Apple Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. et al

Filing 559

Declaration of Deok Keun Matthew Ahn in Support of #558 Response ( Non Motion ), filed byApple Inc.. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit 1.01, #2 Exhibit 1.02, #3 Exhibit 1.03, #4 Exhibit 1.04, #5 Exhibit 1.05, #6 Exhibit 1.06, #7 Exhibit 1.07, #8 Exhibit 1.08, #9 Exhibit 1.09, #10 Exhibit 1.10, #11 Exhibit 1.11, #12 Exhibit 1.12, #13 Exhibit 1.13)(Related document(s) #558 ) (Jacobs, Michael) (Filed on 12/29/2011)

EXHIBIT 1.10

Application No.
08/821,004
Examiner

II1terview Stirninarit

Applicant(s)

Crescelle Delatorre

Christensen
Group Art Unit

2415

A¡i participants (applicant, applicant's representative, PTO personnel):

p ) Crescelle Delatorre - Patent Examiner

(3)

(2) ludith Szepesi - Applicant's Representative

(4)

Date of Interview
Type:

Telephonic

Oct 28, 1997
O Personal (copy is given to

Exhibit shown or demonstration conducted:

Agreement O was reached.

O Yes

O applicant

O applicant's representative).

No. If yes, brief description:

was not reached.

Claim(s) discussed: 1
Identification of prior art discussed:
Cohausz (EPO O 584 392 A1)

Description of the general nature of what was agreed to if an agreement was reached, or any other comments:
Applicant's representative discussed the difference between the present invention and the Cohausz reference, and
pointed out that Cohausz does not teach a status har for a plurality of application programs, but rather teaches a status
indicator for a sinale Drocram. It was succested that analicant amend the indenendent claims to make the above ooint
rnore clear bv amendina the Dhrase "individual Drocrammina modules" which the examiner interoreted as individual
orocrammina fields reoresentina nortions of a sinole Drocram.

(A fuller description, if necessary, and a copy of the amendments, if available, which the examiner agreed would render
the claims allowable must be attached. Also, where no copy of the amendents which would render the claims allowable
is available, a summary thereof must be attached.)
L

It is not necessary for applicant to provide a separate record of the substance of the interview.

Unless the paragraph above has been checked to indicate to the contrary, A FORMAL WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE
LAST OFFICE ACTION IS NOT WAIVED AND MUST INCLUDE THE SUBSTANCE OF THE INTERVIEW. (See MPEP
Section 713.04). If a response to the last Office action has already been filed, APPLICANT IS GIVEN ONE MONTH
FROM THIS INTERVIEW DATE TO FILE A STATEMENT OF THE SUBSTANCE OF THE INTERVIEW.

2. O

Since the Examiner's interview summary above (including any attachments) reflects a complete response to
each of the objections, rejections and requirements that may be present in the last Office action, and since the
claims are now allowable, this completed form is considered to fulfill the response requirements of the last
Office action. Applicant is not relieved from providing a separate record of the interview unless box 1 above
is also checked.

Examiner Note: You must sign and stamp this form unless it is an attachment to a signed Office action.
8 Patent and Trademark Office

0-413 (Rev. 10-95)

Interview Summary

Paper No.

15

APLNDC00024465

Attorney

04860 P13fmC

Pategt

in Re the Application of' Steven W Christan<:en
(inventor(s))

Application No.:

08/821.004

Filed:

March PO 1997

For:

MFTHOD AND APPARATI JR FOR DISPI AYlNG AND ACCFRRING CONTROI AND RTATilS
INFORMATION IN A COMP1 TTFR RVRTFM

(title)

Group Art Unit

2415

Examiner

Dala Tona C

NOTICE OF APPEAL FROM THE EXAMINER TO THE BOARD OF
PATENT APPEALS AND INTERFERENCES
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
Washington, D.C. 20231
Sir:

dated

Applicant(s) hereby appeal(s) to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences from the decision
Augu@ 14, 1997
of the Examiner rejecting claims
1-24,
The item(s) checked below are appropriate:

XXX

The following is the Notice of Appeal fee under 37 C.F.R § 1.17(e):
X

a. other than small entity:

fee $ 310.00

b. small entity:

fee $ 155.00

verified statement attached
verified statement was filed
A petition under 37 C.F.R. § 1.136(a) for an extension of time for reply to the rejection is
enclosed along with a check for the fee for the extension of time.
X.

