8DETAILED 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 .
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 02/21/2023 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are:
“generation/retention unit configured to”, in claims 2, 6, 13, and 17
“calculation unit configured to”, in claims 2, 6, 13, and 17
“duplication unit configured to”, in claims 2, 10, 13, and 21
“transmission/reception unit configured to”, in claims 2, 10, 13, and 21
“additional verification unit configured to”, in claims 2 and 13
“control unit configured to”, in claims 4, 10 15 and 21
“electronically-signed-data generation unit configured to”, in claims 6 and 17
“decryption unit configured to”, in claims 6 and 17
“retention unit configured to”, in claims 2, 10, 13 and 21 (see MPEP 2181 I A)
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
The following is the examiner’s interpretation and suggestions for portions of the claims:
It should be noted that claim 2, 6, 13 and 17 refer to “generation/retention unit configured to”. The phrase “unit” is a generic placeholder and substitute term for means for. The Specification state on Par. (0152) “As shown in Fig. 31, the terminal device 210 may include, similar to the terminal device 110, a generation/retention unit 211, a calculation unit 212, a duplication unit 213, a transmission/reception unit 214, a retention unit 215, an additional verification unit 216, a control unit 217, an electronic signature unit 218, and a decryption unit 219 or may not include some components. The function of each component of the terminal device 210 is similar to that of the terminal device 110. As in the case of the terminal device 110, any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E, or one or more of the terminal devices 210A to 210E are collectively referred to as the terminal device 210. When any of the
terminal devices 210A to 210E is specified, the terminal device is indicated with
one of the reference signs 210A to 210E. The terminal device 210 may have a
hardware configuration similar to the terminal device 110. ,”. Therefore, the specification includes sufficient structure for the " generation/retention unit”.
It should be noted that claim 2, 6, 13 and 17 refer to “calculation unit configured to”. The phrase “unit” is a generic placeholder and substitute term for means for. The Specification state on Par. (0152) “As shown in Fig. 31, the terminal device 210 may include, similar to the terminal device 110, a generation/retention unit 211, a calculation unit 212, a duplication unit 213, a transmission/reception unit 214, a retention unit 215, an additional verification unit 216, a control unit 217, an electronic signature unit 218, and a decryption unit 219 or may not include some components. The function of each component of the terminal device 210 is similar to that of the terminal device 110. As in the case of the terminal device 110, any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E, or one or more of the terminal devices 210A to 210E are collectively referred to as the terminal device 210. When any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E is specified, the terminal device is indicated with one of the reference signs 210A to 210E. The terminal device 210 may have a hardware configuration similar to the terminal device 110. ,”. Therefore, the specification includes sufficient structure for the " calculation unit”.
It should be noted that claim 2, 10, 13 and 21 refer to “duplication unit configured to”. The phrase “unit” is a generic placeholder and substitute term for means for. The Specification state on Par. (0152) “As shown in Fig. 31, the terminal device 210 may include, similar to the terminal device 110, a generation/retention unit 211, a calculation unit 212, a duplication unit 213, a transmission/reception unit 214, a retention unit 215, an additional verification unit 216, a control unit 217, an electronic signature unit 218, and a decryption unit 219 or may not include some components. The function of each component of the terminal device 210 is similar to that of the terminal device 110. As in the case of the terminal device 110, any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E, or one or more of the terminal devices 210A to 210E are collectively referred to as the terminal device 210. When any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E is specified, the terminal device is indicated with one of the reference signs 210A to 210E. The terminal device 210 may have a hardware configuration similar to the terminal device 110. ,”. Therefore, the specification includes sufficient structure for the " duplication unit”.
