Detailed Action
Claims 1-5, 8, 10-15, 19, 22, 25, 26, 30-33 are pending in this application. Claims 6, 7, 9, 16-18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 27-29, 34 were cancelled.
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 7/24/26 has been entered.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a):
(a) IN GENERAL.—The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor or joint inventor of carrying out the invention.
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112:
The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention.
Claims 1-5, 8, 10-15, 19, 22, 25, 26, 30-33 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), first paragraph, as failing to comply with the written description requirement. The claim(s) contains subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to reasonably convey to one skilled in the relevant art that the inventor or a joint inventor, or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the inventor(s), at the time the application was filed, had possession of the claimed invention.
As per claim 1, the amendment recites, f) a local application interface layer executed by said processor that holds said predetermined backup, data transfer, and security services in an unexecuted, locked state, wherein said local application interface layer is responsive to a successful biometric authentication by executing the applications for biometric authentication on the charger to transition the software modules from the locked state to an active state, thereby directly authorizing execution of the malware detection operations and data transfer services over the communication and power supply cable. Which appears unsupported by the specification, the closest support for the amendment is pg.11,
According to another embodiment of the invention, the smart-charger 100 is used as a security token (a portable device that authenticates a person's identity electronically by storing some sort of personal information) that is transferred to the mobile device 200, upon connecting between them and following a dedicated paring process. If the token is found to be unknown, the mobile device 200 will be locked. The policy rules of locking the mobile device 200 may be determined by the smart- charger 100 and/or by the mobile device 200. For example, if the mobile device 200 is stolen, there will be no possibility to charge it with another charger. Alternatively, if the paired smart-charger 100 will not be connected to the mobile device for a predetermined period, the mobile device 200 will be locked.
Pg.11 describes using the smart charger as a security token and the locking of the mobile device, however does not teach transitioning the charger from a locked state to an active state nor does it teach “a local application interface layer executed by said processor that holds said predetermined backup, data transfer, and security services in an unexecuted, locked state”.
As per claim 2, the amendment recites e) an integrated fingerprint scanner configured to capture biometric authentication data, wherein the processor isolates transmission of data from the mobile device to the integrated data storage device until the captured biometric authentication data is validated against baseline data stored locally in the memory. Which appears unsupported by the specification, the closest support for the amendment is pg.10,
Such dedicated applications are more trusted than applications that reside on the mobile device, since the smart-charger 100 is a type of trusted device. For example, applications for biometric authentication will be much less vulnerable when residing on the smart-charger 100 and may be used for transactions that require high-level security (such as transactions that involve a large amount of money). In this example, upon connecting the mobile device to the smart-charger 100, a user will be able to introduce his biometric data (e.g., a fingerprint) to a biometric sensor in the smart-charger 100 (rather than to a biometric sensor in his mobile device).
Pg.10 describes a smart-charger with a biometric sensor where a user can use the biometric sensor to capture the biometric data however is silent to whether the captured biometric authentication data is validated against baseline data stored locally in the memory(of the dongle), and whether the dongle processor isolates transmission of data from the mobile device to the integrated data storage device
All dependent claims rejected for the same reasons set forth above.
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.
All pending claims except claim 2 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 2013/0117854 issued to Britton et al.(Britton) in view of US 2017/0310366 issued to Ben David et al.(Ben) in view of US US 2016/0359349 issued to Todd et al.(Todd).
As per claim 1, Britton teaches a computerized charger for a mobile device(Abstract, Fig.1,5A,B, para.52-53), comprising: a) a charging unit having an AC cord for charging the battery of said mobile device(Fig.5A,B, para.64-65,71); b) a communication and power supply cable connected to a charging interface of said mobile device(Fig.5A,B, para.64-65,71); c) at least one processor and associated memory, for implementing a computation device, being capable malware detection operations(para.62,64); and d) one or more software modules or applications, stored in said memory and run by said processor, being adapted to security services to said mobile device, during charging periods of said mobile device(Abstract, para.64-65,70).
Britton does not explicitly teach
performing back and providing predetermine backup and data transfer and
e) a biometric sensor configured to receive input biometric data from a user for biometric authentication, wherein applications for the biometric authentication reside in said memory and are run by said processor.
f) a local application interface layer executed by said processor that holds said predetermined backup, data transfer, and security services in an unexecuted, locked state, wherein said local application interface layer is responsive to a successful biometric authentication by executing the applications for biometric authentication on the charger to transition the software modules from the locked state to an active state, thereby directly authorizing execution of the malware detection operations and data transfer services over the communication and power supply cable.