Enclosed is a check in the amount of $

sin no

for the Notice of Appeal fee.

I hereby certify that this ......pondence is being deposited with the United States Postal Service as first class mail
with sufficient postage in an envelope addressed to the Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington,
D.C. 20231
on

Naummhar 14 1M7

Date of Deposit

Edith Fuente:
Name of Person Mailing Correspondence

-1 -

(LJV/cak 10/01/97)

APLNDC00024466

Please charge the Notice of Appeal fee to Deposit Account Number 02-2666. A duplicate of
this sheet is enclosed for Deposit Account charging purposes.
XXX

If any additional fee is required, please charge Deposit Account No. 02-2666. A duplicate of
this sheet is enclosed for Deposit Account charging purposes.
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP

J
12400 Wilshire Boulevard

Seventh Floor

h A. Szepesi

Reg.No.

39392

Los Angeles, California 90025
[phone]

-2-

(LJV/cak 10/01/97)

APLNDC00024467

Attorney's

04860.P1365C

Patent

In Re the Application of· Steven W Christancan
(inventor(s))
Application No.:

08/821.004

Filed:

March 90 1997

For:

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYlNG AND ACOBSSIN_G CONTROI AND STATUS
INFORMATION IN A COMPLITER SYSTFM
(title)

Group Art Unit

2415

Examiner

noin Torre o

NOTICE OF APPEAL FROM THE EXAMINER TO THE BOARD OF
PATENT APPEALS AÑD INTERFERENCES

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
Washington, D.C. 20231
Sir:

dated

Applicant(s) hereby appeal(s) to the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences from the decision
^ugust 14, 1997
of the Examiner rejecting claims
1-24
The item(s) checked below are appropriate:

XXX

The following is the Notice of Appeal fee under 37 C.F.R § 1.17(e):

X

a. other than small entity:

fee $ 310.00

b. small entity:

fee $ 155.00

verified statement attached

verified slatement was filed
A petition under 37 C.F.R. § 1.136(a) for an extension of time for reply to the rejection is
enclosed along with a check for the fee for the extension of time.
X

Enclosed is a check in the amount of $

310.00

for the Notice of Appeal fee.

I hereby certify that this correspondence is being deposited with the United States Postal Service as first class mail
with sufficient postage in an envelope addressed to the Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington,
D.C. 20231
on

November 14 1997

Date of Deposit
Name of Person Mailing Correspondence
Signature

Date

-1 -

(LJV/cak 10/01/97)

APLNDC00024468

Please charge the Notice of Appeal fee to Deposit Account Number 02-2666. A duplicate of
this sheet is enclosed for Deposit Account charging purposes.
)OO(

If any additional fee is required, please charge Deposit Account No. 02-2666. A duplicate of
this sheet is enclosed for Deposit Account charging purposes.
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP

Jy6ith A. Szepesi
/
Reg.No. 29392

12400 Wilshire Boulevard
Seventh Floor
Los Angeles, California 90025
[phone]

-2-

(LJV/cak 10/01/97)

APLNDC00024469

Attorney's Docket No.:

04860.P1385

tant

In re the Application of:

Steven W. Christanaan
(inventor(s))
ApplicationNo.: 08/821004

AMENDME NT UNDER
37 C.F.R. § 1.116
EXPEDITED PROCEDURE

Filed:

Mamh?O 1997

C

EXAMINING GROUP 9415

For:

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING AND ACCFSSING CONTROI AND RTATI1R
INFORMATION IN A COMPUTER SYSTFM
(title)

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
Washington, D.C. 20231
Box AF
SIR: Transmitted herewith is an Amendment After Final Action for the above application.
Small entity status of this application under 37 C.F.R. §§ 1.9 and 1.27 has been established by a
verified statement previously submitted.
A verified statement to establish small entity status under 37 C.F.R. §§ 1.9 and 1.27 is enclosed.
Y
No additional fee is required.
'A'
A Notice of Appeal is enclosed.

