Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Application No. 19/060,446

TASK SUPPORT SYSTEM AND TASK SUPPORT METHOD

Non-Final OA §103§112
Filed
Feb 21, 2025
Priority
Mar 22, 2024 — JP 2024-046990
Examiner
MINKO, DENIS VASILIY
Art Unit
2612
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
71%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
11m
Est. Remaining
87%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 71% — above average
71%
Career Allowance Rate
24 granted / 34 resolved
+8.6% vs TC avg
Strong +17% interview lift
Without
With
+16.6%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 7m
Avg Prosecution
13 currently pending
Career history
52
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
7.4%
-32.6% vs TC avg
§103
67.2%
+27.2% vs TC avg
§102
13.9%
-26.1% vs TC avg
§112
11.5%
-28.5% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 34 resolved cases

Office Action

§103 §112
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b): (b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph: The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention. Claims 3-5 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention. Claims 3-5 recited the limitation “…the first display device estimates a task for the first fastening location by using a position of a hand of a wearer of the first display device ….”, however “estimates a task” is not well described, “estimating a task” is not describing what kind of task it is estimating. Therefore, the claims 3-5 are indefinite and are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, second paragraph. 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 and 8 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tomizuka et al. (US 20220222606) in view of Taqtile et al. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fxqdm6dmLs). Regarding claim 1. Tomizuka teaches: A task support system configured to support a task (Tomizuka [0010] This disclosure is directed to techniques for handing off tasks to one or more users via an XR collaboration application.), the task support system comprising:a first display device and a second display device configured to display virtual objects to overlap the real space (Tomizuka [0010] This disclosure is directed to techniques for handing off tasks to one or more users via an XR collaboration application. In one aspect, the XR collaboration application may be configured to provide an XR environment via a head-mounted device (HMD), a handheld device, and/or other types of XR capable user devices. The XR environment may represent a real-world environment and may include one or more objects. The XR collaboration application may receive a user command from an XR author to interact with the one or more objects. The objects can be real objects or virtual objects that may represent real objects in the real-world environment.), each of the plurality of fastening locations being assigned to one of a plurality of groups (Tomizuka [0013] A task may be placed on a queue and then transmitted to a selected collaborator according to the schedule configuration. Additionally, or alternatively, a task may be assigned to the first available collaborator or assigned via round-robin or other task routing schemes. In some aspects, a plurality of collaborators may participate in an auction to place a bid to complete a task. A collaborator may be selected from the plurality of collaborators based at least on the submitted bid.), the first display device displaying a first virtual object for a first fastening location included in a first group, the first group being one of the plurality of groups (Tomizuka [0021] For instance, a first user profile may be tagged with a team identifier that is associated with a team and a project identifier that is associated with the team's project. A second user profile may be tagged with the same team identifier and an additional project identifier that is associated with a different project. Accordingly, two user profiles associated with different collaborators on the same team may be tagged with the same team identifier but different projects. A collaborator that is associated with the first user profile may be selected to perform a task that is associated with the team's project. [0053] In one example, a task may include instructions to interact with one or more objects and/or virtual content within the XR environment. In another example, a task may include instructions to create, edit, modify, view, and/or retrieve virtual content. A task may also include prerequisites to perform the task. For instance, the prerequisites may specify system requirements, technical requirements, credential requirements, and/or so forth.), the second display device displaying a second virtual object for a second fastening location included in a second group, the second group being another one of the plurality of groups (Tomizuka [0021] For instance, a first user profile may be tagged with a team identifier that is associated with a team and a project identifier that is associated with the team's project. A second user profile may be tagged with the same team identifier and an additional project identifier that is associated with a different project. Accordingly, two user profiles associated with different collaborators on the same team may be tagged with the same team identifier but different projects. A collaborator that is associated with the first user profile may be selected to perform a task that is associated with the team's project. [0053] In one example, a task