DETAILED ACTION
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 .
This communication is responsive to the correspondence filled on 1/2/26.
Claims 1-20 are presented for examination.
Continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 1/2/26 has been entered.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 1/2/26 with respect to claims 1-20 have been considered but are moot in view of the new ground(s) of rejection.
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.
Claims 1, 4, 9 and 15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Coombs (U.S. Pub. No. 20150053025 A1), in view of Jackson (U.S. Pub. 20210354666 A1).
Regarding to claim 1, 9 and 15:
15. Coombs teach an inspection device, comprising: (Coombs [0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary modular inspection system) a control unit; (Coombs [0064] The handset processor 152 can then provide an articulation control signal communicating the steering mode and joystick position to the inspection module processor 652, which then generates a corresponding motor command to control the articulation drive 622 in the inspection module.) an inspection cable, (Coombs [0066] FIG. 6 the articulation drive 622 includes motors and forcing member 623 includes cables adapted to control the orientation of the distal end of the support member 660. In one embodiment, a detachable tip is attached to the distal end of support member 660, and image sensor 610 is located in the detachable tip.) wherein the inspection cable is coupled to the control unit at a proximal end; (Coombs [0066] FIG. 6 Forcing member 623 is connected to articulation drive 622 and adapted to transmit force from articulation drive 622 along support member 660 to control the orientation of the distal end of support member 660, and thus to control the orientation of image sensor 610. The forcing member 623 is represented graphically on FIG. 6 and can include one or more pushrods, belts, chains, bladders, hydraulic or pneumatic lines, or other force-transmitting components. In an example, the articulation drive 622 includes motors and forcing member 623 includes cables adapted to control the orientation of the distal end of the support member 660) and an imaging device coupled to a distal end of the inspection cable, (Coombs [0066] FIG. 6 the articulation drive 622 includes motors and forcing member 623 includes cables adapted to control the orientation of the distal end of the support member 660. In one embodiment, a detachable tip is attached to the distal end of support member 660, and image sensor 610 is located in the detachable tip.)
wherein the control unit includes one or more electronic processors configured to: (Coombs [0058] If the handset 100 is not connected to the inspection module 200, the inspection module processor 252 transmits at least some of second packaged data to the standard computer 400 (FIG. 2) via the data connector 214. Alternatively, the standard computer 400 may be adapted (not shown) to communicate with the inspection module processor 252 via the inspection module connector 213. The inspection module processor 252 may be adapted to form the second packaged data having a lower data rate than the sensor data (e.g., than the digitized or digital sensor image data).) monitor the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor: determine whether the temperature exceeds a first predetermined threshold; (Coombs [0070] In another example based on FIG. 2, the sensor 210 can be a temperature sensor. In this example, the handset processor 152 commands the user output interface 130 to provide an audible or tactile alert if the temperature measured by the sensor 210 exceeds a selected threshold. This has various advantages. For example, it is sometimes desirable to inspect jet engines directly after engine shutdown while an aircraft is parked at an airport-terminal gate. Using the temperature sensor permits readily determining whether the engine temperature is still higher than the temperature the inspection module 200 can tolerate.)
generate a warning in response to determining that the temperature exceeds the first predetermined threshold; (Coombs [0070] In another example based on FIG. 2, the sensor 210 can be a temperature sensor. In this example, the handset processor 152 commands the user output interface 130 to provide an audible or tactile alert if the temperature measured by the sensor 210 exceeds a selected threshold.)
power down the imaging device (Coombs [0025] Referring again to FIG. 1, the inspection module 200 includes at least one sensor 210, which is electrically and mechanically connected to the housing of the inspection module 200. The sensor 210 (e.g., an image sensor in a visual inspection system or a receiver coil in an eddy current inspection system) is adapted to provide sensor data relating to the target object 20 when placed in proximity to the target object 20 in a sensing range of the sensor 210. [0054] the inspection module processor 252 is responsive to the corresponding control signal to adjust the operation of the sensor 210. The inspection module processor 252 can turn the sensor on or off or change its operating parameters.)
Coombs do not explicitly teach the imaging device including a temperature sensor positioned within the imaging device to sense a temperature of one or more of the image sensors within the inspection device; determine whether the temperature exceeds a second predetermined threshold; and power down the imaging device in response to the temperature exceeding the second predetermined threshold to prevent damage to the imaging device due to overheating.
