DETAILED ACTION
This action is in reply to the amendment filed on 08/28/2026.
Claims 1, 4, 10, 11, and 20 have been amended.
Claims 1-20 have been examined and are pending.
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
With regard to the Double Patenting rejection, the arguments have been considered but they are not persuasive. The amendments were not substantial to overcome the Double Patenting rejection. The rejection is therefore maintained.
With regard to the 101 rejection, the arguments have been considered but they are not persuasive. In step 2A Prong Two, the applicant asserted in page 9 that “. . . Similarly, amended independent claim 11 integrates the alleged judicial exception into a practical application of an improved computing system. The improved computing system enables improved tracking of the cassettes, which allows the cassettes to be replaced when needed to store or dispense bills as needed . . .” However, upon reconsidering the claim amendments, the claim leverages the use of GPS tracking device to detect the movement or location of the cassette. This does not add to the improvement of technology but more on a notifying purpose to prevent any potential fraudulent activity. The judicial exception relies on the existing technology to send the notification. Hence, the limitations are not indicative of integration into a practical application: adding the words ‘apply it’ (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or mere instructions to implement an abstract idea on a computer, or merely uses a computer as a tool to perform an abstract idea - see MPEP 2106.05(f).
In Step 2B Prong Two, the applicant alleged the claim amendment is similar to those of DDR Holding. However, the Examiner does not see the parallel between the claims of the instant application and those of DDR Holdings. In DDR Holdings an improvement in web technology was used to address the problem of retaining web customers. DDR Holdings was solving a problem introduced by technology, such that it was a technological solution to a technological problem. Whereas the Applicants’ invention is a technological solution to a problem rooted in an abstract idea. The claims of the instant case employ a computer system comprising a storage device and a processor suitably programmed to perform the claimed functions. In light of the Alice decision and the July 2015 Update of Interim Guidance Identifying Abstract Ideas the features such as “receiving a location of the cassette", “transmitting the location of the cassette. . . ”, “determining the location of the cassette . . .”, “generating an indication . . .” are not considered an improvement to another technology or technical field, or an improvement to the functioning of the computer itself. These features recited in the claim are only further refinements of the abstract idea. That does not change the fact that the claim is drawn to abstract ideas. There are no improvements to another technology or technical field, no improvements to the functioning of the computer itself, transformation or reduction of a particular article to a different state or thing or any other meaningful limitations beyond generally linking the use of an abstract idea to a particular technological environment as a result of performing the claimed method. As discussed earlier, the claimed steps of the method are all functions that are conventional for a computer system, which in the Applicant’s invention comprises a storage device and a processor. The claimed sequence of steps comprises only "steps, specified at a high level of generality," which is insufficient to supply an "inventive concept." Id. at 2357 (quoting Mayo, 132 S. Ct. at 1294, 1297, 1300). Also the addition of merely novel or non-routine components to the claimed idea does not necessarily turn an abstraction into something concrete (See Ultramercial, Inc. v. Hulu, LLC, _ F.3d_, 2014 WL 5904902, (Fed. Cir. Nov. 14, 2014). In Alice also the system was specifically programmed to perform the claimed functions.
The Limitations that are not indicative of an inventive concept (aka “significantly more”): Adding the words “apply it” (or an equivalent) with the judicial exception, or mere instructions to implement an abstract idea on a computer, or merely uses a computer as a tool to perform an abstract idea - see MPEP 2106.05(f).
Therefore, the claim is not patent eligible.
With regard to the 103 rejection, the arguments have been considered and they are persuasive. The Applicant asserted in page 13 that “Kurian, however, does not cure the deficiencies of Blake” in light of the amended limitations “‘a second sensor structured to receive a fill level of the cassette’”. Furthermore, in page 15, the Applicant asserted that “[additionally], using a timer alone could not be used to determine ‘the distance from which the cassette is moved to ensure that it is within a periphery area.’ A velocity of a cassette would need to be known in order to determine a distance traveled. Blake does not disclose, teach or suggest any system, method, or other means for determining a velocity of a ‘secure coin cassette’.”
