Prosecution Insights
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Application No. 18/989,029

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING FINGER JOINT ANGLES

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Dec 20, 2024
Priority
Oct 12, 2023 — CN PCT/CN2023/124295 +1 more
Examiner
ELAHI, TOWFIQ
Art Unit
2625
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Shenzhen Shokz Co. Ltd.
OA Round
2 (Final)
79%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
1y 0m
Est. Remaining
94%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 79% — above average
79%
Career Allowance Rate
574 granted / 723 resolved
+17.4% vs TC avg
Moderate +15% lift
Without
With
+14.9%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 5m
Avg Prosecution
19 currently pending
Career history
743
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
2.0%
-38.0% vs TC avg
§103
88.2%
+48.2% vs TC avg
§102
6.2%
-33.8% vs TC avg
§112
0.6%
-39.4% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 723 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
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 . Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 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. Claim(s) 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 21, 23 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Zhang (CN 108444436) in view of Gupta (US 20190250708). Regarding claim 1 Zhang teaches a method for determining a finger joint angle (specific method for measuring the bending angle of each knuckle finger as follows:), comprising: obtaining first sensor data relating to at least two target finger joints of a user (fig. 3, fig. 4, first, the glove together with multiple capacitive flexible dielectric sensor, where the sensor integrated with the gloves completely adhered. As shown in FIG. 4, flexible dielectric sensor arrangement needs corresponding to each position of the fingers of the finger corresponding to the forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger of the first finger joints, the second finger joint and metacarpophalangeal joints are bonded with three sensors. At the same time, there are adhered with two sensor the thumb first finger joint and metacarpophalangeal joint. sensor one end lead-out wire; the lead of all the sensors of the glove end collecting, through a flat cable and a measuring circuit of the next part.), wherein the first sensor data is obtained using at least two strain sensors (Referring to FIG. 1-5, an embodiment of the present invention based on the hand posture measuring system of flexible deformation sensor, comprising a glove main body, flexible dielectric sensor, a data collecting module, a data analysis module, a joint angle and hand gesture display module and a power supply module, a flexible dielectric sensor and glove body are completely pasted, data collecting module, data analyzing module and the power supply module are integrated in the control box.), each of the strain sensors is arranged in a glove body worn by the user and located at one of the at least two target finger joints (fig.4, claim 2, flexible deformation sensor based on the hand posture measuring system, wherein the glove main body and the hand of user, knuckle of flexible dielectric sensor corresponding with the position of each finger are arranged correspondingly. corresponding forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger of the first finger joints, the second finger joint and metacarpophalangeal joints are bonded with three flexible dielectric sensor, are bonded with two flexible dielectric sensor joint and metacarpophalangeal joint between the first finger of the thumb; all the flexible dielectric sensor for obtaining the angle value of the finger skin by reading the elongation of corresponding knuckle, flexible dielectric sensor one end leading-out wire, lead the glove end of all flexible dielectric sensor, collecting data output by cable), and the at least two target finger joints include at least two adjacent metacarpophalangeal joints of the user (claim2: flexible deformation sensor based on the hand posture measuring system, wherein the glove main body and the hand of user, knuckle of flexible dielectric sensor corresponding with the position of each finger are arranged correspondingly. corresponding forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger of the first finger joints, the second finger joint and metacarpophalangeal joints are bonded with three flexible dielectric sensor, are bonded with two flexible dielectric sensor joint and metacarpophalangeal joint between the first finger of the thumb; all the flexible dielectric sensor for obtaining the angle value of the finger skin by reading the elongation of corresponding knuckle, flexible dielectric sensor one end leading-out wire, lead the glove end of all flexible dielectric sensor, collecting data output by cable also see fig.4) and at least two target finger joints further include at least two proximal interphalangeal joints corresponding to the at least two metacarpophalangeal joints (fig.4, the glove main body and the hand of user, knuckle of flexible dielectric sensor corresponding with the position of each finger is correspondingly arranged, corresponding to the forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and first interphalangeal joint of the little finger. the second finger joint and metacarpophalangeal joints are bonded with three flexible dielectric sensor; there are adhered with two flexible dielectric sensor joint and metacarpophalangeal joint between the thumb first finger; all flexible dielectric sensor for obtaining the angle value of the finger skin by reading the elongation of corresponding knuckle, flexible dielectric sensor one end leading-out wire, lead the glove end of all flexible dielectric sensor, collecting data output by cable); obtaining a first mapping relationship, wherein the first mapping relationship reflects a relationship between sensor data corresponding to the at least two target finger joints and joint angles of the at least two target finger joints (method for measuring the bending angle of each knuckle finger as follows: step 1: to be hand of good posture wearing the glove, step 2, by the pulse width modulation circuit reading a capacitive dielectric sensor flexible dielectric value, through data collecting card sends the data read into the computer, step 3: analyzing the collected data, providing data through the filter and the peak reading downwards analysis program, step 4: through the program to calculate the angle of each joint); and determining a first joint angle of each of the at least two target finger joints based on the first sensor data and the first mapping relationship (method for measuring the bending angle of each knuckle finger as follows: step 1: to be hand of good posture wearing the glove, step 2, by the pulse width modulation circuit reading a capacitive dielectric sensor flexible dielectric value, through data collecting card sends the data read into the computer, step 3: analyzing the collected data, providing data through the filter and the peak reading downwards analysis program, step 4: through the program to calculate the angle of each joint). Zhang does not expressly teach for each proximal interphalangeal joint among the at least two proximal interphalangeal joints, determining, based on a second mapping relationship and the first joint angle of the proximal interphalangeal joint, a second joint angle of a distal interphalangeal joint corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint, wherein the second mapping relationship reflects a relationship between a joint angle of the proximal interphalangeal joint and a joint angle of the distal interphalangeal joint. However, Gupta teaches for each proximal interphalangeal joint among the at least two proximal interphalangeal joints, determining, based on a second mapping relationship and the first joint angle of the proximal interphalangeal joint, a second joint angle of a distal interphalangeal joint corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint, wherein the second mapping relationship reflects a relationship between a joint angle of the proximal interphalangeal joint and a joint angle of the distal interphalangeal joint (fig.3, step 302-304, [0092] fig.5, [0095] [0096] fig. 6A). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one ordinary skilled in the art to combine Zhang in light of Gupta teaching so that it could include teaches for each proximal interphalangeal joint among the at least two proximal interphalangeal joints, determining, based on a second mapping relationship and the first joint angle of the proximal interphalangeal joint, a second joint angle of a distal interphalangeal joint corresponding to the proximal interphalangeal joint, wherein the second mapping relationship reflects a relationship between a joint angle of the proximal interphalangeal joint and a joint angle of the distal interphalangeal joint. The motivation is to provide a method for hand pose tracking in a virtual reality (VR) environment by a wearable device. Claims 2-3 canceled. Regarding claim 4 Zhang teaches wherein the at least two metacarpophalangeal joints include metacarpophalangeal joints of at least one finger of the index finger, the middle finger, or the ring finger of the user and two adjacent fingers on two sides of the at least one finger (fig.4, the glove main body and the hand of user, knuckle of flexible dielectric sensor corresponding with the position of each finger is correspondingly arranged, corresponding to the forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and first interphalangeal joint of the little finger. the second finger joint and metacarpophalangeal joints are bonded with three flexible dielectric sensor; there are adhered with two flexible dielectric sensor joint and metacarpophalangeal joint between the thumb first finger; all flexible dielectric sensor for obtaining the angle value of the finger skin by reading the elongation of corresponding knuckle, flexible dielectric sensor one end leading-out wire, lead the glove end of all flexible dielectric sensor, collecting data output by cable). Regarding claim 5 Zhang teaches wherein the at least two metacarpophalangeal joints include metacarpophalangeal joints of at least one finger of the thumb or the pinky thumb of the user and one adjacent finger of the at least one finger (fig.4, the glove main body and the hand of user, knuckle of flexible dielectric sensor corresponding with the position of each finger is correspondingly arranged, corresponding to the forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and first interphalangeal joint of the little finger. the second finger joint and metacarpophalangeal joints are bonded with three flexible dielectric sensor; there are adhered with two flexible dielectric sensor joint and metacarpophalangeal joint between the thumb first finger; all flexible dielectric sensor for obtaining the angle value of the finger skin by reading the elongation of corresponding knuckle, flexible dielectric sensor one end leading-out wire, lead the glove end of all flexible dielectric sensor, collecting data output by cable). Regarding claim 6 Zhang teaches wherein the at least two strain sensors include at least two first strain sensors disposed at the at least two metacarpophalangeal joints, each of the at least two first strain sensors being configured to measure a deformation (fig.4, the glove main body and the hand of user, knuckle of flexible dielectric sensor corresponding with the position of each finger is correspondingly arranged, corresponding to the forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and first interphalangeal joint of the little finger. the second finger joint and metacarpophalangeal joints are bonded with three flexible dielectric sensor; there are adhered with two flexible dielectric sensor joint and metacarpophalangeal joint between the thumb first finger; all flexible dielectric sensor for obtaining the angle value of the finger skin by reading the elongation of corresponding knuckle, flexible dielectric sensor one end leading-out wire, lead the glove end of all flexible dielectric sensor, collecting data output by cable, also claim 6, he flexible deformation sensor based on hand gesture-measuring method, wherein, before reading the value, flexible dielectric sensor needs to be calibrated, determining a capacitance value of each of flexible dielectric sensor corresponding to the relation of the angle of a joint). But does not expressly teach deformation of a corresponding metacarpophalangeal joint in two degrees of freedom. However, Gupta teaches deformation of a corresponding metacarpophalangeal joint in two degrees of freedom (fig. 5, as the hand pose can move two independent ways). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one ordinary skilled in the art to combine Zhang in light of Gupta teaching so that it could include teach deformation of a corresponding metacarpophalangeal joint in two degrees of freedom. The motivation is to provide a method for hand pose tracking in a virtual reality (VR) environment by a wearable device. Claim 7 is canceled. Regarding claim 8 Zhang teaches wherein the at least two strain sensors include at least two second strain sensors disposed at the at least two proximal interphalangeal joints, each of the second strain sensors being configured to measure a deformation of a corresponding proximal interphalangeal joint in a single degree of freedom (fig.4, invention claims a glove can be used and measuring system of hand joint can hand first finger section when moving the angle of joint and metacarpophalangeal joint between the second finger in real time measurement. glove similar to the common gloves, can be directly worn, covered on the back of the glove, the sensor glove is when each joint bent, the sensor passively follows the human back skin bending and stretching action, so as to measure the bending angle of the joint. the circuit of the invention uses the filter device and software architecture, noise caused by the input voltage and a measuring circuit environment caused by noise can be well eliminated.). Regarding claim 10 Zhang teaches wherein the first sensor data includes decoupling data of the at least two target finger joints, the decoupling data being determined based on raw data collected by the at least two strain sensors (claim 4, claim 5). Regarding claim 21 Zhang in view of Gupta teach wherein the second mapping relationship is represented by a mapping function (Gupta: [0085] [0086]) or a trained machine learning model. Regarding claim 23 Zhang teaches method for determining a finger joint angle (specific method for measuring the bending angle of each knuckle finger as follows:), comprising: obtaining first sensor data relating to at least two adjacent metacarpophalangeal joints of a user and second sensor data relating to at least 3 corresponding to the at least two adjacent metacarpophalangeal joints (fig. 3, fig. 4, first, the glove together with multiple capacitive flexible dielectric sensor, where the sensor integrated with the gloves completely adhered. As shown in FIG. 4, flexible dielectric sensor arrangement needs corresponding to each position of the fingers of the finger corresponding to the forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger of the first finger joints, the second finger joint and metacarpophalangeal joints are bonded with three sensors. At the same time, there are adhered with two sensor the thumb first finger joint and metacarpophalangeal joint. sensor one end lead-out wire; the lead of all the sensors of the glove end collecting, through a flat cable and a measuring circuit of the next part); determining a first joint angle of each of the at least two adjacent metacarpophalangeal joints based on the first sensor data and a first mapping relationship (method for measuring the bending angle of each knuckle finger as follows: step 1: to be hand of good posture wearing the glove, step 2, by the pulse width modulation circuit reading a capacitive dielectric sensor flexible dielectric value, through data collecting card sends the data read into the computer, step 3: analyzing the collected data, providing data through the filter and the peak reading downwards analysis program, step 4: through the program to calculate the angle of each joint), Zhang does not expressly teach determining a third joint angle of each of the at least two proximal interphalangeal joints based on the second sensor data, the first joint angle of each of the at least two adjacent metacarpophalangeal joints, and a third mapping relationship, wherein the third mapping relationship reflects a relationship between joint angles of the at least two adjacent metacarpophalangeal joints, sensor data relating to the at least two proximal interphalangeal joints, and joint angles of the at least two proximal interphalangeal joints. However, Gupta teaches determining a third joint angle of each of the at least two proximal interphalangeal joints based on the second sensor data, the first joint angle of each of the at least two adjacent metacarpophalangeal joints, and a third mapping relationship, wherein the third mapping relationship reflects a relationship between joint angles of the at least two adjacent metacarpophalangeal joints, sensor data relating to the at least two proximal interphalangeal joints, and joint angles of the at least two proximal interphalangeal joints (fig.3, step 302-304, [0092] fig.5, [0095] [0096] fig. 6A). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one ordinary skilled in the art to combine Zhang in light of Gupta teaching so that it could include determining a third joint angle of each of the at least two proximal interphalangeal joints based on the second sensor data, the first joint angle of each of the at least two adjacent metacarpophalangeal joints, and a third mapping relationship, wherein the third mapping relationship reflects a relationship between joint angles of the at least two adjacent metacarpophalangeal joints, sensor data relating to the at least two proximal interphalangeal joints, and joint angles of the at least two proximal interphalangeal joints. The motivation is to provide a method for hand pose tracking in a virtual reality (VR) environment by a wearable device. Allowable Subject Matter Claims 11, 12, 14-20, 22, 24-25 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims. Response to Arguments Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 1 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any of the new reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. US 20160187973 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 TOWFIQ ELAHI whose telephone number is (571)270-1687. The examiner can normally be reached M-F: 10AM-3PM. 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, William Boddie can be reached at (571)272-0666. 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. /TOWFIQ ELAHI/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2625
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Prosecution Timeline

Dec 20, 2024
Application Filed
Oct 20, 2025
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Jan 19, 2026
Response Filed
Apr 07, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
79%
Grant Probability
94%
With Interview (+14.9%)
2y 5m (~1y 0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 723 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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