Office Action 1: Notice of Allowance (2025-02-20)

CLAIMS:
Amendments to the Claims:

This listing of claims replaces all prior versions, and listings of claims in the application:

Listing of Claims:

1\. (Original) A method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value, comprising:
acquiring position data of palm feature points when a user is grasping a gripping portion of a handle;
obtaining palm size data according to the position data of the palm feature points;
judging whether the operating rod threshold value of the handle is within a suitable operating threshold range corresponding to the palm size data, and if not, adjusting the operating rod threshold value so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user.

2\. (Original) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to claim 1, wherein the position data of the palm feature points comprise: position data of multiple edge points of the palm, and position data of three finger webs between four fingers except the thumb.

3\. (Original) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to claim 1, wherein the position data of the palm feature points comprise: position data of index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger of the palm;
the step of obtaining palm size data according to the position data of the palm feature points comprises:
when it is judged from the position data of index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger that the index finger and middle finger are located on a front surface of the gripping portion, and the ring finger and little finger are located on a bottom surface of the gripping portion, obtaining a preset first palm size data as the palm size data;
when it is judged from the position data of index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger that only the index finger is located on the front surface of the gripping portion, and the middle finger, ring finger and little finger are all located on the bottom surface of the gripping portion, obtaining a preset second palm size data as the palm size data, wherein a palm size corresponding to the second palm size data is smaller than a palm size corresponding to the first palm size data; and
when it is judged from the position data of index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger that the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger are all located on the bottom surface of the gripping portion, obtaining a preset third palm size data as the palm size data, wherein a palm size corresponding to the third palm size data is smaller than a palm size corresponding to the second palm size data.

4\. (Original) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to claim 1, wherein the step of judging whether the operating rod threshold value of the operating rod of the handle is within a suitable operating threshold range corresponding to the palm size data comprises:
determining a palm size range in which the palm size data is;
determining a corresponding suitable operating threshold range according to the palm size range; and
judging whether the operating rod threshold value of the operating rod of the handle is within the suitable operating threshold range.

5\. (Currently Amended) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to laim 1, wherein the step of adjusting the operating rod threshold value so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user comprises:
when the palm size data is smaller than a palm size data corresponding to the operating rod threshold value of the operating rod of the handle, decreasing different operating rod threshold values gradually in a trend of gradually decreasing adjustment amplitudes in a direction that faces toward the gripping portion;
when the palm size data is larger than a palm size data corresponding to the operating rod threshold value of the operating rod of the handle, increasing different operating rod threshold values gradually in a trend of gradually increasing adjustment amplitudes in a direction that faces away from the gripping portion.
6\. (Currently Amended) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to laim 1, wherein the step of adjusting the operating rod threshold value so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user comprises:
according to suitable operating threshold ranges respectively corresponding to the palm size data of the left and right hands, adjusting respectively the operating rod threshold values of left and right operating rods of the handles to middle values to middle values of their corresponding suitable operating threshold ranges, so that the operating rod threshold values after adjusted are suitable for the user.

7\. (Currently Amended) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to laim 1, wherein the step of adjusting the operating rod threshold value so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user comprises:
according to a suitable operating threshold range corresponding to the palm size data of a smaller hand in the left and right hands, adjusting the operating rod threshold values of left and right operating rods of the handles to a middle value of the suitable operating threshold range, so that the operating rod threshold values after adjusted are suitable for the user.

8\. (Original) A system for adjusting an operating rod threshold value, comprising:
an acquiring unit for acquiring position data of palm feature points when a user is grasping a gripping portion of a handle;
a calculating unit for obtaining palm size data according to the position data of the palm feature points;
a judging unit for judging whether the operating rod threshold value of the operating rod of the handle is within a suitable operating threshold range corresponding to the palm size data; and
an adjusting unit for adjusting the operating rod threshold when the operating rod threshold value of the operating rod of the handle is not within the suitable operating threshold range corresponding to the palm size data, so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user.

9\. (Currently Amended) A device for adjusting an operating rod threshold value, comprising: a memory for storing a computer program; and
a processor for implementing the steps of the method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to
claim 1 when executing the computer program.

10\. (Cancelled).

11\. (New) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to claim 2, wherein the step of adjusting the operating rod threshold value so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user comprises:
when the palm size data is smaller than a palm size data corresponding to the operating rod threshold value of the operating rod of the handle, decreasing different operating rod threshold values gradually in a trend of gradually decreasing adjustment amplitudes in a direction that faces toward the gripping portion;
when the palm size data is larger than a palm size data corresponding to the operating rod threshold value of the operating rod of the handle, increasing different operating rod threshold values gradually in a trend of gradually increasing adjustment amplitudes in a direction that faces away from the gripping portion.

