Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application is being examined under the pre-AIA first to invent provisions.
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.
Double Patenting
The non-statutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine
grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A non-statutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the claims at issue are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); and In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on a non-statutory double patenting ground provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with this application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The USPTO internet Web site contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit http://www.uspto.gov/forms/. The filing date of the application will determine what form should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to
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Claims 1-10 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting over claims 1-8 of U.S. Patent No. 9548813 since the claims, if allowed, would improperly extend the “right to exclude” already granted in the patent.
The subject matter claimed in the instant application is fully disclosed in the patent and is covered by the patent since the patent and the application are claiming common subject matter, as follows:
Instant Application
U.S. Patent No. 9548813 B2
1. A method performed by a smart device, comprising: in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation, using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation.
1. A system for controlling operation of a plurality of appliance each of different appliance type, the system comprising: a smart device for transmitting an appliance command for controlling one or more of the plurality of appliances; and a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, each dedicated to serving a single one of the plurality of appliances, each having a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the single one of the plurality of appliances, and a processing device coupled to the memory for converting an appliance command received from the smart device to a control signal, in accordance with the provisioned command code set, for transmission to the one of the plurality of appliances; wherein, in response to a one of a plurality of command input elements of the smart device being activated, the smart device determines a one of the plurality of different appliance types which is to perform a command function associated with the activated one of the plurality of command input elements, determines a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types, and transmits an appliance command corresponding to the activated one of the plurality of command input elements for intended use only by the determined one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types.
Here, we see Thompson disclosing a plurality of low energy consuming controllers that are synonymous to the pending applications disclosed bridge devices. Each of the low energy low consuming controllers dedicated to controlling specific appliance(s), just as each of the bridge devices are dedicated to the control of specific appliance(s). A smart device is paired with the low energy consuming controllers, where in response to a one of a plurality of command input elements of the smart device being activated, the smart device determines a one of the plurality of different appliance types which is to perform a command function associated with the activated one of the plurality of command input elements, determines a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers(bridge devices) that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types, and transmits an appliance command corresponding to the activated one of the plurality of command input elements for intended use only by the determined.
Thompson’s disclosure is directed to the same protocol of a smart device, comprising: in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation, using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation. The only difference is the place holder name of the “ low energy consuming controller(s)” as opposed to the “bridge device(s)” , but in essence are the same functional device(s).
Claims 1-10 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1, 2, 6 of U.S. Patent No. 9548813 (hereinafter referred to as Thompson)
Regarding claim 1, Thompson teaches a method performed by a smart device, comprising: in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation (Claim 1),
A system for controlling operation of a plurality of appliance each of different appliance type, the system comprising: a smart device for transmitting an appliance command for controlling one or more of the plurality of appliances; and a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, each dedicated to serving a single one of the plurality of appliances, each having a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the single one of the plurality of appliances, and a processing device coupled to the memory for converting an appliance command received from the smart device to a control signal, in accordance with the provisioned command code set, for transmission to the one of the plurality of appliances; wherein, in response to a one of a plurality of command input elements of the smart device being activated, the smart device determines a one of the plurality of different appliance types which is to perform a command function associated with the activated one of the plurality of command input elements, determines a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types, and transmits an appliance command corresponding to the activated one of the plurality of command input elements for intended use only by the determined one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types.[Cl-1]
Here we see a smart device transmitting a command signal relating to the activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, that results in determining a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation.
Furthermore, Thompson teaches using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation (Claim 1)
A system for controlling operation of a plurality of appliance each of different appliance type, the system comprising: a smart device for transmitting an appliance command for controlling one or more of the plurality of appliances; and a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, each dedicated to serving a single one of the plurality of appliances, each having a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the single one of the plurality of appliances, and a processing device coupled to the memory for converting an appliance command received from the smart device to a control signal, in accordance with the provisioned command code set, for transmission to the one of the plurality of appliances; wherein, in response to a one of a plurality of command input elements of the smart device being activated, the smart device determines a one of the plurality of different appliance types which is to perform a command function associated with the activated one of the plurality of command input elements, determines a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types, and transmits an appliance command corresponding to the activated one of the plurality of command input elements for intended use only by the determined one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types.[Cl-1]
Here, in Thompson’s case, the low-energy consuming controllers, are equivalent to the said bridge devices.
Regarding Claim 2, Thompson teaches the smart device and the plurality of bridge devices communicate via a low-energy RF communications channel(Claim 2).
