Office Action 3: Notice of Allowance (2025-02-20)

CLAIMS:
LISTING OF CLAIMS

1-30. (Canceled)229

31\. (Previously Presented) A computing device comprising:a detection circuit configured to identify a component, of a multichannel input audio signal, according to a field-of-view, and wherein the detection circuit is configured to detect a common element in at least two channels of the multichannel input audio signal; and
an adjustment circuit configured to suppress the component of the audio signal to generate an output audio signal according to a characteristic of the component.

32\. (Previously Presented) The computing device of claim 31, wherein the computing device comprises a controller circuit configured to provide settings for controlling an adjustment applied via the adjustment circuit, wherein the settings are determined according to the identification of the component via the detection circuit.

33\. (Previously Presented) The computing device of claim 32, wherein the controller circuit is configured to determine the settings.

34\. (Previously Presented) The computing device of claim 32, wherein the adjustment circuit is configured to apply the adjustment to enhance a perception of the one or more other components.

35\. (Previously Presented) A system comprising:a computing device configured to:
identify a component, of a multichannel input audio signal, according to a field-of-view; and
suppress the component of the audio signal to generate an output audio signal, wherein:

the suppression is processed according to a characteristic of the component,
an audio processing circuit is configured to identify the component according to an identification of an element of the multichannel input audio signal, and the element is a common element of at least two channels.

36\. (Previously Presented) The system of claim 35, wherein the computing device is configured to enhance a perception of at least one other component.

37\. (Previously Presented) The system of claim 35, wherein the system comprises an audio output component configured to convey the output audio signal.

38\. (Previously Presented) The system of claim 37, wherein the audio output component comprises a speaker.

39\. (Previously Presented) A method comprising:in a computing device:
identifying a component, of a multichannel input audio signal, according to a field-of-view and according to an element of the multichannel input audio signal; and
suppressing the component of the audio signal to generate an output audio signal, wherein:
the suppression is processed according to a characteristic of the component, and
the element is a common element of at least two channels.

40\. (Previously Presented) The method of claim 39, wherein the method comprises enhancing a perception of at least one other component.

41\. (Previously Presented) A computing device comprising:a detection circuit configured to identify a component, of a multichannel input audio signal, according to a field-of-view;
an adjustment circuit configured to suppress the component of the audio signal to generate an output audio signal according to a characteristic of the component; and
a controller circuit configured to provide settings for controlling the adjustment applied via the adjustment circuit, wherein the settings are determined according to the identification of the component via the detection circuit, and wherein the controller circuit is configured to determine the settings.

42\. (Previously Presented) The computing device of claim 41, wherein the adjustment circuit is configured to apply an adjustment to enhance a perception of the one or more other components.

OFFICE ACTION:

NOA

DETAILED ACTION
===============

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.

Terminal Disclaimer
===================

The terminal disclaimer filed on February 10, 2025 disclaiming the terminal portion of any patent granted on this application which would extend beyond the expiration date of 11,938,397 B2, 11,484,786 B2, 10,709,974 B2, 10,232,256 B2 and 9,782,672 B2 has been reviewed and is accepted. The terminal disclaimer has been recorded.

Allowable Claims
================

Claims 31-42 are allowed.

The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:

As to claims 31, 35, 39 and 41, in combination with other limitations of the claims, when considered as a whole, the prior art of record fails to disclose or specifically suggested wherein the detection circuit is configured to detect a common element in at least two channels of the multichannel input audio signal; and an adjustment circuit configured to suppress the component of the audio signal to generate an output audio signal according to a characteristic of the component.

In the specific, with combined limitations recited in the claims.

Furthermore, it would not have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention to modify the prior art in order to arrive at the claim invention.

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.”

Response to Arguments
=====================

Applicant’s arguments, see page 5, filed on February 10, 2025, with respect to:

Allowable Subject Matter

Claims 31-42 are allowed.

The examiner agrees that claims 31-42 are allowed over the prior art, but rejected under the non-statutory double patenting.

