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 .
CLAIM INTERPRETATION
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitation(s) is/are: means for in claims 16-20, the applicant’s specification paragraph 0021-0023 show the master node comprises the means for.
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim(s) 1-7, 10, 13-15, 18-20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Parillo et al. (U.S. Pub No. 2013/0192932 A1) in view of De Greef et al. (U.S. Pub No. 2015/0104673 A1) in further view of Bennett et al. (U.S. Pub No. 2017/0019897 A1).
1, Parillo teaches an elevator communication system [abstract, Also disclosed is a method of communicating elevator safety information in an elevator system. The method includes collecting information from a safety device at a hoistway node arranged at an elevator pit, processing the information at the hoistway node into a communication signal],
a master node connected to the communication bus; at least one slave node connected to the communication bus [fig 1,par 0014, In further accordance with the exemplary embodiment, elevator control system 2 includes a second bus 55 that directly links elevator car 14 with controller 4. More specifically, second bus 55 carries communication signals from a car safety node 60 that is linked to a car safety devices 64 which may include switches required by local code authority such as a car gate switch, safety operated switch, emergency escape switches, in-car emergency stop switches, door zone sensors, emergency terminal speed limiting device sensors, normal terminal stopping device sensors and the like. Communications may also include any pre-flight check commands to car node 60 enabling a check of all safety signals prior to the start of the next run of the elevator. The paragraph and figure shows a car safety node (master node) connected to via bus to slave device (car safety devices ];
wherein the master node and the at least one slave node are configured to apply, for data communication in the communication bus [fig 1, par 0014, In further accordance with the exemplary embodiment, elevator control system 2 includes a second bus 55 that directly links elevator car 14 with controller 4. More specifically, second bus 55 carries communication signals from a car safety node 60 that is linked to a car safety devices 64 which may include switches required by local code authority such as a car gate switch. The paragraph and figure shows a car safety node (master node) connected to via bus to slave device (car safety devices)],
Parillo fail to show comprising: a communication bus applying a master - slave protocol; a repeating frame structure in which a first time slot of a frame is reserved for the master node and in the remaining time slots of the frame each slave node of the at least one slave node has a dedicated time slot; and wherein the master node is configured to extend the time between consecutive frames in order to enable a power saving mode for the communication bus
In an analogous art De Greef show comprising: a communication bus applying a master - slave protocol [abstract, In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes a bi-directional communication bus, a set of battery sections connected to the bi-directional communication bus, and a battery manager circuit bi-directional communication bus. Each of the battery sections of the set has a clock circuit. The battery manager circuit is configured to communicate with the set of battery sections via the bi-directional communication bus using a synchronous master-slave communication protocol]
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of Parillo and De Greef because information can be used by the battery manager to improve the performance of the battery, which is critical for any electric vehicle due to the relatively short driving range and limitations on the ability to recharge the battery.
Parillo and De Greef fail to show a repeating frame structure in which a first time slot of a frame is reserved for the master node and in the remaining time slots of the frame each slave node of the at least one slave node has a dedicated time slot; and wherein the master node is configured to extend the time between consecutive frames in order to enable a power saving mode for the communication bus
In an analogous art Bennett show a repeating frame structure in which a first time slot of a frame is reserved for the master node [par 0004, 0023, a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame. Each frame is divided into a plurality of consecutive blocks and each block is divided into a plurality of consecutive time slots. A first predefined time slot in each block is used for announcement transmissions. The system includes a master transmitter capable of transmitting a master time mark during a second predefined time slot in each block. The master time mark includes a time slot reservation area for indicating dynamic allocation of time slots. In one embodiment, each time mark 302, 304, is allocated two time slots 200; specifically, time slots 0 and 1 are dedicated for use by master time mark 302],
and in the remaining time slots of the frame each slave node of the at least one slave node has a dedicated time slot [par 0023, time slots 2 and 3 are dedicated for use by slave time mark 304(1), and time slots 4 and 5 are dedicated for use by slave time mark 304(2). The number of time slots allocated for use by time marks 302, 304 is based upon the amount of data to be included within each time mark. Time slot 127 is dedicated for announcement 308 transmission by tags 102],
and wherein the master node is configured to extend the time between consecutive frames in order to enable a power saving mode for the communication bus [par 0034, 0057, Optionally, one or both of slave transmitters 108(1) and 108(2) may be included to extend operation of system 100 beyond the transmission range of master transmitter 106. Slave transmitters 108(1) and 108. If, during operation, tag 102 is unable to receive master time mark 302, it may expand its receive period to also include slave time marks 304, if available. Then, upon receiving slave time mark 304, tag 102 may then configure itself to listen only to the strongest (master or slave) time mark 302, 304 until that is no longer received];
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of Parillo, De Greef, and Bennett provides a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame.[Benett par 0004]
2, Parillo, De Greef, and Bennett describes the elevator communication system of claim 1, Parillo and De Greef fail to show wherein the first time slot is preceded by a frame synchronization comprising idle bytes and a master node identifier byte, wherein the master node is configured to: increase the number of idle bytes in the frame synchronization in order to enable the power saving mode.
