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 . In communications filed on 03/25/2026. Claims 1,3-4 , 8-10, 12-14, and 17 are amended. Claims 2, 6, 11, 15, and 18-20 are canceled. Claim 21 newly added. Claims 1, 3-5, 7-10, 12-14, 16-17, and 21 are pending in this examination.
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. This examination is in response to US Patent Application No. 18/364,681.
Claim Objection
Claim 21 is objected to because of the following informalities: the claim recites “decrypted” which could be a typographical error, and it should be replaced with “decrypt”. Appropriate correction is required.
Response to Argument
Applicant’s arguments with respect to independent claims for newly added limitation have been considered but are moot because the arguments do not apply to any of the references being used in the current rejection.
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 of this title, 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, 3-4, 8-10, 12-13, 17, and 21 are rejected under 35 Kazuya Taki (JP4721096B2) , hereinafter, “Taki”, and in view of Colby ( US2007/0200684) (filed in IDS filed 10/17/2024), and further in view of Brown (US20100308978).
Regarding claim 1, Taki discloses A secured radio frequency identification device using a composite device of multiple radio frequency identification tags to maintain security of data by not allowing anyone to read a complete data set stored on the radio frequency identification tags other than an authorized party, the secured radio frequency identification device comprising:[¶¶96-98, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T1 constitutes a first RFID circuit element, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T2 constitutes a second RFID circuit element, and these two RFID circuit elements To Constitute a wireless tag circuit element group. In the present embodiment configured as described above, information obtained by encrypting read information is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID tag circuit element To associated with the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2, hereinafter, the same relationship in parentheses). The encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) is stored and held, and the encryption key B (or encryption key A), which is a so-called common key at the time of the encryption, is used as another RFID label T2 (or RFID label T1). Is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the wireless tag circuit element To. Then, the scanner unit 200 of the activation controller 100 reads the encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) and the encrypted key B (or encrypted key A) from the two RFID circuit elements To, by decrypting the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A) using the encryption key B (or the encryption key A), information to be read after decryption is obtained. By reading and storing the encrypted data and the key at the time of encryption in separate RFID circuit elements To, a third party can read the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2). Even if the RFID tag circuit element To is found, the RFID tag circuit element To stores and holds only the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A), and the encryption key B (or the encryption key A) is stored in another RFID label T2 (or the RFID label). Since it is stored and held in the RFID circuit element To of T1), it cannot be decoded to obtain information. As a result, as long as the two RFID circuit elements To related to the RFID labels T1 and T2 cannot be picked up by the same third party, the information is not stolen, so that the security against information theft can be improved], and [¶¶2, 6, 107]; and
a complete data set containing a first non-confidential portion and a second confidential portion[ ¶¶96-98…By reading and storing the encrypted data and the key at the time of encryption in separate RFID circuit elements To, a third party can read the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2). Even if the RFID tag circuit element to is found, the RFID tag circuit element to stores and holds only the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A), and the encryption key B (or the encryption key A) is stored in another RFID label T2 (or the RFID label). Since it is stored and held in the RFID circuit element To of T1), it cannot be decoded to obtain information. As a result, as long as the two RFID circuit elements to related to the RFID labels T1 and T2 cannot be picked up by the same third party, the information is not stolen, so that the security against information theft can be improved…]; and
a first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag in the composite device, the first RFID tag storing the first non-confidential portion of the data set [ ¶¶96-98….information obtained by encrypting read information is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID tag circuit element To associated with the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2, hereinafter, the same relationship in parentheses). The encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) is stored and held, and the encryption key B (or encryption key A), which is a so-called common key at the time of the encryption, is used as another RFID label T2 (or RFID label T1). Is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the wireless tag circuit element To. Then, the scanner unit 200 of the activation controller 100 reads the encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) and the encrypted key B (or encrypted key A) from the two RFID circuit elements To, by decrypting the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A) using the encryption key B (or the encryption key A), information to be read after decryption is obtained. By reading and storing the encrypted data and the key at the time of encryption in separate RFID circuit elements…]; and
and a separate secured radio frequency identification (RFID) tag separate from the first RFID tag but contained in the composite device, the separate secured RFID tag storing the second confidential portion of the data set [ ¶¶96-98….information obtained by encrypting read information is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID tag circuit element To associated with the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2, hereinafter, the same relationship in parentheses). The encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) is stored and held, and the encryption key B (or encryption key A), which is a so-called common key at the time of the encryption, is used as another RFID label T2 (or RFID label T1). Is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the wireless tag circuit element To. Then, the scanner unit 200 of the activation controller 100 reads the encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) and the encrypted key B (or encrypted key A) from the two RFID circuit elements To, by decrypting the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A) using the encryption key B (or the encryption key A), information to be read after decryption is obtained. By reading and storing the encrypted data and the key at the time of encryption in separate RFID circuit elements…]; and
wherein the complete data set including the first non-confidential portion stored by the first RFID tag and the second confidential portion stored by the separate secured RFID tag is only obtainable by reading data available in both the first RFID tag and the separate secured RFID tag when the separated secured RFID tag is activated and in a mode to transmit data based on location [¶¶96-98, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T1 constitutes a first RFID circuit element, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T2 constitutes a second RFID circuit element, and these two RFID circuit elements To Constitute a wireless tag circuit element group. In the present embodiment configured as described above, information obtained by encrypting read information is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID tag circuit element to associated with the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2, hereinafter, the same relationship in parentheses). The encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) is stored and held, and the encryption key B (or encryption key A), which is a so-called common key at the time of the encryption, is used as another RFID label T2 (or RFID label T1). Is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the wireless tag circuit element To. Then, the scanner unit 200 of the activation controller 100 reads the encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) and the encrypted key B (or encrypted key A) from the two RFID circuit elements To, by decrypting the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A) using the encryption key B (or the encryption key A), information to be read after decryption is obtained. By reading and storing the encrypted data and the key at the time of encryption in separate RFID circuit elements To, a third party can read the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2). Even if the RFID tag circuit element to is found, the RFID tag circuit element to stores and holds only the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A), and the encryption key B (or the encryption key A) is stored in another RFID label T2 (or the RFID label). Since it is stored and held in the RFID circuit element To of T1), it cannot be decoded to obtain information. As a result, as long as the two RFID circuit elements to related to the RFID labels T1 and T2 cannot be picked up by the same third party, the information is not stolen, so that the security against information theft can be improved], and [¶¶2, 6, 107].
