DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Amendment
The amendments filed on November 14, 2025 have been entered.
Claims 1, 15, and 22-24 have been amended.
Claim 18 has been canceled.
Claims 27-31 have been added.
Applicant’s amendment to the claims is sufficient to overcome the claim objections set forth in the previous office action. The examiner has withdrawn the objections.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed on November 14, 2025, have been fully considered but they are moot in view of the new grounds of rejection.
Information Disclosure Statement
Acknowledgment is made of the information disclosure statements filed on August 21, 2025. The U.S. patents and Foreign Patents have been considered.
Claim Objections
Claims 23 and 27 are objected to because of the following informalities:
Claim 23 recites the limitation in lines 5-6 “detecting an unauthorized access attempt to the fixture,” it should read “detecting the unauthorized access attempt to the fixture.”
Claim 27 recites the limitation in line 1 “wherein configuring comprises,” it should read “wherein configuring the shape of the field of detection…”
Appropriate correction is required.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the claims at issue are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010
(Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum,
686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); and In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on a nonstatutory double patenting ground provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with this application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed afterfinal for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO internet Web site contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit http://www.uspto.gov/forms/. The filing date of the application will determine what form should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using webscreens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to http://www.uspto.gov/patents/process/file/efs/guidance/eTD-info-I.jsp.
Claims 1-17, 19-20, 22-24, and 27-31 are rejected on the ground of the provisional nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-2, 4-10, 16-17, and 19-24 of the Application 18/060,759. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other as illustrated in the table below. The subject matter claimed in the instant application is fully disclosed in the referenced application since the referenced application and the instant application are claiming common subject matter, as shown in Table below.
Regarding Claim 1:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
1. A data center monitoring system comprising:
1. A data center monitoring system for detecting unauthorized access to a fixture in a data center, wherein the fixture defines an enclosure having a top edge, a bottom edge, and an access opening defined therebetween, the data center monitoring system comprising:
at least one sensor configured to be attached to a fixture in a data center, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to transmit an optical signal for detecting an unauthorized access attempt to the fixture;
an array of sensors configured to be located at the top edge of the fixture, wherein the array of sensors is configured to transmit a plurality of optical signals towards the bottom edge of the fixture for detecting an unauthorized access attempt into the access opening of the fixture; and
a reflective component spaced from the at least one sensor, wherein the reflective component is configured to reflect the at least one optical signal back to the at least one sensor; and
19. a reflective component spaced at a predetermined distance from the array of sensors, wherein the reflective component is configured to reflect the plurality of optical signals back to the array of sensors.
at least one monitoring device configured to communicate with the at least one sensor, wherein the at least one monitoring device is configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor indicative of the unauthorized access attempt to the fixture.
at least one monitoring device configured to communicate with the array of sensors, wherein the at least one monitoring device is configured to receive a signal from the at
US Application No. 17/529,824, doesn’t explicitly disclose wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan an area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating a position of the sensor relative to the reflective component.
However, Humphrey et al. (Patent No. US 12,332,350) discloses wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan an area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating a position of the sensor relative to the reflective component (See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS (Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor) device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 17 lines 32-47; a beam reflection data, including center data, can be output from the speedup processor 130 (i.e., within OLMS device) to an SPI input of the central processor 100, which can then be used by the central processor 100 to determine the angle data. If the angle of the scanning mirror 150A is known at the time of reflection, then the angle between the OLMS device 1 and the reflector device 2 can be determined. By using triangulation, multiple OLMS devices 1 or multiple reflector devices 2 can be used to determine the range to a target and its lateral position. The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include transmit an optical signal, a reflective component spaced from the at least one sensor, wherein the reflective component is configured to reflect the at least one optical signal back to the at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan an area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating a position of the sensor relative to the reflective component, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Regarding Claim 2:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
2. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the fixture is a server rack or server cabinet.
2. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the fixture is a server rack or server cabinet.
Regarding Claim 3:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
3. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the fixture defines an enclosure within an access opening, and wherein the at the at least one sensor is configured to transmit the optical signal for detecting unauthorized access into the opening.
1. A data center monitoring system for detecting unauthorized access to a fixture in a data center, wherein the fixture defines an enclosure having a top edge, a bottom edge, and an access opening defined therebetween, array of sensors is configured to transmit a plurality of optical signals towards the bottom edge of the fixture for detecting an unauthorized access attempt into the access opening of the fixture
Regarding Claim 4:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
4. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor or the at least one monitoring device is configured to communicate a notification message to one or more remote devices.
4. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the array of sensors or the at least one monitoring device is configured to communicate a notification message to one or more remote devices.
Regarding Claim 5:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
5. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to wirelessly communicate with the at least one monitoring device.
5. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the
Regarding Claim 6:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
6. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is electrically connected to the at least one monitoring device via one or more cables.
6. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the array of sensors is electrically connected to the at least one monitoring device via one or more cables.
Regarding Claim 7:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
7. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the at least one monitoring device is a controller.
7. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the at least one monitoring device is a controller.
Regarding Claim 8:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
8. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the at least one monitoring device is a computer.
8. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the at least one monitoring device is a computer.
Regarding Claim 9:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
9. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sensors, each sensor coupled to a respective fixture.
9. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, further comprising a plurality of arrays of sensors, each array coupled to a respective fixture.
Regarding Claim 10:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
10. The data center monitoring system of Claim 9, wherein the at least one monitoring device is configured to communicate with each of the plurality of sensors.
10. The data center monitoring system of Claim 9, wherein the at least one monitoring device is configured to communicate with each of the plurality of arrays.
Regarding Claim 11:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
11. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is an array of sensors configured to transmit a plurality of optical signals for detecting an unauthorized access attempt to the fixture.
1. the array of sensors is configured to transmit a plurality of optical signals towards the bottom edge of the fixture for detecting an unauthorized access attempt into the access opening of the fixture
Regarding Claim 12:
Reference Applicant 17/529,824 doesn’t explicitly disclose wherein each of sensors in the array of sensors is configured to direct its optical signal at a different direction than at least one other sensor.