Double Patenting Rejection

The eTD, filed herewith, regarding U.S. Patent No. 11,938,397, U.S. Patent No. 11,484,786, U.S. Patent No. 10,709,974, U.S. Patent No. 10,232,256, and U.S. Patent No. 9,782,672 overcomes the nonstatutory double patenting rejection.

The examiner agrees that the submission of the terminal disclaimer overcomes the non-statutory double patenting.

The applicant’s arguments have been fully considered and are persuasive. The non-statutory double patenting of claims of claims 31-42 has been withdrawn.

Conclusion
==========

The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. See PTO-892 form.

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
The present application includes pending claims 21-42. Claims 21-30 have been rejected only on the basis of alleged double patenting. Claims 31-42 are allowed. The Final Office Action of February 5, 2025 ("FOA") has been carefully considered.
The Applicant respectfully traverses the above rejections at least for the reasons previously set forth during prosecution and at least based on the following remarks. Allowance of the claims in view of the following remarks are respectfully requested.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 31-42 are allowed.
Double Patentin
g
Rejection
The eTD, filed herewith, regarding U.S. Patent No. 11,938,397, U.S. Patent No. 11,484,786, U.S. Patent No. 10,709,974, U.S. Patent No. 10,232,256, and U.S. Patent No. 9,782,672 overcomes the nonstatutory double patenting rejection.
Final Matters
The Office Action makes various statements, including without limitation statements regarding the claims, the cited references, one of ordinary skill in the art, etc., that are now moot in view of the previously presented amendments and/or arguments. Thus, the Applicant will not address all of such statements at the present time. However, the Applicant expressly reserves the right to challenge such statements in the future should the need arise (e.g., if such statements should become relevant by reappearing in a rejection of any current or future claim or be relied upon in any proceeding involving this application or a corresponding patent). The Applicant also respectfully reserves the right to argue additional reasons that support the allowability of all claims, whether or not argued in this
Response or previous responses, should that need arise in the future.
Conclusion