Ben explicitly teaches performing backup and providing predetermine backup and data transfer(para.5,40,52).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Britton of a secure charger that scans for malware while charging the mobile device to apply the teachings of Ben of backing up and transferring data of the mobile device while charging in order to provide the predictable result of a secure charger that scans for malware and backing up and transferring data while charging a mobile device.
One ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine the teachings in order to reduce the number of devices a user has to carry for backing up and charging a mobile device(Ben, para.4).
Britton in view of Ben does not explicitly teach e) a biometric sensor configured to receive biometric data for biometric authentication, wherein applications for the biometric authentication reside in said memory and are run by said processor.
f) a local application interface layer executed by said processor that holds said predetermined backup, data transfer, and security services in an unexecuted, locked state, wherein said local application interface layer is responsive to a successful biometric authentication by executing the applications for biometric authentication on the charger to transition the software modules from the locked state to an active state, thereby directly authorizing execution of the malware detection operations and data transfer services over the communication and power supply cable.
Britton in view of Ben however does teach a secure charger with predetermined backup, data transfer(Ben,para.5,40,52), and security services(Britton, Abstract, para.64-65,70)
Todd teaches e) a biometric sensor configured to receive biometric data for biometric authentication, wherein applications for the biometric authentication reside in said memory and are run by said processor(Fig.1A,2,3 [0028] Exemplary FIG. 3 can provide another embodiment of secure charger 100. Here, as in exemplary FIG. 2, charger 100 is coupled with phone 200 via cord 202, as described above. Further, a user may be attempting to charge phone 200 using charger 100. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, a user may attempt to enter biometric information via biometric sensor 102, for example by pressing his or her finger on biometric sensor 102. Biometric sensor 102 may then obtain the biometric data, for example fingerprint data, and compare it with known fingerprint data, such as fingerprint data associated with an authorized user or users of charger 100. After obtaining biometric data, biometric sensor 102 may compare the biometric data with one or more sets of accepted biometric data. For example, a user may have previously set up charger 100 to accept only his or her fingerprint as a way of accessing the charging capabilities of charger 100. This information may be stored in any of a variety of locations, for example a remotely located or cloud based memory 300, a memory on phone 200, or on a memory in charger 100. It may be appreciated that charger 100 can communicate with cloud based memory 300 through wireless data transmission, as otherwise discussed herein. Additionally, charger 100 can communicate with phone 200 in any wired or wireless fashion, as desired. Biometric sensor 102 may communicate with any of these items, as well as a processor associated with any of memory 300, phone 200, or charger 100 in order to compare the inputted biometric data with known or authorized biometric data. If the biometric data inputted into biometric sensor 102 is authorized, charger 100 may activate or enable certain capabilities, such as the ability to charge mobile phone 200, and indicator 110 may illuminate (or provide some other type of alert) that charger 100 is active.).
f) a local application interface layer executed by said processor that holds said services/capabilities in an unexecuted, locked state, wherein said local application interface layer is responsive to a successful biometric authentication by executing the applications for biometric authentication on the charger to transition the software modules from the locked state to an active state, thereby directly authorizing execution operations and services over the communication and power supply cable([0022] Still referring to exemplary FIGS. 1A and 1B, the body 106 of the charger 100 can have a biometric device 102 mounted thereon. The biometric device 102 may be such that it can read biometric data to provide or deny access or capabilities associated with the charger 100. For example, the biometric device 102 may be coupled to or capable of actuating a locking mechanism or lockout capabilities associated with the charger 100. Such capabilities can include, but are not limited to, providing power or charging capabilities to an authorized mobile device or authorized user, transmitting an accepted message to an authorized device or unauthorized device regarding access to the charger 100, denying power or preventing charging of an unauthorized device, data and/or communication transmissions to and from a remote server, communicating with a software application on a mobile communication device, and the like. For example, if unauthorized use or unauthorized biometric data in inputted into charger 100 or biometric sensor 102, a switch embedded in biometric sensor may deactivate the charger or otherwise prevent use. The switch may be any type of switch, for example a software switch, data switch, mechanical switch, or the like. In some alternative exemplary embodiments, mobile communication device charger 100 may also have capabilities to actively couple the charger 100 to a mobile communication device and prevent its removal, or deny access to mobile device connector 108 until authorized access is made via biometric sensor 102.).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Britton in view of Ben of a secure charger that scans for malware, backing up and transferring of data while charging a mobile device to apply the teachings of Todd of a charger with biometric sensor for authorizing a user to perform various capabilities of the charger in order to provide the predictable result of a secure charger with biometric sensor that is used to authenticate a user to unlock capabilities of the secure charger such as scanning of malware and backing up and transferring data while charging a mobile device.
One ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine the teachings in order to provide security to the user when charging mobile devices outside the home and prevent unauthorized theft or access(Todd, para.3).
As per claim 3, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 1, wherein the communication and power supply cable is a USB or micro-USB cable(Britton, para.63).
As per claim 4, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 1, wherein providing predetermined backup, data transfer(Ben, para.5,40,52), and security services(Britton,Abstract) to the mobile device during charging comprises one or more of:- offline backup of files and applications; - online backup of files and applications; or - malware scanning(Britton, Abstract).
As per claim 5, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 4, wherein offline full or incremental backup is performed into an offline storage device, the offline storage device being a Disk-On-Key or a memory stick(Britton; para.70; SD card it offline memory stick, Ben, para.3; teaches backing up data to external storage devices such as external hard drives or flash drives). Therefore it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Britton in view of Benin view of Todd teachings in order to back up data to external storage devices such as harddrives, flash drives, or SD cards. One ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine the teachings in order to save data on external memory because mobile devices have limited memory storage(Ben, para.96).
As per claim 8, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 4, wherein the storage device is integrated into the computerized charger or is an external storage hardware device(Ben, para.3,6; storage element(ie device) on the charger). Motivation to combine set forth in claim 4.
As per claim 10, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 4, wherein online full or incremental backup is performed by uploading files and applications to a remote server or to a computational cloud(Ben, para.121; data synchronization with cloud). Therefore it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teachings in order to back up data to the cloud. One ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine the teachings in order to save data on external memory because mobile devices have limited memory storage(Ben, para.96) and server/cloud are easily scalable to add more memory.
As per claim 11, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 4, wherein the communication channel for data transfer, storage and retrieval between the computerized charger and an online storage medium is a wireless channel(Britton, para.75 wireless communication, Ben, para.121-122; wireless backing up data to cloud). Therefore it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teachings in order to back up data to the cloud wirelessly. One ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine the teachings in order to save data on external memory because mobile devices have limited memory storage(Ben, para.96) and server/cloud are easily scalable to add more memory.
As per claim 12, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 4, wherein the computerized charger is adapted to provide a backup of the internal firmware, an Operating system(OS), and installed applications, which is done automatically, or based on the user's request(Britton, para.70; teaches OS data, system files, on device database, para. 73; applications on mobile devices, Ben, para.3,25; teaches automatically backing up data; in further Admitted Prior Art; Internal firmware, OS, and installed applications on devices were well known in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention). Therefore it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd of automatic back up of mobile device such as OS data, system files, on-device database to have the well known internal firmware and installed applications of a mobile device in order to provide the predictable result of automatic back up mobile devices with OS data, firmware, and installed applications. One ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine the teachings in order ensure all the information of a mobile device is backup in case of the user loses their phone. Note: the applicant fails to adequately traverse the Official Notice taken on 5/15/25, therefore the common knowledge or well-known in the art statement is taken to be admitted prior art. MPEP 2144.03(C). In further, see US 2019/0114404, para.22; US 2004/0250245; para.95,102, US 2013/0130653, para.20-21;US 2022/0294854, para.354;US 2007/0173237, para.97;US 2013/0007289, para.42; US 10,057,123,col.12, lines 30-41
As per claim 13, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 4, wherein malware scanning is done at the application level and/or at an Operating system(OS) level(Britton, para.73; scanning OS on mobile device).
As per claim 14, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 13, being adapted to perform one or more of : delete or quarantine suspicious detected files(Britton, para.126; remove “do not trust” application); upload files to be scanned to a remote server or to a computational cloud to perform remote scanning and analysis; during charging, scan and/or check the integrity on bootloaders and/or firmware images in the mobile device; issue warnings and indications to the user regarding malicious files; delete suspected files; block the operation of suspected files; clean malicious applications; perform software updates; transfer stored data between different mobile devices; access low-level storage information from the boot-loader, kernel and operating system of the mobile device to perform forensic investigation and backups; interface with a user via a touch screen, an external screen or via other external devices identified by the charger; or receive credentials from the mobile device to connect to the computational cloud; be paired with several mobile devices.
