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 action is in response to the application filed on 11/20/2025.
Priority
No claim for priority has been made in this application.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101
35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows:
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
All claims 1-6, 8-19, 21-22 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to an abstract idea without significantly more.
All claims are directed to a system, method, or product, which are/is one of the statutory categories of invention. (Step 1: YES).
The Examiner has identified independent method Claim 18 (herein called the Primary Independent Claim) as the claim that represents the claimed invention for analysis and is similar to independent system Claim 1 and product Claim 13 (herein called Additional Independent Claims). The Primary Independent Claim recites the limitations of:
Receive (transmit), across a network via an entity platform from a computing device, one or more inputs to access an interface to facilitate a currency conversion from a first type of currency of one regional entity to a different, second type of currency of one or more foreign regional entities, the entity platform incorporating information of one or more relational database in order to perform the currency conversion from the first type of currency of the one regional entity to the different, second type of currency of the one or more foreign regional entities;
initiate displaying, via the entity platform on a user interface of the computing device, an ordering interface to order the different second type of currency of the one or more foreign regional entities;
receive a selection input of a specific foreign regional entity of the one or more foreign regional entities, and based thereon access stored current exchange rate data from the one or more relational databases, the stored current exchange rate data indicating a present exchange rate between the first type of currency of the one regional entity and the different second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity;
initiate displaying (receive), via the entity platform on the user interface of the computing device, the present exchange rate and one or more control inputs for (a) specifying a quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged from the first type of currency of the one regional entity to the different, second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity, and (b) indicating a general regional location where the different, second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity is to be retrieved;
receive, via the one or more control inputs, an indication of the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged and the general regional location where the different, second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity is to be retrieved;
perform data processing on currency data that indicate on-hand currency quantities of the different second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity at a plurality of entity pickup locations;
ascertain processing times for the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged to be transported to targeted pickup locations of the plurality of entity pickup locations that are within the general regional location where the different, second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity is to be retrieved; ascertain, using a GPS system of the computing device, a current geolocation of the computing device and transmit current geolocation data of the current geolocation to the entity system;
generate and initiate displaying, via the entity platform on the user interface of the computing device, a list of the targeted pickup locations where the different second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity can be retrieved and a corresponding earliest available time when the different second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity would be available for retrieval at each of the targeted pickup locations, the corresponding earliest available time being based on the on-hand currency quantities and the ascertained processing times, the targeted pickup locations being within a defined distance of the current geolocation;; and
receive, from the computing device, an order input via the ordering interface indicating a pickup location from the list of the targeted pickup locations where the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged is to be picked up.
analyze, by the at least one processor, whether the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged is greater than the on-hand currency quantities of the different, second type of currency at the indicated pickup location; and
automatically initiate, based on each order input, allocating the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged at the indicated pickup location, by the at least one processor sending one or more control signals to an entity system of the indicated pickup location from the computing device, the one or more control signals requesting access to the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged, and by the at least one processor sending one or more control signals to the entity system of the indicated pickup location to initiate a physical currency transfer of a difference of the on-hand currency quantities of the different, second type of currency and the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged when the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged is greater than the on-hand currency quantity of the different, second type of currency at the indicated pickup location, the physical currency transfer including shipping the difference to the indicated pickup location.
These limitations, under their broadest reasonable interpretation, cover performance of the limitation as “Certain Methods of Organizing Human Activity”. The limitation of at least “receive an order input indicating a pickup location from the list of the targeted pickup locations where the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged is to be picked up” recites a fundamental economic practice. If a claim limitation, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation as a fundamental economic practice, then it falls within the “Certain Methods of Organizing Human Activity” grouping of abstract ideas. Accordingly, the claim recites an abstract idea.
