Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 18/907,717

SCHEDULED TEMPORARY RENTAL PROPERTY ACCESS

Non-Final OA §103
Filed
Oct 07, 2024
Priority
Jun 30, 2016 — provisional 62/356,679 +2 more
Examiner
NELSON, FREDA ANN
Art Unit
3628
Tech Center
3600 — Transportation & Electronic Commerce
Assignee
Alarm.com Incorporated
OA Round
5 (Non-Final)
43%
Grant Probability
Moderate
5-6
OA Rounds
2y 6m
Est. Remaining
50%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 43% of resolved cases
43%
Career Allowance Rate
253 granted / 591 resolved
-9.2% vs TC avg
Moderate +8% lift
Without
With
+7.7%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
4y 6m
Avg Prosecution
22 currently pending
Career history
614
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
34.4%
-5.6% vs TC avg
§103
38.0%
-2.0% vs TC avg
§102
9.8%
-30.2% vs TC avg
§112
13.3%
-26.7% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 591 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
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 . Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114 A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 24 July 2026 has been entered. Status of the Claims The amendment received on 06 July 2026 has been acknowledged and entered. Claims 1, 3, 5, 12, 14, 19, 21-22, and 24 have been canceled. Claims 2, 11, 13, 20, and 23 have been amended. New claims 25-29 have been added. Claims 2, 4, 6-11, 13, 15-18, 20, 23, and 25-29 are currently pending. Response to Amendments and Arguments Applicant’s arguments with respect to claims 2, 4, 6-11, 13, 15-18, 20, 23, and 25-29 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 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 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows: 1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art. 2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue. 3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art. 4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness. Claims 2, 4, 11, 13, 15-18, 20, 23, and 25-29 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Schoenfelder et al. (US PG Pub. 2015/0194000 A1) in view of Tippett et al. (US PG Pub. 20150089613 A1) and Liao et al. (CN 105261100 A). As per claims 2 and 20, Schoenfelder et al. discloses a method Schoenfelder et al.: [0028]; Fig. 1b), cause the one or more computers to perform operations comprising: transmitting, by a first device implemented on the one or more computers and to a system via a computer network, an access request for a property (Schoenfelder et al.: [0027]-[0028] The credential can provide authentication and grant access to the user when it is paired with the user mobile device. For example, access control device 102 can grant access to a unit that can be owned or rented by a tenant that carries mobile device 108 and stores the appropriate credential. When the user approaches their unit, access control device 102 and user mobile device 108 can wirelessly communicate to grant the user access, e.g., unlock the door, to the unit. Moreover, a single credential can grant the user access to all buildings and establishments that implement the disclosed system. For example, the user can use the credential stored in their mobile device to access their office, their gym, their private club, or any area that has installed access control devices that can control access to secure areas); in response to transmitting the access request for the property, receiving, by the first device and from the system via the computer network based on one or more access conditions associated with the property, the unique access credential for access to at least a portion of the property (Schoenfelder et al.: [0027]-[0028] The credential can provide authentication and grant access to the user when it is paired with the user mobile device. For example, access control device 102 can grant access to a unit that can be owned or rented by a tenant that carries mobile device 108 and stores the appropriate credential. When the user approaches their unit, access control device 102 and user mobile device 108 can wirelessly communicate to grant the user access, e.g., unlock the door, to the unit. Moreover, a single credential can grant the user access to all buildings and establishments that implement the disclosed system. For example, the user can use the credential stored in their mobile device to access their office, their gym, their private club, or any area that has installed access control devices that can control access to secure areas); (Schoenfelder et al.: [0028] According to aspects of the invention, an exemplary system architecture is illustrated in FIG. 1b. FIG. 1b shows server 152 in communication with database 154, and also in communication with building manager device 156, user mobile device 158, guest mobile device 160, and service provider device 162. Server 152 can generate and manage credentials that can be stored in database 154. A building manager using device 156, for example, a computer, tablet, or cell phone, can request from server 152 to generate a credential for a user, for example, a new building tenant, according to access provisions specific for the user. The building manager can specify the access provisions, e.g., granting access to user unit, granting access to building gym, etc., for the particular user when requesting the credential generation. The building manager can modify the access provisions at any time, for example, when the user gym membership has expired, the building manager can request from server 152 a new credential for the user through an interface running on building manager device 156. The user can receive from server 152 and can store the credential in mobile device 158. Server can allow different permissions to users, according to provisions specified by the building manager. For example, the server can enable the user to grant to their guests access to their building. A user can request using an application running on mobile device 158 from server 152 to generate a credential for their guest with mobile device 160. For example, the user can send to the guest an invitation to an event taking place in their building using the access control management app. According to aspects of the invention, the credential can be requested automatically Once server 152 generates the credential, it can send it to guest mobile device 160. The guest mobile device 160 and the generated credential will be paired and, can provide authentication of the guest. Then