Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 04, 2026
Application No. 18/923,202

IMAGING LENS DRIVING MODULE, CAMERA MODULE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Non-Final OA §102§112
Filed
Oct 22, 2024
Priority
Apr 10, 2024 — provisional 63/632,436
Examiner
BROOME, SHARRIEF I
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Largan Digital Co. Ltd.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
82%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
8m
Est. Remaining
86%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 82% — above average
82%
Career Allowance Rate
659 granted / 809 resolved
+21.5% vs TC avg
Minimal +4% lift
Without
With
+4.5%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 7m
Avg Prosecution
35 currently pending
Career history
821
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
2.4%
-37.6% vs TC avg
§103
45.2%
+5.2% vs TC avg
§102
34.9%
-5.1% vs TC avg
§112
13.7%
-26.3% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 809 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §112
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 As required by M.P.E.P. 609, the applicant’s submissions of the Information Disclosure Statement dated 10/22/2024, 5/05/2025, and 11/11/2025 is acknowledged by the examiner and the cited references have been considered in the examination of the claims now pending. Specification The lengthy specification has not been checked to the extent necessary to determine the presence of all possible minor errors. Applicant’s cooperation is requested in correcting any errors of which applicant may become aware in the specification. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b): (b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph: The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention. Claims 12 and 38 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention. As to claims 12 and 38, the claims recite “the following condition is satisfied: 1.05 ≤ D1/D2 < 6” which is a relative/subjective term (MPEP 2173.05(b)), rendering the claim indefinite. The metric values of D1 and D2 are not defined by the claim, the specification does not provide a standard for ascertaining the requisite degree, and one of ordinary skill in the art would not be reasonably apprised of the scope of the invention. Specifically, the claims, as written, purport to not give a metric value to D1 or D2. Are the measured values of length disclosed as inches, meters, or centimeters? The specification, nor the claims, provide any indications of what would constitute a measured value. The metes and bound are unclear because as written, it appears it is entirely subjective to a practitioner of the invention to determine the desired length or distance. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 1-9, 13-27, 30-37, and 39 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Chen (20220244486). Regarding claim 1, Chen discloses an imaging lens driving module (Fig 7, [0061], lens driving module) comprising: an imaging lens (11) having an optical axis ([0087], optical axis OA); a lens carrier (111) configured to mount the imaging lens ([0087], lens elements 110 are disposed on the displaceable lens carrier 111), wherein the lens carrier (111) comprises: a first guiding track (Fig 2, 1111) extending along a direction parallel to the optical axis (Fig 2, [0090, imaging lens system 11 is displaceable along the optical axis OA), wherein the first guiding track (1111) has: a first surface (Fig 2, [0092],displaceable lens carrier 111 includes four corresponding mounting structures 1111); and a second surface connected to the first surface (Fig 2, [0092], four corresponding mounting structures 1111), wherein the first surface is angled to the second surface (Fig 2, [0092], four corresponding mounting structures 1111); and a second guiding track (Fig 2, 1111) extending along a direction parallel to the optical axis (Fig 2 shows that each mounting structure 1111 extends parallel to OA), wherein the second guiding track (Fig 2, four corresponding mounting structures 1111) has: a third surface (Fig 2); and a fourth surface connected to the third surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011), wherein the third surface is angled to the fourth surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011); a base (Fig 7, 130, 131, 1301) disposed corresponding to the lens carrier (Fig 2, [0090], imaging lens system 11 is disposed between the preloading element 130 and the driving base 131), wherein the base (Fig 7, 130, 131, 1301) comprises: a third guiding track (Fig 2, 1111) extending along a direction parallel to the optical axis (Fig 2 shows that each mounting structure 1111 extends parallel to OA), wherein the third guiding track is disposed corresponding to the first guiding track (Fig 2, four corresponding mounting structures 1111), and the third guiding track has: a fifth surface; and a sixth surface connected to the fifth surface, wherein the fifth surface is angled to the sixth surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011); and a fourth guiding track (Fig 2, 1111) extending along a direction parallel to the optical axis (Fig 2 shows that each mounting structure 1111 extends parallel to OA), wherein the fourth guiding track is disposed corresponding to the second guiding track (Fig 2, four corresponding mounting structures 1111), and the fourth guiding track (Fig 2, four corresponding mounting structures 1111) has: a seventh surface; and an eighth surface connected to the seventh surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011), wherein the seventh surface is angled to the eighth surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011); a plurality of balls (Fig 7, [0095], 13012) disposed between the lens carrier and the base, wherein the plurality of balls (13012) comprises: at