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 .
Election/Restrictions
Applicant’s election of Species A1, B1, C1 and J2 in the reply filed on February 26, 2026 is acknowledged. Because applicant did not distinctly and specifically point out the supposed errors in the restriction requirement, the election has been treated as an election without traverse (MPEP § 818.01(a)).
Applicant's election with traverse of Species D1, E1, F2, G1, H2 and I1 in the reply filed on February 26, 2026 is acknowledged. The traversal is on the ground(s) that none of the pending claims recite the mutually exclusive or distinguishing features between each pair of D1 & D2, E1 & E2, … and I1 & I2, nor do the claims require any structure that would necessarily distinguish. This is not found persuasive because each of the Species is taught in the instant application. Even though these species are not claimed identifying an electing these species is to maintain compact prosecution by avoiding subsequent restrictions during prosecution that could arise from amends to the claims. See MPEP 815 “When making a restriction requirement, every effort should be made to have the requirement be complete.”
The requirement is still deemed proper and is therefore made FINAL.
Applicant has kindly indicated that all claims (1-12) are generic to or fall within an elected species. Accordingly, claims 1-12 are examined below and no claims are withdrawn.
Priority
Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on June 4, 2024 complies with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Drawings
Figures 2-3 should be designated by a legend such as --Prior Art-- because only that which is old is illustrated. See MPEP § 608.02(g). Corrected drawings in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. The replacement sheet(s) should be labeled “Replacement Sheet” in the page header (as per 37 CFR 1.84(c)) so as not to obstruct any portion of the drawing figures. If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
The extensive drawings have not been checked to the extent necessary to determine the presence of all possible minor errors. Applicant's cooperation is requested in correcting any errors of which applicant may become aware in the drawings.
Specification
The lengthy specification has not been checked to the extent necessary to determine the presence of all possible minor errors. Applicant’s cooperation is requested in correcting any errors of which applicant may become aware in the specification.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
Claims 1-12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
Regarding claim 1 line 12 “a second reflective means” has antecedent issues. It is unclear if this refers back to the second reflective means introduced in line 11 (assumed) or if it is a new/different element. For purposes of examination the examiner will use “[[a]] the second reflective means” in line 12.
Claims 2-12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) as being indefinite, since they depend on claim 1 and therefore have the same deficiencies.
Regarding claim 8 “wherein each of the plurality of reflective units has a size smaller than that of a human pupil” is vague and indefinite. The size of a pupil changes from person to person and dilates (i.e. changes sizes) with the amount of light. Generally a pupil is 2-8mm, although it can be as small as 1.5mm in bright light and as large as 9mm in darkness. It is unclear if smaller than the larger end of the range of 9mm is required or the more general 8 mm is required or if the smaller general 2mm is required or 1.5mm is required. Thus, the metes and bounds of the limitation are unclear. The specification page 10 lines 8-9 states: “Each of the plurality of reflective units may have a size smaller than 4 mm.” The examiner suggests and for purposes of examination will use “wherein each of the plurality of reflective units has a size smaller than 4 mm.”
Regarding claim 11 “the plurality of second reflective means is provided” has antecedent issues. It is unclear if applicant means the second reflective means introduced earlier or the plurality of reflective units included in the second reflective means introduced earlier (assumed) or if it is a new/different element is being introduced. The examiner suggests and for purposes of examination will use “the plurality of reflective units included in the second reflective means is provided”.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1-4, 6-8 and 10-12 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-5, 7-8, 10, 13-14 and 16-18 of U.S. Patent No. 12,117,616. Claims 1-2 and 8-9 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1and 3-5 of U.S. Patent No. 12,504,630. Claims 1, 3-5 and 7-9 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-4, 9-10 and 13 of U.S. Patent No. 12,125,153. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the instant application and ‘616, and the instant application and ‘630, and the instant application and ‘153 are coextensive such that there exists devices which could simultaneously be claimed under both.