Taki does not explicitly disclose; however, Colby discloses:
wherein the separate secured RFID tag comprises a transmission control device for selectively enabling and disabling data transmission from the secured RFID tag by controlling when the secured RFID tag containing the second confidential portion of the data set can be read [ Abstract, Various switchable RFID devices are disclosed. These switchable RFID devices may include one or more RFID tags and one or more switches. In various embodiments, the switchable RFID devices include identity devices, financial devices, remote controls, and the like. In some embodiments switches are configured to enter data into a switchable RFID device, for example to select a financial account], and [ ¶85, In some embodiments, Switchable RFID Device 100 includes a Memory 1050. Memory 1050 is optionally programmable. For example, in some embodiments, Memory 1050 is programmable using data entered through instances of Switch 1010 and Switch 1020. In some embodiments, Memory 1050 is changed from a write state to a read only state, using Switch 1010. In various embodiments, Memory 1050 is configured to store data to be broadcast, encryption information, data keys, values to be used in conjunction with data entered suing Switch 1010, data for logic processing, identifying data, account data, mode data characterizing a mode of Switchable RFID Tag 130], and [ see FIGs 4A-4B and corresponding text for more details], and [¶¶60, 65].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of Taki, by incorporating “Switchable RFID Device”, as taught by Colby. One could have been motivated to do so in order to create an open circuit between (or within) RFID antenna 140, Circuit 150, and/or Tag 160 and to partially limit the functionality of Tag 160 [ Colby, ¶¶60,65].
Taki, and Colby do not explicitly disclose, however, Brown discloses:
the transmission control device utilizing a location aware circuit to detect its location and data transmission of the secured RFID tag is only enabled when the transmission control device is determined to be in an authorized location ; in a mode to transmit data based on location [¶7, An RFID system generally comprises one or more tags, one or more tag readers, and often other supporting infrastructure such as a database. Often, the purpose of an RFID system is to enable data on an RFID tag to be read and processed by an RFID reader. The amount of processing and the nature of the data is largely dependent on the application. For example, the information transmitted by the tag may provide identification or location information, or specifics about the object to which the tag is affixed. In typical applications such as inventory tracking, the RFID system may use small, inexpensive tags affixed to objects that are being tracked. The tag contains a transponder with a memory that is given a unique code (e.g. a product code). A signal is emitted from the reader, the signal activating the RFID tag such that the reader can read and write data to the tag. When the RFID tag passes through an electromagnetic zone( equated to authorized location) created by the emission, the tag detects the reader's activation signal. The reader decodes the data encoded in the tag's memory and the data is passed to the supporting infrastructure for its particular use], and [Abstract].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of Taki, and Colby by incorporating “inventory tracking”, as taught by Brown. One could have been motivated to do so in order to read and process the information transmitted by the tag which provide identification or location information, or specifics about the object to which the tag is affixed [Brown, ¶7].
Regarding claims 3, and 12, Taki , and Brown do not explicitly disclose, however, Colby discloses wherein the transmission control of the separate secured RFID tag which is separate from the first RFID tag comprises a switch for selectively preventing data of the secured RFID tag from transmission by an antenna of the secured RFID tag and thereby prevents reading of the second confidential portion of the complete data set. [ Abstract, Various switchable RFID devices are disclosed. These switchable RFID devices may include one or more RFID tags and one or more switches. In various embodiments, the switchable RFID devices include identity devices, financial devices, remote controls, and the like. In some embodiments switches are configured to enter data into a switchable RFID device, for example to select a financial account], and [¶85, In some embodiments, Switchable RFID Device 100 includes a Memory 1050. Memory 1050 is optionally programmable. For example, in some embodiments, Memory 1050 is programmable using data entered through instances of Switch 1010 and Switch 1020. In some embodiments, Memory 1050 is changed from a write state to a read only state, using Switch 1010. In various embodiments, Memory 1050 is configured to store data to be broadcast, encryption information, data keys, values to be used in conjunction with data entered suing Switch 1010, data for logic processing, identifying data, account data, mode data characterizing a mode of Switchable RFID Tag 130], and [ see FIGs 4A-4B and corresponding text for more details].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of Taki, Brown by incorporating “Switchable RFID Device”, as taught by Colby. One could have been motivated to do so in order to create an open circuit between (or within) RFID antenna 140, Circuit 150, and/or Tag 160 and to partially limit the functionality of Tag 160 [ Colby, ¶¶60,65].
Regarding claim 4, Taki discloses further comprising multiple, first RFID tags, each to store non-confidential data of a data set, the secured RFID tag to store confidential data corresponding to the non-confidential data in the multiple first RFID tags.
