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
Claims 1, 5-8 are pending
Claims 1, 7 and 8 have been amended
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, see pages 13-14 and 17-18 and, filed 8/24/2026, with respect to the rejection of U.S.C. 112(b) and U.S.C. 103 have been fully considered and are persuasive. The rejections have been withdrawn. However, Applicant's arguments filed 8/24/2026, with respect to the rejection of U.S.C. 101 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Regarding claim 1, the applicant argues the claim does not recite mental processes because it recites a specific technical procedure for setting model parameters and generating models (page 15). However, there’s no mention of concrete technical means involved in performing the technical procedure. Instead, the claim recites a procedure involving mathematical concepts and mental processes (according to the broadest reasonable interpretation, BRI). According to MPEP 2106.04(a)(2), these are part of the abstract idea groupings. Calculating & updating values and setting parameters are essential to building models and algorithms, which themselves are built using mathematical concepts and mental processes. Applicant further argues, the claim offers significantly more than the abstract idea; however (as similarly stated above), there’s no particular machine involved in the process. The only concrete element mentioned in the claim is a generic processor. According to MPEP 2106.05(a), the courts have found mere automation of manual processes to be insufficient to be considered the claim provides significantly more. Accordingly, applicant’s arguments regarding claim 1 not being directed to an abstract idea are not persuasive and the rejection is maintained.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101
35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows:
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
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Regarding claim 1, the claim recites A temperature estimation device comprising: a processor, configured to: acquire charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device; acquire temperature data relating to an environmental temperature of a battery board accommodating a plurality of energy storage devices including the energy storage device; estimate heat transfer at least among a cell, a cell ambient layer, and an environmental temperature layer, wherein the cell ambient layer is defined between the cell and the environmental temperature layer; acquire, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board; acquire a load pattern and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated; calculate the charge-discharge data during operation of the power storage system by inputting the load pattern to a mathematical model for the power storage system; set parameters a, p, b, q of an ambient temperature estimation model to initial values and set a parameter h of a cell temperature estimation model to an initial value; set a temperature T of the energy storage device and an ambient temperature Ta to an initial value corresponding to an environmental temperature Tb; update the ambient temperature Ta using the charge-discharge data, the environmental temperature data, and the ambient temperature estimation model, wherein the ambient temperature Ta is updated using Ta'=Ta+a-(Q/C)P+b-(Ta-Tb), Q representing a calorific value of the energy storage device, C representing a heat capacity of the energy storage device, p representing a first exponent, and q representing a second exponent; update the temperature T of the energy storage device using the updated ambient temperature Ta, the charge-discharge data, and the cell temperature estimation model, wherein the temperature T of the energy storage device is updated using T'=T+(Q/C)+h(T-Ta); determine whether a difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within an allowable range; when the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is not within the allowable range, change the parameters a, p, b, q of the ambient temperature estimation model such that the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature falls within the allowable range; when the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within the allowable range, generate the ambient temperature estimation model and the cell temperature estimation model using the set parameters; calculate an ambient temperature of the energy storage device in the battery board using the charge-discharge data and the temperature data, wherein the ambient temperature depends on the heat transfer; estimate a temperature of the energy storage device using the calculated ambient temperature and the charge-discharge data by a temperature estimation model, wherein the temperature estimation model includes the generated ambient temperature estimation model and the generated cell temperature estimation model, and is an execution code executed by a programming language or numerical analysis software; and output either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data to an external device.
Step
Analysis
1: Statutory Category?
Yes. The claim recites a device; therefore, it is a machine
2A - Prong 1: Judicial Exception Recited?
Yes. The claim recites the limitation of estimating heat transfer at least among a cell, a cell ambient laver, and an environmental temperature laver, wherein the cell ambient laver is defined between the cell and the environmental temperature layer. The limitation of estimating heat transfer, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind. Nothing in the claim precludes the calculating and estimating step from practically being performed in the human mind; for example, estimating heat transfer can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of calculating the charge-discharge data during operation of the power storage system by inputting the load pattern to a mathematical model for the power storage system. The limitation of calculating the charge-discharge data, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, calculating the charge-discharge data can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of setting parameters a, p, b, q of an ambient temperature estimation model to initial values and set a parameter h of a cell temperature estimation model to an initial value. The limitation of setting parameters a, p, b, q of an ambient temperature estimation model to initial values and setting a parameter h of a cell temperature estimation model to an initial value, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, setting parameters a, p, b, q of a model can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of set a temperature T of the energy storage device and an ambient temperature Ta to an initial value corresponding to an environmental temperature Tb. The limitation of setting a temperature T of the energy storage device and an ambient temperature Ta to an initial value, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, setting a temperature T and ambient temperature Ta can be done by a human with pen and paper when building a model.
