DETAILED ACTION
This communication is in response to the claims filed on 09/28/2023.
Application No: 18/477,202.
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Examiner has tried to contact applicant representative via phone for compact prosecution of the claims, but no response received.
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
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.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U. S. C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co. , 383 U. S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U. S. C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U. S. C. 103 as being unpatentable over Ayala et al. (US 20100073243 A1 ) in view of Guterman et al. (US 20150255851 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Ayala teaches a laptop computer ([0008], Fig. 2, e.g. Wireless portable electronic devices such as laptop computers may be provided with antennas and radio-frequency transceiver circuitry. A wireless portable electronic device may have upper and lower housing portions that are joined using a hinge. [0010] The antenna system may be formed from one or more antenna elements. System performance may be enhanced by using different types of elements in the same antenna system. For example, a clutch barrel antenna may be formed using a first antenna element and a second antenna element of different types. [0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative laptop computer having a housing portion such as a clutch barrel in which antenna and transceiver structures may be located in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention), comprising:
a lower housing having an upper metal wall and a lower metal wall that define an interior volume of the lower metal housing ([0014], e.g. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative laptop computer having a housing portion such as a clutch barrel in which antenna and transceiver structures may be located in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0030] As shown in FIG. 1, device 10 may have a housing 12. Housing 12, which is sometimes referred to as a case, may have an upper portion such as portion 16 and lower portion such as portion 14. [0030] For example, a clutch barrel antenna may be formed using a first antenna element and a second antenna element of different types. These antenna elements may be flex circuit elements that are mounted to a dielectric antenna support structure. The dielectric antenna support structure may be mounted to a metal frame within the clutch barre (I.e. metal wall that define an interior volume of the lower metal housing));
a clutch barrel mounted to the lower housing, the clutch barrel having a conductor, a first opening in the conductor, a second opening in the conductor ([0008], e.g. A wireless portable electronic device may have upper and lower housing portions that are joined using a hinge. The hinge may be associated with a clutch barrel having a dielectric clutch barrel cover (i.e. a clutch barrel mounted to the lower housing). [0088] As shown in FIG. 12, the lower portion of clutch barrel cover 42 may have an opening such as opening 204 that runs along substantially the entire length of clutch barrel cover 42 (i.e. a first opening in the conductor, a second opening in the conductor). Opening 204 allows conductive housing portions such as portions 202 of display frame 190 to protrude into the interior of clutch barrel 38 (I.e. the clutch barrel having a conductor)),
an upper housing coupled to the clutch barrel by a hinge ([0008], e.g. A wireless portable electronic device may have upper and lower housing portions that are joined using a hinge. The hinge may be associated with a clutch barrel having a dielectric clutch barrel cover (i.e. an upper housing coupled to the clutch barrel by a hinge);
an antenna having an antenna feed coupled across the first opening in the conductor ([0082], e.g. Clutch barrel antenna 22 may be formed from any suitable antenna structures such as stamped or etched metal foil, wires, printed circuit board traces, other pieces of conductor, etc., … In printed circuit boards and flex circuits, conductive traces may be used in forming antenna structures such as antenna resonating elements, ground structures, impedance matching networks, and feeds. These conductive traces may be formed from conductive materials such as metal (i.e. an antenna having an antenna feed coupled across the opening in the conductor).
Ayala teaches that Wireless portable electronic devices such as laptop computers with antennas and radio-frequency transceiver circuitry. Antenna structures and transceiver circuitry may be provided within a clutch barrel in a laptop computer. However Ayala differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
a tunnel that extends from the first opening to the second opening through the conductor.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, Guterman teaches wherein
a tunnel that extends from the first opening to the second opening through the conductor ([0037], e.g. The portions of housing 12 surrounding clutch barrel 60 may be configured to form one or more cavities for cavity backed antennas. For example, a pair of cavity antennas may be formed in region 60. The cavities may have elongated shapes (i.e. tunnel shapes) that run parallel to axis 22 (i.e. tunnel that extends from the first opening to the second opening ). One of hinges 56 may be located at the outer end of each cavity antenna. A conductive structure such as a printed circuit may be located between the cavities in the middle of clutch barrel 60 (i.e. tunnel through the conductor)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of Guterman within the method of Ayala. The motivation to combine references is that the combined method and system provides that an electronic device has antennas formed from cavity antenna structures. Cavity antennas may be formed in a clutch barrel region located between the hinges and running along the rotational axis. Cavity walls for the cavity antennas may be formed from metal housing structures such as metal portions of the lower housing. Further, in some wireless devices, the presence of conductive housing structures can influence antenna performance. Antenna performance may not be satisfactory if the housing structures are not configured properly and interfere with antenna operation. Device size can also affect performance. It can be difficult to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Therefore It would be desirable to be able to provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [abstract, [0004]).
