Prosecution Insights
Last updated: August 17, 2026
Application No. 18/229,195

LASER DETECTION SYSTEM AND VEHICLE HAVING SAME

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Aug 02, 2023
Priority
Aug 04, 2022 — CN 202210933939.8
Examiner
FRITCHMAN, JOSEPH C
Art Unit
3645
Tech Center
3600 — Transportation & Electronic Commerce
Assignee
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
OA Round
2 (Final)
77%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
6m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 77% — above average
77%
Career Allowance Rate
144 granted / 188 resolved
+24.6% vs TC avg
Strong +29% interview lift
Without
With
+29.4%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 6m
Avg Prosecution
30 currently pending
Career history
213
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
1.8%
-38.2% vs TC avg
§103
51.2%
+11.2% vs TC avg
§102
22.9%
-17.1% vs TC avg
§112
20.6%
-19.4% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 188 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
CTNF 18/229,195 CTNF 96519 DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status 07-03-aia AIA 15-10-aia The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA. 07-06 AIA 15-10-15 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 07-20-aia AIA 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. 07-21-aia AIA Claim s 1-3, 6-9, 11-13, and 16-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bertschinger US 20210165080 A1 in view of Keller US 20250306204 A1 . Regarding claim 1, Bertschinger teaches a laser detection system comprising: a light source module configured for emitting a first laser having a first polarization direction (40a in Fig. 4, [0108]); a scanner on an optical path of the second laser and configured for reflecting the second laser to project a reference light to a target (diffraction unit 50a in Fig. 4, [0106,112]); and a detector configured to receive detection light reflected by the target and obtain position information of the target according to the detection light (receiving device 28, Fig. 3, [0102]). Bertschinger does not explicitly teach an optical isolator, the optical isolator being on an optical path of the first laser, the optical isolator configured to emit a second laser by transmitting the first laser from the light source module and prevent the second laser from transmitting toward the light source module; Keller teaches optical isolators to prevent feedback into light sources (4 in Fig. 1, [0086]) It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Bertschinger to include an optical isolator, the optical isolator being on an optical path of the first laser, the optical isolator configured to emit a second laser by transmitting the first laser from the light source module and prevent the second laser from transmitting toward the light source module similar to Keller with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of preventing feedback into the light sources (Keller: [0086]). Regarding claim 2, Bertschinger as modified above teaches the laser detection system of claim 1, wherein the light source module comprises: a laser source for emitting source light (40a is a laser, [0106]); and Bertschinger does not explicitly teach but Keller teaches a wave plate assembly on the optical path of the source light and configured to convert at least a part of the source light into the first laser having a first polarization direction (lambda/2 waveplates 3 to orient polarization in Fig. 1, [0086]). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Bertschinger to include a wave plate assembly on the optical path of the source light and configured to convert at least a part of the source light into the first laser having a first polarization direction similar to Keller with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of reliably controlling the polarization. Regarding claim 3, Bertschinger as modified above teaches the laser detection system of claim 2, Bertschinger does not explicitly teach but Keller teaches wherein the wave plate assembly comprises a half wave plate (lambda/2 waveplates 3 to orient polarization in Fig. 1, [0086]). a wave plate assembly on the optical path of the source light and configured to convert at least a part of the source light into the first laser having a first polarization direction It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Bertschinger such that the wave plate assembly comprises a half wave plate similar to Keller with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of reliably controlling the polarization. Regarding claim 6, Bertschinger as modified above teaches the laser detection system of claim 1, wherein the first laser is P polarized light (both parallel and perpendicular polarizations are created 60a and 70a through different modules (Fig. 4, [0107-115]). Regarding claim 7, Bertschinger as modified above teaches the laser detection system of claim 1, further comprising a beam splitter located on the optical path of the second laser and configured for guiding a part of the second laser to the scanner and guiding a part of the reference light to the target (42a directs light to scanner 50a and then towards target in Fig. 4, [0106]). Regarding claim 8, Bertschinger as modified above teaches the laser detection system of claim 1, wherein the scanner is further configured to diffract the second laser, and the reference light is structured light (diffraction unit 50a in Fig. 4, [0106,112]). Regarding claim 9, Bertschinger as modified above teaches the laser detection system of claim 1, wherein the scanner is an electrically driven scanner (diffraction unit 50a in Fig. 4, [0106,112-113]; control and analysis unit 30, [0103]). Regarding claim 11 , Bertschinger teaches a vehicle (vehicle, [0030]), comprising: a vehicle body (10 in Fig. 1, [0098]); a laser detection system fixed on the vehicle body (detection system 12 on vehicle 10 in Fig. 1, [0098]), the laser detection system being configured to detect if a target is on a moving path of the vehicle body and obtain position information of the target when the target on the moving path of the vehicle body to is detected ([0098-101]), the laser detection system comprising: a light source module configured for emitting a first laser