The fee has been calculated as shown below:
Col. 1
Claims
Remaining
After Amd.
Total
Claims
Indep.
Claims

SMALL ENTITY
Rate

Additional
Fee

OTHER THAN A
SMALL ENTITY

Rate

Additional
Fee

*

24

Minus **

24

0

x11 $

x22 $

0

*
/

*

Col. 2
Col. 3
Highest No.
Previously Present
Paid For
Extra

3

Minus ***

3

0

x41 $

x82 $

0

+135 $

+270 $

0

First Presentation of Multiple
Oggendent Ç\alm(s)

If the entry in Col. 1 is less than the entry In Col. 2,

Total

Total

A< Id. Fee *

write "0" in Col. 3-

Add. Fee $

0

** If the "Highest No. Previously Paid For" IN THIS
SPACE is less than 20, write "20" in this space.
*** If the "Highest No. Previously Paid For" IN THIS SPACE is less than 3, write "3" in this space.
The "Highest No. Previously Paid For" (Total or Independent) is the highest number found from
the equivalent box in Col. 1 of a prior amendment or the number of claims originally filed.
I hereby certify that this correspondence is being deposited with the United States Postal Service as first class mail
with sufficient postage in an envelope addressed to the Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington,
D.C. 20231
On

November 1Æ 1997

Date of Deposit

Edith Fuentes
Name of Person Mailing Correspondence

Signature

Date
-1-

(LJV/cak 10/01/97)

APLNDC00024470

A check in the amount of $
is attached for presentation of additional claim(s).
Applicant(s) hereby Petition(s) for an Extension of Time of
month(s) pursuant to
37 C.F.R. § 1.136(a).

_X
X

A check for $ Sin no
is attached for processing fees under 37 C.F.R. § 1.17.(e).
Please charge my Deposit Account No.~,--non the amount of $
A duplicate copy of this sheet is enclosed.
The Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks is hereby authorized to charge payment of the
following fees associated with this communication or credit any overpayment to Deposit
Account No. or-runn (a duplicate copy of this sheet is enciosed):
X
Any additional filing fees required under 37 C.F.R. § 1.16 for presentation of
extra claims.
X

Any extension or petition fees under 37 C.F.R. § 1.17.
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP

ith A. Szepesi
12400 Wilshire Boulevard
Seventh Floor
Los Angeles, California 90025
[phone]

Reg.No. Saam

-2-

(LJV/cak 10/01/97)

APLNDC00024471

04860.P136

Pptent
Response under 37 CFR 1.116 --- Expedited Procedure
Examining Group 237

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
In re Application of
-

Steven W. Christensen

Serial No.

)

Examiner:

Dela Torre, C.

08/821,004

)

Art Unit:

2415

Filing Date: March 20, 1997

)

For: METHOD AND APP A R A TUS FOR
DISPLAYING AND AC
ING
CONTROL AND STATUS
INFORM^TION IN A COP-n, rotR

)
)
)
)

AMENny a TO FINAT: OFFTCF ACTTON
C

Assistant Co----..asioner for Patents
Washington, D.C. 20231
Sir:
In response to the Final Office Action mailed August 14, 1997,

Applicant respectfully requests the Examiner to enter the following
amendments and consider the following remarks:
FTRAT CLARS CERTTFTCATE OF MATT.TMG

I hereby certify that this correspondence is being deposited with the United States Postal Service as first class
mail with sufficient postage in an envelope addressed to the Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington,
D.C. 20231

an.

November 14.1997

Date of Deposit

Name of Person Mailing Correspondence
Signature

Serial No. 08/821,004

Date

1

04860.P1365C

APLNDC00024472

1.

(Twice Amended) An interactive co

uter-controlled display

system comprising:
a processor;
a data display screen coupled to the proc ssor;
a cursor control device coupled to said rocessor for positioning a
cursor on said data display screen;
a window generation and control lo ic coupled to the processor and

data display screen to create an operatin environment for a plurality of
individual progrsaan.ing modules asso iated with different programs that
provide status and control functions,
control logic generates and displays
of display areas on said data displ
display areas is associated with

herein the window generation and
first window region having a plurality

screen, wherein each of the plurality of
e of the plurality of individual

programming modules;

an indicia generation 1

ic coupled to the data display screen to execute

at least one of the plurality f individual programming ritodules to generate
information for display in ne of the plurality of display areas in the first
window region, where

at least one of the plurality of display areas and its

associated programm° g module is sensitive to user input, and further
wherein the window generation and control logic and the indicia generation
logic use message- ased communication to exchange information to
coordinate activi °es of the indicia generation logic to enable interactive
display activity.

N 2

ŸO

11.

