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 .
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
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and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114.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 7/28/2026 has been entered.
Claim Status
Claims 1-2 and 21-38 are pending. Claims 3-20 have been cancelled. Claims 1-2, 21, 24-32, 34-35, and 37-38 have been amended.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The previous rejections of Claims 1-2 and 21-38 under 35 USC § 112 are withdrawn in view of Applicant’s amendments. However, some amendments introduced new issues.
Response to Arguments
Most of Applicant’s arguments are moot in view of the Examiner’s new grounds of rejections with added references.
(1) Applicant states:
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Remarks p. 14.
The Examiner disagrees because of two reasons.
First, the premise of the argument is invalid. Claim 1 recites, “responsive to a second user input editing, within the exploded view, at least one sewing line . . ..” The “within the exploded view” is to describe the “editing,” not the second user input. The second user input could be clicking on the object displayed in the exploded view, or interacting with a GUI, e.g., region 411, to edit an object in an exploded view.
Second, even if the premise were valid, Han also teaches the limitation.
Han figs. 5. “For example, the user terminal 100 may obtain a user input to move the part 432B constituting the collar to another position, and accordingly, may display the part 432B constituting the collar on a position according to the user input. At this time, the user terminal 100 may update and display the 3D shape 462 of thread that connects the first portion 432B-1 of the part 432B constituting the collar of clothing and having the changed position and the second portion 432C-1 of the part 432C constituting the back side of clothing combined with the first portion 432B-1.” Han ¶ 136.
The second user input may correspond to the input to move part 432B to edit threads/guidelines.
(2) Applicant states:
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Remarks p. 14.
The Examiner disagrees.
Moving 432B constitutes editing the ending/turning points for threads/guidelines as displayed. The changed ending/turning points for the threads/guidelines provides changed matching of the sewing lines. Earlier in the claim, it recites “one or more guide lines extending between the sewing lines associated with the selected pattern to indicate the matching of the sewing lines.” The guidelines indicate the matching of the sewing lines. When the shape of the guideline changes, the matching information has been updated.
In addition, the shape of the parts/pattern may be edited. Han ¶¶ 68-69. The color of the threads can be changed. Han ¶ 62. The number of threads could be changed. Han ¶¶ 60, 68. All these would/could alter the thread/guidelines that match the sewing lines.
The thread/guide lines will be updated according to Han, which states, “At this time, the user terminal 100 may update and display the 3D shape 462 of thread that connects the first portion 432B-1 of the part 432B constituting the collar of clothing and having the changed position and the second portion 432C-1 of the part 432C constituting the back side of clothing combined with the first portion 432B-1.” Han ¶ 136.
In addition, “Changes made via the 3D window to 3D graphic indicia and/or metadata are used to modify GIS data in a GIS database, and the modified GIS data is used to update the 3D rendering to reflect the user changes.” Boersma Abstract.
(3) Applicant states:
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Remarks p. 17.
The Examiner disagrees.
MPEP 2141.01(a) states, “the reference is reasonably pertinent to the problem faced by the inventor (even if it is not in the same field of endeavor as the claimed invention.” The problem faced by the inventor is to update the displaying when graphical elements have been changed. Boersma is pertinent to the problem faced by the inventor.
Compact Prosecution
With respect to Claim Interpretation, the Examiner has provided some notes regarding “[BRI on the record]” throughout the Office Action, so that the record is clear about the scope of the claimed invention, and the record is also clear about the basis for the Examiner’s analyses. A clear record of the claim interpretation could expedite the examination by creating the condition to allow the examination to focus on Applicant’s inventive concept and its comparison with related prior art.
If there are disagreements, Applicant may present an alternative interpretation based on MPEP 2111. The Examiner will adopt Applicant’s interpretation on the record, if Applicant’s interpretation is reasonable and/or arguments are persuasive.
Applicant may amend claims relying on the Examiner’s claim interpretation provided on the record.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claim 27 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 27 appears to contradict with Claim 1. Claim 27 recites, “wherein different patterns other than the selected pattern are not displayed at the pattern depth level.” However, Claim 1 appears to state that the “different patterns other than the selected pattern” are displayed at the pattern depth level, because Claim 1 states, “displaying at a pattern depth level at which patterns of the piece are displayed an exploded view of the piece including the selected pattern.” Due to the appearance of contradiction, there is confusion as to the scope of the claim.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 1, 25-27, 32-33, and 36-37 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Han et al. (US 20210166472 A1) in view of Kawai (US 20030043177 A1) and Boersma et al. (US 20110225208 A1).
