DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
1. The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
2. A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 07/16/2026 has been entered.
Response to Amendment
3. The amendment(s), filed on 07/16/2026, have been entered and made of record. Claims 1, 3-9, 11, 13-18 and 20 are pending.
Response to Arguments
4. Applicant's arguments filed on 07/16/2026 with respect to claims 1, 3-9, 11, 13-18 and 20 have been considered but are moot in view of the new ground(s) of rejection.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Claims 1, 3-5, 11, 13-14 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chiang et al. (US-PGPUB 2012/0242818) in view of Kim et al. (US-PGPUB 2017/0180646) and further in view of Ishihara et al. (US-PGPUB 2017/0272660).
Regarding claim 1, Chiang discloses a method for a mobile device to capture an image, the mobile device (Camera phone 100; see paragraph 0025 and figs. 5, 7) including a processor (CPU 40; see fig. 1 and paragraph 0025) and motion detection (see paragraph 0032), the method comprising:
receiving, by the processor, a motion detection output (motion pattern detection; see paragraph 0032),
determining, by the processor (CPU 40; see fig. 1), whether the motion detection output remains within one or more threshold ranges during a motion detection time period (It is determined whether the electronic motion pattern is identical to a predetermined motion pattern defining an instruction of a functional operation of the digital camera, see step S53, fig. 5 and paragraph 0032);
responsive to determining that the motion detection output remains within the one or more threshold ranges during the motion detection time period (If YES at step S53, executing steps S54-S57; see fig. 5 and paragraph 0032. If YES at steps S71-S73, executing steps S74-S75; see fig. 7 and paragraph 0033. See flowchart and application of camera phone 100 in figures 5 and 7):
activating, by the processor, a camera of the mobile device (A predetermined manipulation manner of rotating the digital camera 100 in an angle back and forth (as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b) can represent an instruction for taking a picture in a regular mode (one picture shooting at once); see paragraphs 0026, 0031, 0041);
displaying, by the processor, on a display of the mobile device a live image stream captured by the camera (Performing auto-focus/pre-procedure in the Preview Images; see steps S54-S55 in fig. 5 and step S74 in fig. 7, paragraphs 0032-0033);
starting, by the processor, a timer (Steps S71-S73 are governed by a timer, in other words, in order to trigger the auto-focus step S74, each of the steps S71, S72, and S73 has to be fulfilled within a predetermined time period; see paragraph 0033);
upon expiration of timer, automatically controlling the camera, by the processor, to capture an image from the live image stream to produce a captured image (If Yes at step S53, a message indicating that the functional operation is about to be performed is rendered on the displayer of the digital camera (step S54) and the requisite pre-procedure(s) for the functional operation is performed (step S55). Next, the functional operation is performed to retrieve an object image (step S56); see fig. 5 and paragraph 0032. Following the step S74, an image is captured and processed (step S75); see fig. 7 and paragraph 0033); and
storing an image file including the captured image in a memory of the mobile device (Finally, the retrieved image data is stored in a memory unit of the digital camera (step S57); see fig. 5 and paragraph 0032. Once the functional operation is performed to retrieve object images, the image data retrieved by the image sensor 10 is sent to the image processor 20 to be saved in the memory unit 30; see paragraph 0029).
However, Chiang does not explicitly disclose an accelerometer and a count-down.
On the other hand, Kim discloses receiving an output of the at least one accelerometer (The sensing unit 140 for sensing a moved degree of the body, includes an acceleration sensor is activated; see paragraphs 0130, 0135, 0136); determining by the processor weather the output of the at least one accelerometer remains within one or more threshold ranges during a motion detection time period (Detecting if a moved degree sensed by the sensing unit satisfies a preset capturing condition; see paragraph 0131); responsive to determining that the output of the at least one accelerometer remains within the one or more threshold ranges during the motion detection time period (The controller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 executes a timer capturing by determining it as a capturing time point and executes a consecutive capturing by generating a next capturing signal at a reference time interval, while the moved degree of the body is within a preset range. If it is determined that the moved degree of the mobile terminal does not satisfy the preset capturing condition or is out of the reference range, a timer capturing or a consecutive capturing is stopped; see paragraphs 0131, 0161, 0147): activating a camera and displaying, by the processor (Controller/Processor 180; see fig. 1A and paragraphs 0045, 0255), on a display of the mobile device a live image stream captured by the camera (A preview screen 201 is output to the display unit 151; see paragraph 0133 and fig. 2A); starting, by the processor, a timer to count down time for a countdown time period (Once a moved degree of the mobile terminal 100 satisfies a preset capturing condition, the controller 180 executes a timer capturing of the camera 121a. An image 212 which changes according to a timer driving may be output to the display unit 151; see paragraph 0140 and fig. 2B) and upon expiration of the countdown time period, automatically controlling the camera, by the processor, to capture an image from the live image stream to produce a captured image (When the timer expires, a shutter of the camera 121a is operated to capture the preview screen 201 output to the display unit 151; see paragraph 0142 and fig. 2B).