least one first ball (13012) disposed between the first guiding track and the third guiding track (Fig 9, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111); and at least one second ball (13012) disposed between the second guiding track and the fourth guiding track (Fig 9, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111); and a driving unit (13) configured to move the lens carrier with respect to the base along a direction parallel to the optical axis ([0090], lens driving module 13 is configured to provide the imaging lens system 11 with auto-focus functionality), wherein the driving unit (13) comprises: at least one magnet (133); and at least one coil (1311) disposed corresponding to the at least one magnet (Fig 7, [0094], driving coils 1311 are disposed corresponding to the first magnets 133); wherein one of the at least one magnet (133) and the at least one coil (1311) is coupled to the lens carrier (111); wherein each of the first surface through the eighth surface is in physical contact with correspondingly disposed one among the plurality of balls through only one contact point (Fig 7, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 has a degree of freedom in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA); wherein an angle between the second surface and the fourth surface is θ (Fig 2, Fig 7, each angle between four corresponding mounting structures 1111 is perpendicular and interpreted to be at least 90° and within the claimed range), and the following condition is satisfied: 0° ≤ θ < 130° (Fig 2, Fig 7, each angle between four corresponding mounting structures 1111 is perpendicular and interpreted to be at least 90° and within the claimed range). Regarding claim 2, Chen discloses wherein a quantity of the at least one first ball is at least two (Fig 2, Fig 7 shows that rollable elements 13012 are at least two elements). Regarding claim 3, Chen discloses wherein a quantity of the at least one second ball is at least two (Fig 2, Fig 7 shows that rollable elements 13012 are at least two elements). Regarding claim 4, Chen discloses wherein the third guiding track of the base further has a stopper, and the at least two first balls disposed corresponding to the third guiding track are spaced apart from each other by the stopper (Fig 4 shows the guide on each side of the base split into two rails, the central portion acts as a stopper separating the balls in each rail section). Regarding claim 5, Chen discloses wherein a quantity of the at least one second ball is only one (Fig 2, Fig 7 shows that each of the rollable elements 13012 is a separate element). Regarding claim 6, Chen discloses wherein the at least one first ball has a first ball axis that is formed by an axial movement path of a center of the at least one first ball along a direction parallel to the first guiding track (Fig 7, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 has a degree of freedom in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA). Regarding claim 7, Chen discloses wherein the at least one second ball has a second ball axis that is formed by an axial movement path of a center of the at least one second ball along a direction parallel to the second guiding track (Fig 7, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 has a degree of freedom in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA). Regarding claim 8, Chen discloses wherein the first ball axis, the second ball axis and the optical axis intersect a plane perpendicular to the optical axis at a first intersection point, a second intersection point and a third intersection point, respectively (Fig 9, [0093], ferromagnetic part 1302 and the first magnets 133 together generate a magnetic attraction force, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 exerts a preloading force along a direction DP on the rollable elements 13012). Regarding claim 9, Chen discloses wherein a first line is defined from the first intersection point to the second intersection point, a second line is defined from the first intersection point to the third intersection point, a third line is defined from the second intersection point to the third intersection point, a first direction located on the plane is defined as being parallel to the first line, and a second direction located on the plane is defined as being orthogonal to the first direction (Fig 9, [0093], ferromagnetic part 1302 and the first magnets 133 together generate a magnetic attraction force, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 exerts a preloading force along a direction DP on the rollable elements 13012). Regarding claim 13, Chen discloses wherein a distance of the second line projected onto the first line is D1, a distance of the third line projected onto the first line is D2, and the following condition is satisfied: D1 = D2 (Fig 7 shows the grooves equally spaced about the central optical axis and within the claimed range). Regarding claim 14, Chen discloses wherein the first surface is angled to the fifth surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011). Regarding claim 15, Chen discloses wherein the driving unit (13) further comprises: a flexible printed circuit (1313) on which the at least one coil (1311) is disposed (Fig 7, [0094]). Regarding claim 16, Chen discloses wherein the flexible printed circuit (1313) is coupled to the lens carrier (Fig 7, [0094]). Regarding claim 17, Chen discloses a camera module ([0012], a photographing camera). Regarding claim 18, Chen discloses an electronic device ([0013], electronic device); and an image sensor ([0013], image sensor) disposed on an image surface of the camera module ([0013], image sensor is disposed on an image surface of the imaging lens system). Regarding claim 19, Chen discloses an imaging lens driving module (Fig 7, [0061], lens driving module) comprising: an imaging lens (11) having an optical axis ([0087], optical axis OA); a lens carrier (111) configured to mount the imaging lens ([0087], lens elements 110 are disposed on the displaceable lens carrier 111), wherein the lens carrier (111) comprises: a first guiding track (Fig 2, 1111) extending along a direction parallel to the optical axis (Fig 2, [0090, imaging lens system 11 is displaceable along the optical axis OA), wherein the first guiding track (1111) has: a first surface (Fig 2, [0092],displaceable lens carrier 111 includes four corresponding mounting structures 1111); and a second surface connected to the first surface (Fig 2, [0092], four corresponding mounting structures 1111), wherein the first surface is angled to the second surface (Fig 2, [0092], four corresponding mounting structures 1111); and a second guiding track (Fig 2, 1111) extending along a direction parallel to the optical axis (Fig 2 shows that each mounting structure 1111 extends parallel to OA), wherein the second guiding track (Fig 2, four corresponding mounting structures 1111) has: a third surface (Fig 2); and a fourth surface connected to the third surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011), wherein the third surface is angled to the fourth surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011); a base (Fig 7, 130, 131, 1301) disposed corresponding to the lens carrier (Fig 2, [0090], imaging lens system 11 is disposed between the preloading element 130 and the driving base 131), wherein the base (Fig 7, 130, 131, 1301) comprises: a third guiding track (Fig 2, 1111) extending along a direction parallel to the optical axis (Fig 2 shows that each mounting structure 1111 extends parallel to OA), wherein the third guiding track is disposed corresponding to the first guiding track (Fig 2, four corresponding mounting structures 1111), and the third guiding track has: a fifth surface; and a sixth surface connected to the fifth surface, wherein the fifth surface is angled to the sixth surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011); and a fourth guiding track (Fig 2, 1111) extending along a direction parallel to the optical axis (Fig 2 shows that each mounting structure 1111 extends parallel to OA), wherein the fourth guiding track is disposed corresponding to the second guiding track (Fig 2, four corresponding mounting structures 1111), and the fourth guiding track (Fig 2, four corresponding mounting structures 1111) has: a seventh surface; and an eighth surface connected to the seventh surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011), wherein the seventh surface is angled to the eighth surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011); a plurality of balls (Fig 7, [0095], 13012) disposed between the lens carrier and the base, wherein the plurality of balls (13012) comprises: at least one first ball (13012) disposed between the first guiding track and the third guiding track (Fig 9, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111); and at least one second ball (13012) disposed between the second guiding track and the fourth guiding track (Fig 9, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111); and a driving unit (13) configured to move the lens carrier with respect to the base along a direction parallel to the optical axis ([0090], lens driving module 13 is configured to provide the imaging lens system 11 with auto-focus functionality), wherein the driving unit (13) comprises: at least one magnet (133); and at least one coil (1311) disposed corresponding to the at least one magnet (Fig 7, [0094], driving coils 1311 are disposed corresponding to the first magnets 133); wherein one of the at least one magnet (133) and the at least one coil (1311) is coupled to the lens carrier (111); wherein each of the first surface through the eighth surface is in physical contact with correspondingly disposed one among the plurality of balls through only one contact point (Fig 7, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 has a degree of freedom in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA); wherein an angle between the sixth surface and the eighth surface is θ (Fig 2, Fig 7, each angle between four corresponding mounting structures 1111 is perpendicular and interpreted to be at least 90° and within the claimed range), and the following condition is satisfied: 0° ≤ θ < 130° (Fig 2, Fig 7, each angle between four corresponding mounting structures 1111 is perpendicular and interpreted to be at least 90° and within the claimed range). Regarding claim 20, Chen discloses wherein a quantity of the at least one first ball is at least two (Fig 2, Fig 7 shows that rollable elements 13012 are at least two elements). Regarding claim 21, Chen discloses wherein a quantity of the at least one second ball is at least two (Fig 2, Fig 7 shows that rollable elements 13012 are at least two elements). Regarding claim 22, Chen discloses wherein the fourth guiding track of the base further has a stopper, and the at least two second balls disposed corresponding to the fourth guiding track are spaced apart from each other by the stopper (Fig 4 shows the guide on each side of the base split into two rails, the central portion acts as a stopper separating the balls in each rail section). Regarding claim 23, Chen discloses wherein a quantity of the at least one second ball is only one (Fig 2, Fig 7 shows that each of the rollable elements 13012 is a separate element). Regarding claim 24, Chen discloses wherein the at least one first ball has a first ball axis that is formed by an axial movement path of a center of the at least one first ball along a direction parallel to the first guiding track (Fig 7, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 has a degree of freedom in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA). Regarding claim 25, Chen discloses wherein