The claim recites the limitation of updating the ambient temperature Ta using the charge-discharge data, the environmental temperature data, and the ambient temperature estimation model, wherein the ambient temperature Ta is updated using Ta'=Ta+a-(Q/C)P+b-(Ta-Tb), Q representing a calorific value of the energy storage device, C representing a heat capacity of the energy storage device, p representing a first exponent, and q representing a second exponent. The limitation of updating the ambient temperature Ta using the charge-discharge data, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, updating the ambient temperature Ta using the charge-discharge data can be done by a human with pen and paper with the formula provided.
The claim recites the limitation of update the temperature T of the energy storage device using the updated ambient temperature Ta, the charge-discharge data, and the cell temperature estimation model, wherein the temperature T of the energy storage device is updated using T'=T+(Q/C)+h(T-Ta)The limitation of updating the temperature T of the energy storage device using the updated ambient temperature Ta, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, updating the temperature T of the energy storage device using the updated ambient temperature Ta can be done by a human with pen and paper with the formula provided.
The claim recites the limitation of determining whether a difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within an allowable range. The limitation of determine whether a difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within an allowable range, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, determining whether a difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within an allowable range can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of when the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is not within the allowable range, change the parameters a, p, b, q of the ambient temperature estimation model such that the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature falls within the allowable range. The limitation of changing the parameters a, p, b, q of the ambient temperature estimation model such that the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature falls within the allowable range, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, changing the parameters a, p, b, q of the ambient temperature estimation model can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of when the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within the allowable range, generate the ambient temperature estimation model and the cell temperature estimation model using the set parameters. The limitation of generate the ambient temperature estimation model and the cell temperature estimation model using the set parameters, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, generating the ambient temperature estimation model and the cell temperature estimation model using the set parameters can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of calculating an ambient temperature of the energy storage device in the battery board using the charge-discharge data and the temperature data, wherein the ambient temperature depends on the heat transfer. The limitation of calculating an ambient temperature of the energy storage device, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, calculating an ambient temperature can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of estimate a temperature of the energy storage device using the calculated ambient temperature and the charge-discharge data by a temperature estimation model. The limitation of estimating a temperature of the energy storage device, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind. Nothing in the claim precludes the calculating and estimating step from practically being performed in the human mind; for example, estimating a temperature using a model can be done by a human with pen and paper.
2A - Prong 2: Integrated into a Practical Application?
No. the claims recites additional elements:
a processor; wherein the temperature estimation model includes the generated ambient temperature estimation model and the generated cell temperature estimation model, and is an execution code executed by a programming language or numerical analysis software; an external device
The processor and external device in the claim are recited at a high level of generality, i.e., as a generic processor and device performing a generic computer function of processing data (acquiring, calculating, estimating and outputting data). These generic unit limitation is no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using a generic computer component. Accordingly, this additional element does not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because it does not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea.
The temperature estimation model being an execution code executed by a programming language or numerical analysis software is nothing more than software expressed as code or a set of instructions detached from any medium; which is an idea without physical embodiment. A software program that does not also contain at least one structural limitation that is not generic (such as a generic processor) has no physical or tangible form.
The claim is directed to the abstract idea.
2B: Claim provides an Inventive Concept?
No. the following additional elements merely adds insignificant extra-solution activity to the abstract idea: acquire charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device; acquire temperature data relating to an environmental temperature of a battery board accommodating a plurality of the energy storage devices; acquire, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board; acquire a load pattern and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated; output either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data to an external device.
These additional elements have been recognized by the courts as being well-understood, routine, conventional activity:
Gathering and analyzing information using conventional techniques and displaying the result, TLI Communications, 823 F.3d at 612-13, 118 USPQ2d at 1747-48
Receiving or transmitting data over a network, e.g., using the Internet to gather data, Symantec, 838 F.3d at 1321, 120 USPQ2d at 1362 (utilizing an intermediary computer to forward information); TLI Communications LLC v. AV Auto. LLC, 823 F.3d 607, 610, 118 USPQ2d 1744, 1745 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (using a telephone for image transmission); OIP Techs., Inc., v. Amazon.com, Inc., 788 F.3d 1359, 1363, 115 USPQ2d 1090, 1093 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (sending messages over a network); buySAFE, Inc. v. Google, Inc., 765 F.3d 1350, 1355, 112 USPQ2d 1093, 1096 (Fed. Cir. 2014) (computer receives and sends information over a network); but see DDR Holdings, LLC v. Hotels.com, L.P., 773 F.3d 1245, 1258, 113 USPQ2d 1097, 1106 (Fed. Cir. 2014)
Storing and retrieving information in memory, Versata Dev. Group, Inc. v. SAP Am., Inc., 793 F.3d 1306, 1334, 115 USPQ2d 1681, 1701 (Fed. Cir. 2015); OIP Techs., 788 F.3d at 1363, 115 USPQ2d at 1092-93
The following references teaches the conventionality of the additional elements:
US 10330735 B2; Sejima; Kenichi et al. teaches acquire charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device (fig.2 shows acquired charge-discharge data); acquire temperature data relating to an environmental temperature of a battery board accommodating a plurality of the energy storage devices (par.35 “The temperature sensor 95 serves a function of measuring an environmental temperature T [° C.] of the secondary batteries 31”); acquire, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board (par.73 “a record of temperature of the assembled battery 30”); acquire a load pattern and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated (par.32; battery charger 10 acts as the load); output either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data (par.78 and fig.8 inherently teaches outputting full charge-capacity) to an external device (Battery manager 50).