In addition, Kurian teaches: A portable item transfer container typically includes an item storage unit and an item transfer unit configured to (i) dispense items stored in the item storage unit and (ii) receive items and store the items in the item storage unit. The container also typically includes a memory, a processor, and an item transfer application stored in the memory. The item transfer application is typically configured to: receive an activity request from a user, wherein the activity request includes (i) a request to withdraw items or (ii) a request to store items; authenticate an identity of the user; determine that the location of the container is within an authorized region of the user; and in response to authenticating the identity of the user and determining that the location of the portable item transfer container is within the authorized region of the user, process the activity request.
Blake teaches: A method of repurposing coins includes the acts of discharging processed mixed coins into a coin bin, receiving a first request for a number of or value of coins of a first denomination from an authorized person, outputting the mixed coins from the coin bin onto a coin conveyor responsive to the received first request, conveying the mixed coins output from the coin bin, using the coin conveyor, to the coin processing machine for repurposing, and discharging the coins of the first denomination from the coin processing machine to a secure coin cassette and discharging coins of a denomination other than the first denomination back to the coin bin. These acts of outputting, conveying and discharging are continued until the number of or value of coins of the first denomination have been discharged to the secure coin cassette.
Turocy teaches: In an example embodiment, there is described herein an apparatus comprising a cassette operable to store documents, the cassette having an external surface, an electrophoretic display coupled with the external surface, and a wireless interface coupled with the cassette and operably coupled with the electrophoretic display. In particular embodiments, the electrophoretic display is operable to receive data representative of configuration from a wireless device in data communication with the wireless interface.
None of the cited references, individually or in combination, established a prima facie case for an obviousness type rejection. Hence, the art rejection is withdrawn.
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 §§ 706.02(l)(1) - 706.02(l)(3) 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 USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The 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/process/file/efs/guidance/eTD-info-I.jsp.
Claim 1-20 are provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-9, 11-15, 17-20 of Patent No. 11954984 (parent), claims 1-20 of Patent No. 11620878 (grandparent case). The claims are not patentably distinct from each other because they are both directed to methods for recirculation of bills in multiple systems. The claims from the current application are anticipated by the claims of the Patent Nos. 11954984, 11620878.
Current Application 18/609936
Patent No. 11954984
1. A cassette for receiving and dispensing bills, the cassette comprising: a sensor structured to receive a location of the cassette; a second sensor structured to receive a fill level of the cassette; a security interface structured to receive a user input; and memory having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: transmit the location of the cassette to a remote computing device; determine that the location of the cassette has changed; receive information indicating that the cassette was manipulated including at least one of: accessing or servicing the cassette based on receiving the user input at the security interface, or moving the cassette based on the sensor detecting that the location of the cassette has changed; and generate an indication that the location of the cassette has changed, a time the location of the cassette was changed, and how the cassette was manipulated, and the fill level of the cassette.
2. The cassette of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transceiver configured to transmit data to the remote computing device and receive data from the remote computing device via a wireless network.
3. The cassette of claim 2, wherein the wireless transceiver is one of a WiFi transceiver or a Bluetooth transceiver.
4. The cassette of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a global positioning system (GPS) transceiver.
5. The cassette of claim 1, further comprising a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transmitter, wherein an RFID reader positioned within a host device is configured to determine one or more parameters of the cassette based on an RFID code.
6. The cassette of claim 1, wherein the cassette is configured for use in both an ATM and a teller station.
7. The cassette of claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable battery, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to transmit a battery level of the rechargeable battery to the remote computing device.
8. The cassette of claim 1, further comprising an encoded identifier, wherein a sensor positioned within a host device is configured to determine one or more parameters of the cassette by scanning the encoded identifier.
9. The cassette of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to store, in a database, the location of the cassette.
10. The cassette of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to: communicably couple to a host device, the cassette positioned at the host device; receive, from the host device, information regarding the location of the host device; and determine the location of the cassette based on the information regarding the location of the host device; wherein the sensor is configured to receive the information regarding the location of the host device.