The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the smart user device and the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers communicate via a low-energy RF communications channel.[CL-2]
Regarding Claim 3, Thompson teaches causing a command code set for use in controlling functional operations of target appliance to be provisioned to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 6)
6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein a command code set is provisioned to each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers by being downloaded to each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers from a server device in communication with each of the plurality of low energy consuming controllers.[Cl-6]
Regarding Claim 4, Thompson teaches the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 1).
A system for controlling operation of a plurality of appliance each of different appliance type, the system comprising: a smart device for transmitting an appliance command for controlling one or more of the plurality of appliances; and a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, each dedicated to serving a single one of the plurality of appliances, each having a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the single one of the plurality of appliances, and a processing device coupled to the memory for converting an appliance command received from the smart device to a control signal, in accordance with the provisioned command code set, for transmission to the one of the plurality of appliances; wherein, in response to a one of a plurality of command input elements of the smart device being activated, the smart device determines a one of the plurality of different appliance types which is to perform a command function associated with the activated one of the plurality of command input elements, determines a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types, and transmits an appliance command corresponding to the activated one of the plurality of command input elements for intended use only by the determined one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types.[Cl-1]
Regarding claim 5, Thompson teaches a pointer to the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 1)
A system for controlling operation of a plurality of appliance each of different appliance type, the system comprising: a smart device for transmitting an appliance command for controlling one or more of the plurality of appliances; and a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, each dedicated to serving a single one of the plurality of appliances, each having a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the single one of the plurality of appliances, and a processing device coupled to the memory for converting an appliance command received from the smart device to a control signal, in accordance with the provisioned command code set, for transmission to the one of the plurality of appliances; wherein, in response to a one of a plurality of command input elements of the smart device being activated, the smart device determines a one of the plurality of different appliance types which is to perform a command function associated with the activated one of the plurality of command input elements, determines a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types, and transmits an appliance command corresponding to the activated one of the plurality of command input elements for intended use only by the determined one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types.[Cl-1]
Regarding Claim 6, Thompson teaches a smart device, comprising: a processing device; a memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the smart device cause the smart device to respond to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements by using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation (Claim 1)
A system for controlling operation of a plurality of appliance each of different appliance type, the system comprising: a smart device for transmitting an appliance command for controlling one or more of the plurality of appliances; and a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, each dedicated to serving a single one of the plurality of appliances, each having a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the single one of the plurality of appliances, and a processing device coupled to the memory for converting an appliance command received from the smart device to a control signal, in accordance with the provisioned command code set, for transmission to the one of the plurality of appliances; wherein, in response to a one of a plurality of command input elements of the smart device being activated, the smart device determines a one of the plurality of different appliance types which is to perform a command function associated with the activated one of the plurality of command input elements, determines a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types, and transmits an appliance command corresponding to the activated one of the plurality of command input elements for intended use only by the determined one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types.[Cl-1]
Furthermore, Thompson teaches using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation (Claim 1)
A system for controlling operation of a plurality of appliance each of different appliance type, the system comprising: a smart device for transmitting an appliance command for controlling one or more of the plurality of appliances; and a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, each dedicated to serving a single one of the plurality of appliances, each having a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the single one of the plurality of appliances, and a processing device coupled to the memory for converting an appliance command received from the smart device to a control signal, in accordance with the provisioned command code set, for transmission to the one of the plurality of appliances; wherein, in response to a one of a plurality of command input elements of the smart device being activated, the smart device determines a one of the plurality of different appliance types which is to perform a command function associated with the activated one of the plurality of command input elements, determines a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types, and transmits an appliance command corresponding to the activated one of the plurality of command input elements for intended use only by the determined one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types.[Cl-1]
Here we see a smart device transmitting a command signal relating to the activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, that results in determining a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation.
Regarding Claim 7, Thompson teaches the smart device and the plurality of bridge devices communicate via a low-energy RF communications channel (Claim 2)
The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the smart user device and the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers communicate via a low-energy RF communications channel.[CL-2]
Regarding Claim 8, Thompson teaches the instructions, when executed, cause the smart device to cause a command code set for use in controlling functional operations of target appliance to be provisioned to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 6)
6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein a command code set is provisioned to each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers by being downloaded to each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers from a server device in communication with each of the plurality of low energy consuming controllers.[Cl-6]
Regarding Claim 9, Thompson teaches the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 1).
