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 .
DETAILED ACTION
Introduction
This action responds to the application 18/944,837 filed on 12-11-2024. Claims 1-15 are pending.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
3. In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
4. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
5. Claims 1-9 and 11-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102a (2) as being anticipated by Kim (US 2023/0209255)
Consider Claim 1, Kim teaches an electronic apparatus(see fig. 4) comprising: memory storing one or more instructions; a communication interface; and at least one processor operatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute the one or more instructions stored in the memory, wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (see figs. 1-6 and paragraphs[0079]-[0088]),
cause the electronic apparatus (see fig. 1)to: identify a second location of a user with reference to a first location of the electronic apparatus (see figs. 1-6 and paragraphs[0066]-[0098]);
identify(see figs. 6-9) one or more terminal devices connectable to the electronic apparatus; identify a target location to place the one or more terminal devices based on the first location, the second location, and the one or more terminal devices(see figs. 1-9 and paragraphs[0109]-[0137]); and
transmit(see figs. 6-21), to the one or more terminal devices, one or more communication packets comprising guide information to guide placement of the one or more terminal devices on the target location(see figs. 6-21 and paragraphs[0143]-[0179]).
Consider Claims 2 and 3, Kim teaches The electronic apparatus further comprising: a projector configured to output a projection image, wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: based on the one or more terminal devices being placed on the target location, control the communication interface to transmit, to the one or more terminal devices, audio information comprising an audio signal that is output from the one or more terminal devices; and control the projector to output the projection image corresponding to the audio signal. (see figs. 6-21 and paragraphs[0143]-[0179]); and the electronic apparatus wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: based on the one or more terminal devices being placed on the target location, control the communication interface to transmit, to the one or more terminal devices, the audio information comprising the audio signal and audio setting that causes the one or more terminal devices to output the audio signal at a preset audio volume(see figs. 1-9 and paragraphs[0109]-[0137]).
Consider Claim 4, Kim teaches the electronic further comprising: a microphone, wherein the preset audio volume is a first audio volume; wherein the audio setting is a first audio setting; wherein the audio information is first audio information; and wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: obtain audio data recording the audio signal output from the one or more terminal devices through the microphone; change the first audio volume to a second audio volume based on the audio data; and control the communication interface to transmit, to the one or more terminal devices, second audio information comprising a second audio setting that causes the one or more terminal devices to output the audio signal at a second audio volume(see figs. 6-21 and paragraphs[0143]-[0179])..
Consider Claims 5 and 6, Kim teaches the electronic apparatus further comprising: a microphone, wherein the target location is a first target location; wherein the guide information is first guide information; and wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: obtain audio data recording the audio signal output from the one or more terminal devices through the microphone; change the first target location to a second target location based on the audio data; and transmit, to the one or more terminal devices, one or more communication packets comprising second guide information to guide the one or more terminal devices to be placed on the second target location. (see figs. 6-21 and paragraphs[0143]-[0179]); and the electronic apparatus wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: based on there being one terminal device, identify an imaginary first straight line connecting the second location and the first location; and identify a location distant from the second location by a first distance between the first location and the second location within the imaginary first straight line as a target location(see figs. 1-9 and paragraphs[0109]-[0137])..
Consider Claims 7 and 8, Kim teaches the electronic apparatus wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: identify, with reference to the first location, a third location of a projection area to output a projection image; and based on there being a plurality of candidate locations distant from the second location by the first distance within the imaginary first straight line, identify, as the target location, a candidate location having a distance that is farthest from the third location among the plurality of candidate locations(see figs. 6-21 and paragraphs[0143]-[0179]); and the electronic apparatus wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: based on there being two terminal devices, identify an imaginary first straight line connecting the second location and the first location; identify an imaginary second straight line perpendicular to the imaginary first straight line; and identify a plurality of locations distant from the second location by a first distance between the first location and the second location within the imaginary second straight line as target locations(see figs. 6-21 and paragraphs[0143]-[0179]).
Consider Claim 9, Kim teaches the electronic apparatus wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: generate an audio signal corresponding to the target location; and control the communication interface to transmit, to the one or more terminal devices, audio information comprising the audio signal, wherein the audio signal is a multi-channel audio signal(see figs. 6-21 and paragraphs[0143]-[0179]).
Consider Claim 11, Kim teaches a controlling method of an electronic apparatus(see fig. 1), the method comprising:
Identifying(see figs. 1-9) a second location of a user with reference to a first location of the electronic apparatus; identifying one or more terminal devices connectable to the electronic apparatus(see figs. 1-6 and paragraphs[0066]-[0098]);
identifying(see figs. 6-9) a target location to place the terminal devices based on the first location, the second location and the one or more terminal devices( see figs. 1-9 and paragraphs[0109]-[0137]); and
transmitting(see figs. 6-21), to the one or more terminal devices, one or more communication packets comprising guide information to guide placement of the one or more terminal devices on the target location(see figs. 6-21 and paragraphs[0143]-[0179]).
