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 .
DETAILED ACTION
Status of Claims
This action is a Final action on the merits in response to the application filed on 04/27/2026.
Claims 1, 2 and 4 have been amended. Claims 7-9 have been cancelled. Claims 1-6 and 10 are currently pending and have been examined in this application.
Response to Amendment
Applicant’s amendment has been considered.
Applicant’s amendment is sufficient to overcome the claim Objection and 35 U.S.C. 112(b) set forth in the previous action.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s remarks have been considered.
Applicant argues, “ As such, to the extent the claimed subject matter recites an
abstract idea, which applicant does not concede, the claims integrate the alleged abstract idea into a practical application.” (pg. 9)
Examiner respectfully disagrees. The judicial exceptions are not integrated into a practical application. Claim 1 recites the additional elements of a monitoring system using Internet of Things technology (IoT) and analyzing utilizing big data and artificial intelligence technology. The recitation of IoT technology is generically recited as performing monitoring activity with no details as to how the monitoring occurs. The Specification discloses a general-purpose computer (see ¶0128). The additional elements are considered generic computer components performing generic computer functionality.
For instance, the steps of determining crop varieties suitable for planting and livestock and poultry species suitable for breeding; determining planting and breeding plans based on physiological needs and growth cycles of the crop varieties and the livestock and poultry species including obtaining an optimal sowing time, an irrigation plan and fertilization plan for crops; and designing a spatial layout based on the planning and breeding plans, and establishing organic connections between crops and livestock and poultry including diving land resources, arranging an irrigation system, and establishing the organic connects between crops, livestock and poultry involve collecting and analyzing data. The step of monitoring a growth situation of crops, livestock and poultry including monitoring a growth situation of crops, livestock and poultry in real-time during the production process and adjusting the planting and breeding plans based on the growth situation and establishing a monitoring system using IOT involve collecting and analyzing data (data gathering activity).
Each of the additional limitations is no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using a generic computer components (e.g. a computer per Spec). The combination of these additional elements is no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using a generic computer component (e.g. a computer per Spec). Therefore, the additional elements do not integrate the abstract ideas into a practical application because it does not impose meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea. Therefore, the claims are directed to an abstract idea.
Applicant argues, “ As above, the applicant respectfully submits that the amended claim 1 of the present application include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception and is eligible..” (pg. 11)
The claims do not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception. As stated above, the additional elements of IoT technology and artificial intelligence (a computer) are considered generic computer components performing generic computer functions that amount to no more than instructions to implement the judicial exception. Further, no details are provided as to what the IoT technology is or how it is used. Mere, instructions to apply an exception using generic computer components cannot provide an inventive concept.
Applicant’s arguments, see Remarks pg. 11, filed 04/27/2026, with respect to 35 U.S.C 103 have been fully considered and are persuasive. The rejection has been withdrawn.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101
35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows:
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
Claims 1-6 and 10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to an abstract idea without significantly more. Claim 1 recites:
determining crop varieties suitable for planting and livestock and poultry species suitable for breeding based on climate data, soil characteristics, and water resource information of an region to be matched;
determining planting and breeding plans based on physiological needs and growth cycles of the crop varieties and the livestock and poultry species,
wherein the step of determining planting and breeding plans based on physiological needs and growth cycles of the crop varieties and the livestock and poultry species comprises: obtaining an optimal sowing time, an irrigation plan, and a fertilization plan for crops based on their growth cycle, water and fertilizer requirements; obtaining a breeding scale and a feed ratio of livestock and poultry based on their breeding cycle, feeding density, and feed requirements;
designing a spatial layout based on the planting and breeding plans, and establishing organic connections between crops and livestock and poultry, wherein the step of designing a spatial layout based on the planting and breeding plans, and establishing organic connections between crops and livestock and poultry comprises: designing the spatial layout based on the optimal sowing time, the irrigation plan and the fertilization plan for crops, as well as the breeding scale and the feed ratio of livestock and poultry;
wherein specific steps of designing the spatial layout comprises: dividing land resources into a planting region and a breeding region based on terrain, landforms, and available land resources; arranging an irrigation system in the planting region according to the growth characteristics and water demand of crops, wherein [the irrigation system comprises an irrigation pipe, a nozzle, and a water source]; at the same time, setting up feed storage and processing facilities in the breeding region; establishing the organic connections between crops and livestock and poultry, using livestock and poultry manure and surplus feed as organic fertilizers to provide nutrients for crops, while utilizing crop by-products as feed supplements for livestock and poultry, forming a circular agricultural ecosystem;
monitoring a growth situation of crops and livestock and poultry in real-time during the production process, and adjusting the planting and breeding plans based on the growth situation;
wherein the step of monitoring a growth situation of crops and livestock and poultry in real-time during the production process, and adjusting the planting and breeding plans based on the growth situation comprises: establishing a monitoring system using [Internet of Things technology], then monitoring growth data of the crops and the livestock and poultry in real-time; the growth data of the crops and the livestock and poultry comprises a growth rate, a leaf region index, an occurrence of pests and diseases of the crops, as well as a weight growth, a feed consumption, and a health status of the livestock and poultry;
analyzing of the monitored growth data of the crops and the livestock and poultry in real-time, [utilizing big data and artificial intelligence technology] to predict growth trends of the crops and the livestock and poultry, and dynamically adjusting the planting and breeding plans based on the growth trends of the crops and the livestock and poultry.