A system for controlling operation of a plurality of appliance each of different appliance type, the system comprising: a smart device for transmitting an appliance command for controlling one or more of the plurality of appliances; and a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, each dedicated to serving a single one of the plurality of appliances, each having a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the single one of the plurality of appliances, and a processing device coupled to the memory for converting an appliance command received from the smart device to a control signal, in accordance with the provisioned command code set, for transmission to the one of the plurality of appliances; wherein, in response to a one of a plurality of command input elements of the smart device being activated, the smart device determines a one of the plurality of different appliance types which is to perform a command function associated with the activated one of the plurality of command input elements, determines a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types, and transmits an appliance command corresponding to the activated one of the plurality of command input elements for intended use only by the determined one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types.[Cl-1]
Regarding Claim 10, Thompson teaches a pointer to the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices. (Claim 1)
A system for controlling operation of a plurality of appliance each of different appliance type, the system comprising: a smart device for transmitting an appliance command for controlling one or more of the plurality of appliances; and a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, each dedicated to serving a single one of the plurality of appliances, each having a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the single one of the plurality of appliances, and a processing device coupled to the memory for converting an appliance command received from the smart device to a control signal, in accordance with the provisioned command code set, for transmission to the one of the plurality of appliances; wherein, in response to a one of a plurality of command input elements of the smart device being activated, the smart device determines a one of the plurality of different appliance types which is to perform a command function associated with the activated one of the plurality of command input elements, determines a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types, and transmits an appliance command corresponding to the activated one of the plurality of command input elements for intended use only by the determined one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers that has been dedicated to serving the one of the plurality of appliances having the determined one of the plurality of different appliance types.[Cl-1]
Claims 1-10 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting over claims 1-11 of U.S. Patent No. 10326875 since the claims, if allowed, would improperly extend the “right to exclude” already granted in the patent.
The subject matter claimed in the instant application is fully disclosed in the patent and is covered by the patent since the patent and the application are claiming common subject matter, as follows:
Instant Application
U.S. Patent No. 10326875 B2
1. A method performed by a smart device, comprising: in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation, using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation.
1. A method for issuing commands to control functional operations of an appliance, comprising: pairing a smart device with each of a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances, wherein each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, and wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers has a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated; in response to activation of an input element of the smart device, determining by the smart device a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element; identifying by the smart device a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type; transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation; and in response to the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers receiving the instruction, using by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers the provisioned command code set that is appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to transmit a command to cause the performance of the functional operation by the appliance of the determined type.
Here, we see Thompson disclosing a plurality of low energy consuming controllers that are synonymous to the pending applications disclosed bridge devices. Each of the low energy low consuming controllers dedicated to controlling specific appliance(s), just as each of the bridge devices are dedicated to the control of specific appliance(s). A smart device is paired with the low energy consuming controllers, in response to activation of an input element of the smart device, determining by the smart device a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element; identifying by the smart device a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers (bridge devices) with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type; transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers (bridge devices) an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation; and in response to the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers (bridge devices) receiving the instruction, using by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers(bridge devices) the provisioned command code set that is appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances.
Thompson’s disclosure is directed to the same protocol of a smart device, comprising: in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation, using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation. The only difference is the place holder name of the “ low energy consuming controller(s)” as opposed to the “bridge device(s)” , but in essence are the same functional device(s).
Claims 1-10 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1, 2 of U.S. Patent No. 10326875(hereinafter referred to as Thompson)
Regarding claim 1, Thompson teaches a method performed by a smart device, comprising: in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation (Claim 1),
A method for issuing commands to control functional operations of an appliance, comprising: pairing a smart device with each of a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances, wherein each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, and wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers has a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated; in response to activation of an input element of the smart device, determining by the smart device a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element; identifying by the smart device a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type; transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation; and in response to the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers receiving the instruction, using by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers the provisioned command code set that is appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to transmit a command to cause the performance of the functional operation by the appliance of the determined type.[Cl-1]
Furthermore, Thompson teaches using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation (Claim 1)
A method for issuing commands to control functional operations of an appliance, comprising: pairing a smart device with each of a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances, wherein each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, and wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers has a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated; in response to activation of an input element of the smart device, determining by the smart device a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element; identifying by the smart device a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type; transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation; and in response to the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers receiving the instruction, using by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers the provisioned command code set that is appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to transmit a command to cause the performance of the functional operation by the appliance of the determined type.[Cl-1]
Here, in Thompson’s case, the low-energy consuming controllers, are equivalent to the said bridge devices.