12\. (New) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to claim 3, wherein the step of adjusting the operating rod threshold value so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user comprises:
when the palm size data is smaller than a palm size data corresponding to the operating rod threshold value of the operating rod of the handle, decreasing different operating rod threshold values gradually in a trend of gradually decreasing adjustment amplitudes in a direction that faces toward the gripping portion;
when the palm size data is larger than a palm size data corresponding to the operating rod threshold value of the operating rod of the handle, increasing different operating rod threshold values gradually in a trend of gradually increasing adjustment amplitudes in a direction that faces away from the gripping portion.

13\. (New) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to claim 4, wherein the step of adjusting the operating rod threshold value so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user comprises:
when the palm size data is smaller than a palm size data corresponding to the operating rod threshold value of the operating rod of the handle, decreasing different operating rod threshold values gradually in a trend of gradually decreasing adjustment amplitudes in a direction that faces toward the gripping portion;
when the palm size data is larger than a palm size data corresponding to the operating rod threshold value of the operating rod of the handle, increasing different operating rod threshold values gradually in a trend of gradually increasing adjustment amplitudes in a direction that faces away from the gripping portion.

14\. (New) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to claim 2, wherein the step of adjusting the operating rod threshold value so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user comprises:
according to suitable operating threshold ranges respectively corresponding to the palm size data of the left and right hands, adjusting respectively the operating rod threshold values of left and right operating rods of the handles to middle values to middle values of their corresponding suitable operating threshold ranges, so that the operating rod threshold values after adjusted are suitable for the user.

15\. (New) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to claim 3, wherein the step of adjusting the operating rod threshold value so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user comprises:
according to suitable operating threshold ranges respectively corresponding to the palm size data of the left and right hands, adjusting respectively the operating rod threshold values of left and right operating rods of the handles to middle values to middle values of their corresponding suitable operating threshold ranges, so that the operating rod threshold values after adjusted are suitable for the user.

16\. (New) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to claim 4, wherein the step of adjusting the operating rod threshold value so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user comprises: according to suitable operating threshold ranges respectively corresponding to the palm size data of the left and right hands, adjusting respectively the operating rod threshold values of left and right operating rods of the handles to middle values to middle values of their corresponding suitable operating threshold ranges, so that the operating rod threshold values after adjusted are suitable for the user.

17\. (New) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to claim 2, wherein the step of adjusting the operating rod threshold value so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user comprises:
according to a suitable operating threshold range corresponding to the palm size data of a smaller hand in the left and right hands, adjusting the operating rod threshold values of left and right operating rods of the handles to a middle value of the suitable operating threshold range, so that the operating rod threshold values after adjusted are suitable for the user.

18\. (New) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to claim 3, wherein the step of adjusting the operating rod threshold value so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user comprises:
according to a suitable operating threshold range corresponding to the palm size data of a smaller hand in the left and right hands, adjusting the operating rod threshold values of left and right operating rods of the handles to a middle value of the suitable operating threshold range, so that the operating rod threshold values after adjusted are suitable for the user.

19\. (New) The method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to claim 4, wherein the step of adjusting the operating rod threshold value so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user comprises:
according to a suitable operating threshold range corresponding to the palm size data of a smaller hand in the left and right hands, adjusting the operating rod threshold values of left and right operating rods of the handles to a middle value of the suitable operating threshold range, so that the operating rod threshold values after adjusted are suitable for the user.

20\. (New) A device for adjusting an operating rod threshold value, comprising:
a memory for storing a computer program; and
a processor for implementing the steps of the method for adjusting an operating rod threshold value according to claim
2 when executing the computer program.
2 3 4 5 6 7 8

OFFICE ACTION:
ALLOWANCE
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
The prior art of record fails to teach the invention as particularly claimed:
Karasawa et al. (US 9,267,809 B2) and Neiser (US 6,743,100 B1)
However, none of the references, alone or in combination, teach or suggest judging whether the operating rod threshold value of the handle is within a suitable operating threshold range corresponding to the palm size data, and if not, adjusting the operating rod threshold value so that the operating rod threshold value after adjusted is suitable for the user.
Thus, the claimed invention is not anticipated by nor obvious over the closest prior art.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Sebastian (US 9,389,684 B2), Goh (US 9,387,397 B2), Migos et al. (US 8,172,675 B2), Ohshita et al. (US 8,077,057 B2)



CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US9267809B2: Claims:
A control apparatus for controlling an operation target device in a vehicle, comprising: a touch sensor mounted on a grip portion that a driver grips on a steering wheel, the touch sensor including a first area, a second area and a third area, the first area located in an area where a palm of the driver makes contact, the second area located on an upper side of the first area and located in an area where a thumb or an index finger of the driver makes contact, the third area provided as an operation invalid area where an operation input is invalid and located between the first area and the second area; a first detector configured to detect a state where the first area is touched; a second detector configured to detect a state where a particular input operation is performed on the second area, the particular input operation being a sliding pattern by the thumb or the index finger on the second area; and a controller configured to control an operation target device to be operated with the touch sensor according to the sliding pattern when the first detector detects the state where the first area is touched by the palm and the second detector detects the state where the sliding pattern was performed on the second area by the thumb or the index finger.
a touch sensor mounted on a grip portion that a driver grips on a steering wheel, the touch sensor including a first area, a second area and a third area, the first area located in an area where a palm of the driver makes contact, the second area located on an upper side of the first area and located in an area where a thumb or an index finger of the driver makes contact, the third area provided as an operation invalid area where an operation input is invalid and located between the first area and the second area;
a first detector configured to detect a state where the first area is touched;
a second detector configured to detect a state where a particular input operation is performed on the second area, the particular input operation being a sliding pattern by the thumb or the index finger on the second area; and
a controller configured to control an operation target device to be operated with the touch sensor according to the sliding pattern when the first detector detects the state where the first area is touched by the palm and the second detector detects the state where the sliding pattern was performed on the second area by the thumb or the index finger.
The control apparatus for controlling an operation target device in a vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the first detector determines that the first area is touched by the palm when the first detector detects a predetermined area or greater of the first area being touched.
The control apparatus for controlling an operation target device in a vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the second area includes a front side facing the driver and a rear side, the second detector detects the state where the sliding pattern was performed on the front side by the thumb and the state where sliding pattern was performed on the rear side by the index finger.
A method for controlling an operation target device in a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a touch sensor mounted on a grip portion that a driver grips on a steering wheel the touch sensor comprising a first area, a second area and a third area, the first area located in an area where a palm of the driver makes contact, the second area located on an upper side of the first area and located in an area where a thumb or an index finger of the driver makes contact, the third area provided as an operation invalid area where an operation input is invalid located between the first area and the second area, the method comprising: detecting a state where the first area is touched; detecting a particular input operation being performed on the second, area, the particular input operation being a sliding pattern by the thumb or the index finger on the second area; and controlling an operation target device to be operated with the touch sensor according to the sliding pattern when the state where the first area is touched by the palm is detected and the sliding pattern was performed on the second area by the thumb or the index finger.
detecting a state where the first area is touched;
detecting a particular input operation being performed on the second, area, the particular input operation being a sliding pattern by the thumb or the index finger on the second area; and
controlling an operation target device to be operated with the touch sensor according to the sliding pattern when the state where the first area is touched by the palm is detected and the sliding pattern was performed on the second area by the thumb or the index finger.
The method for controlling an operation target device in a vehicle according to claim 4 , wherein the state where the first area is touched by the palm is detected when detecting a predetermined area or greater of the first area being touched.
The method for controlling an operation target device in a vehicle according to claim 4 , wherein the second area includes a front side facing the driver and a rear side, further comprising detection of the state where the sliding pattern by the thumb on the front side was performed and detection of the state where the sliding pattern by the index finger on the rear side was performed.
Ref US6743100B1: Claims:
A game controller comprising:
a body having a plurality of gaming controls;
at least one hand grip pivotally connected to said body and having at least two operable positions with respect to the gaming controls to allow for user-specific ergonomic adjustment; and
a positioning system for retaining said at least one hand grip in different positions with respect to said body.
The game controller according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one pivotal hand grip comprises an outer shell portion pivotally connected to said body.
The game controller according to claim 1 , wherein said positioning system comprises a detent on said hand grip and a plurality of indents on said body and being aligned to receive said detent in one of a said at least two positions when said hand grip is pivotally moved about said pivotal connection.
The game controller according to claim 1 , wherein said positioning system comprises a resilient friction fit between said hand grip and said body, said resilient friction fit being sufficient to allow movement of said at least one hand grip and retain said hand grip in a desired position.
The game controller according to claim 1 , further comprising an indexing system for indicating the position of said at least one hand grip with respect to said body.