Since Chiang already teaches displaying a message indicating that a functional operation is about to be performed (step S54; see fig. 5), then it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang and Kim to provide receiving an output of the at least one accelerometer, determining whether the output of the at least one accelerometer remains within one or more threshold ranges during a motion detection time period; responsive to determining that the output of the at least one accelerometer remains within the one or more threshold ranges during the motion detection time period: activating a camera, displaying a live image stream, starting a timer, upon expiration of the countdown time period automatically capturing an image for the purpose of providing an alternative/backup method of measuring motion while easily assisting and alerting the user in image preparation before the shot is taken.
It is noted that Chiang and Kim do not disclose displaying, by the processor, on the display a graphical box overlaying the displayed live image stream, the graphical box being usable as a guide for including selected image content from the live stream within a captured image; the captured image including image content from the live image stream displayed within the overlaid graphical box.
Nevertheless, Ishihara discloses displaying, by the processor, on the display a graphical box overlaying the displayed live image stream, the graphical box being usable as a guide for including selected image content from the live stream within a captured image (Unit 5c sets the cutting position with reference to the position of the specific subject detected by the subject-position detection unit 5b so that the specific subject is included in the cutting region A. The first display control unit 6a displays the frame W indicating the cutting region A in the entire image Ia so that the cutting region A becomes recognizable; see image Ia in fig. 3C and paragraphs 0056, 0074-0075. Display frame W indicating cutting region in entire image; see figs. 8A-8B and paragraphs 0135-0136); the captured image including image content from the live image stream displayed within the overlaid graphical box and storing an image file including the captured image in a memory of the mobile device (Unit 5a cuts image data corresponding to the partial cutting region A set in the entire image Ia from the YUV data of the entire data Ia created by the signal processing unit 4, and unit 8 compresses the partial image Ip and the entire image Ia separately to be in different files, and associate them and record them in the recording unit; see paragraphs 0081, 0145, 0146).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang, Kim and Ishihara to provide displaying, by the processor, on the display a graphical box overlaying the displayed live image stream, the graphical box being usable as a guide for including selected image content from the live stream within a captured image; starting, by the processor, a timer to count down time for a countdown time period; upon expiration of the countdown time period, automatically controlling the camera, by the processor, to capture an image from the live image stream to produce the captured image, the captured image including image content from the live image stream displayed within the overlaid graphical box; and storing an image file including the captured image in a memory of the mobile device for the purpose of easily allowing the user to select images to be recorded as needed, thus improving usability of mobile imaging device (see paragraph 0093 of Ishihara).
Regarding claim 3, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara disclose everything claimed as applied above (see claim 1). However, Chiang fails to disclose displaying, by the processor, a time of the timer on the display of the mobile device during the countdown time period.
Nevertheless, Kim discloses displaying, by the processor, a time of the timer on the display of the mobile device during the countdown time period (An image 212 which changes according to a timer driving is output to the display unit 151; see paragraph 0140, 0178 and figs. 2B, 6).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang and Kim to provide displaying, by the processor, a time of the timer on the display of the mobile device during the countdown time period for the purpose of improving image quality by easily assisting and alerting the user in image preparation before the shot is taken.
Regarding claim 4, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara disclose everything claimed as applied above (see claim 3). However, Chiang fails to disclose displaying a time of the timer during the countdown time period includes displaying the time of the timer on a per second basis during the countdown time period.
