Office Action 2: Notice of Allowance (2025-03-03)

CLAIMS:
Listing of Claims:

AMENDMENT TO THE CLAIMSThis listing of claims will replace all prior versions, and listings, of claims in the application.

1.(Currently amended) A side mirror, comprising:
a camera provided on an exterior of a vehicle and configured to obtain an image of a rear environment; and a monitor provided inside the vehicle and configured to display the image obtained by the camera,
wherein the image displayed on the monitor has a focal length greater than a distance to a surface of the monitor from a user's location, wherein the monitor comprises:
a housing provided inside the vehicle;
an image source configured to output an image light of the image obtained by the camera;
a first mirror configured to refract and reflect an incident image light, based on the imagelight output from the image source being incident;
a second mirror on which the image light reflected from the first mirror is incident and configured to expand and reflect the incident image light;
a glass panel configured to project the image light reflected from the second mirror; and
a coating part provided on one side of the glass panel and configured to prevent optical interference.

2\. (Canceled)

3\. (Currently amended) The side mirror of claim \[\[2\]\] 1, wherein the image source is configured to output a two-dimensional (2D) image or a three-dimensional (3D) image.

4\. (Currently amended) The side mirror of claim \[\[2\]\] 1, wherein the image obtained by the camera is a 3D image,
the image source of the monitor comprises a light field display, and the light field display comprises a color filter configured to output the 3D image obtained by the camera, and an optical

member configured to separate the 3D image output from the color filter into a left eye image light and a right eye image light and output in different directions.

5\. (Original) The side mirror of claim 4, wherein the optical member comprises at least one of a barrier, a lenticular lens, a microlens array, a grating or a pinhole.

6\. (Currently amended) The side mirror of claim \[\[2\]\] 1, wherein the image source comprises a hologram display, and
the hologram display comprises a multi-directional backlight units (MDBUs), a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a holographic functional screen (HFS), and a lenticular lens array (LLA).

7\. (Currently amended) The side mirror of claim \[\[2\]\] 1, wherein the image obtained by the camera is a 3D image,
the image source comprises a floating display, and the floating display comprises a display configured to output the 3D image obtained by the camera, a first HoloLens configured to adjust a light path of a left eye image of the 3D image, and a second HoloLens configured to adjust a light path of a right eye image of the 3D image.

8\. (Original) The side mirror of claim 1, wherein the monitor comprises:
a housing provided inside the vehicle;
an image source configured to output an image light of the image obtained by the camera;
an optical member configured to reflect the image light output from the image source inside, and then output to an outside; and a coating part provided on one side of the optical member and configured to prevent optical interference.

9\. (Original) The side mirror of claim 8, wherein the image obtained by the camera is a 3D image, and the image source is one of a light field display, a hologram display or a floating display.

10\. (Original) The side mirror of claim 1, wherein the image obtained by the camera is a 3D image, and
the monitor comprises:
an image source configured to output a left eye image light and a right eye image light of the image obtained by the camera;
a waveguide plate comprising a first HoloLens configured to adjust a light path of the left eye image light, and a second HoloLens configured to adjust a light path of the right eye image light; and a coating part provided on one side of the waveguide plate and configured to prevent optical interference.

11\. (Currently amended) A vehicle, comprising:
a first camera configured to obtain a first image of a rear left environment;
a first monitor configured to display the first image obtained by the first camera;
a second camera configured to obtain a second image of a rear right environment; and
a second monitor configured to display the second image obtained by the second camera,
wherein the first image displayed on the first monitor has a focal length greater than a distance to a surface of the first monitor from a user's location, and the second image displayed on the second monitor has a focal length greater than a distance to a surface of the second monitor from the user's location,
wherein the first monitor comprises:
a housing provided inside the vehicle;
an image source provided inside the housing and configured to output an image light of the first image obtained by the first camera;
a first mirror provided inside the housing and configured to refract and reflect an incident image light, based on the image light output from the image source being incident;
a second mirror on which the image light reflected from the first mirror is incident and configured to expand and reflect the incident image light, the second mirror being provided inside the housing;
a glass panel provided outside the housing and configured to project the image light reflected from the second mirror; and

a coating part provided on one side of the glass panel and inside the housing and configured to prevent optical interference.