11. A method comprising: receiving, by a first computing device, an indication of a first location of a first cassette from a first sensor associated with the first cassette and a fill level associated with the first cassette from a second sensor; responsive to the fill level being above a first threshold or below a second threshold; identifying, by the first computing device, a second cassette, different than the first cassette, based on receiving a second location of the second cassette from a third sensor associated with the second cassette, the second location of the second cassette being within a predetermined distance of the first location of the first cassette; and transmitting, by the first computing device and to a second computing device, a notification identifying the second cassette.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first computing device and the second computing device are configured to transmit and receive data via a wireless network.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the location of the cassette is determined based on global positioning system (GPS) data received by a GPS transceiver of the first cassette.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the first cassette and the second cassette are configured for use in both an ATM and a teller station.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising receiving, by the first computing device, a battery level of a rechargeable battery of the first cassette.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the indication of the location of the first cassette is received from a host device, the host device housing the first cassette.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising detecting, by the first computing device, the first cassette after the first cassette is docked in a host device, wherein detecting the first cassette further includes determining one or more parameters of the first cassette.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first cassette is detected based on a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the first cassette.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the first cassette is detected by capturing image data of a QR code or a bar code positioned on an exterior surface of the first cassette.
20. One or more memory devices having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving, from a first sensor and via a control circuit of a first universal cassette, receiving, from a second sensor and via the control circuit of the first universal cassette, a fill level associated with the first universal cassette; responsive to the fill level being above a first threshold or below a second threshold, an indication of a first location of the first universal cassette; identifying, based on the location, a second universal cassette different than the first universal cassette for replacing the first universal cassette based on receiving a second location of the second universal cassette and the second location being within a predetermined distance of the first location universal cassette; and transmitting, to a remote computing device, a notification identifying the second universal cassette.
1. (Previously Presented) A cassette for receiving and dispensing bills, the cassette comprising: a sensor structured to detect a location of the cassette; and memory having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: transmit the location of the cassette to a remote computing device; determine that the location of the cassette has changed; and generate an indication that the location of the cassette has changed; wherein the indication is an audit log, and the instructions further cause the one or more processors to generate the audit log by: determining that a user has manipulated the cassette by accessing, moving, or servicing the cassette; and storing, in a database, a record comprising an identification of the user, a time and date associated with the manipulation of the cassette, and an indication of how the cassette was manipulated.
2. (Original) The cassette of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transceiver configured to transmit data to the remote computing device and receive data from the remote computing device via a wireless network.
3. (Original) The cassette of claim 2, wherein the wireless transceiver is one of a WiFi transceiver or a Bluetooth transceiver.
4. (Original) The cassette of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a global positioning system (GPS) transceiver.
5. (Original) The cassette of claim 1, further comprising a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transmitter, wherein an RFID reader positioned within a host device is configured to determine one or more parameters of the cassette based on an RFID code.
6. (Original) The cassette of claim 1, wherein the cassette is configured for use in both an ATM and a teller station.
7. (Original) The cassette of claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable battery, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to transmit a battery level of the rechargeable battery to the remote computing device.
8. (Currently Amended) The cassette of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a first sensor, and further comprising an encoded identifier, wherein a second sensor positioned within a host device is configured to determine one or more parameters of the cassette by scanning the encoded identifier.
9. (Original) The cassette of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to store, in a database, the location of the cassette.
10. (Canceled)
11. (Currently Amended) A method comprising: receiving, by a first computing device from a first cassette, an indication of a location of the first cassette; identifying, by the first computing device, a second cassette based on the location of the first cassette, the second cassette being within a predetermined geographical area with respect to the first cassette; transmitting, by the first computing device and to a second computing device, a notification identifying the second cassette; generating, by the first computing device, a log indicating a time and a description for one or more events associated with the first cassette, wherein the one or more events comprise a user accessing, moving, or servicing the first cassette; and storing, in a database, a record comprising an identification of the user, an indication of the one or more events associated with the first cassette, and [[a]] the time and a date associated with the one or more events associated with the first cassette.
