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
This Non-Final Rejection Office Action is in response to Applicant’s filing of 01/17/2025.
Claims 1 – 20 are pending.
The earliest effective filing date of the present application is 12/18/2018.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1 – 20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1 – 20 of U.S. Patent Application No. 18/817,854. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the instant application claims 1 – 20 are anticipated by the patent claims. Those claim elements within the application that are not patentably distinct to the patent claims are illustrated (and highlighted) below.
Application 19/027,885
Application 18/817,854
Claim 1
Claim 1
A system configured to update a potentially incorrect status value, the system comprising:
one or more hardware processors configured by machine-readable instructions to:
identify, by a server managing environment state information maintaining a virtual collaboration environment, a work unit record has a potentially incorrect status value for a status parameter characterizing status of a unit of work, wherein identification of the work unit record having the potentially incorrect status value is based on one or more updates to the work unit record, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value by virtue of the status value for the work unit record not reflecting one or more interactions by one or more users within the virtual collaboration environment which led to the one or more updates to the work unit record;
establish a network connection between a remotely located client computing platform associated with a user and the server;
effectuate communication of information from the server to the remotely located client computing platform over the network connection to cause the remotely located client computing platform to present a status request, the status request prompting user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that the status request includes a user-selectable element corresponding to an update to the potentially incorrect status value; and
update, by the server, the potentially incorrect status value based on user input information conveying the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that responsive to the user input including selection of the user-selectable element, update the potentially incorrect status value to an updated status value.
A system configured to update a potentially incorrect status value, the system comprising: one or more hardware processors configured by machine-readable instructions to:
manage, by a server, environment state information maintaining a virtual collaboration environment,
identify, by the server and based on the update to the work unit record, the work unit record has a potentially incorrect status value for a status parameter, wherein a status value characterizes status of the unit of work, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value because the status value for the work unit record does not reflect the interaction by the users with the virtual collaboration environment which caused the work unit record to be updated;
establish a network connection between a remotely located client computing platform associated with a user and the server;
effectuate communication of information from the server to the remotely located client computing platform over the network connection to cause the remotely located client computing platform to present the status request, the status request including a user-selectable element corresponding to an update to the potentially incorrect status value;
update, by the server, the work unit record based on the interaction by the users with the virtual collaboration environment;
update, by the server, the potentially incorrect status value based on the user input information, such that responsive to the user input including selection of the user-selectable element, update the potentially incorrect status value to an updated status value.
Claim 2
Claim 2
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more interactions by the one or more users includes working on the unit of work or an other unit of work, and/or uploading individual files to the work unit record.
The system of claim 1, wherein the interactions by the users that lead to the update of the work unit record includes working on the unit of work or an other unit of work, and/or uploading individual files to the work unit record.
Claim 3
Claim 3
The system of claim 1, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value based on information included in one or more other work unit records.
The system of claim 1, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value based on information included in one or more other work unit records.
Claim 4
Claim 4
The system of claim 1, wherein the status request is generated automatically in response to the one or more updates to the work unit record.
The system of claim 1, wherein the status request is generated automatically in response to updating the work unit record.
Claim 5
Claim 5
The system of claim 1, wherein the status request is generated responsive to receiving an update request.
The system of claim 1, wherein the status request is generated responsive to receiving an update request.
Claim 6
Claim 6
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: determine a suggested status update for the status request.
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: determine a suggested status update for the status request.
Claim 7
Claim 7
The system of claim 6, wherein the selection of the user-selectable element conveys approval of the suggested status update.
The system of claim 6, wherein the selection of the user-selectable element conveys approval of the suggested status update.
Claim 8
Claim 8
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to generate an incentive offer indicating an incentive to provide the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value.
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to generate an incentive offer indicating an incentive to provide the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value.
Claim 9
Claim 9
The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: effectuate presentation of the incentive offer; and provide the incentive.
The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: effectuate presentation of the incentive offer; and provide the incentive.
Claim 10
Claim 10
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: responsive to the user input including selection of an other user-selectable element, update the potentially incorrect status value to an other updated status value.
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: responsive to the user input including selection of an other user-selectable element, update the potentially incorrect status value to an other updated status value.
