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 .
Drawings
The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore, “the control substrate and the processing substrate are disposed to overlap each other” must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s). No new matter should be entered. Note: figure 3 shows that panel 1150 and panel 1170 are disposed side by side not overlapping each other.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
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 1-2 and 4-17 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.
Regarding claims 1 and 2, it is unclear what is meant by “the control substrate and the processing substrate are disposed to overlap each other”. Figure 3 shows that panel 1150 and panel 1170 are disposed side by side, not overlapping each other.
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.
Claim(s) 1-2, 4-17 and 19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102a1 as being anticipated by Nakatsugawa et al. (US 20130043400).
Regarding claim 1, Nakatsugawa teaches a radiographic imaging apparatus comprising:
a radiation detection panel 92 configured to include an effective imaging area where incident radiation is detected;
a control substrate 208 194 50 210 212 configured to control driving of the radiation detection panel (para 231);
a processing substrate 50 85 32 configured to process a signal output from the radiation detection panel (figure 31); and
a housing configured to accommodate the radiation detection panel, the control substrate, and the processing substrate, wherein the housing includes a first thickness section, which has a first thickness in an incident direction of the radiation, and where the effective imaging area is disposed, and a second thickness section, which has a second thickness greater than the first thickness in the incident direction of the radiation, and where the control substrate and the processing substrate are disposed (figure 31), and wherein the control substrate and the processing substrate are disposed to overlap each other at least in part when the second thickness section is viewed along the incident direction of the radiation (figure 38 and 73).
Regarding claim 2, Nakatsugawa teaches a radiographic imaging apparatus comprising: a radiation detection panel configured to include an effective imaging area where incident radiation is detected; a control substrate configured to control driving of the radiation detection panel; a housing configured to accommodate the radiation detection panel and the control substrate (figures 31, 38); and a grip portion 80 configured to be gripped to hold the housing, wherein the housing includes a first thickness section, which has a first thickness in an incident direction of the radiation, and where the effective imaging area is disposed, and a second thickness section, which has a second thickness greater than the first thickness in the incident direction of the radiation, and where the control substrate and the grip portion are disposed (figure 31), and wherein the control substrate and the grip portion are disposed to overlap each other at least in part when the second thickness section is viewed along the incident direction of the radiation, and the control substrate is disposed at a position closer to a side where the radiation is incident than the grip portion (figures 38, 73).
Regarding claim 4, Nakatsugawa teaches a battery 52 configured to be disposed in the second thickness section of the housing and to supply power to the radiographic imaging apparatus, wherein the control substrate and the battery are disposed to overlap at least in part when the second thickness section is viewed along the incident direction of the radiation (figure 38).
Regarding claim 5, Nakatsugawa teaches the radiation detection panel and the control substrate are disposed at different positions in the incident direction of the radiation (figure 31).
Regarding claim 6, Nakatsugawa teaches the second thickness section is thicker than the first thickness section toward a side where the radiation is incident (figure 31).
Regarding claim 7, Nakatsugawa teaches the processing substrate is one or more (figure 31).
Regarding claim 8, Nakatsugawa teaches the control substrate is disposed at a position close to a side where the radiation is incident, with respect to the control substrate (figure 38).
Regarding claim 9, Nakatsugawa teaches in a direction perpendicular to the incident direction of the radiation, the processing substrate is extended toward a position where the radiation detection panel is disposed, compared to the control substrate (figure 38).
Regarding claim 10, Nakatsugawa teaches a shielding member 192 configured to reduce electromagnetic noise, the shielding member being disposed between the control substrate and the processing substrate.
Regarding claim 11, Nakatsugawa teaches a grip portion 80 configured to be disposed in the second thickness section of the housing and to be gripped to hold the housing, wherein the grip portion and the processing substrate are disposed without overlapping when the second thickness section is viewed along the incident direction of the radiation (figure 31).
Regarding claim 12, Nakatsugawa teaches a battery 52 configured to be disposed in the second thickness section of the housing and to supply power to the radiographic imaging apparatus, wherein the battery and the processing substrate are disposed without overlapping when the second thickness section is viewed along the incident direction of the radiation (figure 38).
Regarding claim 13, Nakatsugawa teaches a grip portion 52 configured to be disposed in the second thickness section of the housing and to be gripped to hold the housing; and a battery configured to be disposed in the second thickness section of the housing and to supply power to the radiographic imaging apparatus, wherein the processing substrate and the battery are disposed with the grip portion therebetween when the second thickness section is viewed along the incident direction of the radiation (figure 38).
Regarding claim 14, Nakatsugawa teaches wiring 62 configured to connect the control substrate and the processing substrate, wherein in the control substrate and the processing substrate, the wiring is disposed on a side opposite to a side close to a position where the radiation detection panel is disposed (figure 38).
Regarding claim 15, Nakatsugawa teaches the grip portion is formed in a recessed shape in a surface of a side of the second thickness section where the radiation is incident (upper side of the handle, figure 71).
Regarding claim 16, Nakatsugawa fails to teach the grip portion is formed in a recessed shape in a surface of a side of the second thickness section opposite to a side where radiation is incident (lower side of the handle, figure 71).
Regarding claim 17, Nakatsugawa teaches radiographic imaging system comprising: the radiographic imaging apparatus according to Claim 1; and a radiation generation apparatus configured to generate the radiation (figure 31).