[¶¶96-98, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T1 constitutes a first RFID circuit element, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T2 constitutes a second RFID circuit element, and these two RFID circuit elements To Constitute a wireless tag circuit element group. In the present embodiment configured as described above, information obtained by encrypting read information is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID tag circuit element to associated with the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2, hereinafter, the same relationship in parentheses). The encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) is stored and held, and the encryption key B (or encryption key A), which is a so-called common key at the time of the encryption, is used as another RFID label T2 (or RFID label T1). Is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the wireless tag circuit element To. Then, the scanner unit 200 of the activation controller 100 reads the encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) and the encrypted key B (or encrypted key A) from the two RFID circuit elements To, by decrypting the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A) using the encryption key B (or the encryption key A), information to be read after decryption is obtained. By reading and storing the encrypted data and the key at the time of encryption in separate RFID circuit elements To, a third party can read the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2). Even if the RFID tag circuit element to is found, the RFID tag circuit element to stores and holds only the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A), and the encryption key B (or the encryption key A) is stored in another RFID label T2 (or the RFID label). Since it is stored and held in the RFID circuit element To of T1), it cannot be decoded to obtain information. As a result, as long as the two RFID circuit elements to related to the RFID labels T1 and T2 cannot be picked up by the same third party, the information is not stolen, so that the security against information theft can be improved], and [¶¶2, 6, 107].
Regarding claims 8, and 17, Taki discloses further comprising multiple secured RFID tags, wherein the confidential data is further divided with only a portion of the confidential data stored in each of the secured RFID tags [¶¶96-98, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T1 constitutes a first RFID circuit element, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T2 constitutes a second RFID circuit element, and these two RFID circuit elements To Constitute a wireless tag circuit element group. In the present embodiment configured as described above, information obtained by encrypting read information is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID tag circuit element to associated with the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2, hereinafter, the same relationship in parentheses). The encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) is stored and held, and the encryption key B (or encryption key A), which is a so-called common key at the time of the encryption, is used as another RFID label T2 (or RFID label T1). Is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the wireless tag circuit element To. Then, the scanner unit 200 of the activation controller 100 reads the encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) and the encrypted key B (or encrypted key A) from the two RFID circuit elements To, by decrypting the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A) using the encryption key B (or the encryption key A), information to be read after decryption is obtained. By reading and storing the encrypted data and the key at the time of encryption in separate RFID circuit elements To, a third party can read the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2). Even if the RFID tag circuit element to is found, the RFID tag circuit element to stores and holds only the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A), and the encryption key B (or the encryption key A) is stored in another RFID label T2 (or the RFID label). Since it is stored and held in the RFID circuit element To of T1), it cannot be decoded to obtain information. As a result, as long as the two RFID circuit elements to related to the RFID labels T1 and T2 cannot be picked up by the same third party, the information is not stolen, so that the security against information theft can be improved], and [¶¶2, 6, 107].
Regarding claim 9, this claim is interpreted and rejected for the same rational set forth in claim 1.
Regarding claim 10, Colby does not explicitly disclose, however, the combination of Taki and Brown discloses : Taki discloses reading the confidential information from the secured RFID tag; reading the non-confidential information from the regular RFID tag; and combining the confidential anddata set [¶¶96-98, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T1 constitutes a first RFID circuit element, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T2 constitutes a second RFID circuit element, and these two RFID circuit elements To Constitute a wireless tag circuit element group. In the present embodiment configured as described above, information obtained by encrypting read information is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID tag circuit element to associated with the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2, hereinafter, the same relationship in parentheses). The encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) is stored and held, and the encryption key B (or encryption key A), which is a so-called common key at the time of the encryption, is used as another RFID label T2 (or RFID label T1). Is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the wireless tag circuit element To. Then, the scanner unit 200 of the activation controller 100 reads the encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) and the encrypted key B (or encrypted key A) from the two RFID circuit elements To, by decrypting the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A) using the encryption key B (or the encryption key A), information to be read after decryption is obtained. By reading and storing the encrypted data and the key at the time of encryption in separate RFID circuit elements To, a third party can read the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2). Even if the RFID tag circuit element to is found, the RFID tag circuit element to stores and holds only the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A), and the encryption key B (or the encryption key A) is stored in another RFID label T2 (or the RFID label). Since it is stored and held in the RFID circuit element To of T1), it cannot be decoded to obtain information. As a result, as long as the two RFID circuit elements to related to the RFID labels T1 and T2 cannot be picked up by the same third party, the information is not stolen, so that the security against information theft can be improved], and [¶¶2, 6, 107].
Brown discloses when the transmission control has enabled data transmission in the secured RFID tag because the transmission control device is determined to be in an authorized location[¶7, An RFID system generally comprises one or more tags, one or more tag readers, and often other supporting infrastructure such as a database. Often, the purpose of an RFID system is to enable data on an RFID tag to be read and processed by an RFID reader. The amount of processing and the nature of the data is largely dependent on the application. For example, the information transmitted by the tag may provide identification or location information, or specifics about the object to which the tag is affixed. In typical applications such as inventory tracking, the RFID system may use small, inexpensive tags affixed to objects that are being tracked. The tag contains a transponder with a memory that is given a unique code (e.g. a product code). A signal is emitted from the reader, the signal activating the RFID tag such that the reader can read and write data to the tag. When the RFID tag passes through an electromagnetic zone( equated to authorized location) created by the emission, the tag detects the reader's activation signal. The reader decodes the data encoded in the tag's memory and the data is passed to the supporting infrastructure for its particular use], and [Abstract].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of Chang, and Kazuya Taki by incorporating “inventory tracking”, as taught by Brown. One could have been motivated to do so in order to read and process the information transmitted by the tag which provide identification or location information, or specifics about the object to which the tag is affixed [Brown, ¶7].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of Taki, and Colby by incorporating “inventory tracking”, as taught by Brown. One could have been motivated to do so in order to read and process the information transmitted by the tag which provide identification or location information, or specifics about the object to which the tag is affixed [Brown, ¶7].