US 20110121785 A1; Iida; Takuma et al. teaches acquire charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device (performed by charge-discharge control circuit 340); acquire temperature data relating to an environmental temperature (par.43 “ambient temperature acquisition unit 332, weather information acquisition unit 333”) of a battery board accommodating a plurality of the energy storage devices (par.27 “The power supply device 50 is used as a variety of power supply devices, such as a battery pack”); acquire, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board (par.45 “The electric accumulators temperature acquisition unit 331 acquires information indicating the temperature of the accumulating device 40”); acquire a load pattern and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated (par.27 “A load device 20 that receives a supply of electric power from the power generation device 10 or the accumulating device 40 is connected to the power supply device 50.”; par.38 teaches acquiring ambient temperature); output either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model (par.67-71) or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data to an external device.
US 11171498 B2; Chemali; Ephram et al. teaches acquire charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device (par.21 “One or more sequence (x.sub.k, y.sub.k*), k=1, . . . , T are collected, and are collectively referred to as the “training data” for the parameter estimation. For example, each sequence corresponds to repeated charge-discharge cycles of one battery system.”); acquire temperature data relating to an environmental temperature of a battery board (par.45) accommodating a plurality of the energy storage devices (par.39 “cells in a battery pack.”); acquire, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature (par.20 teaches measuring cell temperature) when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board (par.60-66); acquire a load pattern (par.25 “A first sensor 112 monitors environmental or other physical conditions of the battery, for instance temperature, pressure, or age while a second sensor 113 monitors the power connection 112 over which power flows into and out of the battery, and provides attributes including voltage (e.g., voltage across the two conductors, or across two terminals of the battery to which such conductors are connected) and current passing over the conductors of the power connection and/or an accumulation or other averaging or filtering of current over time).”) and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated (par.60-66); output either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data to an external device (par.26 teaches outputting SOC estimate which includes full charge capacity; SOC may show 100% even if the battery cannot reach its original maximum energy due to degradation).
Thus, the additional elements in the claim amounts to no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using computer code. Mere instructions to apply an exception using computer code cannot integrate a judicial exception into a practical application at Step 2A or provide an inventive concept in Step 2B. The claim is ineligible.
Claim 5 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to a judicial exception (i.e., a law of nature, a natural phenomenon, or an abstract idea) without significantly more. Claim 5 depends on claim 1, therefore, it has the abstract idea and also has the routine and conventional structure above said claims.
In addition, claim 5 is further recites the element(s) “… a third temperature variation amount calculation unit that calculates a third temperature variation amount of the energy storage device, due to the heat generation caused by the charge- discharge, based on the charge-discharge data; and a fourth temperature variation amount calculation unit that calculates a fourth temperature variation amount, due to the heat transfer between a periphery in the battery board and the energy storage device, based on the ambient temperature, wherein the temperature estimation unit estimates a temperature of the energy storage device based on the third temperature variation amount and the fourth temperature variation amount.”, which are/is simply more calculations/mental-steps, value numbers, extra solution activities routine and/or conventional structure(s) previously known to the pertinent industry.
Furthermore, Claim 5 does not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception because these/this limitation(s) are/is simply routine and conventional structures previously known to the pertinent industry that serve to generate the data to be processed by implementing the idea on a computer, and/or recitation of generic computer structure and also serve to perform generic computer functions that are well-understood routine, and conventional activities previously known to the pertinent industry.
Claim 6 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to a judicial exception (i.e., a law of nature, a natural phenomenon, or an abstract idea) without significantly more. Claim 6 depends on claim 1, therefore, it has the abstract idea and also has the routine and conventional structure above said claims.
In addition, claim 6 is further recites the element(s) “… further comprising a full charge capacity estimation unit that estimates the full charge capacity of the energy storage device further based on the estimated temperature of the energy storage device.”, which are/is simply more calculations/mental-steps, value numbers, extra solution activities routine and/or conventional structure(s) previously known to the pertinent industry.
