Fujiwara, and Wei discloses all the limitations of claim 1 and Fujikura (Embodiment 4) further discloses a fourth lens group (G4 "fourth lens group") located on an image side of the third lens group (G3 “third lens group”, Figure 5), wherein, the fourth lens group (G4 "fourth lens group") is a fixed lens group (page 9, paragraph 7 of translation states "When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, ..., The four lens group G4 is fixed (stationary)") with positive focal power (page 9, paragraph 2 of translation states "a fourth lens group G4 having a positive refractive power").
Regarding claim 8, Fujikura (Embodiment 4) discloses a camera module, in at least Figure 7, comprising a camera chip (149 "CCD", page 19, paragraph 9 of translation states "An object image formed by the photographing optical system 141 is formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 149", Figure 11) and a zoom lens (page 19, paragraph 8 of translation states "the zoom lens according to the present invention is incorporated in a photographing optical system 141 of a digital camera that is an information processing apparatus"), wherein a light ray passes through the zoom lens and strikes the camera chip (Figure 11); wherein the zoom lens, comprises
a first lens group, wherein the first lens group (G1 "first lens group") is a fixed lens group (page 9, paragraph 7 of translation states " When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens group G1 is fixed (stationary)") with negative focal power (page 9, paragraph 2 of translation states "a first lens group G1 having negative refractive power");
a second lens group (G2 "second lens group"), wherein the second lens group (G2 "second lens group") is a zoom lens group (page 9, paragraph 7 of translation states "When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, …, the second lens group G2 moves to the object side") with positive focal power (page 9, paragraph 2 of translation states "a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power") configured to slide along an optical axis on an image side of the first lens group (G1 "first lens group", Figure 7); and
a third lens group (G3 "third lens group"), wherein
the third lens group (G3 "third lens group") … with negative focal power (page 9, paragraph 2 of translation states "a third lens group G3 having a negative refractive power") configured to slide along the optical axis on an image side of the second lens group (G2 "second lens group", page 9, paragraph 7 of translation states "When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, ..., the third lens group G3 moves to the object side", Figure 5), and the lens groups are arranged from an object side to an image side (Figure 5),
wherein a total quantity N of lenses in the first lens group (G1 “first lens group”), the second lens group (G2 “second lens group”), and the third lens group (G3 “third lens group”) meets: 7 <= N <= 13 (page 9, paragraph 5 of translation states "The third lens group G3 includes a positive meniscus lens L8 having a convex surface directed toward the image side, and a biconcave negative lens L9", Figure 7 shows that there are 9 lenses in lens groups 1, 2, and 3 which falls within the claimed range thereby anticipating the claimed range);
wherein lenses comprised in the zoom lens meet: N <= a quantity of aspheric surfaces <= 2N (page 9, paragraph 8 of translation states "The aspherical surfaces include both sides of the biconcave negative lens L1, both sides of the biconvex positive lens L4, both sides of the biconvex positive lens L7, both sides of the positive meniscus lens L8, both sides of the biconcave negative lens L9, and biconvex. A total of 12 surfaces including both surfaces of the positive lens L10 are provided", table on line 21 of page 17 of original document shows that there are 10 aspheric surfaces in lens groups 1, 2, and 3), wherein the quantity of aspheric surfaces is a quantity of aspheric surfaces of all lenses comprised in the zoom lens (Figure 5).
However, Fujikura (Embodiment 4) does not disclose the third lens group is a compensation lens group, wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6°, and the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy 0.8< |TTL/ft| <1.2.
Kim teaches a compensation lens (paragraph 0032).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have the third lens group, which is the focusing lens group, of Fujikura (Embodiment 4) modified by a compensation lens, as taught by Kim, in order to compensate for smaller focusing adjustments and for the refractive index of the lens system (paragraph 0035).