Regarding claim 13, Taki discloses wherein the device comprises multiple, regular RFID tags, the method further comprising: storing non-confidential data of one or more data sets in respective regular RFID tags; and storing confidential data from the one or more data sets in a single secured RFID tag [¶¶96-98, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T1 constitutes a first RFID circuit element, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T2 constitutes a second RFID circuit element, and these two RFID circuit elements To Constitute a wireless tag circuit element group. In the present embodiment configured as described above, information obtained by encrypting read information is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID tag circuit element to associated with the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2, hereinafter, the same relationship in parentheses). The encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) is stored and held, and the encryption key B (or encryption key A), which is a so-called common key at the time of the encryption, is used as another RFID label T2 (or RFID label T1). Is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the wireless tag circuit element To. Then, the scanner unit 200 of the activation controller 100 reads the encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) and the encrypted key B (or encrypted key A) from the two RFID circuit elements To, by decrypting the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A) using the encryption key B (or the encryption key A), information to be read after decryption is obtained. By reading and storing the encrypted data and the key at the time of encryption in separate RFID circuit elements To, a third party can read the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2). Even if the RFID tag circuit element to is found, the RFID tag circuit element to stores and holds only the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A), and the encryption key B (or the encryption key A) is stored in another RFID label T2 (or the RFID label). Since it is stored and held in the RFID circuit element To of T1), it cannot be decoded to obtain information. As a result, as long as the two RFID circuit elements to related to the RFID labels T1 and T2 cannot be picked up by the same third party, the information is not stolen, so that the security against information theft can be improved], and [¶¶2, 6, 107].
Regarding claim 21 , Colby does not explicitly disclose , However the combination of Taki and Brown disclose: Taki discloses wherein the first non- confidential portion of the complete data set is encrypted data and the second confidential portion is an encryption key which is stored on the separate secured RFID tag to decrypted the encrypted data, the encryption key made available [¶¶96-98, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T1 constitutes a first RFID circuit element, the RFID circuit element To of the RFID label T2 constitutes a second RFID circuit element, and these two RFID circuit elements To Constitute a wireless tag circuit element group. In the present embodiment configured as described above, information obtained by encrypting read information is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID tag circuit element to associated with the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2, hereinafter, the same relationship in parentheses). The encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) is stored and held, and the encryption key B (or encryption key A), which is a so-called common key at the time of the encryption, is used as another RFID label T2 (or RFID label T1). Is stored in the IC circuit unit 150 of the wireless tag circuit element To. Then, the scanner unit 200 of the activation controller 100 reads the encrypted data B (or encrypted data A) and the encrypted key B (or encrypted key A) from the two RFID circuit elements To, by decrypting the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A) using the encryption key B (or the encryption key A), information to be read after decryption is obtained. By reading and storing the encrypted data and the key at the time of encryption in separate RFID circuit elements To, a third party can read the RFID label T1 (or the RFID label T2). Even if the RFID tag circuit element to is found, the RFID tag circuit element to stores and holds only the encrypted data B (or the encrypted data A), and the encryption key B (or the encryption key A) is stored in another RFID label T2 (or the RFID label). Since it is stored and held in the RFID circuit element To of T1), it cannot be decoded to obtain information. As a result, as long as the two RFID circuit elements to related to the RFID labels T1 and T2 cannot be picked up by the same third party, the information is not stolen, so that the security against information theft can be improved], and [¶¶2, 6, 107].
Brown discloses when data transmission is enabled by the transmission control device in the authorized location [¶7, An RFID system generally comprises one or more tags, one or more tag readers, and often other supporting infrastructure such as a database. Often, the purpose of an RFID system is to enable data on an RFID tag to be read and processed by an RFID reader. The amount of processing and the nature of the data is largely dependent on the application. For example, the information transmitted by the tag may provide identification or location information, or specifics about the object to which the tag is affixed. In typical applications such as inventory tracking, the RFID system may use small, inexpensive tags affixed to objects that are being tracked. The tag contains a transponder with a memory that is given a unique code (e.g. a product code). A signal is emitted from the reader, the signal activating the RFID tag such that the reader can read and write data to the tag. When the RFID tag passes through an electromagnetic zone( equated to authorized location) created by the emission, the tag detects the reader's activation signal. The reader decodes the data encoded in the tag's memory and the data is passed to the supporting infrastructure for its particular use], and [Abstract].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of Taki, and Colby by incorporating “inventory tracking”, as taught by Brown. One could have been motivated to do so in order to read and process the information transmitted by the tag which provide identification or location information, or specifics about the object to which the tag is affixed [Brown, ¶7].
Claims 5, 7, 14, and 16 are rejected under 35 Kazuya Taki (JP4721096B2) , hereinafter, “Taki”, and in view of Colby ( US2007/0200684) (filed in IDS filed 10/17/2024), and further in view of Brown (US20100308978) and further in view of
Chang (US2009/0261951) (filed in IDS filed 10/17/2024).
