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 .
Status of Application
This office action is in response to the most recent filings filed by applicants on 10/09/25.
Claims 1, 8, 11, 15 and 20-21 are amended
No claims are cancelled
Claim 22 is added
Claims 1-22 are pending
Note:
Applicants amended claims are reciting limitations at a high level and as such the scope of these limitations are not clear. For instance, the amended claim limitations:
“wherein identifying the current device location includes:
receiving, at control circuitry, a set of location signals from the device, the set of location signals indicating the current device location;
wherein projecting the time when the device will reach the task target location includes:
performing, by the control circuitry, a time-projection operation that projects the time when the device will reach the task target location based on the set of location signals; and
wherein the method further comprises:
after electronically providing the availability time-window, performing, by the control circuitry, a task-setting operation that matches a task from a predefined task database to the availability time-window based on the availability time-window being greater than an estimated task duration provided in the predefined task database for the task;
based on the task-setting operation matching the task to the availability time-window transmitting a set of command signals from the control circuitry to the motorized equipment, the set of command signals directing the motorized equipment to autonomously perform the task at the task target location within the availability time-window; and
after transmitting the set of command signals, receiving a set of status signals at the control circuitry from the motorized equipment, the set of status signals indicating performance of the task by the motorized equipment within the availability time-window.”
Here, for instance, the claim limitation: “performing, by the control circuitry, a time-projection operation that projects the time when the device will reach the task target location based on the set of location signals; and after electronically providing the availability time-window, performing, by the control circuitry, a task-setting operation that matches a task from a predefined task database to the availability time-window based on the availability time-window being greater than an estimated task duration provided in the predefined task database for the task” the claim here is simply discussing projecting or estimating a time window when a user device will reach a certain location. Here, the claim is broadly recited and does not provide details of how the above steps are being performed. Even though the claim says “by the control circuitry” it could simply mean a human being is looking at the location of the user device and estimating where the user will be and then sending a message using the control circuitry to the computer that is performing the matching step.
The amended claims also do not provide any way to reassess the estimation made in the above steps, like there is no ability to in real time reassess if the user whose device is being used to estimate the task availability window walks away to get a drink of water or use the bathroom, etc.
Additionally, the claim limitations: “based on the task-setting operation matching the task to the availability time-window transmitting a set of command signals from the control circuitry to the motorized equipment, the set of command signals directing the motorized equipment to autonomously perform the task at the task target location within the availability time-window; and
after transmitting the set of command signals, receiving a set of status signals at the control circuitry from the motorized equipment, the set of status signals indicating performance of the task by the motorized equipment within the availability time-window”
Here again, the claims recite “signals at the control circuitry from the motorized equipment” is recited broadly at a high level. Similarly, “the set of command signals directing the motorized equipment to autonomously perform the task at the task target location within the availability time-window” is also recited broadly at a high level. These claim limitations are simply automating a manual task.
The specification (PGPub: US 20250005536) in [0109] recites: The remaining time fields 530 hold remaining amounts of time for the tasks. For example, the electronic system 100 may pause a task (e.g., due to manual pausing by an operator, due to unexpected/projected real-time detection of a user traveling with a user device 104 entering a location of a currently running task, etc.). Once the task is resumed (e.g., by manually unpausing the task, due to automatic resuming when the user leaves the corresponding locations for the task within an identified availability time-window, due to re-scheduling of the task based on the remaining time rather than the full amount of time for the task, etc.), the electronic system 100 tracks the status of the task through to completion during the remaining time, etc. In light of the specification and the currently pending claims where all the claim is doing is projecting or estimating a time and not really taking any real time data to automatically pause and unpause the running task the claims are still not eligible under 101. The prior art in light of the breadth of the scope of the claims still shows the claims.
In light of these notes, the amended claims, do not overcome previously presented rejections under 101 and 103. As is discussed below. This note is intended as a conversation starter to help applicants understand the examiner' s perspective. Applicants are welcome to call the examiner to discuss this further.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101
35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows:
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
Claims 1-22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to a judicial exception (i.e., an abstract idea) without significantly more.
Step One - First, pursuant to step 1 in the January 2019 Guidance on 84 Fed. Reg. 53, the claims 1-14 and 21-22 is/are directed to a method which is a statutory category.
Step One - First, pursuant to step 1 in the January 2019 Guidance on 84 Fed. Reg. 53, the claims 15-19 is/are directed to a circuitry which is a statutory category.
Step One - First, pursuant to step 1 in the January 2019 Guidance on 84 Fed. Reg. 53, the claims 20 is/are directed to a computer program product which is a statutory category.
Under the 2019 PEG, Step 2A under which a claim is not “directed to” a judicial exception unless the claim satisfies a two-prong inquiry. Further, particular groupings of abstract ideas are consistent with judicial precedent and are based on an extraction and synthesis of the key concepts identified by the courts as being abstract.
With respect to the Step 2A, Prong One, the claims as drafted, and given their broadest reasonable interpretation, fall within the Abstract idea grouping of “certain methods of organizing human activity” (business relations; relationships or interactions between people). For instance, independent Claim 1 is directed to an abstract idea, as evidenced by claim limitations “identifying a current device location for a device within a geographic region; based on the current device location, projecting a time when the device will reach a task target location within the geographic region; based on the projected time when the device will reach the task target location within the geographic region, providing an availability time-window to operate at the task target location before the device reaches the task target location; and wherein identifying the current device location includes: receiving, a set of location signals, the set of location signals indicating the current device location; wherein projecting the time when the device will reach the task target location includes: performing, a time-projection operation that projects the time when the device will reach the task target location based on the set of location signals; and wherein the method further comprises: after providing the availability time-window, performing, a task-setting operation that matches a task to the availability time-window based on the availability time-window being greater than an estimated task duration provided for the task; based on the task-setting operation matching the task to the availability time-window, perform the task at the task target location within the availability time-window; and after the set of status signals indicating performance of the task within the availability time-window.”
These claim limitations belong to the grouping of “certain methods of organizing human activity” because the claims are related to task management for managing and maintaining a golf course. Applicants’ specification discusses a business problem that the current application is looking to solve, see page 1 of the specification lines 12-27: It is challenging to deploy daytime maintenance crews around golf courses efficiently to operate golf course equipment such as grass cutters and sprinklers while 15 groups of golfers play golf during the day. Often the daytime maintenance crews are sent out to golf course holes in need of work (e.g., grass cutting, watering, etc.) and the crews sit and wait until openings between groups of golfers occur to enable the crews to perform their work. Frequently, crews start their work, move aside and wait to allow groups of golfers to play through, continue their work after the groups of golfers have 20 played through, again move aside and wait to allow the next groups of golfers to play through, and so on until the work is finally finished. While the crews wait at the golf course holes, crew time is wasted. Additionally, the crews may let certain equipment idle wastefully such as gas-powered grass cutters and/or other service vehicles/equipment thus further consuming energy and other resources unnecessarily. However, if the crews 25 were to instead force groups of golfers to wait until the crews complete their work, such waiting by the groups of golfers would slow down the pace of play and worsen the golfing experience.
In light of the specification, managing and maintaining a golf course tasks for one or more human entities involves organizing human activity based on the description of “certain methods of organizing human activity” provided by the courts. The court have used the phrase “Certain methods of organizing human activity” as —fundamental economic principles or practices (including hedging, insurance, mitigating risk); commercial or legal interactions (including agreements in the form of contracts; legal obligations; advertising, marketing or sales activities or behaviors; business relations); managing personal behavior or relationships or interactions between people (including social activities, teaching, and following rules or instructions).
Independent Claims 1 is/are recite substantially similar limitations to independent claims 15 and 20 and is/are rejected under 2A for similar reasons to claims 15 and 20 above.
With respect to the Step 2A, Prong Two - This judicial exception is not integrated into a practical application. In particular, the claim recites additional elements: “A method of reducing energy waste from idling motorized equipment, the method comprising: Electronic circuitry to reduce energy waste from idling motorized equipment; and a controller coupled with the set of interfaces, the controller being constructed and arranged to perform a method of: A computer program product having a non-transitory computer readable medium which stores a set of instructions to reduce energy waste from idling motorized equipment; the set of instructions, when carried out by a processor, causing the processor to perform a method of: electronically, for the motorized equipment, at control circuitry, from the device, by the control circuitry, electronically, by the control circuitry, from a predefined task database, in the predefined task database, transmitting a set of command signals from the control circuitry to the motorized equipment, the set of command signals directing the motorized equipment to autonomously perform the task transmitting the set of command signals, receiving a set of status signals at the control circuitry from the motorized equipment, by the motorized equipment,” at a high level of generality such that it amounts to no more than: adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or mere instructions to implement an abstract idea on a computer, or merely uses a computer as a tool to perform an abstract idea, as discussed in MPEP 2106.05(f).
Thus, the additional elements do not integrate the abstract idea into practical application because they do not impose any meaningful limitations on practicing the abstract idea. As a result, claims 1, 15 and 20 do not provide any specifics regarding the integration into a practical application when recited in a claim with a judicial exception. See MPEP 2106.05(f).
Similarly dependent claims 2-14, 16-19 and 21-22 are also directed to an abstract idea under 2A, first and second prong. In the present application, all of the dependent claims have been evaluated and it was found that they all inherit the deficiencies set forth with respect to the independent claims. For instance, dependent claims 2 recite “further comprising: after the availability time-window is provided, electronically identifying a set of tasks that are performable at the task target location before the device reaches the task target location.” Dependent claims 3 recite “wherein the geographic region is a golf course; wherein the task target location is an area on a particular golf course hole of the golf course; wherein the device is constructed and arranged to travel with a task-ending set of golfers on the golf course; and wherein electronically identifying the set of tasks that are performable at the task target location includes: providing a list of groundskeeping tasks that are performable at the area on the particular golf course hole before the task-ending set of golfers reaches the particular golf course hole.” Dependent claims 4 recite “wherein another device is constructed and arranged to travel with a task-starting set of golfers on the golf course, the task-starting set of golfers playing ahead of the task-ending set of golfers on the golf course; and wherein the method further comprises: projecting a time when the other device will leave the task target location, the availability time-window being a time gap to perform the task at the task target location, the time gap being bounded by the time when the other device will leave the task target location and the time when the device will reach the task target location.” Dependent claims 21 recite “further comprising: prior to operating the motorized equipment, ranking a plurality of candidate tasks that are performable at the task target location within the availability time-window; and selecting the task from the plurality of candidate tasks based on the ranking, the task being performed within the availability time-window to reduce energy waste from idling the motorized equipment.” Here, these claims offer further descriptive limitations of elements found in the independent claims which are similar to the abstract idea noted in the independent claim above.
Dependent claims 8 recite “wherein the device includes global positioning system (GPS) circuitry and a wireless transmitter, the wireless transmitter being constructed and arrange to include a current GPS location identified by the GPS circuitry in a wireless signal; and wherein identifying the current golf course hole includes: extracting the current GPS location from the wireless signal, and mapping the current GPS location to the current golf course hole among the golf course holes of the sequence.” In this claim, “global positioning system (GPS) circuitry and a wireless transmitter” is an additional element, but it is still being recited such that it amounts to no more than: adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or mere instructions to implement an abstract idea on a computer, or merely uses a computer as a tool to perform an abstract idea, as discussed in MPEP 2106.05(f). As a result, Examiner asserts that dependent claims, such as dependent claims 2-14, 16-19 and 21-22 are also directed to the abstract idea identified above.
With respect to Step 2B, the claim does not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception. First, the invention lacks improvements to another technology or technical field [see Alice at 2351; 2019 IEG at 55], and lacks meaningful limitations beyond generally linking the use of an abstract idea to a particular technological environment [Alice at 2360, 2019 IEG at 55], and fails to effect a transformation or reduction of a particular article to a different state or thing [2019 IEG, 55]. For the reasons articulated above, the claims recite an abstract idea that is limited to a particular field of endeavor (MPEP § 2106.05(h)) and recites insignificant extra-solution activity (MPEP § 2106.05(g)). By the factors and rationale provided above with respect to these MPEP sections, the additional elements of the claims that fail to integrate the abstract idea into a practical application also fail to amount to “significantly more” than the abstract idea.
