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 .
Response to Amendment
The Amendment filed 10/30/2025 has been fully considered and entered into record. Claims 1-20 remain pending in the application.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 10/30/2025 regarding the rejections of the claims under 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103, particularly in view of Neff et al (US 2021/0192943) have been fully considered but are not persuasive. Applicant argues that while Neff discloses that "[t]he [wireless device] identifiers 322 captured by the wireless detector device 320 can include various types of information, such as media access control (MAC) addresses, physical addresses, user-assigned device names, ICCID numbers, and/or service set identifiers (SSID), among others," each of the various types of information that Neff discloses as included in the wireless device identifiers 322 captured by the wireless detector device 320, such as MAC addresses and user-assigned device names, are notably device specific. That is, each of the various types of information that Neff discloses as included in the wireless device identifiers 322captured by the wireless detector device 320 are unique to a particular transmitting wireless device. Indeed, in the description of FIG. in para. [0046] as cited by the Office Action, Neff expressly states that "the term 'wireless device identifier' is intended to encompass all such types of information that can identify a wireless device." See Neff para. [0046](emphasis added). As such, no aspect of that disclosure can be reasonably construed as disclosing "filtering the captured electronic signals of the one or more electronic devices associated with each target in view of one or more non-unique characteristics of the captured electronic signals."
Examiner respectfully disagrees. Applicant’s argument relies on the assumption that the information that can identify a wireless device is inherently unique, and that assumption is false. A service set identifier (SSID) is, by definition, not unique to the device transmitting the signal. At minimum, the SSID is shared by all devices on that particular network, and thereby is non-unique. Neff explicitly discloses the consideration of the service set identifier (SSID) and signal filtering based on device identifiers in [0046], where the device identification information is used to correlate wireless device activity with vehicle activity creating fingerprints for both ([0059-0062]). For these reasons, Neff continues to anticipate the amended claims, and the rejections are maintained.
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)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-8, 11-16, and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Neff et al (US 2021/0192943).
Regarding Claim 1, Neff teaches a surveillance system (Figs. 1-3), comprising: a plurality of collection systems positioned at selected geographic areas ([0035-0036], Fig. 1, the parking structure 100 includes an entrance 102 and various sensor devices 120-126, which will be described in more detail later herein. One sensor device 120 is located at or near the entrance 102, and other sensor devices 122-126 are located in other areas of the parking structure 100. each sensor device 120-126 includes a sensor device housing, an image capture device such as a camera, and a wireless detector device), each comprising:
one or more sensors configured to capture visual identifiers for each of a plurality of targets ([0043], Fig. 3, an image capture device 310 captures images 312 of vehicles, [0045], The image 312 captured by the image capture device 310 can have any suitable format, such as JPEG or TIFF, among others. Also, the captured image 312 can include one vehicle or multiple vehicles. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the storage and processing system (200, FIG. 2) processes the captured image 312 to extract license plate identifiers 314, and stores the license plate identifiers 312 in text format); and
one or more sensors configured to capture electronic signals associated with the plurality of targets ([0043], Fig. 3, the wireless detector device 320 detects wireless device identifiers 312 in the vicinity of the vehicles, [0046], The identifiers 322 captured by the wireless detector device 320 can have various formats and can include various types of information, such as media access control (MAC) addresses, physical addresses, user-assigned device names, ICCID numbers, and/or service set identifiers (SSID), among others. As used herein, the term “wireless device identifier” is intended to encompass all such types of information that can identify a wireless device. The wireless device identifiers 322 can be received by a storage and processing system (200, FIG. 2), which can separate different types of identifiers, as appropriate, and can store the various identifiers); and
an intelligence system in communication with each of the plurality of collection systems, the intelligence system including a correlation and search engine ([0044], Fig. 3, the association of the location identifier with those devices can be maintained by a storage and processing system (200, FIG. 2)), configured to:
receive captured visual identifiers for each target of the plurality of targets ([0045], Fig. 3, the storage and processing system (200, FIG. 2) processes the captured image 312 to extract license plate identifiers 314, and stores the license plate identifiers 312 in text format. Persons skilled in the art will recognize various ways to implement the extraction process, such as using statistical, machine vision, and/or machine learning techniques), and captured electronic signals associated with each target of the plurality of targets from each of the plurality of collection systems ([0046], The wireless device identifiers 322 can be received by a storage and processing system (200, FIG. 2), which can separate different types of identifiers, as appropriate, and can store the various identifiers);
filter the captured electronic signals associated with each target in view of one or more non-unique characteristics of the captured electronic signals and develop at least one electronic signature associated with each target ([0046], Fig. 3, The identifiers 322 captured by the wireless detector device 320 can have various formats and can include various types of information, such as media access control (MAC) addresses, physical addresses, user-assigned device names, ICCID numbers, and/or service set identifiers (SSID), among others, [0036], wireless detector device operates to scan for wireless device identifiers and can include, for example, components such as radio antennas and controllers and/or other components which persons skilled in the art will recognize as being present in a device that scans for wireless device identifiers. The wireless detector device can scan for any type of wireless device, including, without limitation, Wi-Fi device identifiers, Bluetooth device identifiers, and/or cellular device identifiers);
correlate the captured visual identifiers for each target with at least one electronic signature associated with the target ([0043], Fig. 3, the image capture device 310 and the wireless detector device 320 are positioned sufficiently close to each other such that the data they capture can be meaningfully associated with each other. As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the image capture device 310 and the wireless detector device 320 can be positioned approximately ten feet or less apart, but other distances are contemplated. The image capture device 310 and the wireless detector device 320 can be contained in a single housing or can be separated in different housings. In various embodiments, the image capture device 310 and the wireless detector device 320 can communicate with each other to capture information at substantially the same time or to capture information within a particular time period); and
generate an identification of one or more unknown targets based prior known factors associated with the target ([0062], Fig. 10, At block 1006, the operation processes the image containing the vehicle(s) to extract one or more license plate identifiers corresponding to the vehicle(s). At block 1008, the operation stores in an electronic storage at least one record associating the license plate identifier(s) with the wireless device identifier(s). At block 1010, the operation identifies, based on the at least one record, one of the wireless device identifiers that is to serve as a surrogate for or an alternative to one of the license plate identifiers. [0059-0061], Fig. 9, vehicle's properties 904 can form a fingerprint or signature for a vehicle whose license plate identifier 902 is unknown. In various embodiments, certain properties can be mandatory properties that are required for the vehicle fingerprint/signature to be used in place of an unknown license plate identifier, such as, for example, vehicle color, make, model, and type. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, when a vehicle signature/fingerprint is designated to be used in place of a license plate identifier, any aspects described herein relating to a license plate identifier also applies to a vehicle signature/fingerprint. For example, in relation to FIG. 7, a wireless device identifier that has the highest occurrence in data records having the same vehicle fingerprint/signature, can be designated as a surrogate for or as an alternative to the vehicle fingerprint/signature. In relation to FIG. 8, patterns indicative of tracking a vehicle through a parking structure can be applied to vehicle fingerprints/signatures in the same manner that they are applied to license plate identifiers);
determine a location of a selected target, an association of the selected target to one or more persons, association of the target to one or more locations, travel patterns of the selected target, or combinations thereof; or combinations thereof ([0044], Fig. 3, the image capture device 310 and the wireless detector device 320 can be associated with a location identifier, which in the example of FIG. 3 is designated as LOC 10 UNIT 5. In various embodiments, an image capture device 310 and a related wireless detector device 320 can both be associated with the same location identifier. [0052-0053], Figs. 6-7, As data records accumulate over time, it becomes more likely that patterns can become recognizable).