Claim 11
Claim 11
A computer-implemented method to update a potentially incorrect status value, the method comprising:
identifying, by a server managing environment state information maintaining a virtual collaboration environment, a work unit record has a potentially incorrect status value for a status parameter characterizing status of a unit of work, wherein identification of the work unit record having the potentially incorrect status value is based on one or more updates to the work unit record, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value by virtue of the status value for the work unit record not reflecting one or more interactions by one or more users within the virtual collaboration environment which led to the one or more updates to the work unit record;
establishing a network connection between a remotely located client computing platform associated with a user and the server;
effectuating communication of information from the server to the remotely located client computing platform over the network connection to cause the remotely located client computing platform to present a status request, the status request prompting user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that the status request includes a user-selectable element corresponding to an update to the potentially incorrect status value; and
updating, by the server, the potentially incorrect status value based on user input information conveying the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that responsive to the user input including selection of the user-selectable element, update the potentially incorrect status value to an updated status value.
A computer-implemented method to update a potentially incorrect status value, the method comprising:
managing, by a server, environment state information maintaining a virtual collaboration environment, the virtual collaboration environment being configured to facilitate interaction by users with the virtual collaboration environment through instances of a graphical user interface, the environment state information including a work unit record corresponding to a unit of work managed, created, and/or assigned within the virtual collaboration environment;
identifying, by the server and based on the update to the work unit record, the work unit record has a potentially incorrect status value for a status parameter, wherein a status value characterizes status of the unit of work, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value because the status value for the work unit record does not reflect the interaction by the users with the virtual collaboration environment which caused the work unit record to be updated;
updating, by the server, the work unit record based on the interaction by the users with the virtual collaboration environment;
establishing a network connection between a remotely located client computing platform associated with a user and the server;
effectuating communication of information from the server to the remotely located client computing platform over the network connection to cause the remotely located client computing platform to present the status request, the status request including a user-selectable element corresponding to an update to the potentially incorrect status value;
updating, by the server, the potentially incorrect status value based on the user input information, including responsive to the user input including selection of the user-selectable element, updating the potentially incorrect status value to an updated status value
obtaining, by the server, user input information conveying the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value;
Claim 12
Claim 12
The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more interactions by the one or more users includes working on the unit of work or an other unit of work, and/or uploading individual files to the work unit record.
The method of claim 11, wherein the interactions by the users that lead to the update of the work unit record includes working on the unit of work or an other unit of work, and/or uploading individual files to the work unit record.
Claim 13
Claim 13
The method of claim 11, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value based on information included in one or more other work unit records.
The method of claim 11, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value based on information included in one or more other work unit records.
Claim 14
Claim 14
The method of claim 11, wherein the status request is generated automatically in response to the one or more updates to the work unit record.
The method of claim 11, wherein the status request is generated automatically in response to updating the work unit record.
Claim 15
Claim 15
The method of claim 11, wherein the status request is generated responsive to receiving an update request.
The method of claim 11, wherein the status request is generated responsive to receiving an update request.
Claim 16
Claim 16
The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining a suggested status update for the status request.
The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining a suggested status update for the status request.
Claim 17
Claim 17
The method of claim 16, wherein the selection of the user-selectable element conveys approval of the suggested status update.
The method of claim 16, wherein the selection of the user-selectable element conveys approval of the suggested status update.
Claim 18
Claim 18
The method of claim 11, further comprising generating an incentive offer indicating an incentive to provide the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value.
The method of claim 11, further comprising: generating an incentive offer indicating an incentive to provide the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value.
Claim 19
Claim 19
The method of claim 18, further comprising: effectuating presentation of the incentive offer; and providing the incentive.
The method of claim 18, further comprising: effectuating presentation of the incentive offer; and providing the incentive.
Claim 20
Claim 20
The method of claim 11, further comprising: responsive to the user input including selection of an other user-selectable element, updating the potentially incorrect status value to an other updated status value.
The method of claim 11, further comprising: responsive to the user input including selection of an other user-selectable element, updating the potentially incorrect status value to an other updated status value.
Claims 1 – 20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being/ unpatentable over claims 1 – 20 of U.S. Patent No. 12/154,075 (Application 18/063,344). Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the instant application claims 1 – 20 are anticipated by the patent claims. Those claim elements within the application that are identical to the patent claims are illustrated (and highlighted) below.