It should be noted that claim 2, 10, 13 and 21 refer to “transmission/reception unit configured to”. The phrase “unit” is a generic placeholder and substitute term for means for. The Specification state on Par. (0152) “As shown in Fig. 31, the terminal device 210 may include, similar to the terminal device 110, a generation/retention unit 211, a calculation unit 212, a duplication unit 213, a transmission/reception unit 214, a retention unit 215, an additional verification unit 216, a control unit 217, an electronic signature unit 218, and a decryption unit 219 or may not include some components. The function of each component of the terminal device 210 is similar to that of the terminal device 110. As in the case of the terminal device 110, any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E, or one or more of the terminal devices 210A to 210E are collectively referred to as the terminal device 210. When any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E is specified, the terminal device is indicated with one of the reference signs 210A to 210E. The terminal device 210 may have a hardware configuration similar to the terminal device 110. ,”. Therefore, the specification includes sufficient structure for the " transmission/reception unit”.
It should be noted that claim 2, and 13 refer to “additional verification unit configured to”. The phrase “unit” is a generic placeholder and substitute term for means for. The Specification state on Par. (0152) “As shown in Fig. 31, the terminal device 210 may include, similar to the terminal device 110, a generation/retention unit 211, a calculation unit 212, a duplication unit 213, a transmission/reception unit 214, a retention unit 215, an additional verification unit 216, a control unit 217, an electronic signature unit 218, and a decryption unit 219 or may not include some components. The function of each component of the terminal device 210 is similar to that of the terminal device 110. As in the case of the terminal device 110, any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E, or one or more of the terminal devices 210A to 210E are collectively referred to as the terminal device 210. When any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E is specified, the terminal device is indicated with one of the reference signs 210A to 210E. The terminal device 210 may have a hardware configuration similar to the terminal device 110. ,”. Therefore, the specification includes sufficient structure for the " additional verification unit”.
It should be noted that claim 4, 10, 15 and 21 refer to “control unit configured to”. The phrase “unit” is a generic placeholder and substitute term for means for. The Specification state on Par. (0152) “As shown in Fig. 31, the terminal device 210 may include, similar to the terminal device 110, a generation/retention unit 211, a calculation unit 212, a duplication unit 213, a transmission/reception unit 214, a retention unit 215, an additional verification unit 216, a control unit 217, an electronic signature unit 218, and a decryption unit 219 or may not include some components. The function of each component of the terminal device 210 is similar to that of the terminal device 110. As in the case of the terminal device 110, any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E, or one or more of the terminal devices 210A to 210E are collectively referred to as the terminal device 210. When any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E is specified, the terminal device is indicated with one of the reference signs 210A to 210E. The terminal device 210 may have a hardware configuration similar to the terminal device 110. ,”. Therefore, the specification includes sufficient structure for the " control unit”.
It should be noted that claim 6 and 17 refer to “electronically-signed-data generation unit configured to”. The phrase “unit” is a generic placeholder and substitute term for means for. The Specification state on Par. (0152) “As shown in Fig. 31, the terminal device 210 may include, similar to the terminal device 110, a generation/retention unit 211, a calculation unit 212, a duplication unit 213, a transmission/reception unit 214, a retention unit 215, an additional verification unit 216, a control unit 217, an electronic signature unit 218, and a decryption unit 219 or may not include some components. The function of each component of the terminal device 210 is similar to that of the terminal device 110. As in the case of the terminal device 110, any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E, or one or more of the terminal devices 210A to 210E are collectively referred to as the terminal device 210. When any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E is specified, the terminal device is indicated with one of the reference signs 210A to 210E. The terminal device 210 may have a hardware configuration similar to the terminal device 110. ,”. Therefore, the specification includes sufficient structure for the " electronically-signed-data generation unit”.
It should be noted that claim 6 and 17 refer to “decryption unit configured to”. The phrase “unit” is a generic placeholder and substitute term for means for. The Specification state on Par. (0152) “As shown in Fig. 31, the terminal device 210 may include, similar to the terminal device 110, a generation/retention unit 211, a calculation unit 212, a duplication unit 213, a transmission/reception unit 214, a retention unit 215, an additional verification unit 216, a control unit 217, an electronic signature unit 218, and a decryption unit 219 or may not include some components. The function of each component of the terminal device 210 is similar to that of the terminal device 110. As in the case of the terminal device 110, any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E, or one or more of the terminal devices 210A to 210E are collectively referred to as the terminal device 210. When any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E is specified, the terminal device is indicated with one of the reference signs 210A to 210E. The terminal device 210 may have a hardware configuration similar to the terminal device 110. ,”. Therefore, the specification includes sufficient structure for the “decryption unit”.