Fujiwara teaches wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6° (page 4, paragraph 9 of translation states “If the incident angle θ of the principal ray R to the imaging surface satisfies −3 ° ≦ θ ≦ + 3 ° at both the wide-angle end and the telephoto end, the wide-angle end and the telephoto end are hardly changed with little variation in the incident angle θ”).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize the zoom lens of Fujikura modified by wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6°, as taught by Fujiwara, in order to suppress color shading (page 4, paragraph 6 of translation).
Wei teaches the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy |TTL/ft| <1.2 (page 6, paragraph 10 – page 7, paragraph 5 states “It is preferable that the variable magnification optical system satisfies the following conditional expression (5). (5) 0.3 < TTL / Ft < 0.8 However, TTL is the total length of the entire variable magnification optical system at the telephoto end. Conditional expression (5) defines the ratio between the total length of the entire variable magnification optical system and the focal length of the variable magnification optical system at the telephoto end. By satisfying conditional expression (5), it is possible to reduce the size in the full length direction even when a high zoom ratio is realized. Further, by satisfying conditional expression (5), it is possible to satisfactorily correct field curvature and axial chromatic aberration, and to realize good optical performance over the entire zoom range. If the numerical value of conditional expression (5) exceeds the upper limit, the total length of the variable magnification optical system becomes long when a variable magnification optical system with a high variable magnification ratio is used. Therefore, a compact variable magnification optical system is realized. It becomes difficult to do. On the other hand, when the numerical value of the conditional expression (5) is less than or equal to the lower limit value, it becomes difficult to correct curvature of field and axial chromatic aberration, and it becomes difficult to maintain good optical performance over the entire zoom range”).
However, Wei does not disclose 0.8 < |TTL/ft| < 1.2. Although it should be noted that Wei does teach an optical imaging system wherein 0.3 < |TTL/ft| < 0.8, such that it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant invention to modify the optical imaging system, such that 0.8 < |TTL/ft| < 1.2, since it has been held that a prima facie case of obviousness exists where the claimed ranges or amounts do not overlap with the prior art but are merely close (Titanium Metals Corp. of America v. Banner, 778 F.2d 775, 783, 227 USPQ 773, 779 (Fed. Cir. 1985)).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize the zoom lens of Fujikura modified by the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy 0.3 < |TTL/ft| < 0.8, as taught by Wei, in order to correct field curvature and axial chromatic aberration as well as realize good optical performance (page 6, paragraph 10 – page 7, paragraph 5).
Regarding claim 11, the combination of Fujikura (Embodiment 4), Kim, Fujiwara, and Wei discloses all the limitations of claim 8 and Fujikura (Embodiment 4) further discloses wherein the zoom lens further comprises: a fourth lens group (G4 "fourth lens group") is a fixed lens group (page 9, paragraph 7 of translation states "When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, ..., The four lens group G4 is fixed (stationary)") with positive focal power (page 9, paragraph 2 of translation states "a fourth lens group G4 having a positive refractive power").
Regarding claim 12, the combination of Fujikura (Embodiment 4), Kim, Fujiwara, and Wei discloses all the limitations of claim 8 and Fujikura (Embodiment 4) further discloses wherein a total quantity N of lenses in the first lens group (G1 “first lens group”), the second lens group (G2 “second lens group”), the third lens group (G3 “third lens group”), and the fourth lens group (G4 “fourth lens group”) meets: 7 <= N <= 11 (page 9, paragraph 6 of translation states "The fourth lens group G4 includes a biconvex positive lens L10", Figure 7 shows that there are 10 lenses in lens groups 1, 2, 3, and 4).
Regarding claim 13, the combination of Fujikura (Embodiment 4), Kim, Fujiwara, and Wei discloses all the limitations of claim 8 and Fujikura (Embodiment 4) further discloses wherein a movement stroke L1 of the second lens group (G2 “second lens group”) along the optical axis and a total length TTL of the zoom lens from a surface closest to the object side to an imaging plane meet 0.12 < |L1/TTL1| < 0.35 (movement stroke calculated as movement with respect to the image plane, table on line 10 of page 18 of original document, d14 = 0.98 and d18 = 6.04 at the intermediate focal length state, which gives L1 = 7.02 and TTL = 27.06 at the intermediate focal length, so therefore |L1/TTL| = 0.259 which falls within the claimed range thereby anticipating the claimed range).