12\. (Original) The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the first monitor is provided inside a first A pillar provided on a left interior of the vehicle, and the second monitor is provided inside a second A pillar provided on a right interior of the vehicle.

13\. (Cancelled)

14\. (Currently amended) The vehicle of claim \[\[13\]\] 1, wherein the first image obtained by the first camera is a 3D image, and
the first monitor comprises one of a light field display, a hologram display or a floating display.

15\. (Original) The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the first monitor comprises:
a housing provided inside the vehicle;
an image source configured to output an image light of the first image obtained by the first camera;
an optical member configured to reflect the image light output from the image source inside, and then output to an outside; and a coating part provided on one side of the optical member and configured to prevent optical interference.

16\. (Original) The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the first image obtained by the first camera is a 3D image, and the first monitor comprises:
an image source configured to output a left eye image light and a right eye image light of the 3D image obtained by the first camera, a waveguide plate comprising a first HoloLens configured to adjust a light path of the left eye image light, and a second HoloLens configured to adjust a light path of the right eye image light; and a coating part provided on one side of the waveguide plate and configured to prevent optical interference.

17\. (Currently amended) A vehicle, comprising:
a first camera provided outside the vehicle and configured to obtain a first image of a rear left environment of the vehicle;
a first monitor provided inside the vehicle and configured to display the first image obtained by the first camera;
a second camera provided outside the vehicle and configured to obtain a second image of a rear right environment of the vehicle; and
a second monitor provided inside the vehicle and configured to display the second image obtained by the second camera,
wherein the first image displayed on the first monitor has a focal length greater than a distance to a surface of the first monitor from a user's location, and the second image displayed on the second monitor has a focal length greater than a distance to a surface of the second monitor from the user's location,
wherein each of the first monitor and the second monitor comprises:
a housing;
an image source provided inside the housing and configured to output an image light of the first image obtained by the first camera, or the second image obtained by the second camera;
a first mirror provided inside the housing and configured to refract and reflect an incident image light, based on the image light output from the image source being incident;
a second mirror on which the image light reflected from the first mirror is incident and configured to expand and reflect the incident image light, the second mirror being provided inside the housing;
a glass panel provided outside the housing and configured to project the image light reflected from the second mirror; and
a coating part provided on one side of the glass panel and inside the housing and configured to prevent optical interference.

18\. (Cancelled)

19\. (Currently amended) The vehicle of claim \[\[18\]\] 17, wherein the first image obtained by the first camera and the second image obtained by the second camera are 3D images, and each

of the first monitor and the second monitor comprises one of a light field display, a hologram display or a floating display.

20\. (Original) The vehicle of claim 17, wherein each of the first monitor and the second monitor comprises:
an image source configured to output an image light of the first image obtained by the first camera, or the second image obtained by the second camera, an optical member configured to reflect the image light output from the image source inside, and then output to an outside, and a coating part provided on one side of the optical member and configured to prevent optical interference.

21\. (Original) The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the first image obtained by the first camera and the second image obtained by the second camera are 3D images, and each of the first monitor and the second monitor comprises:
an image source configured to output a left eye image light and a right eye image light of a first 3D image obtained by the first camera or a second 3D image obtained by the second camera, a waveguide plate comprising a first HoloLens configured to adjust a light path of the left eye image light, and a second HoloLens configured to adjust a light path of the right eye image light, and a coating part provided on one side of the waveguide plate and configured to prevent optical interference.

