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 .
This Office Action is in response to Applicant Amendment and Arguments filed on 6/9/2026.
Claim(s) 1 -2 and 4-16 are pending for examination.
This Action is made FINAL.
Response to Arguments
With regards to claim(s) 1-2 and 4-16 previously rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103, arguments have been fully considered, but are not persuasive.
Applicant argues: “The Action relies upon Abramson to allegedly teach the claimed "plurality of communication devices." Action at 13. Specifically, the Action refers to Abramson describing "a boundary wire arranged around the perimeter of the work area," and further refers to "a virtual perimeter or geofence, utilizing for example, global positioning (GPS), or radio frequency identification (RFID), to define the geographic boundary of the work area" as allegedly disclosing this limitation. Abramson at [0105]-[0107]; Action at 13. However, none of these examples teach or suggest "a plurality of communication devices." Moreover, there is not even a mention of any communication device, let alone two or more communication devices being used in the claimed limitation anywhere in Abramson.
Even assuming arguendo, that such citations were to inherently suggest the existence of a plurality of communication devices (to which the Applicant respectfully disagrees), there is no mention on what any such a communication device would be configured to do. In particular, there is no teaching, suggestion, or even a mention of two or more communication devices, each having a dual functionality - i.e., "display information relating to the connecting road and the plurality of work areas and transmit position information of the respective communication device" as recited in the present claims. Thus, Abramson fails to teach or suggest "wherein each communication device is ... configured to: display information relating to the connecting road and the plurality of work areas and transmit position information of the respective communication device," as in claim 1. The Office has not shown that Tamatani or Sasakura would supply the deficiencies of Abramson.”
Due to the change in scope of the claims, examiner is no longer relying on Abramson to teach the communication devices, but rather Selevan teaches the communication devices.
Applicant also argues “Claim 4 depends from claim 1, which is patentable over Tamatani, Sasakura, and Abramson as discussed above. The Office has not shown that Selevan would supply the deficiencies of Tamatani, Sasakura, and Abramson. Dependent claim 4 is therefore patentable over Tamatani, Sasakura, Abramson, and Selevan for at least the same reasons. Reconsideration and withdrawal of the rejections is requested.”
Examiner disagrees. Selevan teaches the communication devices can display information regarding the running area boundary as discussed in para [0077-0088] and teaches that the can communicate a location information that is used to form a operating boundary for vehicles as discussed in para [0086].
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are a “setting process unit configured to…” as recited in claim 12.
Because these claim limitations are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, they are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
Regarding the setting process unit the specification states in para [0051] “The operation control unit 21 has a control device such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is a processor that performs various types of arithmetic processes. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit that preliminarily stores a control program, such as a BIOS, an OS, or the like, that causes the CPU to perform various types of arithmetic processes. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage unit that stores various types of information, and is used as a transient storage memory of various processes performed by the CPU. Then, the operation control unit 21 causes the CPU to perform various control programs, which are preliminarily stored in the ROM or the storage unit 22, thereby to control the operation terminal 20.” and para [0052] “As shown in FIG. 1, the operation control unit 21 includes various process units such as a setting process unit 211, a reception process unit 212, an acquisition process unit 213, a generation process unit 214, and an output process unit 215. Further, the operation control unit 21 causes the CPU to perform the various processes, which accord to the control programs, thereby to function as the various process units. Further, a part or all of the process units may include an electronic circuit. Note that the control program may be a program that causes a plurality of processors to function as the process units.” Thus the setting process unit will be interpreted as a processor and memory.
If applicant does not intend to have these limitations interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitations to avoid them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recites sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim(s) 1, 2, 5-8, 12, and 13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tamatani et al. ( US 20220400597 A1, hereinafter known as Tamatani) in view of Sasakura (Machine translation of JP 2022032805 A), and Selevan et al. (US 20210237777 A1, hereinafter known as Selevan).
Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan was cited in a previous office action.
Regarding claim 1, Tamatani teaches A setting method that performs operations comprising:
setting an inter-area route that causes a work vehicle to automatically run on a connecting road that connects a plurality of work areas;
{Para [0110] “The route creation unit 105 is capable of creating, in addition to the travel route L1 in the agricultural field described above, the road travel route L2 for traveling on a road between agricultural fields. Creation of the road travel route L2, which is performed by the route creation unit 105, will be described. For example, in some cases, the tractor 1 is caused to move from one agricultural field to another agricultural field by automatic operation. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating how the tractor 1 moves by automatic operation from an agricultural field FA to an agricultural field FB. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, to cause the tractor 1 to move from the agricultural field FA to the agricultural field FB by automatic operation, the route creation unit 105 creates the road travel route L2 (planned road travel route) from the agricultural field FA to the agricultural field FB. Specifically, when the operator or the like performs a predetermined operation on the display unit 50, the controller 60 displays a setting screen M3 for setting the road travel route L2. The setting screen M3 has a field portion FL that displays the map MP1 having the plurality of agricultural field maps MP2 (including the agricultural field maps MP2 of the agricultural field FA, the agricultural field FB, etc.).”
}
setting, as an automatic run permission area in which automatic running of the work vehicle is permitted, a predetermined range including the plurality of work areas and the connecting road for entering each of the plurality of work areas, and
{Para [0111] “In response to the operator or the like operating the display unit 50, the route creation unit 105 creates, on the map MP1 displayed in the field portion FL, the road travel route L2 from the agricultural field FA to the agricultural field FB. In the map MP1, the agricultural fields FA to FI and non-agricultural-field regions are each associated with position information (latitude and longitude). The route storage unit 106 stores the road travel route L2. When the route creation unit 105 creates the road travel route L2, the map registration unit 101 sets a region including the road travel route L2 as a road RD, and stores a road map MP3 including the position information of the road travel route L2 and the road RD in the map storage unit 102. Examples of the road RD include an automobile road, a forest road, and a farm road. The map storage unit 102 stores the road map MP3 (including the road travel route L2 and the road RD) in addition to the agricultural field maps MP2 and data indicating the outlines of the agricultural fields (data for representing the predetermined agricultural fields). Further, the map registration unit 101 causes the map storage unit 102 to store an aggregate map SMP, which is obtained by aggregation of the agricultural field maps MP2 and the road map MP3. As described above, when the road travel route L2 is created, the automatic travel control unit 61 performs control of straight-line automatic operation so that the tractor 1 travels along the road travel route L2.”
