DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Objections
Claim 11 is objected to because of the following informalities: claim 11 states “a first conversion circuit configured to convert a receive signal component of a sensor signal corresponding to one of a plurality of pixel sensors arranged in a first direction and a second direction that respond to incident light, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction;, into a corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, wherein the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals indicates a change in a capacitance associated with the corresponding one of the plurality of pixel sensors”, the semicolon is not needed in the claim limitation. Appropriate correction is required.
Claims 12 - 17 are objected to because of the following informalities: it looks like claims 12 – 17 need comas after the dependent claim numbers in claims 12 – 17. Appropriate correction is required.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1 – 20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1 - 20 of U.S. Patent No. 12,088,944, Gray. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the claims in this application are broader than the claims in Gray Patent No. 12,088,944.
Regarding claim 1 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s A method for use in an imaging device, the method comprising:(a) providing a plurality drive-sense circuits, wherein each of the plurality of drive-sense circuits is coupled to a corresponding one of a plurality of pixel sensors arranged in a first direction and a second direction that respond to incident light, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction;(b) generating a plurality of sensed signals via the plurality of drive-sense circuits, wherein each of the plurality of drive-sense circuits includes: a first conversion circuit configured to convert a receive signal component of a sensor signal corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors, into a corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, wherein the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals indicates a change in a capacitance associated with the corresponding one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and a second conversion circuit configured to generate, based on the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, a drive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and (c) generating image data based on the plurality of sensed signals (claim 1, A method for use in an imaging device, the method comprising: (a) providing a plurality of pixel sensors arranged in a first direction and a second direction that respond to incident light, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction; (b) providing a plurality drive-sense circuits, wherein each of the plurality of drive-sense circuits is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of pixel sensors; (c) generating a plurality of sensed signals via the plurality of drive-sense circuits, wherein each of the plurality of drive-sense circuits includes: a first conversion circuit configured to convert a receive signal component of a sensor signal corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors, into a corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, wherein the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals indicates a change in a capacitance associated with the corresponding one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and a second conversion circuit configured to generate, based on the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, a drive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and (d) generating image data based on the plurality of sensed signals).
Regarding claim 2 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the plurality of pixel sensors each include a CMOS circuit having a photodiode (claim 2, wherein the plurality of pixel sensors each include a CMOS circuit having a photodiode).
Regarding claim 3 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the first conversion circuit is configured to convert, based on an analog reference signal, the receive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal; and wherein the analog reference signal is generated based on nominal reference data that indicates an electrical characteristic of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light (claim 3, wherein the first conversion circuit is configured to convert, based on an analog reference signal, the receive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal; and wherein the analog reference signal is generated based on nominal reference data that indicates an electrical characteristic of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light).
Regarding claim 4 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the nominal reference data used by the first conversion circuit to generate the sensed signal is also used by the first conversion circuit to generate other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 4, wherein the nominal reference data used by the first conversion circuit to generate the sensed signal is also used by the first conversion circuit to generate other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 5 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the nominal reference data is customized to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 5, wherein the nominal reference data is customized to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 6 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the first conversion circuit generates other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors, based on a plurality of other nominal reference data customized to the other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 6, wherein the first conversion circuit generates other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors, based on a plurality of other nominal reference data customized to the other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 7 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the electrical characteristic indicates a capacitance of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light (claim 7, wherein the electrical characteristic indicates a capacitance of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light).
Regarding claim 8 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the first direction corresponds to a row direction of an array and the second direction corresponds to a column direction of the array (claim 8, wherein the first direction corresponds to a row direction of an array and the second direction corresponds to a column direction of the array).
Regarding claim 9 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the row direction (claim 9, wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the row direction).
Regarding claim 10 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the column direction (claim 10, wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the column direction).