the guest can access the building and unit using their mobile device 160. For example, the server can enable the user to grant to their guests access to their building. The user can also request using the application running on mobile device 158 from server 152 to generate a credential for a service provider with mobile device 162. The service provider mobile device 162 and the generated credential will be paired and, can provide authentication of the service provider); and [0032] The credential can be used to generate an authenticated unlock request, for example using an unlock protocol. When a user requests credentials from the server, for example, for a guest or a service provider, the server can determine the appropriate credential to send to the guest or service provider. The server determines the appropriate credential based on the authenticated user who is requesting them. For example, the user can be authenticated in the system through user account authentication, e.g., by providing user details when setting up an account with the system), also see [0055] using the unique access credential and the application, transmitting, by the first device, and via the computer network, an instruction to control an electronic lock to provide access to a first region within the property (Schoenfelder et al.: [0011]-[0012],[0032] The access control devices and mobile devices in range of any access control device in the system can form a local mesh network. In the local mesh network, the access control devices can communicate with mobile devices and with other access control devices in the system. The mobile devices can store credentials that can control access to one or more access control devices and can unlock the locking mechanisms controlled by the one or more access control devices. According to aspects of the invention, mobile devices of other approved users can receive credentials to their mobile devices that can also grant permission to unlock the locking mechanisms controlled by the one or more access control devices); wherein the instruction causes the electronic lock to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state (Schoenfelder et al.: [0011]-[0012] The mobile devices can store credentials that can control access to one or more access control devices and can unlock the locking mechanisms controlled by the one or more access control devices. According to aspects of the invention, mobile devices of other approved users can receive credentials to their mobile devices that can also grant permission to unlock the locking mechanisms controlled by the one or more access control devices); (Schoenfelder et al. [0027]When the user approaches their unit, access control device 102 and user mobile device 108 can wirelessly communicate to grant the user access, e.g., unlock the door, to the unit); and (Schoenfelder et al. [0032] When access to a lock is requested, the appropriate credential is transmitted securely to an application running on a mobile device, for example, using a secure transport such as SSL/TLS and can be stored in the mobile device. The credential can be used to generate an authenticated unlock request, for example using an unlock protocol). . Schoenfeld et al. does not explicitly disclose, however, Tippett et al. discloses one or more non-transitory computer storage media encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer (Tippett et al.: FIG. 5, [0076]; processor 803 executing an arrangement of instructions contained in main memory 805. Such instructions can be read into main memory 805 from another computer-readable medium), and an access request that causes the system to generate, without the first device submitting a request to create a new account or user login for an application, account data (Tippett et al.: [0050] In step 303, the authentication platform 119 may transmit the authentication code to the relying party. After receiving an authentication code request, the authentication platform 119 may generate a random code, which would be unique from any other code generated by the authentication platform in past and future requests. After generating this unique code, the authentication platform 119 may transmit this code back to the web server, and eventually RP device 103, from which the user initially loaded the login page via communication network 123); (Tippett et al.: [0051] In step 305, the authentication platform 119 may authenticate a user with respect to the relying party by determining that a second device associated with the user has read the authentication code from the authentication user interface of the first device, wherein the second device is a previously authenticated device. The user trying to log into the first device, or RP device 103, should already be a registered user in with the authentication platform. That is, the user had established a profile with the authentication platform and registered his UD 101 and RP account logins with the authentication platform 119. Additionally, the user had already authenticated his identity with the UD 101 through the authentication platform 119. Thus, the system 100 has already authenticated the user of the device is the same person as the registered owner of the device. Thus, when the authentication platform receives from this user's device 101 an image of the authentication code sent to the kiosk from the earlier example, the authentication platform will know to apply this user's already authenticated credentials to the kiosk's check-in system such that the kiosk may notify the airline company that this passenger is present and checked-in for boarding. Additionally, the authentication platform 119 may send confirmation of this authorization to the UD 101, which may notify the user of a successful check-in); generated without the first device submitting a request to create a new account or user login for an application (Tippett et al.: [0050] In step 303, the authentication platform 119 may transmit the authentication code to the relying party. After receiving an authentication code request, the authentication platform 119 may generate a random code, which would be unique from any other code generated by the authentication platform in past and future requests. After generating this unique code, the authentication platform 119 may transmit this code back to the web server, and eventually RP device 103, from which the user initially loaded the login page via communication network 123); (Tippett et al.: [0051] In step 305, the authentication