Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Detailed Action
Claims 1 – 20 are pending.
The effective filing date of the present application is 07/31/2019.
Claim Objections
Claim 1 is objected to because of the following informalities: claim 1 recites; “receive a selection of one or more colors via the at least one colors input to associate one or more new colors with the one [..?..]”. (Claims 16 and 17 include the term “project”). Appropriate correction may be required.
Claim 4 is objected to because of the following informalities: claim 4 recites; “wherein at least one hardware processor to generate”. Appropriate correction is required.
Claim 17 is objected to because of the following informalities: claim 17 recites; “generate a plurality of color data structures represents a different color than any of other plurality of color data structures”; in the first paragraph following the preamble. Other paragraphs recite “wherein each of the plurality of…”. It appears appropriate correction may be required.
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 – 15 and 17 – 20 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 1 and 17 both recite the limitation "via the at least one colors input" in later paragraphs. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Neither claim 1 nor 17 recite a color input. These claims recite a colors section for visual representation and the interface has an elements input. However, the claims do not recite an element for inputting colors.
Claims 2 – 15 and 18 – 20 inherit this deficiency based on their dependency to claim 1; therefore, they too are indefinite.
Claim 20 further recites “in response to …(2) receiving the second selection to delete the one or more colors from the project,”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claim 1 does recite this second selection as occurring; therefore, the recitation above cannot be in response to a non-event.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101
35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows:
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
Claims 1 – 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to an abstract idea without significantly more.
At Step 1 of analysis, the instant claims are directed towards a method and a system. Thus, all claims fall within one of the four statutory categories and are considered eligible subject matter.
At Step 2A, Prong One, of the eligibility analysis, the claims describe the abstract idea of project management. Managing the association of different project facets; i.e., colors, elements, and items, are all basic tasks completed by a human when orchestrating a combination of tasks into a completed project. Therefore, they recite examples of advertising, marketing, or sales activities or behaviors, which is a commercial interaction. The above activities also recite the actions of a worker (and perhaps, a client) interacting to build and manage a project. Thus, they also recite examples of managing personal behavior or relationships or interactions between people. Both of the categories defined above are within the certain method of organizing human activity grouping of abstract ideas.
Claim 1, which is representative of claims 16 and 17, defines the abstract idea by the elements of:
A method comprising using at least one hardware processor to:
generate a plurality of color data structures, wherein each of the plurality of color data structures represents a different color than any other plurality of color data structures;
generate a plurality of element data structures, wherein each of the plurality of element data structures represents a different element than any other plurality of element data structures;
generate a plurality of item data structures, wherein each of the plurality of item data structures represents a physical item and is associated with an image representing the physical item;
generate a graphical user interface, comprising:
a colors section comprising a visual representation of colors associated with one project of a plurality of projects,
an elements section comprising a visual representation of elements associated with the one project, at least one first elements input for receiving a selection of one or more new elements to associate to with the one project, and at least one second elements input for receiving a selection to delete one or more elements from the one project, and
a virtual design board associated with the one project;
via the graphical user interface,
receive a selection of one or more colors via the at least one colors input to associate one or more new colors with the one and associate a subset of the plurality of color data structures, representing the one or more colors associated with the one project, with a search, and
receive a selection of one or more elements via the at least one element input to associate one or more new elements with the one project and associate a subset of the plurality of element data structures, representing the one or more elements associated with the one project, with the search.
At Step 2A, Prong Two, of eligibility analysis, the Examiner has determined that the identified abstract idea (judicial exception) is not integrated into a practical application because the additional elements are merely instructions to apply the abstract idea to a computer, as described in MPEP 2106.05(f). Further, in MPEP 2106.05(f) it is noted that "[use] of a computer or other machinery in its ordinary capacity for economic or other tasks (e.g., to receive, store, or transmit data) or simply adding a general-purpose computer or computer components after the fact to an abstract idea does not integrate a judicial exception into a practical application or provide significantly more.” Therefore, according to the MPEP, this is not solely limited to computers but includes other technology that, recited in an equivalent to “apply it,” is a mere instruction to perform the abstract idea on that technology.
Claims 1, 16, and 17, recite only the following additional elements:
at least one hardware processor;
a graphical user interface comprising, a colors section comprising a visual representation of colors associated with one project of a plurality of projects, an elements section comprising a visual representation of elements associated with the one project, at least one first elements input for receiving a selection of one or more new elements to associate to with the one project, and at least one second elements input for receiving a selection to delete one or more elements from the one project, and
a virtual design board associated with the one project;
one or more software modules;
non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein.
