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
This Office Action is in response to applicant’s amendment submitted on April 06, 2026.
Claims, 1-20 are now currently pending in the present application.
Claim Objections
Claim 1 is objected to because of the following informalities:
Amended claim 1 recites “the a response”.
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-20 are rejected under U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Wolcott et al. (US 2021/0132133 A1, hereinafter Wolcott).
Consider Claim 1, Wolcott discloses a method comprising:
determining, by a computing device, based on a quantity of one or more network
devices within communication range of the computing device, one or more parameters of one or more signals to be output by the one or more network devices; (Paragraph 0035, A plurality of mobile devices (network device) may simultaneously or non-simultaneously measure the signal strength of at least a portion of the diagnostic radio signal and may determine the location of the radio signal leakage).
adjusting, by the computing device, based on a velocity of the computing device, the one or more parameters; (Paragraph 0046, the mobile devices (computing device) 125a, 125f, and 125g may measure changes of an apparent frequency (or an observed frequency) of the received diagnostic FM signals by analyzing a linear Doppler shift (measure velocity) and/or an angular Doppler shift. An actual frequency f may be used for generating the diagnostic FM signal. The actual frequency f may be a carrier frequency of the diagnostic FM signal. The diagnostic FM signal may be received by a mobile device and an apparent frequency f′ of the received diagnostic FM signal may be determined by the mobile device. If the mobile device is moving toward the leak source with a velocity Va, the apparent frequency f′ may be calculated as f′=(v+v.sub.a)/vf, where v is a velocity of a diagnostic FM signal leaked from a wired line. If the mobile device is moving away from the leak source with the velocity Va, the apparent frequency f′ may be calculated as f′=(v+v.sub.a)/vf, where v is a velocity of a diagnostic FM signal leaked from a wired line. Paragraph 0078, The adjustment of the one or more measurement conditions may comprise a location change of the mobile device (e.g., rotating or moving the mobile device), a measurement of a diagnostic FM signal after changing one or more parameters of the diagnostic FM signal, etc.).
sending, by the computing device, to the one or more network devices, based on the one or more parameters, the a response, wherein the one or more network devices output the one or more signals based on receiving the response; (Paragraph 0077, FIG. 12 shows an example method for measuring an FM signal that may be performed by a mobile device. Step 1209 the mobile device receive instruction to perform adjusted measurement. Paragraph 0078, If yes at step 1211, one or more measurement conditions may be adjusted sending the measurement data to the server via Cellular network in step 1207).
detecting, by the computing device, the one or more signals being output by the one or more network devices; and (paragraph 0002, a computing device may send, via a mobile communication network, one or more wireless signals to control the one or more mobile devices to detect a diagnostic radio signal output from a potential leakage spot of a wired network. Paragraph 0046, FIG. 6 shows an example of instructing a user to move and/or rotate a mobile device to apply a Doppler shift effect in estimating a leak location. A mobile device may receive a wireless signal that instructs the user to move and/or rotate the mobile device. The mobile device may output the instructions (e.g., display a message, output an audible message to inform the user of the instructions)).
determining, by the computing device, based on the detection of the one or more signals by the computing device, one or more locations of one or more network leaks. (Paragraph 0035, GPS locations of the mobile devices and time difference of arrival (TDOA) may be used to predict and/or determine the location of the radio signal leakage).
Consider Claim 2, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 1, further
Comprising determining the one or more network devices to output the one or more signals based on location information. (Paragraph 0035, A plurality of mobile devices may simultaneously or non-simultaneously measure the signal strength of at least a portion of the diagnostic radio signal and may determine the location of the radio signal leakage).
Consider Claim 3, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 2, wherein the location
information comprises a location associated with the one or more network devices. (Paragraph 0035, GPS locations of the mobile devices and time difference of arrival (TDOA) may be used to predict and/or determine the location of the radio signal leakage).