Regarding claim 11 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s An imaging device comprising: a plurality of drive-sense circuits configured to generate a plurality of sensed signals, wherein each of the plurality of drive-sense circuits includes: a first conversion circuit configured to convert a receive signal component of a sensor signal corresponding to one of a plurality of pixel sensors arranged in a first direction and a second direction that respond to incident light, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction;, into a corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, wherein the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals indicates a change in a capacitance associated with the corresponding one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and a second conversion circuit configured to generate, based on the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, a drive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; wherein a graphics processing module is configured to generate image data based on the plurality of sensed signals (claim 11, An imaging device comprising: a plurality of drive-sense circuits configured to generate a plurality of sensed signals, wherein each of the plurality of drive-sense circuits includes: a first conversion circuit configured to convert a receive signal component of a sensor signal corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors, into a corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, wherein the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals indicates a change in a capacitance associated with the corresponding one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and a second conversion circuit configured to generate, based on the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, a drive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; wherein a graphics processing module is configured to generate image data based on the plurality of sensed signals).
Regarding claim 12 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the plurality of pixel sensors each include a CMOS circuit having a photodiode (claim 12, wherein the plurality of pixel sensors each include a CMOS circuit having a photodiode).
Regarding claim 13 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the first conversion circuit is configured to convert, based on an analog reference signal, the receive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal; and wherein the analog reference signal is generated based on nominal reference data that indicates an electrical characteristic of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light (claim 13, wherein the first conversion circuit is configured to convert, based on an analog reference signal, the receive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal; and wherein the analog reference signal is generated based on nominal reference data that indicates an electrical characteristic of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light).
Regarding claim 14 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the nominal reference data used by the first conversion circuit to generate the sensed signal is also used by the first conversion circuit to generate other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 14, wherein the nominal reference data used by the first conversion circuit to generate the sensed signal is also used by the first conversion circuit to generate other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 15 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the nominal reference data is customized to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 15, wherein the nominal reference data is customized to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 16 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the first conversion circuit generates other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors, based on a plurality of other nominal reference data customized to the other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 16, wherein the first conversion circuit generates other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors, based on a plurality of other nominal reference data customized to the other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 17 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the electrical characteristic indicates a capacitance of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light (claim 17, wherein the electrical characteristic indicates a capacitance of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light).
Regarding claim 18 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the first direction corresponds to a row direction of an array and the second direction correspond to a column direction of the array (claim 18, wherein the first direction corresponds to a row direction of an array and the second direction correspond to a column direction of the array).
Regarding claim 19 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the row direction (claim 19, wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the row direction).
Regarding claim 20 Gray 12,088,944 discloses of applicant’s wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the column direction (claim 20, wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the column direction).
Claims 1 - 20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1 – 7 and 11 - 17 of U.S. Patent No. 11,575,850, Gray in view of Wang US Publication No. 2020/0041258.
Regarding claim 1 Gray 11,575,850 discloses of applicant’s A method for use in an imaging device, the method comprising: (a) providing a plurality drive-sense circuits, wherein each of the plurality of drive-sense circuits is coupled to a corresponding one of a plurality of pixel sensors that respond to incident light; (b) generating a plurality of sensed signals via the plurality of drive-sense circuits, wherein each of the plurality of drive-sense circuits includes: a first conversion circuit configured to convert a receive signal component of a sensor signal corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors, into a corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, wherein the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals indicates a change in a capacitance associated with the corresponding one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and a second conversion circuit configured to generate, based on the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, a drive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and (c) generating image data based on the plurality of sensed signals (claim 1, A method for use in an imaging device, the method comprising: providing a plurality of pixel sensors that respond to incident light; providing at least one drive-sense circuit; generating a sensed signal via the at least one drive-sense circuit corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors, wherein the at least one drive-sense circuit includes: a first conversion circuit configured to convert a receive signal component of a sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal, wherein the sensed signal indicates a change in a capacitance associated with the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and a second conversion circuit configured to generate, based on the sensed signal, a drive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and generating image data based on the sensed signal and the plurality of other sensed signals);
Gray 11,575,850 discloses an imager drive method using a first and second conversion drive-sense circuits connected to a plurality of pixel sensors but does not expressively disclose pixel sensors arranged in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction;
Wang teaches an imager structure with pixels in the 2D pixel array are arranged in rows and columns. Wang teaches of Fig. 1 – 16 of applicant’s pixel sensors arranged in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction (paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns where the first direction is different than the second direction as seen in Fig. 5). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify the circuitry of Gray 11,575,850 in a manner similar to Wang. Doing so would result improving Gray 11,575,850 invention in a similar way as Wang – namely the ability to provide an imager structure with pixels in the 2D pixel array are arranged in rows and columns, in Wang invention, to the first and second conversion drive-sense circuits connected to a plurality of pixel sensors in Gray 11,575,850 invention.
