DETAILED ACTION
Status of Claims:
Claims 1 – 20 are pending.
Claims 1, 8, and 15 are amended.
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
Applicant's arguments in the amendments, filed 03/30/2026, have been fully considered and are persuasive. A new ground(s) of rejection is presented based on the Applicant’s amendments.
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 – 3, 5 – 6, 8 – 10, 12 – 13, 15 – 17, and 19 – 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Gage (US 20130215215).
As per claim 1, a method comprising:
establishing, by a server device, a group communication session for two or more electronic devices utilizing a first communication modality (Each of the endpoints 102A-102D joining a conference may call into the conference. Endpoints may call into a conference to participate in the conference call. The call may contain one or more streams of data that is sent or received by one or more devices or systems that comprise the endpoint participating in the call. For example, within a single conference call a robust endpoint with multiple cameras, such as endpoint 102B, may generate multiple video streams (a first communication modality) and one or more audio streams of input data that is sent to a media handling resource, such as media handling resources 108B, See ¶30);
determining, by the server device, to utilize a second communication modality for the group communication session (In response to the addition of endpoint 102D, decision engine may select a different layout for the conference by provisioning different conference components (e.g., media handling resources) or by changing the formatting (utilizing a second communication modality) of the conferencing data, See ¶56); and
transitioning, by the server device, the group communication session for the two or more electronic devices from the first communication modality to the second communication modality, wherein the group communication session is transitioned to utilize the second communication modality without re-establishing the group communication session (In embodiments, the decision engine 106 may send instructions to media handling resources 108A-108C instructing the resources to adjust the format of the conference (e.g., video quality adjustments, switching to audio only (second communication modality), or any other format changes) to account for the addition of the low quality endpoint 102D to the conference, See ¶56).
As per claim 2, the method of claim 1, wherein transitioning the group communication session from the first communication modality to the second communication modality further comprises transitioning the group communication session to utilizing the second communication modality in lieu of the first communication modality (In embodiments, the decision engine 106 may send instructions to media handling resources 108A-108C instructing the resources to adjust the format of the conference (e.g., video quality adjustments, switching to audio only (second communication modality), or any other format changes) to account for the addition of the low quality endpoint 102D to the conference, See ¶56).
As per claim 3, the method of claim 1, wherein transitioning the group communication session from the first communication modality to the second communication modality further comprises transitioning the group communication session to utilizing the second communication modality in addition to the first communication modality (For example, within a single conference call a robust endpoint with multiple cameras, such as endpoint 102B, may generate multiple video streams and one or more audio streams of input data that is sent to a media handling resource, such as media handling resources 108B. By contrast, other endpoints may provide only a single input video stream and/or audio stream for a conference call, See ¶30).
As per claim 5, the method of claim 1, wherein the first communication modality comprises at least one of messaging, audio, or video, and the second communication modality comprises at least one other of messaging, audio or video (For example, within a single conference call a robust endpoint with multiple cameras, such as endpoint 102B, may generate multiple video streams (a first communication modality) and one or more audio streams of input data that is sent to a media handling resource, such as media handling resources 108B, See ¶30 … In embodiments, the decision engine 106 may send instructions to media handling resources 108A-108C instructing the resources to adjust the format of the conference (e.g., video quality adjustments, switching to audio only (second communication modality), or any other format changes) to account for the addition of the low quality endpoint 102D to the conference, See ¶56).
As per claim 6, the method of claim 1, wherein determining, by the server device, to utilize the second communication modality for the group communication session comprises:
receiving, by the server device, a request initiated by at least one of the two or more electronic devices to transition from the first communication modality to the second communication modality (For example, a user at endpoint 102B may use a conference application to access a portal on the decision engine 106 and override the decision to send an audio only (a first communication modality) input stream by selecting an option to receive the video stream (second communication modality), See ¶53).
As per claim 8, a non-transitory machine readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising:
establishing, by a server device, a group communication session for two or more electronic devices utilizing a first communication modality (Each of the endpoints 102A-102D joining a conference may call into the conference. Endpoints may call into a conference to participate in the conference call. The call may contain one or more streams of data that is sent or received by one or more devices or systems that comprise the endpoint participating in the call. For example, within a single conference call a robust endpoint with multiple cameras, such as endpoint 102B, may generate multiple video streams (a first communication modality) and one or more audio streams of input data that is sent to a media handling resource, such as media handling resources 108B, See ¶30);
determining, by the server device, to utilize a second communication modality for the group communication session (In response to the addition of endpoint 102D, decision engine may select a different layout for the conference by provisioning different conference components (e.g., media handling resources) or by changing the formatting (utilizing a second communication modality) of the conferencing data, See ¶56); and
transitioning, by the server device, the group communication session for the two or more electronic devices from the first communication modality to the second communication modality, wherein the group communication session is transitioned to utilize the second communication modality without re-establishing the group communication session (In embodiments, the decision engine 106 may send instructions to media handling resources 108A-108C instructing the resources to adjust the format of the conference (e.g., video quality adjustments, switching to audio only (second communication modality), or any other format changes) to account for the addition of the low quality endpoint 102D to the conference, See ¶56).