These additional elements simply instruct one to practice the abstract idea of sales activities or behaviors, and managing personal behavior or relationships or interactions between people. These claimed computer components are recited at a high level of generality and describe merely using a computer as a tool to perform an abstract idea. These limitations do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application. See MPEP 2106.04(d).
At Step 2B of analysis, the Examiner has determined that the claims do not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exceptions because they do not amount to more than mere instructions to apply the abstract idea to a computer, per MPEP 2106.05(f). These include: at least one hardware processor; a graphical user interface; comprising, at least one first elements input and at least one second elements input; and, a virtual design board; one or more software modules; non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein. Applicant has described the system generically in their disclosure, at Specification [31-36], and Figures 1 and 2, as filed. Instructions to apply the exception do not provide for significantly more. See MPEP 2106.05(f).
Dependent claims 2 - 4, 6, 8 – 14, and 18 - 20, contain further recitations to the same abstract ideas found in claim 1, above. Further recitations to subsets of data structures, time period of a project, quantities of items, payments and invoices, reports, project information, accounts, preparation list, contracts, notepads, and, user roles, are all directed to the idea of project management. These are the basic tools, facets, and information that humans use to interact within the workplace or interact between business and client. These claims further include recitations to the computer system for performing the method. This is simply instructing one to practice the abstract idea by using generically recited devices to perform the steps that define the abstract idea. This does not render the claims as being patent eligible. See MPEP 2106.04(d).
Dependent claims 5 and 7, contain further recitations to the same abstract ideas found in claim 1, above. They further describe the graphical user interface and interacting with it. Uploading, saving, and storing media describe further common and ordinary computer implementation and are not sufficient to provide for integration into a practical application and/or significantly more, see MPEP 2106.5(f).
Dependent claim 15, describes common machine learning methods as well as the use of an algorithm; thus, it is directed to a technical field; in this case, machine learning. This is not sufficient to provide for integration into a practical application as it uses computers in their ordinary capacity to train and process data. See MPEP 2106.05(h).
Therefore, for the reasons set forth above, claims 1 – 20 are directed to an abstract idea without integration into a practical application and without reciting significantly more.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1 – 20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1 - 24 of U.S. Patent No. 11,727,357. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the instant claims utilize color data structures, element data structures, and a virtual design board all working together to manage a project; similarly described within U.S. Patent No. 11,727,357. The method and system described in the instant claims perform indistinguishable steps for users to perform, by at least one hardware processor, project management based on color and data elements.
The instant claim limitations are duplicative of the claimed recitations within claims 1 – 24 of reference U.S. Patent No. 11,727,357; they simply recite like elements to the patent claims while not reciting other elements. In other words, the reference patent claims anticipate the instant claims under examination because every limitation in the instant claims are recited in the reference (conflicting) patent. The instant claims merely recite the exact method steps and components; thus, describing at least one hardware processor to manage a plurality of projects.
The instant claim 4 includes; “…wherein the at least one hardware processor is selected from a plurality of hardware processors in a cloud-based platform based on a current demand for the graphical user interface,” Because the reference (conflicting) patent also uses at least one processor, and this processor is disclosed as being selected from a cloud-based platform, (and cloud computing being known to one skilled in the art), this element is clearly anticipated as well.
Those claim elements within the application that are not patentably distinct to the patent claims are illustrated (and highlighted) below.
19/385,943
US 11,727,357
A method comprising using at least one hardware processor to:
generate a plurality of color data structures, wherein each of the plurality of color data structures represents a different color than any other plurality of color data structures;
generate a plurality of element data structures, wherein each of the plurality of element data structures represents a different element than any other plurality of element data structures;
generate a plurality of item data structures, wherein each of the plurality of item data structures represents a physical item and is associated with an image representing the physical item;
generate a graphical user interface, comprising:
a colors section comprising a visual representation of colors associated with one project of a plurality of projects,
an elements section comprising a visual representation of elements associated with the one project, at least one first elements input for receiving a selection of one or more new elements to associate to with the one project, and at least one second elements input for receiving a selection to delete one or more elements from the one project, and
a virtual design board associated with the one project ;
via the graphical user interface,
receive a selection of one or more colors via the at least one colors input to associate one or more new colors with the one and associate a subset of the plurality of color data structures, representing the one or more colors associated with the one project, with a search, and receive a selection of one or more elements via the at least one element input to associate one or more new elements with the one project and associate a subset of the plurality of element data structures, representing the one or more elements associated with the one project, with the search.