may include instructions to interact with one or more objects and/or virtual content within the XR environment. In another example, a task may include instructions to create, edit, modify, view, and/or retrieve virtual content. A task may also include prerequisites to perform the task. For instance, the prerequisites may specify system requirements, technical requirements, credential requirements, and/or so forth.). Tomizuka fails to teach: for a plurality of fastening locations of an article present in a real space (Taqtile [1:50 – 2:20] This video shows how the digital AR glasses show how to fasten and where to fasten certain thing (in this case the fasteners are screws) and allows for the users to see in a virtual space to see where to screw into. As also see in figure 1.) Taqtile teaches: for a plurality of fastening locations of an article present in a real space (Taqtile [1:50 – 2:20] This video shows how the digital AR glasses show how to fasten and where to fasten certain thing (in this case the fasteners are screws) and allows for the users to see in a virtual space to see where to screw into. As also see in figure 1.) PNG media_image1.png 691 1283 media_image1.png Greyscale Figure 1. Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of Tomizuka with Taqtile. Finding different fastening locations in a virtual space, as in Taqtile, would benefit the Tomizuka teachings by allowing for a way to find different places to fasten and being able to have multiple users be using it. Additionally, this is the application of a known technique, being able to show fastening locations in a virtual space, to yield predictable results. Regarding claim 8. Tomizuka teaches: A task support system method, comprising: (Tomizuka [0010] This disclosure is directed to techniques for handing off tasks to one or more users via an XR collaboration application.), assigning each of the plurality of fastening locations to one of a plurality of groups (Tomizuka [0013] A task may be placed on a queue and then transmitted to a selected collaborator according to the schedule configuration. Additionally, or alternatively, a task may be assigned to the first available collaborator or assigned via round-robin or other task routing schemes. In some aspects, a plurality of collaborators may participate in an auction to place a bid to complete a task. A collaborator may be selected from the plurality of collaborators based at least on the submitted bid.), causing a first display device to display a first virtual object for a first fastening location included in a first group, the first display device being configured to display a virtual object to overlap the real space, the first group being one of the plurality of groups (Tomizuka [0021] For instance, a first user profile may be tagged with a team identifier that is associated with a team and a project identifier that is associated with the team's project. A second user profile may be tagged with the same team identifier and an additional project identifier that is associated with a different project. Accordingly, two user profiles associated with different collaborators on the same team may be tagged with the same team identifier but different projects. A collaborator that is associated with the first user profile may be selected to perform a task that is associated with the team's project. [0053] In one example, a task may include instructions to interact with one or more objects and/or virtual content within the XR environment. In another example, a task may include instructions to create, edit, modify, view, and/or retrieve virtual content. A task may also include prerequisites to perform the task. For instance, the prerequisites may specify system requirements, technical requirements, credential requirements, and/or so forth.), andcausing a second display device to display a second virtualobject for a second fastening location included in a second group, the second display device being configured to display a virtual object to overlap the real space, the second group being another one of the plurality of groups (Tomizuka [0021] For instance, a first user profile may be tagged with a team identifier that is associated with a team and a project identifier that is associated with the team's project. A second user profile may be tagged with the same team identifier and an additional project identifier that is associated with a different project. Accordingly, two user profiles associated with different collaborators on the same team may be tagged with the same team identifier but different projects. A collaborator that is associated with the first user profile may be selected to perform a task that is associated with the team's project. [0053] In one example, a task may include instructions to interact with one or more objects and/or virtual content within the XR environment. In another example, a task may include instructions to create, edit, modify, view, and/or retrieve virtual content. A task may also include prerequisites to perform the task. For instance, the prerequisites may specify system requirements, technical requirements, credential requirements, and/or so forth.). Tomizuka fails to teach: supporting a task for a plurality of fastening locations of an article present in a real space (Taqtile [1:50 – 2:20] This video shows how the digital AR glasses show how to fasten and where to fasten certain thing (in this case the fasteners are screws) and allows for the users to see in a virtual space to see where to screw into. As also see in figure 1.); Taqtile teaches: supporting a task for a plurality of fastening locations of an article present in a real space (Taqtile [1:50 – 2:20] This video shows how the digital AR glasses show how to fasten and where to fasten certain thing (in this case the fasteners are screws) and allows for the users to see in a virtual space to see where to screw into. As also see in figure 1.); PNG media_image1.png 691 1283 media_image1.png Greyscale Figure 1. Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of Tomizuka with Taqtile. Finding different fastening locations in a virtual space, as in Taqtile, would benefit the Tomizuka teachings by allowing for a way to find different places to fasten and being able to have multiple users be using it. Additionally, this is the application of a known technique, being able to show fastening locations in a virtual space, to yield predictable results. Claim(s) 6 and 7 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Tomizuka et al. (US 20220222606) in view of Taqtile et al. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fxqdm6dmLs), and Tanida et al. (WO 2020075232). Regarding claim 6. Tomizuka and Taqtile teaches: The task support system according to claim 1, Tomizuka and Taqtile fails to teach: wherein the first virtual object includes at least one selected from a specified torque value necessary for screw-tightening at the first fastening location, a torque value detected in the screw- tightening at the first fastening location, and a screw-tightening count at the first fastening location (Tanida [Pg 3 Par 6] Further, the actual tool RT uses the tightening torque information corresponding to an arbitrary bolt size and bolt material obtained from the augmented reality server 12 or the torque management server 28, and the information that the actual bolt RBn is tightened with a predetermined tightening torque. It has a display unit (not shown). Since this display unit is intended to convey the above information to the worker, instead of installing the display unit side by side with the actual tool RT, this information is displayed on the transmissive screen 14, or It may be displayed on the display unit of another wearable terminal provided on the wrist or the like. [Pg 7 Par 3] The specified tightening torque TS has a passing range from the lower limit value (TSL) to the upper limit value (TSH), and the display portion of the actual tool RT has a tightening torque TL in the passing range (lower limit value TSL). In the following, the pass range and the pass range (upper limit value TSH) and above can be represented by different colors. Note that, instead of the operation of the display unit included in the real tool RT, such information may be displayed on the transmissive screen 14 or may be displayed on the display unit of another wearable terminal provided on the worker's wrist or the like.), and the second virtual object includes at least one selected from a specified torque value necessary for screw-tightening at the second fastening location, a torque value detected in the screw-tightening at the second fastening location, and a screw- tightening count at the second fastening location (Tanida [Pg 3 Par 6] Further, the actual tool RT uses the tightening torque information corresponding to an arbitrary bolt size and bolt material obtained from the augmented reality server 12 or the torque management server 28, and the information that the actual bolt RBn is tightened with a predetermined tightening torque. It has a display unit (not shown). Since this display unit is intended to convey the above information to the worker, instead of installing the display unit side by side with the actual tool RT, this information is displayed on the transmissive screen 14, or It may be displayed on the display unit of another wearable terminal provided on the wrist or the like. [Pg 7 Par 3] The specified tightening torque TS has a passing range from the lower limit value (TSL) to the upper limit value (TSH), and the display portion of the actual tool RT has a tightening torque TL in the passing range (lower limit value TSL). In the following, the pass range and the pass range (upper limit value TSH) and above can be represented by different colors. Note that, instead of the operation of the display unit included in the real tool RT, such information may be displayed on the transmissive screen 14 or may be displayed on the display unit of another wearable terminal provided on the worker's wrist or the like.). Tanida teaches: wherein the first virtual object includes at least one selected from a specified torque value necessary for screw-tightening at the first fastening location, a torque value detected in the screw- tightening at the first fastening location, and a screw-tightening count at the first fastening location (Tanida [Pg 3 Par 6] Further, the actual tool RT uses the tightening torque information corresponding to an arbitrary bolt size and bolt material obtained from the augmented reality server 12 or the torque management server 28, and the information that the actual bolt RBn is tightened with a predetermined tightening torque. It has a display unit (not shown). Since this display unit is intended to convey the above information to the worker, instead of installing the display unit side by side with the actual tool RT, this information is displayed on the transmissive screen 14, or It may be displayed on the display unit of another wearable terminal provided on the wrist or the like. [Pg 7 Par 3] The specified tightening torque TS has a passing range from