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 .
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 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.
Status of Claims
This action is in reply to the application filed on 04/26/2024.
Claims 1-21 are currently pending and have been examined.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statements (IDS) submitted on 04/26/2024 and 06/06/2024 are in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
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)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-5, 7-8, and 12-18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Jadidian (US 20230099937 A1), hereinafter Jadidian.
Regarding claim 1, Jadidian discloses
An antenna device for a transportation vehicle for emitting and/or receiving electromagnetic radiation, the antenna device comprising (See at least [0041] “a transparent antenna can be formed on a window in a building, vehicle”):
at least one first antenna element configured to emit and/or receive the electromagnetic radiation (See at least Fig. 2, [0026] “processing circuitry 220 configured to send and/or receive signals via communication antenna(s) 208, and/or to process data from signals received from communication antenna(s) 208 and/or proximity sensing antenna(s) 210”) based on a liquid crystal technology (See at least Fig. 1, [0020] “Wearable display device 100 further may include an image producing system (for example a laser scanner, a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) microdisplay, a transmissive liquid crystal microdisplay” Jadidian discloses transmissible liquid crystal elements enabling antenna operations);
an electronic computing device configured to generate a control signal for controlling the at least first antenna element (See at least Fig. 2, [0026] “processing circuitry 220 configured to send and/or receive signals via communication antenna(s) 208, and/or to process data from signals received from communication antenna(s) 208 and/or proximity sensing antenna(s) 210”); and
at least one second antenna element configured to emit and/or receive the electromagnetic radiation (See at least Fig. 2, [0026] “processing circuitry 220 configured to send and/or receive signals via communication antenna(s) 208, and/or to process data from signals received from communication antenna(s) 208 and/or proximity sensing antenna(s) 210”) based on the liquid crystal technology (See at least Fig. 1, [0020] “Wearable display device 100 further may include an image producing system (for example a laser scanner, a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) microdisplay, a transmissive liquid crystal microdisplay” Jadidian discloses transmissible liquid crystal elements enabling antenna operations),
wherein the at least one first antenna element and/or the at least one second antenna element are activated for emitting and/or receiving based on the control signal generated by the electronic computing device (See at least Fig. 2, [0026] “processing circuitry 220 configured to send and/or receive signals via communication antenna(s) 208, and/or to process data from signals received from communication antenna(s) 208 and/or proximity sensing antenna(s) 210”)
Regarding claim 2, Jadidian, as shown above, discloses all of the limitations of claim 1. Jadidian additionally discloses
at least one of the at least one first antenna element and the at least one second antenna element are configured to be capable of being activated separately from each other (See at least Fig. 2, [0026] “processing circuitry 220 configured to send and/or receive signals via communication antenna(s) 208, and/or to process data from signals received from communication antenna(s) 208 and/or proximity sensing antenna(s) 210” Jadidan discloses separately activating antenna(s) for communication and activating antenna(s) proximity sensing).
Regarding claim 3, Jadidian, as shown above, discloses all of the limitations of claim 1. Jadidian additionally discloses
a plurality of further antenna elements, wherein the plurality of further antenna elements are configured to be activated based on the control signal generated by the electronic computing device (See at least Fig. 2, [0026] “processing circuitry 220 configured to send and/or receive signals via communication antenna(s) 208, and/or to process data from signals received from communication antenna(s) 208 and/or proximity sensing antenna(s) 210” Jadidan discloses a plurality of each communication and proximity sensing antennas).
Regarding claim 4, Jadidian, as shown above, discloses all of the limitations of claim 1. Jadidian additionally discloses
at least the first antenna element and/or the at least one second antenna element are substantially transparent (See at least [0041] “a transparent antenna can be formed on a window in a building, vehicle”).
Regarding claim 5, Jadidian, as shown above, discloses all of the limitations of claim 1. Jadidian additionally discloses
the antenna device is configured at least partially in a window pane of the transportation vehicle (See at least [0041] “a transparent antenna can be formed on a window in a building, vehicle”).
Regarding claim 7, Jadidian, as shown above, discloses all of the limitations of claim 1. Jadidian additionally discloses
the antenna device is configured as part of a radar device of the transportation vehicle and/or as part of a communication device of the transportation vehicle (See at least Fig. 2, [0026] “processing circuitry 220 configured to send and/or receive signals via communication antenna(s) 208, and/or to process data from signals received from communication antenna(s) 208 and/or proximity sensing antenna(s) 210”).