(Twice Amended) An int ractive computer-controlled display

system comprising:
Serial No. 08/821,004

2

04860.P1365C

APLNDC00024473

a processor;
a data display screen coupled to the processor

a cursor control device coupled to said pro ssor for positioning a
cursor on said data display sc-en:
window generation and control logic c
display screen to create an operating enviro

pled to the processor and data
ent for a plurality of

individual progra......:..g modules annoci ed with different roja:ama that
p
provide status and control functions, werein the window generation and
control logic generates and displays a rst window region having a plurality

of display areas on said data display screen, wherein each of the plurality of
display areas is associated with o

of the plurality of individual

programming modules;
at least one indicia grap ics generation logic coupled to the processor
and the window generation nd control logic, wherein said at least one
indicia graphics generation ogic generates user sensitive graphics for display
in at least one data displa area by executing at least one of the plurality of
individual programmi

modules;

wherein the w dow generation and control logie determines when
said at least one data display area has been selected by the user and signals said
at least one indicia
further wherein

aphics generation logic in response to user selection, and

id at least one indicia graphics generation logic initiates a

response from aid at least one of the plurality of progr-------:--g modules.

15.

(Twice Amended) A met od for generating control information

comprising the steps of:

Serial No. 08/821,004

3

04860.P1365C

APLNDC00024474

creating an operating environment for a plurality of individual
progr--------ing modules associated with diff rent programs that provide status
and control functions;

generating a first window sized t accommodate a plurality of display
areas for indicia resulting from executi g at least one of the plurality of
individual programming modules, werein each of the plurality of display
areas is associated with one of the lurality of individual progr--------:--g
modules;

displaying the indicia in e ch of said plurality of display areas by
executing one of a plurality

individual progr--....ing modules

corresponding to each indic° ;
selecting one of the ° dicia, wherein the step of selecting comprises a
first programming mod e dete- ---°--ing which of said plurality of display

areas is selected and s
plurality of individ

ding a message to a programming module of said
1 programming modules responsible for generating a

display of a selecte indicia;
said progr mming module performing a function in response to a

selection.

Serial No. 08/821,004

4

04860.P1365C

APLNDC00024475

REMARKS
Applicant respectfully requests reconsideration of this application as
amended. Claims 1-24 remain in the application. No claims have been
canceled. Applicant respectfully submits that the above amendments place

the case in a better position to be allowed. Furthermore, good and sufficient
reasons exist why the below arguments were not presented earlier. Applicant
requests entry of the 2==ndments and their consideration.
Claim 1, as amended, claims:
a window generation and control logic coupled to the
processor and data display screen to create an operating
environment for a phirality_of individual_pro amming
modules associated with different programs that provide status
and control functions, wherein the window generation and
control logic generates and displays a first window region having
a plurality of display areas on said data display screen, wherein
each of the plurality of display areas is associated with one of the
plurality of individual programming modules.
(emphasis added).
Thus, Applicant claims individual programmine modules associated
with different programs which are defined in the specification as a collection
of individual modules that provide status and control functions.

(Specification pg. 18, lines 3-5). "The control strip functions in one
embodiment includes a network switch that shows whether a network
connection for the computer system . . . is on or off and lets the user turn the

network connection on or off. . . . The control strip may also include a battery
monitor that displays the status of the battery or batteries. Another control
strip module displays the state of File Sharing that may be currently employed
on the computer system. The control strip of the present invention may also

provide a module to allow the internal hard disk power to be turned off. The
control strip may also provide power settings that allow the users to select

Serial No. 08/821,004

5

04860.P1365C

APLNDC00024476

between maximum battery conservation or maximum computer
performance. Other modules, for example, may provide, time and/or date
information, may list currently running programming applications, may
indicate the amount of available memory, may control a CD drive, may

provide access to audio controls and status information." (Specification, pg.

18-19).
Cohausz, according to the Examiner, teaches individual programming
modules at bridging paragraph of pp. 2-3, where it states: "The problem under
consideration is solved according to the invention in that the oblong field

comprises a plurality of individual fields which are adjacent to one another,
each of which constitutes an operating field or a control button which, upon
being activated, branches into the associated program area or executes the
associated program function, with the indicator field or the cursor always
being located on the individual field in whose associated program
area/program function the user is currently located." (emphasis added).