Regarding Claim 2, Thompson teaches the smart device and the plurality of bridge devices communicate via a low-energy RF communications channel(Claim 2).
The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the smart user device and the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers communicate via a low-energy RF communications channel.[CL-2]
Regarding Claim 3, Thompson teaches causing a command code set for use in controlling functional operations of target appliance to be provisioned to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 1)
A method for issuing commands to control functional operations of an appliance, comprising: pairing a smart device with each of a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances, wherein each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, and wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers has a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated; in response to activation of an input element of the smart device, determining by the smart device a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element; identifying by the smart device a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type; transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation; and in response to the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers receiving the instruction, using by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers the provisioned command code set that is appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to transmit a command to cause the performance of the functional operation by the appliance of the determined type.[Cl-1]
Regarding Claim 4, Thompson teaches the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 1).
A method for issuing commands to control functional operations of an appliance, comprising: pairing a smart device with each of a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances, wherein each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, and wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers has a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated; in response to activation of an input element of the smart device, determining by the smart device a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element; identifying by the smart device a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type; transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation; and in response to the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers receiving the instruction, using by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers the provisioned command code set that is appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to transmit a command to cause the performance of the functional operation by the appliance of the determined type.[Cl-1]
Regarding claim 5, Thompson teaches a pointer to the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 1)
A method for issuing commands to control functional operations of an appliance, comprising: pairing a smart device with each of a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances, wherein each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, and wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers has a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated; in response to activation of an input element of the smart device, determining by the smart device a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element; identifying by the smart device a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type; transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation; and in response to the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers receiving the instruction, using by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers the provisioned command code set that is appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to transmit a command to cause the performance of the functional operation by the appliance of the determined type.[Cl-1]
Regarding Claim 6, Thompson teaches a smart device, comprising: a processing device; a memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the smart device cause the smart device to respond to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements by using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation (Claim 1)
A method for issuing commands to control functional operations of an appliance, comprising: pairing a smart device with each of a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances, wherein each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, and wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers has a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated; in response to activation of an input element of the smart device, determining by the smart device a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element; identifying by the smart device a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type; transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation; and in response to the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers receiving the instruction, using by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers the provisioned command code set that is appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to transmit a command to cause the performance of the functional operation by the appliance of the determined type.[Cl-1]
Furthermore, Thompson teaches using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation (Claim 1)
A method for issuing commands to control functional operations of an appliance, comprising: pairing a smart device with each of a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances, wherein each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, and wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers has a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated; in response to activation of an input element of the smart device, determining by the smart device a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element; identifying by the smart device a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type; transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation; and in response to the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers receiving the instruction, using by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers the provisioned command code set that is appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to transmit a command to cause the performance of the functional operation by the appliance of the determined type.[Cl-1]
Here we see a smart device transmitting a command signal relating to the activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, that results in determining a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation.
Regarding Claim 7, Thompson teaches the smart device and the plurality of bridge devices communicate via a low-energy RF communications channel (Claim 2)
The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the smart user device and the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers communicate via a low-energy RF communications channel.[CL-2]
Regarding Claim 8, Thompson teaches the instructions, when executed, cause the smart device to cause a command code set for use in controlling functional operations of target appliance to be provisioned to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 1)
A method for issuing commands to control functional operations of an appliance, comprising: pairing a smart device with each of a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances, wherein each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, and wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers has a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated; in response to activation of an input element of the smart device, determining by the smart device a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element; identifying by the smart device a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type; transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation; and in response to the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers receiving the instruction, using by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers the provisioned command code set that is appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to transmit a command to cause the performance of the functional operation by the appliance of the determined type.[Cl-1]
Regarding Claim 9, Thompson teaches the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 1)
A method for issuing commands to control functional operations of an appliance, comprising: pairing a smart device with each of a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances, wherein each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, and wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers has a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated; in response to activation of an input element of the smart device, determining by the smart device a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element; identifying by the smart device a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type; transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation; and in response to the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers receiving the instruction, using by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers the provisioned command code set that is appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to transmit a command to cause the performance of the functional operation by the appliance of the determined type.[Cl-1]
Regarding Claim 10, Thompson teaches a pointer to the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices. (Claim 1)
A method for issuing commands to control functional operations of an appliance, comprising: pairing a smart device with each of a plurality of low-energy consuming controllers, wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances, wherein each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, and wherein each of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers has a memory provisioned with a command code set appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated; in response to activation of an input element of the smart device, determining by the smart device a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element; identifying by the smart device a one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type; transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation; and in response to the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers receiving the instruction, using by the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers the provisioned command code set that is appropriate for commanding functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the identified one of the plurality of low-energy consuming controllers is dedicated to transmit a command to cause the performance of the functional operation by the appliance of the determined type.[Cl-1]
Claims 1-10 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting over claims 1-12 of U.S. Patent No. 10771608 since the claims, if allowed, would improperly extend the “right to exclude” already granted in the patent.
