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 information disclosure statements (IDS) submitted on September 27, 2024 were filed on the filing date of the application on September 27, 2024. The submissions are in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statements are being considered by the examiner.
Drawings
The drawings were received on September 27, 2024. These drawings are accepted.
Double Patenting
The non-statutory 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 non-statutory 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 non-statutory 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 non-statutory 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, 2, 4, 7, 11-14, and 18 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-4, 14, 15, and 19 of U.S. Patent No. 12,130,958. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other as shown in the tables below.
Present Application #18/899,761
1
2
4
7
11
12
13
14
18
U.S. Patent Application #12,130,958
1
1
1
2
3
4
14
15
19
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 1
U.S. Patent #12,130,958 Claim 1
A method comprising:
A method comprising:
instantiating, using a server, a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
instantiating, using a server, a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
in response to receipt of a change object communication from one of the one or more client devices not selected as the physics host requesting a change of state of an object within the new instance of the scene, causing the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
in response to receipt of a move object communication from one of the one or more client devices not selected as the physics host requesting a change to at least one a current location of an object or a current orientation of the object within the new instance of the scene, causing the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
the subsequent state comprising at least one of a subsequent location of the object or a subsequent orientation of the object,
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
Claim 1 of the present application differs from claim 1 of the patent application in that claim 1 of the present application is broader than claim 1 of the patent application, thus encompasses that of the patent application.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 2
U.S. Patent #12,130,958 Claim 1
The method of claim 1, wherein
A method comprising…
the subsequent state includes a subsequent location of the object.
… the subsequent state comprising at least one of a subsequent location of the object…
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 4
U.S. Patent #12,130,958 Claim 1
The method of claim 1, wherein
A method comprising…
the subsequent state includes a subsequent orientation of the object.
… the subsequent state comprising at least one of…a subsequent orientation of the object…
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 7
U.S. Patent #12,130,958 Claim 2
The method of claim 1, further comprising:
The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving, at the server, the subsequent state of the object from the physics host before transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
receiving, at the server, the subsequent state of the object from the physics host before transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 11
U.S. Patent #12,130,958 Claim 3
The method of claim 1, wherein
The method of claim 1, wherein
the selection of at least one of the one or more client devices to act as a physics host is made based at least in part on latency of data transmission from the client device.
the selection of at least one of the one or more client devices to act as a physics host is made based at least in part on latency of data transmission from the client device.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 12
U.S. Patent #12,130,958 Claim 4
The method of claim 1, wherein
The method of claim 1, wherein
the selection of at least one of the one or more client devices to act as a physics host is made based at least in part on processing availability of the client device.
the selection of at least one of the one or more client devices to act as a physics host is made based at least in part on processing availability of the client device.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 13
U.S. Patent #12,130,958 Claim 14
A server comprising:
A server comprising:
a non-transitory memory; and
a non-transitory memory; and
one or more processors to:
one or more processors to:
instantiate a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
instantiate, using the server, a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
in response to receipt of a change object communication from one of the one or more client devices not selected as the physics host requesting a change of state of an object within the new instance of the scene, causing the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
in response to receipt of a move object communication from one of the one or more client devices not selected as the physics host requesting a change to at least one a current location of an object or a current orientation of the object within the new instance of the scene, cause the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
the subsequent state comprising at least one of a subsequent location of the object or a subsequent orientation of the object,
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
transmit, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
transmit, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
Claim 13 of the present application differs from claim 14 of the patent application in that claim 13 of the present application is broader than claim 14 of the patent application, thus encompasses that of the patent application.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 14
U.S. Patent #12,130,958 Claim 15
The server of claim 13, wherein the one or more processors are further to:
The server of claim 14, wherein the one or more processors are further to:
receive the subsequent state of the object from the physics host before transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
receive the subsequent state of the object from the physics host before transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 18
U.S. Patent #12,130,958 Claim 19
A non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of a server, cause the server to:
A non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of a server, cause the server to:
instantiate a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
instantiate, using the server, a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
in response to receipt of a change object communication from one of the one or more client devices not selected as the physics host requesting a change of state of an object within the new instance of the scene, causing the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
in response to receipt of a move object communication from one of the one or more client devices not selected as the physics host requesting a change to at least one a current location of an object or a current orientation of the object within the new instance of the scene, cause the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
the subsequent state comprising at least one of a subsequent location of the object or a subsequent orientation of the object,
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
transmit, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
transmit, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
Claim 18 of the present application differs from claim 19 of the patent application in that claim 18 of the present application is broader than claim 19 of the patent application, thus encompasses that of the patent application.
