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
`
`16/928,703
`
`07/14/2020
`
`Hironori UEDA
`
`PAND.7PUSO1CON
`
`6840
`
`MARKD. SARALINO (PAN)
`RENNER, OTTO, BOISSELLE & SKLAR, LLP
`1621 EUCLID AVENUE
`ISTH FLOOR
`
`CLEVELAND, OH 44115
`
`RAHMAN, MUSTAFIZUR
`
`2422
`
`12/16/2020
`
`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)
`
`

`

`
`
`Disposition of Claims*
`1-7 is/are pending in the application.
`)
`Claim(s)
`5a) Of the above claim(s) ___ is/are withdrawn from consideration.
`CL) Claim(s)
`is/are allowed.
`Claim(s) 1-2 and 5-7 is/are rejected.
`Claim(s) 3-4 is/are objectedto.
`C1) Claim(s
`are subject to 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:/Awww.uspto.gov/patents/init_events/pph/index.jsp or send an inquiry to PPHfeedback@uspto.gov.
`
`) ) ) )
`
`Application Papers
`10)C The specification is objected to by the Examiner.
`11) The drawing(s) filed on 14 July 2020 is/are: a)¥) 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)[¥) Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d)or (f).
`Certified copies:
`c)() None ofthe:
`b)( Some**
`a)) All
`1.4) Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.
`2.1) Certified copies of the priority documents have beenreceived in Application No.
`3.2.) Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been received in 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)
`
`Information Disclosure Statement(s) (PTO/SB/08a and/or PTO/SB/08b)
`2)
`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 20201205
`
`Application No.
`Applicant(s)
`16/928,703
`UEDAetal.
`
`Office Action Summary Art Unit|AIA (FITF) StatusExaminer
`MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN
`2422
`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 14 July 2020.
`CO) A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/werefiled on
`
`2a)(J This action is FINAL. 2b))This action is non-final.
`3) 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\(Z 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.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 2
`
`Notice of Pre-AlA 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
`
`This action is in response to the application filed July 14, 2020. Claims 1-7 have
`
`been examined and are pending with this action.
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
`
`The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that
`
`form the basis for the rejections under this section madein this Office action:
`
`A person shall be entitled to a patent unless —
`
`(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or
`in public use, on sale or otherwise available to the public before the effective
`filing date of the claimed invention.
`
`Claims 6-7 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a) (1) as being anticipated by
`
`Chiba (US 2012/0002108), hereafter reference as Chiba.
`
`Regarding claim 6, Chiba disclose, 2 method of switching connectors (Le. Fig.
`
`4, para. O030) thal outoul video signals in an information processing device having a
`
`pluralily of connectors connected tc a plurality of external displays (Le. Fig. 1, para.
`
`9026-0027), the method compnsing:
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 3
`
`{a}, storing (Le. para. G032}, ori a recording medium, setiing information that is
`
`sei by a user (.@. para. 0025) and that defines a relationship between connection states
`
`of the plurality of connectors(i.e. Fig. 1) and at least one connector that outputs at
`
`lease one of the video signals among the plurality of connectors;
`
`[See para. 0025 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] The extender 10
`
`is an apparatus which is provided with functions to be addedto extend functions usable
`
`by a user while maintaining high portability of the notebook PC 20. The extender 10
`
`
`has a base unit 11 containing various circuits and an extender-side (QW.WVN
`
`
`
` FIG. 1, the extender 10 also has a video output:
`
`seepsWN
`with the analog SSS
`
`WIIHW
`SAWsocket 14 that complies with the
`
`
`
`SS) standard, and a video output ““SSS (DP socket) that complies
`
`with the DisplayPort standard (DP standard). (Also see para. 0025-0028)
`
`[See para. 0035 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)], Fig. 2] The signal
`
`converter 50 receives a video signal that complies with the prescribed video signal
`
`the extender-side WANN 112, arnd thesignal lines 40. The signal converter
`
`50 converts the received video signal which complies with the prescribed video signal
`
`standard into a video signal that complies with the video signal standard corresponding
`
`WOOOASS SA
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 4
`
`to one of the video output terminals 13-15 of the extender 10 and outputs the latter
`
`video signal to that video output“\W~. (Also see para. 0026-0027)
`
`[See para. 0032 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)], Fig. 2] As shown
`
`in FIG. 2, the notebook PC 20 is further equipped with signal lines 30 the numberof
`
`whichis at least equal to a number that complies with a prescribed video signal
`
`standard, a GPU (graphics processing unit) 31 having an image processing function,
`
`and the main controller 32. Controlled by the main controller 32, the GPU 31 outputs a
`
`video signal that complies with the prescribed video signal standard to the extender 10
`
`
` 30 are Nn
`
`such as a RAM and a ROM, etc., and controls operations of the notebook PC 20
`
`according to programs storedin those storage media.
