Office Action 3: Notice of Allowance (2025-02-26)

CLAIMS:
LISTING OF CLAIMS

1-30. (Canceled)229

31\. (Previously Presented) A wireless 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 wireless device of claim 31, wherein the wireless 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 wireless device of claim 32, wherein the controller circuit is configured to determine the settings.

34\. (Previously Presented) The wireless 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 wireless 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 wireless 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 wireless 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 wireless 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 wireless 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:
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 the claims are allowed over the cited prior art, but they are rejected for 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 overcome the non-statutory double patenting rejection.

The applicant’s arguments have been fully considered and are persuasive. The non-statutory double patenting 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 31-42. Claims 31-42 are rejected only on the basis of alleged double patenting. 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 US8979658B1: Claims:
A method, comprising: in a game headset: receiving a plurality of channels comprising one or both of game and chat audio during play of a game; monitoring said plurality of channels; detecting one or more sounds on one or more of said plurality of channels during said monitoring of said plurality of channels; and controlling, based on said detected one or more sounds, operation of a game controller that interacts with said game during play, wherein said controlling said operation of said game controller comprises adjusting sensitivity of said game controller.
in a game headset:
receiving a plurality of channels comprising one or both of game and chat audio during play of a game;
monitoring said plurality of channels; detecting one or more sounds on one or more of said plurality of channels during said monitoring of said plurality of channels; and
detecting one or more sounds on one or more of said plurality of channels during said monitoring of said plurality of channels; and
controlling, based on said detected one or more sounds, operation of a game controller that interacts with said game during play, wherein said controlling said operation of said game controller comprises adjusting sensitivity of said game controller.
The method according to claim 1 , comprising: determining directionality of said detected one or more sounds; and adjusting said sensitivity of said game controller based on said determined directionality of said detected one or more sounds.
determining directionality of said detected one or more sounds; and
adjusting said sensitivity of said game controller based on said determined directionality of said detected one or more sounds.
The method according to claim 2 , comprising increasing or decreasing said sensitivity of said game controller in response to changes in said determined directionality of said detected one or more sounds.
The method according to claim 1 , comprising performing signal analysis on said plurality of channels.
The method according to claim 4 , comprising determining characteristics of said detected one or more sounds based on said signal analysis.
The method according to claim 5 , comprising adjusting said sensitivity of said game controller based on said determined characteristics of said detected one or more sounds.
The method according to claim 6 , comprising increasing or decreasing said sensitivity of said game controller in response to changes in said determined characteristics of said detected one or more sounds.
The method according to claim 7 , wherein said increasing or said decreasing of said sensitivity of said game controller occurs one or both of: dynamically and adaptively.
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said game controller is communicatively coupled to said game headset.
A system, comprising: a game headset that is operable to: receive a plurality of channels comprising one or both of game and chat audio during play of a game; monitor said plurality of channels; detecting one or more sounds on one or more of said plurality of channels during said monitoring of said plurality of channels; and control, based on said detected one or more sounds, operation of a game controller that interacts with said game during play, wherein said control of said operation of said game controller comprises adjustment of sensitivity of said game controller.
a game headset that is operable to:
receive a plurality of channels comprising one or both of game and chat audio during play of a game;
monitor said plurality of channels;
control, based on said detected one or more sounds, operation of a game controller that interacts with said game during play, wherein said control of said operation of said game controller comprises adjustment of sensitivity of said game controller.
The system according to claim 10 , wherein said game headset is operable to: determine a directionality of said detected one or more sounds; and adjust said sensitivity of said game controller based on said determined directionality of said detected one or more sounds.
determine a directionality of said detected one or more sounds; and
adjust said sensitivity of said game controller based on said determined directionality of said detected one or more sounds.
The system according to claim 11 , wherein said game headset is operable to increase or decrease said sensitivity of said game controller in response to changes in said determined directionality of said detected one or more sounds.
The system according to claim 10 , wherein said game headset is operable to perform signal analysis on said plurality of channels.
The system according to claim 13 , wherein said game headset is operable to determine characteristics of said detected one or more sounds based on said signal analysis.
The system according to claim 14 , wherein said game headset is operable to adjust said sensitivity of said game controller based on said determined characteristics of said detected one or more sounds.
The system according to claim 15 , wherein said game headset is operable to increase or decrease said sensitivity of said game controller in response to changes in said determined characteristics of said detected one or more sounds.
The system according to claim 16 , wherein said increase or said decrease of said sensitivity of said game controller occurs one or both of dynamically and adaptively.
