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 .
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
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(s) 1, 7-11, 16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim (US 20230273763 A1), and further in view of Lee (US 20220150654 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Kim (US 20230273763 A1) discloses an image display apparatus comprising:
a display (Kim, Fig. 1, item 160);
an audio output device configured to output sound (Kim, Fig. 1, item 155);
an interface configured to exchange data with an external sound output device (Kim, Fig. 1, item 177); and
a signal processing device (Kim, Fig. 1, item 120) which, in a simultaneous sound output mode of the sound output device (Kim, Fig. 2, item 270) and the audio output device, is configured to output a first audio signal to the audio output device and a second audio signal to the sound output device (Kim, ¶ [0051]: “the audio output interface may output audio signals having a plurality of different channels (e.g., stereo (first audio) channels or 5.1 channels (second audio)3 via at least some of the plurality of speakers.”), and in a single sound output mode of the audio output device, and configured to output a third audio signal to the audio output device (Kim, [0055]: “ the electronic device may support a single output mode or a simultaneous output mode.”, ¶ [0058]: “the single output mode may be configured to output the audio signal (third audio) to one audio output device”, a headset or earphones), wherein
the signal processing device (Kim, Fig. 1, item 120) is configured to differentiate a volume level of a first sound based on the first audio signal, which is output from the audio output device, is different from a volume level of a third sound based on the third audio signal which is output from the audio output device (Kim, ¶ [0087-0088], ¶ [0105]: “identify the volume performance difference between the first audio
output device and the second audio output device and perform control to simultaneously output average volume levels.” Fig. 4, items 477, 480 (headset), 490 (Surround sound)).
However, Kim fails to disclose an interface is configured to receive output power information or additional offset information, through a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) line based on a High- Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface, from the sound output device, and wherein and output the signal processing device is configured to change the volume level of the first sound based on the first audio signal based on content displayed on the display.
In an analogous field of endeavor, Lee (US 20220150654 A1) discloses an interface is configured to receive output power information(Lee, ¶ [0061]: “ input interface can receive or process control signals such as power on/off, channel selection, and screen setting from the remote control device or transmit control signals from the controller”) or additional offset information (Lee, ¶ [0062]), through a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) (Lee, Fig. 1, item 200; ¶ [0061]) line based on an High- Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface (Lee, ¶ [0053]: “The plurality of external input terminals can include an RGB terminal, at least one High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) terminal”), from the sound output device.
Output the signal processing device (Lee, Fig. 1, item 170) is configured to change the volume level of the first sound based on the first audio signal based on content displayed on the display (Lee, ¶ [0026]: “the display device automatically adjusts the volume balance by controlling the volume of the external speaker
according to the set volume”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have used the teachings of an interface is configured to receive output power information or additional offset information, through a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) line based on a High- Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface, from the sound output device, and wherein and output the signal processing device is configured to change the volume level of the first sound based on the first audio signal based on content displayed on the display as taught by Lee in Kim’s invention. The motivation is to provide remote control through a HDMI interface for adjusting display and sound.
Regarding claim 7, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 1.
Kim further discloses, wherein after the sound output device is turned on, the interface is configured to receive the output power information (Kim, Fig. 1, item 188, 194,199, 104; ¶ [0040]: “The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module and the external electronic device”) or the additional offset information of the sound output device through a first transmission line corresponding to the CEC line, wherein in
the simultaneous sound output mode, the interface is configured to transmit the second audio signal to the sound output device through a second transmission line (wire), (Kim, Fig. 1, items 178, 102; ¶ [0051]: “ the audio output interface may output audio signals having a plurality of different channels (e.g., stereo channels (first and second audio signals) or 5.1 channels) via at least some of the plurality of speakers…the audio output interface may be connected with the external electronic device (e.g., an external speaker or a headset) directly via the connecting terminal ”).
Regarding claim 8, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 1.
Kim further discloses wherein in case in which the sound output device is turned off during operation in the simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to switch to the single sound output mode in which the audio output device solely outputs sound (Kim, ¶ [0048]: “the audio signal processor may perform …changing channels (e.g., switching between mono and stereo)”).
Regarding claim 9, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 1.
Kim further discloses, wherein while a broadcast video is displayed on the display, the signal processing device is configured to control a volume level of the first sound based on the first audio signal, which is output from the audio output device, to be lower than a volume level of the third sound based on the third audio signal which is output from the audio output device (Kim, ¶ [0048]: “the audio signal processor may perform changing a sampling rate, applying one or more filters, interpolation
processing, amplifying or attenuating a whole or partial frequency bandwidth”).