Regarding Claim 1, Han teaches A method of simulating sewing (“In addition, provided is a clothing sewing prediction in a more accurate form.” Han ¶ 9.), comprising:
performing a draping simulation on an avatar to generate a three-dimensional (3D) garment based on sewing relationships defined by sewing line matching information, the sewing line matching information indicating matching of sewing lines between patterns of the 3D garment (
[BRI on the record]
With respect to “simulate,” the Examiner is reading the limitation to mean: to give or assume the appearance or effect of often with the intent to deceive: imitate. The specification provides no clear guidance. The Examiner bases his interpretation on the plain meaning of the term.
[Mapping Analysis]
Han Fig. 4 421 and Fig. 9 show a draping simulation of an avatar to generate 3D garment.
Han fig. 9:
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Han fig. 5:
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, which shows that matching sewing lines are indicated as being matched by guiding/thread lines in light gray between patterns of 3D garment.
“For example, the processor 112 may display a 3D shape 433A of thread connecting the first portion 432B-1 and the second portion 432C-1 to display the first portion 432B-1 and the second portion 432C-1 in correspondence with each other.” Han ¶ 97.);
displaying the 3D garment based on a result of the draping simulation (
Han fig. 4:
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“The processor 112 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may display a 3D shape 421a of a body based on body data and a 3D shape 421b of clothing in consideration of the 3D shape 421a of the body on the region 421 for displaying the shape in the 3D space of clothing.” Han ¶ 77.
The 3D garment is mapped to Han 421b of clothing, which shows the result of draping simulation.);
a selected pattern, in which the selected pattern and one or more patterns associated with the selected pattern are separated from each other by predetermined distances, while maintaining respective 3D shapes of the patterns of the piece as deformed by the draping simulation (
[BRI on the record] With respect to “exploded view,” the Examiner is reading the limitation to mean: a view of a piece of garment, in which patterns of the garment are detached/exploded from each other. Since the claimed “exploded view” is recited in the context of depth level, the claimed “exploded view” must be in 3D. This interpretation is in light of the specification:
[Mapping Analysis]
Han fig. 5:
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, shows a displayed exploded view of garment patterns at a depth level of garment patterns at a depth level. A selected pattern and one or more patterns are separated by a distance. The thread line could visually show the association.
Han further explains, “For example, the processor 112 may display the combining relationship between the part 432A constituting a front side of clothing, the part 432B constituting a collar of clothing, and the parts 432C constituting the back side of clothing as shown in FIG. 5.” Han ¶ 94.
Han teaches selecting a pattern to display at a changed position, stating “For example, the user terminal 100 may obtain a user input to move the part 432B constituting the collar to another position, and accordingly, may display the part 432B constituting the collar on a position according to the user input. At this time, the user terminal 100 may update and display the 3D shape 462 of thread that connects the first portion 432B-1 of the part 432B constituting the collar of clothing and having the changed position and the second portion 432C-1 of the part 432C constituting the back side of clothing combined with the first portion 432B-1. However, this is merely exemplary and the spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.” Han ¶ 136.
An example of a pattern is mapped to fig. 5 432B, which is selected and can be displayed at different depth levels based on its moved position.
Han displaying at a depth level, stating “For example, the user terminal 100 may move the display position of the part 432C constituting the back side of clothing in a direction away from the 3D shape 431 of the body such that the distance between the 3D shape 431 of the body and the part 432C constituting the back side of clothing is equal to or greater than the predetermined first threshold distance D_min. However, this is merely exemplary and the spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.” Han ¶ 124.
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It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Han’s selecting a pattern by a user to move with Han’s teaching of moving a pattern towards or away from a body. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to allow a user to manipulate the position of each selected pattern. The user may view the pattern more clearly based on the user’s preference.
Han fig. 9:
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Here, at least the second and third figures show that maintaining respective 3D shapes of patterns of the piece as deformed by the draping simulation in the exploded view.);
displaying, within the exploded view, one or more guide lines extending between the sewing lines associated with the selected pattern to indicate the matching of the sewing lines, according to the sewing line matching information (
[BRI on the record]
With respect to “sewing lines,” the Examiner is reading the limitation to mean: outline of a garment pattern for sewing operation. This interpretation is in light of the specification:
[0037] . . . Where a user provides an outline and a length (hereinafter, ‘a sewing line’) for setting a sewing operation, sewing for a virtual garment may be implemented by joining the polygonal vertices of the mesh on a sewing line in each of the two 2D patterns.
[0023] FIGS. 2A and 2B are exploded views illustrating sewing lines at a first depth level, according to an example embodiment.