Cohausz refers to fields corresponding to program areas/functions, within a
single program. Generally Cohausz refers to individual fields together
fo- ---: -g a status indicator, "the individual fields representing portions of the
individual program, text or information, i.e., sections, paragraphs, chapters,
or segments of information." (Cohausz, pg. 3, lines 8-12).
Thus, it is clear from Cohausz that there are no individual

progammin modules associated with differentaarogame, as claimed in the
present invention, but rather a single program, which can be accessed at
different locations through the use of this indicator. Therefore, Cohausz does
not teach the individual programming modules associated with different

programs as claimed in Claim 1 of the present invention. Therefore, Claim 1
of the present invention is not anticipated by or obvious over Cohausz.
Serial No. 08/821,004

6

-

04860.P1365C

APLNDC00024477

Independent Claims 11 and 15 similarly claim individual
proggininiing_modules associated with differentarograms, and are therefore
not anticipated by or obvious over Cohausz.
Applicant respectfully requests allowance of claims 1-24. If any

obstacles remain to such allowance, Applicant respectfully requests that the
Examiner contact the undersigned by telephone.
Please charge any shortages or credit any overages to Deposit Account

No. 02-2666.
Respectfully submitted,
BLERLY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP
Dated:

, 1997
.

Jydith A. Szepesi
Registration No. 39,393

'

12400 Wilshire Blvd.
Seventh Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90025-1026
[phone]

I

Serial No. 08/821,004

7

04860.P1365C

APLNDC00024478

'a

UNITED STATES Ö AflTMENT OF COMM
Patent and Trademark Office
Address:

APPUGATION NO. .

FILING DATE

E

COl91MISSIONER OF PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
Washington, D.C. 20231

FIRST NAMED1NVENTOR

A, sons,=, DOCKET NO.

LMS1/1211

EXAMINER

BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN
12400 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD

/

DELA TORRE, C

SEVENTH FLOOR

ARTUNIT

L.OS ANGELES CA 90025

PAPER NUMBER

2773 '
DATEMAILED:

12/11/97

Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or
proceeding.
Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks

PTO-90C (Rev 2/95)

AU.S.GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 199&411-616/M

1- File Copy

os /82\ OOR

APLNDC00024479

Application No.

Advisory Action

Applicant(s)

08/821,004

Christensen

Examiner
Crescelle Delatorre

Group Art Unit
2773

I
I

THE PERIOD FOR RESPONSE: [check only a) or b)]
a)

expires

b)

expires either three months from the mailing date of the final rejection, or on the mailing date of this Advisory Action, whichever
is later. In no event, however, will the statutory period for the response expire later than six months from the date of the final
rejection.

thrBO

months from the mailing date of the final rejection,

Any extension of time must be obtained by filing a petition under 37 CFR 1.136(a), the proposed response and the appropriate fee. The
date on which the response, the petition, and the fee have been filed is the date of the response and also the date for the purposes of
determining the period of extension and the corresponding amount of the fee. Any extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.17 will be
calculated from the date of the originally set shortened statutory period for response or as set forth in b) above.

Appellant's Brief is due two months from the date of the Notice of Appeal filed on
Nov 17, 1997 (or within any
period for response set forth above, whichever is later). See 37 CFR 1.191(d) and 37 CFR 1.192(a).
Applicant's response to the final rejection, filed on
Nov 17, 1997 has been considered with the following effect,
but is NOT deemed to place the application in condition for allowance:

X The proposed amendment(s):
will be entered upon filing of a Notice of Appeal and an Appeal Brief.
will not be entered because:
they raise new issues that would require further consideration and/or search. (See note below).
they raise the issue of new matter. (See note below).
they are not deemed to place the application in better form for appeal by materially reducing or simplifying the

issues for appeal.
they present additional claims without cancelling a corresponding number of finally rejected claims.
NOTE:

See Attachment A

Applicant's response has overcome the following rejection(s):

Newly proposed or amended claims
separate, timely filed amendment cancelling the non-allowable claims.

would be allowable if submitted in a

The affidavit, exhibit or request for reconsideration has been considered but does NOT place the application in condition
for allowance because:

The affidavit or exhibit will NOT be considered because it is not directed SOLELY to issues which were newly raised by
the Examiner in the final rejection.
For purposes of Appeal, the status of the claims is as follows (see attached written explanation, if any):
Claims allowed:
Claims objected to:
Claims rejected: 1-24

The proposed drawing correction filed on

[¯has

E has not been approved by the Examiner.