Application 19/027,885
Patent 12,154,075
(Application 18/063,344)
Claim 1
Claim 1
A system configured to update a potentially incorrect status value, the system comprising:
one or more hardware processors configured by machine-readable instructions to:
identify, by a server managing environment state information maintaining a virtual collaboration environment, a work unit record has a potentially incorrect status value for a status parameter characterizing status of a unit of work, wherein identification of the work unit record having the potentially incorrect status value is based on one or more updates to the work unit record, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value by virtue of the status value for the work unit record not reflecting one or more interactions by one or more users within the virtual collaboration environment which led to the one or more updates to the work unit record;
establish a network connection between a remotely located client computing platform associated with a user and the server;
effectuate communication of information from the server to the remotely located client computing platform over the network connection to cause the remotely located client computing platform to present a status request, the status request prompting user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that the status request includes a user-selectable element corresponding to an update to the potentially incorrect status value; and
update, by the server, the potentially incorrect status value based on user input information conveying the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that responsive to the user input including selection of the user-selectable element, update the potentially incorrect status value to an updated status value.
A system configured to update potentially incorrect status values, the system comprising: one or more hardware processors configured by machine-readable instructions to:
identify, by the server and based on the update to the work unit records, one or more of the work unit records having potentially incorrect status values for a status parameter, status values characterizing status of individual units of work, wherein the one or more of the work unit records are identified as having the potentially incorrect status values because the status values for the one or more of the work unit records do not reflect the interaction by the users with the one or more of the work unit records which caused the one or more of the work unit records to be updated;
establish the Internet connection between the first remotely located client computing platform and the server;
effectuate communication of information from the server to the first remotely located client computing platform over the Internet connection so that the first remotely located client computing platform presents the user interface of the virtual collaboration environment displaying the first status request, the first status request including one or more user-selectable input elements corresponding to one or more updates to the potentially incorrect first status value;
update, by the server, the potentially incorrect first status value based on the user input information, such that responsive to the user input including selection of a first user-selectable input element, update the potentially incorrect first status value to a first updated value.
Claim 2
Claim 2
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more interactions by the one or more users includes working on the unit of work or an other unit of work, and/or uploading individual files to the work unit record.
The system of claim 1, wherein the interactions by the users with individual work unit records that lead to the update of the individual work unit records include working on the individual units of work associated with the individual work unit records, and/or uploading individual files to the individual work unit records.
Claim 3
Claim 3
The system of claim 1, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value based on information included in one or more other work unit records.
The system of claim 1, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value based on information included in one or more other work unit records.
Claim 4
Claim 4
The system of claim 1, wherein the status request is generated automatically in response to the one or more updates to the work unit record.
The system of claim 1, wherein the status request is generated automatically in response to updating the work unit record.
Claim 5
Claim 5
The system of claim 1, wherein the status request is generated responsive to receiving an update request.
The system of claim 1, wherein the status request is generated responsive to receiving an update request.
Claim 6
Claim 6
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: determine a suggested status update for the status request.
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: determine a suggested status update for the status request.
Claim 7
Claim 7
The system of claim 6, wherein the selection of the user-selectable element conveys approval of the suggested status update.
The system of claim 6, wherein the selection of the user-selectable element conveys approval of the suggested status update.
Claim 8
Claim 8
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to generate an incentive offer indicating an incentive to provide the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value.
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to generate an incentive offer indicating an incentive to provide the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value.
Claim 9
Claim 9
The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: effectuate presentation of the incentive offer; and provide the incentive.
The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: effectuate presentation of the incentive offer; and provide the incentive to the first user responsive to receiving the user input..
Claim 10
Claim 10
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: responsive to the user input including selection of an other user-selectable element, update the potentially incorrect status value to an other updated status value.
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: responsive to the user input including selection of an other user-selectable element, update the potentially incorrect status value to an other updated status value.
Claim 11
Claim 11
A computer-implemented method to update a potentially incorrect status value, the method comprising:
identifying, by a server managing environment state information maintaining a virtual collaboration environment, a work unit record has a potentially incorrect status value for a status parameter characterizing status of a unit of work, wherein identification of the work unit record having the potentially incorrect status value is based on one or more updates to the work unit record, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value by virtue of the status value for the work unit record not reflecting one or more interactions by one or more users within the virtual collaboration environment which led to the one or more updates to the work unit record;
establishing a network connection between a remotely located client computing platform associated with a user and the server;
effectuating communication of information from the server to the remotely located client computing platform over the network connection to cause the remotely located client computing platform to present a status request, the status request prompting user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that the status request includes a user-selectable element corresponding to an update to the potentially incorrect status value; and
updating, by the server, the potentially incorrect status value based on user input information conveying the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that responsive to the user input including selection of the user-selectable element, update the potentially incorrect status value to an updated status value.
