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 .
Response to Arguments
Applicants’ arguments filed 04/13/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Examiner respectfully disagrees. Newly amended subject matter of claims 1 and 12 is disclosed by Sugiyama’771 in paragraph [0040] wherein it discloses that in addition to the subject matter disclosed in paragraphs [0029]-[0030] it can create a trial proof can by printing on the surface of the metal plate of the can. See rejections below. Regarding new claims 22-24 these claims are found to be allowable.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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.
Claims 1-3, 5-6, 10-14 and 16-17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Sugiyama (JP 2019155771 A1).
With respect to Claim 1, Sugiyama’771 shows a can manufacturing method (paragraphs [0007] and [0009] can printing device with a manufacturing printed cans proofing operation), comprising:
creating platemaking editing data from an image data (paragraphs [0010]-[0012] creating plate making data);
creating separation data by separating the platemaking editing data for each ink color of a printing machine that performs printing on a surface of a can (paragraph [0025] step S01 plate-making data corresponding to each of a plurality of special color inks is created based on image data of a sample pattern); and
manufacturing a proof can by outputting an image corresponding to the platemaking editing data by an ink-jet printer (inker unit 20, paragraph [0025] inkjet printer) based on the platemaking editing data or the separation data and a predetermined conversion rule, and arranging the image on a surface of a can to be used for making the proof can (paragraph [0025] test print pattern film S02 forming a test print pattern film on which a test print pattern is printed by an inkjet printer based on the plate making data calibration can manufacturing S03, paragraph [0040] printing on the surface of the metal can to make a trial proof),
wherein the conversion rule has a rule to reproduce, by ink of the ink-jet printer, the ink color of the printing machine printed based on the separation data (paragraphs [0025]-[0026] plate making data respectively corresponding to a plurality of special color inks),
the image data includes a color selected from a color sample showing the ink color of the printing machine, and the color sample is a color sample that is printed on a metal plate to be used for the can (paragraphs [0029]-[0030] trial printing pattern film forming step S02 forming the test pattern, the color of the special color ink is changed by overcoating four color components CMYB using the inkjet to print desired colors, digital proof is produced in S03 with comparison in step S04 and digital calibration compared, step S05 prepress data adjustment everything is adjusted/associated, paragraph [0040] printing on the surface of the metal can to make a trial proof).
With respect to Claim 2, Sugiyama’771 shows the can manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the manufacturing the proof can is manufacturing a proof can by outputting the image corresponding to the platemaking editing data by the ink-jet printer based on the separation data and the conversion rule (paragraphs [0026]-[0027] plate making data creation step S01 image data of a sample pattern printed in full color is separated into spot color data and halftone pattern data corresponding to a plurality of spot color inks used for printing metal cans, creating plate-making data corresponding to each), and arranging the image on the surface of the can to be used for making the proof can (paragraph [0040] printing on the surface of the metal can to make a trial proof), and the conversion rule is a rule to convert a color of separation color data which is color data of the ink color of the printing machine into a color of IJ color data which is color data of an ink color of the ink-jet printer (paragraph [0029] after the trial printing pattern film forming step S02 its reproduced and printed using the plate-making data pattern corresponding to each special color ink printing of the can using the inkjet printer).
With respect to Claim 3, Sugiyama’771 shows the can manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein the separation color data includes a first association between the ink color of the printing machine and color coordinates in a color space of a color of the color sample printed in the ink color of the printing machine, the IJ color data includes a second association between the ink color of the ink-jet printer and color coordinates in a color space of a color of a printed material printed in the ink color of the ink-jet printer, and the method further comprises generating the conversion rule based on the separation color data and the IJ color data (paragraph [0009] calibrating a printed can with plate-making data creation of decomposing spot-color data and halftone pattern data corresponding to a plurality of spot-color inks used in printing the metal cans creating/coordinating plate-making data corresponding to each of the plurality of spot color inks with inkjet colors).