Para [0112] “In the first preferred embodiment described above, the road travel route L2 is created in response to the operator or the like operating the display unit 50. Alternatively, in response to the operator or the like selecting the agricultural field FA as a departure place and the agricultural field FB as a destination place on the setting screen M3, the controller 60 may automatically set the road travel route L2.”
}
Controlling steering of the work vehicle such that the work vehicle automatically runs along the inter-area route within the automatic run permission area.
{Para [0111] “In response to the operator or the like operating the display unit 50, the route creation unit 105 creates, on the map MP1 displayed in the field portion FL, the road travel route L2 from the agricultural field FA to the agricultural field FB. In the map MP1, the agricultural fields FA to FI and non-agricultural-field regions are each associated with position information (latitude and longitude). The route storage unit 106 stores the road travel route L2. When the route creation unit 105 creates the road travel route L2, the map registration unit 101 sets a region including the road travel route L2 as a road RD, and stores a road map MP3 including the position information of the road travel route L2 and the road RD in the map storage unit 102. Examples of the road RD include an automobile road, a forest road, and a farm road. The map storage unit 102 stores the road map MP3 (including the road travel route L2 and the road RD) in addition to the agricultural field maps MP2 and data indicating the outlines of the agricultural fields (data for representing the predetermined agricultural fields). Further, the map registration unit 101 causes the map storage unit 102 to store an aggregate map SMP, which is obtained by aggregation of the agricultural field maps MP2 and the road map MP3. As described above, when the road travel route L2 is created, the automatic travel control unit 61 performs control of straight-line automatic operation so that the tractor 1 travels along the road travel route L2.”
Para [0065] “As illustrated in FIG. 3, during automatic travel of the tractor 1, when the deviation of the vehicle-body position from the travel route L1 is less than a threshold value, the automatic travel control unit 61 maintains the rotation angle of the steering shaft (rotation shaft) 11b. When the deviation of the vehicle-body position from the travel route L1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value and the tractor 1 is to the left of the travel route L1, the automatic travel control unit 61 causes the steering shaft 11b to rotate so that the tractor 1 is steered to the right. When the deviation of the vehicle-body position from the travel route L1 is greater than or equal to the threshold value and the tractor 1 is to the right of the travel route L1, the automatic travel control unit 61 causes the steering shaft 11b to rotate so that the tractor 1 is steered to the left.”
}
Tamatani does not teach, prohibiting automatic running of the work vehicle outside the automatic run permission area;
However, Sasakura teaches prohibiting automatic running of the work vehicle outside the automatic run permission area;
{Para [0049] “Further, in the automatic work control mode 35, when the tractor 10 is automatically working in the field 9, the tractor 10 deviates from the planned route from the position information of the tractor 10 and is surrounded by the shape of the field 9 (enclosed by the outer peripheral storage point Pa). When it detects a movement that is likely to deviate from the shape), the tractor 10 is suspended. This prevents the tractor 10 from deviating from the shape of the field 9. The tractor 10 at the time of being temporarily stopped is then returned to the shape of the field 9 by automatically moving backward or steering so as to be returned to the planned route.”
}
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Tamatani to incorporate the teachings of Sasakura to stop the vehicle when it is going to leave the run area because it improves safety. Having the vehicle stay within the run area can help prevent collisions with persons/vehicles outside the area who were not expecting a deviation.
Tamatani in view of Sasakura does not teach, acquiring, from a plurality of communication devices, position information of respective positions of the plurality of communication devices, wherein each communication device is selectively placed on the connecting road and configured to: display information relating to the connecting road and the plurality of work areas; and transmit position information of the respective communication device;
the predetermined range being a range surrounded by a plurality of positions corresponding to the acquired position information
However, Selevan teaches acquiring, from a plurality of communication devices, position information of respective positions of the plurality of communication devices, wherein each communication device is selectively placed on the connecting road and configured to: display information relating to the connecting road and the plurality of work areas; and transmit position information of the respective communication device;
{Fig. 7 and Para [0077-0080] “A series of electronic displays 322 programmed to show illuminated arrows directing traffic to move to the left, with attached housings 300 equipped with the node circuit board 100 as described above; and A reflective traffic barrel 324 having a flashing warning light 326 mounted thereon with a housing 300 equipped with the gateway circuit board 200 attached thereto.
In the example of FIG. 7, an operator of the oncoming vehicle may, at minimum, perceive visible light being cast trough the traffic cones 304, or a barrel 324, and from the illuminated signs 300 and may visualize other aspects of the various signs and objects as they come within view. However, beyond such direct line-of-sight visualization by a vehicle operator, the various devices shown in FIG. 7 may provide additional information to vehicles V which are equipped with GPS (GNSS), infrared sensors, cameras, autopilot and/or autonomous control capabilities. For example, vehicles or vehicle occupants who have GPS navigation system(s) or access to internet-based GPS information may receive information from the work zone shown in FIG. 7 before coming within visualization distance of the work zone. The work zone devices, 100 and 200, may communicate directly with the vehicle V via radio communication to deliver their data, or multiple devices 100 can transmit their Ground Truth data (location, temperature, humidity, orientation to gravity, etc.) to the gateway 200 mounted atop barrel 324 in enclosure 300. Gateway 200 will then transmit the collection of data provided by all devices 100 (and sensors in 200 as well) to Cloud 1. This may occur by cellular communication or, as noted above, by direct fiber-optic connection if such connection is available.
