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 .
Priority
Acknowledgment is made of applicant’s claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (a)-(d). The certified copy has been filed in parent Application No. KR10-2024-0059309, filed on 05/03/2024.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 10/28/2024 was filed. The submission is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph:
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, because the claim limitation(s) uses a generic placeholder that is coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitations are:
Cover Unit
Claim: 1 (“cover unit … selectively cover an opening of a housing”).
BRI: A movable cover/shutter configured to open/close (selectively cover/uncover) the opening of the housing.
Spec support:
“cover unit 200” that “selectively opens and closes” the “opening 120” : [0042]
Structure of the cover unit (e.g., cover plate 210, moving plate 220, actuator 230) : [0049]
Actuator/connection mechanism moving the cover unit : [0057]–[0059]
Method summary expressly reciting “opening a cover unit positioned to selectively cover an opening of a housing” : [0093]
Light Source Unit
Claims: 1, 7, 8, 9 (“light source unit”; “plurality of LEDs … form the light source unit”).
BRI: A light-emitting assembly (implemented as a plurality of LEDs) configured to emit sterilization light for the vehicle interior.
Spec support:
“light source unit 300” including “a plurality of LEDs 310” : [0042]
LEDs described as UV LEDs / sterilizing wavelengths : [0043]–[0044]
Control of current applied to each LED / number of lighting times : [0051]–[0052]
Differential current control for LEDs near/far from apparatus : [0054]
Method summary: “turning on a light source unit exposed to the interior of the vehicle” : [0093]
External Manipulation Unit
Claims: 10 (“received through an external manipulation unit”).
BRI:A user-operable input device outside the vehicle that transmits the user sterilization request signal to the control unit (e.g., portable terminal/smart key/wearable).
Spec support:
Request received through an “external manipulation unit located outside a vehicle” : [0084]–[0085]
Examples: portable terminal, smart key, wearable device : [0087]
External manipulation unit used to transmit the user request signal : [0085]–[0086]
Because this/these claim limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, it/they is/are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
If applicant does not intend to have this/these limitation(s) interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, applicant may: (1) amend the claim limitation(s) to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph (e.g., by reciting sufficient structure to perform the claimed function); or (2) present a sufficient showing that the claim limitation(s) recite(s) sufficient structure to perform the claimed function so as to avoid it/them being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph.
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 1-10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. as being unpatentable over Unenei (US 20210370826 A1), in view of Gutowski (US 20220118952 A1).
Regarding Claim 1,
Disclosure by Umenei
Umenei teaches:
A method of controlling a vehicle interior sterilization apparatus
See at least: "FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a device having a housing used in the system and method for dual mode disinfection as used in a vehicular interior. Dual mode disinfection means the disinfection of cabin air as well as the surfaces of various vehicle components. In this embodiment, these multiple disinfection modalities are combined in a single device." ([0030])
Rationale: Umenei teaches a method for controlling an apparatus (the dual-mode device in the housing) specifically for sterilizing (disinfecting) a vehicle interior.
the method comprising:
See at least: "FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagram illustrating the disinfection processes used in the operation used in the dual mode disinfection system. The disinfection processes 800 starts 801 where a determination is made if the vehicle is occupied 803." ([0043])
Rationale: Umenei explicitly outlines a method comprising a series of steps for its disinfection process, as illustrated in Figure 8.
determining, by a control unit,
See at least: "the UV light sources 701, motor 702 and door or shutter 709 are controlled by a multimode auto- configuration controller 711. The controller 711 controls motor actuation and speed and also works to open or close the shutter depending on whether ambient air or vehicular interior surfaces are to be disinfected." ([0040])
Rationale: Umenei teachess a control unit (the multimode auto-configuration controller 711) that performs the various determining steps of its method.
whether a sterilization precondition for a vehicle is satisfied;
See at least: "A determination is made if the vehicle is occupied 803. If the vehicle is occupied, then the system is switched 805 solely to an air disinfection mode since exposure to UV- C rays within the vehicle cabin may be unwanted by human occupants." ([0043])
Rationale: Umenei teaches a precondition for a sterilization mode—specifically, whether the vehicle is occupied. The method checks this condition to determine if it is safe or appropriate to proceed with a particular mode of sterilization. The satisfaction of this precondition (vehicle not occupied) is required before switching to surface disinfection mode.
determining, by the control unit,
See at least: "the UV light sources 701, motor 702 and door or shutter 709 are controlled by a multimode auto- configuration controller 711. The controller 711 controls motor actuation and speed and also works to open or close the shutter depending on whether ambient air or vehicular interior surfaces are to be disinfected." ([0040])
Rationale: As previously established, Umenei's control unit (controller 711) performs determining steps.
whether a sterilization stability condition is satisfied,
See at least: "the system is switched 805 solely to an air disinfection mode since exposure to UV- C rays within the vehicle cabin may be unwanted by human occupants." ([0043]); and "A determination is then made if the vehicle is occupied 917. When occupied, the UV light sources are kept in an off or disabled state 921 and a timer is reset 923." ([0049])
Rationale: Umenei teaches a sterilization stability condition, which is the ongoing determination of whether the vehicle is occupied. This condition must remain satisfied (i.e., vehicle unoccupied) for the surface disinfection mode to run to completion without interruption.
when the sterilization precondition is satisfied;
See at least: "In the event the vehicle is not occupied, the system can be switched to surface disinfection mode 829." ([0045])
Rationale: Umenei explicitly conditions the switching to surface disinfection mode on the satisfaction of the sterilization precondition (the vehicle being unoccupied).
determining, by the control unit,
See at least: "the UV light sources 701, motor 702 and door or shutter 709 are controlled by a multimode auto- configuration controller 711. The controller 711 controls motor actuation and speed and also works to open or close the shutter depending on whether ambient air or vehicular interior surfaces are to be disinfected." ([0040])
Rationale: As previously established, Umenei's control unit (controller 711) performs determining steps.
when the sterilization stability condition is satisfied,
See at least: "Once the time 839 is started and the vehicle is not occupied 841, the UV- C light remains on until a determination is made if the dosage is complete 843." ([0046])
Rationale: Umenei teaches that the surface disinfection process (UV light on) is contingent upon the sterilization stability condition (vehicle not occupied) being satisfied.
and performing, vehicle interior sterilization
See at least: "This allows the UV- C light rays 609, 611 to contact various high contact interior surfaces of the vehicle including but not limited to the steering wheel 613, seat 615 and/or center console 617." ([0034])
Rationale: Umenei explicitly teaches the step of performing sterilization of the vehicle interior by emitting UV-C light onto its surfaces.
using the vehicle interior sterilization apparatus,
See at least: "FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a device having a housing used in the system and method for dual mode disinfection as used in a vehicular interior." ([0030])
Rationale: Umenei teaches that sterilization is performed using its dual-mode disinfection device (the apparatus).
