www.uspto.gov
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and TrademarkOffice
`Address; COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`
`15/637,449
`
`06/29/2017
`
`Hirofumi KONISHI
`
`HOKUP0356US
`
`AT87
`
`MARKD. SARALINO (PAN)
`RENNER, OTTO, BOISSELLE & SKLAR, LLP
`1621 EUCLID AVENUE
`ISTH FLOOR
`
`CLEVELAND, OH 44115
`
`YANG, AMY X
`
`2844
`
`04/06/2021
`
`ELECTRONIC
`
`Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding.
`
`The time period for reply, if any, is set in the attached communication.
`
`Notice of the Office communication was sent electronically on above-indicated "Notification Date" to the
`following e-mail address(es):
`
`ipdocket @rennerotto.com
`
`PTOL-90A (Rev. 04/07)
`
`

`

`Office Action Summary
`
`Application No.
`15/637,449
`Examiner
`AMY X YANG
`
`Applicant(s)
`KONISHI et al.
`Art Unit
`2844
`
`AIA (FITF) Status
`Yes
`
`-- The MAILING DATEofthis communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address --
`Period for Reply
`
`A SHORTENED STATUTORY PERIOD FOR REPLYIS SET TO EXPIRE 3 MONTHS FROM THE MAILING
`DATE OF THIS COMMUNICATION.
`Extensions of time may be available underthe provisions of 37 CFR 1.136(a). In no event, however, may a reply betimely filed after SIX (6) MONTHSfrom the mailing
`date of this communication.
`If NO period for reply is specified above, the maximum statutory period will apply and will expire SIX (6) MONTHSfrom the mailing date of this communication.
`-
`- Failure to reply within the set or extended period for reply will, by statute, cause the application to become ABANDONED (35 U.S.C. § 133}.
`Any reply received by the Office later than three months after the mailing date of this communication, evenif timely filed, may reduce any earned patent term
`adjustment. See 37 CFR 1.704(b).
`
`Status
`
`
`
`1) Responsive to communication(s) filed on 03/23/2021.
`C} A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/werefiled on
`2a)¥) This action is FINAL.
`2b) (J This action is non-final.
`3)02 An election was madeby the applicant in responseto a restriction requirement set forth during the interview
`on
`; the restriction requirement and election have been incorporated into this action.
`4\0) Since this application is in condition for allowance except for formal matters, prosecution as to the merits is
`closed in accordance with the practice under Exparte Quayle, 1935 C.D. 11, 453 O.G. 213.
`
`Disposition of Claims*
`1-2,4 and 7-23 is/are pending in the application.
`)
`Claim(s)
`5a) Of the above claim(s) ___ is/are withdrawn from consideration.
`C] Claim(s)__ is/are allowed.
`Claim(s) 1-2,4 and 7-23 is/are rejected.
`(1 Claim(s)__is/are objectedto.
`C} Claim(s)
`are subjectto restriction and/or election requirement
`* If any claims have been determined allowable, you maybeeligible to benefit from the Patent Prosecution Highway program at a
`participating intellectual property office for the corresponding application. For more information, please see
`http://www.uspto.gov/patents/init_events/pph/index.jsp or send an inquiry to PPHfeedback@uspto.gov.
`
`) ) ) )
`
`Application Papers
`10) The specification is objected to by the Examiner.
`11)0) The drawing(s) filedon__ is/are: a)(J accepted or b)() objected to by the Examiner.
`Applicant may not request that any objection to the drawing(s) be held in abeyance. See 37 CFR 1.85(a).
`Replacement drawing sheet(s) including the correction is required if the drawing(s) is objected to. See 37 CFR 1.121 (d).
`
`Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119
`12)1) Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d)or (f).
`Certified copies:
`c)Z None ofthe:
`b)() Some**
`a)C All
`1.2 Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.
`2.1.) Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No.
`3.1.) Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been receivedin this National Stage
`application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).
`* See the attached detailed Office action for a list of the certified copies not received.
