Office Action Predictor
Last updated: April 16, 2026
Application No. 18/650,910

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTIFUNCTION PERIPHERAL FLEET MANAGEMENT

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Apr 30, 2024
Examiner
SARPONG, AKWASI
Art Unit
2681
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
OA Round
2 (Final)
68%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
3y 10m
To Grant
92%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 68% — above average
68%
Career Allow Rate
328 granted / 481 resolved
+6.2% vs TC avg
Strong +24% interview lift
Without
With
+23.6%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 10m
Avg Prosecution
10 currently pending
Career history
491
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
10.9%
-29.1% vs TC avg
§103
67.0%
+27.0% vs TC avg
§102
7.4%
-32.6% vs TC avg
§112
11.5%
-28.5% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 481 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
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 . Response to Arguments Examiner acknowledge that no prior art rejection was made for the Non final rejection mailed on 01/21/2025, Instead only an Obvious Double patent rejection was made. The Obviousness Double Patent rejection is withdrawn since applicant filed a terminal disclaimer. Examiner in updating his search found some prior art that obviously read on the claims that was necessitated by the amendments made to claims 1, 3, 8, 15, 17. Because of the amendments this office action was made final. In claim 1, the claims were amended to read “show a plurality of tabbed images on the display, each of the tabbed images”. In claim 3, the claims were amended to read “filter a list in accordance with a received search term, and generate a revised list in accordance with the received search term, In claim 8, the claims were amended to read “showing a plurality of tabbed images on a display, each of the tabbed images 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) 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Dare 2012/0036552 in view of Biran (US20200084115) Claim 1, Dare discloses a system comprising (fig. 9) : a processor (Fig. 10, Processor and system controller Hub 1002) ; a network interface;(Ethernet 102 or Wi-Fi 1018 shown in 10) a memory configured to receive device information corresponding to each of a plurality of multifunction peripherals; (Embedded Microprocessor and Peripherals 1202) and a user interface including a user input and a display; (LCD display and Touch panel- shown in 1114 and 1116) wherein the processor is configured to: show a plurality of tabbed images on the display, (Fig. 26 shows “Log out, Home, Group Management and Statistical Logs) each of the tabbed images associated with device information associated with one or more of a device information category or a device information query, (Fig. 26 shows Open Frame Device Management based on an input search engine “Search input”) determine an open tab among the tabbed images, wherein information relative to the open tab is displayable (Fig. 31 opens up when the “Home tab” is clicked on Fig. 26) and information relative to remaining tabs is hidden, (The rest of the information relating to Group Management and Statistical Logs are hidden) retrieve device information associated with the open tab, (Information about the Home tab is retrieved as clearly shown in fig. 31 “Phone, Call Log, Message, Contacts, Weather and News etc….) show a list of retrieved device information on the display, (Fig. 31 shows a list of information for the “Home tab” also see Fig. 41 where when the tab videos are clicked list of images under the video tab is listed) Dare does not disclose that fig 31 discloses a show indicia corresponding to a number of entries in a list on the open tab, retrieve device information associated with unopened tabs, show placeholder indicia corresponding to a number of devices in each unopened tab while the device information associated with the unopened tabs is being retrieved, and replace the placeholder indicia from each unopened tab with indicia corresponding to the number of entries in each unopened tab after its associated device information has been retrieved. Biran clearly discloses a show indicia corresponding to a number of entries in a list on the open tab, retrieve device information associated with unopened tabs, (Fig. 7E shows that 3 entries are associated with the unopened tabs) show placeholder indicia corresponding to a number of devices in each unopened tab while the device information associated with the unopened tabs is being retrieved, (Fig. 7E shows that “incidents tab is unopened the number (3) replaces the place holder the indicates the number of entries that are under incidents) and replace the placeholder indicia from each unopened tab with indicia corresponding to the number of entries in each unopened tab after its associated device information has been retrieved. (Based on Fig. 7E, the numbers 3 and 1 replaces the actual list under each tab) PNG media_image1.png 560 1245 media_image1.png Greyscale Therefore it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of Dare to include the teaching of using numbers to indicate the entries within a tab when it is selected by a user. The motivation is that users will know the number of entries within the tab. Claim 2, Dare in view of Biran discloses wherein the processor is