throbber
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
`
`11/26/2021
`
`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 07/01/2021.
`C} A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/werefiled on
`
`2a)L) This action is FINAL. 2b)¥)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*
`1-2,4,7-13,17-21 and 24-27 is/are pending in the application.
`)
`Claim(s)
`5a) Of the above claim(s) ___ is/are withdrawn from consideration.
`Cj] Claim(s)
`is/are allowed.
`Claim(s) 1-2,4,7-13,17-21 and 24-27 is/are rejected.
`S)
`) © Claim(s)____is/are objected to.
`Cj) Claim(s
`are subjectto restriction and/or election requirement
`)
`S)
`* 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 20211024
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 2
`
`DETAILED ACTION
`
`Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
`
`1.
`
`A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in
`
`37 CFR 1.17(e), wasfiled in this application after final rejection. Since this application is
`
`eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e)
`
`has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuantto
`
`37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 07/01/2021 has been entered.
`
`Response to Arguments
`
`Applicant's arguments filed 06/08/2021 have been fully considered.
`
`Newprior art Speegle et al. (US 2014/0055250 A1) is being applied to address the newly
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`added limitations.
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
`
`4,
`
`The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
`(b) CONCLUSION.—Thespecification shall conclude with one or more claimsparticularly pointing
`out anddistinctly 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 claimsparticularly pointing out and distinctly
`claiming the subject matter which the applicant regardsas his invention.
`
`5.
`
`Claim 26 is 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 inventoror a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C.
`
`112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
`
`6.
`
`Claim 26 is dependent from cancelled claim 5. Examineris interpreting claims 26 to
`
`depend from claim 4.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 3
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
`
`7.
`
`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 ground ofrejection if the prior art
`
`relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same undereither status.
`
`8.
`
`The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which formsthe basis for all obviousness
`
`rejections set forth in this Office action:
`
`A patentfor a claimed invention may not 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 ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed
`invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the mannerin which the invention was made.
`
`9,
`
`Claims 1-2 and 12-13 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 Speegle et al. (US 2014/0055250 Al.
`
`10.
`
`Regarding claim 1, Huang discloses a signal transmitter (Fig. 1-9), comprising
`
`a power supply (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 ({0009][0030]);
`
`an external signal (Fig 8, receiving signals 12) receiver configured to receive an external
`
`instruction signal ({0030] The function of the sender 1 is to generate corresponding data signals
`
`according to control data or commandcodes through a preset program. 3, the sending end 1
`
`mainly includes a programmable controller 11, the input end of which 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 via the output end.”) and
`
`a communication controller (1,11, [0031] “Power on/off controlled module 2. Due to the
`
`small drive capability of the data signal output by the programmable controller 11 of the sending
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 4
`
`end 1, ... It is necessary to add a poweron/off controlled module 2 to process the data signal to
`
`obtain a certain amplitude Value and powertransmission signal... the field effect transistoris
`
`driven to produce a switching action according to the changeofthe data signal, to control the on
`
`and off of the DC power supply, and form a voltage pulse signal with a certain amplitude and
`
`high powerat its output end, 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 change an output voltage level of the DC outputvoltage of the
`
`powersupply ([0034] “the sending end 1 generates a data signal for controlling the lightstring,
`
`and the signal is obtained by the power on-off control module 2 The voltage pulse signal
`
`carrying data information ”) to transmit, to the light fixture, a transmission signal for setting the
`
`lightfixture to the lighting state represented by at least the external instruction signal ([0034]
`
`“The above DC powerline carrier communication system can be applied to light string control.
`
`The output end of the transmitting end 1 is connected to the input end of the power on/off
`
`controlled module 2; the output end of the power on/off controlled module 2 is connected to the
`
`DC powerline 3, and the receiving node 4 passes through The DC powerline 3 formsa certain
`
`topological structure, and the control object 5 connected to the control signal output end of the
`
`receiving node4 isalight string; the sending end 1 generates a data signal for controlling the
`
`light string, and the signal is obtained by the power on-off control module 2 The voltage pulse
`
`signal carrying data information, ’’), the communication controller is configured to superpose the
`
`transmission signal on the DC output voltage ([0034]).
`
`Huang does not disclose receiving a signal based on an output of a sensor configured to
`
`detect a state of a lighting space illuminated bythe light fixture.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 5
`
`Chemel discloses 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 outputof
`
`a sensor ([0030][0360]120 Fig. la-b) configured to detect a state of a lighting space illuminated
`
`by the light fixture [0030];((0132])
`
`11.
