DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Priority
Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55.
Response to Amendment
The amendment to Claim(s) 1 and 7, filed 01/02/2026, are acknowledged and accepted.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, see Page 4, filed 01/02/2026, with respect to Claim 7 have been fully considered and are persuasive. The 35 USC § 112 of Claim 7 has been withdrawn.
Applicant’s arguments, see Pages 4-7, filed 01/02/2026, with respect to the rejection(s) of claim(s) 1-8 have been considered but are moot because the Applicant is arguing newly amended claims, filed 01/02/2026, not the Non-Final Rejection filed 10/02/2025. Newly amended claims are examined below.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
The applied reference has a common assignee with the instant application. Based upon the earlier effectively filed date of the reference, it constitutes prior art under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2).
This rejection under 35 U.S.C. 103 might be overcome by: (1) a showing under 37 CFR 1.130(a) that the subject matter disclosed in the reference was obtained directly or indirectly from the inventor or a joint inventor of this application and is thus not prior art in accordance with 35 U.S.C.102(b)(2)(A); (2) a showing under 37 CFR 1.130(b) of a prior public disclosure under 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(B); or (3) a statement pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) establishing that, not later than the effective filing date of the claimed invention, the subject matter disclosed and the claimed invention were either owned by the same person or subject to an obligation of assignment to the same person or subject to a joint research agreement. See generally MPEP § 717.02.
Claim(s) 1-4 and 7 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable Aiko (JP2019132886A), of record, in further view of Takahashi (US 2020/0029011 A1).
With respect to Claim 1, Aiko teaches an optical apparatus (4, Figure 11a) comprising: an aperture unit (14 and 14b, Figure 11a) having a variable aperture value (F value, ¶[0045]); an operation member (100, Figure 3) operable by a user (¶[0030]) and configured to set the aperture value (F value, ¶[0045]); and a processor (CPU 55 adjusts the amount of light entering the image sensor, Figure 3; see also ¶[0045]) configured to: output a specified aperture value (S205, ¶[0045]) according to an operation (¶[0045]) of the operation member (100, Figure 3), generate a target aperture value (101f, Figure 11b) from the specified aperture value (¶[0045]), and control driving (driving, ¶[0052]) of the aperture unit (14 and 14b, Figure 11a) based on the target aperture value (101f, Figure 11b), wherein the processor (CPU 55, Figure 3) is configured one of the first processing (changes from the sixth trace curve 101f to the seventh trace curve 101g, Figure 11g; see also ¶[0045]) for generating the target aperture value (101f, Figure 11b) with a first resolution (info on subject distance, ¶[0045]) from the specified aperture value (¶[0045]), and second processing (updated trace curve 101 and the second limit position 104 selected in S203; see also ¶[0045]) for generating the target aperture value (101f, Figure 11b) with a second resolution (perform control, ¶[0046]) which is finer than the first resolution (info on subject distance, ¶[0045]), from the specified aperture value (¶[0045]).
Aiko fails to teach wherein the processor is configured to change processing between a first and second target aperture value and the first and second resolution.
Aiko teaches a zoom lens system with and information processing apparatus and Takahashi teaches an image processing apparatus to be used with a lens system.
Takahashi teaches wherein the processor (320, Figure 1) is configured to change processing between a first and second target aperture value (aperture values, ¶[0023]) and the first and second resolution (autofocus (AF) adjustment processing, ¶[0023]).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one skilled in the art before the effective date of the invention to modify the teachings of Aiko having the optical apparatus with the teachings of Takahashi having the processor is configured to change processing between a first and second target aperture value and the first and second resolution for the purpose of expose the subject region with a proper exposure, and perform AF processing so as to bring the subject region into focus, based on the detection result of the subject region, ¶[0023].
With respect to Claim 2, Aiko further teaches wherein the processor (CPU 55, Figure 3) is configured to drive (CPU 55 controls the aperture motor 14 to vary the aperture blade 14b, ¶[0012]) the aperture unit (14 and 14b, Figure 11a) with a driving amount (range, ¶[0052]) obtained using the target aperture value (101f, Figure 11b) of the first resolution (info on subject distance, ¶[0045]) generated in the first processing (changes from the sixth trace curve 101f to the seventh trace curve 101g, Figure 11g; see also ¶[0045]) and a correction value (second limit position 104, Figure 11c) provided in a unit (7a, Figure 10a and 10b) corresponding to the second resolution (perform control, ¶[0046]).
With respect to Claim 3, Aiko further teaches wherein the optical apparatus (4, Figure 11a) is attachable to and detachable from an image pickup apparatus (100, Figure 3), and wherein the processor (CPU 55, Figure 3) is configured to perform one of the first processing (changes from the sixth trace curve 101f to the seventh trace curve 101g, Figure 11g; see also ¶[0045]) and second processing (updated trace curve 101 and the second limit position 104 selected in S203; see also ¶[0045]) which corresponds to one of the first resolution (info on subject distance, ¶[0045]) and the second resolution (perform control, ¶[0046]) specified by the image pickup apparatus (100, Figure 3).
With respect to Claim 4, Aiko further teaches wherein the optical apparatus (4, Figure 11a) is attachable to and detachable from an image pickup apparatus (100, Figure 3), and wherein the processor (CPU 55, Figure 3) is configured to perform one of the first processing (changes from the sixth trace curve 101f to the seventh trace curve 101g, Figure 11g; see also ¶[0045]) and the second processing (updated trace curve 101 and the second limit position 104 selected in S203; see also ¶[0045]) which corresponds to an aperture control method specified by the image pickup apparatus (100, Figure 3).