As discussed above with respect to integration of the abstract idea into a practical application, the additional element(s) of “A method of reducing energy waste from idling motorized equipment, the method comprising: Electronic circuitry to reduce energy waste from idling motorized equipment; and a controller coupled with the set of interfaces, the controller being constructed and arranged to perform a method of: A computer program product having a non-transitory computer readable medium which stores a set of instructions to reduce energy waste from idling motorized equipment; the set of instructions, when carried out by a processor, causing the processor to perform a method of: electronically, for the motorized equipment, at control circuitry, from the device, by the control circuitry, electronically, by the control circuitry, from a predefined task database, in the predefined task database, transmitting a set of command signals from the control circuitry to the motorized equipment, the set of command signals directing the motorized equipment to autonomously perform the task transmitting the set of command signals, receiving a set of status signals at the control circuitry from the motorized equipment, by the motorized equipment,” are insufficient to amount to significantly more. Applicants originally submitted specification describes the computer components above at least in page 7 last paragraph, page 9, paragraph 2 and 3, page 11, last paragraph, page 14, first and last paragraph. In light of the specification, it should be noted that the components discussed above did not meaningfully limit the abstract idea because they merely linked the use of the abstract idea to a particular technological environment (i.e., "implementation via computers"). In light of the specification, it should be noted that the claim limitations discussed above are merely instructions to implement the abstract idea on a computer. See MPEP 2106.05(f). (See MPEP 2106.05(f) - Mere Instructions to Apply an Exception - “Thus, for example, claims that amount to nothing more than an instruction to apply the abstract idea using a generic computer do not render an abstract idea eligible.” Alice Corp., 134 S. Ct. at 235). Mere instructions to apply an exception using computer component cannot provide an inventive concept.). The additional elements amount to no more than a recitation of generic computer elements utilized to perform generic computer functions, such as performing repetitive calculations, Bancorp Services v. Sun Life, 687 F.3d 1266, 1278, 103 USPQ2d 1425, 1433 (Fed. Cir. 2012) ("The computer required by some of Bancorp’s claims is employed only for its most basic function, the performance of repetitive calculations, and as such does not impose meaningful limits on the scope of those claims."); and storing and retrieving information in memory, Versata Dev. Group, Inc. v. SAP Am., Inc., 793 F.3d 1306, 1334, 115 USPQ2d 1681, 1701 (Fed. Cir. 2015); OIP Techs., 788 F.3d at 1363, 115 USPQ2d at 1092-93; see MPEP 2106.05(d)(II).
The claim fails to recite any improvements to another technology or technical field, improvements to the functioning of the computer itself, use of a particular machine, effecting a transformation or reduction of a particular article to a different state or thing, adding unconventional steps that confine the claim to a particular useful application, and/or meaningful limitations beyond generally linking the use of an abstract idea to a particular environment. See 84 Fed. Reg. 55. Viewed individually or as a whole, these additional claim element(s) do not provide meaningful limitation(s) to transform the abstract idea into a patent eligible application of the abstract idea such that the claim(s) amounts to significantly more than the abstract idea itself.
Independent Claims 15 is/are recite substantially similar limitations to independent claims 1 and 20 and is/are rejected under 2B for similar reasons to claims 1 and 20 above.
Further, it should be noted that additional elements of the claimed invention such as claim limitations when considered individually or as an ordered combination along with the other limitations discussed above in method claim 1 also do not meaningfully limit the abstract idea because they merely linked the use of the abstract idea to a particular technological environment (i.e., "implementation via computers"). In light of the specification, it should be noted that the claim limitations discussed above are merely instructions to implement the abstract idea on a computer. See MPEP 2106.
Similarly, dependent claims 2-14, 16-19 and 21-22 also do not include limitations amounting to significantly more than the abstract idea under the second prong or 2B of the Alice framework. In the present application, all of the dependent claims have been evaluated and it was found that they all inherit the deficiencies set forth with respect to the independent claims. Further, it should be noted that the dependent claims do not include limitations that overcome the stated assertions. Here, the dependent claims recite features/limitations that include computer components identified above in part 2B of analysis of independent claims 1, 15 and 20. As a result, Examiner asserts that dependent claims, such as dependent claims 2-14, 16-19 and 21-22 are also directed to the abstract idea identified above.
For more information on 101 rejections, see MPEP 2106, January 2019 Guidance at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-01 -07/pdf/2018-28282.pdf
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (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 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim(s) 1-22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Quintavalla et al. (US 2017/0323236), further in view of Hoffman (US 2004/0243262) and Miller (US 2022/0132756 A1).
As per claims 1, 15 and 20: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla shows:
A method of reducing energy waste from idling motorized equipment, the method comprising: (Quintavalla shows [0026], [0047]-[0048]: cart and [0071]: cart. Here the cart reads on the “motorized equipment”):
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla shows:
Electronic circuitry to reduce energy waste from idling motorized equipment (Quintavalla shows [0026], [0047]-[0048]: cart and [0071]: cart. Here the cart reads on the “motorized equipment”):
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla shows:
a set of interfaces (Quintavalla shows: [0015]: interface and instructions, [0035]-[0036]: interface, [0062]: interface, [0063]-[0066]: interface); and
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla shows:
a controller coupled with the set of interfaces, the controller being constructed and arranged to perform a method of (Quintavalla shows: [0015]: interface and instructions, [0035]-[0036]: interface, [0062]: interface, [0063]-[0066]: interface):
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla shows:
A computer program product having a non-transitory computer readable medium which stores a set of instructions to reduce energy waste from idling motorized equipment (Quintavalla shows [0026], [0047]-[0048]: cart and [0071]: cart. Here the cart reads on the “motorized equipment”);
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla shows:
the set of instructions, when carried out by a processor, causing the processor to perform a method of (Quintavalla shows: [0015]: interface and instructions, [0035]-[0036]: interface, [0062]: interface, [0063]-[0066]: interface):
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla shows:
identifying a current device location for a device within a geographic region (Quintavalla shows: [0047] A component of the present invention relates to providing information to the program/software which identifies those locations of the course, hole by hole, where players travel to, seeking to find their hit ball from the teeing ground and to hit their next shot, or from their second shot to their third shot, etc., as the players try to hit the golf ball into the cup on the putting green. Towards that end, many players of a variety of abilities with a Handicap Index ranging from high to low are provided with geo-location devices on their bags, carts, clubs, shoes, clothing or even golf balls. The geo-location devices are secured to any one or more of these items and transmit a signal(s) showing where on the hole of the course the players travel to seeking their ball and to play their next shot. The devices transmit a signal to sensors located about the course, which then retransmit the signal (or record the signal to memory devices), which are then collected and analyzed by a computer. Frequency and thus probability of where golf shots lie is thus determined by the system based on historical data.);
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman shows:
based on the current device location, projecting a time when the device will reach a task target location within the geographic region; and
Even though, Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. Quintavalla does not explicitly show “projecting a time”.
Hoffman shows “projecting a time” ([0036] In one embodiment, the central server 260 may also perform a forecasting function to determine if the inserted group will have a gap when they make the turn (i.e., go from the 9.sup.th green to the 10.sup.th tee box). The server 260 can also slightly adjust the tee times for groups that are scheduled later in order to create a gap for the inserted group. Thus, the server 260 can, in real time, increase the density of players on the course in order to maximize revenue by maximizing the number of rounds played in a given day. [0042] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing the real time status of a golf course. The pace of play is listed in the header information of the screen and then the body of the status screen shows the data that has been collected by the transceiver stations located throughout the golf course. This data is populated into the fields by the server and projections are calculated and updated in real time to forecast when groups will finish, whether they are on time or expected to finish on time, etc. For example, the time it took to play the most recent hole is displayed. So is the total minutes that a particular group is ahead or behind the pace of play. Additionally, the average time per hole and per round is also calculated and displayed. Advantageously, this information can be available to the pro shop, the starter, and also a telephone operator so that groups tee off on time, new walk-up groups can be efficiently received, and groups calling in may be informed of the wait or given an accurate tee time.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Hoffman are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of golf course maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Hoffman, particularly the projecting a time ([0036], [0042]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources and costs, in order to provide for a system that takes into account all of the Processes and the Consumables associated with them and estimates the cost of the sum of the Consumables per a small area per Attribute. The system also calculates the area of each given polygon using well known techniques and formulas such as integration or Euler's method. Using the calculated area, the invention is able to estimate the maintenance cost for each area. As each area is assigned an Attribute, the maintenance cost of the entire course can be estimated. Thus, by simply choosing the type of area (Course Component) of each polygon, the User can determine the maintenance costs and resources consumed of the entire course. The invention is also, in some embodiments, able to take into account other factors when determining cost, such as the additional costs associated with a complex polygon or shape or cost increases which are incurred due to the geographical location of the course ([0026]) as taught by Reference Hoffman (see at least in [0026]), so that the process of managing golf course maintenance can be made more efficient and effective.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar golf course maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Hoffman, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A); and
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman shows:
based on the projected time when the device will reach the task target location within the geographic region, electronically providing an availability time-window for the motorized equipment to operate at the task target location before the device reaches the task target location
Even though, Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount. Also, Quintavalla shows [0026], [0047]-[0048]: cart and [0071]: cart. Here the cart reads on the “motorized equipment”.
Quintavalla does not explicitly show “projecting a time”.