However Jackson teach the imaging device including a temperature sensor positioned within the imaging device (Jackson FIG. 1 [0025] Examples of sensors may include, without limitation, cameras, temperature sensors, or the like. The sensors 110 may be located on the outside of the vehicle 101 and/or inside the vehicle 101. Each of the one or more sensors has an operational temperature range within which the sensor operates reliably and/or that improves the lifespan of the sensor. [0031] Controllers of prior art vehicle systems are configured to control the flow of cleaning liquid towards a sensor of a vehicle in relation to a cleaning operation only. For example, the prior art controllers may direct the cleaning liquid towards a sensor periodically, upon receiving a signal that the sensor needs cleaning (for e.g., when images obtained by a camera sensors a blurry, a sensor is malfunctioning, etc.), and/or user instructions. Alternatively, the prior art controllers may stop the flow of cleaning liquid towards a sensor if the sensor is clean, the vehicle is moving at high speeds, or the like. However, the current disclosure describes the use of existing sensor cleaning subsystems for cooling one or more sensors of the vehicle based on their operational temperature ranges. [0004] Furthermore, some sensor devices (such as a parking assist camera) are installed on the outside of the vehicle. Hence, the interior cooling systems of the vehicle cannot control the temperature of such externally installed sensor devices. Finally, some vehicles are operated in hot climates where the ambient air temperature is more than the upper threshold of the temperature specification of various sensor devices) to sense a temperature (Jackson [0024] FIG. 1 the vehicle 101 includes a controller 110, one or more sensors 112, one or more temperature monitors 113 configured to collect temperature data corresponding to the one or more sensors 112, a sensor cleaning subsystem 120. In some embodiments, the vehicle 101 may also include a temperature control subsystem(s) 130.) of one or more of the image sensors within the inspection device; (Jackson [0025] Examples of sensors may include, without limitation, cameras, temperature sensors, or the like. The sensors 110 may be located on the outside of the vehicle 101 and/or inside the vehicle 101. Each of the one or more sensors has an operational temperature range within which the sensor operates reliably and/or that improves the lifespan of the sensor. [0031] Controllers of prior art vehicle systems are configured to control the flow of cleaning liquid towards a sensor of a vehicle in relation to a cleaning operation only. For example, the prior art controllers may direct the cleaning liquid towards a sensor periodically, upon receiving a signal that the sensor needs cleaning (for e.g., when images obtained by a camera sensors a blurry, a sensor is malfunctioning, etc.), and/or user instructions. Alternatively, the prior art controllers may stop the flow of cleaning liquid towards a sensor if the sensor is clean, the vehicle is moving at high speeds, or the like. However, the current disclosure describes the use of existing sensor cleaning subsystems for cooling one or more sensors of the vehicle based on their operational temperature ranges. [0004] Furthermore, some sensor devices (such as a parking assist camera) are installed on the outside of the vehicle. Hence, the interior cooling systems of the vehicle cannot control the temperature of such externally installed sensor devices. Finally, some vehicles are operated in hot climates where the ambient air temperature is more than the upper threshold of the temperature specification of various sensor devices) determine whether the temperature exceeds a second predetermined threshold; (Jackson Fig. 3 [0050] The system may continue monitoring the temperature of the sensor after initiation of the cooling cycle. At 318, the system may determine whether the temperature of the sensor is greater than or equal to a second threshold temperature (T2). In an embodiment, the second threshold temperature (T2) greater than T1) and power down the imaging device (Jackson [0053] At 308 if the sensor is a camera sensor for which integrity of the data collected will be compromised if cleaning fluid is sprayed on the camera sensor, the rule set may include a rule that it is unsafe to clean the sensor whenever the vehicle is moving. Hence, the system may determine that it is not safe to initiate the cleaning cycle if the vehicle is moving and/or is going to start moving during the cleaning cycle.) are installed on the outside of the vehicle. [0055] If the system determines that it is not safe to initiate a cleaning cycle (308: NO), it may cause the sensor to stop functioning (i.e., turn off) in order to prevent sensor malfunction and/or breakdown (314). [0004] Furthermore, some sensor devices (such as a parking assist camera.) in response to the temperature exceeding the second predetermined threshold (Jackson [0052] If the temperature of the sensor is greater than or equal to T2 (318: YES) and/or ff the system determines that the vehicle is in an idle mode (306: YES), the system may perform steps 308-314, as discussed below.) to prevent damage to the imaging device due to overheating. (Jackson [0055] If the system determines that it is not safe to initiate a cleaning cycle (308: NO), it may cause the sensor to stop functioning (i.e., turn off) in order to prevent sensor malfunction and/or breakdown (314))
It would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to modify Coombs, further incorporating Jackson in video/camera technology. One would be motivated to do so, to incorporate determine whether the temperature exceeds a second predetermined threshold; and power down the imaging device in response to the temperature exceeding the second predetermined threshold to prevent damage to the imaging device due to overheating. Jackson teaches sensor shutdown based on temperature threshold. Same algorithm is obviously applicable for shutting down the camera because this functionality will improve efficiency with predictable results.
