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 .
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 11/17/2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive for the following reasons:
Applicant argues on pg. 11:
“Scott does not teach the controlling device receiving, let alone the ability to receive, communications from a controlled device. Thus, Scott's receiving device cannot display anything "in accordance with" what the controlled device is playing.
Claim 1 requires that the first electronic device display the content user interface element based on the determination that the second electronic device is playing content. Applicant submits that disclosure of Scott does not teach the ability of the controlling device to receive information from a controlled device, and thus has no ability to display anything based on a determination that the controlled device is playing content.”
Examiner responds that the claim does not indicate that the controlling device receives communications from a controlled device. The claim merely describes the process of “…displaying, …a user interface… in accordance with a determination that the second electronic device is playing content…”. This clause does not indicate that the determination is made by the device itself, but rather merely states that the display is made in accordance with a determination. The claim’s use of the term “in accordance” is not sufficient to clearly indicate that the remote device is receives data from the other device and produces content based on that data. For example, It is clear that Scott’s device displays playback icons in accordance with a determination by a user that content is being played (Fig. 7 and para. 38). Therefore, the argument is rendered unpersuasive.
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.
Claims 1 – 14 and 18 – 23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Scott et al. (US Pub. No. 2006/0050142 A1).
As to claim 1, Scott shows a method (Fig. 1 and para. 29) comprising: at a first electronic device 100 with a display 218/400 (Figs. 1 and 4 and paras. 30 and 38) and one or more input devices (i.e. buttons/keys, 402, 404, etc. Fig. 4 and para. 38): displaying, on the display, a user interface including: a first selectable control (i.e. pause button, for example) of a first set of controls associated with simulating a remote control for controlling a second electronic device (i.e. television/DVD player), different from the first electronic device (i.e. DVD playback controls, Fig. 7 and para. 38); and in accordance with a determination that the second electronic device is playing content: a content user interface element including a second set of controls for controlling playback of the content being played by the second electronic device (i.e. other DVD transport controls such as play, for example , Fig. 7 and para. 38); while displaying, on the display, the first selectable control and the content user interface element including the second set of controls, receiving an input, via the one or more input devices, at the first electronic device (i.e. slow icon 702, for example, Fig. 7 and para. 38); and in response to receiving the input: in accordance with a determination that the input was received at the first selectable control, initiating an operation associated with controlling the second electronic device in accordance with the input received at the first selectable control (Figs. 7 and 8 and para. 38); and in accordance with a determination that the input corresponds to a selection of the content user interface element, displaying an expanded content user interface element including the second set of controls and a third set of controls for controlling the content being played by the second electronic device (i.e. various buttons/keys for slow playback mode, Fig. 8 and para. 38).
As to claim 2, Scott shows that the second set of controls for controlling the playback of the content being played includes one or more of a rewind control for rewinding the playback of the content, and a fast-forward control for fast-forwarding the playback of the content (Figs. 7 and 8 and para. 38).
As to claim 3, Scott shows that in response to receiving the input, in accordance with a determination that the input was received at a given control of the second set of controls, initiating an operation to control playback of the content being played by the second electronic device in accordance with the input received at the given control (Figs. 7 and 8 and para. 38).
As to claim 4, Scott shows displaying information identifying the content being played by the second electronic device and the user interface includes the first selectable control, and the content user interface element, which includes the information identifying the content being played by the second electronic device and the second set of controls (i.e. DVD transport/DVD slow, for example, Figs. 7 and 8 and para. 38).
As to claim 5, Scott shows that in response to receiving the input, in accordance with a determination that the input corresponds to a request to change a status of the content being played by the second electronic device: initiating an operation to change the status of the content being played by the second electronic device in accordance with the input (i.e. play button causes normal playback speed, for example, Figs. 7 and 8 and para. 38); and updating the content user interface element to reflect the change in the status of the content being played by the second electronic device (i.e. reverting to GUI page 700, for example, Fig. 7 and para. 38).
As to claim 6, Scott shows that in response to receiving the input: in accordance with a determination that the input corresponds to a selection of a respective control of the second set of controls in the content user interface element, initiating an operation to control playback of the content being played by the second electronic device while maintaining the display of the user interface and the content user interface element (Fig. 7 and para. 38), the operation corresponding to the selected respective control of the second set of controls (Fig. 7 and para. 38); and in accordance with a determination that the input corresponds to a selection of the content user interface element other than the one or more of the second set of controls (i.e. slow key, for example, Fig. 7 and para. 38), displaying the expanded content user interface element including the second set of controls and a third set of controls for controlling the content being played by the second electronic device (Fig. 8 and para. 38).