As per claim 15, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 14, wherein scanning is done based on one or more of the following:- connection to a signature database containing typical signatures of known viruses or malware(Britton, para.84; signature detections using database); - statical analysis; - dynamic analysis; or - heuristic methods.
As per claim 19, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 14, configured to issue indications about malware, wherein the indications about malware are visual or voice indications(Britton, para.66;using LED to indicate the mobile device is compromised ie has a malware).
As per claim 22, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 4, being used as a debugging interface(Britton; [0062] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a side view and a front view, respectively, of a first embodiment of the secure charger for connection to a mobile smart device. The secure charger has the capability of conducting malware and other virus scans of the applications and OS of the mobile smart device while it is charging the device; applicant spec. pg.12, recites “debugging interface by….scanning…for malware”.) or to provide a security token wherein upon establishing a connection between the computerized charger and the mobile device and completing a dedicated pairing process, the security token is transferred to the mobile device and applied to enforce predetermined policy rules
As per claim 25, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 1, the inherent interface of the mobile device is used to interface with the user(Britton, Fig.2, shows a smartphone with a display).
As per claim 26, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 1, wherein the charging unit wirelessly charges the mobile device(Ben, para.122; wireless charging). Motivation to combine set forth in claim 1.
As per claim 30, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 1, wherein the mobile device is one of the following:- a smartphone(Britton, Fig.2, shows smartphone); - a wearable smartwatch;or- smart glasses.
As per claim 31, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 1, wherein the charging interface of the mobile device is a socket for wired charging or a wireless charging interface(Britton, Fig.5A,B, para.65; USB plugs into mobile device for wired charging).
As per claim 32, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 1, further comprising one or more of the following: one or more dedicated software applications to be run by an Operating system(OS) and its computational resources, for providing external trusted services to the mobile device; or short-range networking capabilities(Britton, para.76-77; Bluetooth is “short-range networking capabilities”).
As per claim 33, Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd teaches the computerized charger according to claim 32, wherein the dedicated software application is selected from the group of:- a token for authenticating transactions made by the mobile device; - an application to provide high-level encryption to the user's digital or electronic; - applications developed by external providers, to be used by the mobile device; - dedicated antivirus for the mobile device; - keys of a trusted e-wallet;or - updating the OS of the mobile device. (Since claim 32 is a Markush group and the “dedicated software application” was not selected, claim 33 was not given patentable weight for prior art purposes, in other words, claim 33 is interpreted as below
the computerized charger according to claim 1, further comprising one or more of the following: one or more dedicated software applications to be run by the OS and its computational resources, for providing external trusted services to the mobile device, wherein the dedicated software application is selected from the group of:- a token for authenticating transactions made by the mobile device; - an application to provide high-level encryption to the user's digital or electronic; - applications developed by external providers, to be used by the mobile device; - dedicated antivirus for the mobile device; - keys of a trusted e-wallet;or - updating the OS of the mobile device); or
short-range networking capabilities(Britton, para.76-77; Bluetooth is “short-range networking capabilities”).
Claim 2 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 2013/0117854 issued to Britton et al.(Britton) in view of US 2017/0310366 issued to Ben David et al.(Ben) in view of US 2016/0359349 issued to Todd et al.(Todd) in view of US 2016/0261128 issued to Johnston et al.(Johnston).
As per claim 2, Britton teaches a charger for a mobile device, comprising: a) a wired or wireless interface to be coupled to a port of said mobile device (Fig.5A,B, para.64-65,71); c) at least one processor and associated memory, for implementing a local computation device isolated from an operating system environment of the mobile device, the processor being capable of malware detection operations(para.62,64); and d) one or more software modules or applications, stored in the memory and run by the processor, being adapted to provide security services to said mobile device, upon connection to the mobile device via the wired or wireless interface(Abstract, para.64-65,70).
Britton does not explicitly teach dongle interface device, performing localized backup and providing predetermine backup and data transfer e) an integrated fingerprint scanner configured to capture biometric authentication data, wherein the processor isolates transmission of data from the mobile device to the integrated data storage device until the captured biometric authentication is validated against baseline stored locally in the memory.
Ben explicitly teaches performing back and providing predetermine backup and data transfer(para.5,40).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Britton of scanning for malware while charging the mobile device to apply the teachings of Ben of backing up mobile device while charging in order to provide the predictable result of scanning for malware and backing up data while charging a mobile device.
One ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine the teachings in order to reduce the number of devices a user has to carry for backing up and charging a mobile device(Ben, para.4).
Britton in view of Ben does not explicitly teach dongle interface device and e) an integrated fingerprint scanner configured to capture biometric authentication data, wherein the processor isolates transmission of data from the mobile device to the integrated data storage device until the captured biometric authentication is validated against baseline stored locally in the memory.
Todd explicitly teaches e) an integrated fingerprint scanner configured to capture biometric authentication data, wherein the processor isolates transmission of data from the mobile device to the integrated data storage device until the captured biometric authentication is validated against baseline stored locally in the memory((Fig.1A,2,3,[0022] Still referring to exemplary FIGS. 1A and 1B, the body 106 of the charger 100 can have a biometric device 102 mounted thereon. The biometric device 102 may be such that it can read biometric data to provide or deny access or capabilities associated with the charger 100. For example, the biometric device 102 may be coupled to or capable of actuating a locking mechanism or lockout capabilities associated with the charger 100. Such capabilities can include, but are not limited to, providing power or charging capabilities to an authorized mobile device or authorized user, transmitting an accepted message to an authorized device or unauthorized device regarding access to the charger 100, denying power or preventing charging of an unauthorized device, data and/or communication transmissions to and from a remote server, communicating with a software application on a mobile communication device, and the like. For example, if unauthorized use or unauthorized biometric data in inputted into charger 100 or biometric sensor 102, a switch embedded in biometric sensor may deactivate the charger or otherwise prevent use. The switch may be any type of switch, for example a software switch, data switch, mechanical switch, or the like. In some alternative exemplary embodiments, mobile communication device charger 100 may also have capabilities to actively couple the charger 100 to a mobile communication device and prevent its removal, or deny access to mobile device connector 108 until authorized access is made via biometric sensor 102.
[0028] Exemplary FIG. 3 can provide another embodiment of secure charger 100. Here, as in exemplary FIG. 2, charger 100 is coupled with phone 200 via cord 202, as described above. Further, a user may be attempting to charge phone 200 using charger 100. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, a user may attempt to enter biometric information via biometric sensor 102, for example by pressing his or her finger on biometric sensor 102. Biometric sensor 102 may then obtain the biometric data, for example fingerprint data, and compare it with known fingerprint data, such as fingerprint data associated with an authorized user or users of charger 100. After obtaining biometric data, biometric sensor 102 may compare the biometric data with one or more sets of accepted biometric data. For example, a user may have previously set up charger 100 to accept only his or her fingerprint as a way of accessing the charging capabilities of charger 100. This information may be stored in any of a variety of locations, for example a remotely located or cloud based memory 300, a memory on phone 200, or on a memory in charger 100. It may be appreciated that charger 100 can communicate with cloud based memory 300 through wireless data transmission, as otherwise discussed herein. Additionally, charger 100 can communicate with phone 200 in any wired or wireless fashion, as desired. Biometric sensor 102 may communicate with any of these items, as well as a processor associated with any of memory 300, phone 200, or charger 100 in order to compare the inputted biometric data with known or authorized biometric data. If the biometric data inputted into biometric sensor 102 is authorized, charger 100 may activate or enable certain capabilities, such as the ability to charge mobile phone 200, and indicator 110 may illuminate (or provide some other type of alert) that charger 100 is active.).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Britton in view of Ben of a secure charger that scans for malware, backing up and transferring of data to apply the teachings of Todd of a charger with biometric sensor for authorizing a user to perform various capabilities of the charger in order to provide the predictable result of a secure charger with biometric authentication of a user for scanning of malware and backing up and transferring data.
One ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine the teachings in order to provide security to the user when charging mobile devices outside the home and prevent unauthorized theft or access(Todd, para.3).
Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd does not explicitly teach dongle interface device.
Johnston explicitly teaches dongle interface device(Fig.2A).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd of a secure charger with biometric authentication of a user for scanning of malware and backing up and transferring data to use a dongle adapter as taught by Johnston and substitute it for the secure charger in order to provide the predictable result of a dongle interface device with biometric authentication of a user for scanning for malware and backing up data.
One ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine the teachings in order to reduce the number of devices a user has to carry for backing up and charging a mobile device(Ben, para.4) and/or provide extended functionality for the mobile device.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 7/24/26 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. The applicant argues in substance,
a) The Official Notice is improper because the examiner cited multiple references to teach claim 12,
In reply to a); Firstly, the applicant’s Remarks on 9/15/2025 traverses the Official Notice taken on 5/15/2025, however applicant’s traversal was not persuasive because appellant’s traversal must contain information or argument that is adequate to create, on its face, a reasonable doubt as to the circumstances justifying the Examiner’s notice. See In re Boon, 439 F.2d 724, 728 (CCPA 1971). That is, Appellant must specifically point out the supposed errors in the Examiner's action, which would include stating why the noticed fact is not considered to be common knowledge or well-known in the art. See 37 C.F.R. § 1.111(b); see also MPEP § 2144.03. Appellant’s contention contains no information or argument to create on its face, a reasonable doubt regarding the circumstances justifying the official notice. More specifically, the allegation does not explain why the noticed fact is not considered to be common knowledge or well-known in the art. On this record, Appellant has not adequately traversed the Official Notice. Since the applicant fails to adequately traverse the Official Notice taken on 5/15/25, therefore the common knowledge or well-known in the art statement is taken to be admitted prior art. MPEP 2144.03(C).
Secondly, on pg.11 of applicant’s Remarks 9/15/25, the applicant states “If the Examiner continues to believed that the above-recited features are well known in the art, Applicant respectfully request that the Examiner provide a reference or references in the next Office Action..” The Office provided multiple references as requested by the applicant in the Final Rejection dated 10/1/25, pg.11 specifically US 2019/0114404, para.22; US 2004/0250245; para.95,102, US 2013/0130653, para.20-21;US 2022/0294854, para.354;US 2007/0173237, para.97;US 2013/0007289, para.42; US 10,057,123,col.12, lines 30-41. which instant and unquestionably demonstrate that claim limitations of claim 12 are in fact obvious and well known.
b) The applicant argues that the prior art in combination does not teach, As per claim 1, “ e) a biometric sensor configured to receive input biometric data from a user for biometric authentication, wherein applications for the biometric authentication reside in said memory and are run by said processor; and f) a local application interface layer executed by said processor that holds said predetermined backup, data transfer, and security services in an unexecuted, locked state, wherein said local application interface layer is responsive to a successful biometric authentication by executing the applications for biometric authentication on the charger to transition the software modules from the locked state to an active state, thereby directly authorizing execution of the malware detection operations and data transfer services over the communication and power supply cable”
In reply b), applicant's arguments against the references individually, one cannot show nonobviousness by attacking references individually where the rejections are based on combinations of references. See In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981); In re Merck & Co., 800 F.2d 1091, 231 USPQ 375 (Fed. Cir. 1986).
Britton, teaches
[0053] Secure charger 124 reports the results of malware and virus scans to internal network 102. Preferably, these scans will include non-private analysis data or statistics and analysis, for example, relating to a version of an operating system, installed applications, carriers, etc. When secure charger 124 scans mobile smart device 128 and the secure charger has no baseline for that mobile smart device or there has been a change to the mobile smart device's baseline, e.g., the mobile smart device had a software update, then secure charger 124 will query backend server 104 for a new baseline and that baseline will be retrieved from MSD database 110. The use of the baseline by the secure charger in scanning a mobile smart device will be described subsequently.
[0062] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a side view and a front view, respectively, of a first embodiment of the secure charger for connection to a mobile smart device. The secure charger has the capability of conducting malware and other virus scans of the applications and OS of the mobile smart device while it is charging the device.
[0064] Again referring to FIG. 5A, within housing 504 of secure charger 500 is a power transformer 506 for converting AC power to DC power. Secure charger 500 also includes CPU 508, random access memory ("RAM") 510, and secure digital ("SD") card 512. CPU 508 is for controlling all of the operations of secure charger 500. RAM 510 serves as system memory and stores the running program code and data, as well as volatile system files, e.g., logs. SD card 512 is for storing the OS, security analysis programs, and the on-device database. Security analysis programs include, but not limited to, software programs that are included in secure charger 500 or available for download from internal network 102 that perform the various analyses of the mobile smart device as described herein. It is understood that additional security analysis programs may be added and it will still be within the scope of the present invention.
Britton clearly teaches a secure charger with malware and virus scan application for scanning of a mobile device(security services) while charging the mobile device.
