DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
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.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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(a)(1) as being unpatentable by
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2024/0068690 (Jarral).
Claim 1:
The cited prior art describes a system for controlling both (Jarral: “The disclosure relates to the field of computer control systems, and more particularly to the field of wireless control of ductless HVAC systems.” Paragraph 0006; see the HVAC devices 230 as illustrated in figure 2)
a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a home and (Jarral: see the HVAC appliance 230b as illustrated in figure 4; see the HVAC devices 230 as illustrated in figure 2)
at least one room HVAC system of the home, comprising: (Jarral: see the HVAC appliances 230a as illustrated in figure 4; see the HVAC devices 230 as illustrated in figure 2)
a central HVAC thermostat that controls a central HVAC system of a home that includes (Jarral: see the cloud based apps 230 as illustrated in figures 2, 4 and as described in paragraph 0051)
a control unit that generates control data for at least one room HVAC system in a room of the home and (Jarral: see the mobile device 210 as illustrated in figure 2 and as described in paragraph 0048; “mobile device 210 running an application configured as a centralized management application for one or more HVAC appliances 230” paragraph 0048; “the homeowner can use his mobile device 210 to remotely set the desired room temperature setting for the second HVAC appliance 230b” paragraph 0056)
a remote-control device for the at least one room HVAC system that (Jarral: see the IR remote 200, 200a, 200b as illustrated in figures 2, 4 and as described in paragraphs 0048, 0049)
receives the control data from the control unit, (Jarral: see the BT signal to smart module 606 as illustrated in figure 6; “When a user operates an application on a mobile device 604, the mobile device sends a wireless signal (e.g., via Bluetooth) 606 to the smart module which, in turn, sends an IR signal to the HVAC appliance to change its operation 608. “ paragraph 0059)
converts the control data to wireless control signals, and (Jarral: “The smart module is also configured to receive controls wirelessly from the mobile app, convert those controls into IR signals, and transmit those IR signals to a particular HVAC unit as if the IR controller for that HVAC unit had itself generated them.” Paragraph 0036; “When a user operates an application on a mobile device 604, the mobile device sends a wireless signal (e.g., via Bluetooth) 606 to the smart module which, in turn, sends an IR signal to the HVAC appliance to change its operation 608. “ paragraph 0059)
sends the wireless control signals to the at least one room HVAC system using a first wireless communication technology. (Jarral: see the IR signal to HVAC unit 608 as illustrated in figure 6; see the infrared emitter 203 as illustrated in figure 2 and as described in paragraph 0048; “upon receipt of instructions from the mobile device 210, the smart module 100 can direct the IR remote control 200 to change the operation of the HVAC appliance 230 via its IR emitter 203” paragraph 0048)
Claim 2:
The cited prior art describes the system of claim 1, wherein the at least one room HVAC system comprises at least one air conditioner or at least one heat pump. (Jarral: see the HVAC appliances 230a, 230b as illustrated in figure 4; see the HVAC devices 230 as illustrated in figure 2; “In this example, it is assumed that the ductless HVAC device is equipped with an inverter-type compressor and a heat pump 1230, thus allowing the ductless HVAC device to both cool 1230a and heat 1230b the room.” Paragraph 0079)
Claim 3:
The cited prior art describes the system of claim 1, wherein the first wireless communication technology comprises infrared technology. (Jarral: see the infrared emitter 203 as illustrated in figure 2 and as described in paragraph 0048; “upon receipt of instructions from the mobile device 210, the smart module 100 can direct the IR remote control 200 to change the operation of the HVAC appliance 230 via its IR emitter 203” paragraph 0048)
Claim 4:
The cited prior art describes the system of claim 1, wherein the remote-control device is part of the central HVAC thermostat. (Jarral: see the smart thermostat 1110, 1500 as illustrated in figures 11, 15 and as described in paragraphs 0070, 0071, 0087, 0088; see the IR remote 200, 200a, 200b as illustrated in figures 2, 4 and as described in paragraphs 0048, 0049; see the cloud based apps 230 as illustrated in figures 2, 4 and as described in paragraph 0051)
Claim 5:
The cited prior art describes the system of claim 1, wherein the remote-control device is separate from the central HVAC thermostat. (Jarral: see the IR remote 200 and the cloud based apps 230 as illustrated in figure 2)
Claim 6:
The cited prior art describes the system of claim 5, wherein the control unit further transmits the control data to the remote-control device using a second wireless communication technology. (Jarral: “The smart module 100 transmits signals detailing the operation wirelessly 204 (e.g., via Bluetooth) to a mobile device 210 running an application configured as a centralized management application for one or more HVAC appliances 230. The wireless transmission 204 may any wireless transmission protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) and may contain information about the operation and/or current state of the controller (e.g., an identifier for the smart module 100, what button was pushed on the controller 200, what the current temperature and mode settings are, etc.).” paragraph 0049; “Depending on the configuration, the mobile device 210 may establish wireless connections directly with the IR remote controllers 200a,b, as shown in this diagram, or may establish wireless connections through the home's wireless router 402 to which the IR remote controllers 200a,b are connected (not shown in this diagram).” Paragraph 0057)