Hoffman shows “projecting a time” ([0036] In one embodiment, the central server 260 may also perform a forecasting function to determine if the inserted group will have a gap when they make the turn (i.e., go from the 9.sup.th green to the 10.sup.th tee box). The server 260 can also slightly adjust the tee times for groups that are scheduled later in order to create a gap for the inserted group. Thus, the server 260 can, in real time, increase the density of players on the course in order to maximize revenue by maximizing the number of rounds played in a given day. [0042] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing the real time status of a golf course. The pace of play is listed in the header information of the screen and then the body of the status screen shows the data that has been collected by the transceiver stations located throughout the golf course. This data is populated into the fields by the server and projections are calculated and updated in real time to forecast when groups will finish, whether they are on time or expected to finish on time, etc. For example, the time it took to play the most recent hole is displayed. So is the total minutes that a particular group is ahead or behind the pace of play. Additionally, the average time per hole and per round is also calculated and displayed. Advantageously, this information can be available to the pro shop, the starter, and also a telephone operator so that groups tee off on time, new walk-up groups can be efficiently received, and groups calling in may be informed of the wait or given an accurate tee time.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Hoffman are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of golf course maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Hoffman, particularly the projecting a time ([0036], [0042]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources and costs, in order to provide for a system that takes into account all of the Processes and the Consumables associated with them and estimates the cost of the sum of the Consumables per a small area per Attribute. The system also calculates the area of each given polygon using well known techniques and formulas such as integration or Euler's method. Using the calculated area, the invention is able to estimate the maintenance cost for each area. As each area is assigned an Attribute, the maintenance cost of the entire course can be estimated. Thus, by simply choosing the type of area (Course Component) of each polygon, the User can determine the maintenance costs and resources consumed of the entire course. The invention is also, in some embodiments, able to take into account other factors when determining cost, such as the additional costs associated with a complex polygon or shape or cost increases which are incurred due to the geographical location of the course ([0026]) as taught by Reference Hoffman (see at least in [0026]), so that the process of managing golf course maintenance can be made more efficient and effective.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar golf course maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Hoffman, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A);
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman shows:
wherein identifying the current device location includes:
receiving, at control circuitry, a set of location signals from the device, the set of location signals indicating the current device location
(Quintavalla shows: [0047] A component of the present invention relates to providing information to the program/software which identifies those locations of the course, hole by hole, where players travel to, seeking to find their hit ball from the teeing ground and to hit their next shot, or from their second shot to their third shot, etc., as the players try to hit the golf ball into the cup on the putting green. Towards that end, many players of a variety of abilities with a Handicap Index ranging from high to low are provided with geo-location devices on their bags, carts, clubs, shoes, clothing or even golf balls. The geo-location devices are secured to any one or more of these items and transmit a signal(s) showing where on the hole of the course the players travel to seeking their ball and to play their next shot. The devices transmit a signal to sensors located about the course, which then retransmit the signal (or record the signal to memory devices), which are then collected and analyzed by a computer. Frequency and thus probability of where golf shots lie is thus determined by the system based on historical data. [0069] As previously noted, the Course Officials are meant to make modification decisions, i.e., changes to the shape, configuration and boundaries of the various Course Components and locations of the holes, by use of a mouse-like interactive device or trackball which will allow the virtual change of the boundaries to be made as desired, while at the same time providing an instantaneous recalculation to the Course Officials or other User of the resulting change in maintenance. When considering the making of such changes and modifications, the Course Officials can be considering the frequency at which golf balls come to rest in locations of the different sections of the golf course as provided by the preliminary tracking of the players around the course. This is expected to provide great flexibility to the Course Officials as they consider where to cut back on fairways, how to shape and enlarge hazards and putting greens, extend teeing grounds, and the like. In addition, the software can make suggestions for changes based on the tracking results and the desired maintenance costs per hole or the entire course. These can be individually reviewed by the Course Officials and implemented as desired);
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman shows:
wherein projecting the time when the device will reach the task target location includes:
performing, by the control circuitry, a time-projection operation that projects the time when the device will reach the task target location based on the set of location signals; and
(Quintavalla shows: [0047] A component of the present invention relates to providing information to the program/software which identifies those locations of the course, hole by hole, where players travel to, seeking to find their hit ball from the teeing ground and to hit their next shot, or from their second shot to their third shot, etc., as the players try to hit the golf ball into the cup on the putting green. Towards that end, many players of a variety of abilities with a Handicap Index ranging from high to low are provided with geo-location devices on their bags, carts, clubs, shoes, clothing or even golf balls. The geo-location devices are secured to any one or more of these items and transmit a signal(s) showing where on the hole of the course the players travel to seeking their ball and to play their next shot. The devices transmit a signal to sensors located about the course, which then retransmit the signal (or record the signal to memory devices), which are then collected and analyzed by a computer. Frequency and thus probability of where golf shots lie is thus determined by the system based on historical data. [0069] As previously noted, the Course Officials are meant to make modification decisions, i.e., changes to the shape, configuration and boundaries of the various Course Components and locations of the holes, by use of a mouse-like interactive device or trackball which will allow the virtual change of the boundaries to be made as desired, while at the same time providing an instantaneous recalculation to the Course Officials or other User of the resulting change in maintenance. When considering the making of such changes and modifications, the Course Officials can be considering the frequency at which golf balls come to rest in locations of the different sections of the golf course as provided by the preliminary tracking of the players around the course. This is expected to provide great flexibility to the Course Officials as they consider where to cut back on fairways, how to shape and enlarge hazards and putting greens, extend teeing grounds, and the like. In addition, the software can make suggestions for changes based on the tracking results and the desired maintenance costs per hole or the entire course. These can be individually reviewed by the Course Officials and implemented as desired.
Even though, Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]: are provided with geo-location devices on their bags, carts, clubs, shoes, clothing or even golf balls), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount. Also, Quintavalla shows [0026], [0047]-[0048]: cart and [0071]: cart. Here the cart reads on the “motorized equipment”. [0068] FIG. 9 also shows a representative graphical illustration meant to facilitate the proposed change or modification and thus maintenance of the course with limited and available resources. The leftmost pie chart shows how the various Course Components, e.g., teeing ground, fairways, rough (all levels), water hazards, bunkers, and putting greens together comprise the costs for Golf Course Maintenance. The illustration shows how much is being consumed by the course for each of the various Course Components in actual estimated costs and relative costs. Clicking on any one of the pie sectors will allow the Course Officials to “dig deeper,” i.e., to understand the processes involved to maintain that Course Component, the costs associated with such maintenance (e.g., labor, time, and machinery) and the cost of the Consumables (e.g., water and fuel). The application will allow the Course Officials to understand the various elements of cost to maintain the course and thereby gain the valuable knowledge necessary so that they can cut, maintain or even increase some costs, while at the same time maintaining the playability, beauty, challenge and enjoyment of the course. By using the information provided on the various screens, which information is based on many fixed and variable parameters, the Course Officials can make intelligent decisions as to how to consider changing or modifying the hole(s) of the course and the consequences of those changes and modifications on maintenance costs.
Quintavalla does not explicitly show “projecting a time”.
Hoffman shows “projecting a time” ([0036] In one embodiment, the central server 260 may also perform a forecasting function to determine if the inserted group will have a gap when they make the turn (i.e., go from the 9.sup.th green to the 10.sup.th tee box). The server 260 can also slightly adjust the tee times for groups that are scheduled later in order to create a gap for the inserted group. Thus, the server 260 can, in real time, increase the density of players on the course in order to maximize revenue by maximizing the number of rounds played in a given day. [0042] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing the real time status of a golf course. The pace of play is listed in the header information of the screen and then the body of the status screen shows the data that has been collected by the transceiver stations located throughout the golf course. This data is populated into the fields by the server and projections are calculated and updated in real time to forecast when groups will finish, whether they are on time or expected to finish on time, etc. For example, the time it took to play the most recent hole is displayed. So is the total minutes that a particular group is ahead or behind the pace of play. Additionally, the average time per hole and per round is also calculated and displayed. Advantageously, this information can be available to the pro shop, the starter, and also a telephone operator so that groups tee off on time, new walk-up groups can be efficiently received, and groups calling in may be informed of the wait or given an accurate tee time.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Hoffman are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of golf course maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Hoffman, particularly the projecting a time ([0036], [0042]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources and costs, in order to provide for a system that takes into account all of the Processes and the Consumables associated with them and estimates the cost of the sum of the Consumables per a small area per Attribute. The system also calculates the area of each given polygon using well known techniques and formulas such as integration or Euler's method. Using the calculated area, the invention is able to estimate the maintenance cost for each area. As each area is assigned an Attribute, the maintenance cost of the entire course can be estimated. Thus, by simply choosing the type of area (Course Component) of each polygon, the User can determine the maintenance costs and resources consumed of the entire course. The invention is also, in some embodiments, able to take into account other factors when determining cost, such as the additional costs associated with a complex polygon or shape or cost increases which are incurred due to the geographical location of the course ([0026]) as taught by Reference Hoffman (see at least in [0026]), so that the process of managing golf course maintenance can be made more efficient and effective.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar golf course maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Hoffman, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A);
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein the method further comprises:
after electronically providing the availability time-window, performing, by the control circuitry, a task-setting operation that matches a task from a predefined task database to the availability time-window based on the availability time-window being greater than an estimated task duration provided in the predefined task database for the task
Quintavalla in view of Hoffman shows “wherein the method further comprises:
after electronically providing the availability time-window, performing, by the control circuitry, …. based on the availability time-window being greater than an estimated task duration provided in the predefined task database for the task”
Miller shows: “a task-setting operation that matches a task from a predefined task database to the availability time-window”, see below for details
(Quintavalla shows: [0047] A component of the present invention relates to providing information to the program/software which identifies those locations of the course, hole by hole, where players travel to, seeking to find their hit ball from the teeing ground and to hit their next shot, or from their second shot to their third shot, etc., as the players try to hit the golf ball into the cup on the putting green. Towards that end, many players of a variety of abilities with a Handicap Index ranging from high to low are provided with geo-location devices on their bags, carts, clubs, shoes, clothing or even golf balls. The geo-location devices are secured to any one or more of these items and transmit a signal(s) showing where on the hole of the course the players travel to seeking their ball and to play their next shot. The devices transmit a signal to sensors located about the course, which then retransmit the signal (or record the signal to memory devices), which are then collected and analyzed by a computer. Frequency and thus probability of where golf shots lie is thus determined by the system based on historical data. [0069] As previously noted, the Course Officials are meant to make modification decisions, i.e., changes to the shape, configuration and boundaries of the various Course Components and locations of the holes, by use of a mouse-like interactive device or trackball which will allow the virtual change of the boundaries to be made as desired, while at the same time providing an instantaneous recalculation to the Course Officials or other User of the resulting change in maintenance. When considering the making of such changes and modifications, the Course Officials can be considering the frequency at which golf balls come to rest in locations of the different sections of the golf course as provided by the preliminary tracking of the players around the course. This is expected to provide great flexibility to the Course Officials as they consider where to cut back on fairways, how to shape and enlarge hazards and putting greens, extend teeing grounds, and the like. In addition, the software can make suggestions for changes based on the tracking results and the desired maintenance costs per hole or the entire course. These can be individually reviewed by the Course Officials and implemented as desired.
Even though, Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]: are provided with geo-location devices on their bags, carts, clubs, shoes, clothing or even golf balls), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount. Also, Quintavalla shows [0026], [0047]-[0048]: cart and [0071]: cart. Here the cart reads on the “motorized equipment”. [0068] FIG. 9 also shows a representative graphical illustration meant to facilitate the proposed change or modification and thus maintenance of the course with limited and available resources. The leftmost pie chart shows how the various Course Components, e.g., teeing ground, fairways, rough (all levels), water hazards, bunkers, and putting greens together comprise the costs for Golf Course Maintenance. The illustration shows how much is being consumed by the course for each of the various Course Components in actual estimated costs and relative costs. Clicking on any one of the pie sectors will allow the Course Officials to “dig deeper,” i.e., to understand the processes involved to maintain that Course Component, the costs associated with such maintenance (e.g., labor, time, and machinery) and the cost of the Consumables (e.g., water and fuel). The application will allow the Course Officials to understand the various elements of cost to maintain the course and thereby gain the valuable knowledge necessary so that they can cut, maintain or even increase some costs, while at the same time maintaining the playability, beauty, challenge and enjoyment of the course. By using the information provided on the various screens, which information is based on many fixed and variable parameters, the Course Officials can make intelligent decisions as to how to consider changing or modifying the hole(s) of the course and the consequences of those changes and modifications on maintenance costs.
Quintavalla does not explicitly show “projecting a time”.
Hoffman shows “projecting a time” ([0036] In one embodiment, the central server 260 may also perform a forecasting function to determine if the inserted group will have a gap when they make the turn (i.e., go from the 9.sup.th green to the 10.sup.th tee box). The server 260 can also slightly adjust the tee times for groups that are scheduled later in order to create a gap for the inserted group. Thus, the server 260 can, in real time, increase the density of players on the course in order to maximize revenue by maximizing the number of rounds played in a given day. [0042] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing the real time status of a golf course. The pace of play is listed in the header information of the screen and then the body of the status screen shows the data that has been collected by the transceiver stations located throughout the golf course. This data is populated into the fields by the server and projections are calculated and updated in real time to forecast when groups will finish, whether they are on time or expected to finish on time, etc. For example, the time it took to play the most recent hole is displayed. So is the total minutes that a particular group is ahead or behind the pace of play. Additionally, the average time per hole and per round is also calculated and displayed. Advantageously, this information can be available to the pro shop, the starter, and also a telephone operator so that groups tee off on time, new walk-up groups can be efficiently received, and groups calling in may be informed of the wait or given an accurate tee time.
