DETAILED ACTION
This Office Action has been issued in response to Applicant's Amendment filed June 29, 2026.
Claim 8 has been amended. Claims 21-23 have been added. Claims 11-13 have been cancelled. Claims 1-10 and 14-20 have been examined and are pending.
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed June 29, 2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Applicant argues that Takemori does not disclose matching a sender number. Paragraph [0138] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 604 of the second arithmetic processing device 600 verifies the response K_mac_gen (random number c) received. Where verifying the response indicates a match in the sender.
Applicant argues Takemori does not disclose an authentication key information request. Paragraphs [0148] and [0149] of Takemori discloses Step S19 the first arithmetic processing device 500 transmits the response K_mac_gen (random number s) received from the second arithmetic processing device 600 to the server device 2000. Paragraphs [0150] and [0151] of Takemori disclose Step S20 The authentication processing unit 18 of the server device 2000 verifies the response K_mac_gen (random number s) received from the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001. Paragraphs [0157]-[0160] of Takemori disclose Step S21 The key transmission/reception unit 16 of the server device 2000 generates a session key K_com. Step S22 The key transmission/reception unit 16 transmits the encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001. The message in S19 is the direct cause of the reception of the key in S22.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101
In view of applicant’s amendments the pending claim rejections under 35 USC § 101 have been withdrawn.
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.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 1, 3-10, and 14-21 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US Pub. No. 2019/0238325 to Takemori et al. (hereinafter “Takemori”) and further in view of US Pub. No. 2020/0012281 to Jaegal et al. (hereinafter “Jaegal”).
As to Claim 1, Takemori discloses a vehicle terminal comprising: a communication device configured to communicate with a server; and a processor configured to:
receive, [from the server], authentication key configuration information associated with a first sender number (Paragraph [0231] of Takemori discloses the second arithmetic processing device 600 may stores the MAC key K_mac_gen and the ENC key K_enc_gen generated by an external device without storing the master key Master_Secret);
send, to the server and after receiving the configuration information, an authentication key authentication key issuance request (Paragraph [0126] of Takemori discloses the first arithmetic processing device 500 transmits a challenge (random number c) and the vehicle identification number VIN of the automobile 1001 to the server device 2000);
receive, from the server, an encrypted message, wherein the encrypted message comprises a first remote service request message associated with a second sender number (Paragraph [0131] of Takemori discloses the response K_mac_gen (random number c) is encryption data obtained by encrypting the random number c with the MAC key K_mac_gen. Paragraph [0134] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 18 of the server device 2000 transmits a challenge (random number s) and the response K_mac_gen (random number c) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001);
send, to the server and based on the second sender number associated with the first remote service request message matching the first sender number associated with the authentication key configuration information, an authentication key information request (Paragraph [0138] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 604 of the second arithmetic processing device 600 verifies the response K_mac_gen (random number c) received. Paragraph [0149] of Takemori discloses the first arithmetic processing device 500 transmits the response K_mac_gen (random number s) received from the second arithmetic processing device 600 to the server device 2000);
receive, from the server, authentication key information (Paragraph [0160] of Takemori disclose The key transmission/reception unit 16 of the server device 2000 encrypts the session key K_com with the ENC key K_enc_gen stored in the storage unit 12 and generates an encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com). The key transmission/reception unit 16 transmits the encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001); and
cause, based on the authentication key information, communication between the communication device and the server (Paragraph [0169] of Takemori discloses an encryption communication path which uses the session key K_com is established between the communication unit 11 of the server device 2000 and the communication unit 501 of the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001).
Takemori does not explicitly disclose from the server.
However, Jaegal discloses this. Paragraph [0017] of Jaegal discloses receiving information on the drone selected by the server; and receiving an authentication key that is generated by the server to connect the drone and the vehicle.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the invention to combine the communication setup system as disclosed by Takemori, with receiving information from the server as disclosed by Jaegal. One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine to apply a known technique to a known device ready for improvement to yield predictable results. Takemori and Jaegal are directed toward communication setup systems and as such it would be obvious to use the techniques of one in the other. Paragraph [0231] of Takemori discloses the second arithmetic processing device 600 may stores the MAC key K_mac_gen and the ENC key K_enc_gen generated by an external device without storing the master key Master_Secret. Takemori discloses receiving the information from an external device and Jaegal discloses such an external device is known to be a server.