Spec. ¶¶ 23, 37.
Fig. 2A:
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With respect to “guide lines,” the Examiner is reading the limitation to mean: lines that connect matching sewing lines. This interpretation is in light of the specification:
[0057] The simulation device may generate a plurality of guide lines connecting matching sewing lines as indicated by sewing line matching information. The guide lines described herein refer to lines that connect matching sewing lines. The simulation device may display guide lines connecting to the selected pattern while not displaying guide lines not connected to the selected pattern. . . .
[0058] . . . FIG. 2A illustrates a T-shirt piece 210 that includes patterns 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, sewing line 232, 230, 250, 252, and guide lines 231, 251.
Spec. ¶¶ 57-58.
[Mapping Analysis]
Han fig. 5.
“For example, the user terminal 100 may obtain a user input to move the part 432B constituting the collar to another position, and accordingly, may display the part 432B constituting the collar on a position according to the user input. At this time, the user terminal 100 may update and display the 3D shape 462 of thread that connects the first portion 432B-1 of the part 432B constituting the collar of clothing and having the changed position and the second portion 432C-1 of the part 432C constituting the back side of clothing combined with the first portion 432B-1.” Han ¶ 136.
an example for the sewing lines is mapped to disclosed the part of the outline of 432B for sewing operation.
an example for the guide lines is mapped to disclosed portions of the lines that connect matching sewing lines of 432B and 432C that shows correspondence between sewing lines.); and
responsive to a second user input editing, within the exploded view, at least one sewing line associated with the selected pattern, displaying one or more updated guide lines extending between sewing lines associated with the selected pattern, according to the sewing line matching information updated based on the editing (
Han figs. 5. “For example, the user terminal 100 may obtain a user input to move the part 432B constituting the collar to another position, and accordingly, may display the part 432B constituting the collar on a position according to the user input. At this time, the user terminal 100 may update and display the 3D shape 462 of thread that connects the first portion 432B-1 of the part 432B constituting the collar of clothing and having the changed position and the second portion 432C-1 of the part 432C constituting the back side of clothing combined with the first portion 432B-1.” Han ¶ 136.
The second user input may correspond to the input to move part 432B to edit threads/guidelines.
The threads/guidelines are updated based on the editing.
Alternatively:
Han teaches pattern data that includes color of the sewing stitches, stating “In this case, the stitch information may include not only information about a material used when combining parts, but also information about a usage type when combining the corresponding material. For example, when the stitch information is information about seams of the cut pieces of fabric, the stitch information may include information about the number of sewing stitches and information about the color, thickness, and material of threads used for sewing” (Han ¶ 62). In addition, the shape of the parts/pattern may be edited. Han ¶¶ 68-69. The number of threads could be changed. Han ¶¶ 60, 68. All these would/could alter the thread/guidelines that match the sewing lines.
Han teaches editing pattern data, which could include color of the sewing stitches, stating “Furthermore, in addition to the form of the part, the processor 112 may generate and/or edit the pattern data of clothing based on user inputs corresponding to various items constituting the pattern data of clothing.” Han ¶ 69. Also see Han ¶ 68.).
Han does not explicitly disclose; however, Kawai teachesdisplaying an exploded view (
Kawai teaches displaying an explosive view responsive to selecting a “unit”/pattern/piece, stating “When the ALL button 33 is clicked, the entire product becomes the object to be disassembled. However, when the ‘UNIT’ button 34 is clicked while cling the unit whose exploded view is to be constructed on the display, the specified unit becomes the object to be disassembled. According to this eminent, the unit 10 is specified as the object to be disassembled as shown in FIG. 7 and thus only the unit 10 is displayed on the display screen 32.” Kawai ¶ 38.
After Han is combined with Kawai, when Han’s a pattern/piece is selected, an exploded view of the Han’s pattern/piece will be displayed.
Han already teaches selecting a pattern, stating “For example, the user terminal 100 may obtain a user input to move the part 432B constituting the collar to another position, and accordingly, may display the part 432B constituting the collar on a position according to the user input.” Han ¶ 136.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Kawai’s selective display method with Han. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated not to distract a user from unimportant/irrelevant details/information.
Han in view of Kawai teaches all limitations of Claim 1. However, for the alternative mappings related to displaying one or more updated guide lines, when the shape of the parts/pattern may be edited (Han ¶¶ 68-69); the color of the threads can be changed (Han ¶ 62), and the number of threads could be changed (Han ¶¶ 60, 68), Han in view of Kawai does not explicitly disclose the updates will be displayed.