platform 119 may authenticate a user with respect to the relying party by determining that a second device associated with the user has read the authentication code from the authentication user interface of the first device, wherein the second device is a previously authenticated device. The user trying to log into the first device, or RP device 103, should already be a registered user in with the authentication platform. That is, the user had established a profile with the authentication platform and registered his UD 101 and RP account logins with the authentication platform 119. Additionally, the user had already authenticated his identity with the UD 101 through the authentication platform 119. Thus, the system 100 has already authenticated the user of the device is the same person as the registered owner of the device. Thus, when the authentication platform receives from this user's device 101 an image of the authentication code sent to the kiosk from the earlier example, the authentication platform will know to apply this user's already authenticated credentials to the kiosk's check-in system such that the kiosk may notify the airline company that this passenger is present and checked-in for boarding. Additionally, the authentication platform 119 may send confirmation of this authorization to the UD 101, which may notify the user of a successful check-in); account data that i) comprises a unique access credential (Tippett et al.: [0050] In step 303, the authentication platform 119 may transmit the authentication code to the relying party. After receiving an authentication code request, the authentication platform 119 may generate a random code, which would be unique from any other code generated by the authentication platform in past and future requests. After generating this unique code, the authentication platform 119 may transmit this code back to the web server, and eventually RP device 103, from which the user initially loaded the login page via communication network 123); (Tippett et al.: [0051] In step 305, the authentication platform 119 may authenticate a user with respect to the relying party by determining that a second device associated with the user has read the authentication code from the authentication user interface of the first device, wherein the second device is a previously authenticated device. The user trying to log into the first device, or RP device 103, should already be a registered user in with the authentication platform. That is, the user had established a profile with the authentication platform and registered his UD 101 and RP account logins with the authentication platform 119. Additionally, the user had already authenticated his identity with the UD 101 through the authentication platform 119. Thus, the system 100 has already authenticated the user of the device is the same person as the registered owner of the device. Thus, when the authentication platform receives from this user's device 101 an image of the authentication code sent to the kiosk from the earlier example, the authentication platform will know to apply this user's already authenticated credentials to the kiosk's check-in system such that the kiosk may notify the airline company that this passenger is present and checked-in for boarding. Additionally, the authentication platform 119 may send confirmation of this authorization to the UD 101, which may notify the user of a successful check-in); also see [0053] linking account data; {The Examiner interprets this to mean that account logins (account data) and unique access credentials are maintained}. a unique access credential for access and that was generated without the first device submitting a request to create a new account or user login for an application (Tippett et al.: [0050] In step 303, the authentication platform 119 may transmit the authentication code to the relying party. After receiving an authentication code request, the authentication platform 119 may generate a random code, which would be unique from any other code generated by the authentication platform in past and future requests. After generating this unique code, the authentication platform 119 may transmit this code back to the web server, and eventually RP device 103, from which the user initially loaded the login page via communication network 123); (Tippett et al.: [0051] In step 305, the authentication platform 119 may authenticate a user with respect to the relying party by determining that a second device associated with the user has read the authentication code from the authentication user interface of the first device, wherein the second device is a previously authenticated device. The user trying to log into the first device, or RP device 103, should already be a registered user in with the authentication platform. That is, the user had established a profile with the authentication platform and registered his UD 101 and RP account logins with the authentication platform 119. Additionally, the user had already authenticated his identity with the UD 101 through the authentication platform 119. Thus, the system 100 has already authenticated the user of the device is the same person as the registered owner of the device. Thus, when the authentication platform receives from this user's device 101 an image of the authentication code sent to the kiosk from the earlier example, the authentication platform will know to apply this user's already authenticated credentials to the kiosk's check-in system such that the kiosk may notify the airline company that this passenger is present and checked-in for boarding. Additionally, the authentication platform 119 may send confirmation of this authorization to the UD 101, which may notify the user of a successful check-in); and wherein the system is configured to determine that the unique access credential matches the access credential of the account data (Tippett et al.: [0054] The authentication platform 119 may trace the information of the UD 101 and/or application 125 to the appropriate user profile. Once the authentication platform 119 identifies the appropriate profile, the authentication platform may proceed to authenticate the user's account with the relying party's website or point of access. Proceeding with the example above, when the authentication platform 119 receives the image captured from the homeowner's UD 101, a personal mobile phone, the authentication platform 119 may read the image in conjunction with the device information from which the image was sent, that is, the homeowner's cell phone and/or the application 125 that contains an active session with the authentication platform 119. The UD 101 and/or application 125 information supplied allows the authentication platform 119 to authenticate the session with the homeowner's profile, as the image was taken by his person mobile phone). {The Examiner interprets the identifying to mean matching}. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the access control system of Schoenfelder et al. to include receiving an access credential without log-in as taught by Tippett et al. for applying a user authentication mechanism that is based on little to no manual sign on actions (i.e., zero sign on) by the user (Tippett et al.: [0001]). Schoenfelder et al. in view of Tippett et al. does not explicitly disclose, however, Liao et al. discloses account data that ii) indicates data for the property (Liao et al.: Page 4, 3rd paragraph; wherein unlocking code sent by the mobile terminal is a doorway host credentials for opening the door lock, unlock code information corresponding to the mobile terminal according to the generated, and resident information comprises the cell number of tenement, building number, unit number, floor number, room number, of any one or more than one. mobile terminal receives user input of the tenement of cell number, building number, unit number, floor number, room number, of any one or more of user information, according to the information to generate the corresponding unlocking code, the unlocking code representative of the information to obtain the corresponding identity identification information of user. In fact, mobile terminal according to user information generating unlocking code, it can use the client application program APP software, mobile phone as the mobile terminal as example, APP software is installed on the mobile phone by the user after registration APP software is the login account number obtained through the users; when the user registers the registration information comprises a resident name, mobile phone number, cell number, floor number, unit number, room number and other information in any one or more of, after user registering successfully, APP software can generate unlocking code of the user according to the login information of user (including user information); When the user wishes to open the door lock, the APP software and establishing wireless communication connection with a doorway host the mobile phone after the unlocking code can be sent to the doorway host. at the same time, for the consideration of safety, can be provided with conventional logging equipment user, login as login account number to the phone number when the user, if the user uses the other device for logging apparatus, then the user needs to use the short message validating code to log on. In this embodiment, the unlocking code is directly generated on the mobile terminal, it is unnecessary for the user to directly input, or generated by other servers, so as to reduce the generating or obtaining time of the unlocking code and improve the efficiency of unlocking); and control the electronic lock using at least some of the data for the property (Liao et al.: Page 4, 3rd paragraph; wherein unlocking code sent by the mobile terminal is a doorway host credentials for opening the door lock, unlock code information corresponding to the mobile terminal according to the generated, and resident information comprises the cell number of tenement, building number, unit number, floor number, room number, of any one or more than one. mobile terminal receives user input of the tenement of cell number, building number, unit number, floor number, room number, of any one or more of user information, according to the information to generate the corresponding unlocking code, the unlocking code representative of the information to obtain the corresponding identity identification information of user. In fact, mobile terminal according to user information generating unlocking code, it can use the client application program APP software, mobile phone as the mobile terminal as example, APP software is installed on the mobile phone by the user after registration APP software is the login account number obtained through the users; when the user registers the registration information comprises a resident name, mobile phone number, cell number, floor number, unit number, room number and other information in any one or more of, after user registering successfully, APP software can generate unlocking code of the user according to the login information of user (including user information); When the user wishes to open the door lock, the APP software and establishing wireless communication connection with a doorway host the mobile phone after the unlocking code can be sent to the doorway host. at the same time, for the consideration of safety, can be provided with conventional logging equipment user, login as login account number to the phone number when the user, if the user uses the other device for logging apparatus, then the user needs to use the short message validating code to log on. In this embodiment, the unlocking code is directly generated on the mobile terminal, it is unnecessary for the user to directly input, or generated by other servers, so as to reduce the generating or obtaining time of the unlocking code and improve the efficiency of unlocking). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the access control system of Schoenfelder et al. in view of Tippett et al.’s receiving an access credential without log-in to include account data including property data as taught by Liao et al. to combine the identity verification with location-specific access control to ensure the account is linked to the correct rental. As per claims 4, 13, 25, and 26, Schoenfelder et al. in view of Tippett et al. and Liao et al. discloses the non-transitory computer storage media, system, and method of claims 1, 11, and 20, respectively. Schoenfelder et al. further discloses, wherein: the property comprises the first region and a second region (Schoenfelder et al.: [0035] In addition to providing access to a unit, users can provision access credentials to their guests with appropriate restrictions, allowing them to delineate which facilities the guest can access across the entire building, with time limitations, and other restrictive characteristics. This can enhance the user experience for both those occupying the building and those visiting the