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 .
This action is responsive to the following communication: an amendment filed on 04/12/2026.
Claims 1-15 are currently pending and presented for examination.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s remarks and amendments filed on 04/12/2026 with respect to prior art rejection have been considered but are moot because the arguments do not apply to the combination of the references being used in the current rejection.
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 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.
Claims 1, 2,4,5,6,7,8,11,12,15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a) (1) as being anticipated by Kawasaki et al. (US Pub. No.: US 2012/0062704 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Kawasaki et al. discloses an accessory apparatus ( Para 31; twin-lens 3-D image pickup apparatus) comprising:
a first optical system including a first optical element (Para 40; a right-side lens optical system 121R and a left-side lens optical system 121L are provided in the lens portion 120 in parallel) ;
a second optical system including a second optical element (Para 40; a right-side lens optical system 121R and a left-side lens optical system 121L are provided in the lens portion 120 in parallel ) ;
a drive unit configured to move at least one of the first and second optical elements (Para 52-54; The zoom drive circuit 305 drives the left-side optical system zoom actuator 308L and the right-side optical system zoom actuator 308R based on the control information. The focus drive circuit 306 drives the left-side optical system focus actuator 309L and the right-side optical system focus actuator 309R based on the control information ) ; and
a processor configured to drive the drive unit to move both of the first and second
optical elements in a first mode (Para 52-54; CPU ; the control circuit 304 executes predetermined operational processing related to a zoom adjustment based on the detection information of the rotary encoder 301 corresponding to the zoom adjustment to obtain a control amount, and supplies control information corresponding to the control amount to the zoom drive circuit 305.
[0053] The zoom drive circuit 305 drives the left-side optical system zoom actuator 308L and the right-side optical system zoom actuator 308R based on the control information. Accordingly, zoom adjustments of the left-side optical system and the right-side optical system are carried out. focus adjustments of the left-side optical system and the right-side optical system are carried out) , and move one of the first and second optical elements relative to the other to correct focus misalignment of the first and second optical systems in a second mode ( Para 90; lens adjustment mode; it is difficult to take a 3-D video favorably if lateral and longitudinal positions of left- and right-side lenses (right-side lens optical system 121R and left-side lens optical system 121L) are not correct at the time the video is taken. However, the positions may move when an impact or the like is applied to the left- and right-side lenses. In this regard, in the 3-D image pickup apparatus, a mechanism capable of separately adjusting the positions of the left- and right-side lenses is provided. The lens adjustment is made by operating the switch provided on the main body portion 110A to put the mode to a lens adjustment mode and, operating the rings of the adjustment ring 200A while looking at a lens adjustment screen displayed on the display panel of the view finder 150A ) ,
wherein optical axes of the first and second optical systems are configured to
form two image circles on a single image sensor (Para 31; The twin-lens 3-D image pickup apparatus converts left- and right-side images of an object taken in via left- and right-side lenses into electric signals using an image pickup device).
Regarding claim 2, Kawasaki et al. discloses The accessory apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit includes a first drive unit (Para 51; Fig 13; one of the a zoom drive circuit 305, a focus drive circuit 306, a convergence drive circuit 307 that drives both optical system) and a second drive unit (Para 90; a mechanism capable of separately adjusting the positions of the left- and right-side lenses is provided.) , the first drive unit being configured to simultaneously move both of the first and second optical elements (Para 51; Fig 13; one of the a zoom drive circuit 305, a focus drive circuit 306, a convergence drive circuit 307 that drives both optical system), the second drive unit being configured to move one of the first and second optical elements, and wherein the processor drives the first drive unit in the first mode (Para 51-54; normal mode; wherein the zoom drive circuit, focus drive circuit and convergence drive circuit can drive both lens) and drives the second drive unit in the second mode (Para 90; lens adjustment mode wherein there is a mechanism separately adjusting the position of the lens system).
Regarding claim 4, Kawasaki et al. discloses the accessory apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor (Fig. 13; Para 39; a control circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit)) sets a mode of the accessory apparatus (Para 90; The lens adjustment is made by operating the switch provided on the main body portion 110A to put the mode to a lens adjustment mode and, operating the rings of the adjustment ring 200A while looking at a lens adjustment screen displayed on the display panel of the view finder 150A).
Regarding claim 5, Kawasaki et al. discloses The accessory apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an operation unit configured to receive setting of the mode (Para 90-93; the 3-D image pickup apparatus 100A is put to the lens adjustment mode when a lens adjustment button 140A and a shift button 141A provided at a position that can be reached with a finger of one hand operating the lens adjustment button 140A shown in FIG. 14 are pressed at the same time), wherein the processor sets the mode in accordance with the mode setting received by the operation unit ( Para 52,53, 90-93;The control circuit 304 executes predetermined operational processing related to a zoom adjustment based on the detection information of the rotary encoder 301 corresponding to the zoom adjustment to obtain a control amount, and supplies control information corresponding to the control amount to the zoom drive circuit 305. the control circuit 304 executes predetermined operational processing related to a focus adjustment based on the detection information of the rotary encoder 302 corresponding to the focus adjustment to obtain a control amount, and supplies control information corresponding to the control amount to the focus drive circuit 306.).
Regarding claim 6, Kawasaki et al. discloses The accessory apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processor acquires information related to the mode setting from the image pickup apparatus and sets the mode in accordance with the information ( Para 52-54, 90-93; Rotational information of the zoom ring 210, the focus ring 220, and the convergence ring 230 that are independently rotated in the adjustment ring 200 is detected by the rotary encoders 301, 302, and 303 respectively corresponding to the rings. Detection information of the rotary encoders 301, 302, and 303 is transmitted to the control circuit 304 such as a CPU. The control circuit 304 executes predetermined operational processing related to a zoom adjustment based on the detection information of the rotary encoder 301 corresponding to the zoom adjustment to obtain a control amount, and supplies control information corresponding to the control amount to the zoom drive circuit 305.) .
