DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Arguments
Applicants’ arguments filed on 08/29/2025 with respect to claims 1, 3-10, 12-15, 17-20 and 22 have been fully considered but they are moot in view of the new ground(s) of rejection necessitated by Applicant’s amendment. New claims 24-25 will be addressed in this Office Action.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the claims at issue are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); and In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on a nonstatutory double patenting ground provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with this application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP §§ 706.02(l)(1) - 706.02(l)(3) for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/forms/. The filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to http://www.uspto.gov/patents/process/file/efs/guidance/eTD-info-I.jsp.
Instant Application
Patent No. 11,875,389
(Claim 1)
1. (Currently amended) A method implemented by a robotic assistant, the method comprising: receiving an item in a compartment; collecting at least one measurement of the item using a sensor associated with the compartment; determining an identity of the item based on the at least one measurement of the item; generating a posting for the item that includes a description of the item based on the identity of the item; determining dimensions for constructing a customized package for the item based on the at least one measurement of the item; identifying a material for constructing the customized package for the item based on the identity of the item and the dimensions; and constructing the customized package by folding a portion of the material based on the dimensions using a robotic arm inside the compartment.
(Claim 3)
3. (Original) The method of claim 1, further comprising determining whether the item is fragile based on rates of damage for other items associated with the identity of the item.
(Claim 4)
4. (Previously Presented) The method of claim 3, further comprising identifying the material for constructing the customized package in response to determining that the item is fragile.
(Claim 5)
5. (Original) The method of claim 1, further comprising generating an indication that the item is fragile for inclusion in the posting for the item or on the customized package for the item.
(Claim 6)
6. (Original) The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one measurement specifies a weight of the item or a size of the item.
(Claim 7)
7. (Original) The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a request to deliver the item to a defined location; and moving the compartment to the defined location to deliver the item in response to the request to deliver the item.
(Claim 8)
8. (Currently amended) A system comprising: a compartment to receive an item; a sensor associated with the compartment to collect at least one measurement of the item; and a processing device coupled to a memory component and associated with the compartment, the processing device to perform operations including: determining an identity of the item based on the at least one measurement of the item; generating a posting for the item that includes a description of the item based on the identity of the item; determining dimensions for constructing a customized package for the item based on the at least one measurement of the item; identifying a material for constructing the customized package for the item based on the identity of the item and the dimensions; and constructing the customized package by folding a portion of the material based on the dimensions using a robotic arm inside the compartment.
(Claim 9)
9. (Original) The system of claim 8, wherein the compartment is configured to store the item until the processing device receives an indication that the item is sold.
(Claim 10)
10. (Original) The system of claim 8, wherein the compartment is configured to transport the item.
(Claim 12)
12. (Original) The system of claim 8, further comprising determining whether the item is fragile based on rates of damage for other items of the identity of the item.
(Claim 13)
13. (Previously Presented) The system of claim 12, further comprising identifying the material for constructing the customized package in response to determining that the item is fragile.
(Claim 14)
14. (Original) The system of claim 8, further comprising generating an indication that the item is fragile for inclusion in the posting for the item or on the customized package for the item.
(Claim 15)
15. (Currently amended) A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereupon which, when executed by a processor of a computing device, cause the computing device to: receive an item in a compartment; collect at least one measurement of the item using a sensor associated with the compartment; determine an identity of the item based on the at least one measurement of the item; generate a posting for the item that includes a description of the item based on the identity of the item; determine dimensions for constructing a customized package for the item based on the at least one measurement of the item; identifying a material for constructing the customized package for the item based on the identity of the item and the dimensions; and constructing the customized package by folding a portion of the material based on the dimensions using a robotic arm inside the compartment.
(Claim 17)
17. (Previously Presented) The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, further configured to cause the computing device to determine whether the item is fragile based on rates of damage for other items of the identity of the item.
(Claim 18)
18. (Previously Presented) The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17, further configured to cause the computing device to identify the material for constructing the customized package in response to determining that the item is fragile.