Regarding claim 14, the combination of Fujikura (Embodiment 4), Kim, Fujiwara, and Wei discloses all the limitations of claim 8 and Fujikura (Embodiment 4) further discloses wherein a movement stroke L2 of the third lens group (G3 “third lens group”) along the optical axis and the total length TTL of the zoom lens from the surface closest to the object side to the imaging plane meet 0.08 < |L2/TTL| < 0.3 (movement stroke calculated as movement with respect to the image plane, table on line 10 of page 18 of original document, d18 = 6.04 at the intermediate focal length state, which gives L2 = 6.04 and TTL = 27.06 at the intermediate focal length, so therefore |L2/TTL| = 0.223 which falls within the claimed range thereby anticipating the claimed range).
Regarding claim 15, Fujikura (Embodiment 4) discloses a mobile terminal (140 “digital camera”), in at least Figure 7, comprising a housing (141 "photographing optical system", Figures 9, 10) and a zoom lens disposed in the housing (page 19, paragraph 8 of translation states "zoom lens according to the present invention is incorporated in a photographing optical system 141 of a digital camera");
wherein the zoom lens comprises
a first lens group, wherein the first lens group (G1 "first lens group") is a fixed lens group (page 9, paragraph 7 of translation states "When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens group G1 is fixed (stationary)") with negative focal power (page 9, paragraph 2 of translation states "a first lens group G1 having negative refractive power");
a second lens group (G2 "second lens group"), wherein the second lens group (G2 "second lens group") is a zoom lens group (page 9, paragraph 7 of translation states "When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, …, the second lens group G2 moves to the object side") with positive focal power (page 9, paragraph 2 of translation states "a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power") configured to slide along an optical axis on an image side of the first lens group (G1 "first lens group", Figure 7); and
a third lens group (G3 "third lens group"), wherein
the third lens group (G3 "third lens group") … with negative focal power (page 9, paragraph 2 of translation states "a third lens group G3 having a negative refractive power") configured to slide along the optical axis on an image side of the second lens group (G2 "second lens group", page 9, paragraph 7 of translation states "When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, ..., the third lens group G3 moves to the object side", Figure 5), and the lens groups are arranged from an object side to an image side (Figure 5),
wherein a total quantity N of lenses in the first lens group (G1 “first lens group”), the second lens group (G2 “second lens group”), and the third lens group (G3 “third lens group”) meets: 7 <= N <= 11 (page 9, paragraph 5 of translation states "The third lens group G3 includes a positive meniscus lens L8 having a convex surface directed toward the image side, and a biconcave negative lens L9", Figure 7 shows that there are 9 lenses in lens groups 1, 2, and 3 which falls within the claimed range thereby anticipating the claimed range);
wherein lenses comprised in the zoom lens meet: N <= a quantity of aspheric surfaces <= 2N (page 9, paragraph 8 of translation states "The aspherical surfaces include both sides of the biconcave negative lens L1, both sides of the biconvex positive lens L4, both sides of the biconvex positive lens L7, both sides of the positive meniscus lens L8, both sides of the biconcave negative lens L9, and biconvex. A total of 12 surfaces including both surfaces of the positive lens L10 are provided", table on line 21 of page 17 of original document shows that there are 10 aspheric surfaces in lens groups 1, 2, and 3), wherein the quantity of aspheric surfaces is a quantity of aspheric surfaces of all lenses comprised in the zoom lens (Figure 5).
However, Fujikura (Embodiment 4) does not disclose the third lens group is a compensation lens group, wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6°, and the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy 0.8< |TTL/ft| <1.2.