In an analogous art Bennett show wherein the first time slot is preceded by a frame synchronization comprising idle bytes and a master node identifier byte [par 0005, 0045, 0047, A master transmitter periodically transmits a time mark during a first predefined time slot of a plurality of consecutive time slots that form a transmission block. An allocator allocates, at least partly based upon the received announcement transmission, a third time slot of the plurality of time slots to the wireless transmitting device. A time slot reservation area of at least one subsequently transmitted time mark includes indication of the allocation of the third time slot to the wireless transmitting device. where tag announce 308 packet contains a long serial number or MAC address that uniquely identifies tag 102. Optionally, announcement 308 also includes other parameters from tag 102 (e.g., battery level, and so on). Announcement 308 is limited in length to duration dt of a single time slot 200. With some probability due to collision with another announce packet from another tag 102, announce 308 may not be received by any receiver 104. When this occurs, tag 102 does not receive any time slot reservation information in the appropriate master time mark 302 or slave time marks 304 and therefore tag 102 configures itself to sleep for a variable period of between one and five seconds and then listens for a next master time mark 302 or slave time mark 304 and tries to announce again],
wherein the master node is configured to: increase the number of idle bytes in the frame synchronization in order to enable the power saving mode[par 0034, 0057, Optionally, one or both of slave transmitters 108(1) and 108(2) may be included to extend operation of system 100 beyond the transmission range of master transmitter 106. Slave transmitters 108(1) and 108. If, during operation, tag 102 is unable to receive master time mark 302, it may expand its receive period to also include slave time marks 304, if available. Then, upon receiving slave time mark 304, tag 102 may then configure itself to listen only to the strongest (master or slave) time mark 302, 304 until that is no longer received];
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of Parillo, De Greef, and Bennett provides a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame.[Benett par 0004]
3, Parillo, De Greef, and Bennett creates the elevator communication system of claim 1, wherein the master node is configured to receive from an elevator controller a command to enter the power saving mode [Parillo, par 0010, Propulsion system 10 includes a motor 12 that shifts an elevator car 14 along a hoistway (not shown) and a brake 13 for stopping elevator car 14. Controller 4 is also operatively connected to a safety control node 24. Safety node 24 includes a power disconnect 26 that is configured and disposed to sever power to propulsion system 20 in the event of a safety issue].
4, Parillo, De Greef, and Bennett demonstrate the elevator communication system of claim 1, Parillo and De Greef fail to show wherein the at least one slave node is configured to: enter the power saving mode when a duration between consecutive frames exceeds a predetermined threshold.
In an analogous art Bennett show wherein the at least one slave node is configured to: enter the power saving mode when a duration between consecutive frames exceeds a predetermined threshold [par 0042, Since tag 102 is listening for a period greater than the duration of one transmission block 300, it is assured of receiving master time mark 302 and/or slave time mark 304 when in range of an operational system 100. When tag 102 does not receive a master time make (or slave time mark) it assumes that it is not within range of operational system 100 and returns to its low-power mode].
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of Parillo, De Greef, and Bennett provides a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame.[Benett par 0004]
5, Parillo, De Greef, and Bennett demonstrate the elevator communication system of 1, wherein the master node is configured to: read at least one of its safety inputs; determine a change in at least one read safety input [Parillo, par 0014, More specifically, second bus 55 carries communication signals from a car safety node 60 that is linked to a car safety devices 64 which may include switches required by local code authority such as a car gate switch, safety operated switch, emergency escape switches, in-car emergency stop switches, door zone sensors, emergency terminal speed limiting device sensors, normal terminal stopping device sensors and the like. Communications may also include any pre-flight check commands to car node 60 enabling a check of all safety signals prior to the start of the next run of the elevator];
and re-initiate data communication via the communication bus in response to determining the change [par 0016, first bus 40 may be configured to directly link hoistway safety node 30 to power disconnect 26. In this manner, signals indicating a potential safety issue are sent directly to Propulsion system 10 to affect operation of elevator car 14 without requiring input or delay from controller 4. That is, in the event of a safety issue emanating from hoistway safety node 30, first bus 40 can bypass controller 4 and directly signal propulsion system 10 to stop operation of elevator car 14].
6, Parillo, De Greef, and Bennett reveal the elevator communication system of claim 1, wherein: a slave node is configured to: read at least one its safety input; determine a change in at least one read safety input[Parillo, par 0014, More specifically, second bus 55 carries communication signals from a car safety node 60 that is linked to a car safety devices 64 which may include switches required by local code authority such as a car gate switch, safety operated switch, emergency escape switches, in-car emergency stop switches, door zone sensors, emergency terminal speed limiting device sensors, normal terminal stopping device sensors and the like. Communications may also include any pre-flight check commands to car node 60 enabling a check of all safety signals prior to the start of the next run of the elevator];
and transmit an indication associated with the change to the master node in order to re-initiate data communication via the communication bus; and the master node is configured to: re-initiate data communication via the communication bus in response to the indication [par 0017, The direct link between the hoistway safety node, controller, and propulsion system reduces signal processing time for potential pit and/or lower hoistway safety related signals. In addition, the direct link minimizes the number and length of conductors passing though the hoistway and along the traveling cable. Similarly, the direct link between the elevator car, the controller, the propulsion system, and the operational control reduces signal processing time for potential car safety signals. In addition, the direct link reduces the number of conducted passing along the traveling cable].
