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 .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1, 4 – 9, 14, 16 – 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102 (a) (1) as being anticipated by Swamy et al. US 2022/0200303 (hereinafter Swamy).
Regarding claim 1, Swamy teaches: a hybrid power system for providing power to a golf tournament, the system comprising:
a power module (Fig. 1, #100) comprising:
a case having an interior space for housing a battery (Fig. 1, [0032] - - housing 102, battery #120),
a plurality of output ports for supplying electrical current to devices electrically coupled to the ports (Fig. 1, [0032] - - power output unit 116), and
one or more input ports for receiving a supply of electrical current to charge the battery (Fig. 1, [0032] - - power input unit 114),
a control system configured to monitor statuses and operating conditions of the power module and comprising a controller to execute operations of the power module (Fig. 4A, [0043] - - controller 200);
a communication port configured for electronic communication with a communication network (Fig. 4A, [0044] - - network communication module 425);
a remote interface accessible via the communication network and configured to interface a monitoring station with the control system and receive or access monitored data collected by the control system related to the operations of the power module (Fig. 4C, [0052] - - the wireless communication controller relays the information from the controller to the external device and receive information from the external device and relay the information to the controller; the external device maps to a monitoring station); and
a solar array configured to couple to one of the one or more input ports (Fig. 21, [0099] - - solar panel).
Regarding claim 4, Swamy teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Swamy further teaches: the remote interface is accessible via wireless communication to remotely view monitored data comprising statuses and operating conditions related to the operation of the power module ([0052] - - wireless communication controller relays information from the controller to external device; [0043] – the controller communicatively connected to subcore monitoring circuits; [0040] - - the subcore monitoring circuit measures the state of charge and voltage level which are statuses and operating conditions).
Regarding claim 5, Swamy teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Swamy further teaches: the statuses and operating conditions comprise one or more of an environmental condition ([0040] - - temperature), operational state ([0040] - - voltage), load ([0040] - - discharge current), battery capacity ([0040] - - state of charge), or security access log.
Regarding claim 6, Swamy teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Swamy further teaches: the control system includes predefined trigger conditions that trigger actions based on monitored operating conditions ([0058] - - provide output power until the internal power source reaches a low-voltage cutoff threshold).
Regarding claim 7, Swamy teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Swamy further teaches: transmitting a notification of the operating condition triggering the action to the monitoring station ([0054] - - power supply communicates status, power supply sensor data to the external device; status indicates the triggering action).
Regarding claim 8, Swamy teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Swamy further teaches: the remote interface is accessible via wireless communication by the monitoring station to remotely control operations of the controller ([0052] - - wireless; [0055] - - the external device 437 send commands to the controller).
Regarding claim 9, Swamy teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Swamy further teaches: the controller is operable to engage breakers within battery input and output power circuits ([0058] - - the controller can turn off one or more switches to stop the power supply from outputting power; [0061] - - controller turns off one or more switches to disable charging the internal power source).
Regarding claim 14, Swamy teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Swamy further teaches: a local interface positioned on the case, wherein the local interface includes controls for engaging or disengaging breakers within battery input and output power circuits ([0045] - - user interface to control the power supply; [0058] - - the controller can turn off one or more switches to stop the power supply from outputting power; [0061] - - controller turns off one or more switches to disable charging the internal power source).
Regarding claim 16, Swamy teaches: a monitoring network for monitoring a plurality of mobile power modules positioned around a golf course to provide power to cameras and radar, the monitoring network comprising:
a monitoring station off-site of the golf course configured to wirelessly communicate with the plurality of power modules to receive or access monitored data with respect to the power modules, remotely control one or more operations of the power modules, and receive notifications (Fig. 4C, [0137] - - the server collects information from plurality of power supplies; [0052] - - the wireless communication controller relays the information from the controller to the external device and receive information from the external device and relay the information to the controller; the external device maps to a monitoring station), wherein each power module comprises:
a case having an interior space for housing a battery (Fig. 1, [0032] - - housing 102, battery #120),
a plurality of output ports for supplying electrical current to devices electrically coupled to the ports (Fig. 1, [0032] - - power output unit 116),
one or more input ports for receiving a supply of electrical current to charge the battery (Fig. 1, [0032] - - power input unit 114), and
a control system configured to monitor statuses and operating conditions of the power module and comprising a controller to execute operations of the power module (Fig. 4A, [0043] - - controller 200; [0040] - - the subcore monitoring circuit transmits state of charge and battery voltage to the controller and receives command from the controller);
a communication port configured for electronic communication with a communication network (Fig. 4A, [0044] - - network communication module 425);
a remote interface accessible via the communication network and configured to interface the monitoring station with the control system (Fig. 4C, [0052] - - the wireless communication controller relays the information from the controller to the external device and receive information from the external device and relay the information to the controller); and
a solar array configured to couple to one of the one or more input ports (Fig. 21, [0099] - - solar panel).
Regarding claim 17, Swamy teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Swamy further teaches: the monitored data comprises statuses and operating conditions related to the operation of the respective power modules ([0040] - - the measured state of charge and voltage level are statuses and operating conditions).
Regarding claim 18, Swamy teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Swamy further teaches: the statuses and operating conditions comprise one or more of an environmental condition ([0040] - - temperature), operational state ([0040] - - voltage), load ([0040] - - discharge current), battery capacity ([0040] - - state of charge), or security access log.