Processing and re-transmission of these data in Cloud 1 will be followed, in real time, by transmission to the internet and to Cloud 2. From Cloud 2 specific data, such as location, asset type (barrel, barricade, concrete barrier, sign, message board) will be delivered via cellular connectivity to the vehicle for on-board processing (autonomous vehicles) and display on the user interface in the dashboard of the vehicle V. In such fiber-optic connected embodiments, nodes 10a and 300/100 will continue to communicate with gateway 300/200 but the gateway 300/200 may use the fiber optic network, rather than cellular connectivity) to connect to Cloud 1.”
Both arrows and a warning light can be considered a display unit that displays information to prohibit an entry. The system also has wireless communication circuitry as discussed above.
Tamatani already teaches an area being the automatic run area.
}
the predetermined range being a range surrounded by a plurality of positions corresponding to the acquired position information
{para [0086] “Another example is where an autonomous or other automated control vehicle V is aided by the system when it approaches within a certain range (e.g., 3 kilometers) of the work zone. The traffic cone 304 (or other delineator so equipped with sensor 300/100 or 10a) provides GPS GNSS location data. These bits of location data are constantly sent, via the mesh network to gateway 300/200, which forwards these data, via fiber optic or cellular connectivity, to Cloud 1. The latitude and longitude data points are then transmitted to Cloud 2 and then from Cloud 2 to the approaching vehicle V within 3 kilometers of the work zone position. On board computers in the vehicle V may then draw a virtual line connecting these objects, thereby creating a “hard” virtual barrier and may cause the vehicle to navigate in a manner that does not cross or encroach too closely to the virtual line. This provides a safe work zone wherein personnel are protected by real time Ground Truth data.”
}
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Tamatani in view of Sasakura to incorporate the teachings of Selevan to have displayed prohibiting entry into a work area because improves safety (para [0006] “The increasing commonality of vehicles equipped with GPS navigation systems, automated driver warning/assist systems and autopilot or autonomous driving systems has given rise to a need for new devices and methods for promoting work zone safety by signaling or otherwise providing notice to oncoming vehicles of work zone locations and/or other hazards. Guiding vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, or other moving objects through congested or dangerous areas requires easily identifiable cues. These cues may be in the form of signage (yield, stop, speed limit, arrows, for example) or delineators (traffic cones, barrels, vertical panels and the like”)
Regarding claim 2, Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan teaches The setting method according to claim 1.
Tamatani further teaches wherein a range selected by a user in map information is set as the automatic run permission area.
{Fig. 11A and Para [0112] “In the first preferred embodiment described above, the road travel route L2 is created in response to the operator or the like operating the display unit 50. Alternatively, in response to the operator or the like selecting the agricultural field FA as a departure place and the agricultural field FB as a destination place on the setting screen M3, the controller 60 may automatically set the road travel route L2.”
Where a setting screen is shown in fig. 11A
}
Regarding Claim 4, Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Seleven teaches The setting method according to claim 1.
Selevan teaches wherein the communication devices are each provided with a display unit that displays information to prohibit an entry into the automatic run permission area.
{Fig. 7 and Para [0077-0080] “A series of electronic displays 322 programmed to show illuminated arrows directing traffic to move to the left, with attached housings 300 equipped with the node circuit board 100 as described above; and A reflective traffic barrel 324 having a flashing warning light 326 mounted thereon with a housing 300 equipped with the gateway circuit board 200 attached thereto.
In the example of FIG. 7, an operator of the oncoming vehicle may, at minimum, perceive visible light being cast trough the traffic cones 304, or a barrel 324, and from the illuminated signs 300 and may visualize other aspects of the various signs and objects as they come within view. However, beyond such direct line-of-sight visualization by a vehicle operator, the various devices shown in FIG. 7 may provide additional information to vehicles V which are equipped with GPS (GNSS), infrared sensors, cameras, autopilot and/or autonomous control capabilities. For example, vehicles or vehicle occupants who have GPS navigation system(s) or access to internet-based GPS information may receive information from the work zone shown in FIG. 7 before coming within visualization distance of the work zone. The work zone devices, 100 and 200, may communicate directly with the vehicle V via radio communication to deliver their data, or multiple devices 100 can transmit their Ground Truth data (location, temperature, humidity, orientation to gravity, etc.) to the gateway 200 mounted atop barrel 324 in enclosure 300. Gateway 200 will then transmit the collection of data provided by all devices 100 (and sensors in 200 as well) to Cloud 1. This may occur by cellular communication or, as noted above, by direct fiber-optic connection if such connection is available.
Processing and re-transmission of these data in Cloud 1 will be followed, in real time, by transmission to the internet and to Cloud 2. From Cloud 2 specific data, such as location, asset type (barrel, barricade, concrete barrier, sign, message board) will be delivered via cellular connectivity to the vehicle for on-board processing (autonomous vehicles) and display on the user interface in the dashboard of the vehicle V. In such fiber-optic connected embodiments, nodes 10a and 300/100 will continue to communicate with gateway 300/200 but the gateway 300/200 may use the fiber optic network, rather than cellular connectivity) to connect to Cloud 1.”
Both arrows and a warning light can be considered a display unit that displays information to prohibit an entry. The system also has wireless communication circuitry as discussed above.
Tamatani already teaches an area being the automatic run area.
}
Regarding claim 5, Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan teaches The setting method according to claim 1.
Tamatani further teaches wherein in an operation terminal of a user, each of the automatic run permission area and the inter-area route is identifiably displayed in map information.
