DETAILED ACTION
Non-Final Rejection
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 .
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 12/19/2024, 08/21/2024 are in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statements are being considered by the examiner.
Specification
The lengthy specification (more than 20 pages) 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 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.
Claim(s) 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to non-statutory subject matter. In particular, claims are directed to a judicial exception (abstract idea) without significantly more.
When considering subject matter eligibility launder 35 U.S.C. 101, it must be determined whether the claim is directed to one of the four statutory categories of invention, i.e., process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter. If the claim does fall within one of the statutory categories, it must then be determined whether the claim is directed to a judicial exception (i.e., law of nature, natural phenomenon, and abstract idea), and if so, it must additionally be determined whether the claim is a patent-eligible application of the exception. If an abstract idea is present in the claim, any element or combination of elements in the claim must be sufficient to ensure that the claim amounts to significantly more than the abstract idea itself. Examples of abstract ideas include mental processes; certain methods of organizing human activities; and mathematical relationships/formulas. Alice Corporation Pty. Ltd. v. CLS Bank International, et al., 573 U.S. ____ (2014). Analysis has been updated based on the new 2019 Patent Eligibility Guidance (2019 PEG).
Independent Claim(s) 1:
Independent Claim 1 recites the limitation(s) of “a method comprising: accessing data associated with distributed sensors of a hydrophone assembly deployed in a wellbore structure, the accessed data including time shifted noise signals for respective sensors of the distributed sensors; evaluating the accessed data to identify timing offsets to associate with the time shifted noise signals for each of the respective sensors, the identified offsets corresponding to a velocity that the time shifted noise signals propagate along the wellbore structure; aligning the time shifted noise signals according to the identified timing offsets; transforming the aligned noise signals into a domain that includes a frequency component, wherein: the transformed aligned noise signals include a set of frequencies characteristic of a tool related noise source; and the set of frequencies characteristic of the tool related noise source includes an amplitude for each frequency of the set of frequencies characteristic of the tool related noise source; identifying components of a signal associated with a noise source other than the tool related noise source; and reducing the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies.
For Step 1 of the Test, Independent Claim(s) 1 are directed to one of the four statutory categories of invention, which is a method. Confirm Step 1 of the Test is YES.
For Step 2A (Prong One), Independent Claim(s) 1 is directed to the concept of removing acoustic rode noise by adaptive filtering of modeled guided waves, defined by the limitations: “-accessing data associated with distributed sensors of a hydrophone assembly deployed in a wellbore structure, the accessed data including time shifted noise signals for respective sensors of the distributed sensors; -evaluating the accessed data to identify timing offsets to associate with the time shifted noise signals for each of the respective sensors, the identified offsets corresponding to a velocity that the time shifted noise signals propagate along the wellbore structure; -aligning the time shifted noise signals according to the identified timing offsets; -transforming the aligned noise signals into a domain that includes a frequency component, wherein: the transformed aligned noise signals include a set of frequencies characteristic of a tool related noise source; and the set of frequencies characteristic of the tool related noise source includes an amplitude for each frequency of the set of frequencies characteristic of the tool related noise source; -identifying components of a signal associated with a noise source other than the tool related noise source; and -reducing the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies”. These limitations recite an abstract idea which is directed to “accessing collected data and graphs” and “mathematical concepts”. The claimed process simply describes series of steps for a system, based on - accessing data, evaluating the accessed data; - aligning the time shifted noise signals; - transforming the aligned noise signals; - identifying components of a signal; and - reducing the amplitudes. These limitations set forth a judicial exception, because this is simply the organization and comparison of data which can be performed with pen and paper and is an idea of itself. These limitations, as drafted, are processes that, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitations activities that falls within the enumerated group of “mental processes” in the 2019 PEG. Confirm Step 2A (Prong One) of the Test is YES.
