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 .
Priority
Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement filed February 26, 2024 has been considered.
Drawings
The drawings are objected to as failing to comply with 37 CFR 1.84(p)(5) because they do not include the following reference sign(s) mentioned in the description: Reference characters “S11-S16” and “S21-S26” described in [0029]-[0055] as representing the blocks in Figure 22. Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Claim Objections
Claim 20 is objected to because of the following informalities: “… a portion of another liquid lens…” in the last line of the claim should read “…a portion of the another liquid lens…” Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1, 5, 7, 11, 14, and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Kim et al. (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023/0146369 – hereinafter referred to as “Kim”).
Regarding claim 1, Kim teaches a manufacturing method for an autofocus camera module (Figure 1 camera module 100), comprising:
providing a first lens assembly (Figure 2 lower part of lens barrel 110, lens holder 140, and lens unit 113), a liquid lens (Figure 2 lens unit 130 with liquid lens 50, [0120]), and a circuit board assembly (Figure 1 substrate 190, [0095] substrate 190 is a circuit board),
wherein the first lens assembly (Figure 2 lower part of lens barrel 110, lens holder 140, and lens unit 113) comprises a first lens holder (Figure 2 lower part of lens barrel 110 and lens holder 140) and a first lens group (lens unit 113) received in the first lens holder (Figure 2 lens unit 113 is disposed in lens barrel 110 and lens holder 140), the liquid lens (Figure 4 liquid lens 50) comprises a plurality of connecting pads (Figure 4 electrodes 51, [0137]), and the circuit board assembly (substrate 190) comprises a plurality of driving elements (Figure 2 terminals 195; [0097], [0115], [0151], [0173] terminals 195 send various drive signals to the liquid lens and constitute drive elements);
forming a first conductive line (Figure 13B terminal unit 60 (units 63 and 65 in Figure 13B), [0170]) on the first lens holder (Figure 13B terminal unit 60 is on lens holder 140, [0115] and [0247]);
applying a solder material ([0169] conductive adhesive includes solder) onto the plurality of connecting pads of the liquid lens ([0169] solder applied to electrodes 50);
soldering the plurality of connecting pads of the liquid lens to one side of the first lens holder through the solder material ([0169] terminal units 60 are connected to electrodes 50 with solder which are connected to lens holder 140 through conductive members 90), thereby causing the plurality of connecting pads to be electrically connected to one end of the first conductive line ([0169] electrodes 50 are electrically to terminal units 60); and
mounting the circuit board assembly to another side of the first lens assembly (Figure 2 lens holder 140 is connected to substrate 190, [0089]), thereby causing another end of the first conductive line to be electrically connected to the plurality of driving elements (Figures 2 and 11 terminal unit 60 are electrically connected to terminal 195 through conductive members 90, [0097], [0115], [0151], [0173]).
Regarding claim 5, Kim teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 1. Kim further teaches setting a second lens assembly on a side of the first lens assembly containing the first lens holder (Figure 2 upper part of lens barrel 110 and lens unit 112 is above the lower part of lens barrel 110 containing lens unit 113), wherein the second lens assembly comprises a second lens holder (Figures 2 and 3 upper part of lens barrel 110) and a second lens assembly received in the second lens holder (Figures 2 and 3 lens unit 112 is in upper part of lens barrel 110); and accommodating the liquid lens inside the second lens holder (Figure 13A liquid lens 50 is disposed in upper part of lens barrel 110, [0397]).