It should be noted that claim 2, 10, 13 and 21refer to “retention unit configured to”. The phrase “unit” is a generic placeholder and substitute term for means for. The Specification state on Par. (0152) “As shown in Fig. 31, the terminal device 210 may include, similar to the terminal device 110, a generation/retention unit 211, a calculation unit 212, a duplication unit 213, a transmission/reception unit 214, a retention unit 215, an additional verification unit 216, a control unit 217, an electronic signature unit 218, and a decryption unit 219 or may not include some components. The function of each component of the terminal device 210 is similar to that of the terminal device 110. As in the case of the terminal device 110, any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E, or one or more of the terminal devices 210A to 210E are collectively referred to as the terminal device 210. When any of the terminal devices 210A to 210E is specified, the terminal device is indicated with one of the reference signs 210A to 210E. The terminal device 210 may have a hardware configuration similar to the terminal device 110. ,”. Therefore, the specification includes sufficient structure for the " retention unit”.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 1, 8, 11-12, 18-19, 22-23, 29 and 45, is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim et al. (U.S Pub. No. 20200082101, hereinafter referred to as “Kim”) further in view of Li et al. (U.S Pub. No. 20200059369, hereinafter referred to as “Li”)
In regards to Claim 1, Kim teaches a terminal device connected, together with other terminal devices, to a network, the terminal device configured: (Par. (0005-0006)); hardware devices and nodes in blockchain together)
to retain, together with the other terminal devices, a blockchain formed by linking data generated by each terminal device or a hash value of the data as blocks; and (Par. (0006-0007); blockchain blocks with next block to be linked)), (Par. (0100-0103); each block linked with previous hash)
Kim does not explicitly teach to add, when a new terminal device is to be added to the network, new data generated by the new terminal device or a hash value of the new data to the blockchain together with the other terminal devices.
Wherein Li teaches to add, when a new terminal device is to be added to the network, new data generated by the new terminal device or a hash value of the new data to the blockchain together with the other terminal devices. ((Par. (0067); when a new terminal device (adding new node to committee in blockchain)), (Par. (0152-0157) when new data is generated [..] or a hash (collecting generated block data and hash value of each block)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim to incorporate the teaching of Li to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies, with the motivation of by adding a new node in blockchain first before adding data and hash values to promote high integrity and awareness for new members added to network that trusted data is verified and securely protected based on the nodes in the consensus network. (Li Par. (0016-0022))
In regards to Claim 8, Kim teaches a data management device connected to a network together with a plurality of terminal devices, (Par. (0074); data management device (block controller in hardware device transmitting data to peer nodes)) (Par. (0005-0006)); hardware devices and nodes in blockchain together),
each of the terminal devices configured to retain a blockchain formed by linking data generated by each of the terminal devices or a hash value of the data as blocks, (Par. (0006-0007); blockchain blocks with next block to be linked)), (Par. (0100-0103); each block linked with previous hash)
the data management device configured: to retain electronically-signed data generated by adding, to the data generated by each of the terminal devices, (Par. (0074); data management device (block controller in hardware device transmitting data to peer nodes)) (Par. (0007-0009); electronically signing the transaction data by hardware device with block controller in blockchain), (Par. (0053-0054); received signed data is added (stored) in blockchain by hardware device with block controller))
the electronic signature formed using the secret key unique to each of the terminal devices; and (Par. (0066-0068); signature with corresponding private key corresponding to transaction data that is signed)
Kim does not explicitly teach to add, when a new terminal device is to be added to the network and when new data generated by the new terminal device or a hash value of the new data is to be added to the blockchain retained by each of the terminal devices, the electronically- signed data generated by the new terminal device to the data management device itself.
