UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`ONITED STA TES 'PEPARTMENTOF'COMMERCE
`Vatted States Patent and Trademark Office
`Addr a COMMISSIONER COR PATENTS
`PUB 1450
`Al afdra.V ga 223131450
`www pt g
`
`APPLICATION NO
`
`111477 179
`
`FILING DATE
`06127/2006
`
`I
`
`J
`
`FIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`
`L GuaagHal
`
`J ATTORNEY DOCKET NO I
`CD06065
`
`CONFIRMATION NO
`
`4534
`
`04/01/2010
`7590
`60909
`CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
`198 CHAMPION COURT
`SAN JOSE CA 95134 1709
`
`EXAMINER
`
`ZIIOU HONG
`
`ART UNIT
`
`2629
`
`MAIL DATE
`
`04/01/2010
`
`PAPER NUMBER
`
`t.
`
`DELIVERY MODE
`
`PAPER
`
`Please find below ,and/dr attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding
`
`The time penod for reply if any is set in the attached communication
`
`PTOL 90A (Rev 04107)
`
`CY00002356
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`
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`
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`

`
`Application No
`
`11/477 179
`
`Applicants)
`
`GUANGHAI LI
`
`Office Action Summary
`
`Art Unit
`
`Examiner
`HONG ZHOU
`2629
`The MAILING DATE of this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address --
`Period for Reply
`A SHORTENED STATUTORY PERIOD FOR REPLY IS SET TO EXPIRE MONTH(S) OR THIRTY (30) DAYS
`WHICHEVER IS LONGER FROM THE MAILING DATE OF THIS COMMUNICATION
`Extensions of lime may be available under the provisions or 37 CFR 1 136(a)
`in no event however may a reply be timely filed
`after SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date of the communication
`If NO period for reply is speeded above the maximum statutory penod will apply and will expire SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date of this communication
`Failure to reply within the set pr extended penod for reply will by statute cause the application to become ABANDONED (35 USC § 133)
`Any reply received by the Office later than three months after the reeling date of this communication even if timely filed may reduce any
`earned patent term adiustmeal $ee 37 CFR 1 704(b)
`Status
`
`1)® Responsive to communication(s) filed on 05 February2010
`2a)® This action is FINAL
`2b)0 This action is non final
`3)0 Since this application Is In condition for allowance except for formal matters prosecution as to the merits Is
`closed in accordance with the practice under Ex parte Quayle 1935 C D 11 453 0 G 213
`
`Disposition of Claims
`
`4)181 Claim(s) 22 and 24 31 is/are pending in the application
`4a) Of the above claim(s)
`Is/are withdrawn from consideration
`5)q
`Claim(s)
`is/are allowed
`6)® Claim(s) 22and24 31 Is/are rejected
`7)0 Claim(s)
`is/are objected to
`Claim(s)
`are subject to restriction and/or election requirement
`8)q
`
`Application Papers
`
`9)0 The specification is objected to by the Examiner
`Islare a) q
`accepted or b)q
`objected to by the Examiner
`10)0 The drawing(s) filed on
`Applicant may not request that any objection to the drawmg(s) be held in abeyance See 37 CFR 1 65(a)
`Replacement drawing sheet(s) Including the correction Is required if the drawing(s) is objected to See 37 CFR 1 121(d)
`11)0 The oath or declaration is objected to by the Examiner Note the attached Office Action or form PTO 152
`
`Priority under 35 U S C § 119
`
`12)0 Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U S C § 119(a) (d) or (f)
`a)0 All b)q
`Some * c)q
`None of
`
`1 0 Certified copies of the priority documents have been received
`
`2 q
`3 q
`
`Certified copies of the priority documents have been received In Application No
`Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been received in this National Stage
`application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17 2(a))
`See the attached detailed Office action for a list of the certified copies not received
`
`Attachment(s)
`1)q
`Notice of References Cited (PTO 892)
`2) q
`Notice of Draftsperson s Patent Drawing Review (PTO 948)
`3) q
`Information Disclosure Statement(a) (PTO/SB/08)
`Paper No(s)Ned Date
`U S Patent and Trademark Odin
`PTOL 326 (Rev 08 06)
`
`Office Action Summary
`
`4) q
`
`5)q
`6)q
`
`Interview Summary (PTO-413)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date _
`Notice of Informal Patent Apphcabon
`Other
`
`Part of Paper No /Mail Date 20100318
`
`CY00002357
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`Application/Control Number 11/477,179
`Art Unit 2629
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`Page 2
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`DETAILED ACTION
`
`Response to Amendment
`
`1
`
`Applicant's amendment filed on February 5, 2010 has been entered Claim 22 has been
`
`amended Claims 22 and 24-31 are pending in this application, with claim 22 being independent
`
`claim
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
`
`2
`
`The following is a quotation of 35 U S C 103(a) which forms the basis for all
`
`obviousness rejections set forth m this Office action
`
`(a) A patent may not be obtained though the Invention is not Identically disclosed ordescribed as set forth in
`section 102 of this title if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are
`such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person
`having ordinary skill to the art to which said subject matter pertains Patentability shall not be negatived by the
`manner in which the invention was made
`
`3
`
`Claims 22 and 24-31 are rejected under 35 U S C 103(a) as being unpatentable over
`
`Chien et al (US 2006/0232559, hereinafter Chien) in view of Gttzmger et at (US 2006/0097992
`
`hereinafter Gitziriger)
`
`Regarding claim 22, Chien discloses an apparatus (see Fig 15), comprising
`
