Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-03-28)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness

CLAIMS:
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1\. A method of operating a laundry treatment appliance, the laundry treatment appliance comprising at least one light source provided on an exterior thereof, the method comprising:
receiving an input command on the laundry treatment appliance;
initiating a predetermined lighting sequence of the at least one light source in response to receiving the input command;
receiving a request for a remote connection from a remote device in response to initiating the predetermined lighting sequence;
establishing the remote connection between the laundry treatment appliance and the remote device; and
receiving laundry operation instructions from the remote device via the remote connection.

2\. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source is a plurality of light sources provided on a user interface panel of the laundry treatment appliance.

3\. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
deactivating the plurality of light sources before initiating the predetermined lighting sequence, wherein the predetermined lighting sequence is performed by a single light source of the plurality of light sources.

4\. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined lighting sequence comprises:
selective activation and deactivation of the at least one light source at predetermined time intervals.

5\. The method of claim 4, wherein the predetermined time intervals comprise five time intervals spaced apart from each other by equal increments.

6\. The method of claim 5, wherein the equal increments are between 0.1 second and 0.5 second.

7\. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
capturing, via the remote device, the predetermined lighting sequence in response to initiating the predetermined lighting sequence.

8\. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the input command comprises:
detecting a constant button press for a predetermined time increment.

9\. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined lighting sequence comprises a plurality of unique lighting sequences, each unique lighting sequence being associated with an individual character.

10\. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source is a light emitting diode (LED) provided on a user input panel.

11\. A laundry operation system comprising:
a laundry treatment appliance comprising a user input panel;
at least one light source provided on the user input panel;
an input provided on the user input panel, the input selectively receiving input commands;
a remote device configured to selectively interact with the laundry treatment appliance; and
a controller operably coupled to the laundry treatment appliance, the at least one light source, the input, and the remote device, the controller configured to perform a connection operation, the connection operation comprising:
receiving a first input command via the input;
initiating a predetermined lighting sequence of the at least one light source in response to receiving the input command; capturing, via the remote device, the predetermined lighting sequence in response to initiating the predetermined lighting sequence;
decoding the predetermined lighting sequence into a remote connection request;
establishing a remote connection between the laundry treatment appliance and the remote device after decoding the predetermined lighting sequence; and
receiving laundry operation instructions from the remote device via the remote connection.

12\. The laundry operation system of claim 11, wherein the at least one light source is a plurality of light sources provided on the user input panel of the laundry treatment appliance.

13\. The laundry operation system of claim 12, further comprising:
deactivating the plurality of light sources before initiating the predetermined lighting sequence, wherein the predetermined lighting sequence is performed by a single light source of the plurality of light sources.

14\. The laundry operation system of claim 11, wherein the predetermined lighting sequence comprises:
selective activation and deactivation of the at least one light source at predetermined time intervals.

15\. The laundry operation system of claim 14, wherein the predetermined time intervals comprise five time intervals spaced apart from each other by equal increments.

16\. The laundry operation system of claim 15, wherein the equal increments are between 0.1 second and 0.5 second.

17\. The laundry operation system of claim 11, wherein receiving the input command comprises:
detecting a constant input command to the input for a predetermined time increment.

18\. The laundry operation system of claim 11, wherein the predetermined lighting sequence comprises a plurality of unique lighting sequence, each unique lighting sequence being associated with an individual character.

19\. The laundry operation system of claim 1 1, wherein the at least one light source is a light emitting diode (LED) provided on the user input panel. 22 23 24 25