For Step 2A (Prong Two), this judicial exception is not integrated into a practical application, the claim recites the combination of additional element of “- accessing data associated with distributed sensors of a hydrophone assembly deployed in a wellbore structure, the accessed data including time shifted noise signals for respective sensors of the distributed sensors; - evaluating the accessed data to identify timing offsets to associate with the time shifted noise signals for each of the respective sensors, the identified offsets corresponding to a velocity that the time shifted noise signals propagate along the wellbore structure; - aligning the time shifted noise signals according to the identified timing offsets; - transforming the aligned noise signals into a domain that includes a frequency component, wherein: the transformed aligned noise signals include a set of frequencies characteristic of a tool related noise source; and the set of frequencies characteristic of the tool related noise source includes an amplitude for each frequency of the set of frequencies characteristic of the tool related noise source; - identifying components of a signal associated with a noise source other than the tool related noise source; and - reducing the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies”. These generic method limitation(s) is/are insignificant extra solution activities. Furthermore, “- accessing data, evaluating the accessed data; - aligning the time shifted noise signals; - transforming the aligned noise signals; - identifying components of a signal; and - reducing the amplitudes” is commonly known in the art of seismic prospecting as evidenced by Stottlemyer (US 6,577,557 B1) in (Col. 2, Line(s) 47- Col. 3, Line(s) 8; wherein, sound source 20 emits an omnidirectional broadband acoustic pulse at a number of known predetermined times after deployment) and (Col. 3, Line(s) 9-18; wherein, sound source 20 emits its first omnidirectional acoustic pulse that is detected at watercraft 10 by an acoustic receiver 12 mounted on watercraft 10. Acoustic receiver 12 could be the existing fathometer used by watercraft 10. Detection of the acoustic pulse is time stamped by a processor 14 coupled to acoustic receiver 12) and further in (Fig. 1). Accordingly, these additional element(s) are insignificant extra solution activities and thus do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because it does not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea. Therefore, the claim is directed to the abstract idea.
For Step 2B, the additional element(s) in claims are considered and amount to no more than insignificant extra solution activities, the same analysis applies in this step 2B as discussed in Step 2A (Prong Two). Therefore, Independent Claim(s) 1 is ineligible. The claims recite the additional elements of “- accessing data associated with distributed sensors of a hydrophone assembly deployed in a wellbore structure, the accessed data including time shifted noise signals for respective sensors of the distributed sensors; - evaluating the accessed data to identify timing offsets to associate with the time shifted noise signals for each of the respective sensors, the identified offsets corresponding to a velocity that the time shifted noise signals propagate along the wellbore structure; - aligning the time shifted noise signals according to the identified timing offsets; - transforming the aligned noise signals into a domain that includes a frequency component, wherein: the transformed aligned noise signals include a set of frequencies characteristic of a tool related noise source; and the set of frequencies characteristic of the tool related noise source includes an amplitude for each frequency of the set of frequencies characteristic of the tool related noise source; - identifying components of a signal associated with a noise source other than the tool related noise source; and - reducing the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies. Independent Claim(s) 1 require no more than a generic mathematical concepts to perform the generic functions that are well-understood, routine and conventional activities previously known in the industry of signal processing and nothing significantly more; specifically how and what the results of “the reduced amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies” is determined and applied without positively reciting the sensors or clearly associate the with respective sensors; and “the benefits/improvements to the technical field of the uses for the results for the steps of the method. These conventional activities merely improve the abstract idea of obtaining and comparing personally identifiable information. While the additional elements limit the abstract idea to a specific field, there is no improvement to the functioning of the seismic sensors nor is there an improvement to another technology or technical field. Considering the additional elements individually, Claim(s) 1 does not include elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception. Considering the additional elements in combination does not add anything more than the elements analyzed individually that is significantly more than the abstract idea. Confirm Step 2B of the Test is NO. Therefore, the claims are not patent eligible.
Independent Claim(s) 8 and 15
Independent Claim 8 recites “a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having embodied thereon instructions executable by one or more processors to implement a method”, essentially the same as the method of Claim 1.
Independent Claim 15 recites “an apparatus comprising: a memory; and one or more processors that execute instructions out of the memory” to perform the steps essentially the same as the method of Claim 1.
For Step 1 of the Test, Independent Claim(s) 8 and 15 are directed to one of the four statutory categories, which is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (Claim 8) and an apparatus (Claim 15). Confirm Step 1 of the Test is YES.