As to Claim 3, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the vehicle terminal of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to receive the authentication key configuration information by:
sending, to the server, a service activation request (Paragraph [0013] of Jaegal discloses transmitting a driving assistance request to a server); and
receiving the authentication key configuration information in response to the service activation request (Paragraph [0017] of Jaegal discloses receiving information on the drone selected by the server; and receiving an authentication key that is generated by the server to connect the drone and the vehicle. Paragraph [0231] of Takemori discloses the second arithmetic processing device 600 may stores the MAC key K_mac_gen and the ENC key K_enc_gen generated by an external device without storing the master key Master_Secret).
Examiner recites the same rationale to combine used for claim 1.
As to Claim 4, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the vehicle terminal of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to send the authentication key information request by: sending, based on the second sender number associated with the first remote service request message matching the first sender number associated with the authentication key configuration information, a request for content of the first remote service request message; receiving, from the server, an authentication key storage request message; and sending, to the server and after receiving the sending, to the authentication key storage request message, the authentication key information request (Paragraph [0138] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 604 of the second arithmetic processing device 600 verifies the response K_mac_gen (random number c) received. Paragraph [0149] of Takemori discloses the first arithmetic processing device 500 transmits the response K_mac_gen (random number s) received from the second arithmetic processing device 600 to the server device 2000. Paragraph [0160] of Takemori disclose The key transmission/reception unit 16 of the server device 2000 encrypts the session key K_com with the ENC key K_enc_gen stored in the storage unit 12 and generates an encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com). The key transmission/reception unit 16 transmits the encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001).
As to Claim 5, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the vehicle terminal of claim 1, wherein the authentication key configuration information comprises an indication of an authentication key renewal period, and wherein the processor is further configured to: send, to the server and based on the authentication key renewal period, an authentication key renewal request; and receive, from the server, a renewal authentication key in response to the authentication key renewal request (Paragraph [0018] of Jaegal discloses the authentication key may be valid only before a preset valid time expires since a generation timing of the authentication key. Paragraph [0019] of Jaegal discloses when a valid time of the authentication key expires, the vehicle may request update of the authentication key from the server and receives a re-generated authentication key from the server).
Examiner recites the same rationale to combine used for claim 1.
As to Claim 6, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the vehicle terminal of claim 5, wherein the processor is further configured to: receive, from the server and after sending the authentication key renewal request, a second encrypted message comprising a second remote service request message associated with a third sender number; and send, based on the third sender number associated with the second remote service request message matching the first sender number associated with the authentication key configuration information, an authentication key information renewal request (Paragraph [0019] of Jaegal discloses when a valid time of the authentication key expires, the vehicle may request update of the authentication key from the server and receives a re-generated authentication key from the server. Paragraph [0138] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 604 of the second arithmetic processing device 600 verifies the response K_mac_gen (random number c) received. Paragraph [0149] of Takemori discloses the first arithmetic processing device 500 transmits the response K_mac_gen (random number s) received from the second arithmetic processing device 600 to the server device 2000. Paragraph [0160] of Takemori disclose The key transmission/reception unit 16 of the server device 2000 encrypts the session key K_com with the ENC key K_enc_gen stored in the storage unit 12 and generates an encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com). The key transmission/reception unit 16 transmits the encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001).
Examiner recites the same rationale to combine used for claim 1.