Wherein Li teaches to add, when a new terminal device is to be added to the network and when new data generated by the new terminal device or a hash value of the new data is to be added to the blockchain retained by each of the terminal devices, (Par. (0067); when a new terminal device (adding new node to committee in blockchain)), (Par. (0152-0157) when new data is generated [..] or a hash (collecting generated block data and hash value of each block)
the electronically- signed data generated by the new terminal device to the data management device itself. (Par. (0152-0157); voting message with signature is collected and stored in blockchain) , (Par. (0060); each block signed and added to blockchain))
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim to incorporate the teaching of Li to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies, with the motivation of by adding a new node in blockchain first before adding data and hash values to promote high integrity and awareness for new members added to network that trusted data is verified and securely protected based on the nodes in the consensus network. (Li Par. (0016-0022))
In regards to Claim 11, Kim teaches a management system comprising: a plurality of devices; and a network connected with the plurality of devices, (Par. (0005-0006)); hardware devices and nodes in blockchain together)
wherein at least one of the plurality of devices is configured to retain a blockchain formed by linking data generated by two or more of the plurality of devices or a hash value of the data as blocks, and (Par. (0006-0007); blockchain blocks with next block to be linked)), (Par. (0100-0103); each block linked with previous hash)
Kim does not explicitly teach the one of the plurality of devices is configured to add, when a new device is to be added to the network, new data generated by the new device or a hash value of the new data to the blockchain.
Wherein Li teaches the one of the plurality of devices is configured to add, when a new device is to be added to the network, new data generated by the new device or a hash value of the new data to the blockchain. (Par. (0067); when a new terminal device (adding new node to committee in blockchain)), (Par. (0152-0157) when new data is generated [..] or a hash (collecting generated block data and hash value of each block)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim to incorporate the teaching of Li to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies, with the motivation of by adding a new node in blockchain first before adding data and hash values to promote high integrity and awareness for new members added to network that trusted data is verified and securely protected based on the nodes in the consensus network. (Li Par. (0016-0022))
In regards to Claim 12, the combination of Kim and Li teach the system of claim 11, Kim further teaches the management system according to Claim 11, wherein the plurality of devices includes a plurality of terminal devices, (Par. (0005-0006)); hardware devices and nodes in blockchain together)
each of the terminal devices is configured to retain a blockchain formed by linking data generated by each of the terminal devices or a hash value of the data as blocks, and (Par. (0006-0007); blockchain blocks with next block to be linked)), (Par. (0100-0103); each block linked with previous hash)
Kim does not explicitly teach each of the terminal devices is configured to add, when a new terminal device is to be added to the network, new data generated by the new terminal device or a hash value of the new data to the blockchain.