Kim teaches a compensation lens (paragraph 0032).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have the third lens group, which is the focusing lens group, of Fujikura (Embodiment 4) modified by a compensation lens, as taught by Kim, in order to compensate for smaller focusing adjustments and for the refractive index of the lens system (paragraph 0035).
Fujiwara teaches wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6° (page 4, paragraph 9 of translation states “If the incident angle θ of the principal ray R to the imaging surface satisfies −3 ° ≦ θ ≦ + 3 ° at both the wide-angle end and the telephoto end, the wide-angle end and the telephoto end are hardly changed with little variation in the incident angle θ”).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize the zoom lens of Fujikura modified by wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6°, as taught by Fujiwara, in order to suppress color shading (page 4, paragraph 6 of translation).
Wei teaches the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy |TTL/ft| <1.2 (page 6, paragraph 10 – page 7, paragraph 5 states “It is preferable that the variable magnification optical system satisfies the following conditional expression (5). (5) 0.3 < TTL / Ft < 0.8 However, TTL is the total length of the entire variable magnification optical system at the telephoto end. Conditional expression (5) defines the ratio between the total length of the entire variable magnification optical system and the focal length of the variable magnification optical system at the telephoto end. By satisfying conditional expression (5), it is possible to reduce the size in the full length direction even when a high zoom ratio is realized. Further, by satisfying conditional expression (5), it is possible to satisfactorily correct field curvature and axial chromatic aberration, and to realize good optical performance over the entire zoom range. If the numerical value of conditional expression (5) exceeds the upper limit, the total length of the variable magnification optical system becomes long when a variable magnification optical system with a high variable magnification ratio is used. Therefore, a compact variable magnification optical system is realized. It becomes difficult to do. On the other hand, when the numerical value of the conditional expression (5) is less than or equal to the lower limit value, it becomes difficult to correct curvature of field and axial chromatic aberration, and it becomes difficult to maintain good optical performance over the entire zoom range”).
However, Wei does not disclose 0.8 < |TTL/ft| < 1.2. Although it should be noted that Wei does teach an optical imaging system wherein 0.3 < |TTL/ft| < 0.8, such that it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant invention to modify the optical imaging system, such that 0.8 < |TTL/ft| < 1.2, since it has been held that a prima facie case of obviousness exists where the claimed ranges or amounts do not overlap with the prior art but are merely close (Titanium Metals Corp. of America v. Banner, 778 F.2d 775, 783, 227 USPQ 773, 779 (Fed. Cir. 1985)).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize the zoom lens of Fujikura modified by the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy 0.3 < |TTL/ft| < 0.8, as taught by Wei, in order to correct field curvature and axial chromatic aberration as well as realize good optical performance (page 6, paragraph 10 – page 7, paragraph 5).
Regarding claim 18, the combination of Fujikura (Embodiment 4), Kim, Fujiwara, and Wei discloses all the limitations of claim 15 and Fujikura (Embodiment 4) further discloses wherein the zoom lens further comprises a fourth lens group (G4 "fourth lens group") is a fixed lens group (page 9, paragraph 7 of translation states "When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, ..., The four lens group G4 is fixed (stationary)") with positive focal power (page 9, paragraph 2 of translation states "a fourth lens group G4 having a positive refractive power").
Regarding claim 20, the combination of Fujikura (Embodiment 4), Kim, Fujiwara, and Wei discloses all the limitations of claim 15 and Fujikura (Embodiment 4) further discloses wherein the effective focal length ft at the telephoto end and an effective focal length fw at a wide-angle end of the zoom lens meet 1 <= |ft/fw| <= 3.7 (table on line 10 of page 18 of original document, ft = 9.55 and fw = 3.35, so therefore |ft/fw| = 2.85 which falls within the claimed range thereby anticipating the claimed range).
Claims 1 and 7 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Taoda (JP 5659992 B2)(Embodiment 1)(see attached machine translation), in view of Kim (US20060222088 A1), in view of Fujikura (JP 2013218256 A)(Embodiment 4)(see attached machine translation), in view of Wei (JP 2017207665 A)(see attached machine translation), and further in view of Fujiwara (JP WO2016147501 A)(see attached machine translation).