Claim 7:
The cited prior art describes the system of claim 6, wherein the second wireless communication technology comprises one of WiFi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee. (Jarral: “The smart module 100 transmits signals detailing the operation wirelessly 204 (e.g., via Bluetooth) to a mobile device 210 running an application configured as a centralized management application for one or more HVAC appliances 230. The wireless transmission 204 may any wireless transmission protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) and may contain information about the operation and/or current state of the controller (e.g., an identifier for the smart module 100, what button was pushed on the controller 200, what the current temperature and mode settings are, etc.).” paragraph 0049; “Depending on the configuration, the mobile device 210 may establish wireless connections directly with the IR remote controllers 200a,b, as shown in this diagram, or may establish wireless connections through the home's wireless router 402 to which the IR remote controllers 200a,b are connected (not shown in this diagram).” Paragraph 0057)
Claim 8:
The cited prior art describes the system of claim 6,
wherein the remote-control device further includes a first wireless transceiver, (Jarral: see the wireless radio 140 as illustrated in figure 1; see the IR remote 200, 200a, 200b as illustrated in figures 2, 4 and as described in paragraphs 0048, 0049)
wherein the control unit further includes a second wireless transceiver, and (Jarral: see the mobile device 210 as illustrated in figure 2 and as described in paragraph 0048; “mobile device 210 running an application configured as a centralized management application for one or more HVAC appliances 230” paragraph 0048; “the homeowner can use his mobile device 210 to remotely set the desired room temperature setting for the second HVAC appliance 230b” paragraph 0056; “The smart module 100 transmits signals detailing the operation wirelessly 204 (e.g., via Bluetooth) to a mobile device 210 running an application configured as a centralized management application for one or more HVAC appliances 230. The wireless transmission 204 may any wireless transmission protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) and may contain information about the operation and/or current state of the controller (e.g., an identifier for the smart module 100, what button was pushed on the controller 200, what the current temperature and mode settings are, etc.).” paragraph 0049; “Network interface 42 provides the necessary hardware interface for computing device 10 to communicate with remote computing devices 80 and cloud-based services 90 via one or more external communication devices 70.” paragraph 0108)
wherein the second wireless communication technology comprises
a first Internet channel that comprises WiFi communication between the first wireless transceiver and the Internet and (Jarral: “The network interface (not shown) may be used for connecting to other devices or the Internet. More than one network interface may be available. For example, one network interface may be a Wi-Fi™ network interface for use in connecting to the Internet via a router or other network, and another network interface may be a Bluetooth™ interface for short-range communications with a mobile phone. While many variations are possible, in this example network interface(s) are configured to transmit and receive Wi-Fi™ signals 1531 for connection to the Internet and Bluetooth™ signals 1532 for connections to a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone).” Paragraph 0093)
a second Internet channel that comprises Wi-Fi communication between the second wireless transceiver and the Internet. (Jarral: “While not shown here, in some configurations, the mobile device(s) may be connected to the smart modules 100 and/or other mobile device(s) 210 via a network (which may be a local network such as via a wireless router, a wide area network involving multiple routers, the Internet, etc.).” paragraph 0050)
Claim 9:
The cited prior art describes the system of claim 8,
wherein the control unit sends the control data to the Internet using the second Internet channel and (Jarral: “Further, the mobile device and/or smart modules 100 of the IR remote controllers 200a,b may be connected to a cloud-based management system 230 either via a wireless connection 220b such as a cellular data service or via a wireless router with a wired connection 220a to a network such as through a cable modem, a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection, or a fiber optic connection to the home. In configurations with cloud-based management system 230, the HVAC appliances may be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world using any computing device running a web browser and connected to the Internet.” Paragraph 0057; : “When a user operates an application on a mobile device 604, the mobile device sends a wireless signal (e.g., via Bluetooth) 606 to the smart module which, in turn, sends an IR signal to the HVAC appliance to change its operation 608. “ paragraph 0059; : “The network interface (not shown) may be used for connecting to other devices or the Internet. More than one network interface may be available. For example, one network interface may be a Wi-Fi™ network interface for use in connecting to the Internet via a router or other network, and another network interface may be a Bluetooth™ interface for short-range communications with a mobile phone. While many variations are possible, in this example network interface(s) are configured to transmit and receive Wi-Fi™ signals 1531 for connection to the Internet and Bluetooth™ signals 1532 for connections to a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone).” Paragraph 0093)