As to Claim 7, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the vehicle terminal of claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to send the authentication key information renewal request by: sending, to the server and based on the third sender number associated with the second remote service request message matching the sender number associated with the first authentication key configuration information, a request for content of the second remote service request message; receiving, from the server, an authentication key renewal request message; and sending, to the server and after receiving the authentication key renewal request message, the authentication key information renewal request (Paragraph [0019] of Jaegal discloses when a valid time of the authentication key expires, the vehicle may request update of the authentication key from the server and receives a re-generated authentication key from the server. Paragraph [0138] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 604 of the second arithmetic processing device 600 verifies the response K_mac_gen (random number c) received. Paragraph [0149] of Takemori discloses the first arithmetic processing device 500 transmits the response K_mac_gen (random number s) received from the second arithmetic processing device 600 to the server device 2000. Paragraph [0160] of Takemori disclose The key transmission/reception unit 16 of the server device 2000 encrypts the session key K_com with the ENC key K_enc_gen stored in the storage unit 12 and generates an encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com). The key transmission/reception unit 16 transmits the encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001).
Examiner recites the same rationale to combine used for claim 1.
As to Claim 8, Takemori discloses a system comprising: a server; and a vehicle terminal comprising a processors and a memory storing instructions, wherein the server is configured to:
send, to the vehicle terminal, authentication key configuration information associated with a first sender number (Paragraph [0231] of Takemori discloses the second arithmetic processing device 600 may stores the MAC key K_mac_gen and the ENC key K_enc_gen generated by an external device without storing the master key Master_Secret);
send, in response to an authentication key issuance request from the vehicle terminal, an encrypted message, wherein the encrypted message comprises a first remote service request message associated with a second sender number (Paragraph [0131] of Takemori discloses the response K_mac_gen (random number c) is encryption data obtained by encrypting the random number c with the MAC key K_mac_gen. Paragraph [0134] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 18 of the server device 2000 transmits a challenge (random number s) and the response K_mac_gen (random number c) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001); and
send, to the vehicle terminal and after receiving an authentication key information request, an authentication key (Paragraph [0160] of Takemori disclose The key transmission/reception unit 16 of the server device 2000 encrypts the session key K_com with the ENC key K_enc_gen stored in the storage unit 12 and generates an encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com). The key transmission/reception unit 16 transmits the encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001), and wherein the instructions are configured to be executed by the processors to cause the vehicle terminal to:
send, to the server and after receiving the authentication key configuration information, the authentication key issuance request (Paragraph [0126] of Takemori discloses the first arithmetic processing device 500 transmits a challenge (random number c) and the vehicle identification number VIN of the automobile 1001 to the server device 2000);
receive, from the server and after sending the authentication key issuance request, the encrypted message (Paragraph [0131] of Takemori discloses the response K_mac_gen (random number c) is encryption data obtained by encrypting the random number c with the MAC key K_mac_gen. Paragraph [0134] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 18 of the server device 2000 transmits a challenge (random number s) and the response K_mac_gen (random number c) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001);
send, to the server and based on the second sender number associated with the first remote service request message matching the first sender number associated with the authentication key configuration information, the authentication key information request (Paragraph [0138] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 604 of the second arithmetic processing device 600 verifies the response K_mac_gen (random number c) received. Paragraph [0149] of Takemori discloses the first arithmetic processing device 500 transmits the response K_mac_gen (random number s) received from the second arithmetic processing device 600 to the server device 2000);
receive, from the server, authentication key information (Paragraph [0160] of Takemori disclose The key transmission/reception unit 16 of the server device 2000 encrypts the session key K_com with the ENC key K_enc_gen stored in the storage unit 12 and generates an encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com). The key transmission/reception unit 16 transmits the encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001); and
using the authentication key information, communicate with the server (Paragraph [0169] of Takemori discloses an encryption communication path which uses the session key K_com is established between the communication unit 11 of the server device 2000 and the communication unit 501 of the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001).
Takemori does not explicitly disclose the server sending configuration information.
However, Jaegal discloses this. Paragraph [0017] of Jaegal discloses receiving information on the drone selected by the server; and receiving an authentication key that is generated by the server to connect the drone and the vehicle.
Examiner recites the same rationale to combine used for claim 1.