As to claim 7, Scott shows that the expanded content user interface element is customized to the content being played by the second electronic device (Fig. 9 and paras. 44 and 57 – 89).
As to claim 8, Scott shows that the expanded content user interface element includes information about the content being played by the second electronic device not displayed on the display prior to receiving the input (i.e. DVD slow, for example, Fig. 8 and para. 38).
As to claim 9, Scott shows that the second set of controls and the third set of controls include a reverse skip button (Fig. 7 and 8 and para. 38).
As to claim 10, Scott shows that in response to receiving the input, in accordance with a determination that the input was received at the content user interface element and corresponds to a request to control a state of play of the content being played by the second electronic device, initiating an operation to control the state of play of the content being played by the second electronic device in accordance with the input received while maintaining the display of the first selectable control and the second set of controls (Fig. 7 and 8 and para. 38).
As to claim 11, Scott shows displaying a first set of controls, which include a play/pause button (Fig. 7 and 8 and para. 38).
As to claim 12, Scott shows that in accordance with a determination that the second electronic device is configured to adjust a volume level of the content being played by the second electronic device, the first set of controls includes the volume control (Fig. 9 and paras. 44 and 57 – 59, note that the set of input functions can be customizable based on the type of content/appliance); and in accordance with a determination that the second electronic device is not configured to adjust the volume level of the content being played by the second electronic device, the first set of controls does not include the volume control (Fig. 9 and paras. 44 and 57 – 59, note that the set of input functions can be customizable based on the type of content/appliance).
As to claim 13, Scott shows that in accordance with a determination that the second electronic device is compatible with a respective remote control function, displaying a respective control of a respective set of controls corresponding to the respective remote control function (Fig. 7 and para. 38); and in accordance with a determination that the second electronic device is not compatible with the respective remote control function, forgoing displaying the respective control of the respective set of controls corresponding to the respective remote control function (Fig. 9 and paras. 44 and 57 – 59, note that the set of input functions can be customizable based on the type of content/appliance).
As to claim 14, Scott shows that the first electronic device is a portable electronic device (Figs. 1 and 3 and paras. 29 and 35), and the second electronic device is a set-top box connected to a remote display (i.e. DVD player 106/TV 102. Fig. 1 and para. 29).
As to claim 18, Scott shows that in response to receiving the input: in accordance with a determination that the input was received at a second respective control of the second set of controls, initiating an operation to control playback of the content being played by the second electronic device in accordance with the input received at the second respective control (Figs. 7 and 8 and para. 38).
As to claim 19, Scott shows that the user interface includes a first set of controls including a respective control associated with simulating one or more commands of the remote control (Figs. 7 and 8 and para. 38).
As to claim 20, Scott shows that the selection of the content user interface element is in an area other than the second set of set of controls (Figs. 7 and 8 and para. 38).
As to claim 21, Scott shows that in accordance with a determination that a respective function of the second electronic device is controllable from the first electronic device, the user interface includes a control corresponding to the respective function (Figs. 7 and 8 and para. 38); and in accordance with a determination that the respective function of the second electronic device associated with playback of the content is not controllable from the first electronic device, the user interface does not include the control corresponding to the respective function (Fig. 9 and paras. 44 and 57 – 59, note that the set of input functions can be customizable based on the type of content/appliance).
As to claim 22, Scott shows a first electronic device 100 comprising a processor 200 (Fig. 2 and para. 30), a memory 202/204/206 (Fig. 2 and para. 30); a display device 218/400 (Figs. 1 and 4 and paras. 30 and 38); one or more input devices (i.e. buttons/keys, 402, 404, etc. Fig. 4 and para. 38); and one of more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors (inherently the case in any electronic device), the one or more programs including instructions for: displaying, on the display, a user interface including: a first selectable control (i.e. pause button, for example) of a first set of controls associated with simulating a remote control for controlling a second electronic device (i.e. television/DVD player), different from the first electronic device (i.e. DVD playback controls, Fig. 7 and para. 38); and in accordance with a determination that the second electronic device is playing content: a content user interface element including a second set of controls for controlling playback of the content being played by the second electronic device (i.e. other DVD transport controls such as play, for example , Fig. 7 and para. 38); while displaying, on the display, the first selectable control and the content user interface element including the second set of controls, receiving an input, via the one or more input devices, at the first electronic device (i.e. slow icon 702, for example, Fig. 7 and para. 38); and in response to receiving the input: in accordance with a determination that the input was received at the first selectable control, initiating an operation associated with controlling the second electronic device in accordance with the input received at the first selectable control (Figs. 7 and 8 and para. 38); and in accordance with a determination that the input corresponds to a selection of the content user interface element, displaying an expanded content user interface element including the second set of controls and a third set of controls for controlling the content being played by the second electronic device (i.e. various buttons/keys for slow playback mode, Fig. 8 and para. 38).