On the other hand, Kim discloses displaying a time of the timer during the countdown time period includes displaying the time of the timer on a per second basis during the countdown time period (An image 212 which changes according to a timer driving is output to the display unit 151. If the re-timer capturing is executed within a predetermined time after the timer capturing is cancelled, the timer driving may be consecutively executed from a time point when the timer driving has been stopped (e.g., 2 seconds); see paragraph 0140, 0178 and figs. 2B, 6).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang and Kim to provide displaying a time of the timer during the countdown time period includes displaying the time of the timer on a per second basis during the countdown time period for the purpose of improving image quality by easily assisting and alerting the user in image preparation before the shot is taken.
Regarding claim 5, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara disclose everything claimed as applied above (see claim 3). However, Chiang fails to disclose displaying a time of the timer during the countdown time period includes displaying the time of the timer as an overlay on the live image stream.
Nevertheless, Kim discloses displaying a time of the timer during the countdown time period includes displaying the time of the timer as an overlay on the live image stream (Count-down image 212 is superimposed over preview image 201; see fig. 2B and paragraph 0140).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang and Kim to provide displaying a time of the timer during the countdown time period includes displaying the time of the timer as an overlay on the live image stream for the purpose of improving image quality by easily assisting and alerting the user in image preparation before the shot is taken.
Regarding claim 11, Chiang discloses a mobile device (Camera phone 100; see fig. 1 and paragraph 0025) comprising:
a display (Graphic unit 50/Displayer of camera 100; see fig. 1 and paragraph 0029);
a camera (Image sensor 10; see fig. 1);
motion detection (see paragraph 0032);
a memory (Memory unit 30, see fig. 1); and
a processor (CPU 40; see fig. 1 and paragraph 0025), wherein the processor is operable in accordance with stored operating instructions (Instructions; see paragraph 0026) to:
receive a motion detection output and determine whether the motion detection output remains within one or more threshold ranges during a motion detection time period (It is determined whether the electronic motion pattern is identical to a predetermined motion pattern defining an instruction of a functional operation of the digital camera, see step S53, fig. 5 and paragraph 0032); and
responsive to determining that the motion detection output remains within the one or more threshold ranges during the motion detection period (If YES at step S53, executing steps S54-S57; see fig. 5 and paragraph 0032. If YES at steps S71-S73, executing steps S74-S75; see fig. 7 and paragraph 0033. See flowchart and application of camera phone 100 in figures 5 and 7):
activate the camera (A predetermined manipulation manner of rotating the digital camera 100 in an angle back and forth (as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b) can represent an instruction for taking a picture in a regular mode (one picture shooting at once); see paragraphs 0026, 0031, 0041);
display on the display a live image stream captured by the camera (Performing auto-focus/pre-procedure in the Preview Images; see steps S54-S55 in fig. 5 and step S74 in fig. 7, paragraphs 0032-0033);
start a timer (Steps S71-S73 are governed by a timer, in other words, in order to trigger the auto-focus step S74, each of the steps S71, S72, and S73 has to be fulfilled within a predetermined time period; see paragraph 0033);
upon expiration of timer, automatically control the camera to capture an image from the live image stream to produce a captured image (If Yes at step S53, a message indicating that the functional operation is about to be performed is rendered on the displayer of the digital camera (step S54) and the requisite pre-procedure(s) for the functional operation is performed (step S55). Next, the functional operation is performed to retrieve an object image (step S56); see fig. 5 and paragraph 0032. Following the step S74, an image is captured and processed (step S75); see fig. 7 and paragraph 0033); and
store an image file including the captured image in the memory (Finally, the retrieved image data is stored in a memory unit of the digital camera (step S57); see fig. 5 and paragraph 0032. Once the functional operation is performed to retrieve object images, the image data retrieved by the image sensor 10 is sent to the image processor 20 to be saved in the memory unit 30; see paragraph 0029).
However, Chiang does not expressly disclose an accelerometer and a count-down.
