Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 18/697,219

PATTERNED OPTICAL STIMULATION DEVICE AND METHOD

Non-Final OA §102
Filed
Mar 29, 2024
Examiner
MORALES, JON ERIC C
Art Unit
3796
Tech Center
3700 — Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing
Assignee
Korea Institute Of Science And Technology
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
85%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
2y 10m
To Grant
95%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 85% — above average
85%
Career Allow Rate
1057 granted / 1238 resolved
+15.4% vs TC avg
Moderate +10% lift
Without
With
+9.8%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 10m
Avg Prosecution
39 currently pending
Career history
1277
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
3.8%
-36.2% vs TC avg
§103
34.1%
-5.9% vs TC avg
§102
34.7%
-5.3% vs TC avg
§112
6.6%
-33.4% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 1238 resolved cases

Office Action

§102
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 . Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 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 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) 1-11 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(A) (1) as being anticipated by Kim et al. (KR 10-1901181), cited in IDS. Regarding claim 1, Kim discloses an imaging unit 20-2 configured to generate a skin tissue image (Figs. 1, 10, page 15 column 2 lines 38-40, a CCD or CMOS-based camera 20-2 for transmitting the three-dimensional stereoscopic information to the compound control apparatus); a diagnosis unit 30-1 configured to detect a region of interest from the skin tissue image and diagnose the detected region of interest (Figs. 1, 10 page 16 column 2 lines 7-16, the 3D lesion image is generated by digital data processing of the scan data. Particularly, the hybrid control apparatus 30-1 includes a program for implementing the phototactic skin disease target ray treatment using the three-dimensional scanning technique); and an optical stimulation unit 20-1, 23b configured to form patterned treatment light corresponding to the region of interest (Fig. 8-9, page 18 column 2 lines 17-23, FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a non-Gaussian pattern (uniformly illuminated light pattern) of a DLP projector using a three-dimensional object image according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which the DLP projector according to the present invention uniformly irradiates light onto one subject in a non-Gaussian pattern), and irradiate the region of interest with the formed patterned treatment light (Figs. 1, 10, page 16 column 2 lines 25-41, a treatment light source unit 23B for generating a therapeutic light (or cell culture light) Since the light source is uniformly irradiated through the DMD mirror to enhance the efficiency of the treatment and for the treatment of multi-point or large-area treatment, the input light source of the DMD mirror is used to compensate for the path loss to the treatment site The treatment light source can be constructed by combining the output light sources of various light sources of the same wavelength through the beam combiner 2b and increasing the output light intensity or using treatment light sources of different wavelengths). Regarding claim 2, Kim discloses the imaging unit comprises: an illumination light source unit 23 configured to emit illumination light to the skin tissue (Figs. 1, 10, page 16 column 2 lines 25-41, a treatment light source unit 23B for generating a therapeutic light (or cell culture light) Since the light source is uniformly irradiated through the DMD mirror to enhance the efficiency of the treatment and for the treatment of multi-point or large-area treatment, the input light source of the DMD mirror is used to compensate for the path loss to the treatment site); and an image sensor unit configured to receive reflected light, scattered light, or fluorescence from the skin tissue to generate a skin tissue image (Figs. 1, 10 page 16 column 2 lines 7-16, the 3D lesion image is generated by digital data processing of the scan data. Particularly, the hybrid control apparatus 30-1 includes a program for implementing the phototactic skin disease target ray treatment using the three-dimensional scanning technique). Regarding claim 3, Kim discloses the region of interest includes tumor, dermatitis, acne, tattoos, dots, blood vessels, wrinkles, pores, and sweat glands (Page 15 column 2 lines 23-26, the subject can treat various photosensitivity skin diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, eczema, infantile jaundice, acne and the like in a cell culture well for culturing cells). Regarding claim 4, Kim discloses the optical stimulation unit comprises: a treatment light source unit configured to output treatment light by determining a treatment light parameter based on diagnosis results in the region of interest (Figs. 1, 10 page 16 column 2 lines 7-16, the 3D lesion image is generated by digital data processing of the scan data. Particularly, the hybrid control apparatus 30-1 includes a program for implementing the phototactic skin disease target ray treatment using the three-dimensional scanning technique); and a patterning unit configured to pattern the output treatment light based on detection results in the region of interest to form patterned treatment light corresponding to the region of interest (Fig. 8-9, page 18 column 2 lines 17-23, FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a non-Gaussian pattern (uniformly illuminated light pattern) of a DLP projector using a three-dimensional object image according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which the DLP projector according to the present invention uniformly irradiates light onto one subject in a non-Gaussian pattern). Regarding claim 5, Kim discloses the patterning unit includes a spatial light modulator (SLM) or a digital micromirror device (DMD) (Page 12 column 2 lines 8-12, The DLP projector includes a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) mirror unit for controlling the direction of a mirror integrated in a semiconductor so as to represent one pixel on the screen, thereby adjusting the external output of the scanning light or the treatment light). Regarding claim 6, Kim discloses the therapeutic light parameter includes a wavelength (page 6 Claim 3, the beam combiner is configured to combine a plurality of treatment beams having the same wavelength to increase optical power or to combine a plurality of treatment beams of different wavelengths), an intensity (Page 20, column 2 lines 8-24, the intensity of the light irradiated to the cell culture well 100-1 is adjusted at the divided boundary surface by determining the dose of light incident on the unit area as a result of the calculation (S90 ). For example, referring to the graph on the right side of FIG. 7, the hybrid control device 30 calculates the intensity of light in the form of a graph such as an A graph or a B graph or a C graph . As a result, the intensity of the light output from the DLP projector 20-1 and illuminated in the cell culture well 100-1 is adjusted), an