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 .
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.
1. Claims 17-19, 22-26, 28-30 and 34-35 rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over U.S. Patent No. US12316314B1 hereafter Co-1 in view of Jiang et al. (CN118151765A) hereafter Jiang, in view of Heys (WO8805209) hereafter Heys.
Instant Application # 19191785
Patent # Co-1
17. (Currently Amended) A keyboard comprising: a case comprising a flange; a keycap protruding from an upper surface of the case and being vertically movable relative to the case, wherein the flange of the case is arranged to abut a portion of the keycap to prevent the keycap from separating from the case; a magnet positioned within the keycap; a printed circuit board positioned below the case, the printed circuit board comprising an upper surface that faces toward the upper surface of the case and a lower surface that faces away from the upper surface of the case; and
a magnetic field sensor that measures a strength of a magnetic field generated by the magnet, wherein the magnetic field sensor is on the lower surface of the printed circuit board and is electrically coupled to an electrical circuit on the lower surface of the printed circuit board.
1. A keyboard comprising: a keycap, the keycap comprising multiple vertical keycap side walls, wherein at least one vertical keycap side wall comprises a bendable arm that has a keycap flange on an outward facing surface of the at least one vertical keycap side wall; a display comprising a visual side that presents content; a transparent top case overlaying the visual side of the display, wherein the transparent top case comprises a top case flange that engages with the keycap flange to allow the keycap to move vertically but to prevent the keycap from coming off, a coil spring extending from a top side of the keycap to a bottom side of the transparent top case, wherein the coil spring biases the keycap toward an undepressed position; a magnet positioned within the keycap; and a magnetic field sensor mounted on a bottom side of the display to measure a strength of a magnetic field generated by the magnet.
28. (Currently Amended) A keyboard comprising: a plurality of keycaps comprising a keycap;
a display extending along a region that is below the plurality of keycaps and that extends across the plurality of keycaps, the display comprising a visual side that presents content; a case overlaying the visual side of the display, wherein the keycap protrudes from an upper surface of the case and is vertically movable relative to the case, and the case comprises a flange arranged to abut a portion of the keycap to prevent the keycap from separating from the case;
a magnet positioned within the keycap and positioned above the display; a printed circuit board positioned below the display, the printed circuit board comprising an upper surface that faces toward the upper surface of the case and a lower surface that faces away from the upper surface of the case; and
a magnetic field sensor that measures a strength of a magnetic field generated by the magnet, wherein the magnetic field sensor is on the lower surface of the printed circuit board and is electrically coupled to an electrical circuit on [[a]] the lower surface of the printed circuit board
1. A keyboard comprising: a keycap, the keycap comprising multiple vertical keycap side walls, wherein at least one vertical keycap side wall comprises a bendable arm that has a keycap flange on an outward facing surface of the at least one vertical keycap side wall; a display comprising a visual side that presents content; a transparent top case overlaying the visual side of the display, wherein the transparent top case comprises a top case flange that engages with the keycap flange to allow the keycap to move vertically but to prevent the keycap from coming off, a coil spring extending from a top side of the keycap to a bottom side of the transparent top case, wherein the coil spring biases the keycap toward an undepressed position; a magnet positioned within the keycap; and a magnetic field sensor mounted on a bottom side of the display to measure a strength of a magnetic field generated by the magnet.
Regarding claim 17, Co-1 does not explicitly disclose the keyboard comprising: a keycap protruding from an upper surface; and a printed circuit board positioned below the display, the printed circuit board comprising an upper surface that faces toward the upper surface of the case and a lower surface that faces away from the upper surface of the case.
