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 .
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 34-53 are allowable when the Non-Statutory Double Patenting rejection is overcome. The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
Regarding claims 34-43, claims are allowable at least for the reason that the prior art does not teach or reasonably suggest the step of modifying a drive signal for a motor of the pivotable scan mirror to adjust distances between the scan lines, wherein the modified drive signal causes the pivotable scan mirror to scan at a lower scan speed at a point in its motion and at a higher scan speed at another point in its motion as set forth in the claimed combination.
Boa et al (US 2018/0188355 A1 from IDS filed) discloses a method in a lidar system for scanning a field of regard (Fig. 3), the method comprising:
transmitting, using a laser (para 56 “light source 220”), a first beam of light (para 56 “212B”) to a polygon mirror (para 56 “polyhedron 102”) and a second beam of light (para 57 “213B”) to the polygon mirror (para 56 “polyhedron 102”),
wherein the polygon mirror comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces angularly offset from one another (para 40, lines 1-5 “… 102 can have six facets that are not all orthogonal… 102 can have facets that are asymmetrical, which can offset the vertical and horizontal scanning direction”) and rotates about a mirror axis (para 41 “about the pivot 120”);
transmitting the first (212B) and second (213B) beams of light to a pivotable scan mirror (para 68 “first rotational velocity of the concave reflector 112” satisfies a pivotal scan mirror) such that the pivotable scan mirror (112)
reflects the first and second beams of light (para 56 “212B … 212C … 312A”; para 57 “213B … 213C … 312B”) and
pivots to distribute the scan lines across the field of regard (para 56 “steered light pulses 312A can be directed to the objects in the FOV”; para 57 “steered light pulses 312B can be directed along a second optical axis 311B”);
receiving the first beam of light and the second beam of light scattered by one or more remote targets (targets that are being received by Lidar scanning system 300 of Fig. 3); and
detecting the first beam of light and second beam of light using a receiver that comprises a first detector configured to detect the first beam of scattered (para 44, line 12 “scatters the pulses of light in one or more directions”) light (by “first light detector 230A” of Fig. 3 and para 56) and a second detector configured to detect the second beam of scattered light (by “second light detector 230B” of Fig. 3 and para 56).
However, the prior art does not teach or reasonably suggest the step of modifying a drive signal for a motor of the pivotable scan mirror to adjust distances between the scan lines, wherein the modified drive signal causes the pivotable scan mirror to scan at a lower scan speed at a point in its motion and at a higher scan speed at another point in its motion as set forth in the claimed combination.
Regarding claims 44-53, claims are allowable at least for the reason that the prior art does not teach or reasonably suggest the step of modifying a drive signal for a motor of the optical element to adjust distances between the scan lines, wherein the modified drive signal causes the optical element to scan at different scan speeds at different points in its motion as set forth in the claimed combination.
Boa et al (US 2018/0188355 A1 from IDS filed) discloses a method in a lidar system for scanning a field of regard (Fig. 3), the method comprising:
transmitting, using a laser (para 56 “light source 220”), a first beam of light (para 56 “212B”) to a polygon mirror (para 56 “polyhedron 102”) and a second beam of light (para 57 “213B”) to the polygon mirror (para 56 “polyhedron 102”),
wherein the polygon mirror comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces angularly offset from one another (para 40, lines 1-5 “… 102 can have six facets that are not all orthogonal… 102 can have facets that are asymmetrical, which can offset the vertical and horizontal scanning direction”) and rotates about a mirror axis (para 41 “about the pivot 120”);
transmitting the first (212B) and second (213B) beams of light to an optical element (para 68 “first rotational velocity of the concave reflector 112” satisfies a pivotal scan mirror) such that the optical element distributes the first and second pulses to two different locations across the field of regard (first and second beams of light of para 56 “212B … 212C … 312A”; para 57 “213B … 213C … 312B” to distribute the scan lines across the field of regard para 56 “steered light pulses 312A can be directed to the objects in the FOV”; para 57 “steered light pulses 312B can be directed along a second optical axis 311B”);
receiving the first beam of light and the second beam of light scattered by one or more remote targets (targets that are being received by Lidar scanning system 300 of Fig. 3); and
detecting the first beam of light and second beam of light using a receiver that comprises a first detector configured to detect the first beam of scattered (para 44, line 12 “scatters the pulses of light in one or more directions”) light (by “first light detector 230A” of Fig. 3 and para 56) and a second detector configured to detect the second beam of scattered light (by “second light detector 230B” of Fig. 3 and para 56).
