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 .
1. Claims 1-24 filed 08/06/2024 are pending for examination.
2. Continuity: This filed 08/06/2024 is a Continuation of 17889820 , filed 08/17/2022 ,now U.S. Patent # 12073456, 17889820 is a Continuation of 16778209 , filed 01/31/2020 ,now U.S. Patent # 11436664 , 16778209 is a Continuation of 15333730 , filed 10/25/2016 ,now U.S. Patent # 10552894 and 15333730 Claims Priority from Provisional Application 62246440 , filed 10/26/2015.
3. Telephone interview: Examiner called the Applicant’s representative Mr. Thomas Francis and who is also the inventor on January 29, 2026 to discuss an election of a group from two distinct groups Group (i) comprising claims 1-12 directed to a computing system for a store that includes a plurality of stocked items for picking according to one or more electronic customer orders, wherein the store includes N location indicators, wherein each of the N location indicators is configured to transmit a different location signal such that N different location signals are transmitted in the store, wherein the N location signals define M different areas of the store, each of the M areas covered by one or more of the N location signals, and Group (ii) comprising claims 13-24 directed to a computing system for a store that includes a plurality of stocked items for picking according to one or more electronic customer orders, wherein the store includes N location indicators for arrangement throughout the store, wherein each of the N location indicators includes a different readable code, each readable code being associated with a different location value, wherein each of the N location indicators is associated with a different area of the store such that each readable code and associated location value of a location indicator are associated with a respective area of N different areas in the store. Mr. Francis elected Group (i). Examiner, however, based on the Examiner’s review of the parent applications which are now US Patents , decided to examine all the pending claims 1-24.
4. Subject Matter Eligibility Analysis:
Step 1 analysis: Claims 1-24 are to a system /apparatus, which are statutory (Step 1: Yes).
Step 2A, Prong One: This part of the eligibility analysis evaluates whether the claim recites a judicial exception. As explained in MPEP 2106.04, subsection II, a claim “recites” a judicial exception when the judicial exception is “set forth” or “described” in the claim.
Claim 1 recites:
1. A system comprising:
a computing system for a store that includes a plurality of stocked items for picking according to one or more electronic customer orders, wherein the store includes N location indicators, wherein each of the N location indicators is configured to transmit a different location signal such that N different location signals are transmitted in the store, wherein the N location signals define M different areas of the store, each of the M areas covered by one or more of the N location signals, wherein each of the stocked items is associated with one of M different location values, each of the M location values corresponding to one of the M areas, and wherein the computing system is configured to store a location map that defines how the M areas are arranged;
a first mobile device configured to detect a sequence of location signals as the first mobile device is moved throughout the store, wherein the computing system is configured to update the location map based on the detected sequence of location signals; and
a second mobile device comprising a display, the second mobile device configured to:
store the associations between the stocked items and the M location values;
wirelessly receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked;
detect a current set of one or more of the N location signals;
determine a current location value of the M location values based on the current set of one or more location signals; and
arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on at least one of the current location value, the location map, and the associations between the stocked items and the M location values.
The highlighted limitations in claim 1 comprising, “ receive customer order
comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked; and arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on at least one of the current location value, the location map, and the associations between the stocked items and the M location values”, under their broadest reasonable interpretation, recite a commercial activity of processing customer orders, and fall within the ”Certain Methods of Organizing Human Activity” grouping of abstract ideas. See MPEP 2106.04(a)(2), subsection II.
The highlighted limitations in claim 1comprising, “ update the location map based on the
detected sequence of location signals; and arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on at least one of the current location value, the location map, and the associations between the stocked items and the M location values”, under their broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitations in the mind but for the recitation of “by the mobile device”. That is, other than reciting “by a mobile device” nothing in the claim elements precludes the steps from practically being performed in the mind. For example, but for the “by the mobile device” language, the claim encompasses a person looking at data collected on detected location signals and forming a simple judgement of updating the location map and based on the customer order and the detected locations of the items arrange them for the intended display of them by the person. The mere nominal recitation of by a mobile device does not take the claim limitations out of the mental process grouping.
