DETAILED ACTION
This action is in response to the amendment filed on 12/29/2025.
Claims 1-20 are pending.
Response to Arguments
Claim Rejections 35 USC §102 & 103
Applicant's amendment filed 12/29/2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Applicant states:
1. Pages 7 and 8
“In contrast, Petrillo is directed to a front quarter panel camera system for improving driver visibility during driving, and its cameras remain activated once a driving condition is satisfied.
Petrillo fails to disclose at least: a parking mode in which the camera is maintained in a sleep state; a sensor-driven prediction that an external object will enter a defined area (e.g., first area/second area) within a set time; and transmitting a wake-up command to the camera to initiate recording based on the prediction. Accordingly, the presently pending claims are structurally and functionally different than Petrillo.“, any emphasis not shown.
Examiner’s response:
It is considered that one of ordinary skilled in the art understands that a proximity sensor is used in inactivation state. A further mapping is shown below.
Claim Mapping Notation
In this office action, following notations are being used to refer to the paragraph numbers or column number and lines of portions of the cited reference.
In this office action, following notations are being used to refer to the paragraph numbers or column number and lines of portions of the cited reference.
“[0027]…” (Paragraph number [0027])
“Cl 5…” (Column 5)
“P 5…” (Page 5)
Furthermore, unless necessary to distinguish from other references in this action, “et al.” will be omitted when referring to the reference.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
(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.
Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a1) and (a2) as being anticipated by Peterillo et al. (US20210213877).
1. A video recording device for a vehicle, comprising:
a sensor configured to detect a motion of an external object around the vehicle;
a camera configured to record surroundings of the vehicle; and
“[0036] The front side vehicle camera system is activated and de-activated automatically as set forth in FIG. 2. Note, as used herein the terms “activated” and “de-activated” can relate to at least one of the activation/de-activation of the actual camera, the activation/de-activation of the display and/or the activation/deactivation of the communication/data link(s) between the camera, computer and display.”
a controller configured to
receive motion information of the external object from the sensor and in a parking mode in which camera is maintained in a sleep state, based on a determination that the external object is to enter a first area from a second area within a set time, transmit a wake-up command to the camera to initiate recording.
“[0036] The front side vehicle camera system is activated and de-activated automatically as set forth in FIG. 2. Note, as used herein the terms “activated” and “de-activated” can relate to at least one of the activation/de-activation of the actual camera, the activation/de-activation of the display and/or the activation/deactivation of the communication/data link(s) between the camera, computer and display.”
“[0037]…In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is a commercially available sensor and the types available for this application can include capacitive, capacitive displacement sensors, Doppler effect (sensor based on effect), eddy-current, inductive, laser rangefinder, infrared, sonic, ultrasonic, LIDAR, stereoscopic, magnetic, passive optical, passive thermal infrared, reflective photocell, radar, ionizing radiation reflector or thermal sensors. The proximity speed process can process a continuous stream of information from the proximity sensor(s) or a series of frame-by-frame images. In general, the proximity speed process 142 uses known technologies to derive distance and compare distance to time so as to provide a continuous velocity reading for the object…”
“[0004] The present state of the art for vehicle safety includes the use of cameras mounted on the rear of vehicles to reduce collisions occurring as a result of a vehicle backing up. These systems utilize a small, pre-positioned stationary camera on the rear exterior of the vehicle and a visual display within the driver's compartment. This can be accompanied by alarm devices that utilize modern proximity alert devices (for example, infrared technology) to detect an unseen obstacle (such as a child or a housecat) and call the driver's attention to the display and the obstacle.”
2. The video recording device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to
transmit a recording start command along with the wake-up command.
“[0036] The front side vehicle camera system is activated and de-activated automatically as set forth in FIG. 2. Note, as used herein the terms “activated” and “de-activated” can relate to at least one of the activation/de-activation of the actual camera, the activation/de-activation of the display and/or the activation/deactivation of the communication/data link(s) between the camera, computer and display.”
3. The video recording device of claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to:
after the recording being started, based on a determination that the external object is within the first area or is to enter the first area from the second area, control the camera to continue the recording; or
“[0036] The front side vehicle camera system is activated and de-activated automatically as set forth in FIG. 2. Note, as used herein the terms “activated” and “de-activated” can relate to at least one of the activation/de-activation of the actual camera, the activation/de-activation of the display and/or the activation/deactivation of the communication/data link(s) between the camera, computer and display.”
based on a determination that the external object is not in the first area or is not to enter the first area from the second area, control the camera to end the recording.
Alternative form
4. The video recording device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:
in response to the vehicle or the video recording device entering into a parking mode, control the sensor to be turned on (ON), and control the camera and the controller to be switched to sleep state or be turned off (OFF).
“[0036] The front side vehicle camera system is activated and de-activated automatically as set forth in FIG. 2. Note, as used herein the terms “activated” and “de-activated” can relate to at least one of the activation/de-activation of the actual camera, the activation/de-activation of the display and/or the activation/deactivation of the communication/data link(s) between the camera, computer and display.”
5. The video recording device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to set the first area to exclude a false detection prevention area of the sensor.
“[0031] When a motor vehicle driver is situated so as to be perpendicular to the flow of traffic and pulling out of a side street, building, garage or parking spot, there is a danger to that driver and other operators.”
6. The video recording device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to set the first area and the set time according to parameter information set by a user.