Regarding claim 10, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 1.
Kim further discloses, wherein while a game video is displayed on the display, the signal processing device is configured to control a volume level of the first sound based on the first audio signal, which is output from the audio output device, to be greater than a volume level of the third sound based on the third audio signal which is output from the audio output device (Kim, Fig. 4, items 477, 480, 485 and fig. 10, items 10001, 1011, 10002, 1012, 1021, 1022, sound of the stereo are louder than the sound from the headset, the power or volume of an external speaker is generally higher than that of a headset or earbud).
Regarding claim 11, Kim (US 20230273763 A1) discloses an image display apparatus comprising:
a display (Kim, Fig. 1, item 160);
an audio output device configured to output sound (Kim, Fig. 1, item 155);
an interface configured to exchange data with an external sound output device (Kim, Fig. 1, item 177); and
a signal processing device (Kim, Fig. 1, item 120) which, in a simultaneous sound output mode of the sound output device (Kim, Fig. 2, item 270) and the audio output device, is configured to calculate an output gain (manage the power that is supplied to the electronic device 101) based on the output power information (Kim, ¶ [0036]).
output a first audio signal based on the calculated output gain to the audio output device and a second audio signal to the sound output device (Kim, ¶ [0051]: “the audio output interface may output audio signals having a plurality of different channels (e.g., stereo (first audio) channels or 5.1 channels (second audio)) via at least some of the plurality of speakers.”).
However, Kim fails to disclose receive output power information or additional offset information from the sound output device through a first transmission line corresponding to a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) line based on a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface,
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wherein the signal processing device is configured to change a volume level of a first sound based on the first audio signal based on content displayed on the display.
In an analogous field of endeavor, Lee (US 20220150654 A1) discloses receiving output power information (Lee, ¶ [0061]: “ input interface can receive or process control signals such as power on/off, channel selection, and screen setting from the remote control device or transmit control signals from the controller”) or additional offset information from the sound output device through a first transmission line corresponding to a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) (Lee, Fig. 1, item 200; ¶ [0061]) line based on an High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface (Lee, ¶ [0053]: “The plurality of external input terminals can include an RGB terminal, at least one High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) terminal”),
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wherein
the signal processing device is configured to change a volume level of a first sound based on the first audio signal based on content displayed on the display (Lee, ¶ [0026]: “the display device automatically adjusts the volume balance by controlling the volume of the external speaker according to the set volume”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have used the teachings of an interface is configured to receive output power information or additional offset information, through a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) line based on a High- Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface, from the sound output device, and wherein and output the signal processing device is configured to change the volume level of the first sound based on the first audio signal based on content displayed on the display as taught by Lee in Kim’s invention. The motivation is to provide remote control through a HDMI interface for adjusting display and sound.
Regarding claim 16, Kim (US 20230273763 A1) discloses an image display apparatus comprising:
a display (Kim, Fig. 1, item 160);
an audio output device configured to output sound (Kim, Fig. 1, item 155);
an interface configured to exchange data with an external sound output device (Kim, Fig. 1, item 177); and
a signal processing device (Kim, Fig. 1, item 120) which, in a simultaneous sound output mode of the sound output device (Kim, Fig. 2, item 270) and the audio output device, configured to output a first audio signal to the audio output device and a second audio signal to the sound output device, wherein
the interface (Kim, Fig. 1, item 101, 177; ¶ [0032]) is configured to:
after the sound output device is turned on, receive output power information (Kim, Fig. 1, item 188, 194,199, 104; ¶ [0040]: “The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module and the external electronic device”) or additional offset information from the sound output device through a first transmission line; and
in the simultaneous sound output mode, transmit the second audio signal to the sound output device through a second transmission line (wire), (Kim, Fig. 1, items 178, 102; ¶ [0051]: “ the audio output interface may output audio signals having a plurality of different channels (e.g., stereo channels (first and second audio signals) or 5.1 channels) via at least some of the plurality of speakers…the audio output interface may be connected with the external electronic device (e.g., an external speaker or a headset) directly via the connecting terminal ”).
However, Kim fails to disclose a transmission line corresponding to a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) line based on a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface; and wherein the signal processing device is configured to change the volume level of the first sound based on the first audio signal based on content displayed on the display.