As to Claim 9, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the system of claim 8, wherein the vehicle terminal is further configured to: send, to the server, a service activation request (Paragraph [0013] of Jaegal discloses transmitting a driving assistance request to a server), and wherein the server is configured to send the authentication key configuration information in response to the service activation request (Paragraph [0017] of Jaegal discloses receiving information on the drone selected by the server; and receiving an authentication key that is generated by the server to connect the drone and the vehicle. Paragraph [0231] of Takemori discloses the second arithmetic processing device 600 may stores the MAC key K_mac_gen and the ENC key K_enc_gen generated by an external device without storing the master key Master_Secret).
Examiner recites the same rationale to combine used for claim 1.
As to Claim 10, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the system of claim 8, wherein the vehicle terminal is configured to send the authentication key information request by: sending, based on the second sender number associated with the first remote service request message matching the first sender number associated with the authentication key configuration information, a request for content of the first remote service request message; and receiving, from the server, an authentication key storage request message; and sending, to the server and after receiving the authentication key storage request message the authentication key information request (Paragraph [0138] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 604 of the second arithmetic processing device 600 verifies the response K_mac_gen (random number c) received. Paragraph [0149] of Takemori discloses the first arithmetic processing device 500 transmits the response K_mac_gen (random number s) received from the second arithmetic processing device 600 to the server device 2000. Paragraph [0160] of Takemori disclose The key transmission/reception unit 16 of the server device 2000 encrypts the session key K_com with the ENC key K_enc_gen stored in the storage unit 12 and generates an encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com). The key transmission/reception unit 16 transmits the encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001).
As to Claim 14, Takemori discloses a method performed by a vehicle terminal, the method comprising:
receiving, [from a server], authentication key configuration information associated with a first sender number (Paragraph [0231] of Takemori discloses the second arithmetic processing device 600 may stores the MAC key K_mac_gen and the ENC key K_enc_gen generated by an external device without storing the master key Master_Secret);
sending, to the server and after receiving the authentication key configuration information, an authentication key issuance request (Paragraph [0126] of Takemori discloses the first arithmetic processing device 500 transmits a challenge (random number c) and the vehicle identification number VIN of the automobile 1001 to the server device 2000);
receiving, from the server, an encrypted message, wherein the encrypted message comprises a first remote service request message associated with a second sender number (Paragraph [0131] of Takemori discloses the response K_mac_gen (random number c) is encryption data obtained by encrypting the random number c with the MAC key K_mac_gen. Paragraph [0134] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 18 of the server device 2000 transmits a challenge (random number s) and the response K_mac_gen (random number c) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001);
sending, to the server and based on the second sender number associated with the first remote service request message matching the first sender number associated with the authentication key configuration information, an authentication key information request (Paragraph [0138] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 604 of the second arithmetic processing device 600 verifies the response K_mac_gen (random number c) received. Paragraph [0149] of Takemori discloses the first arithmetic processing device 500 transmits the response K_mac_gen (random number s) received from the second arithmetic processing device 600 to the server device 2000);
receiving, from the server, authentication key information (Paragraph [0160] of Takemori disclose The key transmission/reception unit 16 of the server device 2000 encrypts the session key K_com with the ENC key K_enc_gen stored in the storage unit 12 and generates an encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com). The key transmission/reception unit 16 transmits the encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001); and
using the authentication key information, communicating with the server (Paragraph [0169] of Takemori discloses an encryption communication path which uses the session key K_com is established between the communication unit 11 of the server device 2000 and the communication unit 501 of the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001).
Takemori does not explicitly disclose from the server.
However, Jaegal discloses this. Paragraph [0017] of Jaegal discloses receiving information on the drone selected by the server; and receiving an authentication key that is generated by the server to connect the drone and the vehicle.
Examiner recites the same rationale to combine used for claim 1.
As to Claim 15, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the method of claim 14, further comprising: before receiving the authentication key configuration information, sending, to the server, a service activation request (Paragraph [0013] of Jaegal discloses transmitting a driving assistance request to a server).
Examiner recites the same rationale to combine used for claim 1.