Consider Claim 4, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 1, wherein each signal
of the one or more signals comprises a pulse signal of two or more pulses output at an interval over a period time. (Paragraph 30, one or more network components of the communication network may be used to transfer a diagnostic radio signal from the radio signal transmitter to a particular premises. The diagnostic radio signal may comprise a diagnostic FM signal. The diagnostic radio signal may comprise a stabilized clock signal and indicate timing information of the diagnostic radio).
Consider Claim 5, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 1, wherein the one or
more parameters comprise at least one of: an interval each signal of the one or more signals is output over a period of time, a pulse width of each signal of the one or more signals, a) pulse repetition period of each signal of the one or more signals, or a number of pulses of each signal of the one or more signals to output. (Paragraph 0060, The measurement condition adjustments may comprise changing one or more parameters (e.g., signal strength, a modulation scheme, a coding scheme, etc.) of an FM signal sent to the particular address via a wired-communication network. Paragraph 0078, The adjustment of the one or more measurement conditions may comprise a location change of the mobile device, a measurement of a diagnostic FM signal after changing one or more parameters of the diagnostic FM signal, etc. The one or more parameters of the diagnostic FM signal may be changed and the FM transmitter may send a modified diagnostic FM signal. The one or more parameters may be sent to the mobile device so that the mobile device may monitor the modified diagnostic FM signal).
Consider Claim 6, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 5, wherein the interval
each signal of the one or more signals is output over the period of time is determined based on the velocity. (Paragraph 0045 Gyroscopes of the mobile devices and may add an additional dimension to the information supplied by the accelerometers by tracking rotation or twist of the mobile devices. The gyroscopes may measure the angular velocity and the rate of the angular velocity change compasses the mobile devices).
Consider Claim 7, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 1, wherein determining,
by the computing device, based on the detection of the one or more signals by the computing device, the one or more locations of the one or more network leaks comprises:
Determining, by the computing device, based on the velocity of the computing
device over a period of time and a plurality of detections of each signal of the one or more signals over the period of time, a location associated with each detection of the plurality of detections of each signal; and (Paragraph 0045, the moving and/or rotating of the mobile devices and while receiving the diagnostic FM signals may enable the mobile devices to determine the direction of the received diagnostic FM signals. The gyroscopes may measure the angular velocity and the rate of the angular velocity change).
Determining, by the computing device, based on a correlation of each location
associated with each detection of each signal, the one or more locations of the one or more network leaks. (Paragraph 0059, information about the suspected FM leak location may be sent to the identified mobile device(s) or other devices so that the FM leakage may be timely addressed).
Consider Claim 8, Wolcott discloses a method comprising:
determining, by a computing device, based on location information, one or more
parameters associated with one or more signals; (Paragraph 0045 The gyroscopes may measure the angular velocity and the rate of the angular velocity change. Digital compasses of the mobile devices may provide the orientation of the mobile devices in relation to the Earth's magnetic field. The mobile devices may, based on the physical orientation of the mobile devices auto rotate a digital map displayed on the mobile devices).
adjusting, by the computing device, based on velocity information associated with
the computing device, the one or more parameters; (Paragraph 0046, the mobile devices (computing device) 125a, 125f, and 125g may measure changes of an apparent frequency (or an observed frequency) of the received diagnostic FM signals by analyzing a linear Doppler shift (measure velocity) and/or an angular Doppler shift. An actual frequency f may be used for generating the diagnostic FM signal. The actual frequency f may be a carrier frequency of the diagnostic FM signal. The diagnostic FM signal may be received by a mobile device and an apparent frequency f′ of the received diagnostic FM signal may be determined by the mobile device. If the mobile device is moving toward the leak source with a velocity Va, the apparent frequency f′ may be calculated as f′=(v+v.sub.a)/vf, where v is a velocity of a diagnostic FM signal leaked from a wired line. If the mobile device is moving away from the leak source with the velocity Va, the apparent frequency f′ may be calculated as f′=(v+v.sub.a)/vf, where v is a velocity of a diagnostic FM signal leaked from a wired line. Paragraph 0078, The adjustment of the one or more measurement conditions may comprise a location change of the mobile device (e.g., rotating or moving the mobile device), a measurement of a diagnostic FM signal after changing one or more parameters of the diagnostic FM signal, etc.).