Regarding claim 2 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,850 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the plurality of pixel sensors each include a CMOS circuit having a photodiode (claim 2, wherein the plurality of pixel sensors each include a CMOS circuit having a photodiode).
Regarding claim 3 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,850 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the first conversion circuit is configured to convert, based on an analog reference signal, the receive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal; and wherein the analog reference signal is generated based on nominal reference data that indicates an electrical characteristic of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light (claim 3, wherein the first conversion circuit is configured to convert, based on an analog reference signal, the receive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal; and wherein the analog reference signal is generated based on nominal reference data that indicates an electrical characteristic of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light).
Regarding claim 4 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,850 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the nominal reference data used by the first conversion circuit to generate the sensed signal is also used by the first conversion circuit to generate other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 4, wherein the nominal reference data used by the first conversion circuit to generate the sensed signal is also used by the first conversion circuit to generate other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 5 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,850 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the nominal reference data is customized to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 5, wherein the nominal reference data is customized to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 6 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,850 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the first conversion circuit generates other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors, based on a plurality of other nominal reference data customized to the other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 6, wherein the first conversion circuit generates other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors, based on a plurality of other nominal reference data customized to the other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 7 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,850 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the electrical characteristic indicates a capacitance of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light (claim 7, wherein the electrical characteristic indicates a capacitance of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light).
Regarding claim 8 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Wang further teaches of applicant’s wherein the first direction corresponds to a row direction of an array and the second direction corresponds to a column direction of the array (paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns where the first direction is a row direction and the second direction is a column direction as seen in Fig. 5).
Regarding claim 9 the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang further teaches of applicant’s wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the row direction (Gray 11,575,850 in claim 1, providing at least one drive-sense circuit; generating a sensed signal via the at least one drive-sense circuit corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors and Wang in paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns and paragraph 0068, Fig. 5 and 6A, the column ADC unit 153 includes a separate ADC per pixel column in the 2D array 42 such that the plurality drive-sense ADC circuits are coupled to pixel sensors in array 42 that are arranged in the row direction).
Regarding claim 10 the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang further teaches of applicant’s wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the column direction (Gray 11,575,850 in claim 1, providing at least one drive-sense circuit; generating a sensed signal via the at least one drive-sense circuit corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors and Wang in paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns and paragraph 0068, Fig. 5 and 6A, the column ADC unit 153 includes a separate ADC per pixel column in the 2D array 42 such that the plurality drive-sense ADC circuits are coupled to pixel sensors in array 42 are arranged in the column direction).
Regarding claim 11 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,850 further teaches of applicant’s An imaging device comprising: a plurality of drive-sense circuits configured to generate a plurality of sensed signals, wherein each of the plurality of drive-sense circuits includes: a first conversion circuit configured to convert a receive signal component of a sensor signal corresponding to one of a plurality of pixel sensors arranged in a first direction and a second direction that respond to incident light, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction;, into a corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, wherein the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals indicates a change in a capacitance associated with the corresponding one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and a second conversion circuit configured to generate, based on the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, a drive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; wherein a graphics processing module is configured to generate image data based on the plurality of sensed signals (claim 11, An imaging device comprising: at least one drive-sense circuit configured to generating a sensed signal corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors, wherein the at least one drive-sense circuit includes: a first conversion circuit configured to convert a receive signal component of a sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal, wherein the sensed signal indicates a change in a capacitance associated with the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and a second conversion circuit configured to generate, based on the sensed signal, a drive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and wherein a graphics processing module is configured to generate image data based on the sensed signal and the plurality of other sensed signals).