Regarding claim 1, Taoda (Embodiment 1) discloses a zoom lens, in at least Figure 5, comprising:
a first lens group (GR1 "first lens group"), wherein the first lens group (GR1 "first lens group") is a fixed lens group (page 2, paragraph 8 of translation states "a first lens group having a negative power in a fixed upon zooming GR1") with negative focal power (page 5, paragraph 2 of translation states "GR1 is a first lens group having a negative power");
a second lens group (GR2 "second lens group"), wherein the second lens group (GR2 "second lens group") is a zoom lens group (page 2, paragraph 8 of translation states "a positive traveling along the optical axis during zooming the second lens group GR2") with positive focal power (page 5, paragraph 2 of translation states "GR2 is a second lens group having a positive power") configured to slide along an optical axis on an image side of the first lens group (GR1 "first lens group", Figure 5); and
a third lens group (GR3 "third lens group"), wherein the third lens group (GR3 "third lens group") … with negative focal power (page 5, paragraph 2 of translation states "GR3 is negative and a third lens group") configured to slide along the optical axis on an image side of the second lens group (GR2 "second lens group", page 2, paragraph 8 of translation states "a third lens group having a negative power which moves along the zooming", Figure 5), and the lens groups are arranged from an object side to an image side (Figure 5);
wherein a total quantity N of lenses in the first lens group, the second lens group, and the third lens group meets: 7 <= N <= 11 (Figure 5 shows that N = 8).
However, Taoda (Embodiment 1) does not disclose the third lens group is a compensation lens group, wherein lenses comprised in the zoom lens meet: N <= a quantity of aspheric surfaces <= 2N, wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6°, and the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy 0.8 < |TTL/ft| < 1.2.
Kim discloses a compensation lens (paragraph 0032).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have the third lens group, which is the focusing lens group, of Taoda (Embodiment 1) modified by a compensation lens, as taught by Kim, in order to compensate for smaller focusing adjustments and for the refractive index of the lens system (paragraph 0035).
Fujikura (Embodiment 4) teaches wherein lenses comprised in the zoom lens meet: N <= a quantity of aspheric surfaces <= 2N (page 9, paragraph 8 of translation states "The aspherical surfaces include both sides of the biconcave negative lens L1, both sides of the biconvex positive lens L4, both sides of the biconvex positive lens L7, both sides of the positive meniscus lens L8, both sides of the biconcave negative lens L9, and biconvex. A total of 12 surfaces including both surfaces of the positive lens L10 are provided", table on line 21 of page 17 of original document shows that there are 10 aspheric surfaces in lens groups 1, 2, and 3), wherein the quantity of aspheric surfaces is a quantity of aspheric surfaces of all lenses comprised in the zoom lens (Figure 5).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize the zoom lens of Taoda (Embodiment 1) modified by wherein lenses comprised in the zoom lens meet: N <= a quantity of aspheric surfaces <= 2N, as taught by Fujikura, in order to improve image quality.
Fujiwara teaches wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6° (page 4, paragraph 9 of translation states “If the incident angle θ of the principal ray R to the imaging surface satisfies −3 ° ≦ θ ≦ + 3 ° at both the wide-angle end and the telephoto end, the wide-angle end and the telephoto end are hardly changed with little variation in the incident angle θ”).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize the zoom lens of Fujikura modified by wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6°, as taught by Fujiwara, in order to suppress color shading (page 4, paragraph 6 of translation).