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 . 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. There are a total of 18 claims and claims 1, 3-12,14-17 and 19-21 are pending.
Reasons for allowance
Claims 1, 3-12,14-17 and 19-21 are allowed.
The following is an Examiner's statement of reasons for allowance:
Consider claim 1, the best references found during the prosecution of the present application were, Marsh (US 2016/0090040 A1).  Marsh directed toward a vehicle monitoring device provides comprehensive monitoring of areas both outside and within a vehicle. The device includes a plurality of operational controls positioned within an interior space of a vehicle. A monitor is positioned in the vehicle and operationally coupled to a processor such that the monitor displays images transmitted to the monitor from the processor. Each of a plurality of cameras is communicatively coupled to the processor. The cameras include exterior cameras outwardly directed for exterior images and an interior camera directed towards the interior space of the vehicle communicating an image of the operator of the vehicle to the processor. A transmitter is communicatively coupled to the processor wherein the image of the operator of the vehicle is transmitted to an extrinsic device relative to the vehicle.  Marsh alone or in combination with any of the cited prior art of record fail to disclose, teach or suggest each and every limitation recited in claim 1 of the claimed invention when considered as a whole.  Therefore, claims 1, 3-12,14-17 and 19-21 are found allowable. Furthermore, the Applicants’ replies make evident the reasons for allowance, satisfying the “record as a whole” proviso of the rule 37 CFR 1.104(e). Specifically, the substance of applicants’ remarks, filed 01/27/2025, and amendment to the claims are persuasive, as such the reasons for allowance are in all probability evident from the record and no statement is deemed necessary (see MPEP 1302.14).
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 submission should be clearly labeled Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
Support for the claim amendments can be found throughout the specification and claims. No new matter is added.
Allowable Sub
j
ect Matter
Claims 2, 3-7, 13, 14, 18, 19 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base
claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
Claim Re
j
ection Under 35 U.S.C. 103
Claims 1 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over AURAND (DE 102021005083A1) in view of Busch et al. (US 2009/0284598, hereinafter Busch) as set forth on pages 3-4 of the office action. Claims 8-10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over AURAND in view of Busch and further in view of Lee (NPL Automotive augmented reality 3D head-up display based on light-field rendering with eye-tracking; pub. Sept. 2020) as set forth on pages 4-7 of the office action.
Claims 11, 12, 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim et al. (US 2018/0162274 A1) in view of Busch as set forth on pages 7-9 of the office action. Claims 15, 16, 20 and 21 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim in view of Busch and further in view of Lee as set forth on pages 9-11 of the office action.
Without acquiescing to the merits of the rejection, Applicant has amended independent claims 1, 11 and 17, from which the remaining claims depend, by incorporating allowable subject matter recited in dependent claims 2, 13 and 18. Accordingly, Applicant respectfully requests withdrawal of the above obviousness rejection.
Conclusion


