Last updated: July 17, 2026

Application No. 18/894,226

Methods For Simulating Audio Paths In A Virtual Environment

Non-Final OA

Filed

Sep 24, 2024

Priority

Sep 26, 2023 — GB 2314726.7 +1 more

Examiner

KANG, ANNABELLE

Art Unit

2695

Tech Center

2600 — Communications

Assignee

Sony Group Corporation

OA Round

1 (Non-Final)

Interview Optional

— -6.7% interview lift. Interview lift (-6.7%) is below the 15.0% threshold. A written response is recommended.

Based on 20 resolved cases, 2023–2026

Examiner Intelligence

KANG, ANNABELLE View full profile →

Grants 85% — above average

Career Allowance Rate

17 granted / 20 resolved

+23.0% vs TC avg

Minimal -7% lift

Without

With

+-6.7%

Interview Lift

resolved cases with interview

Typical timeline

2y 8m

Avg Prosecution

12 currently pending

Career history

Total Applications

across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101

2.3%

-37.7% vs TC avg

§103

87.6%

+47.6% vs TC avg

§102

9.0%

-31.0% vs TC avg

§112

1.1%

-38.9% vs TC avg

Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 20 resolved cases

Prosecution Timeline

Sep 24, 2024

Application Filed

Mar 09, 2026

Response after Non-Final Action

May 21, 2026

Non-Final Rejection mailed (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

18/290,379

Patent 12682882

NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONE DEVICE

2y 8m to grant Granted Jul 14, 2026

18/495,555

Patent 12666198

BONE CONDUCTION MICROPHONE WITH RESONANCE CONTROL BASED ON DETERMINED AUDIO CONTEXT INFORMATION

2y 8m to grant Granted Jun 23, 2026

18/764,349

Patent 12659648

SPEAKER

1y 11m to grant Granted Jun 16, 2026

18/227,038

Patent 12610194

VIBRATION APPARATUS AND APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME

2y 8m to grant Granted Apr 21, 2026

18/330,327

Patent 12604141

ULTRA-LOW FREQUENCY SOUND COMPENSATION METHOD AND SYSTEM BASED ON HAPTIC FEEDBACK, AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM

2y 10m to grant Granted Apr 14, 2026

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

Strategy Recommendation AI-generated — please review before filing

Get a prosecution strategy drawn from examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.

Typically takes 5-10 seconds — AI-generated, attorney review required before filing

Prosecution Projections

1-2

Expected OA Rounds

85%

Grant Probability

78%

With Interview (-6.7%)

2y 8m (~10m remaining)

Median Time to Grant

Low

PTA Risk

Based on 20 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.