`
`Attachment(s)
`
`1) ([] Notice of References Cited (PTO-892)
`
`2) (J Information Disclosure Statement(s) (PTO/SB/08a and/or PTO/SB/08b)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`3) (J Interview Summary (PTO-413)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date
`(Qj Other:
`
`4)
`
`PTOL-326 (Rev. 11-13)
`
`Office Action Summary
`
`Part of Paper No./Mail Date 20210327
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 2
`
`DETAILED ACTION
`
`Response to Arguments
`
`1.
`
`Applicant's arguments filed 03/23/2021 have been fully considered but they are not
`
`persuasive.
`
`2.
`
`Applicant argues regarding claims | that Yao 358 does not disclose two output terminals
`
`for outputting the DC output voltage. Examiner respectfully disagrees. Examineris clarifying the
`
`portion of Yao usedin the rejection as fig. 4 and 7 the output of the DC-DC converter is going to
`
`be a DC output. Examiner pointed to 306 and 408 as DC outputs which are themselves
`
`connected to 490a and 490b. Clarifying the output terminals would be the DC outputthatis
`
`formed form 306 to 408 and then thru 418 and Cbto finally be 490a and 490b. Applicant has
`
`only lookedto a portion of the DC-DC converter of Yao and not the full output which Examiner
`
`is pointing to that is electrically connect to the capacitor Cr2.
`
`3.
`
`Applicant argues on page 12-13 that the combination of Huang and Yao would not work
`
`since Yao discloses an AC output. Examiner disagrees since the circuit of Yao is a DC-DC
`
`converter (abstract) and would work with the Dc wires of Huang.
`
`4,
`
`Applicant argues regarding claims 4, that Deixler does not disclose internal instructions
`
`would be utilized rather than the external instructions. Examiner respectfully disagrees. Deixler
`
`discloses during an emergency using overriding user input (external instructions) such asfig. 4
`
`using only group input instead of user input for dimming state. Dealer in paragraph 98 states “In
`
`some embodiments, one or morelighting fixtures may be configured to ignore the group inputin
`
`one or moresituations and control the dimmingstate of the local light source based solely on the
`
`local input during thosesituations.”
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 3
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
`
`5.
`
`In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C.
`
`102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the
`
`statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new groundofrejection if the prior art
`
`relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same undereither status.
`
`6.
`
`The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which formsthe basis for all obviousness
`
`rejectionsset forth in this Office action:
`
`A patent for a claimed invention maynot be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not
`identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the
`prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obviousbefore the effective
`filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinaryskill in the art to which the claimed
`invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the mannerin which the invention was made.
`
`7.
`
`Claims 1-2 and 14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over
`
`Huang (CN101009501) in view of Chemelet al. (US 2011/0001436 Al) and further in view
`
`of Yao (US 2013/0127338 Al).
`
`8.
`
`Regarding claim 1 and 14, Huangdiscloses a signal transmitter (Fig. 1-9), comprising
`
`a powersupply (2) configured to receive DC power(3) to supply a DC output voltage to
`
`a light fixture (5) that is configured to be activated by the DC output voltage (page 7 lines 20-
`
`page & line 13);
`
`an external signal (Fig 8, receiving signals 12) receiver configured to receive an external
`
`instruction signal (page 7 lines 20-page 8 line 13, “The role of the sending end 1 is to generate a
`
`corresponding data signal according to the control data or command encoding through a preset
`
`program. Referring to FIG. 3, the sending end 1 mainly includes a programmable controller 11
`
`whoseinput end is connected to a data input device 12; the programmable controller 11 encodes
`
`the data to obtain a data signal and transmits it to the power-on/off controlled module 2 through
`
`the output end’) that represents a lighting state of the light fixture (page 8 lines 1-13, “The data
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 4
`
`input device 12 may be a memory 13, a computer 15 connected to the programmable controller
`
`11 through the communication interface module 14, and so on. If the controlled object 5 needs to
`
`perform a relatively simple action, such as a light string, as long as the color change, the display
`
`pattern change caused by the light and dark change, etc.) and