Regarding Claim 2, Neff teaches the invention of Claim 1 above, further comprising wherein at least some of the sensors of the one or more sensors configured to capture visual identifiers for each of the plurality of targets comprise an automated license plate reader positioned at one or more of the selected locations ([0045], The image 312 captured by the image capture device 310 can have any suitable format, such as JPEG or TIFF, among others. Depending on the location and configuration of the image capture device 310, the captured image 312 can include a single parking bay or multiple parking bays (110, FIG. 1). With reference also to FIG. 1, the captured image 312 can, for example, capture one or more parking bays on one side of a driving lane 112, or can parking bays on both sides of a driving lane 112. Also, the captured image 312 can include one vehicle or multiple vehicles. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the storage and processing system (200, FIG. 2) processes the captured image 312 to extract license plate identifiers 314, and stores the license plate identifiers 312 in text format. Persons skilled in the art will recognize various ways to implement the extraction process, such as using statistical, machine vision, and/or machine learning techniques).
Regarding Claim 3, Neff teaches the invention of Claim 1 above, further comprising wherein the intelligence system is further configured to track one or more targets of interest using updated real-time captures of the visual identifiers of the one or more targets of interest or the one or more electronic signatures associated targets at selected locations by additional ones of the one or more collection systems ([0052-0054], As data records accumulate over time, it becomes more likely that patterns can become recognizable. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of such a pattern where a particular license plate identifier FMK-321 appears frequently in data records for the reference wireless device identifier A0:B1:C2:D3:E4:F5. the determination can be subject to an occurrence threshold, such that an association of a license plate identifier with a wireless device identifier is created only if the highest occurrence occurs more than a particular number of times. In various embodiments, the occurrence threshold can be two or five, or another number. In various embodiments, the data records can be processed to determine a second-highest occurrence, or a third-highest occurrence, and so on. Such further determinations can also be subjected to an occurrence threshold).
Regarding Claim 4, Neff teaches the invention of Claim 1 above, further comprising wherein each of the one or more collection systems comprise a sensor assembly, including an array of sensors each configured to detect and capture one or more electronic signals associated with the plurality of targets ([0036], In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, each sensor device 120-126 includes a sensor device housing, an image capture device such as a camera, and a wireless detector device. The wireless detector device operates to scan for wireless device identifiers and can include, for example, components such as radio antennas and controllers and/or other components which persons skilled in the art will recognize as being present in a device that scans for wireless device identifiers. The wireless detector device can scan for any type of wireless device, including, without limitation, Wi-Fi device identifiers, Bluetooth device identifiers, and/or cellular device identifiers, among others. Because modern vehicles come equipped with wireless devices and drivers also carry wireless devices, the wireless detector device will almost certainly be able to detect a wireless device in the vicinity of a vehicle) .
Regarding Claim 5, Neff teaches the invention of Claim 4 above, further comprising wherein the array of sensors includes one or more of a Bluetooth® antenna, a Wi-fi antenna, a RFID antenna, or other RF antenna ([0036], In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, each sensor device 120-126 includes a sensor device housing, an image capture device such as a camera, and a wireless detector device. The wireless detector device operates to scan for wireless device identifiers and can include, for example, components such as radio antennas and controllers and/or other components which persons skilled in the art will recognize as being present in a device that scans for wireless device identifiers. The wireless detector device can scan for any type of wireless device, including, without limitation, Wi-Fi device identifiers, Bluetooth device identifiers, and/or cellular device identifiers, among others. Because modern vehicles come equipped with wireless devices and drivers also carry wireless devices, the wireless detector device will almost certainly be able to detect a wireless device in the vicinity of a vehicle).
Regarding Claim 6, Neff teaches the invention of Claim 1 above, further comprising wherein at least some of the sensors of the one or more sensors configured to capture visual identifiers for each of the plurality of targets comprise one or more cameras configured to capture at least one of a plurality of vehicle identifiers of the plurality of targets ([0036], In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, each sensor device 120-126 includes a sensor device housing, an image capture device such as a camera, and a wireless detector device. The image capture device and the wireless detector device will be described in more detail in connection with FIG. 3. For now, it is sufficient to note that the image capture device operates to capture images and can include, for example, components such as lenses, charge-coupled device light sensors, image signal processors, controllers, storage memory, and/or a communication interface, and/or other components which persons skilled in the art will recognize as being present in a device that captures and communicates images, [0045], The image 312 captured by the image capture device 310 can have any suitable format, such as JPEG or TIFF, among others. Depending on the location and configuration of the image capture device 310, the captured image 312 can include a single parking bay or multiple parking bays (110, FIG. 1)).
