Prosecution Insights
Last updated: August 18, 2026
Application No. 19/456,744

ELECTRONIC DEVICE, METHOD, AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM FOR CONTROLLING EXTERNAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE TO OUTPUT VIBRATIONS

Non-Final OA §112
Filed
Jan 22, 2026
Priority
Jul 24, 2023 — RE 10-2023-0096018 +2 more
Examiner
LAM, NELSON C
Art Unit
2627
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
60%
Grant Probability
Moderate
1-2
OA Rounds
2y 9m
Est. Remaining
70%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 60% of resolved cases
60%
Career Allowance Rate
415 granted / 688 resolved
-1.7% vs TC avg
Moderate +9% lift
Without
With
+9.2%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 4m
Avg Prosecution
25 currently pending
Career history
721
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
1.6%
-38.4% vs TC avg
§103
58.4%
+18.4% vs TC avg
§102
22.8%
-17.2% vs TC avg
§112
15.8%
-24.2% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 688 resolved cases

Office Action

§112
DETAILED ACTION The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Priority Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55. Information Disclosure Statement The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 01/22/2026. The submission is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner. Specification 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, requires the specification to be written in “full, clear, concise, and exact terms.” The specification is replete with terms which are not clear, concise and exact. The specification should be revised carefully in order to comply with 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112. A few examples of some unclear, inexact or verbose terms used in the specification are: “the wearable device may identify an event that occurs in a virtual space and causes an output on vibration”, “the wearable device 101 may display, on the display, a graphic effect 410 spreading in a virtual space based on the first point, in response to an event that occurs at the first point 420 and causes an output on vibration“, “the wearable device 101 may transmit a signal causing an output on vibration to at least one of the one or more wearable devices 190 based on the first haptic pattern information“, “The wearable device 101 may identify an event that causes an output on vibration“, “the wearable device 101 may identify at least one external electronic device for causing an output on vibration among the one or more external electronic devices 190 based on identifying the event occurring at the first point“. The title of the invention is not descriptive. A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the invention to which the claims are directed. The following title is suggested: HEAD MOUNTED DISPLAY (HMD) OPERATED WITH EXTERNAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE OUTPUTTING GRAPHIC EFFECT REPRESENTING VIBRATIONS Claim Objections Claims 1-20 are objected to because of the following informalities: As per claim 1, the limitation “display a graphic effect spreading from a first point to an external space, on the display, in response to an event that occurs at the first point separated from the wearable device and causes an output on vibration, identify a distance between the first point and a second point of an external electronic device separated from the wearable device, identify a time point at which at least a portion of the graphic effect intersects the second point based on identifying the distance, and transmit, through the communication circuitry, a signal for controlling an actuator of the external electronic device to output vibration having a magnitude determined based on the distance at the time point to the external electronic device” should be “display a graphic effect spreading from a first point to an external space representing a vibration, on the display, in response to an event that occurs at the first point separated from the wearable device and causes an output [[on vibration]] of the graphic effect representing the vibration, identify a distance between the first point and a second point of an external electronic device separated from the wearable device, identify a time point at which at least a portion of the graphic effect intersects the second point based on the identifying of the distance between the first time point and the second time point, and transmit, through the communication circuitry, a signal for controlling an actuator of the external electronic device to output a vibration having a magnitude determined based on the distance at the time point to the external electronic device”. As per claim 2, the limitation “wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further cause the wearable device to: obtain first haptic pattern information indicating the vibration related to the event, based on identifying the event; and display the graphic effect on the display, based on the first haptic pattern information” should be “wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further causes the wearable device to: obtain a first haptic pattern information indicating the vibration related to the event, based on identifying the event; and display the graphic effect on the display, based on the first haptic pattern information”. As per claim 3, the limitation “wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further cause the wearable device to: change the first haptic pattern information to second haptic pattern information for controlling the actuator of the external electronic device based on at least one of a type of the external electronic device and the distance; and transmit, to the external electronic device, prior to the time point, the signal requesting to output the vibration based on the magnitude corresponding to the second haptic pattern information at the time point” should be “wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further causes the wearable device to: change the first haptic pattern information to a second haptic pattern information for controlling the actuator of the external electronic device based on at least one of a type of the external electronic device and the distance between the first time point and the second time point; and transmit, to the external electronic device, prior to the time point, the signal [[requesting]] for controlling the actuator of the external electronic device to output the vibration based on the magnitude corresponding to the second haptic pattern information at the time point”. As per claim 4, the limitation “wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further cause the wearable device to: change the first haptic pattern information to the second haptic pattern information having a second vibration intensity smaller than a first vibration intensity corresponding to the first haptic pattern information, based on the distance” should be “wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further causes the wearable device to: change the first haptic pattern information to the second haptic pattern information having a second vibration intensity smaller than a first vibration intensity corresponding to the first haptic pattern information, based on the distance between the first time point and the second time point”. As per claim 5, the limitation “wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further cause the wearable device to” should be “wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further causes the wearable device to”. As per claim 6, the limitation “wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further cause the wearable device to: change the first haptic pattern information to the second haptic pattern information, based on user perception information related to vibration” should be “wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further causes the wearable device to: change the first haptic pattern information to the second haptic pattern information, based