Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 18/923,021

IMAGE DATA OBTAINMENT DEVICE AND SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME

Non-Final OA §102§103
Filed
Oct 22, 2024
Priority
Nov 30, 2023 — RE 10-2023-0171444
Examiner
SPINKS, ANTOINETTE T
Art Unit
2639
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Seoul National University R&DB Foundation
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
72%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
9m
Est. Remaining
92%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 72% — above average
72%
Career Allowance Rate
678 granted / 942 resolved
+10.0% vs TC avg
Strong +20% interview lift
Without
With
+20.0%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 9m
Avg Prosecution
29 currently pending
Career history
974
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
3.4%
-36.6% vs TC avg
§103
53.6%
+13.6% vs TC avg
§102
24.6%
-15.4% vs TC avg
§112
14.1%
-25.9% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 942 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §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 . Election/Restrictions Applicant’s election without traverse of Species III in the reply filed on July 20, 2026, is acknowledged. Claims 1 – 20 pending. Claims 3, 5 – 7, 9 – 11, 14, 16 – 18, and 20 are withdrawn. Priority Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55. Specification The title of the invention is not descriptive. A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the invention to which the claims are directed. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. (a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 1 – 2 and 12 – 13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Sumida (US 2003/0160877). Regarding claim 1, Sumida discloses an image data obtainment device comprising: a camera module (1) configured to generate image data (fig. 1; ¶53); and a pattern mount part (4) configured to selectively position a dummy pattern (3) on the camera module (fig. 1; ¶53). Regarding claim 2, Sumida discloses the limitations of claim 1. Sumida also teaches wherein the generated image data comprises first image data and second image data; the first image data is generated in case that the dummy pattern is at a first position to allow external light to pass through the dummy pattern to enter the camera module, and the second image data is generated in case that the dummy pattern is at a second position to allow external light to enter the camera module without passing through the dummy pattern (fig. 1-2; ¶54-57: take first picture without calibration plate, then take second picture with calibration plate). Regarding claim 12, Sumida discloses a system comprising: an image data obtainment device configured to generate first and second image data (fig. 1-2; ¶54-57: take first picture without calibration plate, then take second picture with calibration plate); and an image restoration module configured to receive the first and second image data and perform restoration training (¶54: autonomous movement by movable body), wherein the image data obtainment device comprises: a camera module (1) configured to generate image data (fig. 1; ¶53); and a pattern mount part (4) configured to selectively position a dummy pattern (3) on the camera module (fig. 1; ¶53). Regarding claim 13, Sumida discloses the limitations of claim 12. Sumida also teaches wherein the generated image data comprises first image data and second image data; the first image data is generated in case that the dummy pattern is at a first position to allow external light to pass through the dummy pattern to enter the camera module, and the second image data is generated in case that the dummy pattern is at a second position to allow external light to enter the camera module without passing through the dummy pattern (fig. 1-2; ¶54-57: take first picture without calibration plate, then take second picture with calibration plate). Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 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. Claim(s) 4, 8, 15 and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sumida in view of Qu (US 2022/0078269). Regarding claim 4, Sumida discloses the limitations of claim 2. Sumida also teaches a body mechanically coupled to the dummy pattern (fig. 1; ¶54-57: calibration plate). Sumida fails to explicitly disclose wherein the pattern mount part comprises: the dummy pattern corresponding to a display pattern disposed on an under display camera. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention to modify the invention of Sumida with the teachings of Qu. Sumida discloses a device with a calibration plate selectively placed in front of the camera. Qu teaches a device with a camera behind the display, wherein the camera is selectively covered by reflection part 400 mounted via a hinge to a base 500 (figs. 3, 4, 6; ¶26-30). One of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that applying the known technique of using a hinged attachment mechanism and an under display camera, as taught by Qu, with the invention of Sumida would have yielded predictable results and resulted in an improved system capable of being used in a mobile device. Regarding claim 8, Sumida in view of Qu discloses the limitations of claim 4. Qu also teaches wherein the dummy pattern is disposed on a dummy pattern carrier part, the pattern mount part further comprises a hinge coupled to the body to move the dummy pattern carrier part, and the dummy pattern carrier part to move to one of the first position or the second position by opening or closing about the hinge (figs. 3, 4, 6; ¶26-30). Regarding claim 15, Sumida discloses the limitations of claim 13. Sumida also teaches a body mechanically coupled to the dummy pattern (fig. 1; ¶54-57: calibration plate). Sumida fails to explicitly disclose wherein the pattern mount part comprises: the dummy pattern corresponding to a display pattern disposed on an under display camera. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention to modify the invention of Sumida with the teachings of Qu. Sumida discloses a device with a calibration plate selectively placed in front of the camera. Qu teaches a device with a camera behind the display, wherein the camera is selectively covered by reflection part 400 mounted via a hinge to a base 500 (figs. 3, 4, 6; ¶26-30). One of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that applying the known technique of using a hinged attachment mechanism and an under display camera, as taught by Qu, with the invention of Sumida would have yielded predictable results and resulted in an improved system capable of being used in a mobile device. Regarding claim 19, Sumida in view of Qu discloses the limitations of claim 15. Qu also teaches wherein the dummy pattern is disposed on a dummy pattern carrier part, the pattern mount part further comprises a hinge coupled to the body to move the dummy pattern carrier part, and the dummy pattern carrier part to move to one of the first position or the second position by opening or closing about the hinge (figs. 3, 4, 6; ¶26-30). Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Contact Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ANTOINETTE SPINKS whose telephone number is (571)270-3749. The examiner can normally be reached M-Th 7am - 5pm EST. 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, Twyler Haskins can be reached at 571-272-7406. 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. /ANTOINETTE T SPINKS/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2639
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Oct 22, 2024
Application Filed
Sep 10, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §103 (current)

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

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
72%
Grant Probability
92%
With Interview (+20.0%)
2y 9m (~9m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 942 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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