Furthermore, Claim 6 does not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception because these/this limitation(s) are/is simply routine and conventional structures previously known to the pertinent industry that serve to generate the data to be processed by implementing the idea on a computer, and/or recitation of generic computer structure and also serve to perform generic computer functions that are well-understood routine, and conventional activities previously known to the pertinent industry.
Regarding claim 7, the claim recites A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a computer program causing a computer to execute: acquiring charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device; acquiring temperature data relating to an environmental temperature of a battery board accommodating a plurality of [[the ]]energy storage devices including the energy storage device; estimating heat transfer at least among a cell, a cell ambient layer, and an environmental temperature layer, wherein the cell ambient layer is defined between the cell and the environmental temperature layer; acquiring, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board; acquiring a load pattern and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated; calculating the charge-discharge data during operation of the power storage system by inputting the load pattern to a mathematical model for the power storage system; setting parameters a, p, b, q of an ambient temperature estimation model to initial values, and setting a parameter h of a cell temperature estimation model to an initial value; setting a temperature T of the energy storage device and an ambient temperature Ta to an initial value corresponding to an environmental temperature Tb; updating the ambient temperature Ta using the charge-discharge data, the environmental temperature data, and the ambient temperature estimation model, wherein the ambient temperature Ta is updated using Ta'=Ta+a-(Q/C)P+b-(Ta-Tb)9', Q representing a calorific value of the energy storage device, C representing a heat capacity of the energy storage device, p5representing a first exponent, and q representing a second exponent; updating the temperature T of the energy storage device using the updated ambient temperature Ta, the charge-discharge data, and the cell temperature estimation model, wherein the temperature T of the energy storage device is updated using T'=T+(Q/C)+h-(T-Ta);determining whether a difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within an allowable range;when the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is not within the allowable range, changing the parameters a, p, b, g of the ambient temperature estimation model such that the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature falls within the allowable range; when the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within the allowable range, generating the ambient temperature estimation model and the cell temperature estimation model using the set parameters; calculating an ambient temperature of the energy storage device in the battery board using the charge-discharge data and the temperature data, wherein the ambient temperature depends on the heat transfer; estimating a temperature of the energy storage device using the calculated ambient temperature and the charge-discharge data by a temperature estimation model, wherein the temperature estimation model includes the generated ambient temperature estimation model and the generated cell temperature estimation model, and is an execution code executed by a programming language or numerical analysis software; and outputting either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data to an external device.
Step
Analysis
1: Statutory Category?
Yes. The claim recites a program; therefore, it is a process
2A - Prong 1: Judicial Exception Recited?
Yes. The claim recites the limitation of estimating heat transfer at least among a cell, a cell ambient laver, and an environmental temperature laver, wherein the cell ambient laver is defined between the cell and the environmental temperature layer. The limitation of estimating heat transfer, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind. Nothing in the claim precludes the calculating and estimating step from practically being performed in the human mind; for example, estimating heat transfer can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of calculating the charge-discharge data during operation of the power storage system by inputting the load pattern to a mathematical model for the power storage system. The limitation of calculating the charge-discharge data, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, calculating the charge-discharge data can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of setting parameters a, p, b, q of an ambient temperature estimation model to initial values and set a parameter h of a cell temperature estimation model to an initial value. The limitation of setting parameters a, p, b, q of an ambient temperature estimation model to initial values and setting a parameter h of a cell temperature estimation model to an initial value, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, setting parameters a, p, b, q of a model can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of set a temperature T of the energy storage device and an ambient temperature Ta to an initial value corresponding to an environmental temperature Tb. The limitation of setting a temperature T of the energy storage device and an ambient temperature Ta to an initial value, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, setting a temperature T and ambient temperature Ta can be done by a human with pen and paper when building a model.
The claim recites the limitation of updating the ambient temperature Ta using the charge-discharge data, the environmental temperature data, and the ambient temperature estimation model, wherein the ambient temperature Ta is updated using Ta'=Ta+a-(Q/C)P+b-(Ta-Tb), Q representing a calorific value of the energy storage device, C representing a heat capacity of the energy storage device, p representing a first exponent, and q representing a second exponent. The limitation of updating the ambient temperature Ta using the charge-discharge data, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, updating the ambient temperature Ta using the charge-discharge data can be done by a human with pen and paper with the formula provided.
The claim recites the limitation of update the temperature T of the energy storage device using the updated ambient temperature Ta, the charge-discharge data, and the cell temperature estimation model, wherein the temperature T of the energy storage device is updated using T'=T+(Q/C)+h(T-Ta)The limitation of updating the temperature T of the energy storage device using the updated ambient temperature Ta, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, updating the temperature T of the energy storage device using the updated ambient temperature Ta can be done by a human with pen and paper with the formula provided.