However, Camilo Gomes et al. (Patent No. US 9,858,795) discloses wherein each of sensors in the array of sensors is configured to direct its optical signal at a different direction than at least one other sensor (See Fig. 2 and Col. 4 lines 3-6; a number of laser emitters 210 are installed to generate laser lines-of-sight 220 across the cold aisle 270 to a number of reflectors 215 that are located across the cold aisle 270).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell in view of Patterson, to include transmitting optical signals at a different direction, as taught by Camilo Gomes. This would be convenient to detect the interruption of the laser light emitted by the emitter (Camilo Gomes, Col.4 lines 36-37).
Regarding Claim 13:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
13. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, further comprising an access control point coupled to the fixture and configured to control access to the fixture.
16. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, further comprising an access control point coupled to the fixture and configured to control access to the fixture.
Regarding Claim 14:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
14. The data center monitoring system of Claim 13, wherein the access control point is configured to communicate with a key for arming or disarming the access control point.
17. The data center monitoring system of Claim 16, wherein the access control point is configured to communicate with a key for arming or disarming the access control point.
Regarding Claim 15:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
15. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the reflective component is spaced a predetermined distance from the at least one sensor.
19. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, further comprising a reflective component spaced at a predetermined distance from the array of sensors, wherein the reflective component is configured to reflect the plurality of optical signals back to the array of sensors.
Regarding Claim 16:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
16. The data center monitoring system of Claim 15, wherein the reflective component comprises a retroreflective tape.
20. The data center monitoring system of Claim 19, wherein the reflective component comprises a retroreflective tape.
Regarding Claim 17:
Reference Applicant 17/529,824 doesn’t explicitly disclose wherein the reflective component comprises a plurality of segments of retroreflective tape.
However, Patterson et al. (Pub. No. 2017/0294088) disclose wherein the reflective component comprises a plurality of segments of retroreflective tape (See Parag. [0024] and Fig. 3; reflector element 300 is a retroreflector, meaning that it reflects light back to its source with a minimum of scattering. Reflector element 300 can be comprised of a plurality of transparent optical beads or microspheres 302. Accordingly, an optical wave which arrives at the reflector element 300 in a first vector direction is reflected back along a second vector direction that is parallel to but opposite to the transmit vector direction. The microspheres can be secured or embedded in a binder material 304 in a random or predetermined pattern. The binder material 304 can be a colorless clear paint, a flexible substrate in the form of a tape with adhesive disposed on one surface to secure the tape to a surface, or any other suitable material that is capable of securing the microspheres in a location).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to comprises a retroreflective tape, as taught by Patterson. This would be convenient to monitor openings and closing of the doors and windows and/or other intrusions for purposes of triggering alerts and/or alarms (Patterson, Parag. [0028]).
Regarding Claim 19:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
19. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect an interruption in the optical signal.
21. The data center monitoring system of Claim 1, wherein the array of sensors is configured to detect an interruption in the plurality of optical signals.
Regarding Claim 20:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
20. The data center monitoring system of Claim 17, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect an interruption in the optical signal using time of flight.
22. The data center monitoring system of Claim 21, wherein the array of sensors is configured to detect an interruption in the plurality of optical signals using time of flight.
Regarding Claim 22:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
22. A data center monitoring system comprising:
23. A data center monitoring system comprising:
a plurality of server racks located in a data center;
a server rack located in a data center, wherein the server rack defines an enclosure having a top edge, a bottom edge, and an access opening defined therebetween;
a plurality of sensors each configured to be attached to a respective server rack, each sensor configured to transmit an optical signal towards a reflective component for detecting an unauthorized access attempt to the server rack; and
at least one sensor configured to be located at the top edge of the server rack, the at least one sensor configured to transmit a wireless signal towards the bottom edge of the fixture for detecting an unauthorized access attempt into the access opening of the server rack; a reflective component spaced at a predetermined distance from the at least one sensor, wherein the reflective component is a retroreflective tape configured to reflect the wireless signal back to the at least one sensor; and
at least one monitoring device configured to communicate with each of the plurality of sensors, the at least one monitoring device configured to receive a signal from each of the plurality of sensors indicative of an unauthorized access attempt to a respective server rack.
at least one monitoring device configured to communicate with the at least one sensor, the at least one monitoring device configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor indicative of an unauthorized access attempt into the server rack due to an interruption in the wireless signal.
US Application No. 17/529,824, doesn’t explicitly disclose the transmitted signal is an optical signal; transmit the optical signal towards the reflective component and within a field of detection, the plurality of sensors configured to automatically configure a shape of the field of detection of the plurality of sensors.
However, Humphrey et al. (Patent No. US 12,332,350) discloses: sensor configured to transmit an optical signal towards a reflective component and within a field of detection (See Col. 1 lines 54-67; sensor system can comprise an orthogonal laser metrology sensor system for detecting an object and its position in a field of view of a beam fan. The system can comprise a reflection detector sensor array arranged to detect a light beam reflected by an object impinged by a beam fan in the field of view and output a reflected beam position trigger signal. See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS (Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor) device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 5 lines 3-17; The OLMS device 1 can include a laser module having a laser beam source 10, an optical system 20, and a scanning mirror module 50); and
the plurality of sensors configured to automatically configure a shape of the field of detection of the plurality of sensors (See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS (Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor) device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 17 lines 32-47; a beam reflection data, including center data, can be output from the speedup processor 130 (i.e., within OLMS device) to an SPI input of the central processor 100, which can then be used by the central processor 100 to determine the angle data. If the angle of the scanning mirror 150A is known at the time of reflection, then the angle between the OLMS device 1 and the reflector device 2 can be determined. By using triangulation, multiple OLMS devices 1 or multiple reflector devices 2 can be used to determine the range to a target and its lateral position. The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include sensor configured to transmit an optical signal towards a reflective component and within a field of detection, the plurality of sensors configured to automatically configure a shape of the field of detection of the plurality of sensors, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Regarding Claim 23:
Instant Application No. 18/287,796
Reference Application No. 17/529,824
23. A method for monitoring a data center comprising:
23. A data center monitoring system comprising:
a plurality of sensors attached to a fixture in a data center for detecting unauthorized access attempts to the fixture
a plurality of server racks located in a data center; a plurality of sensors each configured to be attached to a respective server rack, each sensor configured to transmit a wireless signal for detecting an unauthorized access attempt to the server rack;
transmitting an optical signal with at least one sensor attached to a fixture in a data center towards a reflective component for detecting an unauthorized access attempt to the fixture; and
24. transmitting a plurality of optical signals towards the bottom edge of the fixture with an array of sensors located at the top edge of the fixture for detecting an unauthorized access attempt into the access opening of the fixture; and
22. reflective component
receiving a signal at a monitoring device from the at least one sensor indicative of the unauthorized access attempt to the fixture.