12. (Original) The method of claim 11, wherein the first computing device and the second computing device are configured to transmit and receive data via a wireless network.
13. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 11, wherein the location of the first cassette is determined based on global positioning system (GPS) data received by a GPS transceiver of the first cassette.
14. (Original) The method of claim 11, wherein the first cassette and the second cassette are configured for use in both an ATM and a teller station.
15. (Original) The method of claim 11, further comprising receiving, by the first computing device, a battery level of a rechargeable battery of the first cassette.
16. (Canceled)
17. (Original) The method of claim 11, further comprising detecting, by the first computing device, the first cassette after the first cassette is docked in a host device, wherein detecting the first cassette further includes determining one or more parameters of the first cassette.
18. (Original) The method of claim 17, wherein the first cassette is detected based on a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the first cassette.
19. (Original) The method of claim 17, wherein the first cassette is detected by capturing image data of a QR code or a bar code positioned on an exterior surface of the first cassette.
20. (Currently Amended) One or more memory devices having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving, from a control circuit of a first universal cassette, an indication of a location of the first universal cassette; identifying, based on the location, a second universal cassette for replacing the first universal cassette; transmitting, to a remote computing device, a notification identifying the second universal cassette; generating a log indicating a time and a description for one or more events associated with the first universal cassette, wherein the one or more events comprise a user accessing, moving, or servicing the first universal cassette; and storing, in a database, a record comprising an identification of the user, an indication of the one or more events associated with the first universal cassette, and [[a]] the time and a date associated with the one or more events associated with the first universal cassette.
Current Application 18/609936
Patent No. 11620878
1. A cassette for receiving and dispensing bills, the cassette comprising: a sensor structured to receive a location of the cassette; a second sensor structured to receive a fill level of the cassette; a security interface structured to receive a user input; and memory having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: transmit the location of the cassette to a remote computing device; determine that the location of the cassette has changed; receive information indicating that the cassette was manipulated including at least one of: accessing or servicing the cassette based on receiving the user input at the security interface, or moving the cassette based on the sensor detecting that the location of the cassette has changed; and generate an indication that the location of the cassette has changed, a time the location of the cassette was changed, and how the cassette was manipulated, and the fill level of the cassette.
2. The cassette of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transceiver configured to transmit data to the remote computing device and receive data from the remote computing device via a wireless network.
3. The cassette of claim 2, wherein the wireless transceiver is one of a WiFi transceiver or a Bluetooth transceiver.
4. The cassette of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a global positioning system (GPS) transceiver.
5. The cassette of claim 1, further comprising a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transmitter, wherein an RFID reader positioned within a host device is configured to determine one or more parameters of the cassette based on an RFID code.
6. The cassette of claim 1, wherein the cassette is configured for use in both an ATM and a teller station.
7. The cassette of claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable battery, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to transmit a battery level of the rechargeable battery to the remote computing device.
8. The cassette of claim 1, further comprising an encoded identifier, wherein a sensor positioned within a host device is configured to determine one or more parameters of the cassette by scanning the encoded identifier.
9. The cassette of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to store, in a database, the location of the cassette.
10. The cassette of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to: communicably couple to a host device, the cassette positioned at the host device; receive, from the host device, information regarding the location of the host device; and determine the location of the cassette based on the information regarding the location of the host device; wherein the sensor is configured to receive the information regarding the location of the host device.