As per claim 9, the non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 8, wherein transitioning the group communication session from the first communication modality to the second communication modality further comprises transitioning the group communication session to utilizing the second communication modality in lieu of the first communication modality (In embodiments, the decision engine 106 may send instructions to media handling resources 108A-108C instructing the resources to adjust the format of the conference (e.g., video quality adjustments, switching to audio only (second communication modality), or any other format changes) to account for the addition of the low quality endpoint 102D to the conference, See ¶56).
As per claim 10, the non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 8, wherein transitioning the group communication session from the first communication modality to the second communication modality further comprises transitioning the group communication session to utilizing the second communication modality in addition to the first communication modality (For example, within a single conference call a robust endpoint with multiple cameras, such as endpoint 102B, may generate multiple video streams and one or more audio streams of input data that is sent to a media handling resource, such as media handling resources 108B. By contrast, other endpoints may provide only a single input video stream and/or audio stream for a conference call, See ¶30).
As per claim 12, the non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 8, wherein the first communication modality comprises at least one of messaging, audio, or video, and the second communication modality comprises at least one other of messaging, audio or video (A communication may be conducted wherein the first communication modality and the second communication modality comprise different communication modalities selected from a group of communication modalities comprising: voice communication, textual communication, or video communication, See Col. 20, lines 27 - 43).
As per claim 13, the non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 8, wherein determining, by the server device, to utilize the second communication modality for the group communication session comprises:
receiving, by the server device, a request initiated by at least one of the two or more electronic devices to transition from the first communication modality to the second communication modality (An operation 740 may be directed at least partially to receiving from a remote communication device at least one other message to continue the communication, the at least one other message offering to alter at least one communication modality for the communication … a message may request that a communication be migrated fully to a second communication modality, See Col. 33, Line 53 – Col. 34, Line 13).
As per claim 15, a device comprising:
a memory; and
at least one processor configured to:
establish a group communication session for two or more electronic devices utilizing a first communication modality (Each of the endpoints 102A-102D joining a conference may call into the conference. Endpoints may call into a conference to participate in the conference call. The call may contain one or more streams of data that is sent or received by one or more devices or systems that comprise the endpoint participating in the call. For example, within a single conference call a robust endpoint with multiple cameras, such as endpoint 102B, may generate multiple video streams (a first communication modality) and one or more audio streams of input data that is sent to a media handling resource, such as media handling resources 108B, See ¶30);
determine to utilize a second communication modality for the group communication session (In response to the addition of endpoint 102D, decision engine may select a different layout for the conference by provisioning different conference components (e.g., media handling resources) or by changing the formatting (utilizing a second communication modality) of the conferencing data, See ¶56); and
transition the group communication session for the two or more electronic devices from the first communication modality to the second communication modality, wherein the group communication session is transitioned to utilize the second communication modality without re-establishing the group communication session (In embodiments, the decision engine 106 may send instructions to media handling resources 108A-108C instructing the resources to adjust the format of the conference (e.g., video quality adjustments, switching to audio only (second communication modality), or any other format changes) to account for the addition of the low quality endpoint 102D to the conference, See ¶56).
As per claim 16, the device of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured to transition the group communication session from the first communication modality to the second communication modality by transitioning the group communication session to utilizing the second communication modality in lieu of the first communication modality (In embodiments, the decision engine 106 may send instructions to media handling resources 108A-108C instructing the resources to adjust the format of the conference (e.g., video quality adjustments, switching to audio only (second communication modality), or any other format changes) to account for the addition of the low quality endpoint 102D to the conference, See ¶56).
As per claim 17, the device of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured to transition the group communication session from the first communication modality to the second communication modality by transitioning the group communication session to utilizing the second communication modality in addition to the first communication modality (For example, within a single conference call a robust endpoint with multiple cameras, such as endpoint 102B, may generate multiple video streams and one or more audio streams of input data that is sent to a media handling resource, such as media handling resources 108B. By contrast, other endpoints may provide only a single input video stream and/or audio stream for a conference call, See ¶30).