The subject matter claimed in the instant application is fully disclosed in the patent and is covered by the patent since the patent and the application are claiming common subject matter, as follows:
Instant Application
U.S. Patent No. 10771608 B2
1. A method performed by a smart device, comprising: in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation, using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation.
1. A non-transitory, computer readable media having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps for configuring a low-energy consuming controller to control functional operations of a target appliance comprising: receiving from the low-energy consuming controller a data indicative of a type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control; receiving a data indicative of at least a brand for the target appliance; using the received data indicative of the type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control and the received data indicative of at least the brand of the target appliance to cause a codeset for use in issuing commands to control functional operations of the target appliance to be identified; and issuing a communication to the low-energy consumer controller having a data indicative of the identified codeset whereupon the low-energy consumer controller will use the data indicative of the identified codeset received from the smart device to configure itself to use the identified codeset when requested by the smart device to issue a command to control a functional operation of the target appliance.
Here, we see Thompson disclosing a plurality of low energy consuming controllers that are synonymous to the pending applications disclosed bridge devices. Each of the low energy low consuming controllers dedicated to controlling specific appliance(s), just as each of the bridge devices are dedicated to the control of specific appliance(s). A smart device is paired with the low energy consuming controllers, communicating and configuring the low energy consuming devices (bridge devices), such that upon determining the specific appliance the low energy consuming device is dedicated to, and in response transmit commands that control the said dedicated appliance via the low energy consuming devices/bridge devices.
Thompson’s disclosure is directed to the same protocol of a smart device, comprising: in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation, using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation. The only difference is the place holder name of the “ low energy consuming controller(s)” as opposed to the “bridge device(s)” , but in essence are the same functional device(s).
Claims 1-10 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1, 9 of U.S. Patent No. 10771608 (hereinafter referred to as Thompson)
Regarding claim 1, Thompson teaches a method performed by a smart device, comprising: in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation (Claim 1),
A non-transitory, computer readable media having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps for configuring a low-energy consuming controller to control functional operations of a target appliance comprising: receiving from the low-energy consuming controller a data indicative of a type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control; receiving a data indicative of at least a brand for the target appliance; using the received data indicative of the type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control and the received data indicative of at least the brand of the target appliance to cause a codeset for use in issuing commands to control functional operations of the target appliance to be identified; and issuing a communication to the low-energy consumer controller having a data indicative of the identified codeset whereupon the low-energy consumer controller will use the data indicative of the identified codeset received from the smart device to configure itself to use the identified codeset when requested by the smart device to issue a command to control a functional operation of the target appliance.[Cl-1]
Furthermore, Thompson teaches using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation (Claim 1)
A non-transitory, computer readable media having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps for configuring a low-energy consuming controller to control functional operations of a target appliance comprising: receiving from the low-energy consuming controller a data indicative of a type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control; receiving a data indicative of at least a brand for the target appliance; using the received data indicative of the type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control and the received data indicative of at least the brand of the target appliance to cause a codeset for use in issuing commands to control functional operations of the target appliance to be identified; and issuing a communication to the low-energy consumer controller having a data indicative of the identified codeset whereupon the low-energy consumer controller will use the data indicative of the identified codeset received from the smart device to configure itself to use the identified codeset when requested by the smart device to issue a command to control a functional operation of the target appliance.[Cl-1]
Here, in Thompson’s case, the low-energy consuming controllers, are equivalent to the said bridge devices.
Regarding Claim 2, Thompson teaches the smart device and the plurality of bridge devices communicate via a low-energy RF communications channel (Claim 9).
The non-transitory, computer readable media as recited in claim 1, wherein the data indicative of the identified codeset is caused to be communicated to the low-energy consuming controller via use of a radio frequency transmitter of the smart device [CL-9]
RF transmitter indicates a low-energy communication channel.