The game controller according to claim 5 , wherein said indexing system comprises a plurality of hand grip indicator lines on said hand grip and at least one body indicator line on said body, wherein said at least one body indicator line is aligned with at least one of said plurality of hand grip indicator lines when said at least one hand grip is positioned in a desired operable position by the user.
at least one hand grip pivotally connected to said body and having at least two operable positions with respect to the gaming controls for accommodating more than one hand size during use of the game controller;
an indexing system for indicating the position of said at least one hand grip with respect to said body; and
The game controller according to claim 7 , wherein said at least one pivotal hand grip comprises an outer shell portion pivotally connected to said body.
The game controller according to claim 7 , wherein said positioning system comprises a detent on said hand grip and a plurality of indents on said body and being aligned to receive said detent in one of a said at least two positions when said hand grip is pivotally moved about said pivotal connection.
The game controller according to claim 7 , wherein said positioning system comprises a resilient friction fit between said hand grip and said body, said resilient friction fit being sufficient to allow movement of said at least one hand grip and retain said hand grip in a desired position.
The game controller according to claim 7 , wherein said indexing system comprises a plurality of hand grip indicator lines on said hand grip and at least one body indicator line on said body, wherein said at least one body indicator line is aligned with at least one of said plurality of hand grip indicator lines when said at least one hand grip is positioned in a desired operable position by the user.
at least one hand grip pivotally connected to said body and having at least two different operable positions with respect to the gaming controls for accommodating more than one hand size during use of the game controller; and
The game controller according to claim 12 , wherein said at least one pivotal hand grip comprises an outer shell portion pivotally connected to said body.
The game controller according to claim 12 , wherein said positioning system comprises a detent on said hand grip and a plurality of indents on said body and being aligned to receive said detent in one of a said at least two positions when said hand grip is pivotally moved about said pivotal connection.
The game controller according to claim 12 , wherein said positioning system comprises a resilient friction fit between said hand grip and said body, said resilient friction fit being sufficient to allow movement of said at least one hand grip and retain said hand grip in a desired position.
The game controller according to claim 12 , further comprising an indexing system for indicating the position of said at least one hand grip with respect to said body.
The game controller according to claim 16 , wherein said indexing system comprises a plurality of hand grip indicator lines on said hand grip and at least one body indicator line on said body, wherein said at least one body indicator line is aligned with at least one of said plurality of hand grip indicator lines when said at least one hand grip is positioned in a desired operable position by the user.
Ref US9389684B2: Claims:
A hand mounted controller, comprising: a palm grip, having: a forward body portion sized to extend laterally across at least a portion of a width of a palm of a wearer proximate to the distal ends of the four finger metacarpals, wherein a top surface of said forward body portion is contoured between first and second lateral edges; a rearward body portion extending longitudinally along a portion of the length of the palm of the wearer from said forward body portion to a rearward end disposed proximate to a carpus of the hand of the wearer, wherein said forward body portion and said rearward body portion collectively define a T-shaped body, wherein said forward body portion forms a top of said T-shaped body and said rearward body portion forms a leg of said T-shaped body; a first strap attached to said forward body portion for disposition around the hand of a wearer proximate to the distal ends of the four finger metacarpals; a second strap attached to the rearward body portion for disposition around the hand of the wearer proximate to the carpus of the hand of the wearer; at least one sensor connected to said forward body portion of said palm grip and extending away from said forward body portion for selective engagement with one of a finger or thumb of the wearer; a position sensor connected to said controller, wherein said position sensor generates an output indicative of a location of said sensor in three dimensional space.
a palm grip, having: a forward body portion sized to extend laterally across at least a portion of a width of a palm of a wearer proximate to the distal ends of the four finger metacarpals, wherein a top surface of said forward body portion is contoured between first and second lateral edges; a rearward body portion extending longitudinally along a portion of the length of the palm of the wearer from said forward body portion to a rearward end disposed proximate to a carpus of the hand of the wearer, wherein said forward body portion and said rearward body portion collectively define a T-shaped body, wherein said forward body portion forms a top of said T-shaped body and said rearward body portion forms a leg of said T-shaped body;
a forward body portion sized to extend laterally across at least a portion of a width of a palm of a wearer proximate to the distal ends of the four finger metacarpals, wherein a top surface of said forward body portion is contoured between first and second lateral edges;
a rearward body portion extending longitudinally along a portion of the length of the palm of the wearer from said forward body portion to a rearward end disposed proximate to a carpus of the hand of the wearer, wherein said forward body portion and said rearward body portion collectively define a T-shaped body, wherein said forward body portion forms a top of said T-shaped body and said rearward body portion forms a leg of said T-shaped body;
a first strap attached to said forward body portion for disposition around the hand of a wearer proximate to the distal ends of the four finger metacarpals;
a second strap attached to the rearward body portion for disposition around the hand of the wearer proximate to the carpus of the hand of the wearer;