As to Claim 16, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the method of claim 14, wherein the sending of the authentication key information request comprises: sending, based on the second sender number associated with the first remote service request message matching the first sender number associated with the authentication key configuration information, a request for content of the first remote service request message; and receiving, from the server, an authentication key storage request message; and sending, to the server and after receiving the authentication key storage request message, the authentication key information request (Paragraph [0138] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 604 of the second arithmetic processing device 600 verifies the response K_mac_gen (random number c) received. Paragraph [0149] of Takemori discloses the first arithmetic processing device 500 transmits the response K_mac_gen (random number s) received from the second arithmetic processing device 600 to the server device 2000. Paragraph [0160] of Takemori disclose The key transmission/reception unit 16 of the server device 2000 encrypts the session key K_com with the ENC key K_enc_gen stored in the storage unit 12 and generates an encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com). The key transmission/reception unit 16 transmits the encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001).
As to Claim 17, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the method of claim 14, wherein the authentication key configuration information comprises an indication of an authentication key renewal period, and wherein the method further comprises: sending, to the server and based on the authentication key renewal period, an authentication key renewal request; and receiving, from the server, a renewal authentication key in response to the authentication key renewal request (Paragraph [0018] of Jaegal discloses the authentication key may be valid only before a preset valid time expires since a generation timing of the authentication key. Paragraph [0019] of Jaegal discloses when a valid time of the authentication key expires, the vehicle may request update of the authentication key from the server and receives a re-generated authentication key from the server).
Examiner recites the same rationale to combine used for claim 1.
As to Claim 18, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the method of claim 17, further comprising: receiving, from the server and after sending the authentication key renewal request, a second encrypted message comprising a second remote service request message associated with a third sender number; and sending, based on the third sender number associated with the second remote service request message matching the first sender number associated with the authentication key configuration information, an authentication key information renewal request (Paragraph [0019] of Jaegal discloses when a valid time of the authentication key expires, the vehicle may request update of the authentication key from the server and receives a re-generated authentication key from the server. Paragraph [0138] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 604 of the second arithmetic processing device 600 verifies the response K_mac_gen (random number c) received. Paragraph [0149] of Takemori discloses the first arithmetic processing device 500 transmits the response K_mac_gen (random number s) received from the second arithmetic processing device 600 to the server device 2000. Paragraph [0160] of Takemori disclose The key transmission/reception unit 16 of the server device 2000 encrypts the session key K_com with the ENC key K_enc_gen stored in the storage unit 12 and generates an encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com). The key transmission/reception unit 16 transmits the encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001).
Examiner recites the same rationale to combine used for claim 1.
As to Claim 19, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the method of claim 18, wherein the sending of the authentication key information renewal request comprises: sending, to the server and based on the third sender number associated with the second remote service request message matching the first sender number associated with the authentication key configuration information, a request for content of the second remote service request message; receiving, from the server, an authentication key renewal request message; and sending, to the server and after receiving the authentication key renewal request message, the authentication key information renewal request (Paragraph [0019] of Jaegal discloses when a valid time of the authentication key expires, the vehicle may request update of the authentication key from the server and receives a re-generated authentication key from the server. Paragraph [0138] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 604 of the second arithmetic processing device 600 verifies the response K_mac_gen (random number c) received. Paragraph [0149] of Takemori discloses the first arithmetic processing device 500 transmits the response K_mac_gen (random number s) received from the second arithmetic processing device 600 to the server device 2000. Paragraph [0160] of Takemori disclose The key transmission/reception unit 16 of the server device 2000 encrypts the session key K_com with the ENC key K_enc_gen stored in the storage unit 12 and generates an encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com). The key transmission/reception unit 16 transmits the encryption session key K_enc_gen (K_com) to the first arithmetic processing device 500 of the automobile 1001).
Examiner recites the same rationale to combine used for claim 1.
As to Claim 20, Takemori-Jaegal discloses a vehicle comprising: a power source configured to provide power for a driving operation of the vehicle; and the vehicle terminal of claim 1 (Examiner recites the same rational provided for claim 1).