receiving a signal at a monitoring device from the array of sensors indicative of the unauthorized access attempt.
US Application No. 17/529,824, doesn’t explicitly disclose configuring a shape of a field of detection of a plurality of sensors; transmitting optical signals with at least one the plurality of sensors within the field of detection towards a reflective component.
However, Humphrey et al. (Patent No. US 12,332,350) discloses configuring a shape of a field of detection of a plurality of sensors (See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS (Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor) device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 17 lines 32-47; a beam reflection data, including center data, can be output from the speedup processor 130 (i.e., within OLMS device) to an SPI input of the central processor 100, which can then be used by the central processor 100 to determine the angle data. If the angle of the scanning mirror 150A is known at the time of reflection, then the angle between the OLMS device 1 and the reflector device 2 can be determined. By using triangulation, multiple OLMS devices 1 or multiple reflector devices 2 can be used to determine the range to a target and its lateral position. The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value);
transmitting optical signals with at least one the plurality of sensors within the field of detection towards a reflective component (See Col. 1 lines 54-67; sensor system can comprise an orthogonal laser metrology sensor system for detecting an object and its position in a field of view of a beam fan. The system can comprise a reflection detector sensor array arranged to detect a light beam reflected by an object impinged by a beam fan in the field of view and output a reflected beam position trigger signal. See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS (Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor) device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 5 lines 3-17; The OLMS device 1 can include a laser module having a laser beam source 10, an optical system 20, and a scanning mirror module 50).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include configuring a shape of a field of detection of a plurality of sensors; transmitting optical signals with at least one the plurality of sensors within the field of detection towards a reflective component, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Regarding Claim 24:
Reference Applicant 17/529,824 doesn’t explicitly disclose scanning an area surrounding the reflective component with the plurality of sensors for calibrating a position of the plurality of sensors.
However, Humphrey et al. (Patent No. US 12,332,350) discloses scanning an area surrounding the reflective component with the plurality of sensors for calibrating a position of the plurality of sensors (See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS (Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor) device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 17 lines 32-47; a beam reflection data, including center data, can be output from the speedup processor 130 (i.e., within OLMS device) to an SPI input of the central processor 100, which can then be used by the central processor 100 to determine the angle data. If the angle of the scanning mirror 150A is known at the time of reflection, then the angle between the OLMS device 1 and the reflector device 2 can be determined. By using triangulation, multiple OLMS devices 1 or multiple reflector devices 2 can be used to determine the range to a target and its lateral position. The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value. See Col. 5 lines 31-38 and Col. 14 lines 13-22).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include scanning an area surrounding the reflective component with the plurality of sensors for calibrating a position of the plurality of sensors, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Regarding Claim 27:
Reference Applicant 17/529,824 doesn’t explicitly disclose wherein configuring comprises automatically configuring the shape of the field of detection.
However, Humphrey et al. (Patent No. US 12,332,350) discloses wherein configuring comprises automatically configuring the shape of the field of detection (See Col. 5 lines 31-38; a plurality of OLMS devices 1 can be arranged or assembled to provide 360-degree field-of-view. Each OLMS device 1 can be provided as a module. The plurality of OLMS devices 1 can be arranged in any configuration suitable for the application. For instance, in an embodiment, the OLMS devices 1 can be arranged in a circle as discrete modules and arranged for 360-degree field-of-view coverage. See Col. 14 lines 13-22; the speedup processor 130 is an FPGA that can be configured to use a hardware description language (HDL) to describe the structure and behavior of electronic circuits and components in the OLMS device 1, including the scanning mirror 50A and components 100 to 170. The speedup processor 130 can be programmed, for example, using embedded program code, to process data and control operation of the components in the OLMS device 1, including scanning mirror 50A, line sensor 30, RDS array 40, and APS array 70).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include wherein configuring comprises automatically configuring the shape of the field of detection, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Regarding Claim 28:
Reference Applicant 17/529,824 doesn’t explicitly disclose wherein configuring comprises adjusting a direction and field of view of the optical signals for alignment with the reflective component.
However, Humphrey et al. (Patent No. US 12,332,350) discloses wherein configuring comprises adjusting a direction and field of view of the optical signals for alignment with the reflective component (See Col. 19 lines 47-48; the OLMS device 1 can detect and identify the reflector device 2 within its field of view. See Col. 20 lines 34-37; the speedup processor 130 can be arranged to take data from the line sensor 105 at high speed, capturing an entire line of beam reflection data each time a pulse signal is received from one of the photodiodes in the RDS array 145. The speedup processor 130 can pre-processes this data to identify the center of any reflection beam. See Col. 17 lines 32-47. a beam reflection data, including center data, can be output from the speedup processor 130 (i.e., within OLMS device) to an SPI input of the central processor 100, which can then be used by the central processor 100 to determine the angle data. If the angle of the scanning mirror 150A is known at the time of reflection, then the angle between the OLMS device 1 and the reflector device 2 can be determined. By using triangulation, multiple OLMS devices 1 or multiple reflector devices 2 can be used to determine the range to a target and its lateral position. The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include wherein configuring comprises adjusting a direction and field of view of the optical signals for alignment with the reflective component, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Regarding Claim 29:
Reference Applicant 17/529,824 doesn’t explicitly disclose wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan the area surrounding the reflective component in different directions for dynamically calibrating a position of the sensor relative to the reflective component.