wherein performing the vehicle interior sterilization comprises opening a cover unit
See at least: "FIG. 6B illustrates the device shown in FIG. 6A in an alternative or second mode showing a housing where UV- C light is irradiating the interior of a vehicle. FIG. 6B illustrates the dual mode nature of the system where the housing 601 is shown with the shutter 607 in an open position. This allows the UV- C light rays 609, 611 to contact various high contact interior surfaces of the vehicle." ([0034])
Rationale: Umenei teaches that performing vehicle interior sterilization (surface disinfection mode) comprises opening a cover unit, which it explicitly calls a "shutter 607."
positioned to selectively cover an opening
See at least: "FIG. 6A illustrates a device 600A used for UV- C dual mode disinfection where air is moved through the housing according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. ... In this embodiment, a door or shutter 607 is shown in a closed position so to contain the UV- C light completely within the interior of the housing." ([0033])
Rationale: Umenei teaches that the shutter (cover unit) is positioned to selectively cover an opening. When in the closed position, it covers the opening to contain the UV light; when in the open position, it uncovers the opening to allow UV light to escape.
of a housing
See at least: "FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a device having a housing 601 used in the system and method for dual mode disinfection as used in a vehicular interior." ([0033])
Rationale: Umenei explicitly discloses a housing (601).
provided inside a roof lining
See at least: "A housing 601 is typically elongated in shape and may be configured with or attached to a vehicle headliner." ([0033]); and "The system includes but is not limited to a housing typically mounted to a vehicular head- liner having a moveable shutter integrated therein." ([0057])
Rationale: Umenei expressly teaches a housing "configured with or attached to a vehicle headliner" and "typically mounted to a vehicular headliner." A person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) understands a vehicle headliner as the interior roof lining of the vehicle cabin. Thus, under the broadest reasonable interpretation, a housing configured with/attached to/mounted to the headliner is "provided inside a roof lining," because it is positioned in the roof-lining (headliner) region of the vehicle interior rather than elsewhere in the cabin.
and turning on a light source unit
See at least: "Once the time 839 is started and the vehicle is not occupied 841, the UV- C light remains on until a determination is made if the dosage is complete 843." ([0046]); and "One or more UV- C lights within the housing 101, work to disinfect and cleanse the air..." ([0033])
Rationale: Umenei explicitly teaches that performing sterilization involves turning on (energizing, keeping on) a light source unit (its UV-C lights) to generate the light rays that disinfect surfaces or air.
exposed to the interior of the vehicle.
See at least: "FIG. 6B illustrates the device shown in FIG. 6A in an alternative or second mode showing a housing where UV- C light is irradiating the interior of a vehicle. FIG. 6B illustrates the dual mode nature of the system where the housing 601 is shown with the shutter 607 in an open position. This allows the UV- C light rays 609, 611 to contact various high contact interior surfaces of the vehicle including but not limited to the steering wheel 613, seat 615 and/or center console 617." ([0034])
Rationale: Umenei teaches that when the shutter is open, the light source unit is exposed to the interior of the vehicle, as evidenced by the UV light rays irradiating interior surfaces like the steering wheel and seat.
Claim limitations Not Explicitly Disclosed by Umenei
Umenei does not explicitly teach:
and a user sterilization request signal is received;
and the sterilization request signal is received;
whether a battery operation condition is satisfied;
when the battery operation condition is satisfied,
Disclosure by Gutowski
Gutowski teaches:
and a user sterilization request signal is received; and the sterilization request signal is received;
See at least: "responsive to receiving a request for cleaning an interior of a vehicle, activating an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) system and operating a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to heat the interior above an upper threshold temperature for a first threshold duration." ([0004]); and "At 504, method 500 includes determining if the vehicle sanitizing mode is requested. The vehicle sanitizing mode may be requested by a vehicle operator (e.g., a user) via an input device, such as via an HMI (e.g., HMI 196 of FIG. 1), cruise control buttons (e.g., cruise control buttons 134 of FIG. 1), a smartphone app, hard/soft buttons, key fob buttons (e.g., key fob 195 of FIGS. 1 and 2), electronic door keypad buttons, or a pre- programmed combination of such inputs." ([0076]); and "Returning to 504, if the vehicle sanitizing mode is requested, method 500 proceeds to 506 and includes determining if vehicle sanitizing mode entry conditions are met . The entry conditions may include , for example , the vehicle being in park , an indication that the vehicle is not occupied , the vehicle doors and windows being closed …" ([0081])
Rationale: Gutowski explicitly teaches receiving a user-request signal by "determining if the vehicle sanitizing mode is requested" by a vehicle operator via an input device. Gutowski further teaches the required sequencing by explicitly stating that, if the sanitizing mode is requested, the method proceeds to determining whether entry conditions are met. Accordingly, Gutowski supports that the requested sterilization routine is initiated upon receipt of a user request signal and that the controller's subsequent condition-checking (including unoccupied/doors/windows closed) occurs after the request is received, consistent with the claimed request-conditioned stability evaluation.
whether a battery operation condition is satisfied; and when the battery operation condition is satisfied,
See at least: "In electric vehicles, an electric heater additionally or alternatively may be used to generate heat for the sanitization routine. Thus, in such examples, the entry conditions may include the battery SOC being greater than a threshold SOC, the threshold SOC referring to a pre- calibrated non- zero SOC below which there may not be enough electrical energy to complete the sanitization routine." ([0081]); "In some examples, the preconditioning may only be performed while the vehicle is receiving electrical power from the external power source, which may be used to power the electric heater instead of the energy storage device. In other examples, the preconditioning may also be performed while the vehicle is not receiving electrical power from the external power source, such as responsive to the SOC of the battery being greater than a second threshold SOC. The second threshold SOC may refer to a battery SOC below which the battery may not have enough charge to support vehicle usage following the preconditioning." ([0116])
Rationale: Gutowski explicitly teaches a "battery operation condition," defined as the battery's state of charge (SOC) being greater than a threshold SOC. The method conditions the performance of a vehicle operation (preconditioning, which is a vehicle function) on this battery condition being satisfied to ensure sufficient energy is available. A PHOSITA would recognize this teaching as directly applicable to a sterilization apparatus, which similarly requires electrical power to operate its UV light source, shutter, and control unit. Conditioning the sterilization cycle on a sufficient battery level would be a predictable and logical extension to prevent incomplete disinfection or a dead battery.
Motivation to Combine Umenei and Gutowski
Therefore, given the teachings as a whole, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having Umenei and Gutowski before them, to modify Umenei’s vehicle-interior UV sterilization control method to further require (i) receipt of a user sanitizing/sterilization request signal and (ii) satisfaction of a battery state-of-charge threshold condition, as taught by Gutowski, because both references are directed to executing a vehicle interior sanitizing/sterilizing routine under vehicle “entry conditions,” and Gutowski’s request-trigger and SOC-based gating are compatible preconditions that predictably ensure the routine is intentionally initiated by a user and can be completed without depleting the vehicle battery.