11. A method comprising: receiving, by a first computing device, an indication of a first location of a first cassette from a first sensor associated with the first cassette and a fill level associated with the first cassette from a second sensor; responsive to the fill level being above a first threshold or below a second threshold; identifying, by the first computing device, a second cassette, different than the first cassette, based on receiving a second location of the second cassette from a third sensor associated with the second cassette, the second location of the second cassette being within a predetermined distance of the first location of the first cassette; and transmitting, by the first computing device and to a second computing device, a notification identifying the second cassette.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first computing device and the second computing device are configured to transmit and receive data via a wireless network.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the location of the cassette is determined based on global positioning system (GPS) data received by a GPS transceiver of the first cassette.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the first cassette and the second cassette are configured for use in both an ATM and a teller station.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising receiving, by the first computing device, a battery level of a rechargeable battery of the first cassette.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the indication of the location of the first cassette is received from a host device, the host device housing the first cassette.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising detecting, by the first computing device, the first cassette after the first cassette is docked in a host device, wherein detecting the first cassette further includes determining one or more parameters of the first cassette.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first cassette is detected based on a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the first cassette.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the first cassette is detected by capturing image data of a QR code or a bar code positioned on an exterior surface of the first cassette.
20. One or more memory devices having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving, from a first sensor and via a control circuit of a first universal cassette, receiving, from a second sensor and via the control circuit of the first universal cassette, a fill level associated with the first universal cassette; responsive to the fill level being above a first threshold or below a second threshold, an indication of a first location of the first universal cassette; identifying, based on the location, a second universal cassette different than the first universal cassette for replacing the first universal cassette based on receiving a second location of the second universal cassette and the second location being within a predetermined distance of the first location universal cassette; and transmitting, to a remote computing device, a notification identifying the second universal cassette.
1. (Previously Presented) A cassette for receiving and dispensing bills, the cassette comprising: a first sensor structured to detect a fill level of the cassette; a second sensor structured to detect a location of the cassette; and memory having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive, at one or more time intervals, data from the first sensor indicating the fill level of the cassette; transmit the location of the cassette and an indication of the fill level of the cassette to a remote computing device; in response to determining that the fill level of the cassette is outside of a threshold value, transmit a notification to the remote computing device; determine that the location of the cassette has changed; and generate an audit log comprising an indication that the location of the cassette has changed.
2. (Original) The cassette of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transceiver configured to transmit data to the remote computing device and receive data from the remote computing device via a wireless network.
3. (Currently Amended) The cassette of claim 2, wherein the wireless transceiver is one of a WiFi transceiver or a Bluetooth transceiver.
4. (Original) The cassette of claim 1, wherein the second sensor is a global positioning system (GPS) transceiver.
5. (Original) The cassette of claim 1, further comprising a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transmitter, wherein an RFID reader positioned within a host device is configured to determine one or more parameters of the cassette based on an RFID code.
6. (Original) The cassette of claim 1, wherein the cassette is configured for use in both an ATM and a teller station.
7. (Previously Presented) The cassette of claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable battery, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to transmit a battery level of the rechargeable battery to the remote computing device.
8. (Original) The cassette of claim 1, further comprising an encoded identifier, wherein a camera positioned within a host device is configured to determine one or more parameters of the cassette by scanning the encoded identifier.
9. (Currently Amended) The cassette of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the one or more processors to store, in a database and at each of the one or more time intervals, the location and the fill level of the cassette.
10. (Currently Amended) The cassette of claim 1, wherein generating the audit log comprises: determining that a user has manipulated the cassette by accessing, moving, or servicing the cassette; and store, in a database, a record comprising an identification of the user, a time and date associated with the manipulation of the cassette, and an indication of how the cassette was manipulated.
11. (Previously Presented) A method comprising: receiving, by a first computing device from a first cassette configured to receive and dispense bills, an indication of a fill level of the first cassette; receiving, by the first computing device from the first cassette, an audit log comprising an indication of a location of the first cassette; and in response to determining that the fill level of the first cassette exceeds a threshold limit: determining, by the first computing device, the location of the first cassette based on the audit log; identifying, by the first computing device, a second cassette based on the location of the first cassette, the second cassette being within a predetermined geographical area with respect to the first cassette; and transmitting, by the first computing device and to a second computing device, a notification indicating that the fill level of the first cassette exceeds the threshold limit and identifying the second cassette.
12. (Original) The method of claim 11, wherein the first computing device and the second computing device are configured to transmit and receive data via a wireless network.
