CTFR 18/020,497 CTFR 94446 Detailed action Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status 07-03-aia AIA 15-10-aia The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA. Claims 1-4, 6-10, and 12-19 are pending for examination. Claims 1, 10, and 12 are independent. Response to Amendment The office action is responsive to the amendments filed on 03/09/2026. As directed by the amendments claims 1, 10, and 12 are amended. Response to Arguments 07-37 Applicant's arguments filed 03/09/2026 have been fully considered but they are not fully persuasive. Applicant arguments regarding 35 U.S.C. § 101: A. The Claim is Not Directed to an Abstract Idea (Step 2A of the Alice/Mayo Framework) The rejection asserts that various steps of the claim, such as "classifying," "determining," and "updating," are mental processes. This characterization misunderstands the claims by viewing the steps in isolation and ignoring the technological context in which they are performed. When viewed as a whole, the claims are directed to a specific, technological method for managing and improving a computer-based anomaly detection system, not an abstract idea. In particular, the claims are rooted in technology, not human cognition. The claims are directed to a "method of detecting at least one abnormal datapoint in operation data associated with an industrial environment," where the data comprises "historical data and streaming data" from "industrial assets" (Specification, paragraphs [0006], [0020]). The specification clarifies this data includes high-frequency sensor measurements like "vibration, temperature, current, magnetic flux," and the models may involve "Fourier transform, applying low/high pass filters, neural nets" (Specification, paragraphs [0021], [0024]). These are not concepts that a human can practically perform in their mind on real-time industrial data streams. The sheer volume, velocity, and complexity of the data recited are outside the realm of human mental processing. As described in the MPEP, claims do not recite a mental process when they do not contain limitations that can practically be performed in the human mind, for instance when the human mind is not equipped to perform the claim limitations. See SRI Int'l, Inc. v. Cisco Systems, Inc., 930 F.3d 1295, 1304 (Fed. Cir. 2019). See also MPEP 2106.04(a)(2). The limitations of the current claims, even if they could be performed mentally by a human, would not be as they cannot be practically performed to provide any useable functionality. In other words, like a claim to a method for calculating an absolute position of a GPS receiver and an absolute time of reception of satellite signals, a claim to detecting suspicious activity by using network monitors and analyzing network packets, a claim to a specific data encryption method for computer communication involving a several-step manipulation of data, or a claim to a method for rendering a halftone image of a digital image by comparing, pixel by pixel, the digital image against a blue noise mask, the current claims are not abstract because in a practical setting they would never be performed mentally. In addition, the claims improve the functioning of a computer system. The claimed method provides a specific, unconventional workflow that improves the functionality and efficiency of the anomaly detection system itself. The claims enable operation on resource-constrained devices (e.g., Edge devices) by systematically processing data in "subsets" and then "removing the subset from the operation data" (Specification, paragraph [0028]). This is a specific computational technique for managing memory and processing power. The claims further provide a self-improving learning pipeline through a specific, automated retraining trigger: "retraining...after expiration of a threshold time, wherein the threshold time is based on a number of updates to the training dataset" (Specification, paragraph [0025], [0054]). This is not a generic instruction to "learn," but a particular control mechanism for a continuous learning system that improves the robustness of the underlying "anomaly detection models" over time. Examiner response: Examiner respectfully disagrees, under broadest reasonable interpretation claim 1 does not incorporate the features described such as “data including high-frequency sensor measurements like "vibration, temperature, current, magnetic flux," and the models may involve "Fourier transform, applying low/high pass filters, neural nets””, as described by applicant. Although the claims are interpreted in light of the specification, limitations from the specification are not read into the claims. MPEP 2106.05(a) also indicates not only does the specification have to disclose the improvement for a claim not to be an abstract idea, the claim elements themselves have to provide limitations that reflect the improvement. Examiner respectfully disagrees, the claim describes the anomaly detection models are trained based on a training dataset which is understood as mere instructions to implement an abstract idea on a computer - see MPEP 2106.05(f). The limitation describing "retraining...after expiration of a threshold time, wherein the threshold time is based on a number of updates to the training dataset" does not provide a specific training method and instead specifies when to perform training again, which is also understood as mere instructions to implement an abstract idea on a computer - see MPEP 2106.05(f). Applicant further argues B. The Claim Recites Significantly More Than Any Alleged Abstract Idea (Step 2B of the Alice/Mayo Framework. Arguendo, even if the claims were