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Claims 1-19 are pending.
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 .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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 of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the 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 manner in which the invention was made.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claim(s) 1-4, 7, 9-14 and 18-19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Nilsson et al. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20170290077 (hereinafter Nilsson) in view of Campbell et al. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20230068447 (hereinafter Campbell).
Regarding claim 1, Nilsson teaches a method of operating a device [0016 — systems and methods that provide a simplified method to pair and connect Bluetooth devices. Using an infrared (IR) light, (or other directional beam signal), a user may initiate a Bluetooth pairing or connection protocol from a user device to bond with a target device; 0044, Figs. 4-5 —   a method 400 for initiating a communication session ], the device comprising at least one light source [0020-0021, Fig. 1 —  the user device 110 may emit an IR signal with information to initiate a Bluetooth connection…  other wavelengths of visual light and ultraviolet light] provided on an exterior thereof [0043, Fig. 3 — the signal emitted from the transceiver 318 may be of various types of directional signals, including but not limited to IR or millimeter wave — shown on exterior], the method comprising:
receiving an input command on the device [0027-0037, Fig. 2 — At 200, user input is received. The user input indicates that the user seeks to connect the user device 110 with the IoT device 150 using a Bluetooth (or BLE) connection. Various forms of user input may be received including, but not limited to a pressing a hard button, actuating a soft user interface control, performing a gesture, speaking a command, or other suitable user input.; 0043, Fig. 3 — user device 300 may also include a user input control (e.g., hard button, a slider, a switch, or a soft button) to trigger the emitter and Bluetooth connection sequence. For example, the user device 300 may have a user input control 316 on the side of the housing 302, in this example a button, which when actuated by the user, causes a signal to be emitted from a transceiver 318];
initiating a predetermined lighting sequence of the at least one light source in response to receiving the input command [0027-0037, Fig. 2 — Upon receiving the input, the user device 110 emits a signal using a transceiver 202 in the user device 110. The signal 204 includes the public key of the user device 110 (K.sub.USER) and is transmitted by line-of-sight to the IoT device 150. The signal may be one of several different types of directional signals including, but not limited to IR and millimeter wave; 0021 — other wavelengths of visual light and ultraviolet light.];
receiving a request for a remote connection from a remote device in response to initiating the predetermined lighting sequence [0027-0037, Fig. 2 —  At operation 216, the IoT device 150 attempts to connect with Bluetooth (or BLE) to the user device 110 using the UID provided by the user device 110. In effect, the exchange up to this point has acted as an advertising mechanism for the user device 110 to announce its presence and with the signaling, to announce its ability and interest in connecting.];
establishing the remote connection between the device and the remote device [0027-0037, Fig. 2 —  the Bluetooth stack 218 may issue a “create connection” command to create a link layer connection to a connectable advertiser (i.e., the user device 110). After connection is established, the user device 110 and IoT device 150 may exchange data and perform other conventional Bluetooth operations.]; and
receiving operation instructions from the remote device via the remote connection [0065-0069 — when the IR beam is received by an IoT device 606, the IoT device responds with an identification packet, which is received by the user device 602, allowing the user device 602 to control the IoT device 606, ].
But Nilsson fails to clearly specify a method of operating a laundry treatment appliance/device, the laundry treatment appliance comprising at least one light source and receiving laundry operation instructions from the remote device via the remote connection.
However, Campbell teaches a method of operating a laundry treatment appliance, the laundry treatment appliance comprising at least one light source and receiving laundry operation instructions from the remote device via the remote connection [0032-0033, Fig. 1 —  Example domestic appliances having the ability to visually communicate diagnostic information include household cooking appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers, cooking ranges and microwave ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers (laundry treatment), and other appliances; 0041-0046, Figs. 3-4 — the user interface 51, shown enlarged in FIG. 4, also includes at least one, and optionally a plurality of visible indicators 53 (e.g., light-emitting diodes “LEDs”) that are operable to convey primary operational information indicative of an operational aspect or state of the refrigerator 10; 0063-0065 —  data transmitted from the external device 44 to the refrigerator 10 can include commands related to the operation of the appliance... diagnostics/service modes actuation sequences, can be programmed into the memory of the refrigeration main controller 100 and used to start the communication between the external device 44 and the visible indicators 53 of the refrigerator 10 (e.g., to pair the external device 44 and the visible indicators 53)… some, or all, of the visible indicators 53 can be configured as inputs for receiving signals from the external device 44, and the smartphone's camera flash or display screen can be used to transmit visual data for two-way communication for controlling the appliance].
Nilsson and Campbell are analogous art.  They relate to remote control systems, particularly involving wireless communication for appliances.
Therefore at the time the invention was made, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to simply substitute the known laundry treatment appliance, as taught by Campbell, for the known device of Nilsson, for the predictable result of a method of operating a laundry treatment appliance, the laundry treatment appliance comprising at least one light source and receiving laundry operation instructions from a remote device.
Regarding claim 2, the combination of Nilsson and Campbell teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Further, Campbell teaches the at least one light source is a plurality of light sources provided on a user interface panel of the laundry treatment appliance [0044-0046, Figs. 3-4 —   the user interface 51, shown enlarged in FIG. 4, also includes at least one, and optionally a plurality of visible indicators 53 (e.g., light-emitting diodes “LEDs”) that are operable to convey primary operational information indicative of an operational aspect or state of the refrigerator 10 to a user during normal operation of the refrigerator 10.; 0032-0033, Fig. 1 —  Example domestic appliances having the ability to visually communicate diagnostic information include household cooking appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers, cooking ranges and microwave ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers (laundry treatment), and other appliances].
Therefore at the time the invention was made, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the above method, as taught by the combination of Nilsson and Campbell, by incorporating the above limitations, as taught by Campbell.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification to conveniently convey operational information to a user, as suggested by Campbell [0044-0046].
Regarding claim 3, the combination of Nilsson and Campbell teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Further, Nilsson teaches deactivating the light source before initiating the predetermined lighting sequence, wherein the predetermined lighting sequence is performed by a single light source [0064-0068 —  The directional beam may cease (deactivated) after some triggering event, such as when the IoT device 606 has responded to the beam's prompt, when the user ceases the air gesture, or when there has been no response from any IoT device after a certain time; 0027-0037, Fig. 2 — Upon receiving the input, the user device 110 emits a signal using a transceiver 202 in the user device 110. The signal 204 includes the public key of the user device 110 (K.sub.USER) and is transmitted by line-of-sight to the IoT device 150. The signal may be one of several different types of directional signals including, but not limited to IR and millimeter wave; 0021 — other wavelengths of visual light and ultraviolet light — light source deactivated before the next user input.  In addition, it would be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art to deactivate a light source when not required for communication in order to reduce energy consumption.].