13. (Currently Amended) The method of claim 11, wherein the location of the first cassette is determined based on global positioning system (GPS) data received by a GPS transceiver of the first cassette[[;]].
14. (Original) The method of claim 11, wherein the first cassette and the second cassette are configured for use in both an ATM and a teller station.
15. (Original) The method of claim 11, further comprising receiving, by the first computing device, a battery level of a rechargeable battery of the first cassette.
16. (Original) The method of claim 11, further comprising generating, by the first computing device, a log indicating a time and a description for one or more events associated with the first cassette, wherein the one or more events comprise a user accessing, moving, or servicing the first cassette.
17. (Original) The method of claim 11, further comprising detecting, by the first computing device, the first cassette after the first cassette is docked in a host device, wherein detecting the first cassette further includes determining one or more parameters of the first cassette.
18. (Original) The method of claim 17, wherein the first cassette is detected based on a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the first cassette.
19. (Original) The method of claim 17, wherein the first cassette is detected by capturing image data of a QR code or a bar code positioned on an exterior surface of the first cassette.
20. (Currently Amended) One or more memory devices having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving, from a control circuit of a first universal cassette configured to receive and dispense bills, an indication of a fill level of the first universal cassette; receiving, from the control circuit of the first universal cassette, an audit log comprising an indication of a location of the first universal cassette; and in response to determining that the fill level of the first universal cassette exceeds a threshold limit: determining the location of the first universal cassette based on the audit log and a denomination of the bills contained within the first universal cassette; identifying, based on the location and the denomination, a second universal cassette for replacing the first universal cassette, the second universal cassette configured to receive and dispense bills of a similar denomination to the first universal cassette; and transmitting, to a remote computing device, a notification indicating that the fill level of the first universal cassette exceeds the threshold limit and identifying the second universal cassette.
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.
Claims 1-20 are directed to a method, a system, or product which are one of the statutory categories of invention. (Step 1: Yes).
Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to a judicial exception (i.e., a law of nature, a natural phenomenon, or an abstract idea) without significantly more. Claims 1-20 are directed to an abstract idea, Method of Organizing Human Activity. The claims do not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception because the additional computer elements, which are recited at a high level of generality, provide generic computer functions that do not add meaningful limits to practicing the abstract idea.
Claim 1, for instance, recites, in part, A cassette for receiving and dispensing bills, the cassette comprising: a first sensor structured to receive a location of the cassette; a second sensor structured to receive a fill level of the cassette; a security interface structured to receive a user input; and memory having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: transmit the location of the cassette to a remote computing device; determine that the location of the cassette has changed; receive information indicating that the cassette was manipulated including: accessing or servicing the cassette based on receiving the user input at the security interface, and moving the cassette based on the first sensor detecting that the location of the cassette has changed; and generate an indication that the location of the cassette has changed, a time the location of the cassette was changed, how the cassette was s manipulated, and the fill level of the cassette. These limitations are directed to recirculation of bills in multiple systems – business relations (commercial interactions). Hence, it falls within the “Certain Methods of Organizing Human Activity” grouping of abstract ideas. Accordingly, the claim recites an abstract idea.
Claim 11, for instance, recites, in part, receiving, by a first computing device, an indication of a first location of a first cassette from a first sensor associated with the first cassette and a fill level associated with the first cassette from a second sensor; responsive to the fill level being above a first threshold or below a second threshold; identifying, by the first computing device, a second cassette, different than the first cassette, based on receiving a second location of the second cassette from a third sensor associated with the second cassette, the second location of the second cassette being within a predetermined distance of the first location of the first cassette; and transmitting, by the first computing device and to a second computing device, a notification identifying the second cassette. These limitations are directed to recirculation of bills in multiple systems – business relations (commercial interactions). Hence, it falls within the “Certain Methods of Organizing Human Activity” grouping of abstract ideas. Accordingly, the claim recites an abstract idea.