In an analogous field of endeavor, Lee (US 20220150654 A1) discloses a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) (Lee, Fig. 1, item 200; ¶ [0061]) line based on an High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface (Lee, ¶ [0053]: “The plurality of external input terminals can include an RGB terminal, at least one High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) terminal”), wherein the signal processing device is configured to change the volume level of the first sound based on the first audio signal based on content displayed on the display (Lee, ¶ [0026]: “the display device automatically adjusts the volume balance by controlling the volume of the external speaker according to the set volume”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have used the teachings of an interface is configured to receive output power information or additional offset information, through a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) line based on a High- Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) interface, from the sound output device, and wherein and output the signal processing device is configured to change the volume level of the first sound based on the first audio signal based on content displayed on the display as taught by Lee in Kim’s invention. The motivation is to provide remote control through a HDMI interface for adjusting display and sound.
Claim(s) 2-3, 12-13, 17 and 19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim (US 20230273763 A1), in view of Lee (US 20220150654 A1) ,and further in view of Kou (US 20210227323 A1).
Regarding claim 2, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 1.
However, the combination of Kim and Lee fails to disclose, wherein in the simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to calculate an output gain of the first audio signal based on the output power information or the additional offset information of the sound output device.
In an analogous field of endeavor, Kou (US 20210227323 A1) discloses a simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to calculate (Kou, Fig. 9, item 201) an output gain of the first audio signal based on the output power information (Kou, Fig. 10, items S93-S98, ¶ [0007], ¶ [0187]) or the additional offset information of the sound output device.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Kou with Kim provide a protection to the speakers base on direct current resistance of the voice coil and temperature.
Regarding claim 3, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 1.
However, the combination of Kim and Lee fails to disclose, wherein in the simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to calculate an output gain of the first audio signal based on the output power information or the additional offset information.
In an analogous field of endeavor, Kou discloses, wherein in the simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to calculate an output gain of the first audio signal based on the output power information or the additional offset information (Kou, Fig. 10, items S92-S98).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine Kou with Kim provide a protection to the speakers base on direct current resistance of the voice coil and temperature.
Regarding claim 12, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 11.
However, the combination of Kim and Lee fails to disclose, wherein in the simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to calculate an output gain of the first audio signal based on the output power information or the additional offset information.
In an analogous field of endeavor, Kou (US 20210227323 A1) discloses wherein the interface is configured to receive the output power information (Kou, Fig. 10, items S93-S98, ¶ [0007], ¶ [0187]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to add Kou to the combination of Kim and Lee to provide a protection to the speakers base on direct current resistance of the voice coil and temperature.
Regarding claim 13, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 11.
However, the combination of Kim and Lee fails to disclose, wherein in the simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to calculate the output gain of the first audio signal based on volume settings information of the audio output device, and the output power information or the additional offset information of the sound output device.
In an analogous field of endeavor, Kou discloses wherein in the simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to calculate the output gain of the first audio signal based on volume settings information of the audio output (power) device (Kou, Fig. 10, items S92-S98); and
the output power information or the additional offset information of the sound output device (Kou, Abstract: “determining an audio input power based on the voice coil direct current resistance and the audio input signal. The method further comprises obtaining a thermal model of the speaker, and determining a transient power threshold based on the audio input power and the thermal model.”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to add Kou to the combination of Kim and Lee to provide a protection to the speakers base on direct current resistance of the voice coil and temperature.
Regarding claim 17, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 16.
However, the combination of Kim and Lee fails to disclose, wherein in the simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to calculate an output gain of the first audio signal based on the output power information or the additional offset information (Kou, Fig. 10, items S92-S98).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to add Kou to the combination of Kim and Lee to provide a protection to the speakers base on direct current resistance of the voice coil and temperature.
Regarding claim 19, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 16.
However, the combination of Kim and Lee fails to disclose, wherein in the simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to calculate the output gain of first audio signal based on volume settings information of the audio output device, sound mode information, and the output power information or the additional offset information of the sound output device.
In an analogous field of endeavor, Kou (US 20210227323 A1) discloses, wherein in the simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to calculate the output gain of first audio signal based on volume settings information of the audio output device, sound mode information of the sound output device (Kou, Fig. 10, items S92-S98), and
the output power information (Kou, Abstract: “determining an audio input power based on the voice coil direct current resistance and the audio input signal. The method further comprises obtaining a thermal model of the speaker, and determining a transient power threshold based on the audio input power and the thermal model.”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to add Kou to the combination of Kim and Lee to provide a protection to the speakers base on direct current resistance of the voice coil and temperature.