Further, Campbell teaches a plurality of light sources [0044-0046, Figs. 3-4 —   the user interface 51, shown enlarged in FIG. 4, also includes at least one, and optionally a plurality of visible indicators 53 (e.g., light-emitting diodes “LEDs”) that are operable to convey primary operational information indicative of an operational aspect or state of the refrigerator 10 to a user during normal operation of the refrigerator 10.].
Regarding claim 4, the combination of Nilsson and Campbell teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Further, Nilsson teaches the predetermined lighting sequence [0027-0037, Fig. 2 — Upon receiving the input, the user device 110 emits a signal using a transceiver 202 in the user device 110. The signal 204 includes the public key of the user device 110 (K.sub.USER) and is transmitted by line-of-sight to the IoT device 150. The signal may be one of several different types of directional signals including, but not limited to IR and millimeter wave; 0021 — other wavelengths of visual light and ultraviolet light.].
Further, Campbell teaches he predetermined lighting sequence comprises: selective activation and deactivation of the at least one light source at predetermined time intervals [0053-0054 — The error signal or code can be embodied as the repeated activation and deactivation of the LED 53 at a predetermined frequency (e.g., binary data)].
Therefore at the time the invention was made, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the above method, as taught by the combination of Nilsson and Campbell, by incorporating the above limitations, as taught by Campbell.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification to maximize the amplitude of the transmitted signal (on/off) and to facilitate improved/accurate communication by using predictable timing.
Regarding claim 7, the combination of Nilsson and Campbell teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Further, Nilsson teaches capturing, via the remote device, the predetermined lighting sequence in response to initiating the predetermined lighting sequence [0064-0068 —  The directional beam may cease (deactivated) after some triggering event, such as when the IoT device 606 has responded to the beam's prompt, when the user ceases the air gesture, or when there has been no response from any IoT device after a certain time; 0027-0037, Fig. 2 — Upon receiving the input, the user device 110 emits a signal using a transceiver 202 in the user device 110. The signal 204 includes the public key of the user device 110 (K.sub.USER) and is transmitted by line-of-sight to the IoT device 150. The signal may be one of several different types of directional signals including, but not limited to IR and millimeter wave; 0021 — other wavelengths of visual light and ultraviolet light — light source deactivated before the next user input.  In addition, it would be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art to deactivate a light source when not required for communication in order to reduce energy consumption.].
Further, Campbell teaches a plurality of light sources [0044-0046, Figs. 3-4 —   the user interface 51, shown enlarged in FIG. 4, also includes at least one, and optionally a plurality of visible indicators 53 (e.g., light-emitting diodes “LEDs”) that are operable to convey primary operational information indicative of an operational aspect or state of the refrigerator 10 to a user during normal operation of the refrigerator 10.].
Regarding claim 9, the combination of Nilsson and Campbell teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Further, Nilsson teaches the predetermined lighting sequence [0027-0037, Fig. 2 — Upon receiving the input, the user device 110 emits a signal using a transceiver 202 in the user device 110. The signal 204 includes the public key of the user device 110 (K.sub.USER) and is transmitted by line-of-sight to the IoT device 150. The signal may be one of several different types of directional signals including, but not limited to IR and millimeter wave; 0021 — other wavelengths of visual light and ultraviolet light.].
Further, Campbell teaches the predetermined lighting sequence comprises a plurality of unique lighting sequences, each unique lighting sequence being associated with an individual character [0041-0046, Figs. 3-4 — the user interface 51, shown enlarged in FIG. 4, also includes at least one, and optionally a plurality of visible indicators 53 (e.g., light-emitting diodes “LEDs”) that are operable to convey primary operational information indicative of an operational aspect or state of the refrigerator 10; 0058 — Examples of data that can be displayed by the LED 53, captured by the portable code reader 44, and optionally transmitted to the remote server 48 includes: current error code, date and/or time stamp of current error, previous error codes, date and/or time stamp of previous errors, appliance model number, appliance serial number, part numbers; 0067 —  LEDs 53 on the appliance then flash a sequence of characters or blinks that are viewed by the smartphone camera 41 and then the app can interpret to determine the status of all of the appliance's components, any errors present in the system, software version, etc.].
Therefore at the time the invention was made, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the above method, as taught by the combination of Nilsson and Campbell, by incorporating the above limitations, as taught by Campbell.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification to communicate a plurality of pieces of relevant information to an operator or control system, particularly in a recognized format, as suggested by Campbell [0067].
Regarding claim 10, the combination of Nilsson and Campbell teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Further, Nilsson teaches the at least one light source [0020-0021, Fig. 1 —  the user device 110 may emit an IR signal with information to initiate a Bluetooth connection…  other wavelengths of visual light and ultraviolet light; 0043, Fig. 3 — the signal emitted from the transceiver 318 may be of various types of directional signals, including but not limited to IR or millimeter wave].
Further, Campbell teaches the at least one light source is a light emitting diode (LED) provided on a user input panel [044-0046, Figs. 3-4 —   the user interface 51, shown enlarged in FIG. 4, also includes at least one, and optionally a plurality of visible indicators 53 (e.g., light-emitting diodes “LEDs”) that are operable to convey primary operational information indicative of an operational aspect or state of the refrigerator 10 to a user during normal operation of the refrigerator 10.; 0032-0033, Fig. 1 —  Example domestic appliances having the ability to visually communicate diagnostic information include household cooking appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers, cooking ranges and microwave ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers (laundry treatment), and other appliances].
Therefore at the time the invention was made, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the above method, as taught by the combination of Nilsson and Campbell, by incorporating the above limitations, as taught by Campbell.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification to conveniently convey operational information to a user, as suggested by Campbell [0044-0046].  In addition, it would be obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art to simply substitute the known LED light source of Campbell for the known light source of Nilsson for the predictable result of a method of operating a laundry treatment appliance using an LED light source.
Regarding claim 11, Nilsson teaches an operation system [0016, Figs. 1, 3 and 6 — systems and methods that provide a simplified method to pair and connect Bluetooth devices. Using an infrared (IR) light, (or other directional beam signal), a user may initiate a Bluetooth pairing or connection protocol from a user device to bond with a target device;] comprising:
a device comprising a user input [0027-0037, Fig. 2 — At 200, user input is received. The user input indicates that the user seeks to connect the user device 110 with the IoT device 150 using a Bluetooth (or BLE) connection. Various forms of user input may be received including, but not limited to a pressing a hard button, actuating a soft user interface control, performing a gesture, speaking a command, or other suitable user input.; 0043, Fig. 3 — user device 300 may also include a user input control (e.g., hard button, a slider, a switch, or a soft button) to trigger the emitter and Bluetooth connection sequence. For example, the user device 300 may have a user input control 316 on the side of the housing 302, in this example a button, which when actuated by the user, causes a signal to be emitted from a transceiver 318];
at least one light source [0020-0021, Fig. 1 —  the user device 110 may emit an IR signal with information to initiate a Bluetooth connection…  other wavelengths of visual light and ultraviolet light; 0043, Fig. 3 — the signal emitted from the transceiver 318 may be of various types of directional signals, including but not limited to IR or millimeter wave];
an input provided on the device, the input selectively receiving input commands [0027-0037, Fig. 2 — At 200, user input is received. The user input indicates that the user seeks to connect the user device 110 with the IoT device 150 using a Bluetooth (or BLE) connection. Various forms of user input may be received including, but not limited to a pressing a hard button, actuating a soft user interface control, performing a gesture, speaking a command, or other suitable user input.; 0043, Fig. 3 — user device 300 may also include a user input control (e.g., hard button, a slider, a switch, or a soft button) to trigger the emitter and Bluetooth connection sequence. For example, the user device 300 may have a user input control 316 on the side of the housing 302, in this example a button, which when actuated by the user, causes a signal to be emitted from a transceiver 318];
a remote device configured to selectively interact with the device [0020-0023, Figs. 1, 3 and 6 —  the IoT device 150 (remote device) may connect with the user device 110 over Bluetooth ]; and
a controller operably coupled to the device, the at least one light source, the input, and the remote device, the controller configured to perform a connection operation [020-0023, Figs. 1, 3 and 6 — user device 110 includes a transceiver 111, capable of both sending and receiving data, and controlled by controller 112], the connection operation comprising:
receiving a first input command via the input [0027-0037, Fig. 2 — Upon receiving the input, the user device 110 emits a signal using a transceiver 202 in the user device 110. The signal 204 includes the public key of the user device 110 (K.sub.USER) and is transmitted by line-of-sight to the IoT device 150. The signal may be one of several different types of directional signals including, but not limited to IR and millimeter wave; 0021 — other wavelengths of visual light and ultraviolet light.];
initiating a predetermined lighting sequence of the at least one light source in response to receiving the input command [0027-0037, Fig. 2 — Upon receiving the input, the user device 110 emits a signal using a transceiver 202 in the user device 110. The signal 204 includes the public key of the user device 110 (K.sub.USER) and is transmitted by line-of-sight to the IoT device 150. The signal may be one of several different types of directional signals including, but not limited to IR and millimeter wave; 0021 — other wavelengths of visual light and ultraviolet light.];
capturing, via the remote device, the predetermined lighting sequence in response to initiating the predetermined lighting sequence [0064-0068 —  The directional beam may cease (deactivated) after some triggering event, such as when the IoT device 606 has responded to the beam's prompt, when the user ceases the air gesture, or when there has been no response from any IoT device after a certain time; 0027-0037, Fig. 2 — Upon receiving the input, the user device 110 emits a signal using a transceiver 202 in the user device 110. The signal 204 includes the public key of the user device 110 (K.sub.USER) and is transmitted by line-of-sight to the IoT device 150. The signal may be one of several different types of directional signals including, but not limited to IR and millimeter wave; 0021 — other wavelengths of visual light and ultraviolet light — light source deactivated before the next user input.  In addition, it would be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art to deactivate a light source when not required for communication in order to reduce energy consumption.];
decoding the predetermined lighting sequence into a remote connection request [0064-0068 —  The directional beam may cease (deactivated) after some triggering event, such as when the IoT device 606 has responded to the beam's prompt, when the user ceases the air gesture, or when there has been no response from any IoT device after a certain time; 0027-0037, Fig. 2 — Upon receiving the input, the user device 110 emits a signal using a transceiver 202 in the user device 110. The signal 204 includes the public key of the user device 110 (K.sub.USER) and is transmitted by line-of-sight to the IoT device 150. The signal may be one of several different types of directional signals including, but not limited to IR and millimeter wave; 0021 — other wavelengths of visual light and ultraviolet light — light source deactivated before the next user input.  In addition, it would be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art to deactivate a light source when not required for communication in order to reduce energy consumption.; 0027-0037, Fig. 2 —  the Bluetooth stack 218 may issue a “create connection” command to create a link layer connection to a connectable advertiser (i.e., the user device 110). After connection is established, the user device 110 and IoT device 150 may exchange data and perform other conventional Bluetooth operations.];
establishing a remote connection between the device and the remote device after decoding the predetermined lighting sequence [0027-0037, Fig. 2 —  the Bluetooth stack 218 may issue a “create connection” command to create a link layer connection to a connectable advertiser (i.e., the user device 110). After connection is established, the user device 110 and IoT device 150 may exchange data and perform other conventional Bluetooth operations.]; and
receiving operation instructions from the remote device via the remote connection [0065-0069 — when the IR beam is received by an IoT device 606, the IoT device responds with an identification packet, which is received by the user device 602, allowing the user device 602 to control the IoT device 606,].
But Nilsson fails to clearly specify a laundry operation system comprising: a laundry treatment appliance comprising at least one light source; a user input panel; at least one light source provided on the user input panel; an input provided on the user input panel, and receiving laundry operation instructions from the remote device via the remote connection.
However, Campbell teaches a laundry operation system comprising: a laundry treatment appliance comprising at least one light source; a user input panel; at least one light source provided on the user input panel; an input provided on the user input panel, and receiving laundry operation instructions from the remote device via the remote connection [0032-0033, Fig. 1 —  Example domestic appliances having the ability to visually communicate diagnostic information include household cooking appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers, cooking ranges and microwave ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers (laundry treatment), and other appliances; 0041-0046, Figs. 3-4 — the user interface 51, shown enlarged in FIG. 4, also includes at least one, and optionally a plurality of visible indicators 53 (e.g., light-emitting diodes “LEDs”) that are operable to convey primary operational information indicative of an operational aspect or state of the refrigerator 10…  dispensing assembly 50 also includes a plurality of buttons 52, 54, 56 arranged on a user interface 51. The buttons 52, 54, 56 allow a user to select; 0063-0065 —  data transmitted from the external device 44 to the refrigerator 10 can include commands related to the operation of the appliance... diagnostics/service modes actuation sequences, can be programmed into the memory of the refrigeration main controller 100 and used to start the communication between the external device 44 and the visible indicators 53 of the refrigerator 10 (e.g., to pair the external device 44 and the visible indicators 53)… some, or all, of the visible indicators 53 can be configured as inputs for receiving signals from the external device 44, and the smartphone's camera flash or display screen can be used to transmit visual data for two-way communication for controlling the appliance].