at least one sensor connected to said forward body portion of said palm grip and extending away from said forward body portion for selective engagement with one of a finger or thumb of the wearer;
a position sensor connected to said controller, wherein said position sensor generates an output indicative of a location of said sensor in three dimensional space.
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a mid-portion of said top surface of said forward body portion between said first and second lateral edges extends above a reference chord between said first and second lateral edges.
The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said top surface of said forward body portion further comprises an upward inflection disposed proximate at least one lateral edge of said forward body portion.
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said leg of said T-shaped body is offset from a center of said top of said T-shaped body to provide clearance around the base of the thumb carpometacarpal joint.
The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein a thumb side edge of said T-shaped body is curved to provide clearance about the thenar muscle of the thumb.
The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: a finger platform attached to said forward body portion supporting at least a first finger sensor adapted for engagement by a finger of the wearer.
a finger platform attached to said forward body portion supporting at least a first finger sensor adapted for engagement by a finger of the wearer.
The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said finger platform supports four linear sensors adapted to be actuated by fingers of the wearer.
The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said linear sensors comprise force sensitive resistors mounted on said finger platform.
The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein said force sensitive resistors provide separate outputs for position and pressure.
The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein one or more linear potentiometers are mounted on said finger platform.
The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the position of said finger platform is adjustable relative to said forward body portion.
The apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising: a thumb platform supporting at least a first sensor.
a thumb platform supporting at least a first sensor.
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the position sensor is mounted to the palm grip.
The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: a data collection unit for collecting data from said at least one sensor and said position sensor and outputting signals for receipt by a computer system.
a data collection unit for collecting data from said at least one sensor and said position sensor and outputting signals for receipt by a computer system.
A hand mounted controller, comprising: a palm grip, having: a forward body portion sized to extend laterally across at least a portion of a width of a palm of a wearer proximate to the distal ends of the four finger metacarpals, wherein a top surface of said forward body portion is contoured between first and second lateral edges; and a rearward body portion extending longitudinally along a portion of the length of the palm of the wearer from said forward body portion to a rearward end disposed proximate to a carpus of the hand of the wearer; a finger platform attached to said forward body portion supporting at least a first finger sensor adapted for engagement by a finger of the wearer, wherein the position of said finger platform is adjustable relative to said forward body portion. a first strap attached to said forward body portion for disposition around the hand of a wearer proximate to the distal ends of the four finger metacarpals; a second strap attached to the rearward body portion for disposition around the hand of the wearer proximate to the carpus of the hand of the wearer; at least one sensor connected to said forward body portion of said palm grip and extending away from said forward body portion for selective engagement with one of a finger or thumb of the wearer; a position sensor connected to said controller, wherein said position sensor generates an output indicative of a location of said sensor in three dimensional space.
a palm grip, having: a forward body portion sized to extend laterally across at least a portion of a width of a palm of a wearer proximate to the distal ends of the four finger metacarpals, wherein a top surface of said forward body portion is contoured between first and second lateral edges; and a rearward body portion extending longitudinally along a portion of the length of the palm of the wearer from said forward body portion to a rearward end disposed proximate to a carpus of the hand of the wearer; a finger platform attached to said forward body portion supporting at least a first finger sensor adapted for engagement by a finger of the wearer, wherein the position of said finger platform is adjustable relative to said forward body portion.
a forward body portion sized to extend laterally across at least a portion of a width of a palm of a wearer proximate to the distal ends of the four finger metacarpals, wherein a top surface of said forward body portion is contoured between first and second lateral edges; and
a rearward body portion extending longitudinally along a portion of the length of the palm of the wearer from said forward body portion to a rearward end disposed proximate to a carpus of the hand of the wearer;
a finger platform attached to said forward body portion supporting at least a first finger sensor adapted for engagement by a finger of the wearer, wherein the position of said finger platform is adjustable relative to said forward body portion.
A hand mounted controller, comprising: a palm grip, having: a forward body portion sized to extend laterally across at least a portion of a width of a palm of a wearer proximate to the distal ends of the four finger metacarpals, wherein a top surface of said forward body portion is contoured between first and second lateral edges; a rearward body portion having a width less than a width of the forward body portion extending longitudinally along a portion of the length of the palm of the wearer from said forward body portion to a rearward end disposed proximate to a carpus of the hand of the wearer wherein said rearward body portion is offset from a center of said forward portion to provide clearance around the base of the thumb carpometacarpal joint; a first strap attached to said forward body portion for disposition around the hand of a wearer proximate to the distal ends of the four finger metacarpals; a second strap attached to the rearward body portion for disposi
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