Regarding to claim 4:
4. Coombs teach the imaging system of claim 1, wherein control device includes a display. (Coombs [0055] As mentioned previously and as shown in FIG. 2, for "stand alone" applications where the inspection module 200 is attached or tethered to a standard computer 400, the inspection module is provided with one or more data connectors 214 (e.g., VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DISPLAYPORT connector) and a control connector 216 (e.g., "B" or "Mini-B" USB connector). As also mentioned previously, the inspection module 200 can be connected to a standard computer 400 via the inspection module connector 213. In this "stand alone" configuration, the inspection module 200 can receive control signals from the standard computer 400 and transmit data (e.g., streaming compressed or uncompressed data) to a standard computer 400 for display and storage. A monitor or video-capture device can be connected to the data connector 214. Power can be supplied via the power connector 218. In this way, a user 2 can control the inspection module 200 via a standard computer 400 and receive packaged data in a format for which displays are readily available (e.g., HDMI). This advantageously permits performing inspections using the inspection module 200 both when a handset 100 is available and when a handset 100 is not available.)
Claims 2-3, 7-8, 10-14 and 17-19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Coombs (U.S. Pub. No. 20150053025 A1), in view of
Jackson (U.S. Pub. 20210354666 A1), further in view of Shelton (U.S. Pub. No. 20230101750 A1).
Regarding to claim 2 and 10:
2. Coombs teach the imaging system of claim 1, Coombs do not explicitly teach wherein the first predetermined threshold is 75 C.
However Shelton teach wherein the first predetermined threshold is 75 C. (Shelton [0388] in response to the measured external temperature at one of the first and second locations 1560, 1562 reaching a predetermined maximum temperature threshold, the power level is reduced for the associated electrode 1550, 1552. The predetermined maximum temperature threshold is 60° C. in this illustrated embodiment, but another value can be set, such as 41° C., 50° C., 70° C., or other value. Same algorithm can be applicable to set first predetermined threshold is 75 C)
The motivation for combining Coombs and Jackson as set forth in claim 1 is equally applicable to claim 2. It would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to modify Coombs, further incorporating Jackson and Shelton in video/camera technology. One would be motivated to do so, to incorporate the first predetermined threshold is 75 C. This functionality will add functionality with predictable results.
Regarding to claim 3 and 11:
3. Coombs teach the imaging system of claim 1, Coombs do not explicitly teach wherein the second predetermined threshold is 80 C.
However Shelton teach wherein the second predetermined threshold is 80 C. (Shelton [0388] in response to the measured external temperature at one of the first and second locations 1560, 1562 reaching a predetermined maximum temperature threshold, the power level is reduced for the associated electrode 1550, 1552. The predetermined maximum temperature threshold is 60° C. in this illustrated embodiment, but another value can be set, such as 41° C., 50° C., 70° C., or other value. Same algorithm can be applicable to set second predetermined threshold is 80 C)
Regarding to claim 7, 13 and 18:
7. Coombs teach the imaging system of claim 1, Coombs do not explicitly teach wherein the one or more electronic processors are further configured to: determine whether the temperature is below a third predetermined threshold; and power up the imaging module in response to the temperature being determined to be below the third predetermined threshold.
However Shelton teach wherein the one or more electronic processors are further configured to: determine whether the temperature is below a third predetermined threshold; (Shelton [0388] in response to the measured external temperature at one of the first and second locations 1560, 1562 reaching a predetermined maximum temperature threshold, the power level is reduced for the associated electrode 1550, 1552. The predetermined maximum temperature threshold is 60° C. in this illustrated embodiment, but another value can be set, such as 41° C., 50° C., 70° C., or other value) and power up the imaging module in response to the temperature being determined to be below the third predetermined threshold. (Shelton [0373] For yet another example, the controller can adjust at least one variable parameter to increase or turn on power in response to the measured temperature for an inner, targeted tissue layer intended for ablation being less than a first predetermined minimum threshold so as to indicate that the ablation is not effectively heating for ablation the targeted layer(s) of tissue.)