Regarding Claim 3, Thompson teaches causing a command code set for use in controlling functional operations of target appliance to be provisioned to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 1)
A non-transitory, computer readable media having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps for configuring a low-energy consuming controller to control functional operations of a target appliance comprising: receiving from the low-energy consuming controller a data indicative of a type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control; receiving a data indicative of at least a brand for the target appliance; using the received data indicative of the type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control and the received data indicative of at least the brand of the target appliance to cause a codeset for use in issuing commands to control functional operations of the target appliance to be identified; and issuing a communication to the low-energy consumer controller having a data indicative of the identified codeset whereupon the low-energy consumer controller will use the data indicative of the identified codeset received from the smart device to configure itself to use the identified codeset when requested by the smart device to issue a command to control a functional operation of the target appliance..[Cl-1]
Regarding Claim 4, Thompson teaches the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 1)
A non-transitory, computer readable media having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps for configuring a low-energy consuming controller to control functional operations of a target appliance comprising: receiving from the low-energy consuming controller a data indicative of a type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control; receiving a data indicative of at least a brand for the target appliance; using the received data indicative of the type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control and the received data indicative of at least the brand of the target appliance to cause a codeset for use in issuing commands to control functional operations of the target appliance to be identified; and issuing a communication to the low-energy consumer controller having a data indicative of the identified codeset whereupon the low-energy consumer controller will use the data indicative of the identified codeset received from the smart device to configure itself to use the identified codeset when requested by the smart device to issue a command to control a functional operation of the target appliance..[Cl-1]
Regarding claim 5, Thompson teaches a pointer to the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 1)
A non-transitory, computer readable media having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps for configuring a low-energy consuming controller to control functional operations of a target appliance comprising: receiving from the low-energy consuming controller a data indicative of a type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control; receiving a data indicative of at least a brand for the target appliance; using the received data indicative of the type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control and the received data indicative of at least the brand of the target appliance to cause a codeset for use in issuing commands to control functional operations of the target appliance to be identified; and issuing a communication to the low-energy consumer controller having a data indicative of the identified codeset whereupon the low-energy consumer controller will use the data indicative of the identified codeset received from the smart device to configure itself to use the identified codeset when requested by the smart device to issue a command to control a functional operation of the target appliance..[Cl-1]
Regarding Claim 6, Thompson teaches a smart device, comprising: a processing device; a memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the smart device cause the smart device to respond to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements by using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation (Claim 1)
A non-transitory, computer readable media having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps for configuring a low-energy consuming controller to control functional operations of a target appliance comprising: receiving from the low-energy consuming controller a data indicative of a type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control; receiving a data indicative of at least a brand for the target appliance; using the received data indicative of the type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control and the received data indicative of at least the brand of the target appliance to cause a codeset for use in issuing commands to control functional operations of the target appliance to be identified; and issuing a communication to the low-energy consumer controller having a data indicative of the identified codeset whereupon the low-energy consumer controller will use the data indicative of the identified codeset received from the smart device to configure itself to use the identified codeset when requested by the smart device to issue a command to control a functional operation of the target appliance.[Cl-1]
Furthermore, Thompson teaches using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation (Claim 1),
A non-transitory, computer readable media having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps for configuring a low-energy consuming controller to control functional operations of a target appliance comprising: receiving from the low-energy consuming controller a data indicative of a type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control; receiving a data indicative of at least a brand for the target appliance; using the received data indicative of the type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control and the received data indicative of at least the brand of the target appliance to cause a codeset for use in issuing commands to control functional operations of the target appliance to be identified; and issuing a communication to the low-energy consumer controller having a data indicative of the identified codeset whereupon the low-energy consumer controller will use the data indicative of the identified codeset received from the smart device to configure itself to use the identified codeset when requested by the smart device to issue a command to control a functional operation of the target appliance.[Cl-1]
Here we see a smart device transmitting a command signal relating to the activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, that results in determining a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation.
Regarding Claim 7, Thompson teaches the smart device and the plurality of bridge devices communicate via a low-energy RF communications channel(Claim 9).
The non-transitory, computer readable media as recited in claim 1, wherein the data indicative of the identified codeset is caused to be communicated to the low-energy consuming controller via use of a radio frequency transmitter of the smart device [CL-9]
RF transmitter indicates a low-energy communication channel.