`a sensing device (e g , capacitive touchpad 950, [0031]) having a plurality of sensor
`
`elements (e g , key operation conductor 9582) that are electrically coupled to detect a presence of
`
`a conductive object on the sensing device (e g , detecting a finger of a user on the sensing device,
`
`see [00311), wherein the plurality of sensor elements correspond to a plurality of button
`
`operations (the sensor elements corresponds to keys 1 2 and 3), a keyboard (see keys 1, 2, 3,
`
`Fig 15, also see Fig 12) coupled to the sensing device, wherein the keyboard comprises a
`
`plurality of keys (e g , keys 1, 2, and 3 are corresponding to key operation conductor 9582
`
`respectively, see Fig 15) that correspond to the plurality of sensor elements, and a processing
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`CY00002358
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`Application/Control Number 11/477,179
`Art Unit 2629
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`Page 3
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`device (e g , control circuit 802, Fig 12) coupled to the sensing device to distinguish a particular
`
`button operation from among the plurality of button operations when a particular key of the
`
`plurality of keys of the keyboard is pressed (see [0030]-[0032]), wherein the sensing device
`
`compnses a routing layer (9582, Fig 12) comprising the plurality of sensor elements, wherein
`
`the routing layer is coupled to the processing device (e g , control circuit 802, see Fig 12), a pad
`
`layer (954, Fig 15) comprising conductive material that corresponds to the plurality of keys
`
`(e g , conductor 954 are corresponding to keys 1, 2 and 3, see [0031]), wherein the conductive
`
`material of the particular key is detected by the routing layer when the particular key is pressed
`
`(see [0031]), and an insulating layer configured to electrically isolate the pad layer and the
`
`routing layer, wherein the insulting layer is disposed between the routing layer anti thcpad layer
`
`(see insulting layer 956 separates the pad layer 954 and routing layer 9682)
`
`Chien discloses all the limitation of claim 1 except wherein the pad laver dges not
`
`directly contact the routing layer when the particular key is Dressed
`
`Gitzinger'discloses a keypad (see Fig 7 and [0036]) comprising a plurality of sensing
`
`elements having different discrete surfaces (826, 828, 830, see Fig 8 and [0037]) wherein the
`
`keypad comprises an Insulating layer (e g , plastic housing member 722, Fig 8) and a routing
`
`layer (e g , 840) Gitzmger further discloses wherein a conductive object (e g , a user s finger)
`
`does not directly contact the routing layer when a key on the keypad is pressed (e g , the keypad
`
`is printed on the Insulating layer, see [0036]), and a processing device (e g , controller 118, see
`
`Fig 3) obtains the position of the key on the keypad when a capacitance produced by the
`
`conductive object and a sensing element corresponding to the key changes (see [0029]40030])
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`Application/Control Number 11/477,179
`Art Unit 2629
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`Page 4
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`At the time of the invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in
`
`the art to use the Insulating layer and the routing layer of Gitzinger in the apparatus of Chien to
`
`have a pad layer operated as a conductive object and to improve the apparatus by providing
`
`sensing elements with different discrete surfaces, because each of the discrete surfaces of the
`
`routing layer of Gitzinger would produce different capacitance when faced m close proximity by
`
`a conductive object Furthermore, It would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the
`
`art to modify the apparatus of Chien with the processing device of Gitzinger for distinguishing a
`
`particular key operation based on capacitive charactenstics of each of discrete surfaces, because
`
`the processing device of Gitzinger allows a simpler Interconnect, lower weight and improved
`
`reliability (see [0028] of Grtzmger)
`
`Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the
`
`teachings Chien and Gitzinger to obtain the Invention as specified In claim 22
`
`Regarding claim 24, Chien as modified by Grtzmger does not specifically discloses the
`
`apparatus of claim 22, further compnsing a plastic film coupled between the plurality of keys
`
`and the pad layer of the sensing device
`
`It is well known in the art of keyboard assembly to provide a plastic film between a
`
`plurality of keys and a pad layer to form a protective dust and moisture seal and strengthen the
`
`keyboard assembly Thus, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at
`
`the time the invention was made to further provide a plastic film between a plurality of keys and
`
`a pad layer of Chien as modified by Grtzmger in order to protect the pad layer from dust and
`
`moisture
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`Application/ControlNumber 11/477,179
`Art Unit 2629
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`Page 5
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`Regarding claim 25, Chien as modified by Gitzmger disclose the apparatus of claim 22
`
`Gitzmger further discloses wherein a first key of the plurality of keys has a larger corresponding
`
`conductive material than a second key of the plurality of keys (e g , a first key 3 has a larger
`
`corresponding copper trace 830 than copper trace 828 which corresponding to a second key 2,
`
`see Fig 8 and [0037])
`
`Regarding claim 26 ; Chien as modified by Gitzmger discloses the apparatus of claim 25
`