Thus, the claim 1 and its dependent claims 2-12 recite “Certain Methods of Organizing Human Activity” and a “mental process. “. Since the other independent claim 13 recites similar limitations, as considered above for claim 1, the claim 13 and its dependent claims 14-24 are analyzed on the same basis reciting “Certain Methods of Organizing Human Activity” and a “mental process. “
Since each of the claims 1, and 13 recite limitations falling under two separate groupings of abstract ideas, the Supreme Court (discussing Bilski v. Kappos, 561 U.S. 593 (2010)) has treated such claims in the same manner as claims reciting a single judicial exception. Accordingly, limitations of claims 1-24 considered under Certain Methods of Organizing Human Activity” and “Mental Processes” are considered together as a single abstract idea for further analysis. (Step 2A, Prong One: YES).
Step 2A, Prong Two part of the eligibility analysis evaluates whether the claim as a whole integrates the recited judicial exception into a practical application of the exception or whether the claim is “directed to” the judicial exception. This evaluation is performed by (1) identifying whether there are any additional elements recited in the claim beyond the judicial exception, and (2) evaluating those additional elements individually and in combination to determine whether the claim as a whole integrates the exception into a practical application. See MPEP 2106.04(d).
Although independent claim 1 recites an abstract idea, it is not directed to an abstract idea because the abstract idea is integrated into a practical application. The additional elements recited in claims “ a computing system for a store, wherein the store includes N location indicators, wherein each of the N location indicators is configured to transmit a different location signal such that N different location signals are transmitted in the store, wherein the N location signals define M different areas of the store, each of the M areas covered by one or more of the N location signals, wherein each of the stocked items is associated with one of M different location values, each of the M location values corresponding to one of the M areas, and wherein the computing system is configured to store a location map that defines how the M areas are arranged; a first mobile device configured to detect a sequence of location signals as the first mobile device is moved throughout the store, wherein the computing system for a store, wherein the store is configured to update the location map based on the detected sequence of location signals; and a second mobile device comprising a display, the second mobile device configured to: store the associations between the stocked items and the M location values; wirelessly receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked; detect a current set of one or more of the N location signals; determine a current location value of the M location values based on the current set of one or more location signals; and arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on at least one of the current location value, the location map, and the associations between the stocked items and the M location values “ apply or use the abstract idea in some other meaningful way beyond linking the use of the abstract idea to a particular technological environment. As such, the claim 1 with its dependent claims 2-12 recite eligible subject matter.
Since the other independent claim 13 recites similar limitations as claim 1, it is analyzed on the same basis as reciting eligible subject matter. Accordingly, claim 13 and its dependent claims 14-24 recite eligible subject matter.
Thus, claims 1-24 are not directed to an abstract idea and recite eligible subject matter.
Double Patenting
5. 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.
4.1. Claims 1 and 13 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over (I) claims 1-2 and 11-12 of US Patent 12073456, hereinafter U.S. Patent ‘ 456, (ii) claims 1 and 11 of US Patent 11436664, hereinafter U.S. Patent ‘ 664 , and (iii) claims 1, 7-8 and 11, 17-18 of U.S. Patent No. 10552894, hereinafter Patent ‘894. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the limitations of claims 1 and 13 are expressly found in the cited claims of the US Patents ‘456, ‘664, ‘894, and ‘504,
For example,
Claims 1 and 13 of the instant application recite:
1. A system comprising:
a computing system for a store that includes a plurality of stocked items for picking according to one or more electronic customer orders, wherein the store includes N location indicators, wherein each of the N location indicators is configured to transmit a different location signal such that N different location signals are transmitted in the store, wherein the N location signals define M different areas of the store, each of the M areas covered by one or more of the N location signals, wherein each of the stocked items is associated with one of M different location values, each of the M location values corresponding to one of the M areas, and wherein the computing system is configured to store a location map that defines how the M areas are arranged;
a first mobile device configured to detect a sequence of location signals as the first mobile device is moved throughout the store, wherein the computing system is configured to update the location map based on the detected sequence of location signals; and
a second mobile device comprising a display, the second mobile device configured to:
store the associations between the stocked items and the M location values;
wirelessly receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked;
detect a current set of one or more of the N location signals;
determine a current location value of the M location values based on the current set of one or more location signals; and
arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on at least one of the current location value, the location map, and the associations between the stocked items and the M location values.