Regarding Claim 8, Thompson teaches the instructions, when executed, cause the smart device to cause a command code set for use in controlling functional operations of target appliance to be provisioned to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 1)
A non-transitory, computer readable media having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps for configuring a low-energy consuming controller to control functional operations of a target appliance comprising: receiving from the low-energy consuming controller a data indicative of a type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control; receiving a data indicative of at least a brand for the target appliance; using the received data indicative of the type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control and the received data indicative of at least the brand of the target appliance to cause a codeset for use in issuing commands to control functional operations of the target appliance to be identified; and issuing a communication to the low-energy consumer controller having a data indicative of the identified codeset whereupon the low-energy consumer controller will use the data indicative of the identified codeset received from the smart device to configure itself to use the identified codeset when requested by the smart device to issue a command to control a functional operation of the target appliance..[Cl-1]
Regarding Claim 9, Thompson teaches the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 1).
A non-transitory, computer readable media having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps for configuring a low-energy consuming controller to control functional operations of a target appliance comprising: receiving from the low-energy consuming controller a data indicative of a type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control; receiving a data indicative of at least a brand for the target appliance; using the received data indicative of the type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control and the received data indicative of at least the brand of the target appliance to cause a codeset for use in issuing commands to control functional operations of the target appliance to be identified; and issuing a communication to the low-energy consumer controller having a data indicative of the identified codeset whereupon the low-energy consumer controller will use the data indicative of the identified codeset received from the smart device to configure itself to use the identified codeset when requested by the smart device to issue a command to control a functional operation of the target appliance..[Cl-1]
Regarding Claim 10, Thompson teaches a pointer to the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices. (Claim 1)
A non-transitory, computer readable media having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps for configuring a low-energy consuming controller to control functional operations of a target appliance comprising: receiving from the low-energy consuming controller a data indicative of a type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control; receiving a data indicative of at least a brand for the target appliance; using the received data indicative of the type of device which the low-energy consumer controller is dedicated to control and the received data indicative of at least the brand of the target appliance to cause a codeset for use in issuing commands to control functional operations of the target appliance to be identified; and issuing a communication to the low-energy consumer controller having a data indicative of the identified codeset whereupon the low-energy consumer controller will use the data indicative of the identified codeset received from the smart device to configure itself to use the identified codeset when requested by the smart device to issue a command to control a functional operation of the target appliance..[Cl-1]
Claims 1-10 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting over claims 1-12 of U.S. Patent No. 11700327 since the claims, if allowed, would improperly extend the “right to exclude” already granted in the patent.
The subject matter claimed in the instant application is fully disclosed in the patent and is covered by the patent since the patent and the application are claiming common subject matter, as follows:
Instant Application
U.S. Patent No. 11700327 B2
1. A method performed by a smart device, comprising: in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation, using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation.
1. A non-transitory, computer-readable media having stored thereon instruction wherein the instructions, when executed by a processing device of a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps comprising: in response to the smart device being paired with each of a plurality of bridge devices, wherein each of the bridge devices is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances and each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, using information received from each of the plurality of bridge devices to cause a plurality of input elements to be automatically added to a graphical user interface associated with the smart device; and in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, determining a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element, identifying a one of the bridge devices with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation.
Here, we see Thompson teaching the smart device being paired with each of a plurality of bridge devices, wherein each of the bridge devices is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances and each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type. After which, in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, determining a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element, identifying a one of the bridge devices with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation.
Thompson’s disclosure is directed to the same protocol of a smart device, comprising: in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation, using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation. The only difference is the more specific intermediate steps such as “using information received from each of the plurality of bridge devices to cause a plurality of input elements to be automatically added to a graphical user interface associated with the smart device”, otherwise, the same inventive protocol is disclosed.
Claims 1-10 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1, 3-6 of U.S. Patent No. 11700327 (hereinafter referred to as Thompson)
Regarding claim 1, Thompson teaches a method performed by a smart device, comprising: in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation (Claim 1),
A non-transitory, computer-readable media having stored thereon instruction wherein the instructions, when executed by a processing device of a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps comprising: in response to the smart device being paired with each of a plurality of bridge devices, wherein each of the bridge devices is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances and each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, using information received from each of the plurality of bridge devices to cause a plurality of input elements to be automatically added to a graphical user interface associated with the smart device; and in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, determining a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element, identifying a one of the bridge devices with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation..[Cl-1]
Furthermore, Thompson teaches using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation (Claim 1)
A non-transitory, computer-readable media having stored thereon instruction wherein the instructions, when executed by a processing device of a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps comprising: in response to the smart device being paired with each of a plurality of bridge devices, wherein each of the bridge devices is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances and each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, using information received from each of the plurality of bridge devices to cause a plurality of input elements to be automatically added to a graphical user interface associated with the smart device; and in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, determining a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element, identifying a one of the bridge devices with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation.[Cl-1]
Here, in Thompson’s case, the low-energy consuming controllers, are equivalent to the said bridge devices.