Regarding Claim 2,
The combination of Umenei and Gutowski establishes the method of Claim 1, which is the basis for Claim 2.
Disclosure by Umenei
Umenei teaches:
iwherein determining whether the sterilization precondition is satisfied comprises
See at least: "A determination is made if the vehicle is occupied 803. If the vehicle is occupied, then the system is switched 805 solely to an air disinfection mode since exposure to UV- C rays within the vehicle cabin may be unwanted by human occupants." ([0043]); and "In the event the vehicle is not occupied, the system can be switched to surface disinfection mode 829." ([0045])
Rationale: Umenei teaches determining whether a sterilization precondition is satisfied, specifically whether the vehicle is occupied, which is part of the precondition evaluation. The method comprises this determining step.
after a passenger exits the vehicle,
See at least: "In the event the vehicle is not occupied, the system can be switched to surface disinfection mode 829." ([0045])
Rationale: Umenei expressly teaches transitioning to surface disinfection mode when the vehicle is not occupied. In ordinary vehicle operation, the vehicle becoming not occupied occurs following a passenger exiting the vehicle. Thus, the timing recited by after a passenger exits the vehicle is taught at least implicitly by Umenei's disclosed transition to the not occupied state as the operative precondition for initiating surface disinfection.
by the control unit.
See at least: "the UV light sources 701, motor 702 and door or shutter 709 are controlled by a multimode auto- configuration controller 711. The controller 711 controls motor actuation and speed and also works to open or close the shutter depending on whether ambient air or vehicular interior surfaces are to be disinfected." ([0040])
Rationale: Umenei explicitly teaches that the determinations and control steps are performed by a control unit (the multimode auto-configuration controller 711).
Claim limitations Not Explicitly Disclosed by Umenei
Umenei does not explicitly teach:
determining whether the vehicle is in an ignition-off state
and a door is in a locked state
Disclosure by Gutowski
Gutowski teaches:
determining whether the vehicle is in an ignition-off state
See at least: "The control system may further monitor vehicle conditions such as an engine temperature, an engine speed, an ignition state, a vehicle speed, and a fuel level." ([0047])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches monitoring an ignition state. A PHOSITA would understand the monitored ignition state necessarily includes an OFF state. Accordingly, determining whether the ignition state is OFF corresponds to determining whether the vehicle is in an ignition-off state, as a routine evaluation of the monitored ignition-state input.
and a door is in a locked state
See at least: "In some examples, the key fob sensor may provide an indication to the HVAC controller regarding the locked or unlocked position of the vehicle doors." ([0047])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches the controller receiving an indication of the locked or unlocked position of the vehicle doors, which corresponds directly to determining whether a door is in a locked state based on the indicated lock/unlock position. This determination is performed as part of the vehicle state evaluation, such as when assessing entry conditions after the vehicle becomes unoccupied.
Motivation to Combine Umenei and Gutowski
Therefore, given the teachings as a whole, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having Umenei and Gutowski before them, to modify Umenei’s occupancy-based sterilization precondition determination to further include determining whether the vehicle is in an ignition-off state and a door is in a locked state, as taught by Gutowski’s monitoring of an ignition state and the locked or unlocked position of the vehicle doors, because these additional vehicle-state checks are technically compatible with Umenei’s control-unit precondition logic and would predictably ensure the surface-disinfection operation is initiated only when the vehicle is powered down and secured (thereby improving operational safety/security and preventing unintended activation).
Regarding Claim 3,
The combination of Umenei and Gutowski establishes the method of Claim 1, which is the basis for Claim 3.
Disclosure by Umenei
Umenei teaches:
wherein determining whether the sterilization stability condition is satisfied
See at least: "A determination is then made if the vehicle is occupied 917. When occupied, the UV light sources are kept in an off or disabled state 921 and a timer is reset 923." ([0049]); and "Once the time 839 is started and the vehicle is not occupied 841, the UV- C light remains on until a determination is made if the dosage is complete 843." ([0046])
Rationale: Umenei teaches determining whether a sterilization stability condition is satisfied by continuously or repeatedly checking whether the vehicle remains unoccupied during the disinfection cycle, as shown by the ongoing occupancy determinations in the flow of Figure 8.
comprises
See at least: "FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagram illustrating the disinfection processes used in the operation used in the dual mode disinfection system. The disinfection processes 800 starts 801 where a determination is made if the vehicle is occupied 803." ([0043])
Rationale: Umenei explicitly outlines a method that comprises a series of steps for its disinfection process, as illustrated in Figure 8.
determining that the sterilization stability condition is satisfied,
See at least: "In the event the vehicle is not occupied, the system can be switched to surface disinfection mode 829." ([0045]); and "Once the time 839 is started and the vehicle is not occupied 841, the UV- C light remains on until a determination is made if the dosage is complete 843." ([0046])
Rationale: Umenei teaches determining that the sterilization stability condition (vehicle not occupied) is satisfied, which then allows the surface disinfection mode to continue or be initiated.
by the control unit.
See at least: "the UV light sources 701, motor 702 and door or shutter 709 are controlled by a multimode auto- configuration controller 711. The controller 711 controls motor actuation and speed and also works to open or close the shutter depending on whether ambient air or vehicular interior surfaces are to be disinfected." ([0040])
Rationale: Umenei explicitly teaches that the determinations and control steps are performed by a control unit (the multimode auto-configuration controller 711).
Claim limitations Not Explicitly Disclosed by Umenei
Umenei does not explicitly teach:
when the following conditions are satisfied:
the vehicle is stopped,
a gear parking input is received,
a window of the vehicle is closed,
a door of the vehicle is locked,
a smart key of the vehicle is outside,
seat weight is not detected,
and no object is detected in a rear seat of the vehicle,
Disclosure by Gutowski
Gutowski teaches:
when the following conditions are satisfied:
See at least: "Returning to 504, if the vehicle sanitizing mode is requested, method 500 proceeds to 506 and includes determining if vehicle sanitizing mode entry conditions are met ..." ([0081])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches a controller making a determination that operation may proceed only upon determining that specified entry conditions are met, which corresponds to the claimed requirement that the determination occurs when the following conditions are satisfied.
the vehicle is stopped,
See at least: "The control system may further monitor vehicle conditions such as an engine temperature, an engine speed, an ignition state, a vehicle speed, and a fuel level." ([0047])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches monitoring vehicle speed; determining that the vehicle is stopped corresponds to a routine evaluation that the monitored vehicle speed indicates a stopped condition (e.g., speed = 0), as part of the vehicle-condition evaluation used for permitting/maintaining the sanitizing mode.