7, Parillo, De Greef, and Bennett provides the elevator communication system of claim 1, Parillo and De Greef fail to show wherein the communication bus comprises an ethernet communication bus.
In an analogous art Bennett show wherein the communication bus comprises an ethernet communication bus [par 0017, Network 120 is for example based upon one or more of Ethernet, Wi-Fi, UWB, cellular and USB].
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of Parillo, De Greef, and Bennett provides a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame.[Benett par 0004]
10, De Greef, Bennett, and Parillo provides an elevator system comprising the elevator communication system of claim 1 [Parillo, abstract, An elevator safety system including a controller, and a hoistway safety node arranged at a pit portion of an elevator hoistway. The hoistway node is operatively connected to one of a pit safety device and a lower hoistway device arranged at the elevator pit].
13, De Greef and Bennett display the method of claim 11, De Greef and Bennett fail to show further comprising: receiving, by the master node, from an elevator controller a command to enter the power saving mode.
In an analogous art Parillo show further comprising: receiving, by the master node, from an elevator controller a command to enter the power saving mode[Parillo, par 0010, Propulsion system 10 includes a motor 12 that shifts an elevator car 14 along a hoistway (not shown) and a brake 13 for stopping elevator car 14. Controller 4 is also operatively connected to a safety control node 24. Safety node 24 includes a power disconnect 26 that is configured and disposed to sever power to propulsion system 20 in the event of a safety issue].
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of De Greef, Bennett, and Parillo because this would cause the direct link between the hoistway safety node, controller, and propulsion system reduces signal processing time for potential pit and/or lower hoistway safety related signals. [Parillo, par 0017]
14, De Greef and Bennett provides the method of claim 11, De Greef and Bennett fail to show further comprising: reading, by the master node at least one its safety input; determining, by the master node, a change in at least one read safety input; and re-initiating, by the master node, data communication via the communication bus in response to determining the change.
In an analogous art Parillo show further comprising: reading, by the master node at least one its safety input; determining, by the master node[Parillo, par 0014, More specifically, second bus 55 carries communication signals from a car safety node 60 that is linked to a car safety devices 64 which may include switches required by local code authority such as a car gate switch, safety operated switch, emergency escape switches, in-car emergency stop switches, door zone sensors, emergency terminal speed limiting device sensors, normal terminal stopping device sensors and the like. Communications may also include any pre-flight check commands to car node 60 enabling a check of all safety signals prior to the start of the next run of the elevator];
a change in at least one read safety input; and re-initiating, by the master node, data communication via the communication bus in response to determining the change[par 0016, first bus 40 may be configured to directly link hoistway safety node 30 to power disconnect 26. In this manner, signals indicating a potential safety issue are sent directly to Propulsion system 10 to affect operation of elevator car 14 without requiring input or delay from controller 4. That is, in the event of a safety issue emanating from hoistway safety node 30, first bus 40 can bypass controller 4 and directly signal propulsion system 10 to stop operation of elevator car 14].
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of De Greef, Bennett, and Parillo because this would cause the direct link between the hoistway safety node, controller, and propulsion system reduces signal processing time for potential pit and/or lower hoistway safety related signals. [Parillo, par 0017]
15. De Greef and Bennett disclose the method of claim 11, Dr Greef and Bennett fail to show further comprising: reading, by a slave node, at least one its safety input; determining, by the slave node, a change in at least one read safety input; transmitting, by the slave node, an indication associated with the change to the master node in order to re-initiate data communication via the communication bus; and re-initiating, by the master node, data communication via the communication bus in response to the indication.
In an analogous art Parillo show further comprising: reading, by a slave node, at least one its safety input; determining, by the slave node, a change in at least one read safety input Parillo, par 0014, More specifically, second bus 55 carries communication signals from a car safety node 60 that is linked to a car safety devices 64 which may include switches required by local code authority such as a car gate switch, safety operated switch, emergency escape switches, in-car emergency stop switches, door zone sensors, emergency terminal speed limiting device sensors, normal terminal stopping device sensors and the like. Communications may also include any pre-flight check commands to car node 60 enabling a check of all safety signals prior to the start of the next run of the elevator];
a change in at least one read safety input; transmitting, by the slave node, an indication associated with the change to the master node in order to re-initiate data communication via the communication bus; and re-initiating, by the master node, data communication via the communication bus in response to the indication [par 0017, The direct link between the hoistway safety node, controller, and propulsion system reduces signal processing time for potential pit and/or lower hoistway safety related signals. In addition, the direct link minimizes the number and length of conductors passing though the hoistway and along the traveling cable. Similarly, the direct link between the elevator car, the controller, the propulsion system, and the operational control reduces signal processing time for potential car safety signals. In addition, the direct link reduces the number of conducted passing along the traveling cable].