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20200317213A1: Claims:
An in-vehicle information processing device comprising: a control unit that detects presence or absence of an abnormality of a first monitor that displays a first image captured by a first camera among a plurality of cameras that capture an image of a predetermined region including a rear side of a vehicle, and switches, when detecting the abnormality of the first monitor, from a first mode in which the first image is displayed on the first monitor to a second mode in which the first image is displayed on a second monitor different from the first monitor.
a control unit that detects presence or absence of an abnormality of a first monitor that displays a first image captured by a first camera among a plurality of cameras that capture an image of a predetermined region including a rear side of a vehicle, and switches, when detecting the abnormality of the first monitor, from a first mode in which the first image is displayed on the first monitor to a second mode in which the first image is displayed on a second monitor different from the first monitor.
The in-vehicle information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further generates monitor abnormality alert information informing the abnormality of the first monitor.
the control unit further generates monitor abnormality alert information informing the abnormality of the first monitor.
The in-vehicle information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further generates camera abnormality alert information on a basis of an abnormality of the first camera, the camera abnormality alert information informing the abnormality of the first camera on the first monitor in the first mode and informing the abnormality of the first camera on the second monitor in the second mode.
the control unit further generates camera abnormality alert information on a basis of an abnormality of the first camera, the camera abnormality alert information informing the abnormality of the first camera on the first monitor in the first mode and informing the abnormality of the first camera on the second monitor in the second mode.
The in-vehicle information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit switches from the first mode to the second mode on a basis of an input operation by a user.
the control unit switches from the first mode to the second mode on a basis of an input operation by a user.
An in-vehicle information processing system comprising: a plurality of cameras that capture an image of a predetermined region including a rear side of a vehicle; a plurality of monitors that display images captured by the plurality of cameras; and a control unit that detects presence or absence of an abnormality of a first monitor that displays a first image captured by a first camera among the plurality of cameras, and switches, when detecting the abnormality of the first monitor, from a first mode in which the first image is displayed on the first monitor to a second mode in which the first image is displayed on a second monitor different from the first monitor.
a plurality of cameras that capture an image of a predetermined region including a rear side of a vehicle;
a plurality of monitors that display images captured by the plurality of cameras; and
a control unit that detects presence or absence of an abnormality of a first monitor that displays a first image captured by a first camera among the plurality of cameras, and switches, when detecting the abnormality of the first monitor, from a first mode in which the first image is displayed on the first monitor to a second mode in which the first image is displayed on a second monitor different from the first monitor.
The in-vehicle information processing system according to claim 5 , wherein the first camera has first and second input/output systems that capture the image of the predetermined region including the rear side of the vehicle, and a camera control unit including an input/output abnormality detection section that detects an abnormality of the first input/output system and a camera output switching section that switches image input/output systems of the first camera from the first input/output system to the second input/output system.
the first camera has
first and second input/output systems that capture the image of the predetermined region including the rear side of the vehicle, and
a camera control unit including an input/output abnormality detection section that detects an abnormality of the first input/output system and a camera output switching section that switches image input/output systems of the first camera from the first input/output system to the second input/output system.
The in-vehicle information processing system according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit generates monitor abnormality alert information and camera abnormality alert information, the monitor abnormality alert information informing the abnormality of the first monitor on the second monitor in the second mode, the camera abnormality alert information informing an abnormality of the first camera on the second monitor in the second mode on a basis of the abnormality of the first camera, and the plurality of monitors display the monitor abnormality alert information and the camera abnormality alert information as a symbol mark.
the control unit generates monitor abnormality alert information and camera abnormality alert information, the monitor abnormality alert information informing the abnormality of the first monitor on the second monitor in the second mode, the camera abnormality alert information informing an abnormality of the first camera on the second monitor in the second mode on a basis of the abnormality of the first camera, and
the plurality of monitors display the monitor abnormality alert information and the camera abnormality alert information as a symbol mark.
The in-vehicle information processing system according to claim 7 , wherein the plurality of monitors include a first image capturing region in which a part of the vehicle is displayed and a second image capturing region in which an outside of the vehicle other than the part of the vehicle is displayed, and display the symbol mark in the second image capturing region.
the plurality of monitors include a first image capturing region in which a part of the vehicle is displayed and a second image capturing region in which an outside of the vehicle other than the part of the vehicle is displayed, and display the symbol mark in the second image capturing region.