Regarding claim 7, Kawasaki et al. discloses The accessory apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processor sets the mode to the first mode at activation of the accessory apparatus ( Para 52-54; Rotational information of the zoom ring 210, the focus ring 220, and the convergence ring 230 that are independently rotated in the adjustment ring 200 is detected by the rotary encoders 301, 302, and 303 respectively corresponding to the rings. Detection information of the rotary encoders 301, 302, and 303 is transmitted to the control circuit 304 such as a CPU. The control circuit 304 executes predetermined operational processing related to a zoom adjustment based on the detection information of the rotary encoder 301 corresponding to the zoom adjustment to obtain a control amount, and supplies control information corresponding to the control amount to the zoom drive circuit 305, the zoom ring 210, the focus ring 220, and the convergence ring 230 are combined coaxially and integrated as the adjustment ring 200. With this structure, the user can smoothly change the adjustment target among the zoom, focus; and convergence just by slightly moving a hand. ).
Regarding claim 8, Kawasaki et al. discloses The accessory apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the processor sets the mode when the drive unit is stopped (Para 52; wherein the rotation of the rings stopped, the detection information can be transmitted to the control circuit to perform adjustment of the lens in the normal mode. Para 90-93; the 3-D image pickup apparatus 100A is put to the lens adjustment mode when a lens adjustment button 140A and a shift button 141A provided at a position that can be reached with a finger of one hand operating the lens adjustment button 140A shown in FIG. 14 are pressed at the same time. When the buttons pressing are done, the mode is set as the lens adjustment mode).
Regarding claim 11, Kawasaki et al. discloses The accessory apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation member that is operated by a user, wherein the processor drives the drive unit in accordance with an operation on the operation member in the first and second modes ( Para 90-93; the 3-D image pickup apparatus 100A is put to the lens adjustment mode when a lens adjustment button 140A and a shift button 141A provided at a position that can be reached with a finger of one hand operating the lens adjustment button 140A shown in FIG. 14 are pressed at the same time. a mechanism capable of separately adjusting the positions of the left- and right-side lenses is provided.).
Regarding claim 12, Kawasaki et al The accessory apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the drive unit includes a plurality of drive units (Fig. 13; Para 51; zoom drive circuit 305, a focus drive circuit 306, a convergence drive circuit 307), and
wherein when having detected an anomaly of any drive unit that can be driven in
a currently set mode among the plurality of drive units, the processor performs processing to recover from the anomaly (Para 90; The positions may move when an impact or the like is applied to the left- and right-side lenses. In this regard, in the 3-D image pickup apparatus, a mechanism capable of separately adjusting the positions of the left- and right-side lenses is provided. The lens adjustment is made by operating the switch provided on the main body portion 110A to put the mode to a lens adjustment mode and, operating the rings of the adjustment ring 200A while looking at a lens adjustment screen displayed on the display panel of the view finder 150A).
Regarding claim 15, Kawasaki et al. discloses an imaging system comprising:
the accessary according to claim 1 (Please see claim 1 prior art rejection above), and an image pickup apparatus (Para 31; CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), or the like is used.).
Allowable Subject Matter
3. Claims 3, 9, 10,13,14 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:
Regarding claim 3, Kawasaki et al discloses The accessory apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit includes a first drive unit (Para 51; Fig 13; one of the a zoom drive circuit 305, a focus drive circuit 306, a convergence drive circuit 307 that drives both optical system) and a second drive unit (Para 90; a mechanism capable of separately adjusting the positions of the left- and right-side lenses is provided.), the first drive unit being configured to move the first optical element (Para 51; Fig 13; one of the a zoom drive circuit 305, a focus drive circuit 306, a convergence drive circuit 307 that drives both optical system), the second drive unit being configured to move the second optical element (Para 90; a mechanism capable of separately adjusting the positions of the left- and right-side lenses is provided).
However, the prior art does not disclose “ the processor drives the first and second drive units in the first mode and drives one of the first and second drive units in the second mode” in combination of other limitation in the claim.
Regarding claim 9, Kawasaki et al discloses The accessory apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the drive unit includes a plurality of drive units (Fig. 13; Para 51; zoom drive circuit 305, a focus drive circuit 306, a convergence drive circuit 307).
However, the prior art does not disclose wherein the processor sets the mode when reset processing of any drive unit that can be driven in a currently set mode among the plurality of drive units is completed.
Regarding claim 10, Kawasaki et al discloses The accessory apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the drive unit includes a plurality of drive units (Fig. 13; Para 51; zoom drive circuit 305, a focus drive circuit 306, a convergence drive circuit 307).
However, the prior art does not disclose wherein the processor sets the mode to the first mode when having received, from the image pickup apparatus in the second mode, a command for reset processing of any drive unit that can be driven in the first mode among the plurality of drive units.
Regarding claim 13, Kawasaki et al discloses The accessory apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit includes a plurality of drive units (Fig. 13; Para 51; zoom drive circuit 305, a focus drive circuit 306, a convergence drive circuit 307).
However, the prior art does not disclose “wherein when having detected an anomaly of a drive unit different from any drive unit that can be driven in a currently set mode among the plurality of drive units, the processor does not perform processing to recover the anomaly of the drive unit where the anomaly is detected” in combination of other limitation in its claim.
Claim 14 is objected to as being dependent from claim 13.
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to XI WANG whose telephone number is 469-295-9155. The examiner can normally be reached on 9:00 am-5:00 pm.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, SINH TRAN can be reached on 571-272-7564. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/XI WANG/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2637
Prosecution Insights