Regarding claim 8, Jadidian, as shown above, discloses all of the limitations of claim 1. Jadidian additionally discloses
a predetermined radiation characteristic and/or receiving characteristic is set based on an activation of at least one of the at least one first antenna element and/or the at least one second antenna element (See at least [0019] “In examples where transparent antennas 102L, 102R comprise both a communication antenna and a proximity sensing antenna, the antennas may be configured to utilize different frequency bands.”).
Regarding claim 12, Jadidian, as shown above, discloses all of the limitations of claim 1. Jadidian additionally discloses
A communication device comprising the at least one antenna device (See at least Fig. 2, [0026] “processing circuitry 220 configured to send and/or receive signals via communication antenna(s) 208, and/or to process data from signals received from communication antenna(s) 208”).
Regarding claim 13, Jadidian, as shown above, discloses all of the limitations of claim 1. Jadidian additionally discloses
A radar device comprising the at least one antenna device (See at least Fig. 2, [0026] “processing circuitry 220 configured to send and/or receive signals via communication antenna(s) 208, and/or to process data from signals received from communication antenna(s) 208 and/or proximity sensing antenna(s) 210”).
Regarding claim 14, Jadidian, as shown above, discloses all of the limitations of claim 1. Jadidian additionally discloses
an assistance system comprising at least one communication device and/or comprising a radar device, wherein the at least one communication device and/or the radar device include at least one antenna device (See at least Fig. 2, [0026] “processing circuitry 220 configured to send and/or receive signals via communication antenna(s) 208, and/or to process data from signals received from communication antenna(s) 208 and/or proximity sensing antenna(s) 210”).
Regarding claim 15, applicant recites limitations of the same or substantially the same scope as claim 1. Accordingly, claim 15 is rejected in the same or substantially the same manner as claim 1, shown above.
Regarding claim 16, applicant recites limitations of the same or substantially the same scope as claim 2. Accordingly, claim 16 is rejected in the same or substantially the same manner as claim 2, shown above.
Regarding claim 17, applicant recites limitations of the same or substantially the same scope as claim 3. Accordingly, claim 17 is rejected in the same or substantially the same manner as claim 3, shown above.
Regarding claim 18, applicant recites limitations of the same or substantially the same scope as claim 8. Accordingly, claim 18 is rejected in the same or substantially the same manner as claim 8, shown above.
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.
Claim 6 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Jadidian, in view of Huang (US 20220223675 A1), hereinafter Huang.
Regarding claim 6, Jadidian, as shown above, discloses all the limitations of claims 1 and 5. Jadidian does not explicitly disclose the antenna device is configured at least partially in a windshield and/or in a rear window and/or in a side window and/or in a roof window. However, Huang, in the same or in a similar field of endeavor, discloses
the antenna device (See at least [0035] An electronic device or a window may achieve a display effect through a transparent display device […] The antenna device may be, for example, a liquid crystal antenna) is configured at least partially in a windshield and/or in a rear window and/or in a side window and/or in a roof window (See at least [0038] “the glass of the window is installed in an outer frame of the window or a door frame of a vehicle body”).
Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to modify the antenna system disclosed by Jadidian with the window system disclosed by Huang. One would have been motivated to do so in order to advantageously improve structures and enhance quality (See at least [0003] “The electronic devices are thus required to provide improved structures and enhanced quality”).
Claims 9-11 and 19-21 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Jadidian, in view of Mendelsohn (US 20240372253 A1), hereinafter Mendelsohn.