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of De Greef, Bennett, and Parillo because this would cause the direct link between the hoistway safety node, controller, and propulsion system reduces signal processing time for potential pit and/or lower hoistway safety related signals. [Parillo, par 0017]
18, De Greef and Bennett display the master node of claim 16, De Greef and Bennett fail to show wherein, the master node comprises: means for receiving from an elevator controller a command to enter the power saving mode.
In an analogous art Parillo show wherein, the master node comprises: means for receiving from an elevator controller a command to enter the power saving mode[Parillo, par 0010, Propulsion system 10 includes a motor 12 that shifts an elevator car 14 along a hoistway (not shown) and a brake 13 for stopping elevator car 14. Controller 4 is also operatively connected to a safety control node 24. Safety node 24 includes a power disconnect 26 that is configured and disposed to sever power to propulsion system 20 in the event of a safety issue].
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of De Greef, Bennett, and Parillo because this would cause the direct link between the hoistway safety node, controller, and propulsion system reduces signal processing time for potential pit and/or lower hoistway safety related signals. [Parillo, par 0017]
19. De Greef and Bennett describe the master node of claim 16 wherein, De Greef and Bennett fail to show the master node comprises: means for reading at least one its safety input; means for determining a change in at least one read safety input; and means for re-initiating data communication via the communication bus in response to determining the change.
In an analogous art Parillo show the master node comprises: means for reading at least one its safety input; means for determining a change in at least one read safety input [Parillo, par 0014, More specifically, second bus 55 carries communication signals from a car safety node 60 that is linked to a car safety devices 64 which may include switches required by local code authority such as a car gate switch, safety operated switch, emergency escape switches, in-car emergency stop switches, door zone sensors, emergency terminal speed limiting device sensors, normal terminal stopping device sensors and the like. Communications may also include any pre-flight check commands to car node 60 enabling a check of all safety signals prior to the start of the next run of the elevator];
and means for re-initiating data communication via the communication bus in response to determining the change[par 0016, first bus 40 may be configured to directly link hoistway safety node 30 to power disconnect 26. In this manner, signals indicating a potential safety issue are sent directly to Propulsion system 10 to affect operation of elevator car 14 without requiring input or delay from controller 4. That is, in the event of a safety issue emanating from hoistway safety node 30, first bus 40 can bypass controller 4 and directly signal propulsion system 10 to stop operation of elevator car 14].
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of De Greef, Bennett, and Parillo because this would cause the direct link between the hoistway safety node, controller, and propulsion system reduces signal processing time for potential pit and/or lower hoistway safety related signals. [Parillo, par 0017]
20. De Greef and Bennett reveal the master node of claim 16, De Greef and Bennett fail to show wherein, the master node comprises: means for receiving, from a slave node, an indication associated with a change of at least safety input of the slave node; and means for re-initiating data communication via the communication bus in response to the indication.
In an analogous art Parillo show wherein, the master node comprises: means for receiving, from a slave node, an indication associated with a change of at least safety input of the slave node Parillo, par 0014, More specifically, second bus 55 carries communication signals from a car safety node 60 that is linked to a car safety devices 64 which may include switches required by local code authority such as a car gate switch, safety operated switch, emergency escape switches, in-car emergency stop switches, door zone sensors, emergency terminal speed limiting device sensors, normal terminal stopping device sensors and the like. Communications may also include any pre-flight check commands to car node 60 enabling a check of all safety signals prior to the start of the next run of the elevator];
and means for re-initiating data communication via the communication bus in response to the indication[par 0017, The direct link between the hoistway safety node, controller, and propulsion system reduces signal processing time for potential pit and/or lower hoistway safety related signals. In addition, the direct link minimizes the number and length of conductors passing though the hoistway and along the traveling cable. Similarly, the direct link between the elevator car, the controller, the propulsion system, and the operational control reduces signal processing time for potential car safety signals. In addition, the direct link reduces the number of conducted passing along the traveling cable].
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of De Greef, Bennett, and Parillo because this would cause the direct link between the hoistway safety node, controller, and propulsion system reduces signal processing time for potential pit and/or lower hoistway safety related signals. [Parillo, par 0017]
Claim(s) 8, 9 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Parillo et al. (U.S. Pub No. 2013/0192932 A1) in view of De Greef et al. (U.S. Pub No. 2015/0104673 A1) in further view of Bennett et al. (U.S. Pub No. 2017/0019897 A1) in further view of Oberski (U.S. Pub No. 2013/0149912 A1).
8, Parillo, De Greef, and Bennett display the elevator communication system of claim 7, Parillo, De Greef, and Bennett fail to show wherein the ethernet communication bus comprises at least one of: one or more point-to-point ethernet bus segments; or one or more multi-drop ethernet bus segments.