output time or duration of the treatment light. Regarding claim 7, Kim discloses A patterned optical stimulation method comprising: generating a skin tissue image (Figs. 1, 10, page 15 column 2 lines 38-40, a CCD or CMOS-based camera 20-2 for transmitting the three-dimensional stereoscopic information to the compound control apparatus); detecting a region of interest from the skin tissue image and diagnosing the detected region of interest (Figs. 1, 10 page 16 column 2 lines 7-16, the 3D lesion image is generated by digital data processing of the scan data. Particularly, the hybrid control apparatus 30-1 includes a program for implementing the phototactic skin disease target ray treatment using the three-dimensional scanning technique); forming patterned treatment light corresponding to the region of interest (Figs. 8-9, page 18 column 2 lines 17-23, FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a non-Gaussian pattern (uniformly illuminated light pattern) of a DLP projector using a three-dimensional object image according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which the DLP projector according to the present invention uniformly irradiates light onto one subject in a non-Gaussian pattern); and irradiating the region of interest with the formed patterned treatment light (Figs. 1, 10, page 16 column 2 lines 25-41, a treatment light source unit 23B for generating a therapeutic light (or cell culture light) Since the light source is uniformly irradiated through the DMD mirror to enhance the efficiency of the treatment and for the treatment of multi-point or large-area treatment, the input light source of the DMD mirror is used to compensate for the path loss to the treatment site The treatment light source can be constructed by combining the output light sources of various light sources of the same wavelength through the beam combiner 2b and increasing the output light intensity or using treatment light sources of different wavelengths). Regarding claim 8, Kim discloses emitting illumination light to the skin tissue (Figs. 1, 10, page 16 column 2 lines 25-41, a treatment light source unit 23B for generating a therapeutic light (or cell culture light) Since the light source is uniformly irradiated through the DMD mirror to enhance the efficiency of the treatment and for the treatment of multi-point or large-area treatment, the input light source of the DMD mirror is used to compensate for the path loss to the treatment site); and receiving reflected light, scattered light, or fluorescence from the skin tissue to generate a skin tissue image (Figs. 1, 10 page 16 column 2 lines 7-16, the 3D lesion image is generated by digital data processing of the scan data. Particularly, the hybrid control apparatus 30-1 includes a program for implementing the phototactic skin disease target ray treatment using the three-dimensional scanning technique). Regarding claim 9, Kim discloses the region of interest includes tumor, dermatitis, acne, tattoos, dots, blood vessels, wrinkles, pores, and sweat glands (Page 15 column 2 lines 23-26, the subject can treat various photosensitivity skin diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, eczema, infantile jaundice, acne and the like in a cell culture well for culturing cells). Regarding claim 10, Kim discloses outputting treatment light by determining a treatment light parameter based on diagnosis results in the region of interest (Figs. 1, 10 page 16 column 2 lines 7-16, the 3D lesion image is generated by digital data processing of the scan data. Particularly, the hybrid control apparatus 30-1 includes a program for implementing the phototactic skin disease target ray treatment using the three-dimensional scanning technique); and patterning the output treatment light based on detection results in the region of interest to form patterned treatment light corresponding to the region of interest (Fig. 8-9, page 18 column 2 lines 17-23, FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a non-Gaussian pattern (uniformly illuminated light pattern) of a DLP projector using a three-dimensional object image according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 9 is a view showing a state in which the DLP projector according to the present invention uniformly irradiates light onto one subject in a non-Gaussian pattern). Regarding claim 11, Kim discloses the therapeutic light parameter includes a wavelength (page 6 Claim 3, the beam combiner is configured to combine a plurality of treatment beams having the same wavelength to increase optical power or to combine a plurality of treatment beams of different wavelengths), an intensity (Page 20, column 2 lines 8-24, the intensity of the light irradiated to the cell culture well 100-1 is adjusted at the divided boundary surface by determining the dose of light incident on the unit area as a result of the calculation (S90 ). For example, referring to the graph on the right side of FIG. 7, the hybrid control device 30 calculates the intensity of light in the form of a graph such as an A graph or a B graph or a C graph . As a result, the intensity of the light output from the DLP projector 20-1 and illuminated in the cell culture well 100-1 is adjusted), an output time or duration of the treatment light. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JON ERIC C MORALES whose telephone number is (571)272-3107. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 830AM-530PM CST. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, David Hamaoui can be reached at 571-270-5625. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /JON ERIC C MORALES/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3796 /J.C.M/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3796
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Mar 29, 2024
Application Filed
Jan 06, 2026
Non-Final Rejection — §102 (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12599349
DETERMINING A THERAPY EFFICACY
2y 5m to grant Granted Apr 14, 2026
Patent 12594417
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SIMULATING CARDIOVASCULAR FLUID FLOW
2y 5m to grant Granted Apr 07, 2026
Patent 12588831
METHOD FOR MONITORING LUNG INTEGRITY
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 31, 2026
Patent 12589237
MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT SYSTEM WITH GUIDEWIRE AID
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 31, 2026
Patent 12589235
FLEXIBLE OUTFLOW CANNULA WITH SHAPED OUTLETS
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 31, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

AI Strategy Recommendation

Get an AI-powered prosecution strategy using examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.
Powered by AI — typically takes 5-10 seconds

Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
85%
Grant Probability
95%
With Interview (+9.8%)
2y 10m
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 1238 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

Sign in with your work email

Enter your email to receive a magic link. No password needed.

Personal email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) are not accepted.

Free tier: 3 strategy analyses per month