Boersma teaches displaying one or more updated guide lines (
“Changes made via the 3D window to 3D graphic indicia and/or metadata are used to modify GIS data in a GIS database, and the modified GIS data is used to update the 3D rendering to reflect the user changes.” Boersma Abstract.
After Han in view of Kawai is combined with Boersma, Han in view of Kawai’s 3D rendering (model +exploded view of the garment) is updated to reflect the updates/edits on the garment related to threads/guidelines.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Boersma’s rendering update with Han in view of Kawai. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to allow a user to see and evaluate updated visual information to make better informed design decisions.
Regarding Claim 25, Han in view of Kawai and Boersma teaches The method of claim 1, wherein the editing comprises moving an end point of the at least one sewing line associated with the selected pattern to modify the length of the at least one sewing line (
Han fig. 5:
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“The processor 112 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may generate the pattern data with respect to the corresponding clothing based on a user input through an interface such as the screen 410. For example, in the region 411 for editing the form of the part, a user may generate the pattern data of clothing by modifying the forms of the parts 411a to 411g or adding a new part in a two-dimensional (2D) space. Furthermore, in addition to the form of the part, the processor 112 may generate and/or edit the pattern data of clothing based on user inputs corresponding to various items constituting the pattern data of clothing.” Han ¶ 69.
When the shaped of the part changed/edited is 432B, the end point, 432B-1, may be changed.)
Regarding Claim 26, Han in view of Kawai and Boersma teaches The method of claim 25,
wherein the at least one sewing lines comprises a first sewing line and a second sewing line (
[BRI on the record]
With respect to “sewing lines,” the Examiner is reading the limitation to mean: outline of a garment pattern for sewing operation.
[Mapping Analysis]
Han figs. 5, 9: There are multiple outlines of garment patterns mapped sewing lines.), and
wherein one or more guide lines connecting the first sewing line and the second sewing line are updated, in response to a length of at least one of the first sewing line or the second sewing line being modified by the other user input (
Han fig. 5:
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“The processor 112 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may generate the pattern data with respect to the corresponding clothing based on a user input through an interface such as the screen 410. For example, in the region 411 for editing the form of the part, a user may generate the pattern data of clothing by modifying the forms of the parts 411a to 411g or adding a new part in a two-dimensional (2D) space. Furthermore, in addition to the form of the part, the processor 112 may generate and/or edit the pattern data of clothing based on user inputs corresponding to various items constituting the pattern data of clothing.” Han ¶ 69.
When length of at least one of the first sewing line or the second sewing line being modified, the outlines of the garment are modified. When the outlines of the garment are modified, for example, the position 432B-1 may be changed, the guideline connecting the position 432B-1 will be updated accordingly).
Regarding Claim 27, Han further teaches The method of claim 1, wherein different patterns other than the selected pattern are not displayed at the pattern depth level (
Kawai teaches displaying an explosive view responsive to selecting a “unit”/pattern/piece, stating “When the ALL button 33 is clicked, the entire product becomes the object to be disassembled. However, when the ‘UNIT’ button 34 is clicked while cling the unit whose exploded view is to be constructed on the display, the specified unit becomes the object to be disassembled. According to this eminent, the unit 10 is specified as the object to be disassembled as shown in FIG. 7 and thus only the unit 10 is displayed on the display screen 32.” Kawai ¶ 38.
After Han is combined with Kawai, when Han’s a pattern/piece is selected, an exploded view of the Han’s pattern/piece will be displayed.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Kawai’s selective display method with Han. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated not to distract a user from unimportant details/information.
Regarding Claim 32, Han further teaches The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving a third user input indicating deleting of a subset of the guide lines connecting two sewing lines (
Han teaches pattern data that includes the number of sewing stitches, stating “In this case, the stitch information may include not only information about a material used when combining parts, but also information about a usage type when combining the corresponding material. For example, when the stitch information is information about seams of the cut pieces of fabric, the stitch information may include information about the number of sewing stitches and information about the color, thickness, and material of threads used for sewing” (Han ¶ 62) and “For example, the pattern data may include at least one of form, dimension information, stitch information, material information, and landmark information of at least one part constituting clothing as an attribute” (Han ¶ 60).
Han teaches editing pattern data, including the number of sewing stitches, stating “Furthermore, in addition to the form of the part, the processor 112 may generate and/or edit the pattern data of clothing based on user inputs corresponding to various items constituting the pattern data of clothing.” Han ¶ 69. Also see Han ¶ 68.