Regarding Claim 7, Neff teaches the invention of Claim 6 above, further comprising wherein the visual identifiers include one or more of license plates, stickers, patterns, position(s) of component parts, after-market added parts, damage, or combinations thereof, of a vehicle ([0051], a data record can include multiple wireless device identifiers as well as multiple license plate identifiers. In various embodiments, a data record can include information about a vehicle in addition to a license plate identifier, such as color, make, model, and vehicle type, among other things. An example of using such additional information to form a “signature” for an unidentified vehicle).
Regarding Claim 8, Neff teaches the invention of Claim 1 above, further comprising wherein the non-unique characteristics comprise a frequency of occurrence, relative representation, signal type, signal receipt location diversity, and signal strength profiling, and wherein filtering the captured electronic signals associated with each target in view of the one or more non-unique characteristics of the captured electronic signals further comprises determining whether a relative certainty value that the captured electronic signals is associated with the target exceed a prescribed threshold in view of the non-unique characteristics ([0052-0054], In the example of FIG. 6, if the license plate identifier FMK-321 has the most occurrences in the records, then wireless device identifier A0:B1:C2:D3:E4:F5 can be designated to be a surrogate or alternative to license plate identifier FMK-321. In the example of FIG. 7, if the wireless device identifier A0:B1:C2:D3:E4:F5 has the most occurrences in the records, then wireless device identifier A0:B1:C2:D3:E4:F5 can be designated to be a surrogate or alternative to license plate identifier FMK-321. In various embodiments, the determination can be subject to an occurrence threshold, such that an association of a license plate identifier with a wireless device identifier is created only if the highest occurrence occurs more than a particular number of times).
Regarding Claim 11, Neff teaches the invention of Claim 1 above, further comprising wherein the intelligence system is configured to prioritize one or more of the captured electronic signals for identification of a selected target ([0052-0054], In the example of FIG. 6, if the license plate identifier FMK-321 has the most occurrences in the records, then wireless device identifier A0:B1:C2:D3:E4:F5 can be designated to be a surrogate or alternative to license plate identifier FMK-321. In the example of FIG. 7, if the wireless device identifier A0:B1:C2:D3:E4:F5 has the most occurrences in the records, then wireless device identifier A0:B1:C2:D3:E4:F5 can be designated to be a surrogate or alternative to license plate identifier FMK-321. In various embodiments, the determination can be subject to an occurrence threshold, such that an association of a license plate identifier with a wireless device identifier is created only if the highest occurrence occurs more than a particular number of times (prioritized device that occurs most frequently as surrogate identifier)).
Regarding Claim 12, Neff teaches a method (Figs. 1-3), comprising: capturing, in real-time via a plurality of collection systems ([0043], Fig. 3, an image capture device 310 captures images 312 of vehicles, [0045], The image 312 captured by the image capture device 310 can have any suitable format, such as JPEG or TIFF, among others. Also, the captured image 312 can include one vehicle or multiple vehicles. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the storage and processing system (200, FIG. 2) processes the captured image 312 to extract license plate identifiers 314, and stores the license plate identifiers 312 in text format), at least one visual identifier and associating the at least one visual identifier with a target ([0045], Fig. 3, the storage and processing system (200, FIG. 2) processes the captured image 312 to extract license plate identifiers 314, and stores the license plate identifiers 312 in text format. Persons skilled in the art will recognize various ways to implement the extraction process, such as using statistical, machine vision, and/or machine learning techniques);
capturing a plurality of electronic signals identified with a plurality of electronic devices and associating one or more of the electronic devices with the target ([0043], Fig. 3, the wireless detector device 320 detects wireless device identifiers 312 in the vicinity of the vehicles, [0046], The identifiers 322 captured by the wireless detector device 320 can have various formats and can include various types of information, such as media access control (MAC) addresses, physical addresses, user-assigned device names, ICCID numbers, and/or service set identifiers (SSID), among others. As used herein, the term “wireless device identifier” is intended to encompass all such types of information that can identify a wireless device. The wireless device identifiers 322 can be received by a storage and processing system (200, FIG. 2), which can separate different types of identifiers, as appropriate, and can store the various identifiers);