Regarding claim 2, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 1. Ayala further teaches wherein the hinge has a hinge axis, the first opening has a longitudinal axis parallel to the hinge axis, and the tunnel extends along a first axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis ([0037], Fig. 1, Fig. 7, e.g. As shown in FIG. 1, a hinge mechanism such as hinge 38 may be used to attach cover 16 to base 14. Hinge 38 may allow cover 16 to rotate relative to base 14 about longitudinal hinge axis 40 (i.e. the hinge has a hinge axis, the first opening has a longitudinal axis parallel to the hinge axis. [0046] As an example, a clutch barrel antenna may be formed from first and second antenna elements. The first and second antenna elements may be arranged at different positions along longitudinal axis 40 of clutch barrel 38. This type of configuration is shown in FIG. 1) (i.e. Fig. 1, Fig. 7, the tunnel extends along a first axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis).
Regarding claim 3, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 2. Ayala further teaches wherein the conductor has a diameter orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and the tunnel extends across the diameter of the conductor [0046] As an example, a clutch barrel antenna may be formed from first and second antenna elements. The first and second antenna elements may be arranged at different positions along longitudinal axis 40 of clutch barrel 38. This type of configuration is shown in FIG. 1) (i.e. Fig. 1, Fig. 7, the tunnel extends along a first axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis). [0051] In general, the shape for the outer surface of clutch barrel 38 may be selected based on aesthetics, so long as the resulting shape for clutch barrel 38 does not impede rotational movement of upper housing portion 16 relative to lower housing portion 14 about clutch barrel longitudinal axis 40 (i.e. FIG. 1, the conductor has a diameter orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and the tunnel extends across the diameter of the conductor)).
Regarding claim 4, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 2. Ayala further teaches wherein the tunnel has a linear shape from the first opening to the second opening ([0051] In general, the shape for the outer surface of clutch barrel 38 may be selected based on aesthetics, so long as the resulting shape for clutch barrel 38 does not impede rotational movement of upper housing portion 16 relative to lower housing portion 14 about clutch barrel longitudinal axis 40 (i.e. FIG. 1, the tunnel has a linear shape from the first opening to the second opening).
Regarding claim 5 Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 4. Ayala further teaches wherein the upper housing is rotatable from an open position to a closed position ([0030], e.g., As shown in FIG. 1, device 10 may have a housing 12. Housing 12, which is sometimes referred to as a case, may have an upper portion such as portion 16 and lower portion such as portion 14. Upper housing portion 16 may sometimes be referred to as a cover or lid. Lower housing portion 14 may sometimes be referred to as a base. [0041] When cover 16 is in a closed position, display 20 will generally lie flush with the upper surface of lower housing 14 (i.e. the upper housing is rotatable from an open position to a closed position)),
the upper housing being non-overlapping with respect to the first opening, the tunnel, and the second opening when the upper housing is in the closed position ([0075], e.g. For example, flex circuit path 24 may bend about axis 278 as a user opens and closes lid 16 of device 10 and thereby causes lid 16 to rotate about axis 40 relative to base 14. (i.e. the upper housing being non-overlapping with respect to the first opening,). [0078] In the example of FIG. 7, transceiver 252 is located at one end of clutch barrel 38 and antenna 22 is located at the other end of clutch barrel 38. If desired, antenna 22 may be located between two or more transceiver circuits, as shown in FIG. 8 (i.e. Fig. 3 and Fig. 7, the tunnel, and the second opening when the upper housing is in the closed position)).