For Step 2A (Prong One), Independent Claim(s) 8 and 15 are directed to the concept of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium with instructions and an apparatus comprising: a memory; and one or more processors that execute instructions out of the memory to implement a method, defined by the limitations: “essentially similar to the method of Claim 1 above”. These limitations recite an abstract idea which is directed to “accessing collected data and graphs” and “mathematical concepts”. Confirm Step 2A (Prong One) of the Test is YES.
For Step 2A (Prong Two), this judicial exception is not integrated into a practical application, the claim recites the combination of additional element of “- accessing data associated with distributed sensors of a hydrophone assembly deployed in a wellbore structure, the accessed data including time shifted noise signals for respective sensors of the distributed sensors; - evaluating the accessed data to identify timing offsets to associate with the time shifted noise signals for each of the respective sensors, the identified offsets corresponding to a velocity that the time shifted noise signals propagate along the wellbore structure; - aligning the time shifted noise signals according to the identified timing offsets; - transforming the aligned noise signals into a domain that includes a frequency component, wherein: the transformed aligned noise signals include a set of frequencies characteristic of a tool related noise source; and the set of frequencies characteristic of the tool related noise source includes an amplitude for each frequency of the set of frequencies characteristic of the tool related noise source; - identifying components of a signal associated with a noise source other than the tool related noise source; and - reducing the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies”. These generic method limitation(s) is/are insignificant extra solution activities. Furthermore, “- accessing data, evaluating the accessed data; - aligning the time shifted noise signals; - transforming the aligned noise signals; - identifying components of a signal; and - reducing the amplitudes” is commonly known in the art of seismic prospecting as evidenced by Stottlemyer (US 6,577,557 B1) in (Col. 2, Line(s) 47- Col. 3, Line(s) 8; wherein, sound source 20 emits an omnidirectional broadband acoustic pulse at a number of known predetermined times after deployment) and (Col. 3, Line(s) 9-18; wherein, sound source 20 emits its first omnidirectional acoustic pulse that is detected at watercraft 10 by an acoustic receiver 12 mounted on watercraft 10. Acoustic receiver 12 could be the existing fathometer used by watercraft 10. Detection of the acoustic pulse is time stamped by a processor 14 coupled to acoustic receiver 12) and further in (Fig. 1). Accordingly, these additional element(s) are insignificant extra solution activities and thus do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because it does not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea. Therefore, the claim is directed to the abstract idea.
For Step 2B, the additional element(s) in claims are considered and amount to no more than insignificant extra solution activities, the same analysis applies in this step 2B as discussed in Step 2A (Prong Two). Therefore, Independent Claim(s) 8 and 15 are ineligible. The claims recite the additional elements of “- accessing data associated with distributed sensors of a hydrophone assembly deployed in a wellbore structure, the accessed data including time shifted noise signals for respective sensors of the distributed sensors; - evaluating the accessed data to identify timing offsets to associate with the time shifted noise signals for each of the respective sensors, the identified offsets corresponding to a velocity that the time shifted noise signals propagate along the wellbore structure; - aligning the time shifted noise signals according to the identified timing offsets; - transforming the aligned noise signals into a domain that includes a frequency component, wherein: the transformed aligned noise signals include a set of frequencies characteristic of a tool related noise source; and the set of frequencies characteristic of the tool related noise source includes an amplitude for each frequency of the set of frequencies characteristic of the tool related noise source; - identifying components of a signal associated with a noise source other than the tool related noise source; and - reducing the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies. Independent Claim(s) 8 and 15 require no more than a generic mathematical concepts to perform the generic functions that are well-understood, routine and conventional activities previously known in the industry of signal processing and nothing significantly more; specifically how and what the results of “the reduced amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies” is determined and applied without positively reciting the sensors or clearly associate the with respective sensors; and “the benefits/improvements to the technical field of the uses for the results for the steps of the method. These conventional activities merely improve the abstract idea of obtaining and comparing personally identifiable information. While the additional elements limit the abstract idea to a specific field, there is no improvement to the functioning of the seismic sensors nor is there an improvement to another technology or technical field. Considering the additional elements individually, Claim(s) 8 and 15 do not include elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception. Considering the additional elements in combination does not add anything more than the elements analyzed individually that is significantly more than the abstract idea. Confirm Step 2B of the Test is NO. Therefore, the claims are not patent eligible.