the remote-control device receives the control data from the Internet using the first Internet channel. (Jarral: “Further, the mobile device and/or smart modules 100 of the IR remote controllers 200a,b may be connected to a cloud-based management system 230 either via a wireless connection 220b such as a cellular data service or via a wireless router with a wired connection 220a to a network such as through a cable modem, a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection, or a fiber optic connection to the home. In configurations with cloud-based management system 230, the HVAC appliances may be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world using any computing device running a web browser and connected to the Internet.” Paragraph 0057; “When a user operates an application on a mobile device 604, the mobile device sends a wireless signal (e.g., via Bluetooth) 606 to the smart module which, in turn, sends an IR signal to the HVAC appliance to change its operation 608. “ paragraph 0059; : “The network interface (not shown) may be used for connecting to other devices or the Internet. More than one network interface may be available. For example, one network interface may be a Wi-Fi™ network interface for use in connecting to the Internet via a router or other network, and another network interface may be a Bluetooth™ interface for short-range communications with a mobile phone. While many variations are possible, in this example network interface(s) are configured to transmit and receive Wi-Fi™ signals 1531 for connection to the Internet and Bluetooth™ signals 1532 for connections to a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone).” Paragraph 0093)
Claim 10:
Claim 10 is substantially similar to claim 1 and is rejected based on the same reasons and rationale described herein.
10. A method for controlling both
a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a home and
at least one room HVAC system of the home, comprising:
generating control data for at least one room HVAC system in a room of a home using a control unit of a central HVAC thermostat that controls a central HVAC system of the home;
receiving the control data from the control unit using a remote-control device for the at least one room HVAC system;
converting the control data to wireless control signals using the remote-control device; and
sending the wireless control signals to the at least one room HVAC system using the remote-control device using a first wireless communication technology.
Claim 11:
Claim 11 is substantially similar to claim 2 and is rejected based on the same reasons and rationale described herein.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one room HVAC system comprises at least one air conditioner or at least one heat pump.
Claim 12:
Claim 12 is substantially similar to claim 3 and is rejected based on the same reasons and rationale described herein.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the first wireless communication technology comprises infrared technology.
Claim 13:
The cited prior art describes the method of claim 10, wherein the control unit further includes a second wireless transmitter and further comprising transmitting the control data to the remote-control device using the second wireless transmitter using a second wireless communication technology. (Jarral: “The smart module 100 transmits signals detailing the operation wirelessly 204 (e.g., via Bluetooth) to a mobile device 210 running an application configured as a centralized management application for one or more HVAC appliances 230. The wireless transmission 204 may any wireless transmission protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) and may contain information about the operation and/or current state of the controller (e.g., an identifier for the smart module 100, what button was pushed on the controller 200, what the current temperature and mode settings are, etc.).” paragraph 0049; “Depending on the configuration, the mobile device 210 may establish wireless connections directly with the IR remote controllers 200a,b, as shown in this diagram, or may establish wireless connections through the home's wireless router 402 to which the IR remote controllers 200a,b are connected (not shown in this diagram).” Paragraph 0057; “Depending on the configuration, the mobile device then checks to see whether it has a network connection to a cloud-based management system via a wireless router (typically via WiFi 514).” Paragraph 0058; “Network interface 42 provides the necessary hardware interface for computing device 10 to communicate with remote computing devices 80 and cloud-based services 90 via one or more external communication devices 70.” paragraph 0108)
Claim 14:
Claim 14 is substantially similar to claim 7 and is rejected based on the same reasons and rationale described herein.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second wireless communication technology comprises one of WiFi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee.