Regarding claim 9, Jadidian, as shown above, discloses all the limitations of claim 1. Jadidian does not explicitly disclose a radiation direction for transmitting and/or a receiving direction for receiving the electromagnetic radiation are set based on the control signal generated by the electronic computing device and/or a predetermined orientation of liquid crystals in at least one of the at least one first antenna element and at least one second antenna element. However, Mendelsohn, in the same or in a similar field of endeavor, discloses
a radiation direction for transmitting and/or a receiving direction for receiving the electromagnetic radiation are set based on the control signal generated by the electronic computing device and/or a predetermined orientation of liquid crystals in at least one of the at least one first antenna element and at least one second antenna element (See at least Fig. 2, [0030] “the electronically steerable satellite antenna may comprise an antenna having a liquid crystal polymer based aperture”, [0021] “description of a steered or directionalized beam or radiation pattern is not intended to be limited to the transmission of signals from the antenna, but rather may also refer to controlling a direction of the sensitivity of the antenna for reception of signals as well” Mendelsohn discloses electronic steering of a liquid crystal based antenna system by a computing device wherein the orientation of liquid crystals is fixed for at least a first and second antenna element.).
Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to modify the antenna system disclosed by Jadidian with the direction system disclosed by Mendelsohn. One would have been motivated to do so in order to advantageously reduce complexity and cost of directing antenna systems (See at least [0020] “use of an electronically steerable satellite antenna may avoid the use of or reduce the reliance on complex, costly, and failure-prone mechanical tracking mechanisms to physically move a satellite antenna”).
Regarding claim 10, the combination of Jadidian and Mendelsohn, as shown in the rejection above, discloses all of the limitations of claim 9. Jadidian does not disclose the radiation direction and/or receiving direction is predetermined based on an installation location of the at least one first antenna element and/or the at least one second antenna element. However, Mendelsohn further discloses
the radiation direction and/or receiving direction is predetermined based on an installation location of the at least one first antenna element and/or the at least one second antenna element (See at least Figs. 2-3, [0035] “FIG. 3 illustrates three examples of an electronically steerable satellite antenna denoted as 300a, 300b, and 300c.” Mendelsohn discloses physically fixed orientation antenna elements where each orientation has a direction of operation based on the orientation).
Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to modify the antenna system disclosed by Jadidian with the direction system disclosed by Mendelsohn. One would have been motivated to do so in order to advantageously reduce complexity and cost of directing antenna systems (See at least [0020] “use of an electronically steerable satellite antenna may avoid the use of or reduce the reliance on complex, costly, and failure-prone mechanical tracking mechanisms to physically move a satellite antenna”).
Regarding claim 11, the combination of Jadidian and Mendelsohn, as shown in the rejection above, discloses all of the limitations of claim 9. Jadidian does not disclose the radiation direction and/or receiving direction is predetermined based on a purpose of employment of the antenna device. However, Mendelsohn further discloses
the radiation direction and/or receiving direction is predetermined based on a purpose of employment of the antenna device (See at least [0020] “the present disclosure recognizes the benefits of utilizing an electronically steerable satellite antenna to track one or more non-GEO satellites”).
Furthermore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to modify the antenna system disclosed by Jadidian with the direction system disclosed by Mendelsohn. One would have been motivated to do so in order to advantageously reduce complexity and cost of directing antenna systems (See at least [0020] “use of an electronically steerable satellite antenna may avoid the use of or reduce the reliance on complex, costly, and failure-prone mechanical tracking mechanisms to physically move a satellite antenna”).
Regarding claim 19, applicant recites limitations of the same or substantially the same scope as claim 9. Accordingly, claim 19 is rejected in the same or substantially the same manner as claim 9, shown above.
Regarding claim 20, applicant recites limitations of the same or substantially the same scope as claim 10. Accordingly, claim 20 is rejected in the same or substantially the same manner as claim 10, shown above.
Regarding claim 21, applicant recites limitations of the same or substantially the same scope as claim 11. Accordingly, claim 21 is rejected in the same or substantially the same manner as claim 11, shown above.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Mukai (WO 03026062 A2) - The present invention provides a film antenna device that includes at least one film including a first film; and a first antenna, a second antenna and a third antenna that are formed on the at least one film. The first antenna and the second antenna are formed on the first film. At least one of the antennas can have a grounding structure in which a braided wire of a coaxial cable is connected electrically to an electrically conductive tape. The tape is adhered to a pillar of a vehicle body so as to form a capacitive coupling with the vehicle body.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KENNETH W GOOD whose telephone number is (571)272-4186. The examiner can normally be reached Mon - Thu 7:30 am - 5:00 pm.
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, William J. Kelleher can be reached on (571) 272-7753. 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.
/KENNETH W GOOD/
Examiner, Art Unit 3648