Claim 20, for instance, recites, in part, One or more memory devices having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising: receiving, from a first sensor and via a control circuit of a first universal cassette, receiving, from a second sensor and via the control circuit of the first universal cassette, a fill level associated with the first universal cassette; responsive to the fill level being above a first threshold or below a second threshold an indication of a first location of the first universal cassette; identifying a second universal cassette different than the first universal cassette for replacing the first universal cassette based on receiving a second location of the second universal cassette and the second location being within a predetermined distance of the first location; and transmitting, to a remote computing device, a notification identifying the second universal cassette.. These limitations are directed to recirculation of bills in multiple systems – business relations (commercial interactions). Hence, it falls within the “Certain Methods of Organizing Human Activity” grouping of abstract ideas. Accordingly, the claim recites an abstract idea.
This judicial exception is not integrated into a practical application. In particular, the claim only recites additional elements such as a cassette, a memory, one or more processors, a remote computing device recited at a high-level of generality (receiving, generating, and configuring) such that it amounts no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using a generic computer component. Accordingly, these additional elements do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because they do not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea. The claim is directed to an abstract idea
Next the claim as a whole is analyzed to determine whether any element, or combination of elements, is sufficient to ensure the claim amounts to significantly more than an abstract idea. Claims 1-20 do not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception because the additional elements are merely performing the abstract idea on a generic device i.e., abstract idea and apply it. There is no improvement to computer technology or computer functionality MPEP 2106.05(a) nor a particular machine MPEP 2106.05(b) nor a particular transformation MPEP 2106.05(c). Given the above reasons, a generic processing device helps to compose a risk profile and purchase insurance based on such risk for a property is not an Inventive Concept. Thus, the claim is not patent eligible.
The dependent claims have been given the full two part analysis (Step 2A – 2-prong tests and step 2B) including analyzing the additional limitations both individually and in combination. The dependent claim(s) when analyzed both individually and in combination are also held to be patent ineligible under 35 U.S.C. 101 because for the same reasoning as above and the additional recited limitation(s) fail(s) to establish that the claim(s) is/are not directed to an abstract idea. The additional limitations of the dependent claim(s) when considered individually and as ordered combination do not amount to significantly more than the abstract idea.
The dependent claims 2 and 12 have been given the full two part analysis (Step 2A – 2-prong tests and step 2B) including analyzing the additional limitations both individually and in combination. The dependent claim(s) when analyzed both individually and in combination are also held to be patent ineligible under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claims recite transmitting data over to a remote computing device and the additional recited limitation(s) fail(s) to establish that the claim(s) is/are not directed to an abstract idea. The additional elements (such as a cassette, a computing device, a wireless network) of the dependent claim(s) when considered individually and as ordered combination do not amount to significantly more than the abstract idea. Also, these additional elements are recited at a high level of generality. They do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because they do not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea. Therefore, the claims are not patent eligible.
The dependent claims 3 has been given the full two part analysis (Step 2A – 2-prong tests and step 2B) including analyzing the additional limitations both individually and in combination. The dependent claim(s) when analyzed both individually and in combination are also held to be patent ineligible under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claim recites wireless transceiver and the additional recited limitation(s) fail(s) to establish that the claim(s) is/are not directed to an abstract idea. The additional elements (such as a WiFi transceiver, or a Bluetooth transceiver) of the dependent claim(s) when considered individually and as ordered combination do not amount to significantly more than the abstract idea. Also, these additional elements are recited at a high level of generality. They do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because they do not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea. Therefore, the claims are not patent eligible.
The dependent claims 4 and 13 have been given the full two part analysis (Step 2A – 2-prong tests and step 2B) including analyzing the additional limitations both individually and in combination. The dependent claim(s) when analyzed both individually and in combination are also held to be patent ineligible under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claims recite a global positioning system transceiver and the additional recited limitation(s) fail(s) to establish that the claim(s) is/are not directed to an abstract idea. The claim recites determining area in the property and generating profile model. The additional elements (such as a GPS transceiver, a cassette) of the dependent claim(s) when considered individually and as ordered combination do not amount to significantly more than the abstract idea. Also, these additional elements are recited at a high level of generality. They do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because they do not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea. Therefore, the claims are not patent eligible.