Claims 1, 5, 6, 11-13, and 18 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-3 12, and 20 of U.S. Patent No. 11,093,023. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other as shown in the tables below.
Present Application #18/899,761
1
5
6
11
12
13
18
U.S. Patent Application #11,093,023
1
1
1
2
3
12
20
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 1
U.S. Patent Application #11,093,023 Claim 1
A method comprising:
A method comprising:
instantiating, using a server, a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
instantiating, using a server, a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
in response to receipt of a change object communication from one of the one or more client devices not selected as the physics host requesting a change of state of an object within the new instance of the scene, causing the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
in response to receipt of a deform object communication requesting a change to one or both of a shape and a form of an object, causing the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
the subsequent state comprising at least one of a subsequent shape of the object or a subsequent form of the object,
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
Claim 1 of the present application differs from claim 1 of the patent application in that claim 1 of the present application is broader than claim 1 of the patent application, thus encompasses that of the patent application. Additionally, claim 1 of the present application recites, “…from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host…” which is not recited in claim 1 of the patent application. However, claim 1 of the patent application recites “…at least one of one or more client devices…being selected as a physics host…and transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object…” which denotes not all client devices are physics hosts, thus obvious that the subsequent state that is transmitted to at least one client device may be a requesting client device, e.g. “from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host,” yielding predictable results, without changing the scope of the invention.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 5
U.S. Patent Application #11,093,023 Claim 1
The method of claim 1, wherein
A method comprising…
the subsequent state includes a subsequent shape of the object.
…the subsequent state comprising at least one of a subsequent shape of the object…
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 6
U.S. Patent Application #11,093,023 Claim 1
The method of claim 1, wherein
A method comprising…
the subsequent state includes a subsequent form of the object.
…the subsequent state comprising at least one of…a subsequent form of the object…
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 11
U.S. Patent Application #11,093,023 Claim 2
The method of claim 1, wherein
The method of claim 1, wherein
the selection of at least one of the one or more client devices to act as a physics host is made based at least in part on latency of data transmission from the client device.
the selection of at least one of the one or more client devices to act as a physics host is made based at least in part on latency of data transmission from the client device.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 12
U.S. Patent Application #11,093,023 Claim 3
The method of claim 1, wherein
The method of claim 1, wherein
the selection of at least one of the one or more client devices to act as a physics host is made based at least in part on processing availability of the client device.
the selection of at least one of the one or more client devices to act as a physics host is made based at least in part on processing availability of the client device.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 13
U.S. Patent Application #11,093,023 Claim 12
A server comprising:
A server comprising:
a non-transitory memory; and
a non-transitory memory; and
one or more processors to:
one or more processors to:
instantiate a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
instantiate a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in the non-transitory memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
in response to receipt of a change object communication from one of the one or more client devices not selected as the physics host requesting a change of state of an object within the new instance of the scene, causing the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
in response to receipt of a deform object communication requesting a change to one or both of a shape and a form of an object, cause the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
the subsequent state comprising at least one of: a subsequent shape of the object or a subsequent form of the object,
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
transmit, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
transmit, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
Claim 13 of the present application differs from claim 12 of the patent application in that claim 13 of the present application is broader than claim 12 of the patent application, thus encompasses that of the patent application. Additionally, claim 13 of the present application recites, “…from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host…” which is not recited in claim 12 of the patent application. However, claim 12 of the patent application recites “…at least one of one or more client devices…being selected as a physics host…and transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object…” which denotes not all client devices are physics hosts, thus obvious that the subsequent state that is transmitted to at least one client device may be a requesting client device, e.g. “from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host,” yielding predictable results, without changing the scope of the invention.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 18
U.S. Patent Application #11,093,023 Claim 20
A non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of a server, cause the server to:
A non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of a server, cause the server to:
instantiate a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
instantiate a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in the non-transitory memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
in response to receipt of a change object communication from one of the one or more client devices not selected as the physics host requesting a change of state of an object within the new instance of the scene, causing the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
in response to receipt of a deform object communication requesting a change to one or both of a shape and a form of an object, cause the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
the subsequent state comprising at least one of: a subsequent shape of the object or a subsequent form of the object,
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
transmit, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
transmit, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
Claim 18 of the present application differs from claim 20 of the patent application in that claim 18 of the present application is broader than claim 20 of the patent application, thus encompasses that of the patent application. Additionally, claim 18 of the present application recites, “…from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host…” which is not recited in claim 20 of the patent application. However, claim 20 of the patent application recites “…at least one of one or more client devices…being selected as a physics host…and transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object…” which denotes not all client devices are physics hosts, thus obvious that the subsequent state that is transmitted to at least one client device may be a requesting client device, e.g. “from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host,” yielding predictable results, without changing the scope of the invention.