Regarding claim 7, Kim teaches an autofocus camera module (Figure 1 camera module 100) comprising:
a circuit board assembly (Figure 1 substrate 190, [0095] substrate 190 is a circuit board) comprising a plurality of driving elements (Figure 2 terminals 195; [0097], [0115], [0151], [0173] terminals 195 send various drive signals to the liquid lens and constitute drive elements); and
a lens mechanism (Figure 2 lens barrel 110, lens assembly 120, and lens holder 140 are a lens mechanism, [0086], [0114]) disposed on the circuit board assembly (Figure 2 lens barrel 110, lens assembly 120, and lens holder 140 is disposed on substrate 190), the lens mechanism comprising:
a first lens assembly (Figure 2 lower part of lens barrel 110, lens holder 140, and lens unit 113);
a second lens assembly (Figure 2 upper part of lens barrel 110 and lens unit 112); and
a liquid lens (Figure 2 lens unit 130 with liquid lens 50, [0120]) disposed between the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly (Figure 2 lens unit 130 is between lens unit 113 and lens unit 112),
wherein the first lens assembly (Figure 2 lower part of lens barrel 110, lens holder 140, and lens unit 113) comprises a first lens holder (Figure 2 lower part of lens barrel 110 and lens holder 140), a first lens group (lens unit 113) received in the first lens holder (Figure 2 lens unit 113 is disposed in lens barrel 110 and lens holder 140), and a first conductive line (Figure 13B terminal unit 60 (units 63 and 65 in Figure 13B), [0170]) disposed on the first lens holder (Figure 13B terminal unit 60 is on lens holder 140, [0115] and [0247]), the first lens holder is connected to one side of the circuit board assembly (Figure 2 lens holder 140 is connected to substrate 190, [0089]), and
the liquid lens (Figure 4 liquid lens 50) comprises a plurality of connecting pads (Figure 4 electrodes 51, [0137]) and a solder material located on the plurality of connecting pads ([0169] conductive adhesive includes solder), the plurality of connecting pads of the liquid lens is soldered to the first lens holder through the solder material ([0169] terminal units 60 and 70 are connected to electrodes 50 with solder which are connected to lens holder 140 through conductive members 90), the first conductive line electrically connects the plurality of connecting pads and the plurality of driving elements (Figures 2 and 11 terminal unit 60 and conductive members 90 connect electrodes 50 and terminals 195, [0097], [0115], [0151], [0173]).
Regarding claim 11, Kim teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 7. Kim further teaches the second lens assembly (Figures 2 and 3 upper part of lens barrel 110 and lens unit 112) comprises a second lens holder (Figures 2 and 3 upper part of lens barrel 110) and a second lens group received in the second lens holder (Figures 2 and 3 lens unit 112 is in upper part of lens barrel 110), the second lens holder is disposed on a side of the first lens holder away from the circuit board assembly (Figure 3 upper part of lens holder 110 is above lower part of lens holder 110 and away from substrate 191), and the liquid lens (Figure 13A liquid lens 50) is accommodated in the second lens holder (Figure 13A liquid lens 50 is disposed in upper part of lens barrel 110, [0397]).
Regarding claim 14, Kim teaches an electronic device (Figure 39 optical device 200A) comprising an autofocus camera module (Figure 1 camera module 100), the an autofocus camera module (Figure 1 camera module 100) comprising:
a circuit board assembly (Figure 1 substrate 190, [0095] substrate 190 is a circuit board) comprising a plurality of driving elements (Figure 2 terminals 195; [0097], [0115], [0151], [0173] terminals 195 send various drive signals to the liquid lens and constitute drive elements); and
a lens mechanism (Figure 2 lens barrel 110, lens assembly 120, and lens holder 140 are a lens mechanism, [0086], [0114]) disposed on the circuit board assembly (Figure 2 lens barrel 110, lens assembly 120, and lens holder 140 is disposed on substrate 190), the lens mechanism comprising:
a first lens assembly (Figure 2 lower part of lens barrel 110, lens holder 140, and lens unit 113);
a second lens assembly (Figure 2 upper part of lens barrel 110 and lens unit 112); and
a liquid lens (Figure 2 lens unit 130 with liquid lens 50, [0120]) disposed between the first lens assembly and the second lens assembly (Figure 2 lens unit 130 is between lens unit 113 and lens unit 112),
wherein the first lens assembly (Figure 2 lower part of lens barrel 110, lens holder 140, and lens unit 113) comprises a first lens holder (Figure 2 lower part of lens barrel 110 and lens holder 140), a first lens group received in the first lens holder (Figure 2 lens unit 113 is disposed in lens barrel 110 and lens holder 140), and a first conductive line (Figure 13B terminal unit 60 (units 63 and 65 in Figure 13B), [0170]) disposed on the first lens holder (Figure 13B terminal unit 60 is on lens holder 140, [0115] and [0247]), the first lens holder is connected to one side of the circuit board assembly (Figure 2 lens holder 140 is connected to substrate 190, [0089]), and
the liquid lens (Figure 4 liquid lens 50) comprises a plurality of connecting pads (Figure 4 electrodes 51, [0137]) and a solder material located on the plurality of connecting pads ([0169] conductive adhesive includes solder), the plurality of connecting pads of the liquid lens is soldered to the first lens holder through the solder material ([0169] terminal units 60 and 70 are connected to electrodes 50 with solder which are connected to lens holder 140 through conductive members 90), the first conductive line electrically connects the plurality of connecting pads and the plurality of driving elements (Figures 2 and 11 terminal unit 60 and conductive members 90 connect electrodes 50 and terminals 195, [0097], [0115], [0151], [0173]).