Regarding claim 19, Swamy teaches: a method of providing remote power on a golf course during a golf tournament, the method comprising:
providing a plurality of power modules for positioning around the golf course (Fig. 1, #100; Fig. 4C, [0137] - - the server collects information from plurality of power supplies);
wirelessly communicating with a control system of each of the power modules to receive or access monitored data relating to the operation of the respective power modules ([0052] - - the wireless communication controller relays the information from the controller to the external device and receive information from the external device and relay the information to the controller);
remotely controlling one or more power input or power supply operations of at least one of the power modules via communication with the control system of the at least one of the power modules ([0055] - - the external device send commands to the power supply, e.g. setting operational parameters), wherein the power module comprises:
a case having an interior space for housing a battery (Fig. 1, [0032] - - housing 102, battery #120),
a plurality of output ports for supplying electrical current to devices electrically coupled to the ports (Fig. 1, [0032] - - power output unit 116),
one or more input ports for receiving a supply of electrical current to charge the battery (Fig. 1, [0032] - - power input unit 114),
a control system configured to monitor statuses and operating conditions of the power module and comprising a controller to execute operations of the power module (Fig. 4A, [0043] - - controller 200; [0040] - - the subcore monitoring circuit transmits state of charge and battery voltage to the controller and receives command from the controller);
a communication port configured for electronic communication with a communication network (Fig. 4A, [0044] - - network communication module 425);
a remote interface accessible via the communication network and configured to interface the with the control system (Fig. 4C, [0052] - - the wireless communication controller relays the information from the controller to the external device and receive information from the external device and relay the information to the controller;); and
a solar array configured to couple to one of the one or more input ports (Fig. 21, [0099] - - solar panel).
Regarding claim 20, Swamy teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Swamy further teaches: the monitored data comprises statuses and operating conditions related to the operation of the respective power modules, and wherein the statuses and operating conditions comprise one or more of an environmental condition ([0040] - - temperature), operational state ([0040] - - voltage), load ([0040] - - discharge current), battery capacity ([0040] - - state of charge), or security access log.
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 (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
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 factual inquiries 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 2, 3 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Swamy et al. US 2022/0200303 (hereinafter Swamy) in view of Zhang et al. CN 113804139 (hereinafter Zhang).
Regarding claim 2, Swamy teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
But Swamy does not explicitly teach: the solar array is configured to position over and at least partially enclose the power module.
However, Zhang teaches: the solar array is configured to position over and at least partially enclose the power module (Fig. 1 - - solar panel #6 partially enclose the controller module #1).
Swamy and Zhang are analogous art because they are from the same field of endeavor. They all relate to solar panel powered system.
Therefore before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the above system, as taught by Swamy, and incorporating solar panel enclosing the controller, as taught by Zhang.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification in order to provide power to the controller module, as suggested by Zhang ([0020]).
Regarding claim 3, the combination of Swamy and Zhang teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Zhang further teaches: the solar array comprises three panels that wrap around legs of a tripod, and wherein the power module positions within an area defined between the legs of the tripod (Fig. 1).
Swamy and Zhang are combinable for the same rationale as set forth.
Claims 11 and 12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Swamy et al. US 2022/0200303 (hereinafter Swamy) in view of Wu et al. US 2017 /0078450 (hereinafter Wu).
Regarding claim 11, Swamy teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
But Swamy does not explicitly teach: the control system includes one or more sensors comprising one of a moisture sensor or humidity sensor configured to detect a moisture level within the case.
However, Wu teaches: the control system includes one or more sensors comprising one of a moisture sensor or humidity sensor configured to detect a moisture level within the case ([0014] - - monitoring an environmental condition; [0023] - - environmental condition includes humidity)
Swamy and Wu are analogous art because they are from the same field of endeavor. They all relate to power supply.
Therefore before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the above system, as taught by Swamy, and incorporating humidity sensor, as taught by Wu.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification in order to maintain the power supply in a healthy condition, as suggested by Wu ([0003]).
Regarding claim 12, the combination of Swamy and Wu teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Swamy further teaches: the sensors comprise a temperature sensor configured to measure temperature within the case, temperature of power module hardware within the case, or both ([0040] - - temperature sensor).
Claim 13 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Swamy et al. US 2022/0200303 (hereinafter Swamy) in view of Vitek et al. US 2003/0067722 (hereinafter Vitek).
Regarding claim 13, Swamy teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
But Swamy does not explicitly teach: a fan located with the case or at a vent thereof, wherein the controller is configured to initiate operation of the fan when the moisture level or temperature exceeds a predefined threshold.
However, Vitek teaches: a fan located with the case or at a vent thereof, wherein the controller is configured to initiate operation of the fan when the moisture level or temperature exceeds a predefined threshold ([0003] - - a temperature control fan is operated when the temperature is outside a range)
Swamy and Vitek are analogous art because they are from the same field of endeavor. They all relate to power supply.
Therefore before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the above system, as taught by Swamy, and incorporating a temperature control fan, as taught by Vitek.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification in order to control the temperature in a power supply enclosure, as suggested by Vitek ([0002]).
Claim 15 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Swamy et al. US 2022/0200303 (hereinafter Swamy) in view of TAKUYA et al. JP 2019175593 (hereinafter TAKUYA).
Regarding claim 15, Swamy teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
But Swamy does not explicitly teach: the local interface includes a view window for viewing a network activity indicator light.
However, TAKUYA teaches: a local interface includes a view window for viewing a network activity indicator light (Fig. 3, [0027] - - the LED indicator 25 indicates presence/absence of reception of a communication signal)
Swamy and TAKUYA are analogous art because they are from the same field of endeavor. They all relate to power supply.
Therefore before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the above system, as taught by Swamy, and incorporating a LED indicating network activity, as taught by TAKUYA.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification in order to monitor the power supply communication status, as suggested by TAKUYA ([0027]).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to YUHUI R PAN whose telephone number is (571)272-9872. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM EST.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Kenneth Lo can be reached at (571) 272-9774. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/YUHUI R PAN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2116
Prosecution Insights