Note the attached Information Disclosure Statement(s), PTO-1449, Paper No(s).
Other

MATTHEW M. Kis
PRIMARY EXAMINE'
i S. Patent and Trademark Office

>TO-303 (Rev. 8-95)

Advisory Action

Part of Paper No.

APLNDC00024480

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 2

Art Unit: 2773

ATTAC•-•-NTA

In an After-Final Amendment, filed on 11/17/97, applicant amended each independent
claim to include that the plurality of individual programming modules are associated with different

programs, which requires further consideration and search.
As was discussed during a phone interview on 10/28/97, the s

ser agreed with

applicant that the primary reference, Cohausz, does not teach a status bar for a plurality of
application programs, but rather teaches a status indicator for a single program. However, the
claims, as originally presented, did not specifically include different programs, so the "plurality of
individual programming modules that provide status and control functions" were interpreted as

individual programming fields representing portions of a single program.
In addition, the art of record includes the Foster reference (U.S. patent 5,588,105), which
teaches a status bar "characterized by a template generated independently of an application
program", the template having "at least one active area that can include an icon for controlling the
application program or an area which displays information generated by the application program"
as well as "global functions" of the computer system, such as real time clock 78, filter button 80,
and routing slip 86. Thus, the Foster reference teaches a "plurality of individual programming
modules associated with different programs".

\2M19,
C a

MATTHEW M.KIM
PRIMARY EXAMINER
GROUPB300-~

APLNDC00024481

Please type a plus sign (+) inside this box (+)

PTO/SB/29tt2/97)
Approved for use through 09/30/00. OMB 0651-0032
Patent and Trademark Office: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Under the Paperwolit Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number.

CONTINUED PROSECUTION APPLICATION (CPA)
REQUEST TRANSMITTAL

Submit an original, and a duplicate for fee processing.
(Only for Continuation or Divisional applications under 37 CFR 1.53(d))

ADDRESS TO:

CHECK BOX, if applicable:
[ _]
DUPLICATE

Assistant Commissioner for Patents
Box CPA
Washington, D.C. 20231

Attomey Docket No. OdARO P1AARO
First Named Inventor Steven W. Christengeo
Express Mail Label No. EMOB1777092US

Total Pages

A

This is a request for a
X
continuation or
divisional under 37 CFR 1.53(d)
(continuation prosecution application (CPA)) of prior application No: 08/821,004,
filed on Marcil20,1,99L - entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYlNG AND ACCESSING

QQNTROL AND STATUS INFORMATION IN A COMPflTER SYSTEM
FILING QUALIFICATIONS: The prior application identified above must be a nonprovisional application that is either: (1) complete as defined by
37 CFR 1.51(b) and filed on or after June 8, 1995, or (2) the national stage of an intemational application in compliance with 35 U.S.G. 371 and
filed on or after June 8, 1995.
C-1-P NOT PERMITTED: A continuation-in-part application cannot be filed as a CPA under 37 CFR 1.53(d), but must be filed under 37 CFR
1.53(b).

EXPRESS ABANDONMENT OF PRIOR APPLICATION: The filing of this CPA is a request to expressly abandon the prior application as of the
filing date of the request for a CPA. 37 CFR 1.53(b) must be used to file a continuation, divisional, or continuation-in-part of an application that is
not to be abandoned.
ACCESS TO PRIOR APPLICATION: The filing of this CPA will be construed to include a waiver of confidentiality by the applicant under 35
U.S.C. 122 to the extent that any member of the public who is entitled under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.14 to access to, copies of, or information
conceming, the prior application may be given similar access to, copies of, or similar information conceming, the other appilcation or
applications in the file jacket.

35 U.S.C. 120 STATEMENT: In a CPA, no reference to the prior application is needed in the first sentence of the specification and none
should be submitted. If a sentence referencing the prior application is submitted, It will not be entered. A request for a CPA is the specific
reference required by 35 U.S.C. 120 and to every appifcation assigned the application number identified in such request, 37 CFR 1.78(a).

1.

.X_

Enter the unentered amendment previously filed on Novamhar in 1997
under 37 CFR 1.116 in the prior nonprovisional application.

2.

_

A preliminary amendment is enclosed.