the at least one second ball has a second ball axis that is formed by an axial movement path of a center of the at least one second ball along a direction parallel to the second guiding track (Fig 7, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 has a degree of freedom in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA). Regarding claim 26, Chen discloses wherein the first ball axis, the second ball axis and the optical axis intersect a plane perpendicular to the optical axis at a first intersection point, a second intersection point and a third intersection point, respectively (Fig 9, [0093], ferromagnetic part 1302 and the first magnets 133 together generate a magnetic attraction force, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 exerts a preloading force along a direction DP on the rollable elements 13012). Regarding claim 27, Chen discloses wherein a first line is defined from the first intersection point to the second intersection point, a first direction located on the plane is defined as being parallel to the first line, and a second direction located on the plane is defined as being orthogonal to the first direction (Fig 9, [0093], ferromagnetic part 1302 and the first magnets 133 together generate a magnetic attraction force, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 exerts a preloading force along a direction DP on the rollable elements 13012). Regarding claim 30, Chen discloses wherein the second surface is angled to the sixth surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011). Regarding claim 31, Chen discloses an imaging lens driving module (Fig 7, [0061], lens driving module) comprising: an imaging lens (11) having an optical axis ([0087], optical axis OA); a lens carrier (111) configured to mount the imaging lens ([0087], lens elements 110 are disposed on the displaceable lens carrier 111), wherein the lens carrier (111) comprises: a first guiding track (Fig 2, 1111) extending along a direction parallel to the optical axis (Fig 2, [0090, imaging lens system 11 is displaceable along the optical axis OA), wherein the first guiding track (1111) has: a first surface (Fig 2, [0092],displaceable lens carrier 111 includes four corresponding mounting structures 1111); and a second surface connected to the first surface (Fig 2, [0092], four corresponding mounting structures 1111), wherein the first surface is angled to the second surface (Fig 2, [0092], four corresponding mounting structures 1111); and a second guiding track (Fig 2, 1111) extending along a direction parallel to the optical axis (Fig 2 shows that each mounting structure 1111 extends parallel to OA), wherein the second guiding track (Fig 2, four corresponding mounting structures 1111) has: a third surface (Fig 2); and a fourth surface connected to the third surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011), wherein the third surface is angled to the fourth surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011); a base (Fig 7, 130, 131, 1301) disposed corresponding to the lens carrier (Fig 2, [0090], imaging lens system 11 is disposed between the preloading element 130 and the driving base 131), wherein the base (Fig 7, 130, 131, 1301) comprises: a third guiding track (Fig 2, 1111) extending along a direction parallel to the optical axis (Fig 2 shows that each mounting structure 1111 extends parallel to OA), wherein the third guiding track is disposed corresponding to the first guiding track (Fig 2, four corresponding mounting structures 1111), and the third guiding track has: a fifth surface; and a sixth surface connected to the fifth surface, wherein the fifth surface is angled to the sixth surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011); and a fourth guiding track (Fig 2, 1111) extending along a direction parallel to the optical axis (Fig 2 shows that each mounting structure 1111 extends parallel to OA), wherein the fourth guiding track is disposed corresponding to the second guiding track (Fig 2, four corresponding mounting structures 1111), and the fourth guiding track (Fig 2, four corresponding mounting structures 1111) has: a seventh surface; and an eighth surface connected to the seventh surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011), wherein the seventh surface is angled to the eighth surface (Fig 2, [0092], corresponding mounting structures 1111 are disposed respectively corresponding to the four mounting structures 13011); a plurality of balls (Fig 7, [0095], 13012) disposed between the lens carrier and the base, wherein the plurality of balls (13012) comprises: at least one first ball (13012) disposed between the first guiding track and the third guiding track (Fig 9, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111); and at least one second ball (13012) disposed between the second guiding track and the fourth guiding track (Fig 9, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111); and a driving unit (13) configured to move the lens carrier with respect to the base along a direction parallel to the optical axis ([0090], lens driving module 13 is configured to provide the imaging lens system 11 with auto-focus functionality), wherein the driving unit (13) comprises: at least one magnet (133); and at least one coil (1311) disposed corresponding to the at least one magnet (Fig 7, [0094], driving coils 1311 are disposed corresponding to the first magnets 133); wherein one of the at least one magnet (133) and the at least one coil (1311) is coupled to the lens carrier (111); wherein each of the first surface through the eighth surface is in physical contact with correspondingly disposed one among the plurality of balls through only one contact point (Fig 7, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 has a degree of freedom in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA). Regarding claim 32, Chen