`
`a communication controller (1,11, page 8 line 14-page 9 line 1, “Power on/offcontrolled
`
`module 2. Due to the small driving capacity of the data signal output by the programmable
`
`controller 11 at the sending end1, ...It is necessary to add a power on/off controlled module 2 to
`
`process the data signal to obtain a certain amplitude Value, powertransmission signalis
`
`larger..., , the FET drives the switching action according to the change of the data signal,
`
`controls the DC power supply to turn on andoff, and forms a voltage pulse signal with a certain
`
`amplitude and large powerat its output terminal, which can pass through the DC powerline 3)
`
`configured to control signal transmission to the light fixture by controlling the power supply(3),
`
`the communication controller being configured to modulate an output voltage level of the DC
`
`output voltage of the power supply (page 10 lines 8-16 “the sending end | generates a data
`
`signal for controlling the light string, and the signal is obtained through the power on/off
`
`controlled module 2 to obtain the corresponding The voltage pulse signal carrying data
`
`information’’).to transmit, to the light fixture, a control signal for setting the light fixture to the
`
`lighting state represented by at least the external instruction signal (page 10 lines 8-16 “The
`
`above DC powerline carrier communication system can be applied to the light string control.
`
`The output end of the sending end I is connected to the input end of the poweron/off controlled
`
`module 2, the output end of the poweron/off control module 2 is connected to the DC powerline
`
`3, and the receiving node 4 passes The DC powerline 3 constitutes a certain topology, and the
`
`control object 5 connected to the control signal output end of the receiving node 4 is a light
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 5
`
`string; the sending end I generates a data signal for controlling the light string, and the signalis
`
`obtained through the power on/off controlled module 2 to obtain the corresponding The voltage
`
`pulse signal carrying data information’).
`
`Huang does not specify disclose a an external signal receiver configured to receive an
`
`external instruction signal that represents a lighting state of the light fixture based on an output of
`
`a sensor configured to detect a state of a lighting space illuminated bythelightfixture.
`
`Chemeldiscloses a an external signal (sensors[0030]) receiver configured to receive an
`
`external instruction signal that represents a lighting state of the light fixture based on an output of
`
`a sensor ([0030][0360]120 Fig. 1a-b) configured to detect a state of a lighting space illuminated
`
`by the light fixture [0030];({0132])
`
`9.
`
`Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would be obvious to one of ordinary
`
`skill in the art to include the external sensors of Chemel to the system of Huang to provide
`
`automatic control of lighting effects and use the lights in different environments while
`
`conserving power.
`
`10.
`
`Huang does not specify disclose wherein the power supply comprises: two input
`
`terminals for receiving the DC power; a series circuit of a first switch and a second switch, the
`
`series circuit being electrically connected between the two input terminals; a first diode thatis
`
`anti-parallel connected to the first switch; a second diodethat is anti-parallel connected to the
`
`second switch; a series circuit of a capacitor and an inductor, which is connected between both
`
`endsofthe first switch; two output terminals for outputting the DC output voltage, the output
`
`terminals being electrically connected to high and low potential sides of the capacitor,
`
`respectively and the communication controller is configured to control the first and second
`
`switches to change the output voltage level.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 6
`
`11.
`
`Yao discloses in Fig. 4 and 7 wherein the power supply 440 comprises: two input
`
`terminals for receiving the DC power(404 and 406); a series circuit of a first switch and a second
`
`switch(Q1 and Q2), the series circuit being electrically connected between the two input
`
`terminals; a first diode (D2) that is anti-parallel connectedto the first switch(Q2)); a second
`
`diode (D1) that is anti-parallel connected to the second switch(Q1); a series circuit of a capacitor
`
`and an inductor(Cr2 and Lr), which is connected between both endsofthe first switch(Q2); two
`
`output terminals for outputting the DC output voltage(440, 306), the output terminals being
`
`electrically connected to high and low potential sides of the capacitor(Cr2), respectively and the
`
`communication controller(416) is configured to control the first and second switches to change
`
`the output voltage level({0031]).