Regarding claim 12 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,850 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the plurality of pixel sensors each include a CMOS circuit having a photodiode (claim 12, wherein the plurality of pixel sensors each include a CMOS circuit having a photodiode).
Regarding claim 13 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,850 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the first conversion circuit is configured to convert, based on an analog reference signal, the receive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal; and wherein the analog reference signal is generated based on nominal reference data that indicates an electrical characteristic of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light (claim 13, wherein the first conversion circuit is configured to convert, based on an analog reference signal, the receive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal; and wherein the analog reference signal is generated based on nominal reference data that indicates an electrical characteristic of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light).
Regarding claim 14 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,850 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the nominal reference data used by the first conversion circuit to generate the sensed signal is also used by the first conversion circuit to generate other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 14, wherein the nominal reference data used by the first conversion circuit to generate the sensed signal is also used by the first conversion circuit to generate other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 15 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,850 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the nominal reference data is customized to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 15, wherein the nominal reference data is customized to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 16 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,850 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the first conversion circuit generates other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors, based on a plurality of other nominal reference data customized to the other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 16, wherein the first conversion circuit generates other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors, based on a plurality of other nominal reference data customized to the other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 17 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,850 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the electrical characteristic indicates a capacitance of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light (claim 17, wherein the electrical characteristic indicates a capacitance of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light).
Regarding claim 18 of the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang, Wang further teaches of applicant’s wherein the first direction corresponds to a row direction of an array and the second direction corresponds to a column direction of the array (paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns where the first direction is a row direction and the second direction is a column direction as seen in Fig. 5).
Regarding claim 19 the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang further teaches of applicant’s wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the row direction (Gray 11,575,850 in claim 11, at least one drive-sense circuit configured to generating a sensed signal corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors and Wang in paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns and paragraph 0068, Fig. 5 and 6A, the column ADC unit 153 includes a separate ADC per pixel column in the 2D array 42 such that the plurality drive-sense ADC circuits are coupled to pixel sensors in array 42 that are arranged in the row direction).
Regarding claim 20 the combination of Gray 11,575,850 in view of Wang further teaches of applicant’s wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the column direction (Gray 11,575,850 in claim 11, at least one drive-sense circuit configured to generating a sensed signal corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors and Wang in paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns and paragraph 0068, Fig. 5 and 6A, the column ADC unit 153 includes a separate ADC per pixel column in the 2D array 42 such that the plurality drive-sense ADC circuits are coupled to pixel sensors in array 42 are arranged in the column direction).
Claims 1 - 20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1 – 7 and 11 - 16 of U.S. Patent No. 11,575,851, Gray in view of Wang US Publication No. 2020/0041258.
Regarding claim 1 Gray 11,575,851 discloses of applicant’s A method for use in an imaging device, the method comprising:(a) providing a plurality drive-sense circuits, wherein each of the plurality of drive-sense circuits is coupled to a corresponding one of a plurality of pixel sensors arranged in a first direction and a second direction that respond to incident light, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction;(b) generating a plurality of sensed signals via the plurality of drive-sense circuits, wherein each of the plurality of drive-sense circuits includes: a first conversion circuit configured to convert a receive signal component of a sensor signal corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors, into a corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, wherein the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals indicates a change in a capacitance associated with the corresponding one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and a second conversion circuit configured to generate, based on the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, a drive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and (c) generating image data based on the plurality of sensed signals (claim 1, A method for use in a handheld communication device, as an imaging device with a plurality of pixel, that includes a touch screen interface, the method comprising: providing a plurality of pixel sensors that respond to incident light; providing at least one drive sense circuit; generating, a sensed signal via the at least one drive-sense circuit corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors, wherein the at least one drive-sense circuit includes: a first conversion circuit configured to convert a receive signal component of a sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal, wherein the sensed signal indicates a change in an electrical characteristic associated with the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and a second conversion circuit configured to generate, based on the sensed signal, a drive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and generating image data based on the sensed signal and the plurality of other sensed signals and claim 7 wherein the electrical characteristic indicates a capacitance of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors);
Gray 11,575,851 discloses an imager drive method using a first and second conversion drive-sense circuits connected to a plurality of pixel sensors but does not expressively disclose pixel sensors arranged in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction;
Wang teaches an imager structure with pixels in the 2D pixel array are arranged in rows and columns. Wang teaches of Fig. 1 – 16 of applicant’s pixel sensors arranged in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction (paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns where the first direction is different than the second direction as seen in Fig. 5). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify the circuitry of Gray 11,575,851 in a manner similar to Wang. Doing so would result improving Gray 11,575,851 invention in a similar way as Wang – namely the ability to provide an imager structure with pixels in the 2D pixel array are arranged in rows and columns, in Wang invention, to the first and second conversion drive-sense circuits connected to a plurality of pixel sensors in Gray 11,575,851 invention.