{Fig. 11A and Para [0110] “The route creation unit 105 is capable of creating, in addition to the travel route L1 in the agricultural field described above, the road travel route L2 for traveling on a road between agricultural fields. Creation of the road travel route L2, which is performed by the route creation unit 105, will be described. For example, in some cases, the tractor 1 is caused to move from one agricultural field to another agricultural field by automatic operation. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating how the tractor 1 moves by automatic operation from an agricultural field FA to an agricultural field FB. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, to cause the tractor 1 to move from the agricultural field FA to the agricultural field FB by automatic operation, the route creation unit 105 creates the road travel route L2 (planned road travel route) from the agricultural field FA to the agricultural field FB. Specifically, when the operator or the like performs a predetermined operation on the display unit 50, the controller 60 displays a setting screen M3 for setting the road travel route L2. The setting screen M3 has a field portion FL that displays the map MP1 having the plurality of agricultural field maps MP2 (including the agricultural field maps MP2 of the agricultural field FA, the agricultural field FB, etc.).”
}
Regarding claim 6, Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan teaches The setting method according to claim 1.
Tamatani further teaches wherein, in an operation terminal of a user, among a plurality of inter-area routes which are preset, the inter-area route positioned in the automatic run permission area is settably displayed.
{Fig. 11A and Para [0110] “The route creation unit 105 is capable of creating, in addition to the travel route L1 in the agricultural field described above, the road travel route L2 for traveling on a road between agricultural fields. Creation of the road travel route L2, which is performed by the route creation unit 105, will be described. For example, in some cases, the tractor 1 is caused to move from one agricultural field to another agricultural field by automatic operation. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating how the tractor 1 moves by automatic operation from an agricultural field FA to an agricultural field FB. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, to cause the tractor 1 to move from the agricultural field FA to the agricultural field FB by automatic operation, the route creation unit 105 creates the road travel route L2 (planned road travel route) from the agricultural field FA to the agricultural field FB. Specifically, when the operator or the like performs a predetermined operation on the display unit 50, the controller 60 displays a setting screen M3 for setting the road travel route L2. The setting screen M3 has a field portion FL that displays the map MP1 having the plurality of agricultural field maps MP2 (including the agricultural field maps MP2 of the agricultural field FA, the agricultural field FB, etc.).”
As seen in fig. 11A multiple routes are possible but one is selected.
}
Regarding claim 7, Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan teaches An automatic run method that, in the automatic run permission area set by the setting method according to claim 1.
Tamatani further teaches causes the work vehicle to automatically run following the inter-area route.
{Rejection of claim 1 discuss the area setting taught by Tamatani. Additionally Tamatani discloses Para [0064] “The controller 60 includes an automatic travel control unit 61 that controls automatic travel of the tractor 1. The automatic travel control unit 61 is implemented by the electric and electronic circuits of the controller 60 and a program stored in the CPU or the like, for example. Upon start of automatic travel, the automatic travel control unit 61 controls the control valve 22 of the steering device 11 such that the traveling vehicle 3 travels along a travel route L1 (planned travel route) in an agricultural field or a road travel route L2 (planned road travel route) between agricultural fields described below. Upon start of automatic travel, furthermore, the automatic travel control unit 61 automatically changes the gear position of the transmission 5, the rotational speed of the prime mover 4, and the like to control the vehicle speed (or velocity) of the tractor 1. That is, the automatic travel control unit 61 is capable of performing control of straight-line automatic operation. In the control of straight-line automatic operation, for example, the steering device 11, the transmission 5, and the prime mover 4 are controlled such that the tractor 1 (the traveling vehicle 3) moves along the travel route L1 or the road travel route L2, which is set in advance.”
}
Regarding Claim 8, Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan teaches The automatic run method according to claim 7.
Sasakura teaches wherein when the work vehicle reaches a boundary of the automatic run permission area, the method causes the work vehicle to stop the automatic run.
{Para [0049] “Further, in the automatic work control mode 35, when the tractor 10 is automatically working in the field 9, the tractor 10 deviates from the planned route from the position information of the tractor 10 and is surrounded by the shape of the field 9 (enclosed by the outer peripheral storage point Pa). When it detects a movement that is likely to deviate from the shape), the tractor 10 is suspended. This prevents the tractor 10 from deviating from the shape of the field 9. The tractor 10 at the time of being temporarily stopped is then returned to the shape of the field 9 by automatically moving backward or steering so as to be returned to the planned route.”
}
Regarding Claim 9, Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan teaches The automatic run method according to claim 7
Selevan teaches wherein the method, when having detected an intruder that enters the automatic run permission area, causes information, which indicates the intruder, to be reported at the work vehicle and a user's operation terminal which are in the automatic run permission area.
{Para [0050] “With the IoT sensor, including accelerometer or other tilt sensor, the internally illuminated delineator can act as a warning bringing notification to workers of a vehicle intrusion into the work zone or pedestrian area. Should a vehicle enter a sector where pedestrians are working or congregating and the delineators are positioned where they must be struck to enter this area, an accelerometer would register the impact and send a radio signal or sound signal or light signal to warn workers or pedestrians that a vehicle has entered a protected area. As the sensor would be located on the circuit board of the light synchronizing network device, it is permanently installed in the cone or barrel or delineator and does not represent an “add on”. Hence, it is always part of the standard deployment of standard delineators, unlike dedicated intrusion systems. This represents an advance in the technology that lowers the cost and eases deployment of this safety system.”
Tamatani already teaches the automatic run area and a terminal on the vehicle (para [0071]) Selevan teaches alerting workers in the area by radio signal (implied to be wifi or some other radio signal that can be received by a personal device.)
}
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Tamatani in view of Sasakura to incorporate the teachings of Selevan to send an alert when there is an intruder because it improves safety (an alert can allow avoid being hit).
Regarding claim 12, it recites A setting system having limitations similar to those of claim 1 and therefore is rejected on the same basis.
Additionally Tamatani teaches A setting process unit configured to….