Regarding claim 5, While Taki discloses wherein the data set comprises data for a unit of cargo or inventory [¶129, 1 is a conceptual system configuration diagram illustrating an entire vehicle activation system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is the top view and the bottom view showing an example of the whole schematic structure of a wireless tag label. It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the RFID circuit element provided in the RFID label].
Taki, Colby , and Brown do not explicitly disclose; however, Chang discloses wherein the data set comprises data for a unit of cargo or inventory [¶38, Refer to FIG. 4 showing a schematic diagram of a logistics process associated with an RFID tag. A good produced in a manufacturing plant 42 is attached with the RFID tag 10 according to the present invention. Manufacture data associated with the good, such as a manufacture date, an expiration date or a producer code, is written into the block 14D of the RFID tag 10 by the producer or is transmitted to a specific server 44 via the Internet 40. According to the present invention, the second identification code of the RFID tag 10 is set as an Internet protocol address of the server 44], and [¶39, A logistics service provider further delivers the good via a transfer station 46 to a sales department 48. During the good delivering process, the transfer station 46 and the sales department 48 record a set of data associated with the good, such as receiving hours and a license number of a lorry, so as to provide the administrator or purchaser with details of the good for future inquiries. The transfer station 46 and the sales department 48 can access the Internet protocol address stored in the block 14B and transmit the set of data to the server 44 via the Internet 40…].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of Taki, Colby, and Brown by incorporating “RFID tag in a good produced in a manufacturing plant”, as taught by Chang . One could have been motivated to do so in order to, during the good delivering process, the transfer station and the sales department record a set of data associated with the good, such as receiving hours and a license number of a lorry, so as to provide the administrator or purchaser with details of the good for future inquiries [ Chang, ¶¶38-39].
Examiner Note: Colby (US2007/0200684) also discloses this limitation as: [0007] RFID tags generate a return radio frequency signal that may include an encoded copy of information stored within the RFID tag. As RFID tags achieve more widespread use, they will become ubiquitous on forms of tagging, labeling, identification, and be included in personal and business effects, such as passports, driver's licenses, keys, cell phones, credit cards, PDAs, and so forth. For example, an RFID tag may be incorporated in a driver's license to store personal information about the licensee or in a product label to track inventory].
Regarding claim 7, while Taki discloses wherein the first RFID tag is affixed to a unit of cargo on a transport vehicle and the secured RFID tag is disposed in the same transport vehicle. [¶129, 1 is a conceptual system configuration diagram illustrating an entire vehicle activation system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is the top view and the bottom view showing an example of the whole schematic structure of a wireless tag label. It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the RFID circuit element provided in the RFID label.
Taki, Colby , and Brown do not explicitly disclose; however, Chang discloses wherein the data set comprises data for a unit of cargo or inventory [¶38, Refer to FIG. 4 showing a schematic diagram of a logistics process associated with an RFID tag. A good produced in a manufacturing plant 42 is attached with the RFID tag 10 according to the present invention. Manufacture data associated with the good, such as a manufacture date, an expiration date or a producer code, is written into the block 14D of the RFID tag 10 by the producer or is transmitted to a specific server 44 via the Internet 40. According to the present invention, the second identification code of the RFID tag 10 is set as an Internet protocol address of the server 44], and [¶39, A logistics service provider further delivers the good via a transfer station 46 to a sales department 48. During the good delivering process, the transfer station 46 and the sales department 48 record a set of data associated with the good, such as receiving hours and a license number of a lorry, so as to provide the administrator or purchaser with details of the good for future inquiries. The transfer station 46 and the sales department 48 can access the Internet protocol address stored in the block 14B and transmit the set of data to the server 44 via the Internet 40…].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of Taki, Colby , and Brown by incorporating “RFID tag in a good produced in a manufacturing plant”, as taught by Chang . One could have been motivated to do so in order to, during the good delivering process, the transfer station and the sales department record a set of data associated with the good, such as receiving hours and a license number of a lorry, so as to provide the administrator or purchaser with details of the good for future inquiries [ Chang, ¶¶38-39].
Examiner Note: Colby (US2007/0200684) also discloses this limitation as: [0007] RFID tags generate a return radio frequency signal that may include an encoded copy of information stored within the RFID tag. As RFID tags achieve more widespread use, they will become ubiquitous on forms of tagging, labeling, identification, and be included in personal and business effects, such as passports, driver's licenses, keys, cell phones, credit cards, PDAs, and so forth. For example, an RFID tag may be incorporated in a driver's license to store personal information about the licensee or in a product label to track inventory.
Regarding claim 14, while Taki discloses wherein the complete data set comprises data for a unit of cargo or inventory, and the method further comprises affixing a regular RFID tag to each unit of cargo or inventory [¶129, 1 is a conceptual system configuration diagram illustrating an entire vehicle activation system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is the top view and the bottom view showing an example of the whole schematic structure of a wireless tag label. It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the RFID circuit element provided in the RFID label].