Jiang discloses a keyboard (page 3 ln 16-18: This embodiment takes the combination of a display screen and a mechanical keyboard as an example to provide an efficient keyboard input device that can display or edit visual office work on a display screen) comprising: a keycap protruding from an upper surface (fig. 2:7 and fig. 3:62; page 3 ln 36-38 and page 4 ln 1: As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the trigger key 6 includes a key base 61, a key cover 62 corresponds to keycap. The key base 61 is arranged above the screen 4, the key cover 62 is clamped on the key base 61, and a cavity is formed between the key cover 62 and the key base 61); a printed circuit board positioned below the case (fig 2:2; page 3 ln 20-25: Figures 1 to 3, a display screen device with a Hall switch includes a PCB board 2, a screen 4 stacked on the PCB board 2 and electrically connected to the PCB board 2, and a shell composed of a lower cover 1 and an upper frame 8, the shell is used to wrap the PCB board 2 and the screen 4, a trigger key 6 is provided above the screen 4, a triggered component 3 is installed on the PCB board 2, and the trigger key 6 and the triggered component 3 are inductively connected.).
One of ordinary skill in the art would be aware of the Co-1 and Jiang references since both pertain to the field of keyboard systems. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have improved the keyboard of Co-1 with the keycap feature as disclosed by Heys to achieve predictable results and gain the functionality of being closer to the resting position of the fingers, reducing the necessary downward movement and improving comfort.
Co-1 in view of Jiang does not explicitly disclose the printed circuit board comprising an upper surface that faces toward the upper surface of the case and a lower surface that faces away from the upper surface of the case.
Heys discloses the keyboard wherein the printed circuit board comprising an upper surface that faces toward the upper surface of the case and a lower surface that faces away from the upper surface of the case (fig 5:30; Abstract “plurality of I.C. circuit elements (50)”; page 5 ln 37-38; page 6 ln 33-37: The printed circuit board (PCB) 30 comprising an upper surface 31 and a lower surface 48, wherein the lower surface 48 is facing away the cover case 20 and 22. As shown more clearly in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, mounted to the lower surface 48 of the printed circuit board 30 are a plurality of circuit elements 50 which form part of the operating circuit of the keyboard assembly, wherein the plurality of I.C. circuit elements (50) secured to the lower surface (48) of the printed circuit board (30) and connected to the electrical conductors (32) forming an electrical circuit associated with the operation of the keyboard (18) and a key operated switching mechanism (72) extending through the keyboard (18) to sense light emitted from elements (78) mounted in the lower surface (48) of the printed circuit board (30) for controlling the operating mode of the keyboard (18)).
One of ordinary skill in the art would be aware of the Co-1, Jiang and the Heys references since both pertain to the field of keyboard systems. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have improved the keyboard of Co-1 with the layout feature of the PCB as disclosed by Heys to achieve predictable results and gain the functionality of housing a large number of operating keys and a plurality of large circuit elements, being compact, low in cost and providing for a lead-through operation of the keys.
Regarding claim 18, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys discloses the keyboard of claim 17, wherein the portion of the keycap abutted by the flange of the case comprises a flange on a bendable arm on a vertical side wall of the keycap (Jiang page 3 ln 37-38 and page 4 ln 1-2: The key base 61 “herein technically equivalent to the case comprising a flange” is arranged above the screen 4, the key cover 62 herein technically equivalent to the keycap comprising a flange” is clamped on the key base 61, and a cavity is formed between the key cover 62 and the key base 61. The axis core 64 is slidably arranged in the cavity, the reset member 63 is arranged between the axis core 64 and the key base 61 technically means the reset member 63 comprises a spring, when the key is depressed from top to bottom herein bendable on a vertical axis, the flange of the keycap will touch the flange of the case and during his pressure the spring of the reset member will shrink to a predetermined distance that is set by the keyboard ).