13. A system comprising:
a computing system for a store that includes a plurality of stocked items for picking according to one or more electronic customer orders, wherein the store includes N location indicators for arrangement throughout the store, wherein each of the N location indicators includes a different readable code, each readable code being associated with a different location value, wherein each of the N location indicators is associated with a different area of the store such that each readable code and associated location value of a location indicator are associated with a respective area of N different areas in the store, wherein each of the stocked items is associated with one of the N different location values, and wherein the computing system is configured to store a location map that defines how the N areas are arranged;
a first mobile device configured to scan a sequence of readable codes as the first mobile device is moved throughout the store, wherein the computing system is configured to update the location map based on the scanned sequence of readable codes; and
a second mobile device comprising a display, the second mobile device configured to:
store the associations between the stocked items and the N location values;
wirelessly receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked;
scan a nearby one of the N readable codes;
determine a current location value of the N location values based on the scanned nearby readable code; and
arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on at least one of the current location value, the location map, and the associations between the stocked items and the N location values.
Claims 1 and 11 of US Patent’456
1. A system comprising: a computing system for a store that includes a plurality of stocked items for picking according to one or more electronic customer orders, wherein the store includes N location indicators, wherein each of the N location indicators is configured to transmit a different location signal such that N different location signals are transmitted in the store, wherein the N location signals define M different areas of the store, each of the M areas covered by one or more of the N location signals, and wherein each of the stocked items is associated with one of M different location values, each of the M location values corresponding to one of the M areas; and
a mobile scanning device comprising a display, the mobile scanning device configured to: operate in a location mapping mode while a user transports the mobile scanning device throughout the store;
detect a sequence of location signals while operating in the location mapping mode, wherein the computing system is configured to generate a location map based on the detected sequence of location signals, wherein the location map defines how the M areas are arranged;
store the associations between the stocked items and the M location values; wirelessly receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked;
detect a current set of one or more of the N location signals;
determine a current location value of the M location values based on the current set of one or more location signals; and
arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on at least one of the current location value, the location map, and the associations between the stocked items and the M location values.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sequence of location signals is a first sequence of location signals, wherein the mobile scanning device is configured to detect a second sequence of location signals while the user is picking the plurality of ordered items in the received electronic customer order, and wherein the computing system is configured to update the location map based on the detected second sequence of location signals.
11. A system comprising:
a computing system for a store that includes a plurality of stocked items for picking according to one or more electronic customer orders, wherein the store includes N location indicators, wherein each of the N location indicators includes a different readable code, each readable code being associated with a different location value, wherein each of the N location indicators is associated with a different area of the store such that each readable code and associated location value of a location indicator are associated with a respective area of N different areas in the store, and wherein each of the stocked items is associated with one of the N different location values; and
a mobile scanning device comprising a display, the mobile scanning device configured to:
operate in a location mapping mode while a user transports the mobile scanning device throughout the store;
scan a sequence of readable codes while operating in the location mapping mode, wherein the computing system is configured to generate a location map based on the scanned sequence of readable codes, wherein the location map defines how the N areas are arranged;
store the associations between the stocked items and the N location values;
wirelessly receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked; scan a nearby one of the N readable codes;
determine a current location value of the N location values based on the scanned nearby readable code; and
arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on at least one of the current location value, the location map, and the associations between the stocked items and the N location values.
2. The system of claim 11, wherein the sequence of readable codes is a first sequence of readable codes, wherein the mobile scanning device is configured to scan a second sequence of readable codes while the user is picking the plurality of ordered items in the received electronic customer order, and wherein the computing system is configured to update the location map based on the scanned second sequence of readable codes.
Notes: When the scope of claims 1 and 13 [see the highlighted limitations] of the instant Application is compared with the scope of the underlined limitations recited in claims 1-2 and 11-12 respectively of the US Patent’ 456, they are similar systems implementing similar functions, both comprising a computer system, a plurality of location indicators, and a mobile scanning device with different terms but are not patentably distinct. In all the five cases, the functions executed comprise location indicators transmitting different location signals defining different areas/regions/shelves/aisles in a store, which are detected to update location map based on detected signals, receiving wirelessly electronic customer orders to be packed from different areas of the store and arranging the ordered items on the display of the scanning device based the association between the stocked item and the location value. Merely changing the arrangement of same functions by the existing similar electronic devices, whether the functions are being executed by two mobile devices or one mobile device do not render the claims patentably distinct, though they are not identical.