Regarding claim 6, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 2. Ayala further teaches wherein a first portion that extends, along the first axis, from the second opening; and a second portion that extends, along a second axis non-parallel to the first axis, from the first portion to the first opening ([0078] In the example of FIG. 7, transceiver 252 is located at one end of clutch barrel 38 and antenna 22 is located at the other end of clutch barrel 38. If desired, antenna 22 may be located between two or more transceiver circuits, as shown in FIG. 8 (i.e. Fig. 3 and Fig. 7, the tunnel, a first portion, a second portion that extends, along a axis non-parallel to the first axis, from the first portion to the first opening)).
Regarding claim 7, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 6. Ayala further teaches wherein the upper housing is rotatable from an open position to a closed position, the upper housing comprising: a display ([0038], e.g. Device 10 may have a display such as display 20. Display 20 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), … Display 20 may be mounted in upper housing 16 using a metal frame or other suitable support structures);
conductive structures ([0044], e.g. If desired, device 10 may be provided with multiple antennas. For example, an antenna for wireless local area network applications (e.g., IEEE 802.11) may be provided within clutch barrel 38 while a Bluetooth.RTM. antenna may be formed from a conductive cavity that is located behind bezel region 18 ).
Guterman further teaches wherein a waveguide in the conductive structures, the waveguide being aligned with the second opening when the upper housing is in the closed position ([0040], e.g. the metal structures of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance. For example, a cavity may be formed that affects how efficiently an antenna may operate at various different wavelengths. To enhance antenna performance, cavities (and associated gaps or slots through which the antennas may operate) may be configured to support antenna resonances at desired frequencies (i.e. waveguide being aligned with the second opening when the upper housing is in the closed position)).
The motivation to combine reference of Guterman within the method of Ayala before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides techniques to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Further, its provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [0003, 0004]).
Regarding claim 8, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 2. Guterman further teaches wherein the first opening has a first width and the second opening has a second width greater than the first width ([0050], e.g. Gaps such as gaps 216, 226, and 212 may have widths of about 1.2-1.5 mm, of about 1-3 mm, of less than 4 mm, of more than 2 mm, or other suitable size. If desired, portions of housing 12A such as portion 228 of FIG. 9 may be formed from a dielectric such as plastic to help enhance the effective width of gap 226 and thereby enhance antenna efficiency. Dielectric portion 228 is adjacent to rotational axis 222 and when present increases the width of gap 226 (i.e. the first opening has a first width and the second opening has a second width greater than the first width). When gap 226 is enlarged, the wireless antenna signals being handled by the cavity antennas can pass through gap 226 without being blocked by metal housing structures).
The motivation to combine reference of Guterman within the method of Ayala before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides techniques to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Further, its provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [0003, 0004]).
Regarding claim 9, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 8. Guterman further teaches wherein the upper housing is rotatable from an open position to a closed position, the upper metal wall of the lower housing is separated from the upper housing by a first slot when the upper housing is in the open position, the lower metal wall of the lower housing is separated from the upper housing by a second slot when the upper housing is in the open position, the second opening faces the first slot, and the first opening faces the second slot ([0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative hinge of the type that may be used in an electronic device with housing portions that rotate relative to each other in accordance with an embodiment. [0040] Fig. 1, The metal structures of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance. For example, a cavity may be formed that affects how efficiently an antenna may operate at various different wavelengths. To enhance antenna performance, cavities (and associated gaps or different size and shape slots through which the antennas may operate) may be configured to support antenna resonances at desired frequencies (i.e. Fig. 1, Fig. 3, upper housing is rotatable, housing is separated from the upper housing by a first slot).
The motivation to combine reference of Guterman within the method of Ayala before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides techniques to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Further, its provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [0003, 0004]).
Regarding claim 10, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 1. Guterman further teaches wherein the upper housing is rotatable from an open position to a closed position, the upper metal wall of the lower housing is separated from the upper housing by a first slot when the upper housing is in the open position, the lower metal wall of the lower housing is separated from the upper housing by a second slot when the upper housing is in the open position, the second opening faces the first slot, and the first opening faces the second slot ([0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative hinge of the type that may be used in an electronic device with housing portions that rotate relative to each other in accordance with an embodiment. [0040] Fig. 1, The metal structures of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance. For example, a cavity may be formed that affects how efficiently an antenna may operate at various different wavelengths. To enhance antenna performance, cavities (and associated gaps or different size and shape slots through which the antennas may operate) may be configured to support antenna resonances at desired frequencies (i.e. Fig. 1, Fig. 3, upper housing is rotatable, housing is separated from the upper housing by a first slot).