Regarding claim 19, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys discloses the keyboard of claim 17, wherein the case comprises an upper component (Jiang fig.2:8 and fig 3:61; page 3 ln 20-25 and ln 36: As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a shell herein technically equivalent to the case composed of a lower cover 1 and an upper frame 8 that technically equivalent to the upper component of the case. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the trigger key 6 includes a key base 61) and a base component connected to the upper component (fig 2:5, page 5 ln 1-3: The key base 61 is arranged on the positioning plate 5 technically equivalent to the base component, and the positioning plate is mounted on the upper frame 8. The positioning plate 5 provides an installation position for the trigger key 6, and is a power structure that does not affect the full-screen display of the screen 4.), wherein the upper component of the case comprises the flange (Jiang fig 3:61: The base 61 comprises a flange that prevents the keycap (7, 62) from coming off. ), and wherein the printed circuit board is positioned below the base component of the case (fig 2:2; page 3 ln 20-25: Figure 2 shows the PCB 2 is below the base component herein “positioning plate 5”. Figures 1 to 3, a display screen device with a Hall switch includes a PCB board 2, a screen 4 stacked on the PCB board 2 and electrically connected to the PCB board 2, and a shell composed of a lower cover 1 and an upper frame 8, the shell is used to wrap the PCB board 2 and the screen 4, a trigger key 6 is provided above the screen 4, a triggered component 3 is installed on the PCB board 2, and the trigger key 6 and the triggered component 3 are inductively connected.).
Regarding claim 22, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys discloses the keyboard of claim 17, wherein the magnet is attached to the keycap such that the magnet moves together with the keycap (Jiang fig 3:65; page 4 ln 1-9: The trigger core 65 is embedded in the axis core 64 technically is positioned within the structure of the keycap 62, and the trigger core 65 matches the triggered member 3. Specifically, the triggered element 3 is set as a unipolar Hall sensor, the trigger core 65 is set as a magnet, and the magnetic pole setting direction of the magnet matches the polarity of the unipolar Hall sensor. The installation position of the trigger key 6 and the triggered element 3 matches the tapping position displayed on the screen 4.).
Regarding claim 23, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys discloses the keyboard of claim 17, wherein the flange is arranged at least partially around a perimeter of the keycap (Jiang fig 3:61; page 3 ln 36-38 and page 4 ln 1: The base 61 comprises a flange that prevents the keycap (7, 62) from coming off. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the trigger key 6 includes a key base 61, a key cover 62 corresponds to keycap. The key base 61 is arranged above the screen 4, the key cover 62 is clamped on the key base 61, and a cavity is formed between the key cover 62 and the key base 61).
Regarding claim 24, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys discloses the keyboard of claim 17, wherein the flange extends outwardly from a vertical side wall of the keycap (Jiang fig 3:61; page 3 ln 36-38 and page 4 ln 1: Technically, figure 3 illustrates that the key 7 comprises a keycap 62 and case 61, wherein the case 61 comprises a flange that extends vertical to the limit of the flange of the keycap 62, and a cavity is formed between the key cover 62 and the key base 61. The base 61 comprises a flange that prevents the keycap (7, 62) from coming off. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the trigger key 6 includes a key base 61, a key cover 62 corresponds to keycap. The key base 61 is arranged above the screen 4, the key cover 62 is clamped on the key base 61, and a cavity is formed between the key cover 62 and the key base 61).
Regarding claim 25, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys discloses the keyboard of claim 17, comprising a biasing member positioned within the keycap (Jiang fig 3:63; page 5 ln 5-12: The reset member 63 technically equivalent to the biasing member is set as a coil spring) and extending between an upper portion of the keycap and the case (Jiang page 5 ln 5-12: The reset member 63 is set as a spring, and in the reset state of the spring, the trigger core 65 is limited to be outside the detection range of the triggered member 3 technically equivalent there is no pressing on the key and the key is at rest), the biasing member configured to bias the keycap away from the case and upward toward an undepressed position (Jiang page 5 ln 5-12: The reset member 63 is set as a spring, and in the reset state of the spring, the trigger core 65 is limited to be outside the detection range of the triggered member 3. The reset member 63 is the key to ensure that the trigger key 6 has a mechanical touch. The deformation of the reset member 63 makes the user feel a strong tactile feedback. Long-term practice can achieve blind typing, which is conducive to improving input efficiency. In addition, the reset member 63 can limit the distance between the trigger core 65 and the triggered member 3 by changing its own telescopic state under force, thereby controlling the trigger mechanism of the trigger key 6. ).