sending, by the computing device, to one or more network devices, based on the
one or more parameters, a response, wherein the one or more network devices output the one or more signals based on receiving the response; (Paragraph 0077, FIG. 12 shows an example method for measuring an FM signal that may be performed by a mobile device. Step 1209 the mobile device receive instruction to perform adjusted measurement. Paragraph 0078, If yes at step 1211, one or more measurement conditions may be adjusted sending the measurement data to the server via Cellular network in step 1207).
detecting, by the computing device, the one or more signals being output by the one or more network devices; and (paragraph 0002, a computing device may send, via a mobile communication network, one or more wireless signals to control the one or more mobile devices to detect a diagnostic radio signal output from a potential leakage spot of a wired network. Paragraph 0046, FIG. 6 shows an example of instructing a user to move and/or rotate a mobile device to apply a Doppler shift effect in estimating a leak location. A mobile device may receive a wireless signal that instructs the user to move and/or rotate the mobile device. The mobile device may output the instructions (e.g., display a message, output an audible message to inform the user of the instructions)).
determining, by the computing device, based on the detection of the one or more signals by the computing device, one or more locations of one or more network leaks. (Paragraph 0035, GPS locations of the mobile devices and time difference of arrival (TDOA) may be used to predict and/or determine the location of the radio signal leakage).
Consider Claim 9, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 8, further comprising
receiving the location information and the velocity information from the computing device. (Paragraph 0038, the diagnostic server may identify one or more mobile device(s) located in a selected area. The diagnostic server may collect GPS location data of a plurality of mobile devices to identify the one or more mobile devices located in the selected area).
Consider Claim 10, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 8, wherein the location
information comprises information indicative of a location associated with the one or more network devices and a density associated with the one or more network devices within the location, and (Paragraph 0042, the communication via the Wi-Fi connection may indicate that the mobile devices and are located in proximity of the wireless router of the premises but may provide approximate location information of each of the mobile devices).
Wherein the velocity information comprises information indicative of a velocity
associated with the computing device. (Paragraph 0046, if the mobile device is moving away from the leak source with the velocity Va, the apparent frequency f′ may be calculated as where v is a velocity of a diagnostic FM signal leaked).
Consider Claim 11, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 8, wherein the
one or more parameters comprise at least one of:
An interval each signal of the one or more signals is output over a period of time,
a pulse width of each signal of the one or more signals, a pulse repetition period of each signal of the one or more signals, or a number of pulses of each signal of the one or more signals to output. (Paragraph 0060, The measurement condition adjustments may comprise changing one or more parameters (e.g., signal strength, a modulation scheme, a coding scheme, etc.) of an FM signal sent to the particular address via a wired-communication network. Paragraph 0080, the plurality of diagnostic FM signals may comprise a different pseudo random code. A mobile device may receive different FM signals at the same time and may distinguish the diagnostic FM signals from each other by identifying different pseudo random codes. Each diagnostic FM signal may be generated based on a different pseudo random code).
Consider Claim 12, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 11, wherein the interval
each signal is output over the period of time is determined based on the velocity information. (Paragraph 0059, information about the suspected FM leak location may be sent to the identified mobile device(s) or other devices so that the FM leakage may be timely addressed).
Consider Claim 13, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 8, wherein each signal
of the one or more signals comprises a pulse signal of two or more pulses output at an interval over a period of time. (Paragraph 0034, the modulation frequency, the pseudo random code used for the diagnostic radio signal, the transmission time information, and/or other characteristics of the diagnostic radio signal).