The limitation of at least “a communication interface communicatively coupled to the at least one processor” in the Primary Independent Claim is just applying generic computer components to the recited abstract limitations. The recitation of generic computer components in a claim does not necessarily preclude that claim from reciting an abstract idea. The Additional Independent Claims are also abstract for similar reasons. (Step 2A-Prong 1: YES. The claims recite an abstract idea)
This judicial exception is not integrated into a practical application. The examiner did not find any additional elements that would cause further analysis. The computer hardware/software is/are recited at a high-level of generality (i.e., as a generic processor performing a generic computer function) such that it amounts no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using a generic computer component. Accordingly, these additional elements, when considered separately and as an ordered combination, do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because they do not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea and are at a high level of generality. Therefore, all the independent claims are directed to an abstract idea without a practical application. (Step 2A-Prong 2: NO. The additional claimed elements are not integrated into a practical application)
The claims do not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception because, when considered separately and as an ordered combination, they do not add significantly more (also known as an “inventive concept”) to the exception. As discussed above with respect to integration of the abstract idea into a practical application, the additional element of using a computer hardware and software per se amounts to no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using a generic computer component. Mere instructions to apply an exception using a generic computer component cannot provide an inventive concept. See MPEP 2106.05(f) where applying a computer as a tool is not indicative of significantly more as well as MPEP 2106.05(d). Accordingly, these additional elements, do not change the outcome of the analysis, when considered separately and as an ordered combination. Thus, all independent claims are not patent eligible. (Step 2B: NO. The claims do not provide significantly more)
Dependent claims further define the abstract idea that is present in their respective independent claims, and thus correspond to Certain Methods of Organizing Human Activity and hence are abstract for the reasons presented above. The dependent claims do not include any additional elements that integrate the abstract idea into a practical application or are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception when considered both individually and as an ordered combination. Therefore, the dependent claims are directed to an abstract idea. Thus, all the claims are not patent-eligible.
Restriction
Newly submitted claim 21-22 directed to an invention that is independent or distinct from the invention originally claimed for the following reasons: claims 21-22 are computer systems for “control inputs for requesting a direct order of the foreign currency to be delivered to the customer’s address”, while claims 1-20 are direct to pickup locations.
Since applicant has received an action on the merits for the originally presented invention, this invention has been constructively elected by original presentation for prosecution on the merits. Accordingly, the above cited newly submitted claims are withdrawn from consideration as being directed to a non-elected invention. See 37 CFR 1.142(b) and MPEP § 821.03.
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 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 1-6, 8-19, 21-22 listed below are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kurani (U.S. Patent 11734760) in view of She= Shearer (U.S. Patent 9412100)
Re claim 1 & 13 & 18: Kurani discloses:
A relational database management system of data structures facilitating file management and data retrieval, the system comprising: at least one processor; a communication interface communicatively coupled to the at least one processor; and a memory device storing executable code that, when executed, causes the at least one processor to: (see Kurani Fig 1)
A computing system for data retrieval, the computing system comprising: at least one processor; a communication interface communicatively coupled to the at least one processor; and a memory device storing executable code that, when executed, causes the at least one processor to: (see Kurani Fig 1)
A computer-implemented method, comprising: (see Kurani Fig 1)
Receive (transmit), across a network via an entity platform from a computing device, one or more inputs to access an interface to facilitate a currency conversion from a first type of currency of one regional entity to a different, second type of currency of one or more foreign regional entities, the entity platform incorporating information of one or more relational database in order to perform the currency conversion from the first type of currency of the one regional entity to the different, second type of currency of the one or more foreign regional entities; (see Kurani Figure 2 item 202, 204 + Fig 7 item 702 + Fig 11 item 1102 + Fig 10 128, 210)
initiate displaying, via the entity platform on a user interface of the computing device, an ordering interface to order the different second type of currency of the one or more foreign regional entities; (see Kurani Figure 2 item 202, 204 + Fig 9 item 902 + Fig 11 item 1102 + Fig 10 item 128, 210)