Wherein Li teaches each of the terminal devices is configured to add, when a new terminal device is to be added to the network, new data generated by the new terminal device or a hash value of the new data to the blockchain. (Par. (0067); when a new terminal device (adding new node to committee in blockchain)), (Par. (0152-0157) when new data is generated [..] or a hash (collecting generated block data and hash value of each block)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim to incorporate the teaching of Li to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies, with the motivation of by adding a new node in blockchain first before adding data and hash values to promote high integrity and awareness for new members added to network that trusted data is verified and securely protected based on the nodes in the consensus network. (Li Par. (0016-0022))
In regards to Claim 18, the combination of Kim and Li teach the system of claim 11, Kim further teaches the management system according to Claim 12, further comprising a data management device connected, together with the plurality of terminal devices, to the network and (Par. (0074); management system (block controller in hardware device transmitting data to peer nodes)) (Par. (0005-0006)); hardware devices and nodes in blockchain together)
configured to retain electronically-signed data generated by adding, to the data generated by each of the terminal devices, (Par. (0007-0009); electronically signing the transaction data by nodes in the blockchain/hardware devices), (Par. (0053-0054); received signed data is added (stored) in blockchain by nodes))
the electronic signature formed using the secret key unique to each of the terminal devices. (Par. (0066-0068); signature with corresponding private key corresponding to transaction data that is signed)
In regards to Claim 19, the combination of Kim and Li teach the system of claim 11, Li further teaches wherein the electronically- signed data generated by adding an electronic signature formed using a secret key unique to the new terminal device is added to the data management device when the new terminal device is to be added to the network. (Par. (0067); when a new terminal device (adding new node to committee in blockchain)), (Par. (0152-0157) when new data is generated [..] or a hash (collecting generated block data and hash value of each block), (Par. (0152-0157); voting message with signature is collected and stored in blockchain) , (Par. (0060); each block signed and added to blockchain))
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim to incorporate the teaching of Li to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies, with the motivation of by adding a new node in blockchain first before adding data and hash values to promote high integrity and awareness for new members added to network that trusted data is verified and securely protected based on the nodes in the consensus network. (Li Par. (0016-0022))
In regards to Claim 22, the combination of Kim and Li teach the system of claim 11, Kim further teaches the management system according to Claim 11, wherein the plurality of devices includes a plurality of terminal devices and a data management device connected with the plurality of terminal devices, (Par. (0005-0006)); hardware devices and nodes in blockchain together)
the data management device is configured to retain a blockchain formed by linking data generated by each terminal device or a hash value of the data as blocks, and (Par. (0006-0007); blockchain blocks with next block to be linked)), (Par. (0100-0103); each block linked with previous hash)
Kim does not explicitly teach the data management device is configured to add, when a new terminal device is to be added to the network, new data generated by the new terminal device or a hash value of the new data to the blockchain.
Wherein Li teaches the data management device is configured to add, when a new terminal device is to be added to the network, new data generated by the new terminal device or a hash value of the new data to the blockchain. (Par. (0067); when a new terminal device (adding new node to committee in blockchain)), (Par. (0152-0157) when new data is generated [..] or a hash (collecting generated block data and hash value of each block)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim to incorporate the teaching of Li to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies, with the motivation of by adding a new node in blockchain first before adding data and hash values to promote high integrity and awareness for new members added to network that trusted data is verified and securely protected based on the nodes in the consensus network. (Li Par. (0016-0022))
In regards to Claim 23, Kim teaches a processing method comprising: causing a predetermined terminal device together with other terminal devices to retain a blockchain formed by linking data generated by each of the terminal devices in a network connected together with the other terminal devices or a hash value of the data as blocks; and (Par. (0087, 0096); predetermined terminal device together (nodes in a blockchain that are variously determined and only participating blockchain nodes that mine) (Par. (0005-0006)); hardware devices and nodes in blockchain together), (Par. (0006-0007); blockchain blocks with next block to be linked)), (Par. (0100-0103); each block linked with previous hash)
Kim does explicitly causing, when a new terminal device is to be added to the network, the predetermined terminal device to add new data generated by the new terminal device or a hash value of the new data to the blockchain together with the other terminal devices.