12,117,616
Instant application
1. A compact optical device for augmented reality having a ghost image blocking function and a wide field of view, the compact optical device comprising: an optical means configured to transmit at least part of real object image light therethrough toward a pupil of an eye of a user; a first reflective means embedded and disposed inside the optical means, and configured to transfer augmented reality image light, which is image light corresponding to an image for augmented reality output from an image output unit to a second reflective means; and the second reflective means, the second reflective means including a plurality of reflective units embedded and disposed inside the optical means configured to reflect the augmented reality image light, transferred from the first reflective means, and transfer the augmented reality image light to the pupil of the eye of the user; wherein the optical means has a first surface which the real object image light enters, and a second surface through which the augmented reality image light transferred via the second reflective means and the real object image light are output toward the pupil of the eye of the user; wherein the plurality of reflective units of the second reflective means comprises: a first reflective unit group including a first plurality of reflective units that is embedded and arranged inside the optical means such that each of the first plurality of reflective units has a same distance with respect to the second surface of the optical means regardless of a distance from the first reflective means or each of the first plurality of reflective units is located further away from the second surface of the optical means as a distance from the first reflective means to a reflective unit of the first plurality of reflective units increases; and a second reflective unit group including a second plurality of reflective units that is embedded and arranged inside the optical means so that each of the second plurality of reflective units is located closer to the second surface of the optical means as a distance from the first reflective means to a reflective unit of the second plurality of reflective units increases; and wherein a distance between the second reflective unit group and the first reflective means is shorter than a distance between the first reflective unit group and the first reflective means.
1. A compact optical device for augmented reality having a ghost image blocking function and a wide field of view, the compact optical device comprising: an optical means configured to transmit at least part of real object image light therethrough toward a pupil of an eye of a user; a first reflective means disposed inside the optical means, and configured to transfer augmented reality image light from an image output unit to a second reflective means; and [[a]] the second reflective means including a plurality of reflective units, wherein the plurality of reflective units is disposed inside the optical means and configured to reflect the augmented reality image light transferred from the first reflective means and transfer the augmented reality image light to the pupil of the eye of the user, thereby providing an image for augmented reality to the user; wherein the optical means has a first surface which the real object image light enters, and a second surface through which the augmented reality image light transferred via the second reflective means and the real object image light are output toward the pupil of the eye of the user; wherein the augmented reality image light output from the image output unit is transferred to the first reflective means directly through inner part of the optical means, or is reflected by total internal reflection on the first surface of the optical means and transferred to the first reflective means; wherein the augmented reality image light reflected by the first reflective means is transferred to the second reflective means directly through inner part of the optical means, or is reflected by total internal reflection one or more times inside the optical means and transferred to the second reflective means; and wherein the plurality of reflective units is arranged inside the optical means such that each of the plurality of reflective units is located closer to the second surface of the optical means as a distance from the first reflective means to the reflective unit increases.
2. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein the augmented reality image light output from the image output unit is transferred to the first reflective means through an inner part of the optical means, or is reflected by total internal reflection on at least any one of inner surfaces of the optical means at least once and transferred to the first reflective means.
2. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein the augmented reality image light reflected by the first reflective means is reflected by total internal reflection on the first surface of the optical means and transferred to the second reflective means.
3. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein a reflective surface of the first reflective means which reflects the augmented reality image light is disposed to face the first surface of the optical means which the real object image light enters.
3. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein a reflective surface of the first reflective means which reflects the augmented reality image light is disposed to face the first surface of the optical means.
4. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein a reflective surface of the first reflective means is formed as a curved surface.
4. The compact optical device of claim 3, wherein the reflective surface of the first reflective means is formed to be concave toward the first surface of the optical means.
5. The compact optical device of claim 4, wherein the reflective surface of the first reflective means is formed to be concave toward the first surface of the optical means.
14. The compact optical device of claim 10, wherein the first reflective means extends to become closer to a second reflective unit in directions from a center of the first reflective means toward sides of the first reflective means when viewed along the x axis.
6. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein the first reflective means extends to become closer to the second reflective unit in directions from a center of the first reflective means toward both sides of the first reflective means.
16. The compact optical device of claim 11, wherein the first reflective means extends to become closer to a second reflective unit in directions from a center of the first reflective means toward sides of the first reflective means when viewed along the x axis.
17. The compact optical device of claim 12, wherein the first reflective means extends to become closer to a second reflective unit in directions from a center of the first reflective means toward sides of the first reflective means when is viewed along the x axis.
18. The compact optical device of claim 13, wherein the first reflective means extends to become closer to a second reflective unit in directions from a center of the first reflective means toward sides of the first reflective means when is viewed along the x axis.
7. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of reflective units of the second reflective means is disposed to have an inclined angle with respect to the second surface of the optical means in order to transfer the augmented reality image light, transferred from the first reflective means, to the pupil by reflecting the augmented reality image light toward the pupil.
7. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of reflective units is disposed to have an inclined angle with respect to the second surface of the optical means in order to transfer the augmented reality image light transferred from the first reflective means to the pupil.
8. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of reflective units has a size smaller than 4 mm.
8. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of reflective units has a size smaller than 4 mm.
10. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein: the second reflective means includes a plurality of second reflective means; when the optical means is placed in front of the pupil of the user and a direction that extends forward from the pupil is an x axis, the image output unit is disposed outside or inside the optical means so that it is located on a straight line perpendicular to the x axis; and when any one of line segments passing between the first and second surfaces of the optical means while being parallel to a vertical line from the image output unit to the x axis along the x axis is a y axis and a line segment perpendicular to the x axis and the y axis is a z axis, the plurality of second reflective means is arranged at intervals in parallel with each other along an z axis direction.
10. The compact optical device of claim 1, the plurality of reflective units are disposed at intervals.
11. The compact optical device of claim 1, the plurality of reflective units included in the second reflective means is provided; when the optical means is placed in front of the pupil of the user and a direction that extends forward from the pupil is an x axis, the image output unit is disposed outside or inside the optical means so that it is located on a straight line perpendicular to the x axis; and when any one of line segments passing between the first and second surfaces of the optical means while being parallel to a vertical line from the image output unit to the x axis along the x axis is a y axis and a line segment perpendicular to the x axis and the y axis is a z axis, the plurality of second reflective means is arranged at intervals in parallel with each other along an z axis direction.
13. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein: when the optical means is placed in front of the pupil of the user and a direction that extends forward from the pupil is an x axis, the image output unit is disposed outside or inside the optical means so that the image output unit is located on a straight line perpendicular to the x axis; and when any one of line segments passing between the first and second surfaces of the optical means while being parallel to a vertical line from the image output unit to the x axis along the x axis is a y axis and a line segment perpendicular to the x axis and the y axis is a z axis, the plurality of reflective units is formed in bar shapes that extend along virtual straight lines parallel to the z axis.
12. The compact optical device of claim 1, when the optical means is placed in front of the pupil of the user and a direction that extends forward from the pupil is an x axis, the image output unit is disposed outside or inside the optical means so that it is located on a straight line perpendicular to the x axis; and when any one of line segments passing between the first and second surfaces of the optical means while being parallel to a vertical line from the image output unit to the x axis along the x axis is a y axis and a line segment perpendicular to the x axis and the y axis is a z axis, the plurality of reflective units is formed in bar shapes that extend along virtual straight lines parallel to the z axis.
12,504,630
Instant application
1. A compact optical device for augmented reality using total internal reflection, the compact optical device comprising: an optical means configured to transmit at least part of real object image light therethrough toward a pupil of an eye of a user; a first reflective unit disposed inside the optical means, and configured to transfer augmented reality image light, which is image light corresponding to an image for augmented reality output from an image output unit, to a second reflective unit; and the second reflective unit, the second reflective unit being disposed inside the optical means, and configured to transfer the augmented reality image light, transferred from the first reflective unit, toward the pupil of the eye of the user by reflecting the augmented reality image light, thereby providing an image for augmented reality to the user; wherein the optical means has a first surface which the real object image light enters, and a second surface through which the augmented reality image light transferred through the second reflective unit and the real object image are output toward the pupil of the eye of the user; wherein the first reflective unit is buried and disposed inside the optical means to face the image output unit with the second reflective unit interposed therebetween; wherein a reflective surface of the first reflective unit reflecting the augmented reality image light is disposed to face the first surface of the optical means and is formed to be concave with respect to the first surface of the optical means; wherein the augmented reality image light output from the image output unit is reflected by total internal reflection on the first surface of the optical means and transferred to the first reflective unit, is reflected by the first reflective unit and output toward the first surface of the optical means, and is reflected by total internal reflection on the first surface of the optical means and transferred to the second reflective unit; and wherein the second reflective unit is disposed inside the optical means to transfer the augmented reality image light, reflected by total internal reflection on the first surface and then transferred, toward the pupil of the eye of the user by reflecting the augmented reality image light.
