Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 18/639,699

CALLING METHOD, CALLING DEVICE AND STORAGE MEDIUM

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Apr 18, 2024
Priority
Oct 26, 2023 — CN 202311398449.3
Examiner
MANOHARAN, MUTHUSWAMY GANAPATHY
Art Unit
2647
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd.
OA Round
2 (Final)
65%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
1y 1m
Est. Remaining
81%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 65% — above average
65%
Career Allowance Rate
416 granted / 638 resolved
+3.2% vs TC avg
Strong +16% interview lift
Without
With
+16.0%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 7m
Avg Prosecution
45 currently pending
Career history
690
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
2.1%
-37.9% vs TC avg
§103
68.7%
+28.7% vs TC avg
§102
18.3%
-21.7% vs TC avg
§112
5.6%
-34.4% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 638 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 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) 1-2, 4, 6-8, 11-13, 15, 17, 18-20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Xie et al. (hereinafter Xie)(US 2022/0408321) in view of Chen et al. (hereinafter Chen)(US 2025/0159075). Regarding claim 1, Xie teaches a calling method(Fig. 9), comprising: displaying an incoming call notification corresponding to an incoming call request on a first apparatus (item S22, displaying on a target device voice call) and one or more eligible second apparatuses(Fig. 9, incoming call; target device the first apparatus; first device in S22 is the eligible second apparatus), in response to receiving the incoming call request by the first apparatus(item S21 in Fig. 9, target device receives incoming call), wherein eligibility of the one or more eligible second apparatuses comprises a communication connection established between the first apparatus and the one or more eligible second apparatuses and operability on the incoming call request by the one or more eligible second apparatuses(a device identifier of a first device that can perform voice call transfer, item S22 in Fig. 9); and transferring a call corresponding to the incoming call request to a target apparatus and answering the call on the target apparatus, in response to determining, by the first apparatus, that the incoming call request is to be answered on the target apparatus based on the incoming call notification(item S23 in Fig. 9; selection operation based on the first identifier; call application interface of the target device displayed the identifier of the first device), wherein the target apparatus is the first apparatus or any of the one or more eligible second apparatuses(items S24, S25 in Fig. 9; voice call transferred to the first device). Xie teaches all the particulars of the claim except stopping display of the incoming call notification on an apparatus other than the target apparatus among the first apparatus and the one or more eligible second apparatuses, in response to determining, by the first apparatus, that the incoming call request is answered on the target apparatus based on the incoming call notification. However, Chen teaches in an analogous art stopping display of the incoming call notification on an apparatus other than the target apparatus among the first apparatus and the one or more eligible second apparatuses, in response to determining, by the first apparatus, that the incoming call request is answered on the target apparatus based on the incoming call notification(abstract: enabling the super call function of the first device; and disabling a super call function of the second device, after a third incoming call request is received, the second device skips displaying the third incoming call request, and the third device displays the third incoming call request; also P[0236-0237]; also first device is a coordinating device). Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention wherein stopping display of the incoming call notification on an apparatus other than the target apparatus among the first apparatus and the one or more eligible second apparatuses, in response to determining, by the first apparatus, that the incoming call request is answered on the target apparatus based on the incoming call notification in order to have improved power saving. Regarding claim 2, Xie teaches the calling method according to claim 1, wherein displaying the incoming call notification corresponding to the incoming call request on the first apparatus and the one or more eligible second apparatuses comprises: in response to the first apparatus displaying the incoming call notification corresponding to the incoming call request, sending a first request to the one or more eligible second apparatuses to display the incoming call notification corresponding to the incoming call request on the one or more eligible second apparatuses, wherein the first request requests display of the incoming call notification(P[0236], incoming call notification detected by the first device; displayed on the screen of the first device). Regarding claim 4, Xie teaches all the particulars of the claim except displaying an icon on the first apparatus, in response to determining, by the first apparatus, that the incoming call request is answered on the target apparatus based on the incoming call notification, wherein the icon represents that the call is running in background. However, Chen teaches in an analogous art displaying an icon on the first apparatus, in response to determining, by the first apparatus, that the incoming call request is answered on the target apparatus based on the incoming call notification, wherein the icon represents that the call is running in background(abstract; disabling call function of the first device; do not display the second incoming call request; skip displaying the third incoming call request). Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention wherein displaying an icon on the first apparatus, in response to determining, by the first apparatus, that the incoming call request is answered on the target apparatus based on the incoming call notification, wherein the icon represents that the call is running in background in order to have improved power saving. Regarding claim 6, Xie teaches the calling method according to claim 1, wherein the eligibility comprises at least one of: the one or more eligible second apparatuses sharing a same account with the first apparatus; Bluetooth of the one or more eligible second apparatuses and Bluetooth of the first apparatus being in an open state and within a discoverable range; the one or more eligible second apparatuses and the first apparatus being in a same local area network; or the first apparatus communicating with the one or more eligible second apparatuses through a network system(P[0153], Bluetooth communication between the headset and the mobile phone). Claims 7-8, 11-13, 17 are rejected for the same reason as set forth in claims 1-2, 6, 1-2, 6 respectively. Claim 15 is rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 4. Claims 18-20 are rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 1. Claim(s) 3, 9, 14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Xie et al. (hereinafter Xie)(US 2022/0408321) in view of Chen et al. (hereinafter Chen)(US 2025/0159075) and Chalabi et al. (hereinafter Chalabi)(US 2017/0374187). Regarding claim 3, Xie in view of Chen teaches all the particulars of the claim except, wherein the target apparatus is any of the one or more eligible second apparatuses, and answering the call on the target apparatus comprises: collecting far-end audio data of the call based on a sound collection device of the first apparatus, and sending the far-end audio data to the target apparatus, to enable the target apparatus to invoke a sound playing device of the target apparatus to play the far-end audio data and invoke a sound collection device of the target apparatus to collect near-end audio data of the call; and obtaining the near-end audio data of the call collected by the sound collection device of the target apparatus, and sending the near-end audio data to a far-end apparatus of the call. However, Chalabi teaches in an analogous art the calling method, wherein the target apparatus is any of the one or more eligible second apparatuses, and answering the call on the target apparatus comprises: collecting far-end audio data of the call based on a sound collection device of the first apparatus, and sending the far-end audio data to the target apparatus, to enable the target apparatus to invoke a sound playing device of the target apparatus to play the far-end audio data and invoke a sound collection device of the target apparatus to collect near-end audio data of the call; and obtaining the near-end audio data of the call collected by the sound collection device of the target apparatus, and sending the near-end audio data to a far-end apparatus of the call(P[0002-0003], control the call using the display screen of the phone; transferred from that microphone to the far-end user terminal; phone to the headset or earpiece via the pairing connection; P[0072], microphone near the speaker’s mouth; P[0003], microphone to the phone; bluetooth). Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention wherein the target apparatus is any of the one or more eligible second apparatuses, and answering the call on the target apparatus comprises: collecting far-end audio data of the call based on a sound collection device of the first apparatus, and sending the far-end audio data to the target apparatus, to enable the target apparatus to invoke a sound playing device of the target apparatus to play the far-end audio data and invoke a sound collection device of the target apparatus to collect near-end audio data of the call; and obtaining the near-end audio data of the call collected by the sound collection device of the target apparatus, and sending the near-end audio data to a far-end apparatus of the call in order to have improved efficiency. Claims 9, 14 are rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 3. Claim(s) 5, 10, 16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Xie et al. (hereinafter Xie)(US 2022/0408321) in view of Chen et al. (hereinafter Chen)(US 2025/0159075) and Chen et al. (hereinafter Chen-1)(US 2024/0129694). Regarding claim 5, Xie in view of Chen teaches all the particulars of the claim except displaying a call interface on the first apparatus in response to detecting that the icon is selected, wherein the call interface comprises a first controller configured to at least one of display an apparatus in a current call or switch an apparatus in a current call; displaying an apparatus list in response to the first controller being selected, wherein the apparatus list comprises a third apparatus for a user to select for call transfer, and the third apparatus comprises the one or more eligible second apparatuses; and transferring the current call to the third apparatus and answering the call on the third apparatus, in response to that the third apparatus in the apparatus list is selected. However, Chen-1 teaches in an analogous art displaying a call interface on the first apparatus in response to detecting that the icon is selected, wherein the call interface comprises a first controller configured to at least one of display an apparatus in a current call or switch an apparatus in a current call; displaying an apparatus list in response to the first controller being selected, wherein the apparatus list comprises a third apparatus for a user to select for call transfer, and the third apparatus comprises the one or more eligible second apparatuses; and transferring the current call to the third apparatus and answering the call on the third apparatus, in response to that the third apparatus in the apparatus list is selected(P[0123], when the current call is connected or answered on the tablet computer the mobile phone may return the call to a background and display call information on a current interface of the mobile phone in the form of small icon; the icon is displayed on the mobile phone and interface displays a prompt indicating that the call is connected in the tablet computer; Fig. 14, mobile phone, tablet computer, notebook computer). Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention displaying a call interface on the first apparatus in response to detecting that the icon is selected, wherein the call interface comprises a first controller configured to at least one of display an apparatus in a current call or switch an apparatus in a current call; displaying an apparatus list in response to the first controller being selected, wherein the apparatus list comprises a third apparatus for a user to select for call transfer, and the third apparatus comprises the one or more eligible second apparatuses; and transferring the current call to the third apparatus and answering the call on the third apparatus, in response to that the third apparatus in the apparatus list is selected in order to have reduced power consumption(P[0124]). Claims 10, 16 are rejected for the same reason as set forth in claim 5. Response to Arguments Applicant's arguments filed 8/5/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Applicant argues that, It can be concluded that in Chen, the second and third devices do not display the incoming call request when the super call function is disabled, but not when the call request is answered. Examiner respectfully disagrees. Chen teaches in abstract,” where after a second incoming call request is received, the second device and the third device do not display the second incoming call request; enabling the super call function of the first device”. Applicant argues that “By contrast, in the present application, display of the incoming call notification is stopped on an apparatus other than the target apparatus among the first apparatus and the one or more eligible second apparatuses, when the first apparatus determines that the incoming call request has been answered on the target device based on the incoming call notification”. Chen teaches in abstract,” a third incoming call request is received, the second device skips displaying the third incoming call request(display of the incoming call notification is stopped on an apparatus other than the target apparatus), and the third device displays the third incoming call request(incoming call request is answered by the target device. Also first device of Chen is coordinating device. Also teaches in {0236-0237], enabling the super call function of the first device; third call request is received the second device skips displaying the incoming call request and the third device (target) displays the incoming call. Applicant argues that Chen fails to explicitly disclose the feature "stopping displav of the incoming call notification on an apparatus other than the target apparatus among the first apparatus and the one or more eligible second apparatuses, in response to determining, by the first apparatus, that the incoming call request is answered on the target apparatus based on the incoming call notification" in amended claim 1 of the present application. Examiner respectfully disagrees. In response examiner respectfully submits the following shown in P[0236-0237]: [0236] Step S3305: Enable the super call function of the first device in response to the user clicking the super call function button in the super call interface. [0237] Step S3306: Disable the super call function of the second device in response to the user clicking the super call function button in the super setting interface of the second device, where after a third incoming call request is received, the second device skips displaying the third incoming call request, and the third device displays the third incoming call request. Also first device is the coordination device P[0004] and is performing coordination. Conclusion 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 MUTHUSWAMY GANAPATHY MANOHARAN whose telephone number is (571)272-5515. The examiner can normally be reached 6:30am-3:00pm. 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, Alison T Slater can be reached at 571-270-0375. 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. /MUTHUSWAMY G MANOHARAN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2647
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Apr 18, 2024
Application Filed
May 12, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Aug 05, 2026
Response Filed
Sep 10, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12750814
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING POSITIONING OF A MOBILE DEVICE USING CHANNEL CONDITIONS
5y 0m to grant Granted Sep 29, 2026
Patent 12739734
TECHNIQUES FOR SURROUNDING INFORMATION INDICATION
4y 9m to grant Granted Sep 15, 2026
Patent 12732940
METHOD FOR DETERMINING POSITIONING REFERENCE SIGNALING CONFIGURATION INFORMATION
2y 11m to grant Granted Sep 08, 2026
Patent 12720462
USER EQUIPMENT POWER CONSUMPTION MODELING
5y 1m to grant Granted Aug 25, 2026
Patent 12713348
ADAPTIVE PROCESSING ENVELOPE BASED ON POWER CONSUMPTION
4y 0m to grant Granted Aug 18, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

Strategy Recommendation AI-generated — please review before filing

Get a prosecution strategy drawn from examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.
Typically takes 5-10 seconds — AI-generated, attorney review required before filing

Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
65%
Grant Probability
81%
With Interview (+16.0%)
3y 7m (~1y 1m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 638 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

Sign in with your work email

Enter your email to receive a magic link. No password needed.

Personal email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) are not accepted.

Free tier: 3 strategy analyses per month