Wherein Li teaches causing, when a new terminal device is to be added to the network, the predetermined terminal device to add new data generated by the new terminal device or a hash value of the new data to the blockchain together with the other terminal devices. (Par. (0067); when a new terminal device (adding new node to committee in blockchain)), (Par. (0152-0157) when new data is generated [..] or a hash (collecting generated block data and hash value of each block)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim to incorporate the teaching of Li to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies, with the motivation of by adding a new node in blockchain first before adding data and hash values to promote high integrity and awareness for new members added to network that trusted data is verified and securely protected based on the nodes in the consensus network. (Li Par. (0016-0022))
In regards to Claim 29, the combination of Kim and Li teach the method of claim 23, Kim further teaches the processing method according to Claim 23, comprising causing the predetermined terminal device to be connected to the data management device configured to retain electronically-signed data generated by adding, to the data generated by each of the terminal devices, (Par. (0007-0009); electronically signing the transaction data by nodes in the blockchain/hardware devices), (Par. (0053-0054); received signed data is added (stored) in blockchain by nodes))
the electronic signature formed using the secret key unique to each of the terminal devices. (Par. (0066-0068); signature with corresponding private key corresponding to transaction data that is signed)
In regards to Claim 45, Kim teaches a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program causing a computer to execute: (Par. (0022); non-transitory computer-readable medium))
causing a predetermined terminal device together with other terminal devices to retain a blockchain formed by linking data generated by each terminal device in a network connected together with the other terminal devices or a hash value of the data as blocks; and (Par. (0087, 0096); predetermined terminal device together (nodes in a blockchain that are variously determined and only participating blockchain nodes that mine) (Par. (0005-0006)); hardware devices and nodes in blockchain together), (Par. (0006-0007); blockchain blocks with next block to be linked)), (Par. (0100-0103); each block linked with previous hash)
Kim does not explicitly teach causing, when a new terminal device is to be added to the network, the predetermined terminal device to add new data generated by the new terminal device or a hash value of the new data to the blockchain together with the other terminal devices.
Wherein Li teaches causing, when a new terminal device is to be added to the network, the predetermined terminal device to add new data generated by the new terminal device or a hash value of the new data to the blockchain together with the other terminal devices. (Par. (0067); when a new terminal device (adding new node to committee in blockchain)), (Par. (0152-0157) when new data is generated [..] or a hash (collecting generated block data and hash value of each block)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim to incorporate the teaching of Li to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies, with the motivation of by adding a new node in blockchain first before adding data and hash values to promote high integrity and awareness for new members added to network that trusted data is verified and securely protected based on the nodes in the consensus network. (Li Par. (0016-0022))
Claims 2-3, 13-14, and 24-25 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim et al. (U.S Pub. No. 20200082101, hereinafter referred to as “Kim”) and Li et al. (U.S Pub. No. 20200059369, hereinafter referred to as “Li”) further in view of Jayachandran et al. (U.S Pub. No. 20200382310, hereinafter referred to as “Jayachandran”)
In regards to Claim 2, the combination of Kim and Li teach the device of claim 1, Kim further teaches the terminal device according to Claim 1 comprising: a generation/retention unit configured to generate the data and to retain the generated data as retention data; (Par. (0006-0007); authentication circuit as node generates next block), (Par. (0037);storage device 50 stores data transaction), (Par. (0054); data transceiver receives valid blockchain transaction)
a calculation unit configured to calculate the hash value of the generated data; (Par. (0051); mining accelerator 400 calculates hash)),
a transmission hash value and to receive at least one of the data and the hash value from the other terminal devices as reception data and a reception hash value; (Par. (0052-0054); node receives block with hash and checks validity)
a retention unit configured to retain the blockchain; and (Par. (0037);storage device 50 stores data transaction an blockchain history), (Par. (0054); data transceiver receives valid blockchain transaction)
an additional verification unit configured to add the received reception data or the received reception hash value to the blockchain, (Par. (0052); block controller verifies received block and stores when block/transaction data is valid))
Kim does not explicitly teach a duplication unit configured to duplicate at least one of the data and the hash value; a transmission/reception unit configured to transmit at least one of the duplicated data and the duplicated hash value to the network as transmission data and wherein the additional verification unit adds, when the new terminal device is to be added to the network, the new data or the hash value of the new data to the blockchain.