`Gitzmger further discloses wherein the processing device is configured to recognize that the first
`
`key hail been pressed when the presence of the corresponding conductive material of the pad
`
`layer is detected on a first sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements in the routing layer
`
`(e g , the first key 3 has been pressed when a conductive object is detected on the first sensing
`
`element 830, see Figs 3, 7 and 8 of Gitzmger), and to recognize that the second key has been
`
`pressed when the presence of the corresponding conductive material of that pad layer is detected
`
`on a second sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements in the routing layer (e g , the
`
`second key 2 has been pressed when the conductive object is detected on the second sensing
`
`element 830, see Figs 3, 7 and 8 of Gitzmger)
`
`Regarding claim 27, Chien as modified by Gitzinger discloses the apparatus of claim 22
`
`Gitzmger further discloses wherein a first sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements in
`
`the routing layer comprises a first sensitivity (e g , the first sensor element corresponding to key
`
`A has a frequency range of FI-F2, see Fig 6) and a second sensor element of the plurality of
`
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`Application/Control Number 11/477,179
`Art Unit 2629
`
`Page 6
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`sensor elements in the routing layer comprises a second sensitivity(e g , the second sensor
`
`element corresponding to key B has a frequency range of F3-F4), wherein the first sensitivity is
`
`greater than the second sensitivity(the sensitivity of frequency range of F1-F2 is greater than the
`
`sensitivity of frequency range of F3-F4, see Fig 6), and wherein the processing device (118) is
`
`configured to distinguish the particular key that has been pressed based on the first sensitivity of
`
`the first sensor element and the second sensitivity of the second sensor element (see Fig 6 and
`
`[0034]-[0035)
`
`Regarding claim 28, Chien as modified by Gitzinger discloses the apparatus of claim 27
`
`Gitzmger further discloses wherein the first and second sensor elements are electrically coupled
`
`(see Fig 3)
`
`Regarding claim 29, Chien as modified by Gitzinger discloses the apparatus of claim 27
`
`Gitzmger further discloses wherein the first and second sensor elements are coupled to the
`
`processing device using one pin (see Fig 3)
`
`Regarding claim 30, Chien as modified by Gitzinger discloses the apparatus of claim 22
`
`Gitzinger further discloses wherein the processing device is configured to determine a
`
`capacitance on the sensing device (e g , measunng the time constant RC which includes a
`
`capacitance of finger on the capacitive sensing device 310, see [0029]-[0030]), and wherein
`
`processing device is configured to recognize that a first key of the plurality of keys is pressed
`
`when the capacitance is greater than a first sensitivity threshold (e g , detecting key A is pressed
`
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`Application/Control Number 1 1/477,179
`Art Unit 2629
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`Page 7
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`when the detected capacitance is greater than RC1 or frequency Fl, see Fig' 6 and [0034]
`
`[0035]) and that a second key of the plurality of plurality of keys is pressed when the capacitance
`
`is less than the first sensitivity threshold and greater than a second sensitivity threshold
`
`(detecting key B is pressed when the detected capacitance is less than the time constant RC1 or
`
`frequency Fl and greater than the time constant RC3 or frequency F3, see Fig 6)
`
`Regarding claim 31, Chien as modified by Gitzmger discloses the apparatus of claim 30
`
`Gitzmger further discloses wherein the first and second sensitivity thresholds are greater than a
`
`presence threshold (e g , the frequencies Fl and F3 are greater than frequency F5, Fig 6),
`
`whcrem the presence threshold is configured to indicate the detected presence of the conductive
`
`object by the routing layer (e g , indicating the detected presence of a finger on key C)
`
`4
`
`Applicant's arguments with respect to claim 22 have been considered but are moot in
`
`Response to Arguments
`
`view of the new ground(s) of rejection
`
`Conclusion
`
`5
`
`Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this
`
`Office action Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL See MPEP § 706 07(a)
`
`Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1 136(a)
`
`A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE
`
`MONTHS from the mailing date of this action In the event a first reply is filed within TWO
`
`MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after
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`Apphcation/Control Number 11/477,179
`Art Unit 2629
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`Page 8
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`the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period
`
`will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee pursuant to 37
`
`CFR 1 136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action In no event,
`
`however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the date of this
`
`final action
`
`Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the
`
`examiner should be directed to HONG ZHOU whose telephone number is (571)270-5372 The
`
`examiner can normally be, reached on Monday through Friday 8 30 A M - 5PM
`
`If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner's
`
`supervisor, Amare Mengistu can be reached on (571)272-7674 The fax phone number for the