Claims 1-6, and 13 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1, 13, 14, and 17 of U.S. Patent No. 10,296,082. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other as shown in the tables below.
Present Application #18/899,761
1
2
3
4
5
6
13
U.S. Patent Application #10,296,082
1
1
1
1
13
14
17
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 1
U.S. Patent Application #10,296,082 Claim 1
A method comprising:
A method of simulating physics in a virtual worlds system, the method comprising:
instantiating, using a server, a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
instantiating, using a server, a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, one or more client devices displaying the new instance, at least one of the one or more client devices being selected as a physics host;
in response to receipt of a change object communication from one of the one or more client devices not selected as the physics host requesting a change of state of an object within the new instance of the scene, causing the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
in response to receipt of a move object communication requesting a change to one or both of: a location and an orientation of an object, the physics host determining a subsequent state of the object,
the subsequent state comprising at least one of: a subsequent location of the object, a subsequent orientation of the object, a subsequent velocity of the object or a subsequent acceleration of the object,
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene of the virtual worlds system; and
transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
receiving, at the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object and updating a display at the one or more client devices to display the subsequent state of the object.
Claim 1 of the present application differs from claim 1 of the patent application in that claim 1 of the present application is broader than claim 1 of the patent application, thus encompasses that of the patent application. Additionally, claim 1 of the present application recites, “…from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host…” which is not recited in claim 1 of the patent application. However, claim 1 of the patent application recites “…at least one of one or more client devices…being selected as a physics host…and transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object…” which denotes not all client devices are physics hosts, thus obvious that the subsequent state that is transmitted to at least one client device may be a requesting client device, e.g. “from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host,” yielding predictable results, without changing the scope of the invention.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 2
U.S. Patent Application #10,296,082 Claim 1
The method of claim 1, wherein
A method…comprising…
the subsequent state includes a subsequent location of the object.
…the subsequent state comprising at least one of: a subsequent location of the object…
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 3
U.S. Patent Application #10,296,082 Claim 1
The method of claim 1, wherein
A method…comprising…
the subsequent state includes a subsequent velocity of the object.
…the subsequent state comprising at least one of…a subsequent velocity of the object…
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 4
U.S. Patent Application #10,296,082 Claim 1
The method of claim 1, wherein
A method…comprising…
the subsequent state includes a subsequent orientation of the object.
…the subsequent state comprising at least one of…a subsequent orientation of the object…
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 5
U.S. Patent Application #10,296,082 Claim 13
The method of claim 1, wherein
The method of claim 1, wherein
the subsequent state includes a subsequent shape of the object.
the subsequent state of the object comprises a subsequent shape.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 6
U.S. Patent Application #10,296,082 Claim 14
The method of claim 1, wherein
The method of claim 1, wherein
the subsequent state includes a subsequent form of the object.
the subsequent state of the object comprises a subsequent form.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 13
U.S. Patent Application #10,296,082 Claim 17
A virtual worlds system for simulating physics, comprising:
A server comprising:
(see Limitation A below)
a non-transitory memory; and
one or more processors to:
instantiate a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
one or more servers configured to instantiate a new instance of a scene (Limitation A); (see Limitation B and C below)
in response to receipt of a change object communication from one of the one or more client devices not selected as the physics host requesting a change of state of an object within the new instance of the scene, causing the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object, the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
a physics host configured to, in response to a move object communication associated with an object of the new instance or associated with a new object to be spawned in the new instance, determine a subsequent state of the object based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene of the virtual worlds system,
the subsequent state of the object or new object comprising at least one of: a subsequent location, a subsequent orientation, a subsequent velocity or a subsequent acceleration; and
one or more client devices in communication with the one or more servers, the one or more client devices participating in the new instance,
transmit, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
one of the one or more client devices configured to send the move object communication and ones of the one or more client devices comprising displays configured to update their respective displays in response to receipt of the subsequent state (Limitation B);
wherein at least one of the one or more client devices is the physics host (Limitation C).