Hoffman shows “availability time-window being greater than an estimated task duration”: [0027] In an alternative embodiment, the first station can be placed at the tee box for the first hole. In such an embodiment, the station may continuously read the presence of the golf carts. When a lack of presence is subsequently detected, the station may then record (or transmit as the case may be) that the players have begun the hole. Various alternative techniques may also be employed around a tee box to differentiate between golf carts belonging to more than one group, for example, when the course is delayed and players have to wait in line at the tee box for a particular hole. In one such embodiment, the time of the end of the previous hole may be identified and then coupled with the time that the players in front of the subject group of players left the tee box in order to calculate the wait time for the subject group at the particular hole. Additional refinements may also be made throughout the course to more accurately track the playing time and wait time for individual players and groups. Advantageously, if a particular group with a history of playing well and quickly has to wait more than a certain threshold during their round, that group may be targeted to receive a discount coupon for pro shop merchandise or a discount coupon for their next round of golf.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Hoffman are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of golf course maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Hoffman, particularly the projecting a time ([0036], [0042]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources and costs, in order to provide for a system that takes into account all of the Processes and the Consumables associated with them and estimates the cost of the sum of the Consumables per a small area per Attribute. The system also calculates the area of each given polygon using well known techniques and formulas such as integration or Euler's method. Using the calculated area, the invention is able to estimate the maintenance cost for each area. As each area is assigned an Attribute, the maintenance cost of the entire course can be estimated. Thus, by simply choosing the type of area (Course Component) of each polygon, the User can determine the maintenance costs and resources consumed of the entire course. The invention is also, in some embodiments, able to take into account other factors when determining cost, such as the additional costs associated with a complex polygon or shape or cost increases which are incurred due to the geographical location of the course ([0026]) as taught by Reference Hoffman (see at least in [0026]), so that the process of managing golf course maintenance can be made more efficient and effective.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar golf course maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Hoffman, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A).
Neither Quintavalla nor Hoffman shows “a task-setting operation that matches a task from a predefined task database to the availability time-window”. Miller shows the above limitation at least in [0070] In step 714, the processing system 100 determines whether the current locations of the mobile agricultural machine are likely to interfere with operation of the mobile irrigation system by comparing the current positions of the agricultural machine with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system, with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system being gleaned from the irrigation schedule and/or obtained from the location determining component 206. [0081] At all times that either the first or second agricultural machines are operating in the field, the processing system 100 continues to analyze data representative of current locations of the agricultural machines as depicted in step 820. This location data may be derived from the route data already sent to the processor and/or from the location-determining components of the control systems of the machines. If the processing system determines the current locations of the mobile agricultural machines are likely to interfere with operation of the mobile irrigation system or with each other, it stops the agricultural machines or directs one or both to exit the field. The processing system may detect such interference by comparing the current positions of the agricultural machines with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system, with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system being gleaned from the irrigation schedule and/or obtained from the location determining component. The processing system may also generate and transmit an alert message to a communication device of an operator.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Miller are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of land maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Miller, particularly the ability to compare or match positions of the equipment to the equipment schedules ([0070], [0081]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate user location on the golf course ([0047]), where upon the execution of the method of Miller if the processing system determines the current locations of the mobile agricultural machines are likely to interfere with operation of the mobile irrigation system or with each other, it stops the agricultural machines or directs one or both to exit the field. The processing system may detect such interference by comparing the current positions of the agricultural machines with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system, with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system being gleaned from the irrigation schedule and/or obtained from the location determining component. The processing system may also generate and transmit an alert message to a communication device of an operator as taught by Reference Miller (see at least in [0081]), in the golf course management system of Reference Quintavalla allows the system to better analyze and optimize maintenance of the golf courses by more efficiently and effectively using allocable resources.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar land maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Miller, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A);
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
based on the task-setting operation matching the task to the availability time-window transmitting a set of command signals from the control circuitry to the motorized equipment, the set of command signals directing the motorized equipment to autonomously perform the task at the task target location within the availability time-window; and
Even though, Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount. Also, Quintavalla shows [0026], [0047]-[0048]: cart and [0071]: cart. Here the cart reads on the “motorized equipment”. [0068] FIG. 9 also shows a representative graphical illustration meant to facilitate the proposed change or modification and thus maintenance of the course with limited and available resources. The leftmost pie chart shows how the various Course Components, e.g., teeing ground, fairways, rough (all levels), water hazards, bunkers, and putting greens together comprise the costs for Golf Course Maintenance. The illustration shows how much is being consumed by the course for each of the various Course Components in actual estimated costs and relative costs. Clicking on any one of the pie sectors will allow the Course Officials to “dig deeper,” i.e., to understand the processes involved to maintain that Course Component, the costs associated with such maintenance (e.g., labor, time, and machinery) and the cost of the Consumables (e.g., water and fuel). The application will allow the Course Officials to understand the various elements of cost to maintain the course and thereby gain the valuable knowledge necessary so that they can cut, maintain or even increase some costs, while at the same time maintaining the playability, beauty, challenge and enjoyment of the course. By using the information provided on the various screens, which information is based on many fixed and variable parameters, the Course Officials can make intelligent decisions as to how to consider changing or modifying the hole(s) of the course and the consequences of those changes and modifications on maintenance costs.
Quintavalla does not explicitly show “projecting a time”.
Hoffman shows “projecting a time” ([0036] In one embodiment, the central server 260 may also perform a forecasting function to determine if the inserted group will have a gap when they make the turn (i.e., go from the 9.sup.th green to the 10.sup.th tee box). The server 260 can also slightly adjust the tee times for groups that are scheduled later in order to create a gap for the inserted group. Thus, the server 260 can, in real time, increase the density of players on the course in order to maximize revenue by maximizing the number of rounds played in a given day. [0042] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing the real time status of a golf course. The pace of play is listed in the header information of the screen and then the body of the status screen shows the data that has been collected by the transceiver stations located throughout the golf course. This data is populated into the fields by the server and projections are calculated and updated in real time to forecast when groups will finish, whether they are on time or expected to finish on time, etc. For example, the time it took to play the most recent hole is displayed. So is the total minutes that a particular group is ahead or behind the pace of play. Additionally, the average time per hole and per round is also calculated and displayed. Advantageously, this information can be available to the pro shop, the starter, and also a telephone operator so that groups tee off on time, new walk-up groups can be efficiently received, and groups calling in may be informed of the wait or given an accurate tee time.
Hoffman shows “availability time-window being greater than an estimated task duration”: [0027] In an alternative embodiment, the first station can be placed at the tee box for the first hole. In such an embodiment, the station may continuously read the presence of the golf carts. When a lack of presence is subsequently detected, the station may then record (or transmit as the case may be) that the players have begun the hole. Various alternative techniques may also be employed around a tee box to differentiate between golf carts belonging to more than one group, for example, when the course is delayed and players have to wait in line at the tee box for a particular hole. In one such embodiment, the time of the end of the previous hole may be identified and then coupled with the time that the players in front of the subject group of players left the tee box in order to calculate the wait time for the subject group at the particular hole. Additional refinements may also be made throughout the course to more accurately track the playing time and wait time for individual players and groups. Advantageously, if a particular group with a history of playing well and quickly has to wait more than a certain threshold during their round, that group may be targeted to receive a discount coupon for pro shop merchandise or a discount coupon for their next round of golf.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Hoffman are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of golf course maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Hoffman, particularly the projecting a time ([0036], [0042]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources and costs, in order to provide for a system that takes into account all of the Processes and the Consumables associated with them and estimates the cost of the sum of the Consumables per a small area per Attribute. The system also calculates the area of each given polygon using well known techniques and formulas such as integration or Euler's method. Using the calculated area, the invention is able to estimate the maintenance cost for each area. As each area is assigned an Attribute, the maintenance cost of the entire course can be estimated. Thus, by simply choosing the type of area (Course Component) of each polygon, the User can determine the maintenance costs and resources consumed of the entire course. The invention is also, in some embodiments, able to take into account other factors when determining cost, such as the additional costs associated with a complex polygon or shape or cost increases which are incurred due to the geographical location of the course ([0026]) as taught by Reference Hoffman (see at least in [0026]), so that the process of managing golf course maintenance can be made more efficient and effective.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar golf course maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Hoffman, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A).
Neither Quintavalla nor Hoffman shows “a task-setting operation that matches a task from a predefined task database to the availability time-window”. Miller shows the above limitation at least in [0070] In step 714, the processing system 100 determines whether the current locations of the mobile agricultural machine are likely to interfere with operation of the mobile irrigation system by comparing the current positions of the agricultural machine with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system, with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system being gleaned from the irrigation schedule and/or obtained from the location determining component 206. [0081] At all times that either the first or second agricultural machines are operating in the field, the processing system 100 continues to analyze data representative of current locations of the agricultural machines as depicted in step 820. This location data may be derived from the route data already sent to the processor and/or from the location-determining components of the control systems of the machines. If the processing system determines the current locations of the mobile agricultural machines are likely to interfere with operation of the mobile irrigation system or with each other, it stops the agricultural machines or directs one or both to exit the field. The processing system may detect such interference by comparing the current positions of the agricultural machines with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system, with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system being gleaned from the irrigation schedule and/or obtained from the location determining component. The processing system may also generate and transmit an alert message to a communication device of an operator. Miller also shows: “autonomously perform the task” ([0049] Exemplary agricultural machines 12 and 14 will now be described in more detail. Although only two agricultural machines are shown and described, embodiments of the invention may be used to coordinate the movement of any number of agricultural machines. The agricultural machines may be autonomous, semi-autonomous, or fully manually operated tractors, combines, fertilizer applicators, pesticide sprayers, manure spreaders, trucks, or any other mobile farm equipment. The mechanical and drive components of agricultural machines are well known and will not be described in detail in this application. [0056] If the agricultural machine 12 is autonomous or semi-autonomous, the control system 300 may control operational aspects of the machine such as the speed, direction, and route of the machine as well as the application rate of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals in accordance with programmed instructions and/or instructions received at the computing device via the data transceiver.)
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Miller are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of land maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Miller, particularly the ability to compare or match positions of the equipment to the equipment schedules ([0070], [0081]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate user location on the golf course ([0047]), where upon the execution of the method of Miller if the processing system determines the current locations of the mobile agricultural machines are likely to interfere with operation of the mobile irrigation system or with each other, it stops the agricultural machines or directs one or both to exit the field. The processing system may detect such interference by comparing the current positions of the agricultural machines with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system, with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system being gleaned from the irrigation schedule and/or obtained from the location determining component. The processing system may also generate and transmit an alert message to a communication device of an operator as taught by Reference Miller (see at least in [0081]), in the golf course management system of Reference Quintavalla allows the system to better analyze and optimize maintenance of the golf courses by more efficiently and effectively using allocable resources.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar land maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Miller, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A);
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
after transmitting the set of command signals, receiving a set of status signals at the control circuitry from the motorized equipment, the set of status signals indicating performance of the task by the motorized equipment within the availability time-window.
Even though, Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount. Also, Quintavalla shows [0026], [0047]-[0048]: cart and [0071]: cart. Here the cart reads on the “motorized equipment”. [0068] FIG. 9 also shows a representative graphical illustration meant to facilitate the proposed change or modification and thus maintenance of the course with limited and available resources. The leftmost pie chart shows how the various Course Components, e.g., teeing ground, fairways, rough (all levels), water hazards, bunkers, and putting greens together comprise the costs for Golf Course Maintenance. The illustration shows how much is being consumed by the course for each of the various Course Components in actual estimated costs and relative costs. Clicking on any one of the pie sectors will allow the Course Officials to “dig deeper,” i.e., to understand the processes involved to maintain that Course Component, the costs associated with such maintenance (e.g., labor, time, and machinery) and the cost of the Consumables (e.g., water and fuel). The application will allow the Course Officials to understand the various elements of cost to maintain the course and thereby gain the valuable knowledge necessary so that they can cut, maintain or even increase some costs, while at the same time maintaining the playability, beauty, challenge and enjoyment of the course. By using the information provided on the various screens, which information is based on many fixed and variable parameters, the Course Officials can make intelligent decisions as to how to consider changing or modifying the hole(s) of the course and the consequences of those changes and modifications on maintenance costs.