further configured to receive user input comprising selection of a newly selected tab, retrieve device information for the newly selected tab, (Biran teaches that the user use the search window to retrieve specific information which mean new device information are retrieved based on what is entered by the user) show a list of retrieved device information for the newly selected tab, and show indicia on the newly selected tab corresponding to a number of devices listed in the newly selected tab. (Biran: Fig. 7A clearly shows Configuration item has 3 entries which is under the newly selected tab) ) Claim 3, Dare (Fig. 26 shows a search Engine that searches and generates a revised list) in view of Biran discloses wherein the processor is further configured to receive a search term from a user via the user interface, filter a list in accordance with a received search term, (Biran: Item 702 shows a search window which can be used to enter a search term and that search updates the search results) generate a revised list in accordance with the received search term, show the revised list on the display, and update a tab associated with the revised list to show a number of entries in the revised list. (Biran: Section 0111, lines 4-8 thus return information reads on the revised list) Claim 4, Dare in view of Biran discloses wherein the processor is further configured to display, receive a user selection for deletion of a list entry of the revised list shown on the delete the list entry selected for deletion, and (Biran: Section 0124, lines 18-20 – thus the delete option is used to delete the represented configuration item) update the tab associated with the revised list to show a current number of entries in the revised list after deletion. (Biran: Inherently after an item is deleted the list is updated since some of the items have been deleted) PNG media_image2.png 944 1498 media_image2.png Greyscale Claim 5, Dare in view of Biran discloses wherein the processor is further configured to receive a new list entry from the user, add the new list entry to the revised list, and update the tab associated with the revised list to show a current number of entries after addition of the new list entry. (Biran, Section 0124, lines 11-16- thus the update button when clicked update the configuration item which means the new added items shows up now). Claim 6, Dare in view of Biran discloses wherein device information includes one or more of device serial number, device model number, device customer, device policy, device status and device network address. (Biran: fig. 6 in Biran shows clearly the Serial number and the Model ID of the device-See the screenshot below) PNG media_image3.png 944 1498 media_image3.png Greyscale Claim 7, Dare in view of Biran discloses wherein the device information is obtained from a cloud device management service. (Biran: Section 0097, lines 13-15- thus the proxy servers 312 reading the serial numbers and show as demonstrated in Fig. 6) Claim 8, Dare discloses a method comprising receiving, into a memory, device information corresponding to each of a plurality of multifunction peripherals; (Embedded Microprocessor and Peripherals 1202) showing a plurality of tabbed images on a display, (Fig. 26 shows “Log out, Home, Group Management and Statistical Logs) each of the tabbed images associated with device information associated with one or more of a device information category or a device information query; (Fig. 26 shows Open Frame Device Management based on an input search engine “Search input”) determining an open tab among the tabbed images, wherein information relative to the open tab is displayable (Fig. 31 opens up when the “Home tab” is clicked on Fig. 26) and information relative to remaining tabs is hidden, (The rest of the information relating to Group Management and Statistical Logs are hidden) retrieving device information associated with the open tab; (Information about the Home tab is retrieved as clearly shown in fig. 31 “Phone, Call Log, Message, Contacts, Weather and News etc….) showing a list of retrieved device information on the display; (Fig. 31 shows a list of information for the “Home tab” also see Fig. 41 where when the tab videos are clicked list of images under the video tab is listed) Dare does not disclose that fig 31 discloses showing indicia corresponding to a number of entries in a list on the open tab; retrieving device information associated with unopened tabs; showing placeholder indicia corresponding to a number of devices in each unopened tab while the device information associated with the unopened tabs is being retrieved; and replacing placeholder indicia from each unopened tab with indicia corresponding to the number of entries in each unopened tab after its associated device information has been retrieved. Biran clearly discloses a show indicia corresponding to a number of entries in a list on the open tab, retrieve device information associated with unopened tabs, (Fig. 7E shows that 3 entries are associated with the unopened tabs) show placeholder indicia corresponding to a number of devices in each unopened tab while the device information associated with the unopened tabs is being retrieved, (Fig. 7E shows that “incidents tab is unopened the number (3) replaces the place holder the indicates the number of entries that are under incidents) and replace the placeholder indicia from each unopened tab with indicia