Prosecution Insights
Last updated: August 18, 2026
Application No. 18/621,522

DISPLAY CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Mar 29, 2024
Priority
Sep 30, 2021 — continuation of PCTCN2021122397
Examiner
SCHNIREL, ANDREW B
Art Unit
2625
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Shenzhen Yinwang Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.
OA Round
4 (Final)
51%
Grant Probability
Moderate
5-6
OA Rounds
1y 3m
Est. Remaining
45%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 51% of resolved cases
51%
Career Allowance Rate
251 granted / 494 resolved
-11.2% vs TC avg
Minimal -6% lift
Without
With
+-5.5%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 8m
Avg Prosecution
25 currently pending
Career history
528
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
1.6%
-38.4% vs TC avg
§103
61.3%
+21.3% vs TC avg
§102
23.8%
-16.2% vs TC avg
§112
11.4%
-28.6% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 494 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. Claims 1 – 5, 7 – 11, and 13 – 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Shinohara et al. (U.S. PG Pub 2019/0094442) in view of Nguyen (U.S. Patent No. 6,839,055) in view of Shikina (U.S. PG Pub 2018/0220096). Regarding Claim 1, Shinohara et al. teach a method for controlling a display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86), wherein the display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86) comprises a backlight unit (Figure 3A, Element 3. Paragraph 87), a panel (Figure 3A, Element 2. Paragraph 88), and a first controller (Figure 3A, Element 6. Paragraphs 122 - 124), the display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86) is configured to operate in a first display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the EM driving mode. Paragraphs 93 - 95) or a second display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the LCD driving mode. Paragraphs 90 - 92), the first display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the EM driving mode. Paragraphs 93 - 95) comprises displaying image information by using the backlight unit (Figure 3A, Element 3. Paragraph 87), the second display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the LCD driving mode. Paragraphs 90 - 92) comprises displaying the image information by using the backlight unit (Figure 3A, Element 3. Paragraph 87) and the panel (Figure 3A, Element 2. Paragraph 88), and the method comprises: receiving, by the first controller (Figure 3A, Element 6. Paragraphs 122 - 124), a first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93), wherein the first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93) indicates that the panel (Figure 3A, Element 2. Paragraph 88) does not work; receiving a first image signal (Figure 3A, Element not labeled, but is the signal to Element 5A. Paragraph 95), wherein the first image signal (Figure 3A, Element not labeled, but is the signal to Element 5A. Paragraph 95) is used to display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86) first image information (Figures 3A and 11B, Element EM. Paragraphs 94 and 124); and displaying the first image information (Figures 3A and 11B, Element EM. Paragraphs 94 and 124) in the first display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the EM driving mode. Paragraphs 93 - 95) based on the first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93). Shinohara et al. is silent with regards to sending, by a first controller, the first status message to a second controller; receiving, by the first controller, a first image signal from the second controller; and wherein the first image signal is generated based on a controller area network (CAN) signal, the CAN signal includes vehicle status information. Nguyen teaches sending, by a first controller (Figure 1, Element 129. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7), the first status message (Figure 1, Element 116. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7) to a second controller (Figure 1, Element 109. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7); receiving, by the first controller (Figure 1, Element 129. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7), a first image signal (Figure 1, Element 114. Column 2, Line 64 – Column 3, Line 14) from the second controller (Figure 1, Element 109. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7). It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the teachings of the display device of Shinohara et al. with the external controller of Nguyen. The motivation to modify the teachings of Shinohara et al. with the teachings of Nguyen is to provide a computer system with the ability to test the integrity of its video data path to a display system, as taught by Nguyen (Column 1, Lines 37 – 44). Shikina teaches wherein the first image signal (Figure 16B, Element not labeled, but is the signal for the imaging system. Paragraph 195) is generated based on a controller area network (CAN) signal (Element controller area network. Paragraph 196), the CAN signal (Element controller area network. Paragraph 196) includes vehicle status information (Paragraph 196). Shinohara et al. teaches a device which is different from the claimed interface apparatus by the substitution of the step(s) of generating the first image signal. Shikina teaches the substituted step(s) of generating an image signal based on a control area network signal and their functions were known in the art to provide the first image signal being generated based on a signal from a control area network. The generation of the image signal of Shinohara et al. could have been substituted with generation of the image signal as taught by Shikina and the results would have been predictable and resulted in the first image signal being generated based on a signal from a control area network. Therefore, the claimed subject matter would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made. Regarding Claim 2, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the method according to claim 1 (See Above). Shinohara et al. is silent with regards to the first image signal is generated by the second controller based on the first status message. Nguyen teaches the first image signal (Figure 1, Element 114. Column 2, Line 64 – Column 3, Line 14) is generated by the second controller (Figure 1, Element 109. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7) based on the first status message (Figure 1, Element 116. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7). It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the teachings of the display device of Shinohara et al. with the external controller of Nguyen. The motivation to modify the teachings of Shinohara et al. with the teachings of Nguyen is to provide a computer system with the ability to test the integrity of its video data path to a display system, as taught by Nguyen (Column 1, Lines 37 – 44). Regarding Claim 3, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the method according to claim 1 (See Above). Shinohara et al. teach wherein the method further comprises: receiving, by the first controller (Figure 3A, Element 6. Paragraphs 122 - 124), a second status message (Element normally white mode. Paragraph 88), wherein the second status message (Element normally white mode. Paragraph 88) indicates that the panel (Figure 3A, Element 2. Paragraph 88) works; receiving a second image signal (Figure 3A, Element not labeled, but is the signal to Element 4A. Paragraph 92), wherein the second image signal (Figure 3A, Element not labeled, but is the signal to Element 4A. Paragraph 92) is used to display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86) second image information (Figure 3A, Element 2A. Paragraph 88); and switching (Paragraph 136) from the first display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the EM driving mode. Paragraphs 93 - 95) to the second display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the LCD driving mode. Paragraphs 90 - 92) based on the second status message (Element normally white mode. Paragraph 88); and displaying the second image information (Figure 3A, Element 2A. Paragraph 88) in the second display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the LCD driving mode. Paragraphs 90 - 92), Regarding Claim 4, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the method according to claim 1 (See Above). Shinohara et al. teach wherein the first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93) comprises one or more types of information indicating a panel fault (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93), information indicating a driver chip fault of the display, information indicating a connector fault or a line fault of the display, or information indicating that a battery level is lower than or equal to a preset power level. Regarding Claim 5, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the method according to claim 1 (See Above). Shinohara et al. teach wherein the first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93) comprises a first user instruction (Paragraph 160), and the first user instruction (Paragraph 160) indicates to switch to the first display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the EM driving mode. Paragraphs 93 - 95). Regarding Claim 7, Shinohara et al. teach an apparatus for controlling a display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86), wherein the apparatus is configured to operate in a first display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the EM driving mode. Paragraphs 93 - 95) or a second display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the LCD driving mode. Paragraphs 90 - 92), the first display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the EM driving mode. Paragraphs 93 - 95) comprises displaying image information by using a backlight unit (Figure 3A, Element 3. Paragraph 87), the second display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the LCD driving mode. Paragraphs 90 - 92) comprises displaying the image information by using the backlight unit (Figure 3A, Element 3. Paragraph 87) and a panel (Figure 3A, Element 2. Paragraph 88), and the apparatus comprises: at least one processor (Figure 3A, Element 6. Paragraphs 122 - 124) to: receive a first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93), wherein the first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93) indicates that the panel (Figure 3A, Element 2. Paragraph 88) does not work, and; receive a first image signal (Figure 3A, Element not labeled, but is the signal to Element 5A. Paragraph 95), wherein the first image signal (Figure 3A, Element not labeled, but is the signal to Element 5A. Paragraph 95) is used to display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86) first image information (Figures 3A and 11B, Element EM. Paragraphs 94 and 124); and display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86) the first image information (Figures 3A and 11B, Element EM. Paragraphs 94 and 124) in the first display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the EM driving mode. Paragraphs 93 - 95) based on the first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93). Shinohara et al. is silent with regards to one or more memories coupled to the at least one processor and storing programming instructions for execution by the at least one processor; sending, by a first controller, the first status message to a second controller; receiving, by the first controller, a first image signal from the second controller, wherein the first image signal is generated based on a controller area network (CAN) signal, the CAN signal includes vehicle status information. Nguyen teaches one or more memories (Figure 1, Element 131. Column 5, Lines 34 – 45) coupled to the at least one processor (Figure 1, Element 129. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7) and storing programming instructions for execution by the at least one processor (Figure 1, Element 129. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7); sending, by a first controller (Figure 1, Element 129. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7), the first status message (Figure 1, Element 116. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7) to a second controller (Figure 1, Element 109. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7); receiving, by the first controller (Figure 1, Element 129. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7), a first image signal (Figure 1, Element 114. Column 2, Line 64 – Column 3, Line 14) from the second controller (Figure 1, Element 109. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7). It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the teachings of the display device of Shinohara et al. with the external controller of Nguyen. The motivation to modify the teachings of Shinohara et al. with the teachings of Nguyen is to provide a computer system with the ability to test the integrity of its video data path to a display system, as taught by Nguyen (Column 1, Lines 37 – 44). Shikina teaches wherein the first image signal (Figure 16B, Element not labeled, but is the signal for the imaging system. Paragraph 195) is generated based on a controller area network (CAN) signal (Element controller area network. Paragraph 196), the CAN signal (Element controller area network. Paragraph 196) includes vehicle status information (Paragraph 196). Shinohara et al. teaches a device which is different from the claimed interface apparatus by the substitution of the step(s) of generating the first image signal. Shikina teaches the substituted step(s) of generating an image signal based on a control area network signal and their functions were known in the art to provide the first image signal being generated based on a signal from a control area network. The generation of the image signal of Shinohara et al. could have been substituted with generation of the image signal as taught by Shikina and the results would have been predictable and resulted in the first image signal being generated based on a signal from a control area network. Therefore, the claimed subject matter would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made. Regarding Claim 8, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the method according to claim 1 (See Above). Shinohara et al. is silent with regards to the first image signal is generated by the second controller based on the first status message. Nguyen teaches the first image signal (Figure 1, Element 114. Column 2, Line 64 – Column 3, Line 14) is generated by the second controller (Figure 1, Element 109. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7) based on the first status message (Figure 1, Element 116. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7). It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the teachings of the display device of Shinohara et al. with the external controller of Nguyen. The motivation to modify the teachings of Shinohara et al. with the teachings of Nguyen is to provide a computer system with the ability to test the integrity of its video data path to a display system, as taught by Nguyen (Column 1, Lines 37 – 44). Regarding Claim 9, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the apparatus according to claim 7 (See Above). Shinohara et al. teach wherein the one or more memories store programming instructions for execution by the at least one processor (Figure 3A, Element 6. Paragraphs 122 - 124) to: receive a second status message (Element normally white mode. Paragraph 88), wherein the second status message (Element normally white mode. Paragraph 88) indicates that the panel (Figure 3A, Element 2. Paragraph 88) works; receive a second image signal (Figure 3A, Element not labeled, but is the signal to Element 4A. Paragraph 92), wherein the second image signal (Figure 3A, Element not labeled, but is the signal to Element 4A. Paragraph 92) is used to display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86) second image information (Figure 3A, Element 2A. Paragraph 88); and switch (Paragraph 136) from the first display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the EM driving mode. Paragraphs 93 - 95) to the second display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the LCD driving mode. Paragraphs 90 - 92) based on the second status message (Element normally white mode. Paragraph 88); and display the second image information (Figure 3A, Element 2A. Paragraph 88) in the second display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the LCD driving mode. Paragraphs 90 - 92). Regarding Claim 10, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the apparatus according to claim 7 (See Above). Shinohara et al. teach wherein the first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93) comprises one or more types of information indicating a panel fault (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93), information indicating a driver chip fault of the display, information indicating a connector fault or a line fault of the display, or information indicating that a battery level is lower than or equal to a preset power level. Regarding Claim 11, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the apparatus according to claim 7 (See Above). Shinohara et al. teach wherein the first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93) comprises a first user instruction (Paragraph 160), and the first user instruction (Paragraph 160) indicates to switch to the first display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the