Regarding claim 26, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys discloses the keyboard of claim 25, wherein the biasing member comprises a coil spring (Jiang fig 3:63; page 5 ln 5-12: The reset member 63 technically equivalent to the biasing member is set as a coil spring).
Regarding claim 28, Co-1 does not explicitly disclose the keyboard comprising: a keycap protruding from an upper surface; and a printed circuit board positioned below the display, the printed circuit board comprising an upper surface that faces toward the upper surface of the case and a lower surface that faces away from the upper surface of the case.
Jiang discloses a keyboard (page 3 ln 16-18: This embodiment takes the combination of a display screen and a mechanical keyboard as an example to provide an efficient keyboard input device that can display or edit visual office work on a display screen) comprising: a keycap protruding from an upper surface (fig. 2:7 and fig. 3:62; page 3 ln 36-38 and page 4 ln 1: As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the trigger key 6 includes a key base 61, a key cover 62 corresponds to keycap. The key base 61 is arranged above the screen 4, the key cover 62 is clamped on the key base 61, and a cavity is formed between the key cover 62 and the key base 61); a printed circuit board positioned below the case (fig 2:2; page 3 ln 20-25: Figures 1 to 3, a display screen device with a Hall switch includes a PCB board 2, a screen 4 stacked on the PCB board 2 and electrically connected to the PCB board 2, and a shell composed of a lower cover 1 and an upper frame 8, the shell is used to wrap the PCB board 2 and the screen 4, a trigger key 6 is provided above the screen 4, a triggered component 3 is installed on the PCB board 2, and the trigger key 6 and the triggered component 3 are inductively connected.).
One of ordinary skill in the art would be aware of the Co-1 and Jiang references since both pertain to the field of keyboard systems. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have improved the keyboard of Co-1 with the keycap feature as disclosed by Heys to achieve predictable results and gain the functionality of being closer to the resting position of the fingers, reducing the necessary downward movement and improving comfort.
Co-1 in view of Jiang does not explicitly disclose the printed circuit board comprising an upper surface that faces toward the upper surface of the case and a lower surface that faces away from the upper surface of the case.
Heys discloses the keyboard wherein the printed circuit board comprising an upper surface that faces toward the upper surface of the case and a lower surface that faces away from the upper surface of the case (fig 5:30; Abstract “plurality of I.C. circuit elements (50)”; page 5 ln 37-38; page 6 ln 33-37: The printed circuit board (PCB) 30 comprising an upper surface 31 and a lower surface 48, wherein the lower surface 48 is facing away the cover case 20 and 22. As shown more clearly in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, mounted to the lower surface 48 of the printed circuit board 30 are a plurality of circuit elements 50 which form part of the operating circuit of the keyboard assembly, wherein the plurality of I.C. circuit elements (50) secured to the lower surface (48) of the printed circuit board (30) and connected to the electrical conductors (32) forming an electrical circuit associated with the operation of the keyboard (18) and a key operated switching mechanism (72) extending through the keyboard (18) to sense light emitted from elements (78) mounted in the lower surface (48) of the printed circuit board (30) for controlling the operating mode of the keyboard (18)).
One of ordinary skill in the art would be aware of the Co-1, Jiang and the Heys references since both pertain to the field of keyboard systems. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have improved the keyboard of Co-1 with the layout feature of the PCB as disclosed by Heys to achieve predictable results and gain the functionality of housing a large number of operating keys and a plurality of large circuit elements, being compact, low in cost and providing for a lead-through operation of the keys.
Regarding claim 29, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys discloses the keyboard of claim 28, wherein the keycap is formed of transparent material (Jiang page 5 ln 18-20: The positioning plate 5 , the key base 61 , the key cover 62 , the shaft core 64 and the key cap 7 are all made of transparent material. The transparent material can enhance the display effect of the screen 4 .).