Subsequent Dependent Claim(s) 2-7, 9-14 and 16-20
Dependent Claim 2 recites “the evaluation of the accessed data to identify the timing offsets to associated with the time shifted noise signals includes: shifting timing of the noise signals based on a plurality of different estimated velocities of the time shifted noise signals propagating along the wellbore structure, wherein each respective velocity of the different estimated velocities corresponds to a different time delay; performing energy calculations for each of the respective velocities based on the different time delays; and identifying a maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations, wherein the timing offsets associated with the time shifted noise signals is identified based on the maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations”.
Dependent Claim 3 recites “performing an evaluation to identify components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and identifying the reduction of the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies, wherein the reduction of the amplitudes is limited by data associated with the components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets”.
Dependent Claim 4 recites “associating the velocity with a wavenumber of zero; identifying the components included in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and associating the components included in the accessed data to a wavenumber other than the wavenumber of zero”.
Dependent Claim 5 recites “averaging the components included in the accessed data”.
Dependent Claim 6 recites “normalizing the components included in the accessed data”.
Dependent Claim 7 recites “time shifted versions of the signal are respectfully associated with a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor of the distributed sensors, and the signal associated with the noise source is sensed by the second sensor before it is received by the sensor, and is sensed by the third sensor after it is received by the sensor”.
Dependent Claim 9 recites “the evaluation of the accessed data to identify the timing offsets to associated with the time shifted noise signals includes: shifting timing of the noise signals based on a plurality of different estimated velocities of the time shifted noise signals propagating along the wellbore structure, wherein each respective velocity of the different estimated velocities corresponds to a different time delay; performing energy calculations for each of the respective velocities based on the different time delays; and identifying a maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations, wherein the timing offsets associated with the time shifted noise signals is identified based on the maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations”.
Dependent Claim 10 recites “the one or more processors executes the instructions to: perform an evaluation to identify components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and identify the reduction of the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies, wherein the reduction of the amplitudes is limited by data associated with the components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets”.
Dependent Claim 11 recites “the one or more processors executes the instructions to: associate the velocity with a wavenumber of zero; identify the components included in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and associate the components included in the accessed data to a wavenumber other than the wavenumber of zero”.
Dependent Claim 12 recites “the one or more processors executes the instructions to: average the components included in the accessed data”.
Dependent Claim 13 recites “the one or more processors executes the instructions to: normalize the components included in the accessed data”.
Dependent Claim 14 recites “time shifted versions of the signal are respectfully associated with a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor of the distributed sensors, and the signal associated with the noise source is sensed by the second sensor before it is received by the sensor, and is sensed by the third sensor after it is received by the sensor”.
Dependent Claim 16 recites “the evaluation of the accessed data to identify the timing offsets to associated with the time shifted noise signals includes: shifting timing of the noise signals based on a plurality of different estimated velocities of the time shifted noise signals propagating along the wellbore structure, wherein each respective velocity of the different estimated velocities corresponds to a different time delay; performing energy calculations for each of the respective velocities based on the different time delays; and identifying a maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations, wherein the timing offsets associated with the time shifted noise signals is identified based on the maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations”.
Dependent Claim 17 recites “one or more processors execute instructions out of the memory to: perform an evaluation to identify components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and identify the reduction of the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies, wherein the reduction of the amplitudes is limited by data associated with the components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets”.
Dependent Claim 18 recites “one or more processors execute instructions out of the memory to: associate the velocity with a wavenumber of zero; identify the components included in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and associate the components included in the accessed data to a wavenumber other than the wavenumber of zero.
Dependent Claim 19 recites “one or more processors execute instructions out of the memory to average the components included in the accessed data”.
Dependent Claim 20 recites “one or more processors execute instructions out of the memory to normalize the components included in the accessed data”.