A computer-implemented method to update a potentially incorrect status value, the method comprising:
managing, by a server, environment state information maintaining a virtual collaboration environment, the virtual collaboration environment being configured to facilitate interaction by users with the virtual collaboration environment through instances of a graphical user interface, the environment state information including a work unit record corresponding to a unit of work managed, created, and/or assigned within the virtual collaboration environment;
identifying, by the server and based on the update to the work unit record, the work unit record has a potentially incorrect status value for a status parameter, wherein a status value characterizes status of the unit of work, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value because the status value for the work unit record does not reflect the interaction by the users with the virtual collaboration environment which caused the work unit record to be updated;
updating, by the server, the work unit record based on the interaction by the users with the virtual collaboration environment;
establishing a network connection between a remotely located client computing platform associated with a user and the server;
effectuating communication of information from the server to the remotely located client computing platform over the network connection to cause the remotely located client computing platform to present the status request, the status request including a user-selectable element corresponding to an update to the potentially incorrect status value;
updating, by the server, the potentially incorrect status value based on the user input information, including responsive to the user input including selection of the user-selectable element, updating the potentially incorrect status value to an updated status value
obtaining, by the server, user input information conveying the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value;
Claim 12
Claim 12
The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more interactions by the one or more users includes working on the unit of work or an other unit of work, and/or uploading individual files to the work unit record.
The method of claim 11, wherein the interactions by the users with individual work unit records that lead to the updating of the individual work unit records include working on the individual units of work associated with the individual work unit records and/or uploading individual files to the individual work unit records.
Claim 13
Claim 13
The method of claim 11, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value based on information included in one or more other work unit records.
The method of claim 11, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value based on information included in one or more other work unit records.
Claim 14
Claim 14
The method of claim 11, wherein the status request is generated automatically in response to the one or more updates to the work unit record.
The method of claim 11, wherein the first status request is generated automatically in response to updating the first work unit record based on a first set of interactions by one or more of the users with the first work unit record and/or one or more other work unit records.
Claim 15
Claim 15
The method of claim 11, wherein the status request is generated responsive to receiving an update request.
The method of claim 11, wherein the first status request is generated responsive to receiving an update request from a second remotely located client computing platform associated with a second user.
Claim 16
Claim 16
The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining a suggested status update for the status request.
The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining a first suggested status update for the first status request based on information included in the first work unit record, wherein the first user-selectable input element conveys the first suggested status update.
Claim 17
Claim 17
The method of claim 16, wherein the selection of the user-selectable element conveys approval of the suggested status update.
The method of claim 16, wherein the selection of the first user-selectable input element conveys approval of the first suggested status update.
Claim 18
Claim 18
The method of claim 11, further comprising generating an incentive offer indicating an incentive to provide the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value.
The method of claim 11, further comprising generating an incentive offer indicating an incentive for the first user to provide the user input.
wherein the first user-selectable input element conveys the first suggested status update.
Claim 19
Claim 19
The method of claim 18, further comprising: effectuating presentation of the incentive offer; and providing the incentive.
The method of claim 18, further comprising: effectuating presentation of the incentive offer via the first remotely located client computing platform; and providing the incentive to the first user responsive to receiving the user input.
Claim 20
Claim 20
The method of claim 11, further comprising: responsive to the user input including selection of an other user-selectable element, updating the potentially incorrect status value to an other updated status value.
The method of claim 11, further comprising: responsive to the user input including selection of a second user-selectable input element, updating the potentially incorrect first status value to a second updated value.
Claims 1 – 20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1 – 10 and 12 – 20 of U.S. Patent No. 11,568,366 (Application 16/624,374). Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the instant application claims 1 – 20 are anticipated by the patent claims. Those claim elements within the application that are identical to the patent claims are illustrated (and highlighted) below.