The in-vehicle information processing system according to claim 8 , wherein the symbol mark is a mark that does not include a text.
the symbol mark is a mark that does not include a text.
The in-vehicle information processing system according to claim 5 , further comprising: a support member that is provided to be freely attachable/detachable to/from a vehicle body, supports the first camera and the first monitor, and has a joint connected to the first monitor, wherein the first monitor is configured to be freely rotatable about at least an axis around the joint.
a support member that is provided to be freely attachable/detachable to/from a vehicle body, supports the first camera and the first monitor, and has a joint connected to the first monitor, wherein
the first monitor is configured to be freely rotatable about at least an axis around the joint.
The in-vehicle information processing system according to claim 5 , further comprising: a user input unit that causes the control unit to switch from the first mode to the second mode on a basis of an input operation by a user.
a user input unit that causes the control unit to switch from the first mode to the second mode on a basis of an input operation by a user.
The in-vehicle information processing system according to claim 5 , wherein the second monitor is any of a room mirror substitute monitor, a side mirror substitute monitor, a navigation monitor, a center console monitor, and a meter panel.
the second monitor is any of a room mirror substitute monitor, a side mirror substitute monitor, a navigation monitor, a center console monitor, and a meter panel.
An information processing method comprising: detecting presence or absence of an abnormality of a first monitor that displays a first image captured by a first camera among a plurality of cameras that capture an image of a predetermined region including a rear side of a vehicle; and switching, when detecting the abnormality of the first monitor, from a first mode in which the first image is displayed on the first monitor to a second mode in which the first image is displayed on a second monitor different from the first monitor.
detecting presence or absence of an abnormality of a first monitor that displays a first image captured by a first camera among a plurality of cameras that capture an image of a predetermined region including a rear side of a vehicle; and
switching, when detecting the abnormality of the first monitor, from a first mode in which the first image is displayed on the first monitor to a second mode in which the first image is displayed on a second monitor different from the first monitor.
A program that causes an in-vehicle information processing device to perform: a step of detecting presence or absence of an abnormality of a first monitor that displays a first image captured by a first camera among a plurality of cameras that capture an image of a predetermined region including a rear side of a vehicle; and a step of switching, when detecting the abnormality of the first monitor, from a first mode in which the first image is displayed on the first monitor to a second mode in which the first image is displayed on a second monitor different from the first monitor.
a step of detecting presence or absence of an abnormality of a first monitor that displays a first image captured by a first camera among a plurality of cameras that capture an image of a predetermined region including a rear side of a vehicle; and
a step of switching, when detecting the abnormality of the first monitor, from a first mode in which the first image is displayed on the first monitor to a second mode in which the first image is displayed on a second monitor different from the first monitor.
Ref US20090284598A1: Claims:
A vision system for a vehicle, comprising: a camera mounted on the vehicle; a display source configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is mounted on the vehicle; and a display assembly comprising a screen configured to reflect images when the vision system is operating in a first mode and to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode.
a camera mounted on the vehicle;
a display source configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is mounted on the vehicle; and
a display assembly comprising a screen configured to reflect images when the vision system is operating in a first mode and to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode.
An overhead console for use in a motor vehicle at least partially housing a vision system having a camera mounted on the vehicle, comprising: a display source configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is coupled to the overhead console; and a display assembly comprising a screen configured to reflect images when the vision system is operating in a first mode and to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode.
a display source configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is coupled to the overhead console; and
An in-vehicle display for use in a motor vehicle for displaying images from a camera mounted on the vehicle, comprising: a control circuit configured to receive video signals from the camera; a display coupled to the vehicle in the rearview mirror location and comprising a screen portion configured to display video images from the video signals; and a lens configured to alter a focal length of the image displayed on the display assembly.
a control circuit configured to receive video signals from the camera;
a display coupled to the vehicle in the rearview mirror location and comprising a screen portion configured to display video images from the video signals; and
a lens configured to alter a focal length of the image displayed on the display assembly.
The display of claim 3 , wherein the lens is mounted between the display assembly and a vehicle occupant.
The display of claim 3 , wherein the lens is mounted between the display source and the display assembly.
The display of claim 3 , wherein the display assembly comprises a screen configured to reflect images when the vision system is operating in a first mode and to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode.