Regarding claim 30, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys discloses the keyboard of claim 28, wherein the case is formed of transparent material (Jiang page 5 ln 18-20: The positioning plate 5 , the key base 61 , the key cover 62 , the shaft core 64 and the key cap 7 are all made of transparent material. The transparent material can enhance the display effect of the screen 4).
Regarding claim 34, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys discloses the keyboard of claim 28, comprising a biasing member positioned within the keycap (Jiang fig 3:63; page 5 ln 5-12: The reset member 63 technically equivalent to the biasing member is set as a coil spring) and extending between an upper portion of the keycap and the case (Jiang page 5 ln 5-12: The reset member 63 is set as a spring, and in the reset state of the spring, the trigger core 65 is limited to be outside the detection range of the triggered member 3 technically equivalent there is no pressing on the key and the key is at rest), the biasing member configured to bias the keycap away from the case and upward toward an undepressed position (Jiang page 5 ln 5-12: The reset member 63 is set as a spring, and in the reset state of the spring, the trigger core 65 is limited to be outside the detection range of the triggered member 3. The reset member 63 is the key to ensure that the trigger key 6 has a mechanical touch. The deformation of the reset member 63 makes the user feel a strong tactile feedback. Long-term practice can achieve blind typing, which is conducive to improving input efficiency. In addition, the reset member 63 can limit the distance between the trigger core 65 and the triggered member 3 by changing its own telescopic state under force, thereby controlling the trigger mechanism of the trigger key 6. ).
Regarding claim 35, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys discloses the keyboard of claim 34, wherein the biasing member comprises a coil spring (Jiang fig 3:63; page 5 ln 5-12: The reset member 63 technically equivalent to the biasing member is set as a coil spring).
2. Claim(s) 20-21 and 33 is/are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys, and further in view of Goh et al. (US2025/0138647A1) hereafter Goh.
Regarding claim 20, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys discloses the keyboard of claim 17, wherein the printed circuit board that processes magnetic field strength values received from the magnetic field sensor to determine a position of the keycap (Jiang page 4 ln 14-18: Under the trigger mechanism of the trigger key 6 and the triggered component 3, the PCB board 2 obtains the coordinate information of the shaft core 64 whose position has changed, and transmits the coordinate information to the screen 4 for visual display. At the same time, the coordinate information is transmitted to the computer via USB data, and finally the input function of the keyboard is realized.).
Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys does not explicitly disclose the printed circuit board comprises a microcontroller.
Goh discloses the printed circuit board comprises a microcontroller (fig 8:810; par[0036], [0077]: In an embodiment, each of the keyboard key rubber domes 170 may include a magnet or metallic material that, when pressed down via a keyboard key cap 158 by a user, completes a circuit connection or triggers a key switch on a key switch and keyboard printed circuit board (PCB) that is interpreted by a hardware processing device (e.g., a dedicated hardware processing device within the keyboard 146 housing or the hardware processor 102) as input from the keyboard 146. In other embodiments herein, the keyboard rubber domes 170 may include a plastic material or rubber material that when pressed down via a keyboard key cap 158 by a user, triggers a key switch on a key switch and keyboard PCB that is interpreted by a hardware processing device (e.g., a dedicated hardware processing device within the keyboard 146 housing or the hardware processor 102) as input from the keyboard 146. In yet other embodiments, the keyboard key cap 158 of the magnetic keyboard keys 156 may insert on or through the rubber domes with an extension of the keycap lower extension or the rubber dome layer that triggers a keyswitch on the keyswitch and keyboard PCB 174. At block 810, the method 800 further includes forming a plurality of key switch actuators on a keyboard printed circuit board (PCB). The keyboard PCB may include any components such as electrical traces and the key switch actuators that transmit electrical input signals to a hardware processor indicating when actuation of a keyboard key occurs in some example embodiments.).