Consider Claim 14, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 8, wherein determining,
by the computing device, based on the detection of the one or more signals by the computing device, the one or more locations of the one or more network leaks comprises:
Determining, by the computing device, based a velocity of the computing device
over a period of time and a plurality of detections of each signal of the one or more signals over the period of time, a location associated with each detection of the plurality of detections of each signal; and (Paragraph 0034, The one or more mobile devices may determine that the diagnostic radio signal is velocity from the wire lines by the radio signal leakage).
Determining, by the computing device, based on a correlation of each location
associated with each detection of each signal, the one or more locations of the one or more network leaks. (Paragraph 0035, a plurality of mobile devices may simultaneously or non-simultaneously measure the signal strength of at least a portion of the diagnostic radio signal and may determine the location of the radio signal leakage. GPS locations of the mobile devices, and time difference of arrival (TDOA) may be used to predict and/or determine the location of the radio signal leakage).
Consider Claim 15, Wolcott discloses a method comprising:
sending, by a computing device, to one or more network devices, a response, wherein the one or more network devices output one or more signals over a period of time according to one or more parameters associated with location information and velocity information based on receiving the response, wherein the one or more parameters are adjusted by the computing device based on the velocity information; (Paragraph 0077, FIG. 12 shows an example method for measuring an FM signal that may be performed by a mobile device. Step 1209 the mobile device receive instruction to perform adjusted measurement. Paragraph 0078, If yes at step 1211, one or more measurement conditions may be adjusted sending the measurement data to the server via Cellular network in step 1207. Paragraph 0046, FIG. 6 shows an example of instructing a user to move and/or rotate a mobile device to apply a Doppler shift effect in estimating a leak location).
detecting, by the computing device, the one or more signals being output by the one or more network devices; and (paragraph 0002, a computing device may send, via a mobile communication network, one or more wireless signals to control the one or more mobile devices to detect a diagnostic radio signal output from a potential leakage spot of a wired network. Paragraph 0046, FIG. 6 shows an example of instructing a user to move and/or rotate a mobile device to apply a Doppler shift effect in estimating a leak location. A mobile device may receive a wireless signal that instructs the user to move and/or rotate the mobile device. The mobile device may output the instructions (e.g., display a message, output an audible message to inform the user of the instructions)).
determining, by the computing device, based on a correlation of a location associated with the detection of the one or more signals by the computing device over the period of time, one or more locations of one or more network leaks. (Paragraph 0035, GPS locations of the mobile devices and time difference of arrival (TDOA) may be used to predict and/or determine the location of the radio signal leakage).
Consider Claim 16, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 15, further comprising
determining, based on a velocity of the computing device over the period of time and a plurality of detections of each signal of the one or more signals over the period of time, a location associated with each detection of the plurality of detections of each signal. (Paragraph 0034, one or more mobile devices may determine that the diagnostic radio signal is velocity. The details of the diagnostic radio signal may comprise, but is not limited to, a modulation frequency of the radio signal, a pseudo random code used in generating the diagnostic radio signal, transmission time information of the diagnostic radio signal, and/or other characteristics of the diagnostic radio signal).
Consider Claim 17, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 16, wherein
determining, by the computing device, based on the correlation of the location associated with the detection of the one or more signals by the computing device over the period of time, the one or more locations of the one or more network leaks comprises determining, by the computing device, based on a correlation of each location associated with each detection of each signal by the computing device, the one or more locations of the one or more network leaks. (Paragraph 0041, the one or more mobile device(s) located in the selected area may receive, by using the activated FM tuner(s), the leaked diagnostic FM signal. The one or more mobile devices may send, to the diagnostic server and via the cellular mobile communication network).