a gear parking input is received;
See at least: "Control system 190 may also receive input from a gear selector 108. For example, the vehicle operator may adjust a gear of a transmission by adjusting the position of gear selector 108. In the example depicted, gear selector 108 has 5 positions (park, reverse, neutral, drive, and low gear, or PRNDL)." ([0034]); and "the entry conditions may include, for example, the vehicle being in park, an indication that the vehicle is not occupied, the vehicle doors and windows being closed..." ([0081])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches that the control system receives input from a gear selector, including when the vehicle is placed in park. The entry condition of the vehicle being in park is determined based on receiving a gear parking input from the gear selector.
a window of the vehicle is closed,
See at least: "the entry conditions may include, for example, the vehicle being in park, an indication that the vehicle is not occupied, the vehicle doors and windows being closed..." ([0081]); and "vehicle conditions may include a status of each vehicle window and door (e.g., open or closed)..." ([0075])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches determining whether a window of the vehicle is closed as part of the entry conditions for the sanitizing mode and as a monitored vehicle condition.
a door of the vehicle is locked,
See at least: "In some examples, the key fob sensor may provide an indication to the HVAC controller regarding the locked or unlocked position of the vehicle doors." ([0047])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches the controller receiving an indication of the locked or unlocked position of the vehicle doors, which corresponds directly to determining whether a door of the vehicle is locked. This determination is performed as part of the vehicle state evaluation, such as when assessing entry conditions.
a smart key of the vehicle is outside,]
See at least: "the control modules may be placed in the sleep mode following a vehicle key- off event (e.g., a human driver removing a key from a vehicle, leaving the proximity of the vehicle with a key fob..." ([0032]); and "vehicle conditions may include ... a key fob proximity..." ([0075])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches monitoring key fob proximity and detecting a key-off event where the driver leaves the proximity of the vehicle with the key fob. A PHOSITA would understand that a smart key is synonymous with a key fob, and determining that the smart key of the vehicle is outside corresponds to detecting that the key fob is no longer in proximity (i.e., outside) after a key-off event.
seat weight is not detected,
See at least: "Each occupancy zone may be equipped with an occupancy sensor 216, which may be configured to identify whether or not a passenger is present in the seat in the corresponding occupancy zone. For example, each occupancy sensor 216 may be a seat weight sensor." ([0039])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches an occupancy sensor (216) for each seat zone, and expressly teaches that the occupancy sensor may be a seat weight sensor. Thus, when the controller uses the seat weight sensor modality to identify that no passenger is present, the corresponding condition is that seat weight is not detected.
and no object is detected in a rear seat of the vehicle,
See at least: "Cabin space 214 may be divided into occupancy zones 215. In the example shown, vehicle 200 is a four-passenger vehicle, although other examples may include different occupancy numbers. Accordingly, cabin space 214 may be divided into four occupancy zones including a rear left side passenger zone 215c having a left rear seat 226c, and a rear right side passenger zone 215d having a right rear seat 226d." ([0039]); and "Each occupancy zone may be equipped with an occupancy sensor 216, which may be configured to identify whether or not a passenger is present in the seat in the corresponding occupancy zone." ([0039])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly defines rear-seat occupancy zones (rear left/right) corresponding to the left rear seat and right rear seat, and expressly teaches an occupancy sensor for each occupancy zone that identifies whether or not a passenger is present in the seat in the corresponding occupancy zone. Thus, the rear-seat occupancy sensor evaluation—determining that no passenger is present in the rear seat zones—corresponds directly to determining that no object is detected in a rear seat of the vehicle (i.e., no seat-occupying presence detected in the rear-seat zone).
Motivation to Combine Umenei and Gutowski
Therefore, given the teachings as a whole, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having Umenei and Gutowski before them, to modify Umenei’s determining whether the sterilization stability condition is satisfied (based on whether the vehicle is occupied / not occupied during the disinfection cycle) to incorporate Gutowski’s vehicle sanitizing mode entry conditions and occupancy-zone sensing, so that the stability determination is made when the following conditions are satisfied: the vehicle is stopped, a gear parking input is received, a window of the vehicle is closed, a door of the vehicle is locked, a smart key of the vehicle is outside, seat weight is not detected, and no object is detected in a rear seat of the vehicle, because Gutowski teaches these specific vehicle-state and seat-zone occupancy checks for sanitizing operation and integrating them into Umenei’s stability monitoring is a predictable safety/robustness improvement that ensures UV sterilization proceeds only under secure, unoccupied, and properly parked vehicle conditions.
Regarding Claim 4,
The combination of Umenei and Gutowski establishes the method of Claim 3, which is the basis for Claim 4.
Disclosure by Umenei
Umenei teaches:
wherein the determining whether the sterilization stability condition is satisfied
See at least: "A determination is then made if the vehicle is occupied 917. When occupied, the UV light sources are kept in an off or disabled state 921 and a timer is reset 923." ([0049]); and "Once the time 839 is started and the vehicle is not occupied 841, the UV- C light remains on until a determination is made if the dosage is complete 843." ([0046])
Rationale: Umenei teaches determining whether a sterilization stability condition is satisfied by continuously or repeatedly checking whether the vehicle remains unoccupied during the disinfection cycle, as shown by the ongoing occupancy determinations in the flow of Figure 8.
further comprises
See at least: "FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagram illustrating the disinfection processes used in the operation used in the dual mode disinfection system. The disinfection processes 800 starts 801 where a determination is made if the vehicle is occupied 803." ([0043])
Rationale: Umenei explicitly outlines a method that comprises a series of steps for its disinfection process, as illustrated in Figure 8, and the flow chart shows additional steps beyond the initial determination.
terminating an operation
See at least: "When occupied, the UV light sources are kept in an off or disabled state 921 and a timer is reset 923." ([0049]); and "If the vehicle is occupied, then the system is switched 805 solely to an air disinfection mode since exposure to UV- C rays within the vehicle cabin may be unwanted by human occupants." ([0043])
Rationale: Umenei teaches that when the vehicle is occupied (i.e., the sterilization stability condition is not satisfied), the system terminates the surface disinfection operation by switching to an air disinfection mode or keeping the UV light sources off/disabled, which corresponds to terminating an operation (specifically, the surface disinfection operation).
when the sterilization stability condition is not satisfied.
See at least: "When occupied, the UV light sources are kept in an off or disabled state 921 and a timer is reset 923." ([0049]); and "If the vehicle is occupied, then the system is switched 805 solely to an air disinfection mode since exposure to UV- C rays within the vehicle cabin may be unwanted by human occupants." ([0043])
Rationale: Umenei expressly teaches that the action of disabling UV light sources or switching to air disinfection mode occurs when the vehicle is occupied—i.e., when the sterilization stability condition (vehicle not occupied) is not satisfied.