One of ordinary skill in the art would be aware of the Co-1, Jiang, Heys and Goh references since all pertain to the field of keyboard systems. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have improved the keyboard of Co-1 with the processing feature as disclosed by Goh to achieve predictable results and gain the functionality of enabling programmable features, customization (macros, layers), efficient key scanning (anti-ghosting), and small, cost-effective design, allowing it to interpret key presses and communicate with the computer, making modern keyboards smart and versatile beyond simple switches.
Regarding claim 21, Co-1 in view of Jiang, Heys and Goh discloses the keyboard wherein the microcontroller is arranged on the surface of the printed circuit board facing away from the case (Heys fig 5:30; page ln: The printed circuit board (PCB) 30 having a plurality of longitudinally extending conductors 32 (Figs. 5 and 6) embedded in the upper surface 31 of the P.C. board 30, and as shown more clearly in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, mounted to the lower surface 48 of the printed circuit board 30 are a plurality of circuit elements 50 technically equivalent to the functionality of microcontroller, which form part of the operating circuit of the keyboard assembly which includes the conductors 32 and 40. Mounted on a printed circuit board (30), a plurality of light-emitting diodes (62) mounted in the printed circuit board (30) for selectively lighting one of the key tips (24) when operated, a plurality of I.C. circuit elements (50) technically equivalent to microcontroller secured to the lower surface (48) of the printed circuit board (30) and connected to the electrical conductors (32) forming an electrical circuit associated with the operation of the keyboard (18) and a key operated switching mechanism (72) extending through the keyboard (18) to sense light emitted from elements (78) mounted in the lower surface (48) of the printed circuit board (30) for controlling the operating mode of the keyboard (18). As shown more clearly in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, mounted to the lower surface 48 of the printed circuit board 30 are a plurality of circuit elements 50 are facing away from the cover case 20 and 22 as shown in figure 5 and figure 1, which form part of the operating circuit of the keyboard assembly which includes the conductors 32 and 40.).
Regarding claim 33, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys discloses the keyboard of claim 28, wherein the printed circuit board that processes magnetic field strength values received from the magnetic field sensor to determine a position of the keycap (Jiang page 4 ln 14-18: Under the trigger mechanism of the trigger key 6 and the triggered component 3, the PCB board 2 obtains the coordinate information of the shaft core 64 whose position has changed, and transmits the coordinate information to the screen 4 for visual display. At the same time, the coordinate information is transmitted to the computer via USB data, and finally the input function of the keyboard is realized.).
Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys does not explicitly disclose the printed circuit board comprises a microcontroller.
Goh discloses the printed circuit board comprises a microcontroller (fig 8:810; par[0036], [0077]: In an embodiment, each of the keyboard key rubber domes 170 may include a magnet or metallic material that, when pressed down via a keyboard key cap 158 by a user, completes a circuit connection or triggers a key switch on a key switch and keyboard printed circuit board (PCB) that is interpreted by a hardware processing device (e.g., a dedicated hardware processing device within the keyboard 146 housing or the hardware processor 102) as input from the keyboard 146. In other embodiments herein, the keyboard rubber domes 170 may include a plastic material or rubber material that when pressed down via a keyboard key cap 158 by a user, triggers a key switch on a key switch and keyboard PCB that is interpreted by a hardware processing device (e.g., a dedicated hardware processing device within the keyboard 146 housing or the hardware processor 102) as input from the keyboard 146. In yet other embodiments, the keyboard key cap 158 of the magnetic keyboard keys 156 may insert on or through the rubber domes with an extension of the keycap lower extension or the rubber dome layer that triggers a keyswitch on the keyswitch and keyboard PCB 174. At block 810, the method 800 further includes forming a plurality of key switch actuators on a keyboard printed circuit board (PCB). The keyboard PCB may include any components such as electrical traces and the key switch actuators that transmit electrical input signals to a hardware processor indicating when actuation of a keyboard key occurs in some example embodiments.).