An overhead console for use in a motor vehicle at least partially housing a vision system having a camera mounted on the vehicle, comprising: a display source configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is mounted within the overhead console; a first screen portion attached to the vehicle configured to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode; and a second screen portion comprising a mirror portion for reflecting images; wherein the display source is configured to project video images onto the first screen portion, and wherein the second screen portion is configured with respect to the first screen portion in a manner to reflect the video image at a distance, with respect to the display source, greater than the distance between the display source and the second screen portion.
a display source configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is mounted within the overhead console;
a first screen portion attached to the vehicle configured to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode; and
a second screen portion comprising a mirror portion for reflecting images;
wherein the display source is configured to project video images onto the first screen portion, and wherein the second screen portion is configured with respect to the first screen portion in a manner to reflect the video image at a distance, with respect to the display source, greater than the distance between the display source and the second screen portion.
The overhead console of claim 7 , further comprising: a mounting bracket coupling the display source and the second screen portion so that the display source is parallel with respect to the second screen portion.
a mounting bracket coupling the display source and the second screen portion so that the display source is parallel with respect to the second screen portion.
The overhead console of claim 7 , wherein at least one of the first and second screen portions is deformable.
A vision system for a vehicle, comprising: a camera mounted on the vehicle; a display source connected to the camera and configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is mounted on the vehicle; and a display assembly comprising a screen configured to reflect images when the vision system is operating in a first mode and to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode; wherein the rear viewing system is configured to change between the first mode and second mode automatically.
a display source connected to the camera and configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is mounted on the vehicle; and
a display assembly comprising a screen configured to reflect images when the vision system is operating in a first mode and to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode;
wherein the rear viewing system is configured to change between the first mode and second mode automatically.
A method of displaying an image to an operator of a motor vehicle at an adjusted focal length, comprising: providing a display assembly configured to display an image, wherein the image defines a focal length with respect to any location in the motor vehicle; providing a lens configured to alter a perception of the focal length of the image with respect to the same location in the motor vehicle; and interposing the lens between the display assembly and the operator in a manner to effectuate the perception of a distorted focal length.
providing a display assembly configured to display an image, wherein the image defines a focal length with respect to any location in the motor vehicle;
providing a lens configured to alter a perception of the focal length of the image with respect to the same location in the motor vehicle; and
interposing the lens between the display assembly and the operator in a manner to effectuate the perception of a distorted focal length.
A vision system for a vehicle, comprising: a camera mounted on the vehicle; a display source connected to the camera and configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is mounted on the vehicle; and a display assembly comprising a screen configured to reflect images when the vision system is operating in a first mode and to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a second mode; wherein the rear viewing system is deformable, configured to have a flat surface or a concave surface and wherein the concave surface may be curved with respect to a lateral, horizontal and/or vertical axis.
wherein the rear viewing system is deformable, configured to have a flat surface or a concave surface and wherein the concave surface may be curved with respect to a lateral, horizontal and/or vertical axis.
A bracket for a vision system, comprising: a first distal end that includes a flange to which a reflective surface is coupled; and a second distal end that includes a flange to which a pivot assembly and screen portion is coupled; wherein the bracket is configured to enable the first distal end and second distal end to pivot with respect to an axis without changing the position of the of the first distal end and the second distal end with respect to another axis.
a first distal end that includes a flange to which a reflective surface is coupled; and
a second distal end that includes a flange to which a pivot assembly and screen portion is coupled;
wherein the bracket is configured to enable the first distal end and second distal end to pivot with respect to an axis without changing the position of the of the first distal end and the second distal end with respect to another axis.
A vision system with heads up display for a vehicle, comprising: a camera mounted on the vehicle; a display source configured to receive video signals from the camera, wherein the display source is mounted on the vehicle; and a display assembly comprising a selectively transparent screen portion configured to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a predetermined mode; wherein the screen portion may be located on a side window, windshield, overhead console, center stack console, instrument cluster, rear view mirror and/or any other location on the vehicle.
a display assembly comprising a selectively transparent screen portion configured to display video images from the display source when the vision system is operating in a predetermined mode;
wherein the screen portion may be located on a side window, windshield, overhead console, center stack console, instrument cluster, rear view mirror and/or any other location on the vehicle.
The vision sy
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