`
`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 Chemelto the system of Huang to provide
`
`automatic control of lighting effects and use the lights in different environments while
`
`conserving power.
`
`12.
`
`Huang does notspecifically disclose changing the DC output voltage level betweena first
`
`voltage level higher than zero and a second voltage level higher than zero to transmit the
`
`transmission signal.
`
`13.
`
`Speegle discloses superpose the transmission signal on the DC output voltage by
`
`changing the DC output voltage level betweenafirst voltage level higher than zero and a second
`
`voltage level higher than zero to transmit the transmission signal([0052] “in this example, data
`
`transmission may be signaled by varying voltage from a nominal supply value, such as 15V, toa
`
`signaling value, such as 19V. In general, a range of variance may be from about 10% to about
`
`30% of the DC voltage”)
`
`14.
`
`Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would be obvious to one of ordinary
`
`skill in the art to change the DC output voltage level between twolevels higher than zero as
`
`disclosed in Speegle to the system of Huang to prevent noise and not interfere with the operation
`
`of the device (Speegle [0052]).
`
`15.
`
`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 ([0030]*
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 6
`
`The data input device 12 may be a memory 13, a computer 15 connected to a programmable
`
`controller 11 through a communication interface module 14, and so on. If the action to be
`
`completed by the controlled object 5 is relatively simple, such as a light string, only need to
`
`complete the color change, the display graphic change caused by the light and dark change,etc.”’)
`
`Huangdoesnot 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]).
`
`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 Huang to provide
`
`accurate control of individual lighting fixtures.
`
`16.
`
`Regarding claim 12, Huang in view of Chemeldiscloses the signal transmitter of claim
`
`1, wherein the communication controller is configured to change the output voltage level
`
`betweena first voltage level and a second voltage level to transmit the transmission signal
`
`(Speegle:[0052] “in this example, data transmission may be signaled by varying voltage from a
`
`nominal supply value, such as 15V,to a signaling value, such as 19V. In general, a range of
`
`variance may be from about 10% to about 30% of the DC voltage’)
`
`17.
`
`Regarding claim 13, Huang discloses the signal transmitter of claim 1, wherein the
`
`lighting state represents at least one of a color temperature and a dimming amountofthe lighting
`
`fixture (Chemel: [0175]).
`
`18.
`
`Claims 14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Huang
`
`(CN101009501) in view of Chemelet al. CUS 2011/0001436 Al) .
`
`19.
`
`Regarding claim 14, Huang discloses a signal transmitter (Fig. 1-9), comprising
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 7
`
`a power supply (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 ({0009][0030]);
`
`an external signal (Fig 8, receiving signals 12) receiver configured to receive an external
`
`instruction signal ([0030] “The function of the sender 1 is to generate corresponding data signals
`
`according to control data or commandcodes through a preset program. 3, the sending end 1
`
`mainly includes a programmable controller 11, the input end of which 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 via the output end”) and
`
`a communication controller (1,11, [0031]) configured to control signal transmission to
`
`the light fixture by controlling the power supply(3), the communication controller being
`
`configured to change an output voltage level of the DC output voltage of the power supply
`
`({0034] “the sending end 1 generates a data signal for controlling the light string, and the signal
`
`is obtained by the power on-off control module 2 The voltage pulse signal carrying data
`
`information, ”) to transmit, to the light fixture, a transmission signal for setting the light fixture to
`
`the lighting state represented by at least the external instruction signal ([0034])
`
`Huang does not disclose 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.
`
`Chemel discloses 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. la-b) configured to detect a state of a lighting space illuminated
`
`by the light fixture [0030];({0132])
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 8
`
`20.
`
`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 Chemelto the system of Huang to provide
`
`automatic control of lighting effects and use the lights in different environments while
`
`conserving power.
`
`21.
`
`Claims 1, 4, 7-11, and 25-26 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being
`
`unpatentable over Huang (CN101009501) view of Deixler (US 2017/0251536 Al) and
`
`further in view of Speegle et al. (US 2014/0055250 Al.
`
`22.