Claim 15:
The cited prior art describes a system for controlling both (Jarral: “The disclosure relates to the field of computer control systems, and more particularly to the field of wireless control of ductless HVAC systems.” Paragraph 0006; see the HVAC devices 230 as illustrated in figure 2)
a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a home and (Jarral: see the HVAC appliance 230b as illustrated in figure 4; see the HVAC devices 230 as illustrated in figure 2)
at least one room HVAC system of the home (Jarral: see the HVAC appliances 230a as illustrated in figure 4; see the HVAC devices 230 as illustrated in figure 2)
using an Internet-connected device, comprising: (Jarral: see the mobile device 210 as illustrated in figure 4; “The centralized management of HVAC appliances 230 may be further enhanced by connecting mobile devices 210 and network-capable HVAC appliances 230 to cloud-based applications and storage 230 via the Internet. This allows remote management of HVAC appliances from any network-enabled computing device anywhere in the world via web browsers, as the management application and storage of information can be located on the cloud-based server 230 without having to be downloaded or installed on a local computer or mobile device.” Paragraph 0051)
a central HVAC thermostat that controls a central HVAC system of a home and that receives central HVAC control data from an application running on an Internet-connected device using a second wireless Internet channel established between the central HVAC thermostat and the Internet-connected device; and (Jarral: see the cloud based apps 230 as illustrated in figures 2, 4 and as described in paragraph 0051; see the mobile device 210 as illustrated in figure 2 and as described in paragraph 0048; “mobile device 210 running an application configured as a centralized management application for one or more HVAC appliances 230” paragraph 0048; “the homeowner can use his mobile device 210 to remotely set the desired room temperature setting for the second HVAC appliance 230b” paragraph 0056; “The centralized management of HVAC appliances 230 may be further enhanced by connecting mobile devices 210 and network-capable HVAC appliances 230 to cloud-based applications and storage 230 via the Internet. This allows remote management of HVAC appliances from any network-enabled computing device anywhere in the world via web browsers, as the management application and storage of information can be located on the cloud-based server 230 without having to be downloaded or installed on a local computer or mobile device.” Paragraph 0051)
a remote-control device that controls at least one room HVAC system in a room of the home and that (Jarral: see the IR remote 200, 200a, 200b as illustrated in figures 2, 4 and as described in paragraphs 0048, 0049)
receives room HVAC control data for the at least one room HVAC system from the application using a first wireless Internet channel established between the remote-control device and the Internet-connected device, (Jarral: “When a user operates an application on a mobile device 604, the mobile device sends a wireless signal (e.g., via Bluetooth) 606 to the smart module which, in turn, sends an IR signal to the HVAC appliance to change its operation 608. “ paragraph 0059; : “The network interface (not shown) may be used for connecting to other devices or the Internet. More than one network interface may be available. For example, one network interface may be a Wi-Fi™ network interface for use in connecting to the Internet via a router or other network, and another network interface may be a Bluetooth™ interface for short-range communications with a mobile phone. While many variations are possible, in this example network interface(s) are configured to transmit and receive Wi-Fi™ signals 1531 for connection to the Internet and Bluetooth™ signals 1532 for connections to a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone).” Paragraph 0093)
converts the room HVAC control data to wireless control signals, and (Jarral: “The smart module is also configured to receive controls wirelessly from the mobile app, convert those controls into IR signals, and transmit those IR signals to a particular HVAC unit as if the IR controller for that HVAC unit had itself generated them.” Paragraph 0036; “When a user operates an application on a mobile device 604, the mobile device sends a wireless signal (e.g., via Bluetooth) 606 to the smart module which, in turn, sends an IR signal to the HVAC appliance to change its operation 608.“ paragraph 0059)
sends the wireless control signals to the at least one room HVAC system using a first wireless communication technology. (Jarral: see the IR signal to HVAC unit 608 as illustrated in figure 6; see the infrared emitter 203 as illustrated in figure 2 and as described in paragraph 0048; “upon receipt of instructions from the mobile device 210, the smart module 100 can direct the IR remote control 200 to change the operation of the HVAC appliance 230 via its IR emitter 203” paragraph 0048)
Claim 16:
The cited prior describes the system of claim 15,
wherein the remote-control device further includes a first wireless transceiver, (Jarral: see the wireless radio 140 as illustrated in figure 1; see the IR remote 200, 200a, 200b as illustrated in figures 2, 4 and as described in paragraphs 0048, 0049)