However, Humphrey et al. (Patent No. US 12,332,350) discloses wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan the area surrounding the reflective component in different directions for dynamically calibrating a position of the sensor relative to the reflective component (See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 17 lines 40-47; The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value. See also Col. 6 lines 46-62).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan the area surrounding the reflective component in different directions for dynamically calibrating a position of the sensor relative to the reflective component, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Regarding Claim 30:
Reference Applicant 17/529,824 doesn’t explicitly disclose wherein the at least one sensor is configured to automatically scan the area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating the position of the sensor relative to the reflective component.
However, Humphrey et al. (Patent No. US 12,332,350) discloses wherein the at least one sensor is configured to automatically scan the area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating the position of the sensor relative to the reflective component (See Col. 17 lines 32-47; The beam reflection data, including center data, can be output from the speedup processor 130 to an SPI input of the central processor 100, which can then be used by the central processor 100 to determine the angle data. If the angle of the scanning mirror 150A is known at the time of reflection, then the angle between the OLMS device 1 and the reflector device 2 can be determined. By using triangulation, multiple OLMS devices 1 or multiple reflector devices 2 can be used to determine the range to a target and its lateral position. The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value. See Col. 8 lines 60-67).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include wherein the at least one sensor is configured to automatically scan the area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating the position of the sensor relative to the reflective component, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Regarding Claim 31:
Reference Applicant 17/529,824 doesn’t explicitly disclose wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan the area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating a field of view of the at least one sensor with the reflective component.
However, Humphrey et al. (Patent No. US 12,332,350) discloses wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan the area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating a field of view of the at least one sensor with the reflective component (See Col. 17 lines 32-47; The beam reflection data, including center data, can be output from the speedup processor 130 to an SPI input of the central processor 100, which can then be used by the central processor 100 to determine the angle data. If the angle of the scanning mirror 150A is known at the time of reflection, then the angle between the OLMS device 1 and the reflector device 2 can be determined. By using triangulation, multiple OLMS devices 1 or multiple reflector devices 2 can be used to determine the range to a target and its lateral position. The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value. See Col. 8 lines 60-67).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan the area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating a field of view of the at least one sensor with the reflective component, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claims 1-8, 11, 13-15, 22-24, and 27-31 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Campbell et al. (Pub. No. US 2009/0293136), hereinafter Campbell; in view of Humphrey et al. (Patent No. US 12,332,350), hereinafter Humphrey.
Claim 1. Campbell discloses a data center monitoring system (See Parag. [0007]; detecting an unauthorized physical intrusion event to a data center) comprising:
at least one sensor configured to be attached to a fixture in a data center, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to transmit a signal for detecting an unauthorized access attempt to the fixture (See Parag. [0015]; detecting unauthorized intrusion event may include receiving an electronic signal from one or more sensor, such as a sensor that is external to the server blade that is being secured. The sensor may be an electronic keypad lock on a door to the data center or rack that can sense tampering or entry of successive incorrect codes. The sensor could also be a motion sensor in the data center. The sensor could be an accelerometer mounted to the rack or chassis that is sensitive to bumping, rocking or general physical manipulation of the rack or chassis. See also Parag. [0021][0031]); and
at least one monitoring device configured to communicate with the at least one sensor, wherein the at least one monitoring device is configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor indicative of the unauthorized access attempt to the fixture (See Parag. [0021]; the management module is in communication with the plurality of servers for managing the operation of the plurality of servers, in communication with the sensor for receiving an electronic signal from the sensor in response to detecting the unauthorized intrusion event. See also Parag. [0031]).
Campbell doesn’t explicitly disclose the transmitted signal is an optical signal; and a reflective component spaced from the at least one sensor, wherein the reflective component is configured to reflect the at least one optical signal back to the at least one sensor; wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan an area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating a position of the sensor relative to the reflective component.
However, Humphrey discloses:
transmit an optical signal; and a reflective component spaced from the at least one sensor, wherein the reflective component is configured to reflect the at least one optical signal back to the at least one sensor (See Col. 1 lines 54-67; sensor system can comprise an orthogonal laser metrology sensor system for detecting an object and its position in a field of view of a beam fan. The system can comprise a reflection detector sensor array arranged to detect a light beam reflected by an object impinged by a beam fan in the field of view and output a reflected beam position trigger signal. See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS (Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor) device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 5 lines 3-17; The OLMS device 1 can include a laser module having a laser beam source 10, an optical system 20, and a scanning mirror module 50);
wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan an area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating a position of the sensor relative to the reflective component (See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS (Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor) device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 17 lines 32-47; a beam reflection data, including center data, can be output from the speedup processor 130 (i.e., within OLMS device) to an SPI input of the central processor 100, which can then be used by the central processor 100 to determine the angle data. If the angle of the scanning mirror 150A is known at the time of reflection, then the angle between the OLMS device 1 and the reflector device 2 can be determined. By using triangulation, multiple OLMS devices 1 or multiple reflector devices 2 can be used to determine the range to a target and its lateral position. The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include transmit an optical signal, a reflective component spaced from the at least one sensor, wherein the reflective component is configured to reflect the at least one optical signal back to the at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan an area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating a position of the sensor relative to the reflective component, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Claim 2. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Campbell further discloses wherein the fixture is a server rack or server cabinet (See Parag. [0015]; the sensor may be an electronic keypad lock on a door to the data center or rack that can sense tampering or entry of successive incorrect codes. The sensor could also be a motion sensor in the data center. Furthermore, the sensor could be an accelerometer mounted to the rack or chassis that is sensitive to bumping, rocking or general physical manipulation of the rack or chassis. See also FIG. 1 which is a schematic elevation view of a data center having two racks supporting numerous chassis filled with server blades).