Claims 1 and 11 of US Patent ‘664 recite:
1. A system comprising: N location indicators for arrangement throughout a store that includes a plurality of stocked items for picking according to one or more electronic customer orders, wherein each of the N location indicators is configured to transmit a different location signal such that N different location signals are transmitted in the store, wherein the N location signals define M different areas of the store, each of the M areas covered by one or more of the N location signals, and wherein each of the stocked items is associated with one of M different location values, each of the M location values corresponding to one of the M areas;
a central computing system configured to store a location map that defines how the M areas are arranged; and
a mobile scanning device comprising a display, the mobile scanning device configured to:
detect a sequence of location signals, wherein the central computing system is configured to update the location map based on the detected sequence of location signals;
store the associations between the stocked items and the M location values;
wirelessly receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked;
detect a current set of one or more of the N location signals;
determine a current location value of the M location values based on the current set of one or more location signals; and
arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on at least one of the current location value, the location map, and the associations between the stocked items and the M location values.
11. A system comprising:
N location indicators for arrangement throughout a store that includes a plurality of stocked items for picking according to one or more electronic customer orders, wherein each of the N location indicators includes a different readable code, each readable code being associated with a different location value, wherein each of the N location indicators is associated with a different area of the store such that each readable code and associated location value of a location indicator are associated with a respective area of N different areas in the store, and wherein each of the stocked items is associated with one of the N different location values;
a central computing system configured to store a location map that defines how the N areas are arranged; and
a mobile scanning device comprising a display, the mobile scanning device configured to:
scan a sequence of readable codes, wherein the central computing system is configured to update the location map based on the scanned sequence of readable codes;
store the associations between the stocked items and the N location values;
wirelessly receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked;
scan a nearby one of the N readable codes;
determine a current location value of the N location values based on the scanned nearby readable code; and
arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on at least one of the current location value, the location map, and the associations between the stocked items and the N location values.
Notes: When the scope of claims 1 and 13 [see the highlighted limitations] of the instant Application is compared with the scope of the underlined limitations recited in claims 1 and 11 respectively of the US Patent’ 664, they are similar systems implementing similar functions, both comprising a computer system, a plurality of location indicators, and a mobile scanning device with different terms but are not patentably distinct. In all the five cases, the functions executed comprise location indicators transmitting different location signals defining different areas/regions/shelves/aisles in a store, which are detected to update location map based on detected signals, receiving wirelessly electronic customer orders to be packed from different areas of the store and arranging the ordered items on the display of the scanning device based the association between the stocked item and the location value. Merely changing the arrangement of same functions by the existing similar electronic devices, do not render the claims patentably distinct, though they are not identical.
Whereas claims 1 and 11 of Patent ‘ 894 recite:
1. A system comprising:
a plurality of location indicators for arrangement throughout a store that includes a plurality of stocked items for picking, wherein each of the location indicators is configured to transmit a different location signal;
a central computing system configured to : store an item association table that maps location values to the stocked items, wherein the location values indicate the locations of the stocked items in the store; and
receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked; and
a mobile scanning device including a display, the mobile scanning device configured to:
receive the plurality of ordered items from the central computing system;
detect one or more of the location signals and determine a first location value
based on the detected one or more location signals;
arrange the plurality of ordered items on the display based on the first location
value;
scan a first ordered item of the plurality of ordered items; and
transmit data to the central computing system indicating that the first ordered item is associated with the first location value, wherein the central computing system is configured to update the item association table to indicate that the first ordered item is associated with the first location value based on the data.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein prior to updating the item association table, the central computing system is configured to transmit at least a portion of the item association table to the mobile scanning device, the portion of the item association table including location values for the plurality of ordered items included in the customer order, and wherein the mobile scanning device is configured to: store a location map that defines how areas of the store covered by the plurality of location signals are arranged; and arrange the plurality of items on the display based on the location map, the portion of the item association table, and the first location value.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the customer order is a first customer order, and wherein the central computing system is configured to: receive a second customer order after updating the item association table, the second customer order including a second plurality of ordered items; transmit the second plurality of ordered items to the mobile scanning device; and transmit at least a portion of the updated item association table to the mobile scanning device, wherein the mobile scanning device is configured to arrange the second plurality of ordered items on the display based on the location map, the portion of the updated item association table, and the first location value.