Claim 13 of the present application differs from claim 17 of the patent application in that claim 13 of the present application is broader than claim 17 of the patent application, thus encompasses that of the patent application. Additionally, claim 13 of the present application recites, “…from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host…” which is not recited in claim 17 of the patent application. However, claim 17 of the patent application recites “…one or more client devices in communication with the one or more servers…ones of the one or more client devices comprising displays configured to update their respective displays in response to receipt of the subsequent state; wherein at least one of the one or more client devices is the physics host…” which denotes not all client devices are physics hosts, thus obvious that the subsequent state that is transmitted, e.g. displayed, to at least one client device may be a requesting client device, e.g. “from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host,” yielding predictable results, without changing the scope of the invention. Additionally, the present application further recites its server to comprise a non-transitory memory and one or more processors, which are well known operating components of a system, thus would render obvious for the patent application to further comprise these components for the operation and functionality of the system.
Claims 1-6, 13, and 18 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1, 13, 14, and 17 of U.S. Patent No. 10,007,334. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other as shown in the tables below.
Present Application #18/899,761
1
2
3
4
5
6
13
18
U.S. Patent Application #10,007,334
1
1
1
1
13
14
17
17
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 1
U.S. Patent Application #10,007,334 Claim 1
A method comprising:
A method of simulating physics in a virtual worlds system, the method comprising:
instantiating, using a server, a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
instantiating, using one or more processors of a server, a new instance of a scene, the new instance being defined by data stored in memory, one or more client devices displaying and participating in the new instance, at least one of the one or more client devices being selected as a physics host;
in response to receipt of a change object communication from one of the one or more client devices not selected as the physics host requesting a change of state of an object within the new instance of the scene, causing the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
receiving, at the one or more processors, a move object communication from the one or more client devices, the move object communication requesting a change to one or both of: a location and an orientation of an object;
in response to the move object communication, the physics host determining a subsequent state of the object and sending the subsequent state to the one or more processors, the subsequent state comprising one or more of: a subsequent location of the object, a subsequent orientation of the object, a subsequent velocity of the object and a subsequent acceleration of the object,
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene of the virtual worlds system; and
transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
retrieving, at the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object and updating a display at the one or more client devices to display the subsequent state of the object.
Claim 1 of the present application differs from claim 1 of the patent application in that claim 1 of the present application is broader than claim 1 of the patent application, thus encompasses that of the patent application. Additionally, claim 1 of the present application recites, “…from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host…” which is not recited in claim 1 of the patent application. However, claim 1 of the patent application recites “…at least one of one or more client devices…being selected as a physics host…and receiving, at the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object…” which denotes not all client devices are physics hosts, thus obvious that the subsequent state that is received at the one or more client device may be a requesting client device, e.g. “from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host,” yielding predictable results, without changing the scope of the invention.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 2
U.S. Patent Application #10,007,334 Claim 1
The method of claim 1, wherein
A method…comprising…
the subsequent state includes a subsequent location of the object.
…the subsequent state comprising at least one of: a subsequent location of the object…
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 3
U.S. Patent Application #10,007,334 Claim 1
The method of claim 1, wherein
A method…comprising…
the subsequent state includes a subsequent velocity of the object.
…the subsequent state comprising at least one of…a subsequent velocity of the object…
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 4
U.S. Patent Application #10,007,334 Claim 1
The method of claim 1, wherein
A method…comprising…
the subsequent state includes a subsequent orientation of the object.