Taki, Colby , and Brown do not explicitly disclose ; however, Chang discloses wherein the complete data set comprises data for a unit of cargo or inventory, and the method further comprises affixing a regular RFID tag to each unit of cargo or inventory [¶38, Refer to FIG. 4 showing a schematic diagram of a logistics process associated with an RFID tag. A good produced in a manufacturing plant 42 is attached with the RFID tag 10 according to the present invention. Manufacture data associated with the good, such as a manufacture date, an expiration date or a producer code, is written into the block 14D of the RFID tag 10 by the producer or is transmitted to a specific server 44 via the Internet 40. According to the present invention, the second identification code of the RFID tag 10 is set as an Internet protocol address of the server 44], and [¶39, A logistics service provider further delivers the good via a transfer station 46 to a sales department 48. During the good delivering process, the transfer station 46 and the sales department 48 record a set of data associated with the good, such as receiving hours and a license number of a lorry, so as to provide the administrator or purchaser with details of the good for future inquiries. The transfer station 46 and the sales department 48 can access the Internet protocol address stored in the block 14B and transmit the set of data to the server 44 via the Internet 40…].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of Taki, Colby , and Brown by incorporating “RFID tag in a good produced in a manufacturing plant”, as taught by Chang . One could have been motivated to do so in order to, during the good delivering process, the transfer station and the sales department record a set of data associated with the good, such as receiving hours and a license number of a lorry, so as to provide the administrator or purchaser with details of the good for future inquiries [ Chang, ¶¶38-39].
Examiner Note: Colby (US2007/0200684) also discloses this limitation as: [0007] RFID tags generate a return radio frequency signal that may include an encoded copy of information stored within the RFID tag. As RFID tags achieve more widespread use, they will become ubiquitous on forms of tagging, labeling, identification, and be included in personal and business effects, such as passports, driver's licenses, keys, cell phones, credit cards, PDAs, and so forth. For example, an RFID tag may be incorporated in a driver's license to store personal information about the licensee or in a product label to track inventory
Regarding claim 16, while Taki discloses affixing the one or more regular RFID tags to respective units of cargo on a transport vehicle; and disposing the secured RFID tag in the same transport vehicle [¶129, 1 is a conceptual system configuration diagram illustrating an entire vehicle activation system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is the top view and the bottom view showing an example of the whole schematic structure of a wireless tag label. It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the RFID circuit element provided in the RFID label.
Taki, Colby , and Brown do not explicitly disclose ; however, Chang discloses affixing the one or more regular RFID tags to respective units of cargo on a transport vehicle; and disposing the secured RFID tag in the same transport vehicle [¶¶38, Refer to FIG. 4 showing a schematic diagram of a logistics process associated with an RFID tag. A good produced in a manufacturing plant 42 is attached with the RFID tag 10 according to the present invention. Manufacture data associated with the good, such as a manufacture date, an expiration date or a producer code, is written into the block 14D of the RFID tag 10 by the producer or is transmitted to a specific server 44 via the Internet 40. According to the present invention, the second identification code of the RFID tag 10 is set as an Internet protocol address of the server 44], and [¶39, A logistics service provider further delivers the good via a transfer station 46 to a sales department 48. During the good delivering process, the transfer station 46 and the sales department 48 record a set of data associated with the good, such as receiving hours and a license number of a lorry, so as to provide the administrator or purchaser with details of the good for future inquiries. The transfer station 46 and the sales department 48 can access the Internet protocol address stored in the block 14B and transmit the set of data to the server 44 via the Internet 40…].
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of Taki, Colby , and Brown by incorporating “RFID tag in a good produced in a manufacturing plant”, as taught by Chang . One could have been motivated to do so in order to, during the good delivering process, the transfer station and the sales department record a set of data associated with the good, such as receiving hours and a license number of a lorry, so as to provide the administrator or purchaser with details of the good for future inquiries [ Chang, ¶¶38-39].
Examiner Note: Colby (US2007/0200684) also discloses this limitation as: [0007] RFID tags generate a return radio frequency signal that may include an encoded copy of information stored within the RFID tag. As RFID tags achieve more widespread use, they will become ubiquitous on forms of tagging, labeling, identification, and be included in personal and business effects, such as passports, driver's licenses, keys, cell phones, credit cards, PDAs, and so forth. For example, an RFID tag may be incorporated in a driver's license to store personal information about the licensee or in a product label to track inventory
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
See submitted 892 for more relevant references.
LUO (CN 110263888 A)[ the positioning device main body comprises a control module (101), a first RFID read-write module (102), a second RFID read-write module (106), a first analogue switch (103); the second analogue switch (105) and n pieces of antenna module (104), wherein n is the antenna module (104) is marked as follows: first 1 antenna module, antenna module 2, ..., the nth antenna module; the mounting position of the electronic device in each of said antenna module (104) and the position of the monitored location;
In order to solve the problem that a plurality of RFID electronic tag information reading and locating, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention provides a location-based RFID tag monitoring system comprising: a locating device main body and the RFID tag, the electronic device of each rack are fixedly mounted a unique RFID tag, RFID tag is a passive RFID electronic tag.
the positioning device main body is equipped with an integrated circuit board, comprising reading the collected and communication function of the RFID tag information, a locating device main body comprises a control module 101, a first RFID read-write module 102. the second RFID read-write module 106, the first analog switch 103, the second analog switch 105 and n antenna module 104, wherein, n the antenna module 104 is marked as follows: first 1 antenna module, antenna module 2, ..., the nth antenna module; each antenna module 104 of the position and location of the monitored electronic device mounting position.
(JOON )KR 102123111 B1 [ Abstract, The present invention provides an RFID reader device, which comprises: an RFID reader unit attaching an RFID tag to an object to be tracked and reading data including an identifier from at least one RFID tag entered within a radio wave range area; a positioning unit detecting a current location; and a control unit wirelessly transmitting current location information sensed by the positioning unit and data of the RFID tag read from at least one RFID tag by the RFID reader unit at the current location to the server device in which an object location map database is built. The RFID reader device is implemented as a moving body and mounted on a moving body.