the lower limit value (TSL) to the upper limit value (TSH), and the display portion of the actual tool RT has a tightening torque TL in the passing range (lower limit value TSL). In the following, the pass range and the pass range (upper limit value TSH) and above can be represented by different colors. Note that, instead of the operation of the display unit included in the real tool RT, such information may be displayed on the transmissive screen 14 or may be displayed on the display unit of another wearable terminal provided on the worker's wrist or the like.), and the second virtual object includes at least one selected from a specified torque value necessary for screw-tightening at the second fastening location, a torque value detected in the screw-tightening at the second fastening location, and a screw- tightening count at the second fastening location (Tanida [Pg 3 Par 6] Further, the actual tool RT uses the tightening torque information corresponding to an arbitrary bolt size and bolt material obtained from the augmented reality server 12 or the torque management server 28, and the information that the actual bolt RBn is tightened with a predetermined tightening torque. It has a display unit (not shown). Since this display unit is intended to convey the above information to the worker, instead of installing the display unit side by side with the actual tool RT, this information is displayed on the transmissive screen 14, or It may be displayed on the display unit of another wearable terminal provided on the wrist or the like. [Pg 7 Par 3] The specified tightening torque TS has a passing range from the lower limit value (TSL) to the upper limit value (TSH), and the display portion of the actual tool RT has a tightening torque TL in the passing range (lower limit value TSL). In the following, the pass range and the pass range (upper limit value TSH) and above can be represented by different colors. Note that, instead of the operation of the display unit included in the real tool RT, such information may be displayed on the transmissive screen 14 or may be displayed on the display unit of another wearable terminal provided on the worker's wrist or the like.). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of Tomizuka and Taqtile with Tanida. Showing a certain torque value to fasten to and having a coordinate system, as in Tanida, would benefit the Tomizuka and Taqtile teachings by allowing for the fastening to be more precise by showing how much to torque. Additionally, this is the application of a known technique, showing a certain torque value to fasten to, to yield predictable results. Regarding claim 7. Tomizuka and Taqtile teach: The task support system according to claim 1, Tomizuka and Taqtile fail to teach: wherein the first display device and the second display device set a three-dimensional coordinate system in a virtual space by using a marker located in the real space as an origin (Tanida [Pg 3 Par 9 – Pg 4 Par 1] The work information server 26 does not necessarily need to be independent of the design information server 22, and the work information server 26 and the design information server 22 may be operated as one common information server. When the analysis server 29 performs large-scale (image) analysis on the image captured by the camera 10 to obtain detailed coordinates (for example, coordinates indicating a three-dimensional position) of the work target in the real space or virtual space. Used for etc.). Tanida teaches: wherein the first display device and the second display device set a three-dimensional coordinate system in a virtual space by using a marker located in the real space as an origin (Tanida [] The work information server 26 does not necessarily need to be independent of the design information server 22, and the work information server 26 and the design information server 22 may be operated as one common information server. When the analysis server 29 performs large-scale (image) analysis on the image captured by the camera 10 to obtain detailed coordinates (for example, coordinates indicating a three-dimensional position) of the work target in the real space or virtual space. Used for etc.). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art to combine the teachings of Tomizuka and Taqtile with Tanida. Showing a certain torque value to fasten to and having a coordinate system, as in Tanida, would benefit the Tomizuka and Taqtile teachings by allowing for the fastening to be more precise by showing how much to torque. Additionally, this is the application of a known technique, showing a certain torque value to fasten to, to yield predictable results. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to DENIS VASILIY MINKO whose telephone number is (571)270-5226. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Thursday 8:30-6:00 EST. 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, Said Broome can be reached at 571-272-2931. 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. /DENIS VASILIY MINKO/Examiner, Art Unit 2612 /Said Broome/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2612
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Feb 21, 2025
Application Filed
Sep 30, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103, §112 (current)

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
71%
Grant Probability
87%
With Interview (+16.6%)
2y 7m (~11m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 34 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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