receive a selection input of a specific foreign regional entity of the one or more foreign regional entities, and based thereon access stored current exchange rate data from the one or more relational databases, the stored current exchange rate data indicating a present exchange rate between the first type of currency of the one regional entity and the different second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity; (seeKurani, Fig 11 item 1104-1112 “inventory” reads on “quantity” and “on-hand” + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + + Fig 10 128, 210)
initiate displaying (receive), via the entity platform on the user interface of the computing device, the present exchange rate and one or more control inputs for (a) specifying a quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged from the first type of currency of the one regional entity to the different, second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity, and (b) indicating a general regional location where the different, second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity is to be retrieved; (seeKurani, Fig 11 item 1104-1112 “inventory” reads on “quantity” and “on-hand” + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + Fig 10 128, 210)
receive, via the one or more control inputs, an indication of the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged and the general regional location where the different, second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity is to be retrieved; (see Kurani Figure 2 item 202, 204 + Fig 9 item 902 + Fig 11 item 1102 + Fig 10 item 128, 210)
perform data processing on currency data that indicate on-hand currency quantities of the different second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity at a plurality of entity pickup locations; (seeKurani, Fig 11 item 1104-1112 “inventory” reads on “quantity” and “on-hand” + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + Fig 10 128, 210)
ascertain processing times for the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged to be transported to targeted pickup locations of the plurality of entity pickup locations that are within the general regional location where the different, second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity is to be retrieved; ascertain, using a GPS system of the computing device, a current geolocation of the computing device and transmit current geolocation data of the current geolocation to the entity system; (seeKurani, Fig 11 item 1104-1112 + figure 8 item 128 + Fig 10 128, 210)
generate and initiate displaying, via the entity platform on the user interface of the computing device, a list of the targeted pickup locations where the different second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity can be retrieved and a corresponding earliest available time when the different second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity would be available for retrieval at each of the targeted pickup locations, the corresponding earliest available time being based on the on-hand currency quantities and the ascertained processing times, the targeted pickup locations being within a defined distance of the current geolocation;; and (seeKurani, Fig 2 item 204 + col 11 lines 25-30 “associated locations” Fig 11 item 1104-1112 + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + Fig 10 128, 210)
receive, from the computing device, an order input via the ordering interface indicating a pickup location from the list of the targeted pickup locations where the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged is to be picked up. (see Kurani, Fig 2 item 204 + col 11 lines 25-30 “associated locations” Fig 11 item 1104-1112 + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + Fig 10 128, 210)
analyze, by the at least one processor, whether the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged is greater than the on-hand currency quantities of the different, second type of currency at the indicated pickup location; and (see Kurani, Fig 2 item 204 + col 11 lines 25-30 “associated locations” Fig 11 item 1104-1112 + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + Fig 10 128, 210)
automatically initiate, based on each order input, allocating the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged at the indicated pickup location, by the at least one processor sending one or more control signals to an entity system of the indicated pickup location from the computing device, the one or more control signals requesting access to the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged, and by the at least one processor sending one or more control signals to the entity system of the indicated pickup location to initiate a physical currency transfer of a difference of the on-hand currency quantities of the different, second type of currency and the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged when the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged is greater than the on-hand currency quantity of the different, second type of currency at the indicated pickup location, the physical currency transfer including shipping the difference to the indicated pickup location. (see Kurani, Fig 2 item 204 + col 11 lines 25-30 “associated locations” Fig 11 item 1104-1112 + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + Fig 10 128, 210)
Although Kurani may not explicitly have pickup location, She more explicitly claims “pickup location”
Therefore it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the effect filling date was made to modify Kurani by adapting any features of She.
It is clear that one would be motivated by the teaching in the prior art that would have led one of ordinary skill to modify the prior art reference or to combine prior art reference teachings to arrive at the claimed invention. Specifically, both Kurani teaches Fig 10 exchange trading platform that is adapted in She system see She Figure 1-3.