building, creating value for the building manager); and (Schoenfelder et al.: [0027] For example, the user can use the credential stored in their mobile device to access their office, their gym, their private club, or any area that has installed access control devices that can control access to secure areas. The user can conveniently manage all of their access, guest and service provider provisioning through the same interface, e.g., an app running on their mobile phone or a website); and the access credential enables the application to provide access to the first region and not the second region within the property ([0035] In addition to providing access to a unit, users can provision access credentials to their guests with appropriate restrictions, allowing them to delineate which facilities the guest can access across the entire building, with time limitations, and other restrictive characteristics), and wherein the first region comprises a first sub-unit in a multi-unit dwelling (Schoenfelder et al.: [0034] he can request access to the unit (step 302), and the second region comprises a second sub-unit in the multi-unit dwelling (Schoenfelder et al.: [0059] Users can perform their regular activities in the building, for example, visit the lounge area, the terrace, the gym, the laundry room, while carrying their mobile devices (step 802). The access control devices located throughout the building can track active and passive activities of users across the building (step 804) [0065] gym, garage). . As per claims 6, 15, and 27, Schoenfelder et al. in view of Tippett et al. . and Liao et al. discloses the non-transitory computer storage media and system of claims 2, 11, and 20, respectively. Schoenfelder et al. further discloses, wherein the access credential comprises an alphanumeric code (Schoenfelder et al.: [0043] Types of available credentials can include a Bluetooth based credential, a digital copy of a physical key (KeyMe), an alphanumeric password, or even a pre-programmed digital radio frequency credential). As per claims 7, 16, and 28, Schoenfelder et al. in view of Tippett et al. and Liao et al. discloses the non-transitory computer storage media, system, and method of claims 2, 11, and 20, respectively. Schoenfelder et al. further discloses, wherein the access credential is valid during a period during which a user is allowed access to the first region of the property (Schoenfelder et al.: [0034] This is illustrated in FIG. 3, generally at 300. When a guest of a unit owner/tenant in a multi-unit building arrives at the building, he can request access to the unit (step 302). The guest and the owner then can enter a transaction (step 304), for example, through a mobile device application or app. As an illustrative example, the request for access from the guest can appear as a notification from an app running on a user mobile device. The owner can then determine whether to grant access to the guest or not (steps 308 and 310). If the owner decides to grant access to the guest, the owner can optionally specify a time period during which the guest will have access to the unit (step 312). Then the guest receives the necessary credentials for the building (step 314), which would authorize a guest's mobile device to provide access to the building and all necessary access points until the user unit (step 316).. As per claim 8, 17, and 29, Schoenfelder et al. in view of Tippett et al. and Liao et al. discloses the non-transitory computer storage media, system, and method of claims 2, 11, and 20, respectively. Schoenfelder et al. further discloses, wherein the access credential specifies access to one or more electronic devices associated with a monitoring system of the property through the application (Schoenfelder et al.: [0048] real-time view, [0056] sensors, [0059],[0062] tracking). As per claim 9 and 18, Schoenfelder et al. in view of Tippett et al. and Liao et al. discloses the non-transitory computer storage media and system of claims 2 and 11, respectively. Schoenfelder et al. further discloses, wherein the application enables exchange of communications with one or more devices associated with a monitoring system of the property (Schoenfelder et al.: [0056] sensors, [0059],[0062] tracking). As per claim 10, Schoenfelder et al. in view of Tippett et al. and Liao et al. discloses the non-transitory computer storage media of claim 2. Schoenfelder et al. further discloses receiving, from a second device, input that specifies the one or more access conditions associated with the property (Schoenfelder et al.: [0028] The building manager can modify the access provisions at any time, for example, when the user gym membership has expired, the building manager can request from server 152 a new credential for the user through an interface running on building manager device 156. The user can receive from server 152 and can store the credential in mobile device 158. Server can allow different permissions to users, according to provisions specified by the building manager. For example, the server can enable the user to grant to their guests access to their building. A user can request using an application running on mobile device 158 from server 152 to generate a credential for their guest with mobile device 160. For example, the user can send to the guest an invitation to an event taking place in their building using the access control management app. According to aspects of the invention, the credential can be requested automatically). As per claim 11, Schoenfelder et al. discloses a system comprising: one or more computing devices (Schoenfelder et al.: [0028], Fig. 1b); and Schoenfelder et al.: [0028], Fig. 1b) comprising: transmitting, to a second system via a computer network, an access request for a property (Schoenfelder et al.: [0028]); in response to transmitting the access request for the property, receiving, from the second system via the computer network based on one or more access conditions associated with the property, the unique access credential for access to at least a portion of the property (Schoenfelder et al.: [0027]-[0028] The credential can provide authentication and grant access to the user when it is paired with the user mobile device. For example, access control device 102 can grant access to a unit that can be owned or rented by a tenant that carries mobile device 108 and stores the appropriate credential. When the user approaches their unit, access control device 102 and user mobile device 108 can wirelessly communicate to