Motivation to Combine Umenei and Gutowski
Therefore, given the teachings as a whole, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having Umenei and Gutowski before them, to implement and apply Gutowski’s sanitizing-mode “entry conditions”/vehicle-state gating and occupancy-zone sensing as the operative sterilization stability condition framework used within Umenei’s disinfection control flow, and to terminate the sterilization operation when that sterilization stability condition is not satisfied, because both references are directed to vehicle-interior sanitizing/sterilizing systems that condition or cease sanitizing operation based on occupant presence and vehicle-state safety conditions, and integrating Gutowski’s more granular stability-condition determinations into Umenei’s UV disinfection routine yields the predictable result that sterilization is promptly halted (e.g., disabling UV output and/or exiting the sterilization mode) upon loss of the required safe, unoccupied, and secure vehicle conditions.
Regarding Claim 5,
The combination of Umenei and Gutowski establishes the method of Claim 1, which is the basis for Claim 5.
Disclosure by Umenei
Umenei teaches:
wherein the determining whether the battery operation condition is satisfied
See at least: "A battery backup 707 works back up the power management system in the event of power failure." ([0040])
Rationale: Umenei discloses a battery as part of the power management system, but does not explicitly teach determining whether a battery operation condition is satisfied.
Claim limitations Not Explicitly Disclosed by Umenei
Umenei does not explicitly teach:
Comprises comparing a state of charge of a battery with a set value.
Disclosure by Gutowski
Gutowski teaches:
comparing a state of charge of a battery with a set value.
See at least: "In electric vehicles, an electric heater additionally or alternatively may be used to generate heat for the sanitization routine. Thus, in such examples, the entry conditions may include the battery SOC being greater than a threshold SOC, the threshold SOC referring to a pre- calibrated non- zero SOC below which there may not be enough electrical energy to complete the sanitization routine." ([0081]); and "In some examples, the preconditioning may only be performed while the vehicle is receiving electrical power from the external power source, which may be used to power the electric heater instead of the energy storage device. In other examples, the preconditioning may also be performed while the vehicle is not receiving electrical power from the external power source, such as responsive to the SOC of the battery being greater than a second threshold SOC. The second threshold SOC may refer to a battery SOC below which the battery may not have enough charge to support vehicle usage following the preconditioning." ([0116])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches comparing a state of charge (SOC) of a battery with a set value (threshold SOC). The entry conditions require determining whether the battery SOC is greater than a threshold SOC, which necessarily involves comparing the current SOC with the pre-calibrated threshold value.
Motivation to Combine Umenei and Gutowski
Therefore, given the teachings as a whole, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having Umenei and Gutowski before them, to modify Umenei’s battery-powered sterilization control to determine whether the battery operation condition is satisfied by comparing a battery state of charge to a set threshold value, because Gutowski teaches using a threshold SOC comparison as an energy-availability entry condition to ensure sufficient electrical energy exists to complete a sanitization routine, and applying that same SOC-threshold comparison to Umenei’s UV sterilization apparatus would predictably prevent initiating or continuing sterilization when battery charge is insufficient, thereby avoiding incomplete sterilization cycles and undesired battery depletion.
Regarding Claim 6,
The combination of Umenei and Gutowski establishes the method of Claim 5, which is the basis for Claim 6.
Disclosure by Umenei
Umenei teaches:
wherein the comparing the state of charge of the battery with the set value,
See at least: "A battery backup 707 works back up the power management system in the event of power failure." ([0040])
Rationale: Umenei discloses a battery as part of its power management system but does not explicitly teach comparing its state of charge with a set value.
comprises:
See at least: "FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagram illustrating the disinfection processes used in the operation used in the dual mode disinfection system. The disinfection processes 800 starts 801 where a determination is made if the vehicle is occupied 803." ([0043])
Rationale: Umenei explicitly outlines a method that comprises a series of steps for its disinfection process, as illustrated in Figure 8.
terminating an operation of the sterilization apparatus,
See at least: "When occupied, the UV light sources are kept in an off or disabled state 921 and a timer is reset 923." ([0049]); and "If the vehicle is occupied, then the system is switched 805 solely to an air disinfection mode since exposure to UV- C rays within the vehicle cabin may be unwanted by human occupants." ([0043])
Rationale: Umenei teaches terminating an operation of the sterilization apparatus (specifically, the surface disinfection operation) by disabling UV light sources or switching to an air disinfection mode when a condition is not satisfied.
an operation of the sterilization apparatus;
See at least: "When occupied, the UV light sources are kept in an off or disabled state 921 and a timer is reset 923." ([0049]); and "If the vehicle is occupied, then the system is switched 805 solely to an air disinfection mode since exposure to UV- C rays within the vehicle cabin may be unwanted by human occupants." ([0043])
Rationale: Umenei teaches terminating an operation of the sterilization apparatus.
Claim limitations Not Explicitly Disclosed by Umenei
Umenei does not explicitly teach:
wherein the comparing the state of charge of the battery with the set value,
when the state of charge of the battery is equal to or lower than a first set value,
and setting an output-limit sterilization mode of the sterilization apparatus
when the state of charge of the battery is greater than the first set value
and is equal to or lower than a second set value.
Disclosure by Gutowski
Gutowski teaches:
wherein the comparing the state of charge of the battery with the set value,
See at least: "In electric vehicles, an electric heater additionally or alternatively may be used to generate heat for the sanitization routine. Thus, in such examples, the entry conditions may include the battery SOC being greater than a threshold SOC, the threshold SOC referring to a pre- calibrated non- zero SOC below which there may not be enough electrical energy to complete the sanitization routine." ([0081]); and "In some examples, the preconditioning may only be performed while the vehicle is receiving electrical power from the external power source, which may be used to power the electric heater instead of the energy storage device. In other examples, the preconditioning may also be performed while the vehicle is not receiving electrical power from the external power source, such as responsive to the SOC of the battery being greater than a second threshold SOC. The second threshold SOC may refer to a battery SOC below which the battery may not have enough charge to support vehicle usage following the preconditioning." ([0116])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches comparing the state of charge of the battery with set values (threshold SOC and second threshold SOC) as part of its sanitization mode entry conditions and preconditioning logic.
when the state of charge of the battery is equal to or lower than a first set value,
See at least: "the entry conditions may include the battery SOC being greater than a threshold SOC, the threshold SOC referring to a pre- calibrated non- zero SOC below which there may not be enough electrical energy to complete the sanitization routine." ([0081])
Rationale: Gutowski teaches that when the battery SOC is not greater than the threshold SOC (i.e., equal to or lower than the first set value), the entry condition is not met. A PHOSITA would understand that when this condition is not satisfied, the sanitization routine would not be initiated or would be terminated, as the system lacks sufficient energy to complete the operation.