Claim(s) 4-6, 14-15, 18 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim (US 20230273763 A1), in view of Lee (US 20220150654 A1), and further in view of Anderson (US 20190319591 A1).
Regarding claim 4, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 1.
However, the combination of Kim and Lee fails to disclose, wherein in the simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to calculate output gain of the first audio signal based on volume settings information of the audio output device, and the output power information or the additional offset information of the sound output device.
In an analogous field of endeavor, Anderson (US 20190319591 A1), discloses a signal processing device configured to calculate the output gain of the first audio signal based on volume settings information of the audio output device, and the output power information (Anderson, ¶ [0147]: “amplifying the PSC (speaker power amplifier) based on gain information determined by an audio volume control (AVC) and producing a speaker power output”),
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to add Kou to the combination of Kim and Lee to provide a protection to the audio signal and the amplifier electronics, an amplifier is used to provide high input impedance, with no further gain.
Regarding claim 5, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 1.
However, the combination of Kim and Lee fails to disclose, wherein in the simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to calculate output gain of the first audio signal based on volume settings information of the audio output device, sound mode information, and the output power information or the additional offset information of the sound output device.
In an analogous field of endeavor, Anderson (US 20190319591 A1), discloses a signal processing device configured to calculate the output gain of the first audio signal based on volume settings information of the audio output device (Anderson, ¶ [0147]: “ amplifying the PSC (speaker power amplifier) based on gain information
determined by an audio volume control (AVC) and producing a speaker power
output”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to add Anderson to the combination of Kim and Lee to provide a protection to the audio signal and the amplifier electronics, an amplifier is used to provide high input impedance, with no further gain.
Regarding claim 6, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 5.
Kim further discloses, wherein as a level of the volume settings information of the audio output device increases, or a level of the output power information decreases, or a level of the additional offset information increases, the signal processing device is configured to increase the output gain of the first audio signal (Kim, ¶ [0089]: “the processor may control the volume of the later connected second audio output
device (A) to fit the volume level of the first audio output device (B) or may identify the volume performance difference between the first audio output device (B) and the second audio output device (A) and perform control to simultaneously output average volume levels.”).
Regarding claim 14, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 11.
However, the combination of Kim and Lee fails to disclose, wherein in the simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to calculate output gain of the first audio signal based on volume settings information of the audio output device, sound mode information, and the output power information or the additional offset information of the sound output device.
In an analogous field of endeavor, Anderson (US 20190319591 A1), discloses a signal processing device configured to calculate output gain of the first audio signal based on volume settings information of the audio output device, and the output power information (Anderson, ¶ [0147]: “amplifying the PSC (speaker power amplifier) based on gain information determined by an audio volume control (AVC) and producing a speaker power output”),
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to add Anderson to the combination of Kim and Lee to provide a protection to the audio signal and the amplifier electronics, an amplifier is used to provide high input impedance, with no further gain.
Regarding claim 15, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 14.
However, the combination of Kim and Lee fails to disclose, wherein as a level of the volume settings information of the audio output device increases, or a level of the output power information decreases, or a level of the additional offset information increases, the signal processing device is configured to increase the output gain of the first audio signal (Kim, ¶ [0089]: “the processor may control the volume of the later connected second audio output device (A) to fit the volume level of the first
audio output device (B) or may identify the volume performance difference
between the first audio output device (B) and the second audio output device (A) and perform control to simultaneously output average volume levels.”).
Regarding claim 18, the combination of Kim and Lee discloses all the limitations of claim 16.
However, the combination of Kim and Lee fails to disclose, wherein in the simultaneous sound output mode, the signal processing device is configured to calculate output gain of the first audio signal based on volume settings information of the audio output device, and the output power information or the additional offset information of the sound output device.
In an analogous field of endeavor, Anderson (US 20190319591 A1), discloses a signal processing device configured to calculate the output gain of the first audio signal based on volume settings information of the audio output device, and the output power information (Anderson, ¶ [0147]: “amplifying the PSC (speaker power amplifier) based on gain information determined by an audio volume control (AVC) and producing a speaker power output”).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to add Anderson to the combination of Kim and Lee to provide a protection to the audio signal and the amplifier electronics, an amplifier is used to provide high input impedance, with no further gain.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to FRIEDRICH FAHNERT whose telephone number is (571)270-7797. The examiner can normally be reached 7:00 am-4:00 pm.
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/CAROLYN R EDWARDS/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2692
/FRIEDRICH FAHNERT/
Examiner
Art Unit 2692
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