The motivation to combine reference of Guterman within the method of Ayala before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides techniques to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Further, its provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [0003, 0004]).
Regarding claim 11, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 2. Ayala further teaches wherein the upper housing is rotatable from an open position to a closed position, the upper metal wall of the lower housing is separated from the upper housing by a first slot when the upper housing is in the open position, the lower metal wall of the lower housing is separated from the upper housing by a second slot when the upper housing is in the open position, the second opening faces the second slot, and the first opening faces the first slot ([0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative hinge of the type that may be used in an electronic device with housing portions that rotate relative to each other in accordance with an embodiment. [0040] Fig. 1, The metal structures of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance. For example, a cavity may be formed that affects how efficiently an antenna may operate at various different wavelengths. To enhance antenna performance, cavities (and associated gaps or different size and shape slots through which the antennas may operate) may be configured to support antenna resonances at desired frequencies (i.e. Fig. 1, Fig. 3, upper housing is rotatable, housing is separated from the upper housing by a first slot).
The motivation to combine reference of Guterman within the method of Ayala before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides techniques to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Further, its provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [0003, 0004]).
Regarding claim 12, Ayala teaches a laptop computer ([0008], Fig. 2, e.g. Wireless portable electronic devices such as laptop computers may be provided with antennas and radio-frequency transceiver circuitry. A wireless portable electronic device may have upper and lower housing portions that are joined using a hinge. [0010] The antenna system may be formed from one or more antenna elements. System performance may be enhanced by using different types of elements in the same antenna system. For example, a clutch barrel antenna may be formed using a first antenna element and a second antenna element of different types. [0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative laptop computer having a housing portion such as a clutch barrel in which antenna and transceiver structures may be located in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention), comprising:
a lower housing having an upper metal wall and a lower metal wall that define an interior volume of the lower metal housing ([0014], e.g. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative laptop computer having a housing portion such as a clutch barrel in which antenna and transceiver structures may be located in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0030] As shown in FIG. 1, device 10 may have a housing 12. Housing 12, which is sometimes referred to as a case, may have an upper portion such as portion 16 and lower portion such as portion 14. [0030] For example, a clutch barrel antenna may be formed using a first antenna element and a second antenna element of different types. These antenna elements may be flex circuit elements that are mounted to a dielectric antenna support structure. The dielectric antenna support structure may be mounted to a metal frame within the clutch barre (I.e. metal wall that define an interior volume of the lower metal housing));
a clutch barrel mounted to the lower housing and having a conductor ([0008], e.g. A wireless portable electronic device may have upper and lower housing portions that are joined using a hinge. The hinge may be associated with a clutch barrel having a dielectric clutch barrel cover (i.e. a clutch barrel mounted to the lower housing). [0088] As shown in FIG. 12, the lower portion of clutch barrel cover 42 may have an opening such as opening 204 that runs along substantially the entire length of clutch barrel cover 42 (i.e. a first opening in the conductor, a second opening in the conductor). Opening 204 allows conductive housing portions such as portions 202 of display frame 190 to protrude into the interior of clutch barrel 38 (I.e. the clutch barrel having a conductor));
an upper housing coupled to the clutch barrel by a hinge ([0008], e.g. A wireless portable electronic device may have upper and lower housing portions that are joined using a hinge. The hinge may be associated with a clutch barrel having a dielectric clutch barrel cover (i.e. an upper housing coupled to the clutch barrel by a hinge);
wherein the upper housing is rotatable between an open position and a closed position ([0037], e.g. As shown in FIG. 1, a hinge mechanism such as hinge 38 may be used to attach cover 16 to base 14. Hinge 38 may allow cover 16 to rotate relative to base 14 about longitudinal hinge axis 40. If desired, other attachment mechanisms may be used such as a rotating and pivoting hinge for a tablet computer).