`
`12.
`
`Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would be obvious to one of ordinary
`
`skill in the art to include powersupply of Yao to the system of Huangto provide a powersupply
`
`with voltage protection to protect the circuit (Yao (abstract)).
`
`13.
`
`Regarding claim 2, Huang discloses the signal transmitter of claim 1, wherein the
`
`control signal contains control data representing the lighting state for the light fixture (page 8
`
`lines 1-13,“The data input device 12 may be a memory 13, a computer 15 connected to the
`
`programmable controller 11 through the communication interface module 14, and so on. If the
`
`controlled object 5 needs to perform a relatively simple action, such as a lightstring, as long as
`
`the color change, the display pattern change causedbythelight and dark change,etc)
`
`Huang doesnot specify control signal contains identification data uniquely assigned to
`
`the light fixture.
`
`Chemel disclose wherein the control signal contains identification data uniquely assigned
`
`to the light fixture ((0384]).
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 7
`
`Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would be obvious to one of ordinary
`
`skill in the art to include the identification date of Chemel to the system of Huangto provide
`
`accurate control of individuallighting fixtures.
`
`14.
`
`Claims 4, 7-11 /are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Huang
`
`(CN101009501) in view of Deixler (US 2017/0251536 Al).
`
`15.
`
`Regarding claim 4, Huang discloses a signal transmitter (Fig. 1-9), comprising
`
`a powersupply (2) configured to receive DC power(3) to supply a DC output voltage to
`
`a light fixture (5) that is configured to be activated by the DC output voltage (page 7 lines 20-
`
`page & line 13);
`
`an external signal (Fig 8, receiving signals 12) receiver configured to receive an external
`
`instruction signal (page 7 lines 20-page 8 line 13, “The role of the sending end I is to generate a
`
`corresponding data signal according to the control data or command encoding through a preset
`
`program. Referring to FIG. 3, the sending end 1 mainly includes a programmable controller 11
`
`whoseinput end is connected to a data input device 12; the programmable controller 11 encodes
`
`the data to obtain a data signal and transmits it to the power-on/off controlled module 2 through
`
`the output end’) that represents a lighting state of the light fixture (page 8 lines 1-13, “The data
`
`input device 12 may be a memory 13, a computer 15 connected to the programmable controller
`
`11 through the communication interface module 14, and so on. If the controlled object 5 needs to
`
`perform a relatively simple action, such as a light string, as long as the color change, the display
`
`pattern change caused by the light and dark change, etc.) and
`
`a communication controller (1,11, page 8 line 14-page 9 line 1, “Power on/offcontrolled
`
`module 2. Due to the small driving capacity of the data signal output by the programmable
`
`controller 11 at the sending end1, ...It is necessary to add a power on/off controlled module 2 to
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 8
`
`process the data signal to obtain a certain amplitude Value, powertransmission signalis
`
`larger..., , the FET drives the switching action according to the change of the data signal,
`
`controls the DC power supply to turn on andoff, and forms a voltage pulse signal with a certain
`
`amplitude and large powerat its output terminal, which can pass through the DC powerline 3)
`
`configured to control signal transmission to the light fixture by controlling the power supply(3),
`
`the communication controller being configured to modulate an output voltage level of the DC
`
`output voltage of the power supply (page 10 lines 8-16 “the sending end | generates a data
`
`signal for controlling the light string, and the signal is obtained through the power on/off
`
`controlled module 2 to obtain the corresponding The voltage pulse signal carrying data
`
`information’’).to transmit, to the light fixture, a control signal for setting the light fixture to the
`
`lighting state represented by at least the external instruction signal (page 10 lines 8-16 “The
`
`above DC powerline carrier communication system can be applied to the light string control.
`
`The output end of the sending end I is connected to the input end of the power on/off controlled
`
`module 2, the output end of the poweron/off control module 2 is connected to the DC powerline
`
`3, and the receiving node 4 passes The DC powerline 3 constitutes a certain topology, and the
`
`control object 5 connected to the control signal output end of the receiving node 4 is a light
`
`string; the sending end I generates a data signal for controlling the light string, and the signalis
`
`obtained through the power on/off controlled module 2 to obtain the corresponding The voltage
`
`pulse signal carrying data information’).