Nilsson and Campbell are analogous art.  They relate to remote control systems, particularly involving wireless communication for appliances.
Therefore at the time the invention was made, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to simply substitute the known laundry treatment appliance, as taught by Campbell, for the known device of Nilsson, for the predictable result of a laundry operation system comprising: a laundry treatment appliance comprising at least one light source; a user input panel; at least one light source provided on the user input panel; an input provided on the user input panel, and receiving laundry operation instructions from the remote device via the remote connection.  In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification to conveniently centrally locate controls and an operational information display for a user together, as suggested by Campbell [0044-0046].
Regarding claim 12, the combination of Nilsson and Campbell teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above and this claim is otherwise rejected under the same rationale as claim 2.
Regarding claim 13, the combination of Nilsson and Campbell teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above and this claim is otherwise rejected under the same rationale as claim 3.
Regarding claim 14, the combination of Nilsson and Campbell teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above and this claim is otherwise rejected under the same rationale as claim 4.
Regarding claim 18, the combination of Nilsson and Campbell teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above and this claim is otherwise rejected under the same rationale as claim 9.
Regarding claim 19, the combination of Nilsson and Campbell teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above and this claim is otherwise rejected under the same rationale as claim 10.
Claim(s) 5-6 and 15-16 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over the combination of Nilsson and Campbell in view of Yu et al. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20240292048 (hereinafter Yu).
Regarding claim 5, the combination of Nilsson and Campbell teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
But the combination of Nilsson and Campbell fails to clearly specify the predetermined time intervals comprise five time intervals spaced apart from each other by equal increments.
However, Yu teaches the predetermined time intervals comprise five time intervals spaced apart from each other by equal increments [0258-0259, Fig. 8 — FIG. 8 illustrates a signal waveform Srex including active periods TWx1 and TWx2 and a blank period TWx for wireless signal reception in the RF module 412 in the wireless transceiver 411 of the image display apparatus 100.  A cycle of the signal waveform Srex or an interval between the active periods TWx1 and TWx2 may be Tivx. Tivx may be approximately 100 ms].
Nilsson, Campbell and Yu are analogous art.  They relate to remote control systems, particularly involving wireless communication for appliances.
Therefore at the time the invention was made, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to simply substitute the known signal modulation scheme, as taught by Yu, for the signal modulation scheme of Nilsson and Campbell, for the predictable result of a method of operating a laundry treatment appliance using modulation based on five time intervals spaced apart from each other by equal increments.  In addition, the number of intervals is merely an obvious matter of design choice, see MPEP 2144.04.
Regarding claim 6, the combination of Nilsson, Campbell and Yu teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Further, Yu teaches he equal increments are between 0.1 second and 0.5 second [0258-0259, Fig. 8 — FIG. 8 illustrates a signal waveform Srex including active periods TWx1 and TWx2 and a blank period TWx for wireless signal reception in the RF module 412 in the wireless transceiver 411 of the image display apparatus 100.  A cycle of the signal waveform Srex or an interval between the active periods TWx1 and TWx2 may be Tivx. Tivx may be approximately 100 ms (0.1 second)].
Therefore at the time the invention was made, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to simply substitute the known signal modulation timing scheme, as taught by Yu, for the signal modulation scheme of Nilsson and Campbell, for the predictable result of a method of operating a laundry treatment appliance using modulation based on five time intervals spaced apart from each other by equal increments.  In addition, the timing interval is merely an obvious matter of design choice, see MPEP 2144.04.
Regarding claim 15, the combination of Nilsson and Campbell teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above and this claim is otherwise rejected under the same rationale as claim 5.
Regarding claim 16, the combination of Nilsson, Campbell and Yu teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above and this claim is otherwise rejected under the same rationale as claim 6.
Claim(s) 8 and 17 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over the combination of Nilsson and Campbell in view of Brocker et al. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20140379860 (hereinafter Brocker).
Regarding claim 8, the combination of Nilsson and Campbell teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above.
Further, Nilsson teaches receiving the input command comprises: detecting a button press [027-0037, Fig. 2 — At 200, user input is received. The user input indicates that the user seeks to connect the user device 110 with the IoT device 150 using a Bluetooth (or BLE) connection. Various forms of user input may be received including, but not limited to a pressing a hard button, actuating a soft user interface control, performing a gesture, speaking a command, or other suitable user input.; 0043, Fig. 3 — user device 300 may also include a user input control (e.g., hard button, a slider, a switch, or a soft button) to trigger the emitter and Bluetooth connection sequence. For example, the user device 300 may have a user input control 316 on the side of the housing 302, in this example a button, which when actuated by the user, causes a signal to be emitted from a transceiver 318].
But the combination of Nilsson and Campbell fails to clearly specify that receiving the input command comprises: detecting a constant button press for a predetermined time increment.
However, Brocker teaches receiving the input command comprises: detecting a constant button press for a predetermined time increment [0040 —  The control element is a reset button which has to be kept pressed for a predetermined period in order that the domestic appliance 2 transmits data to the server 3, on the basis of which the existing allocation to another user is deleted].
Nilsson, Campbell and Brocker are analogous art.  They relate to remote control systems, particularly involving wireless communication for appliances.
Therefore at the time the invention was made, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the above method, as taught by the combination of Nilsson and Campbell, by incorporating the above limitations, as taught by Brocker.
One of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to do this modification to prevent accidentally inputting a command when the button is unintentionally pressed momentarily.
Regarding claim 17, the combination of Nilsson, Campbell and Yu teaches all the limitations of the base claims as outlined above and this claim is otherwise rejected under the same rationale as claim 8.
Citation of Pertinent Prior Art
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Abdollahian et al. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20220095116 discloses a system and method for enabling a computing device to securely communicate with a peripheral computing device using light.
Note that any citations to specific, pages, columns, lines, or figures in the prior art references and any interpretation of the reference should not be considered to be limiting in any way.  A reference is relevant for all it contains and may be relied upon for all that it would have reasonably suggested to one having ordinary skill in the art.  See MPEP 2123.
Conclusion


NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Claims 1, 3-11 and 14-23 and  are pending.  Claims 2 and 12-13 are cancelled and claims 21-23 are new.
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
Claims 1, 3-11 and 14-23 are allowable over the prior art of record.
The following is the Examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
While Nilsson et al. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20170290077 teaches a method of operating a device including initiating a predetermined lighting sequence to establish the remote connection between the device and the remote device,  Campbell et al. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20230068447 teaches operating a laundry treatment appliance comprising at least one light source and receiving laundry operation instructions from the remote device via the remote connection and Abdollahian et al. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20220095116 teaches a system and method for enabling a computing device to securely communicate with a peripheral computing device using light.
None of these references taken either alone or in combination with the prior art of record discloses a method of operating a laundry treatment appliance in a commercial environment, the laundry treatment appliance comprising a user input panel, the user input panel comprising a plurality of light sources provided on the user input panel and an input provided on the user input panel, the plurality of light sources comprising a single light source associated with an appliance identifier, the method comprising:
receiving an input command from the input provided on the user input panel;
initiating a predetermined lighting sequence of the single light source associated with the appliance identifier in response to receiving the input command;
activating, via a controller of the laundry treatment appliance, a wireless connection module in response to initiating the predetermined lighting sequence;
receiving a request for a remote connection from a remote device at the wireless connection module after the predetermined lighting sequence has been decoded at a remote server in operative communication with the laundry treatment appliance and the remote device;
establishing the remote connection between the laundry treatment appliance and the remote device; and
receiving laundry operation instructions  corresponding to laundry settings for a laundry session specific to a user of the remote device from the remote device via the remote connection, as in independent claim 1,
or
a laundry operation system comprising:
a laundry treatment appliance comprising a user input panel;
a plurality of light sources provided on the user input panel, the plurality of light sources comprising a single light source associated with an appliance identifier;
an input provided on the user input panel, the input selectively receiving input commands;
a remote device configured to selectively interact with the laundry treatment appliance; and
a controller operably coupled to the laundry treatment appliance, the plurality of light sources, the input, and the remote device, the controller configured to perform a connection operation, the connection operation comprising:
receiving a first input command via the input;
deactivating the plurality of light sources in response to receiving the first input command;
initiating a predetermined lighting sequence of the single light source in response deactivating the plurality of light sources;
capturing, via a camera of the remote device, the predetermined lighting sequence in response to initiating the predetermined lighting sequence of the single light source;
decoding the predetermined lighting sequence into a remote connection request;
establishing a remote connection between the laundry treatment appliance and the remote device after decoding the predetermined lighting sequence; and
receiving laundry operation instructions corresponding to laundry settings for a laundry session specific to a user of the remote device from the remote device via the remote connection, as in independent claim 11.
The dependent claims, being definite, further limiting, and fully enabled by the specification are persuasive over the prior art of record and depend on the independent claims.
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