It would have been obvious to try: choosing from a finite number of identified, predictable solutions, with a reasonable expectation of success. There are following predictable solutions: reducing the stitch number, maintaining the stitch number, increasing the stitch number, or specifying a number of stitches. It would have been obvious to try reducing the stitch number or specify a number of stitches, deleting of a subset of the guide lines.); and
updating the sewing line matching information to delete the matching of the two sewing lines connected by the subset of the guide lines (
Han figs. 5-6 show that if the stitch number (Han ¶ 62) between matched sewing lines is reduced to 0, the matching of the two sewing lines is deleted.
“Changes made via the 3D window to 3D graphic indicia and/or metadata are used to modify GIS data in a GIS database, and the modified GIS data is used to update the 3D rendering to reflect the user changes.” Boersma Abstract.
After Han in view of Kawai is combined with Boersma, Han in view of Kawai’s 3D rendering (model +exploded view of the garment) is updated to reflect the updates/edits on the garment related to threads/guidelines.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Boersma’s rendering update with Han in view of Kawai. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to allow a user to see and evaluate updated visual information to make better informed design decisions.
Regarding Claim 33, Han further teaches The method of claim 1,
wherein more than two sewing lines are indicated as being matched in the sewing line matching information (Han fig. 5:
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, which shows that matching sewing lines are indicated as being matched by guiding/thread lines in light gray.
“Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, ‘displaying the first portion 432B-1 and the second portion 432C-1 in correspondence with each other’ may mean displaying a 3D shape of thread according to sewing connecting the first portion 432B-1 and the second portion 432C-1 on a 3D space. For example, the processor 112 may display a 3D shape 433A of thread connecting the first portion 432B-1 and the second portion 432C-1 to display the first portion 432B-1 and the second portion 432C-1 in correspondence with each other.” Han ¶ 97.).
Regarding Claim 36, Han further teaches A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon, the instructions when executed by a processor cause the processor to perform (Han ¶¶ 51-52) the method of claim 1 (See Claim 1 rejection analysis for details).
Claim 37 is substantially similar to Claim 1. The rejection of Claims 1 based on Han in view of Kawai and Boersma is also applied to Claim 37. In addition, Claim 37 recites, “A computing device comprising: a processor; and a memory storing instructions thereon, the instructions when executed by the processor cause the processor to: . . .” (Han figs. 1-2, ¶¶ 40, 46, 51-53).
Claims 2, 21, 24, 30-31, and 38 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Han in view of Kawai and Boersma as applied to Claim 1, in further view of Grimaud et al. (US 20070196030 A1) and Wang et al. (“Feature based 3D garment design through 2D sketches”).
Regarding Claim 2, Han in view of Kawai and Boersma teaches The method of claim 1.
Han in view of Kawai and Boersma does not explicitly disclose; however, Grimaud teaches further comprising:
responsive to receiving another user input selecting a piece depth level at which pieces of the 3D garment are displayed, displaying, at the piece depth level, pieces included in the 3D garment separated from each other by predetermined distances,
“Accordingly, in the degraded file, the user can view the parts, associated with the right or the left shell, to access and identification of the part(s) at a low level of detail or part in an exploded view, which the user can use for ordering the part, and the user may have a second, higher detail view of a part which the user can use for servicing the part.” Grimaud ¶ 136.
After the combination of Han in view of Kawai and Boersma and Grimaud, the less-detailed-level compared to Han’s is mapped to the piece depth level. Han already teaches displaying at an exploded view. The same exploded view is applied to the less-detailed (piece) depth level.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Grimaud’s level of detail for exploded views with Han in view of Kawai and Boersma. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to help a user to digest information, because sometimes too much details could be overwhelming.
However, Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, and Grimaud does not explicitly disclose without displaying the avatar.
Wang teaches without displaying the avatar (
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It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Wang’s seam-line designing with Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, and Grimaud. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to help a user to focus on pattern design for garments, and not to be distracted by an avatar.
Claim 38 is substantially similar to Claim 2. The rejection of Claims 2 based on Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang is also applied to Claim 38.
Regarding Claim 21, Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang teaches The method of claim 2, further comprising:
responsive to a further user input selecting, at the piece depth level, a piece included in the 3D garment, displaying at the pattern depth level, (
Han teaches selection of clothing piece, stating “selection of clothing is an important part as a way to express one's individuality in addition to solving basic food, clothing and shelter.” Han ¶ 2. Han Figs. 4, 9 shows selection of different clothing pieces for exploded views. Han ¶¶ 94, 124.