The claim recites the limitation of determining whether a difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within an allowable range. The limitation of determine whether a difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within an allowable range, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, determining whether a difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within an allowable range can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of when the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is not within the allowable range, change the parameters a, p, b, q of the ambient temperature estimation model such that the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature falls within the allowable range. The limitation of changing the parameters a, p, b, q of the ambient temperature estimation model such that the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature falls within the allowable range, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, changing the parameters a, p, b, q of the ambient temperature estimation model can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of when the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within the allowable range, generate the ambient temperature estimation model and the cell temperature estimation model using the set parameters. The limitation of generate the ambient temperature estimation model and the cell temperature estimation model using the set parameters, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, generating the ambient temperature estimation model and the cell temperature estimation model using the set parameters can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of calculating an ambient temperature of the energy storage device in the battery board using the charge-discharge data and the temperature data, wherein the ambient temperature depends on the heat transfer. The limitation of calculating an ambient temperature of the energy storage device, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, calculating an ambient temperature can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of estimate a temperature of the energy storage device using the calculated ambient temperature and the charge-discharge data by a temperature estimation model. The limitation of estimating a temperature of the energy storage device, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind. Nothing in the claim precludes the calculating and estimating step from practically being performed in the human mind; for example, estimating a temperature using a model can be done by a human with pen and paper.
2A - Prong 2: Integrated into a Practical Application?
No. the claims recites additional elements:
non-transitory computer readable storage medium; wherein the temperature estimation model includes the generated ambient temperature estimation model and the generated cell temperature estimation model, and is an execution code executed by a programming language or numerical analysis software; an external device
The processor and external device in the claim are recited at a high level of generality, i.e., as a generic processor and device performing a generic computer function of processing data (acquiring, calculating, estimating and outputting data). These generic unit limitation is no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using a generic computer component. Accordingly, this additional element does not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because it does not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea.
The temperature estimation model being an execution code executed by a programming language or numerical analysis software is nothing more than software expressed as code or a set of instructions detached from any medium; which is an idea without physical embodiment. A software program that does not also contain at least one structural limitation that is not generic (such as a generic processor) has no physical or tangible form.
The claim is directed to the abstract idea.
2B: Claim provides an Inventive Concept?
No. the following additional elements merely adds insignificant extra-solution activity to the abstract idea: acquiring charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device; acquire temperature data relating to an environmental temperature of a battery board accommodating a plurality of the energy storage devices; acquiring, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board; acquiring a load pattern and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated; outputting either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data to an external device.
These additional elements have been recognized by the courts as being well-understood, routine, conventional activity:
Gathering and analyzing information using conventional techniques and displaying the result, TLI Communications, 823 F.3d at 612-13, 118 USPQ2d at 1747-48
Receiving or transmitting data over a network, e.g., using the Internet to gather data, Symantec, 838 F.3d at 1321, 120 USPQ2d at 1362 (utilizing an intermediary computer to forward information); TLI Communications LLC v. AV Auto. LLC, 823 F.3d 607, 610, 118 USPQ2d 1744, 1745 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (using a telephone for image transmission); OIP Techs., Inc., v. Amazon.com, Inc., 788 F.3d 1359, 1363, 115 USPQ2d 1090, 1093 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (sending messages over a network); buySAFE, Inc. v. Google, Inc., 765 F.3d 1350, 1355, 112 USPQ2d 1093, 1096 (Fed. Cir. 2014) (computer receives and sends information over a network); but see DDR Holdings, LLC v. Hotels.com, L.P., 773 F.3d 1245, 1258, 113 USPQ2d 1097, 1106 (Fed. Cir. 2014)
Storing and retrieving information in memory, Versata Dev. Group, Inc. v. SAP Am., Inc., 793 F.3d 1306, 1334, 115 USPQ2d 1681, 1701 (Fed. Cir. 2015); OIP Techs., 788 F.3d at 1363, 115 USPQ2d at 1092-93
The following references teaches the conventionality of the additional elements:
US 10330735 B2; Sejima; Kenichi et al. teaches acquiring charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device (fig.2 shows acquired charge-discharge data); acquire temperature data relating to an environmental temperature of a battery board accommodating a plurality of the energy storage devices (par.35 “The temperature sensor 95 serves a function of measuring an environmental temperature T [° C.] of the secondary batteries 31”); acquiring, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board (par.73 “a record of temperature of the assembled battery 30”); acquiring a load pattern and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated (par.32; battery charger 10 acts as the load); outputting either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data (par.78 and fig.8 inherently teaches outputting full charge-capacity) to an external device (Battery manager 50).