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20170290077A1: Claims:
A system for initiating a connection session, the system comprising: a sensor array; a gesture detection circuit communicatively coupled to the sensor array, the gesture detection circuit to: detect an air gesture performed by a user of the system based on data from the sensor array; and determine a classification of the air gesture; and a transceiver to transmit a signal to a receiver associated with a receiver device, to initiate a connection between the system and the receiver device, when the air gesture is recognized as a triggering gesture to initiate the connection.
a gesture detection circuit communicatively coupled to the sensor array, the gesture detection circuit to: detect an air gesture performed by a user of the system based on data from the sensor array; and determine a classification of the air gesture; and
detect an air gesture performed by a user of the system based on data from the sensor array; and
determine a classification of the air gesture; and
a transceiver to transmit a signal to a receiver associated with a receiver device, to initiate a connection between the system and the receiver device, when the air gesture is recognized as a triggering gesture to initiate the connection.
The system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor array comprises an accelerometer and a gyrometer.
The system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor array comprises an electromyography sensor.
The system of claim 1 , wherein the air gesture comprises twisting a wrist a predefined number of times.
The system of claim 1 , wherein the air gesture comprises forcefully pointing twice in substantially the same direction.
The system of claim 1 , wherein the transceiver is an infrared transceiver, and wherein the receiver associated with the receiver device is an infrared receiver.
The system of claim 1 , wherein the transceiver is a millimeter wave transceiver, and wherein the receiver associated with the receiver device is a millimeter wave receiver.
The system of claim 1 , wherein to initiate the connection between the system and the receiver device, the system is to: transmit a first signal to a receiver device, the first signal including a public key associated with the system; receive a response from the receiver device, the response including an encrypted public key of the receiver device, the public key of the receiver device encrypted with the public key associated with the system; and transmit a second signal to the receiver device, the second signal including an encrypted unique identifier, the unique identifier associated with the system and used to establish a Bluetooth connection between the system and the receiver device, and the unique identifier encrypted with the public key of the receiver device.
transmit a first signal to a receiver device, the first signal including a public key associated with the system;
receive a response from the receiver device, the response including an encrypted public key of the receiver device, the public key of the receiver device encrypted with the public key associated with the system; and
transmit a second signal to the receiver device, the second signal including an encrypted unique identifier, the unique identifier associated with the system and used to establish a Bluetooth connection between the system and the receiver device, and the unique identifier encrypted with the public key of the receiver device.
The system of claim 8 , wherein the transceiver is an infrared transceiver, wherein the receiver associated with the receiver device is an infrared receiver, and wherein the first signal and the second signals are infrared signals.
The system of claim 8 , wherein the transceiver is a directional millimeter wave transceiver, wherein the receiver associated with the receiver device is a directional millimeter wave receiver, and wherein the first signal and the second signals are millimeter wave signals.
The system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor array and the gesture detection circuit are disposed in a first user device, and the transceiver is disposed in a second user device that is communicatively coupled to the first transceiver device.
A method of initiating a connection session, the method comprising: detecting, at a first user device, an air gesture performed by a user of the first user device based on data from a sensor array incorporated into the first user device; determining a classification of the air gesture; and transmitting, from a second user device, a signal to a receiver associated with a receiver device, to initiate a connection between the user device and the receiver device, when the air gesture is recognized as a triggering gesture to initiate the connection.
detecting, at a first user device, an air gesture performed by a user of the first user device based on data from a sensor array incorporated into the first user device;
determining a classification of the air gesture; and
transmitting, from a second user device, a signal to a receiver associated with a receiver device, to initiate a connection between the user device and the receiver device, when the air gesture is recognized as a triggering gesture to initiate the connection.
The method of claim 12 , wherein the sensor array includes an accelerometer and a gyrometer incorporated into the first user device.
The method of claim 12 , wherein the sensor array includes an electromyography sensor.
The method of claim 12 , wherein the transceiver is an infrared transceiver, and wherein the receiver associated with the receiver device is an infrared receiver.
The method of claim 12 , wherein the transceiver is a millimeter wave transceiver, and wherein the receiver associated with the receiver device is a millimeter wave receiver.
The method of claim 12 , wherein initiating the connection between the user device and the receiver device comprises: transmitting a first signal to the receiver device, the first signal including a public key associated with the user device; receiving a response from the receiver device, the response including an encrypted public key of the receiver device, the public key of the receiver device encrypted with the public key associated with the user device; and transmitting a second signal to the receiver device, the second signal including an encrypted unique identifier, the unique identifier associated with the user device and used to establish a Bluetooth connection between the user device and the receiver device, and the unique identifier encrypted with the public key of the receiver device.
transmitting a first signal to the receiver device, the first signal including a public key associated with the user device;
receiving a response from the receiver device, the response including an encrypted public key of the receiver device, the public key of the receiver device encrypted with the public key associated with the user device; and
transmitting a second signal to the receiver device, the second signal including an encrypted unique identifier, the unique identifier associated with the user device and used to establish a Bluetooth connection between the user device and the receiver device, and the unique identifier encrypted with the public key of the receiver device.
At least one machine-readable medium including instructions for initiating a connection session, which when executed by a machine, cause the machine to: detecting, at a first user device, an air gesture performed by a user of the first user device based on data from a sensor array incorporated into the first user device; determining a classification of the air gesture; and transmitting, from a second user device, a signal to a receiver associated with a receiver device, to initiate a connection between the user device and the receiver device, when the air gesture is recognized as a triggering gesture to initiate the connection.
The at least one machine-readable medium of claim 18 , wherein the sensor array includes an accelerometer and a gyrometer incorporated into the first user device.
The at least one machine-readable medium of claim 18 , wherein the sensor array includes an electromyography sensor.
The at least one machine-readable medium of claim 18 , wherein the air gesture comprises twisting a wrist a predefined number of times.
The at least one machine-readable medium of claim 18 , wherein the air gesture comprises forcefully pointing twice in substantially the same direction.
The at least one machine-readable medium of claim 18 , wherein the transceiver is an infrared transceiver, and wherein the receiver associated with the receiver device is an infrared receiver.
The at least one machine-readable medium of claim 18 , wherein the transceiver is a millimeter wave transceiver, and wherein the receiver associated with the receiver device is a millimeter wave receiver.
The at least one machine-readable medium of claim 18 , wherein the instructions to initiate the connection between the user device and the receiver device comprise instructions, which when executed by the machine, cause the machine to: transmit a first signal to the receiver device, the first signal including a public key associated with the user device; receive a response from the receiver device, the response including an encrypted public key of the receiver device, the public key of the receiver device encrypted with the public key associated with the user device; and transmit a second signal to the receiver device, the second signal including an encrypted unique identifier, the unique identifier associated with the user device and used to establish a Bluetooth connection between the user device and the receiver device, and the unique identifier encrypted with the public key of the receiver device.
transmit a first signal to the receiver device, the first signal including a public key associated with the user device;
receive a response from the receiver device, the response including an encrypted public key of the receiver device, the public key of the receiver device encrypted with the public key associated with the user device; and