Ayala teaches that Wireless portable electronic devices such as laptop computers with antennas and radio-frequency transceiver circuitry. Antenna structures and transceiver circuitry may be provided within a clutch barrel in a laptop computer. However Ayala differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
the upper metal wall of the lower housing is separated from the upper housing by a first gap when the upper housing is in the open position, and the lower metal wall of the lower housing is separated from the upper housing by a second gap when the upper housing is in the open position; and an antenna having a radiating slot in the conductor of the clutch barrel, wherein the radiating slot lies in a curved surface and is configured to radiate through the first gap and the second gap when the upper housing is in the open position.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, Guterman teaches wherein
the upper metal wall of the lower housing is separated from the upper housing by a first gap when the upper housing is in the open position [0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative hinge of the type that may be used in an electronic device with housing portions that rotate relative to each other in accordance with an embodiment. [0040] Fig. 1, The metal structures of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance. For example, a cavity may be formed that affects how efficiently an antenna may operate at various different wavelengths. To enhance antenna performance, cavities (and associated gaps or different size and shape slots through which the antennas may operate) may be configured to support antenna resonances at desired frequencies (i.e. Fig. 1, Fig. 3, upper housing is rotatable, housing is separated from the upper housing by a first slot), and
the lower metal wall of the lower housing is separated from the upper housing by a second gap when the upper housing is in the open position ([0040] Fig. 1, The metal structures of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance); and
an antenna having a radiating slot in the conductor of the clutch barrel, wherein the radiating slot lies in a curved surface and is configured to radiate through the first gap and the second gap when the upper housing is in the open position [0040] Fig. 1, The metal structures of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance. [0037] The portions of housing 12 surrounding clutch barrel 60 may be configured to form one or more cavities for cavity backed antennas. For example, a pair of cavity antennas may be formed in region 60. The cavities may have elongated shapes (i.e. tunnel shapes) that run parallel to axis 22 (i.e. tunnel that extends from the first opening to the second opening ). One of hinges 56 may be located at the outer end of each cavity antenna. A conductive structure such as a printed circuit may be located between the cavities in the middle of clutch barrel 60 (i.e. tunnel through the conductor) (i.e. Fig. 1, Fig. 3, upper housing is rotatable, housing is separated from the upper housing by a first slot)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of Guterman within the method of Ayala. The motivation to combine references is that the combined method and system provides that an electronic device has antennas formed from cavity antenna structures. Cavity antennas may be formed in a clutch barrel region located between the hinges and running along the rotational axis. Cavity walls for the cavity antennas may be formed from metal housing structures such as metal portions of the lower housing. Further, in some wireless devices, the presence of conductive housing structures can influence antenna performance. Antenna performance may not be satisfactory if the housing structures are not configured properly and interfere with antenna operation. Device size can also affect performance. It can be difficult to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Therefore It would be desirable to be able to provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [abstract, [0004]).
Regarding claim 13, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 12. Guterman further teaches wherein the radiating slot faces the first gap, the conductor has an opening facing the second gap, and the conductor has a cavity that extends from the radiating slot to the opening ([0040] Fig. 1, The metal structures of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance. For example, a cavity may be formed that affects how efficiently an antenna may operate at various different wavelengths. To enhance antenna performance, cavities (and associated gaps or slots of different size and shape through which the antennas may operate) may be configured to support antenna resonances at desired frequencies (i.e. Fig. 1, Fig. 3, upper housing is rotatable, housing is separated from the upper housing by a first slot).
The motivation to combine reference of Guterman within the method of Ayala before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides techniques to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Further, its provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [0003, 0004]).
Regarding claim 14, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 12. Guterman further teaches wherein the radiating slot faces the second gap, the conductor has an opening facing the first gap, and the conductor has a cavity that extends from the radiating slot to the opening ([0040] Fig. 1, The metal structures of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance. For example, a cavity may be formed that affects how efficiently an antenna may operate at various different wavelengths. To enhance antenna performance, cavities (and associated gaps or slots of different size and shape through which the antennas may operate) may be configured to support antenna resonances at desired frequencies (i.e. Fig. 1, Fig. 3, upper housing is rotatable, housing is separated from the upper housing by a first slot).
The motivation to combine reference of Guterman within the method of Ayala before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides techniques to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Further, its provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [0003, 0004]).