A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon, a computer program having at least one code section that is executable by a game headset for causing the game headset to perform steps comprising: receiving a plurality of channels comprising one or both of game and chat audio during play of a game; monitoring said plurality of channels; detecting one or more sounds on one or more of said plurality of channels during said monitoring of said one or more of said plurality of channels; and controlling operation of a game controller that interacts with said game during play based on said detected one or more sounds, wherein said controlling said operation of said game controller comprises adjusting of sensitivity of said game controller.
monitoring said plurality of channels; detecting one or more sounds on one or more of said plurality of channels during said monitoring of said one or more of said plurality of channels; and
detecting one or more sounds on one or more of said plurality of channels during said monitoring of said one or more of said plurality of channels; and
controlling operation of a game controller that interacts with said game during play based on said detected one or more sounds, wherein said controlling said operation of said game controller comprises adjusting of sensitivity of said game controller.
Ref US8932134B2: Claims:
A method of audio processing in which a video camera is used to detect a position of a user relative to a position of the video camera, the video camera having an associated microphone located substantially at the position of the camera and the camera being placed in a position other than the user's listening position, the method comprising the steps of: calibrating, by one or more processors, the position of the video camera relative to a plurality of loudspeakers by (i) generating test signals for the plurality of loudspeakers; (ii) measuring acoustic signals from the plurality of loudspeakers with the microphone located substantially at the position of the camera; and (iii) adjusting output timing of sound data signals for reproduction by respective ones of the plurality of loudspeakers so that simultaneous source ones of the sound data signals are then timed to cause corresponding ones of the acoustic signals from the respective loudspeakers to reach the microphone substantially simultaneously so as to set a position where the acoustic signals from selected ones of the plurality of loudspeakers are coincident at a sweet spot to the position of the camera; detecting a position of the user relative to the camera from images captured by the camera, thereby estimating the position of the user relative to an estimated position of the sweet spot; and adjusting, by the one or more processors, the output timing of the sound data signals for reproduction by the respective loudspeakers in accordance with the estimated position of the user relative to the position of the camera so as to move the estimated position of the sweet spot to the estimated position of the user.
calibrating, by one or more processors, the position of the video camera relative to a plurality of loudspeakers by (i) generating test signals for the plurality of loudspeakers; (ii) measuring acoustic signals from the plurality of loudspeakers with the microphone located substantially at the position of the camera; and (iii) adjusting output timing of sound data signals for reproduction by respective ones of the plurality of loudspeakers so that simultaneous source ones of the sound data signals are then timed to cause corresponding ones of the acoustic signals from the respective loudspeakers to reach the microphone substantially simultaneously so as to set a position where the acoustic signals from selected ones of the plurality of loudspeakers are coincident at a sweet spot to the position of the camera;
detecting a position of the user relative to the camera from images captured by the camera, thereby estimating the position of the user relative to an estimated position of the sweet spot; and
adjusting, by the one or more processors, the output timing of the sound data signals for reproduction by the respective loudspeakers in accordance with the estimated position of the user relative to the position of the camera so as to move the estimated position of the sweet spot to the estimated position of the user.
A method of audio processing according to claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: estimating the position of the sweet spot; and estimating the position of the user.
estimating the position of the sweet spot; and
estimating the position of the user.
A method according to claim 2 , in which the step of estimating the position of the user comprises capturing and analysing data from a non-acoustic sensor.
A method according to claim 2 , in which the step of estimating the position of the user comprises capturing an image encompassing some or all of the user, and analysing the image to identify the position of the user.
A method according to claim 4 , comprising the step of augmenting analysis of one of the captured images by the use of distance data corresponding to captured image data and obtained from an image capture device further equipped with a distance measuring arrangement.
A method according to claim 2 , in which the step of estimating the position of the user comprises receiving a radio signal from a radio transmitting device carried by the user by two or more phased array antennas, and analysing respective angles of reception at the phased arrays to detect a position of transmission of the radio signal.
A method according to claim 2 , in which the step of estimating the position of the user relative to the estimated position of the sweet spot comprises comparing the estimated position of the user with the estimated position of the sweet spot to determine the relative difference in position.
A method according to claim 2 , in which the step of estimating the position of the sweet spot comprises: capturing an image of a room housing the loudspeakers; estimating a centre point of the room by analysis of the captured image; and estimating the position of the sweet spot as the centre point of the room.
capturing an image of a room housing the loudspeakers;
estimating a centre point of the room by analysis of the captured image; and
estimating the position of the sweet spot as the centre point of the room.
A method according to claim 2 , in which the step of estimating the position of the sweet spot comprises: capturing an image of a room housing the loudspeakers; analysing the captured image to identify a seat, or if there are two or more seats, the seat closest to a lateral centre of the captured image; and estimating the position of the identified seat by analysis of the captured image.
analysing the captured image to identify a seat, or if there are two or more seats, the seat closest to a lateral centre of the captured image; and
estimating the position of the identified seat by analysis of the captured image.
A method according to claim 8 , comprising the step of augmenting analysis of one of the captured images by the use of distance data corresponding to captured image data and obtained from an image capture device further equipped with a distance measuring arrangement.
A method according to claim 2 , the method being carried out by an entertainment device operable to interact with two or more users.