(Claim 19)
19. (Previously Presented) The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, further configured to cause the computing device to generate an indication that the item is fragile for inclusion in the posting for the item or on the customized package for the item.
(Claim 20)
20. (Previously Presented) The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 19, further configured to cause the computing device to: receive a request to deliver the item to a defined location; and cause the compartment to move to the defined location to deliver the item in response to the request to deliver the item.
(Claim 22)
22. (Previously Presented) The method of claim 1, wherein collecting the at least one measurement of the item involves capturing images from multiple angles in conjunction with an item manipulation arm within the compartment that holds the item at different angles in relation to one or more cameras.
(Claim 24)
24. (New) The method of claim 1, wherein the customized package is based on a three dimensional model of the item formed from the at least one measurement of the item.
(Claim 25)
25. (New) The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying the material for constructing the customized package for the item based on weight of the item.
(Claim 1)
1. A method implemented by a robotic assistant, the method comprising: receiving an item in a posting compartment; identifying the item with one or more image-based sensors; retrieving supplemental information about the item, wherein the supplemental information can identify a size and shape of the item and at least one performance specification; generating image data of the item from one or more cameras, wherein an angle, zoom level, and a distance of the one or more cameras in relation to the item to generate the image data are based on the size and the shape of the item; and generating a posting for the item, the posting comprising the image data and the supplemental information.
(Claim 2)
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the supplemental information is retrieved based on an identifier encoded in a barcode on the item.
(Claim 3)
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the posting compartment includes a turntable on which the item is placed, and wherein the one or more cameras take pictures of the item from different perspectives as the turntable rotates the item.
(Claim 4)
4. The method of claim 1, wherein a laser distance measure determines at least one of the size or the shape of the item as a turntable rotates the item.
(Claim 5)
5. The method of claim 1, wherein a customized package is created to ship the item in based on the size or the shape of the item.
(Claim 6)
6. The method of claim 1, wherein a laser distance measure attached to a gimbal is moved in three dimensions around the item to measure a second size of the item, and wherein the size of the item and the second size of the item are compared to verify an accuracy of the posting.
(Claim 7)
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: autonomously plugging a communication cable into the item; retrieving additional supplemental information about the item over the communication cable; and including the additional supplemental information about the item in the posting.
(Claim 1)
1. A method implemented by a robotic assistant, the method comprising: receiving an item in a posting compartment; identifying the item with one or more image-based sensors; retrieving supplemental information about the item, wherein the supplemental information can identify a size and shape of the item and at least one performance specification; generating image data of the item from one or more cameras, wherein an angle, zoom level, and a distance of the one or more cameras in relation to the item to generate the image data are based on the size and the shape of the item; and generating a posting for the item, the posting comprising the image data and the supplemental information.
(Claim 2)
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the supplemental information is retrieved based on an identifier encoded in a barcode on the item.
(Claim 3)
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the posting compartment includes a turntable on which the item is placed, and wherein the one or more cameras take pictures of the item from different perspectives as the turntable rotates the item.
(Claim 4)
4. The method of claim 1, wherein a laser distance measure determines at least one of the size or the shape of the item as a turntable rotates the item.
(Claim 5)
5. The method of claim 1, wherein a customized package is created to ship the item in based on the size or the shape of the item.
(Claim 6)
6. The method of claim 1, wherein a laser distance measure attached to a gimbal is moved in three dimensions around the item to measure a second size of the item, and wherein the size of the item and the second size of the item are compared to verify an accuracy of the posting.
(Claim 7)
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: autonomously plugging a communication cable into the item; retrieving additional supplemental information about the item over the communication cable; and including the additional supplemental information about the item in the posting.
(Claim 1)
1. A method implemented by a robotic assistant, the method comprising: receiving an item in a posting compartment; identifying the item with one or more image-based sensors; retrieving supplemental information about the item, wherein the supplemental information can identify a size and shape of the item and at least one performance specification; generating image data of the item from one or more cameras, wherein an angle, zoom level, and a distance of the one or more cameras in relation to the item to generate the image data are based on the size and the shape of the item; and generating a posting for the item, the posting comprising the image data and the supplemental information.