and setting an output-limit sterilization mode of the sterilization apparatus
See at least: "In some examples, a modified version of the preconditioning may be performed when the vehicle is not receiving electrical power from the external power source, such as by raising the cabin temperature to a value that is a pre- defined amount less than the cabin preconditioning temperature set- point or performing the cabin temperature until the battery SOC decreases to a pre- set SOC." ([0116])
Rationale: Gutowski teaches setting a modified operational mode (preconditioning with reduced output) when battery conditions warrant energy conservation. A PHOSITA would recognize this as an output-limit mode—specifically, limiting the heating output to a reduced temperature set-point to conserve battery power. Applying this same principle to a sterilization apparatus, setting an output-limit sterilization mode (e.g., reduced UV intensity, shorter cycle, or selective surface coverage) when battery SOC is between thresholds would be a predictable implementation to complete a partial sterilization cycle when full power is unavailable.
when the state of charge of the battery is greater than the first set value
See at least: "the entry conditions may include the battery SOC being greater than a threshold SOC..." ([0081])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches that certain operations are permitted when the battery SOC is greater than a threshold SOC (first set value).
and is equal to or lower than a second set value.
See at least: "such as responsive to the SOC of the battery being greater than a second threshold SOC. The second threshold SOC may refer to a battery SOC below which the battery may not have enough charge to support vehicle usage following the preconditioning." ([0116])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches evaluating the battery SOC relative to a second threshold SOC. A PHOSITA would understand that this creates a range: SOC greater than the first threshold but not exceeding the second threshold defines an intermediate battery condition where modified operation (e.g., output-limited mode) is appropriate—sufficient power for partial operation but not enough for full operation while preserving post-operation battery reserve.
Motivation to Combine Umenei and Gutowski
Therefore, given the teachings as a whole, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having Umenei and Gutowski before them, to modify Umenei’s sterilization control such that the control unit uses the battery state-of-charge comparison to (i) terminate an operation of the sterilization apparatus when the state of charge of the battery is equal to or lower than a first set value, and (ii) set an output-limit sterilization mode of the sterilization apparatus when the state of charge of the battery is greater than the first set value and is equal to or lower than a second set value, because Gutowski teaches SOC-threshold-based sanitization entry/energy-availability gating and performing a modified, reduced-output operation to conserve battery energy, and applying that same threshold-based termination versus reduced-output mode selection to Umenei’s battery-powered UV sterilization yields the predictable result of preventing depletion at low SOC while still enabling a limited sterilization operation at intermediate SOC.
Regarding Claim 7,
The combination of Umenei and Gutowski establishes the method of Claim 1, which is the basis for Claim 7.
Disclosure by Umenei
Umenei teaches:
wherein the performing the vehicle interior sterilization using the sterilization apparatus,
See at least: "This allows the UV- C light rays 609, 611 to contact various high contact interior surfaces of the vehicle including but not limited to the steering wheel 613, seat 615 and/or center console 617." ([0034]); and "FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a device having a housing used in the system and method for dual mode disinfection as used in a vehicular interior." ([0030])
Rationale: Umenei teaches performing vehicle interior sterilization using its sterilization apparatus (the dual-mode disinfection device).
comprises
See at least: "FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagram illustrating the disinfection processes used in the operation used in the dual mode disinfection system. The disinfection processes 800 starts 801 where a determination is made if the vehicle is occupied 803." ([0043])
Rationale: Umenei explicitly outlines a method that comprises a series of steps for its disinfection process, as illustrated in Figure 8.
performing control,
See at least: "the UV light sources 701, motor 702 and door or shutter 709 are controlled by a multimode auto- configuration controller 711. The controller 711 controls motor actuation and speed and also works to open or close the shutter depending on whether ambient air or vehicular interior surfaces are to be disinfected." ([0040])
Rationale: Umenei teaches performing control of the sterilization apparatus via its controller 711, which adjusts operation based on various conditions.
for reducing an operating time of the sterilization apparatus or the amount of current applied to the light source unit,
See at least: "When the apparatus is in operation, a distinction must be made between two phases, namely the starting phase (with the ultraviolet lamp cold) and the regular operating phase." ([0061]); "Arranged in an axial bore in the underside of the thermal block 25 is a temperature sensor 28 which, like the drive 29 of the slide 22 and the fan 19, is connected operatively to a control and regulating device 30." ([0059])
Rationale: Umenei's detailed description of the lamp temperature control system (paragraphs [0054]-[0065]) demonstrate that Umenei teaches reducing operating parameters (cooling air flow, circulation paths) based on temperature sensing to maintain optimal lamp operation. A PHOSITA would recognize this as a form of reducing the effective operating output (analogous to reducing operating time or current) based on temperature conditions. Therefore, Umenei teaches controlling the sterilization apparatus based on temperature conditions to maintain proper operation, which inherently involves reducing or adjusting operational parameters (such as cooling) when temperature thresholds are exceeded.
by the control unit.
See at least: "the UV light sources 701, motor 702 and door or shutter 709 are controlled by a multimode auto- configuration controller 711. The controller 711 controls motor actuation and speed and also works to open or close the shutter depending on whether ambient air or vehicular interior surfaces are to be disinfected." ([0040]); and "Arranged in an axial bore in the underside of the thermal block 25 is a temperature sensor 28 which, like the drive 29 of the slide 22 and the fan 19, is connected operatively to a control and regulating device 30." ([0059])
Rationale: Umenei explicitly teaches that the control and regulation of sterilization operations, including those based on temperature sensing, are performed by a control unit (controller 711 or control and regulating device 30).
Claim limitations Not Explicitly Disclosed by Umenei
Umenei does not explicitly teach:
in a case where an interior temperature of the vehicle exceeds a first set temperature,
for reducing an operating time of the sterilization apparatus or the amount of current applied to the light source unit,
Disclosure by Gutowski
Gutowski teaches:
in a case where an interior temperature of the vehicle exceeds a first set temperature,
See at least: "operating a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to heat the interior above an upper threshold temperature for a first threshold duration." ([0004]); and "At 514, method 500 includes determining if the cabin temperature is greater than or equal to a first threshold temperature." ([0096]); and "The first threshold temperature is a non-zero, positive temperature value and represents the lowest temperature for performing heat sanitization. For example, when exposed to temperatures at or above the first threshold temperature, microbes are expected to be killed or deactivated." ([0096])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches monitoring the interior (cabin) temperature and comparing it to threshold temperatures (first threshold temperature, upper threshold temperature) as part of its sanitization control logic. The method determines when the interior temperature exceeds a set temperature threshold.
for reducing an operating time of the sterilization apparatus or the amount of current applied to the light source unit,
See at least: "At 518, method 500 includes determining if success conditions are met. As one example, it may be determined that the success conditions are met, and thus the decontamination is successful, responsive to the timer elapsing. Additionally or alternatively, it may be determined that the success conditions are met responsive to the cabin temperature remaining above the first threshold temperature for the first threshold duration." ([0103]); and "In some examples, the first threshold duration may be adjusted based on based on the cabin humidity and/or whether or not the UV lights are activated. For example, as the cabin humidity increases, the first threshold duration may decrease, as higher humidity may increase a rate at which sanitization occurs." ([0099])
Rationale: Gutowski teaches reducing the operating time of the sterilization apparatus (the first threshold duration can be decreased) based on environmental conditions (humidity). A PHOSITA would understand that the same principle of adjusting operational parameters applies to temperature conditions—when the interior temperature exceeds a first set temperature, the required sanitization time or intensity (current to the light source) can be reduced because higher temperatures contribute to the sterilization effect. This is a predictable application of Gutowski's teaching that operational parameters are adjusted based on sensed conditions to optimize the sanitization process.