Application 19/027,885
Patent 11,568,366
(Application 16/224,374)
Claim 1
Claim 1
A system configured to update a potentially incorrect status value, the system comprising:
one or more hardware processors configured by machine-readable instructions to:
identify, by a server managing environment state information maintaining a virtual collaboration environment, a work unit record has a potentially incorrect status value for a status parameter characterizing status of a unit of work, wherein identification of the work unit record having the potentially incorrect status value is based on one or more updates to the work unit record, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value by virtue of the status value for the work unit record not reflecting one or more interactions by one or more users within the virtual collaboration environment which led to the one or more updates to the work unit record;
establish a network connection between a remotely located client computing platform associated with a user and the server;
effectuate communication of information from the server to the remotely located client computing platform over the network connection to cause the remotely located client computing platform to present a status request, the status request prompting user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that the status request includes a user-selectable element corresponding to an update to the potentially incorrect status value; and
update, by the server, the potentially incorrect status value based on user input information conveying the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that responsive to the user input including selection of the user-selectable element, update the potentially incorrect status value to an updated status value.
A system configured to generate status requests for units of work, the system comprising: one or more hardware processors configured by machine-readable instructions to:
manage, by a server, environment state information maintaining a virtual collaboration environment,
wherein managing the environment state information includes updating the values of the work unit parameters responsive to user interactions with the units of work, such that the values of the work unit parameters for a first unit of work are updated responsive to one or more of the users interacting with the first unit of work;
identify, by the server, one or more of the work unit records having potentially incorrect status values for a status parameter for the individual units of work, status values characterizing status of the individual units of work, wherein the one or more of the work unit records having the potentially incorrect status values are identified based on the values of the work unit parameters such that a first work unit record having a potentially incorrect first status value is identified based on first values for the work unit parameters associated with the first unit of work;
establish the Internet connection between the remotely located client computing platforms and the server;
effectuate communication of information from the server to the remotely located client computing platforms over the Internet connection so that the remotely located client computing platforms present a user interface of the virtual collaboration environment including the status requests, the status requests in the user interface including user-selectable input elements through which the users provide the user input to update the potentially incorrect status values,
update, at the server, the potentially incorrect status values based on the user input information conveying the user input, such that responsive to the user input of the first user including selection of the first user-selectable input element, update the potentially incorrect first status value to a first updated value…
Claim 2
Claim 2
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more interactions by the one or more users includes working on the unit of work or an other unit of work, and/or uploading individual files to the work unit record.
The system of claim 1, wherein interacting with the first unit of work includes one or more of working on the first unit of work, and/or uploading a file associated with the first unit of work.
Claim 3
Claim 3
The system of claim 1, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value based on information included in one or more other work unit records.
The system of claim 1, wherein the first work unit record is identified based on the values for the work unit parameters associated with other units of work.
Claim 10
The system of claim 1, wherein the values of the work unit parameters indicating that the one or more of the work unit records have the potentially incorrect status values include the values of a file upload parameter and/or a last interaction parameter.
Claim 4
Claim 4
The system of claim 1, wherein the status request is generated automatically in response to the one or more updates to the work unit record.
The system of claim 1, wherein generating the status requests includes automatically generating the status requests responsive to updating the values of the work unit parameters.
Claim 5
Claim 5
The system of claim 1, wherein the status request is generated responsive to receiving an update request.
The system of claim 1, wherein the first status request is generated responsive to receiving an update request from a second client computing platform associated with a second user.
Claim 6
Claim 6
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: determine a suggested status update for the status request.
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: determine a first suggested status update for the first status request based on the first values for the work unit parameters associated with the first unit of work, wherein the first user-selectable input element conveys the first suggested status update.
Claim 7
Claim 7
The system of claim 6, wherein the selection of the user-selectable element conveys approval of the suggested status update.
The system of claim 6, wherein the user input of the first user including the selection of the first user-selectable input element conveys approval of the first suggested status update and/or an indication of a status update for the first unit of work.
Claim 8
Claim 8
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to generate an incentive offer indicating an incentive to provide the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value.
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to generate an incentive offer indicating an incentive for the first user based on the first values for the work unit parameters associated with the first unit of work.
Claim 10
provide the incentive to the first user responsive to receiving the user put responsive to the first status request from the first user.
Claim 9
Claim 9
The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: effectuate presentation of the incentive offer; and provide the incentive.
The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: effectuate presentation of the incentive offer; and provide the incentive to the first user responsive to receiving the user input..