However, the prior art does not teach or reasonably suggest the step of modifying a drive signal for a motor of the optical element to adjust distances between the scan lines, wherein the modified drive signal causes the optical element to scan at different scan speeds at different points in its motion as set forth in the claimed combination.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 34-44, 46-53 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-3, 8, 13-15, 19 and 20 of U.S. Patent No. 11,933,895. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the claimed subject matters are already patented in a parent case.
Patent Application 18/603,652
US Patent 11,933,895 B2
34. A method in a lidar system for scanning a field of regard, the method comprising:
transmitting, using a laser, a first beam of light to a polygon mirror and a second beam of light to the polygon mirror,
wherein the polygon mirror comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces angularly offset from one another and rotates about a mirror axis;
transmitting the first and second beams of light to a pivotable scan mirror such that the pivotable scan mirror
(i) reflects the first and second beams of light and
(ii) pivots to distribute the scan lines across the field of regard;
modifying a drive signal for a motor of the pivotable scan mirror to adjust distances between the scan lines, wherein the modified drive signal causes the pivotable scan mirror to scan at a lower scan speed at a point in its motion and at a higher scan speed at another point in its motion;
receiving the first beam of light and the second beam of light scattered by one or more remote targets; and detecting the first beam of light and second beam of light using a receiver that comprises a first detector configured to detect the first beam of scattered light and a second detector configured to detect the second beam of scattered light.
1. A lidar system comprising:
one or more light sources configured to generate a first beam of light and a second beam of light;
a scanner configured to scan the first and second beams of light across a field of regard of the lidar system, the scanner comprising:
a rotatable polygon mirror comprising a plurality of reflective surfaces angularly offset from one another along a periphery of the polygon mirror, the reflective surfaces configured to reflect the first and second beams of light to produce a series of scan lines as the polygon mirror rotates; and
a pivotable scan mirror configured to
(i) reflect the first and second beams of light and
(ii) pivot to distribute the scan lines across the field of regard;
a controller configured to modify a drive signal for a motor of the pivotable scan mirror to adjust distances between the scan lines, wherein the modified drive signal causes the scan mirror to have a lower scan speed near a middle of its motion and a higher scan speed away from the middle of its motion so that scan lines near a middle region of the field of regard have a higher density than scan lines away from the middle region; and
a receiver configured to detect the first beam of light and the second beam of light scattered by one or more remote targets, wherein the receiver comprises:
a first detector configured to detect the first beam of scattered light, and a second detector configured to detect the second beam of scattered light.
44. A method in a lidar system for scanning a field of regard, the method comprising:
transmitting a first beam of light to a polygon mirror and a second beam of light to the polygon mirror, wherein the polygon mirror rotates about a mirror axis;
transmitting the first and second beams of light to an optical element such that the optical element distributes the first and second pulses to two different locations across the field of regard;
modifying a drive signal for a motor of the optical element to adjust distances between the scan lines, wherein the modified drive signal causes the optical element to scan at different scan speeds at different points in its motion;
receiving the first beam of light and the second beam of light scattered by one or more remote targets; and detecting the first beam of light scattered by one or more remote targets using a first detector and the second beam of light scattered by the one or more remote targets using a second detector.
1. A lidar system comprising:
one or more light sources configured to generate a first beam of light and a second beam of light;
a scanner configured to scan the first and second beams of light across a field of regard of the lidar system, the scanner comprising:
a rotatable polygon mirror comprising a plurality of reflective surfaces angularly offset from one another along a periphery of the polygon mirror, the reflective surfaces configured to reflect the first and second beams of light to produce a series of scan lines as the polygon mirror rotates; and
a pivotable scan mirror configured to
(i) reflect the first and second beams of light and
(ii) pivot to distribute the scan lines across the field of regard;
a controller configured to modify a drive signal for a motor of the pivotable scan mirror to adjust distances between the scan lines, wherein the modified drive signal causes the scan mirror to have a lower scan speed near a middle of its motion and a higher scan speed away from the middle of its motion so that scan lines near a middle region of the field of regard have a higher density than scan lines away from the middle region; and
a receiver configured to detect the first beam of light and the second beam of light scattered by one or more remote targets, wherein the receiver comprises:
a first detector configured to detect the first beam of scattered light, and a second detector configured to detect the second beam of scattered light.