Consider Claims 12 and 13, Kim teaches the method further comprising: based on the one or more terminal devices being placed on the target location, transmitting, to the one or more terminal devices, audio information comprising an audio signal that is output from the one or more terminal devices; and outputting a projection image corresponding to the audio signal(see figs. 6-21 and paragraphs[0143]-[0179]); and the method wherein the transmitting the audio information comprises: based on the one or more terminal devices being placed on the target location, transmitting, to the one or more terminal devices, the audio information comprising the audio signal and audio setting to output the audio signal at a preset audio volume. (see figs. 6-21 and paragraphs[0143]-[0179]).
Consider Claims 14 and 15, Kim teaches the method as claimed wherein the preset audio volume is a first audio volume; wherein the audio setting is a first audio setting; wherein the audio information is first audio information; and wherein the controlling method comprises: obtaining audio data recording the audio signal output from the one or more terminal devices; changing the first audio volume to a second audio volume based on the audio data; and transmitting, to the one or more terminal devices, second audio information including second audio setting that causes one or more terminal devices to output the audio signal at a second audio volume(see figs. 6-21 and paragraphs[0143]-[0179]); and the method wherein the target location is a first target location; wherein the guide information is first guide information; and wherein the controlling method comprises: obtaining audio data recording the audio signal output from the one or more terminal devices; changing the first target location to a second target location based on the audio data; and transmitting, to the one or more terminal devices, one or more communication packets comprising second guide information to guide the one or more terminal devices to be placed on the second target location( see figs. 1-9 and paragraphs[0109]-[0137]).
6. Claims 1-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102a (1) as being anticipated by Proctor, JR. et al. (US 20220345839).
Consider Claim 1, Jurdan teaches an electronic apparatus(see fig. 2) comprising: memory storing one or more instructions; a communication interface; and at least one processor operatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute the one or more instructions stored in the memory, wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor (see figs. 1-6 and paragraphs[0048]-[0058]),
cause the electronic apparatus (see fig. 1)
to: identify(see fig.1) a second location of a user with reference to a first location of the electronic apparatus (see figs. 1-6 and paragraphs[0048]-[0051]);
identify(see figs. 7A-9B) one or more terminal devices connectable to the electronic apparatus;
identify(see figs. 7A-9B) a target location to place the one or more terminal devices based on the first location, the second location, and the one or more terminal devices(see figs. 1-9B and paragraphs[0072]-[0097]); and
transmit(see figs. 1-9B), to the one or more terminal devices, one or more communication packets comprising guide information to guide placement of the one or more terminal devices on the target location(see figs. 1-9B and paragraphs[0250]-[0350]).
Consider Claims 2 and 3, Jurdan teaches the electronic apparatus further comprising: a projector configured to output a projection image, wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: based on the one or more terminal devices being placed on the target location, control the communication interface to transmit, to the one or more terminal devices, audio information comprising an audio signal that is output from the one or more terminal devices; and control the projector to output the projection image corresponding to the audio signal; and the electronic apparatus wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: based on the one or more terminal devices being placed on the target location, control the communication interface to transmit, to the one or more terminal devices, the audio information comprising the audio signal and audio setting that causes the one or more terminal devices to output the audio signal at a preset audio volume(see figs. 1-6 and paragraphs[0023]-[0048]).
Consider Claims 4 and 5, Jurdan teaches the electronic apparatus further comprising: a microphone, wherein the preset audio volume is a first audio volume; wherein the audio setting is a first audio setting; wherein the audio information is first audio information; and wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: obtain audio data recording the audio signal output from the one or more terminal devices through the microphone; change the first audio volume to a second audio volume based on the audio data; and control the communication interface to transmit, to the one or more terminal devices, second audio information comprising a second audio setting that causes the one or more terminal devices to output the audio signal at a second audio volume(see figs. 1-9B and paragraphs[0072]-[0097]); and the electronic apparatus further comprising: a microphone, wherein the target location is a first target location; wherein the guide information is first guide information; and wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: obtain audio data recording the audio signal output from the one or more terminal devices through the microphone; change the first target location to a second target location based on the audio data; and transmit, to the one or more terminal devices, one or more communication packets comprising second guide information to guide the one or more terminal devices to be placed on the second target location(see figs. 1-9B and paragraphs[0250]-[0350]).
Consider Claims 6 and 7, Jurdan teaches the electronic apparatus wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: based on there being one terminal device, identify an imaginary first straight line connecting the second location and the first location; and identify a location distant from the second location by a first distance between the first location and the second location within the imaginary first straight line as a target location(see figs. 1-9B and paragraphs[0072]-[0097]); and the electronic apparatus wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: identify, with reference to the first location, a third location of a projection area to output a projection image; and based on there being a plurality of candidate locations distant from the second location by the first distance within the imaginary first straight line, identify, as the target location, a candidate location having a distance that is farthest from the third location among the plurality of candidate locations(see figs. 1-9B and paragraphs[0072]-[0097]).