considered to be directed to an abstract idea, they recite an inventive concept that transforms it into a patent-eligible application. The Examiner's assertion that the additional elements are merely "generic computer functions" and "well, understood, routine and conventional" is a conclusory statement unsupported by evidence and contrary to the claim's specific limitations. The ordered combination of claim elements is unconventional and provides a concrete technical solution. The ordered combination of steps is unconventional as the claim does not merely recite applying a model; it details a specific, non-routine, and cyclical workflow. Unconventional steps include the specific retraining trigger, the systematic data processes, and the automated confidence and reclassification loop. The trigger for retraining is not generic. It is specifically tied to a "threshold time" that is itself "based on a number of updates to the training dataset." This provides a unique control mechanism for managing the frequency of resource-intensive retraining operations in a continuous learning environment, balancing model freshness with computational cost. This specific trigger is not shown to be routine or conventional. Further, the combination of applying a model to a "subset," followed by "removing the subset from the operation data," and then detecting anomalies in the "remainder operation data without the subset using the retrained anomaly detection models" recites a specific, iterative method of data consumption and processing. This is a particular technological implementation for handling large datasets, not a generic computer function. In addition, the claim recites determining a "confidence index" based on an "engineering software input" (e.g., pre-set boundary conditions, per Spec. at para [0031]) and then "re- classifying" the data. This constitutes a specific, automated validation loop that improves the quality of the training data without requiring constant human intervention. The claim integrates the alleged abstract idea into a practical application that results in an improved, self-regulating, and efficient anomaly detection system specifically tailored for industrial environments. This specific ordered combination is not routine or conventional and amounts to significantly more than the alleged abstract idea itself. Because the claim is directed to a specific improvement in computer capabilities for processing industrial sensor data, it is not directed to an abstract idea. Examiner response: Examiner respectfully disagrees, the claims being unconventional does not exclude the claims from being directed to an abstract idea without significantly more. The trigger for retraining describes when to perform training again after updating a training dataset. Training is broadly described as “the anomaly detection models are trained based on a training dataset” which is understood as mere instructions to implement an abstract idea on a computer - see MPEP 2106.05(f). The limitation describing "retraining...after expiration of a threshold time, wherein the threshold time is based on a number of updates to the training dataset" does not provide a specific training method and instead specifies when to perform training again, which is also understood as mere instructions to implement an abstract idea on a computer - see MPEP 2106.05(f). Applicant further states “This is a particular technological implementation for handling large datasets, not a generic computer function.”, which under broadest reasonable interpretation is not reflected in the claim language. Applicants claimed improvement is describing an improvement to an abstract idea and not to an improvement to a computer or technical field. MPEP 2106.05(a) says an improvement in the abstract idea itself is not an improvement in technology. The claim limitations are a combination of mental steps under step 2A Prong 1, and additional elements under steps 2A Prong 2 & 2B as detailed in the 101 rejection below. Applicant arguments regarding 35 U.S.C. § 103: Examiner response: Applicant’s arguments, filed 03/09/2026, with respect to 35 U.S.C. § 103 have been fully considered and are persuasive. The 35 U.S.C. § 103 rejection has been withdrawn. Claim Objections 07-29-01 AIA Claim 10 objected to because of the following informalities: Claim 10 line 7 recites "the processing unit". Examiner believes this is meant to state "the processor" instead . Appropriate correction is required. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101 07-04-01 AIA 07-04 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. Claims 1-4, 6-10, and 12-19 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to an abstract idea without significantly more. Step 1 According to the first part of the analysis, in the instant case, claims 1-4, and 6-9 are directed to a method, claims 10 is directed to a computing device, and claims 12-19 are directed to a non-transitory computer readable medium. The claims fall within one of the four statutory categories (i.e., process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter). Regarding Claim 1: 2A Prong 1: classifying subset-datapoints in the subset as one of normal datapoints and abnormal datapoints using the anomaly detection models ; (This step for classifying is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process (i.e., judgment).) determining a confidence index in the classification of the subset-datapoints based on at least one of an engineering software input and operation of a comparable industrial environment; (This step for determining confidence is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process (i.e., evaluation).) re-classifying the subset-datapoints when a confidence threshold is not satisfied; (This step for re-classifying is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process (i.e., judgment).) updating the training dataset with the confidence index and the re-classified datapoints; (This step for updating datasets is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process with the aid of pen and paper (i.e., evaluation ).) updating the training dataset with the normal datapoints; (This step for updating datasets is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process with the aid of pen and paper (i.e., evaluation ).) detecting the at least one abnormal datapoint in the operation data using the retrained anomaly detection models ; (This step for detecting abnormal datapoints is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process (i.e., judgment).) removing the subset from the operation data; (removing data is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process with the aid of pen and paper (i.e., evaluation).) detecting the at least one abnormal datapoint in remainder operation data without the subset using the retrained anomaly detection models ; (This step for detecting abnormal datapoints and removing data is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process (i.e., judgment).) updating the training dataset and retraining the retrained anomaly detection models . (This step for updating datasets is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process with the aid of pen and paper (i.e., evaluation ).) 2A Prong 2 : This judicial exception is not integrated into a practical application. Additional elements: A method of detecting at least one abnormal datapoint in operation data associated with an industrial environment, wherein the operation data comprises historical data and streaming data corresponding to operation of industrial assets in the industrial environment, the method comprising: (The specification of data to be stored is understood to be a field of use limitation. The limitation further specifies an industrial environment and operation data - See MPEP 2106.05(h).) applying one or more anomaly detection models to at least one subset of the operation data, wherein the anomaly detection models are trained based on a training dataset consisting of datapoints labeled as normal; (This step is adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or merely applying generic anomaly detection models as a tool to perform the abstract idea (i.e., classifying anomaly’s) - see MPEP 2106.05(f).) classifying subset-datapoints in the subset as one of normal datapoints and abnormal datapoints using the anomaly detection models; ; (This step is adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or merely applying a generic anomaly detection model as a tool to perform the abstract idea (i.e., classifying anomaly’s) - see MPEP 2106.05(f).) retraining the anomaly detection models with the updated training dataset after expiration of a threshold time, wherein the threshold time is based on a number of updates to the training dataset; (Training an anomaly detection model is understood as mere instructions to implement an abstract idea (e.g., classifying anomaly’s) on a computer - see MPEP 2106.05(f).)) detecting the at least one abnormal datapoint in the operation data using the retrained anomaly detection models; (This step is adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or merely applying a generic anomaly detection model as a tool to perform the abstract idea (i.e., classifying anomaly’s) - see MPEP 2106.05(f).) detecting the at least one abnormal datapoint in remainder operation data without the subset using the retrained anomaly detection models; (This step is adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or merely applying a generic anomaly detection model as a tool to perform the abstract idea (i.e., classifying anomaly’s) - see MPEP 2106.05(f).) applying the retrained anomaly detection models to a new subset of the operation data and classifying new-datapoints in the new subset as one of the normal datapoints and the abnormal datapoints; (This step is adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or merely applying a generic anomaly detection model as a tool to perform the abstract idea (i.e., classifying anomaly’s) - see MPEP 2106.05(f).) updating the training dataset and retraining the retrained anomaly detection models. (Training an anomaly detection model is understood as mere instructions to implement an abstract idea (e.g., classifying anomaly’s) on a computer - see MPEP 2106.05(f).)) The additional elements as disclosed above alone or in combination do not integrate the judicial exception into practical application as they are field of use in combination of generic computer functions that are implemented to perform the disclosed abstract idea above. 