“[0012] The camera can also include a user-controllable zoom lens that allows the driver to vary the field of view and/or magnification. Either or both cameras can include a co-mounted proximity sensor. The proximity sensor can be constructed and arranged to detect a nearby object, and cause a visual alert message to be displayed on the display and/or an audible alert to be played via a speaker. Illustratively, the threshold speed can be approximately 3 miles per hour as such speed is considered sufficiently low that the driver can react appropriately while interacting with the display screen. This threshold can be user-adjustable via an interface within the vehicle in various embodiments.”
“[0037] The proximity speed process can process a continuous stream of information from the proximity sensor(s) or a series of frame-by-frame images. In general, the proximity speed process 142 uses known technologies to derive distance and compare distance to time so as to provide a continuous velocity reading for the object.”
7. The video recording device of claim 6, wherein the parameter information comprises
at least one of a first parameter set based on a sensitivity and a second parameter set based on a shape classification of the external object.
“[0053] The camera system described above can be equipped with cameras that operate both in daylight conditions and at night. It is expressly contemplated that the system can be provided with a night-time application that utilizes existing night vision technology (for example, infrared, passive, photomultiplier devices or other night vision system that acquires information in various wavelengths). This can be utilized to detect non-lighted objects in the motor way, including but not limited to trashcans, pedestrians, animals, wrecked vehicles and other hazards.”
8. The video recording device of claim 7, wherein the shape classification of the external object comprises
at least one of a person, a vehicle, an animal, or a bicycle.
“[0053] The camera system described above can be equipped with cameras that operate both in daylight conditions and at night. It is expressly contemplated that the system can be provided with a night-time application that utilizes existing night vision technology (for example, infrared, passive, photomultiplier devices or other night vision system that acquires information in various wavelengths). This can be utilized to detect non-lighted objects in the motor way, including but not limited to trashcans, pedestrians, animals, wrecked vehicles and other hazards.”
9. The video recording device of claim 6, wherein the parameter information comprises
a detection distance parameter associated with a range of the first area, a false detection range parameter associated with a false detection prevention area of the first area, and a time parameter associated with the set time.
“[0037] The proximity speed process can process a continuous stream of information from the proximity sensor(s) or a series of frame-by-frame images. In general, the proximity speed process 142 uses known technologies to derive distance and compare distance to time so as to provide a continuous velocity reading for the object.”
“[0012] The camera can also include a user-controllable zoom lens that allows the driver to vary the field of view and/or magnification. Either or both cameras can include a co-mounted proximity sensor. The proximity sensor can be constructed and arranged to detect a nearby object, and cause a visual alert message to be displayed on the display and/or an audible alert to be played via a speaker. Illustratively, the threshold speed can be approximately 3 miles per hour as such speed is considered sufficiently low that the driver can react appropriately while interacting with the display screen. This threshold can be user-adjustable via an interface within the vehicle in various embodiments.”
“[0053] The camera system described above can be equipped with cameras that operate both in daylight conditions and at night. It is expressly contemplated that the system can be provided with a night-time application that utilizes existing night vision technology (for example, infrared, passive, photomultiplier devices or other night vision system that acquires information in various wavelengths). This can be utilized to detect non-lighted objects in the motor way, including but not limited to trashcans, pedestrians, animals, wrecked vehicles and other hazards.”
10. The video recording device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to determine the set time as predicted to be taken for the external object to enter the first area from the second area.
“[0036] The front side vehicle camera system is activated and de-activated automatically as set forth in FIG. 2. Note, as used herein the terms “activated” and “de-activated” can relate to at least one of the activation/de-activation of the actual camera, the activation/de-activation of the display and/or the activation/deactivation of the communication/data link(s) between the camera, computer and display.”
“[0037]…In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is a commercially available sensor and the types available for this application can include capacitive, capacitive displacement sensors, Doppler effect (sensor based on effect), eddy-current, inductive, laser rangefinder, infrared, sonic, ultrasonic, LIDAR, stereoscopic, magnetic, passive optical, passive thermal infrared, reflective photocell, radar, ionizing radiation reflector or thermal sensors. The proximity speed process can process a continuous stream of information from the proximity sensor(s) or a series of frame-by-frame images. In general, the proximity speed process 142 uses known technologies to derive distance and compare distance to time so as to provide a continuous velocity reading for the object…”
11. The video recording device of claim 1, wherein the determination that the external object is to enter the first area from the second area within the set time is based on a velocity of the external object.
“[0036] The front side vehicle camera system is activated and de-activated automatically as set forth in FIG. 2. Note, as used herein the terms “activated” and “de-activated” can relate to at least one of the activation/de-activation of the actual camera, the activation/de-activation of the display and/or the activation/deactivation of the communication/data link(s) between the camera, computer and display.”
“[0037]…In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is a commercially available sensor and the types available for this application can include capacitive, capacitive displacement sensors, Doppler effect (sensor based on effect), eddy-current, inductive, laser rangefinder, infrared, sonic, ultrasonic, LIDAR, stereoscopic, magnetic, passive optical, passive thermal infrared, reflective photocell, radar, ionizing radiation reflector or thermal sensors. The proximity speed process can process a continuous stream of information from the proximity sensor(s) or a series of frame-by-frame images. In general, the proximity speed process 142 uses known technologies to derive distance and compare distance to time so as to provide a continuous velocity reading for the object…”
Regarding the claims 12-20, they recite elements that are at least included in the claims 1, 1-7 and 3 above but in a different claim form. Therefore, the same rationale for the rejection of the claims1, 1-7 and 3 applies. Regarding the claim 13, it is understood that the functions of the invention will be implemented in various mode including the parking mode.
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JAE N. NOH whose telephone number is (571) 270-0686. The examiner can normally be reached on Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5PM.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, William Vaughn can be reached on (571) 272-3922. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/JAE N NOH/
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 2481
Prosecution Insights