1. A method comprising using at least one hardware processor to:
generate a plurality of color data structures, wherein each of the plurality of color data structures comprises a hexadecimal number that represents a different color than any of the other plurality of color data structures;
generate a plurality of element data structures, wherein each of the plurality of element data structures represents a different element than any of the other plurality of element data structures;
generate a plurality of item data structures, wherein each of the plurality of item data structures represents a physical item and is associated with an image representing the physical item;
generate a graphical user interface comprising:
a colors section comprising a visual representation of colors associated with one project of a plurality of projects, at least one first colors input for receiving a selection of one or more new colors to associate with the one project, and at least one second colors input for receiving a selection to delete one or more colors from the one project,
an elements section comprising a visual representation of elements associated with the one project, at least one first elements input for receiving a selection of one or more new elements to associate to with the one project, and at least one second elements input for receiving a selection to delete one or more elements from the one project, and
a virtual design board associated with the one project;
via the graphical user interface,
receive a first selection of one or more colors via the at least one first colors input to associate one or more new colors with the one project or a second selection of one or more colors via the at least one second colors input to delete one or more colors from the project and associate a subset of the plurality of color data structures, representing the one or more colors associated with the one project, with a search, and
receive a first selection of one or more elements via the at least one first elements input to associate one or more new elements with the one project or a second selection of one or more elements via the at least one second elements input to delete one or more elements from the project and associate a subset of the plurality of element data structures, representing the one or more elements associated with the one project, with the search;
identify a subset of the plurality of item data structures based on the subset of color data structures and the subset of element data structures associated with the search; and
populate the virtual design board with thumbnails of the images associated with the identified subset of item data structures.
2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the virtual design board comprises, for each of an identified subset of item data structures, an input that, when selected, associates the item data structure with the one project.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual design board comprises, for each of the identified subset of item data structures, an input that, when selected, associates the item data structure with the one project.
3. The method of Claim 2, further comprising using the at least one hardware processor to: determine a time period associated with the one project based on a time of an event associated with the one project and a preparation time of the event, and reserve a quantity of the item, represented by the item data structure, in an inventory management system, for the determined time period;
receive a configuration for at least one payment gateway; automatically generate an invoice based on a cost associated with each of the item data structures associated with the one project; and interface with the at least one payment gateway, based on the configuration, to complete one or more payments of the invoice through the graphical user interface.
4. The method of claim 2, further comprising using the at least one hardware processor to, while the item data structure is associated with the one project: determine a time period associated with the one project based on a time of an event associated with the one project and a preparation time of the event, and reserve a quantity of the item, represented by the item data structure, in an inventory management system, for the determined time period.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising using the at least one hardware processor to:
receive a configuration for at least one payment gateway;
automatically generate an invoice based on a cost associated with each of the item data structures associated with the one project; and interface with the at least one payment gateway, based on the configuration, to complete one or more payments of the invoice through the graphical user interface.
4. The method of Claim 1, wherein the at least one hardware processor is selected from a plurality of hardware processors in a cloud-based platform based on a current demand for the graphical user interface, and
wherein at least one hardware processor to generate a logistics report comprising a preparation list associated with the at least one item data structure representing a physical composite item.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising using the at least one hardware processor to generate a logistics report comprising the preparation list associated with the at least one item data structure representing the physical composite item.