`
`(o}, detecting the connection states of the cluralty of connectors de. Fig. 9} to
`
`the plurality of external displays (Le. Fig. 1}: and
`
`[See para. 0025 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] The extender 10
`
`is an apparatus which is provided with functions to be addedto extend functions usable
`
`by a user while maintaining high portability of the notebook PC 20. The extender 10
`
`SsMOO
`has a base unit 11 containing various circuits and an extender-side{CWSSE
`
`12 for electricalSSCSto the notebook PC 20. In the embodiment, as shownin
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 5
`
`FIG. 1, the extender 10 also has a video output \\S\\\SSS socket) 13 that complies
`WI
`
`NS
`with the analog AS& standard which was standardized by the VESA (Video Electronics
`
`
`WSss
`Standards Association), an88°
`
`ASSSWASSSasAX
`SSSV8WSSn SSSSS8SK SS
`
`Sh SNSSE LN LOK
`
`
`OK ~* (DP socket) that complies
`standard, and a video output &
`
`with the DisplayPort standard (DP standard).
`
`
`[See para. 0026 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] An
`
`
`is to beWIRRAKSSsocket 13. The SSS socket 13 outputs a video signal
`
`
`
` XSANplug 101 and is compatible with the analog.
`
`standard, via the SWSplug 101.
`
`
`[See para. 0027 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] An «
`
`SSNS socket 14 outputs a video signal
`
`is to beSARANSNNNsocket 14. The &
`NN WOOO
`
`x\\\ standard to an external \\\device 104 thatis
`that complies with the \Sghacl
`WOOT
`
`
`
`
`
`AXMIMSSAASASANSSSS plug 103 and is compatible with the\SS<i standard, via the
`
`AYplug 103. A DP plug 105 is to beSWS
`
`
`15 outputs a video signal that complies with the DP standard to an external \\\
`WN.
`
`device 106 that is(SN to the DP plug 105 and is compatible with the DP
`
`standard, via the DP plug 105.
`
`(Also see para.0028)
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 6
`
`{c}, determining al least one corinector that outouts at least one of the video
`
`signals among ihe plurality of connectors (Le. Fig. 1} based on the detected connection
`
`states and the setting information.
`
`[See para. 0025 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] The extender 10
`
`is an apparatus which is provided with functions to be addedto extend functions usable
`
`by a user while maintaining high portability of the notebook PC 20. The extender 10
`
`has a base unit 11 containing various circuits and an extender-sideWC.
`
`12 for electrical\\\\NSto the notebook PC 20. In the embodiment, as shownin
`
`
`
`
`
`NNASS‘ socket) 13 that compliesFIG. 1, the extender 10 also hasa video output:
`
`WAN
`standard which was standardized by the VESA (Video Electronics
`with the analog ‘SSS
`
`
`Standards Association), an <<< socket 14 that complies with theCSSVCSAA
`
`LASS
`OOMOOMMMW) standard, and a video outputCS*: (DP socket) that complies
`
`
`
`
`with the DisplayPort standard (DP standard). (Also see para. 0025-0028)
`
`[See para. 0035 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)], Fig. 2] The signal
`
`converter 50 receives a video signal that complies with the prescribed video signal
`
`
`standard from the GPU 31 via the signallines 30, the PC-side(WW2,
`
`the extender-side(WKNV12, and thesignal lines 40. The signal converter
`
`50 converts the received video signal which complies with the prescribed video signal
`
`standard into a video signal that complies with the video signal standard corresponding
`
`to one of the video output terminals 13-15 of the extender 10 and outputs the latter
`
`video signal to that video output “\\\\“\. (Also see para. 0026-0027)
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 7
`
`Regarding claim 7, Chiba and Kizaki disclose everything as applied claim 6 as
`
`above, further Chiba disclose, the methed of switching connectors, wherein the plurality
`
`of connectors include at least two of a first connector that outputs a video signal
`
`conforming to an WDM! standard (.e. Fig. 1, HDMI standard, element 14), 4 second
`
`connector that outputs 4 video signal conforming to a VGA standard (Le. Fig. 1, RGB
`
`standard, element 13}, and 4 third connector that outputs a video signal conforming tc
`
`a ThunderboltS standard (i.e. Fig. 1, DP standard, element 15).