(Claim 2)
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the supplemental information is retrieved based on an identifier encoded in a barcode on the item.
(Claim 3)
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the posting compartment includes a turntable on which the item is placed, and wherein the one or more cameras take pictures of the item from different perspectives as the turntable rotates the item.
(Claim 4)
4. The method of claim 1, wherein a laser distance measure determines at least one of the size or the shape of the item as a turntable rotates the item.
(Claim 5)
5. The method of claim 1, wherein a customized package is created to ship the item in based on the size or the shape of the item.
(Claim 6)
6. The method of claim 1, wherein a laser distance measure attached to a gimbal is moved in three dimensions around the item to measure a second size of the item, and wherein the size of the item and the second size of the item are compared to verify an accuracy of the posting.
(Claim 7)
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: autonomously plugging a communication cable into the item; retrieving additional supplemental information about the item over the communication cable; and including the additional supplemental information about the item in the posting.
Claims 1, 6-8, 10, 15, 20, 24 and 25 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-7 of Patent No. US 11,875,389, and further in view of HEINLA (WO 2018/099930), and further in view of Linnell et al. (US 2018/0297266 A1).
Re claim 1, claim 1 of the Patent No. 11,875,389, recites each and every limitation of claim 1 of the Instant Application except for the limitation of “collecting at least one measurement of the item using a sensor associated with the compartment; determining an identity of the item based on the at least one measurement of the item;
determining dimensions for constructing a customized package for the item based on the at least one measurement of the item; identifying a material for constructing the customized package for the item based on the identity of the item and the dimensions; and constructing the customized package by folding a portion of the material based on the dimensions using a robotic arm inside the compartment.”
However, the reference of HEINLA explicitly teaches “collecting at least one measurement of the item using a sensor associated with the compartment” (see page 24 lines 21-28 for collecting at least one measurement of the item using a sensor associated with the compartment (i.e. package sensor 30 can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages 20, 22 in the package space 10 as described in figs. 1-2 page 29 lines 1-3)); “determining an identity of the item based on the at least one measurement of the item” (see page 24 lines 21-29 for determining an identity of the item based on the at least one measurement of the item (i.e. package sensor 30 can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages 20, 22 in the package space 10, and the identity of each such package 20, 22 by virtue of the package ID 32 such as a barcode, a QR code or a similar code and/or other specific package characteristic such as dimensions, weight, visual characteristics, RF tags and so on as described in figs. 1-2 page 29 lines 1-5)); “determining dimensions for constructing a customized package for the item based on the at least one measurement of the item” (see page 24 lines 21-29 for determining dimensions for constructing a customized package for the item based on the at least one measurement of the item (i.e. the packages 20, 22 are placed within the package space 10, they are schematically depicted in the figure as rectangular boxes, but can comprise any other shape, packages 20, 22 can comprise mail, documents, groceries, take-out, packages, and/or other items to be delivered as described in fig. 1 page 24 lines 28-32, furthermore, package sensor 30 can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages 20, 22 in the package space 10, and the identity of each such package 20, 22 by virtue of the package ID 32 such as a barcode, a QR code or a similar code and/or other specific package characteristic such as dimensions, weight, visual characteristics, RF tags and so on as described in figs. 1-2 page 29 lines 1-5). Thus, since package sensor 30 can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages 20, 22 in the package space 10 and the identity of each such package 20, 22 by virtue of specific package characteristic such as dimensions, construction of each customized package 20, 22 has to include the determined dimensions)
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate this feature (measurement) taught by HEINLA into the method recited by claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389.
One skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to incorporate the feature as taught by HEINLA above into the method recited in claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389 for the benefit of having a mobile robot that can further comprise at least one package sensor adapted to at least measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of at least one package, wherein the mobile robot can also comprise at least one processing component adapted to at least receive the package sensor's first data and process it, wherein the mobile robot can further comprise at least one communication component adapted to at least send and receive second data, wherein the package sensor can be adapted to measure first data relating to the package removed from the package space and/or first data relating to the packages within the package space, wherein the package sensor can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages in the package space in order to ease the processing time when measuring first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages in the package space (see page 4 lines 4-14 to lines 25-29)
On the other hand, the reference of Linnell explicitly teaches “identifying a material for constructing the customized package for the item based on the identity of the item and the dimensions” (see ¶ 70 for identifying a material for constructing the customized package for the item based on the identity of the item and the dimensions (i.e. the item data includes various characteristics for each item in the catalog, for example, such characteristic data may include, but is not limited to, shape, size, weight, center of mass, shear strength, bending strength, compression strength, hardness/softness, solid/liquid, material composition, fragility, and value of an item as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 43, furthermore, using the custom packaging specification 16, the automated packaging manufacturing system 150 makes one or more protective structures that are employed to position and protect the items i in one or more respective containers for shipping the order 02 as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 50, moreover, the container parameter(s) indicate which of a plurality of potential containers is to be utilized by the automated packing system 140 for packing the one or more items i, the potential containers can have, for example, different materials, volumes, dimensions, shapes, and/or sealing mechanisms (e.g., tape, slots and tabs, adhesive, etc.), accordingly, the container parameters can indicate, for example, a type of container (e.g., a material, a thickness, a shape, a volume, dimensions, a sealing mechanism, a construction type, performance characteristics, etc.) and a quantity of containers for packaging the one or more items i according to the packaging specification 16 as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 71)); “and constructing the customized package by folding a portion of the material based on the dimensions using a robotic arm inside the compartment” (see ¶s 70-71 for constructing the customized package by folding a portion of the material based on the dimensions using a robotic arm inside the compartment (i.e. the item data includes various characteristics for each item in the catalog, for example, such characteristic data may include, but is not limited to, shape, size, weight, center of mass, shear strength, bending strength, compression strength, hardness/softness, solid/liquid, material composition, fragility, and value of an item as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 43, furthermore, using the custom packaging specification 16, the automated packaging manufacturing system 150 makes one or more protective structures that are employed to position and protect the items i in one or more respective containers for shipping the order 02 as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 50, moreover, the protective structure 378A can be folded in half in a clamshell type manner to fully enclose the bottle as described in fig. 10 paragraph 162). Also, see figs. 6-9 paragraphs 144-145, 147, 153)
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate this feature (customized package) taught by Linnell into the method recited by claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389.
One skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to incorporate the feature as taught by Linnell above into the method recited in claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389 for the benefit having an automated packaging manufacturing system 150 that produces one or more custom protective structures for receiving and positioning the items i in the container 370 according to the custom packaging specification 16, wherein the packaging optimization module 105 determines the custom packaging specification 16 after the order 2 is received, so that the custom packaging specification 16 can provide a more optimal packaging arrangement based on the actual combination 14 of items i in the order 2, correspondingly, the automated packaging manufacturing system 150 produces the one or more custom protective structures after the order 2 is received and when the custom packaging specification 16 is ready, wherein to provide prompt shipment of the order 2, manufacturing of the one or more custom protective structures is preferably completed by the time that the items i have been assembled and are ready for packing, in other words, rapid manufacturing of the one or more protective structures occurs while the items i are simultaneously retrieved from an inventory storage 110 and assembled at a packing location 141 in order to improve efficiency when producing one or more custom protective structures for receiving and positioning the items i in the container 370 according to the custom packaging specification 16 (see figs. 1-3 ¶ 147)
Re claim 6, claim 6 of the Patent No. 11,875,389, recites each and every limitation of claim 6 of the Instant Application except for the limitation of “wherein the at least one measurement specifies a weight of the item or a size of the item.”
However, the reference of HEINLA explicitly teaches “wherein the at least one measurement specifies a weight of the item or a size of the item” (see page 24 lines 21-29 for the at least one measurement specifies a weight of the item or a size of the item (i.e. package sensor 30 can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages 20, 22 in the package space 10, and the identity of each such package 20, 22 by virtue of the package ID 32 such as a barcode, a QR code or a similar code and/or other specific package characteristic such as dimensions, weight, visual characteristics, RF tags and so on as described in figs. 1-2 page 29 lines 1-5))
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate this feature (measurement) taught by HEINLA into the method recited by claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389.