Consider Claim 8, Jurdan teaches the electronic apparatus wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: based on there being two terminal devices, identify an imaginary first straight line connecting the second location and the first location; identify an imaginary second straight line perpendicular to the imaginary first straight line; and identify a plurality of locations distant from the second location by a first distance between the first location and the second location within the imaginary second straight line as target locations(see figs. 1-9B and paragraphs[0250]-[0350]).
Consider Claims 9 and 10, Jurdan teaches the electronic apparatus wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: generate an audio signal corresponding to the target location; and control the communication interface to transmit, to the one or more terminal devices, audio information comprising the audio signal, wherein the audio signal is a multi-channel audio signal(see figs. 1-9B and paragraphs[0072]-[0097]); and the electronic apparatus wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: generate audio setting corresponding to the target location; and control the communication interface to transmit audio information including the audio setting to the one or more terminal devices, wherein the audio setting is Equalizer (EQ) setting(see figs. 1-9B and paragraphs[0023]-[0050]).
Consider Claim 11, Jurdan teaches a controlling method of an electronic apparatus, the method comprising:
Identifying(see fig. 1) a second location of a user with reference to a first location of the electronic apparatus(see figs. 1-6 and paragraphs[0048]-[0058]);
Identifying(see figs. 7A-9B) one or more terminal devices connectable to the electronic apparatus(see figs. 1-6 and paragraphs[0048]-[0058]);
identifying(see figs. 7A-9B) a target location to place the terminal devices based on the first location, the second location and the one or more terminal devices(see figs. 1-9B and paragraphs[0072]-[0097]); and
transmitting(see figs. 1-9B), to the one or more terminal devices, one or more communication packets comprising guide information to guide placement of the one or more terminal devices on the target location(see figs. 1-9B and paragraphs[0250]-[0350]).
Consider Claims 12 and 13, Jurdan teaches the method further comprising: based on the one or more terminal devices being placed on the target location, transmitting, to the one or more terminal devices, audio information comprising an audio signal that is output from the one or more terminal devices; and outputting a projection image corresponding to the audio signal(see figs. 1-9B and paragraphs[0072]-[0097]); and the method wherein the transmitting the audio information comprises: based on the one or more terminal devices being placed on the target location, transmitting, to the one or more terminal devices, the audio information comprising the audio signal and audio setting to output the audio signal at a preset audio volume(see figs. 1-6 and paragraphs[0023]-[0048])
Consider Claims 14 and 15, Jurdan teaches the method wherein the preset audio volume is a first audio volume; wherein the audio setting is a first audio setting; wherein the audio information is first audio information; and wherein the controlling method comprises: obtaining audio data recording the audio signal output from the one or more terminal devices; changing the first audio volume to a second audio volume based on the audio data; and transmitting, to the one or more terminal devices, second audio information including second audio setting that causes one or more terminal devices to output the audio signal at a second audio volume(see figs. 1-6 and paragraphs[0023]-[0048]); and the method wherein the target location is a first target location; wherein the guide information is first guide information; and wherein the controlling method comprises: obtaining audio data recording the audio signal output from the one or more terminal devices; changing the first target location to a second target location based on the audio data; and transmitting, to the one or more terminal devices, one or more communication packets comprising second guide information to guide the one or more terminal devices to be placed on the second target location(see figs. 1-9B and paragraphs[0250]-[0350]).
. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
7. In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
8. 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.
9. The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
10. Claim 10 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over Kim (US 2023/0209255) in view of Jordan et al. (US 2002/0136414 A1).
Consider Claim 10, Kim teaches the electronic apparatus wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: generate audio setting corresponding to the target location(see figs. 1-6 and paragraphs[0066]-[0098]); but Kim does not explicitly teach control the communication interface to transmit audio information including the audio setting to the one or more terminal devices, wherein the audio setting is Equalizer (EQ) setting.
However, Jordan teaches the electronic apparatus wherein the one or more instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic apparatus to: generate audio setting corresponding to the target location; and control the communication interface to transmit audio information including the audio setting to the one or more terminal devices, wherein the audio setting is Equalizer (EQ) setting(see figs. 1-6 and paragraphs[0027]-[0038]).
Therefore, it would have obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date the invention was made to combine the teaching of Jordan in to the teaching of Kim to provide a system and method for setting various acoustic and visual parameters for optimal or intended reproduction of digital multi-channel surround encoded audio and for optimal or intended reproduction of a visual image from a display device in a home theater system. For example, one feature of the present invention is to incorporate a hand-held remote control device which operates the main surround sound unit (e.g., home theater receiver and/or digital decoder) and the display device via electromagnetic link, for example. Of course, it is not necessary to the invention that the device be incorporated in the remote control device of the surround sound unit, or the display device.
Conclusion
11. The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant’s disclosure. Denninghoff.(US 2023/0401274) is cited to show other related the ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF.
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/LUN-SEE LAO/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2691 US Patent and Trademark Office
Knox
571-272-7501
Date 06-22-2026
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