Regarding claim 15, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 14. Guterman further teaches wherein the cavity has a linear shape from the radiating slot to the opening and the opening is non-overlapping with respect to the upper housing when the upper housing is in the closed position ([0040], Fig. 1, e.g. The metal structures of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance. [0044] Cavity structures 200 in the example of FIG. 6 form an open-front box having rear wall 200-5, upper wall 200-4, lower wall 200-2, right wall 200-1, and left wall 200-2. In device 10, different cavity shapes may be used (e.g., different shapes and size with curved cavity walls, etc.). Cavity 206 is a recess formed within the interior of cavity structures 200. Cavity 206 may be characterized by a longer dimension such as length L, a shorter dimension such as height H, and a depth D, (i.e. cavity has a linear shape from the radiating slot to the opening and the opening is non-overlapping)).
The motivation to combine reference of Guterman within the method of Ayala before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides techniques to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Further, its provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [0003, 0004]).
Regarding claim 16, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 14. Guterman further teaches wherein the upper housing has conductive structures, the upper housing has a radio-frequency waveguide in the conductive structures, and the opening overlaps the radio-frequency waveguide when the upper housing is in the closed position ([0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative hinge of the type that may be used in an electronic device with housing portions that rotate relative to each other in accordance with an embodiment. [0040] Fig. 1, The metal structures of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance. For example, a cavity may be formed that affects how efficiently an antenna may operate at various different wavelengths. To enhance antenna performance, cavities (and associated gaps or different size and shape slots through which the antennas may operate) may be configured to support antenna resonances at desired frequencies (i.e. Fig. 1, Fig. 3, upper housing is rotatable, housing is separated from the upper housing by a first slot)).
The motivation to combine reference of Guterman within the method of Ayala before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides techniques to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Further, its provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [0003, 0004]).
Regarding claim 17, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 14. Guterman further teaches wherein the cavity has a first segment that extends from the radiating slot along a first axis, the cavity has a second segment that extends from the first segment to the opening along a second axis, and the second axis is non-parallel to the first axis ([0050], e.g. Gaps such as gaps 216, 226, and 212 may have widths of about 1.2-1.5 mm, of about 1-3 mm, of less than 4 mm, of more than 2 mm, or other suitable size. If desired, portions of housing 12A such as portion 228 of FIG. 9 may be formed from a dielectric such as plastic to help enhance the effective width of gap 226 and thereby enhance antenna efficiency. Dielectric portion 228 is adjacent to rotational axis 222 and when present increases the width of gap 226 (i.e. the first opening has a first width and the second opening has a second width greater than the first width). When gap 226 is enlarged, the wireless antenna signals being handled by the cavity antennas can pass through gap 226 without being blocked by metal housing structures (i.e. radiating slot along a axis, the cavity has a segment that extends from the first segment to the opening along a axis)).
The motivation to combine reference of Guterman within the method of Ayala before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides techniques to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Further, its provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [0003, 0004]).
Regarding claim 18, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 14. Guterman further teaches wherein a dielectric cover layer disposed on the conductor, wherein the dielectric cover layer covers the radiating slot and the opening ([0050], e.g. Gaps such as gaps 216, 226, and 212 may have widths of about 1.2-1.5 mm, of about 1-3 mm, of less than 4 mm, of more than 2 mm, or other suitable size. If desired, portions of housing 12A such as portion 228 of FIG. 9 may be formed from a dielectric such as plastic to help enhance the effective width of gap 226 and thereby enhance antenna efficiency. Dielectric portion 228 is adjacent to rotational axis 222 and when present increases the width of gap 226 (i.e. dielectric cover layer covers the radiating slot and the opening)).
The motivation to combine reference of Guterman within the method of Ayala before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides techniques to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Further, its provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [0003, 0004]).