`
`Regarding claim 1, Huang discloses a signal transmitter (Fig. 1-9), comprising
`
`a power supply (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 ([0009][0030]) ;
`
`an external signal (Fig 8, receiving signals 12) receiver configured to receive an external
`
`instruction signal ({0030] The function of the sender 1 is to generate corresponding data signals
`
`according to control data or commandcodes through a preset program. 3, the sending end 1
`
`mainly includes a programmable controller 11, the input end of which 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 via the output end”) and
`
`a communication controller (1,11, [0031] “Power on/off controlled module 2. Due to the
`
`small drive capability of the data signal output by the programmable controller 11 of the sending
`
`end 1, ... It is necessary to add a poweron/off controlled module 2 to process the data signal to
`
`obtain a certain amplitude Value and powertransmission signal... the field effect transistoris
`
`driven to produce a switching action according to the changeofthe data signal, to control the on
`
`and off of the DC powersupply, and form a voltage pulse signal with a certain amplitude and
`
`high powerat its output end, which can pass through the DC powerline 3”) configured to control
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 9
`
`signal transmission to the light fixture by controlling the power supply(3), the communication
`
`controller being configured to change an output voltage level of the DC outputvoltage of the
`
`powersupply ([0034] “the sending end 1 generates a data signal for controlling the light string,
`
`and the signal is obtained by the power on-off control module 2 The voltage pulse signal
`
`carrying data information ”) to transmit, to the light fixture, a transmission signal for setting the
`
`lightfixture to the lighting state represented byat least the external instruction signal ({0034]
`
`“The above DC powerline carrier communication system can be applied to light string control.
`
`The output end of the transmitting end 1 is connected to the input end of the power on/off
`
`controlled module 2; the output end of the power on/off controlled module 2 is connected to the
`
`DC powerline 3, and the receiving node 4 passes through The DC powerline 3 formsa certain
`
`topological structure, and the control object 5 connected to the control signal output end of the
`
`receiving node4 isalight string; the sending end | generates a data signal for controlling the
`
`light string, and the signal is obtained by the power on-off control module 2 The voltage pulse
`
`signal carrying data information, ’’), the communication controller is configured to superpose the
`
`transmission signal on the DC output voltage ([0034]).
`
`Huang does not disclose receiving a signal based on an output of a sensor configured to
`
`detect a state of a lighting space illuminated bythe light fixture.
`
`23.
`
`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]).
`
`24.
`
`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
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 10
`
`system of Huang to provide reduce power consumption, provide an automated lighting system,
`
`and allow for user control .
`
`25.
`
`Huang does notspecifically disclose changing the DC output voltage level betweena first
`
`voltage level higher than zero and a second voltage level higher than zero to transmit the
`
`transmission signal.
`
`26.
`
`Speegle discloses superpose the transmission signal on the DC output voltage by
`
`changing the DC output voltage level betweenafirst voltage level higher than zero and a second
`
`voltage level higher than zero to transmit the transmission signal([0052] “in this example, data
`
`transmission may be signaled by varying voltage from a nominal supply value, such as 15V, toa
`
`signaling value, such as 19V. In general, a range of variance may be from about 10% to about
`
`30% of the DC voltage”)
`
`27.
`
`Before the effective filing date of the invention, it would be obvious to one of ordinary
`
`skill in the art to change the DC output voltage level between twolevels higher than zero as
`
`disclosed in Speegle to the system of Huang to prevent noise and not interfere with the operation
`
`of the device (Speegle [0052]).
`
`28.
`
`Regarding claim 4, Huang discloses a signal transmitter (Fig. 1-9) of claim 1, except
`
`an internal signal receiver configured to receive an internal instruction signal that
`
`represents the 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,
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 11
`
`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.
`
`29.
`
`Deixler discloses an internal signal receiver configured to receive an internal instruction
`
`signal that represents the lighting state of the 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 space is in a normalstate; and select the internal instruction
`
`signal whenthe state of the lighting space is in an abnormalstate. (Deixler: override using user
`
`input during emergency or maintenance [0073][0097] fig. 4).
`
`30.
`
`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 more specific user control.
`
`31.
`
`Regarding claim 7, Huang discloses a signal transmitter (Fig. 1-9) of claim 1, except
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 12
`
`32.
`
`judgement controller 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 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 equalto the prescribed value.
`
`Deixler discloses a judgement controller (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 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 equalto 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 automatedlighting system, and allow for user
`
`control.
`
`33.
`
`Regarding claim 8, Huang discloses the signal transmitter of claim 7, wherein the
`
`communication controller is configured to, when the judgement controller judges that the
`
`monitor value is greater than or equal to the prescribed value, change the dimmingrate of the
`
`lightfixture to a first dimming rate so that the monitor value is less than the prescribed value,
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 13
`
`and then transmit the transmission signal for changing the dimmingrate by repeatedly alternating
`
`between the first dimming rate and a second dimmingrate that is lower than the dimming rate
`
`when the monitor value is equal to the prescribed value (Deixler: [0083][0090]).