US 20110121785 A1; Iida; Takuma et al. teaches acquiring charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device (performed by charge-discharge control circuit 340); acquire temperature data relating to an environmental temperature (par.43 “ambient temperature acquisition unit 332, weather information acquisition unit 333”) of a battery board accommodating a plurality of the energy storage devices (par.27 “The power supply device 50 is used as a variety of power supply devices, such as a battery pack”); acquiring, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board (par.45 “The electric accumulators temperature acquisition unit 331 acquires information indicating the temperature of the accumulating device 40”); acquiring a load pattern and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated (par.27 “A load device 20 that receives a supply of electric power from the power generation device 10 or the accumulating device 40 is connected to the power supply device 50.”; par.38 teaches acquiring ambient temperature); outputting either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model (par.67-71) or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data to an external device.
US 11171498 B2; Chemali; Ephram et al. teaches acquiring charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device (par.21 “One or more sequence (x.sub.k, y.sub.k*), k=1, . . . , T are collected, and are collectively referred to as the “training data” for the parameter estimation. For example, each sequence corresponds to repeated charge-discharge cycles of one battery system.”); acquiring temperature data relating to an environmental temperature of a battery board (par.45) accommodating a plurality of the energy storage devices (par.39 “cells in a battery pack.”); acquiring, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature (par.20 teaches measuring cell temperature) when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board (par.60-66); acquire a load pattern (par.25 “A first sensor 112 monitors environmental or other physical conditions of the battery, for instance temperature, pressure, or age while a second sensor 113 monitors the power connection 112 over which power flows into and out of the battery, and provides attributes including voltage (e.g., voltage across the two conductors, or across two terminals of the battery to which such conductors are connected) and current passing over the conductors of the power connection and/or an accumulation or other averaging or filtering of current over time).”) and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated (par.60-66); outputting either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data to an external device (par.26 teaches outputting SOC estimate which includes full charge capacity; SOC may show 100% even if the battery cannot reach its original maximum energy due to degradation).
Thus, the additional elements in the claim amounts to no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using computer code. Mere instructions to apply an exception using computer code cannot integrate a judicial exception into a practical application at Step 2A or provide an inventive concept in Step 2B. The claim is ineligible.
Regarding claim 8, the claim recites a temperature estimation method comprising: acquiring charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device; acquiring temperature data relating to an environmental temperature of a battery board accommodating a plurality of energy storage devices including the energy storage device; estimating heat transfer at least among a cell, a cell ambient layer, and an environmental temperature layer, wherein the cell ambient layer is defined between the cell and the environmental temperature layer; acquiring, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board; acquiring a load pattern and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated; calculating the charge-discharge data during operation of the power storage system by inputting the load pattern to a mathematical model for the power storage system; setting parameters a, p, b, qi of an ambient temperature estimation model to initial values, and setting a parameter h of a cell temperature estimation model to an initial value; selling a temperature T of the energy storage device and an ambient temperature Ta to an initial value corresponding to an environmental temperature Tb; updating the ambient temperature Ta using the charge-discharge data, the environmental temperature data, and the ambient temperature estimation model, wherein the ambient temperature Ta is updated using Ta'=Ta+a-(Q/C)P+b-(Ta-Tb), Q representing a calorific value of the energy storage device, C representing a heat capacity of the energy storage device, p representing a first exponent, and c representing a second exponent; updating the temperature T of the energy storage device using the updated ambient temperature Ta, the charge-discharge data, and the cell temperature estimation model, wherein the temperature T of the energy storage device is updated using T'=T+(Q/C)+h-(T-Ta);determining whether a difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within an allowable range; when the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is not within the allowable range, changing the parameters a, p, b, q of the ambient temperature estimation model such that the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature falls within the allowable range; when the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within the allowable range, generating the ambient temperature estimation model and the cell temperature estimation model using the set parameters; calculating an ambient temperature of the energy storage device in the battery board using the charge-discharge data and the temperature data, wherein the ambient temperature depends on the heat transfer; estimating a temperature of the energy storage device using the calculated ambient temperature and the charge-discharge data by a temperature estimation model, wherein the temperature estimation model includes the generated ambient temperature estimation model and the generated cell temperature estimation model, and is an execution code executed by a programming language or numerical analysis software; and outputting either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data to an external device.
Step
Analysis
1: Statutory Category?
Yes. The claim recites a program; therefore, it is a process
2A - Prong 1: Judicial Exception Recited?