A method according to claim 11 , where the two or more users interact with the entertainment device in turn, and in which the step of adjusting the output timing comprises moving an effective position of the sweet spot to the position of the currently interacting user.
A method according to claim 11 , where the two or more users interact with the entertainment device simultaneously, and in which the step of adjusting the output timing comprises: adjusting the output timing of some or all of respective sound data signals associated with each respective user's interaction in accordance with their respective sweet spots.
adjusting the output timing of some or all of respective sound data signals associated with each respective user's interaction in accordance with their respective sweet spots.
A method according to claim 2 , where two or more users are identified, in which the step of estimating the position of the sweet spot relative to the estimated position of the user comprises: identifying a plurality of users within a captured video image; defining a notional boundary dependent upon a lateral and axial extent of a group of some or all of these users; and adjusting the output timing of the sound data signals for reproduction by the respective ones of the plurality of loudspeakers in accordance with a difference between the estimated position of the sweet spot and the notional boundary, so that resultant acoustic signals reach the notional boundary substantially simultaneously.
identifying a plurality of users within a captured video image;
defining a notional boundary dependent upon a lateral and axial extent of a group of some or all of these users; and
adjusting the output timing of the sound data signals for reproduction by the respective ones of the plurality of loudspeakers in accordance with a difference between the estimated position of the sweet spot and the notional boundary, so that resultant acoustic signals reach the notional boundary substantially simultaneously.
An entertainment device, comprising: a video camera configured to detect a position of a user relative to a position of the video camera; a microphone associated with the video camera, the microphone being located substantially at the position of the video camera and the video camera being placed in a position other than the user's listening position; and a processor operatively coupled to the camera and the microphone, the processor being configured to: calibrate the position of the video camera relative to a plurality of loudspeakers by (i) generating test signals for the plurality of loudspeakers; (ii) measuring acoustic signals from the plurality of loudspeakers with the microphone located substantially at the position of the camera; and (iii) adjusting output timing of sound data signals for reproduction by respective ones of the plurality of loudspeakers so that simultaneous source ones of the sound data signals are then timed to cause corresponding ones of the acoustic signals from the respective loudspeakers to reach the microphone substantially simultaneously so as to set a position where the acoustic signals from selected ones of the plurality of loudspeakers are coincident at a sweet spot to the position of the camera; detect a position of the user relative to the camera from images captured by the camera, thereby estimating the position of the user relative to an estimated position of the sweet spot; and adjust the output timing of the sound data signals for reproduction by the respective loudspeakers in accordance with the estimated position of the user relative to the position of the camera so as to move the estimated position of the sweet spot to the estimated position of the user.
a video camera configured to detect a position of a user relative to a position of the video camera;
a microphone associated with the video camera, the microphone being located substantially at the position of the video camera and the video camera being placed in a position other than the user's listening position; and
a processor operatively coupled to the camera and the microphone, the processor being configured to: calibrate the position of the video camera relative to a plurality of loudspeakers by (i) generating test signals for the plurality of loudspeakers; (ii) measuring acoustic signals from the plurality of loudspeakers with the microphone located substantially at the position of the camera; and (iii) adjusting output timing of sound data signals for reproduction by respective ones of the plurality of loudspeakers so that simultaneous source ones of the sound data signals are then timed to cause corresponding ones of the acoustic signals from the respective loudspeakers to reach the microphone substantially simultaneously so as to set a position where the acoustic signals from selected ones of the plurality of loudspeakers are coincident at a sweet spot to the position of the camera; detect a position of the user relative to the camera from images captured by the camera, thereby estimating the position of the user relative to an estimated position of the sweet spot; and adjust the output timing of the sound data signals for reproduction by the respective loudspeakers in accordance with the estimated position of the user relative to the position of the camera so as to move the estimated position of the sweet spot to the estimated position of the user.
calibrate the position of the video camera relative to a plurality of loudspeakers by (i) generating test signals for the plurality of loudspeakers; (ii) measuring acoustic signals from the plurality of loudspeakers with the microphone located substantially at the position of the camera; and (iii) adjusting output timing of sound data signals for reproduction by respective ones of the plurality of loudspeakers so that simultaneous source ones of the sound data signals are then timed to cause corresponding ones of the acoustic signals from the respective loudspeakers to reach the microphone substantially simultaneously so as to set a position where the acoustic signals from selected ones of the plurality of loudspeakers are coincident at a sweet spot to the position of the camera;
detect a position of the user relative to the camera from images captured by the camera, thereby estimating the position of the user relative to an estimated position of the sweet spot; and
adjust the output timing of the sound data signals for reproduction by the respective loudspeakers in accordance with the estimated position of the user relative to the position of the camera so as to move the estimated position of the sweet spot to the estimated position of the user.
An entertainment device according to claim 15 , comprising: a non-acoustic sensor; a coincident signal estimator operable to estimate a physical location at which acoustic signals from the plurality of loudspeakers are coincident at the sweet spot; a sensor analyser operable to estimate a physical location of the user from non-acoustic sensor data generated by the non-acoustic sensor; and wherein the processor is
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