on user perception information related to the vibration” As per claim 7, the limitation “wherein the user perception information is obtained based on a user interface for identifying an intensity of vibration generated by the external electronic device at a body part of a user wearing the external electronic device according to the type of the external electronic device” should be “wherein the user perception information is obtained based on a user interface for identifying an intensity of the vibration [[generated]] outputted by the external electronic device at a body part of a user wearing the external electronic device according to the type of the external electronic device”. As per claim 8, the limitation “wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further cause the wearable device to: transmit the signal causing the external electronic device to output vibration corresponding to the second haptic pattern information while at least a portion of the graphic effect is included in an area corresponding to the second point” should be “wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further causes the wearable device to: transmit the signal causing the external electronic device to output the vibration corresponding to the second haptic pattern information while at least a portion of the graphic effect is included in an area corresponding to the second point”. As per claim 9, the limitation “A method of a wearable device, the method comprises: displaying a graphic effect spreading from a first point to an external space, on a display, in response to an event that occurs at the first point separated from the wearable device and causes an output on vibration; identifying a distance between the first point and a second point of an external electronic device separated from the wearable device; identifying a time point at which at least a portion of the graphic effect intersects the second point based on identifying the distance; and transmitting, through communication circuitry, a signal for controlling an actuator of the external electronic device to output vibration having a magnitude determined based on the distance at the time point to the external electronic device” should be “A method of controlling a wearable device, wherein the method comprises: displaying a graphic effect spreading from a first point to an external space representing a vibration, on a display, in response to an event that occurs at the first point separated from the wearable device and causes an output [[on vibration]] of the graphic effect representing the vibration; identifying a distance between the first point and a second point of an external electronic device separated from the wearable device; identifying a time point at which at least a portion of the graphic effect intersects the second point based on the identifying of the distance between the first time point and the second time point; and transmitting, through communication circuitry, a signal for controlling an actuator of the external electronic device to output a vibration having a magnitude determined based on the distance at the time point to the external electronic device” should be As per claim 10, the limitation “the displaying of the graphic effect comprises: obtaining first haptic pattern information indicating the vibration related to the event, based on identifying the event; and displaying the graphic effect on the display, based on the first haptic pattern information” should be “wherein the of displaying of the graphic effect further comprises: obtaining a first haptic pattern information indicating the vibration related to the event, based on identifying the event; and displaying the graphic effect on the display, based on the first haptic pattern information”. As per claim 11, the limitation “the transmitting of the signal comprises: changing the first haptic pattern information to second haptic pattern information for controlling the actuator of the external electronic device based on at least one of a type of the external electronic device and the distance; and transmitting, to the external electronic device, prior to the time point, the signal requesting to output the vibration based on the magnitude corresponding to the second haptic pattern information at the time point” should be “wherein the of transmitting of the signal further comprises: changing the first haptic pattern information to a second haptic pattern information for controlling the actuator of the external electronic device based on at least one of a type of the external electronic device and the distance between the first time point and the second time point; and transmitting, to the external electronic device, prior to the time point, the signal [[requesting]] for controlling the actuator of the external electronic device to output the vibration based on the magnitude corresponding to the second haptic pattern information at the time point”. As per claim 12, the limitation “the changing to the second haptic pattern information comprises: changing the first haptic pattern information to the second haptic pattern information having a second vibration intensity smaller than a first vibration intensity corresponding to the first haptic pattern information, based on the distance” should be “wherein the changing of the first haptic pattern information to the second haptic pattern information further comprises: changing the first haptic pattern information to the second haptic pattern information having a second vibration intensity smaller than a first vibration intensity corresponding to the first haptic pattern information, based on the distance between the first time point and the second time point”. As per claim 13, the limitation “the obtaining of the first pattern information comprises” should be “wherein the obtaining of the first pattern information further comprises”. As per claim 14, the limitation “the changing to the second haptic pattern information comprises: changing the first haptic pattern information to the second haptic pattern information, based on user perception information related to vibration” should be “wherein the changing of the first haptic pattern information to the second haptic pattern information further comprises: changing the first haptic pattern information to the second haptic pattern information, based on user perception information related to the vibration”. As per claim 15, the limitation “One or more non-transitory computer readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a wearable device individually or collectively, cause the wearable device to perform operations, the operations comprising: displaying a graphic effect spreading from a first point to an external space, on a display, in response to an event that occurs at the first point separated from the wearable device and causes an output on vibration; identifying a distance between the first point and a second point of an external electronic device separated from the wearable device; identifying a time point at which at least a portion of the graphic effect intersects the second point based on identifying the distance; and transmitting, through communication circuitry, a signal for controlling an actuator of the external electronic device to output vibration having a magnitude determined based on the distance at the time point to the external electronic device” should be “One or more non-transitory computer readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a wearable device individually or collectively, causes the wearable device to perform operations, wherein the operations [[comprising]] comprise: displaying a graphic effect spreading from a first point to an external space representing a vibration, on a display, in response to an event that occurs at the first point separated from the wearable device and causes an output [[on vibration]] of the graphic effect representing the vibration; identifying a distance between the first point and a second point of an