Yes. The claim recites the limitation of estimating heat transfer at least among a cell, a cell ambient laver, and an environmental temperature laver, wherein the cell ambient laver is defined between the cell and the environmental temperature layer. The limitation of estimating heat transfer, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind. Nothing in the claim precludes the calculating and estimating step from practically being performed in the human mind; for example, estimating heat transfer can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of calculating the charge-discharge data during operation of the power storage system by inputting the load pattern to a mathematical model for the power storage system. The limitation of calculating the charge-discharge data, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, calculating the charge-discharge data can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of setting parameters a, p, b, q of an ambient temperature estimation model to initial values and set a parameter h of a cell temperature estimation model to an initial value. The limitation of setting parameters a, p, b, q of an ambient temperature estimation model to initial values and setting a parameter h of a cell temperature estimation model to an initial value, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, setting parameters a, p, b, q of a model can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of set a temperature T of the energy storage device and an ambient temperature Ta to an initial value corresponding to an environmental temperature Tb. The limitation of setting a temperature T of the energy storage device and an ambient temperature Ta to an initial value, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, setting a temperature T and ambient temperature Ta can be done by a human with pen and paper when building a model.
The claim recites the limitation of updating the ambient temperature Ta using the charge-discharge data, the environmental temperature data, and the ambient temperature estimation model, wherein the ambient temperature Ta is updated using Ta'=Ta+a-(Q/C)P+b-(Ta-Tb), Q representing a calorific value of the energy storage device, C representing a heat capacity of the energy storage device, p representing a first exponent, and q representing a second exponent. The limitation of updating the ambient temperature Ta using the charge-discharge data, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, updating the ambient temperature Ta using the charge-discharge data can be done by a human with pen and paper with the formula provided.
The claim recites the limitation of update the temperature T of the energy storage device using the updated ambient temperature Ta, the charge-discharge data, and the cell temperature estimation model, wherein the temperature T of the energy storage device is updated using T'=T+(Q/C)+h(T-Ta)The limitation of updating the temperature T of the energy storage device using the updated ambient temperature Ta, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, updating the temperature T of the energy storage device using the updated ambient temperature Ta can be done by a human with pen and paper with the formula provided.
The claim recites the limitation of determining whether a difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within an allowable range. The limitation of determine whether a difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within an allowable range, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, determining whether a difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within an allowable range can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of when the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is not within the allowable range, change the parameters a, p, b, q of the ambient temperature estimation model such that the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature falls within the allowable range. The limitation of changing the parameters a, p, b, q of the ambient temperature estimation model such that the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature falls within the allowable range, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, changing the parameters a, p, b, q of the ambient temperature estimation model can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of when the difference between the updated temperature T of the energy storage device and the measured value of the cell temperature is within the allowable range, generate the ambient temperature estimation model and the cell temperature estimation model using the set parameters. The limitation of generate the ambient temperature estimation model and the cell temperature estimation model using the set parameters, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, generating the ambient temperature estimation model and the cell temperature estimation model using the set parameters can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of calculating an ambient temperature of the energy storage device in the battery board using the charge-discharge data and the temperature data, wherein the ambient temperature depends on the heat transfer. The limitation of calculating an ambient temperature of the energy storage device, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind; for example, calculating an ambient temperature can be done by a human with pen and paper.
The claim recites the limitation of estimate a temperature of the energy storage device using the calculated ambient temperature and the charge-discharge data by a temperature estimation model. The limitation of estimating a temperature of the energy storage device, as drafted, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind. Nothing in the claim precludes the calculating and estimating step from practically being performed in the human mind; for example, estimating a temperature using a model can be done by a human with pen and paper.
2A - Prong 2: Integrated into a Practical Application?
No. the claims recites additional elements:
wherein the temperature estimation model includes the generated ambient temperature estimation model and the generated cell temperature estimation model, and is an execution code executed by a programming language or numerical analysis software; an external device
The processor and external device in the claim are recited at a high level of generality, i.e., as a generic processor and device performing a generic computer function of processing data (acquiring, calculating, estimating and outputting data). These generic unit limitation is no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using a generic computer component. Accordingly, this additional element does not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because it does not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea.
The temperature estimation model being an execution code executed by a programming language or numerical analysis software is nothing more than software expressed as code or a set of instructions detached from any medium; which is an idea without physical embodiment. A software program that does not also contain at least one structural limitation that is not generic (such as a generic processor) has no physical or tangible form.
The claim is directed to the abstract idea.
2B: Claim provides an Inventive Concept?
No. the following additional elements merely adds insignificant extra-solution activity to the abstract idea: acquiring charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device; acquire temperature data relating to an environmental temperature of a battery board accommodating a plurality of the energy storage devices; acquiring, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board; acquiring a load pattern and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated; outputting either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data to an external device.
