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 § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 1,9, 12, and 13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being unpatentable by US 20230062938 A1 to Murphy et al. (“Murphy”).
As to claim 1, Murphy teaches an infrared imaging system (¶0020-0023), comprising: a detector configured to detect wavelengths in a first infrared wavelength band and a second infrared wavelength band, shorter than the first infrared wavelength band, wherein the second infrared wavelength band is an extended short wavelength infrared band (¶0021, System 100 includes at least one hyperspectral camera 112a and at least one spectroscopy sensor integrated to collectively capture multiple spectral features of materials or objects, such as plastics, including dark or black plastics. The at least one spectroscopy sensor may be configured to capture signals from across a wide range of the electromagnetic energy spectrum (from X-Rays through THz/mm wavelengths—sensor fusion). System 100 may also include a second hyperspectral camera 112b and a second spectroscopy sensor. Hyperspectral camera 112a may be sensitive to a specific wavelength range. Hyperspectral camera 112b may be sensitive to a wavelength range different from hyperspectral camera 112a. Wavelength ranges include short-wavelength infrared (SWIR), middle-wavelength infrared (MWIR), near infrared (NIR), X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction (XRD), millimeter-wave, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR). System 100 may include additional hyperspectral cameras. For example, system 100 may include a total of at least 3, 4, 5, or more hyperspectral cameras); a light source configured to output light in the second infrared wavelength band to an object emitting light in the first infrared wavelength band (¶0022, Light source 116a and light source 116b may illuminate samples in waste stream 108. Light source 116a may provide wavelengths to which hyperspectral camera 112a is sensitive. Light source 116b may provide wavelengths to which hyperspectral camera 112b is sensitive. For example, a light source may be a collection of high intensity halogen lights, which produce SWIR. In some embodiments, a light source may be one or more electric filament-based heaters with gold-plated reflectors, which produce MWIR. In some embodiments, a light source may be one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit wavelengths in one or more of the wavelength ranges described herein. System 100 may include as many light sources as hyperspectral cameras, with a separate light source providing wavelengths suited for each hyperspectral camera); and an identify circuit configured to identify the object based on spectral characteristics of light emitted from the object in the first infrared wavelength band and reflected returned from the object in the second infrared wavelength band detected by the detector (¶0046, Fig. 3, The feature extraction module 350 processes the image 315, including segmenting the image to identify portions of the image 315 that represent the different objects in the sample 101 (e.g., the different bottles rather than background), and more specifically to identify portions of the image 315 that show a particular type of region (e.g., a region of PET versus PE; a contaminated region versus a clean region, etc.). Using the selected subset of segmented regions, the module 350 determines values for each of a predetermined set of features. The features can correspond to different spectral bands that have been selected for use in predicting the chemical property or properties of interest. In other words, data for different combinations of bands can be used to provide input to different models 370. In addition, the data for those bands can be taken from the specific segmented region(s) relevant to the model, e.g., using segmented regions of contamination only to generate input features for the models trained to predict contaminant concentration. For example, the features may be average intensity for each of a subset of spectral bands in the image 315. When data for other spectroscopic techniques is obtained, feature values for these spectroscopic results can also be generated and provided as input to the models 370 to generate estimates of chemical content. As a result, a set of feature values is determined for the image 315, with each feature value representing an average intensity value for a different spectral band (which may be an augmented band) in a predetermined set of spectral bands, where the averages are determined over the segmented regions identified as the region type corresponding to the model. The predetermined set of spectral bands can be the same set of spectral bands for which information was provided to the respective models 370 during training).
As to claim 9, Murphy teaches the infrared imaging system of claim 1, wherein the light source is further configured to output light in the first infrared wavelength band based on the identity of the object (Murphy, ¶0022, Light source 116a and light source 116b may illuminate samples in waste stream 108. Light source 116a may provide wavelengths to which hyperspectral camera 112a is sensitive. Light source 116b may provide wavelengths to which hyperspectral camera 112b is sensitive. For example, a light source may be a collection of high intensity halogen lights, which produce SWIR. In some embodiments, a light source may be one or more electric filament-based heaters with gold-plated reflectors, which produce MWIR. In some embodiments, a light source may be one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit wavelengths in one or more of the wavelength ranges described herein. System 100 may include as many light sources as hyperspectral cameras, with a separate light source providing wavelengths suited for each hyperspectral camera.).
As to claim 12, see the rejection of claim 1.
As to claim 13, Murphy teaches the method of claim 12, wherein the second infrared wavelength band is an extended short wavelength infrared band (¶0021, System 100 includes at least one hyperspectral camera 112a and at least one spectroscopy sensor integrated to collectively capture multiple spectral features of materials or objects, such as plastics, including dark or black plastics. The at least one spectroscopy sensor may be configured to capture signals from across a wide range of the electromagnetic energy spectrum (from X-Rays through THz/mm wavelengths—sensor fusion). System 100 may also include a second hyperspectral camera 112b and a second spectroscopy sensor. Hyperspectral camera 112a may be sensitive to a specific wavelength range. Hyperspectral camera 112b may be sensitive to a wavelength range different from hyperspectral camera 112a. Wavelength ranges include short-wavelength infrared (SWIR), middle-wavelength infrared (MWIR), near infrared (NIR), X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction (XRD), millimeter-wave, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR). System 100 may include additional hyperspectral cameras. For example, system 100 may include a total of at least 3, 4, 5, or more hyperspectral cameras).
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) 2, 3, 6, 10 ,11, and 15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Murphy and further in view of US 8761594 B1 to Gross et al. (“Gross”).
As to claim 2, Murphy teaches the infrared imaging system of claim 1, Murphy does not teach wherein the light source illuminates an entire field of view being imaged by the detector with the second infrared wavelength band. Gross teaches wherein the light source illuminates an entire field of view being imaged by the detector with the second infrared wavelength band (Gross, Col. 14 lines 43-45] Entire FOV of the camera is illuminated by the illumination array). It would have been obvious to the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date to modify the system by Murphy to add the teachings of Gross. The suggestion/motivation would be in order to perform a simple substitution of illumination sources.
As to claim 3, Murphy teaches the infrared imaging system of claim 1, Murphy does not teach further comprising a scanner to scan light output by the light source to illuminate a portion of the object being imaged by the detector. Gross teaches further comprising a scanner to scan light output by the light source to illuminate a portion of the object being imaged by the detector (Gross, Fig. 12, Digital controller (1232) controls light emitting elements corresponding to the object). It would have been obvious to the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date to modify the system by Murphy to add the teachings of Gross. The suggestion/motivation would be in order to perform a simple substitution of illumination sources.
As to claim 6, Murphy teaches the infrared imaging system of claim 1, Murphy does not teach wherein the identify circuit is configured to identify the object based on an intensity of specific light in the second infrared wavelength band. Gross teaches wherein the identify circuit is configured to identify the object based on an intensity of specific light in the second infrared wavelength band (Gross, Fig. 5A-5B). It would have been obvious to the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date to modify the system by Murphy to add the teachings of Gross. The suggestion/motivation would be in order to perform a simple substitution of illumination sources.
As to claim 10, Murphy teaches the infrared imaging system of claim 9, Murphy does not teach wherein the light source illuminates an entire field of view being imaged by the detector with the first infrared wavelength band. Gross teaches wherein the light source illuminates an entire field of view being imaged by the detector with the first infrared wavelength band(Gross, Col. 14 lines 43-45] Entire FOV of the camera is illuminated by the illumination array). It would have been obvious to the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date to modify the system by Murphy to add the teachings of Gross. The suggestion/motivation would be in order to perform a simple substitution of illumination sources.
As to claim 11, Murphy teaches the infrared imaging system of claim 10, Murphy does not teach wherein the light source illuminates less than the entire field of view being imaged by the detector with the first infrared wavelength band. Gross teaches wherein the light source illuminates less than the entire field of view being imaged by the detector with the first infrared wavelength band (Gross, Fig. 2). It would have been obvious to the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date to modify the system by Murphy to add the teachings of Gross. The suggestion/motivation would be in order to perform a simple substitution of illumination sources.
As to claim 15, see the rejection of claim 2.
Claim(s) 4 and 5 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Murphy and Gross as applied to claim 3 above, and further in view of US 20250005308 A1 Kozicki.
As to claim 4, Murphy and Gross teaches the infrared imaging system of claim 3, Murphy and Gross does not teach wherein the scanner is to scan the light output by the light source to illuminate an entirety of the object simultaneously. Kozicki teaches wherein the scanner is to scan the light output by the light source to illuminate an entirety of the object simultaneously (Kozicki, ¶0167, Flood illumination). It would have been obvious to the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date to modify the system by Murphy and Gross. The suggestion/motivation would be in order to perform a simple substitution of illumination sources.
As to claim 5, Murphy and Gross teaches the infrared imaging system of claim 3, Murphy and Gross does not teach wherein the scanner is to scan the light output by the light source to illuminate subsets of the object sequentially. Kozicki teaches wherein the scanner is to scan the light output by the light source to illuminate subsets of the object sequentially (Kozicki, ¶0164-0165, Sequential illumination). It would have been obvious to the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date to modify the system by Murphy and Gross. The suggestion/motivation would be in order to perform a simple substitution of illumination sources.
Claim(s) 7 and 8 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Murphy as applied to claim 3 above, and further in view of US 11041693 B2 to Houde.
As to claim 7, Murphy teaches the infrared imaging system of claim 1, Murphy does not teach wherein the identify circuit is configured to identify the object based on an intensity of specific light in the first infrared wavelength band. Houde teaches wherein the identify circuit is configured to identify the object based on an intensity of specific light in the first infrared wavelength band (Houde, ¶0053-0054). It would have been obvious to the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date to modify the system by Murphy to add Houde. The suggestion/motivation would be in order to include obvious illumination components such that illumination is emitted at a desired frequency.
As to claim 8, Murphy teaches the infrared imaging system of claim 1, Murphy does not teach further comprising a control circuit configured to control the light source to output a selected wavelength in the second infrared wavelength band. Houde teaches further comprising a control circuit configured to control the light source to output a selected wavelength in the second infrared wavelength band (¶0048-0049). It would have been obvious to the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date to modify the system by Murphy to add Houde. The suggestion/motivation would be in order to include obvious illumination components such that illumination is emitted at a desired frequency
Claim(s) 14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Murphy as applied to claim 13 above, and further in view of US 20180091746 A1 to Benser.
As to claim 14, Murphy teaches the method of claim 13, Murphy does not teach wherein the first infrared wavelength band is a long wave infrared wavelength band. Benser teaches wherein the first infrared wavelength band is a long wave infrared wavelength band (¶0014, LWIR). It would have been obvious to the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date to modify the system by Murphy to add the teachings of Benser. The suggestion/motivation would be to adapt the wavelength bands based on the environmental conditions.
Claim(s) 16 and 17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Murphy as applied to claim 13 above, and further in view of Kozicki.
As to claim 16, Murphy teaches the method of claim 12, Murphy does not teach wherein identifying the object is based on an intensity of specific light in the first infrared wavelength band. Kozicki teaches wherein identifying the object is based on an intensity of specific light in the first infrared wavelength band (¶0093). It would have been obvious to the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date to modify the system by Murphy and Gross. The suggestion/motivation would be in order to perform a simple substitution of illumination sources.
As to claim 17, Murphy teaches the method of claim 12, Murphy does not teach wherein identifying the object is based on an intensity of specific light in the second infrared wavelength band. Kozicki teaches wherein identifying the object is based on an intensity of specific light in the second infrared wavelength band (¶0093). It would have been obvious to the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the effective filing date to modify the system by Murphy and Gross. The suggestion/motivation would be in order to perform a simple substitution of illumination sources.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to CHRISTINE A KURIEN whose telephone number is (571)270-5694. The examiner can normally be reached M-F; 7:30-4:30.
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, Nathan Flynn can be reached at 571-272-1915. 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.
/CHRISTINE A KURIEN/Examiner, Art Unit 2421 /NATHAN J FLYNN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2421