11. A system comprising:
a plurality of location indicators for arrangement throughout a store that includes a plurality of stocked items for picking, wherein each of the location indicators includes a different readable code that is associated with a different area of the store;
a central computing system configured to :
store an item association table that maps location values to the stocked items, wherein the location values indicate the locations of the stocked items in the store; and
receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked; and
a mobile scanning device including a display, the mobile scanning device configured to:
receive the plurality of ordered items from the central computing system;
scan a readable code and determine a first location value based on the scanned readable code;
arrange the plurality of ordered items on the display based on the first location value;
scan a first ordered item of the plurality of ordered items; and transmit data to the central computing system indicating that the first ordered item is associated with the first location value, wherein the central computing system is configured to update the item association table to indicate that the first ordered item is associated with the first location value based on the data.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein prior to updating the item association table, the central computing system is configured to transmit at least a portion of the item association table to the mobile scanning device, the portion of the item association table including location values for the plurality of ordered items included in the customer order, and wherein the mobile scanning device is configured to: store a location map that defines how areas of the store associated with the readable codes are arranged; and arrange the plurality of items on the display based on the location map, the portion of the item association table, and the first location value.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the customer order is a first customer order, and wherein the central computing system is configured to: receive a second customer order after updating the item association table, the second customer order including a second plurality of ordered items; transmit the second plurality of ordered items to the mobile scanning device; and transmit at least a portion of the updated item association table to the mobile scanning device, wherein the mobile scanning device is configured to arrange the second plurality of ordered items on the display based on the location map, the portion of the updated item association table, and the first location value.
Notes: When the scope of claims 1 and 13 [see the highlighted limitations] of the instant Application is compared with the scope of the underlined limitations recited in claims 1, 7-8 and 11, 17-18 respectively of the US Patent’ 894, they are similar systems implementing similar functions, both comprising a computer system, a plurality of location indicators, and a mobile scanning device with different terms but are not patentably distinct. In all the five cases, the functions executed comprise location indicators transmitting different location signals defining different areas/regions/shelves/aisles in a store, which are detected to update location map based on detected signals, receiving wirelessly electronic customer orders to be packed from different areas of the store and arranging the ordered items on the display of the scanning device based the association between the stocked item and the location value. Merely changing the arrangement of same functions by the existing similar electronic devices, do not render the claims patentably distinct, though they are not identical.
6. Prior art discussion:
6.1. Claims 1-12:
Reference claim 1, the prior art of record, alone or combined, neither teaches nor renders obvious the limitations, as a whole, a computing system for a store, wherein the store includes N location indicators, wherein each of the N location indicators is configured to transmit a different location signal such that N different location signals are transmitted in the store, wherein the N location signals define M different areas of the store, each of the M areas covered by one or more of the N location signals, wherein each of the stocked items is associated with one of M different location values, each of the M location values corresponding to one of the M areas, and wherein the computing system is configured to store a location map that defines how the M areas are arranged, a mobile device configured to detect a sequence of location signals as the mobile device is moved throughout the store, wherein the computing system is configured to update the location map based on the detected sequence of location signals, and another mobile device comprising a display, configured to store the associations between the stocked items and the M location values, wirelessly receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked, detect a current set of one or more of the N location signals, determine a current location value of the M location values based on the current set of one or more location signals, and arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on at least one of the current location value, the location map, and the associations between the stocked items and the M location values.
Claims 2-12 depend from claim 1.
6.2: Claims 13-24
Reference claim 13, the prior art of record, alone or combined, neither teaches nor renders obvious the limitations, as a whole, a computing system for a store, wherein the store includes N location indicators for arrangement throughout the store, wherein each of the N location indicators includes a different readable code, each readable code being associated with a different location value, wherein each of the N location indicators is associated with a different area of the store such that each readable code and associated location value of a location indicator are associated with a respective area of N different areas in the store, wherein each of the stocked items is associated with one of the N different location values, and wherein the computing system is configured to store a location map that defines how the N areas are arranged, a mobile device configured to scan a sequence of readable codes as the mobile device is moved throughout the store, wherein the computing system is configured to update the location map based on the scanned sequence of readable codes, and another mobile device comprising a display, configured to store the associations between the stocked items and the N location values, wirelessly receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked, scan a nearby one of the N readable codes, determine a current location value of the N location values based on the scanned nearby readable code, and arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on at least one of the current location value, the location map, and the associations between the stocked items and the N location values.