Per claim 6, Patent No. 11,875,389 and HEINLA are combined for the same motivation as set forth in claim 1 above.
Re claim 7, claim 7 of the Patent No. 11,875,389, recites each and every limitation of claim 7 of the Instant Application except for the limitation of “receiving a request to deliver the item to a defined location; and moving the compartment to the defined location to deliver the item in response to the request to deliver the item.”
However, the reference of HEINLA explicitly teaches “receiving a request to deliver the item to a defined location” (see page 9 lines 1-12 for receiving a request to deliver the item to a defined location (i.e. the delivery recipient can use the personal computing device to request the delivery by the robot, for example request delivery at a certain time and location as described in page 8 lines 29-31)); “and moving the compartment to the defined location to deliver the item in response to the request to deliver the item” (see page 9 lines 1-12 for moving the compartment to the defined location to deliver the item in response to the request to deliver the item (i.e. the remote terminal can detect that the robot has reached the desired delivery location and send the robot a command to unlock the electronic lock and/or to open the robot's lid, for example, the remote operator can observe that the robot approached a correct house at the delivery location and that a person is standing in front of said house, deducing that the person is the delivery recipient and sending the robot the command to provide access to the package space as described in page 9 lines 4-9). Also, see fig. 3 page 27 lines 33-35, page 28 lines 1-12)
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate this feature (request) taught by HEINLA into the method recited by claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389.
One skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to incorporate the feature as taught by HEINLA above into the method recited in claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389 for the benefit of having a delivery recipient that can use the personal computing device to request the delivery by the robot, for example request delivery at a certain time and location in order to have a user friendly interaction (see page 8 lines 29-31)
Re claim 8, claim 1 of the Patent No. 11,875,389, recites each and every limitation of claim 8 of the Instant Application except for the limitation of “a sensor associated with the compartment to collect at least one measurement of the item; and a processing device coupled to a memory component and associated with the compartment, the processing device to perform operations including: determining an identity of the item based on the at least one measurement of the item; determining dimensions for constructing a customized package for the item based on the at least one measurement of the item; identifying a material for constructing the customized package for the item based on the identity of the item and the dimensions; and constructing the customized package by folding a portion of the material based on the dimensions using a robotic arm inside the compartment.”
However, the reference of HEINLA explicitly teaches “a sensor associated with the compartment to collect at least one measurement of the item” (see page 24 lines 21-28 for collecting at least one measurement of the item using a sensor associated with the compartment (i.e. package sensor 30 can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages 20, 22 in the package space 10 as described in figs. 1-2 page 29 lines 1-3)); “and a processing device coupled to a memory component and associated with the compartment, the processing device to perform operations including” (i.e. the robot's processing component for further manipulation and/or storage as described in page 10 lines 30-32, furthermore, the robot's processing component, the processing component can comprise a system on a chip, a standard CPU and/or GPU or a combination thereof, a person skilled in the art will recognize that the robot can utilize a plurality of widely available processing components similar to the ones in personal computing devices (such as mobile phones, tablets and the like), and/or utilize a custom processing component better adapted to the robot's uses as described in page 12 lines 4-10). Also, see page 24 lines 21-26): “determining an identity of the item based on the at least one measurement of the item” (see page 24 lines 21-29 for determining an identity of the item based on the at least one measurement of the item (i.e. package sensor 30 can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages 20, 22 in the package space 10, and the identity of each such package 20, 22 by virtue of the package ID 32 such as a barcode, a QR code or a similar code and/or other specific package characteristic such as dimensions, weight, visual characteristics, RF tags and so on as described in figs. 1-2 page 29 lines 1-5)); “determining dimensions for constructing a customized package for the item based on the at least one measurement of the item” (see page 24 lines 21-29 for determining dimensions for constructing a customized package for the item based on the at least one measurement of the item (i.e. the packages 20, 22 are placed within the package space 10, they are schematically depicted in the figure as rectangular boxes, but can comprise any other shape, packages 20, 22 can comprise mail, documents, groceries, take-out, packages, and/or other items to be delivered as described in fig. 1 page 24 lines 28-32, furthermore, package sensor 30 can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages 20, 22 in the package space 10, and the identity of each such package 20, 22 by virtue of the package ID 32 such as a barcode, a QR code or a similar code and/or other specific package characteristic such as dimensions, weight, visual characteristics, RF tags and so on as described in figs. 1-2 page 29 lines 1-5). Thus, since package sensor 30 can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages 20, 22 in the package space 10 and the identity of each such package 20, 22 by virtue of specific package characteristic such as dimensions, construction of each customized package 20, 22 has to include the determined dimensions)
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate this feature (measurement) taught by HEINLA into the method recited by claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389.
One skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to incorporate the feature as taught by HEINLA above into the method recited in claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389 for the benefit of having a mobile robot that can further comprise at least one package sensor adapted to at least measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of at least one package, wherein the mobile robot can also comprise at least one processing component adapted to at least receive the package sensor's first data and process it, wherein the mobile robot can further comprise at least one communication component adapted to at least send and receive second data, wherein the package sensor can be adapted to measure first data relating to the package removed from the package space and/or first data relating to the packages within the package space, wherein the package sensor can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages in the package space in order to ease the processing time when measuring first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages in the package space (see page 4 lines 4-14 to lines 25-29)
On the other hand, the reference of Linnell explicitly teaches “identifying a material for constructing the customized package for the item based on the identity of the item and the dimensions” (see ¶ 70 for identifying a material for constructing the customized package for the item based on the identity of the item and the dimensions (i.e. the item data includes various characteristics for each item in the catalog, for example, such characteristic data may include, but is not limited to, shape, size, weight, center of mass, shear strength, bending strength, compression strength, hardness/softness, solid/liquid, material composition, fragility, and value of an item as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 43, furthermore, using the custom packaging specification 16, the automated packaging manufacturing system 150 makes one or more protective structures that are employed to position and protect the items i in one or more respective containers for shipping the order 02 as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 50, moreover, the container parameter(s) indicate which of a plurality of potential containers is to be utilized by the automated packing system 140 for packing the one or more items i, the potential containers can have, for example, different materials, volumes, dimensions, shapes, and/or sealing mechanisms (e.g., tape, slots and tabs, adhesive, etc.), accordingly, the container parameters can indicate, for example, a type of container (e.g., a material, a thickness, a shape, a volume, dimensions, a sealing mechanism, a construction type, performance characteristics, etc.) and a quantity of containers for packaging the one or more items i according to the packaging specification 16 as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 71)); “and constructing the customized package by folding a portion of the material based on the dimensions using a robotic arm inside the compartment” (see ¶s 70-71 for constructing the customized package by folding a portion of the material based on the dimensions using a robotic arm inside the compartment (i.e. the item data includes various characteristics for each item in the catalog, for example, such characteristic data may include, but is not limited to, shape, size, weight, center of mass, shear strength, bending strength, compression strength, hardness/softness, solid/liquid, material composition, fragility, and value of an item as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 43, furthermore, using the custom packaging specification 16, the automated packaging manufacturing system 150 makes one or more protective structures that are employed to position and protect the items i in one or more respective containers for shipping the order 02 as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 50, moreover, the protective structure 378A can be folded in half in a clamshell type manner to fully enclose the bottle as described in fig. 10 paragraph 162). Also, see figs. 6-9 paragraphs 144-145, 147, 153)
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate this feature (customized package) taught by Linnell into the method recited by claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389.
One skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to incorporate the feature as taught by Linnell above into the method recited in claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389 for the benefit having an automated packaging manufacturing system 150 that produces one or more custom protective structures for receiving and positioning the items i in the container 370 according to the custom packaging specification 16, wherein the packaging optimization module 105 determines the custom packaging specification 16 after the order 2 is received, so that the custom packaging specification 16 can provide a more optimal packaging arrangement based on the actual combination 14 of items i in the order 2, correspondingly, the automated packaging manufacturing system 150 produces the one or more custom protective structures after the order 2 is received and when the custom packaging specification 16 is ready, wherein to provide prompt shipment of the order 2, manufacturing of the one or more custom protective structures is preferably completed by the time that the items i have been assembled and are ready for packing, in other words, rapid manufacturing of the one or more protective structures occurs while the items i are simultaneously retrieved from an inventory storage 110 and assembled at a packing location 141 in order to improve efficiency when producing one or more custom protective structures for receiving and positioning the items i in the container 370 according to the custom packaging specification 16 (see figs. 1-3 ¶ 147)
Re claim 10, claim 1 of the Patent No. 11,875,389, recites each and every limitation of claim 10 of the Instant Application except for the limitation of “wherein the compartment is configured to transport the item.”
However, the reference of HEINLA explicitly teaches “wherein the compartment is configured to transport the item” (see page 24 lines 21-32 for the compartment is configured to transport the item (i.e. the packages 20, 22 are placed within the package space 10 as described in fig. 1 page 24 lines 28-29, furthermore, the remote terminal can detect that the robot has reached the desired delivery location as described in page 9 lines 4-5). Also, see fig. 3 page 27 lines 33-35, page 28 lines 1-12)
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate this feature (transport) taught by HEINLA into the method recited by claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389.
One skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to incorporate the feature as taught by HEINLA above into the method recited in claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389 for the benefit of placing packages 20, 22 within the package space 10, wherein a remote terminal can detect that a robot has reached a desired delivery location in order to ease the processing time when detecting that the robot has reached the desired delivery location (see fig. 1 page 24 lines 28-29, page 9 lines 4-5)
Re claim 15, claim 1 of the Patent No. 11,875,389, recites each and every limitation of claim 15 of the Instant Application except for the limitation of “collect at least one measurement of the item using a sensor associated with the compartment; determine an identity of the item based on the at least one measurement of the item; determine dimensions for constructing a customized package for the item based on the at least one measurement of the item; identifying a material for constructing the customized package for the item based on the identity of the item and the dimensions; and constructing the customized package by folding a portion of the material based on the dimensions using a robotic arm inside the compartment.”
However, the reference of HEINLA explicitly teaches “collect at least one measurement of the item using a sensor associated with the compartment” (see page 24 lines 21-28 for collect at least one measurement of the item using a sensor associated with the compartment (i.e. package sensor 30 can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages 20, 22 in the package space 10 as described in figs. 1-2 page 29 lines 1-3)); “determine an identity of the item based on the at least one measurement of the item” (see page 24 lines 21-29 for determine an identity of the item based on the at least one measurement of the item (i.e. package sensor 30 can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages 20, 22 in the package space 10, and the identity of each such package 20, 22 by virtue of the package ID 32 such as a barcode, a QR code or a similar code and/or other specific package characteristic such as dimensions, weight, visual characteristics, RF tags and so on as described in figs. 1-2 page 29 lines 1-5)); “determine dimensions for constructing a customized package for the item based on the at least one measurement of the item” (see page 24 lines 21-29 for determine dimensions for constructing a customized package for the item based on the at least one measurement of the item (i.e. the packages 20, 22 are placed within the package space 10, they are schematically depicted in the figure as rectangular boxes, but can comprise any other shape, packages 20, 22 can comprise mail, documents, groceries, take-out, packages, and/or other items to be delivered as described in fig. 1 page 24 lines 28-32, furthermore, package sensor 30 can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages 20, 22 in the package space 10, and the identity of each such package 20, 22 by virtue of the package ID 32 such as a barcode, a QR code or a similar code and/or other specific package characteristic such as dimensions, weight, visual characteristics, RF tags and so on as described in figs. 1-2 page 29 lines 1-5). Thus, since package sensor 30 can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages 20, 22 in the package space 10 and the identity of each such package 20, 22 by virtue of specific package characteristic such as dimensions, construction of each customized package 20, 22 has to include the determined dimensions)
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate this feature (measurement) taught by HEINLA into the method recited by claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389.
One skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to incorporate the feature as taught by HEINLA above into the method recited in claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389 for the benefit of having a mobile robot that can further comprise at least one package sensor adapted to at least measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of at least one package, wherein the mobile robot can also comprise at least one processing component adapted to at least receive the package sensor's first data and process it, wherein the mobile robot can further comprise at least one communication component adapted to at least send and receive second data, wherein the package sensor can be adapted to measure first data relating to the package removed from the package space and/or first data relating to the packages within the package space, wherein the package sensor can be adapted to measure first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages in the package space in order to ease the processing time when measuring first data reflective of the presence or absence of each of a plurality of packages in the package space (see page 4 lines 4-14 to lines 25-29)
On the other hand, the reference of Linnell explicitly teaches “identifying a material for constructing the customized package for the item based on the identity of the item and the dimensions” (see ¶ 70 for identifying a material for constructing the customized package for the item based on the identity of the item and the dimensions (i.e. the item data includes various characteristics for each item in the catalog, for example, such characteristic data may include, but is not limited to, shape, size, weight, center of mass, shear strength, bending strength, compression strength, hardness/softness, solid/liquid, material composition, fragility, and value of an item as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 43, furthermore, using the custom packaging specification 16, the automated packaging manufacturing system 150 makes one or more protective structures that are employed to position and protect the items i in one or more respective containers for shipping the order 02 as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 50, moreover, the container parameter(s) indicate which of a plurality of potential containers is to be utilized by the automated packing system 140 for packing the one or more items i, the potential containers can have, for example, different materials, volumes, dimensions, shapes, and/or sealing mechanisms (e.g., tape, slots and tabs, adhesive, etc.), accordingly, the container parameters can indicate, for example, a type of container (e.g., a material, a thickness, a shape, a volume, dimensions, a sealing mechanism, a construction type, performance characteristics, etc.) and a quantity of containers for packaging the one or more items i according to the packaging specification 16 as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 71)); “and constructing the customized package by folding a portion of the material based on the dimensions using a robotic arm inside the compartment” (see ¶s 70-71 for constructing the customized package by folding a portion of the material based on the dimensions using a robotic arm inside the compartment (i.e. the item data includes various characteristics for each item in the catalog, for example, such characteristic data may include, but is not limited to, shape, size, weight, center of mass, shear strength, bending strength, compression strength, hardness/softness, solid/liquid, material composition, fragility, and value of an item as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 43, furthermore, using the custom packaging specification 16, the automated packaging manufacturing system 150 makes one or more protective structures that are employed to position and protect the items i in one or more respective containers for shipping the order 02 as described in figs. 1-2 paragraph 50, moreover, the protective structure 378A can be folded in half in a clamshell type manner to fully enclose the bottle as described in fig. 10 paragraph 162). Also, see figs. 6-9 paragraphs 144-145, 147, 153)
Therefore, it would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate this feature (customized package) taught by Linnell into the method recited by claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389.
One skilled in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention would have been motivated to incorporate the feature as taught by Linnell above into the method recited in claim 1 of Patent No. 11,875,389 for the benefit having an automated packaging manufacturing system 150 that produces one or more custom protective structures for receiving and positioning the items i in the container 370 according to the custom packaging specification 16, wherein the packaging optimization module 105 determines the custom packaging specification 16 after the order 2 is received, so that the custom packaging specification 16 can provide a more optimal packaging arrangement based on the actual combination 14 of items i in the order 2, correspondingly, the automated packaging manufacturing system 150 produces the one or more custom protective structures after the order 2 is received and when the custom packaging specification 16 is ready, wherein to provide prompt shipment of the order 2, manufacturing of the one or more custom protective structures is preferably completed by the time that the items i have been assembled and are ready for packing, in other words, rapid manufacturing of the one or more protective structures occurs while the items i are simultaneously retrieved from an inventory storage 110 and assembled at a packing location 141 in order to improve efficiency when producing one or more custom protective structures for receiving and positioning the items i in the container 370 according to the custom packaging specification 16 (see figs. 1-3 ¶ 147)
Re