Claim 10
Claim 1
The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more hardware processors are further configured by the machine-readable instructions to: responsive to the user input including selection of an other user-selectable element, update the potentially incorrect status value to an other updated status value.
responsive to the user input of the first user including selection of the first user-selectable input element, update the potentially incorrect first status value to a first updated value;
Claim 11
Claim 12
A computer-implemented method to update a potentially incorrect status value, the method comprising:
identifying, by a server managing environment state information maintaining a virtual collaboration environment, a work unit record has a potentially incorrect status value for a status parameter characterizing status of a unit of work, wherein identification of the work unit record having the potentially incorrect status value is based on one or more updates to the work unit record, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value by virtue of the status value for the work unit record not reflecting one or more interactions by one or more users within the virtual collaboration environment which led to the one or more updates to the work unit record;
establishing a network connection between a remotely located client computing platform associated with a user and the server;
effectuating communication of information from the server to the remotely located client computing platform over the network connection to cause the remotely located client computing platform to present a status request, the status request prompting user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that the status request includes a user-selectable element corresponding to an update to the potentially incorrect status value; and
updating, by the server, the potentially incorrect status value based on user input information conveying the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that responsive to the user input including selection of the user-selectable element, update the potentially incorrect status value to an updated status value.
A computer-implemented method to generate status requests for units of work, the method comprising:
managing, by a server, environment state information maintaining a virtual collaboration environment, the environment state information including values of user parameters and values of work unit parameters,
identifying, by the server, one or more of the work unit records having potentially incorrect status values for a status parameter for the individual units of work, status values characterizing status of the individual units of work, wherein the one or more of the work unit records having the potentially incorrect status values are identified based on the values of the work unit parameters, including identifying a first work unit record as having a potentially incorrect first status value based on first values for the work unit parameters associated with the first unit of work;
establishing the Internet connection between the remotely located client computing platforms and the server;
effectuating communication of information from the server to the remotely located client computing platforms over the Internet connection so that the remotely located client computing platforms present a user interface of the virtual collaboration environment including the status requests, the status requests in the user interface including user-selectable input elements through which the users provide the user input to update the potentially incorrect status values,
updating, at the server, the potentially incorrect status values based on the user input information conveying the user input, including responsive to the user input of the first user including selection of the first user-selectable input element, updating the potentially incorrect first status value to a first updated value;
Claim 12
Claim 13
The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more interactions by the one or more users includes working on the unit of work or an other unit of work, and/or uploading individual files to the work unit record.
The method of claim 12, wherein interacting with the first unit of work includes one or more of working on the first unit of work, and/or uploading a file associated with the first unit of work.
Claim 13
Claim 14
The method of claim 11, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value based on information included in one or more other work unit records.
The method of claim 12, wherein the first work unit record is identified based on the values for the work unit parameters associated with other units of work.
Claim 14
Claim 15
The method of claim 11, wherein the status request is generated automatically in response to the one or more updates to the work unit record.
The method of claim 12, wherein the generating the status requests includes automatically generating the status requests responsive to updating the values of the work unit parameters.
Claim 15
Claim 16
The method of claim 11, wherein the status request is generated responsive to receiving an update request.
The method of claim 12, wherein the first status request is generated responsive to receiving an update request from a second client computing platform associated with a second user.
Claim 16
Claim 17
The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining a suggested status update for the status request.
The method of claim 12, further comprising: determining a first suggested status update for the first status request based on the first values for the work unit parameters associated with the first unit of work, wherein the first user-selectable input element conveys the first suggested status update
Claim 17
Claim 18
The method of claim 16, wherein the selection of the user-selectable element conveys approval of the suggested status update.
The method of claim 17, wherein the user input of the first user including the selection of the first user-selectable input element conveys approval of the first suggested status update and/or an indication of a status update for the first unit of work.
Claim 18
Claim 19
The method of claim 11, further comprising generating an incentive offer indicating an incentive to provide the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value.
The method of claim 12, further comprising generating an incentive offer indicating an incentive for the first user based on the first values for the work unit parameters associated with the first unit of work.
Claim 18
wherein the user input of the first user including the selection of the first user-selectable input element conveys approval of the first suggested status update and/or an indication of a status update for the first unit of work.
Claim 19
Claim 20
The method of claim 18, further comprising: effectuating presentation of the incentive offer; and providing the incentive.
