DETAILED ACTION
A. This action is in response to the following communications: Amendment filed: 07/14/2026. This action is made Final.
B. Claims 1-20 remain pending.
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.
Claim(s) 1-20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over by Shaojun, Chen et al. (CN 115729392 A), herein referred to as “Shaojun”.-Machine translation provided from Google in view of Censo, Davide Di et al. (US Pub. 2015/0193069 A1), herein referred to as “Censo”.
As for claims 18, 14 and 1, Shaojun teaches. A method and corresponding device of 14 and method of 1 in an electronic device, the method comprising: a user interface; a communication device; (par. 154 As shown in FIG1, the communication system 10 includes multiple terminal devices, which may include the mobile phone 101, smartwatch 102, laptop 103, tablet computer 104, smart bracelet 105, earphone 106, smart TV (also known as smart screen, large screen, etc.) 107, smart speaker 108, etc; fig. 5 is a user interface of 505 mobile phone);
receiving, by a user interface, a swipe gesture defining a directional vector extending from the electronic device to a companion electronic device operating in an environment of the electronic device (par. 284; fig. 5-6 user interface shows the users communication device represented as “mobile phone icon 505”, this is the ‘core’ device and other devices (companion devices) and names of said devices are displayed as icons surrounding the mobile phone icon 505 to show what devices are in the vicinity; such that only devices that are in location to the user are presented here on the user interface; par. 297 and 301 user can swipe icon 702 to icon 505 to interact with the application associated with smartwatch, so figure 5 is the main interface, figure 6 is the user swiping icon 702 to 505 and figure 7 is brining the smart watch application to the forefront at 705 as described in par. 342);
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in response to the swipe gesture causing, by one or more processors using a communication device, operation of a foreground application of an application stack to be transferred to the companion electronic device identified by the directional vector (par. 342 application specific information function icons displayed on user interface at 705 in fig. 7); and
surfacing, by the one or more processors, operation of a penultimate application of the application stack as a new foreground application after the causing (par. 365 fig. 7 shows the application specific button that are brought to the forefront, in which user selects menu 707 in which the sports page overlays the 501 interface page to bring sport page to forefront as can be shown in figure 8 the transition between fig. 7 interface to figure 8 to then the interface being transferred to smart watch).
Even if it is found that the teachings in par. 342-365 of Shaojun do not imply directional gesture; wherein the directional gesture identifies the companion electronic device when a direction of motion across the user interface occurs in a direction towards the companion electronic device; then it is also found in an alternative that Censo teaches wherein the directional gesture identifies the companion electronic device when a direction of motion across the user interface occurs in a direction toward the companion electronic device (par. 25 The content transfer component 115 could determine a direction specified by the gesture 220 and could determine which of the media device 225 and 230 corresponds to the determined direction, relative to the position of the mobile device 215. As shown in this example, the gesture 220 specifies the direction of the television 230 relative to the position of the mobile device 215. fig. 4 and par. 35 The content transfer component 115 then detects a gesture specifying a direction on a first device on which the content transfer component 115 is executing (block 415). As discussed above, the direction can be determined based on the gesture's starting and ending points, and may include one or more intervening points as well. Once the direction is determined, the content transfer component 115 identifies a media devices corresponding to the determined direction, relative to the current physical position of the device on which the content transfer component 115 is executing (block 420). As discussed above, if the content transfer component 115 determines a media device is located in the determined direction, the content transfer component 115 could determine that the gesture is a "push" gesture indicating that content should be transmitted to the identified device).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Censo into Shaojun, because Censo suggests as additional devices are added to the network of devices, the task of controlling the network of devices becomes more challenging. For example, although two devices may be capable of interacting with one another (e.g., a data transmission between the two devices), such a capability may not be useful if the interaction is difficult or time-consuming for a user to initiate. This is particularly true when attempting to provide an interface for less sophisticated users, who may be unwilling or unable to navigate a complex interface for controlling the devices. Thus, while the ever-expanding network of "smart" devices offers new possibilities for providing integrated experiences for users, intuitive and usable interfaces and controls for these devices are becoming increasingly important; par. 5.
As for claim 2, Shaojun teaches. The method of claim 1, wherein the swipe gesture identifies the companion electronic device when a swipe direction of motion across the user interface occurs in a direction toward the companion electronic device (par. 439 Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG6, the user can select the smartwatch icon 506 corresponding to the smartwatch on the super terminal interface and drag the smartwatch icon 506 close to the phone icon 505).
Even if it is found that the teachings in par. 342-365 of Shaojun do not imply directional gesture; wherein the directional gesture identifies the companion electronic device when a direction of motion across the user interface occurs in a direction towards the companion electronic device; then it is also found in an alternative that Censo teaches wherein the directional gesture comprises a swipe gesture identifying a previously determined location of the companion electronic device from direction of motion across the user interface (par. 25 The content transfer component 115 could determine a direction specified by the gesture 220 and could determine which of the media device 225 and 230 corresponds to the determined direction, relative to the position of the mobile device 215. As shown in this example, the gesture 220 specifies the direction of the television 230 relative to the position of the mobile device 215. fig. 4 and par. 35 The content transfer component 115 then detects a gesture specifying a direction on a first device on which the content transfer component 115 is executing (block 415). As discussed above, the direction can be determined based on the gesture's starting and ending points, and may include one or more intervening points as well. Once the direction is determined, the content transfer component 115 identifies a media devices corresponding to the determined direction, relative to the current physical position of the device on which the content transfer component 115 is executing (block 420). As discussed above, if the content transfer component 115 determines a media device is located in the determined direction, the content transfer component 115 could determine that the gesture is a "push" gesture indicating that content should be transmitted to the identified device).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Censo into Shaojun, because Censo suggests as additional devices are added to the network of devices, the task of controlling the network of devices becomes more challenging. For example, although two devices may be capable of interacting with one another (e.g., a data transmission between the two devices), such a capability may not be useful if the interaction is difficult or time-consuming for a user to initiate. This is particularly true when attempting to provide an interface for less sophisticated users, who may be unwilling or unable to navigate a complex interface for controlling the devices. Thus, while the ever-expanding network of "smart" devices offers new possibilities for providing integrated experiences for users, intuitive and usable interfaces and controls for these devices are becoming increasingly important; par. 5.
As for claim 3, Shaojun teaches. The method of claim 1, wherein the swipe gesture identifies the companion electronic device when a swipe direction of motion across the user interface defines a directional vector extending from the electronic device to the companion electronic device (par. 439 When the distance between the smartwatch icon 506 and the phone icon 505 is less than or equal to the second distance (R2 as shown in FIG6), or when the smartwatch icon 506 enters the designated area (the annular area formed by the nearest circle around the phone icon in FIG6, that is, the circular area with radius R centered on the phone icon 505), the user releases his finger, and the device connection status illustration 701 shown in FIG7 will be displayed, in which the smartwatch icon 702 is attached to the edge of the phone icon 505).
Even if it is found that the teachings in par. 342-365 of Shaojun do not imply directional gesture; wherein the directional gesture identifies the companion electronic device when a direction of motion across the user interface occurs in a direction towards the companion electronic device; then it is also found in an alternative that Censo teaches wherein the directional gesture identifies the companion electronic device when a swipe direction of motion across the user interface defines a directional vector extending from the electronic device to a previously identified location of the companion electronic device (par. 25 The content transfer component 115 could determine a direction specified by the gesture 220 and could determine which of the media device 225 and 230 corresponds to the determined direction, relative to the position of the mobile device 215. As shown in this example, the gesture 220 specifies the direction of the television 230 relative to the position of the mobile device 215. fig. 4 and par. 35 The content transfer component 115 then detects a gesture specifying a direction on a first device on which the content transfer component 115 is executing (block 415). As discussed above, the direction can be determined based on the gesture's starting and ending points, and may include one or more intervening points as well. Once the direction is determined, the content transfer component 115 identifies a media devices corresponding to the determined direction, relative to the current physical position of the device on which the content transfer component 115 is executing (block 420). As discussed above, if the content transfer component 115 determines a media device is located in the determined direction, the content transfer component 115 could determine that the gesture is a "push" gesture indicating that content should be transmitted to the identified device).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Censo into Shaojun, because Censo suggests as additional devices are added to the network of devices, the task of controlling the network of devices becomes more challenging. For example, although two devices may be capable of interacting with one another (e.g., a data transmission between the two devices), such a capability may not be useful if the interaction is difficult or time-consuming for a user to initiate. This is particularly true when attempting to provide an interface for less sophisticated users, who may be unwilling or unable to navigate a complex interface for controlling the devices. Thus, while the ever-expanding network of "smart" devices offers new possibilities for providing integrated experiences for users, intuitive and usable interfaces and controls for these devices are becoming increasingly important; par. 5.
As for claim 4 and 19. The method of claim 1 and 18, wherein the companion electronic device comprises one of a plurality of companion electronic devices operating within the environment of the electronic device (par. 284; fig. 5-6 user interface shows the users communication device represented as “mobile phone icon 505”, this is the ‘core’ device and other devices (companion devices) and names of said devices are displayed as icons surrounding the mobile phone icon 505 to show what devices are in the vicinity).
As for claim 5, Shaojun teaches. The method of claim 4, further comprising determining, by the one or more processors, a location of each companion electronic device of the plurality of companion electronic devices within the environment relative to the electronic device (par. 432 The device connection status diagram can indicate the connection relationship, relative position relationship, signal strength relationship, etc. between the core device and the associated device).
As for claim 6, Shaojun teaches. The method of claim 5, wherein the determining occurs using one of an ultra-wide band ranging process or a Bluetooth channel sounding process (par. 435 the distance between the associated device icon and the core device icon in the interface can indicate the signal strength of the associated device detected by the core device, such as the Bluetooth signal strength or WiFi signal strength).
As for claim 7, Shaojun teaches. The method of claim 5, further comprising correlating a direction of movement of the swipe gesture across the user interface with locations of the plurality of companion electronic devices to identify the companion electronic device identified by the swipe gesture (fig. 6 movement of icon 506 and the R1 distance and R2 distance).
Even if it is found that the teachings in par. 342-365 of Shaojun do not imply directional gesture; wherein the directional gesture identifies the companion electronic device when a direction of motion across the user interface occurs in a direction towards the companion electronic device; then it is also found in an alternative that Censo teaches directional gesture (par. 25 The content transfer component 115 could determine a direction specified by the gesture 220 and could determine which of the media device 225 and 230 corresponds to the determined direction, relative to the position of the mobile device 215. As shown in this example, the gesture 220 specifies the direction of the television 230 relative to the position of the mobile device 215. fig. 4 and par. 35 The content transfer component 115 then detects a gesture specifying a direction on a first device on which the content transfer component 115 is executing (block 415). As discussed above, the direction can be determined based on the gesture's starting and ending points, and may include one or more intervening points as well. Once the direction is determined, the content transfer component 115 identifies a media devices corresponding to the determined direction, relative to the current physical position of the device on which the content transfer component 115 is executing (block 420). As discussed above, if the content transfer component 115 determines a media device is located in the determined direction, the content transfer component 115 could determine that the gesture is a "push" gesture indicating that content should be transmitted to the identified device).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Censo into Shaojun, because Censo suggests as additional devices are added to the network of devices, the task of controlling the network of devices becomes more challenging. For example, although two devices may be capable of interacting with one another (e.g., a data transmission between the two devices), such a capability may not be useful if the interaction is difficult or time-consuming for a user to initiate. This is particularly true when attempting to provide an interface for less sophisticated users, who may be unwilling or unable to navigate a complex interface for controlling the devices. Thus, while the ever-expanding network of "smart" devices offers new possibilities for providing integrated experiences for users, intuitive and usable interfaces and controls for these devices are becoming increasingly important; par. 5.
As for claim 8, Shaojun teaches. The method of claim 7, wherein the determining occurs prior to the receiving (par. 285 For example, the relative position of the associated device icon and the core device icon displayed in the device connection status diagram 504 can indicate the positional relationship between the associated device and the core device in real space, such as relative orientation information, relative distance information, etc., which is helpful for users Quickly find and distinguish individual electronic devices).
As for claim 9, Shaojun teaches. The method of claim 1, wherein the transferring occurs only when the swipe gesture is received while the electronic device is in an unlocked condition (par. 232, 235 and 237 examples of unlocking state).
Even if it is found that the teachings in par. 342-365 of Shaojun do not imply directional gesture; wherein the directional gesture identifies the companion electronic device when a direction of motion across the user interface occurs in a direction towards the companion electronic device; then it is also found in an alternative that Censo teaches directional gesture (par. 25 The content transfer component 115 could determine a direction specified by the gesture 220 and could determine which of the media device 225 and 230 corresponds to the determined direction, relative to the position of the mobile device 215. As shown in this example, the gesture 220 specifies the direction of the television 230 relative to the position of the mobile device 215. fig. 4 and par. 35 The content transfer component 115 then detects a gesture specifying a direction on a first device on which the content transfer component 115 is executing (block 415). As discussed above, the direction can be determined based on the gesture's starting and ending points, and may include one or more intervening points as well. Once the direction is determined, the content transfer component 115 identifies a media devices corresponding to the determined direction, relative to the current physical position of the device on which the content transfer component 115 is executing (block 420). As discussed above, if the content transfer component 115 determines a media device is located in the determined direction, the content transfer component 115 could determine that the gesture is a "push" gesture indicating that content should be transmitted to the identified device).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Censo into Shaojun, because Censo suggests as additional devices are added to the network of devices, the task of controlling the network of devices becomes more challenging. For example, although two devices may be capable of interacting with one another (e.g., a data transmission between the two devices), such a capability may not be useful if the interaction is difficult or time-consuming for a user to initiate. This is particularly true when attempting to provide an interface for less sophisticated users, who may be unwilling or unable to navigate a complex interface for controlling the devices. Thus, while the ever-expanding network of "smart" devices offers new possibilities for providing integrated experiences for users, intuitive and usable interfaces and controls for these devices are becoming increasingly important; par. 5.
As for claim 10, Shaojun teaches. The method of claim 1, wherein the application operating on the one or more processors comprises a foreground application operating on an application stack, further comprising surfacing a penultimate application of the application stack on the user interface as a new foreground application after the transferring (par. 342 application specific information function icons displayed on user interface at 705 in fig. 7); and
surfacing, by the one or more processors, operation of a penultimate application of the application stack as a new foreground application after the causing (par. 365 fig. 7 shows the application specific button that are brought to the forefront, in which user selects menu 707 in which the sports page overlays the 501 interface page to bring sport page to forefront as can be shown in figure 8 the transition between fig. 7 interface to figure 8 to then the interface being transferred to smart watch).
As for claim 11, Shaojun teaches. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
also receiving, by the user interface after the transferring, a predefined gesture;
recalling, by the one or more processors using the communication device in response to the predefined gesture, the operation of the application from the companion electronic device; and resuming, by the one or more processors, the operation of the application on the one or more processors of the electronic device (par. 47 When a user drags the second control from different directions or areas to attach it to the first control, the resulting effects and triggered services may differ; also par. 56).
As for claim 12, Shaojun teaches. The method of claim 11, wherein the predefined gesture comprises one of a tap gesture or a double-tap gesture (par. 229 pressure sensor 180a detects various pressures and amount of pressures for different input detections which would encompass tapping).
As for claim 13, Shaojun teaches. The method of claim 11, wherein:
the companion electronic device comprises one of a plurality of companion electronic devices operating within the environment of the electronic device; and
the predefined gesture identifies the companion electronic device from which the operation of the application should be withdrawn (par. 56 disconnection of the connected device through gesture of the user interaction with the user interface).
As for claim 15, Shaojun teaches. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the one or more processors further cause the communication device to recall the operation of the foreground application from the companion electronic device in response to the user interface receiving another gesture input (par. 56 In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth user operation can be an operation whereby a user selects a second control and drags the second control away from the first control until it moves out of a designated area, and then releases the second control. The second control returns to its previous unconnected position, releasing the adsorption state. The second device also disconnects from the first device, and the atomization service provided by either the first or second device terminates. Alternatively, when a user clicks the second control in a connected state, or when a user presses and holds the second and first controls and drags them in opposite directions to separate them, the first and second devices can also disconnect. This is reflected on the interface as the second control separating from the first control and returning to its unconnected position).
As for claim 16, Shaojun teaches. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the another gesture input comprises a reverse swipe gesture defining a reverse directional vector identifying the companion electronic device (par. 56 user reverse direction of swiping icon).
As for claim 17, Shaojun teaches. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the one or more processors cause an animation of a graphical user interface of the foreground application to move on the user interface along the directional vector while the communication device transfers the operation of the foreground application operating on the one or more processors to the companion electronic device identified by the swipe (fig. 7 icon animates from a starting position to a final position which then causes an application to be brought to the foreground as mentioned in claim 18 analysis).
As for claim 20, Shaojun teaches. The method of claim 18, further comprising animating, by the one or more processors, movement of a graphical user interface of the foreground application out of the application stack during the causing (fig. 7 icon animates from a starting position to a final position which then causes an application to be brought to the foreground as mentioned in claim 18 analysis)..
(Note:) It is noted that any citation to specific, pages, columns, lines, or figures in the prior art references and any interpretation of the references should not be considered to be limiting in any way. A reference is relevant for all it contains and may be relied upon for all that it would have reasonably suggested to one having ordinary skill in the art. In re Heck, 699 F.2d 1331, 1332-33, 216 USPQ 1038, 1039 (Fed. Cir. 1983) (quoting In re Lemelson, 397 F.2d 1006,1009, 158 USPQ 275, 277 (CCPA 1968)).
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 1-20 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Examiner notes that applicant argues “In contrast, Shaojun's "super terminal" UI and R1/R2 icon distances are purely two-dimensional GUI metaphors, not literal 3D localization.” Examiner notes that the claim does not limit to this broadest reasonable interpretation, yet to advance prosecution newly cited art is relied upon as an alternative to show obviousness.
Examiner notes that the following arguments are not supported under BRI as well: Applicants arguments: There is no explicit description in Shaojun that: A running foreground application on the phone ceases execution on the phone and begins execution on the smartwatch or PC, preserving application state and media continuity; The application stack on the first device reconfigures to surface a penultimate application after migration; or The ecosystem handles per-device application instances and component-level transfers as taught in Applicant's detailed methods.
The claims do not describe this functionality, they are written in such as way to encompass the prior art applied; none the less the alternative Censo would arrive at the teachings of transferring content from one device to another for interaction on a newly identified device. Examiner recommends clarifying amendments that match the arguments supplied to detail the exact functionality of the invention.
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.
Inquires
Any inquiry concerning this communication should be directed to NICHOLAS AUGUSTINE at telephone number (571)270-1056.
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.
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/NICHOLAS AUGUSTINE/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2178 September 15, 2026
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