“Accordingly, in the degraded file, the user can view the parts, associated with the right or the left shell, to access and identification of the part(s) at a low level of detail or part in an exploded view, which the user can use for ordering the part, and the user may have a second, higher detail view of a part which the user can use for servicing the part.” Grimaud ¶ 136.
Kawai teaches displaying an explosive view responsive to selecting a “unit”/pattern/piece, stating “When the ALL button 33 is clicked, the entire product becomes the object to be disassembled. However, when the ‘UNIT’ button 34 is clicked while cling the unit whose exploded view is to be constructed on the display, the specified unit becomes the object to be disassembled. According to this eminent, the unit 10 is specified as the object to be disassembled as shown in FIG. 7 and thus only the unit 10 is displayed on the display screen 32.” Kawai ¶ 38.),
an exploded view of the selected piece in which patterns included in the selected piece are separated from each other by predetermined distances (
Han fig. 5:
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, shows a displayed exploded view of garment patterns at a depth level. The selected pattern and one or more patterns are separated by a distance. The thread line could visually show the association. Han ¶¶ 94, 124.
Han fig. 9:
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Here, at least the second and third figures show that maintaining respective 3D shapes of patterns of the piece as deformed by the draping simulation in the exploded view.); and
displaying one or more guide lines extending between sewing lines of the patterns included in the selected piece to indicate matching of the sewing lines, according to the sewing line matching information (
Han fig. 5.
“For example, the user terminal 100 may obtain a user input to move the part 432B constituting the collar to another position, and accordingly, may display the part 432B constituting the collar on a position according to the user input. At this time, the user terminal 100 may update and display the 3D shape 462 of thread that connects the first portion 432B-1 of the part 432B constituting the collar of clothing and having the changed position and the second portion 432C-1 of the part 432C constituting the back side of clothing combined with the first portion 432B-1.” Han ¶ 136.
an example for the sewing lines is mapped to disclosed the part of the outline of 432B for sewing operation.
an example for the guide lines is mapped to disclosed portions of the lines that connect matching sewing lines of 432B and 432C that shows correspondence between sewing lines.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Kawai’s selective display method with Han. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated not to distract a user from unimportant details/information.
Regarding Claim 24, Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang teaches The method of claim 2, wherein a subset of the sewing lines not associated with the selected pattern is not displayed at the pattern depth level but is displayed at the piece depth level (
Kawai teaches at the pattern depth level, a selected unit/pattern could be focused, stating “When the ALL button 33 is clicked, the entire product becomes the object to be disassembled. However, when the ‘UNIT’ button 34 is clicked while cling the unit whose exploded view is to be constructed on the display, the specified unit becomes the object to be disassembled. According to this eminent, the unit 10 is specified as the object to be disassembled as shown in FIG. 7 and thus only the unit 10 is displayed on the display screen 32.” Kawai ¶ 38.
When the unit/pattern is focused on, the sewing lines not associated with the selected pattern/unit is not displayed at the pattern depth level. However, they will be displayed at the piece depth level when all the pieces are displayed.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Kawai’s selective display method with Han. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated not to distract a user from unimportant details/information.
Regarding Claim 30, Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang teaches The method of claim 21,
further comprising displaying another piece of the 3D garment in a manner (e.g., distance and/or perspective) different from the piece of the garment at the piece depth level (Han figs. 4 and 9, showing different garments and pieces at different depth levels, distances, and perspectives.).
Regarding Claim 31, Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang teaches The method of claim 21, wherein the selected pattern and the one or more patterns associated with the selected pattern are displayed at enlarged distances at the pattern depth level (
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Han Fig. 9 shows decreasing depth levels.),
the enlarged distances larger than predetermined distances between the selected pattern and the one or more patterns associated with the selected pattern at the piece depth level (
Fig. 9’s 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th figures have enlarged distances larger than figure 6th.
The piece depth level may correspond to various depth levels, like fig. 9 4th or 5th figure.
The pattern depth level may correspond to various depth levels, like fig. 9 1-3rd figures. There exists an enlarged pattern depth level that is bigger than that of the piece depth level.).
Claims 22-23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang as applied to Claim 21, in further view of Kongo (US 20170316590 A1).
Regarding Claim 22, Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang teaches The method of claim 21.
However, Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang does not explicitly disclose
wherein the guide lines indicating different matchings of the sewing lines are displayed further with different colors, different transparency levels or both different colors and different transparency levels.
Kongo teaches wherein the guide lines indicating different matchings of the sewing lines are displayed further with different colors, different transparency levels or both different colors and different transparency levels (“Here, the sewing machine 40 provides semi-automatic embroidery using multiple threads having different colors according to the embroidery data, for example.” Kongo ¶ 53.
After Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang is combined with Kongo, the guide lines, or threads, extending between the sewing lines of the different patterns as shown in Han figs. 5-8 are displayed with different colors.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Kongo’s thread coloring with Han in view of in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to allow the system visualize the color choices of threads used to stitch matching patterns. This would help a designer to make better design decisions. “Here, the sewing machine 40 provides semi-automatic embroidery using multiple threads having different colors according to the embroidery data, for example.” Kongo ¶ 53.
Regarding Claim 23, Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, Wang and Kongo teaches The method of claim 22,
wherein matching sewing lines and a guide line connecting the matching sewing lines are displayed with a same color, a same transparency level or both the same color and the same transparency levels (“Thus, such an arrangement prevents an issue of failure to satisfactorily confirm the planned stitch line due to the line being difficult to see in a case in which the base cloth and the thread have the same color or a case in which the pattern of the base cloth and the thread have the same color.” Kongo ¶ 87.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Kongo’s thread coloring with Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to allow the system visualize the color choices of threads used to stitch matching patterns. This would help a designer to make better design decisions. “Thus, such an arrangement prevents an issue of failure to satisfactorily confirm the planned stitch line due to the line being difficult to see in a case in which the base cloth and the thread have the same color or a case in which the pattern of the base cloth and the thread have the same color.” Kongo ¶ 87.
Claim 28 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Han in view of Kawai and Boersma as applied to Claim 1, in further view of Yu et al. (US 20130326377 A1).
Regarding Claim 28, Han in view of Kawai and Boersma teaches The method of claim 1.
Han in view of Kawai and Boersma does not explicitly disclose further comprising disabling user interface elements for editing different patterns other than the selected pattern at the pattern level.
Yu teaches
further comprising disabling user interface elements for editing different patterns other than the selected pattern at the pattern level (“A content creation application can be configured so that a content creator may only be allowed to select a single element on an editing canvas to start launch editing. This can avoid complexity and performance delay.” Yu ¶ 25.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Yu’s editing technique with Han in view of Kawai and Boersma. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to reduce the possibility of editing errors. A user may not accidently edit items not selected. “A content creation application can be configured so that a content creator may only be allowed to select a single element on an editing canvas to start launch editing. This can avoid complexity and performance delay.” Yu ¶ 25.
Claim 29 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang as applied to Claim 2, in further view of Borenstein et al. (US 20050022129 A1).
Regarding Claim 29, Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang teaches The method of claim 2,
further comprising enabling user interface elements for editing features or characteristics applicable to each of the patterns included in the piece Fig. 4 421) (
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“Referring to FIG. 3, the screen 410 may include a region 411 for editing forms of parts 411a to 411g constituting clothing, a region 412 for displaying a shape of clothing in a 3D (3D) space, and a region 413 for setting various setting values or setting attributes of the parts 411a to 411g or stitch information between the parts 411a to 411g when displaying clothing.” Han ¶ 68.
“The processor 112 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may generate the pattern data with respect to the corresponding clothing based on a user input through an interface such as the screen 410. For example, in the region 411 for editing the form of the part, a user may generate the pattern data of clothing by modifying the forms of the parts 411a to 411g or adding a new part in a two-dimensional (2D) space. Furthermore, in addition to the form of the part, the processor 112 may generate and/or edit the pattern data of clothing based on user inputs corresponding to various items constituting the pattern data of clothing.” Han ¶ 69.).
Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang does not explicitly disclose; however, Borenstein teaches at the piece depth level (parent node), attributes set will be inherited by child nodes (pattern depth level) (“The node at each level in a tree inherits properties from its parent node(s) and allows the user to override, extend or specialize these properties at the current level.” Borenstein ¶ 4.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Borenstein’s attributes inheritance with Han in view of Kawai, Boersma, Grimaud, and Wang. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to make it easier and/or faster for a user to set attributes.
Claims 34-35 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Han in view of Kawai and Boersma as applied to Claim 1, in further view of Wang et al. (“Feature based 3D garment design through 2D sketches”).
Regarding Claim 34, Han in view of Kawai and Boersma teaches The method of claim 1.
Han in view of Kawai and Boersma does not explicitly teach further comprising:
receiving a style line that defines an outline or style of a pattern included in the piece at the pattern depth level; and
generating a first sewing line on the pattern at one side of the style line, a second sewing line on the pattern at the other side of the style line, and one or more additional guide lines connecting the first sewing line and the second sewing line.