With respect to Claim 5, Sugiyama’771 shows the can manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the manufacturing the proof can is manufacturing the proof can by outputting the image corresponding to the platemaking editing data by the ink-jet printer based on the platemaking editing data and the conversion rule, and arranging the image on the surface of the can to be used for making the proof can (paragraph [0040] printing on the surface of the metal can to make a trial proof), and the conversion rule is a rule to convert a color of platemaking editing color data which is color data of an ink color of the platemaking editing data into a color of IJ color data which is color data of an ink color of the ink-jet printer (paragraphs [0025]-[0029] steps S01-S05).
With respect to Claim 6, Sugiyama’771 shows the can manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein the platemaking editing color data includes a third association between the ink color of the platemaking editing data and color coordinates in a color space of a color of the color sample printed in the ink color of the printing machine based on the separation data, the IJ color data includes a fourth association between the ink color of the ink-jet printer and color coordinates in a color space of a color of a printed material printed in the ink color of the ink-jet printer, and the method further comprises generating the conversion rule based on the platemaking editing color data and the IJ color data (paragraphs [0029]-[0030] trial printing pattern film forming step S02 forming the test pattern, the color of the special color ink is changed by overcoating four color components CMYB using the inkjet to print desired colors, digital proof is produced in S03 with comparison in step S04 and digital calibration compared, step S05 prepress data adjustment everything is adjusted/associated).
With respect to Claim 10, Sugiyama’771 shows the can manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising: proofing the platemaking editing data using the proof can (paragraphs [0025]-[0029] proofreading method).
With respect to Claim 11, Sugiyama’771 shows the can manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising: proofing the platemaking editing data using the proof can, wherein the proofing includes comparing the color sample of the color selected on the image data with a color on the proof can (paragraphs [0025]-[0029] proofreading method).
With respect to Claim 12, rejection analogous to those presented for claim 1, are applicable.
With respect to Claim 13, rejection analogous to those presented for claim 2, are applicable.
With respect to Claim 14, rejection analogous to those presented for claim 3, are applicable.
With respect to Claim 16, rejection analogous to those presented for claim 5, are applicable.
With respect to Claim 17, rejection analogous to those presented for claim 6, are applicable.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 4, 7, 15 and 18, are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
Claims 21-24 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: none of the references either singularly or in combination teach or fairly suggest a can manufacturing method, comprising: providing a color sample including one or more color patches obtained by printing one or more ink colors of a printing machine on a first metal material by the printing machine, the printing machine being configured to perform printing on a surface of a can; obtaining an IJP color chart printed by an ink-jet printer in one or more ink colors of the ink-jet printer; creating separation data by separating platemaking editing data for each ink color of the printing machine; and manufacturing a proof can by outputting an image corresponding to the platemaking editing data by the ink-jet printer based on the platemaking editing data or the separation data and a predetermined conversion rule, and arranging the image on a surface of a can to be used for making the proof can, wherein the conversion rule has a rule to reproduce, by ink of the ink-jet printer, the one or more ink colors of the printing machine printed based on the separation data, and the conversion rule is generated so that a difference between a color value of the JP color chart and a color value of the color sample falls within a predetermined range.
Sugiyama’771 discloses printing a proof can by printing on the surface of the metal can with a printing device. Sugiyama’771 do not include all the detailed combined limitations included in the claim including a can manufacturing method, comprising: providing a color sample including one or more color patches obtained by printing one or more ink colors of a printing machine on a first metal material by the printing machine, the printing machine being configured to perform printing on a surface of a can; obtaining an IJP color chart printed by an ink-jet printer in one or more ink colors of the ink-jet printer; creating separation data by separating platemaking editing data for each ink color of the printing machine; and manufacturing a proof can by outputting an image corresponding to the platemaking editing data by the ink-jet printer based on the platemaking editing data or the separation data and a predetermined conversion rule, and arranging the image on a surface of a can to be used for making the proof can, wherein the conversion rule has a rule to reproduce, by ink of the ink-jet printer, the one or more ink colors of the printing machine printed based on the separation data, and the conversion rule is generated so that a difference between a color value of the JP color chart and a color value of the color sample falls within a predetermined range, therefore this claim is allowable.