wherein the central HVAC thermostat further includes a second wireless transceiver, and (Jarral: see the mobile device 210 as illustrated in figure 2 and as described in paragraph 0048; “mobile device 210 running an application configured as a centralized management application for one or more HVAC appliances 230” paragraph 0048; “the homeowner can use his mobile device 210 to remotely set the desired room temperature setting for the second HVAC appliance 230b” paragraph 0056; “The smart module 100 transmits signals detailing the operation wirelessly 204 (e.g., via Bluetooth) to a mobile device 210 running an application configured as a centralized management application for one or more HVAC appliances 230. The wireless transmission 204 may any wireless transmission protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) and may contain information about the operation and/or current state of the controller (e.g., an identifier for the smart module 100, what button was pushed on the controller 200, what the current temperature and mode settings are, etc.).” paragraph 0049; “Network interface 42 provides the necessary hardware interface for computing device 10 to communicate with remote computing devices 80 and cloud-based services 90 via one or more external communication devices 70.” paragraph 0108)
wherein the first Internet channel comprises WiFi communication between the first wireless transceiver and the Internet and (Jarral: “The network interface (not shown) may be used for connecting to other devices or the Internet. More than one network interface may be available. For example, one network interface may be a Wi-Fi™ network interface for use in connecting to the Internet via a router or other network, and another network interface may be a Bluetooth™ interface for short-range communications with a mobile phone. While many variations are possible, in this example network interface(s) are configured to transmit and receive Wi-Fi™ signals 1531 for connection to the Internet and Bluetooth™ signals 1532 for connections to a mobile computing device (e.g., a smartphone).” Paragraph 0093)
the second Internet channel comprises Wi-Fi communication between the second wireless transceiver and the Internet. (Jarral: “While not shown here, in some configurations, the mobile device(s) may be connected to the smart modules 100 and/or other mobile device(s) 210 via a network (which may be a local network such as via a wireless router, a wide area network involving multiple routers, the Internet, etc.).” paragraph 0050)
Claim 17:
The cited prior art describes the system of claim 15, wherein the Internet-connected device comprises one of a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or a desktop computer. (Jarral: see the mobile device 210 as illustrated in figure 4; “The mobile device 210 (which may be any network-connected computing device, but is assumed in this embodiment to be a smartphone, laptop computer, or tablet computer) acts as a central HVAC management system for any number of HVAC devices installed at any number of locations, provided that smart-module-enabled 100 IR remote control 200 is available for each HVAC appliance to be managed by the mobile device 210.” Paragraph 0050)
Claim 18:
The cited prior art describes the system of claim 15, wherein the application comprises a user interface integrating the controls of both the central HVAC and the at least one room HVAC system. (Jarral: “FIG. 7 is a screenshot of an application for a mobile device showing management of multiple ductless HVAC appliances through smart HVAC control modules. The screenshot 700 shows four HVAC appliances in four different locations throughout a home, each with its individual settings shown. Selecting one of the HVAC appliances (e.g., by tapping the screen on the mobile device) opens up a screen allowing for changing of the settings of that HVAC appliance using the methods described herein. In this way, the mobile device (or a corresponding cloud-based management application) acts as a central management device for all connected HVAC appliances.” Paragraph 0060; “FIG. 8 is a set of screenshots of an application for a mobile device showing scheduling of operation of ductless HVAC appliances through smart HVAC control modules” paragraph 0061)
Claim 19:
Claim 19 is substantially similar to claim 2 and is rejected based on the same reasons and rationale described herein.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one room HVAC system comprises at least one air conditioner or at least one heat pump.
Claim 20:
Claim 20 is substantially similar to claim 3 and is rejected based on the same reasons and rationale described herein.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the first wireless communication technology comprises infrared technology.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0100163 describes an IR translator for a HVAC system.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0334326 describes connecting HVAC systems to the Internet.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0271460 describes a remote control for a HVAC system.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to CHRISTOPHER E EVERETT whose telephone number is (571)272-2851. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Pacific).
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, Robert Fennema can be reached at 571-272-2748. 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.
/Christopher E. Everett/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2117
Prosecution Insights