`
`organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300
`
`Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent
`
`Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system Status information for published applications
`
`may be obtained from either Pnvate PAIR or Public PAIR Status information for unpublished
`
`applications is available through Private PAIR only For more information about the PAIR
`
`system, see http //pair-direct uspto gov Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR
`
`system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free) If you would
`
`like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated
`
`information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000
`
`/H Z /
`Examiner, Art Unit 2629
`
`/Amare Mengistu/
`
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`Application/Control Number 11/477,179
`Art Unit 2629
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`Page 9
`
`Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2629
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`r
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`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT 'OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Adds ss COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`P O 8 1450
`AI andnyV gn ' 23131450
`www Ps g
`
`APPLICATION NO
`
`FILING DATE
`
`rIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET NO I
`
`CONFpiMATION NO
`
`11/477179
`
`06/27/2006
`
`Lt OuangFlal
`
`CD06065
`
`4534
`
`7590
`60909
`11/2A/2010
`CYPRESS SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
`198 CHAMPION COURT
`SAN JOSE CA 95134 1709
`
`EXAMINER
`
`ZHOU HONG
`
`ART UNIT
`
`PAPER NUMBER
`
`2629
`
`MAIL DATE
`
`DELIVERY MODE
`
`11/24/2010
`
`PAPER
`
`Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding
`
`The time penod for reply If any is set in the attached communication
`
`PTOL 90A (Rev 04/07)
`
`CY00002366
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`
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`
`
`
`

`
`Office Action Summary
`
`Application No
`
`11/477 179
`
`Examiner
`
`Appllcant(s)
`
`GUANGHAI LI
`
`Art Unit
`
`2629
`HONG ZHOU
`The MAILING DATE of this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address -
`Period for Reply
`
`A SHORTENED STATUTORY PERIOD FOR REPLY IS SET TO EXPIRE 3 MONTH(S) OR THIRTY (30) DAYS
`WHICHEVER IS LONGER FROM THE MAILING DATE OF THIS COMMUNICATION
`Extensions of tare may be available under the provisions of 37 CFR 1 136(a) In no event however may a reply be timely filed
`after SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date of this communication
`II NO period for reply is specified above the maximum statutory penod will apply and will expire SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date of this communication
`Failure to reply within the set or extended . penod for reply will by statute cause the application to become ABANDONED (35 U S C § 133)
`Any reply received by the Office later than three months after the mailing date of this communication even if timely filed may reduce any
`earned patent term adryatmenl See 37 CFR 1 704(b)
`Status
`
`1)® Responsive to communIcation(s) filed on 29 October2010
`. 2a)® This action is FINAL
`2b)0 This action is non final
`3)0 Since this application is In condition for allowance except for formal matters prosecution as to the merits is
`closed in accordance with the practice under Ex parte Quayle 1935 C D 11 453 0 G 213
`
`Disposition of Claims
`
`4)® Claim(s) 22and24 31 is/are pending in the application
`Islare withdrawn from consideration
`4a) Of the above claim(s)
`5)0 Claim(s)
`Islare allowed
`6)® Clalm(s) 22and,2431 Islare rejected
`7)0 Claim(s)
`Islare objected to
`8)q
`Clalm(s)
`are subject to restriction and/or election requirement
`
`Application Papers
`
`9)0 The specification is objected to by the Examiner
`Islare a)q
`accepted or b)q
`objected to by the Examiner
`10)0 The drawing(s) filed on
`Applicant may not request that any objection to the drawing(s) be held in abeyance See 37 CFR 1 85(a)
`Replacement drawing sheet(s) including the correction is required if the drawing(s) is objected to See 37 CFR 1 121(d)
`The oath or declaration is objected to by the Examiner Note the attached Office Action or form PTO 152
`
`11)q
`
`Priority under 35 U S C § 119
`
`12)0 Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U S C § 119(a)-(d) or (f)
`a)0 All b) q Some a 6)0 None of
`1 q
`Certified copies of the prlonty documents have been received
`2 q
`Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No
`3 q
`Copies of ,the certified copies of the priority documents have been received in this National Stage
`application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17 2(a))
`See the attached detailed Office action for a list of the certified copies not received
`
`Attachment(s)
`1)
`Notice of References Cited (PTO 892)
`2)
`Notice of Draftsperson s Patent Drawing Review (PTO 948)
`3)
`Information Disclosure Statements) (PTO/SB/08)
`PaperNo(s)IMad Data
`U S Patens and Trademark Office
`PTOL 326 (Rev 08 06)
`
`Office Action Summary
`
`4) q
`
`5) q
`6) q
`
`Interview Summary (PTO-413)
`Paper No(syMail Date
`Notice of Informal Patent Apphcahon
`Olher
`
`Part of Paper No /Mad Date 20101120
`
`CY00002367
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`

`
`r
`
`Application/ControlNumber 11/477,179
`Art Unit 2629
`
`Paget
`
`DETAILED ACTION
`
`Response to Amendment
`
`1
`
`Applicant's amendment filed on October 10, 2010 has been entered No claims have
`
`been amended Claims 22 and 24-31 are pending in this application, with claim 22 being
`
`independent claim
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