external electronic device separated from the wearable device; identifying a time point at which at least a portion of the graphic effect intersects the second point based on the identifying of the distance between the first time point and the second time point; and transmitting, through communication circuitry, a signal for controlling an actuator of the external electronic device to output a vibration having a magnitude determined based on the distance at the time point to the external electronic device”. As per claim 16, the limitation “the operations further comprising: obtaining first haptic pattern information indicating the vibration related to the event, based on identifying the event; and displaying the graphic effect on the display, based on the first haptic pattern information” should be “wherein the operations further [[comprising]] comprises: obtaining a first haptic pattern information indicating the vibration related to the event, based on identifying the event; and displaying the graphic effect on the display, based on the first haptic pattern information”. As per claim 17, the limitation “the operations further comprising: changing the first haptic pattern information to second haptic pattern information for controlling the actuator of the external electronic device based on at least one of a type of the external electronic device and the distance; and transmitting, to the external electronic device, prior to the time point, the signal requesting to output the vibration based on the magnitude corresponding to the second haptic pattern information at the time point” should be “wherein the operations further [[comprising]] comprises: changing the first haptic pattern information to a second haptic pattern information for controlling the actuator of the external electronic device based on at least one of a type of the external electronic device and the distance between the first time point and the second time point; and transmitting, to the external electronic device, prior to the time point, the signal [[requesting]] for controlling the actuator of the external electronic device to output the vibration based on the magnitude corresponding to the second haptic pattern information at the time point”. As per claim 18, the limitation “the operations further comprising: changing the first haptic pattern information to the second haptic pattern information having a second vibration intensity smaller than a first vibration intensity corresponding to the first haptic pattern information, based on the distance” should be “wherein the operations further [[comprising]] comprises: changing the first haptic pattern information to the second haptic pattern information having a second vibration intensity smaller than a first vibration intensity corresponding to the first haptic pattern information, based on the distance between the first time point and the second time point”. As per claim 19, the limitation “the operations further comprising: identifying the event indicating contact between at least one body part of a user of the wearable device and a virtual object displayed on the display; and obtaining the first haptic pattern information based on a type of the virtual object” should be “wherein the operations further [[comprising]] comprises: identifying the event indicating contact between at least one body part of a user of the wearable device and a virtual object displayed on the display; and obtaining the first haptic pattern information based on a type of the virtual object”. As per claim 20, the limitation “wherein the operations further comprising: changing the first haptic pattern information to the second haptic pattern information, based on user perception information related to vibration” should be “wherein the operations further [[comprising]] comprises: changing the first haptic pattern information to the second haptic pattern information, based on user perception information related to the vibration”. Appropriate correction is 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 1-20 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. Claim 1 recites the limitation "the distance at the time point to the external electronic device". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claim 2 recites the limitation "the vibration related to the event". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claim 3 recites the limitation "the magnitude corresponding to the second haptic pattern information at the time point". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claim 5 recites the limitation "the event indicating contact between at least one body part of a user of the wearable device and a virtual object displayed on the display". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claim 7 recites the limitation "the type of the external electronic device". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claim 9 recites the limitation "the distance at the time point to the external electronic device". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claim 10 recites the limitation "the vibration related to the event". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claim 13 recites the limitation "the event indicating contact between at least one body part of a user of the wearable device and a virtual object displayed on the display". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claim 15 recites the limitation "the distance at the time point to the external electronic device". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claim 16 recites the limitation "the vibration related to the event". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claim 17 recites the limitation "the magnitude corresponding to the second haptic pattern information at the time point". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Claim 19 recites the limitation "the event indicating contact between at least one body part of a user of the wearable device and a virtual object displayed on the display". There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. Allowable Subject Matter Claims 1-20 would be allowable if rewritten or amended to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action. The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: The prior art of a wearable device comprising display a graphic effect spreading from a first point to an external space, on the display does not teach or fairly suggest in response to an event that occurs at the first point separated from the wearable device and causes an output on vibration, identify a distance between the first point and a second point of an external electronic device separated from the wearable device, identify a time point at which at least a portion of the graphic effect intersects the second point based on identifying the distance, and transmit, through the communication circuitry, a signal for controlling an actuator of the external electronic device to output vibration having a magnitude determined based on the distance at the time point to the external electronic device. Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee. Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.” Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Nelson Lam whose telephone number is (571)272-8044. The examiner can normally be reached 1pm-9pm. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Ke Xiao can be reached at 571 272-7776. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /Nelson Lam/Examiner, Art Unit 2627 /KE XIAO/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2627
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Jan 22, 2026
Application Filed
Jul 24, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §112 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
60%
Grant Probability
70%
With Interview (+9.2%)
3y 4m (~2y 9m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 688 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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