corresponding to the number of entries in each unopened tab after its associated device information has been retrieved. (Based on Fig. 7E, the numbers 3 and 1 replaces the actual list under each tab) PNG media_image1.png 560 1245 media_image1.png Greyscale Therefore it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of Dare to include the teaching of using numbers to indicate the entries within a tab when it is selected by a user. The motivation is that users will know the number of entries within the tab. Claim 9, Dare in view of Biran discloses The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving user input comprising selection of a newly selected tab; retrieving any missing device information required for the newly selected tab; (Biran teaches that the user use the search window to retrieve specific information which mean new device information are retrieved based on what is entered by the user) showing a list of retrieved device information for the newly selected tab; and showing indicia on the newly selected tab corresponding to a number of devices listed in the newly selected tab. (Biran: Fig. 7A clearly shows Configuration item has 3 entries which is under the newly selected tab) ) Claim 10, Dare in view of Biran discloses The method of claim 9, further comprising receiving a search term from a user via the user interface; filtering a list currently shown on the display in accordance with a received search term; (Biran: Item 702 shows a search window which can be used to enter a search term and that search updates the search results) generating a revised list in accordance with the received search term; showing the revised list on the display; and updating a tab associated with the revised list to show the number of entries in the revised list. (Biran: Section 0111, lines 4-8 thus return information reads on the revised list) Claim 11, Dare in view of Biran discloses The method of claim 10, further comprising receiving a user selection for deletion of a list entry of the revised list shown on the display deleting the list entry selected for deletion; (Biran: Section 0124, lines 18-20 – thus the delete option is used to delete the represented configuration item) and updating the tab associated with the revised list to show a current number of entries in the revised list after deletion. (Biran: Inherently after an item is deleted the list is updated since some of the items have been deleted) PNG media_image2.png 944 1498 media_image2.png Greyscale Claim 12, Dare in view of Biran discloses the method of claim 11, further comprising receiving a new list entry from the user; adding the new list entry to the revised list; and updating the tab associated with the revised list to show a current number of entries after addition of the new list entry. (Biran, Section 0124, lines 11-16- thus the update button when clicked update the configuration item which means the new added items shows up now). Claim 13, Dare in view of Biran discloses that the method The method of claim 12, wherein device information includes one or more of device serial number, device model number, device customer, device policy, device status and device network address. (Biran: fig. 6 in Biran shows clearly the Serial number and the Model ID of the device-See the screenshot below) PNG media_image4.png 480 762 media_image4.png Greyscale Claim 14, Dare in view of Biran discloses wherein the method of claim 13, further comprising obtaining the device information from a cloud device management service. (Biran: Section 0097, lines 13-15- thus the proxy servers 312 reading the serial numbers and show as demonstrated in Fig. 6) Claim 15, Dare discloses a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing a program for causing a networked computer to execute a control method, the control method comprising: receiving, into a memory, device information corresponding to each of a plurality of multifunction peripherals; (Embedded Microprocessor and Peripherals 1202) and showing a plurality of tabbed images on a display, (Fig. 26 shows “Log out, Home, Group Management and Statistical Logs) each of the tabbed images associated with one or more of a device information category or a device information query; (Fig. 26 shows Open Frame Device Management based on an input search engine “Search input”) determining an open tab among the tabbed images, wherein information relative to the open tab is displayable (Fig. 31 opens up when the “Home tab” is clicked on Fig. 26) and information relative to remaining tabs is hidden, (The rest of the information relating to Group Management and Statistical Logs are hidden) retrieving device information associated with the open tab; (Information about the Home tab is retrieved as clearly shown in fig. 31 “Phone, Call Log, Message, Contacts, Weather and News etc….) showing a list of retrieved device information on the display; (Fig. 31 shows a list of information for the “Home tab” also see Fig. 41 where when the tab videos are clicked list of images under the video tab is listed) Dare does not disclose that fig 31 indicia corresponding to a number of entries in a list on the open tab, retrieving device information associated with unopened tabs; showing placeholder indicia corresponding to a number of devices in each unopened tab while the device information associated with the unopened tabs is being retrieved; and replacing placeholder indicia from each unopened