Quintavalla does not explicitly show “projecting a time”.
Hoffman shows “projecting a time” ([0036] In one embodiment, the central server 260 may also perform a forecasting function to determine if the inserted group will have a gap when they make the turn (i.e., go from the 9.sup.th green to the 10.sup.th tee box). The server 260 can also slightly adjust the tee times for groups that are scheduled later in order to create a gap for the inserted group. Thus, the server 260 can, in real time, increase the density of players on the course in order to maximize revenue by maximizing the number of rounds played in a given day. [0042] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing the real time status of a golf course. The pace of play is listed in the header information of the screen and then the body of the status screen shows the data that has been collected by the transceiver stations located throughout the golf course. This data is populated into the fields by the server and projections are calculated and updated in real time to forecast when groups will finish, whether they are on time or expected to finish on time, etc. For example, the time it took to play the most recent hole is displayed. So is the total minutes that a particular group is ahead or behind the pace of play. Additionally, the average time per hole and per round is also calculated and displayed. Advantageously, this information can be available to the pro shop, the starter, and also a telephone operator so that groups tee off on time, new walk-up groups can be efficiently received, and groups calling in may be informed of the wait or given an accurate tee time.
Hoffman shows “availability time-window being greater than an estimated task duration”: [0027] In an alternative embodiment, the first station can be placed at the tee box for the first hole. In such an embodiment, the station may continuously read the presence of the golf carts. When a lack of presence is subsequently detected, the station may then record (or transmit as the case may be) that the players have begun the hole. Various alternative techniques may also be employed around a tee box to differentiate between golf carts belonging to more than one group, for example, when the course is delayed and players have to wait in line at the tee box for a particular hole. In one such embodiment, the time of the end of the previous hole may be identified and then coupled with the time that the players in front of the subject group of players left the tee box in order to calculate the wait time for the subject group at the particular hole. Additional refinements may also be made throughout the course to more accurately track the playing time and wait time for individual players and groups. Advantageously, if a particular group with a history of playing well and quickly has to wait more than a certain threshold during their round, that group may be targeted to receive a discount coupon for pro shop merchandise or a discount coupon for their next round of golf.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Hoffman are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of golf course maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Hoffman, particularly the projecting a time ([0036], [0042]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources and costs, in order to provide for a system that takes into account all of the Processes and the Consumables associated with them and estimates the cost of the sum of the Consumables per a small area per Attribute. The system also calculates the area of each given polygon using well known techniques and formulas such as integration or Euler's method. Using the calculated area, the invention is able to estimate the maintenance cost for each area. As each area is assigned an Attribute, the maintenance cost of the entire course can be estimated. Thus, by simply choosing the type of area (Course Component) of each polygon, the User can determine the maintenance costs and resources consumed of the entire course. The invention is also, in some embodiments, able to take into account other factors when determining cost, such as the additional costs associated with a complex polygon or shape or cost increases which are incurred due to the geographical location of the course ([0026]) as taught by Reference Hoffman (see at least in [0026]), so that the process of managing golf course maintenance can be made more efficient and effective.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar golf course maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Hoffman, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A).
Neither Quintavalla nor Hoffman shows “a task-setting operation that matches a task from a predefined task database to the availability time-window”. Miller shows the above limitation at least in [0070] In step 714, the processing system 100 determines whether the current locations of the mobile agricultural machine are likely to interfere with operation of the mobile irrigation system by comparing the current positions of the agricultural machine with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system, with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system being gleaned from the irrigation schedule and/or obtained from the location determining component 206. [0081] At all times that either the first or second agricultural machines are operating in the field, the processing system 100 continues to analyze data representative of current locations of the agricultural machines as depicted in step 820. This location data may be derived from the route data already sent to the processor and/or from the location-determining components of the control systems of the machines. If the processing system determines the current locations of the mobile agricultural machines are likely to interfere with operation of the mobile irrigation system or with each other, it stops the agricultural machines or directs one or both to exit the field. The processing system may detect such interference by comparing the current positions of the agricultural machines with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system, with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system being gleaned from the irrigation schedule and/or obtained from the location determining component. The processing system may also generate and transmit an alert message to a communication device of an operator. Miller also shows: “autonomously perform the task” ([0049] Exemplary agricultural machines 12 and 14 will now be described in more detail. Although only two agricultural machines are shown and described, embodiments of the invention may be used to coordinate the movement of any number of agricultural machines. The agricultural machines may be autonomous, semi-autonomous, or fully manually operated tractors, combines, fertilizer applicators, pesticide sprayers, manure spreaders, trucks, or any other mobile farm equipment. The mechanical and drive components of agricultural machines are well known and will not be described in detail in this application. [0056] If the agricultural machine 12 is autonomous or semi-autonomous, the control system 300 may control operational aspects of the machine such as the speed, direction, and route of the machine as well as the application rate of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals in accordance with programmed instructions and/or instructions received at the computing device via the data transceiver.). Miller also shows: “the set of status signals indicating performance of the task by the motorized equipment within the availability time-window” ([0033] The irrigation system 10 may also comprise other components such as an extension arm (also commonly referred to as a “swing arm” or “corner arm”) pivotally connected to the free end of the main section and/or one or more high pressure sprayers or end guns 38 mounted to the end tower 22D or to the end of the extension arm. The end guns are activated at the corners of a field or other designated areas to increase the amount of land that can be irrigated. [0043] The control system 200 controls operational aspects of the irrigation system such as the speed and direction of the mobile towers, and hence the speed of the irrigation system, via control signals provided to the relays connected to the motors 28A-D of the mobile towers. Likewise, the control system 100 controls the water flow through the water emitters 32A-P via control signals provided to the relays connected to the valves 34A-D. The control system may also control other operational aspects such as a fertilizer application rate, a pesticide application rate, end gun operation, mobile tower direction (forward or reverse), and/or system start-up and/or shut-down procedures. [0044] The control system 200 controls some of the above-described operational aspects of the irrigation system in accordance with an irrigation plan or schedule (also sometimes referred to as a “sprinkler chart” or “watering plan”). An irrigation schedule specifies when and how much water to apply to a field, and sometimes to different portions of a field, based on various different criteria such as the types of crops to be irrigated; the soil conditions in various parts of the field; the existence of slopes, valleys, etc. in the field; the existence of roads, buildings, ponds, and boundaries that require no irrigations; crop growth cycles; etc. One or more irrigation plans may be created then stored in the memory 204 or otherwise be accessible by the computing device 202.)
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Miller are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of land maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Miller, particularly the ability to compare or match positions of the equipment to the equipment schedules ([0070], [0081]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate user location on the golf course ([0047]), where upon the execution of the method of Miller if the processing system determines the current locations of the mobile agricultural machines are likely to interfere with operation of the mobile irrigation system or with each other, it stops the agricultural machines or directs one or both to exit the field. The processing system may detect such interference by comparing the current positions of the agricultural machines with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system, with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system being gleaned from the irrigation schedule and/or obtained from the location determining component. The processing system may also generate and transmit an alert message to a communication device of an operator as taught by Reference Miller (see at least in [0081]), in the golf course management system of Reference Quintavalla allows the system to better analyze and optimize maintenance of the golf courses by more efficiently and effectively using allocable resources.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar land maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Miller, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A).
As per claims 2 and 16: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
further comprising:
after the availability time-window is provided, electronically identifying a set of tasks that are performable at the task target location before the device reaches the task target location.
Even though, Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount.
Quintavalla does not explicitly show “projecting a time”.
Hoffman shows “projecting a time” ([0036] In one embodiment, the central server 260 may also perform a forecasting function to determine if the inserted group will have a gap when they make the turn (i.e., go from the 9.sup.th green to the 10.sup.th tee box). The server 260 can also slightly adjust the tee times for groups that are scheduled later in order to create a gap for the inserted group. Thus, the server 260 can, in real time, increase the density of players on the course in order to maximize revenue by maximizing the number of rounds played in a given day. [0042] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing the real time status of a golf course. The pace of play is listed in the header information of the screen and then the body of the status screen shows the data that has been collected by the transceiver stations located throughout the golf course. This data is populated into the fields by the server and projections are calculated and updated in real time to forecast when groups will finish, whether they are on time or expected to finish on time, etc. For example, the time it took to play the most recent hole is displayed. So is the total minutes that a particular group is ahead or behind the pace of play. Additionally, the average time per hole and per round is also calculated and displayed. Advantageously, this information can be available to the pro shop, the starter, and also a telephone operator so that groups tee off on time, new walk-up groups can be efficiently received, and groups calling in may be informed of the wait or given an accurate tee time. Further, Hoffman shows a task list in Fig. 4, for instance, “repair all ball marks” or “repair all divots or fill them with sand” are examples of a set of tasks in the claim above.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Hoffman are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of golf course maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Hoffman, particularly the projecting a time ([0036], [0042]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources and costs, in order to provide for a system that takes into account all of the Processes and the Consumables associated with them and estimates the cost of the sum of the Consumables per a small area per Attribute. The system also calculates the area of each given polygon using well known techniques and formulas such as integration or Euler's method. Using the calculated area, the invention is able to estimate the maintenance cost for each area. As each area is assigned an Attribute, the maintenance cost of the entire course can be estimated. Thus, by simply choosing the type of area (Course Component) of each polygon, the User can determine the maintenance costs and resources consumed of the entire course. The invention is also, in some embodiments, able to take into account other factors when determining cost, such as the additional costs associated with a complex polygon or shape or cost increases which are incurred due to the geographical location of the course ([0026]) as taught by Reference Hoffman (see at least in [0026]), so that the process of managing golf course maintenance can be made more efficient and effective.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar golf course maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Hoffman, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A).
As per claims 3 and 17: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein the geographic region is a golf course; wherein the task target location is an area on a particular golf course hole of the golf course Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount;
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein the device is constructed and arranged to travel with a task-ending set of golfers on the golf course Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount; and
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein electronically identifying the set of tasks that are performable at the task target location includes:
providing a list of groundskeeping tasks that are performable at the area on the particular golf course hole before the task-ending set of golfers reaches the particular golf course hole
Even though, Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount.
Quintavalla does not explicitly show “projecting a time”.
Hoffman shows “projecting a time” ([0036] In one embodiment, the central server 260 may also perform a forecasting function to determine if the inserted group will have a gap when they make the turn (i.e., go from the 9.sup.th green to the 10.sup.th tee box). The server 260 can also slightly adjust the tee times for groups that are scheduled later in order to create a gap for the inserted group. Thus, the server 260 can, in real time, increase the density of players on the course in order to maximize revenue by maximizing the number of rounds played in a given day. [0042] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing the real time status of a golf course. The pace of play is listed in the header information of the screen and then the body of the status screen shows the data that has been collected by the transceiver stations located throughout the golf course. This data is populated into the fields by the server and projections are calculated and updated in real time to forecast when groups will finish, whether they are on time or expected to finish on time, etc. For example, the time it took to play the most recent hole is displayed. So is the total minutes that a particular group is ahead or behind the pace of play. Additionally, the average time per hole and per round is also calculated and displayed. Advantageously, this information can be available to the pro shop, the starter, and also a telephone operator so that groups tee off on time, new walk-up groups can be efficiently received, and groups calling in may be informed of the wait or given an accurate tee time. Further, Hoffman shows a task list in Fig. 4, for instance, “repair all ball marks” or “repair all divots or fill them with sand” are examples of a set of tasks in the claim above.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Hoffman are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of golf course maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Hoffman, particularly the projecting a time ([0036], [0042]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources and costs, in order to provide for a system that takes into account all of the Processes and the Consumables associated with them and estimates the cost of the sum of the Consumables per a small area per Attribute. The system also calculates the area of each given polygon using well known techniques and formulas such as integration or Euler's method. Using the calculated area, the invention is able to estimate the maintenance cost for each area. As each area is assigned an Attribute, the maintenance cost of the entire course can be estimated. Thus, by simply choosing the type of area (Course Component) of each polygon, the User can determine the maintenance costs and resources consumed of the entire course. The invention is also, in some embodiments, able to take into account other factors when determining cost, such as the additional costs associated with a complex polygon or shape or cost increases which are incurred due to the geographical location of the course ([0026]) as taught by Reference Hoffman (see at least in [0026]), so that the process of managing golf course maintenance can be made more efficient and effective.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar golf course maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Hoffman, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A).