1. A compact optical device for augmented reality having a ghost image blocking function and a wide field of view, the compact optical device comprising: an optical means configured to transmit at least part of real object image light therethrough toward a pupil of an eye of a user; a first reflective means disposed inside the optical means, and configured to transfer augmented reality image light from an image output unit to a second reflective means; and [[a]] the second reflective means including a plurality of reflective units, wherein the plurality of reflective units is disposed inside the optical means and configured to reflect the augmented reality image light transferred from the first reflective means and transfer the augmented reality image light to the pupil of the eye of the user, thereby providing an image for augmented reality to the user; wherein the optical means has a first surface which the real object image light enters, and a second surface through which the augmented reality image light transferred via the second reflective means and the real object image light are output toward the pupil of the eye of the user; wherein the augmented reality image light output from the image output unit is transferred to the first reflective means directly through inner part of the optical means, or is reflected by total internal reflection on the first surface of the optical means and transferred to the first reflective means; wherein the augmented reality image light reflected by the first reflective means is transferred to the second reflective means directly through inner part of the optical means, or is reflected by total internal reflection one or more times inside the optical means and transferred to the second reflective means; and wherein the plurality of reflective units is arranged inside the optical means such that each of the plurality of reflective units is located closer to the second surface of the optical means as a distance from the first reflective means to the reflective unit increases.
2. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein the augmented reality image light reflected by the first reflective means is reflected by total internal reflection on the first surface of the optical means and transferred to the second reflective means.
3. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein the second reflective unit is formed as a plurality of second reflective units, and each of the second reflective units is arranged to have an inclination angle with respect to the second surface of the optical means to transfer augmented reality image light, output from the first reflective unit, reflected by total internal reflection on the first surface of the optical means and then transferred, toward the pupil by reflecting the augmented reality image light.
4. The compact optical device of claim 3, wherein each of the second reflective units is formed to have a size of 4 mm or less.
8. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of reflective units has a size smaller than 4 mm.
5. The compact optical device of claim 3, wherein each of the second reflective units is arranged such that augmented reality image light output from the first reflective unit, reflected by total internal reflection on the first surface of the optical means, and then transferred is not blocked by other second reflective units.
9. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of reflective units is disposed such that the augmented reality image light transmitted from the first reflective means is not blocked by remaining other reflective units.
12,125,153
Instant application
1. An optical device for augmented reality having a ghost image blocking function, the optical device comprising: an optical means configured to transmit at least part of real object image light, which is image light output from a real object, therethrough toward a pupil of an eye of a user; a first reflective unit disposed inside the optical means, and configured to transfer augmented reality image light, which is image light corresponding to an image for augmented reality output from an image output unit, to a second reflective unit; and the second reflective unit disposed inside the optical means, and configured to transfer the augmented reality image light, transferred from the first reflective unit, to the pupil of the eye of the user by reflecting the augmented reality image light to the pupil of the eye of the user, thereby providing the image for augmented reality to the user; wherein the optical means has a first surface which the real object image light enters, and a second surface through which the augmented reality image light, transferred via the second reflective unit, and the real object image light are output toward the pupil of the eye of the user; wherein the augmented reality image light output from the image output unit is transferred to the first reflective unit through an inner part of the optical means, or is reflected by total internal reflection on an inner surface of the optical means and transferred to the first reflective unit; and wherein a reflective surface of the first reflective unit which reflects the augmented reality image light is disposed to face a direction in which the augmented real image light enters.
1. A compact optical device for augmented reality having a ghost image blocking function and a wide field of view, the compact optical device comprising: an optical means configured to transmit at least part of real object image light therethrough toward a pupil of an eye of a user; a first reflective means disposed inside the optical means, and configured to transfer augmented reality image light from an image output unit to a second reflective means; and [[a]] the second reflective means including a plurality of reflective units, wherein the plurality of reflective units is disposed inside the optical means and configured to reflect the augmented reality image light transferred from the first reflective means and transfer the augmented reality image light to the pupil of the eye of the user, thereby providing an image for augmented reality to the user; wherein the optical means has a first surface which the real object image light enters, and a second surface through which the augmented reality image light transferred via the second reflective means and the real object image light are output toward the pupil of the eye of the user; wherein the augmented reality image light output from the image output unit is transferred to the first reflective means directly through inner part of the optical means, or is reflected by total internal reflection on the first surface of the optical means and transferred to the first reflective means; wherein the augmented reality image light reflected by the first reflective means is transferred to the second reflective means directly through inner part of the optical means, or is reflected by total internal reflection one or more times inside the optical means and transferred to the second reflective means; and wherein the plurality of reflective units is arranged inside the optical means such that each of the plurality of reflective units is located closer to the second surface of the optical means as a distance from the first reflective means to the reflective unit increases.
2. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the first reflective unit is disposed inside the optical means to be opposite to the image output unit with the second reflective unit interposed therebetween and to face the first surface of the optical means.
5. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein the first reflective means is disposed inside the optical means in opposite to the image output unit with the second reflective means interposed therebetween.
3. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the reflective surface of the first reflective unit is formed as a curved surface.
3. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein a reflective surface of the first reflective means which reflects the augmented reality image light is disposed to face the first surface of the optical means.
4. The optical device of claim 3, wherein the reflective surface of the first reflective unit is formed to be concave toward the direction in which the augmented real image light enters.
4. The compact optical device of claim 3, wherein the reflective surface of the first reflective means is formed to be concave toward the first surface of the optical means.
9. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the second reflective unit is disposed to have an inclination angle with respect to the second surface of the optical means in order to transfer the augmented reality image light, transferred from the first reflective unit, to the pupil by reflecting the augmented reality image light toward the pupil.
7. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of reflective units is disposed to have an inclined angle with respect to the second surface of the optical means in order to transfer the augmented reality image light transferred from the first reflective means to the pupil.
10. The optical device of claim 9, wherein the second reflective unit is formed to have a size of 4 mm or less.
8. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of reflective units has a size smaller than 4 mm.
13. The optical device of claim 10, wherein the second reflective unit comprises a plurality of the second reflective units, and each of the plurality of second reflective units is disposed such that the augmented reality image light transferred from the first reflective unit is not blocked by others of the plurality of second reflective units.
9. The compact optical device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of reflective units is disposed such that the augmented reality image light transmitted from the first reflective means is not blocked by remaining other reflective units.
Regarding the inventions instant application and the inventions in ‘616, ‘630 and ‘153 are coextensive such that there exists devices which could simultaneously be claimed by all. For example all of the claims noted above read on the embodiment seen in figure 4 of the instant application. Thus, to avoid issues arising from the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees a terminal disclaimer or distinguishing features to exclude ‘616, ‘630 and ‘153 is necessary to obviate this rejection.
Examiner’s Comments
Upon filing a terminal disclaimer claims 1-12 would be allowable if rewritten or amended to overcome the rejections under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) set forth in this Office action.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: with respect to the allowable subject matter, none of the prior art either alone or in combination disclose or teach of the claimed combination of limitations to warrant a rejection under 35 USC 102 or 103. Specifically, with respect to claim 1 none of the prior art either alone or in combination disclose or teach of the claimed compact optical device for augmented reality having a ghost image blocking function and a wide field of view specifically including, as the distinguishing features in combination with the other limitations, an optical means (e.g. a waveguide) with a world side and an eye side allowing the user to see the world through the optical means; image output unit emitting augmented reality image light into the optical means; a first reflective means embedded in the optical means that reflects the augmented reality image light to a second reflective means inside the optical means; the second reflective means with a plurality of reflective units embedded in the optical means that reflects the augmented reality image light from the first reflective means to the user’s eye; where the plurality of reflective units is arranged inside the optical means such that each of the plurality of reflective units is located closer to the second surface of the optical means as a distance from the first reflective means to the reflective unit increases.
Prior art with some similarities includes Aiki US Patent Application Publication 2016/0154243, of record, see figures 9 and 11, which disclose an optical means (e.g. light guide 121) with a first reflective means (e.g. first deflecting unit 130) that reflects augmenting image light from a source (e.g. image forming device 111 or 511) and a second reflective means (e.g. second deflecting unit 140) comprised of a plurality of reflective units (see figures 9 & 11). However, Aiki at least fails to disclose the plurality of reflective units in the second reflective means has different distances to the eye side of the waveguide in as requires for the first and second reflective unit groups of the second reflective means, as required by the instant application claim 1. Also, Yoshida US Patent Application Publication 2019/0187541, of record, see figures 1-5 discloses a display with some similarities, including a waveguide (e.g. optical element 25) that has a second reflective means comprised of a plurality of reflective units (e.g. plurality of curved mirrors 33) that include some reflective units that are located closer to the eye side of the waveguide as the get further from a first reflector (e.g. mirror 24). However, Yoshida at least fails to disclose the first reflector embedded inside of the waveguide. Further, Dobschal et al. US Patent Application Publication 2022/0350145, of record, in regards to a device with some similarities (see figures 1-3), however, failing to have the first reflective means in the waveguide.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to George G King whose telephone number is (303)297-4273. The examiner can normally be reached 9-5.
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/George G. King/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2872 March 11, 2026