Wei teaches the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy |TTL/ft| <1.2 (page 6, paragraph 10 – page 7, paragraph 5 states “It is preferable that the variable magnification optical system satisfies the following conditional expression (5). (5) 0.3 < TTL / Ft < 0.8 However, TTL is the total length of the entire variable magnification optical system at the telephoto end. Conditional expression (5) defines the ratio between the total length of the entire variable magnification optical system and the focal length of the variable magnification optical system at the telephoto end. By satisfying conditional expression (5), it is possible to reduce the size in the full length direction even when a high zoom ratio is realized. Further, by satisfying conditional expression (5), it is possible to satisfactorily correct field curvature and axial chromatic aberration, and to realize good optical performance over the entire zoom range. If the numerical value of conditional expression (5) exceeds the upper limit, the total length of the variable magnification optical system becomes long when a variable magnification optical system with a high variable magnification ratio is used. Therefore, a compact variable magnification optical system is realized. It becomes difficult to do. On the other hand, when the numerical value of the conditional expression (5) is less than or equal to the lower limit value, it becomes difficult to correct curvature of field and axial chromatic aberration, and it becomes difficult to maintain good optical performance over the entire zoom range”).
However, Wei does not disclose 0.8 < |TTL/ft| < 1.2. Although it should be noted that Wei does teach an optical imaging system wherein 0.3 < |TTL/ft| < 0.8, such that it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant invention to modify the optical imaging system, such that 0.8 < |TTL/ft| < 1.2, since it has been held that a prima facie case of obviousness exists where the claimed ranges or amounts do not overlap with the prior art but are merely close (Titanium Metals Corp. of America v. Banner, 778 F.2d 775, 783, 227 USPQ 773, 779 (Fed. Cir. 1985)).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize the zoom lens of Fujikura modified by the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy 0.3 < |TTL/ft| < 0.8, as taught by Wei, in order to correct field curvature and axial chromatic aberration as well as realize good optical performance (page 6, paragraph 10 – page 7, paragraph 5).
Regarding claim 7, the combination of Taoda (Embodiment 1), Kim, Fujikura, Fujiwara, and Wei discloses all the limitations of claim 1 and Taoda (Embodiment 1) further discloses wherein a focal length f1 of the first lens group and a focal length ft at a telephoto end of the zoom lens meet 0.2 < |f1/ft| < 0.9 (table 1d, f1 = -9.030, table 1b, ft = 28.64, so therefore |f1/ft| = 0.315 which falls within the claimed range thereby anticipating the claimed range); a focal length f2 of the second lens group and the focal length ft meet 0.10 < |f2/ft| < 0.6 (table 1d, f2 = 10.650, table 1b, ft = 28.64, so therefore |f2/ft| = 0.372 which falls within the claimed range thereby anticipating the claimed range); and a focal length f3 of the third lens group and the focal length ft meet 0.10 |f3/ft| < 0.7 (table 1d, f3 = -11.182, table 1b, ft = 28.64, so therefore |f3/ft| = 0.390 which falls within the claimed range thereby anticipating the claimed range).
Claims 15 and 19 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ozaki (US 20150109485 A1)(Embodiment 1), in view of Kim (US20060222088 A1), in view of Fujikura (JP 2013218256 A)(Embodiment 4)(see attached machine translation), in view of Wei (JP 2017207665 A)(see attached machine translation), and further in view of Fujiwara (JP WO2016147501 A)(see attached machine translation).
Regarding claim 15, Ozaki (Embodiment 1) discloses a mobile terminal, in at least Figures 5A-C, comprising a housing (54 "lens-barrel portion", paragraph 0091) and a zoom lens disposed in the housing (paragraph 0091 states "The lens-barrel portion 54 accommodates and holds the zoom lens 10");
wherein the zoom lens comprises
a first lens group (Gr1 "first lens group"), wherein the first lens group (Gr1 “first lens group) is a fixed lens group (paragraph 0133 states "Gr1 and Gr4 are fixed during magnification change") with negative focal power (Table 3, f(Gr1) = -6.36, which is negative);
a second lens group (Gr2 "second lens group"), wherein the second lens group (Gr2 “second lens group”) is a zoom lens group (paragraph 0133 states "during magnification change from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the second lens group Gr2 moves to the object side along the optical axis AX direction") with positive focal power (table 3, f(Gr2) = +5.88, which is positive) configured to slide along an optical axis on an image side of the first lens group (Gr1 “first lens group”, Figures 5A-C); and
a third lens group (Gr3 "third lens group") wherein
the third lens group (Gr3 "third lens group") … with negative focal power (table 3, f(Gr3) = -8.31, which is negative) configured to slide along the optical axis on an image side of the second lens group (Gr2 “second lens group”, paragraph 0133 states "during magnification change from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, ..., and the third lens group Gr3 moves along the optical axis AX direction"), and the lens groups are arranged from an object side to an image side (Figures 5A-C).