The limitation under its broadest reasonable interpretation covers Mental Processes related to observation and evaluation of data but for the recitation of generic computer components (e.g. a computer (Spec ¶0128)). For example, determining, crop varieties suitable for planting and livestock and poultry species suitable for breeding, determining planting and breeding plans, designing a spatial layout and monitoring growth involve collecting and analyzing data. Accordingly, the claim recites an abstract idea of Mental Processes.
Additionally, the claims encompass Certain Methods of Organizing Human Activity related to economic principles as claims are directed to agricultural and poultry production.
The dependent claims encompass the same abstract ideas. For instance, Claim 2 is directed to determining suitable varieties and species by performing an assessment based on climate, soil and water resources; Claim 3 is directed to types of climate, soil and water characteristics or resources; Claim 4 is directed to collecting historical data and research materials and establishing a correlation model between growth of crop and livestock and poultry factors; Claim 5 is directed to applying an evaluation model to climate, soil and water information and selecting ecological complementarity crop varieties and livestock and poultry; Claim 6 is directed to analyzing growth environment requirements and ranking the ecological complementarity; and analyzing monitored growth data and Claim 10 is directed to a circular agricultural ecosystem.
The judicial exceptions are not integrated into a practical application. Claim 1 recites the additional elements of a monitoring system using Internet of Things technology (IoT) and analyzing utilizing big data and artificial intelligence technology. The recitation of IoT technology is generically recited as performing monitoring activity with no details as to how the monitoring occurs. The Specification discloses a general-purpose computer (see ¶0128). The additional elements are considered generic computer components performing generic computer functionality.
For instance, the steps of determining crop varieties suitable for planting and livestock and poultry species suitable for breeding; determining planting and breeding plans based on physiological needs and growth cycles of the crop varieties and the livestock and poultry species including obtaining an optimal sowing time, an irrigation plan and fertilization plan for crops; and designing a spatial layout based on the planning and breeding plans, and establishing organic connections between crops and livestock and poultry including dividing land resources, arranging an irrigation system, and establishing the organic connects between crops, livestock and poultry involve collecting and analyzing data. Examiner notes these steps are being interpreted as being performed as online design. The step of monitoring a growth situation of crops, livestock and poultry including monitoring a growth situation of crops, livestock and poultry in real-time during the production process and adjusting the planting and breeding plan based on the growth situation and establishing a monitoring system using IoT involve collecting and analyzing data (data gathering activity). Examiner notes that the IoT technology and the use of artificial intelligence (complex math) is being broadly interpreted and further there are no details provided as to what the IoT technology is.
Each of the additional limitations is no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using a generic computer components. The combination of these additional elements is no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using a generic computer component (e.g. a computer). Therefore, the additional elements do not integrate the abstract ideas into a practical application because it does not impose meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea. Therefore, the claims are directed to an abstract idea.
The claims do not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception. As stated above, the additional elements of IoT technology and artificial intelligence (a computer) are considered generic computer components performing generic computer functions that amount to no more than instructions to implement the judicial exception. Further, no details are provided as to what the IoT technology is or how it is used. Mere, instructions to apply an exception using generic computer components cannot provide an inventive concept.
The dependent claims when analyzed both individually and in combination are also held to be ineligible for the same reason above and the additional recited limitations fail to establish that the claims are not directed to an abstract. The additional limitations of the dependent claims when considered individually and as an ordered combination do not amount to significantly more than the abstract idea.
Looking at these limitations as an ordered combination and individually adds nothing additional that is sufficient to amount to significantly more than the recited abstract idea because they simply provide instructions to use generic computer components, to "apply" the recited abstract idea. Thus, the elements of the claims, considered both individually and as an ordered combination, are not sufficient to ensure that the claim as a whole amounts to significantly more than the abstract idea itself. Therefore, Claims 1-6 and 10 are not patent eligible.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered relevant but not applied:
Liu (CN 113243334 A) discloses a planting, breeding wheel as technology, selecting suitable breeding shed according to local climate including livestock and poultry breeding and the straw for each crop.
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 of a general nature or relating to the status of this application or concerning this communication or earlier communications from the Examiner should be directed to Renae Feacher whose telephone number is 571-270-5485. The Examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the Examiner's supervisor, Beth Boswell can be reached at 571-272-6737.
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/Renae Feacher/
Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3625
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