Claim 3. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Campbell further discloses wherein the fixture defines an enclosure within an access opening, and wherein the at the at least one sensor is configured to transmit the optical signal for detecting unauthorized access into the opening (See Parag. [0015]; detecting unauthorized intrusion event may include receiving an electronic signal from one or more sensor, such as a sensor that is external to the server blade that is being secured. For example, the sensor may be an electronic keypad lock on a door to the data center or rack that can sense tampering or entry of successive incorrect codes. The sensor could also be a motion sensor in the data center. Furthermore, the sensor could be an accelerometer mounted to the rack or chassis that is sensitive to bumping, rocking or general physical manipulation of the rack or chassis. See also Parag. [0030]; The rack 12 and chassis 14 are each equipped with an accelerometer 24, 26, and the rack 12 also includes a limit switch 28 for detecting that the rack door 30 has been opened).
Claim 4. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Campbell further discloses wherein the at least one sensor or the at least one monitoring device is configured to communicate a notification message to one or more remote devices (See Parag. [0019]; an alert may be sent to a remote user device in response to detecting the unauthorized intrusion event. The alert may include a description of the sensors that detected the intrusion and/or a description of the steps taken to physically secure the one or more servers).
Claim 5. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Humphrey further discloses wherein the at least one sensor is configured to wirelessly communicate with the at least one monitoring device (See Col. 18 lines 35-44; “wireless.” See also Col. 22 lines 56-67).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include wherein the at least one sensor is configured to wirelessly communicate with the at least one monitoring device, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Claim 6. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Humphrey further discloses wherein the at least one sensor is electrically connected to the at least one monitoring device via one or more cables (See Col. 18 lines 35-44; “wired.” See also Col. 22 lines 56-67).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include wherein the at least one sensor is electrically connected to the at least one monitoring device via one or more cables, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Claim 7. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Campbell further discloses wherein the at least one monitoring device is a controller (See Parag. [0021]; the management module is in communication with the plurality of servers for managing the operation of the plurality of servers, in communication with the sensor for receiving an electronic signal from the sensor in response to detecting the unauthorized intrusion event).
Claim 8. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Campbell further discloses wherein the at least one monitoring device is a computer (See Parag. [0021]; the management module is in communication with the plurality of servers for managing the operation of the plurality of servers, in communication with the sensor for receiving an electronic signal from the sensor in response to detecting the unauthorized intrusion event).
Claim 11. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Campbell further discloses wherein the at least one sensor is an array of sensors configured to transmit a plurality of signals for detecting an unauthorized access attempt to the fixture (See Parag. [0015-0016]; detecting unauthorized intrusion event may include receiving an electronic signal from one or more sensor. A plurality of sensors, sensor types and/or sensor locations are used in order to detect unauthorized intrusion events. These sensors may each send electronic signals that give the management module additional information about the intrusion event. See also Parag. [0031]).
Humphrey further discloses transmit a plurality of optical signals (See Col. 1 lines 54-67; sensor system can comprise an orthogonal laser metrology sensor system for detecting an object and its position in a field of view of a beam fan. The system can comprise a reflection detector sensor array arranged to detect a light beam reflected by an object impinged by a beam fan in the field of view and output a reflected beam position trigger signal. See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS (Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor) device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 5 lines 3-17; The OLMS device 1 can include a laser module having a laser beam source 10, an optical system 20, and a scanning mirror module 50).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include transmit a plurality of optical signals, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Claim 13. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Campbell further discloses the system further comprising an access control point coupled to the fixture and configured to control access to the fixture (Parag. [0030]; security system includes a data center door assembly 17 having a key lock or cipher lock with a lock sensor 18 providing output if there is tampering with the lock or if a successive number of incorrect codes are entered).
Claim 14. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 13,
Campbell further discloses wherein the access control point is configured to communicate with a key for arming or disarming the access control point (Parag. [0030]; security system includes a data center door assembly 17 having a key lock or cipher lock with a lock sensor 18 providing output if there is tampering with the lock or if a successive number of incorrect codes are entered).
Claim 15. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Humphrey further discloses wherein the reflective component is spaced a predetermined distance from the at least one sensor (See Col. 4 lines 60-67 and; and Fig. 1; an OLMS device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include wherein the reflective component is spaced a predetermined distance from the at least one sensor, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Claim 22. Campbell discloses a data center monitoring system comprising:
a plurality of server racks located in a data center (See Parag. [0029] and FIG. 1; a schematic elevation view of a data center 10 having two racks 12 supporting numerous chassis 14 filled with server blades 16);
a plurality of sensors (See Parag. [0022]; a plurality of sensors, sensor types and/or sensor locations that are used in order to detect unauthorized intrusion events) each configured to be attached to a respective server rack, each sensor configured to transmit an signal for detecting an unauthorized access attempt to the server rack (See Parag. [0015]; detecting unauthorized intrusion event may include receiving an electronic signal from one or more sensor, such as a sensor that is external to the server blade that is being secured. The sensor may be an electronic keypad lock on a door to the data center or rack that can sense tampering or entry of successive incorrect codes. The sensor could also be a motion sensor in the data center. The sensor could be an accelerometer mounted to the rack or chassis that is sensitive to bumping, rocking or general physical manipulation of the rack or chassis. See also Parag. [0021][0031]), and
at least one monitoring device configured to communicate with each of the plurality of sensors, the at least one monitoring device configured to receive a signal from each of the plurality of sensors indicative of an unauthorized access attempt to a respective server rack (See Parag. [0021]; the management module (monitoring device) is in communication with the plurality of servers for managing the operation of the plurality of servers, in communication with the sensor for receiving an electronic signal from the sensor in response to detecting the unauthorized intrusion event. See also Parag. [0031]).
Campbell doesn’t explicitly disclose: the transmitted signal is an optical signal; transmit the optical signal towards the reflective component and within a field of detection, the plurality of sensors configured to automatically configure a shape of the field of detection of the plurality of sensors.