`
`2
`
`The following is a quotation of 35 U S C 103(a) which forms the basis for all
`
`obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action
`
`(a) A patent may not be obtained though the invention is not identically disclosed or descnbed as set forth in
`section 102 of this title if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are
`such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person
`having ordinary skill In the art to which said subject matter pertains Patentability shall not be negatived by the
`manner in which the Invention was made
`
`3
`
`Claims 22 and 24-31 are rejected under 35 U S C 103(a) as being unpatentable over
`
`Chien et al (US 2006/0232559, hereinafter Chien) in view of Gitzmger et al (US 2006/0097992,
`
`hereinafter Gitzmger)
`
`Regarding claim 22, Chien discloses an apparatus (see Fig 15), comprising
`
`a sensing device (e g , capacitive touchpad 950, [0031]) having a plurality of sensor
`
`elements (e g , key operation conductor 9582) that are electrically coupled to detect a presence of '
`
`a conductive object on the sensing device (e g , detecting a finger of a user on the sensing device,
`
`see [0031]), wherein the plurality of sensor elements correspond to a plurality of button
`
`operations (the sensor elements corresponds to keys 1, 2 and 3), a keyboard (see keys 1, 2, 3,
`
`Fig 15, also see Fig 12) coupled to the sensing device, wherein the keyboard comprises a
`
`plurality of keys (e g , keys 1, 2, and 3 are corresponding to key operation conductor 9582
`
`respectively, see Fig 15) that correspond to the plurality of sensor elements, and a processing
`
`CY00002368
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`

`
`Application/Control Number 11/477,179
`Art Unit 2629
`
`Page 3
`
`device (e g, control circuit 802, Fig 12) coupled to the sensing device to distinguish a particular
`
`button operation from among the plurality of button operations when a particular key of the
`
`plurality of keys ofrthe keyboard is pressed (see [0030]-[0032]), wherein the sensing device
`
`comprises
`
`a routing layer (9582, Fig 12) comprising the plurality of sensor elements, wherein the
`
`routing layer is coupled to the processing device (e g , control circuit 802, see Fig 12),
`
`a pad layer (954, Fig 15) comprising conductive material that corresponds to the
`
`plurality of keys (e g , conductor 954 are corresponding to keys 1, 2 and 3, see [0031]), wherein
`
`the conductive material of the particular key is detected by the routing layer when the particular
`
`key is pressed (sec [0031 ]), and wherein the pad layer is disposed underneath the plurality of
`
`keys (Fig 15, the pad layer 954 is disposed underneath the keys 952), and
`
`an insulating layer configured to electrically isolate the pad layer and the routing layer,
`
`wherein the insulting layer is disposed between the routing layer and the pad layer (see insulting
`
`layer 956 separates the pad layer 954 and routing layer 9682)
`
`Chien discloses all the limitation of claim 1 except wherein the pad layer disposed
`
`underneath the plurality of keys does not directly contact the routing layer when the particular
`
`key is pressed
`
`Gitzinger discloses a keypad (see Fig 7 and [0036]) comprising a plurality of sensing
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`elements having different discrete surfaces (826, 828, 830, see Fig 8 and [0037]) wherein the
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`keypad comprises an insulating layer (e g , plastic housing member 722, Fig 8) and a routing
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`layer (e g , 840) Gitzinger further discloses wherein a conductive object (e g , a user's finger)
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`does not directly contact the routing layer when a key on the keypad is pressed (e g , the keypad
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`ApplicationlControl Number 111477,179
`Art Unit 2629
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`Page 4
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`is printed on the insulating layer, see [0036]), and a processing device (e g , controller 118, see
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`Fig 3) obtains the position of the key on the keypad when a capacitance produced by the
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`conductive object and a sensing element corresponding to the key changes (see [0029]-[0030])
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`At the time of the invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in
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`the art to use the insulating layer and the routing layer of Gitztnger in the apparatus of Chien for
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`producing various capacitance by the pad layer 954 operated as an conductive object and the
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`routing layer having sensing elements with different discrete surfaces, because each of the
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`discrete surfaces of the routing layer of Gitztnger would produce different capacitance when
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`faced in close proximity by a conductive object Furthermore, it would have been obvious to a
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`person of ordinary skill in the art to modify the apparatus of Chien with the processing device of
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`Gitztnger for distinguishing a particular key operation based on capacitive characteristics of each