Motivation to Combine Umenei and Gutowski
Therefore, given the teachings as a whole, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having Umenei and Gutowski before them, to modify Umenei’s performing control of the vehicle interior sterilization so that, in a case where an interior temperature of the vehicle exceeds a first set temperature, the control unit reduces an operating time of the sterilization apparatus or the amount of current applied to the light source unit, because Gutowski teaches cabin-temperature-threshold-based sanitization control and adjustment of sanitization duration based on sensed cabin conditions, and incorporating that temperature-threshold control into Umenei’s UV-based sterilization is a predictable, routine control optimization to maintain safe/efficient operation while achieving the intended sterilization result.
Regarding Claim 8,
The combination of Umenei and Gutowski establishes the method of Claim 1, which is the basis for Claim 8.
Disclosure by Umenei
Umenei teaches:
wherein the performing the vehicle interior sterilization using the sterilization apparatus,
See at least: "the UV light sources 701, motor 702 and door or shutter 709 are controlled by a multimode auto-configuration controller 711. The controller 711 controls motor actuation and speed and also works to open or close the shutter depending on whether ambient air or vehicular interior surfaces are to be disinfected." ([0040])
Rationale: Umenei expressly describes disinfecting "vehicular interior surfaces" using a system that includes UV light sources and associated components under control of the controller, which corresponds to performing the vehicle interior sterilization using the sterilization apparatus.
comprises
See at least: "FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagram illustrating the disinfection processes used in the operation used in the dual mode disinfection system. The disinfection processes 800 starts 801 where a determination is made if the vehicle is occupied 803." ([0043])
Rationale: Umenei expressly describes the disinfection process as a sequence of steps in a flowcharted "disinfection processes," which corresponds to the claimed comprises language introducing the recited control actions as part of the method.
or controlling the number of lighting times of each of the plurality of LEDs,
See at least: "A determination is then made if the vehicle is occupied 917. When occupied, the UV light sources are kept in an off or disabled state 921 and a timer is reset 923." ([0049]); "Once the time 839 is started and the vehicle is not occupied 841, the UV-C light remains on until a determination is made if the dosage is complete 843." ([0046])
Rationale: Umenei expressly teaches turning the UV light sources on and off (e.g., "kept in an off or disabled state" and "remains on until"), including timer-based control, which corresponds to controlling the number of lighting times (i.e., controlled on/off occurrences) for the light emitters used for sterilization.
by the control unit.
See at least: "the UV light sources 701, motor 702 and door or shutter 709 are controlled by a multimode auto-configuration controller 711." ([0040])
Rationale: Umenei expressly attributes control of the UV light sources to the "multimode auto-configuration controller 711," which corresponds to performing the recited control by the control unit.
Claim limitations Not Explicitly Disclosed by Umenei
Umenei does not explicitly teach:
controlling the amount of current applied from the battery to each of the plurality of LEDs that form the light source unit,
Disclosure by Gutowski
Gutowski teaches:
controlling the amount of current applied from the battery to each of the plurality of LEDs that form the light source unit,
See at least: "The vehicle includes a control system 190." ([0022]); "the vehicle includes … an energy storage device 212 …" ([0022]); "UV light sources 281 may include, for example, ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs), …" ([0025]); "the UV light sources 281 may be activated responsive to the occupancy sensors 216." ([0025])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches UV light sources that "may include … UV LEDs," and expressly teaches activation (i.e., control) of those UV light sources under the vehicle control system. Gutowski further expressly teaches the vehicle includes an "energy storage device," which a PHOSITA would understand as the vehicle battery. Accordingly, controlling activation and operation of UV LEDs in a vehicle environment inherently requires controlling the electrical drive applied from the vehicle's energy storage device (battery), i.e., controlling the amount of current applied from the battery to each of the plurality of LEDs that form the light source unit.
Motivation to Combine Umenei and Gutowski
Therefore, given the teachings as a whole, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having Umenei and Gutowski before them, to implement Umenei's controller-driven UV sterilization control using Gutowski's expressly disclosed UV LED light sources within a vehicle sanitizing architecture. Umenei teaches controller-based control of UV light sources including timed on/off operation during vehicle interior disinfection, while Gutowski teaches vehicle UV light sources that may be UV LEDs and that are activated under a vehicle control system powered by a vehicle energy storage device. A PHOSITA would have been motivated to combine these teachings to realize predictable results—namely, providing the same sterilization control functionality of Umenei using Gutowski's UV LED-based light sources and corresponding vehicle power/activation arrangement—thereby enabling controllable LED energization (including current drive from the vehicle energy storage device) and controlled lighting occurrences under control-unit governance.
Regarding Claim 9,
The combination of Umenei and Gutowski establishes the method of Claim 8, which is the basis for Claim 9.
Disclosure by Umenei
Umenei teaches:
wherein the control unit
See at least: “the multimode auto-configuration controller 711. The controller 711 controls motor actuation and speed and also works to open or close the shutter…” ([0040])
Rationale: Umenei discloses a controller (“controller 711”) that performs control functions, which corresponds to the control unit recited in the wherein clause.
performs control
See at least: “the HMI control system 400 … includes a plurality of UV sources 403 which are driven by one or more UV-C source drivers 405.”
