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 .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1, 9, 11-12, and 17-18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Nakamura et al. (United States Patent Application Publication 20160097843 A1), hereinafter Nakamura.
Regarding claim 1, Nakamura teaches a radiation emitting device for emitting light ([0010] The present invention aims to provide an optical element capable projecting a light beam to a projection region with a desired intensity distribution.), wherein the device comprises:
a laser light source configured to emit the light along an emission direction ([0055] Referring to FIG. 1, an X-axis corresponds to a direction in which a light beam (light flux) is emitted from a laser diode LD); and
a non-imaging optical system arranged downstream of the laser light source in the emission direction ([0056] The projection optical system 11 includes the laser diode LD, a first optical element L11 and a second optical element L12.); wherein:
the optical system comprises a plurality of optical elements arranged along the radiation emitting direction for shaping a radiation characteristic of the radiation emitting device in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction such that the radiation characteristic along the vertical direction is asymmetric ([Fig. 1]; [0056] a first optical element L11 and a second optical element L12.; [0065] The laser diode LD may have the diffusion angle in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) smaller than that in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).; [0069] the first optical element L11 is required to cover the light volume deficiency in a region...while diffusing the light beam in the horizontal direction.; [0086] The second optical element L12 therefore has the refractive power at least in one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. In FIG. 7, the second optical element L12 has the refractive power in the Y-axis direction.),
a first optical element of the optical system is intended and configured to cause a spreading of the light along the horizontal direction ([0069] the first optical element L11 is required to cover the light volume deficiency in a region...while diffusing the light beam in the horizontal direction.;),
a second optical element of the optical system is provided and configured to effect collimation of the light along the vertical direction ([0086] The second optical element L12 therefore has the refractive power at least in one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. In FIG. 7, the second optical element L12 has the refractive power in the Y-axis direction),
a third optical element of the optical system is intended and configured to effect radiation asymmetry along the vertical direction ([0096] The third optical element L13 receives the light beam...forms an image on the light-receiving plane of the photodiode PD.; [Fig. 9-10]).
Regarding claim 9, Nakamura teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the second optical element comprises a lens body ([fig. 1]; [0085] The second optical element L12 is a cylindrical lens).
Regarding claim 11, Nakamura teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third optical elements are formed separately from each other ([Fig. 1]).
Regarding claim 12, Nakamura teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 1, wherein at least two optical elements are integrally formed ([Fig. 1]; [0058] a distance d2 from an emission plane of the first optical element L11 to an incidence plane of the second optical element L12 is 10 mm.).
Regarding claim 17, Nakamura teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the laser light source is oriented such that a fast axis of the emitted light is aligned along the horizontal direction ([0064] The laser diode LD differs in a diffusion angle between the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) and the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the laser diode LD has the diffusion angle in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) larger than that in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).).
Regarding claim 18, Nakamura teaches a measurement system comprising:
a radiation emitting device according to claim 1; and a detector unit ([0061] The light-receiving optical system 12 includes a photodiode PD).
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.
Claims 2, 3-8, and 21 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Nakamura in view of Stigwall et al. (United States Patent Application Publication 20170123053 A1), hereinafter Stigwall
Regarding claim 2, Nakamura teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 1,
Nakamura fails to teach the device wherein the first optical element and/or the third optical element comprises a microlens array having a plurality of microlenses,
However, Stigwall teaches device wherein the first optical element and/or the third optical element comprises a microlens array having a plurality of microlenses ([Fig. 3b]; [0100] The beam forming assembly 32 further comprises two cylindrical lenslet arrays 34,35),
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of this invention to modify the invention of Nakamura to comprise the microlens array optical element similar to Stigwall, with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of using a device known to the art to further shape the beam to a desired vertical and horizontal configuration.
Regarding claim 3, Nakamura, as modified above, teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 2, wherein the laser light source comprises at least one laser emitter unit and each of the at least one laser emitter unit is configured to emit light onto a plurality of the microlenses ([0056] The projection optical system 11 includes the laser diode LD),
Regarding claim 4, Nakamura, as modified, teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 2,
Nakamura fails to teach the device wherein the microlenses are formed by structures extending in one direction.
However, Stigwall teaches a device wherein the microlenses are formed by structures extending in one direction. ([0100] two cylindrical lenslet arrays 34,35)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of this invention to modify the invention of Nakamura to comprise the structured microlens similar to Stigwall, with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of using a known method of developing microlens arrays.
Regarding claim 5, Nakamura, as modified, teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 4,
Nakamura fails to teach the device wherein each of said microlenses is formed by a cylindrical lens.