As per claims 4 and 19: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein another device is constructed and arranged to travel with a task-starting set of golfers on the golf course, the task-starting set of golfers playing ahead of the task-ending set of golfers on the golf course Even though, Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount.
Quintavalla does not explicitly show “projecting a time”.
Hoffman shows “projecting a time” ([0036] In one embodiment, the central server 260 may also perform a forecasting function to determine if the inserted group will have a gap when they make the turn (i.e., go from the 9.sup.th green to the 10.sup.th tee box). The server 260 can also slightly adjust the tee times for groups that are scheduled later in order to create a gap for the inserted group. Thus, the server 260 can, in real time, increase the density of players on the course in order to maximize revenue by maximizing the number of rounds played in a given day. [0042] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing the real time status of a golf course. The pace of play is listed in the header information of the screen and then the body of the status screen shows the data that has been collected by the transceiver stations located throughout the golf course. This data is populated into the fields by the server and projections are calculated and updated in real time to forecast when groups will finish, whether they are on time or expected to finish on time, etc. For example, the time it took to play the most recent hole is displayed. So is the total minutes that a particular group is ahead or behind the pace of play. Additionally, the average time per hole and per round is also calculated and displayed. Advantageously, this information can be available to the pro shop, the starter, and also a telephone operator so that groups tee off on time, new walk-up groups can be efficiently received, and groups calling in may be informed of the wait or given an accurate tee time. Further, Hoffman shows a task list in Fig. 4, for instance, “repair all ball marks” or “repair all divots or fill them with sand” are examples of a set of tasks in the claim above.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Hoffman are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of golf course maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Hoffman, particularly the projecting a time ([0036], [0042]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources and costs, in order to provide for a system that takes into account all of the Processes and the Consumables associated with them and estimates the cost of the sum of the Consumables per a small area per Attribute. The system also calculates the area of each given polygon using well known techniques and formulas such as integration or Euler's method. Using the calculated area, the invention is able to estimate the maintenance cost for each area. As each area is assigned an Attribute, the maintenance cost of the entire course can be estimated. Thus, by simply choosing the type of area (Course Component) of each polygon, the User can determine the maintenance costs and resources consumed of the entire course. The invention is also, in some embodiments, able to take into account other factors when determining cost, such as the additional costs associated with a complex polygon or shape or cost increases which are incurred due to the geographical location of the course ([0026]) as taught by Reference Hoffman (see at least in [0026]), so that the process of managing golf course maintenance can be made more efficient and effective.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar golf course maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Hoffman, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A); and
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein the method further comprises:
projecting a time when the other device will leave the task target location, the availability time-window being a time gap to perform the task at the task target location, the time gap being bounded by the time when the other device will leave the task target location and the time when the device will reach the task target location
Even though, Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount.
Quintavalla does not explicitly show “projecting a time”.
Hoffman shows “projecting a time” ([0036] In one embodiment, the central server 260 may also perform a forecasting function to determine if the inserted group will have a gap when they make the turn (i.e., go from the 9.sup.th green to the 10.sup.th tee box). The server 260 can also slightly adjust the tee times for groups that are scheduled later in order to create a gap for the inserted group. Thus, the server 260 can, in real time, increase the density of players on the course in order to maximize revenue by maximizing the number of rounds played in a given day. [0042] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing the real time status of a golf course. The pace of play is listed in the header information of the screen and then the body of the status screen shows the data that has been collected by the transceiver stations located throughout the golf course. This data is populated into the fields by the server and projections are calculated and updated in real time to forecast when groups will finish, whether they are on time or expected to finish on time, etc. For example, the time it took to play the most recent hole is displayed. So is the total minutes that a particular group is ahead or behind the pace of play. Additionally, the average time per hole and per round is also calculated and displayed. Advantageously, this information can be available to the pro shop, the starter, and also a telephone operator so that groups tee off on time, new walk-up groups can be efficiently received, and groups calling in may be informed of the wait or given an accurate tee time. Further, Hoffman shows a task list in Fig. 4, for instance, “repair all ball marks” or “repair all divots or fill them with sand” are examples of a set of tasks in the claim above.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Hoffman are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of golf course maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Hoffman, particularly the projecting a time ([0036], [0042]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources and costs, in order to provide for a system that takes into account all of the Processes and the Consumables associated with them and estimates the cost of the sum of the Consumables per a small area per Attribute. The system also calculates the area of each given polygon using well known techniques and formulas such as integration or Euler's method. Using the calculated area, the invention is able to estimate the maintenance cost for each area. As each area is assigned an Attribute, the maintenance cost of the entire course can be estimated. Thus, by simply choosing the type of area (Course Component) of each polygon, the User can determine the maintenance costs and resources consumed of the entire course. The invention is also, in some embodiments, able to take into account other factors when determining cost, such as the additional costs associated with a complex polygon or shape or cost increases which are incurred due to the geographical location of the course ([0026]) as taught by Reference Hoffman (see at least in [0026]), so that the process of managing golf course maintenance can be made more efficient and effective.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar golf course maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Hoffman, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A).
As per claim 5: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein providing the list of groundskeeping tasks includes:
comparing, to the time gap, a predefined irrigation time to perform an irrigation task that irrigates the area on the particular golf course hole during the predefined irrigation time (Quintavalla shows: [0035] FIG. 7 is an illustration of one potential embodiment of a user interface of the system which allows the User to enter specifications (such as energy consumption or frequency for mowing and irrigation) and enables the User to customize the system for the particular golf course. [0058]-[0059], [0062]), and
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
performing a list update operation, the list update operation adding the irrigation task to the list of groundskeeping tasks when the predefined irrigation time fits within the time gap and omitting the irrigation task from the list of groundskeeping tasks when the predefined irrigation time does not fit within the time gap (Quintavalla shows: [0035] FIG. 7 is an illustration of one potential embodiment of a user interface of the system which allows the User to enter specifications (such as energy consumption or frequency for mowing and irrigation) and enables the User to customize the system for the particular golf course. [0058]-[0059], [0062]).
As per claim 6: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein providing the list of groundskeeping tasks includes:
comparing, to the time gap, a predefined mowing time to perform a mowing task that mows the area on the particular golf course hole during the predefined mowing time (Quintavalla shows: [0035] FIG. 7 is an illustration of one potential embodiment of a user interface of the system which allows the User to enter specifications (such as energy consumption or frequency for mowing and irrigation) and enables the User to customize the system for the particular golf course. [0058]-[0064], [0073], [0085]), and
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
performing a list update operation, the list update operation adding the mowing task to the list of groundskeeping tasks when the predefined mowing time fits within the time gap and omitting the mowing task from the list of groundskeeping tasks when the predefined mowing time does not fit within the time gap (Quintavalla shows: [0035] FIG. 7 is an illustration of one potential embodiment of a user interface of the system which allows the User to enter specifications (such as energy consumption or frequency for mowing and irrigation) and enables the User to customize the system for the particular golf course. [0058]-[0064], [0073], [0085]).
As per claims 7 and 18: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein the golf course includes a sequence of golf course holes (Quintavalla shows: [0029] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an overview of a golf course showing fourteen holes designated by blue polygons, each with several movable yellow vertices along the boundaries of the Course Components which can be used (picked up, moved and then dropped by a computer interactive device) to virtually reshape the holes of a course. [0030]-[0035]);
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein identifying the current device location for the device within the geographic region includes:
identifying, among the sequence of golf course holes, a current golf course hole within which the device currently resides (Quintavalla shows: [0029] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an overview of a golf course showing fourteen holes designated by blue polygons, each with several movable yellow vertices along the boundaries of the Course Components which can be used (picked up, moved and then dropped by a computer interactive device) to virtually reshape the holes of a course. [0030]-[0035]).
As per claim 8: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein the device includes global positioning system (GPS) circuitry and a wireless transmitter, the wireless transmitter being constructed and arrange to include a current GPS location identified by the GPS circuitry in a wireless signal (Quintavalla shows: [0007]: GPS, [0009] A system and method for real time golf course management is provided. The system comprises a golf course with a plurality of stationary wireless transceivers strategically placed around the course, preferably located at or near each tee box. Additionally, the system includes a plurality of golf carts, each outfitted with a unique identifier and a mobile wireless transceiver configured to transmit the identifier to a stationary wireless transceiver. As a golf cart passes a stationary wireless transceiver, the stationary wireless transceiver receives the unique identifier being transmitted by the golf cart and sends the identifier over a wireless network to a central server located in the club house. The central server records the time that the golf cart passed the stationary wireless transceiver and thereby maintains pace of play statistics for the golf course.); and
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein identifying the current golf course hole includes: extracting the current GPS location from the wireless signal, and mapping the current GPS location to the current golf course hole among the golf course holes of the sequence (Quintavalla shows: [0007]: GPS, [0009] A system and method for real time golf course management is provided. The system comprises a golf course with a plurality of stationary wireless transceivers strategically placed around the course, preferably located at or near each tee box. Additionally, the system includes a plurality of golf carts, each outfitted with a unique identifier and a mobile wireless transceiver configured to transmit the identifier to a stationary wireless transceiver. As a golf cart passes a stationary wireless transceiver, the stationary wireless transceiver receives the unique identifier being transmitted by the golf cart and sends the identifier over a wireless network to a central server located in the club house. The central server records the time that the golf cart passed the stationary wireless transceiver and thereby maintains pace of play statistics for the golf course.).
As per claim 9: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein identifying the current golf course hole includes:
receiving an indication that a Bluetooth detector has detected a Bluetooth beacon (Quintavalla shows: [0007]: GPS, [0009] A system and method for real time golf course management is provided. The system comprises a golf course with a plurality of stationary wireless transceivers strategically placed around the course, preferably located at or near each tee box. Additionally, the system includes a plurality of golf carts, each outfitted with a unique identifier and a mobile wireless transceiver configured to transmit the identifier to a stationary wireless transceiver. As a golf cart passes a stationary wireless transceiver, the stationary wireless transceiver receives the unique identifier being transmitted by the golf cart and sends the identifier over a wireless network to a central server located in the club house. The central server records the time that the golf cart passed the stationary wireless transceiver and thereby maintains pace of play statistics for the golf course.);
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein the Bluetooth detector is one of the device and a Bluetooth apparatus residing at the current golf course hole (Quintavalla shows: [0007]: GPS, [0009] A system and method for real time golf course management is provided. The system comprises a golf course with a plurality of stationary wireless transceivers strategically placed around the course, preferably located at or near each tee box. Additionally, the system includes a plurality of golf carts, each outfitted with a unique identifier and a mobile wireless transceiver configured to transmit the identifier to a stationary wireless transceiver. As a golf cart passes a stationary wireless transceiver, the stationary wireless transceiver receives the unique identifier being transmitted by the golf cart and sends the identifier over a wireless network to a central server located in the club house. The central server records the time that the golf cart passed the stationary wireless transceiver and thereby maintains pace of play statistics for the golf course.); and
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein the Bluetooth beacon is the other of the device and the Bluetooth apparatus residing at the current golf course hole (Quintavalla shows: [0007]: GPS, [0009] A system and method for real time golf course management is provided. The system comprises a golf course with a plurality of stationary wireless transceivers strategically placed around the course, preferably located at or near each tee box. Additionally, the system includes a plurality of golf carts, each outfitted with a unique identifier and a mobile wireless transceiver configured to transmit the identifier to a stationary wireless transceiver. As a golf cart passes a stationary wireless transceiver, the stationary wireless transceiver receives the unique identifier being transmitted by the golf cart and sends the identifier over a wireless network to a central server located in the club house. The central server records the time that the golf cart passed the stationary wireless transceiver and thereby maintains pace of play statistics for the golf course.).