Britton however lacks performing backup and providing predetermine backup and data transfer and e) a biometric sensor configured to receive biometric data for biometric authentication, wherein applications for the biometric authentication reside in said memory and are run by said processor; f) a local application interface layer executed by said processor that holds said predetermined backup, data transfer, and security services in an unexecuted, locked state, wherein said local application interface layer is responsive to a successful biometric authentication by executing the applications for biometric authentication on the charger to transition the software modules from the locked state to an active state, thereby directly authorizing execution of the malware detection operations and data transfer services over the communication and power supply cable
Ben explicitly teaches
[0005] The present invention is a single device for performing data backup and recharging for a mobile communication device.
[0040] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 and 5 show various views of a device, generally designated 10, for interfacing with a mobile communication device 50 having a rechargeable power supply and a data storage medium (i.e., memory), to perform data backup and recharging of the mobile communication device 50. Generally speaking, the device 10 includes a device body 12, an alternating current (AC) input interface 16, an output interface 20, and electronics 30 fully integrated within the device body 12. The electronics 30 perform data backup and recharging functions, as will be discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 6A-6D.
[0052] It is noted herein that most common mobile communication devices employ cables for charging and transferring data which have a male universal serial bus (USB) type A plug on one end of the cable. Therefore, according to certain non-limiting implementations, the output interface 20 is implemented as a USB female type A port for receiving a male USB type A plug. In such a non-limiting implementation, the first connector 74 is implemented as a male USB type A plug.
Ben clearly teaches a charger for a mobile device that performs predetermined backup and data transfer.
Therefore the combination of Britton in view of Ben teaches a secure charger for malware and virus scan, backup and data transfer while the mobile device is being charged.
What Britton and Ben lack is e) a biometric sensor configured to receive biometric data for biometric authentication, wherein applications for the biometric authentication reside in said memory and are run by said processor. f) a local application interface layer executed by said processor that holds said predetermined backup, data transfer, and security services in an unexecuted, locked state, wherein said local application interface layer is responsive to a successful biometric authentication by executing the applications for biometric authentication on the charger to transition the software modules from the locked state to an active state, thereby directly authorizing execution of the malware detection operations and data transfer services over the communication and power supply cable
Todd teaches
[0022] Still referring to exemplary FIGS. 1A and 1B, the body 106 of the charger 100 can have a biometric device 102 mounted thereon. The biometric device 102 may be such that it can read biometric data to provide or deny access or capabilities associated with the charger 100. For example, the biometric device 102 may be coupled to or capable of actuating a locking mechanism or lockout capabilities associated with the charger 100. Such capabilities can include, but are not limited to, providing power or charging capabilities to an authorized mobile device or authorized user, transmitting an accepted message to an authorized device or unauthorized device regarding access to the charger 100, denying power or preventing charging of an unauthorized device, data and/or communication transmissions to and from a remote server, communicating with a software application on a mobile communication device, and the like. For example, if unauthorized use or unauthorized biometric data in inputted into charger 100 or biometric sensor 102, a switch embedded in biometric sensor may deactivate the charger or otherwise prevent use. The switch may be any type of switch, for example a software switch, data switch, mechanical switch, or the like. In some alternative exemplary embodiments, mobile communication device charger 100 may also have capabilities to actively couple the charger 100 to a mobile communication device and prevent its removal, or deny access to mobile device connector 108 until authorized access is made via biometric sensor 102.
[0028] Exemplary FIG. 3 can provide another embodiment of secure charger 100. Here, as in exemplary FIG. 2, charger 100 is coupled with phone 200 via cord 202, as described above. Further, a user may be attempting to charge phone 200 using charger 100. Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, a user may attempt to enter biometric information via biometric sensor 102, for example by pressing his or her finger on biometric sensor 102. Biometric sensor 102 may then obtain the biometric data, for example fingerprint data, and compare it with known fingerprint data, such as fingerprint data associated with an authorized user or users of charger 100. After obtaining biometric data, biometric sensor 102 may compare the biometric data with one or more sets of accepted biometric data. For example, a user may have previously set up charger 100 to accept only his or her fingerprint as a way of accessing the charging capabilities of charger 100. This information may be stored in any of a variety of locations, for example a remotely located or cloud based memory 300, a memory on phone 200, or on a memory in charger 100. It may be appreciated that charger 100 can communicate with cloud based memory 300 through wireless data transmission, as otherwise discussed herein. Additionally, charger 100 can communicate with phone 200 in any wired or wireless fashion, as desired. Biometric sensor 102 may communicate with any of these items, as well as a processor associated with any of memory 300, phone 200, or charger 100 in order to compare the inputted biometric data with known or authorized biometric data. If the biometric data inputted into biometric sensor 102 is authorized, charger 100 may activate or enable certain capabilities, such as the ability to charge mobile phone 200, and indicator 110 may illuminate (or provide some other type of alert) that charger 100 is active.