`
`WON
`[See para. 0026 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] AnSSSplug 101
`
`is to be NARAAAWNSSSsocket 13. The SSS socket 13 outputs a videosignal
`
`
`that complies with the analog
`
`QO
`AS
`3
`
`
`
`WOOO
`device 102 (xSSNEss
`
` ANASplug 101 and is compatible with the analog (SS
`WOMANVSS
`
`
`
`SAN
`standard, via the SSSplug 101.
`
`[See para. 0027 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] An <\\\p
`
`
`lug 103
`
`
` SAXANSsocket 14. The \SSS socket 14 outputs a video signal
`is to beWW
`
`that complies with the (XWstandard to an external\\\“\device 104thatis
`
`
`
`
`SNAA.’™WWN) WEASSOESTSESSN~WANS
`
`plug 103 and is compatible with the <<S\“standard, via the
`
`ASSSplug 103. A DP plug 105is to be S\N“to the DP socket 15. The DP socket
`
`
`15 outputs a video signal that complies with the DP standard to an external \\\
`
`
`device 106 that is(\\~6~“SNto the DP plug 105 and is compatible with the DP
`
`
`standard, via the DP plug 105.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 8
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
`
`The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all
`
`obviousnessrejections setforth in this Office action:
`
`A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed
`invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 of thistitle, if the
`differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed
`invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effectivefiling date of the
`claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed
`invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the
`invention was made.
`
`Claims 1-2, and 5 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over
`
`Chiba (US 2012/0002108) in views of Kizaki et al. (US 2016/0077786), hereinafter
`
`referenced as Chiba and Kizaki respectively.
`
`Regarding claim 1, Chiba disclose, 4m information processing device
`
`COMIPTISING:
`
`(a), a processor having a plurality of output ports (i.e. Fig. 1) configured to output
`
`video signals;
`
`[See para. 0025 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] The extender 10
`
`is an apparatus which is provided with functions to be addedto extend functions usable
`
`by a user while maintaining high portability of the notebook PC 20. The extender 10
`
`has a base unit 11 containing various circuits and an extender-side(WCW
`
`12 for electricalSSCSto the notebook PC 20. In the embodiment, as shownin
`
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 9
`
`FIG. 1, the extender 10 also has a video OUtpUt EEESSWS socket) 13 that complies
`WI
`
`NS
`with the analog SN& standard which was standardized by the VESA (Video Electronics
`
`
`WSss
`Standards Association), an88°
`
`socket 14 that complies with the C6CCR
`QYHNIH PHAANSIss
`
`Sh SNSSE LN LOK
`
`
`OK ~* (DP socket) that complies
`standard, and a video output &
`
`with the DisplayPort standard (DP standard). (Also see para. 0025-0028)
`
`(6), a plurality of connectors (i.e. Fig. 1) configured to be connected to a plurality
`
`of external displays (i.e. Fig. 1) and output the video signals to the plurality of
`
`connected external displays; (c), a plurality of detectors for detecting connection states
`
`of the plurality of connectors to the plurality of external displays;
`
`WW
`[See para. 0026 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] An SSSplug 101
`
`
`is to beWQS SAASsocket 13. The SSS socket 13 outputs a videosignal
`
`that complieswith the analog |_‘standard to an external \\\\“device 102 oes SASASHAA
`
`WASeg
`
`
`WAN SSWHO)
`&
`ENS
`SESS
`
`
`SLANE
`
`‘
`
`SEAN
`
`
`standard, via theSSS
`
`AT
`[See para. 0027 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] An <<“ plug 103
`
`
`is to beWSCASSSsocket 14. The SSSsocket 14 outputs a videosignal
`
`
`that complies with the\SS\standard to an external\\\“Ndevice 104 thatis
`
` SSS LEON
`
`Xn2
`
`
`AS
`WWOIOONRe
`
`
`standard, via the
`
`
`ANYplug 103. A DP plug 105is to be(WC to the DP socket 15. The DP socket
`
`
`15 outputs a video signal that complies with the DP standard to an external\\\
`
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 10
`
`device 106 that isSSSto the DP plug 105 and is compatible with the DP
`
`standard, via the DP plug 105.