The method of claim 19, further comprising: effectuating presentation of the incentive offer to the first user via the first remotely located client computing platform; and providing the incentive to the first user responsive to receiving the user input responsive to the first status request from the first user.
Claim 20
Claim 12
The method of claim 11, further comprising: responsive to the user input including selection of an other user-selectable element, updating the potentially incorrect status value to an other updated status value.
responsive to the user input of the first user including selection of the first user-selectable input element, updating the potentially incorrect first status value to a first updated value;
Independent claims 1 and 11 have been analyzed under 35 U.S.C. § 101 and have been determined to recite abstract ideas. However, at Step 2A, Prong Two, the Examiner notes that additional claim elements integrate these abstract ideas into a practical application.
Claim 11, which is illustrative of claim 1, recites abstract ideas, such as a method for collaboration over a network and update work records. This is set forth when reciting managing a work record unit corresponding to a unit of work managed, created, and/or assigned, interaction by the users, status values do not reflect the interaction by the users, prompting the user to update the value, and, user input information responsive to the user selection of selectable element. Therefore, the Examiner concludes the claims describe commercial interactions. The collaboration among the users (as well as the interaction among a user and a computer within the environment), further describes interactions between people. Both of these classifications are considered to describe certain methods of organizing human activity and are considered abstract ideas.
However, The Examiner notes that these claims include additional elements of: identifying, a work unit record has a potentially incorrect status value for a status parameter characterizing status of a unit of work, wherein identification of the work unit record having the potentially incorrect status value is based on one or more updates to the work unit record, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value by virtue of the status value for the work unit record not reflecting one or more interactions by one or more users within the virtual collaboration environment which led to the one or more updates to the work unit record; present a status request, the status request prompting user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that the status request includes a user-selectable element corresponding to an update to the potentially incorrect status value; and updating, by the server, the potentially incorrect status value based on user input information conveying the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that responsive to the user input including selection of the user-selectable element, update the potentially incorrect status value to an updated status value.
Support within the disclosure shows that these additional elements are more than mere instructions to implement the updating of incorrect status values within a computer environment and provide for integration of the above abstract ideas into a practical application. A useful result of identifying potentially incorrect status values, occurs only after monitoring of user interactions and use of user-selectable input elements, and allows for the display of an updated, correct, value – (an improvement to the interface). The Examiner notes this result is illustrated at Fig. 6. Therefore, the Examiner has concluded that the claimed invention is not directed to a judicial exception and qualifies as eligible subject matter under 35 U.S.C. § 101 analysis at Step 2A, Prong Two; or Pathway B as indicated at MPEP §2106.04.
Claims Distinguished Over Prior Art
Regarding claims 1 - 20, prior art does not teach nor suggest a method as claimed. Certain prior art teaches a method for prompting for work status, (Ma); others teach collaborative task management (Merwarth). However, the prior art of record does not disclose the following claimed elements, either alone, or in combination within claims 1 and 11: identify, a work unit record has a potentially incorrect status value for a status parameter characterizing status of a unit of work, wherein identification of the work unit record having the potentially incorrect status value is based on one or more updates to the work unit record, wherein the work unit record is identified as having the potentially incorrect status value by virtue of the status value for the work unit record not reflecting one or more interactions by one or more users within the virtual collaboration environment which led to the one or more updates to the work unit record; present a status request, the status request prompting user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that the status request includes a user-selectable element corresponding to an update to the potentially incorrect status value; and update, by the server, the potentially incorrect status value based on user input information conveying the user input to update the potentially incorrect status value, such that responsive to the user input including selection of the user-selectable element, update the potentially incorrect status value to an updated status value.
Regarding claims 2 – 10 and 12 – 20, based on their dependency to independent claims 1 and 11, and reciting further limiting elements, inherit the distinguished claim limitations and are therefore, also not disclosed by the prior art. Accordingly, these claims too, are distinguished over the prior art.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. (Ma) discloses a method and apparatus for prompting for work status. (Merwarth) details systems and methods for collaborative management. The NPL document discusses group activities that are critical to successful collaboration.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to DON EDMONDS whose telephone number is (571) 272-6171. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 8am-4pm EST.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Sarah Monfeldt can be reached at (571) 270-1833. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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DONALD J. EDMONDS
Examiner
Art Unit 3629
/SARAH M MONFELDT/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3629