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`of discrete surfaces, because the processing device of Gitztnger allows a simpler interconnect,
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`lower weight and improved reliability (see [0028] of Grtzinger)
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`Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to combine the
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`teachings Chien and Gitzmger to obtain the invention as specified in claim 22
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`Regarding claim 24, Chien as modified by Gitzmger does not specifically discloses the
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`apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a plastic film coupled between the plurality of keys
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`and the pad layer of the sensing device
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`It is well known in the art of keyboard assembly to provide a plastic film between a
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`plurality of keys and a pad layer to form a protective dust and moisture seal and strengthen the
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`keyboard assembly Thus, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art at
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`Application/Control Number 11/477,179
`Art Unit 2629
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`Page 5
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`the time the invention was made to further provide a plastic film between a plurality of keys and
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`a pad layer of Chien as modified by Gitzinger in order to protect the pad layer from dust and
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`moisture
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`Regarding claim 25, Chien as modified by Gitzmger disclose the apparatus of claim 22
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`Gitzinger further discloses wherein a first key of the plurality of keys has a Larger corresponding
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`conductive matenal than a second key of the plurality of keys (e g , a first key 3 has a larger
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`corresponding copper trace 830 than copper trace 828 which corresponding to a second key 2,
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`see Fig 8 and [0037])
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`Regarding claim 26 ; Chien as modified by Gitzmger discloses the apparatus of claim 25
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`Gitzmger further discloses wherein the processing device is configured to recognize that the first
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`key has been pressed when the presence of the corresponding conductive matenal of the pad
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`layer is detected on a first sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements in the routing layer
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`(e g , the first key 3 has been pressed when a conductive object is detected on the first sensing
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`element 830, see Figs 3, 7 and 8 of Gitzinger), and to recognize that the second key has been
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`pressed when the presence of the corresponding conductive material of that pad layer is detected
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`on a second sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements in the routing layer (e g the
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`second key 2 has been pressed when the conductive object is detected on the second sensing
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`element 830, see Figs 3, 7 and 8 of Gitzinger)
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`Application/Control Number 11/477,179
`Art Unit 2629
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`Page 6
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`Regarding claim 27, Chien as modified by Gitzmger discloses the apparatus of claim 22
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`Gitzmger further discloses wherein a first sensor element of the plurality of sensor elements in
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`the routing layer comprises a first sensitivity (e g , the first sensor element corresponding to key
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`A has a frequency range of F1-F2, see Fig 6) and a second sensor element of the plurality of
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`sensor elements in the routing layer comprises a second sensitivity(e g , the second sensor
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`element cor responding to key B has a frequency range of F3-F4), wherein the first sensitivity is
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`greater than the second sensitivity(the sensitivity of frequency range of F1-F2 is greater than the
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`sensitivity of frequency range of F3-F4, see Fig 6), and wherein the processing device (118) is
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`configured to distinguish the particular key that has been pressed based on the first sensitivity of
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`the first sensor clement and the second sensitivity of the second sensor element (see Fig 6 and
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`[0034]-[0035)