5. The method of Claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface comprises: a first set of screens for a user of a business account comprising: a clients screen; wherein the clients screen comprises a list of data objects, representing clients, for all clients that are managed by the user of the business account;
a projects screen; wherein the projects screen comprises a list of data objects, representing projects, for all projects that are managed by the user of the business account, and wherein each list of data objects comprises, for each data object, an input for editing the data object and an input for deleting the data object; and a second set of screens for a user of a client account, wherein the second set of screens is different from the first set of screens.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface comprises a first set of screens for a user of a business account and a second set of screens for a user of a client account, wherein the second set of screens is different from the first set of screens.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first set of screens comprises a clients screen and a projects screen, wherein the clients screen comprises a list of data objects, representing clients, for all clients that are managed by the user of the business account,
wherein the projects screen comprises a list of data objects, representing projects, for all projects that are managed by the user of the business account, and wherein each list of data objects comprises, for each data object, an input for editing the data object and an input for deleting the data object
6. The method of Claim 5, wherein both the first set of screens and the second set of screens comprise a project-details screen: wherein the project-details screen comprises one or more inputs for specifying project information that defines the one project that is managed by the business account for the client account and toggling one or more data in the project information between locked and unlocked, wherein, when the one or more data are unlocked, the client user can alter the one or more data in the project-details screen in the second set of screens, and wherein, when the one or more data are locked, the client user cannot alter the one or more data in the project-details screen in the second set of screens; wherein the project information comprises table details, and wherein both the first set of screens and the second set of screens comprise a table-list screen, wherein the table-list screen comprises one or more inputs for defining a plurality of tables for an event represented by the one project.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein both the first set of screens and the second set of screens comprise a project-details screen, wherein the project-details screen comprises one or more inputs for specifying project information that defines the one project that is managed by the business account for the client account.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the project information comprises table details, and wherein both the first set of screens and the second set of screens comprise a table-list screen, wherein the table-list screen comprises one or more inputs for defining a plurality of tables for an event represented by the one project.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the project-details screen in the first set of screens comprises one or more inputs for toggling one or more data in the project information between locked and unlocked, wherein, when the one or more data are unlocked, the client user can alter the one or more data in the project-details screen in the second set of screens, and wherein, when the one or more data are locked, the client user cannot alter the one or more data in the project-details screen in the second set of screens.
7. The method of Claim 6, wherein the project-details screen comprises one or more inputs for uploading media to be associated with the one project, and wherein the method further comprises using the at least one hardware processor to, whenever a medium is uploaded, associate a first copy of the medium with the one project in a project database and automatically store a second copy of the medium in a library associated with a user that uploaded the medium.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the project-details screen comprises one or more inputs for uploading media to be associated with the one project, and wherein the method further comprises using the at least one hardware processor to, whenever a medium is uploaded, associate a first copy of the medium with the one project in a project database and automatically store a second copy of the medium in a library associated with a user that uploaded the medium.
8. The method of Claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of item data structures represents a physical composite item that is an assembly of a plurality of physical constituent items, and wherein the at least one item data structure is associated with two or more other item data structures representing the plurality of physical constituent items.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of item data structures represents a physical composite item that is an assembly of a plurality of physical constituent items, and wherein the at least one item data structure is associated with two or more other item data structures representing the plurality of physical constituent items.
9. The method of Claim 8, wherein each of the two or more item data structures is associated with a preparation instruction, and wherein the method further comprises using the at least one hardware processor to: automatically generate a preparation list that comprises the preparation instruction associated with each of the two or more item data structures; and associate the preparation list with the at least one item data structure representing the physical composite item.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein each of the two or more item data structures is associated with a preparation instruction, and wherein the method further comprises using the at least one hardware processor to: automatically generate a preparation list that comprises the preparation instruction associated with each of the two or more item data structures; and
associate the preparation list with the at least one item data structure representing the physical composite item.
10. The method of Claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface comprises a contract screen, wherein the contract screen comprises an input for selecting one of a plurality of contract templates, wherein each contract template comprises a starting portion, an ending portion, and one or more contract terms, and wherein the method further comprises using the at least one hardware processor to: automatically populate the contract template with data associated with the one project to produce a complete contract; and store an executed version of the complete contract in association with the one project.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface comprises a contract screen, wherein the contract screen comprises an input for selecting one of a plurality of contract templates, wherein each contract template comprises a starting portion, an ending portion, and one or more contract terms, and wherein the method further comprises using the at least one hardware processor to:
automatically populate the contract template with data associated with the one project to produce a complete contract; and store an executed version of the complete contract in association with the one project.
11. The method of Claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface comprises a notepads screen, wherein the notepads screen comprises an input for adding a virtual notepad to the one project based on a notepad template, and wherein the method further comprises using the at least one hardware processor to:
receive a selection of a virtual notepad that has been added to the one project;
in response to receiving the selection of the virtual notepad, update the notepads screen to comprise one or more inputs for editing a content of the virtual notepad; and, after receiving edited content of the virtual notepad, save the virtual notepad, with the edited content, in association with the one project.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface comprises a notepads screen, wherein the notepads screen comprises an input for adding a virtual notepad to the one project based on a notepad template, and wherein the method further comprises using the at least one hardware processor to:
receive a selection of a virtual notepad that has been added to the one project;
in response to receiving the selection of the virtual notepad, update the notepads screen to comprise one or more inputs for editing a content of the virtual notepad; and,
after receiving edited content of the virtual notepad, save the virtual notepad, with the edited content, in association with the one project.