In an analogous art Oberski show wherein the ethernet communication bus comprises at least one of: one or more point-to-point ethernet bus segments; or one or more multi-drop ethernet bus segments [par 0067, The communications interface 420 differs from the communications interface 320 in that the communications interface 420 includes a first set of three manual switches 412 that are used to configure the input RJ-45 jack 430 into one of either a standard Ethernet configuration or an Ethernet/multi-drop configuration]
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of Parillo, De Greef, Bennett, and Oberski because adjacent controllers may be interconnected by a single patch cord that carries both the Ethernet and multi-drop communications. [Oberski par 0030]
9, Parillo, De Greef, Bennett, and Oberski provide the elevator communication system of claim 8, Parillo, De Greef, and Bennett fail to show wherein the point-to-point ethernet bus segment comprises 100BASE-TX or 10BASET1L point-to-point ethernet bus segment, and the multi-drop ethernet bus segment comprises a 10BASE-T1S multi-drop ethernet bus segment.
In an analogous art Oberski show wherein the point-to-point ethernet bus segment comprises 100BASE-TX or 10BASET1L point-to-point ethernet bus segment, and the multi-drop ethernet bus segment comprises a 10BASE-T1S multi-drop ethernet bus segment [par 0057, Embodiments of the present invention may take advantage of the fact that lower throughput Ethernet communications such as 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX communications only use two of the four differential pairs (pairs 2 and 3) of conductors that are provided in Ethernet connectors and cables].
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of Parillo, De Greef, Bennett, and Oberski because adjacent controllers may be interconnected by a single patch cord that carries both the Ethernet and multi-drop communications. [Oberski par 0030]
Claim(s) 11, 12, 16, 17, 21, 22 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over De Greef et al. (U.S. Pub No. 2015/0104673 A1) in view of Bennett et al. (U.S. Pub No. 2017/0019897 A1)
11, De Greef create describe a method comprising: applying, by a master node and at least one slave node, a master – slave protocol in a communication bus between the master node and the at least one slave node [abstract, par 0066, Each of the battery sections of the set has a clock circuit. The battery manager circuit is configured to communicate with the set of battery sections via the bi-directional communication bus using a synchronous master-slave communication protocol, Regarding communication via the first end 250 of the daisy-chain bus, each daisy-chain bus segment 209a is located between two successive LIICS devices 201, with each bus segment 209a being connected to the master terminal 225a of one LIICS device 201, and to the slave terminal 225b of another LIICS device 201. The respective master and slave terminals 225a, 225b are part of the LIICS device's COM section 223],
wherein the master node and the at least one slave node are configured to apply, for data communication in the communication bus [par 0065, 0066, For data communication via the second ends (260, 360, and 460) of the daisy-chain buses, the direction in which data and messages are transmitted in the following description is reversed and master/slave terminal designations in the following description are reversed. As shown in FIG. 2A, the master and slave terminal designations are defined by the positions of those terminals relative to the host--for each daisy-chain bus segment 209a, the master terminal is the terminal 225a located nearer to the first end 250 of the daisy chain bus and the slave terminal 225b is the terminal located farther from first end 250 of the daisy chain bus. Note that for communication via the second end of the daisy chain bus, these master and slave designations are reversed]
De Greef fail to show a repeating frame structure in which a first time slot of a frame is reserved for the master node and in the remaining time slots of the frame each slave node of the at least one slave node has a dedicated time slot; and
extending, by the master node, the time between consecutive frames in order to
enable a power saving mode for the communication bus.
In an analogous art Bennett show a repeating frame structure in which a first time slot of a frame is reserved for the master node[par 0004, 0023, a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame. Each frame is divided into a plurality of consecutive blocks and each block is divided into a plurality of consecutive time slots. A first predefined time slot in each block is used for announcement transmissions. The system includes a master transmitter capable of transmitting a master time mark during a second predefined time slot in each block. The master time mark includes a time slot reservation area for indicating dynamic allocation of time slots. In one embodiment, each time mark 302, 304, is allocated two time slots 200; specifically, time slots 0 and 1 are dedicated for use by master time mark 302],
and in the remaining time slots of the frame each slave node of the at least one slave node has a dedicated time slot[par 0023, time slots 2 and 3 are dedicated for use by slave time mark 304(1), and time slots 4 and 5 are dedicated for use by slave time mark 304(2). The number of time slots allocated for use by time marks 302, 304 is based upon the amount of data to be included within each time mark. Time slot 127 is dedicated for announcement 308 transmission by tags 102],
and extending, by the master node, the time between consecutive frames in order to enable a power saving mode for the communication bus[par 0034, 0057, Optionally, one or both of slave transmitters 108(1) and 108(2) may be included to extend operation of system 100 beyond the transmission range of master transmitter 106. Slave transmitters 108(1) and 108. If, during operation, tag 102 is unable to receive master time mark 302, it may expand its receive period to also include slave time marks 304, if available. Then, upon receiving slave time mark 304, tag 102 may then configure itself to listen only to the strongest (master or slave) time mark 302, 304 until that is no longer received];
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of De Greef, and Bennett provides a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame.[Benett par 0004]
12. DeGreef and Bennett provide the method of claim 11, De Greef fail to show wherein the first time slot is preceded by a frame synchronization comprising idle bytes and a master node identifier byte, and the method further comprises: increasing, by the master node, the number of idle bytes in the frame synchronization in order to enable the power saving mode.