Regarding claim 2 of the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,851 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the plurality of pixel sensors each include a CMOS circuit having a photodiode (claim 2, wherein the plurality of pixel sensors each include a CMOS circuit having a photodiode).
Regarding claim 3 of the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,851 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the first conversion circuit is configured to convert, based on an analog reference signal, the receive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal; and wherein the analog reference signal is generated based on nominal reference data that indicates an electrical characteristic of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light (claim 3, wherein the first conversion circuit is configured to convert, based on an analog reference signal, the receive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal; and wherein the analog reference signal is generated based on nominal reference data that indicates an electrical characteristic of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light).
Regarding claim 4 of the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,851 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the nominal reference data used by the first conversion circuit to generate the sensed signal is also used by the first conversion circuit to generate other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 4, wherein the nominal reference data used by the first conversion circuit to generate the sensed signal is also used by the first conversion circuit to generate other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 5 of the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,851 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the nominal reference data is customized to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 5, wherein the nominal reference data is customized to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 6 of the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,851 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the first conversion circuit generates other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors, based on a plurality of other nominal reference data customized to the other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 6, wherein the first conversion circuit generates other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors, based on a plurality of other nominal reference data customized to the other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 7 of the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,851 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the electrical characteristic indicates a capacitance of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light (claim 7, wherein the electrical characteristic indicates a capacitance of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light).
Regarding claim 8 of the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang, Wang further teaches of applicant’s wherein the first direction corresponds to a row direction of an array and the second direction corresponds to a column direction of the array (paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns where the first direction is a row direction and the second direction is a column direction as seen in Fig. 5).
Regarding claim 9 the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang further teaches of applicant’s wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the row direction (Gray 11,575,851 in claim 1, providing at least one drive-sense circuit; generating a sensed signal via the at least one drive-sense circuit corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors and Wang in paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns and paragraph 0068, Fig. 5 and 6A, the column ADC unit 153 includes a separate ADC per pixel column in the 2D array 42 such that the plurality drive-sense ADC circuits are coupled to pixel sensors in array 42 that are arranged in the row direction).
Regarding claim 10 the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang further teaches of applicant’s wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the column direction (Gray 11,575,851 in claim 1, providing at least one drive-sense circuit; generating a sensed signal via the at least one drive-sense circuit corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors and Wang in paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns and paragraph 0068, Fig. 5 and 6A, the column ADC unit 153 includes a separate ADC per pixel column in the 2D array 42 such that the plurality drive-sense ADC circuits are coupled to pixel sensors in array 42 are arranged in the column direction).