For Step 1 of the Test, Dependent Claim(s) 2-7, 9-14 and 16-20 includes the steps of: “the evaluation of the accessed data to identify the timing offsets to associated with the time shifted noise signals includes: shifting timing of the noise signals based on a plurality of different estimated velocities of the time shifted noise signals propagating along the wellbore structure, wherein each respective velocity of the different estimated velocities corresponds to a different time delay; performing energy calculations for each of the respective velocities based on the different time delays; and identifying a maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations, wherein the timing offsets associated with the time shifted noise signals is identified based on the maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations” (Claim 2); “performing an evaluation to identify components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and identifying the reduction of the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies, wherein the reduction of the amplitudes is limited by data associated with the components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets” (Claim 3); “associating the velocity with a wavenumber of zero; identifying the components included in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and associating the components included in the accessed data to a wavenumber other than the wavenumber of zero” (Claim 4); “averaging the components included in the accessed data” (Claim 5); “normalizing the components included in the accessed data” (Claim 6); “time shifted versions of the signal are respectfully associated with a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor of the distributed sensors, and the signal associated with the noise source is sensed by the second sensor before it is received by the sensor, and is sensed by the third sensor after it is received by the sensor” (Claim 7); “the evaluation of the accessed data to identify the timing offsets to associated with the time shifted noise signals includes: shifting timing of the noise signals based on a plurality of different estimated velocities of the time shifted noise signals propagating along the wellbore structure, wherein each respective velocity of the different estimated velocities corresponds to a different time delay; performing energy calculations for each of the respective velocities based on the different time delays; and identifying a maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations, wherein the timing offsets associated with the time shifted noise signals is identified based on the maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations” (Claim 9); “the one or more processors executes the instructions to: perform an evaluation to identify components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and identify the reduction of the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies, wherein the reduction of the amplitudes is limited by data associated with the components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets” (Claim 10); “the one or more processors executes the instructions to: associate the velocity with a wavenumber of zero; identify the components included in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and associate the components included in the accessed data to a wavenumber other than the wavenumber of zero” (Claim 11); “the one or more processors executes the instructions to: average the components included in the accessed data” (Claim 12); “the one or more processors executes the instructions to: normalize the components included in the accessed data” (Claim 13); “time shifted versions of the signal are respectfully associated with a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor of the distributed sensors, and the signal associated with the noise source is sensed by the second sensor before it is received by the sensor, and is sensed by the third sensor after it is received by the sensor” (Claim 14); “the evaluation of the accessed data to identify the timing offsets to associated with the time shifted noise signals includes: shifting timing of the noise signals based on a plurality of different estimated velocities of the time shifted noise signals propagating along the wellbore structure, wherein each respective velocity of the different estimated velocities corresponds to a different time delay; performing energy calculations for each of the respective velocities based on the different time delays; and identifying a maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations, wherein the timing offsets associated with the time shifted noise signals is identified based on the maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations” (Claim 16); “one or more processors execute instructions out of the memory to: perform an evaluation to identify components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and identify the reduction of the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies, wherein the reduction of the amplitudes is limited by data associated with the components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets” (Claim 17); “one or more processors execute instructions out of the memory to: associate the velocity with a wavenumber of zero; identify the components included in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and associate the components included in the accessed data to a wavenumber other than the wavenumber of zero” (Claim 18); “one or more processors execute instructions out of the memory to average the components included in the accessed data” (Claim 19); “one or more processors execute instructions out of the memory to normalize the components included in the accessed data” (Claim 20). Confirm Step 1 of the Test is YES.