tab with indicia corresponding to the number of entries in each unopened tab after its associated device information has been retrieved. Biran clearly discloses a show indicia corresponding to a number of entries in a list on the open tab, retrieve device information associated with unopened tabs, (Fig. 7E shows that 3 entries are associated with the unopened tabs) show placeholder indicia corresponding to a number of devices in each unopened tab while the device information associated with the unopened tabs is being retrieved, (Fig. 7E shows that “incidents tab is unopened the number (3) replaces the place holder the indicates the number of entries that are under incidents) and replace the placeholder indicia from each unopened tab with indicia corresponding to the number of entries in each unopened tab after its associated device information has been retrieved. (Based on Fig. 7E, the numbers 3 and 1 replaces the actual list under each tab) PNG media_image1.png 560 1245 media_image1.png Greyscale Therefore it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the teaching of Dare to include the teaching of using numbers to indicate the entries within a tab when it is selected by a user. The motivation is that users will know the number of entries within the tab. Claim 16, Dare in view of Biran discloses The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the control method further comprises: retrieving any missing device information required for a newly selected tab; (Biran teaches that the user use the search window to retrieve specific information which mean new device information are retrieved based on what is entered by the user) showing a list of retrieved device information for the newly selected tab; and showing indicia on the newly selected tab corresponding to a number of devices listed in the newly selected tab. (Biran: Fig. 7A clearly shows Configuration item has 3 entries which is under the newly selected tab) ) Claim 17, Dare in view of Biran discloses The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein the control method further comprises receiving a search term from a user via a user interface; filtering a list currently shown on the display in accordance with a received search term; (Biran: Item 702 shows a search window which can be used to enter a search term and that search updates the search results) generating a revised list in accordance with the received search term; showing the revised list on the display; and updating a tab associated with the revised list to show a number of entries in the revised list. (Biran: Section 0111, lines 4-8 thus return information reads on the revised list) Claim 18, Dare in view of Biran discloses The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the control method further comprises: display; receiving a user selection for deletion of a list entry of a revised search shown on the deleting the list entry selected for deletion; (Biran: Section 0124, lines 18-20 – thus the delete option is used to delete the represented configuration item) and updating the tab associated with the revised list to show a current number of entries in a revised list after deletion. (Biran: Inherently after an item is deleted the list is updated since some of the items have been deleted) PNG media_image2.png 944 1498 media_image2.png Greyscale Claim 19, Dare in view of Biran discloses The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the control method further comprises: receiving a new list entry from the user; adding the new list entry to the revised list; and updating the tab associated with the revised list to show a current number of entries after addition of the new list entry. (Biran, Section 0124, lines 11-16- thus the update button when clicked update the configuration item which means the new added items shows up now). Claim 20, Dare in view of Biran that the non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 19, wherein device information includes one or more of device serial number, device model number, device customer, device policy, device status and device network address. (Biran: fig. 6 in Biran shows clearly the Serial number and the Model ID of the device-See the screenshot below) PNG media_image3.png 944 1498 media_image3.png Greyscale Cited Art The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Law (US20140237414) discloses systems and methods for displaying data, and more particularly configurable user interface displays using side tab navigation tools for use with displaying data accessible via an on-demand multi-ten ant database and/or application service. 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 Akwasi M Sarpong whose telephone number is (571)270-3438. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Fri. 8:00am-4:00pm. 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. 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. /AKWASI M SARPONG/SPE, Art Unit 2681
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Apr 30, 2024
Application Filed
Jan 15, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §103
Apr 21, 2025
Response Filed
Aug 20, 2025
Final Rejection — §103
Apr 06, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
68%
Grant Probability
92%
With Interview (+23.6%)
3y 10m
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 481 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

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