However, Humphrey discloses:
sensor configured to transmit an optical signal towards a reflective component and within a field of detection (See Col. 1 lines 54-67; sensor system can comprise an orthogonal laser metrology sensor system for detecting an object and its position in a field of view of a beam fan. The system can comprise a reflection detector sensor array arranged to detect a light beam reflected by an object impinged by a beam fan in the field of view and output a reflected beam position trigger signal. See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS (Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor) device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 5 lines 3-17; The OLMS device 1 can include a laser module having a laser beam source 10, an optical system 20, and a scanning mirror module 50); and
the plurality of sensors configured to automatically configure a shape of the field of detection of the plurality of sensors (See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS (Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor) device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 17 lines 32-47; a beam reflection data, including center data, can be output from the speedup processor 130 (i.e., within OLMS device) to an SPI input of the central processor 100, which can then be used by the central processor 100 to determine the angle data. If the angle of the scanning mirror 150A is known at the time of reflection, then the angle between the OLMS device 1 and the reflector device 2 can be determined. By using triangulation, multiple OLMS devices 1 or multiple reflector devices 2 can be used to determine the range to a target and its lateral position. The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include sensor configured to transmit an optical signal towards a reflective component and within a field of detection, the plurality of sensors configured to automatically configure a shape of the field of detection of the plurality of sensors, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Claim 23. Campbell discloses a method for monitoring a data center comprising:
a plurality of sensors attached to a fixture in a data center for detecting unauthorized access attempts to the fixture (See Parag. [0022]; a plurality of sensors, sensor types and/or sensor locations that are used in order to detect unauthorized intrusion events. See Parag. [0029] and FIG. 1; a schematic elevation view of a data center 10 having two racks 12 supporting numerous chassis 14 filled with server blades 16);
transmitting signals with at least one the plurality of sensors attached to a fixture in a data center for detecting an unauthorized access attempt to the fixture (See Parag. [0015]; detecting unauthorized intrusion event may include receiving an electronic signal from one or more sensor, such as a sensor that is external to the server blade that is being secured. The sensor may be an electronic keypad lock on a door to the data center or rack that can sense tampering or entry of successive incorrect codes. The sensor could also be a motion sensor in the data center. The sensor could be an accelerometer mounted to the rack or chassis that is sensitive to bumping, rocking or general physical manipulation of the rack or chassis. See also Parag. [0021][0031]); and
receiving a signal at a monitoring device from the at least one of the plurality of sensors indicative of the unauthorized access attempt to the fixture (See Parag. [0021]; the management module is in communication with the plurality of servers for managing the operation of the plurality of servers, in communication with the sensor for receiving an electronic signal from the sensor in response to detecting the unauthorized intrusion event. See also Parag. [0031]).
Campbell doesn’t explicitly disclose configuring a shape of a field of detection of a plurality of sensors; transmitting optical signals with at least one the plurality of sensors within the field of detection towards a reflective component.
However, Humphrey discloses:
configuring a shape of a field of detection of a plurality of sensors (See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS (Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor) device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 17 lines 32-47; a beam reflection data, including center data, can be output from the speedup processor 130 (i.e., within OLMS device) to an SPI input of the central processor 100, which can then be used by the central processor 100 to determine the angle data. If the angle of the scanning mirror 150A is known at the time of reflection, then the angle between the OLMS device 1 and the reflector device 2 can be determined. By using triangulation, multiple OLMS devices 1 or multiple reflector devices 2 can be used to determine the range to a target and its lateral position. The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value);
transmitting optical signals with at least one the plurality of sensors within the field of detection towards a reflective component (See Col. 1 lines 54-67; sensor system can comprise an orthogonal laser metrology sensor system for detecting an object and its position in a field of view of a beam fan. The system can comprise a reflection detector sensor array arranged to detect a light beam reflected by an object impinged by a beam fan in the field of view and output a reflected beam position trigger signal. See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS (Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor) device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 5 lines 3-17; The OLMS device 1 can include a laser module having a laser beam source 10, an optical system 20, and a scanning mirror module 50).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include configuring a shape of a field of detection of a plurality of sensors; transmitting optical signals with at least one the plurality of sensors within the field of detection towards a reflective component, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Claim 24. The method of Claim 23, further comprising scanning an area surrounding the reflective component with the plurality of sensors for calibrating a position of the plurality of sensors (See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS (Orthogonal Laser Metrology Sensor) device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 17 lines 32-47; a beam reflection data, including center data, can be output from the speedup processor 130 (i.e., within OLMS device) to an SPI input of the central processor 100, which can then be used by the central processor 100 to determine the angle data. If the angle of the scanning mirror 150A is known at the time of reflection, then the angle between the OLMS device 1 and the reflector device 2 can be determined. By using triangulation, multiple OLMS devices 1 or multiple reflector devices 2 can be used to determine the range to a target and its lateral position. The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value. See Col. 5 lines 31-38 and Col. 14 lines 13-22).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include scanning an area surrounding the reflective component with the plurality of sensors for calibrating a position of the plurality of sensors, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Claim 27. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the method of Claim 23,
Humphrey further discloses wherein configuring comprises automatically configuring the shape of the field of detection (See Col. 5 lines 31-38; a plurality of OLMS devices 1 can be arranged or assembled to provide 360-degree field-of-view. Each OLMS device 1 can be provided as a module. The plurality of OLMS devices 1 can be arranged in any configuration suitable for the application. For instance, in an embodiment, the OLMS devices 1 can be arranged in a circle as discrete modules and arranged for 360-degree field-of-view coverage. See Col. 14 lines 13-22; the speedup processor 130 is an FPGA that can be configured to use a hardware description language (HDL) to describe the structure and behavior of electronic circuits and components in the OLMS device 1, including the scanning mirror 50A and components 100 to 170. The speedup processor 130 can be programmed, for example, using embedded program code, to process data and control operation of the components in the OLMS device 1, including scanning mirror 50A, line sensor 30, RDS array 40, and APS array 70).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include wherein configuring comprises automatically configuring the shape of the field of detection, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Claim 28. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the method of Claim 23,