Regarding claim 19, Ayala teaches an electronic device ([0008], Fig. 2, e.g. Wireless portable electronic devices such as laptop computers may be provided with antennas and radio-frequency transceiver circuitry. A wireless portable electronic device may have upper and lower housing portions that are joined using a hinge. [0010] The antenna system may be formed from one or more antenna elements. System performance may be enhanced by using different types of elements in the same antenna system. For example, a clutch barrel antenna may be formed using a first antenna element and a second antenna element of different types. [0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative laptop computer having a housing portion such as a clutch barrel in which antenna and transceiver structures may be located in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention), comprising:
a housing having an upper housing portion that contains a display and having a lower housing portion ([0014], e.g. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative laptop computer having a housing portion such as a clutch barrel in which antenna and transceiver structures may be located in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0038] Device 10 may have a display such as display 20. Display 20 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). [0030] As shown in FIG. 1, device 10 may have a housing 12. Housing 12, which is sometimes referred to as a case, may have an upper portion such as portion 16 and lower portion such as portion 14. [0088] As shown in FIG. 12, the lower portion of clutch barrel cover 42 may have an opening such as opening 204 that runs along substantially the entire length of clutch barrel cover 42 (i.e. a first opening in the conductor, a second opening in the conductor). Opening 204 allows conductive housing portions such as portions 202 of display frame 190 to protrude into the interior of clutch barrel 38 (I.e. the clutch barrel having a conductor and associated display)),
wherein the lower housing portion has opposing first and second conductive walls ([0008], e.g. Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig 7, A wireless portable electronic device may have upper and lower housing portions that are joined using a hinge. [0044] If desired, device 10 may be provided with multiple antennas. For example, an antenna for wireless local area network applications (e.g., IEEE 802.11) may be provided within clutch barrel 38 while a Bluetooth.RTM. antenna may be formed from a conductive cavity that is located behind bezel region 18),
a clutch barrel mounted to the lower housing portion [0030] For example, a clutch barrel antenna may be formed using a first antenna element and a second antenna element of different types. These antenna elements may be flex circuit elements that are mounted to a dielectric antenna support structure. The dielectric antenna support structure may be mounted to a metal frame within the clutch barre (I.e. metal wall that define an interior volume of the lower metal housing));
a hinge that couples the upper housing portion to the lower housing portion at the clutch barrel ([0008], e.g. A wireless portable electronic device may have upper and lower housing portions that are joined using a hinge. The hinge may be associated with a clutch barrel having a dielectric clutch barrel cover (i.e. a clutch barrel mounted to the lower housing),
the upper housing portion being rotatable with respect to the lower housing portion ([0037], e.g. As shown in FIG. 1, a hinge mechanism such as hinge 38 may be used to attach cover 16 to base 14. Hinge 38 may allow cover 16 to rotate relative to base 14 about longitudinal hinge axis 40. If desired, other attachment mechanisms may be used such as a rotating and pivoting hinge for a tablet computer).
Ayala teaches that Wireless portable electronic devices such as laptop computers with antennas and radio-frequency transceiver circuitry. Antenna structures and transceiver circuitry may be provided within a clutch barrel in a laptop computer. However Ayala differs from the claimed invention in not specifically and clearly describing wherein
the hinge having a hinge axis, and the clutch barrel having a diameter orthogonal to the hinge axis; a conductor in the clutch barrel, wherein the conductor extends along the hinge axis and has an opening; and an antenna having a radiating slot that extends to the opening across the diameter of the clutch barrel.
However, in the analogous field of endeavor, Guterman teaches wherein
the hinge having a hinge axis, and the clutch barrel having a diameter orthogonal to the hinge axis ([0036], e.g. A pair of hinge structures such as hinge 56 of FIG. 3 may be mounted within portions of housing 12 to form a hinge for device 10. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, hinge structures 56 may be mounted at either end of a region in housing 12 such as clutch barrel region 60 (i.e., a hinge for device 10 may be formed by placing a structure such as hinge 56 of FIG. 3 at each of the two opposing ends of clutch barrel 60). Clutch barrel 60 may have a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 4 or may have other shapes (i.e. clutch barrel having a diameter orthogonal to the hinge axis)),
a conductor in the clutch barrel, wherein the conductor extends along the hinge axis and has an opening ([0037], e.g. The portions of housing 12 surrounding clutch barrel 60 may be configured to form one or more cavities for cavity backed antennas. For example, a pair of cavity antennas may be formed in region 60. The cavities may have elongated shapes that run parallel to axis 22. One of hinges 56 may be located at the outer end of each cavity antenna. A conductive structure such as a printed circuit may be located between the cavities in the middle of clutch barrel 60 (i.e. a conductor in the clutch barrel, wherein the conductor extends along the hinge axis)); and
an antenna having a radiating slot that extends to the opening across the diameter of the clutch barrel ([0038], e.g. Antenna structures may also be mounted at other locations within device 10 such as along the upper edge of display 12 (e.g., under the upper bezel of housing 12A), in lower housing 12B, under dielectric window structures in housing 12A or housing 12B, behind layers of glass or other dielectrics, or elsewhere in housing 12. An advantage of mounting antenna structures within the clutch barrel is that this location may permit antenna operation both when lid 12A is open and when lid 12A is closed (i.e. an antenna having a radiating slot)).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to implement the method of Guterman within the method of Ayala. The motivation to combine references is that the combined method and system provides that an electronic device has antennas formed from cavity antenna structures. Cavity antennas may be formed in a clutch barrel region located between the hinges and running along the rotational axis. Cavity walls for the cavity antennas may be formed from metal housing structures such as metal portions of the lower housing. Further, in some wireless devices, the presence of conductive housing structures can influence antenna performance. Antenna performance may not be satisfactory if the housing structures are not configured properly and interfere with antenna operation. Device size can also affect performance. It can be difficult to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Therefore It would be desirable to be able to provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [abstract, [0004]).