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US5689570A: Claims:
A video game system, comprising: (a) a sound bubble comprising a deformable two-dimensional sound reproducing surface configured as an enclosure, wherein the surface is comprised of a plurality of sound pixels, the sound pixels comprise addressable transducers for generating acoustical energy, and the sound pixels are arranged in an array having rows and columns so as to support propagation and movement of the acoustical energy along the rows and columns of the array; and (b) a computer, coupled to the sound bubble, a monitor and a data storage means, for interacting with an operator under the control of a video game program, wherein the means for interacting comprises means for retrieving at least one audio data stream from the data storage means for each of the sound pixels, means for transmitting each of the audio data streams to a specific sound pixel in the sound bubble, and means for modifying the audio data streams in response to the input from the operator, wherein the sound pixels are synchronized and interlinked by the audio data streams to reproduce a time line for the acoustical energy source radiating and moving through the rows and columns of the array.
(a) a sound bubble comprising a deformable two-dimensional sound reproducing surface configured as an enclosure, wherein the surface is comprised of a plurality of sound pixels, the sound pixels comprise addressable transducers for generating acoustical energy, and the sound pixels are arranged in an array having rows and columns so as to support propagation and movement of the acoustical energy along the rows and columns of the array; and
(b) a computer, coupled to the sound bubble, a monitor and a data storage means, for interacting with an operator under the control of a video game program, wherein the means for interacting comprises means for retrieving at least one audio data stream from the data storage means for each of the sound pixels, means for transmitting each of the audio data streams to a specific sound pixel in the sound bubble, and means for modifying the audio data streams in response to the input from the operator, wherein the sound pixels are synchronized and interlinked by the audio data streams to reproduce a time line for the acoustical energy source radiating and moving through the rows and columns of the array.
The video game system of claim 1, further comprising means for creating a model of an acoustical playback environment, means for creating a model of the acoustical energy source within the acoustical playback environment, and means for transforming the model of the acoustical energy source into the audio data streams.
The video game system of claim 1, further comprising means for decomposing combined audio and video material into a plurality of the audio data streams and at least one discrete video data stream, and means for storing the audio data streams and the video data stream on the data storage means.
The video game system of claim 1, wherein the computer further comprises means for retrieving the audio and video data streams from the data storage means, means for controlling the sound pixels in response to the retrieved audio data streams, and means for controlling the monitor in response to the video data stream.
The video game system of claim 1, wherein the sound pixels each comprise a full range audio transducer that generates sound under control of the audio data streams.
The video game system of claim 1, wherein the computer further comprises means for modifying the audio data streams in response to external stimuli.
The video game system of claim 1, wherein the computer further comprises means for accepting audio input and for modifying the audio data streams in response thereto.
An audio system, comprising: (a) a deformable two-dimensional sound reproducing surface, wherein the surface is comprised of a plurality of addressable transducers for generating acoustical energy, and the transducers are arranged in an array having rows and columns so as to support propagation and movement of the acoustical energy along the rows and columns of the array; and (b) a computer, coupled to the sound reproducing surface and a data storage means, for interacting with an operator under the control of a computer program, wherein the means for interacting comprises means for retrieving at least one audio data stream from the data storage means for each of the transducers, and means for transmitting each of the audio data streams to a specific transducer, wherein the transducers are synchronized and interlinked by the audio data streams to reproduce a time line for the acoustical energy source radiating and moving through the rows and columns of the array.
(a) a deformable two-dimensional sound reproducing surface, wherein the surface is comprised of a plurality of addressable transducers for generating acoustical energy, and the transducers are arranged in an array having rows and columns so as to support propagation and movement of the acoustical energy along the rows and columns of the array; and
(b) a computer, coupled to the sound reproducing surface and a data storage means, for interacting with an operator under the control of a computer program, wherein the means for interacting comprises means for retrieving at least one audio data stream from the data storage means for each of the transducers, and means for transmitting each of the audio data streams to a specific transducer, wherein the transducers are synchronized and interlinked by the audio data streams to reproduce a time line for the acoustical energy source radiating and moving through the rows and columns of the array.
The audio system of claim 8, further comprising means for creating a model of an acoustical playback environment, means for creating a model of the acoustical energy source within the acoustical playback environment, and means for transforming the model of the acoustical energy source into the audio data streams.
The audio system of claim 8, further comprising means for accepting audio input and for modifying the audio data streams in response thereto.
The audio system of claim 8, further comprising means for decomposing combined audio and video material into a plurality of the audio data streams and at least one discrete video data stream, and means for storing the audio data streams and the video data stream on the data storage means.
The audio system of claim 8, further comprising a monitor coupled to the computer, and the computer further comprises means for retrieving the audio and video data streams from the data storage means, means for controlling the transducers in response to the retrieved audio data streams, and means for controlling the monitor in response to the video data stream.