For Step 2A (Prong One), Independent Dependent claims 2-12 and 15-20 recite the limitation(s) of: “the evaluation of the accessed data to identify the timing offsets to associated with the time shifted noise signals includes: shifting timing of the noise signals based on a plurality of different estimated velocities of the time shifted noise signals propagating along the wellbore structure, wherein each respective velocity of the different estimated velocities corresponds to a different time delay; performing energy calculations for each of the respective velocities based on the different time delays; and identifying a maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations, wherein the timing offsets associated with the time shifted noise signals is identified based on the maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations” (Claim 2); “performing an evaluation to identify components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and identifying the reduction of the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies, wherein the reduction of the amplitudes is limited by data associated with the components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets” (Claim 3); “associating the velocity with a wavenumber of zero; identifying the components included in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and associating the components included in the accessed data to a wavenumber other than the wavenumber of zero” (Claim 4); “averaging the components included in the accessed data” (Claim 5); “normalizing the components included in the accessed data” (Claim 6); “time shifted versions of the signal are respectfully associated with a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor of the distributed sensors, and the signal associated with the noise source is sensed by the second sensor before it is received by the sensor, and is sensed by the third sensor after it is received by the sensor” (Claim 7); “the evaluation of the accessed data to identify the timing offsets to associated with the time shifted noise signals includes: shifting timing of the noise signals based on a plurality of different estimated velocities of the time shifted noise signals propagating along the wellbore structure, wherein each respective velocity of the different estimated velocities corresponds to a different time delay; performing energy calculations for each of the respective velocities based on the different time delays; and identifying a maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations, wherein the timing offsets associated with the time shifted noise signals is identified based on the maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations” (Claim 9); “the one or more processors executes the instructions to: perform an evaluation to identify components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and identify the reduction of the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies, wherein the reduction of the amplitudes is limited by data associated with the components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets” (Claim 10); “the one or more processors executes the instructions to: associate the velocity with a wavenumber of zero; identify the components included in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and associate the components included in the accessed data to a wavenumber other than the wavenumber of zero” (Claim 11); “the one or more processors executes the instructions to: average the components included in the accessed data” (Claim 12); “the one or more processors executes the instructions to: normalize the components included in the accessed data” (Claim 13); “time shifted versions of the signal are respectfully associated with a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor of the distributed sensors, and the signal associated with the noise source is sensed by the second sensor before it is received by the sensor, and is sensed by the third sensor after it is received by the sensor” (Claim 14); “the evaluation of the accessed data to identify the timing offsets to associated with the time shifted noise signals includes: shifting timing of the noise signals based on a plurality of different estimated velocities of the time shifted noise signals propagating along the wellbore structure, wherein each respective velocity of the different estimated velocities corresponds to a different time delay; performing energy calculations for each of the respective velocities based on the different time delays; and identifying a maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations, wherein the timing offsets associated with the time shifted noise signals is identified based on the maximum energy yielded from the energy calculations” (Claim 16); “one or more processors execute instructions out of the memory to: perform an evaluation to identify components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and identify the reduction of the amplitudes for each of the frequencies of the set of frequencies, wherein the reduction of the amplitudes is limited by data associated with the components in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets” (Claim 17); “one or more processors execute instructions out of the memory to: associate the velocity with a wavenumber of zero; identify the components included in the accessed data that do not correspond to the identified timing offsets; and associate the components included in the accessed data to a wavenumber other than the wavenumber of zero” (Claim 18); “one or more processors execute instructions out of the memory to average the components included in the accessed data” (Claim 19); “one or more processors execute instructions out of the memory to normalize the components included in the accessed data” (Claim 20). These limitations recite an abstract idea which is directed to “accessing collected data and graphs” and “mathematical concepts”. Confirm Step 2A (Prong One) of the Test is YES.
For Step 2A (Prong Two), this judicial exception is not integrated into a practical application, the claims do not include any additional elements that integrate the abstract idea into a practical application.
For Step 2B, the Subsequent Dependent Claim(s) 2-7, 9-14, and 16-20 do not include any additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception for similar reasons as that discussed in Step 2A Prong Two.
The additional limitations recited in the Dependent Claim(s) 2-7, 9-14, and 16-20 fail to establish that the dependent claims are not directed to an abstract idea. The additional limitations of the dependent claims, when considered individually and in combination, do not amount to significantly more than the abstract idea. Confirm Step 2B of the Test is NO. Accordingly, Dependent Claim(s) 2-7, 9-14, and 16-20 are not patent eligible.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to AMIE M N'DURE whose telephone number is 571-272-6031. The examiner can normally be reached on 8AM-5:30PM.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Isam Alsomiri can be reached on 571-272-6970. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/AMIE M NDURE/Examiner, Art Unit 3645
/ABDALLAH ABULABAN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3645