discloses wherein a quantity of the at least one first ball is at least two (Fig 2, Fig 7 shows that rollable elements 13012 are at least two elements). Regarding claim 33, Chen discloses wherein a quantity of the at least one second ball is at least two (Fig 2, Fig 7 shows that rollable elements 13012 are at least two elements). Regarding claim 34, Chen discloses wherein the at least one first ball has a first ball axis that is formed by an axial movement path of a center of the at least one first ball along a direction parallel to the first guiding track (Fig 7, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 has a degree of freedom in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA). Regarding claim 35, Chen discloses wherein the at least one second ball has a second ball axis that is formed by an axial movement path of a center of the at least one second ball along a direction parallel to the second guiding track (Fig 7, [0092], rollable elements 13012 are in contact with the displaceable lens carrier 111 and rollable in the corresponding mounting structures 1111, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 has a degree of freedom in a direction parallel to the optical axis OA). Regarding claim 36, Chen discloses wherein the first ball axis, the second ball axis and the optical axis intersect a plane perpendicular to the optical axis at a first intersection point, a second intersection point and a third intersection point, respectively (Fig 9, [0093], ferromagnetic part 1302 and the first magnets 133 together generate a magnetic attraction force, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 exerts a preloading force along a direction DP on the rollable elements 13012). Regarding claim 37, Chen discloses wherein a first line is defined from the first intersection point to the second intersection point, a second line is defined from the first intersection point to the third intersection point, and a third line is defined from the second intersection point to the third intersection point (Fig 9, [0093], ferromagnetic part 1302 and the first magnets 133 together generate a magnetic attraction force, such that the displaceable lens carrier 111 exerts a preloading force along a direction DP on the rollable elements 13012). Regarding claim 39, Chen discloses wherein a distance of the second line projected onto the first line is D1, a distance of the third line projected onto the first line is D2, and the following condition is satisfied: D1 = D2 (Fig 7 shows the grooves equally spaced about the central optical axis and within the claimed range). Allowable Subject Matter Claims 10, 11, 28, and 29 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: with respect to the allowable subject matter, none of the prior art either alone or in combination disclose or teach of the claimed combination of limitations to warrant a rejection under 35 USC 102 or 103. Specifically, with respect to dependent claim 10, the prior art of Chen taken either singly or in combination with any other prior art fails to suggest such an imaging lens driving module including the specific arrangement: “wherein a height of each of the first guiding track through the fourth guiding track along the first direction is greater than a height of each of the at least one first ball through the at least one second ball along the first direction”. Specifically, with respect to dependent claim 11, the prior art of Chen taken either singly or in combination with any other prior art fails to suggest such an imaging lens driving module including the specific arrangement: “wherein a height of each of the first guiding track through the fourth guiding track along the second direction is greater than a height of each of the at least one first ball through the at least one second ball along the second direction”. Specifically, with respect to dependent claim 28, the prior art of Chen taken either singly or in combination with any other prior art fails to suggest such an imaging lens driving module including the specific arrangement: “wherein a height of each of the first guiding track through the fourth guiding track along the first direction is greater than a height of each of the at least one first ball through the at least one second ball along the first direction”. Specifically, with respect to dependent claim 29, the prior art of Chen taken either singly or in combination with any other prior art fails to suggest such an imaging lens driving module including the specific arrangement: “wherein a height of each of the first guiding track through the fourth guiding track along the second direction is greater than a height of each of the at least one first ball through the at least one second ball along the second direction”. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Go (20190265575), Kao (20190227199), and Kim (20170357077) are examples of a lens driving module containing an imaging lens system with auto-focus functionality. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Sharrief I Broome whose telephone number is (571)272-3454. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 8am-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, Ricky Mack can be reached at 571-272-2333. 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. Sharrief I. Broome Primary Examiner Art Unit 2872 /SHARRIEF I BROOME/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2872
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Prosecution Timeline

Oct 22, 2024
Application Filed
Sep 03, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §112 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
82%
Grant Probability
86%
With Interview (+4.5%)
2y 7m (~8m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 809 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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