Nevertheless, Kim discloses at least one accelerometer (Acceleration sensor; see paragraphs 0130, 0135, 0136), receive an output of the at least one accelerometer (The sensing unit 140 for sensing a moved degree of the body, includes an acceleration sensor is activated; see paragraphs 0130, 0135, 0136), determine whether the output of the at least one accelerometer remains within one or more threshold ranges during a motion detection time period (Detecting if a moved degree sensed by the sensing unit satisfies a preset capturing condition; see paragraph 0131) and responsive to determining that output of the at least one accelerometer remains within one or more threshold ranges (The controller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 executes a timer capturing by determining it as a capturing time point and executes a consecutive capturing by generating a next capturing signal at a reference time interval, while the moved degree of the body is within a preset range. If it is determined that the moved degree of the mobile terminal does not satisfy the preset capturing condition or is out of the reference range, a timer capturing or a consecutive capturing is stopped; see paragraphs 0131, 0161, 0147) during the motion detection time period: activate the camera and display on the display a live image stream captured by the camera (A preview screen 201 is output to the display unit 151; see paragraph 0133 and fig. 2A); start a timer to count down time for a countdown time period (Once a moved degree of the mobile terminal 100 satisfies a preset capturing condition, the controller 180 executes a timer capturing of the camera 121a. An image 212 which changes according to a timer driving may be output to the display unit 151; see paragraph 0140 and fig. 2B) and upon expiration of the countdown time period, automatically control the camera to capture an image from the live image stream to produce a captured image (When the timer expires, a shutter of the camera 121a is operated to capture the preview screen 201 output to the display unit 151; see paragraph 0142 and fig. 2B).
Since Chiang already teaches displaying a message indicating that a functional operation is about to be performed (step S54; see fig. 5), then it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang and Kim to provide at least one accelerometer, receive an output of the at least one accelerometer, determine whether the output of the at least one accelerometer remains within one or more threshold ranges during a motion detection time period and responsive to determining that output of the at least one accelerometer remains within one or more threshold ranges during the motion detection time period: activate the camera and display on the display a live image stream captured by the camera; start a timer to count down time for a countdown time period, upon expiration of the countdown time period, automatically control the camera to capture an image from the live image stream to produce a captured image for the purpose of providing an alternative/backup method of measuring motion while easily assisting and alerting the user in image preparation before the shot is taken.
It is noted that Chiang and Kim do not disclose display on the display a graphical box overlaying the displayed live image stream, the graphical box being usable as a guide for including selected image content from the live stream within a captured image; the captured image including image content from the live image stream displayed within the overlaid graphical box.
Nevertheless, Ishihara discloses display on the display a graphical box overlaying the displayed live image stream, the graphical box being usable as a guide for including selected image content from the live stream within a captured image (Unit 5c sets the cutting position with reference to the position of the specific subject detected by the subject-position detection unit 5b so that the specific subject is included in the cutting region A. The first display control unit 6a displays the frame W indicating the cutting region A in the entire image Ia so that the cutting region A becomes recognizable; see image Ia in fig. 3C and paragraphs 0056, 0074-0075. Display frame W indicating cutting region in entire image; see figs. 8A-8B and paragraphs 0135-0136); the captured image including image content from the live image stream displayed within the overlaid graphical box and store an image file including the captured image in the memory (Unit 5a cuts image data corresponding to the partial cutting region A set in the entire image Ia from the YUV data of the entire data Ia created by the signal processing unit 4, and unit 8 compresses the partial image Ip and the entire image Ia separately to be in different files, and associate them and record them in the recording unit; see paragraphs 0081, 0145, 0146).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang, Kim and Ishihara to provide display on the display a graphical box overlaying the displayed live image stream, the graphical box being usable as a guide for including selected image content from the live stream within a captured image; start a timer to count down time for a countdown time period; upon expiration of the countdown time period, automatically control the camera to capture an image from the live image stream to produce the captured image, the captured image including image content from the live image stream displayed within the overlaid graphical box; and store an image file including the captured image in the memory for the purpose of easily allowing the user to select images to be recorded as needed, thus improving usability of mobile imaging device (see paragraph 0093 of Ishihara).
Regarding claim 13, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara disclose everything claimed as applied above (see claim 11). However, Chiang fails to disclose display on the display the time of the timer on a per second basis during the countdown time period.
On the other hand, Kim discloses display on the display a time of the timer on a per second basis during the countdown time period (An image 212 which changes according to a timer driving is output to the display unit 151; see paragraph 0140, 0178 and figs. 2B, 6).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang and Kim to provide display on the display the time of the timer on a per second basis during the countdown time period for the purpose of improving image quality by easily assisting and alerting the user in image preparation before the shot is taken.