`
`Huang does not specify disclose a an external signal receiver configured to receive an
`
`external instruction signal that represents a lighting state of the light fixture based on an output of
`
`a sensor configured to detect a state of a lighting space illuminated bythe light fixture and an
`
`internal signal receiver configured to receive an internal instruction signal that represents the
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 9
`
`lighting state of the light fixture, the internal instruction signal being generated according to
`
`user's operation; and a signal selector configured to select either the external instruction signal or
`
`the internal instruction signal to be supplied to the communication controller, wherein the
`
`communication controller is configured to transmit the transmission signal for setting the light
`
`fixture to a lighting state represented by either the external instruction signal or the internal
`
`instruction signal, from the signal selector.
`
`16.
`
`Deixler discloses an external signal sensors (125A,B)receiver configured to receive an
`
`external instruction signal that represents a lighting state of the light fixture based on an output of
`
`a sensor ([0076]) configured to detect a state of a lighting space illuminated bythe light
`
`fixture([0076]) and an internal signal receiver configured to receive an internal instruction signal
`
`that represents the lighting state ofthe light fixture([0073][0070]), the internal instruction signal
`
`being generated according to user's operation(user interface input to 110 [0070]); and a signal
`
`selector configured to select either the external instruction signal or the internal instruction signal
`
`to be supplied to the communication controller([0073]), wherein the communication controller is
`
`configured to transmit the transmission signal for setting the light fixture to a lighting state
`
`represented by either the external instruction signal or the internal instruction signal, from the
`
`signal selector({0097][0073] fig. 4) wherein the signal selector is configured to select either the
`
`external instruction signal or the internal instruction signal according to the state of the lighting
`
`space(Deixler: override using user input during emergency or maintenance [0073][0097] fig. 4)
`
`wherein the signal selector is configured to: select the external instruction signal whenthestate
`
`of the lighting spaceis in a normalstate; and select the internal instruction signal when the state
`
`of the lighting spaceis in an abnormalstate. (Deixler: override using user input during
`
`emergency or maintenance [0073][0097] fig. 4).
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 10
`
`17.
`
`Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would be obvious to one of ordinary
`
`skill in the art to include the internal and external signal and signal selector of Deixler to the
`
`system of Huang to provide reduce power consumption, provide an automated lighting system,
`
`and allow for user control .
`
`18.
`
`Regarding claim 7, Huang discloses a signal transmitter (Fig. 1-9), comprising
`
`a powersupply (2) configured to receive DC power(3) to supply a DC output voltage to
`
`a light fixture (5) that is configured to be activated by the DC output voltage (page 7 lines 20-
`
`page & line 13);
`
`an external signal (Fig 8, receiving signals 12) receiver configured to receive an external
`
`instruction signal (page 7 lines 20-page 8 line 13, “The role of the sending end 1 is to generate a
`
`corresponding data signal according to the control data or command encoding through a preset
`
`program. Referring to FIG. 3, the sending end 1] mainly includes a programmable controller 11
`
`whoseinput end is connected to a data input device 12; the programmable controller 11 encodes
`
`the data to obtain a data signal and transmits it to the power-on/off controlled module 2 through
`
`the output end’) that represents a lighting state of the light fixture (page 8 lines 1-13, “The data
`
`input device 12 may be a memory 13, a computer 15 connected to the programmable controller
`
`11 through the communication interface module 14, and so on. If the controlled object 5 needs to
`
`perform a relatively simple action, such as a light string, as long as the color change, the display
`
`pattern change caused by the light and dark change, etc.) and
`
`a communication controller (1,11, page 8 line 14-page 9 line 1, “Power on/offcontrolled
`
`module 2. Due to the small driving capacity of the data signal output by the programmable
`
`controller 11 at the sending end1, ...It is necessary to add a power on/off controlled module 2 to
`
`process the data signal to obtain a certain amplitude Value, powertransmission signalis
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 11
`
`larger..., , the FET drives the switching action according to the change of the data signal,
`
`controls the DC power supply to turn on andoff, and forms a voltage pulse signal with a certain
`
`amplitude and large powerat its output terminal, which can pass through the DC powerline 3)
`
`configured to control signal transmission to the light fixture by controlling the power supply(3),
`
`the communication controller being configured to modulate an output voltage level of the DC
`
`output voltage of the power supply (page 10 lines 8-16 “the sending end | generates a data
`
`signal for controlling the light string, and the signal is obtained through the power on/off
`
`controlled module 2 to obtain the corresponding The voltage pulse signal carrying data
`
`information’’).to transmit, to the light fixture, a control signal for setting the light fixture to the
`
`lighting state represented by at least the external instruction signal (page 10 lines 8-16 “The
`
`above DC powerline carrier communication system can be applied to the light string control.