{ Para [0071] “The tractor 1 includes a travel support device 100. The travel support device 100 is a device that supports travel of a working vehicle such as a tractor. In the first preferred embodiment, examples of the travel support device 100 include portable terminals (or mobile terminals) such as a tablet, a smartphone, and a personal digital assistant (PDA), and fixed-type terminals (or fixed terminals) such as fixed computers, for example, a personal computer and a server. The travel support device 100 may be either a device attachable to or detachable from the tractor 1 or a device fixed to the tractor 1. In one example, the travel support device 100 is a tablet (or a mobile terminal) installed near the operator's seat 10.”
}
Regarding claim 13, it recites A setting program having limitations similar to those of claim 1 and therefore is rejected on the same basis.
Additionally Tamatani teaches A setting program storing processor executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations…
{Para [0071] “The tractor 1 includes a travel support device 100. The travel support device 100 is a device that supports travel of a working vehicle such as a tractor. In the first preferred embodiment, examples of the travel support device 100 include portable terminals (or mobile terminals) such as a tablet, a smartphone, and a personal digital assistant (PDA), and fixed-type terminals (or fixed terminals) such as fixed computers, for example, a personal computer and a server. The travel support device 100 may be either a device attachable to or detachable from the tractor 1 or a device fixed to the tractor 1. In one example, the travel support device 100 is a tablet (or a mobile terminal) installed near the operator's seat 10.”
Para [0110] “The route creation unit 105 is capable of creating, in addition to the travel route L1 in the agricultural field described above, the road travel route L2 for traveling on a road between agricultural fields. Creation of the road travel route L2, which is performed by the route creation unit 105, will be described. For example, in some cases, the tractor 1 is caused to move from one agricultural field to another agricultural field by automatic operation. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating how the tractor 1 moves by automatic operation from an agricultural field FA to an agricultural field FB. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, to cause the tractor 1 to move from the agricultural field FA to the agricultural field FB by automatic operation, the route creation unit 105 creates the road travel route L2 (planned road travel route) from the agricultural field FA to the agricultural field FB. Specifically, when the operator or the like performs a predetermined operation on the display unit 50, the controller 60 displays a setting screen M3 for setting the road travel route L2. The setting screen M3 has a field portion FL that displays the map MP1 having the plurality of agricultural field maps MP2 (including the agricultural field maps MP2 of the agricultural field FA, the agricultural field FB, etc.).”
}
Claim(s) 10-11 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tamatani et al. ( US 20220400597 A1, hereinafter known as Tamatani) in view of Sasakura (Machine translation of JP 2022032805 A), Selevan et al. (US 20210237777 A1, hereinafter known as Selevan), and Yamamura et al. (US 20210064045 A1, hereinafter known as Yamamura).
Yamamura was cited in a previous office action.
Regarding Claim 10, Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan teaches The automatic run method according to claim 7
Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan does not teach, wherein the method, when having detected an intruder that enters the automatic run permission area, controls the automatic run of the work vehicle in the automatic run permission area based on at least any of a position and work content of the work vehicle.
However, Yamamura teaches wherein the method, when having detected an intruder that enters the automatic run permission area, controls the automatic run of the work vehicle in the automatic run permission area based on at least any of a position and work content of the work vehicle.
{Para [0061] “The control unit 41 performs processing of setting the snow removal work region 54 for setting the boundary of the snow removal work region 54 by setting a virtual wire linearly connecting the marker 56 and the marker 56 to each other by acquiring photographed images of the poles 55 for work photographed by the camera 37 of the autonomous snow removing machine 1 and detecting the markers 56 of the poles 55 for work.”
Para [0070] “The self-traveling operation control performed by the control unit 41 includes control for detecting obstacles such as people and the houses 52 existing ahead of the autonomous snow removing machine 1 and causing the autonomous snow removing machine 1 to travel so as to avoid the obstacles when it is detected that the obstacles exist on the basis of image analysis in accordance with the photographed image obtained by the camera 37 or object detection performed the radar system 38.”
Para [0102-0103] “When it is determined that a person exists within the predetermined range ahead of the autonomous snow removing machine 1 (ST17: NO) and when it is determined that an obstacle exists (ST18: NO), the control unit 41 performs operation so as to avoid the person or the obstacle by controlling the traveling apparatuses 11 (ST23).
After the avoidance, the control unit 41 moves the shooter 33 so as to correspond to the snow collecting region 57 on the basis of the current location of the autonomous snow removing machine 1 (ST25).”
}
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan to incorporate the teachings of Yamamura to control the automatic run based on the presence of a person because it improves safety by decreasing the chances of an accident with the person.
Regarding Claim 11, Tamatani teaches The automatic run method according to claim 7
Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan does not teach, wherein the method, when having detected an intruder that enters the automatic run permission area, changes the inter-area route set for the work vehicle.
However, Yamamura teaches wherein the method, when having detected an intruder that enters the automatic run permission area, changes the inter-area route set for the work vehicle.
{Para [0061] “The control unit 41 performs processing of setting the snow removal work region 54 for setting the boundary of the snow removal work region 54 by setting a virtual wire linearly connecting the marker 56 and the marker 56 to each other by acquiring photographed images of the poles 55 for work photographed by the camera 37 of the autonomous snow removing machine 1 and detecting the markers 56 of the poles 55 for work.”
Para [0070] “The self-traveling operation control performed by the control unit 41 includes control for detecting obstacles such as people and the houses 52 existing ahead of the autonomous snow removing machine 1 and causing the autonomous snow removing machine 1 to travel so as to avoid the obstacles when it is detected that the obstacles exist on the basis of image analysis in accordance with the photographed image obtained by the camera 37 or object detection performed the radar system 38.”
Para [0102-0103] “When it is determined that a person exists within the predetermined range ahead of the autonomous snow removing machine 1 (ST17: NO) and when it is determined that an obstacle exists (ST18: NO), the control unit 41 performs operation so as to avoid the person or the obstacle by controlling the traveling apparatuses 11 (ST23).