However, Ozaki (Embodiment 1) does not disclose the third lens group is a compensation lens group, wherein a total quantity N of lenses in the first lens group, the second lens group, and the third lens group meets: 7 <= N <= 11; wherein lenses comprised in the zoom lens meet: N <= a quantity of aspheric surfaces <= 2N, wherein the quantity of aspheric surfaces is a quantity of aspheric surfaces of all lenses comprised in the zoom lens, wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6°, and the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy 0.8 < |TTL/ft| < 1.2.
Kim discloses a compensation lens (paragraph 0032).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have the third lens group, which is the focusing lens group, of Ozaki (Embodiment 1) modified by a compensation lens, as taught by Kim, in order to compensate for smaller focusing adjustments and for the refractive index of the lens system (paragraph 0035).
Fujikura (Embodiment 4) teaches wherein a total quantity N of lenses in the first lens group (G1 “first lens group”), the second lens group (G2 “second lens group”), and the third lens group (G3 “third lens group”) meets: 7 <= N <= 11 (page 9, paragraph 5 of translation states "The third lens group G3 includes a positive meniscus lens L8 having a convex surface directed toward the image side, and a biconcave negative lens L9", Figure 7 shows that there are 9 lenses in lens groups 1, 2, and 3 which falls within the claimed range thereby anticipating the claimed range); wherein lenses comprised in the zoom lens meet: N <= a quantity of aspheric surfaces <= 2N (page 9, paragraph 8 of translation states "The aspherical surfaces include both sides of the biconcave negative lens L1, both sides of the biconvex positive lens L4, both sides of the biconvex positive lens L7, both sides of the positive meniscus lens L8, both sides of the biconcave negative lens L9, and biconvex. A total of 12 surfaces including both surfaces of the positive lens L10 are provided", table on line 21 of page 17 of original document shows that there are 10 aspheric surfaces in lens groups 1, 2, and 3), wherein the quantity of aspheric surfaces is a quantity of aspheric surfaces of all lenses comprised in the zoom lens (Figure 5).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize the zoom lens of Ozaki (Embodiment 1) modified by wherein a total quantity N of lenses in the first lens group, the second lens group, and the third lens group meets: 7 <= N <= 11 and wherein lenses comprised in the zoom lens meet: N <= a quantity of aspheric surfaces <= 2N, wherein the quantity of aspheric surfaces is a quantity of aspheric surfaces of all lenses comprised in the zoom lens, as taught by Fujikura, in order to improve image quality.
Fujiwara teaches wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6° (page 4, paragraph 9 of translation states “If the incident angle θ of the principal ray R to the imaging surface satisfies −3 ° ≦ θ ≦ + 3 ° at both the wide-angle end and the telephoto end, the wide-angle end and the telephoto end are hardly changed with little variation in the incident angle θ”).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize the zoom lens of Fujikura modified by wherein a difference between a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a wide-angle state and a chief ray angle when the zoom lens is in a telephoto state is less than or equal to 6°, as taught by Fujiwara, in order to suppress color shading (page 4, paragraph 6 of translation).