Wherein Li teaches wherein the additional verification unit adds, when the new terminal device is to be added to the network, the new data or the hash value of the new data to the blockchain. (Par. (0067); when a new terminal device (adding new node to committee in blockchain)), (Par. (0152-0157) adding new data (collecting newly generated block data and hash value of each block)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim to incorporate the teaching of Li to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies, with the motivation of by adding a new node in blockchain first before adding data and hash values to promote high integrity and awareness for new members added to network that trusted data is verified and securely protected based on the nodes in the consensus network. (Li Par. (0016-0022))
Kim and Li do not explicitly teach a duplication unit configured to duplicate at least one of the data and the hash value; a transmission/reception unit configured to transmit at least one of the duplicated data and the duplicated hash value to the network as transmission data and
Wherein Jayachandran teaches a duplication unit configured to duplicate at least one of the data and the hash value; (Par. (0095-0096); client device generates copy of hash and copy of blockchain data), (Par. (0183-0185); copying files from blocks)
a transmission/reception unit configured to transmit at least one of the duplicated data and the duplicated hash value to the network as transmission data and (Par. (0096-0097); received and recovered from peer nodes and compare hash and copy of hash), (Par. (0132-0135); peer node receives data and copy of hash and compares))
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim and Li to incorporate the teaching of Jayachandran to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies and hash based verification, with the motivation of having multiple copies of data and hashes to reduce traffic, offload and prevent illegitimate access based on the versatility of the system. (Jayachandran Par. (0002-0006))
In regards to Claim 3, the combination of Kim and Li do not explicitly teach wherein the additional verification unit detects falsification of the retention data by comparing the retention data or a hash value of the retention data with the transmission data or the transmission hash value contained in the blockchain retained by the other terminal devices.
Wherein Jayachandran teaches wherein the additional verification unit detects falsification of the retention data by comparing the retention data or a hash value of the retention data with the transmission data or the transmission hash value contained in the blockchain retained by the other terminal devices. (Par. (0095-0097); comparing hash values to detect if tampering as occurred)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim and Li to incorporate the teaching of Jayachandran to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies and hash based verification, with the motivation of having multiple copies of data and hashes to reduce traffic, offload and prevent illegitimate access based on the versatility of the system. (Jayachandran Par. (0002-0006))
In regards to Claim 13, claim 13 is a dependent claim that recites similar limitations to dependent claim 2 and the teachings of Kim, Li and Jayachandran address all the limitations of dependent claim 2 and are thereby rejected under the same grounds.
In regards to Claim 14, the combination of Kim and Li teach the system of claim 11, Kim further teaches the management system according to Claim 13, wherein the plurality of terminal devices includes at least a first terminal device and a second terminal device, and (Par. (0005-0006)); hardware devices and nodes in blockchain together)
Kim and Li do not explicitly teach the first terminal device is configured to detect falsification of the retention data by comparing the retention data with the transmission data or comparing a hash value of the retention data with the transmission hash value transmitted by the first terminal device and contained in the blockchain retained by the second terminal device.
Wherein Jayachandran teaches the first terminal device is configured to detect falsification of the retention data by comparing the retention data with the transmission data or comparing a hash value of the retention data with the transmission hash value transmitted by the first terminal device and contained in the blockchain retained by the second terminal device. (Par. (0095-0097); comparing hash values to detect if tampering as occurred)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim, and Li, to incorporate the teaching of Jayachandran to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies and hash based verification, with the motivation of having multiple copies of data and hashes to reduce traffic, offload and prevent illegitimate access based on the versatility of the system. (Jayachandran Par. (0002-0006))
In regards to Claim 24, the combination of Kim and Li teach the method of claim 23, Kim further teaches the processing method according to Claim 23, wherein the causing the predetermined terminal device together with the other terminal devices to retain the blockchain comprises: causing the predetermined terminal device to generate the data and to retain the data as retention data; (Par. (0087, 0096); predetermined terminal device together (nodes in a blockchain that are variously determined and only participating blockchain nodes that mine), (Par. (0006-0007); authentication circuit as node generates next block), (Par. (0037);storage device 50 stores data transaction), (Par. (0054); data transceiver receives valid blockchain transaction)