EM driving mode. Paragraphs 93 - 95). Regarding Claim 13, Shinohara et al. teach an apparatus for controlling a display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86), comprising: at least one processor (Figure 3A, Element 6. Paragraphs 122 - 124) to: receive a first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93), wherein the first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93) indicates that a panel (Figure 3A, Element 2. Paragraph 88) does not work; and send a first image signal (Figure 3A, Element not labeled, but is the signal to Element 5A. Paragraph 95) and first indication information to the first controller of the display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86) based on the first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93), wherein the first image signal (Figure 3A, Element not labeled, but is the signal to Element 5A. Paragraph 95) is used to display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86) first image information (Figures 3A and 11B, Element EM. Paragraphs 94 and 124), the first indication information indicates to the display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86) to display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86) the first image information (Figures 3A and 11B, Element EM. Paragraphs 94 and 124) in a first display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the EM driving mode. Paragraphs 93 - 95), and the first display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the EM driving mode. Paragraphs 93 - 95) comprises performing display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86) by using a backlight unit (Figure 3A, Element 3. Paragraph 87). Shinohara et al. is silent with regards to one or more memories coupled to the at least one processor and storing programming instructions for execution by the at least one processor; receive, by a second controller of the apparatus, a first status message from a first controller of the display; instruct the second controller to send a first image signal and first indication information to the first controller of the display based on the first status message; wherein the first image signal is generated based on a controller area network (CAN) signal, the CAN signal includes vehicle status information Nguyen teaches one or more memories (Figure 1, Element 131. Column 5, Lines 34 – 45) coupled to the at least one processor (Figure 1, Element 129. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7) and storing programming instructions for execution by the at least one processor (Figure 1, Element 129. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7); receive, by a second controller (Figure 1, Element 109. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7) of the apparatus, a first status message (Figure 1, Element 116. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7) from a first controller (Figure 1, Element 129. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7) of the display; instruct the second controller (Figure 1, Element 109. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7) to send a first image signal (Figure 1, Element 114. Column 2, Line 64 – Column 3, Line 14) and first indication information to the first controller (Figure 1, Element 129. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7) of the display based on the first status message It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the teachings of the display device of Shinohara et al. with the external controller of Nguyen. The motivation to modify the teachings of Shinohara et al. with the teachings of Nguyen is to provide a computer system with the ability to test the integrity of its video data path to a display system, as taught by Nguyen (Column 1, Lines 37 – 44). Shikina teaches wherein the first image signal (Figure 16B, Element not labeled, but is the signal for the imaging system. Paragraph 195) is generated based on a controller area network (CAN) signal (Element controller area network. Paragraph 196), the CAN signal (Element controller area network. Paragraph 196) includes vehicle status information (Paragraph 196). Shinohara et al. teaches a device which is different from the claimed interface apparatus by the substitution of the step(s) of generating the first image signal. Shikina teaches the substituted step(s) of generating an image signal based on a control area network signal and their functions were known in the art to provide the first image signal being generated based on a signal from a control area network. The generation of the image signal of Shinohara et al. could have been substituted with generation of the image signal as taught by Shikina and the results would have been predictable and resulted in the first image signal being generated based on a signal from a control area network. Therefore, the claimed subject matter would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made. Regarding Claim 14, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the apparatus according to claim 13 (See Above). Shinohara et al. is silent with regards to wherein the one or more memories store programming instructions for execution by the at least one processor to: generate, by the second controller, the first image signal based on the first status message before sending the first image signal to the first controller of the display. Shinohara et al. is wherein the one or more memories (Figure 1, Element 131. Column 5, Lines 34 – 45) storing programming instructions for execution by the at least one processor (Figure 1, Element 129. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7) to: generate, by the second controller (Figure 1, Element 109. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7), the first image signal (Figure 1, Element 114. Column 2, Line 64 – Column 3, Line 14) based on the first status message (Figure 1, Element 116. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7) before sending the first image signal (Figure 1, Element 114. Column 2, Line 64 – Column 3, Line 14) to the first controller (Figure 1, Element 129. Column 3, Line 27 – Column 4, Line 7) of the display. It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the teachings of the display device of Shinohara et al. with the external controller of Nguyen. The motivation to modify the teachings of Shinohara et al. with the teachings of Nguyen is to provide a computer system with the ability to test the integrity of its video data path to a display system, as taught by Nguyen (Column 1, Lines 37 – 44). Regarding Claim 15, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the apparatus according to claim 13 (See Above). Shinohara et al. teach wherein the one or more memories store programming instructions for execution by the at least one processor (Figure 3A, Element 6. Paragraphs 122 - 124) to: receive a second status message (Element normally white mode. Paragraph 88), wherein the second status message (Element normally white mode. Paragraph 88) indicates that the panel (Figure 3A, Element 2. Paragraph 88) works; and send a second image signal (Figure 3A, Element not labeled, but is the signal to Element 4A. Paragraph 92) and second indication information to the display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86) based on the second status message (Element normally white mode. Paragraph 88), wherein the second indication information indicates to the display (Figure 3A, Element 1A. Paragraph 86) to switch from the first display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the EM driving mode. Paragraphs 93 - 95) to a second display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the LCD driving mode. Paragraphs 90 - 92), and the second display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the LCD driving mode. Paragraphs 90 - 92) comprises displaying the image information by using the backlight unit (Figure 3A, Element 3. Paragraph 87) and the panel (Figure 3A, Element 2. Paragraph 88). Regarding Claim 16, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the apparatus according to claim 13 (See Above). Shinohara et al. teach wherein the first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93) comprises one or more types of information indicating a panel fault, information indicating a driver chip fault of the display, information indicating a connector fault or a line fault of the display, or information indicating that a battery level is lower than or equal to a preset power level. Regarding Claim 17, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the apparatus according to claim 13 (See Above). Shinohara et al. teach wherein the first status message (Element not labeled, but when the device is not capable of normal presentation. Paragraph 93) comprises a first user instruction (Paragraph 160), and the first user instruction (Paragraph 160) indicates to switch to the first display mode (Figures 3A - 4, Element not labeled, but is the EM driving mode. Paragraphs 93 - 95). Claims 6, 12, and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Shinohara et al. (U.S. PG Pub 2019/0094442) in view of Nguyen (U.S. Patent No. 6,839,055) in view of Shikina (U.S. PG Pub 2018/0220096) in view of Roy (U.S. PG Pub 2016/0379492). Regarding Claim 6, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the method according to claim 1 (See Above). Shinohara et al. is silent with regards to wherein the first image information comprises one or more types of vehicle speed information, gear information, or steering light information. Roy teaches wherein the first image information (Figures 1 and 2, Elements 1 and 2. Paragraphs 12 - 14) comprises one or more types of vehicle speed information (Figures 1 and 2, Element 2. Paragraphs 12 - 14), gear information, or steering light information. It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the teachings of the display device of Shinohara et al., the external controller of Nguyen and the network of Shikina with the traffic speed display of Roy. The motivation to modify the teachings of Shinohara et al., Nguyen, and Shikina with the teachings of Roy is to provide an adaptable, transportable, all-in-one apparatus that is capable of being used for safety boards, traffic speed displays, and/or specific routes of travel, as taught by Roy (Paragraph 10). Regarding Claim 12, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the apparatus according to claim 7 (See Above). Shinohara et al. is silent with regards to wherein the first image information comprises one or more types of vehicle speed information, gear information, or steering light information. Roy teaches wherein the first image information (Figures 1 and 2, Elements 1 and 2. Paragraphs 12 - 14) comprises one or more types of vehicle speed information (Figures 1 and 2, Element 2. Paragraphs 12 - 14), gear information, or steering light information. It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the teachings of the display device of Shinohara et al., the external controller of Nguyen and the network of Shikina with the traffic speed display of Roy. The motivation to modify the teachings of Shinohara et al., Nguyen, and Shikina with the teachings of Roy is to provide an adaptable, transportable, all-in-one apparatus that is capable of being used for safety boards, traffic speed displays, and/or specific routes of travel, as taught by Roy (Paragraph 10). Regarding Claim 18, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the method according to claim 1 (See Above). Shinohara et al. is silent with regards to wherein the backlight unit comprises a matric light-emitting diode (LED) backlight unit. Roy teach wherein the backlight unit comprises a matric light-emitting diode (LED) backlight unit (Paragraph 25). Shinohara et al. teach a device which is different from the claimed interface apparatus by the substitution of the step(s) of the backlight being a matric LED backlight. Roy teaches the substituted step(s) of LED backlight and their functions were known in the art to provide the backlight unit comprises a matric light-emitting diode (LED) backlight unit. The display of Shinohara et al. could have been substituted with LED backlight as taught by Roy and the results would have been predictable and resulted in the backlight unit comprises a matric light-emitting diode (LED) backlight unit. Therefore, the claimed subject matter would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made. Claims 21 – 22 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Shinohara et al. (U.S. PG Pub 2019/0094442) in view of Nguyen (U.S. Patent No. 6,839,055) in view of Shikina (U.S. PG Pub 2018/0220096) in view of Nishiyori et al. (U.S. PG Pub 2021/0001723). Regarding Claim 21, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the method according to claim 1 (See Above). Shinohara et al. is silent with regards to wherein the display includes an in-vehicle display displaying driving information to a driver. Nishiyori et al. teach wherein the display includes an in-vehicle display (Figure 8, Elements 131 – 136. Paragraphs 35 and 61) displaying driving information to a driver (Figure 6, Element 2. Paragraph 59). It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the teachings of the display device of Shinohara et al., the external controller of Nguyen, and the network signal of Shikina with the display system of Nishiyori et al. The motivation to modify the teachings of Shinohara et al., Nguyen, and Shikina with the teachings of Nishiyori et al. is to provide an attention target at a position visible to the driver, as taught by Nishiyori et al. (Paragraphs 5 and 6). Regarding Claim 22, Shinohara et al. in view of Nguyen in view of Shikina teach the method according to claim 21 (See Above). Shinohara et al. is silent with regards to wherein the in-vehicle display (Figure 8, Elements 131 – 136. Paragraphs 35 and 61) includes a vehicle instrument display (Figure 8, Element 132. Paragraphs 35 and 61), a vehicle streaming media rearview mirror (Figure 8, Element 136. Paragraphs 35 and 61), and an in-vehicle infotainment display (Figure 8, Element 131. Paragraphs 35 and 61). Nishiyori et al. teach wherein the in-vehicle display includes a vehicle instrument display, a vehicle streaming media rearview mirror, and an in-vehicle infotainment display. It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the teachings of the display device of Shinohara et al., the external controller of Nguyen, and the network signal of Shikina with the display system of Nishiyori et al. The motivation to modify the teachings of Shinohara et al., Nguyen, and Shikina with the teachings of Nishiyori et al. is to provide an attention target at a position visible to the driver, as taught by Nishiyori et al. (Paragraphs 5 and 6). Response to Arguments All arguments are considered moot in light of the new grounds of rejection presented above that were necessitated by the applicant’s amendment. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure: Yamamoto et al. (U.S. Patent No. 5,774,105) and Du et al. (U.S. PG Pub 2017/0116937) teaches an error handling process for a display device, similar to the instant invention. Safavi et al. (U.S. PG Pub 2011/0210952) teaches a display controller in communication with and external controller, similar to the instant invention. Dubey et al. (U.S. PG Pub 2019/0075290) teach an error message being driven from a controller area network, similar to the instant application. Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a). A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ANDREW B SCHNIREL whose telephone number is (571)270-7690. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday, 10 - 6 EST. 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, William Boddie can be reached at 571-272-0666. 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. /A.B.S/Examiner, Art Unit 2625 /WILLIAM BODDIE/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2625
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Prosecution Timeline

Show 3 earlier events
Jul 23, 2025
Response Filed
Nov 24, 2025
Final Rejection mailed — §103
Feb 19, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Mar 16, 2026
Request for Continued Examination
Mar 18, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Apr 02, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Jun 30, 2026
Response Filed
Jul 29, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12694841
DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING DISPLAY AREA WITH ADJUSTABLE BRIGHTNESS, AND DRIVING METHOD THEREOF, DRIVING DEVICE FOR DRIVING THE SAME, AND DISPLAY APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME
3y 7m to grant Granted Jul 28, 2026
Patent 12682799
PIXEL SHIFTING METHOD AND CONTROL METHOD OF DISPLAY SCREEN
1y 10m to grant Granted Jul 14, 2026
Patent 12682854
Display Device and Method of Driving Same
1y 7m to grant Granted Jul 14, 2026
Patent 12658105
PIXEL DRIVING CIRCUIT INCLUDING DRIVE TRANSISTOR CAPABLE OF GENERATING DRIVE CURRENT INDEPENDENT OF THRESHOLD VOLTAGE THEREOF DRIVING METHOD THEREBY, AND DISPLAY PANEL
2y 7m to grant Granted Jun 16, 2026
Patent 12656606
PUPIL CHARACTERISTIC DETECTION AND SPECTACLES CORRECTION/ADJUSTMENT BASED THEREON
1y 6m to grant Granted Jun 16, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

5-6
Expected OA Rounds
51%
Grant Probability
45%
With Interview (-5.5%)
3y 8m (~1y 3m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
High
PTA Risk
Based on 494 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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