Regarding claim 11 the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang further teaches of applicant’s An imaging device comprising: a plurality of drive-sense circuits configured to generate a plurality of sensed signals, wherein each of the plurality of drive-sense circuits includes: a first conversion circuit configured to convert a receive signal component of a sensor signal corresponding to one of a plurality of pixel sensors arranged in a first direction and a second direction that respond to incident light, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction;, into a corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, wherein the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals indicates a change in a capacitance associated with the corresponding one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and a second conversion circuit configured to generate, based on the corresponding one of the plurality of sensed signals, a drive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; wherein a graphics processing module is configured to generate image data based on the plurality of sensed signals (claim 11, A handheld communication device: an imaging device that includes: at least one drive sense circuit that generates a sensed signal via the at corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors, wherein the at least one drive-sense circuit includes: a first conversion circuit configured to convert a receive signal component of a sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal, wherein the sensed signal indicates a change in an electrical characteristic associated with the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and a second conversion circuit configured to generate, based on the sensed signal, a drive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors; and a graphics processing module configured to generate image data based on the sensed signal and the plurality of other sensed signals for wireless communication via the at least one wireless interface and claim 17 wherein the electrical characteristic indicates a capacitance of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors. Wang in paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns where the first direction is different than the second direction as seen in Fig. 5).
Regarding claim 12 of the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,851 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the plurality of pixel sensors each include a CMOS circuit having a photodiode (claim 12, wherein the plurality of pixel sensors each include a CMOS circuit having a photodiode).
Regarding claim 13 of the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,851 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the first conversion circuit is configured to convert, based on an analog reference signal, the receive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal; and wherein the analog reference signal is generated based on nominal reference data that indicates an electrical characteristic of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light (claim 13, wherein the first conversion circuit is configured to convert, based on an analog reference signal, the receive signal component of the sensor signal corresponding to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors into the sensed signal; and wherein the analog reference signal is generated based on nominal reference data that indicates an electrical characteristic of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light).
Regarding claim 14 of the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,851 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the nominal reference data used by the first conversion circuit to generate the sensed signal is also used by the first conversion circuit to generate other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 14, wherein the nominal reference data used by the first conversion circuit to generate the sensed signal is also used by the first conversion circuit to generate other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 15 of the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,851 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the nominal reference data is customized to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 15, wherein the nominal reference data is customized to the one of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 16 of the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,851 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the first conversion circuit generates other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors, based on a plurality of other nominal reference data customized to the other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors (claim 16, wherein the first conversion circuit generates other sensed signals corresponding to other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors, based on a plurality of other nominal reference data customized to the other ones of the plurality of pixel sensors).
Regarding claim 17 of the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang, Gray 11,575,851 further teaches of applicant’s wherein the electrical characteristic indicates a capacitance of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light (claim 17, wherein the electrical characteristic indicates a capacitance of the one of the plurality of pixel sensors in an absence of the incident light).
Regarding claim 18 of the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang, Wang further teaches of applicant’s wherein the first direction corresponds to a row direction of an array and the second direction corresponds to a column direction of the array (paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns where the first direction is a row direction and the second direction is a column direction as seen in Fig. 5).
Regarding claim 19 the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang further teaches of applicant’s wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the row direction (Gray 11,575,851 in claim 11, at least one drive-sense circuit configured to generating a sensed signal corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors and Wang in paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns and paragraph 0068, Fig. 5 and 6A, the column ADC unit 153 includes a separate ADC per pixel column in the 2D array 42 such that the plurality drive-sense ADC circuits are coupled to pixel sensors in array 42 that are arranged in the row direction).
Regarding claim 20 the combination of Gray 11,575,851 in view of Wang further teaches of applicant’s wherein the plurality drive-sense circuits are coupled to pixel sensors arranged in the column direction (Gray 11,575,851 in claim 11, at least one drive-sense circuit configured to generating a sensed signal corresponding to one of the plurality of pixel sensors and Wang in paragraph 0056 the pixels in the 2D pixel array 42 are arranged in rows and columns and paragraph 0068, Fig. 5 and 6A, the column ADC unit 153 includes a separate ADC per pixel column in the 2D array 42 such that the plurality drive-sense ADC circuits are coupled to pixel sensors in array 42 are arranged in the column direction).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MARK T MONK whose telephone number is (571)270-7454. The examiner