grant the user access, e.g., unlock the door, to the unit. Moreover, a single credential can grant the user access to all buildings and establishments that implement the disclosed system. For example, the user can use the credential stored in their mobile device to access their office, their gym, their private club, or any area that has installed access control devices that can control access to secure areas) using the unique access credential and the application, transmitting, via the computer network, an instruction to control an electronic lock to provide access to a first region within the property (Schoenfelder et al.: [0011]-[0012] The access control devices and mobile devices in range of any access control device in the system can form a local mesh network. In the local mesh network, the access control devices can communicate with mobile devices and with other access control devices in the system. The mobile devices can store credentials that can control access to one or more access control devices and can unlock the locking mechanisms controlled by the one or more access control devices. According to aspects of the invention, mobile devices of other approved users can receive credentials to their mobile devices that can also grant permission to unlock the locking mechanisms controlled by the one or more access control devices); and wherein the instruction causes the electronic lock to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state (Schoenfelder et al.: [0011]-[0012] The mobile devices can store credentials that can control access to one or more access control devices and can unlock the locking mechanisms controlled by the one or more access control devices. According to aspects of the invention, mobile devices of other approved users can receive credentials to their mobile devices that can also grant permission to unlock the locking mechanisms controlled by the one or more access control devices); (Schoenfelder et al. [0027]When the user approaches their unit, access control device 102 and user mobile device 108 can wirelessly communicate to grant the user access, e.g., unlock the door, to the unit); and (Schoenfelder et al. [0032] When access to a lock is requested, the appropriate credential is transmitted securely to an application running on a mobile device, for example, using a secure transport such as SSL/TLS and can be stored in the mobile device. The credential can be used to generate an authenticated unlock request, for example using an unlock protocol). Schoenfeld et al. does not explicitly disclose, however, Tippett et al. discloses one or more non-transitory computer storage media encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer (Tippett et al.: FIG. 5, [0076]; processor 803 executing an arrangement of instructions contained in main memory 805. Such instructions can be read into main memory 805 from another computer-readable medium), an access request that causes the system to generate, without the first device submitting a request to create a new account or user login for an application, account data (Tippett et al.: [0050] In step 303, the authentication platform 119 may transmit the authentication code to the relying party. After receiving an authentication code request, the authentication platform 119 may generate a random code, which would be unique from any other code generated by the authentication platform in past and future requests. After generating this unique code, the authentication platform 119 may transmit this code back to the web server, and eventually RP device 103, from which the user initially loaded the login page via communication network 123); (Tippett et al.: [0051] In step 305, the authentication platform 119 may authenticate a user with respect to the relying party by determining that a second device associated with the user has read the authentication code from the authentication user interface of the first device, wherein the second device is a previously authenticated device. The user trying to log into the first device, or RP device 103, should already be a registered user in with the authentication platform. That is, the user had established a profile with the authentication platform and registered his UD 101 and RP account logins with the authentication platform 119. Additionally, the user had already authenticated his identity with the UD 101 through the authentication platform 119. Thus, the system 100 has already authenticated the user of the device is the same person as the registered owner of the device. Thus, when the authentication platform receives from this user's device 101 an image of the authentication code sent to the kiosk from the earlier example, the authentication platform will know to apply this user's already authenticated credentials to the kiosk's check-in system such that the kiosk may notify the airline company that this passenger is present and checked-in for boarding. Additionally, the authentication platform 119 may send confirmation of this authorization to the UD 101, which may notify the user of a successful check-in); a unique access credential for access that was generated for the access request and without the first device submitting a request to create a new account or user login for an application (Tippett et al.: [0050] In step 303, the authentication platform 119 may transmit the authentication code to the relying party. After receiving an authentication code request, the authentication platform 119 may generate a random code, which would be unique from any other code generated by the authentication platform in past and future requests. After generating this unique code, the authentication platform 119 may transmit this code back to the web server, and eventually RP device 103, from which the user initially loaded the login page via communication network 123); (Tippett et al.: [0051] In step 305, the authentication platform 119 may authenticate a user with respect to the relying party by determining that a second device associated with the user has read the authentication code from the authentication user interface of the first device, wherein the second device is a previously authenticated device. The user trying to log into the first device, or RP device 103, should already be a registered user in with the authentication platform. That is, the user had established a profile with the authentication platform and registered his UD 101 and RP account logins with the authentication platform 119. Additionally, the user had already