As per claim 10: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein projecting the time when the device will reach the task target location within the geographic region includes:
identifying a series of golf course holes between the current golf course hole and the particular golf course hole of the sequence (Quintavalla shows: [0029] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an overview of a golf course showing fourteen holes designated by blue polygons, each with several movable yellow vertices along the boundaries of the Course Components which can be used (picked up, moved and then dropped by a computer interactive device) to virtually reshape the holes of a course. [0030]-[0035]),
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
identifying a set of hole playing times for the series of golf course holes between the current golf course hole and the particular golf course hole (Quintavalla shows: [0029] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an overview of a golf course showing fourteen holes designated by blue polygons, each with several movable yellow vertices along the boundaries of the Course Components which can be used (picked up, moved and then dropped by a computer interactive device) to virtually reshape the holes of a course. [0030]-[0035]), and
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
providing the time when the device will reach the task target location based on an aggregate playing time derived from the set of hole playing times (Quintavalla shows: [0029] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an overview of a golf course showing fourteen holes designated by blue polygons, each with several movable yellow vertices along the boundaries of the Course Components which can be used (picked up, moved and then dropped by a computer interactive device) to virtually reshape the holes of a course. [0030]-[0035]).
As per claim 11: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein the availability time-window has a start time and an end time (Quintavalla shows: [0029] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an overview of a golf course showing fourteen holes designated by blue polygons, each with several movable yellow vertices along the boundaries of the Course Components which can be used (picked up, moved and then dropped by a computer interactive device) to virtually reshape the holes of a course. [0030]-[0035]); and
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein electronically providing the availability time-window for performing the task includes:
setting the end time of the availability time-window to be no later than a task-ending timestamp (Quintavalla shows: [0029] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an overview of a golf course showing fourteen holes designated by blue polygons, each with several movable yellow vertices along the boundaries of the Course Components which can be used (picked up, moved and then dropped by a computer interactive device) to virtually reshape the holes of a course. [0030]-[0035]).
As per claim 12: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein electronically identifying the set of tasks includes:
from a plurality of candidate tasks having predefined task completion times, identifying (i) a set of candidate tasks having predefined task completion times which are shorter than the availability time-window and (ii) a set of candidate tasks having predefined task completion times which are longer the availability time-window (Quintavalla shows: [0029] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an overview of a golf course showing fourteen holes designated by blue polygons, each with several movable yellow vertices along the boundaries of the Course Components which can be used (picked up, moved and then dropped by a computer interactive device) to virtually reshape the holes of a course. [0030]-[0035]),
Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
placing only the set of candidate tasks having predefined task completion times which are shorter than the availability time-window on the list of groundskeeping tasks, the set of candidate tasks having predefined task completion times that are longer than the availability time-window being omitted from the list of groundskeeping tasks (Quintavalla shows: [0029] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an overview of a golf course showing fourteen holes designated by blue polygons, each with several movable yellow vertices along the boundaries of the Course Components which can be used (picked up, moved and then dropped by a computer interactive device) to virtually reshape the holes of a course. [0030]-[0035]).
As per claim 13: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein projecting the time when the device will reach the task target location within the geographic region includes:
generating, as the time when the device will reach the task target location, an amount of time indicating time remaining before the device reaches the task target location.
Even though, Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount.
Quintavalla does not explicitly show “projecting a time”.
Hoffman shows “projecting a time” ([0036] In one embodiment, the central server 260 may also perform a forecasting function to determine if the inserted group will have a gap when they make the turn (i.e., go from the 9.sup.th green to the 10.sup.th tee box). The server 260 can also slightly adjust the tee times for groups that are scheduled later in order to create a gap for the inserted group. Thus, the server 260 can, in real time, increase the density of players on the course in order to maximize revenue by maximizing the number of rounds played in a given day. [0042] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing the real time status of a golf course. The pace of play is listed in the header information of the screen and then the body of the status screen shows the data that has been collected by the transceiver stations located throughout the golf course. This data is populated into the fields by the server and projections are calculated and updated in real time to forecast when groups will finish, whether they are on time or expected to finish on time, etc. For example, the time it took to play the most recent hole is displayed. So is the total minutes that a particular group is ahead or behind the pace of play. Additionally, the average time per hole and per round is also calculated and displayed. Advantageously, this information can be available to the pro shop, the starter, and also a telephone operator so that groups tee off on time, new walk-up groups can be efficiently received, and groups calling in may be informed of the wait or given an accurate tee time. Further, Hoffman shows a task list in Fig. 4, for instance, “repair all ball marks” or “repair all divots or fill them with sand” are examples of a set of tasks in the claim above.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Hoffman are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of golf course maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Hoffman, particularly the projecting a time ([0036], [0042]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources and costs, in order to provide for a system that takes into account all of the Processes and the Consumables associated with them and estimates the cost of the sum of the Consumables per a small area per Attribute. The system also calculates the area of each given polygon using well known techniques and formulas such as integration or Euler's method. Using the calculated area, the invention is able to estimate the maintenance cost for each area. As each area is assigned an Attribute, the maintenance cost of the entire course can be estimated. Thus, by simply choosing the type of area (Course Component) of each polygon, the User can determine the maintenance costs and resources consumed of the entire course. The invention is also, in some embodiments, able to take into account other factors when determining cost, such as the additional costs associated with a complex polygon or shape or cost increases which are incurred due to the geographical location of the course ([0026]) as taught by Reference Hoffman (see at least in [0026]), so that the process of managing golf course maintenance can be made more efficient and effective.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar golf course maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Hoffman, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A).
As per claim 14: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
wherein projecting the time when the device will reach the task target location within the geographic region includes:
generating, as the time when the device will reach the task target location, a timestamp indicating a time-of-day at which the device reaches the task target location.
Even though, Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount.
Quintavalla does not explicitly show “projecting a time”.
Hoffman shows “projecting a time” ([0036] In one embodiment, the central server 260 may also perform a forecasting function to determine if the inserted group will have a gap when they make the turn (i.e., go from the 9.sup.th green to the 10.sup.th tee box). The server 260 can also slightly adjust the tee times for groups that are scheduled later in order to create a gap for the inserted group. Thus, the server 260 can, in real time, increase the density of players on the course in order to maximize revenue by maximizing the number of rounds played in a given day. [0042] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing the real time status of a golf course. The pace of play is listed in the header information of the screen and then the body of the status screen shows the data that has been collected by the transceiver stations located throughout the golf course. This data is populated into the fields by the server and projections are calculated and updated in real time to forecast when groups will finish, whether they are on time or expected to finish on time, etc. For example, the time it took to play the most recent hole is displayed. So is the total minutes that a particular group is ahead or behind the pace of play. Additionally, the average time per hole and per round is also calculated and displayed. Advantageously, this information can be available to the pro shop, the starter, and also a telephone operator so that groups tee off on time, new walk-up groups can be efficiently received, and groups calling in may be informed of the wait or given an accurate tee time. Further, Hoffman shows a task list in Fig. 4, for instance, “repair all ball marks” or “repair all divots or fill them with sand” are examples of a set of tasks in the claim above.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Hoffman are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of golf course maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Hoffman, particularly the projecting a time ([0036], [0042]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources and costs, in order to provide for a system that takes into account all of the Processes and the Consumables associated with them and estimates the cost of the sum of the Consumables per a small area per Attribute. The system also calculates the area of each given polygon using well known techniques and formulas such as integration or Euler's method. Using the calculated area, the invention is able to estimate the maintenance cost for each area. As each area is assigned an Attribute, the maintenance cost of the entire course can be estimated. Thus, by simply choosing the type of area (Course Component) of each polygon, the User can determine the maintenance costs and resources consumed of the entire course. The invention is also, in some embodiments, able to take into account other factors when determining cost, such as the additional costs associated with a complex polygon or shape or cost increases which are incurred due to the geographical location of the course ([0026]) as taught by Reference Hoffman (see at least in [0026]), so that the process of managing golf course maintenance can be made more efficient and effective.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar golf course maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Hoffman, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A).
As per claim 21: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
further comprising:
prior to transmitting the set of command signals to the motorized equipment, ranking a plurality of candidate tasks that are performable at the task target location within the availability time-window; and
selecting the task from the plurality of candidate tasks based on the ranking, the task being performed within the availability time-window to reduce energy waste from idling the motorized equipment.
Even though, Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount.
Quintavalla does not explicitly show “projecting a time”.
Hoffman shows “projecting a time” ([0036] In one embodiment, the central server 260 may also perform a forecasting function to determine if the inserted group will have a gap when they make the turn (i.e., go from the 9.sup.th green to the 10.sup.th tee box). The server 260 can also slightly adjust the tee times for groups that are scheduled later in order to create a gap for the inserted group. Thus, the server 260 can, in real time, increase the density of players on the course in order to maximize revenue by maximizing the number of rounds played in a given day. [0042] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing the real time status of a golf course. The pace of play is listed in the header information of the screen and then the body of the status screen shows the data that has been collected by the transceiver stations located throughout the golf course. This data is populated into the fields by the server and projections are calculated and updated in real time to forecast when groups will finish, whether they are on time or expected to finish on time, etc. For example, the time it took to play the most recent hole is displayed. So is the total minutes that a particular group is ahead or behind the pace of play. Additionally, the average time per hole and per round is also calculated and displayed. Advantageously, this information can be available to the pro shop, the starter, and also a telephone operator so that groups tee off on time, new walk-up groups can be efficiently received, and groups calling in may be informed of the wait or given an accurate tee time. Further, Hoffman shows a task list in Fig. 4, for instance, “repair all ball marks” or “repair all divots or fill them with sand” are examples of a set of tasks in the claim above. [0027] In an alternative embodiment, the first station can be placed at the tee box for the first hole. In such an embodiment, the station may continuously read the presence of the golf carts. When a lack of presence is subsequently detected, the station may then record (or transmit as the case may be) that the players have begun the hole. Various alternative techniques may also be employed around a tee box to differentiate between golf carts belonging to more than one group, for example, when the course is delayed and players have to wait in line at the tee box for a particular hole. In one such embodiment, the time of the end of the previous hole may be identified and then coupled with the time that the players in front of the subject group of players left the tee box in order to calculate the wait time for the subject group at the particular hole. Additional refinements may also be made throughout the course to more accurately track the playing time and wait time for individual players and groups. Advantageously, if a particular group with a history of playing well and quickly has to wait more than a certain threshold during their round, that group may be targeted to receive a discount coupon for pro shop merchandise or a discount coupon for their next round of golf. This also reads on “ranking” and “availability” in the claim above.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Hoffman are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of golf course maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Hoffman, particularly the projecting a time ([0036], [0042]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources and costs, in order to provide for a system that takes into account all of the Processes and the Consumables associated with them and estimates the cost of the sum of the Consumables per a small area per Attribute. The system also calculates the area of each given polygon using well known techniques and formulas such as integration or Euler's method. Using the calculated area, the invention is able to estimate the maintenance cost for each area. As each area is assigned an Attribute, the maintenance cost of the entire course can be estimated. Thus, by simply choosing the type of area (Course Component) of each polygon, the User can determine the maintenance costs and resources consumed of the entire course. The invention is also, in some embodiments, able to take into account other factors when determining cost, such as the additional costs associated with a complex polygon or shape or cost increases which are incurred due to the geographical location of the course ([0026]) as taught by Reference Hoffman (see at least in [0026]), so that the process of managing golf course maintenance can be made more efficient and effective.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar golf course maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Hoffman, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A).