These additional elements have been recognized by the courts as being well-understood, routine, conventional activity:
Gathering and analyzing information using conventional techniques and displaying the result, TLI Communications, 823 F.3d at 612-13, 118 USPQ2d at 1747-48
Receiving or transmitting data over a network, e.g., using the Internet to gather data, Symantec, 838 F.3d at 1321, 120 USPQ2d at 1362 (utilizing an intermediary computer to forward information); TLI Communications LLC v. AV Auto. LLC, 823 F.3d 607, 610, 118 USPQ2d 1744, 1745 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (using a telephone for image transmission); OIP Techs., Inc., v. Amazon.com, Inc., 788 F.3d 1359, 1363, 115 USPQ2d 1090, 1093 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (sending messages over a network); buySAFE, Inc. v. Google, Inc., 765 F.3d 1350, 1355, 112 USPQ2d 1093, 1096 (Fed. Cir. 2014) (computer receives and sends information over a network); but see DDR Holdings, LLC v. Hotels.com, L.P., 773 F.3d 1245, 1258, 113 USPQ2d 1097, 1106 (Fed. Cir. 2014)
Storing and retrieving information in memory, Versata Dev. Group, Inc. v. SAP Am., Inc., 793 F.3d 1306, 1334, 115 USPQ2d 1681, 1701 (Fed. Cir. 2015); OIP Techs., 788 F.3d at 1363, 115 USPQ2d at 1092-93
The following references teaches the conventionality of the additional elements:
US 10330735 B2; Sejima; Kenichi et al. teaches acquiring charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device (fig.2 shows acquired charge-discharge data); acquire temperature data relating to an environmental temperature of a battery board accommodating a plurality of the energy storage devices (par.35 “The temperature sensor 95 serves a function of measuring an environmental temperature T [° C.] of the secondary batteries 31”); acquiring, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board (par.73 “a record of temperature of the assembled battery 30”); acquiring a load pattern and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated (par.32; battery charger 10 acts as the load); outputting either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data (par.78 and fig.8 inherently teaches outputting full charge-capacity) to an external device (Battery manager 50).
US 20110121785 A1; Iida; Takuma et al. teaches acquiring charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device (performed by charge-discharge control circuit 340); acquire temperature data relating to an environmental temperature (par.43 “ambient temperature acquisition unit 332, weather information acquisition unit 333”) of a battery board accommodating a plurality of the energy storage devices (par.27 “The power supply device 50 is used as a variety of power supply devices, such as a battery pack”); acquiring, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board (par.45 “The electric accumulators temperature acquisition unit 331 acquires information indicating the temperature of the accumulating device 40”); acquiring a load pattern and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated (par.27 “A load device 20 that receives a supply of electric power from the power generation device 10 or the accumulating device 40 is connected to the power supply device 50.”; par.38 teaches acquiring ambient temperature); outputting either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model (par.67-71) or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data to an external device.
US 11171498 B2; Chemali; Ephram et al. teaches acquiring charge-discharge data relating to charge-discharge of an energy storage device (par.21 “One or more sequence (x.sub.k, y.sub.k*), k=1, . . . , T are collected, and are collectively referred to as the “training data” for the parameter estimation. For example, each sequence corresponds to repeated charge-discharge cycles of one battery system.”); acquiring temperature data relating to an environmental temperature of a battery board (par.45) accommodating a plurality of the energy storage devices (par.39 “cells in a battery pack.”); acquiring, based on operation data of a power storage system, measured values of a cell temperature (par.20 teaches measuring cell temperature) when the power storage system is actually operated and the environmental temperature outside the battery board (par.60-66); acquire a load pattern (par.25 “A first sensor 112 monitors environmental or other physical conditions of the battery, for instance temperature, pressure, or age while a second sensor 113 monitors the power connection 112 over which power flows into and out of the battery, and provides attributes including voltage (e.g., voltage across the two conductors, or across two terminals of the battery to which such conductors are connected) and current passing over the conductors of the power connection and/or an accumulation or other averaging or filtering of current over time).”) and environmental temperature data that are included in the operation data when the power storage system is actually operated (par.60-66); outputting either the temperature of the energy storage device estimated by the temperature estimation model or a full charge capacity of the energy storage device estimated based on time-series data to an external device (par.26 teaches outputting SOC estimate which includes full charge capacity; SOC may show 100% even if the battery cannot reach its original maximum energy due to degradation).
Thus, the additional elements in the claim amounts to no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using computer code. Mere instructions to apply an exception using computer code cannot integrate a judicial exception into a practical application at Step 2A or provide an inventive concept in Step 2B. The claim is ineligible.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant’s disclosure.
US 20210391604 A1; MATSUZAKI; Takanori et al. is a semiconductor device and secondary battery system.
US 20180053971 A1; MATSUI; Hiroki et al. is a charge voltage controller for energy storage device, energy storage apparatus, battery charger for energy storage device, and charging method for energy storage device.
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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/CARL F.R. TCHATCHOUANG/Examiner, Art Unit 2858
/RAUL J RIOS RUSSO/Examiner, Art Unit 2858
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