The audio system of claim 8, wherein the transducers each comprise a full range audio transducer that generates sound under control of the audio data streams.
The audio system of claim 8, wherein the computer further comprises dynamic mode means for modifying the audio data streams in response to external stimuli.
A method of generating audio, comprising the steps of: (a) retrieving at least one audio data stream from a data storage device coupled to a computer, (b) transmitting each of the audio data streams to a specific transducer of a deformable two-dimensional sound reproducing surface coupled to the computer, wherein the surface is comprised of a plurality of addressable transducers for generating acoustical energy, the transducers are arranged in an array having rows and columns so as to support propagation and movement of the acoustical energy along the rows and columns of the array, and the transducers are synchronized and interlinked by the audio data streams to reproduce a time line for the acoustical energy source radiating and moving through the rows and columns of the array.
(a) retrieving at least one audio data stream from a data storage device coupled to a computer,
(b) transmitting each of the audio data streams to a specific transducer of a deformable two-dimensional sound reproducing surface coupled to the computer, wherein the surface is comprised of a plurality of addressable transducers for generating acoustical energy, the transducers are arranged in an array having rows and columns so as to support propagation and movement of the acoustical energy along the rows and columns of the array, and the transducers are synchronized and interlinked by the audio data streams to reproduce a time line for the acoustical energy source radiating and moving through the rows and columns of the array.
The method of generating audio of claim 15, further comprising the steps of creating a model of an acoustical playback environment, creating a model of the acoustical energy source within the acoustical playback environment, and transforming the model of the acoustical energy source into the audio data streams.
The method of generating audio of claim 15, further comprising the steps of accepting audio input and modifying the audio data streams in response thereto.
The method of generating audio of claim 15, further comprising the steps of decomposing combined audio and video material into a plurality of the audio data streams and at least one discrete video data stream, and storing the audio data streams and the video data stream on the data storage device.
The method of generating audio of claim 15, further comprising the steps of retrieving the audio and video data streams from the data storage device, controlling the transducers in response to the retrieved audio data streams, and controlling a monitor coupled to the computer in response to the video data stream.
The method of generating audio of claim 15, wherein the transducers each comprises a full range audio transducer that generates sound under control of the audio data streams.
The method of generating audio of claim 15, further comprising the step of modifying the audio data streams in response to external stimuli.
Ref US20150117662A1: Claims:
A method, comprising: in a gaming headset that receives a plurality of audio channels during play of a particular game, wherein said plurality of audio channels comprises game audio channels and a chat audio channel: monitoring said received plurality of audio channels for one or more predefined words; and in response to detecting an occurrence of one of said predefined words, filtering out at least a portion of said detected one of said predefined words from said received plurality of audio channels.
in a gaming headset that receives a plurality of audio channels during play of a particular game, wherein said plurality of audio channels comprises game audio channels and a chat audio channel: monitoring said received plurality of audio channels for one or more predefined words; and in response to detecting an occurrence of one of said predefined words, filtering out at least a portion of said detected one of said predefined words from said received plurality of audio channels.
monitoring said received plurality of audio channels for one or more predefined words; and
in response to detecting an occurrence of one of said predefined words, filtering out at least a portion of said detected one of said predefined words from said received plurality of audio channels.
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said predefined words are associated with one or more particular sounds in a data structure.
The method according to claim 2 , wherein said monitoring comprises comparing sounds on said received plurality of audio channels with said one or more particular sounds in said data structure.
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said filtering comprises muting one or more of said plurality of audio channels so that said detected occurrence of said one of said predefined words is not output via speakers of said gaming headset.
The method according to claim 4 , comprising muting said chat audio channel while continuing to output said game audio channel via said speakers of said gaming headset.
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said filtering comprises replacing said detected occurrence of said one or more predefined words with predefined audio so that said detected occurrence of said one or more predefined words is not output via speakers of said gaming headset.
The method according to claim 1 , comprising determining a number of occurrences of said one or more predefined words in said received plurality of audio channels during a particular time period.
The method according to claim 6 , comprising upon said determined number of occurrences of said one or more predefined words during said particular time period rising above a threshold value, performing one or more of: activating a parental alert; activating an audio alert; playing a warning message via speakers of said gaming headset; powering down said gaming headset; and/or communicating an alert from said headset to a second screen communication device.
activating a parental alert;
activating an audio alert;
playing a warning message via speakers of said gaming headset;
powering down said gaming headset; and/or
communicating an alert from said headset to a second screen communication device.