`
`(e), a controller for controlling a switching operation of the plurality of switches,
`
`[See para. 0030 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] The manipulation
`
`units (keyboard 24 and touch pad 25/touch pad \\“““26) supplies a main controller
`
`32 (see FIG. 2) of the notebook PC 20 with an input manipulation signal corresponding
`
`to a user manipulation. The display panel 27, which is a general display output device
`
`such as a liquid crystal display, an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display, or an
`
`LED (light-emitting diode) display, displays various kinds of information under the
`
`control of the main controller 32.
`
`{et}, wherein the controller has setting information that defines a relationship
`
`between the connection states of the plurality of connectors and at least one
`
`connector that ouiputs af least one of ihe video signals arnong the plurality of
`
`COMNeChHYS,
`
`[See para. 0025 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] The extender 10
`
`is an apparatus which is provided with functions to be addedto extend functions usable
`
`by a user while maintaining high portability of the notebook PC 20. The extender 10
`
`has a base unit 11 containing various circuits and an extender-sideWW
`
`
`.|WRRWRUSIEUE ; ;
`
`12 for electricalSSNSto the notebook PC 20. In the embodiment, as shownin
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 11
`
`Ye
`ANNSSSsocket) 13 that complies
`a
`FIG. 1, the extender 10 also has a video output:
`
`
`SSS
`
`with the analog SSS standard which was standardized by the VESA (Video Electronics
`
`
`\\ socket 14 that complies with the SSS.CSN
`2es
`SHH HN
`Standards Association), an
`
`
`MASAstandard, and a video outputSSS (DP socket) that complies
`
`
`
`with the DisplayPort standard (DP standard). (Also see para. 0025-0028)
`
`[See para. 0035 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)], Fig. 2] The signal
`
`converter 50 receives a video signal that complies with the prescribed video signal
`
`standard from the GPU 31 via the signallines 30, the PC-side(QCCNN2,
`OOOO
`
`the extender-side WANNRR12, andthe signallines 40. The signal converter
`
`50 converts the received video signal which complies with the prescribed video signal
`
`standard into a video signal that complies with the video signal standard corresponding
`
`to one of the video output terminals 13-15 of the extender 10 and outputs the latter
`
`
`
`(@3}, the setling information is set by 4 user.
`
`[See para. 0025 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] The extender 10
`
`is an apparatus which is provided with functions to be addedto extend functions usable
`
`by a user while maintaining high portability of the notebook PC 20.
`
`The extender 10 has a base unit 11 containing various circuits and an extender-side
`
`AASSAN12 for electricalSSMSto the notebook PC 20.
`SARASESESSSNES
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 12
`
`In the embodiment, as shownin FIG. 1, the extender 10 also has a video output
`
`AASsocket) 13 that complies with the analog SSSstandard which was
`2
`S
`NS
`standardized by the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association), an (Sisk socket
`
`SN
`14 that complies with the\SSCRNANA) standard, and a
` Ee
`
`
` video output & —
`ASA(DP socket) that complies with the DisplayPort standard (DP
`
`standard).
`
`(dG). a phurality of switches that intervene between the plurality of output corts and
`
`the pluralily of conneciors and swiich paths between the plurality of outoul ports and the
`
`pluralily of connectors; and
`
`e However, Chiba (US 2012/0002108)fails to disclose: (d)
`
`In the similar field of endeavor, Kizaki et al. (US 2016/0077786)discloses, i<}, a
`
`plurality of switches thai intervene bebween the plurality of quiput poris and the plurality
`
`of connectors and switch paths between the plurality of output ports and the plurality of
`
`connectors (Le.
`
`[See para. 0026 of the reference Kizaki et al. (US 2016/0077786) and seeFig.
`
`ASNSESS of
`
`CON
`the personal computer 100. The graphics controller 40 transmits a s
`
`
`
`ANS6 under control of the CPU 30. The (SN 6SQNAXNNimage, based on the
`
`
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 13
`
`produced by the 6S
`
`6.