The dependent claims 5 and 18 have been given the full two part analysis (Step 2A – 2-prong tests and step 2B) including analyzing the additional limitations both individually and in combination. The dependent claim(s) when analyzed both individually and in combination are also held to be patent ineligible under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claims recite determining one or more parameters of the cassette and the additional recited limitation(s) fail(s) to establish that the claim(s) is/are not directed to an abstract idea. The additional elements (such as a radio-frequency transmitter, a host device, a cassette) of the dependent claim(s) when considered individually and as ordered combination do not amount to significantly more than the abstract idea. Also, these additional elements are recited at a high level of generality. They do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because they do not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea. Therefore, the claims are not patent eligible.
The dependent claims 6 and 14 have been given the full two part analysis (Step 2A – 2-prong tests and step 2B) including analyzing the additional limitations both individually and in combination. The dependent claim(s) when analyzed both individually and in combination are also held to be patent ineligible under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claims recite cassette used in both ATM and teller station and the additional recited limitation(s) fail(s) to establish that the claim(s) is/are not directed to an abstract idea. The additional elements (such as a cassette, an ATM, and a teller station) of the dependent claim(s) when considered individually and as ordered combination do not amount to significantly more than the abstract idea. Also, these additional elements are recited at a high level of generality. They do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because they do not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea. Therefore, the claims are not patent eligible.
The dependent claims 7, 8, 15, 19 have been given the full two part analysis (Step 2A – 2-prong tests and step 2B) including analyzing the additional limitations both individually and in combination. The dependent claim(s) when analyzed both individually and in combination are also held to be patent ineligible under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claims recite a rechargeable battery, scanning the encoded identifier and the additional recited limitation(s) fail(s) to establish that the claim(s) is/are not directed to an abstract idea. The additional elements (such as a rechargeable battery, a remote computing device, a sensor, a cassette, an encode identifier) of the dependent claim(s) when considered individually and as ordered combination do not amount to significantly more than the abstract idea. Also, these additional elements are recited at a high level of generality. They do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because they do not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea. Therefore, the claims are not patent eligible.
The dependent claims 9 and 17 have been given the full two part analysis (Step 2A – 2-prong tests and step 2B) including analyzing the additional limitations both individually and in combination. The dependent claim(s) when analyzed both individually and in combination are also held to be patent ineligible under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claims recite storing a location of a cassette and the additional recited limitation(s) fail(s) to establish that the claim(s) is/are not directed to an abstract idea. The additional elements (such as one or more processors, a database, a cassette, a host device) of the dependent claim(s) when considered individually and as ordered combination do not amount to significantly more than the abstract idea. Also, these additional elements are recited at a high level of generality. They do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because they do not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea. Therefore, the claims are not patent eligible.
The dependent claims 10 and 16 have been given the full two part analysis (Step 2A – 2-prong tests and step 2B) including analyzing the additional limitations both individually and in combination. The dependent claim(s) when analyzed both individually and in combination are also held to be patent ineligible under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claims recite receiving information regarding the location of the host device and determining the location of the cassette and the additional recited limitation(s) fail(s) to establish that the claim(s) is/are not directed to an abstract idea. The additional elements (such as one or more processors, a database, a cassette, a host device) of the dependent claim(s) when considered individually and as ordered combination do not amount to significantly more than the abstract idea. Also, these additional elements are recited at a high level of generality. They do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because they do not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea. Therefore, the claims are not patent eligible.
Therefore, Claims 1-20 are not drawn to eligible subject matter as they are directed to an abstract idea without significantly more.
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any 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 TOAN DUC BUI whose telephone number is (571)272-0833. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8-5:00 PM.
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, Mike W. Anderson can be reached at (571) 270-0508. 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.
/TOAN DUC BUI/Examiner, Art Unit 3693
/BRUCE I EBERSMAN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3693