One of ordinary skill in the art would be aware of the Co-1, Jiang, Heys and Goh references since all pertain to the field of keyboard systems. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have improved the keyboard of Co-1 with the processing feature as disclosed by Goh to achieve predictable results and gain the functionality of enabling programmable features, customization (macros, layers), efficient key scanning (anti-ghosting), and small, cost-effective design, allowing it to interpret key presses and communicate with the computer, making modern keyboards smart and versatile beyond simple switches.
3. Claim(s) 27 and 36 is/are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys, and further in view of LeBlanc et al. (US2025/0322998A1) hereafter LeBlanc.
Regarding claim 27, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys does not explicitly disclose the keyboard wherein the biasing member has at least one of: a circular cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, a rectangular cross-sectional shape, or a triangular cross-sectional shape.
LeBlanc discloses the keyboard wherein the biasing member has at least one of: a circular cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, a rectangular cross-sectional shape, or a triangular cross-sectional shape (par[0033]: The first magnetic piece 111 may be attached to the top surface of the keycap base 110 or embedded in the keycap base. Likewise, the second magnetic piece may be attached to the bottom surface of the keycap top 120 or embedded in the keycap top. In some embodiments, the entire keycap top 120 may be made of a magnetic material. For example, in some of the embodiments as illustrated by FIG. 1A and FIG. 2, the first magnetic piece 111 is a circular magnet piece attached to the center of the top surface of the keycap base 110.).
One of ordinary skill in the art would be aware of the Co-1, Jiang, Heys and LeBlanc references since all pertain to the field of keyboard systems. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have improved the keyboard of Co-1 with the biasing feature as disclosed by LeBlanc to achieve predictable results and gain the functionality of enabling optimal force distribution by maintaining the structural integrity and longevity of the spring, consistent and predictable force curve which is crucial for a reliable and uniform typing experience across all keys, durability and longevity by efficiently managing stress that could lead to metal fatigue and premature failure.
Regarding claim 36, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys does not explicitly disclose the keyboard wherein the biasing member has at least one of: a circular cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, a rectangular cross-sectional shape, or a triangular cross-sectional shape.
LeBlanc discloses the keyboard wherein the biasing member has at least one of: a circular cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, a rectangular cross-sectional shape, or a triangular cross-sectional shape (par[0033]: The first magnetic piece 111 may be attached to the top surface of the keycap base 110 or embedded in the keycap base. Likewise, the second magnetic piece may be attached to the bottom surface of the keycap top 120 or embedded in the keycap top. In some embodiments, the entire keycap top 120 may be made of a magnetic material. For example, in some of the embodiments as illustrated by FIG. 1A and FIG. 2, the first magnetic piece 111 is a circular magnet piece attached to the center of the top surface of the keycap base 110.).
One of ordinary skill in the art would be aware of the Co-1, Jiang, Heys and LeBlanc references since all pertain to the field of keyboard systems. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have improved the keyboard of Co-1 with the biasing feature as disclosed by LeBlanc to achieve predictable results and gain the functionality of enabling optimal force distribution by maintaining the structural integrity and longevity of the spring, consistent and predictable force curve which is crucial for a reliable and uniform typing experience across all keys, durability and longevity by efficiently managing stress that could lead to metal fatigue and premature failure.
4. Claim(s) 31-32 is/are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys, and further in view of Norwalk et al. (US2021/0247850A1) hereafter Norwalk.
Regarding claim 31, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys does not explicitly disclose the keyboard wherein the display is a light-emitting diode (LED) display or is a liquid-crystal display (LCD).
Norwalk discloses the keyboard wherein the display is a light-emitting diode (LED) display or is a liquid-crystal display (LCD) (par[0036], [0067]: FIG. 1, an image projecting means 120 (e.g., a light emitting diode (“LED”) display, a liquid crystal (“LCD”) display, a projector such as a digital laser projector, cathode ray tube, digital display, fiber optic display, or other light illumination means) is positioned underneath key matrix 115, relative to the one or more keys 106. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a key surface matrix of a keyboard may be printed on a surface of an image projecting means, such as a glass or plastic projection screen(s) (e.g., LCD or LED like projection screen(s)). The image projecting means projecting an image through a clear or semi-clear keycap structure of one or more keys and onto a top surface of the keycap for visual identification by a keyboard user. ).