`
`The graphics controller 40 includes two ports (second andthird digital ports) for the
`
`WSSSANNSSdevice besides aSS(first digitalSSS) for supplying aSSNSNsignal to
`
`
`
`the (NS6 (an internalSSA device). These three ports may\\\“the same SQA
`
`
`
`
`
`
`signal or different\\WNsignals. In addition, signals may notonly be |NNAS
`
`
`
`simultaneously onthe internalSSNS
`
`
`
`
`““ device or the ‘
`SS
`either the internal S
`
`
`
`$
`ENS ES WES
`MOOMNAAEMARRSS
`SANNSSANGE The second digital
`SANSSSRSSES 3
`OOOOH
`
`
` MX WH SERN
`WHWW
`
`
`RWWH
`
`46 and 48 is controlled by the system controller 32. (Also, see para. 0032)
`
`Therefore, it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the
`
`effective filing date of the claim invention, “(d), 2 plurality of switches that intervene
`
`between the plurality of output parts and the plurality of connectors and switch paths
`
`between the plurality of outout ports and the plurality of connectors’ taught by Kizakifor
`
`the benefit of the electronic device is provided to notify the user in efficient manner.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 14
`
`fed}, the contraller controls the switching operation af the pluralily of switches
`
`based on the connection slates detected by the Gluralty of detectors anc the setting
`
`information, and
`
`e However, Chiba (US 2012/0002108)fails to disclose: (e2)
`
`In the similar field of endeavor, Kizaki et al. (US 2016/0077786) discloses, (22},
`
`the controller controls the switching operation of the plurality of switches based on the
`
`connection states detected by the plurally of detectors and the setting information (Le.
`
`[See para. 0026 of the reference Kizaki et al. (US 2016/0077786) and seeFig.
`
`1 & 2] The graphicscontroller 40 controls the \\S
`WHS
`
`
`KX“
`6 employed as a SSSNSNASNESS O
`
`
`
`the personal computer 100. The graphics controller 40 transmits a :
`
`SASimage, based on the
`ANS6 under control of the CPU 30. The WSS 6SAAN
`So
`
`SOQSS
` signal. The graphics controller 40 can also supply a warning/notice message
`
`produced by theWSQCRAGcheck application program 34b to the(WS
`
`6.
`
`The graphics controller 40 includes two ports (second andthird digital ports) for the
`
`
`
`MKSLAAN
`‘ device besides aWC
`
`
`SSSS
`
`NSN
`On
`ANS
`(first digital ‘ss
`&) for supplying a §
`
`
`
`
`the \SS6 (an internal §
`\\ device). These three ports may \\\“Sthe same §
`
`
`signal or different s
`‘ signals. In addition, signals may not only be
`MMSXK
`
`
`simultaneously on the internalSSAS
`SASSonSNdevices, but may also be SW
`SsWAS
`
`
`
`
`either the internal
`
`
`
`NSS S\Ndevice or theWSRANNdevice.
`SANS
`SNS SESS
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 15
`
`
`The second digital SSsssva‘x“x
`SASSterminals of the group A, i.e., the
`$
`
`SNES
`
`SSRASNESE
`
`
`
`.
`
`SN
`SERRA
`oe
`SENS
`x
`zg
`SSSVars
`x
`Thethird digitalSWANS S
` RANG
`SNESAEESNESSES
`
`soo
`
`&
`
`
`aH
`
`SS
`
`
`
`25, via a selector 48. Switching the selectors
`
`46 and 48 is controlled by the system controller 32. (Also, see para. 0032)
`
`Therefore, it would have been obvious to one ordinary skill in the art before the
`
`effectivefiling date of the claim invention, “(e2), fhe controller controis the switching
`
`operation of the pluraity of switches based an the connection states detected by the
`
`plurality of detectors and the setting information’ taught by Kizakifor the benefit of the
`
`electronic device is provided to notify the user in efficient manner.
`
`Regarding claim 2, Chiba and Kizaki disclose everything as applied claim 1 as
`
`above, further Chiba disclose, the information processing device, wherein the plurality
`
`of connectors include at least two of 4 first connector thai outputs a video signal
`
`conforming to an HDMi standard (.e. Fig. 1, HDMI standard, element 14), a second
`
`connector that outputs a video signal conforming to a VGA standard (Le. Fig. 1, RGB
`
`standard, element 13} and 4 third cornmectur that outputs a video signal conforming to
`
`a Thunderbolt3 standard (i.e. Fig. 1, DP standard, element15)(i.e.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 16
`
`OySY
`[See para. 0026 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] An
` plug 101
`
`is to be
`
`Ms
`AWSASS<
`SSSWAN
`
`
`s&s
`WEN Se
`
`
`
`SA
`socket 13. The SS
`
`
`socket 13 outputs a video signal
`
`soon
`that complies with the analog SS standard to an external & oo.
`NNdevice 102 (KA
`RWWH
`SSA
`ASAASSSplug 101 and is compatible with the analog \
`QQOHWWWWWWW7 "
`WNss
`&
`SENSES
`AS
`aS
`“S
`NSS
`
`SEKSS
`standard, via theS&S plug 101.