The method according to claim 1 , comprising: determining a source of said detected occurrence of said predefined words; and if said source of said detected occurrence of said predefined words is said chat audio channel, muting said chat audio channel while continuing to output said game audio channel via said speakers of said gaming headset.
determining a source of said detected occurrence of said predefined words; and
if said source of said detected occurrence of said predefined words is said chat audio channel, muting said chat audio channel while continuing to output said game audio channel via said speakers of said gaming headset.
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said monitoring comprises performing signal analysis on said plurality of audio channels during said play of said particular game for said detecting of said occurrence of said predefined words.
A system, comprising: a gaming headset that receives a plurality of audio channels during play of a particular game, wherein said plurality of audio channels comprises game audio channels and a chat audio channel, said gaming headset is operable to: monitor said received plurality of audio channels for one or more predefined words; and in response to detecting an occurrence of one of said predefined words, filter out at least a portion of said detected one of said predefined words from said received plurality of audio channels.
a gaming headset that receives a plurality of audio channels during play of a particular game, wherein said plurality of audio channels comprises game audio channels and a chat audio channel, said gaming headset is operable to: monitor said received plurality of audio channels for one or more predefined words; and in response to detecting an occurrence of one of said predefined words, filter out at least a portion of said detected one of said predefined words from said received plurality of audio channels.
monitor said received plurality of audio channels for one or more predefined words; and
in response to detecting an occurrence of one of said predefined words, filter out at least a portion of said detected one of said predefined words from said received plurality of audio channels.
The system according to claim 11 , wherein said predefined words are associated with one or more particular sounds in a data structure.
The system according to claim 12 , wherein said monitoring: compares sounds on said received plurality of audio channels with said one or more particular sounds in said data structure; and performs signal analysis on said plurality of audio channels during said play of said particular game for said detecting of said occurrence of said predefined words.
compares sounds on said received plurality of audio channels with said one or more particular sounds in said data structure; and
performs signal analysis on said plurality of audio channels during said play of said particular game for said detecting of said occurrence of said predefined words.
The system according to claim 11 , wherein said filtering mutes one or more of said plurality of audio channels so that said detected occurrence of said one of said predefined words is not output via speakers of said gaming headset.
The system according to claim 14 , wherein said gaming headset is operable to mute said chat audio channel while continuing to output said game audio channel via said speakers of said gaming headset.
The system according to claim 11 , wherein said filtering replaces said detected occurrence of said one or more predefined words with predefined audio so that said detected occurrence of said one or more predefined words is not output via speakers of said gaming headset.
The system according to claim 11 , wherein said gaming headset is operable to determine a number of occurrences of said one or more predefined words in said received plurality of audio channels during a particular time period.
The system according to claim 16 , wherein upon said determined number of occurrences of said one or more predefined words during said particular time period rising above a threshold value, said gaming headset is operable to perform one or more of: activate a parental alert; activate an audio alert; play a warning message via speakers of said gaming headset; power down said gaming headset; and/or communicate an alert from said headset to a second screen communication device.
activate a parental alert;
activate an audio alert;
play a warning message via speakers of said gaming headset;
power down said gaming headset; and/or
communicate an alert from said headset to a second screen communication device.
The system according to claim 11 , wherein said gaming headset is operable to: determine a source of said detected occurrence of said predefined words; and if said source of said detected occurrence of said predefined words is said chat audio channel, mute said chat audio channel while continuing to output said game audio channel via said speakers of said gaming headset.
determine a source of said detected occurrence of said predefined words; and
if said source of said detected occurrence of said predefined words is said chat audio channel, mute said chat audio channel while continuing to output said game audio channel via said speakers of said gaming headset.
A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon, a computer program having at least one code section that is executable by a machine for causing the machine to perform steps comprising: in a gaming headset that receives a plurality of audio channels during play of a particular game, wherein said plurality of audio channels comprises game audio channels and a chat audio channel: monitoring said received plurality of audio channels for one or more predefined words; and in response to detecting an occurrence of one of said predefined words, filtering out at least a portion of said detected one of said predefined words from said received plurality of audio channels.
Ref US20150099584A1: Claims:
A method, comprising: in a gaming device during play of a particular game: receiving a plurality of audio channels carrying game sounds of said particular game; determining, based on stored audio information for said particular game, that a first of said game sounds is too loud relative to a second of said game sounds; and in response to said determining, adjusting one or more of said audio channels such that loudness of said second of said game sounds relative to said first of said game sounds is increased, wherein said adjusting comprises decreasing a power level of one or more of said audio channels carrying said first of said game sounds while maintaining or increasing a 
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