Regarding claim 19, Nakatsugawa teaches a radiographic imaging apparatus comprising: a radiation detection panel configured to include an effective imaging area where incident radiation is detected; a housing configured to accommodate the radiation detection panel (figure 81); and a display unit 82 configured to function as a user interface, wherein the housing includes a first thickness section, which has a first thickness in an incident direction of the radiation, and where the effective imaging area is disposed, and a second thickness section, which has a second thickness greater than the first thickness in the incident direction of the radiation, and where the display unit is disposed in an area which is excluded from a center in a longitudinal direction and is on one end side in the longitudinal direction (figure 31).
Claim(s) 21 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102a1 as being anticipated by Imamura et al. (US 20190046130).
Regarding claim 21, Imamura teaches a radiographic imaging apparatus comprising: a radiation detection panel 50 configured to include an effective imaging area where radiation transmitted through a subject is detected; and a housing 52 configured to accommodate the radiation detection panel, wherein in the housing and index 57A 57B indicating a range of the effective imaging area is disposed on a first surface corresponding to a surface on one side of the radiation detection panel and a second surface corresponding to a surface on the other side of the radiation detection panel (figure 5).
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) 3 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Nakatsugawa in view of Cho et al. (US 20230403808).
Regarding claim 3, Nakatsugawa teaches a radiographic imaging apparatus comprising: a radiation detection panel configured to include an effective imaging area where incident radiation is detected; a control substrate configured to control driving of the radiation detection panel; a flexible circuit board 208, 194, 212 configured to connect the radiation detection panel and the control substrate; and a housing configured to accommodate the radiation detection panel, the control substrate, and the flexible circuit board, wherein the housing includes a first thickness section, which has a first thickness in an incident direction of the radiation, and where the effective imaging area is disposed (figure 31), a second thickness section, which has a second thickness greater than the first thickness in the incident direction of the radiation, and where the control substrate is disposed, and a section, which connects the first thickness section and the second thickness section, and where at least a part of the flexible circuit board is disposed, and wherein the flexible circuit board connects the radiation detection panel and the control substrate which are disposed at different positions in the incident direction of the radiation (para 31).
However Nakatsugawa fails to teach the section is gradient section.
Cho teaches a gradient section 168s (figure 7a).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to adapt the section of Nakatsugawa with the gradient section as taught by Cho, since it would provide better cosmetic appearance.
Claim(s) 18 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Nakatsugawa in view of Sugawara et al. (US 20020153491).
Regarding claim 18, Nakatsugawa teaches a radiographic imaging apparatus comprising: a radiation detection panel configured to include an effective imaging area where radiation transmitted through a subject is detected; a predetermined circuit configured to detect a signal output from the radiation detection panel; and a housing configured to accommodate the radiation detection panel and the predetermined circuit. wherein the housing includes a first thickness section, which has a first thickness in an incident direction of the radiation, and where at least the effective imaging area is disposed, and a second thickness section, which has a second thickness greater than the first thickness in the incident direction of the radiation, and where at least the predetermined circuit is disposed, and wherein in the second thickness section (figures 31 and 38).
However current reduction mechanism for reducing a loop current in a region where a closed circuit may occur is disposed.
Sugawara teaches current reduction mechanism for reducing a loop current in a region where a closed circuit may occur is disposed (para 81-82).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to adapt the circuit of Nakatsugawa with the current reduction mechanism as taught by Sugawara, since it would provide protective electrode.
Claim(s) 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Nakatsugawa in view of Deinlein et al.(US 20170360394).
Regarding claim 20, Nakatsugawa teaches a radiographic imaging apparatus comprising: a radiation detection panel configured to include an effective imaging area where radiation transmitted through a subject is detected; and a housing configured to accommodate the radiation detection panel, wherein the housing includes a first thickness section, which has a first thickness in an incident direction of the radiation, and where the effective imaging area is disposed, and a second thickness section, which has a second thickness greater than the first thickness in the incident direction of the radiation.
However Nakatsugawa fails to teach a sensor unit configured to include one or more types of sensors for detecting the subject and disposed.
Deinlein teaches a sensor unit 13 configured to include one or more types of sensors for detecting the subject and disposed (figure 3).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to adapt the detector of Nakatsugawa with the sensor as taught by Deinlein, since it would provide better alignment.
Claim(s) 21 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Nakatsugawa in view of Imamura et al. (US 20190046130).
Regarding claim 21, Nakatsugawa teaches a radiographic imaging apparatus comprising: a radiation detection panel configured to include an effective imaging area where radiation transmitted through a subject is detected; and a housing configured to accommodate the radiation detection panel, wherein in the housing.
However Nakatsugawa fails to teach an index indicating a range of the effective imaging area is disposed on a first surface corresponding to a surface on one side of the radiation detection panel and a second surface corresponding to a surface on the other side of the radiation detection panel.
Imamura teaches an index indicating 57A 57B a range of the effective imaging area is disposed on a first surface corresponding to a surface on one side of the radiation detection panel and a second surface corresponding to a surface on the other side of the radiation detection panel (figure 5).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to adapt the housing of Nakatsugawa with the index as taught by Imamura, since it would provide better positioning.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to HOON K SONG whose telephone number is (571)272-2494. The examiner can normally be reached M to Th 10am to 7pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, David Makiya can be reached at 571-272-2273. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/HOON K SONG/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2884