After the avoidance, the control unit 41 moves the shooter 33 so as to correspond to the snow collecting region 57 on the basis of the current location of the autonomous snow removing machine 1 (ST25).”
}
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan to incorporate the teachings of Yamamura to change the route based on the presence of a person because it improves safety by decreasing the chances of an accident with the person.
Claim(s) 14-16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tamatani et al. ( US 20220400597 A1, hereinafter known as Tamatani) in view of Sasakura (Machine translation of JP 2022032805 A), Selevan et al. (US 20210237777 A1, hereinafter known as Selevan), and Gabrecht et al. (US 11281226 B2, hereinafter known as Gabrecht).
Gabrecht was previously cited as prior art made of record and not relied upon
Regarding Claim 14, Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan teaches The automatic run method according to claim 1.
Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan does not teach, the plurality of work areas include a first work area, a second work area, and a third work area, the work vehicle runs from the first work area to the second work area along the inter-area route, and the operations comprise setting a second inter-area route that causes the work vehicle to automatically run on the connecting road between the second work area and the third work area.
However, Gabrecht teaches the plurality of work areas include a first work area, a second work area, and a third work area, the work vehicle runs from the first work area to the second work area along the inter-area route, and the operations comprise setting a second inter-area route that causes the work vehicle to automatically run on the connecting road between the second work area and the third work area.
{Column 4-5 “The transport path and/or each one of the additional transport paths can alternatively be input via an interface, in particular a touchscreen. The transport path and/or each one of the additional transport paths can hereby also be determined as a function of actually existing spatial conditions and obstacles. It is furthermore possible to determine the transport path and/or each one of the additional transport paths in a particularly user-friendly manner by inputting the transport path and/or each one of the additional transport paths via the interface.”
Column 5 “the work area and/or each one of the additional work areas can hereby also be determined as a function of actually existing spatial conditions and obstacles. It is furthermore possible for the work area and/or each one of the additional work areas to be input via an interface, in particular a touchscreen. By inputting the work area and/or each one of the additional work areas via the interface, this is carried out in a particularly user-friendly manner.”
Column 9 “FIG. 1 shows a schematic drawing of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for determining a route 1 for a floor cleaning machine in a total area 2. The method according to the invention is provided for a floor cleaning machine comprising a cleaning element that can be activated for engagement with a floor surface. In a preferred embodiment, the total area 2 comprises a building with a plurality of rooms. FIG. 1 further shows a transport path 3 and six additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ as well as start/end areas 5 and additional start/end areas 5′, 5″, 5′″, 5″″, 5′″″, 5″″″. FIG. 1 also shows a work area 7 and five additional work areas 7′, 7″, T′″, 7″″, 7′″″ as well as a work path 9 and five additional work paths 9′, 9″, 9′″, 9″″, 9′″″. In the design example described here, the transport paths 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ partially extend between the rooms, and a portion of the start/end areas 5, 5′, 5″, 5′″, 5″″, 5′″″, 5″″″ is respectively provided in one room. Lastly, the work paths 9, 9′, 9″, 9′″, 9″″, 9′″″ extend along floor surfaces to be cleaned, in the case of the design example respectively in one room. FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which a first step 101 and a second step 102 and an optional third step 103 (dashed) are depicted.
In the first step 101, the transport path 3 and the six additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ are determined (see FIG. 1). In the design example described here this is achieved by teaching, by a user traveling the respective transport path 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ with the floor cleaning machine, whereby the spatial coordinates for the transport path 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ are recorded by the floor cleaning machine. Alternatively, it is also possible to determine the transport paths 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ by inputting the spatial coordinates into an interface of the floor cleaning machine, for example, whereby the spatial coordinates again define different points along the transport path 3 and the six additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″. The total area 2 hereby comprises the transport path 3 and the six additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″. The transport path 3 extends between a first and a second start/end area 5. Each of the additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ respectively extends between a first additional and a second additional start/end area 5′, 5″, 5′″, 5″″, 5′″″, 5″″″. The transport path 3 and each one of the additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ is respectively disposed such that, when traveling the route 1, the floor cleaning machine can move toward a floor surface to be cleaned in a room or away from a floor surface to be cleaned.”
Column 13 “The individual components of the route 1 shown in FIG. 1, i.e. the transport path 3, the additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″, the work path 9 and the additional work paths 9′, 9″, 9′″, 9″″, 9′″″, can be stored temporarily, for example in the interface or in the floor cleaning machine, and then used for determining different complex routes. A further route can be specified, for example, that comprises the transport path 3 and the work path 9. This route can be determined such that first the transport path 3, then the work path 9, and subsequently the transport path 3 is traveled by the floor cleaning machine. By combining the route and the further route to one total route, for example, a higher cleaning requirement can be addressed in the work area 7 compared to the additional work areas 7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″, 7′″″ because, in the case of such a total route, the work area 7 is cleaned twice as often as the additional work areas 7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″, 7′″″.
It is, for example, also provided that the operator determines or specifies at least one subset consisting of work area 7 and additional work areas 7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″, 7′″″ for the floor cleaning machine and, for the determined or specified work areas 7, 7′, 7″, T′″, 7″″, 7′″″, the floor cleaning machine autonomously determines the transport paths 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ and start/end areas 5, 5′, 5″, 5′″, 5″″, 5′″″, 5″″″ with respective corresponding supply devices or intermediate charging points, in particular charging stations or service stations, such as water change stations and/or sweepings disposal stations, for example, necessary for cleaning the work areas 7, 7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″, 7′″″.”
Where it is implied that up to all 6 work areas can be selected.
}
It would have been prima facie obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan to incorporate the teachings of Gabrecht because it improves time and cost efficiency Column 1 “When determining a route for a floor cleaning machine, it is desirable for an operator to determine the route depending on the position and arrangement of the work area to be cleaned or the work areas to be cleaned, such that the work area or work areas can be approached and cleaned as time-efficiently and cost-effectively as possible by the floor cleaning machine.”