Regarding claim 14, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara disclose everything claimed as applied above (see claim 11). However, Chiang fails to disclose display on the display the time of the timer as an overlay on the live image stream.
Nevertheless, Kim discloses display on the display a time of the timer as an overlay on the live image stream (Count-down image 212 is superimposed over preview image 201; see fig. 2B and paragraph 0140).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang and Kim to provide display on the display the time of the timer as an overlay on the live image stream for the purpose of improving image quality by easily assisting and alerting the user in image preparation before the shot is taken.
Regarding claim 20, Chiang discloses an automated method (see figs. 5, 7) implementable by a processor (CPU 40; see fig. 1 and paragraph 0025) of a mobile device (Camera phone 100; see paragraph 0025) for capturing an image from a camera (Image sensor 10; see fig. 1) of the mobile device, the method comprising:
determining whether a motion detection output remains within the one or more threshold ranges during a motion detection time period (It is determined whether the electronic motion pattern is identical to a predetermined motion pattern defining an instruction of a functional operation of the digital camera, see step S53, fig. 5 and paragraph 0032);
responsive to determining that motion detection output remains within the one or more threshold ranges during a motion detection time period (If YES at step S53, executing steps S54-S57; see fig. 5 and paragraph 0032. If YES at steps S71-S73, executing steps S74-S75; see fig. 7 and paragraph 0033. See flowchart and application of camera phone 100 in figures 5 and 7):
activating the camera (A predetermined manipulation manner of rotating the digital camera 100 in an angle back and forth (as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b) can represent an instruction for taking a picture in a regular mode (one picture shooting at once); see paragraphs 0026, 0031, 0041);
displaying, on a display of the mobile device, a live image stream captured by the camera (Performing auto-focus/pre-procedure in the Preview Images; see steps S54-S55 in fig. 5 and step S74 in fig. 7, paragraphs 0032-0033);
starting a timer (Steps S71-S73 are governed by a timer, in other words, in order to trigger the auto-focus step S74, each of the steps S71, S72, and S73 has to be fulfilled within a predetermined time period; see paragraph 0033),
upon expiration of timer, controlling the camera to capture an image from the live image stream to produce a captured image (If Yes at step S53, a message indicating that the functional operation is about to be performed is rendered on the displayer of the digital camera (step S54) and the requisite pre-procedure(s) for the functional operation is performed (step S55). Next, the functional operation is performed to retrieve an object image (step S56); see fig. 5 and paragraph 0032. Following the step S74, an image is captured and processed (step S75); see fig. 7 and paragraph 0033); and
storing, in a memory of the mobile device, an image file including the captured image (Finally, the retrieved image data is stored in a memory unit of the digital camera (step S57); see fig. 5 and paragraph 0032. Once the functional operation is performed to retrieve object images, the image data retrieved by the image sensor 10 is sent to the image processor 20 to be saved in the memory unit 30; see paragraph 0029).
However, Chiang does not expressly disclose an accelerometer and a count-down.
Nevertheless, Kim discloses determining whether an output of at least one accelerometer (The sensing unit 140 for sensing a moved degree of the body, includes an acceleration sensor is activated; see paragraphs 0130, 0135, 0136) remains within the one or more threshold ranges during a motion detection time period (Detecting if a moved degree sensed by the sensing unit satisfies a preset capturing condition; see paragraph 0131) and responsive to determining that output of at least one accelerometer remains within the one or more threshold ranges during a motion detection time period (The controller 180 of the mobile terminal 100 executes a timer capturing by determining it as a capturing time point and executes a consecutive capturing by generating a next capturing signal at a reference time interval, while the moved degree of the body is within a preset range. If it is determined that the moved degree of the mobile terminal does not satisfy the preset capturing condition or is out of the reference range, a timer capturing or a consecutive capturing is stopped; see paragraphs 0131, 0161, 0147) activating the camera and displaying, on a display of the mobile device, a live image stream captured by the camera (A preview screen 201 is output to the display unit 151; see paragraph 0133 and fig. 2A); starting a timer to count down time for a countdown time period (Once a moved degree of the mobile terminal 100 satisfies a preset capturing condition, the controller 180 executes a timer capturing of the camera 121a. An image 212 which changes according to a timer driving may be output to the display unit 151; see paragraph 0140 and fig. 2B), upon expiration of the countdown time period, controlling the camera to capture an image from the live image stream to produce a captured image (When the timer expires, a shutter of the camera 121a is operated to capture the preview screen 201 output to the display unit 151; see paragraph 0142 and fig. 2B).