Specifically, She teaches:
receive, from the computing device, an order input indicating a pickup location from the list of the targeted pickup locations where the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged is to be picked up. (see She Fig 2-3 item 224-310 + Fig 1 item 162 + 144)
Re claim 2 & 14: see claim 1 +
wherein the present exchange rate is based on market conditions, third-party exchange rates, a desired rate of return, and market risk. (seeKurani, Fig 11 item 1104-1112 “inventory” reads on “quantity” and “on-hand” + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + + Fig 10 128, 210)
Re claim 3 & 15: see claim 1 +
wherein the present exchange rate is different from and inferior to a rate applied to a business entity that is used to obtain the different, second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity, the business entity being associated with the entity platform. (seeKurani, Fig 11 item 1104-1112 “inventory” reads on “quantity” and “on-hand” + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + + Fig 10 128, 210)
Re claim 4 & 16 : see claim 1 +
wherein the present exchange rate is applied to the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged such that the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged differs from a quantity of the first type of currency of one regional entity that is provided in exchange for the different, second type of currency. (seeKurani, Fig 11 item 1104-1112 “inventory” reads on “quantity” and “on-hand” + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + + Fig 10 128, 210)
Re claim 5 & 19: see claim 1 +
wherein the initiating displaying of the present exchange rate further includes initiating displaying a rounded quantity of the first type of currency of the one regional entity that would need to be provided by a user at the pickup location and the different, second type of currency of the specific foreign regional entity that a business entity would provide at the pickup location in exchange for the rounded quantity of the first type of currency.
Re claim 6 & 17 & 19: see claim 1 +
wherein the executable code, when executed, further causes the at least one processor to: initiate displaying an authentication interface configured to receive authentication information of a user; receive user authentication information to authenticate the user in order to effectuate the order input received; authenticate the received user authentication information by comparing the received user authentication information to stored authentication information of entity customers; and based on successfully authenticating the received user authentication information, allocate the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged at the pickup location. (seeKurani, Fig 11 item 1104-1112 “inventory” reads on “quantity” and “on-hand” + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + + Fig 10 128, 210)
Re claim 7: see claim 1 +
cancelled
Re claim 8: see claim 1 +
wherein the shipping of the difference is from one or more of the targeted pickup locations. (seeKurani, Fig 2 item 204 + col 11 lines 25-30 “associated locations” Fig 11 item 1104-1112 + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + Fig 10 128, 210)
Re claim 9: see claim 1 +
wherein the shipping of the difference is from a closest physical location of the one or more of the targeted pickup locations. (seeKurani, Fig 2 item 204 + col 11 lines 25-30 “associated locations” Fig 11 item 1104-1112 + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + Fig 10 128, 210)
Re claim 10: see claim 1 +
wherein the shipping of the difference is from a currency distribution facility that houses currencys of the one or more foreign regional entities. (seeKurani, Fig 2 item 204 + col 11 lines 25-30 “associated locations” Fig 11 item 1104-1112 + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + Fig 10 128, 210)
Re claim 11: see claim 1 +
wherein the one or more control inputs have a minimum quantity applied thereto such that the indication of the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged must be higher than the minimum quantity in order for the indication to be received, wherein the minimum quantity is a predetermined amount set by a business entity. (seeKurani, Fig 2 item 204 + col 11 lines 25-30 “associated locations” Fig 11 item 1104-1112 + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + Fig 10 128, 210)
Re claim 12: see claim 1 +
wherein the one or more control inputs have a maximum quantity applied thereto such that the indication of the quantity of the different, second type of currency to be exchanged must be lower than the maximum quantity in order for the indication to be received, wherein the maximum quantity is a predetermined amount set by a business entity. (seeKurani, Fig 2 item 204 + col 11 lines 25-30 “associated locations” Fig 11 item 1104-1112 + figure 8 item 128 “on-hand” + Fig 10 128, 210)
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments have been fully considered and are not persuasive. Answers to the arguments on the amended limitations which change the scope of the claims, will be addressed in the action above. Applicant's art arguments are considered moot due to new grounds of rejection.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Satyavolu et al., U.S. Patent Pub 20110246292, discloses a comparison shopping and usage based service analysis for consumers, primarily for financial products.
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.
Contact Information
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Kirsten Apple whose telephone number is (571)272-5588. The examiner can normally be reached on M-F 9-5.
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, Michael Anderson can be reached on (571) 270-0508. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/KIRSTEN S APPLE/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3693
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