`
`34.
`
`Regarding claim 9, Huang discloses the signal transmitter of claim 8, wherein the
`
`communication controller is configured to, when the judgement controller judges that the
`
`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:
`
`[0083][0090]).
`
`35.
`
`Regarding claim 10, Huang discloses the signal transmitter of claim 8, wherein the
`
`communication controller is configured to, when the judgement controller judges that the
`
`monitor value is greater than or equal to the prescribed value, make a period of time during
`
`which the dimmingrate is the second dimmingrate longer as a difference between the monitor
`
`value andthe prescribed valueis greater (Deixler: [0083 ][0090]).
`
`36.
`
`Regarding claim 11, Huang discloses the signal transmitter of claim 7, wherein the
`
`communication controller is configured to transmit the transmission signal for changing of the
`
`dimming rate and a color temperature of the light fixture, the communication controller being
`
`configured to change only the dimmingrate so that the monitor value is less than the prescribed
`
`value, when the judgementcontroller judges that the monitor value is greater than or equal to the
`
`prescribed value(Deixler: [0083 ][0090]).
`
`37.
`
`Regarding claim 25 and 26, Huang discloses the signal transmitter of claim 1, wherein
`
`the signal selector is configured to select either the external instruction signal or the internal
`
`instruction signal accordingto 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
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 14
`
`to: select the external instruction signal whenthe state of the lighting space is in a normal state;
`
`and select the internal instruction signal whenthe state of the lighting space is in an abnormal
`
`state. (Deixler: override using user input during emergency or maintenance [0073][0097] fig. 4).
`
`38.
`
`Claims 12, 17-18, and 21 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable
`
`over Huang
`
`(CN101009501)
`
`in view of Chemel and Speegle as applied to claim 1 above, and
`
`further in view of Yao (US 2014/0145645A1 herein after known as Ya0645) .
`
`39.
`
`Regarding claim 12, Huang in view of Chemeldiscloses the signal transmitter of claim
`
`1, except wherein the communication controller is configured to change the output voltage level
`
`betweena first voltage level and a second voltage level to transmit the transmission signal.
`
`AO.
`
`Yao0645 discloses a controller is configured to change the output voltage level between a
`
`first voltage level and a second voltage level to transmit the transmission signal (two voltage
`
`outputs for dimming [0033)]).
`
`Al.
`
`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 Ya0645 to
`
`the system of Huang to provide an easy wayto provide dimming with a simple circuit.
`
`42.
`
`Regarding claim 17, Huang discloses the signal transmitter of claim 1, except wherein
`
`the communication controller is configured to: adjust the output voltage level to a first voltage
`
`level by making a detection value of the DC output voltage accord with a first 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 secondtarget value.
`
`43.
`
`Yao0645 discloses controller is configured to: adjust the output voltage level to a first
`
`voltage level by making a detection value of the DC output voltage accord with a first target
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/637,449
`Art Unit: 2844
`
`Page 15
`
`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 secondtarget value ([0033]).
`
`44.
`
`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 Ya0645 to
`
`the system of Huang to provide an easy wayto provide dimming with a simple circuit.
`
`45.
`
`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.
`
`46.
`
`Yao0645 disclose an AC/DC converter configured to receive AC powerto supply the DC
`
`powerto the signal transmitter, and the light fixture (Fig. 1 [0022-23]).
`
`47.
`
`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.
`
`48.
`
`Regarding claim 21, Huang discloses Fig. 1-9 a light fixture (5), comprising: a light
`
`source; a circuit configured to receive a DC output voltage (2,3) to supply a load current to the
`
`light source([0009][0030]), the DC output voltage being input via two powersupply lines from
`
`the signal transmitter of claim 1;
`
`49.
`
`and a signal receiver configured to monitor the DC output voltage({0030], Chemel
`
`[0371]), the signal receiver (Fig 8, receiving signals 12[0030-34]) being configured to detect a
`
`changein the output voltage level to acquire a transmission signal and adjust a lighting state of
`
`the light fixture based on data of the transmission signal({0034]Chemel:[0371]).
`
`50.
`
`Huang does not specify a constant current circuit configured to receive a DC output
`
`voltage to supply a load currentto the light source and controlling the constant currentcircuit.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/63

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket