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 .
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim 21 is objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
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) 1-2, 4-10, 12-13 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over STUDERUS US 20240038011 in view of Fink US 20260009285
1. A method for configuration of an ultra-wideband-based access control mode of an access control device, the method comprising:
determining, by a computing system, whether to configure the ultra-wideband-based access control mode for the access control device (STUDERUS: [0021, 0054-0059] Operating the barrier(s)—by the access control device—in the first mode of operation (increased convenience and/or flexibility) is triggered either upon determining a first entry of an authentication device(s) into the secure control area and/or at the beginning of a first time window (such as the beginning of regular business hours of the secure control area));
receiving, by the computing system, a user selection of a configuration type for the ultra-wideband-based access control mode in response to determining to configure the ultra-wideband-based access control mode for the access control device (STUDERUS: [0003, 0049, 0053-0059, 0062-0069] The authentication can be initiated either by a user, for instance by pressing a button on the authentication device to trigger transmission of authentication data to the access control device, or from the access control device itself which periodically transmits request signals and awaits a response message from the authentication device comprising authentication data……wherein one or more of the ultra-wideband transceiver(s) is configured for: receiving authentication data from the one or more authentication devices. The access control device operates the barriers such as to allow or deny entry of the authentication devices. the access control device 10 further comprises a communication module 16 for establishing data communication link(s) with the authentication device(s) 100 and/or the barrier(s) 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 for receiving authentication data from the authentication device. In a step S30, the barrier(s) 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 are operated—by the access control is device in a first mode of operation (configuration type). In a step S40, operation of the barrier (s) 5, 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 by the access control device 10 is switched from the first mode of operation into a second mode of operation (configuration type));
performing, by the access control device, automated configuration of the ultra-wideband-based access control mode in response to determining that user selection of the configuration type is an automated configuration (STUDERUS: [0003, 0010-0011] For increased convenience and/or flexibility, in the first mode of operation, the access control device operates the barrier(s) such as to allow entry or exit irrespective of an authentication of authentication device(s) (i.e., automatically). The access control device operates the barrier(s) such as to allow or deny entry of an authentication device(s) into the secure control area in accordance with an access control process of the authentication device); and
storing, by the access control device, manual configuration settings received from the user in response to determining that the user selection of the configuration type is a manual configuration (STUDERUS: [0003, 0030, 0065] an entry corresponding to authentication device(s) 100 is recorded into a presence list associated with the secure control area A and the presence list is maintained in a data store comprised by or commutatively connected to the access control device).
STUDERUS merely discloses the term manual (STUDERUS: to authenticate a device)
Fink further teaches the term manual (Fink: [0228, 0230-0231] a selectable menu for updating (i.e., storing) settings, an authentication interface to receive manually entered credentials to changes settings and/or to approve installation of a new module, etc)
Thus, it would have been obvious to one skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to include the above recited limitation into STUDERUS’s invention in order to make the door system 10 to require a user to be authenticated prior to changing the door 30 from the locked state to the unlocked state or from the unlocked state to the locked state, as taught by Fink.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the user selection of the configuration type for the ultra-wideband-based access control mode comprises receiving the user selection of the configuration type via a mobile device of the user, wherein a wireless communication connection is established between the mobile device and the access control device (STUDERUS: module 102 is configured for establishing an ultra-wideband transmission with an access control device 10 [0049, 0053-0059, 0062-0069]).
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving the manual configuration settings from the user via user input on a mobile device of the user (STUDERUS: [0049, 0053-0059, 0062-0069]; Fink: [0228, 0230-0231] an authentication interface to receive manually entered credentials); wherein the manual configuration settings comprise a user selection of an enabled field of view of an ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device wherein the manual configuration settings comprise a user selection of an enabled field of view of an ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device (STUDERUS: fig. 4[0064-0069]; Fink: fig. 9B [0228, 0230-0231] selectable menu).
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the enabled field of view of the ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device is user-selected via interaction with a plurality of discrete field of view regions, wherein user selection of each discrete field of view region of the plurality of field of view regions toggles a status of the respective discrete field of view region between enabled and disabled (STUDERUS: [0049, 0053-0059, 0062-0069] allow entry or exit; Fink: fig. 61 [0228, 0230-0231] the locked state to the unlocked state or from the unlocked state to the locked state).
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the discrete field of view regions form a grid system (STUDERUS: [0013-0015] distinguish between an entry and exit of authentication device(s) through the barrier(s), a direction of movement; Fink: fig. 61 [0336, 0364]).
7. The method of claim 4, wherein the enabled field of view of the ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device is adjustable by the user modifying the angular bounds of a displayed field of view indicator (STUDERUS: [0017, 0021] phase difference; Fink: [0224, 0364] field of view, a direction of view, zoom in, and/or zoom out).
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving the manual configuration settings from the user via a user interface on the access control device (STUDERUS: [0049, 0053-0059, 0062-0069] request message to the authentication device; Fink: [0228, 0230-0231] an authentication interface to receive manually entered credentials).
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving the manual configuration settings from the user as a user selection of one of a plurality of predefined manual configuration settings (STUDERUS: [0049, 0053-0059, 0062-0069]; Fink: [0228, 0230-0231, 0364] selectable menu… e.g., granted access over a predetermined time period or revoked predetermined access).
10. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the automated configuration of the ultra-wideband-based access control mode comprises: receiving radio detection and ranging (RADAR) data based on a physical environment of the access control device; and configuring a field of view of an ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device based on the RADAR data (Fink: [0227-0228] Radar Sensor).
12. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the automated configuration of the ultra-wideband-based access control mode comprises performing intent detection during a learning phase to increase an enabled field of view of an ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device from an initial enabled field of view in response to determining that a positive intent session has occurred when the user is outside of the initial enabled field of view (STUDERUS: [0013-0015] distinguish between an entry and exit of authentication device(s) through the barrier(s), a direction of movement of the authentication device(s) with respect to the barrier is determined by a sequence of two or more multilateration and/or multiangulation using the plurality of ultra-wideband transmissions; Fink: fig. 61 [0336, 0364] machine learning).
13. The method of claim 12, wherein performing the intent detection during the learning phase comprises performing the intent detection during a learning phase of a predefined number of positive intent sessions (Fink: fig. 61 [0336, 0364] machine learning in order to react in predetermined ways to detecting certain types of objects).
Claim(s) 11 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over STUDERUS US 20240038011 in view of Fink US 20260009285 further in view of Drozd US 11461792
11. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the automated configuration of the ultra-wideband-based access control mode comprises: generating a [[heat]] map indicative of a frequency of positive intent approaches of users to the access control device; and configuring a field of view of an ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device based on the [[heat] map (Fink: [0364]).
STUDERUS-Fink merely discloses the term heat map
Drozd further teaches the term heat map (Drozd: col. 2, lines 11-45, col. 5, lines 40-63; generate a heat map that includes a digital map of the geographic area and depicts frequencies in which the user visited businesses within the geographic area)
Thus, it would have been obvious to one skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claim invention to include the above recited limitation into STUDERUS’s invention in order to depicts frequencies in which the user visited businesses within the geographic area, as taught by Drozd.
22. The method of claim 4, wherein the enabled field of view of the ultra- wideband antenna of the access control device is configured by the user selecting one or more enabled approach directions from a plurality of predefined approach directions relative to the access control device (STUDERUS: fig. 4[0064-0069]; Fink: fig. 9B [0228, 0230-0231] selectable menu).
Regarding claims 14-19, the independent claim and each dependent claim are related to the same limitation set for hereinabove in claims 1-2, 4-13, where the difference used is a “system” with a processor and a memory (STUDERUS: Referring to FIG. 4-5, includes a processor & a memory 14) and the wordings of the claims were interchanged within the claim itself or some of the claims were presented as a combination of two or more previously presented limitations. This change does not affect the limitation of the above treated claims. Adding these phrases to the claims arid interchanging the wording did not introduce new limitations to these claims. Therefore, these claims were rejected for similar reasons as stated above.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed on 7/20/26 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Applicant Argument:
According to amended claim 1, receiving, by the computing system, a user selection of a configuration type for the ultra-wideband-based access control mode in response to determining to configure the ultra-wideband-based access control mode for the access control device. Such a distinction is not disclosed in prior art(s).
Response to Arguments:
With respect to the above argument, Examiner would like to draw attention to that it is the claims that define the claimed invention, and it is claims, not specifications that are anticipated or unpatentable. Constant v. Advanced Micro-Devices Inc., 7 USPQ2d 1064.
In addition, the Examiner would like to draw attention to ([0003, 0049, 0053-0059, 0062-0069]) of STUDERUS, for example: The authentication can be initiated either by a user, for instance by pressing a button on the authentication device to trigger transmission of authentication data to the access control device, or from the access control device itself which periodically transmits request signals and awaits a response message from the authentication device comprising authentication data……wherein one or more of the ultra-wideband transceiver(s) is configured for: receiving authentication data from the one or more authentication devices. The access control device operates the barriers such as to allow or deny entry of the authentication devices. the access control device 10 further comprises a communication module 16 for establishing data communication link(s) with the authentication device(s) 100 and/or the barrier(s) 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 for receiving authentication data from the authentication device. In a step S30, the barrier(s) 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 are operated—by the access control is device in a first mode of operation (configuration type). In a step S40, operation of the barrier (s) 5, 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 by the access control device 10 is switched from the first mode of operation into a second mode of operation (configuration type)) (herein it’s considered same as receiving, by the computing system, a user selection of a configuration type for the ultra-wideband-based access control mode in response to determining to configure the ultra-wideband-based access control mode for the access control device).
In addition, the Examiner would like to draw attention to ([0275-0276]) of Fink, for example: based on the transmission and receipt of the UWB signals via the UWB sensors 606, the control system 100 may configured to determine a distance of the user device 190 relative to the door 30 in three-dimensional coordinate space. More specifically, the control system 100 may be configured to provide angle of arrival technology and real-time locations services (“RTLS”) using the UWB sensors 606 to detect and triangulate the location of the user device 190 to permit “hands free” authentication and unlock functionality (e.g., the user may only have to touch a touch capacitive portion of the door 30, the user does not need to touch any component of the door 30 for unlock function, etc.). By way of example, the control system 100 may be configured to analyze the UWB signals to determine whether the user device 190 is on the exterior side of the door 30, on the interior side of the door 30, to the side of the door 30 but inside a residence, to the side of the door 30 but outside of the residence, above the door 30 (e.g., on a second floor, on a balcony, on a deck, etc.), and/or below the door 30 (e.g., in a basement, on a lower level patio, etc.). The control system 100 may control operation of the door system 10 based on the UWB signals. By way of example, the control system 100 may unlock or lock the door 30 based at least partially on the UWB signals (herein it’s considered same as receiving, by the computing system, a user selection of a configuration type for the ultra-wideband-based access control mode in response to determining to configure the ultra-wideband-based access control mode for the access control device).
Thus, for the above reason, the prior art meet the claim limitation.
Applicant Argument:
According to amended claim 1, performing, by the access control device, automated configuration of the ultra-wideband-based access control mode in response to determining that user selection of the configuration type is an automated configuration. Such a distinction is not disclosed in prior art(s).
Response to Arguments:
With respect to the above argument, Examiner would like to draw attention to that it is the claims that define the claimed invention, and it is claims, not specifications that are anticipated or unpatentable. Constant v. Advanced Micro-Devices Inc., 7 USPQ2d 1064.
Furthermore, the Examiner would like to draw attention to ([0003, 0010-0011]) of STUDERUS, for example: For increased convenience and/or flexibility, in the first mode of operation, the access control device operates the barrier(s) such as to allow entry or exit irrespective of an authentication of authentication device(s) (i.e., automatically). The access control device operates the barrier(s) such as to allow or deny entry of an authentication device(s) into the secure control area in accordance with an access control process of the authentication device (herein it’s considered same as performing, by the access control device, automated configuration of the ultra-wideband-based access control mode in response to determining that user selection of the configuration type is an automated configuration)
Applicant Argument:
According to amended claim 1, storing, by the access control device, manual configuration settings received from the user in response to determining that the user selection of the configuration type is a manual configuration. Such a distinction is not disclosed in prior art(s).
Response to Arguments:
With respect to the above argument, Examiner would like to draw attention to that it is the claims that define the claimed invention, and it is claims, not specifications that are anticipated or unpatentable. Constant v. Advanced Micro-Devices Inc., 7 USPQ2d 1064.
Furthermore, the Examiner would like to draw attention to ([0003, [0030, 0065]) of STUDERUS, for example: an entry corresponding to authentication device(s) 100 is recorded into a presence list associated with the secure control area A and the presence list is maintained in a data store comprised by or commutatively connected to the access control device (herein it’s considered same as storing, by the access control device, manual configuration settings received from the user in response to determining that the user selection of the configuration type is a manual configuration)
Furthermore, the Examiner would like to draw attention to ([0228, 0230-0231]) of Fink, for example: a selectable menu for updating (i.e., storing) settings, an authentication interface to receive manually entered credentials to changes settings and/or to approve installation of a new module, etc. (herein it’s considered same as storing, by the access control device, manual configuration settings received from the user in response to determining that the user selection of the configuration type is a manual configuration)
Thus, for the above reason, the prior art meet the claim limitation.
Applicant Argument:
According to claim 2, wherein receiving the user selection of the configuration type for the ultra-wideband-based access control mode comprises receiving the user selection of the configuration type via a mobile device of the user, wherein a wireless communication connection is established between the mobile device and the access control device. Such a distinction is not disclosed in prior art(s).
Response to Arguments:
With respect to the above argument, Examiner would like to draw attention to ([0003, 0049, 0053-0059, 0062-0069]) of STUDERUS, for example: module 102 is configured for establishing an ultra-wideband transmission with an access control device 10….e.g., Keyless entry systems operate in that an access control device executes a wireless communication with an authentication device, such as a keyless fob, a keycard or an authentication device incorporating a corresponding wireless transceiver. Once said wireless communication between the access control device and the authentication device has been executed, the access control device exchanges data messages with the authentication device. The authentication can be initiated either by a user, for instance by pressing a button on the authentication device to trigger transmission of authentication data to the access control device, or from the access control device itself which periodically transmits request signals and awaits a response message from the authentication device comprising authentication data. Upon successful authentication, i.e. verification of user credentials (e.g. by correlating authentication data received from the authentication device with a list of authorized users), the access control device grants access to the user in possession of the respective authentication device, e.g. by opening said barrier (herein it’s considered same as receiving the user selection of the configuration type for the ultra-wideband-based access control mode comprises receiving the user selection of the configuration type via a mobile device of the user, wherein a wireless communication connection is established between the mobile device and the access control device).
Applicant Argument:
According to claim 4, wherein the manual configuration settings comprise a user selection of an enabled field of view of an ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device. Such a distinction is not disclosed in prior art(s).
Response to Arguments:
With respect to the above argument, Examiner would like to draw attention to (fig. 4 [0003, 0064-0069]) of STUDERUS, for example: Once said wireless communication between the access control device and the authentication device has been executed, the access control device exchanges data messages with the authentication device. The authentication can be initiated either by a user, for instance by pressing a button on the authentication device to trigger transmission of authentication data to the access control device, or from the access control device itself which periodically transmits request signals and awaits a response message from the authentication device comprising authentication data. Upon successful authentication, i.e. verification of user credentials (e.g. by correlating authentication data received from the authentication device with a list of authorized users), the access control device grants access to the user in possession of the respective authentication device, e.g. by opening said barrier (herein it’s considered same as wherein the manual configuration settings comprise a user selection of an enabled field of view of an ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device).
In addition, the Examiner would like to draw attention to (fig. 9B [0228, 0230-0231]) of Fink, for example: The main control unit 134 may command the display 530 to display an image (e.g., representing the image data captured by the camera 520, a logo, a time, a date, daily weather, a selectable menu for updating settings, an authentication interface to receive manually entered credentials to changes settings and/or to approve installation of a new module, etc.). (herein it’s considered same as wherein the manual configuration settings comprise a user selection of an enabled field of view of an ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device).
Applicant Argument:
According to claim 5, wherein the enabled field of view of the ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device is user-selected via interaction with a plurality of discrete field of view regions, wherein user selection of each discrete field of view region of the plurality of field of view regions toggles a status of the respective discrete field of view region between enabled and disabled. Such a distinction is not disclosed in prior art(s).
Response to Arguments:
With respect to the above argument, Examiner would like to draw attention to ([0049, 0053-0059, 0062-0069]) of STUDERUS, for example: detecting, by a processing unit of the access control device, entry and/or exit of the authentication device(s) through the barrier(s) by processing signal properties of the one or more ultra-wideband transmissions and operating the barrier(s)—by the access control device—in a first mode of operation; switching operation of the barrier(s) by the access control device—from the first mode of operation into a second mode of operation upon determining a last exit of any authentication device from the secure control area ….allow entry or exit (herein it’s considered same as wherein the enabled field of view of the ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device is user-selected via interaction with a plurality of discrete field of view regions, wherein user selection of each discrete field of view region of the plurality of field of view regions toggles a status of the respective discrete field of view region between enabled and disabled).
In addition, the Examiner would like to draw attention to (fig. 61 [0228, 0230-0231, 0355-0364]) of Fink, for example: the locked state to the unlocked state or from the unlocked state to the locked state: for example: the perimeter of the exterior walls 1302 of the building 1300 are pre-defined within the control system 100 and/or the control system 100 is trained (e.g., by a user walking around the building 1300 with the user device 190 and setting a border) to understand which regions are considered eligible for unlock operations (herein it’s considered same as wherein the enabled field of view of the ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device is user-selected via interaction with a plurality of discrete field of view regions, wherein user selection of each discrete field of view region of the plurality of field of view regions toggles a status of the respective discrete field of view region between enabled and disabled).
Applicant Argument:
According to claim 6, wherein the discrete field of view regions form a grid system. Such a distinction is not disclosed in prior art(s).
Response to Arguments:
With respect to the above argument, Examiner would like to draw attention to ([0013-0015]) of STUDERUS, for example: distinguish between an entry and exit of authentication device(s) through the barrier(s), a direction of movement (herein it’s considered same as wherein the discrete field of view regions form a grid system).
In addition, the Examiner would like to draw attention to (fig. 61 [0336, 0355-0364]) of Fink, for example: the perimeter of the exterior walls 1302 of the building 1300 are pre-defined within the control system 100 and/or the control system 100 is trained (e.g., by a user walking around the building 1300 with the user device 190 and setting a border) to understand which regions are considered eligible for unlock operations (herein it’s considered same as wherein the discrete field of view regions form a grid system).
In addition, the Examiner would like to draw attention to ([0275-0276]) of Fink, for example: based on the transmission and receipt of the UWB signals via the UWB sensors 606, the control system 100 may configured to determine a distance of the user device 190 relative to the door 30 in three-dimensional coordinate space. More specifically, the control system 100 may be configured to provide angle of arrival technology and real-time locations services (“RTLS”) using the UWB sensors 606 to detect and triangulate the location of the user device 190 to permit “hands free” authentication and unlock functionality (e.g., the user may only have to touch a touch capacitive portion of the door 30, the user does not need to touch any component of the door 30 for unlock function, etc.). By way of example, the control system 100 may be configured to analyze the UWB signals to determine whether the user device 190 is on the exterior side of the door 30, on the interior side of the door 30, to the side of the door 30 but inside a residence, to the side of the door 30 but outside of the residence, above the door 30 (e.g., on a second floor, on a balcony, on a deck, etc.), and/or below the door 30 (e.g., in a basement, on a lower level patio, etc.). The control system 100 may control operation of the door system 10 based on the UWB signals. By way of example, the control system 100 may unlock or lock the door 30 based at least partially on the UWB signals (herein it’s considered same as wherein the discrete field of view regions form a grid system).
Applicant Argument:
According to claim 7, wherein the enabled field of view of the ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device is adjustable by the user modifying the angular bounds of a displayed field of view indicator. Such a distinction is not disclosed in prior art(s).
Response to Arguments:
With respect to the above argument, Examiner would like to draw attention to ([0224, 0364]) of Fink, for example: The camera 520 is configured to capture image data (e.g., still images, video, etc.) of an area within a line of sight of the camera 520. The camera 520 may be positioned facing outward such that the line of sight captures the exterior surroundings of the door 30. By way of example, the camera 520 may capture image data regarding activity outside the door 30 such as a user standing in front of the door 30, an animal nearby the door 30, and/or a package positioned in front of the door 30. In some embodiments, the camera 520 includes an actuator (e.g., an electric motor) that moves the camera 520 to vary the field of view, a direction of view, zoom in, and/or zoom out (herein it’s considered same as wherein the enabled field of view of the ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device is adjustable by the user modifying the angular bounds of a displayed field of view indicator).
Applicant Argument:
According to claim 10, wherein performing the automated configuration of the ultra-wideband-based access control mode comprises: receiving radio detection and ranging (RADAR) data based on a physical environment of the access control device; and configuring a field of view of an ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device based on the RADAR data. Such a distinction is not disclosed in prior art(s).
Response to Arguments:
With respect to the above argument, Examiner would like to draw attention to ([0027-0028, 0277-0278]) of Fink, for example: he radar sensor 608 provides sensor data (e.g., a signal, information, etc.) indicating a distance between the radar sensor 608 and an object in the environment (e.g., a user/person, an animal, a box, a vehicle, etc.). Specifically, the radar sensor 608 provides (a) presence data indicating a presence of the object on the exterior side of the door 30 and/or (b) distance data indicating a distance between the radar sensor 608 and the object. In some embodiments, the radar sensor 608 is a 60 GHz millimeter wave radar detector with three-dimensional detection capabilities (herein it’s considered same as wherein performing the automated configuration of the ultra-wideband-based access control mode comprises: receiving radio detection and ranging (RADAR) data based on a physical environment of the access control device; and configuring a field of view of an ultra-wideband antenna of the access control device based on the RADAR data).
The examiner stresses that the claims are too broad and require detail or specialization of the steps as recited in the claims. Alone and as claimed, the limitations are too open.
Examiner has cited particular portions of the references as applied to each claim limitation for the convenience of the applicant. Although the specified citations are representative of the teachings of the art and are applied to the specific limitations within the individual claim, other passages and figures may apply as well. It is respectfully requested from the applicant in preparing responses, to fully consider the references in entirety as potentially teaching all or part of the claimed invention, as well as the context of the passage as taught by the prior art or disclosed by the Examiner.
Regarding all other arguments presented by applicant, the arguments are substantially the same as those which have already been addressed above and in the interest of brevity; the Examiner directs the applicant to those responses above.
Remark:
In addition, an interview could expedite the prosecution.
Conclusion
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 extension fee 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 date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Sulaiman Nooristany whose telephone number is 571-270-1929. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday thru Friday: 8:30am to 5:00pm (EST). If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Jeff Rutkowski can be reached on 571-270-1215. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/SULAIMAN NOORISTANY/
Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2415