However, Stigwall teaches a device wherein each of said microlenses is formed by a cylindrical lens [0100] two cylindrical lenslet arrays 34,35).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of this invention to modify the invention of Nakamura to comprise the cylindrical lens array similar to Stigwall, with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of using a known method of microlens for the desired beam shaping.
Regarding claim 6, Nakamura, as modified above, teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 4, wherein the first optical element comprises structures extending in the vertical direction ([Fig. 1]; [Fig. 5]).
Regarding claim 7, Nakamura, as modified, teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 4,
Nakamura fails to teach the device wherein the third optical element comprises structures extending in the horizontal direction.
However, Stigwall teaches a device wherein the third optical element comprises structures extending in the horizontal direction ([0100] two cylindrical lenslet arrays 34,35 which substantially do not influence beam forming in vertical direction but which are positioned and aligned so that a beam forming in horizontal direction is enabled.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of this invention to modify the invention of Nakamura to comprise the optical element structure similar to Stigwall, with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of using a known method of lens construction to achieve the desired beam shape.
Regarding claim 8, Nakamura, as modified, teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 7,
Nakamura fails to teach the device wherein the structures are asymmetric in the vertical direction.
However, Stigwall teaches a device wherein the structures are asymmetric in the vertical direction ([0100] two cylindrical lenslet arrays 34,35 which substantially do not influence beam forming in vertical direction but which are positioned and aligned so that a beam forming in horizontal direction is enabled.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of this invention to modify the invention of Nakamura to comprise the asymmetrical structure of an optical element similar to Stigwall, with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of using a known method of lens construction to achieve a desired beam shape.
Regarding claim 21, Nakamura teaches a radiation emitting device for emitting light ([0010] The present invention aims to provide an optical element capable projecting a light beam to a projection region with a desired intensity distribution.), wherein the device comprises:
a laser light source configured to emit the light along an emission direction ([0055] Referring to FIG. 1, an X-axis corresponds to a direction in which a light beam (light flux) is emitted from a laser diode LD); and
a non-imaging optical system arranged downstream of the laser light source in the emission direction ([0056] The projection optical system 11 includes the laser diode LD, a first optical element L11 and a second optical element L12.); wherein:
the optical system comprises a plurality of optical elements arranged along the radiation emitting direction for shaping a radiation characteristic of the radiation emitting device in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction such that the radiation characteristic along the vertical direction is asymmetric ([Fig. 1]; [0056] a first optical element L11 and a second optical element L12.; [0065] The laser diode LD may have the diffusion angle in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) smaller than that in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).; [0069] the first optical element L11 is required to cover the light volume deficiency in a region...while diffusing the light beam in the horizontal direction.; [0086] The second optical element L12 therefore has the refractive power at least in one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. In FIG. 7, the second optical element L12 has the refractive power in the Y-axis direction.),
a first optical element of the optical system is intended and configured to cause a spreading of the light along the horizontal direction ([0069] the first optical element L11 is required to cover the light volume deficiency in a region...while diffusing the light beam in the horizontal direction.;),
a second optical element of the optical system is provided and configured to effect collimation of the light along the vertical direction ([0086] The second optical element L12 therefore has the refractive power at least in one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. In FIG. 7, the second optical element L12 has the refractive power in the Y-axis direction),
a third optical element of the optical system is intended and configured to effect radiation asymmetry along the vertical direction ([0096] The third optical element L13 receives the light beam...forms an image on the light-receiving plane of the photodiode PD.; [Fig. 9-10]),
Nakamura fails to teach the device wherein the third optical element comprises a microlens array having a plurality of microlenses.
However, Stigwall teaches a device wherein the third optical element comprises a microlens array having a plurality of microlenses ([Fig. 3b]; [0100] The beam forming assembly 32 further comprises two cylindrical lenslet arrays 34,35).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of this invention to modify the invention of Nakamura to comprise the microlens array optical element similar to Stigwall, with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of using a device known to the art to further shape the beam to a desired vertical and horizontal configuration.
Claim 10 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Nakamura in view of Jesurun (United States Patent Application Publication 20190258068 A1), hereinafter Jesurun
Regarding claim 10, Nakamura teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 1,
Nakamura fails to teach the device wherein the second optical element is movable in the vertical direction.