As to Claim 21, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the vehicle terminal of claim 1, wherein the authentication key configuration information further comprises at least one of a number of retries for authentication key issuance against failure, an interval of retries for authentication key issuance against failure, or an authentication key issuance request timeout duration (Paragraph [0204] of Jaegal discloses the authentication key may be valid before a preset time expires after a generation timing of the authentication key. When a valid period of the authentication key ends, the controller may request update of the authentication key from the server 20 and receive a re-generated authentication key from the server 20).
Examiner recites the same rationale to combine used for claim 1.
Claim 2 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Takemori-Jaegal and further in view of US Pat. No. 11769577 to Dods et al. (hereinafter “Dods”).
As to Claim 2, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the vehicle terminal of claim 1. Takemori-Jaegal does not explicitly disclose wherein the encrypted message is an encrypted Short Message Service (SMS) message.
However, this would have been obvious in view of Dods. Column 8 lines 40-45 of Dods disclose a request to authenticate the user of device 122 with the multi-organizational system 100B of FIG. 1B. In implementations, this request can be Email as the vehicle for sending this request, however other channels of Networks 101, e.g., SMS, HTTPS, etc. are also available.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the invention to combine the communication setup system as disclosed by Takemori, with using SMS as disclosed by Dods. One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine to apply a known technique to a known device ready for improvement to yield predictable results. Takemori and Dods are directed toward communication setup systems and as such it would be obvious to use the techniques of one in the other. Paragraph [0102] of Takemori discloses the server device 2000 and the first arithmetic processing device 500 may perform hypertext transfer protocol secure (https) communication as an example of the encryption communication path. Column 8 lines 40-45 of Dods disclose a request to authenticate the user of device 122 with the multi-organizational system 100B of FIG. 1B. In implementations, this request can be Email as the vehicle for sending this request, however other channels of Networks 101, e.g., SMS, HTTPS, etc. are also available. Takemori discloses using HTTPs and Dods discloses SMS as a known alternative.
Claims 22 and 23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Takemori-Jaegal and further in view of US Pat. No. 8387141 to Zhukov et al. (hereinafter “Zhukov”).
As to Claim 22, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the vehicle terminal of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to decrypt the encrypted message [in response to the second sender number matching the first sender number, and wherein the first sender number is associated with a phone number] (Paragraph [0140] of Takemori discloses the authentication processing unit 604 may decrypt the response K_mac_gen (random number c) received from the first arithmetic processing device 500 with the MAC key K_mac_gen stored in the storage unit 602 and may compare the decryption result with the challenge (random number c) received from the first arithmetic processing device 500).
Takemori-Jaegal does not explicitly disclose in response to the second sender number matching the first sender number, and wherein the first sender number is associated with a phone number.
However, Zhukov discloses this. Column 8 lines 30-35 of Zhukov disclose the process checks if the pair "sender-SMSC" is in a trusted list in step 412. The trusted list is typically maintained and kept up to date by the software vendor, and is updated periodically on the user's side.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the invention to combine the secure communication setup system as disclosed by Takemori, with matching phone numbers as disclosed by Zhukov. One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine to apply a known technique to a known device ready for improvement to yield predictable results. Takemori and Zhukov are directed toward security systems and as such it would be obvious to use the techniques of one in the other. Implementing the techniques of Zhukov would improve the security of Takemori.
As to Claim 23, Takemori-Jaegal discloses the vehicle terminal of claim 1. Takemori-Jaegal does not explicitly disclose wherein the processor is further configured to receive, from the server and after sending the authentication key issuance request, an acknowledgment signal, and wherein the encrypted message is received after the acknowledgment signal.
However, Zhukov discloses this. Column 21 lines 10-15 of Zhukov disclose allows the mobile device 59 to synchronize with a host device using one or more protocols, such as, for example, the TCP/IP, HTTP, UDP and any other known protocol. Where TCP is a protocol that requires ACKs.
Examiner recites the same rationale to combine used for claim 22.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). 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 nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) 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 Kevin S Mai whose telephone number is (571)270-5001. The examiner can normally be reached Monday to Friday 9AM to 5PM.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Philip Chea can be reached at 5712723951. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/KEVIN S MAI/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2499
Prosecution Insights