Since Chiang already teaches displaying a message indicating that a functional operation is about to be performed (step S54; see fig. 5), then it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang and Kim to provide determining whether an output of at least one accelerometer remains within the one or more threshold ranges during a motion detection time period and responsive to determining that output of at least one accelerometer remains within the one or more threshold ranges during a motion detection time period: activating a camera and displaying, on a display of the mobile device, a live image stream captured by the camera; starting a timer to count down time for a countdown time period, upon expiration of the countdown time period, controlling the camera to capture an image from the live image stream to produce a captured image the purpose of providing an alternative/backup method of measuring motion while easily assisting and alerting the user in image preparation before the shot is taken.
It is noted that Chiang and Kim do not disclose displaying, on the display, a graphical box overlaying the displayed live image stream, the graphical box being usable as a guide for including selected image content from the live stream within a captured image; the captured image including image content from the live image stream displayed within the overlaid graphical box.
Nevertheless, Ishihara discloses displaying, on the display, a graphical box overlaying the displayed live image stream, the graphical box being usable as a guide for including selected image content from the live stream within a captured image (Unit 5c sets the cutting position with reference to the position of the specific subject detected by the subject-position detection unit 5b so that the specific subject is included in the cutting region A. The first display control unit 6a displays the frame W indicating the cutting region A in the entire image Ia so that the cutting region A becomes recognizable; see image Ia in fig. 3C and paragraphs 0056, 0074-0075. Display frame W indicating cutting region in entire image; see figs. 8A-8B and paragraphs 0135-0136); the captured image including image content from the live image stream displayed within the overlaid graphical box and storing, in a memory of the mobile device, an image file including the captured image (Unit 5a cuts image data corresponding to the partial cutting region A set in the entire image Ia from the YUV data of the entire data Ia created by the signal processing unit 4, and unit 8 compresses the partial image Ip and the entire image Ia separately to be in different files, and associate them and record them in the recording unit; see paragraphs 0081, 0145, 0146).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang, Kim and Ishihara to provide displaying, on the display, a graphical box overlaying the displayed live image stream, the graphical box being usable as a guide for including selected image content from the live stream within a captured image; starting a timer to count down time for a countdown time period; upon expiration of the countdown time period, automatically controlling the camera to capture an image from the live image stream to produce the captured image, the captured image including image content from the live image stream displayed within the overlaid graphical box; and storing in a memory of the mobile device, an image file including the captured image for the purpose of easily allowing the user to select images to be recorded as needed, thus improving usability of mobile imaging device (see paragraph 0093 of Ishihara).
8. Claims 6-7 and 15-16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chiang in view of Kim and Ishihara and further in view of Fukuya et al. (US-PGPUB 2018/0198983).
Regarding claim 6, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara disclose everything claimed as applied above (see claim 1). However, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara fail to disclose the captured image includes identification information for an installed electronic device, the method further comprising: communicating, by the processor, the captured image to a remote provisioning server to facilitate provisioning of the installed electronic device in a management system.
On the other hand, Fukuya discloses the captured image includes identification information for an installed device, the method further comprising: communicating, by the processor, the captured image to a remote provisioning server to facilitate provisioning of the installed device in a management system (In the display section 17 of the image pickup apparatus 10, a blackboard image 202 based on the transferred blackboard specification data is displayed in a form in which the blackboard image 202 is superimposed on a live-view image; see fig. 5 and paragraph 0115. A combined image data attached with a blackboard image is generated; see fig. 7 and paragraphs 0133, 0140-0142. The control section executes predetermined document preparation processing on the basis of the related image and various kinds of information corresponding to the related image. Document data to be prepared is the document such as the recording report. After the predetermined document is prepared, recording processing of the document is performed. In the processing step, subsequently, online submission processing or the is performed concerning the document. The online submission processing is transferred to another terminal apparatus such as a public office in charge or a customer company from the terminal apparatus 40 via the network 70. Data of the recording report is uploaded to the external server 60; see paragraphs 0167, 0168, 0142).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang, Kim, Ishihara and Fukuya to provide the captured image includes identification information for an installed electronic device, the method further comprising: communicating, by the processor, the captured image to a remote provisioning server to facilitate provisioning of the installed electronic device in a management system for the purpose of providing customizable image files that include detailed information of the captured object to improve the quality of the captured objects.