`
`The output end of the sending end I is connected to the input end of the poweron/off controlled
`
`module 2, the output end of the poweron/off control module 2 is connected to the DC powerline
`
`3, and the receiving node 4 passes The DC powerline 3 constitutes a certain topology, and the
`
`control object 5 connected to the control signal output end of the receiving node 4 is a light
`
`string; the sending end I generates a data signal for controlling the light string, and the signalis
`
`obtained through the poweron/off controlled module 2 to obtain the corresponding The voltage
`
`pulse signal carrying data information’).
`
`19.
`
`Huang does not specify disclose a an external signal receiver configured to receive an
`
`external instruction signal that represents a lighting state of the light fixture based on an output of
`
`a sensor configured to detect a state of a lighting space illuminated bythe light fixture and a
`
`judgementcontroller configured to monitor a value of any one or more of an output current, the
`
`output voltage, output power, an input current, an input voltage and input powerof the power
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 12
`
`supply as a monitor value and judge whether the monitor value is greater than or equal to a
`
`prescribed value, wherein the communication controller is configured to transmit the
`
`transmission signal for changing a dimmingrate of the light fixture so that the monitor value is
`
`smaller than the prescribed value, when the judgement controller judges that the monitor value is
`
`greater than or equal to the prescribed value.
`
`Deixler an external signal sensors (125A,B )receiver configured to receive an external
`
`instruction signal that represents a lighting state of the light fixture based on an output of a
`
`sensor ({0076]) configured to detect a state of a lighting space illuminated bythe light
`
`fixture((0076]) and a
`
`judgementcontroller (light controller 130A) configured to monitor a value of any one or
`
`more of an output current, the output voltage, output power, an input current, an input voltage
`
`and input powerof the power supply as a monitor value and judge whether the monitor value is
`
`greater than or equal to a prescribed value(compares the control command to dimming
`
`state[0083][0090]), wherein the communication controller is configured to transmit the
`
`transmission signal for changing a dimmingrate ofthe light fixture so that the monitor value is
`
`smaller than the prescribed value, when the judgement controller judges that the monitor value is
`
`greater than or equal to the prescribed value((0083][0090)]).
`
`Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would be obvious to one of ordinary
`
`skill in the art to include the sensors and judgmentcontroller of Deixler to the system of Huang
`
`to provide reduce power consumption, provide an automated lighting system, and allow for user
`
`control.
`
`20.
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`Regarding claim 8, Huang discloses the signal transmitter of claim 7, wherein the
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`communication controller is configured to, when the judgement controller judges that the
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`monitor value is greater than or equal to the prescribed value, change the dimmingrate of the
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`lightfixture to a first dimming rate so that the monitor value is less than the prescribed value,
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`and then transmit the transmission signal for changing the dimmingrate by repeatedly alternating
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`between the first dimming rate and a second dimmingrate that is lower than the dimmingrate
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`when the monitor value is equal to the prescribed value (Deixler: [0083][0090]).
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`21.