Regarding claim 18, Kim teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 14. Kim further teaches the second lens assembly (Figures 2 and 3 upper part of lens barrel 110 and lens unit 112) comprises a second lens holder (Figures 2 and 3 upper part of lens barrel 110) and a second lens group received in the second lens holder (Figures 2 and 3 lens unit 112 is in upper part of lens barrel 110), the second lens holder is disposed on a side of the first lens holder away from the circuit board assembly (Figure 3 upper part of lens holder 110 is above lower part of lens holder 110 and away from substrate 191), and the liquid lens (Figure 13A liquid lens 50) is accommodated in the second lens holder (Figure 13A liquid lens 50 is disposed in upper part of lens barrel 110, [0397]).
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.
Claim 2 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023/0146369) as applied to claim 1 above in view of Zhou et al. (Chinese Patent Publication CN 115685643 A – machine translation – hereinafter referred to as “Zhou”).
Regarding claim 2, Kim teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 1. Kim further teaches the first lens holder (Figure 2 lower part of lens barrel 110 and lens holder 140) is provided with a first base (Figure 2 lens holder 140), a first lens barrel (Figure 2 lower part of lens barrel 110), and a first lens cover (Figure 13A holder 80 covers the lover part of lens barrel 110) sequentially connected to each other (Figures 2 and 13A holder 80, lower part of lens barrel 110, and lens holder 140 are connected sequentially), and forming the first conductive line (Figure 13B terminal unit 60 is on lens holder 140, [0115] and [0247]) on the first lens holder further comprises:
forming the first conductive line on the first lens holder (Figure 13B terminal unit 60 is on lens holder 140, [0115] and [0247]), the first conductive line extends from the first lens cover to the first base (Figures 11 and 13B terminal unit 60 extend from holder 80 to lens holder 140, and
soldering the plurality of connecting pads of the liquid lens to the one side of the first lens holder through the solder material ([0169] terminal units 60 are connected to electrodes 50 with solder which are connected to lens holder 140 through conductive members 90) further comprises:
soldering the plurality of connecting pads of the liquid lens to the first lens cover through the solder material (Figure 13B, [0164] electrodes 50 are soldered to terminal units 60 connect to holder 80).
Kim fails to teach forming the first conductive line on the first lens holder by laser direct forming technology. However, Zhou teaches a camera module with a liquid lens (Figure 1) using laser direct forming technology to form conductive lines ([0094]). Zhou further teaches laser direct forming technology can avoid interference from other internal metals and reduce the module size ([0094]). In addition changing the method of producing the conductive line would not have an effect on the function of the device as power and driving signals would still be delivered to the liquid lens. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to form the first conductive line taught by Kim using laser direct forming technology as taught by Zhou in order to avoid interference with other internal metals and reduce module size (Zhou [0094]).
Claims 3-4, 8-10, and 15-17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023/0146369) as applied to claims 1, 7, and 14 above in view of Choi (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021/0041604).