Regarding claim 7, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara disclose everything claimed as applied above (see claim 1). However, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara fail to disclose the image file includes metadata identifying a location of the mobile device or the camera at a time when the image was captured by the camera.
On the other hand, Fukuya discloses the image file includes metadata identifying a location of the mobile device or the camera at a time when the image was captured by the camera (A combined image data attached with a blackboard image is generated; see fig. 7 and paragraphs 0133, 0140-0142. The blackboard specification data includes information (information such as a construction work name and a location) common to the recording target construction work or the like set as a target, information (information such as an object name, a disposition position, and a size) peculiar to the recording object, and the like in addition to template image data of a blackboard image, frame image data for a simplified version of the blackboard image, and the like; see paragraph 0212).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang, Kim, Ishihara and Fukuya to provide the image file includes metadata identifying a location of the mobile device or the camera at a time when the image was captured by the camera for the purpose of providing customizable image files that include detailed information of the captured object to improve the quality of the captured objects.
Regarding claim 15, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara disclose everything claimed as applied above (see claim 11). However, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara fail to disclose the captured image includes identification information for an installed electronic device and wherein the processor is further operable in accordance with the stored operating instructions to: communicate the captured image to a remote provisioning server to facilitate provisioning of the installed electronic device in a management system.
On the other hand, Fukuya discloses the captured image includes identification information for an installed device and wherein the processor is further operable in accordance with the stored operating instructions to: communicate the captured image to a remote provisioning server to facilitate provisioning of the installed electronic device in a management system (In the display section 17 of the image pickup apparatus 10, a blackboard image 202 based on the transferred blackboard specification data is displayed in a form in which the blackboard image 202 is superimposed on a live-view image; see fig. 5 and paragraph 0115. A combined image data attached with a blackboard image is generated; see fig. 7 and paragraphs 0133, 0140-0142. The control section executes predetermined document preparation processing on the basis of the related image and various kinds of information corresponding to the related image. Document data to be prepared is the document such as the recording report. After the predetermined document is prepared, recording processing of the document is performed. In the processing step, subsequently, online submission processing or the is performed concerning the document. The online submission processing is transferred to another terminal apparatus such as a public office in charge or a customer company from the terminal apparatus 40 via the network 70. Data of the recording report is uploaded to the external server 60; see paragraphs 0167, 0168, 0142).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang, Kim, Ishihara and Fukuya to provide the captured image includes identification information for an installed device and wherein the processor is further operable in accordance with the stored operating instructions to: communicate the captured image to a remote provisioning server to facilitate provisioning of the installed electronic device in a management system for the purpose of providing customizable image files that include detailed information of the captured object to improve the quality of the captured objects.
Regarding claim 16, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara disclose everything claimed as applied above (see claim 11). However, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara fail to disclose the image file includes metadata identifying a location of the mobile device or the camera at a time when the image was captured by the camera.
On the other hand, Fukuya discloses the image file includes metadata identifying a location of the mobile device or the camera at a time when the image was captured by the camera (A combined image data attached with a blackboard image is generated; see fig. 7 and paragraphs 0133, 0140-0142. The blackboard specification data includes information (information such as a construction work name and a location) common to the recording target construction work or the like set as a target, information (information such as an object name, a disposition position, and a size) peculiar to the recording object, and the like in addition to template image data of a blackboard image, frame image data for a simplified version of the blackboard image, and the like; see paragraph 0212).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang, Kim, Ishihara and Fukuya to provide the image file includes metadata identifying a location of the mobile device or the camera at a time when the image was captured by the camera for the purpose of providing customizable image files that include detailed information of the captured object to improve the quality of the captured objects.
9. Claims 8-9 and 17-18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chiang in view of Kim and Ishihara and further in view of Kalama (US-PGPUB 2015/0256740).