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`Regarding claim 28, Chien as modified by Gitzmger discloses the apparatus of claim 27
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`Gitzinger further discloses wherein the first and second sensor elements are electrically coupled
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`(see Fig 3)
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`Regarding claim 29, Chien as modified by Gitzmger discloses the apparatus of claim 27
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`Gitzinger further discloses wherein the first and second sensor elements are coupled to the
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`processing device using one pin (see Fig 3)
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`' Regarding claim 30, Chien as modified by Gitzmger discloses the apparatus of claim 22
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`Gitzmger further discloses wherein the processing device is configured to determine a
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`Application/Control Number 11/477,179
`Art Unit 2629
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`Page 7
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`capacitance on the sensing device (e g , measunng the time constant RC which Includes a
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`capacitance of finger on the capacitive sensing device 310, see [0029]-[0030]), and wherein
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`processing device is configured to recognize that a first key of the plurality of keys is pressed
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`when the capacitance is greater than a first sensitivity threshold (e g , detecting key A is pressed
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`when the detected capacitance is greater than RC1 or frequency Fl, see Fig 6 and [0034]-
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`[0035]) and that a second key of the plurality of plurality of keys is pressed when the capacitance
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`is less than the first sensitivity threshold and greater than a second sensitivity threshold
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`(detecting key B is pressed when the detected capacitance is less than the time constant RC1 or
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`frequency F1 and greater than the time constant RC3 or frequency F3, see Fig 6)
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`Regarding claim 31, Chien as modified by Gitzinger discloses the apparatus of claim 30
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`Gitzinger further discloses wherein the first and second sensitivity thresholds are greater than a
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`presence threshold (e g , the frequencies F1 and F3 are greater than frequency F5, Fig 6),
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`wherein the presence threshold is configured to Indicate the detected presence of the conductive
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`object by the routing layer (e g , indicating the detected presence of a finger on key C)
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`Response to Arguments
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`4
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`Applicant's arguments, filed October 10, 2010, with respect to claim 22 have been fully
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`considered but they are not persuasive
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`On pages 5 and 6 of the Applicant's remarks, the Applicant argues that the combination
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`of Chien and Gitzinger would require a substantial reconstruction and redesign of Chien as well
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`as change the baste principle under which Chien s touchpad was designed to operate, thus one of
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`Application/Control Number 11/477,179
`Art Unit 2629
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`Page 8
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`ordinary skill to the art would not have reason not be motivated to combine the cited references
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`The Examiner respectfully disagrees because (1) the principle operation of Chien is merely to
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`trigger a key operation based on a voltage change, and merely using a first conductive layer
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`connecting a second conductive layer through a hole of an insulting layer between the first
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`r
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`conductive layer and the second conductive layer (2) the combination of Chien and Gitzinger
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`would require a mere a substitution of the insulation layer with an insulting layer of Gitzinger
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`that does not contain any holes and trigger a key operation based on a capacitance change
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`between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, and which would require
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`only routine skill in the art (3) the combination of Chien and Gitzinger would provide a
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`capacitive touchpad having a simpler interconnect, lower weight and improved reliability by
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