filtering the captured electronic signals of the one or more electronic devices associated with each target in view of one or more non-unique characteristics of the captured electronic signals and developing at least one electronic signature for at least one electronic device associated with each target ([0046], Fig. 3, The identifiers 322 captured by the wireless detector device 320 can have various formats and can include various types of information, such as media access control (MAC) addresses, physical addresses, user-assigned device names, ICCID numbers, and/or service set identifiers (SSID), among others, [0036], wireless detector device operates to scan for wireless device identifiers and can include, for example, components such as radio antennas and controllers and/or other components which persons skilled in the art will recognize as being present in a device that scans for wireless device identifiers. The wireless detector device can scan for any type of wireless device, including, without limitation, Wi-Fi device identifiers, Bluetooth device identifiers, and/or cellular device identifiers);
correlating the captured at least one visual identifier associated with the target with the at least one electronic signature associated with each target ([0043], Fig. 3, the image capture device 310 and the wireless detector device 320 are positioned sufficiently close to each other such that the data they capture can be meaningfully associated with each other. As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the image capture device 310 and the wireless detector device 320 can be positioned approximately ten feet or less apart, but other distances are contemplated. The image capture device 310 and the wireless detector device 320 can be contained in a single housing or can be separated in different housings. In various embodiments, the image capture device 310 and the wireless detector device 320 can communicate with each other to capture information at substantially the same time or to capture information within a particular time period);
identifying one or more unknown targets based on the at least one visual identifier associated with each of the one or more unknown targets, the at least one electronic signature associated with each of the one or more unknown targets, or a combination thereof, and one or more prior known factors associated with the target ([0062], Fig. 10, At block 1006, the operation processes the image containing the vehicle(s) to extract one or more license plate identifiers corresponding to the vehicle(s). At block 1008, the operation stores in an electronic storage at least one record associating the license plate identifier(s) with the wireless device identifier(s). At block 1010, the operation identifies, based on the at least one record, one of the wireless device identifiers that is to serve as a surrogate for or an alternative to one of the license plate identifiers. [0059-0061], Fig. 9, vehicle's properties 904 can form a fingerprint or signature for a vehicle whose license plate identifier 902 is unknown. In various embodiments, certain properties can be mandatory properties that are required for the vehicle fingerprint/signature to be used in place of an unknown license plate identifier, such as, for example, vehicle color, make, model, and type. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, when a vehicle signature/fingerprint is designated to be used in place of a license plate identifier, any aspects described herein relating to a license plate identifier also applies to a vehicle signature/fingerprint. For example, in relation to FIG. 7, a wireless device identifier that has the highest occurrence in data records having the same vehicle fingerprint/signature, can be designated as a surrogate for or as an alternative to the vehicle fingerprint/signature. In relation to FIG. 8, patterns indicative of tracking a vehicle through a parking structure can be applied to vehicle fingerprints/signatures in the same manner that they are applied to license plate identifiers); and
tracking one or more targets of interest based on real-time updated captures associated with the one or more targets of interest ([0044], Fig. 3, the image capture device 310 and the wireless detector device 320 can be associated with a location identifier, which in the example of FIG. 3 is designated as LOC 10 UNIT 5. In various embodiments, an image capture device 310 and a related wireless detector device 320 can both be associated with the same location identifier. [0052-0053], Figs. 6-7, As data records accumulate over time, it becomes more likely that patterns can become recognizable, [0035-0036], Fig. 1, the parking structure 100 includes an entrance 102 and various sensor devices 120-126, which will be described in more detail later herein. One sensor device 120 is located at or near the entrance 102, and other sensor devices 122-126 are located in other areas of the parking structure 100. each sensor device 120-126 includes a sensor device housing, an image capture device such as a camera, and a wireless detector device).