As to claim 23, Scott shows a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs (para. 33), the one or more programs comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor 200 (Fig. 2 and para. 30) of a first electronic device 100 (Fig. 2 and para. 30) with a display device 218/400 (Figs. 1 and 4 and paras. 30 and 38) and one or more input devices (i.e. buttons/keys, 402, 404, etc. Fig. 4 and para. 38), cause the first electronic device to: display, on the display, a user interface including: a first selectable control (i.e. pause button, for example) of a first set of controls associated with simulating a remote control for controlling a second electronic device (i.e. television/DVD player), different from the first electronic device (i.e. DVD playback controls, Fig. 7 and para. 38); and in accordance with a determination that the second electronic device is playing content: a content user interface element including a second set of controls for controlling playback of the content being played by the second electronic device (i.e. other DVD transport controls such as play, for example , Fig. 7 and para. 38); while displaying, on the display, the first selectable control and the content user interface element including the second set of controls, receiving an input, via the one or more input devices, at the first electronic device (i.e. slow icon 702, for example, Fig. 7 and para. 38); and in response to receiving the input: in accordance with a determination that the input was received at the first selectable control, initiate an operation associated with controlling the second electronic device in accordance with the input received at the first selectable control (Figs. 7 and 8 and para. 38); and in accordance with a determination that the input corresponds to a selection of the content user interface element, display an expanded content user interface element including the second set of controls and a third set of controls for controlling the content being played by the second electronic device (i.e. various buttons/keys for slow playback mode, Fig. 8 and para. 38).
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.
Claims 15 – 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Scott in view of Rogers (US Pat. No. 6,794,992 B1).
As to claim 15, Scott shows displaying, on the display, the first selectable control and the second set of controls (Figs. 7 and 8 and para. 38), and also contemplates using the device to control a gaming consol (para. 29).
Scott does not show displaying, on the display, a game controller launch user interface element; receiving a second input, via the one or more input devices, corresponding to a selection of the game controller launch user interface element; and in response to receiving the second input, displaying, on the display, a game controller user interface element.
Rogers shows show displaying, on a display, a game controller launch user interface element (i.e. “game” button, Fig. 2 and Col. 5, lines 25 – 45); receiving an input, via one or more input devices, corresponding to a selection of the game controller launch user interface element; and in response to receiving the second input, displaying, on the display, a game controller user interface element (Figs. 2 and 3A and Col. 5, lines 25 – 45).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing to modify the teachings of Scott with those of Rogers because designing the system in this way allows the device to control several other types of electronic audio/video equipment, and a game console, all with a single remote controller unit (Col. 8, lines 1 – 5).
As to claim 16, Rogers shows that the game controller user interface element includes a respective set of one or more controls for controlling a respective game running on a second electronic device (i.e. game console/television, Figs. 2 and 3A and Col. 5, lines 25 – 45).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing to modify the teachings of Scott with those of Rogers because designing the system in this way allows the device to control several other types of electronic audio/video equipment, and a game console, all with a single remote controller unit (Col. 8, lines 1 – 5).
As to claim 17, Scott shows that the user interface, which includes the first selectable control, and the content user interface element, which includes the second set of controls, are displayed on the display in a first orientation mode (Figs. 7 and 8 and para. 38).
Scott does not show that the game controller user interface element is displayed on the display in a second orientation mode, different from the first orientation mode.
Rogers shows that the game controller user interface element is displayed on the display in a second orientation mode, different from the first orientation mode (Figs. 2 and 3A and Col. 5, lines 25 – 45).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filing to modify the teachings of Scott with those of Rogers because designing the system in this way allows the device to control several other types of electronic audio/video equipment, and a game console, all with a single remote controller unit (Col. 8, lines 1 – 5).
CONCLUSION
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any 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 CARL ADAMS whose telephone number is (571)270-7448. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday, 9AM - 5PM EST.
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/CARL ADAMS/Examiner, Art Unit 2627