Regarding to claim 8, 14 and 19:
8. Coombs teach the imaging system of claim 7, Coombs do not explicitly teach wherein the third predetermined threshold is a temperature value less than the second predetermined threshold.
However Shelton teach wherein the third predetermined threshold is a temperature value less than the second predetermined threshold. (Shelton [0388] in response to the measured external temperature at one of the first and second locations 1560, 1562 reaching a predetermined maximum temperature threshold, the power level is reduced for the associated electrode 1550, 1552. The predetermined maximum temperature threshold is 60° C. in this illustrated embodiment, but another value can be set, such as 41° C., 50° C., 70° C., or other value. Any threshold can be set)
Regarding to claim 12 and 17:
12. Coombs teach the method of claim 9, Coombs do not explicitly teach wherein the temperature sensor is at least one selected from a group consisting of a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) sensor, and a thermistor.
However Shelton teach wherein the temperature sensor is at least one selected from a group consisting of a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) sensor, and a thermistor. (Shelton [0376] In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to tissue temperature being measured in some other way, each electrode of an ablation device's plurality of electrodes can be configured to measure tissue temperature. For example, each of the electrodes can include an integrated positive temperature coefficient (PTC) sensor or other temperature sensor)
Claims 5 and 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Coombs (U.S. Pub. No. 20150053025 A1), in view of Jackson (U.S. Pub. 20210354666 A1), further in view of Rokach (U.S. Pub. No. 20210018899 A1).
Regarding to claim 5 and 20:
5. Coombs teach the imaging system of claim 4, Coombs do not explicitly teach wherein the warning is generated on the display of the control device.
However Rokach teach wherein the warning is generated on the display of the control device. (Rokach [0029] The electronic processor 204A may then optionally display, on a display (not shown) of the device 200, a warning that a temperature sensed has exceeded a predetermined temperature threshold (block 508). In some embodiments, prior to deactivation, the processor 204B may communicate, to the electronic processor 204A, a temperature sensed by one of the sensors 210B of the second radio communications subsystem 202B.)
The motivation for combining Coombs and Jackson as set forth in claim 1 is equally applicable to claim 5. It would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to modify Coombs, further incorporating Jackson and Rokach in video/camera technology. One would be motivated to do so, to incorporate the warning is generated on the display of the control device. This functionality will improve user experience with predictable results.
Claims 6 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Coombs (U.S. Pub. No. 20150053025 A1), in view of Jackson (U.S. Pub. 20210354666 A1), further in view of Houser (U.S. Pub. No. 20120116391 A1).
Regarding to claim 6:
6. Coombs teach the imaging system of claim 1, Coombs do not explicitly teach wherein the temperature sensor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor.
However Houser teach wherein the temperature sensor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor. (Houser [0034] FIG. 2 transducer temperature sensor (190) may comprise a thermocouple or a thermistor. In some versions transducer temperature sensor (190) is configured to have a positive temperature coefficient (PTC), while in others, transducer temperature sensor (190) is configured to have a negative temperature coefficient (NTC))
The motivation for combining Coombs and Jackson as set forth in claim 1 is equally applicable to claim 6. It would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to modify Coombs, further incorporating Jackson and Houser in video/camera technology. One would be motivated to do so, to incorporate the temperature sensor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor. This functionality will improve quality with predictable results.
Claims 16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Coombs (U.S. Pub. No. 20150053025 A1), in view of Jackson (U.S. Pub. 20210354666 A1), further in view of Conneely (U.S. Pub. No. 20150035985 A1).
Regarding to claim 16:
16. Coombs teach the inspection device of claim 15, Coombs do not explicitly teach wherein the temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of one or more image sensors within the imaging device.
However Conneely teach wherein the temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of one or more image sensors within the imaging device. (Conneely [0041] The camera 3 also includes a temperature sensor 18 capturing the current temperature T of the image sensor 15 and communicating it to the control unit 17. Alternatively, the temperature T can also be computationally determined based on the image data.)
The motivation for combining Coombs and Jackson as set forth in claim 1 is equally applicable to claim 16. It would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to modify Coombs, further incorporating Jackson and Conneely in video/camera technology. One would be motivated to do so, to incorporate the temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of one or more image sensors within the imaging device. This functionality will improve compactness with predictable results.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to NASIM NIRJHAR whose telephone number is (571) 272-3792. The examiner can normally be reached on MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9:00 am - 6:30 PM, Alternate Friday, EST.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, William F Kraig can be reached on (571) 272-8660. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/NASIM N NIRJHAR/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2896