However, Jesurun teaches a device wherein the second optical element is movable in the vertical direction. ([0038] In FIG. 3B, first optical element 40 and second optical element 60 move in opposite directions in relation to optical axis X, thereby aligning in an offset orientation to spread the light beam exiting assembly 20A.)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of this invention to modify the invention of Nakamura to comprise the movable optical element similar to Jesurun, with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of shifting the focus of a lens or directing optical element to a desired orientation for beam shaping.
Claims 14-16, and 19-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Nakamura in view of Vuletici et al. (United States Patent Application Publication 20220187425 A1), hereinafter Vuletici.
Regarding claim 14, Nakamura teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 1,
Nakamura fails to explicitly teach the device further comprising a housing body in which the laser light source is arranged, wherein the optical elements of the optical system are arranged in or on the housing body.
However, Vuletici teaches a device further comprising a housing body in which the laser light source is arranged, wherein the optical elements of the optical system are arranged in or on the housing body ([Fig. 6]; [0014] The laser module 26 includes a housing 28 having a hermetically-sealed cavity 30. The housing 28 includes a base 32 that is connected to the back cover 16. The laser module 26 includes a laser 34 disposed in the hermetically-sealed cavity 30 and supported by the base 32.; [0040] The laser 34 may include a laser diode 78, an axial lens 80, and a laser crystal 82, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of this invention to modify the invention of Nakamura to comprise the housing body arrangement of the device similar to Vuletici, with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of ensuring the optical device is self-contained.
Regarding claim 15, Nakamura, as modified, teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 14,
Nakamura fails to teach the device wherein at least one optical element of the optical system encloses with the housing body a hermetically sealed interior space in which at least the laser light source is disposed.
However, Vuletici teaches a device wherein at least one optical element of the optical system encloses with the housing body a hermetically sealed interior space in which at least the laser light source is disposed ([Fig. 6]; [0014] The laser module 26 includes a housing 28 having a hermetically-sealed cavity 30. The housing 28 includes a base 32 that is connected to the back cover 16. The laser module 26 includes a laser 34 disposed in the hermetically-sealed cavity 30 and supported by the base 32.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of this invention to modify the invention of Nakamura to comprise the hermetically sealed device similar to Vuletici, with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of ensuring the device is self-contained and non-contaminable by outside elements.
Regarding claim 16, Nakamura teaches the radiation emitting device according to claim 1,
Nakamura fails to teach the device wherein an optical element of the optical system forms an exit window of the radiation emitting device through which the light is emitted into the surroundings.
However, Vuletici teaches a device wherein an optical element of the optical system forms an exit window of the radiation emitting device through which the light is emitted into the surroundings ([Fig. 6]; [0014] The laser module 26 includes a housing 28 having a hermetically-sealed cavity 30. The housing 28 includes a base 32 that is connected to the back cover 16. The laser module 26 includes a laser 34 disposed in the hermetically-sealed cavity 30 and supported by the base 32.; [0038] In such examples, the monolithic lens may be of any suitable type that shapes light from the light emitter 30 toward the outer optical fascia 50. For example, the lens package may include a diffuser 76. The lens package may, for example, include a diffractive optical element, a diffractive diffuser, a refractive diffuser, a blazed grating, etc.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of this invention to modify the invention of Nakamura to comprise the optical element window similar to Vuletici, with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of optimizing the space of the contained optical system and ensure signal fidelity to the environment.
Regarding claim 19, Nakamura teaches the measurement system according to claim 18,
Nakamura fails to explicitly teach the device wherein the laser light source and the detector unit are arranged in a common housing body.
However, Vuletici teaches a device wherein the laser light source and the detector unit are arranged in a common housing body ([Fig. 6]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of this invention to modify the invention of Nakamura to comprise the common housing body similar to Vuletici, with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of ensuring the device is entirely self-contained.
Regarding claim 20, Nakamura teaches a measurement system according to claim 18
Nakamura fails to teach the system mounted on a vehicle.
However, Vuletici teaches a system mounted on a vehicle ([0017] FIG. 1 shows an example vehicle 22. The assembly 10 is, or is a component of, a lidar system 40 of the vehicle 22. The assembly 10 is mounted to the vehicle 22).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of this invention to modify the invention of Nakamura to comprise the vehicle mounting similar to Vuletici, with a reasonable expectation of success. This would have the predictable result of using the optical system described in a real-world setting with a known use and function.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ROBERT WILLIAM VASQUEZ JR whose telephone number is (571)272-3745. The examiner can normally be reached Monday thru Thursday, Flex Friday, 8:00-5:00 PST.
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/ROBERT W VASQUEZ/Examiner, Art Unit 3645
/HELAL A ALGAHAIM/SPE , Art Unit 3645