One of ordinary skill in the art would be aware of the Co-1, Jiang, Heys and the Norwalk references since both pertain to the field of keyboard systems. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have improved the keyboard of Co-1 with the display feature as disclosed by Norwalk to achieve predictable results and gain the functionality of optimizing and customizing the display images on the keycaps, providing automatic adjustment of such display settings or characteristics such as brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness.
Regarding claim 32, Co-1 in view of Jiang and Heys does not explicitly disclose the keyboard wherein the content comprises a still image or a video.
Norwalk discloses the keyboard wherein the content comprises a still image or a video (Norwalk par[0068]: A keyboard, consistent with the present disclosure, includes a display, or other image projecting means that projects an image onto a keycap surface(s) of one or more keys of the keyboard. In one embodiment, a display may extend below all the keys upon which an image is to be projected, and a single image is projected on the display with the desired sub-images displayed on each of the keycaps. The relative position of each of the sub-images within the image being controlled by the relative position of the keys relative to the display. In one such embodiment, the single image displayed may be static, and the user may control aspects of the display including brightness, sharpness, contour, etc. In more advanced embodiments, the image projected from the display may be dynamic to facilitate adjustment of the sub-images displayed on each of the keycaps (e.g., based on user customization of the keys input functionality). The display may also project videos, animations, or images across one or more of the keycaps.).
One of ordinary skill in the art would be aware of the Co-1, Jiang, Heys and the Norwalk references since both pertain to the field of keyboard systems. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have improved the keyboard of Co-1 with the image/video feature as disclosed by Norwalk to achieve predictable results and gain the functionality of optimizing and customizing the display images on the keycaps, providing automatic adjustment of such display settings or characteristics such as brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness.
Reasons for Allowance:
Prior art of record does not teach, or make obvious a keyboard comprising: a printed circuit board positioned below the case, the printed circuit board comprising an upper surface that faces toward the upper surface of the case and a lower surface that faces away from the upper surface of the case; and a magnetic field sensor that measures a strength of a magnetic field generated by the magnet, wherein the magnetic field sensor is on the lower surface of the printed circuit board and is electrically coupled to an electrical circuit on the lower surface of the printed circuit board.
CN118151765A to Jiang discloses a keyboard (page 3 ln 16-18) comprising: a case (fig.2:8 and fig 3:61; page 3 ln 20-22) comprising a flange (fig 3:61: The base 61 comprises a flange that prevents the keycap (7, 62) from coming off. ); a keycap (fig. 2:7 and fig. 3:62; page 3 ln 36-38 and page 4 ln 1) vertically movable relative to the case (par[0028]), wherein the flange of the case is arranged to abut a portion of the keycap to prevent the keycap from separating from the case (The reset member 63 is set as a spring, and in the reset state of the spring, the trigger core 65 is limited to be outside the detection range of the triggered member 3 that implies a flange 62 around the perimeter of 64 to prevent the keycap from coming off); a magnet positioned within the keycap (fig 3:65; page 4 ln 1-9); a printed circuit board positioned below the case (fig 2:2; page 3 ln 20-25).
Jiang does not explicitly disclose a keyboard comprising: a printed circuit board positioned below the case, the printed circuit board comprising an upper surface that faces toward the upper surface of the case and a lower surface that faces away from the upper surface of the case; and a magnetic field sensor that measures a strength of a magnetic field generated by the magnet, wherein the magnetic field sensor is on the lower surface of the printed circuit board and is electrically coupled to an electrical circuit on the lower surface of the printed circuit board.
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
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/AMINE BENLAGSIR/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2688
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