Regarding Claim 13, Neff teaches the invention of Claim 12 above, further comprising wherein the real-time captures associated with the one or more targets of interest include updated captures of the visual identifiers and electronic signatures from electronic devices associated with the one or more targets of interest at successive times and locations ([0056], Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown another set of records related to tracking a vehicle through a parking structure. With reference also to FIG. 1, and as mentioned above, the parking structure 100 includes various sensor devices 120-126 located in different locations of the parking structure 100, including a sensor device 120 located at the entrance 102 to the parking structure 100. The sensor devices 120-126 can capture information when there is motion in their respective fields of view, and a single vehicle that enters and travels through the parking structure 100 can be captured by multiple sensor devices. For example, a vehicle can be first captured by a sensor device 120 upon entering the entrance 102, then captured by a sensor device 122 upon proceeding from the entrance 102 to the driving lane 112, and then captured by a sensor device 124 upon proceeding through the driving lane 112 and parking in one of the parking bays 110. A progression of such information captures provides records having time stamps that are close in time and having location identifiers that may be sequential, as shown in FIG. 8).
Regarding Claim 14, Neff teaches the invention of Claim 12 above, further comprising comparing the captured visual identifiers associated with the target of interest with identifying information for known targets of interest; and wherein tracking the one or more targets of interest comprises collecting one or more of the visual identifiers, electronic signatures, or a combination thereof, associated with the target of interest at a series of collection stations positioned at selected locations throughout a geographic area, and plotting movement of the target of interest throughout the geographic area ([0057], a storage and processing system can process data records to identify patterns that indicate the tracking of a vehicle travelling through a parking structure, such as the patterns embodied in FIG. 8. In various embodiments, the pattern can include a particular license plate identifier being captured by different sensor devices within a predetermined period of time, such as within a thirty-second or one-minute period of time, or another period of time. In various embodiment, the pattern can include a particular license plate identifier being captured by a sequence of adjacent sensor devices. [0058], a storage and processing system can process the records shown in FIG. 8 to determine whether a wireless device identifier can be identified as a surrogate for or as an alternative to a license plate identifier. In various embodiments, when a pattern indicative of tracking a vehicle through a parking structure is identified, a wireless device identifier that appears in all records of the identified pattern can be designated as a surrogate for or as an alternative to the reference license plate identifier).
Regarding Claim 15, Neff teaches the invention of Claim 14 above, further comprising wherein the identifying information for known targets of interest includes vehicle identifiers comprising one or more of a license plate number, stickers, patterns, position(s) of component parts, after-market added parts, damage, other markings, or combinations thereof ([0051], a data record can include multiple wireless device identifiers as well as multiple license plate identifiers. In various embodiments, a data record can include information about a vehicle in addition to a license plate identifier, such as color, make, model, and vehicle type, among other things. An example of using such additional information to form a “signature” for an unidentified vehicle).
Regarding Claim 16, Neff teaches the invention of Claim 13 above, further comprising wherein the non-unique characteristics comprise a frequency of occurrence, relative representation, signal type, signal receipt location diversity, and signal strength profiling, and wherein filtering the captured electronic signals associated with each target in view of the one or more non-unique characteristics of the captured electronic signals further comprises determining whether a relative certainty value exceeds a prescribed threshold, wherein the relative certainty value is based on determination of one or more captured electronic signals being associated with the identified target of interest in view of the non-unique characteristics ([0052-0054], In the example of FIG. 6, if the license plate identifier FMK-321 has the most occurrences in the records, then wireless device identifier A0:B1:C2:D3:E4:F5 can be designated to be a surrogate or alternative to license plate identifier FMK-321. In the example of FIG. 7, if the wireless device identifier A0:B1:C2:D3:E4:F5 has the most occurrences in the records, then wireless device identifier A0:B1:C2:D3:E4:F5 can be designated to be a surrogate or alternative to license plate identifier FMK-321. In various embodiments, the determination can be subject to an occurrence threshold, such that an association of a license plate identifier with a wireless device identifier is created only if the highest occurrence occurs more than a particular number of times).