Todd, para.22 and 28 clearly teaches the charger with the biometric authorization reader provides capabilities beyond that of charging, with the non-limiting examples of transmitting messages, data and/or communication transmission, communicating with software applications on the mobile device, etc, and further teaches locking and unlocking of capabilities based on biometric authorization therefore Todd teaches the charger has a biometric reader to read biometrics from a user and compares the captured biometric of the user with stored biometrics on the memory of the charger and authorize the user for the charger capabilities with non-limiting examples such as providing power or charging capabilities, transmitting messages, data and/or communication transmission, communicating with software applications on the mobile device, etc., therefore teaches e) a biometric sensor configured to receive biometric data for biometric authentication, wherein applications for the biometric authentication reside in said memory and are run by said processor and f) a local application interface layer executed by said processor that holds said services/capabilities in an unexecuted, locked state, wherein said local application interface layer is responsive to a successful biometric authentication by executing the applications for biometric authentication on the charger to transition the software modules from the locked state to an active state, thereby directly authorizing execution operations and services over the communication and power supply cable.
Therefore it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Britton in view of Ben of a secure charger that scans for malware, backing up and transferring of data while charging a mobile device to apply the teachings of Todd of a charger with biometric sensor for authorizing a user to perform various capabilities of the charger in order to provide the predictable result of a secure charger with biometric sensor that is used to authenticate a user to unlock capabilities of the secure charger such as scanning of malware and backing up and transferring data while charging a mobile device.
One ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine the teachings in order to provide security to the user when charging mobile devices outside the home and prevent unauthorized theft or access(Todd, para.3).
In other words, the combination of Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd would produce a secure charger with a biometric reader that read biometric and compares the biometric to biometric on the memory of the charger for unlocking/authorizing user to perform charger capabilities such as malware and virus scan, backup, and data transfer while the mobile device is being charged.
c) the combination of Britton in view of Ben in view of Todd is improper because one ordinary skill in the art would not have been motivated to combine the teachings of Todd
In reply to c); In response to applicant’s argument that there is no teaching, suggestion, or motivation to combine the references, the examiner recognizes that obviousness may be established by combining or modifying the teachings of the prior art to produce the claimed invention where there is some teaching, suggestion, or motivation to do so found either in the references themselves or in the knowledge generally available to one of ordinary skill in the art. See In re Fine, 837 F.2d 1071, 5 USPQ2d 1596 (Fed. Cir. 1988), In re Jones, 958 F.2d 347, 21 USPQ2d 1941 (Fed. Cir. 1992), and KSR International Co. v. Teleflex, Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 82 USPQ2d 1385 (2007). In this case, Todd provides motivation to use biometric sensors and authorization to combine with Britton and Ben, because using biometric authorization provides security to a user, Todd para.3.
d) the prior art(Britton in view of Ben in view of Johnston) does not teach as per claim 2, e) an integrated fingerprint scanner configured to capture biometric authentication data, wherein the processor isolates transmission of data from the mobile device to the integrated data storage device until the captured biometric authentication data is validated against baseline data stored locally in the memory.
In reply to d); applicant’s argument is persuasive therefore that rejection is withdrawn however upon further consideration, a new ground of rejection is made set forth above.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. See PTO-892.
US 2020/0137209 issued to Ziv et al., teaches starting a backup application on the mobile device responsive to the trigger signal. The trigger signal is generated and transmitted wirelessly by the memory station responsive to the memory station detecting the beginning of a charging cycle. In this way, the mobile device can automatically execute a backup program or application without user intervention.
US 2019/0197240 issued to Pradhan et al., teaches malware scanner is carried by the housing, and is to perform a first scan of an external electronic device to detect malware. A file handler is carried by the housing, and is to detect, using the secure file transfer driver, a file to be transferred intermediate the external electronic device and the mobile device. The malware scanner is to scan the file. The file handler is to quarantine the file in response to the malware scanner detecting malware in the file.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to BACKHEAN TIV whose telephone number is (571)272-5654. The examiner can normally be reached on Mon.-Thurs. 5:30-3:30.
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, TONIA DOLLINGER can be reached on (571) 272-4170. 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.
/BACKHEAN TIV/
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 2459
Prosecution Insights