The RFID location tags 10-1, 10-2 are for providing reference location information to the RFID reader devices 100-1, 100-2, ..., 100-K, and are fixed like the shelf 1 It is mounted on an object. According to an embodiment, when the fixed location information mapped to the identifier (ID) of the RFID location tags 10-1 and 10-2 is previously databaseized in the server device 200, the RFID reader device 100-1 , 100-2, ..., 100-K) can access the server device 200 to obtain location information mapped to the identifier (ID) transmitted from the RFID location tags 10-1, 10-2. have. According to another embodiment, when the RFID location tag (10-1, 10-2) as well as the identifier (ID) information as well as fixed location information, the RFID reader device (100-1, 100-2, .. ., 100-K) may be obtained by receiving fixed location information from RFID location tags 10-1 and 10-2.
The RFID tags 20-1 and 20-2 are attached to a moving object that is a location tracking target, such as an article 2 or a pallet 3 for storing a plurality of articles. According to one embodiment, the ID (ID) of the RFID tag (20-1, 20-2) and the article information attached to the RFID tag (20-1, 20-2) is mapped to the database in advance to the server device 200 If it is, the RFID reader device 100-1, 100-2, ..., 100-K transmits the identifier ID of the RFID tag 20-1, 20-2 to the server device 200. By doing so, the location information of the item mapped to the identifier (ID) can be made into a database. According to another embodiment, when the RFID tag (20-1, 20-2) as well as the identification (ID) information as well as article information, the RFID reader device (100-1, 100-2, ..., 100 -K) can transmit the item information as well as the identifier (ID) information of the RFID tags 20-1 and 20-2 to the server device 200 so that the location information of the item mapped to the identifier (ID) is databased. have.
Brown (US2017/0026789, ¶34…. According to an embodiment, data can be identified, classified, or tagged as sensitive using tags such as RFID tags, which can be attached to the wireless computing device. For example, data may be tagged as sensitive if it is stored on a storage medium that is itself tagged by or associated with an RFID tag. The wireless device can detect the presence of the RFID tag and identify, classify, assign, or tag the data received from the RFID-tagged storage medium as being sensitive data. A single wireless computing device may have different categories, classifications, or tags for different sensitive data.].
Hashimoto (US2006/0047961) [ Abstract, A wireless tag system and a wireless tag access control device make it easy to keep and manage keys of cryptograph with an enhanced level of security. The wireless tag system comprises a plurality of wireless slave tags 1 through 3 which store information encrypted by means of a first key of cryptograph, a wireless master tag 7A which store the first keys of cryptograph of the slave tags belonging thereto encrypted by means of the second key of cryptograph and a wireless tag access control device which accesses the master tag 7A and decrypting the first keys of cryptograph acquired from the master tag 7A by means of the second key of cryptograph and then the tag data acquired from the slave tags 1 through 3 by means of the decrypted first keys of cryptograph]. And [ see Figs 1, and 6 and corresponding text for more details).
Zimmerman ( US2006/0261926) [Abstract, A system and method for limiting the reading out of data from an RFID tag by requiring a reader of the tag to be authenticated by providing the correct key to the tag, static or rotating, before the tag will transmit data. The limitation of transmission is done irrespective of whether the data is encrypted or not. The system and method may have a segmented or tiered access scheme where segments or portions of the data stored in the RFID tag are accessible by differing keys. Additionally, different encryption keys or schemes may be employed to provide differing encryption methods for the data in the differing segments or portions of the data stored in the RFID tag].
Brown (US2017/0026789, ¶34…. According to an embodiment, data can be identified, classified, or tagged as sensitive using tags such as RFID tags, which can be attached to the wireless computing device. For example, data may be tagged as sensitive if it is stored on a storage medium that is itself tagged by or associated with an RFID tag. The wireless device can detect the presence of the RFID tag and identify, classify, assign, or tag the data received from the RFID-tagged storage medium as being sensitive data. A single wireless computing device may have different categories, classifications, or tags for different sensitive data.].
Hashimoto (US2006/0047961) [ A wireless tag system and a wireless tag access control device make it easy to keep and manage keys of cryptograph with an enhanced level of security. The wireless tag system comprises a plurality of wireless slave tags 1 through 3 which store information encrypted by means of a first key of cryptograph, a wireless master tag 7A which store the first keys of cryptograph of the slave tags belonging thereto encrypted by means of the second key of cryptograph and a wireless tag access control device which accesses the master tag 7A and decrypting the first keys of cryptograph acquired from the master tag 7A by means of the second key of cryptograph and then the tag data acquired from the slave tags 1 through 3 by means of the decrypted first keys of cryptograph].
JP 4721096 B2 [Furthermore, for the convenience of collation, in the RFID tag information writing device, the collation identification information generating means generates common collation identification information among a plurality of specific RFID tag circuit elements, and the generated common the verification identification information is written in common to the IC circuit portions of the specific plurality of RFID tag circuit elements by the information writing means. Then, in the RFID tag information reading device, the plurality of specific RFID tag circuit elements that are commonly provided with the identification identification information are identified by the identification tag identification means, and the decoding obtained respectively from the identified RFID tag circuit elements By making a collation judgment on the information after conversion, it is possible to ensure a specific group of a plurality of RFID tag circuit elements in which the encrypted data and the key at the time of encryption are divided and stored in separate RFID tag circuit elements It is possible to identify and reliably perform the collation determination.].