Humphrey further discloses wherein configuring comprises adjusting a direction and field of view of the optical signals for alignment with the reflective component (See Col. 19 lines 47-48; the OLMS device 1 can detect and identify the reflector device 2 within its field of view. See Col. 20 lines 34-37; the speedup processor 130 can be arranged to take data from the line sensor 105 at high speed, capturing an entire line of beam reflection data each time a pulse signal is received from one of the photodiodes in the RDS array 145. The speedup processor 130 can pre-processes this data to identify the center of any reflection beam. See Col. 17 lines 32-47. a beam reflection data, including center data, can be output from the speedup processor 130 (i.e., within OLMS device) to an SPI input of the central processor 100, which can then be used by the central processor 100 to determine the angle data. If the angle of the scanning mirror 150A is known at the time of reflection, then the angle between the OLMS device 1 and the reflector device 2 can be determined. By using triangulation, multiple OLMS devices 1 or multiple reflector devices 2 can be used to determine the range to a target and its lateral position. The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include wherein configuring comprises adjusting a direction and field of view of the optical signals for alignment with the reflective component, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Claim 29. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Humphrey further discloses wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan the area surrounding the reflective component in different directions for dynamically calibrating a position of the sensor relative to the reflective component (See Col. 4 lines 60-63; OLMS device that is be arranged to fan and scan a laser beam in one or more planes and detect when and where the laser beam encounters an object or surface, including an object such as a reflector device. See Col. 17 lines 40-47; The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value. See also Col. 6 lines 46-62).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan the area surrounding the reflective component in different directions for dynamically calibrating a position of the sensor relative to the reflective component, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Claim 30. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Humphrey further discloses wherein the at least one sensor is configured to automatically scan the area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating the position of the sensor relative to the reflective component (See Col. 17 lines 32-47; The beam reflection data, including center data, can be output from the speedup processor 130 to an SPI input of the central processor 100, which can then be used by the central processor 100 to determine the angle data. If the angle of the scanning mirror 150A is known at the time of reflection, then the angle between the OLMS device 1 and the reflector device 2 can be determined. By using triangulation, multiple OLMS devices 1 or multiple reflector devices 2 can be used to determine the range to a target and its lateral position. The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value. See Col. 8 lines 60-67).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include wherein the at least one sensor is configured to automatically scan the area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating the position of the sensor relative to the reflective component, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Claim 31. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Humphrey further discloses wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan the area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating a field of view of the at least one sensor with the reflective component (See Col. 17 lines 32-47; The beam reflection data, including center data, can be output from the speedup processor 130 to an SPI input of the central processor 100, which can then be used by the central processor 100 to determine the angle data. If the angle of the scanning mirror 150A is known at the time of reflection, then the angle between the OLMS device 1 and the reflector device 2 can be determined. By using triangulation, multiple OLMS devices 1 or multiple reflector devices 2 can be used to determine the range to a target and its lateral position. The central processor 130 can be arranged to use calibration data to convert the time value into an angle value for a reflector device positioned within the OLMS device's field of view, with a known angle between the reflector device and the OLMS device 1. The OLMS device 1 can be arranged to rotate a known set of angles to generate a calibration table that equates a time value to an angle value. See Col. 8 lines 60-67).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell, to include wherein the at least one sensor is configured to scan the area surrounding the reflective component for calibrating a field of view of the at least one sensor with the reflective component, as taught by Humphrey. This would be convenient to implementing orthogonal laser metrology for detection, measurement, monitoring, identifying or tracking, including, but not limited to, size, shape, orientation, location or motion of an object, a surface or a target in multidimensional space (Humphrey, Col. 1 lines 6-13).
Claims 9-10 and 12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Campbell et al. (Pub. No. US 2009/0293136), hereinafter Campbell; in view of Humphrey et al. (Patent No. US 12,332,350), hereinafter Humphrey; in further view of Camilo Gomes et al. (Patent No. US 9,858,795), hereinafter Camilo Gomes.
Claim 9. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Campbell in view of Humphrey doesn’t explicitly disclose the system further comprising a plurality of sensors, each sensor coupled to a respective fixture.
However, Camilo Gomes discloses a plurality of sensors, each sensor coupled to a respective fixture (See Fig. 2 and Col. 4lines 3-8; a number of laser emitters 210 are installed to generate laser lines-of-sight 220 across the cold aisle 270 to a number of reflectors 215 that are located across the cold aisle 270. Each emitter 210 also comprises a detector to determine whether the laser light is reflected back to the emitter 210 by the reflector 215).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell in view of Humphrey, to include each sensor to be coupled to a fixture, as taught by Camilo Gomes. This would be convenient to detect the interruption of the laser light emitted by the emitter (Camilo Gomes, Col.4 lines 36-37).
Claim 10. Campbell in view of Humphrey and Camilo Gomes discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 9,
Campbell further discloses wherein the at least one monitoring device is configured to communicate with each of the plurality of sensors (See Parag. [0016]; a plurality of sensors, sensor types and/or sensor locations are used in order to detect unauthorized intrusion events. These sensors may each send electronic signals that give the management module additional information about the intrusion event. See also Parag. [0031]; Sensors 36, such as the lock sensor 18, motion sensor 22, rack accelerometer 24 or chassis accelerometer 26, provide input to the management module 20).
Claim 12. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 11,
Campbell in view of Humphrey doesn’t explicitly disclose wherein each of sensors in the array of sensors is configured to direct its optical signal at a different direction than at least one other sensor.
However, Camilo Gomes discloses wherein each of sensors in the array of sensors is configured to direct its optical signal at a different direction than at least one other sensor (See Fig. 2 and Col. 4 lines 3-6; a number of laser emitters 210 are installed to generate laser lines-of-sight 220 across the cold aisle 270 to a number of reflectors 215 that are located across the cold aisle 270).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell in view of Humphrey, to include transmitting optical signals at a different direction, as taught by Camilo Gomes. This would be convenient to detect the interruption of the laser light emitted by the emitter (Camilo Gomes, Col.4 lines 36-37).