2B : The claim does not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception. Additional elements: A method of detecting at least one abnormal datapoint in operation data associated with an industrial environment, wherein the operation data comprises historical data and streaming data corresponding to operation of industrial assets in the industrial environment, the method comprising: (The specification of data to be stored is understood to be a field of use limitation. The limitation further specifies an industrial environment and operation data - See MPEP 2106.05(h).) applying one or more anomaly detection models to at least one subset of the operation data, wherein the anomaly detection models are trained based on a training dataset consisting of datapoints labeled as normal; (This step is adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or merely applying generic anomaly detection models as a tool to perform the abstract idea (i.e., classifying anomaly’s) - see MPEP 2106.05(f).) classifying subset-datapoints in the subset as one of normal datapoints and abnormal datapoints using the anomaly detection models; ; (This step is adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or merely applying a generic anomaly detection model as a tool to perform the abstract idea (i.e., classifying anomaly’s) - see MPEP 2106.05(f).) retraining the anomaly detection models with the updated training dataset after expiration of a threshold time, wherein the threshold time is based on a number of updates to the training dataset; (Training an anomaly detection model is understood as mere instructions to implement an abstract idea (e.g., classifying anomaly’s) on a computer - see MPEP 2106.05(f).)) detecting the at least one abnormal datapoint in the operation data using the retrained anomaly detection models; (This step is adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or merely applying a generic anomaly detection model as a tool to perform the abstract idea (i.e., classifying anomaly’s) - see MPEP 2106.05(f).) detecting the at least one abnormal datapoint in remainder operation data without the subset using the retrained anomaly detection models; (This step is adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or merely applying a generic anomaly detection model as a tool to perform the abstract idea (i.e., classifying anomaly’s) - see MPEP 2106.05(f).) applying the retrained anomaly detection models to a new subset of the operation data and classifying new-datapoints in the new subset as one of the normal datapoints and the abnormal datapoints; (This step is adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or merely applying a generic anomaly detection model as a tool to perform the abstract idea (i.e., classifying anomaly’s) - see MPEP 2106.05(f).) updating the training dataset and retraining the retrained anomaly detection models. (Training an anomaly detection model is understood as mere instructions to implement an abstract idea (e.g., classifying anomaly’s) on a computer - see MPEP 2106.05(f).)) The additional elements as disclosed above in combination of the abstract idea are not sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception as they are field of use in combination of generic computer functions that are implemented to perform the disclosed abstract idea above. Regarding Claim 10 : see the rejection of claim 1 above. Same rationale applies. 2A Prong 2 & 2B: The claim recites another additional element “A computing device for detecting at least one abnormal datapoint in operation data associated with an industrial environment, wherein the operation data comprises historical data and streaming data corresponding to operation of industrial assets in the industrial environment, the computing device comprising: a processor ; and an anomaly module executable by the processor comprising computer-readable instructions when executed by the processing unit is configured to:” (mere instructions to apply the exception using a generic computer component - see MPEP 2106.05(f)) Regarding Claim 12 : see the rejection of claim 1 above. Same rationale applies. 2A Prong 2 & 2B: The claim recites another additional element “A non-transitory computer readable medium, having machine-readable instructions stored therein … when executed by a processor cause the processor to” (mere instructions to apply the exception Regarding Claims 2 and 13 2A Prong 1 : further comprising: populating an anomaly dataset containing the abnormal datapoints in the subset and the new subset. (This step for is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process with the aid of pen and paper (i.e., evaluation ).) 2A Prong 2 & 2B : The claim does not recite any additional elements. Regarding Claims 3 and 14 2A Prong 1 : further comprising: updating the training dataset with the anomaly dataset. (This step for is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process with the aid of pen and paper (i.e., evaluation ).) 2A Prong 2 & 2B : The claim does not recite any additional elements. Regarding Claims 4 and 15 2A Prong 1 : The claim does not recite any Abstract idea. 2A Prong 2 : receiving the training dataset comprising at least the normal datapoints, wherein the normal datapoints are classified based on at least one of an engineering software input and operation of a comparable industrial environment; (This step is directed to transmitting or receiving information, which is understood to be insignificant extra-solution activity and data gathering. See MPEP 2106.05(g).) and training the anomaly detection models based on the training dataset comprising the normal datapoints. (Training a model is understood as mere instructions to implement an abstract idea (e.g., generate inferences) on a computer - see MPEP 2106.05(f).)) 