Regarding Claim 15, Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan and Gabrecht teaches The automatic run method according to claim 14.
Gabrecht teaches comprising: controlling the work vehicle to perform work in the second work area subsequent to running along the inter-area route,and controlling the steering of the work vehicle such that the work vehicle runs from the second work area to the third work area along the second inter-area route in response to completion of performing the work in the second work area.
{Column 4-5 “The transport path and/or each one of the additional transport paths can alternatively be input via an interface, in particular a touchscreen. The transport path and/or each one of the additional transport paths can hereby also be determined as a function of actually existing spatial conditions and obstacles. It is furthermore possible to determine the transport path and/or each one of the additional transport paths in a particularly user-friendly manner by inputting the transport path and/or each one of the additional transport paths via the interface.”
Column 5 “the work area and/or each one of the additional work areas can hereby also be determined as a function of actually existing spatial conditions and obstacles. It is furthermore possible for the work area and/or each one of the additional work areas to be input via an interface, in particular a touchscreen. By inputting the work area and/or each one of the additional work areas via the interface, this is carried out in a particularly user-friendly manner.”
Column 9 “FIG. 1 shows a schematic drawing of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for determining a route 1 for a floor cleaning machine in a total area 2. The method according to the invention is provided for a floor cleaning machine comprising a cleaning element that can be activated for engagement with a floor surface. In a preferred embodiment, the total area 2 comprises a building with a plurality of rooms. FIG. 1 further shows a transport path 3 and six additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ as well as start/end areas 5 and additional start/end areas 5′, 5″, 5′″, 5″″, 5′″″, 5″″″. FIG. 1 also shows a work area 7 and five additional work areas 7′, 7″, T′″, 7″″, 7′″″ as well as a work path 9 and five additional work paths 9′, 9″, 9′″, 9″″, 9′″″. In the design example described here, the transport paths 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ partially extend between the rooms, and a portion of the start/end areas 5, 5′, 5″, 5′″, 5″″, 5′″″, 5″″″ is respectively provided in one room. Lastly, the work paths 9, 9′, 9″, 9′″, 9″″, 9′″″ extend along floor surfaces to be cleaned, in the case of the design example respectively in one room. FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which a first step 101 and a second step 102 and an optional third step 103 (dashed) are depicted.
In the first step 101, the transport path 3 and the six additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ are determined (see FIG. 1). In the design example described here this is achieved by teaching, by a user traveling the respective transport path 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ with the floor cleaning machine, whereby the spatial coordinates for the transport path 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ are recorded by the floor cleaning machine. Alternatively, it is also possible to determine the transport paths 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ by inputting the spatial coordinates into an interface of the floor cleaning machine, for example, whereby the spatial coordinates again define different points along the transport path 3 and the six additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″. The total area 2 hereby comprises the transport path 3 and the six additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″. The transport path 3 extends between a first and a second start/end area 5. Each of the additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ respectively extends between a first additional and a second additional start/end area 5′, 5″, 5′″, 5″″, 5′″″, 5″″″. The transport path 3 and each one of the additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ is respectively disposed such that, when traveling the route 1, the floor cleaning machine can move toward a floor surface to be cleaned in a room or away from a floor surface to be cleaned.”
Column 13 “The individual components of the route 1 shown in FIG. 1, i.e. the transport path 3, the additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″, the work path 9 and the additional work paths 9′, 9″, 9′″, 9″″, 9′″″, can be stored temporarily, for example in the interface or in the floor cleaning machine, and then used for determining different complex routes. A further route can be specified, for example, that comprises the transport path 3 and the work path 9. This route can be determined such that first the transport path 3, then the work path 9, and subsequently the transport path 3 is traveled by the floor cleaning machine. By combining the route and the further route to one total route, for example, a higher cleaning requirement can be addressed in the work area 7 compared to the additional work areas 7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″, 7′″″ because, in the case of such a total route, the work area 7 is cleaned twice as often as the additional work areas 7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″, 7′″″.
It is, for example, also provided that the operator determines or specifies at least one subset consisting of work area 7 and additional work areas 7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″, 7′″″ for the floor cleaning machine and, for the determined or specified work areas 7, 7′, 7″, T′″, 7″″, 7′″″, the floor cleaning machine autonomously determines the transport paths 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ and start/end areas 5, 5′, 5″, 5′″, 5″″, 5′″″, 5″″″ with respective corresponding supply devices or intermediate charging points, in particular charging stations or service stations, such as water change stations and/or sweepings disposal stations, for example, necessary for cleaning the work areas 7, 7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″, 7′″″.”
Where it is implied that up to all 6 work areas can be selected.
}
Regarding Claim 16, Tamatani in view of Sasakura and Selevan and Gabrecht teaches The automatic run method according to claim 14.
Gabrecht teaches comprising: controlling the work vehicle to perform work in the third work area subsequent to running along the second inter-area route.
{Column 4-5 “The transport path and/or each one of the additional transport paths can alternatively be input via an interface, in particular a touchscreen. The transport path and/or each one of the additional transport paths can hereby also be determined as a function of actually existing spatial conditions and obstacles. It is furthermore possible to determine the transport path and/or each one of the additional transport paths in a particularly user-friendly manner by inputting the transport path and/or each one of the additional transport paths via the interface.”
Column 5 “the work area and/or each one of the additional work areas can hereby also be determined as a function of actually existing spatial conditions and obstacles. It is furthermore possible for the work area and/or each one of the additional work areas to be input via an interface, in particular a touchscreen. By inputting the work area and/or each one of the additional work areas via the interface, this is carried out in a particularly user-friendly manner.”