Wang teaches
receiving a style line that defines an outline or style of a pattern included in the piece at the pattern depth level (
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The style line is mapped to painted “seam line.”
After the combination of Han inv viuw of Kawai and Boersma and Wang, we would have:
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); and
generating a first sewing line on the pattern at one side of the style line, a second sewing line on the pattern at the other side of the style line (Wang fig. 21), and one or more additional guide lines connecting the first sewing line and the second sewing line (Han fig. 5).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Wang’s seam-line designing with Han in view of Kawai and Boersma. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to assist pattern design for garments. “This paper presents a new approach for intuitively modeling a three-dimensional (3D) garment around a 3D human model by two dimensional (2D) sketches input. Our approach is feature based—every human model has pre-defined features, and the constructed garments are related to the features on human models. . . . Our technique can greatly improve the efficiency and the quality of pattern making in the garment industry.” Wang Abstract.
Regarding Claim 35, Han in view of Kawai, Boersma and Wang teaches The method of claim 34, further comprising:
displaying the first sewing line, the second sewing line and the one or more additional guide lines (
Han fig. 5:
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, which shows that matching sewing lines are indicated as being matched by guiding/thread lines in light gray.
“For example, the processor 112 may display a 3D shape 433A of thread connecting the first portion 432B-1 and the second portion 432C-1 to display the first portion 432B-1 and the second portion 432C-1 in correspondence with each other.” Han ¶ 97.);
editing at least one of the first sewing line or second sewing line responsive to receiving another user input (
“The processor 112 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may generate the pattern data with respect to the corresponding clothing based on a user input through an interface such as the screen 410. For example, in the region 411 for editing the form of the part, a user may generate the pattern data of clothing by modifying the forms of the parts 411a to 411g or adding a new part in a two-dimensional (2D) space. Furthermore, in addition to the form of the part, the processor 112 may generate and/or edit the pattern data of clothing based on user inputs corresponding to various items constituting the pattern data of clothing.” Han ¶ 69.
When the forms of the patterns are changed, the sewing lines are edited. For example, When the shaped of the part changed/edited is 432B, the end point, 432B-1, may be changed.
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In addition, Han fig. 5:
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The features disclosed by Figs. 3, 5 could be combined to have:
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The teaches from fig. 3 and fig. 5 could be combined. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Han Figs. 3, 5. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to allow a user to have a wider options to view the clothing and/or to select pattern/parts to edit.
After these features are combined, a user could select 432B to edit, and any edit to 432B would be reflected on the exploded view.); and
displaying edited versions of the first sewing line or the second sewing lines; and displaying updated versions of the one or more additional guide lines connecting the edited versions of the first sewing line or the second sewing line (
“Changes made via the 3D window to 3D graphic indicia and/or metadata are used to modify GIS data in a GIS database, and the modified GIS data is used to update the 3D rendering to reflect the user changes.” Boersma Abstract.
After Han in view of Kawai and Boersma and Wang is combined with Boersma, Han’s 3D rendering (model +exploded view of the garment) is updated to reflect the updates/edits on the garment. The updated sewing lines and their associated updated guide lines are also updated.).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Boersma’s rendering update with Han in view of Kawai. One of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to allow a user to see and evaluate updated visual information to make better informed design decisions.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Sun et al. (CN 106935092 A) also teaches exploded views of a model, stating “. . . the structure recognition module for assembling display engine model and an exploded view of a plurality of sub assembly, when the mouse click assembly or parts of multiple sub assembly and displays the character information of the part, the character information comprises name, the working principle and assembly considerations, . . ..” Sun p. 3.
However, it is not as strong as the secondary reference Kawai.
Brebner (US 20180349108 A1), related Claim 9 and states, “A zoom UI allows a user to select a data type and zoom into a mode where only the selected item is locked to the viewport of a user for viewing and editing.” Brebner ¶ 381. However, Brebner does not teaches limitations of Claim 1.
Brebner (US 20180349108 A1), related Claim 9 and states, “A zoom UI allows a user to select a data type and zoom into a mode where only the selected item is locked to the viewport of a user for viewing and editing.” Brebner ¶ 381. However, Brebner does not teaches limitations of Claim 1.
Liu et al. (“A survey on CAD methods in 3D garment design.”):
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Fig. 11:
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Liu teaches draping simulation in Claim 1 as shown in fig. 4, and Liu teaches exploded view as shown fig. 11.
However, Liu does not explicitly disclose draping simulation while in the exploded view.
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/ZHENGXI LIU/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2611
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