In an analogous art Bennett wherein the first time slot is preceded by a frame synchronization comprising idle bytes and a master node identifier byte [par 0005, 0045, 0047, A master transmitter periodically transmits a time mark during a first predefined time slot of a plurality of consecutive time slots that form a transmission block. An allocator allocates, at least partly based upon the received announcement transmission, a third time slot of the plurality of time slots to the wireless transmitting device. A time slot reservation area of at least one subsequently transmitted time mark includes indication of the allocation of the third time slot to the wireless transmitting device. where tag announce 308 packet contains a long serial number or MAC address that uniquely identifies tag 102. Optionally, announcement 308 also includes other parameters from tag 102 (e.g., battery level, and so on). Announcement 308 is limited in length to duration dt of a single time slot 200. With some probability due to collision with another announce packet from another tag 102, announce 308 may not be received by any receiver 104. When this occurs, tag 102 does not receive any time slot reservation information in the appropriate master time mark 302 or slave time marks 304 and therefore tag 102 configures itself to sleep for a variable period of between one and five seconds and then listens for a next master time mark 302 or slave time mark 304 and tries to announce again],
wherein the master node is configured to: increase the number of idle bytes in the frame synchronization in order to enable the power saving mode[par 0034, 0057, Optionally, one or both of slave transmitters 108(1) and 108(2) may be included to extend operation of system 100 beyond the transmission range of master transmitter 106. Slave transmitters 108(1) and 108. If, during operation, tag 102 is unable to receive master time mark 302, it may expand its receive period to also include slave time marks 304, if available. Then, upon receiving slave time mark 304, tag 102 may then configure itself to listen only to the strongest (master or slave) time mark 302, 304 until that is no longer received];
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of De Greef, and Bennett provides a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame.[Benett par 0004]
16, De Greef teaches a master node comprising: means for applying a master - slave protocol in a communication bus between the master node and at least one slave node [abstract, par 0066, Each of the battery sections of the set has a clock circuit. The battery manager circuit is configured to communicate with the set of battery sections via the bi-directional communication bus using a synchronous master-slave communication protocol, Regarding communication via the first end 250 of the daisy-chain bus, each daisy-chain bus segment 209a is located between two successive LIICS devices 201, with each bus segment 209a being connected to the master terminal 225a of one LIICS device 201, and to the slave terminal 225b of another LIICS device 201. The respective master and slave terminals 225a, 225b are part of the LIICS device's COM section 223],
wherein the master node and the at least one slave node are configured to apply, for data communication in the communication bus[par 0065, 0066, For data communication via the second ends (260, 360, and 460) of the daisy-chain buses, the direction in which data and messages are transmitted in the following description is reversed and master/slave terminal designations in the following description are reversed. As shown in FIG. 2A, the master and slave terminal designations are defined by the positions of those terminals relative to the host--for each daisy-chain bus segment 209a, the master terminal is the terminal 225a located nearer to the first end 250 of the daisy chain bus and the slave terminal 225b is the terminal located farther from first end 250 of the daisy chain bus. Note that for communication via the second end of the daisy chain bus, these master and slave designations are reversed]
De Greef fail to show a repeating frame structure in which a first time slot of a frame is reserved for the master node and in the remaining time slots of the frame each slave node of the at least one slave node has a dedicated time slot; means for extending the time between consecutive frames in order to enable a power saving mode for the communication bus.
In an analogous art Bennett show a repeating frame structure in which a first time slot of a frame is reserved for the master node[par 0004, 0023, a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame. Each frame is divided into a plurality of consecutive blocks and each block is divided into a plurality of consecutive time slots. A first predefined time slot in each block is used for announcement transmissions. The system includes a master transmitter capable of transmitting a master time mark during a second predefined time slot in each block. The master time mark includes a time slot reservation area for indicating dynamic allocation of time slots. In one embodiment, each time mark 302, 304, is allocated two time slots 200; specifically, time slots 0 and 1 are dedicated for use by master time mark 302],
and in the remaining time slots of the frame each slave node of the at least one slave node has a dedicated time slot[par 0023, time slots 2 and 3 are dedicated for use by slave time mark 304(1), and time slots 4 and 5 are dedicated for use by slave time mark 304(2). The number of time slots allocated for use by time marks 302, 304 is based upon the amount of data to be included within each time mark. Time slot 127 is dedicated for announcement 308 transmission by tags 102],
and extending, by the master node, the time between consecutive frames in order to enable a power saving mode for the communication bus[par 0034, 0057, Optionally, one or both of slave transmitters 108(1) and 108(2) may be included to extend operation of system 100 beyond the transmission range of master transmitter 106. Slave transmitters 108(1) and 108. If, during operation, tag 102 is unable to receive master time mark 302, it may expand its receive period to also include slave time marks 304, if available. Then, upon receiving slave time mark 304, tag 102 may then configure itself to listen only to the strongest (master or slave) time mark 302, 304 until that is no longer received];
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of De Greef, and Bennett provides a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame.[Benett par 0004]
17. De Greef and Bennett reveal the master node of claim 16, De Greef fail to show wherein the first time slot is preceded by a frame synchronization comprising idle bytes and a master node identifier byte, and the master node comprises: means for increasing the number of idle bytes in the frame synchronization in order to enable the power saving mode.