Claims 16-17 and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Campbell et al. (Pub. No. US 2009/0293136), hereinafter Campbell; in view of Humphrey et al. (Patent No. US 12,332,350), hereinafter Humphrey; in further view of Patterson et al. (Pub. No. US 2017/0294088), hereinafter Patterson.
Claim 16. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 15,
Campbell in view of Humphrey doesn’t explicitly disclose wherein the reflective component comprises a retroreflective tape
However, Patterson discloses wherein the reflective component comprises a retroreflective tape (See Parag. [0024] and Fig. 3; reflector element 300 is a retroreflector, meaning that it reflects light back to its source with a minimum of scattering. Reflector element 300 can be comprised of a plurality of transparent optical beads or microspheres 302. Accordingly, an optical wave which arrives at the reflector element 300 in a first vector direction is reflected back along a second vector direction that is parallel to but opposite to the transmit vector direction. The microspheres can be secured or embedded in a binder material 304 in a random or predetermined pattern. The binder material 304 can be a colorless clear paint, a flexible substrate in the form of a tape with adhesive disposed on one surface to secure the tape to a surface, or any other suitable material that is capable of securing the microspheres in a location).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell in view of Humphrey, to comprises a retroreflective tape, as taught by Patterson. This would be convenient to monitor openings and closing of the doors and windows and/or other intrusions for purposes of triggering alerts and/or alarms (Patterson, Parag. [0028]).
Claim 17. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 15,
Campbell in view of Humphrey doesn’t explicitly disclose wherein the reflective component comprises a plurality of segments of retroreflective tape.
However, Patterson discloses wherein the reflective component comprises a plurality of segments of retroreflective tape (See Parag. [0024] and Fig. 3; reflector element 300 is a retroreflector, meaning that it reflects light back to its source with a minimum of scattering. Reflector element 300 can be comprised of a plurality of transparent optical beads or microspheres 302. Accordingly, an optical wave which arrives at the reflector element 300 in a first vector direction is reflected back along a second vector direction that is parallel to but opposite to the transmit vector direction. The microspheres can be secured or embedded in a binder material 304 in a random or predetermined pattern. The binder material 304 can be a colorless clear paint, a flexible substrate in the form of a tape with adhesive disposed on one surface to secure the tape to a surface, or any other suitable material that is capable of securing the microspheres in a location).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell in view of Humphrey, to comprises a retroreflective tape, as taught by Patterson. This would be convenient to monitor openings and closing of the doors and windows and/or other intrusions for purposes of triggering alerts and/or alarms (Patterson, Parag. [0028]).
Claim 19. Campbell in view of Humphrey discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 1,
Campbell in view of Humphrey doesn’t explicitly disclose wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect an interruption in the optical signal.
However, Patterson discloses wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect an interruption in the optical signal (See Parag. [0029]; a disturbance associated with a reflected optical signal can comprise an interruption or disruption of the reflected signal such that the presence of the reflected signal is no longer detected at the optical transceiver 110. As an example, such an interruption in the reflected optical signal could occur when a door 108 moves from a closed position to an open position. When this occurs, the reflector element 116 is rotated with the door 108 to an orientation in which it is no longer able to effectively reflect a transmitted optical signal to the optical receiver 112. See also Parag. [0030]).
It would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by Campbell in view of Humphrey, to include a detecting an interruption in the optical signal, as taught by Patterson. This would be convenient to monitor openings and closing of the doors and windows and/or other intrusions for purposes of triggering alerts and/or alarms (Patterson, Parag. [0028]).
Claim 20 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Campbell et al. (Pub. No. US 2009/0293136), hereinafter Campbell; in view of Humphrey et al. (Patent No. US 12,332,350), hereinafter Humphrey; in view of Patterson et al. (Pub. No. US 2017/0294088), hereinafter Patterson; in further view of Kare et al. (Patent No. US 2018/0131449), hereinafter Kare.
Claim 20. Campbell in view of Humphrey and Patterson discloses the data center monitoring system of Claim 17,
The combination doesn’t explicitly disclose wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect an interruption in the optical signal using time of flight.
However, Kare discloses wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect an interruption in the optical signal using time of flight (See Parag. [0138]; the time delay is determined between the leading or trailing edge of the emitted time-varying optical signal and the corresponding edge of the returned signal (i.e., the pulsed output). The phase of the returned signal is compared to the phase of the emitted time-varying optical signal to determine the time-of-flight delay. See also Parag. [0140][0152]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching, taught by the combination, to include detecting interruption in the optical signal using time of flight, as taught by Kare. This would be convenient to account for a sensor that is malfunctioning or is consistently providing object-intrusion indication (Kare, Parag. [0103]).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure (see PTO-form 892).
The following Patents and Papers are cited to further show the state of the art at the time of Applicant’s invention with respect to data center security system.
Katsura et al. (Pub. No. US 2016/0370464); “System and Apparatus for Monitoring Areas;”
Teaches an area monitoring system is configured to include a monitoring apparatus and a reflector. The monitoring apparatus includes a time-based detecting unit (i.e., a first detecting unit) that detects an intruder at a scanning angle by measuring a distance to an object based on an elapsed time until reflected light is received, for a first detection area. The monitoring apparatus further includes a light reception amount-based detecting unit (i.e., a second detecting unit) that detects an intruder at a scanning angle by comparing an actual light reception amount at a timing at which reflected light is received when radiated laser light is reflected by a reflector, and a light reception threshold (i.e., a reference light reception amount) set in advance, with a second detection area set farther than the first detection area as an area subjected to detection. (See Abstract).
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. 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 extension fee 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 date of this final action.
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/GHIZLANE MAAZOUZ/Examiner, Art Unit 2499 /PHILIP J CHEA/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2499