Regarding claim 3, Kim teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 1. Kim further teaches a method for manufacturing the circuit board assembly (Figure 2 substrate 190) comprises:
setting the plurality of driving elements on a surface of a circuit board (Figure 2 terminal 195 on substrate 191, [0097]);
setting an encapsulant (Figure 2 sensor base 180, [0096]) on the surface of the circuit board (Figure 3 sensor base 180 is on substrate 191, [0096])
forming a second conductive line on the encapsulant (Figure 2 conductive members 90 are on sensor base 180, [0097]), thereby causing the second conductive line to be electrically connected to the plurality of driving elements ([0097] conductive members 90 connect to terminal 195 on substrate 191);
setting an image sensor (Figure 2 image sensor 160, [0086]) on the surface of the circuit board containing the plurality of driving elements (Figure 3 image sensor 160 is on substrate 191); and
setting an optical filter (Figure 2 filter 150, [0106]) on a surface of the encapsulant away from the circuit board (Figure 3 filter 150 is on sensor base 180 away from substrate 191), thereby causing the optical filter to correspond to the image sensor (Figure 3 filter 560 corresponds to sensor 160, [0110]).
Kim fails to teach the encapsulant encapsulates the plurality of driving elements. However, Choi teaches a camera module (Figure 2) with an encapsulant (Figure 2 second cover 38, [0058]) that encapsulates the plurality of driving elements (Figures 3 and 4 cover 38 encapsulates electrode pad 55 which are driving elements [0084]). Choi further teaches an encapsulant can be used to protect board components from external shocks and foreign substances ([0067]). Therefore, 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 camera module taught by Kim to include an encapsulant that encapsulates the driving elements as taught by Choi in order to protect board components from external shock and foreign substances (Choi [0067]).
Regarding claim 4, Kim and Choi teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 3. Kim further teaches electrically connecting the first conductive line to the second conductive line (Figure 13B terminal unit 60 connects to conductive member 90, [0256]).
Regarding claim 8, Kim teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 7. Kim further teaches the circuit board assembly (Figure 2 substrate 190) further comprises a circuit board (Figure 3 substrate 191, [0098]), a second conductive line (Figure 2 conductive members 90, [0097]), and an encapsulant (Figure 2 sensor base 180, [0096]) the plurality of driving elements is arranged on the circuit board (Figure 2 terminal 195 on substrate 191, [0097]), and the second conductive line connects the first conductive line and the circuit board (Figure 13B terminal unit 60 connects to conductive member 90, [0256]; [0097] conductive members 90 connect to terminal 195 on substrate 191).
Kim fails to teach the encapsulant encapsulates the plurality of driving elements. However, Choi teaches a camera module (Figure 2) with an encapsulant (Figure 2 second cover 38, [0058]) that encapsulates the plurality of driving elements (Figures 3 and 4 cover 38 encapsulates electrode pad 55 which are driving elements [0084]). Choi further teaches an encapsulant can be used to protect board components from external shocks and foreign substances ([0067]). Therefore, 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 camera module taught by Kim to include an encapsulant that encapsulates the driving elements as taught by Choi in order to protect board components from external shock and foreign substances (Choi [0067]).
Regarding claim 9, Kim and Choi teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 8. Kim further teaches the circuit board assembly (Figure 2 substrate 190) further comprises an image sensor (Figure 2 image sensor 160, [0086]), the encapsulant defines a first opening (Figure 2 bore 181), a portion of the circuit board is exposed from the first opening ([0105] image sensor 160 on substrate 191 is exposed through bore 181), the image sensor is disposed in the first opening and connected to the circuit board ([0105] image sensor 160 is exposed through bore 181; [0098] image sensor 160 is connected to substrate 191).
Regarding claim 10, Kim and Choi teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 9. Kim further teaches the circuit board assembly (Figure 2 substrate 190) further comprises an optical filter (Figure 2 filter 150, [0106]), the optical filter is arranged on a surface of the encapsulant (Figure 3 filter 150 is on surface of sensor base 180, [0106]), the optical filter covers the first opening and faces the image sensor, (Figure 3 filter 150 faces image sensor 160) and a portion of the optical filter is accommodated in the first lens holder (Figure 3 filter 150 is in lower part of lens barrel 110 and lens holder 140).