Rationale: Umenei discloses a control system that drives UV sources via source drivers, which teaches that the control unit performs control.
for reducing the current
See at least: “the UV lamp energy is variable and directed to programmed surfaces.” ([0026])
Rationale: Umenei discloses variable UV lamp energy, which teaches control to reduce delivered power, including reducing current supplied by the UV-C source drivers to achieve reduced energy output.
applied to each of the LEDs
See at least: “Those skilled in the art will recognize that the UV light sources 403 may be … UV-C LED’s.” ([0026])
Rationale: Umenei explicitly discloses UV light sources that may be UV-C LEDs, and that these sources are driven by UV-C source drivers, which teaches current being applied to the LEDs.
positioned adjacent to the sterilization apparatus
See at least: “Mechanisms … can be used to control direction and position of the light sources and reflectors.” ([0026])
Rationale: Umenei discloses controlling the position of the light sources and reflectors, which teaches that the LEDs can be positioned relative to the sterilization apparatus, including positioned adjacent to the sterilization apparatus.
and increasing the current
See at least: “by locating UV sensors in the farthest reaching areas of the vehicle interior, UV-C intensity is detected and/or sensed allowing the UV-C light sources to be adjusted to a required dose.” ([0039])
Rationale: Umenei teaches adjusting UV-C light sources to a required dose based on sensed intensity in farthest reaching areas, which teaches increasing supplied drive (including increasing current via the UV-C source drivers) to increase dose where needed.
applied to each of the LEDs
See at least: “the HMI control system 400 … includes a plurality of UV sources 403 which are driven by one or more UV-C source drivers 405.” ([0026])
Rationale: Umenei discloses a plurality of UV sources driven by UV-C source drivers, which teaches applying controlled drive (including current) on a per-source basis across the plurality of LED sources.
that emits light of the interior of the vehicle
See at least: “ease of use of a vehicular disinfection system within the cabin interior …” ([0039])
Rationale: Umenei discloses a vehicular disinfection system within the cabin interior, which teaches LEDs emitting light for the interior of the vehicle.
positioned relatively far from the sterilization apparatus
See at least: “by locating UV sensors in the farthest reaching areas of the vehicle interior … allowing the UV-C light sources to be adjusted to a required dose.” ([0039])
Rationale: Umenei explicitly discloses farthest reaching areas of the vehicle interior used for sensing and adjustment, which teaches LEDs/light-source control for portions of the interior positioned relatively far from the sterilization apparatus.
Motivation to Combine Umenei and Gutowski
Therefore, given the teachings as a whole, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having Umenei and Gutowski before them, to implement Umenei’s variable-intensity / variable-distribution UV source driving and “adjusted to a required dose” control within Gutowski’s vehicle sanitizing operating context established for Claim 8, because both references are directed to vehicle interior sanitizing/sterilizing systems and because applying known UV source-driver control (including selectively reducing and increasing drive/current to different UV-C LED sources based on spatial dose needs across the vehicle interior) is a predictable use of prior art elements according to their established functions to achieve the predictable result of maintaining a target dose profile across near and far interior regions.
Regarding Claim 10,
The combination of Umenei and Gutowski establishes the method of Claim 1, which is the basis for Claim 10.
Disclosure by Umenei
Umenei teaches:
wherein in the determining whether the sterilization precondition for the vehicle is satisfied,
See at least: "A determination is made if the vehicle is occupied 803. If the vehicle is occupied, then the system is switched 805 solely to an air disinfection mode since exposure to UV- C rays within the vehicle cabin may be unwanted by human occupants." ([0043]); and "In the event the vehicle is not occupied, the system can be switched to surface disinfection mode 829." ([0045])
Rationale: Umenei teaches determining whether a sterilization precondition is satisfied, specifically whether the vehicle is occupied, as part of the precondition evaluation for surface disinfection.
the control unit determines,
See at least: "the UV light sources 701, motor 702 and door or shutter 709 are controlled by a multimode auto- configuration controller 711. The controller 711 controls motor actuation and speed and also works to open or close the shutter depending on whether ambient air or vehicular interior surfaces are to be disinfected." ([0040])
Rationale: *Umenei expressly teaches that determinations and control steps are performed by a control unit (the multimode auto-configuration controller 711).*
when the sterilization precondition is satisfied,
See at least: "In the event the vehicle is not occupied, the system can be switched to surface disinfection mode 829." ([0045])
Rationale: Umenei expressly teaches that the determination to switch to surface disinfection mode occurs when the sterilization precondition (vehicle not occupied) is satisfied.
Claim limitations Not Explicitly Disclosed by Umenei
Umenei does not explicitly teach:
and the user sterilization request signal is received,
whether the user sterilization request signal is received through an external manipulation unit.
Disclosure by Gutowski
Gutowski teaches:
and the user sterilization request signal is received,
See at least: "responsive to receiving a request for cleaning an interior of a vehicle, activating an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) system and operating a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to heat the interior above an upper threshold temperature for a first threshold duration." ([0004]); and "At 504, method 500 includes determining if the vehicle sanitizing mode is requested. The vehicle sanitizing mode may be requested by a vehicle operator (e.g., a user) via an input device, such as via an HMI (e.g., HMI 196 of FIG. 1), cruise control buttons (e.g., cruise control buttons 134 of FIG. 1), a smartphone app, hard/soft buttons, key fob buttons (e.g., key fob 195 of FIGS. 1 and 2), electronic door keypad buttons, or a pre- programmed combination of such inputs." ([0076])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches receiving a user sterilization request signal, describing it as a "request for cleaning" that is "received" and can be "requested by a vehicle operator (e.g., a user) via an input device."
whether the user sterilization request signal is received through an external manipulation unit.
See at least: "control system 190 may receive wireless signals from a key fob 195 having a remote start button 105." ([0032]); and "the vehicle sanitizing mode may be requested by a vehicle operator (e.g., a user) via an input device, such as via an HMI (e.g., HMI 196 of FIG. 1), cruise control buttons (e.g., cruise control buttons 134 of FIG. 1), a smartphone app, hard/soft buttons, key fob buttons (e.g., key fob 195 of FIGS. 1 and 2) , electronic door keypad buttons, or a pre- programmed combination of such inputs." ([0076]); and "the user input may be received via a user interface communicatively coupled with the control system, such as a HMI of the vehicle (e.g., HMI 196 of FIG. 2) or a remote device (e.g., smartphone 295 of FIG. 2)." ([0116])
Rationale: Gutowski expressly teaches that the user sterilization request signal is received through external manipulation units, including a key fob (with remote start button), a smartphone app, and other remote devices. A PHOSITA would understand these as external manipulation units—devices physically separate from the vehicle that a user manipulates to send a request signal to the vehicle's control system.
Motivation to Combine Umenei and Gutowski
Therefore, given the teachings as a whole, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, having Umenei and Gutowski before them, to modify Umenei’s control-unit-based precondition determination so that, when the sterilization precondition is satisfied and the user sterilization request signal is received, the control unit additionally determines whether the user sterilization request signal is received through an external manipulation unit, because Gutowski teaches initiating a vehicle sanitizing/cleaning routine in response to a user request provided via user-manipulated input devices (including remote devices such as a key fob and smartphone app), and incorporating that request-input pathway into Umenei’s vehicle sterilization control is a predictable integration of known user-command interfaces to enable user-triggered activation and source-identification of the request signal.
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Conclusion
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/OLUWABUSAYO ADEBANJO AWORUNSE/Examiner, Art Unit 3662
/JELANI A SMITH/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3662