As per claim 19, the device of claim 15, wherein the first communication modality comprises at least one of messaging, audio, or video, and the second communication modality comprises at least one other of messaging, audio or video (A communication may be conducted wherein the first communication modality and the second communication modality comprise different communication modalities selected from a group of communication modalities comprising: voice communication, textual communication, or video communication, See Col. 20, lines 27 - 43).
As per claim 20, the device of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine to utilize the second communication modality for the group communication session by receiving a request initiated by at least one of the two or more electronic devices to transition from the first communication modality to the second communication modality (An operation 740 may be directed at least partially to receiving from a remote communication device at least one other message to continue the communication, the at least one other message offering to alter at least one communication modality for the communication … a message may request that a communication be migrated fully to a second communication modality, See Col. 33, Line 53 – Col. 34, Line 13).
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.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claim(s) 4, 7, 11, 14, and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Gage (US 20130215215) and in view of Ramamoorthy (US 10200302).
As per claim 4, Gage discloses all limitations of claim 1.
Gage however does not expressly disclose:
wherein establishing, by the server device, the group communication session for the two or more electronic devices utilizing the first communication modality further comprises at least one of: assigning a respective identifier to each of the two or more electronic devices for the group communication session, or generating one or more security keys for the group communication session.
Ramamoorthy discloses:
the method of claim 1, wherein establishing, by the server device, the group communication session for the two or more electronic devices utilizing the first communication modality further comprises at least one of:
assigning a respective identifier to each of the two or more electronic devices for the group communication session (The create session request can include a group identifier that identifies a group of communication sessions that are subject to the same service plan, See Col. 7, Lines 11 - 33), or
generating one or more security keys for the group communication session (Alternative language “at least one of”, does not require prior art citation).
It would have been obvious to an artisan of ordinary skill in the art before the Applicant's effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Ramamoorthy’s teaching of assigning an identifier to a group communication session, along with establishing a group communication session utilizing a first communication modality to improve Gage’s system. Both Gage and Ramamoorthy disclose systems for group communication sessions. Ramamoorthy’s system includes a group identifier that identifies a group communication session. The combination is an improvement upon the existing system because a group communication session utilizing a first communication modality can be established, as taught by Gage, where the group communication can have an assigned identifier, as taught by Ramamoorthy, to allow allocation of the group communication session using different modalities to continue the session.
As per claim 7, the method of claim 1, wherein establishing, by the server device, the group communication session for the two or more electronic devices utilizing the first communication modality comprises:
receiving, by the server device and from at least one of the two or more electronic devices, an allocation request requesting allocation of the group communication session using the first communication modality (Ramamoorthy, The service plan management module 306 can allocate resources for the UE-B's communication session based on the group service plan. Since the UE-B is in the same group as the UE-A, the service plan management module 306 can associate UE-B's communication session with the same group service plan as UE-A, See Col. 11, Line 64 – Col. 12, Line 7).
As per claim 11, the non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 8, wherein establishing, by the server device, the group communication session for the two or more electronic devices utilizing the first communication modality further comprises at least one of:
assigning a respective identifier to each of the two or more electronic devices for the group communication session (Ramamoorthy, The create session request can include a group identifier that identifies a group of communication sessions that are subject to the same service plan, See Col. 7, Lines 11 - 33), or
generating one or more security keys for the group communication session (Alternative language “at least one of”, does not require prior art citation).
As per claim 14, the non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 8, wherein establishing, by the server device, the group communication session for the two or more electronic devices utilizing the first communication modality comprises:
receiving, by the server device and from at least one of the two or more electronic devices, an allocation request requesting allocation of the group communication session using the first communication modality (Ramamoorthy, The service plan management module 306 can allocate resources for the UE-B's communication session based on the group service plan. Since the UE-B is in the same group as the UE-A, the service plan management module 306 can associate UE-B's communication session with the same group service plan as UE-A, See Col. 11, Line 64 – Col. 12, Line 7).
As per claim 18, the device of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured to establish the group communication session for the two or more electronic devices utilizing the first communication modality by performing at least one of:
assigning a respective identifier to each of the two or more electronic devices for the group communication session (Ramamoorthy, The create session request can include a group identifier that identifies a group of communication sessions that are subject to the same service plan, See Col. 7, Lines 11 - 33), or
generating one or more security keys for the group communication session (Alternative language “at least one of”, does not require prior art citation).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to NAZIA NAOREEN whose telephone number is (571)270-7282. The examiner can normally be reached M-F: 9:00 - 6:00.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Umar Cheema can be reached at 571-270-3037. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/NAZIA NAOREEN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2458
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