Regarding claim 8, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara disclose everything claimed as applied above (see claim 1). However, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara fail to disclose prior to receiving the output of the at least one accelerometer, displaying, by the processor, a prompt on the display of the mobile device, the prompt instructing a user of the mobile device to shake the mobile device.
On the other hand, Kalama discloses prior to receiving motion detection outputs (Determining the device's azimuth and pitch with a compass and an accelerometer; see paragraph 0048), displaying, by the processor, a prompt on the display of the mobile device, the prompt instructing a user of the mobile device to shake the mobile device (Prompt the user to move the digital camera into a range of orientations, and initiating operation of the digital camera to capture a digital image of the target item once the camera has moved as requested. The prompting by using visual feedback presented by text; see claim 14 of Kalama and paragraphs 0040-0042).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang, Kim, Ishihara and Kalama to provide prior to receiving the output of the at least one accelerometer, displaying, by the processor, a prompt on the display of the mobile device, the prompt instructing a user of the mobile device to shake the mobile device for the purpose of easily guiding and assisting the user to capture high quality images.
Regarding claim 9, Chiang, Kim, Ishihara and Kalama disclose everything claimed as applied above (see claim 8). However, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara fail to disclose the prompt is non-textual.
On the other hand, Kalama discloses the prompt is non-textual (The prompting provided with audio output from speakers or flashing lights; see paragraphs 0040-0041).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang, Kim, Ishihara and Kalama to provide the prompt is non-textual for the purpose of providing different prompting techniques in accordance to user feedback preferences.
Regarding claim 17, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara disclose everything claimed as applied above (see claim 11). However, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara fail to disclose the processor is further operable in accordance with the stored operating instructions to: display a prompt on the display prior to receiving the output of the at least one accelerometer, the prompt instructing a user of the mobile device to shake the mobile device.
Nevertheless, Kalama discloses the processor is further operable in accordance with the stored operating instructions to: display a prompt on the display prior to receiving the motion detection output (Determining the device's azimuth and pitch with a compass and an accelerometer; see paragraph 0048), the prompt instructing a user of the mobile device to shake the mobile device (Prompt the user to move the digital camera into a range of orientations, and initiating operation of the digital camera to capture a digital image of the target item once the camera has moved as requested. The prompting by using visual feedback presented by text; see claim 14 of Kalama and paragraphs 0040-0042).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang, Kim, Ishihara and Kalama to provide the processor is further operable in accordance with the stored operating instructions to: display a prompt on the display prior to receiving the output of the at least one accelerometer, the prompt instructing a user of the mobile device to shake the mobile device for the purpose of easily guiding and assisting the user to capture quality images.
Regarding claim 18, Chiang, Kim, Ishihara and Kalama disclose everything claimed as applied above (see claim 17). However, Chiang, Kim and Ishihara fail to disclose the prompt is non-textual.
On the other hand, Kalama discloses the prompt is non-textual (The prompting provided with audio output from speakers or flashing lights; see paragraphs 0040-0041).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Chiang, Kim, Ishihara and Kalama to provide the prompt is non-textual for the purpose of providing different prompting techniques in accordance to user feedback preferences.
Citation of Pertinent Art
10. The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant’s disclosure.
Hamalainen (US Patent 8,743,222) discloses receiving cropping information 4 for a current video frame 10; capturing at a camera sensor 22 the current video frame 10; performing a first crop of the current video frame 10 using a first cropping window 11 to form a cropped video frame 12.
Juang et al. (US-PGPUB 2019/0387171) discloses the initial camera coordinates are determined at various points of time or triggered by various events, such capturing of the first image after a lock is activated, activation of a gyroscope or other sensor, an alignment of a camera position (e.g., coordinate axis of the camera) with a gyroscope sensor position, a particular orientation of the camera, and other time and/or events that are used to compare and determine camera movement.
Desai et al. (US Patent 11,770,612) discloses the first video stabilization operation is a function of a first cropped portion of the plurality of video frames. The second video stabilization operation is a function of a second cropped portion of the plurality of video frames.
Contact Information
11. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to CYNTHIA CALDERON whose telephone number is (571)270-3580. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, TWYLER HASKINS can be reached at (571)272-7406. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/CYNTHIA CALDERON/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2639 07/30/2026
Prosecution Insights