Regarding claim 15, Kim teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 14. Kim further teaches the circuit board assembly (Figure 2 substrate 190) further comprises a circuit board (Figure 3 substrate 191, [0098]), a second conductive line (Figure 2 conductive members 90, [0097]), and an encapsulant (Figure 2 sensor base 180, [0096])the plurality of driving elements is arranged on the circuit board (Figure 2 terminal 195 on substrate 191, [0097]), and the second conductive line connects the first conductive line and the circuit board (Figure 13B terminal unit 60 connects to conductive member 90, [0256]; [0097] conductive members 90 connect to terminal 195 on substrate 191).
Kim fails to teach the encapsulant encapsulates the plurality of driving elements. However, Choi teaches a camera module (Figure 2) with an encapsulant (Figure 2 second cover 38, [0058]) that encapsulates the plurality of driving elements (Figures 3 and 4 cover 38 encapsulates electrode pad 55 which are driving elements [0084]). Choi further teaches an encapsulant can be used to protect board components from external shocks and foreign substances ([0067]). Therefore, 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 camera module taught by Kim to include an encapsulant that encapsulates the driving elements as taught by Choi in order to protect board components from external shock and foreign substances (Choi [0067]).
Regarding claim 16, Kim and Choi teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 15. Kim further teaches the circuit board assembly (Figure 2 substrate 190) further comprises an optical filter (Figure 2 filter 150, [0106]), the optical filter is arranged on a surface of the encapsulant (Figure 3 filter 150 is on surface of sensor base 180, [0106]), the optical filter covers the first opening and faces the image sensor, (Figure 3 filter 150 faces image sensor 160) and a portion of the optical filter is accommodated in the first lens holder (Figure 3 filter 150 is in lower part of lens barrel 110 and lens holder 140).
Regarding claim 17, Kim and Choi teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 16. Kim further teaches the circuit board assembly (Figure 2 substrate 190) further comprises an image sensor (Figure 2 image sensor 160, [0086]), the encapsulant defines a first opening (Figure 2 bore 181), a portion of the circuit board is exposed from the first opening ([0105] image sensor 160 on substrate 191 is exposed through bore 181), the image sensor is disposed in the first opening and connected to the circuit board ([0105] image sensor 160 is exposed through bore 181; [0098] image sensor 160 is connected to substrate 191).
Claims 6, 12-13, and 19-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023/0146369) as applied to claims 5, 7, and 14 above in view of Lee et al. (Korean Patent Publication KR 100711247 – machine translation – hereinafter referred to as “Lee”).
Regarding claim 6, Kim teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 5. Kim fails to teach forming a third conductive line on the second lens holder, thereby causing the third conductive line to be electrically connected to the first conductive line; and soldering another liquid lens on a side of the second lens holder away from the first lens holder, thereby causing the another liquid lens to be electrically connected to the third conductive line.
However, Lee teaches a camera module (Figure 1) with another liquid lens on a side of the second lens holder away from the first lens holder (Figure 1 liquid lens 300 is on lens group 310 away from lens group 330, page 3 second to last paragraph). Lee further teaches using two liquid lenses in order to implement both focus and zoom function (Page 4 paragraph 5). Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to provide a third conductive line connected to the first conductive line and the second liquid lens in order to power the second liquid lens. Therefore, 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 camera module taught by Kim by adding another liquid lens as taught by Lee in order to provide both focus and zoom function (Lee page 4 paragraph 5) and to provide a third conductive line connected to the first conductive line and the another liquid lens to power the another liquid lens.
Regarding claim 12, Kim teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 7. Kim fails to teach another liquid lens, wherein the second lens assembly further comprises a third conductive line, one end the third conductive line is connected to the first conductive line, the another liquid lens is disposed on a surface of the second lens holder away from the first circuit board assembly, and another end of the third conductive line is connected to the another liquid lens.