`
`SN
`[See para. 0027 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] An <<<“plug 103
`$
`
`is to beSKA
`RN
`Shah
`
`that complies with the (S\\ standard to an external<
`WOH
`
`
`
`SWSNSSSKplug 103 and is compatible with the “SS° standard, via theNDOT
`
`
`
`
`ANplug 103. A DP plug 105 is to beWASt‘to the DP socket 15. The DP socket
`
`
`15 outputs a videosignal that complies with the DP standard to an external\\\
`
`
`
`device 106 that isS\.SSSNto the DP plug 105 and is compatible with the DP
`
`
`standard, via the DP plug 105.
`
`Regarding claim 5, Chiba and Kizaki disclose everything as applied claim 1 as
`
`above, further Chiba disclose, the information processing device, wherein the first
`
`connector outputs a video signal conforming to an HDMI standard, the secand
`
`conrecior cuipuis a video signal conforming to a VGA standard, and ihe third connector
`
`outpuis 4 video signal conforming ta a Thunderbolt3 standard.
`
`SS SEY
`WH
`[See para. 0026 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] An SSSplug 101
`
`is to beWSKsocket 13. The SSSsocket 13 outputs a videosignal
` SNSANASS
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 17
`
`that complies with the analog“SS standard to an external<\~ device 102 oe
`
`S
`RSMEANS
`
`
`
`MIXMKCXAA—Mwwwy
`
`ASSIS
`
`
`
`standard, via the SSSplug 101.
`
`[See para. 0027 of the reference Chiba (US 2012/0002108)] An <<“plug 103
`
`
` SAASsocket 14. The SSSsocket 14 outputs a video signal
`is to beWN
`
`
` that complies with the \
`
`SXXtNSSSSNplug 103 and is compatible with the \SS° standard, via the
`
`
`ANplug 103. A DP plug 105 is to be(WCW
`
`
`
`
`15 outputs a video signal that complies with the DP standard to an external:“
`
`device 106 that isCQOWSASSSESRSS
`
`sto the DP plug 105 and is compatible with the DP
`
`standard, via the DP plug 105.
`
`Allowable Subject Matter
`
`Claim 3 is objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would
`
`be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base
`
`claim and any intervening claims.
`
`The prior art does not disclose on suggest the claimed “ wherein the setting
`
`information includes a plurality of lables and designation information that designates
`
`one of the plurality of tables, each of the plurality of tables defines a plurality of
`
`combinations of the connection states of the mlurality of connectors and af least one
`
`connector that outputs at least ane of the video signais among the plurality at
`
`connectors, the designation information is set by the user, and the controller controls
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 18
`
`the switching operation ofthe plurality of switches based on the connection states
`
`detected by the plurality of detectors and the one table designated by the designation
`
`information’ in combination with the remaining claim elements as set forth in claim 3.
`
`Claim 4 is objected to as being dependent uponarejected base claim, but would
`
`be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base
`
`claim and any intervening claims.
`
`The prior art does not disclose on suggestthe claimed ° wherein the plurality of
`
`outout ports include a first autout port and a second oufout port, ihe cluralty of switches
`
`include a first switch and a secand switch, the plurality of connectors include 2 first
`
`connector, a second connector, and a third connector, the firsi switch intervenes
`
`between the first ouipul port and the second connector and bebveen the first output port
`
`and the third connector, the first switch is configured to switch a path between the first
`
`switch and the second connector and a path between the first switch and the third
`
`connector, the second switch intervenes between the second outpul port and ihe first
`
`connector and between the second output port and the third connector, and the second
`
`switch is configured to switch a path between the second switch andthefirst connector
`
`and a path between the second switch and the third connector’ in combination with the
`
`remaining claim elements as setforth in claim 4.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 19
`
`Conclusion
`
`Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the
`
`examiner should be directed to MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN whosetelephone number is
`
`(571)270-1717. The examiner can normally be reached on Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00.
`
`Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video
`
`conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-basedcollaboration tool. To schedule an
`
`interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request
`
`(AIR) at http:/Awww.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
`
`If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner's
`
`supervisor, Harold Jefferey can be reached on 5712727519. The fax phone number for
`
`the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
`
`Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the
`
`Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for
`
`published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR.
`
`Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only.
`
`For more information about the PAIR system, see https://ppair-
`
`my.uspto.gov/pair/PrivatePair. Should you have questions on accessto the Private
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`
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`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/928,703
`Art Unit: 2422
`
`Page 20
`
`/MUSTAFIZUR RAHMAN/
`Examiner, Art Unit 2422
`/JEFFEREY F HAROLD/
`Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2422
`
`