Wei teaches the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy |TTL/ft| <1.2 (page 6, paragraph 10 – page 7, paragraph 5 states “It is preferable that the variable magnification optical system satisfies the following conditional expression (5). (5) 0.3 < TTL / Ft < 0.8 However, TTL is the total length of the entire variable magnification optical system at the telephoto end. Conditional expression (5) defines the ratio between the total length of the entire variable magnification optical system and the focal length of the variable magnification optical system at the telephoto end. By satisfying conditional expression (5), it is possible to reduce the size in the full length direction even when a high zoom ratio is realized. Further, by satisfying conditional expression (5), it is possible to satisfactorily correct field curvature and axial chromatic aberration, and to realize good optical performance over the entire zoom range. If the numerical value of conditional expression (5) exceeds the upper limit, the total length of the variable magnification optical system becomes long when a variable magnification optical system with a high variable magnification ratio is used. Therefore, a compact variable magnification optical system is realized. It becomes difficult to do. On the other hand, when the numerical value of the conditional expression (5) is less than or equal to the lower limit value, it becomes difficult to correct curvature of field and axial chromatic aberration, and it becomes difficult to maintain good optical performance over the entire zoom range”).
However, Wei does not disclose 0.8 < |TTL/ft| < 1.2. Although it should be noted that Wei does teach an optical imaging system wherein 0.3 < |TTL/ft| < 0.8, such that it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the instant invention to modify the optical imaging system, such that 0.8 < |TTL/ft| < 1.2, since it has been held that a prima facie case of obviousness exists where the claimed ranges or amounts do not overlap with the prior art but are merely close (Titanium Metals Corp. of America v. Banner, 778 F.2d 775, 783, 227 USPQ 773, 779 (Fed. Cir. 1985)).
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to utilize the zoom lens of Fujikura modified by the zoom lens is configured such that an entire length (TTL) of the zoom lens from a surface closest to an object side to an imaging plane and an effective focal length (ft) at a telephoto end of the zoom lens satisfy 0.3 < |TTL/ft| < 0.8, as taught by Wei, in order to correct field curvature and axial chromatic aberration as well as realize good optical performance (page 6, paragraph 10 – page 7, paragraph 5).
Regarding claim 19, the combination of Ozaki (Embodiment 1), Kim, Fujikura, Fujiwara, and Wei discloses all the limitations of claim 15 and Ozaki (Embodiment 1) further discloses a half-image height IMH (Table 2, 2Y = 5.871 is the image height, so 2Y/2 = half image height = IMH = 2.935 at telephoto end) and an effective focal length ft (table 2, ft = 12.54) at the telephoto end of the zoom lens, but does not disclose wherein a range of a ratio of a half-image height IMH to an effective focal length ft at the telephoto end of the zoom lens meets 0.02 <|IMH/ft|< 0.20 (Table 2, 2Y = 5.871 is the image height, so 2Y/2 = half image height = IMH = 2.935 at telephoto end and ft = 12.54, so therefore |IMH/ft| = 0.234).
Thus Ozaki (Embodiment 1) discloses the claimed invention except for 0.02 <|IMH/ft|< 0.20. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the half-image height or the telephoto focal length, since it has been held that where the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, discovering the optimum or workable ranges involves only routine skill in the art, In re Aller, 105 USPQ 233 (C.C.P.A. 1955). In the current instance, IMH/ft is an art recognized results effective variable in that its value can affect the field of view. Thus, one would have been motivated to optimize |IMH/ft| because it is an art-recognized result-effective variable and it has been held that discovering an optimum value of a result effective variable involves only routine skill in the art, In re Antonie, 559 F.2d 618, 195 USPQ 6 (CCPA 1977). See MPEP §2144.05(II)(B) “after KSR, the presence of a known result-effective variable would be one, but not the only, motivation for a personal of ordinary skill in the art to experiment to reach another workable product or process.” Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art would have a reasonable expectation of success when making this modification because Ozaki (Embodiment 1) gives |IMH/ft| = 0.234 which is only 13.0% away from the upper limit of the conditional expression.
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/ALAINA MARIE SWANSON/Examiner, Art Unit 2872
/WILLIAM R ALEXANDER/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2872
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