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 .
DETAILED ACTION
This communication is in response to the amendments filed on 12/03/2025.
Claims 1-4 and 18-20 remain withdrawn.
Claims 5-17 are currently pending and have been examined.
The IDS received on 12/03/2025 has been considered by the examiner. Claims 5-17 are presented for examination.
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 –
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
Claims 5-17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Goldberg et al. “US 2019/0051083 A1” (Goldberg).
Regarding Claim 5: An apparatus, comprising:
a housing including an interior area (at least see Goldberg Abstract; Fig. 4A; [0098]);
at least one shelf positioned within the interior area of the housing (at least see Goldberg Abstract; Fig. 4A; [0098]);
a door movable between a closed position that prevents access to the interior area of the housing and an open position that enables access to the interior area of the housing (at least see Goldberg Abstract; [0038]);
a locking mechanism associated with the door and configured to engage or disengage the door relative to the closed position (at least see Goldberg Abstract; [0045]);
an input component configured to receive unique identifiers (at least see Goldberg Abstract; [0050]);
at least one weight sensor associated with the at least one shelf, the at least one weight sensor operable to measure a weight of one or more items positioned on the at least one shelf (at least see Goldberg Abstract; [0011]);
an imaging device positioned proximate the door of the housing; one or more processors (at least see Goldberg Abstract; Fig. 13C; [0159]); and
a memory storing program instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to at least (at least see Goldberg [0010]):
receive, from the input component, a unique identifier associated with a user; and in response to receipt of the unique identifier (at least see Goldberg Abstract; [0074]):
initiate a session (at least see Goldberg [0065]);
instruct the locking mechanism to disengage the door such that the door is movable from the closed position to the open position (at least see Goldberg [0045]);
detect a movement of the door from the closed position to the open position (at least see Goldberg [0073]);
responsive to disengaging the door by the locking mechanism, instruct the at least one weight sensor to detect weight sensor data during the session (at least see Goldberg [0085]);
detect a movement of the door from the open position to the closed position (at least see Goldberg [0101]-[0102]);
instruct the locking mechanism to engage the door such that the door is retained in the closed position (at least see Goldberg [0097]);
responsive to engaging the door by the locking mechanism, instruct the at least one weight sensor to stop detecting weight sensor data during the session (at least see Goldberg [0098]); and
complete the session (at least see Goldberg [0010]).
Regarding Claim 6: The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the input component comprises at least one of a keypad, scanner, touch-based display, biometrics scanner, barcode scanner, quick response (QR) code scanner, or radio frequency identification (RFID) reader (at least see Goldberg [0074]).
Regarding Claim 7: The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one of a mechanical locking mechanism, an electromagnetic locking mechanism, a solenoid locking mechanism, or a magnetic locking mechanism (at least see Goldberg Abstract; [0097]).
Regarding Claim 8: The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one shelf comprises a plurality of shelves positioned within the interior area of the housing (at least see Goldberg Abstract; Figs. 4A-4B; [0088]).
Regarding Claim 9: The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one shelf comprises a first shelf configured to receive a first tray having one or more first items of a first item type (at least see Goldberg [0180]).
Regarding Claim 10: The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one weight sensor comprises a plurality of weight sensors associated with individual shelves of the plurality of shelves (at least see Goldberg [0159]).
Regarding Claim 11: The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a first weight sensor of the plurality of weight sensors is operable to measure a weight of the one or more first items of the first tray positioned on the first shelf (at least see Goldberg [0162]).
Regarding Claim 12: The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first weight sensor is associated with a first portion of the first shelf; wherein a second weight sensor of the plurality of weight sensors is associated with a second portion of the first shelf, the second portion of the first shelf configured to receive a second tray having one or more second items of a second item type; and wherein the second weight sensor is operable to measure a weight of the one or more second items of the second tray positioned at the second portion of the first shelf (at least see Goldberg [0163]).
Regarding Claim 13: The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the imaging device is positioned outside the housing and above the door; and wherein a field of view of the imaging device does not include the interior area of the housing (at least see Goldberg [0074]).
Regarding Claim 14: The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to at least: in response to receipt of the unique identifier: responsive to disengaging the door by the locking mechanism, instruct the imaging device to capture imaging data during the session; and responsive to engaging the door by the locking mechanism, instruct the imaging device to stop capturing imaging data during the session (at least see Goldberg Abstract; Fig. 4A; [0098]).
Regarding Claim 15: The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to at least: responsive to completion of the session: process the weight sensor data detected by the at least one weight sensor to determine one or more events during the session (at least see Goldberg Abstract; Fig. 4A; [0098]).