transmit a second signal to the receiver device, the second signal including an encrypted unique identifier, the unique identifier associated with the user device and used to establish a Bluetooth connection between the user device and the receiver device, and the unique identifier encrypted with the public key of the receiver device.
Ref US20230068447A1: Claims:
A household appliance, comprising: a user interface including a plurality of visible light-emitting indicators configured to convey primary operational information indicative of an operational aspect of the household appliance to a user during a normal operation of the household appliance; a processor configured to: obtain an error condition during an operation of the household appliance; determine an error code corresponding to the error condition; wait to detect a door switch actuation sequence on the household appliance to start a two-way communication; in response to detecting the door switch actuation sequence, cause the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators to transmit the error code to an external device that interprets the error code and communicates user diagnostics data corresponding to the error code to the user based on the two-way communication, wherein the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators are configured for the two-way communication between the household appliance and the external device by the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators receiving control signals from the external device.
a user interface including a plurality of visible light-emitting indicators configured to convey primary operational information indicative of an operational aspect of the household appliance to a user during a normal operation of the household appliance;
a processor configured to: obtain an error condition during an operation of the household appliance; determine an error code corresponding to the error condition; wait to detect a door switch actuation sequence on the household appliance to start a two-way communication; in response to detecting the door switch actuation sequence, cause the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators to transmit the error code to an external device that interprets the error code and communicates user diagnostics data corresponding to the error code to the user based on the two-way communication,
obtain an error condition during an operation of the household appliance;
determine an error code corresponding to the error condition;
wait to detect a door switch actuation sequence on the household appliance to start a two-way communication;
in response to detecting the door switch actuation sequence, cause the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators to transmit the error code to an external device that interprets the error code and communicates user diagnostics data corresponding to the error code to the user based on the two-way communication,
wherein the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators are configured for the two-way communication between the household appliance and the external device by the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators receiving control signals from the external device.
The household appliance of claim 1 , wherein the control signals are used for controlling the household appliance, reprogramming, or recalibration.
The household appliance of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to obtain an error signal indicative of diagnostic data of the household appliance and the external device interprets the error signal and communicates the diagnostics data to the user.
The household appliance of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of visible light-emitting indicator are configured for a Visible light communication (VLC) or an optical wireless communication (OWC).
The household appliance of claim 1 , wherein the external device is a portable device having a camera configured to interpret the communication signal.
The household appliance of claim 6 , wherein the external device communicates the diagnostics data to the user via an application installed on the portable device.
The household appliance of claim 7 , wherein a button sequence on the application is configured to start the two-way communication.
The household appliance of claim 1 , wherein one of a knob, or a button actuation sequence on the household appliance is configured to start the two-way communication.
The household appliance of claim 1 , wherein the household appliance is one of a refrigerator, a freezer, a cooking appliance, a microwave oven, an air fryer, a coffee maker, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a laundry center, or a dryer.
The household appliance of claim 1 , wherein the communication signal comprises repeated illuminations and deactivations of the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators at a predetermined frequency or illumination sequence.
The household appliance of claim 1 , wherein the visible light-emitting indicators include discrete light emitting diodes.
The household appliance of claim 1 , wherein the user interface comprises a plurality of visible light-emitting indicators configured to convey different primary operational information during the normal operation of the household appliance, and at least one visible light-emitting indicator of the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators is controllable by the processor to display respective different subsets of the communication signal.
A method for diagnosing a household appliance comprising a user interface including a plurality of visible light-emitting indicators and a processor, the method comprising the steps of: conveying, by the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators, primary operational information indicative of an operational aspect of the household appliance to a user during a normal operation of the household appliance; obtaining, by the processor, an error condition during an operation of the household appliance; determining, by the processor, an error code corresponding to the error condition; waiting to detect a door switch actuation sequence on the household appliance to start a two-way communication; causing, by the processor, the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators to transmit the error code to an external device based on the two-way communication; interpreting the error code, by the external device; and communicating between the household appliance and the external device regarding the user diagnostics data corresponding to the error code, wherein the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators are configured for the two-way communication between the household appliance and the external device by the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators receiving control signals from the external device.
conveying, by the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators, primary operational information indicative of an operational aspect of the household appliance to a user during a normal operation of the household appliance;
obtaining, by the processor, an error condition during an operation of the household appliance;
determining, by the processor, an error code corresponding to the error condition;
waiting to detect a door switch actuation sequence on the household appliance to start a two-way communication;
causing, by the processor, the plurality of visible light-emitting indicators to transmit the error code to an external device based on the two-way communication;
interpreting the error code, by the external device; and
communicating between the household appliance and the external device regarding the user diagnostics data corresponding to the error code,
The method of claim 14 , further comprising transmitting the control signals from the external device to the household appliance for controlling the household appliance, reprogramming, or recalibration.
The method of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of visible light-emitting indicator are configured for a Visible light communication (VLC) or an optical wireless communication (OWC).
The method of claim 14 , further comprising a step of waiting to detect one of a pre-determined button sequence to be inputted into one or more buttons of the appliance.
The method of claim 14 , further comprising a step of waiting to detect a pre-determined button sequence to be inputted into an application downloaded to the external device before starting said two-way communication.
Ref US20240292048A1: Claims:
A remote control device comprising: a plurality of keys: an IR module configured to perform IR communication in response to a part of the plurality of keys; and an RF module configured to perform RF communication in response to another part of the plurality of keys, wherein the RF module transmits wireless channel information to an image display apparatus at a first interval, and when pairing with the image display apparatus is not completed, transmits the wireless channel information at a second interval less than the first interval.
a plurality of keys:
an IR module configured to perform IR communication in response to a part of the plurality of keys; and
an RF module configured to perform RF communication in response to another part of the plurality of keys,
wherein the RF module transmits wireless channel information to an image display apparatus at a first interval, and when pairing with the image display apparatus is not completed, transmits the wireless channel information at a second interval less than the first interval.
The remote control device of claim 1 , wherein the RF module transmits a plurality of wireless channel information to the image display apparatus at the first interval, and wherein when the pairing with the image display apparatus is not completed after transmitting the wireless channel information at the first interval, the RF module transmits the plurality of wireless chan
[Truncated to input limit]