Regarding Claim 20, Neff teaches the invention of Claim 12 above, further comprising wherein tracking the one or more targets of interest comprises determining a location of a selected target, an association of the selected target to one or more persons, association of the target to one or more locations, travel patterns of the selected target, or combinations thereof ([0056-0058], Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown another set of records related to tracking a vehicle through a parking structure. With reference also to FIG. 1, and as mentioned above, the parking structure 100 includes various sensor devices 120-126 located in different locations of the parking structure 100, including a sensor device 120 located at the entrance 102 to the parking structure 100. The sensor devices 120-126 can capture information when there is motion in their respective fields of view, and a single vehicle that enters and travels through the parking structure 100 can be captured by multiple sensor devices. For example, a vehicle can be first captured by a sensor device 120 upon entering the entrance 102, then captured by a sensor device 122 upon proceeding from the entrance 102 to the driving lane 112, and then captured by a sensor device 124 upon proceeding through the driving lane 112 and parking in one of the parking bays 110. A progression of such information captures provides records having time stamps that are close in time and having location identifiers that may be sequential, as shown in FIG. 8).
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 9 and 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Neff et al (US 2021/0192943), in view of Kario et al (US 2024/0163402).
Regarding Claims 9 and 17, Neff teaches all aspects of the invention according to Claims 1 and 12 above, except the following, which in analogous art, Kario teaches wherein the intelligence system further comprises a user interface configured to display one or more of visual identifiers and electronic signatures associated with each of the identified targets of interest, relationships between the identified targets of interest and one or more electronic devices associated with the electronic signatures, or routes or predicted routes of the targets of interest ([0195], Fig. 2, The surveillance unit software 200 comprises a communications engine 202 that communicates with, and/or is operably connected to, both a user interface engine 204 and a user interface 206. The user interface engine 204 is configured to communicate with, and/or is operably connected to, a system manager module 208. The system manager module is configured to communicate with, and/or is operably connected to, the following: a vision sensors processing engine 210, an audio sensors processing engine 212, a radio sensors processing engine 214, and a repository 216 for data storage. The individual processing engines 210, 212, and 214 are also each configured to communicate with, and/or are operably connected to, the repository 216. [0199], a user interface engine (such as user interface engine 204) may be configured to convert data received from the communications engine into data that can be used by a system manager (such as system manager module 208). For example, the user interface engine may manage the user interface (such as user interface 206) and enable the user to control the surveillance unit, set up operating parameters, start and stop the surveillance unit, and the like. [0083] The computer executable instructions further defining a user interface engine configured to generate and display a user interface for the surveillance device).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the user interface engine with display of sensor information, as taught in Kario, in the system of Neff, in order to enable the user to control the surveillance unit, set up operating parameters, and the like.
Claims 10 and 18-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Neff et al (US 2021/0192943), in view of Craig (US 2011/0267222).
Regarding Claim 10, Neff teaches all aspects of the invention according to Claim 1 above, except the following, which in analogous art, Craig teaches wherein one or more of the collection systems are configured to analyze a signal value of each captured electronic signal, a strength of each captured electronic signal, a spectrum of each captured electronic signal, embedded identification data of each captured electronic signal, or combinations thereof; determine whether each of the captured electronic signals are from likely-unrelated sources; and if one or more of the captured electronic signals are determined to be from likely-unrelated sources, filter out the one or more captured electronic signals ([0039], Target, e.g., a vehicle or electronic signal producer, 104 can include a mechanism that produces and unintentionally transmits electromagnetic radiation. Many electronic devices and circuits emit some signature electromagnetic radiation. Most vehicles that use electricity in some form are very noisy in parts of the radio frequency spectrum. The present inventor recognized this property of vehicles, e.g., aircraft and boat motors, and developed the structures and methods described herein to capitalize on such properties. The present inventor recognized this property of some electronic and electrical devices, e.g., radio transceivers, radio emitters, circuits that form part of device, etc. Moreover, the present inventor recognized that types of motors, vehicles, aircraft, and boats would have unique radio frequency signature that could be stored in detector structures described herein. A detector, as described herein, can passively sense these stray signals, filter the unique signal from background noise, identify the target, e.g., a vehicle, based at least in part of the stray signal, and locate the position of the target also based at least in part on the stray signal).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to incorporate the filtering of captured signals to determine those from likely-unrelated sources, as taught in Craig, in the system of Neff, in order to better recognize the unique device signatures of target devices amongst background noise and undesired signals.