As per claim 22: Regarding the claim limitations below, Quintavalla in view of Hoffman and Miller shows:
further comprising:
wherein performing, by the control circuitry, the task-setting operation includes:
acquiring, by the control circuitry, a plurality of entries from the predefined task database, the plurality of entries including entries defining respective tasks and respective estimated task durations for the tasks;
performing, by the control circuitry, a filtering operation that generates a list of candidate tasks from the tasks defined by entries, the filtering operation being configured to add first tasks of the tasks to the list of candidate tasks based on the first tasks having respective first estimated task durations greater than the availability time-window and omit second tasks of the tasks from the list of candidate tasks based on the second tasks having respective second estimated task durations greater than the availability time-window; and
designating, by the control circuitry, the task from the list of candidate tasks as a target task to be autonomously performed within the availability time-window
Even though, Quintavalla shows location and use of geographic region ([0047]), Quintavalla also shows in [0023] The present invention is a system for designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources (including water, fuel, energy, labor, fertilizer and chemicals). It provides estimates for the cost of each type of Course Component on the course and, using that estimate and the desired locations of the Course Components and the players' likely lies on the course, determines the estimated annual Golf Course Maintenance cost and resource consumption. The invention can estimate the cost and resource consumption of an existing course or a hypothetical golf course. [0027] The User can also alter the size, shape, or type of each polygon to lower or increase the cost as desired. For example, a User may reduce the size of an area of irrigated rough while increasing the size of non-irrigated rough. The User will be able to carefully alter each individual polygon, including specifying separate maintenance schedules for each polygon, in order to reduce the costs of the course and consumption of resources to an appropriate or desired amount.
Quintavalla does not explicitly show “projecting a time”.
Hoffman shows “projecting a time” ([0036] In one embodiment, the central server 260 may also perform a forecasting function to determine if the inserted group will have a gap when they make the turn (i.e., go from the 9.sup.th green to the 10.sup.th tee box). The server 260 can also slightly adjust the tee times for groups that are scheduled later in order to create a gap for the inserted group. Thus, the server 260 can, in real time, increase the density of players on the course in order to maximize revenue by maximizing the number of rounds played in a given day. [0042] FIG. 6 is a screen shot showing the real time status of a golf course. The pace of play is listed in the header information of the screen and then the body of the status screen shows the data that has been collected by the transceiver stations located throughout the golf course. This data is populated into the fields by the server and projections are calculated and updated in real time to forecast when groups will finish, whether they are on time or expected to finish on time, etc. For example, the time it took to play the most recent hole is displayed. So is the total minutes that a particular group is ahead or behind the pace of play. Additionally, the average time per hole and per round is also calculated and displayed. Advantageously, this information can be available to the pro shop, the starter, and also a telephone operator so that groups tee off on time, new walk-up groups can be efficiently received, and groups calling in may be informed of the wait or given an accurate tee time. Further, Hoffman shows a task list in Fig. 4, for instance, “repair all ball marks” or “repair all divots or fill them with sand” are examples of a set of tasks in the claim above. [0027] In an alternative embodiment, the first station can be placed at the tee box for the first hole. In such an embodiment, the station may continuously read the presence of the golf carts. When a lack of presence is subsequently detected, the station may then record (or transmit as the case may be) that the players have begun the hole. Various alternative techniques may also be employed around a tee box to differentiate between golf carts belonging to more than one group, for example, when the course is delayed and players have to wait in line at the tee box for a particular hole. In one such embodiment, the time of the end of the previous hole may be identified and then coupled with the time that the players in front of the subject group of players left the tee box in order to calculate the wait time for the subject group at the particular hole. Additional refinements may also be made throughout the course to more accurately track the playing time and wait time for individual players and groups. Advantageously, if a particular group with a history of playing well and quickly has to wait more than a certain threshold during their round, that group may be targeted to receive a discount coupon for pro shop merchandise or a discount coupon for their next round of golf. This also reads on “ranking” and “availability” in the claim above.
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Hoffman are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of golf course maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Hoffman, particularly the projecting a time ([0036], [0042]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate designing and/or modifying a golf course based on the cost of annual maintenance and the annual consumption of resources and costs, in order to provide for a system that takes into account all of the Processes and the Consumables associated with them and estimates the cost of the sum of the Consumables per a small area per Attribute. The system also calculates the area of each given polygon using well known techniques and formulas such as integration or Euler's method. Using the calculated area, the invention is able to estimate the maintenance cost for each area. As each area is assigned an Attribute, the maintenance cost of the entire course can be estimated. Thus, by simply choosing the type of area (Course Component) of each polygon, the User can determine the maintenance costs and resources consumed of the entire course. The invention is also, in some embodiments, able to take into account other factors when determining cost, such as the additional costs associated with a complex polygon or shape or cost increases which are incurred due to the geographical location of the course ([0026]) as taught by Reference Hoffman (see at least in [0026]), so that the process of managing golf course maintenance can be made more efficient and effective.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar golf course maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Hoffman, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A).
Neither Quintavalla nor Hoffman shows “a task-setting operation that matches a task from a predefined task database to the availability time-window”. Miller shows the above limitation at least in [0070] In step 714, the processing system 100 determines whether the current locations of the mobile agricultural machine are likely to interfere with operation of the mobile irrigation system by comparing the current positions of the agricultural machine with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system, with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system being gleaned from the irrigation schedule and/or obtained from the location determining component 206. [0081] At all times that either the first or second agricultural machines are operating in the field, the processing system 100 continues to analyze data representative of current locations of the agricultural machines as depicted in step 820. This location data may be derived from the route data already sent to the processor and/or from the location-determining components of the control systems of the machines. If the processing system determines the current locations of the mobile agricultural machines are likely to interfere with operation of the mobile irrigation system or with each other, it stops the agricultural machines or directs one or both to exit the field. The processing system may detect such interference by comparing the current positions of the agricultural machines with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system, with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system being gleaned from the irrigation schedule and/or obtained from the location determining component. The processing system may also generate and transmit an alert message to a communication device of an operator. Miller also shows: “autonomously perform the task” ([0049] Exemplary agricultural machines 12 and 14 will now be described in more detail. Although only two agricultural machines are shown and described, embodiments of the invention may be used to coordinate the movement of any number of agricultural machines. The agricultural machines may be autonomous, semi-autonomous, or fully manually operated tractors, combines, fertilizer applicators, pesticide sprayers, manure spreaders, trucks, or any other mobile farm equipment. The mechanical and drive components of agricultural machines are well known and will not be described in detail in this application. [0056] If the agricultural machine 12 is autonomous or semi-autonomous, the control system 300 may control operational aspects of the machine such as the speed, direction, and route of the machine as well as the application rate of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals in accordance with programmed instructions and/or instructions received at the computing device via the data transceiver.). Miller also shows: “the set of status signals indicating performance of the task by the motorized equipment within the availability time-window” ([0033] The irrigation system 10 may also comprise other components such as an extension arm (also commonly referred to as a “swing arm” or “corner arm”) pivotally connected to the free end of the main section and/or one or more high pressure sprayers or end guns 38 mounted to the end tower 22D or to the end of the extension arm. The end guns are activated at the corners of a field or other designated areas to increase the amount of land that can be irrigated. [0043] The control system 200 controls operational aspects of the irrigation system such as the speed and direction of the mobile towers, and hence the speed of the irrigation system, via control signals provided to the relays connected to the motors 28A-D of the mobile towers. Likewise, the control system 100 controls the water flow through the water emitters 32A-P via control signals provided to the relays connected to the valves 34A-D. The control system may also control other operational aspects such as a fertilizer application rate, a pesticide application rate, end gun operation, mobile tower direction (forward or reverse), and/or system start-up and/or shut-down procedures. [0044] The control system 200 controls some of the above-described operational aspects of the irrigation system in accordance with an irrigation plan or schedule (also sometimes referred to as a “sprinkler chart” or “watering plan”). An irrigation schedule specifies when and how much water to apply to a field, and sometimes to different portions of a field, based on various different criteria such as the types of crops to be irrigated; the soil conditions in various parts of the field; the existence of slopes, valleys, etc. in the field; the existence of roads, buildings, ponds, and boundaries that require no irrigations; crop growth cycles; etc. One or more irrigation plans may be created then stored in the memory 204 or otherwise be accessible by the computing device 202.)
Reference Quintavalla and Reference Miller are analogous prior art to the claimed invention because the references generally relate to field of land maintenance management. Said references are filed before the effective filing date of the instant application; hence, said references are analogous prior-art references.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of this application for AIA to provide the teachings of Reference Miller, particularly the ability to compare or match positions of the equipment to the equipment schedules ([0070], [0081]), in the disclosure of Reference Quintavalla, particularly in the ability to estimate user location on the golf course ([0047]), where upon the execution of the method of Miller if the processing system determines the current locations of the mobile agricultural machines are likely to interfere with operation of the mobile irrigation system or with each other, it stops the agricultural machines or directs one or both to exit the field. The processing system may detect such interference by comparing the current positions of the agricultural machines with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system, with the current and planned positions of the irrigation system being gleaned from the irrigation schedule and/or obtained from the location determining component. The processing system may also generate and transmit an alert message to a communication device of an operator as taught by Reference Miller (see at least in [0081]), in the golf course management system of Reference Quintavalla allows the system to better analyze and optimize maintenance of the golf courses by more efficiently and effectively using allocable resources.
Further, the claimed invention is merely a combination of old elements in a similar land maintenance management field of endeavor, and in the combination each element merely would have performed the same function as it did separately, and one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that, given the existing technical ability to combine the elements as evidenced by Reference Quintavalla in view of Reference Miller, the results of the combination were predictable (MPEP 2143 A).
Response to Arguments
Applicants’ arguments related to the amended claims are moot in view of the new grounds of rejection necessitated by the amendments made to previously presented claims.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
NPL Reference:
Cavas-García F, Martínez-Moreno A, López-Gullón JM, Díaz-Suárez A. A Golf Course Quality Scale (GCQS): Validity and Reliability Testing on Spanish Golf Courses. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18(24):13301. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413301
This reference recites the objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties, in terms of validity and reproducibility, of the Golf Course Quality Scale (GCQS) in the Spanish golf course context. The GCQS is a scale that measures the quality of a golf course perceived by its users. It is comprised of 22 five-point Likert scale items, ranging from 1 (disagree) to 5 (totally agree). The items were grouped into five dimensions: services, etiquette, facilities, golf courses, and staff. A translated and adapted version of the Australian CQS questionnaire was administered to a total of 401 federated golf players in the Region of Murcia (RM). The margin of error was 4.9% with a confidence level of 95%. Of the total sample, 88.5% were men and 11.5% were women. The participants were between the ages of 18 and 80 (M = 54.1, SD = 14.3). Following an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine the suitability of the proposed items and the factorial structure of the scale, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed using structural equations under the maximum likelihood extraction method. This assessed the fit of the model and its internal consistency, with values above 0.79. In conclusion, the validity and reliability of this psychometric scale for the purposes of evaluating the quality of golf courses perceived by their users have been verified. The results confirm that the scale is a useful tool for golf course research and management.
Foreign Reference:
(KR 2009/0039884 A) Hwang. This reference recites a public golf course is provided, which can prevent the tee ground and fairway from being extremely damaged and obtains various course environments. A public golf course comprises: a fairway(100) for performing round repetitively; and a course having tea box(300) and plurality of greens(200). The green is constructed in order to be located in the end of both sides of the fairway. One green is constructed in one side of the fairway and two greens are constructed in the other side of the fairway. Two tee boxes are installed on the rear of one green and one tee box is installed on the rear of two greens to obtain various courses and flying distances.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to NANCY PRASAD whose telephone number is (571)270-3265. The examiner can normally be reached M-F: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM EST.
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, Patricia Munson can be reached on (571)270-5396. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/N.N.P/Examiner, Art Unit 3624
/PATRICIA H MUNSON/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3624