Claims 14-24 depend from claim 13.
7. Note: On filing of a proper Terminal Disclaimer to overcome the nonstatutory type Double Patenting Rejection, the Application can be placed in condition for allowance.
8 Best relevant Prior art:
Discussion of the most relevant prior art: The following references have been identified as the most relevant prior art to the claimed invention.
Foreign reference:
(I) CA 2639415 A [see the Description] teaches a system and method for purchasing an item located in a physical store comprising receiving information about a required item using an interface device, which could include a kiosk in the store or a cell phone, transmitting via a communication apparatus a signal from the interface device to an indicator apparatus having at least one indicator to each item in the store, and emitting a signal indicative of the location of the particular item using the one or more indicators corresponding thereto, wherein the indicator is in proximity of the item.
(ii) Ward et al. [US 9,940,663 B2, see col.3, lines 13-50]] describes a system and method for purchasing a product through a mobile device directed to a product in a physical world using a location system. The system enables to automatically generate an optimal route in order to retrieve all of the items on the list, thereby saving the customer from having to plan a route including directions to the store, and the directions inside the store using a map in-store.
(iii) Sheikh [US Patent 9,064, 265 B1; see Abstract] describes a mobile device connected to a server is used to guide a person to one or more selected items in a facility/store and the movement of the device is tracked via GPS on the device. When the device scans a barcode of an item it is connected to the server.
(iv) Narayanaswamy et al. [US 20040225613 A1 see para 0063 and Fig.7] discloses a PSD 101[portable shopping device] stores a shopper's size, color and/or price preferences and is configured to transmit a shopper's preferences via a short-range transmitter so that when the shopper wearing the PSD 101 approaches a rack of clothing all of the clothes that match the shopper's preferences light up responsive to receiving the transmission comprising the preferences which includes the steps of a store wireless terminal receiving the signals, identifies the matching items and causes a location indicator such as a light 710 or sound to alert the shopper of the sought item's location.
(v) Nichols et al. [US 20150278928 A1; see Abstract] discloses methods and systems such that when a shopper is in a physical store, the shopper’s mobile device transmits a signal with the shopper’s preferences and any item or items satisfying the shopper’s preferences that are within a certain distance of the mobile device may light up to indicate that the item is there that the shopper is looking for.
(vi) | Field-Darragh [US20140279294 Al; see paragraph 0104; cited in the Parent Application 15333730 now US Patent 10552894, and also cited in the IDS filed 08/17/2022] discloses determining the absolute or relative location of an item or items and enable a store employee to more efficiently be directed to that item or items for purposes of "picking" the item(s) for shipment to, or to set aside for a customer.
(vii) Vanska et al. [US 20040093274 A1; see Abstract, Fig 8A, and paras 0035, 0065, 0067 and 0071] discloses facilitating a shopping experience, wherein Fig.8A shows an optimal shopping route displayed to a consumer on a map, the map includes the floor plan 800 of the shop including a POS 806 and displays 808 along with location beacons 810 (e.g., RF-ID tag readers 158 or RF-ID tags 159 used to determine the user's location). Overlaid onto the floor plan 800 are the locations 812 of the items on shopping list 400, the user's present location 814 and the optimal shopping route 816. The user's location may be made highly visible through the use of animation and/or a contrasting color, provided of course that display 102 is capable of such features.
NPL reference:
(viii) Article, “Method and System to Locate and Navigate Amongst Objects in Enclosed Areas”; An IP.com Prior Art Database Technical Disclosure Authors et. al.: Disclosed Without Attribution. IP.com Number: IPCOM000217316D. IP.com Electronic Publication Date: May 07, 2012; retrieved from IP. Com on 02/03/2026 describes a method and system to locate and navigate amongst objects in enclosed areas using short range wireless networks.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to YOGESH C GARG whose telephone number is (571)272-6756. The examiner can normally be reached Max-Flex.
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, Jeffrey A Smith can be reached on 571-272-6763. 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.
/YOGESH C GARG/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3625