Morikawa’741 shows a color chart creation step of creating a color chart in which a plurality of color patches are arranged, the color patches being based on the specified color acquired by the acquisition step and having a color within a color gamut that is based on print settings of a printer, the color chart creation step including creating a first color chart and a second color chart. Morikawa’741 do not include all the detailed combined limitations included in the claim including a can manufacturing method, comprising: providing a color sample including one or more color patches obtained by printing one or more ink colors of a printing machine on a first metal material by the printing machine, the printing machine being configured to perform printing on a surface of a can; obtaining an IJP color chart printed by an ink-jet printer in one or more ink colors of the ink-jet printer; creating separation data by separating platemaking editing data for each ink color of the printing machine; and manufacturing a proof can by outputting an image corresponding to the platemaking editing data by the ink-jet printer based on the platemaking editing data or the separation data and a predetermined conversion rule, and arranging the image on a surface of a can to be used for making the proof can, wherein the conversion rule has a rule to reproduce, by ink of the ink-jet printer, the one or more ink colors of the printing machine printed based on the separation data, and the conversion rule is generated so that a difference between a color value of the JP color chart and a color value of the color sample falls within a predetermined range, therefore this claim is allowable.
Arizono’472 shows when carrying out color printing with such inkjet printer, color charts are printed for use in color correction. Such a color chart has, arranged thereon, a plurality of color patches combining ink color types and dot size types. Arizono’472 do not include all the detailed combined limitations included in the claim including a can manufacturing method, comprising: providing a color sample including one or more color patches obtained by printing one or more ink colors of a printing machine on a first metal material by the printing machine, the printing machine being configured to perform printing on a surface of a can; obtaining an IJP color chart printed by an ink-jet printer in one or more ink colors of the ink-jet printer; creating separation data by separating platemaking editing data for each ink color of the printing machine; and manufacturing a proof can by outputting an image corresponding to the platemaking editing data by the ink-jet printer based on the platemaking editing data or the separation data and a predetermined conversion rule, and arranging the image on a surface of a can to be used for making the proof can, wherein the conversion rule has a rule to reproduce, by ink of the ink-jet printer, the one or more ink colors of the printing machine printed based on the separation data, and the conversion rule is generated so that a difference between a color value of the JP color chart and a color value of the color sample falls within a predetermined range, therefore this claim is allowable.
Ohno et al. (US 2024/0150062 A1) shows manufacturing method of a bottle-shaped can includes forming a cylindrical can trunk by drawing or ironing a metal sheet coated with a colored resin and printing a design on the outer surface of the can trunk. The manufacturing method further includes painting a predetermined section of the outer surface of the can trunk multiple times while changing colors of inks thereby collecting samples of colors resulting from mixing the colors of the inks with a ground color of the predetermined section, preparing a tone chart by groups of hues of the colors having the same brightness and colorfulness, determining a color scheme of the design with reference to the tone chart, and printing the design on the predetermined section in the determined color scheme. Ohno do not include all the detailed combined limitations included in the claim including a can manufacturing method, comprising: providing a color sample including one or more color patches obtained by printing one or more ink colors of a printing machine on a first metal material by the printing machine, the printing machine being configured to perform printing on a surface of a can; obtaining an IJP color chart printed by an ink-jet printer in one or more ink colors of the ink-jet printer; creating separation data by separating platemaking editing data for each ink color of the printing machine; and manufacturing a proof can by outputting an image corresponding to the platemaking editing data by the ink-jet printer based on the platemaking editing data or the separation data and a predetermined conversion rule, and arranging the image on a surface of a can to be used for making the proof can, wherein the conversion rule has a rule to reproduce, by ink of the ink-jet printer, the one or more ink colors of the printing machine printed based on the separation data, and the conversion rule is generated so that a difference between a color value of the JP color chart and a color value of the color sample falls within a predetermined range, therefore this claim is allowable.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee. Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
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.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to IRIANA CRUZ whose telephone number is (571)270-3246. The examiner can normally be reached 10-6.
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, Akwasi M. Sarpong can be reached at (571) 270-3438. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/IRIANA CRUZ/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2681
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