Consider Claim 18, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 15, wherein the location
information comprises information indicative of a location associated with the one or more devices and a density associated with the one or more network devices within the location, and (Paragraph 0041, one or more mobile device(s) located in the selected area may receive, by using the activated FM tuner(s), the leaked diagnostic FM signal. Paragraph 0034, one or more mobile device(s) located in the selected area may receive, by using the activated FM tuner(s), the leaked diagnostic FM signal).
Wherein the velocity information comprises information indicative of a velocity of
the computing device. (Paragraph 0045, the gyroscopes may measure the angular velocity and the rate of the angular velocity change. Digital compasses may provide the orientation of the mobile devices).
Consider Claim 19, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 15, wherein the
one or more parameters comprise;
At least one of. an interval each signal of the one or more signals is output over
the period of time, a pulse width of each signal of the one or more signals, a pulse repetition period of each signal of the one or more signals, or a number of pulses each signal of the one or more signals to output. (Paragraph 0062, A plurality of mobile devices may send signals reporting the results of the diagnostic radio signal measurements performed by the plurality of mobile devices. The results of the radio signal measurements may be stored in a leak measurement database. The results of the radio signal measurements may be sorted based on area information of each measurement).
Consider Claim 20, Wolcott discloses the method of claim 15, wherein each signal
of the one or more signals comprises two or more pulses output at an interval over the period of time, and wherein the interval is based on a velocity of the computing device. (Paragraph 0034, The one or more mobile devices may determine that the diagnostic radio signal is velocity from the wire lines by the radio signal leakage based on the estimated direction and/or strength, the modulation frequency, the pseudo random code used for the diagnostic radio signal, the transmission time information, and/or other characteristics of the diagnostic radio signal).
Response to Arguments
Applicant' s arguments/remarks made in an amendment filed April 6, 2026, with respect to independent claims 1, 8 and 15 have been fully considered.
With regards to Applicant’s argument (page 7 and 8) that “The prior art of record does not teach or suggest these elements of claims 1, 8, and 15. Accordingly”, Examiner respectfully disagrees. The cited reference Wolcott disclose all element of claim 1, network devices within communication range of the computing device (paragraph 0035 ) and adjusting, by the computing device, based on a velocity of the computing device (paragraph 0046 & 0078). In addition, Wolcott discloses amended limitation “sending, by the computing device, to the one or more network devices, based on the one or more parameters, a response, wherein the one or more network devices output the one or more signals based on receiving the response;” (Paragraph 0077, FIG. 12 shows an example method for measuring an FM signal that may be performed by a mobile device. Step 1209 the mobile device receive instruction to perform adjusted measurement. Paragraph 0078, If yes at step 1211, one or more measurement conditions may be adjusted sending the measurement data to the server via Cellular network in step 1207). The cited reference also discloses “detecting, by the computing device, the one or more signals being output by the one or more network devices; and” (paragraph 0002, a computing device may send, via a mobile communication network, one or more wireless signals to control the one or more mobile devices to detect a diagnostic radio signal output from a potential leakage spot of a wired network. Paragraph 0046, FIG. 6 shows an example of instructing a user to move and/or rotate a mobile device to apply a Doppler shift effect in estimating a leak location. A mobile device may receive a wireless signal that instructs the user to move and/or rotate the mobile device. The mobile device may output the instructions) and “determining, by the computing device, based on the detection of the one or more signals by the computing device, one or more locations of one or more network leaks.” (Paragraph 0035, GPS locations of the mobile devices and time difference of arrival (TDOA) may be used to predict and/or determine the location of the radio signal leakage). As a result, the prior art of record does teach or suggest the elements of claim 1, 8 and 15.
As a result, the claims are written such that they read upon the cited reference.
Conclusion
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.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MICHELE CAMILLE DOUGLAS whose telephone number is (571)270-0458. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 6:30 am - 5:00 pm.
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, Jeanette J Parker can be reached at 571-270-3647. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/MICHELE C DOUGLAS/Examiner, Art Unit 2646
/JEANETTE J PARKER/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2646
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