12. The method of Claim 1, further comprising using the at least one hardware processor to record communications between users of a business account, which manages the one project for a client account, and a user of the client account, wherein the graphical user interface comprises an interactions screen that comprises a representation of each communication associated with the one project.
16. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the at least one hardware processor to record communications between users of a business account, which manages the one project for a client account, and a user of the client account, wherein the graphical user interface comprises an interactions screen that comprises a representation of each communication associated with the one project.
13. The method of Claim 1, further comprising using the at least one hardware processor to: provide access to the graphical user interface to a plurality of users based on roles associated with the plurality of users, wherein each of the plurality of users is associated with one of the plurality of color data structures; generate a plurality of task data structures, wherein each of the plurality of task data structures is associated with the one project and one of the plurality of users, and wherein each of the plurality of task data structures represents an assigned task for the one project; and color code each representation of a task in the graphical user interface according to the color represented by the one color data structure associated with the one user associated with the task data structure representing the task.
17. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the at least one hardware processor to: provide access to the graphical user interface to a plurality of users based on roles associated with the plurality of users, wherein each of the plurality of users is associated with one of the plurality of color data structures; generate a plurality of task data structures, wherein each of the plurality of task data structures is associated with the one project and one of the plurality of users, and wherein each of the plurality of task data structures represents an assigned task for the one project; and color code each representation of a task in the graphical user interface according to the color represented by the one color data structure associated with the one user associated with the task data structure representing the task.
14. The method of Claim 1, further comprising using the at least one hardware processor to: provide access to the graphical user interface to a plurality of users based on roles associated with the plurality of users, wherein each of the plurality of users is associated with one of the plurality of color data structures; generate a plurality of interaction data structures, wherein each of the plurality of interaction data structures is associated with the one project and one of the plurality of users, and wherein each of the plurality of interaction data structures represents an assigned interaction for the one project; and color code each representation of an interaction in the graphical user interface according to the color represented by the one color data structure associated with the one user associated with the interaction data structure representing the interaction.
18. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the at least one hardware processor to: provide access to the graphical user interface to a plurality of users based on roles associated with the plurality of users, wherein each of the plurality of users is associated with one of the plurality of color data structures; generate a plurality of interaction data structures, wherein each of the plurality of interaction data structures is associated with the one project and one of the plurality of users, and wherein each of the plurality of interaction data structures represents an assigned interaction for the one project; and color code each representation of an interaction in the graphical user interface according to the color represented by the one color data structure associated with the one user associated with the interaction data structure representing the interaction.
15. The method of Claim 1, further comprising using the at least one hardware processor to: receive client data for the one project; extract a feature vector from the client data; and apply a machine-learning algorithm, which has been trained on labeled feature vectors to predict project information, to the extracted feature vector to automatically populate a project data structure, representing the one project, with predicted project information
19. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the at least one hardware processor to: receive client data for the one project; extract a feature vector from the client data; and apply a machine-learning algorithm, which has been trained on labeled feature vectors to predict project information, to the extracted feature vector to automatically populate a project data structure, representing the one project, with predicted project information.
16. A system comprising: at least one hardware processor; and one or more software modules that are configured to, when executed by the at least one hardware processor, generate a plurality of color data structures, wherein each of the plurality of color data structures represents a different color than any other plurality of color data structures,
generate a plurality of element data structures, wherein each of the plurality of element data structures represents a different element than any other plurality of element data structures,
generate a plurality of item data structures, wherein each of the plurality of item data structures represents a physical item and is associated with an image representing the physical item,
generate a graphical user interface, comprising: a colors section comprising a visual representation of colors associated with one project of a plurality of projects, at least one first colors input for receiving a selection of one or more new colors to associate with the one project, and at least one second colors input for receiving a selection to delete one or more colors from the one project, an elements section comprising a visual representation of elements associated with the one project, at least one first elements input for receiving a selection of one or more new elements to associate to with the one project, and at least one second elements input for receiving a selection to delete one or more elements from the one project, and
a virtual design board associated with the one project, via the graphical user interface, receive a first selection of one or more colors via the at least one color input to associate one or more new colors with the one project input to delete one or more colors from the project and
associate a subset of the plurality of color data structures, representing the one or more colors associated with the one project, with a search, and receive a first selection of one or more elements via the at least one first elements input to associate one or more new elements with the one project or a second selection of one or more elements via the at least one second elements input to delete one or more elements from the project and associate a subset of the plurality of element data structures, representing the one or more elements associated with the one project, with the search.