Regarding Claim 18, Neff teaches all aspects of the invention according to Claim 12 above, except the following, which in analogous art, Craig teaches wherein filtering the captured electronic signals in view of one or more non-unique characteristics of the captured electronic signals comprises analyzing a signal value of each captured electronic signal, strength of each captured electronic signal, a spectrum of each captured electronic signal, embedded identification data of each captured electronic signal, or combinations thereof, and determining whether each of the captured electronic signals are from likely-unrelated sources ([0039], Target, e.g., a vehicle or electronic signal producer, 104 can include a mechanism that produces and unintentionally transmits electromagnetic radiation. Many electronic devices and circuits emit some signature electromagnetic radiation. Most vehicles that use electricity in some form are very noisy in parts of the radio frequency spectrum. The present inventor recognized this property of vehicles, e.g., aircraft and boat motors, and developed the structures and methods described herein to capitalize on such properties. The present inventor recognized this property of some electronic and electrical devices, e.g., radio transceivers, radio emitters, circuits that form part of device, etc. Moreover, the present inventor recognized that types of motors, vehicles, aircraft, and boats would have unique radio frequency signature that could be stored in detector structures described herein. A detector, as described herein, can passively sense these stray signals, filter the unique signal from background noise, identify the target, e.g., a vehicle, based at least in part of the stray signal, and locate the position of the target also based at least in part on the stray signal).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to incorporate the filtering of captured signals to determine those from likely-unrelated sources, as taught in Craig, in the system of Neff, in order to better recognize the unique device signatures of target devices amongst background noise and undesired signals.
Regarding Claim 19, Neff as modified by Craig teaches all aspects of the invention according to Claim 18 above, wherein Craig further teaches wherein filtering the captured electronic signals in view of one or more non-unique characteristics of the captured electronic signals is conducted at one or more of the collection systems ([0039], Target, e.g., a vehicle or electronic signal producer, 104 can include a mechanism that produces and unintentionally transmits electromagnetic radiation. Many electronic devices and circuits emit some signature electromagnetic radiation. Most vehicles that use electricity in some form are very noisy in parts of the radio frequency spectrum. The present inventor recognized this property of vehicles, e.g., aircraft and boat motors, and developed the structures and methods described herein to capitalize on such properties. The present inventor recognized this property of some electronic and electrical devices, e.g., radio transceivers, radio emitters, circuits that form part of device, etc. Moreover, the present inventor recognized that types of motors, vehicles, aircraft, and boats would have unique radio frequency signature that could be stored in detector structures described herein. A detector, as described herein, can passively sense these stray signals, filter the unique signal from background noise, identify the target, e.g., a vehicle, based at least in part of the stray signal, and locate the position of the target also based at least in part on the stray signal).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to incorporate the filtering of captured signals to determine those from likely-unrelated sources, as taught in Craig, in the system of Neff, in order to better recognize the unique device signatures of target devices amongst background noise and undesired signals.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure: Nagarathinam et al (US 2020/0184541) discloses various embodiments, the primary and/or secondary vehicle identifiers can include, but are not limited to, a value assigned by a vehicle manufacture (e.g., a VIN number), a value assigned by a government or regulatory body (e.g., a license plate number), a value assigned by the entity associated with the e-commerce environment (e.g., a QR code or barcode assigned by a retailer), and/or any other suitable vehicle identifier. In some embodiments, one or more non-unique vehicle identifiers, such as, for example, make, model, year, color, etc., may be considered in aggregate to uniquely identify a vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle identifier includes a vehicle registration number (e.g., a license plate number). ([0044])
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
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/MARGARET G WEBB/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2641