In an analogous art Bennett show wherein the first time slot is preceded by a frame synchronization comprising idle bytes and a master node identifier byte[par 0005, 0045, 0047, A master transmitter periodically transmits a time mark during a first predefined time slot of a plurality of consecutive time slots that form a transmission block. An allocator allocates, at least partly based upon the received announcement transmission, a third time slot of the plurality of time slots to the wireless transmitting device. A time slot reservation area of at least one subsequently transmitted time mark includes indication of the allocation of the third time slot to the wireless transmitting device. where tag announce 308 packet contains a long serial number or MAC address that uniquely identifies tag 102. Optionally, announcement 308 also includes other parameters from tag 102 (e.g., battery level, and so on). Announcement 308 is limited in length to duration dt of a single time slot 200. With some probability due to collision with another announce packet from another tag 102, announce 308 may not be received by any receiver 104. When this occurs, tag 102 does not receive any time slot reservation information in the appropriate master time mark 302 or slave time marks 304 and therefore tag 102 configures itself to sleep for a variable period of between one and five seconds and then listens for a next master time mark 302 or slave time mark 304 and tries to announce again],
wherein the master node is configured to: increase the number of idle bytes in the frame synchronization in order to enable the power saving mode[par 0034, 0057, Optionally, one or both of slave transmitters 108(1) and 108(2) may be included to extend operation of system 100 beyond the transmission range of master transmitter 106. Slave transmitters 108(1) and 108. If, during operation, tag 102 is unable to receive master time mark 302, it may expand its receive period to also include slave time marks 304, if available. Then, upon receiving slave time mark 304, tag 102 may then configure itself to listen only to the strongest (master or slave) time mark 302, 304 until that is no longer received];
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of De Greef, and Bennett provides a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame.[Bennett par 0004]
21. De Greef and Bennett disclose a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a computer program comprising program code [De Greef, para 0110, For example, in certain of the above-discussed embodiments, one or more modules are discrete logic circuits or programmable logic circuits configured and arranged for implementing various elements shown in the figures and processes discussed above. In certain embodiments, such a programmable circuit is one or more computer circuits programmed to execute a set (or sets) of instructions (and/or configuration data). The instructions (and/or configuration data) can be in the form of firmware or software stored in and accessible from a memory (circuit)],
which when executed a master node comprising: means for applying a master - slave protocol in a communication bus between the master node and at least one slave node[abstract, In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes a bi-directional communication bus, a set of battery sections connected to the bi-directional communication bus, and a battery manager circuit bi-directional communication bus. Each of the battery sections of the set has a clock circuit. The battery manager circuit is configured to communicate with the set of battery sections via the bi-directional communication bus using a synchronous master-slave communication protocol],
wherein the master node and the at least one slave node are configured to apply, for data communication in the communication bus[par 0065, 0066, For data communication via the second ends (260, 360, and 460) of the daisy-chain buses, the direction in which data and messages are transmitted in the following description is reversed and master/slave terminal designations in the following description are reversed. As shown in FIG. 2A, the master and slave terminal designations are defined by the positions of those terminals relative to the host--for each daisy-chain bus segment 209a, the master terminal is the terminal 225a located nearer to the first end 250 of the daisy chain bus and the slave terminal 225b is the terminal located farther from first end 250 of the daisy chain bus. Note that for communication via the second end of the daisy chain bus, these master and slave designations are reversed],
De Greef fail to show a repeating frame structure in which a first time slot of a frame is reserved for the master node and in the remaining time slots of the frame each slave node of the at least one slave node has a dedicated time slot; and means for extending the time between consecutive frames in order to enable a power saving mode for the communication bus, causes the master node to perform the method of claim 11.