However, Lee teaches a camera module (Figure 1) with another liquid lens (Figure 1 liquid lens 300), wherein the second lens assembly further comprises a third conductive line and the another liquid lens is disposed on a surface of the second lens holder away from the first circuit board assembly (Figure 1 liquid lens 300 is on lens group 310 away from lens group 330, page 3 second to last paragraph). Lee further teaches using two liquid lenses in order to implement both focus and zoom function (Page 4 paragraph 5). Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to provide a third conductive line connected to the first conductive line and the second liquid lens in order to power the second liquid lens. Therefore, 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 camera module taught by Kim by adding another liquid lens as taught by Lee in order to provide both focus and zoom function (Lee page 4 paragraph 5) and to provide a third conductive line connected to the first conductive line and the another liquid lens to power the another liquid lens.
Regarding claim 13, Kim and Lee teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 12. Kim further teaches a protective cover (Figure 2 cover 300, [0309]), wherein the protective cover is disposed on a surface of the second lens holder away from the first circuit board assembly (Figure 3 cover 300 is disposed on the surface of the upper part of lens barrel 110), the protective cover defines a second opening (Figure 2 bore 303, [0390]).
Kim fails to teach a portion of the another liquid lens is exposed from the second opening. However Lee teaches another liquid lens (Figure 1 liquid lens 300) that is exposed through an opening (Figure 1 liquid lens 300 is exposed in order to allow for imaging). Lee further teaches using two liquid lenses in order to implement both focus and zoom function (Page 4 paragraph 5). Therefore, 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 camera module taught by Kim by adding another liquid lens exposed through an opening as taught by Lee in order to provide both focus and zoom function (Lee page 4 paragraph 5).
Regarding claim 19, Kim teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 14. Kim fails to teach another liquid lens, wherein the second lens assembly further comprises a third conductive line, one end the third conductive line is connected to the first conductive line, the another liquid lens is disposed on a surface of the second lens holder away from the first circuit board assembly, and another end of the third conductive line is connected to the another liquid lens.
However, Lee teaches a camera module (Figure 1) with another liquid lens (Figure 1 liquid lens 300), wherein the second lens assembly further comprises a third conductive line and the another liquid lens is disposed on a surface of the second lens holder away from the first circuit board assembly (Figure 1 liquid lens 300 is on lens group 310 away from lens group 330, page 3 second to last paragraph). Lee further teaches using two liquid lenses in order to implement both focus and zoom function (Page 4 paragraph 5). Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to provide a third conductive line connected to the first conductive line and the second liquid lens in order to power the second liquid lens. Therefore, 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 camera module taught by Kim by adding another liquid lens as taught by Lee in order to provide both focus and zoom function (Lee page 4 paragraph 5) and to provide a third conductive line connected to the first conductive line and the another liquid lens to power the another liquid lens.
Regarding claim 20, Kim and Lee teaches all the limitations of the claimed invention with respect to claim 19. Kim further teaches a protective cover (Figure 2 cover 300, [0309]), wherein the protective cover is disposed on a surface of the second lens holder away from the first circuit board assembly (Figure 3 cover 300 is disposed on the surface of the upper part of lens barrel 110), the protective cover defines a second opening (Figure 2 bore 303, [0390]).
Kim fails to teach a portion of the another liquid lens is exposed from the second opening. However Lee teaches another liquid lens (Figure 1 liquid lens 300) that is exposed through an opening (Figure 1 liquid lens 300 is exposed in order to allow for imaging). Lee further teaches using two liquid lenses in order to implement both focus and zoom function (Page 4 paragraph 5). Therefore, 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 camera module taught by Kim by adding another liquid lens exposed through an opening as taught by Lee in order to provide both focus and zoom function (Lee page 4 paragraph 5).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Jun (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023/0185076) teaches a similar camera module with a liquid lens between two lens assemblies.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ALEX PARK RICKEL whose telephone number is (703)756-4561. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Bumsuk Won can be reached at (571)272-2713. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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Alex Rickel
Examiner
Art Unit 2872
/A.P.R./Examiner, Art Unit 2872
/BUMSUK WON/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2872