authenticated his identity with the UD 101 through the authentication platform 119. Thus, the system 100 has already authenticated the user of the device is the same person as the registered owner of the device. Thus, when the authentication platform receives from this user's device 101 an image of the authentication code sent to the kiosk from the earlier example, the authentication platform will know to apply this user's already authenticated credentials to the kiosk's check-in system such that the kiosk may notify the airline company that this passenger is present and checked-in for boarding. Additionally, the authentication platform 119 may send confirmation of this authorization to the UD 101, which may notify the user of a successful check-in); also see [0053] linking account data. {The Examiner interprets this to mean that account logins (account data) and unique access credentials are maintained}. and wherein the system is configured to determine that the unique access credential matches the access credential of the account data (Tippett et al.: [0054] The authentication platform 119 may trace the information of the UD 101 and/or application 125 to the appropriate user profile. Once the authentication platform 119 identifies the appropriate profile, the authentication platform may proceed to authenticate the user's account with the relying party's website or point of access. Proceeding with the example above, when the authentication platform 119 receives the image captured from the homeowner's UD 101, a personal mobile phone, the authentication platform 119 may read the image in conjunction with the device information from which the image was sent, that is, the homeowner's cell phone and/or the application 125 that contains an active session with the authentication platform 119. The UD 101 and/or application 125 information supplied allows the authentication platform 119 to authenticate the session with the homeowner's profile, as the image was taken by his person mobile phone). {The Examiner interprets the identifying to mean matching}. Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the access control system of Schoenfelder et al. to include receiving an access credential without log-in as taught by Tippett et al. for applying a user authentication mechanism that is based on little to no manual sign on actions (i.e., zero sign on) by the user (Tippett et al.: [0001]). Schoenfelder et al. in view of Tippett et al. does not explicitly disclose, however, Liao et al. discloses account data that ii) indicates data for the property (Liao et al.: Page 4, 3rd paragraph; wherein unlocking code sent by the mobile terminal is a doorway host credentials for opening the door lock, unlock code information corresponding to the mobile terminal according to the generated, and resident information comprises the cell number of tenement, building number, unit number, floor number, room number, of any one or more than one. mobile terminal receives user input of the tenement of cell number, building number, unit number, floor number, room number, of any one or more of user information, according to the information to generate the corresponding unlocking code, the unlocking code representative of the information to obtain the corresponding identity identification information of user. In fact, mobile terminal according to user information generating unlocking code, it can use the client application program APP software, mobile phone as the mobile terminal as example, APP software is installed on the mobile phone by the user after registration APP software is the login account number obtained through the users; when the user registers the registration information comprises a resident name, mobile phone number, cell number, floor number, unit number, room number and other information in any one or more of, after user registering successfully, APP software can generate unlocking code of the user according to the login information of user (including user information); When the user wishes to open the door lock, the APP software and establishing wireless communication connection with a doorway host the mobile phone after the unlocking code can be sent to the doorway host. at the same time, for the consideration of safety, can be provided with conventional logging equipment user, login as login account number to the phone number when the user, if the user uses the other device for logging apparatus, then the user needs to use the short message validating code to log on. In this embodiment, the unlocking code is directly generated on the mobile terminal, it is unnecessary for the user to directly input, or generated by other servers, so as to reduce the generating or obtaining time of the unlocking code and improve the efficiency of unlocking); and control the electronic lock using at least some of the data for the property (Liao et al.: Page 4, 3rd paragraph; wherein unlocking code sent by the mobile terminal is a doorway host credentials for opening the door lock, unlock code information corresponding to the mobile terminal according to the generated, and resident information comprises the cell number of tenement, building number, unit number, floor number, room number, of any one or more than one. mobile terminal receives user input of the tenement of cell number, building number, unit number, floor number, room number, of any one or more of user information, according to the information to generate the corresponding unlocking code, the unlocking code representative of the information to obtain the corresponding identity identification information of user. In fact, mobile terminal according to user information generating unlocking code, it can use the client application program APP software, mobile phone as the mobile terminal as example, APP software is installed on the mobile phone by the user after registration APP software is the login account number obtained through the users; when the user registers the registration information comprises a resident name, mobile phone number, cell number, floor number, unit number, room number and other information in any one or more of, after user registering successfully, APP software can generate unlocking code of the user according to the login information of user (including user information); When the user wishes to open the door lock, the APP software and establishing wireless communication connection with a doorway host the mobile phone after the unlocking code can be sent to the doorway host. at the same time, for the consideration of safety, can be provided with conventional logging equipment user, login as login account number to the phone number when the user, if the user uses the other device for logging apparatus, then the user needs to use the short message validating code to log on. In this embodiment, the unlocking code is directly generated on the mobile terminal, it is unnecessary for the user to directly input, or generated by other servers, so as to reduce the generating or obtaining time of the unlocking code and improve the efficiency of unlocking). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the access control system of Schoenfelder et al. in view of Tippett et al.’s receiving an access credential without log-in to include account data including property data as taught by Liao et al. to combine the identity verification with location-specific access control to ensure the account is linked to the correct rental. As per claim 23, Schoenfelder et al. in view of Tippett et al. and Liao et al. discloses the method of claim 20. Schoenfelder et al. in view of Liao et al. does not further disclose, however, Tippett et al. discloses wherein receiving the unique access credential comprises, in response to transmitting the access request for the property, receiving, by the first device and from the system based on one or more access conditions associated with the property, the unique access credential for access to at least a portion of the property and that was generated a unique access credential for access and that was generated for the access request and without the first device submitting a request to create a new account or user login for an application (Tippett et al.: [0050] In step 303, the authentication platform 119 may transmit the authentication code to the relying party. After receiving an authentication code request, the authentication platform 119 may generate a random code, which would be unique from any other code generated by the authentication platform in past and future requests. After generating this unique code, the authentication platform 119 may transmit this code back to the web server, and eventually RP device 103, from which the user initially loaded the login page via communication network 123); (Tippett et al.: [0051] In step 305, the authentication platform 119 may authenticate a user with respect to the relying party by determining that a second device associated with the user has read the authentication code from the authentication user interface of the first device, wherein the second device is a previously authenticated device. The user trying to log into the first device, or RP device 103, should already be a registered user in with the authentication platform. That is, the user had established a profile with the authentication platform and registered his UD 101 and RP account logins with the authentication platform 119. Additionally, the user had already authenticated his identity with the UD 101 through the authentication platform 119. Thus, the system 100 has already authenticated the user of the device is the same person as the registered owner of the device. Thus, when the authentication platform receives from this user's device 101 an image of the authentication code sent to the kiosk from the earlier example, the authentication platform will know to apply this user's already authenticated credentials to the kiosk's check-in system such that the kiosk may notify the airline company that this passenger is present and checked-in for boarding. Additionally, the authentication platform 119 may send confirmation of this authorization to the UD 101, which may notify the user of a successful check-in), and wherein the system is configured to determine that the unique access credential matches the access credential of the account data (Tippett et al.: [0054] The authentication platform 119 may trace the information of the UD 101 and/or application 125 to the appropriate user profile. Once the authentication platform 119 identifies the appropriate profile, the authentication platform may proceed to authenticate the user's account with the relying party's website or point of access. Proceeding with the example above, when the authentication platform 119 receives the image captured from the homeowner's UD 101, a personal mobile phone, the authentication platform 119 may read the image in conjunction with the device information from which the image was sent, that is, the homeowner's cell phone and/or the application 125 that contains an active session with the authentication platform 119. The UD 101 and/or application 125 information supplied allows the authentication platform 119 to authenticate the session with the homeowner's profile, as the image was taken by his person mobile phone). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the access control system of Schoenfelder et al. by Liao et al. to include receiving an access credential without log-in as taught by Tippett et al. for applying a user authentication mechanism that is based on little to no manual sign on actions (i.e., zero sign on) by the user (Tippett et al.: [0001]). Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. 1) Perold et al. (US PG Pub. 20150334562 A1) discloses a system and method for electronic key provisioning and access management in connection with mobile devices where a user unlocks access to an electronic key stored on a mobile device by authenticating his or her credentials via the mobile device. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to FREDA A. NELSON whose telephone number is (571)272-7076. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday, 10:00am - 6:30pm. 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, Shannon Campbell can be reached on 571-272-5587. 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. /F.A.N/Examiner, Art Unit 3628 /SHANNON S CAMPBELL/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3628
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Prosecution Timeline

Show 7 earlier events
Dec 17, 2025
Response after Non-Final Action
Dec 29, 2025
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Mar 09, 2026
Response Filed
Jun 04, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103
Jul 06, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Jul 24, 2026
Request for Continued Examination
Jul 25, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Aug 31, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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