`
`Regarding claim 9, Huang discloses the signal transmitter of claim 8, wherein the
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`communication controller is configured to, when the judgement controller judges that the
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`monitor value is greater than or equal to the prescribed value, makethe first dimming rate lower
`
`as a difference between the monitor value and the prescribed value is greater (Deixler:
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`[0083][0090]).
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`22.
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`Regarding claim 10, Huang discloses the signal transmitter of claim 8, wherein the
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`communication controller is configured to, when the judgement controller judges that the
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`monitor value is greater than or equal to the prescribed value, make a period of time during
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`which the dimmingrate is the second dimming rate longeras a difference between the monitor
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`value andthe prescribed valueis greater (Deixler: [0083][0090]).
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`23.
`
`Regarding claim 11, Huang discloses the signal transmitter of claim 7, wherein the
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`communication controller is configured to transmit the transmission signal for changing of the
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`dimming rate and a color temperature of the light fixture, the communication controller being
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`configured to change only the dimmingrate so that the monitor value is less than the prescribed
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`value, when the judgementcontroller judges that the monitor value is greater than or equal to the
`
`prescribed value(Deixler: [0083][0090]).
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`24.
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`Claims 12, 17-18 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over
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`Huang (CN101009501) in view of Chemel and Yao as applied to claim 1 above, and further
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`in view of Yao (US 2014/0145645A1 herein after known as Yao0645) .
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`25.
`
`Regarding claim 12, Huang in view of Chemeldiscloses the signal transmitter of claim
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`1, except wherein the communication controller is configured to change the output voltage level
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`betweena first voltage level and a second voltage level to transmit the transmission signal.
`
`26.
`
`Yao0645 discloses a controller is configured to change the output voltage level between a
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`first voltage level and a second voltage level to transmit the transmission signal (two voltage
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`outputs for dimming [0033]).
`
`27.
`
`Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would be obvious to one of ordinary
`
`skill in the art to adjust the output voltage to a first and second voltage as disclosed in Yao645 to
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`the system of Huang to provide an easy wayto provide dimming with a simple circuit.
`
`28.
`
`Regarding claim 17, Huang discloses the signal transmitter of claim 1, except wherein
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`the communication controller is configured to: adjust the output voltage level to a first voltage
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`level by making a detection value of the DC output voltage accord with a first target value; and
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`adjust the output voltage level to a second voltage level by making the detection value of the DC
`
`output voltage accord with a secondtarget value.
`
`29.
`
`Yao645 discloses controller is configured to: adjust the output voltage level to a first
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`voltage level by making a detection value of the DC output voltage accord withafirst target
`
`value; and adjust the output voltage level to a second voltage level by making the detection value
`
`of the DC output voltage accord with a second target value ([0033]).
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`30.
`
`Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would be obvious to one of ordinary
`
`skill in the art to adjust the output voltage to a first and second voltage as disclosed in Yao645 to
`
`the system of Huang to provide an easy way to provide dimming with a simple circuit.
`
`31.
`
`Regarding claim 18, Huang discloses a lighting system, comprising a signal transmitter
`
`of claim 1, except an AC/DC converter configured to receive AC powerto supply the DC power
`
`to the signal transmitter, and the light fixture.
`
`32.
`
`Yao0645 disclose an AC/DC converter configured to receive AC power to supply the DC
`
`powerto the signal transmitter, and the light fixture (Fig. 1 [0022-23]).
`
`33.
`
`Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would be obvious to one of ordinary
`
`skill in the art to include an AC/DC converter as disclosed in Yao to the system of Huang to
`
`allow the system to be used with AC power.
`
`34.
`
`Claims 19-21 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chemel
`
`et_al. (US 2011/0001436 A1) in view of Yao (US 20140145645A1), Huang (CN101009501),
`
`and Yao (US 2013/0127358 A1 herein after known as Yao358).
`
`35.
`
`Regarding claim 19, Chemel discloses a lighting system, comprising signal
`
`transmitters(1, Fig. 1-9)), and light fixture sets that are electrically connected to the signal
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`transmitters, respectively, each of the light fixture sets comprising at least a lig