Zimmerman (US2006/0261926) [0004] However, while such attempts have been employed to restrict use of RFID tag information, they do not meet all the needs in the industry. In many examples of RFID tags, the tags are embedded into products, and thereafter they are widely dispersed. For many of these applications, there is no practical way to limit or restrict unwanted users from interrogating RFID tags after they have been embedded in a product which leaves the influence of the entity entering or having responsibility for the information. Encryption of the data on the tags has been used to limit access to the underlying information. However, it is well known that the more opportunities one has to sample examples of coded or encrypted information, the easier it is to crack the code and break into the encryption scheme. Many users of RFID tags would like to better secure their data stored on RFID tags after the tags have been widely dispersed.
Elias ( US20180014150) [0035] In certain embodiments, the tracking device 100 comprises at least one printed circuit board (PCB) comprising one or more of the first location tracking circuit 110, the second location tracking circuit 120, the at least one biometric identification circuit 130, the data storage device 140, and the processor 150. For example, one or more of these components of the tracking circuit 100 can be mounted on the at least one PCB which comprises circuitry configured to provide operational connectivity among the one or more components. In certain embodiments, the at least one PCB further comprises additional circuitry configured to provide one or more additional functionalities (e.g., at least one charger circuit configured to supply power to a power storage device of the tracking device 100; an RFID circuit configured to wirelessly transmit at least one identification signal to an RFID system; a muting circuit configured to control operation of the RFID circuit)
[0037] In certain embodiments, the at least one wireless location system 112 is configured to facilitate location determination across large areas or regions (e.g., outdoors and indoors; outside and inside of buildings; across cities, states, or countries; across campuses; across government, military, or commercial installations). In certain such embodiments, the at least one wireless location system 112 comprises a global positioning and navigation satellite network system. Examples of global positioning and navigation satellite network systems compatible with certain embodiments described herein include but are not limited to, the United States NAVSTAR global positioning system (GPS), GPS-A, Assisted GNSS, the Russian global navigation satellite system (GLONASS), the Chinese BeiDou-2 system, and the European Union global navigation satellite system (Galileo). The first location tracking circuit 110 of certain such embodiments is further configured to generate information regarding a location of the first location tracking circuit 110 in response to the signals received from the global positioning and navigation satellite network. In certain embodiments, the first location tracking circuit 110 is configured to conduct bi-directional communications with the global positioning and navigation satellite network system (e.g., by both receiving signals from the global positioning and navigation satellite network system and transmitting signals to the global positioning and navigation satellite network system), while in certain other embodiments, the first location tracking circuit 110 is configured to only receive signals from the global positioning and navigation satellite network system. In certain embodiments, the first location tracking circuit 110 can provide accurate and current geographical location information of an entity (e.g., a vehicle; an individual) that contains or carries the tracking device 100
[¶52, As described herein, depending on whether the user is determined to be an authorized user of the tracking device 100 or not, the processor 150 can further control aspects of the operation of the tracking device 100, thereby providing a more secure usage of the tracking device 100 (e.g., enabling an RFID circuit to transmit an RFID signal to an RFID system to provide door access, mobile payment, or computer logging).
[0059] FIG. 5A schematically illustrates an example tracking device 100 for use with a radio-frequency identification system 512 in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. The example tracking device 100 of FIG. 5A comprises a radio-frequency identification (RFID) circuit 510 in operative communication with the processor 150. The RFID circuit 510 is configured to receive at least one control signal 514 from the processor 150 and is configured to wirelessly transmit at least one identification signal 516 to an RFID system 512. For example, the RFID system 512 can be securing a restricted area (e.g., an area in which access is only permitted for personnel authorized to access the area), examples of which include, but are not limited to, selected areas of hospitals, airports, prisons, military facilities, government facilities, industrial facilities, and corporate facilities
[0065] The example tracking device 100 of FIG. 6C further comprises at least one charger circuit 630 configured to supply power to the power storage device 610. Examples of charger circuits 630 compatible with certain embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to, solar chargers, wireless inductive chargers, NFC chargers, energy harvesting chargers (e.g., RF, thermal, light) or combinations thereof For example, the tracking device 100, including the first location tracking circuit 110, the second location tracking circuit 120, the biometric identification circuit 130, the data storage device 140, the processor 150, a LoRa WAN communication circuit 410, and the RFID circuit 510 can run indefinitely on solar power. For another example, an NFC charging circuit can be used to charge the tracking device 100, and can be used to receive enough power (e.g., in 10 seconds) to start the biometric identification circuit 130 as well as the RFID circuit 510. In this way, certain embodiments can advantageously enable the tracking device 100 to be charged in remote locations and/or locations where power is not otherwise available.
[0067] In certain embodiments in which the tracking device 100 is to be used for accessing restricted areas of an airport, the tracking device 100 can advantageously provide real-time location information of the staff member to whom the tracking device 100 is assigned. The tracking device 100 can also advantageously generate alerts based on suspicious activities (e.g., attempts at unauthorized access or other use of the tracking device 100). By utilizing biometric authentication for access control (e.g., conditioning or gating operation of the RFID circuit 510 upon successfully determining that the user is an authorized user; disabling the RFID circuit 510 if the biometric authentication determines that the user is not an authorized user), certain embodiments can advantageously provide an added layer of security. In addition, certain embodiments can advantageously provide a distress call alarm and location information upon the user actuating an alarm switch (e.g., push button) of the tracking device 100.
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to SHAHRIAR ZARRINEH whose telephone number is (571)272-1207. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Jorge Ortiz-Criado can be reached at 571-272-7624. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/SHAHRIAR ZARRINEH/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2496
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