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 . Claims 1-20 filed on 8/27/2024 have been reviewed and considered by this office action.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement filed on 8/27/2024 has been reviewed and considered by this office action.
Drawings
The drawings filed on 8/27/2024 have been reviewed and are considered acceptable.
Specification
The specification filed on 8/27/2024 has been reviewed and is considered acceptable.
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 11 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to non-statutory subject matter. The claim(s) does/do not fall within at least one of the four categories of patent eligible subject matter because the claimed invention is directed towards, “A computer program product”, which represents merely software per se. In order overcome the current rejection, the application should show use of the program product by a computer to execute the instructions stored as a way to overcome the current rejection. For instance, “A computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, when executed on a processors performs the operations of:”. This sufficiently ties utilizing computer hardware for executing the software to perform the functions of the program.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:
The office would first like to state that independent claim 11 currently has an outstanding 101 rejection that must be resolved prior to consideration of allowance.
The independent claims recite: “A computer-implemented method for interface modulation, comprising:
recording interactions by a device operator with an original interface of the device;
determining a function of the original interface using a trained predictive model that receives sequences of the interactions;
generating a three-dimensional (3D) design for a new interface that includes an indicator of the function; and
fabricating a new interface according to the 3D design using an additive manufacturing process.”
This application is about making a physical device’s controls easier to understand by replacing a generic interface, such as a blank button, with a new one that shows what it does. The system watches how an operator uses the device and records sequences of interactions. A trained predictive model analyzes those interaction sequences to infer the function of the original control. Once the function is identified, the system generates a 3D design for a replacement interface that includes a visual or physical indicator of that function. The indicator may be a label, symbol, number, or embossed mark. The replacement can be custom-shaped to fit the original control, such as a button or switch. The new interface is then made using additive manufacturing, including 3D printing. In some examples, the original control is removed and replaced. In others, a cover or attachment is placed over the existing control. The goal is to help new users understand and operate older, unlabeled, or worn controls more easily.
The closest prior art of record is D’Souza et al. (US PGPUB 20120246590) and Eggers et al. (US PGPUB 20230359156): D’Souza discloses an interface labeling system and method in which a user programs a control interface based upon a specific control scheme that can be utilized for controlling an HVAC system. Further, the system can interpret the new system and control scheme and in response, generate an appropriate label that can be attached to the interface to accurately represent the logic applied to the control interface. Eggers discloses a mechanical part replacement system and method which utilizes various digital twin technology to develop replacement parts. Further, the system can allow alterations within the scope of the creation of the mechanical devices that do not effect the devices mechanical fit within a system. However, neither prior art, alone or in combination, track interactions of an operator using an interface, determines a function of the various controls of the interface, generates a new interface incorporating labeling identifying the function of the various controls, and finally fabricating the new interface with labels.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
List (US PGPUB 20080104533): disclose an automatic interface generation system and method that includes determining control schemes associated with a specific medical device, and in response, generates a custom control interface catered to controlling the specific device.
Bliss et al. (US PGPUB 20120054650): disclose an automated interface creation system and method that includes a plurality of libraries, monitors an operators control actions, and generates custom interfaces based upon the monitored interactions.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to CHRISTOPHER W CARTER whose telephone number is (469)295-9262. The examiner can normally be reached 9-6:30.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Robert Fennema can be reached at (571) 272-2748. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/CHRISTOPHER W CARTER/Examiner, Art Unit 2117