20. A system comprising: at least one hardware processor; and one or more software modules that are configured to, when executed by the at least one hardware processor, generate a plurality of color data structures, wherein each of the plurality of color data structures comprises a hexadecimal number that represents a different color than any other plurality of color data structures,
generate a plurality of element data structures, wherein each of the plurality of element data structures represents a different element than any of the other plurality of element data structures,
generate a plurality of item data structures, wherein each of the plurality of item data structures represents a physical item and is associated with an image representing the physical item,
generate a graphical user interface, comprising: a colors section comprising a visual representation of colors associated with one project of a plurality of projects, at least one first colors input for receiving a selection of one or more new colors to associate with the one project, and at least one second colors input for receiving a selection to delete one or more colors from the one project, an elements section comprising a visual representation of elements associated with the one project, at least one first elements input for receiving a selection of one or more new elements to associate to with the one project, and at least one second elements input for receiving a selection to delete one or more elements from the one project, and
a virtual design board associated with the one project, via the graphical user interface, receive a first selection of one or more colors via the at least one first colors input to associate one or more new colors with the one project or a second selection of one or more colors via the at least one second colors input to delete one or more colors from the project and associate a subset of the plurality of color data structures, representing the one or more colors associated with the one project, with a search, and receive a first selection of one or more elements via the at least one first elements input to associate one or more new elements with the one project or a second selection of one or more elements via the at least one second elements input to delete one or more elements from the project and associate a subset of the plurality of element data structures, representing the one or more elements associated with the one project, with the search, identify a subset of the plurality of item data structures based on the subset of color data structures and the subset of element data structures associated with the search, and populate the virtual design board with thumbnails of the images associated with the identified subset of item data structures.
17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: generate a plurality of color data structures represents a different color than any of other plurality of color data structures;
generate a plurality of element data structures, wherein each of the plurality of element data structures represents a different element than any of the other plurality of element data structures;
generate a plurality of item data structures, wherein each of the plurality of item data structures represents a physical item and is associated with an image representing the physical item;
generate a graphical user interface, comprising: a colors section comprising a visual representation of colors associated with one project of a plurality of projects
at least one first elements input for receiving a selection of one or more new elements to associate to with the one project, and at least one second elements input for receiving a selection to delete one or more elements from the one project, and
a virtual design board associated with the one project ;
via the graphical user interface, receive a first selection of one or more colors via the at least one first colors input to associate one or more new colors with the one project or a second selection of one or more colors via the at least one second colors input to delete one or more colors from the project and associate a subset of the plurality of color data structures, representing the one or more colors associated with the one project, with a search, and receive a first selection of one or more elements via the at least one first elements input to associate one or more new elements with the one project or a second selection of one or more elements via the at least one second elements input to delete one or more elements from the project and associate a subset of the plurality of element data structures, representing the one or more elements associated with the one project, with the search.
21. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: generate a plurality of color data structures, wherein each of the plurality of color data structures comprises a hexadecimal number that represents a different color than any of the other plurality of color data structures;
generate a plurality of element data structures, wherein each of the plurality of element data structures represents a different element than any of the other plurality of element data structures;
generate a plurality of item data structures, wherein each of the plurality of item data structures represents a physical item and is associated with an image representing the physical item;
generate a graphical user interface comprising: a colors section comprising a visual representation of colors associated with one project of a plurality of projects, at least one first colors input for receiving a selection of one or more new colors to associate with the one project, and at least one second colors input for receiving a selection to delete one or more colors from the one project,
an elements section comprising a visual representation of elements associated with the one project, at least one first elements input for receiving a selection of one or more new elements to associate to with the one project, and at least one second elements input for receiving a selection to delete one or more elements from the one project, and
a virtual design board associated with the one project;
via the graphical user interface, receive a first selection of one or more colors via the at least one first colors input to associate one or more new colors with the one project or a second selection of one or more colors via the at least one second colors input to delete one or more colors from the project and associate a subset of the plurality of color data structures, representing the one or more colors associated with the one project, with a search, and receive a first selection of one or more elements via the at least one first elements input to associate one or more new elements with the one project or a second selection of one or more elements via the at least one second elements input to delete one or more elements from the project and associate a subset of the plurality of element data structures, representing the one or more elements associated with the one project, with the search; identify a subset of the plurality of item data structures based on the subset of color data structures and the subset of element data structures associated with the search; and populate the virtual design board with thumbnails of the images associated with the identified subset of item data structures
18. The method of Claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of item data structures is further associated with at least one of the plurality of color data structures and at least one of the plurality of element data structures, and wherein identifying the subset of the plurality of item data structures comprises identifying one or more of the plurality of item data structures that are associated with at least one color data structure in the subset of color data structures and at least one element data structure in the subset of element data structures.
22. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of item data structures is further associated with at least one of the plurality of color data structures and at least one of the plurality of element data structures, and wherein identifying the subset of the plurality of item data structures comprises identifying one or more of the plurality of item data structures that are associated with at least one color data structure in the subset of color data structures and at least one element data structure in the subset of element data structures.
19. The method of Claim 1, wherein identifying the subset of the plurality of item data structures comprises: extracting a plurality of features from the subset of color data structures and the subset of element data structures; and applying a machine-learning model to the extracted plurality of features to predict the subset of item data structures.
23. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying the subset of the plurality of item data structures comprises: extracting a plurality of features from the subset of color data structures and the subset of element data structures; and applying a machine-learning model to the extracted plurality of features to predict the subset of item data structures.
20. The method of Claim 1, wherein, to populate the virtual design board with thumbnails of the images associated with an identified subset of item data structures, the method further uses the at least one hardware processor to: automatically update the virtual design board in response to (1) receiving the first selection to associate the one or more new colors with the one project, (2) receiving the second selection to delete the one or more colors from the project, (3) receiving the first selection to associate the one or more new elements with the one project, or (4) receiving the second selection to delete the one or more elements from the project.
24. The method of claim 1, wherein, to populate the virtual design board with thumbnails of the images associated with the identified subset of item data structures, the method further uses the at least one hardware processor to: automatically update the virtual design board in response to (1) receiving the first selection to associate the one or more new colors with the one project, (2) receiving the second selection to delete the one or more colors from the project, (3) receiving the first selection to associate the one or more new elements with the one project, or (4) receiving the second selection to delete the one or more elements from the project.
Claims Distinguished Over Prior Art
Regarding claims 1, 16, and 17, the prior art does not teach nor suggest a system or method as currently claimed. Based upon research, the Examiner has determined that the instant claims are not disclosed by prior art. Cited art discloses software for managing events and flower arrangements, (Heck). Other art teaches methods for event planning, (Rowland). However, the cited prior art of record fails to disclose, alone and in combination, the claim limitations as presented. Particularly, the prior art of record does not disclose the following claimed elements, either alone, or in combination, within claims 1, 16 and 17;
A method comprising using at least one hardware processor to: generate a plurality of color data structures, wherein each of the plurality of color data structures represents a different color than any other plurality of color data structures; generate a plurality of element data structures, wherein each of the plurality of element data structures represents a different element than any other plurality of element data structures; generate a plurality of item data structures, wherein each of the plurality of item data structures represents a physical item and is associated with an image representing the physical item; generate a graphical user interface, comprising: a colors section comprising a visual representation of colors associated with one project of a plurality of projects, an elements section comprising a visual representation of elements associated with the one project, at least one first elements input for receiving a selection of one or more new elements to associate to with the one project, and at least one second elements input for receiving a selection to delete one or more elements from the one project, and a virtual design board associated with the one project; via the graphical user interface, receive a selection of one or more colors via the at least one colors input to associate one or more new colors with the one and associate a subset of the plurality of color data structures, representing the one or more colors associated with the one project, with a search, and receive a selection of one or more elements via the at least one element input to associate one or more new elements with the one project and associate a subset of the plurality of element data structures, representing the one or more elements associated with the one project, with the search.
Regarding claims 2 – 15 and 18 – 20, based on their dependency to claim 1, inherit the distinguished claim limitations and are therefore, also not disclosed by the prior art.
Noting that patentability of any claimed invention under 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and 103 with respect to the prior art is neither required for, nor a guarantee of, patent eligibility under 35 U.S.C. 101, the Examiner points to other rejections within this Office Action.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Heck discloses a method for managing events. Rowland teaches event planning.
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DONALD J. EDMONDS
Examiner
Art Unit 3629
/SARAH M MONFELDT/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 3629
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