With respect to Claim 7, Aiko teaches a control method of an optical apparatus that includes an aperture unit (14 and 14b, Figure 11a) having a variable aperture value (F value, ¶[0045]), and an operation member (100, Figure 3) operable by a user (¶[0030]) and configured to set the aperture value (aperture value, ¶[0045]), the control method comprising the steps of: outputting a specified aperture value (¶[0045]) according to an operation (¶[0045]) of the operation member (100, Figure 3); generating a target aperture value (101f, Figure 11b) from the specified aperture value (¶[0045]); and controlling driving (driving, ¶[0052]) of the aperture unit (14 and 14b, Figure 11a) based on the target aperture value (101f, Figure 11b), wherein the controlling step processes one of first processing (changes from the sixth trace curve 101f to the seventh trace curve 101g, Figure 11g; see also ¶[0045]) for generating the target aperture value (101f, Figure 11b) with a first resolution (info on subject distance, ¶[0045]) from the specified aperture value (¶[0045]), and second processing (updated trace curve 101 and the second limit position 104 selected in S203; see also ¶[0045]) for generating the target aperture value (101f, Figure 11b) with a second resolution (perform control, ¶[0046]), which is finer than the first resolution (info on subject distance, ¶[0045]), from the specified aperture value (¶[0045]).
Aiko fails to teach wherein the processor is configured to change processing between a first and second target aperture value and the first and second resolution.
Aiko teaches a zoom lens system with and information processing apparatus and Takahashi teaches an image processing apparatus to be used with a lens system.
Takahashi teaches wherein the processor (320, Figure 1) is configured to change processing between a first and second target aperture value (aperture values, ¶[0023]) and the first and second resolution (autofocus (AF) adjustment processing, ¶[0023]).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one skilled in the art before the effective date of the invention to modify the teachings of Aiko having the optical apparatus with the teachings of Takahashi having the processor is configured to change processing between a first and second target aperture value and the first and second resolution for the purpose of expose the subject region with a proper exposure, and perform AF processing so as to bring the subject region into focus, based on the detection result of the subject region, ¶[0023].
Claim(s) 5 and 8 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Aiko (JP2019132886A), of record, in view of Takahashi (US 2020/0029011 A1), as applied to claim 1, above, and in further view of Taguchi (US 2016/0366320 A1), of record.
With respect to Claim 5, Aiko in view of Takahashi teach the optical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor (CPU 55, Figure 3) is configured to perform one of the first processing (changes from the sixth trace curve 101f to the seventh trace curve 101g, Figure 11g; see also ¶[0045]) and the second processing (updated trace curve 101 and the second limit position 104 selected in S203; see also ¶[0045]) according to an imaging mode set in the image pickup apparatus (100, Figure 3).
Aiko in view of Takahashi fail to teach wherein the optical apparatus is attachable to and detachable from an image pickup apparatus.
Taguchi teaches a lens unit (title and abstract) wherein the optical apparatus (lens barrel 100, Figure 1) is attachable to and detachable (lens attachment switch allows for attachment and detachment from the camera body, ¶[0070]) from an image pickup apparatus (200, Figure 1).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one skilled in the art before the effective date of the invention to modify the teachings of Aiko in view of Takahashi having the optical apparatus with the teachings of Taguchi having the optical apparatus is attachable to and detachable from an image pickup apparatus for the purpose of the ability to capture wide angle, macro, telephoto images with various lens barrels.
With respect to Claim 8, Aiko in view of Takahashi teach the method described according to claim 7.
Aiko in view of Takahashi fail to teach a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the control method.
Taguchi teaches a lens unit (title and abstract) comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (lens memory 131, Figure 1; see also ¶[0124]) storing a program that causes a computer to execute the control method (target aperture control pulse position and current aperture control pulse position, ¶[0124]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one skilled in the art before the effective date of the invention to modify the teachings of Aiko in view of Takahashi having the optical apparatus with the teachings of Taguchi having the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the control method for the purpose of keeping previous aperture values stored.
Claim(s) 6 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Aiko (JP2019132886A), of record, in view of Takahashi (US 2020/0029011 A1), as applied to claim 1, above, and in further view of Kuroiwa et al., (hereafter Kuroiwa) (US 2013/0163979 A1), of record.
With respect to Claim 6, Aiko in view of Takahashi teach the optical apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein the processor (CPU 55, Figure 3) is configured to perform one of the first processing (changes from the sixth trace curve 101f to the seventh trace curve 101g, Figure 11g; see also ¶[0045]) and the second processing (updated trace curve 101 and the second limit position 104 selected in S203; see also ¶[0045]).
Aiko in view of Takahashi fail to teach a click unit configured to generate a click sense for each predetermined operation amount of the operation member, wherein the click unit is configured to switch between presence or absence of the click sense, and wherein the processor is configured to perform one of the first processing and the second processing according to the presence or absence of the click sense.
Kuroiwa teaches a diaphragm device of a lens includes a click mechanism (abstract) wherein a click unit (click mechanism Uc, Figure 8; see also ¶[0008]) configured to generate a click sense (click by 4r, Figure 8) for each predetermined operation amount (¶[0052]) of the operation member (operator, ¶[0052]), wherein the click unit (click mechanism Uc, Figure 8) is configured to switch between presence (Mc, Figure 8) or absence (Mn, Figure 8) of the click sense (click by 4r, Figure 8), and wherein the processor (mode select mechanism Um, Figure 8) is configured to perform one of the first processing (first mode switch, ¶[0052]) and the second processing (second mode switch, ¶[0052]) according to the presence or absence of the click sense (click by 4r, Figure 8).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one skilled in the art before the effective date of the invention to modify the teachings of in view of Takahashi having the optical apparatus with the teachings of Kuroiwa having the click unit for the purpose of enhancing ease of operation and promptness of mode switching, ¶[0052].
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
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/TYW/Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2872
/STEPHONE B ALLEN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2872
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