…the subsequent state comprising at least one of…a subsequent orientation of the object…
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 5
U.S. Patent Application #10,007,334 Claim 13
The method of claim 1, wherein
The method of claim 1, wherein
the subsequent state includes a subsequent shape of the object.
the subsequent state of the object comprises a subsequent shape.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 6
U.S. Patent Application #10,007,334 Claim 14
The method of claim 1, wherein
The method of claim 1, wherein
the subsequent state includes a subsequent form of the object.
the subsequent state of the object comprises a subsequent form.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 13
U.S. Patent Application #10,007,334 Claim 17
A virtual worlds system for simulating physics, comprising:
A server comprising:
(see Limitation A below)
a non-transitory memory; and
one or more processors to:
instantiate a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
of a server system for instantiating a new instance of a scene and for communicating with one or more client devices participating in the new instance (Limitation A), (see Limitations B and C below)
in response to receipt of a change object communication from one of the one or more client devices not selected as the physics host requesting a change of state of an object within the new instance of the scene, causing the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
one or more servers instantiating a new instance of a scene using one or more processors of the one or more servers, the one or more servers configured to receive a move object communication associated with an object of the new instance or associated with a new object to be spawned in the new instance and receive a subsequent state of the object or new object from a physics host,
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
the physics host configured to determine the subsequent state based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene of the virtual worlds system,
the subsequent state of the object or new object comprising one or more of: a subsequent location, a subsequent orientation, a subsequent velocity and a subsequent acceleration; and
transmit, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
one or more client devices in communication with the one or more servers, the one or more client devices participating in the new instance, one of the one or more client devices configured to send the move object communication and ones of the one or more client devices comprising displays configured to update their respective displays in response to receipt of the subsequent state (Limitation B);
wherein at least one of the one or more client devices is the physics host (Limitation C).
Claim 13 of the present application differs from claim 17 of the patent application in that claim 13 of the present application is broader than claim 17 of the patent application, thus encompasses that of the patent application. Additionally, claim 13 of the present application recites, “…from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host…” which is not recited in claim 17 of the patent application. However, claim 17 of the patent application recites “…one or more client devices in communication with the one or more servers…ones of the one or more client devices comprising displays configured to update their respective displays in response to receipt of the subsequent state; wherein at least one of the one or more client devices is the physics host…” which denotes not all client devices are physics hosts, thus obvious that the subsequent state that is transmitted, e.g. displayed, to at least one client device may be a requesting client device, e.g. “from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host,” yielding predictable results, without changing the scope of the invention. Additionally, the present application further recites its server to comprise a non-transitory memory and one or more processors, which are well known operating components of a system, thus would render obvious for the patent application to further comprise these components for the operation and functionality of the system.
Present Application #18/899,761 Claim 18
U.S. Patent Application #10,007,334 Claim 17
A virtual worlds system for simulating physics, comprising:
A non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of a server, cause the server to:
(see Limitation below)
instantiate a new instance of a scene, the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory, at least one of one or more client devices displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host;
one or more servers instantiating a new instance of a scene using one or more processors of the one or more servers (Limitation A), (see Limitations B and C below)
in response to receipt of a change object communication from one of the one or more client devices not selected as the physics host requesting a change of state of an object within the new instance of the scene, causing the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object,
the one or more servers configured to receive a move object communication associated with an object of the new instance or associated with a new object to be spawned in the new instance and receive a subsequent state of the object or new object from a physics host,
the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene; and
the physics host configured to determine the subsequent state based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene of the virtual worlds system,
the subsequent state of the object or new object comprising one or more of: a subsequent location, a subsequent orientation, a subsequent velocity and a subsequent acceleration; and
transmit, to at least one of the one or more client devices, the subsequent state of the object.
one or more client devices in communication with the one or more servers, the one or more client devices participating in the new instance, one of the one or more client devices configured to send the move object communication and ones of the one or more client devices comprising displays configured to update their respective displays in response to receipt of the subsequent state (Limitation B);
wherein at least one of the one or more client devices is the physics host (Limitation C).
Claim 18 of the present application differs from claim 17 of the patent application in that claim 18 of the present application is broader than claim 17 of the patent application, thus encompasses that of the patent application. Additionally, claim 18 of the present application recites, “…from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host…” which is not recited in claim 17 of the patent application. However, claim 17 of the patent application recites “…one or more client devices in communication with the one or more servers…ones of the one or more client devices comprising displays configured to update their respective displays in response to receipt of the subsequent state; wherein at least one of the one or more client devices is the physics host…” which denotes not all client devices are physics hosts, thus obvious that the subsequent state that is transmitted, e.g. displayed, to at least one client device may be a requesting client device, e.g. “from one of the one or more client devices not selected as a physics host,” yielding predictable results, without changing the scope of the invention.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-7, 11-14, and 18 would be allowable if the Double Patenting rejection may be overcome.