Column 9 “FIG. 1 shows a schematic drawing of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for determining a route 1 for a floor cleaning machine in a total area 2. The method according to the invention is provided for a floor cleaning machine comprising a cleaning element that can be activated for engagement with a floor surface. In a preferred embodiment, the total area 2 comprises a building with a plurality of rooms. FIG. 1 further shows a transport path 3 and six additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ as well as start/end areas 5 and additional start/end areas 5′, 5″, 5′″, 5″″, 5′″″, 5″″″. FIG. 1 also shows a work area 7 and five additional work areas 7′, 7″, T′″, 7″″, 7′″″ as well as a work path 9 and five additional work paths 9′, 9″, 9′″, 9″″, 9′″″. In the design example described here, the transport paths 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ partially extend between the rooms, and a portion of the start/end areas 5, 5′, 5″, 5′″, 5″″, 5′″″, 5″″″ is respectively provided in one room. Lastly, the work paths 9, 9′, 9″, 9′″, 9″″, 9′″″ extend along floor surfaces to be cleaned, in the case of the design example respectively in one room. FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which a first step 101 and a second step 102 and an optional third step 103 (dashed) are depicted.
In the first step 101, the transport path 3 and the six additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ are determined (see FIG. 1). In the design example described here this is achieved by teaching, by a user traveling the respective transport path 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ with the floor cleaning machine, whereby the spatial coordinates for the transport path 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ are recorded by the floor cleaning machine. Alternatively, it is also possible to determine the transport paths 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ by inputting the spatial coordinates into an interface of the floor cleaning machine, for example, whereby the spatial coordinates again define different points along the transport path 3 and the six additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″. The total area 2 hereby comprises the transport path 3 and the six additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″. The transport path 3 extends between a first and a second start/end area 5. Each of the additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ respectively extends between a first additional and a second additional start/end area 5′, 5″, 5′″, 5″″, 5′″″, 5″″″. The transport path 3 and each one of the additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ is respectively disposed such that, when traveling the route 1, the floor cleaning machine can move toward a floor surface to be cleaned in a room or away from a floor surface to be cleaned.”
Column 13 “The individual components of the route 1 shown in FIG. 1, i.e. the transport path 3, the additional transport paths 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″, the work path 9 and the additional work paths 9′, 9″, 9′″, 9″″, 9′″″, can be stored temporarily, for example in the interface or in the floor cleaning machine, and then used for determining different complex routes. A further route can be specified, for example, that comprises the transport path 3 and the work path 9. This route can be determined such that first the transport path 3, then the work path 9, and subsequently the transport path 3 is traveled by the floor cleaning machine. By combining the route and the further route to one total route, for example, a higher cleaning requirement can be addressed in the work area 7 compared to the additional work areas 7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″, 7′″″ because, in the case of such a total route, the work area 7 is cleaned twice as often as the additional work areas 7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″, 7′″″.
It is, for example, also provided that the operator determines or specifies at least one subset consisting of work area 7 and additional work areas 7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″, 7′″″ for the floor cleaning machine and, for the determined or specified work areas 7, 7′, 7″, T′″, 7″″, 7′″″, the floor cleaning machine autonomously determines the transport paths 3, 3′, 3″, 3′″, 3″″, 3′″″, 3″″″ and start/end areas 5, 5′, 5″, 5′″, 5″″, 5′″″, 5″″″ with respective corresponding supply devices or intermediate charging points, in particular charging stations or service stations, such as water change stations and/or sweepings disposal stations, for example, necessary for cleaning the work areas 7, 7′, 7″, 7′″, 7″″, 7′″″.”
Where it is implied that up to all 6 work areas can be selected.
}
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Yamashita et al. (US 20170318732 A1) teaches in the abstract “In order to use a manned-travel work vehicle, such as a multi-purpose transport vehicle, for transporting machinery or material or for moving for the purpose of work, a rest or the like, and to cause an unmanned-travel work vehicle to reliably arrive at a destination using wireless communication, the present invention provides a work vehicle transport system. In the transport system, travel trajectory information about a travel trajectory of a first vehicle that is a manned-travel work vehicle to a work location is transmitted via wireless communication to a second vehicle, and it is determined whether the second vehicle is to perform unmanned-travel along the travel trajectory.”
Yuasa et al. (US 20220287218 A1) teaches in para [0097] “The positioning device 120 shown in FIG. 3 performs positioning of the work vehicle 100 by utilizing an RTK (Real Time Kinematic)-GNSS. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the work vehicle 100 which performs positioning based on an RTK-GNSS. In the positioning based on an RTK-GNSS, not only GNSS signals transmitted from multiple GNSS satellites 50, but also a correction signal that is transmitted from a reference station 60 is used. The reference station 60 may be disposed around the field that is traveled by the work vehicle 100 (e.g., at a position within 10 km of the work vehicle 100). The reference station 60 generates a correction signal based on the GNSS signals received from the multiple GNSS satellites 50, and transmits the correction signal to the positioning device 120. The GNSS receiver 121 in the positioning device 120 receives the GNSS signals transmitted from the multiple GNSS satellites 50. The RTK receiver 122 in the positioning device 120 receives the correction signal transmitted from the reference station 60. Based on the GNSS signals and the correction signal, the positioning device 120 calculates the position of the work vehicle 100, thus achieving positioning. Use of an RTK-GNSS enables positioning with an accuracy on the order of several cm of errors, for example. Positional information (including latitude, longitude, and altitude information) is acquired through the highly accurate positioning by an RTK-GNSS. The positioning device 120 may calculate the position of the work vehicle 100 as frequently as, e.g., one to ten times per second.”
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ALEXANDER MATTA whose telephone number is (571)272-4296. The examiner can normally be reached Mon - Fri 10:00-6:00.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, James Lee can be reached on (571) 270-5965. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/A.G.M./Examiner, Art Unit 3668
/JAMES J LEE/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3668
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