having a first polarization direction (40a in Fig. 4, [0108]); a scanner on an optical path of the second laser and configured for reflecting the second laser to project a reference light to a target (diffraction unit 50a in Fig. 4, [0106,112]); and a detector configured to receive detection light reflected by the target and obtain position information of the target according to the detection light (receiving device 28, Fig. 3, [0102]). Bertschinger does not explicitly teach an optical isolator, the optical isolator being on an optical path of the first laser, the optical isolator configured to emit a second laser by transmitting the first laser from the light source module and prevent the second laser from transmitting toward the light source module; Keller teaches optical isolators to prevent feedback into light sources (4 in Fig. 1, [0086]) It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Bertschinger to include an optical isolator, the optical isolator being on an optical path of the first laser, the optical isolator configured to emit a second laser by transmitting the first laser from the light source module and prevent the second laser from transmitting toward the light source module similar to Keller with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of preventing feedback into the light sources (Keller: [0086]). Regarding claim 12, see rejection to claim 2 above. Regarding claim 13, see rejection to claim 3 above. Regarding claim 16, see rejection to claim 6 above. Regarding claim 17, see rejection to claim 7 above. Regarding claim 18, see rejection to claim 8 above. Regarding claim 19, see rejection to claim 9 above . 07-21-aia AIA Claim s 4 and 14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bertschinger US 20210165080 A1 in view of Keller US 20250306204 A1 and further in view of Satirachat et al. (2011, “Polarization State Control by using Rotating Quarter Wave Plate for the Measuring of Light”) . Regarding claim 4, Bertschinger as modified above teaches the laser detection system of claim 2, Bertschinger does not explicitly teach wherein the wave plate assembly comprises two quarter wave plates arranged in sequence. Satirachat teaches using two quarter wave plates to control polarization (Fig. 1, sections 2 and 3) It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Bertschinger such that the wave plate assembly comprises two quarter wave plates arranged in sequence similar to Satirachat with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of yielding a high degree of polarization (Satirachat: conclusion). Regarding claim 14, see rejection to claim 4 above . 07-21-aia AIA Claim s 5 and 15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bertschinger US 20210165080 A1 in view of Keller US 20250306204 A1 and further in view of Schilling US 20120001789 A1 Regarding claim 5, Bertschinger as modified above teaches the laser detection system of claim 2, Bertschinger does not explicitly teach wherein the light source module further comprises: a light blocking element between the laser source and the wave plate assembly, wherein the light blocking element is made of light shielding material and defines a through hole positioned to transmit the source light. Schilling teaches a shutter in front of a laser before other components (111 in Fig. 1, [0029]). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Bertschinger to include a light blocking element between the laser source and the wave plate assembly, wherein the light blocking element is made of light shielding material and defines a through hole positioned to transmit the source light similar to Schilling with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of helping keep the system eye safe (Schilling: [0029]). Regarding claim 15, see rejection to claim 5 above . 07-21-aia AIA Claim s 10 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Bertschinger US 20210165080 A1 in view of Keller US 20250306204 A1 and further in view of Laplante US 20190101625 A1 . Regarding claim 10, Bertschinger as modified above teaches the laser detection system of claim 1, Bertschinger does not explicitly teach but Laplante teaches further comprising a filter, wherein the filter is located on the optical path of the detection light, the filter is configured to filter ambient light (filter 118, [0036]). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Bertschinger to include a filter, wherein the filter is located on the optical path of the detection light, the filter is configured to filter ambient light similar to Schilling with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of improving signal to noise ratio by limiting light of wavelengths that the system doesn’t need to detect. Regarding claim 20, see rejection to claim 10 above . Conclusion 07-96 AIA The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure : Rezk US 20110205523 A1 teaches using isolators with polarized laser light (Fig. 3). Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JOSEPH C FRITCHMAN whose telephone number is (571)272-5533. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Isam Alsomiri can be reached on 571-272-6970. 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. /J.C.F./Examiner, Art Unit 3645 /ISAM A ALSOMIRI/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3645 Application/Control Number: 18/229,195 Page 2 Art Unit: 3645 Application/Control Number: 18/229,195 Page 3 Art Unit: 3645 Application/Control Number: 18/229,195 Page 4 Art Unit: 3645 Application/Control Number: 18/229,195 Page 5 Art Unit: 3645 Application/Control Number: 18/229,195 Page 6 Art Unit: 3645 Application/Control Number: 18/229,195 Page 7 Art Unit: 3645 Application/Control Number: 18/229,195 Page 8 Art Unit: 3645 Application/Control Number: 18/229,195 Page 9 Art Unit: 3645
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Prosecution Timeline

Aug 02, 2023
Application Filed
Apr 06, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Jul 03, 2026
Response Filed
Aug 10, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
77%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+29.4%)
3y 6m (~6m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 188 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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