causing the predetermined terminal device to calculate the hash value of the generated data; (Par. (0051); mining accelerator 400 calculates hash)),
a transmission hash value and to receive at least one of the data and the hash value from the other terminal devices as reception data and a reception hash value; and (Par. (0052-0054); node receives block with hash and checks validity)
causing the predetermined terminal device to add the received reception data or the received reception hash value to the blockchain. (Par. (0052); block controller verifies received block and stores when block/transaction data is valid))
Kim and Li do not explicitly teach causing the predetermined terminal device to duplicate at least one of the data and the hash value; causing the predetermined terminal device to transmit at least one of the duplicated data and the duplicated hash value to the network as transmission data and
Wherein Jayachandran teaches causing the predetermined terminal device to duplicate at least one of the data and the hash value; (Par. (0095-0096); client device generates copy of hash and copy of blockchain data), (Par. (0183-0185); copying files from blocks)
causing the predetermined terminal device to transmit at least one of the duplicated data and the duplicated hash value to the network as transmission data and (Par. (0096-0097); received and recovered from peer nodes and compare hash and copy of hash), (Par. (0132-0135); peer node receives data and copy of hash and compares))
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim and Li to incorporate the teaching of Jayachandran to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies and hash based verification, with the motivation of having multiple copies of data and hashes to reduce traffic, offload and prevent illegitimate access based on the versatility of the system. (Jayachandran Par. (0002-0006))
In regards to Claim 25, the combination of Kim and Li do not explicitly teach causing the predetermined terminal device to detect falsification of the retention data by comparing the retention data or a hash value of the retention data with the transmission data or the transmission hash value contained in the blockchain retained by the other terminal devices.
Wherein Jayachandran teaches causing the predetermined terminal device to detect falsification of the retention data by comparing the retention data or a hash value of the retention data with the transmission data or the transmission hash value contained in the blockchain retained by the other terminal devices. (Par. (0095-0097); comparing hash values to detect if tampering as occurred)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim and Li to incorporate the teaching of Jayachandran to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies and hash based verification, with the motivation of having multiple copies of data and hashes to reduce traffic, offload and prevent illegitimate access based on the versatility of the system. (Jayachandran Par. (0002-0006))
Claims 4-5, 15-16 and 26-27 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim et al. (U.S Pub. No. 20200082101, hereinafter referred to as “Kim”), Li et al. (U.S Pub. No. 20200059369, hereinafter referred to as “Li”), and Jayachandran et al. (U.S Pub. No. 20200382310, hereinafter referred to as “Jayachandran”) further in view of Kwok et al. (U.S Pub. No. 20210132826, hereinafter referred to as “Kwok”)
In regards to Claim 4, the combination of Kim, Li and Jayachandran do not explicitly teach a control unit configured to disconnect the terminal device from a server device configured to provide a service on the network when the additional verification unit detects the falsification.
Wherein Kwok teaches a control unit configured to disconnect the terminal device from a server device configured to provide a service on the network when the additional verification unit detects the falsification. (Par. (0049); disconnecting of all various devices when anomalous detection and failure of authentication), (Par. (0033-0035); provide a service (edge devices in cloud with authentication services to protect against attacks)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim, Li and Jayachandran to incorporate the teaching of Kwok to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies and IoT device authentication, with the motivation of implementing device authentication and detection impersonation of falsification to ensure users in the blockchain the security of the data is intact and without compromise. (Kwok Par. (0018-0021))
In regards to Claim 5, Kim and Li do not explicitly teach wherein the control unit invalidates the retention data when the falsification is detected.
Wherein Jayachandran teaches wherein the control unit invalidates the retention data when the falsification is detected. (Par. (0118-0119); failed node and determining tampered data with request to crash), (Par. (0122); failure and recording corrupt blocks)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Kim, Li and Kwok to incorporate the teaching of Jayachandran to utilize the above feature because of the analogous concept of blockchain technologies and hash based verification, with the motivation of having multiple copies of data and hashes to reduce traffic, offload and prevent illegitimate access based on the versatility of the system. (Jayachandran Par. (0002-0006))
In regards t