Regarding claim 20, Ayala in view of Guterman teaches all the limitations of claim 19. Guterman further teaches wherein the lower housing portion has an upper metal wall, the lower housing portion has a lower metal wall ([0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative hinge of the type that may be used in an electronic device with housing portions that rotate relative to each other in accordance with an embodiment. [0040] Fig. 1, The metal structures (i.e. metal walls) of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance),
the upper metal wall is separated from the upper housing portion by a first gap when the upper housing portion is in an open position [(0040] Fig. 1, The metal structures of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance),
the lower metal wall is separated from the upper housing portion by a second gap when the upper housing portion is in the open position [(0040] Fig. 1, The metal structures of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance),
the radiating slot faces the second gap, the opening faces the first gap, and the electronic device further comprises [0037] The portions of housing 12 surrounding clutch barrel 60 may be configured to form one or more cavities for cavity backed antennas. For example, a pair of cavity antennas may be formed in region 60. The cavities may have elongated shapes (i.e. tunnel shapes) that run parallel to axis 22 (i.e. tunnel that extends from the first opening to the second opening ). One of hinges 56 may be located at the outer end of each cavity antenna. A conductive structure such as a printed circuit may be located between the cavities in the middle of clutch barrel 60 (i.e. tunnel through the conductor) (i.e. Fig. 1, Fig. 3, upper housing is rotatable, housing is separated from the upper housing by a gap or slot)),
an additional antenna having an additional radiating slot that faces the second gap, that is separated from the radiating slot by a portion of the conductor, and that extends to the opening across the diameter of the clutch barrel ([0040] Fig. 1, The metal structures of housing 12 (e.g., the portions of housing 12 around clutch barrel 60) may define antenna cavities and/or slot-shaped features that affect antenna performance. For example, a cavity may be formed that affects how efficiently an antenna may operate at various different wavelengths. To enhance antenna performance, cavities (and associated gaps or slots of different size and shape through which the antennas may operate) may be configured to support antenna resonances at desired frequencies (i.e. Fig. 1, Fig. 3, additional antenna having an additional radiating slot).
The motivation to combine reference of Guterman within the method of Ayala before the effective filing date of the invention is that the new method provides techniques to achieve desired performance levels in a compact device, particularly when the compact device has conductive housing structures. Further, its provide improved wireless circuitry for electronic devices such as electronic devices that include conductive housing structures (See Guterman [0003, 0004]).
Prior Art Record
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent
to applicant’s disclosure.
Camacho; Eduardo Lopez (US-20100149751-A1) - ELECTRONIC DEVICE ANTENNA.
Chiang; Bing (US 20100182205 A1) - ELECTRONIC DEVICE ANTENNA WITH QUARTERED RECTANGULAR CAVITY.
Rosener; Douglas K. (US 7859469 B1) - Combined battery holder and antenna apparatus.
Vazquez; Enrique Ayala (US 7859469 B1) - Combined battery holder and antenna apparatus.
Garelli; Adam T. (US 20120050975 A1) - ELECTRONIC DEVICE DISPLAY MODULE.
Jervis; James W. (US 20130321216 A1) - Antenna Structures in Electronic Devices With Hinged Enclosures.
Williams; Michael J (US 20250103109 A1) - Electronic Device Having Finger Recess Antenna.
Chiotellis; Nikolaos (US 20250105490 A1) - Electronic Device Having Clutch Barrel Antenna Arm.
Conclusion
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/MAHENDRA R PATEL/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2645