Regarding Claim 2, Thompson teaches the smart device and the plurality of bridge devices communicate via a low-energy RF communications channel (Claim 3).
The non-transitory, computer-readable media as recited in claim 1, wherein the smart device and the plurality of bridge devices communicate via a low-energy RF communications channel. [CL-3]
Regarding Claim 3, Thompson teaches causing a command code set for use in controlling functional operations of target appliance to be provisioned to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 4)
The non-transitory, computer-readable media as recited in claim 1, wherein the instructions cause the smart device to cause a command code set for use in controlling functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the bridge device is dedicated to be provisioned to one or more of the plurality of bridge devices.[Cl-4]
Regarding Claim 4, Thompson teaches the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 5)
The non-transitory, computer-readable media as recited in claim 4, wherein the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the one or more of the plurality of bridge devices.[Cl-5]
Regarding claim 5, Thompson teaches a pointer to the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 6)
The non-transitory, computer-readable media as recited in claim 4, wherein a pointer to the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the one or more of the plurality of bridge devices.[Cl-6]
Regarding Claim 6, Thompson teaches a smart device, comprising: a processing device; a memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the smart device cause the smart device to respond to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements by using a functional operation linked to the activated one of the plurality of input elements to determine a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation (Claim 1)
A non-transitory, computer-readable media having stored thereon instruction wherein the instructions, when executed by a processing device of a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps comprising: in response to the smart device being paired with each of a plurality of bridge devices, wherein each of the bridge devices is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances and each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, using information received from each of the plurality of bridge devices to cause a plurality of input elements to be automatically added to a graphical user interface associated with the smart device; and in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, determining a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element, identifying a one of the bridge devices with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation..[.[Cl-1]
Furthermore, Thompson teaches using the determined type of appliance to identify a one of a plurality of bridge devices with which the smart device is paired, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have a target appliance corresponding to the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation (Claim 1),
A non-transitory, computer-readable media having stored thereon instruction wherein the instructions, when executed by a processing device of a smart device, cause the smart device to perform steps comprising: in response to the smart device being paired with each of a plurality of bridge devices, wherein each of the bridge devices is dedicated to controlling functional operations of a one of a plurality of appliances and each of the plurality of appliances is of a different type, using information received from each of the plurality of bridge devices to cause a plurality of input elements to be automatically added to a graphical user interface associated with the smart device; and in response to an activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, determining a type of appliance that is to perform a functional operation that is associated with the activated input element, identifying a one of the bridge devices with which the smart device is paired that is dedicated to controlling functional operations of the appliance of the determined type, and transmitting by the smart device for reception by the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices an instruction to have the appliance of the determined type perform the functional operation Cl-1]
Here we see a smart device transmitting a command signal relating to the activation of a one of the plurality of input elements, that results in determining a type of appliance that is to perform the functional operation.
Regarding Claim 7, Thompson teaches the smart device and the plurality of bridge devices communicate via a low-energy RF communications channel(Claim 3).
The non-transitory, computer-readable media as recited in claim 1, wherein the smart device and the plurality of bridge devices communicate via a low-energy RF communications channel. [CL-3]
Regarding Claim 8, Thompson teaches the instructions, when executed, cause the smart device to cause a command code set for use in controlling functional operations of target appliance to be provisioned to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 4)
The non-transitory, computer-readable media as recited in claim 1, wherein the instructions cause the smart device to cause a command code set for use in controlling functional operations of the one of the plurality of appliances to which the bridge device is dedicated to be provisioned to one or more of the plurality of bridge devices.[Cl-4]
Regarding Claim 9, Thompson teaches the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices (Claim 5)
The non-transitory, computer-readable media as recited in claim 4, wherein the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the one or more of the plurality of bridge devices.[Cl-5]
Regarding Claim 10, Thompson teaches a pointer to the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the identified one of the plurality of bridge devices(Claim 6)
The non-transitory, computer-readable media as recited in claim 4, wherein a pointer to the command code set is transmitted by the smart device to the one or more of the plurality of bridge devices.[Cl-6]
Conclusion
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/ANTHONY D AFRIFA-KYEI/Examiner, Art Unit 2686
/Gregory J Toatley Jr/Technology Center Director, TC 2600
/BRIAN A ZIMMERMAN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2686