Claims 8-10, 15-17, 19, and 20 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: The present invention relates to a system and method of simulating physics in a virtual environment. Prior art includes:
Kharkar et al. (US 2014/0372554)(cited in the Information Disclosure Statement filed September 27, 2024) disclose a method comprising: instantiating, using a server (e.g. one or more of server(s) 12), a new instance of a scene ([0031] notes server(s) 12 may be configured to implement one or more instances of the virtual space, [0038] notes an instance of the virtual space may comprise a simulated space that is accessible by users via clients that present the views of the virtual space to a user), the new instance instantiated utilizing data stored in memory (e.g. electronic storage 50 of server(s) 12), at least one of one or more client devices (e.g. one or more of client computing platform(s) 14) displaying the new instance being selected as a physics host (e.g. [0049] notes client computing platform(s) 14 may include one or more desktop computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a NetBook, a tablet, a smartphone, a gaming console, and/or other computing platform, where [0038] notes client computing platform 14 presents the views of the virtual space to the user); in response to receipt of a change object communication from one of the one or more client devices requesting a change of state of an object within the new instance of the scene (via reception module 24 of one of client computer platform(s) 14, [0052] notes may receive shared information regarding objects, e.g. current states and/or significant edges for objects over a network, as well as other information needed to recreate how objects arrived at their current position, and information regarding behavior trees of objects within the instance of the virtual space, and, in particular, information pertaining to the local expression of the instance of the virtual space, where [0044] notes controllable aspects of a given character, e.g. object, may include one or more locomotion of the given character, a gesture performable by the given character, a field of view of the given character, a bodily motion of the given character, actions performable by the given character, equipping the given character with a tool and/or weapon, using an equipped tool and/or weapon, initiating an interaction (e.g., coupling) between the given character and another character, playing audio and/or visual effects associated with an action performed by the given character, and/or other controllable aspects), causing the physics host to determine a subsequent state of the object (via behavior module 26 of one of client computing platform(s) 14, [0054] notes may be configured to determine subsequent states of objects, determined states correspond to non-significant nodes in the behavior tree of an object, and may be based on the received states as received by reception module 24), the subsequent state being determined based on characteristics of the object and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene ([0040] notes within the instance(s) of the virtual space executed by virtual space module 32, users may control characters, objects, simulated physical phenomena (e.g., wind, rain, earthquakes, and/or other phenomena), and/or other elements within the virtual space to interact with the virtual space and/or each other, the user-controlled element(s) may move through and interact with the virtual space (e.g., non-user characters in the virtual space, other objects in the virtual space, etc.), and may be controlled by and/or associated with a given user may be created and/or customized by the given user, see [0044] as noted above regarding controllable aspects, e.g. behaviors, [0045] notes behavior and/or action of objects implemented as behavior trees, behavior trees may include nodes that correspond to different states of the objects and edges that correspond to transitions between nodes, where an individual behavior tree may be used for an individual object, and a complex action for an object may be implemented by a sequence of nodes within a behavior tree); and transmitting, to at least one of the one or more client devices (e.g. other client computing platform(s) 14), the subsequent state of the object (via transceiver module of one of client computing platform 14, where Figure 1, [0042] notes a client computing platform 14 may locally determine a state of an object, e.g. an object under ser control, and transmit information for that object to server(s) 12 and/or share information with other client computing platform(s) 14, please NOTE: [0066] notes although modules may be illustrated in respective server(s) 12 or client computing platform(s) 14, one or more modules may be provided within the other of server(s) 12 or client computing platform(s) 14, e.g. transceiver module 38 may be included in processor 110 of client computing platform(s) 14); and
Baszucki (US 2011/0126131)(cited in the Information Disclosure Statement filed September 27, 2024) discloses its server “selecting a physics host” based on various criteria (e.g. [0036] thru [0041] notes dynamically assigning ownership of physics simulation of one or more 3D objects to one or more computing clients 112); and
Shuster et al. (US 10,007,334)(US 10,296,082)(US 2013/0044106)(cited in the Information Disclosure Statement filed September 27, 2024) disclose a system and method of virtual world interactions, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds.
Although the prior art of record discloses certain features of the claimed invention as outlined above, the prior art of record fails to teach or suggest, singly or combined, the limitations of independent claims 1, 13, and 18 as recited as a whole.
Conclusion
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/JACINTA M CRAWFORD/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2617
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