Prosecution Insights
Last updated: August 12, 2026
Application No. 18/820,140

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TESTING PERIPHERAL VISION IN A VIRTUAL REALITY ENVIRONMENT

Non-Final OA §102
Filed
Aug 29, 2024
Examiner
GAGNON, GRANT A
Art Unit
2872
Tech Center
2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems
Assignee
Zenni Optical Inc.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
84%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
7m
Est. Remaining
91%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 84% — above average
84%
Career Allowance Rate
389 granted / 466 resolved
+15.5% vs TC avg
Moderate +8% lift
Without
With
+7.9%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 7m
Avg Prosecution
30 currently pending
Career history
502
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.9%
-39.1% vs TC avg
§103
44.9%
+4.9% vs TC avg
§102
41.9%
+1.9% vs TC avg
§112
5.3%
-34.7% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 466 resolved cases

Office Action

§102
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 . Information Disclosure Statement The IDS’ filed to date have been considered. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 1-20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Tran (US 20210290053) herein after referred to as D1. With regard to claim 1, D1 teaches a method of implementing a virtual vision test for peripheral vision ([0178]), in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); comprising: at an electronic device (Fig. 1A) including a head-mounted display (208) and a camera ([0116]): generating a virtual reality (VR) user interface ([0113]: visual interface) corresponding to a three-dimensional virtual environment ([0139]: 3D display); rendering the VR user interface ([0113]: visual interface) on the HMD (208); simulating one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]) in the VR user interface ([0113]: visual interface); and while simulating the one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]), in real time ([0118]): continuously tracking ([0008]), using the camera ([0116]), gaze direction ([0174]) and peripheral responses ([0006]) to one or more stimuli ([0122]) presented in the one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]); and evaluating the gaze direction ([0174]) and peripheral responses ([0006]) for peripheral vision ([0178]) performance ([0006]). With regard to claim 2, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); wherein the one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]) require detection ([0123]) and reaction ([0123]) to the one or more stimuli ([0122]) appearing in a peripheral field of view ([0006]). With regard to claim 3, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); wherein the one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]) comprise one or more tasks selected from the group consisting of: identifying objects that appear at the edges of visual field ([0006]), tracking ([0008]) multiple moving targets across a wide area ([0145]), and navigating through complex environments that require peripheral awareness to avoid obstacles ([0146]). With regard to claim 4, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); wherein the one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]) comprise one or more tasks for assessing different aspects of peripheral vision ([0178]), including field extent ([0178]; field of view), reaction ([0123]) time ([0006]) to peripheral one or more stimuli ([0122]), and the ability to process and respond to peripheral information ([0146]) while maintaining central focus ([0145]). With regard to claim 5, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); wherein the one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]) comprise a task for identifying peripheral objects for assessing field extent ([0178]), a task for tracking ([0008]) multiple moving targets for assessing reaction ([0123]) time, and a task for navigation ([0146]) requiring peripheral vision ([0178]) to assess the ability to process and respond to peripheral information ([0146]). With regard to claim 6, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); wherein simulating the one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]) comprise changing scenarios every few seconds to a minute ([0153]), wherein duration of each scenario is a few seconds to a minute ([0153]), wherein at least 5-10 scenarios are simulated ([0153]; 12 cycles). With regard to claim 7, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); wherein simulating the one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]) comprise one or more tasks that progressively challenge different aspects of peripheral vision ([0178]) with parameters comprising object size ([0186]), speed ([0084]), and trajectory ([0132]). With regard to claim 8, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); wherein the tracking ([0008]) is performed using one or more infrared ([0205]) cameras ([0116]) capable of capturing detailed eye movements and peripheral responses ([0006]) with high accuracy ([0066]) and minimal latency ([0066]). With regard to claim 9, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); wherein evaluating for peripheral vision ([0178]) performance ([0006]) comprises evaluating extent by measuring a maximum angle ([0135]) at which objects are detected while focusing on a central point ([0135]). With regard to claim 10, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); wherein evaluating for peripheral vision ([0178]) performance ([0006]) comprises evaluating accuracy by assessing correctness and reaction ([0123]) time to one or more stimuli ([0122]) in the peripheral areas. With regard to claim 11, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); further comprising compiling results ([0017]) of the evaluation into a comprehensive report ([0017]) that highlights peripheral vision ([0178]) capabilities, identifying any deficiencies that could indicate conditions, including glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, or similar visual field defects ([0110]). With regard to claim 12, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); further comprising establishing baseline performance metrics ([0200]) by comparing user data with profiles of individuals with normal vision ([0139]) and those with known conditions affecting peripheral vision ([0178]). With regard to claim 13, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); wherein the three-dimensional virtual environment ([0139]) comprises a photorealistic ([0149]) representation of real-world conditions ([0206]), including varied lighting conditions and complex visual elements ([0085]). With regard to claim 14, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); further comprising using foveated ([0169]) rendering to optimize rendering performance by providing the highest resolution ([0097]) and detail in the area where the user is directly focusing ([0004]), while reducing resolution ([0097]) and detail in the peripheral regions ([0178]). With regard to claim 15, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); wherein evaluating the gaze direction ([0174]) and peripheral responses ([0006]) includes analyzing saccades at rates of at least 100-500 Hz and fixations at rates of 50-100 Hz ([0155]). With regard to claim 16, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); further comprising dynamically adjusting the difficulty of the spatial task scenarios ([0135]) based on real-time analysis of the user's performance using artificial intelligence algorithms ([0192]). With regard to claim 17, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); wherein evaluating peripheral vision ([0178]) performance ([0006]) includes generating a 360-degree visual field map ([0208]) that color-codes areas showing peripheral vision ([0178]) performance ([0006]) and indicates maximum detection ([0123]) angles. With regard to claim 18, D1 teaches all of the claimed limitations of the instant invention as have been outlined above with respect to claim 1, wherein D1 further teaches methods for testing in a virtual reality environment, in at least one of (Fig. 1A, 2A; and [0113]); further comprising simulating various visual corrections ([0006]) within the virtual environment to assess the impact of different corrective measures ([0006]) on peripheral vision ([0178]) performance ([0006]). With regard to claim 19, D1 teaches a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, in at least (Fig. 1a, 2a; and [0215]); storing one or more programs ([0192]) for execution by one or more processors ([0214]) of a computer system ([0214]), the one or more programs including instructions for: generating a virtual reality (VR) user interface ([0113]: visual interface) corresponding to a three-dimensional virtual environment ([0139]); rendering the VR user interface ([0113]: visual interface) on the HMD (208); simulating one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]) in the VR user interface ([0113]: visual interface); and while simulating the one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]), in real time ([0118]): continuously tracking ([0008]), using the camera ([0116]), gaze direction ([0174]) and peripheral responses ([0006]) to one or more stimuli ([0122]) presented in the one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]); and evaluating the gaze direction ([0174]) and peripheral responses ([0006]) for peripheral vision ([0178]) performance ([0006]). With regard to claim 20, D1 teaches an electronic device, in at least (Fig. 1a, 2a; and [0113]); comprising: an HMD (208) and a camera ([0116]); one or more processors; and memory for storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors, the one or more programs including instructions for: generating a virtual reality (VR) user interface ([0113]: visual interface) corresponding to a three-dimensional virtual environment ([0139]); rendering the VR user interface ([0113]: visual interface) on the HMD (208); simulating one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]) in the VR user interface ([0113]: visual interface); and while simulating the one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]), in real time ([0118]): continuously tracking ([0008]), using the camera ([0116]), gaze direction ([0174]) and peripheral responses ([0006]) to one or more stimuli ([0122]) presented in the one or more spatial task scenarios ([0135]); and evaluating the gaze direction ([0174]) and peripheral responses ([0006]) for peripheral vision ([0178]) performance ([0006]). Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to GRANT A GAGNON whose telephone number is (571)270-0642. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 7:30-5:30. 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, Bumsuk Won can be reached at (571) 272-2713. 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. /GRANT A GAGNON/Examiner, Art Unit 2872 /BUMSUK WON/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2872
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Prosecution Timeline

Aug 29, 2024
Application Filed
Jun 24, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102 (current)

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
84%
Grant Probability
91%
With Interview (+7.9%)
2y 7m (~7m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 466 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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