37. The method of claim 34, wherein during transmitting, the first and second beams of light are both reflected by one reflective surface at a time as the polygon mirror rotates; and during receiving, the first and second beams of scattered light are both reflected by the one reflective surface of the polygon mirror and by the pivotable scan mirror prior to being directed to the receiver.
48. The method of claim 44, wherein during transmitting, the first and second beams of light are both reflected by one reflective surface at a time as the polygon mirror rotates; and during receiving, the first and second beams of scattered light are both transmitted by the one reflective surface of the polygon mirror and by the optical element prior to being directed to the receiver.
2. The lidar system of Claim 1,
wherein: the first and second beams of light are directed to the polygon mirror so that the first and second beams of light are both reflected by one reflective surface at a time as the polygon mirror rotates; and the first and second beams of scattered light are both reflected by the one reflective surface of the polygon mirror and by the pivotable scan mirror prior to being directed to the receiver.
38. The method of claim 34, wherein the first beam of light and the second beam of light have different wavelengths.
49. The method of claim 44, wherein the first beam of light and the second beam of light have different wavelengths.
15. The lidar system of claim 1, wherein the first beam of light and the second beam of light have different wavelengths.
39. The method of claim 34, wherein the first and second beams of light are transmitted to the polygon mirror so that, as the polygon mirror rotates, the first and second beams of light are reflected by different reflective surfaces of the polygon mirror.
50. The method of claim 44, wherein the first and second beams of light are transmitted to the polygon mirror so that, as the polygon mirror rotates, the first and second beams of light are reflected by different reflective surfaces of the polygon mirror.
3. The lidar system of Claim 1, wherein the first and second beams of light are directed to the polygon mirror so that, as the polygon mirror rotates, the first and second beams of light are reflected by different reflective surfaces of the polygon mirror.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein each pulse of light has (i) a wavelength between 1400 nm and 1600 nm, (ii) a pulse duration between 1 nanosecond and 20 nanoseconds, and (iii) a pulse energy between 0.1 microjoules and 100 microjoules.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein each pulse of light has (i) a wavelength between 1400 nm and 1600 nm, (ii) a pulse duration between 1 nanosecond and 20 nanoseconds, and (iii) a pulse energy between 0.1 microjoules and 100 microjoules.
14. The lidar system of Claim 1, wherein each of the first and second beams of light comprises pulses of light, wherein each pulse of light has (i) a wavelength between 1400 nm and 1600 nm, (ii) a pulse duration between 1 nanosecond and 20 nanoseconds, and (iii) a pulse energy between 0.1 microjoules and 100 microjoules.
40. The method of claim 34, wherein each scan line corresponds to a reflection of the first or second beam of light from one of the reflective surfaces of the polygon mirror.
51. The method of claim 44, wherein each scan line corresponds to a reflection of the first or second beam of light from one of the reflective surfaces of the polygon mirror.
8. The lidar system of claim 1, wherein each scan line corresponds to a reflection of the first or second beam of light from one of the reflective surfaces of the polygon mirror.
41. The method of claim 34, wherein first and second beams of light comprise light from a laser diode followed by one or more optical-amplification stages.
52. The method of claim 44, wherein first and second beams of light comprise light from a laser diode followed by one or more optical-amplification stages.
13. The lidar system of claim 1, wherein the one or more light sources comprise a laser diode that is current-modulated to produce optical pulses, wherein the laser diode is followed by one or more optical-amplification stages.
42. The method of claim 34, wherein the rotatable polygon mirror comprises a block having edges or corners that are rounded or chamfered.
53. The method of claim 44, wherein the rotatable polygon mirror comprises a block having edges or corners that are rounded or chamfered.
20. The lidar system of claim 1, wherein the rotatable polygon mirror comprises a block having edges or corners that are rounded or chamfered.
43. The method of claim 34, wherein the rotatable polygon mirror comprises a block that is made from glass, plastic, polycarbonate, metal, carbon fiber, or ceramic.
19. The lidar system of claim 1, wherein the rotatable polygon mirror comprises a block that is made from glass, plastic, polycarbonate, metal, carbon fiber, or ceramic.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to EUNCHA P CHERRY whose telephone number is (571)272-2310. The examiner can normally be reached M to F 7am to 3:30pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Pinping Sun can be reached on (571) 270-1284. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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1/24/2026
/EUNCHA P CHERRY/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2872