Regarding Claim 16: The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to at least: responsive to determining one or more unidentified events based on the weight sensor data during the session: process the imaging data captured by the imaging device to determine one or more additional events during the session; wherein the imaging data is processed using at least one of object detection techniques, edge detection techniques, gray scale image analysis, or machine learning models (at least see Goldberg Abstract; Fig. 4A; [0098]).
Regarding Claim 17: The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the program instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the one or more processors to at least: responsive to determining one or more unidentified events based on the weight sensor data and the imaging data during the session: send the weight sensor data and the imaging data to remote computing resources for manual determination of one or more additional events during the session (at least see Goldberg Abstract; Fig. 4A; [0098]).
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 12/03/2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
In the remarks, the Applicant argues in substance:
Arguments:
The Office Action at page 4 refers to the Abstract, and paragraphs [0011], [0085], and [0098] as allegedly disclosing the above-recited features related to at least one weight sensor. In this regard, the Abstract and paragraph [0011] of Goldberg do not mention any weight sensors, paragraph [0085] of Goldberg refers to sensors that collect information about surroundings to facilitate autonomous vehicle mode of a self-propelled kiosk, and paragraph [0098] of Goldberg describes a locking actuator. Thus, Applicant is not able to identify any disclosure of the features related to at least one weight sensor in the cited sections of Goldberg.
In response, the Examiner respectfully disagrees. Applicant is reminded that claims must be given their broadest reasonable interpretation. Goldberg discloses this limitations “at least one weight sensor associated with the at least one shelf, the at least one weight sensor operable to measure a weight of one or more items positioned on the at least one shelf (at least see Goldberg Abstract; [0011]), and responsive to disengaging the door by the locking mechanism, instruct the at least one weight sensor to detect weight sensor data during the session (at least see Goldberg [0085]), and responsive to engaging the door by the locking mechanism, instruct the at least one weight sensor to stop detecting weight sensor data during the session (at least see Goldberg [0098]).” Goldberg state “[0170] Alternatively or additionally, the vending kiosk 1300 can include one or more sensors that detect various conditions or states or positions of the front or customer-facing doors 1306, back or service doors 1308, and, or latches or locks 1340 associated with the front or customer-facing doors 1306 and, or latches or locks 1342 associated with the back or service doors 1308, or even with the interiors of the compartments. For example, one or more sensors can detect whether a door, latch or lock is locked, latched, closed, or alternatively unlatched, unlocked or open. For example, one or more sensors can detect whether a given compartment is empty or full, or unoccupied or occupied. Also for example, one or more sensors can detect whether a body part is in the compartment, touching a wall or door, or is proximate the door. Suitable sensors include contact switches 1346a (only two shown, only one called out), image sensors (e.g., digital cameras) 1346b, 1346c, passive infrared motion sensors 1346d (only one called out), Reed switches, weight sensors or load cells 1346e (only one called out), metal detectors 1346g, and, or, temperature sensors or thermocouples 1346f (only one called out).” Also “[0189] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one processor-based control system 1344 controls the horizontal transmission 1702 (FIG. 17) to move the second receptacle 1604 from the withdrawn 1642 to the inserted position 1644 only if the tray 1634 is in the lowered position 1638. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one processor-based control system 1344 controls the vertical transmission 1704 (FIG. 17) to move the tray 1634 from the raised position 1636 to the lowered position 1642 if the tray holds an item. For instance, the at least one processor-based control system 1344 may use information or data from one or more sensors to determine whether there is an item present on the tray 1634, and, or whether the item, if present, has one or more characteristics consistent with, and not inconsistent with, a type of item that is expected to be in the tray 1634. For instance, a weight sensor or load cell can provide information that represents a weight of the tray 1634, and a tare weight can be used to determine i) whether an item is carried by the tray 1634 and, or ii) a weight of that item. The at least one processor-based control system 1344 can compare the weight of the tray 1634 or a difference between total weight and a tare weight with an expected weight, determining whether the item is present and is within a range of an expected weight (e.g., weight of a fully loaded pizza). For instance, an image sensor (e.g., digital camera) can provide information that represents surface of the tray 1634 and any objects carried thereby, and can be used by the at least one processor-based control system 1344 to determine i) whether an item is carried by the tray 1634 and, or whether an item carried by the tray 1634 resembles a physical appearance of an expected item. Such can even be used to maintain quality control, for example assessing a distribution of toppings on a pizza, or a level of cooking. Alternatively, a PIR motion detector or a height detector can be used to assess the contents of an interior of the vending compartment. Even a simple electronic eye (e.g., LED and photo-diode pair) can be employed to determine whether the vending compartment is full or empty.” Therefore Goldberg meets the scope of the claimed limitations.
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. 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 extension fee 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.
Contact Information
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to FATEH M OBAID whose telephone number is (571)270-7121. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M to 4:30 P.M.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Ryan Zeender can be reached at (571) 272-6790. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/FATEH M OBAID/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3627