In an analogous Bennett show a repeating frame structure in which a first time slot of a frame is reserved for the master node[par 0004, 0023, a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame. Each frame is divided into a plurality of consecutive blocks and each block is divided into a plurality of consecutive time slots. A first predefined time slot in each block is used for announcement transmissions. The system includes a master transmitter capable of transmitting a master time mark during a second predefined time slot in each block. The master time mark includes a time slot reservation area for indicating dynamic allocation of time slots. In one embodiment, each time mark 302, 304, is allocated two time slots 200; specifically, time slots 0 and 1 are dedicated for use by master time mark 302],
and in the remaining time slots of the frame each slave node of the at least one slave node has a dedicated time slot[par 0023, time slots 2 and 3 are dedicated for use by slave time mark 304(1), and time slots 4 and 5 are dedicated for use by slave time mark 304(2). The number of time slots allocated for use by time marks 302, 304 is based upon the amount of data to be included within each time mark. Time slot 127 is dedicated for announcement 308 transmission by tags 102];
and means for extending the time between consecutive frames in order to enable a power saving mode for the communication bus, causes the master node to perform the method of claim 11[par 0034, 0057, Optionally, one or both of slave transmitters 108(1) and 108(2) may be included to extend operation of system 100 beyond the transmission range of master transmitter 106. Slave transmitters 108(1) and 108. If, during operation, tag 102 is unable to receive master time mark 302, it may expand its receive period to also include slave time marks 304, if available. Then, upon receiving slave time mark 304, tag 102 may then configure itself to listen only to the strongest (master or slave) time mark 302, 304 until that is no longer received];
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of De Greef, and Bennett provides a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame.[Bennett par 0004]
22. De Greef and Bennett teaches a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a computer program comprising program code[De Greef, para 0110, For example, in certain of the above-discussed embodiments, one or more modules are discrete logic circuits or programmable logic circuits configured and arranged for implementing various elements shown in the figures and processes discussed above. In certain embodiments, such a programmable circuit is one or more computer circuits programmed to execute a set (or sets) of instructions (and/or configuration data). The instructions (and/or configuration data) can be in the form of firmware or software stored in and accessible from a memory (circuit)],
which when executed a master node comprising: means for applying a master - slave protocol in a communication bus between the master node and at least one slave node[abstract, In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided that includes a bi-directional communication bus, a set of battery sections connected to the bi-directional communication bus, and a battery manager circuit bi-directional communication bus. Each of the battery sections of the set has a clock circuit. The battery manager circuit is configured to communicate with the set of battery sections via the bi-directional communication bus using a synchronous master-slave communication protocol],
wherein the master node and the at least one slave node are configured to apply, for data communication in the communication bus[par 0065, 0066, For data communication via the second ends (260, 360, and 460) of the daisy-chain buses, the direction in which data and messages are transmitted in the following description is reversed and master/slave terminal designations in the following description are reversed. As shown in FIG. 2A, the master and slave terminal designations are defined by the positions of those terminals relative to the host--for each daisy-chain bus segment 209a, the master terminal is the terminal 225a located nearer to the first end 250 of the daisy chain bus and the slave terminal 225b is the terminal located farther from first end 250 of the daisy chain bus. Note that for communication via the second end of the daisy chain bus, these master and slave designations are reversed],
DeGreef fail to show a repeating frame structure in which a first time slot of a frame is reserved for the master node and in the remaining time slots of the frame each slave node of the at least one slave node has a dedicated time slot; and means for extending the time between consecutive frames in order to enable a power saving mode for the communication bus, causes the master node to perform the method of claim 12.
In an analogous art Bennett show a repeating frame structure in which a first time slot of a frame is reserved for the master node [par 0004, 0023, a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame. Each frame is divided into a plurality of consecutive blocks and each block is divided into a plurality of consecutive time slots. A first predefined time slot in each block is used for announcement transmissions. The system includes a master transmitter capable of transmitting a master time mark during a second predefined time slot in each block. The master time mark includes a time slot reservation area for indicating dynamic allocation of time slots. In one embodiment, each time mark 302, 304, is allocated two time slots 200; specifically, time slots 0 and 1 are dedicated for use by master time mark 302];
and in the remaining time slots of the frame each slave node of the at least one slave node has a dedicated time slot[par 0023, time slots 2 and 3 are dedicated for use by slave time mark 304(1), and time slots 4 and 5 are dedicated for use by slave time mark 304(2). The number of time slots allocated for use by time marks 302, 304 is based upon the amount of data to be included within each time mark. Time slot 127 is dedicated for announcement 308 transmission by tags 102];
and means for extending the time between consecutive frames in order to enable a power saving mode for the communication bus, causes the master node to perform the method of claim 12[par 0034, 0057, Optionally, one or both of slave transmitters 108(1) and 108(2) may be included to extend operation of system 100 beyond the transmission range of master transmitter 106. Slave transmitters 108(1) and 108. If, during operation, tag 102 is unable to receive master time mark 302, it may expand its receive period to also include slave time marks 304, if available. Then, upon receiving slave time mark 304, tag 102 may then configure itself to listen only to the strongest (master or slave) time mark 302, 304 until that is no longer received];
Before the effective filing date it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of De Greef, and Bennett provides a system dynamically schedules wireless transmissions without collision within a repeating frame.[Bennett par 0004]
Conclusion
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/JASON A HARLEY/Examiner, Art Unit 2468