2B : receiving the training dataset comprising at least the normal datapoints, wherein the normal datapoints are classified based on at least one of an engineering software input and operation of a comparable industrial environment; (This step is directed to transmitting or receiving information, which is understood to be insignificant extra-solution activity and is well understood, routine and conventional activity of transmitting and receiving data as identified by the court (MPEP2106.05(d)(ll)(i)))) and training the anomaly detection models based on the training dataset comprising the normal datapoints. (Training a model is understood as mere instructions to implement an abstract idea (e.g., generate inferences) on a computer - see MPEP 2106.05(f).)) Regarding Claims 6 and 16 2A Prong 1 : The claim does not recite any Abstract idea. 2A Prong 2 & 2B : wherein the one or more anomaly detection models are contained in an anomaly detection pipeline, wherein the anomaly detection pipeline is implemented as an iterative workflow of training, classification, and retraining, wherein the anomaly detection models are trained with the training dataset, wherein the anomaly detection models are validated based on classification of the normal datapoints and the abnormal datapoints and wherein the anomaly detection models are retrained based on the updated training dataset. (The specification of data to be stored is understood to be a field of use limitation. The limitations further specify the anomaly detection models - See MPEP 2106.05(h).) Regarding Claims 7 and 17 2A Prong 1 : generating the anomaly detection pipeline containing the anomaly detection models associated with the industrial environment, wherein the anomaly detection models comprise physics-based models, data-driven models, and a combination thereof; (This step for is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process with the aid of pen and paper (i.e., evaluation ).) and determining a deviation score for the anomaly detection models based on properties of the anomaly detection models. (This step for is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process with the aid of pen and paper (i.e., evaluation ).) 2A Prong 2 & 2B : The claim does not recite any additional elements. Regarding Claims 8 and 18 2A Prong 1 : wherein generating the anomaly detection pipeline further comprises: enabling selection of at least one anomaly detection model for the anomaly detection pipeline based on the deviation score. (This step for is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process with the aid of pen and paper (i.e., judgment/evaluation ).) 2A Prong 2 & 2B : The claim does not recite any additional elements. Regarding Claims 9 and 19 2A Prong 1 : detecting a batch of abnormal datapoints in the operation data using the anomaly detection pipeline , wherein detecting the batch of abnormal datapoints comprises: (This step for is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process (i.e., judgment/evaluation ).) classifying the subset-datapoints in the subset as one of the normal datapoints and the abnormal datapoints using the anomaly detection pipeline ; (This step for is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process (i.e., judgment/evaluation ).) enlarging the training dataset at least with the normal datapoints; (This step for is practically performable in the human mind and is understood to be a recitation of a mental process with the aid of pen and paper (i.e., evaluation ).) 2A Prong 2 & 2B : using the anomaly detection pipeline; (This step is adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or merely applying generic anomaly detection pipelines as a tool to perform the abstract idea (i.e., classifying anomaly’s) - see MPEP 2106.05(f).) applying the anomaly detection pipeline to at least one subset of the batch, wherein the anomaly detection pipeline trained based on the training dataset consisting of the normal datapoints; (This step is adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or merely applying generic anomaly detection pipelines as a tool to perform the abstract idea (i.e., classifying anomaly’s) - see MPEP 2106.05(f).) retraining the anomaly detection pipeline with the updated training dataset after expiration of the threshold time, wherein the threshold time is based on the number of updates to the training dataset. (Training a model is understood as mere instructions to implement an abstract idea (e.g., generate inferences) on a computer - see MPEP 2106.05(f).)) Conclusion 07-96 AIA The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Ciocarlie et al. (US 20130179968 A1) describes generating anomaly detection models . THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. 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. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to TEWODROS E MENGISTU whose telephone number is (571)270-7714. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, ABDULLAH KAWSAR can be reached at (571)270-3169. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /TEWODROS E MENGISTU/ Examiner, Art Unit 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 2 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 3 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 4 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 5 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 6 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 7 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 8 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 9 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 10 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 11 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 12 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 13 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 14 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 15 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 16 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 17 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 18 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 19 Art Unit: 2127 Application/Control Number: 18/020,497 Page 20 Art Unit: 2127