/22/199ß Di Šl¾S 10Woo4BiaWgigation is filed by fewer than all the inventors named in the prior application, 37 CFR 1.53(d)4.
a.

D

e following inventor(s) named in the prior nonprovisional application:

b.

The inventor(s) to be deleted are set forth on a separate sheet attached hereto.

4.

_

A new power of attorney or authorization of agent (PTO/SB/81) is enclosed.

5.

_

Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) is enclosed:
a.
b. _

12/29/97

PTO - 1449
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CLAIMS
(1) FOR

(2) NUMBER FILED

(3) NUMBER EXTRA

(4) RATE

(5) CALCULATIONS

Total Claims
(37 CFR 1.16(c))

, 94

- 20 =

a

-3 =

X $ 22.00

,o

=

$ fano

X $ n

=

$ Q

+ $n

=

An

independent
Claims
(37 CFR 1.16(b))

2

Multiple Dependent Claims (if applicable) (37 CFR 1.16(d))

BASIC FEE
(37CFR1.16(a))

Total of above Calculations
Reduction by 50% for filing by small entity (Note 37 CFR 1.9, 1.27, 1.28).

=

$7 000

$ 878 no
$0

TOTAL = $ 878.00

6.

Small entity status:
a.

_

A small entity statement is enclosed.

b. _
c.
7.

A small entity statement was filed in the prior nonprovisional application
and such status is still proper and desired.
is no longer claimed.

_

The Commissioner is hereby authorized to credit overpayments or charge the following fees to
Deposit Account No.
a.

Fees required under 37 CFR 1.16.

b.

Fees required under 37 CFR 1.17.

c.

Fees required under 37 CFR 1.18.

8. _X___

A check in the amount of $ 87830

9.

Other:

NOTE:

is enclosed.

The prior application's correspondence address will carry over to this CPA UN
provided below.
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SS a new correspondence address is

NEW connssonNonNCE ADDRERR

Customer Number or Bar Code Label
OR
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NAME
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FEE TRANSMITTAL
TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT ($)

878.00

Complete if Known:
Application No.
GR/R21004
Filing Date

Mamh 90 1997

First Named Inventor
Stever \NJlgjstensen
Group Art Unit 244
ExaminerName DeinTorrn C
Attomey Docket No. nonen Pissar.9

METHOD OF PAYMENT (check one)
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[

]

The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge indicated fees and credit
any over payments to:
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[

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X
X

Payment Enclosed
Check
Money Order
Other

FEE CALCULATION (fees effective 10/01/97)
1 .
FILING FEE
Large Entity
Fee
Fee
Code ($)
101
790
06
330
07
540
08
790
114
150

Small Entity
Fee
Fee
Code ($)
201
395
206
165
207
270
208
395
214
75

Fee Description
Utility application filing fee
Design application filing fee
Plant filing fee
Reissue filing fee
Provisional application filing fee
SUBTOTAL (1)

2.

CLAIMS

$ 7nn nn

Fee from
Extra

Total Claims 94
- 20 =
lndependent Claims 3
-3 =
Multiple Dependent Claims
Large Entity
Fee
Fee
Code ($)
* 03
22
302
82
" 04
270
109
82
110
22

Fee Paid
=u.uu

a
0
O

below

X
X
X

_22 00
0
0

Fee Paid

=
=
=

88 00
0
0

Small Entity
Fee
Fee
Code ($)
Fee Descrigtjon
Fee Paid
203
11 Claims in excess of twenty
gg 00
202
41 Independent claims in excess of 3
n
204
135 Multiple dependent claim
0
209
41 Reissue independent claims over original patent
n
210
11 Reissue claims in excess of 20 and over original patent 0
SUBTOTAL (2)

12/01/97

-1 -

$ 878.00
PTO/SB/17 (10-96)

APLNDC00024484

FEE CALCULATION (continued)
3.

ADDITIONAL FEES

Lary Entity
Fee
Fee
Code
($)
105
130
127
50

Small Entity
Fee
Fee
Code
($)
205
65
227
25

39
47
12

130
2,520
920*

39
47
12

130
2,520
920*

113

1,840*

113

1,840*

5
6
7
18
28
19
20
21
38
40

110
400
950
1,510
2,060
310
310
270
1,510
110

215
216
217
218
228
219
220
221
138
240

55
200
475
755
1,030
155
155
135
1,510
55

141

1,320

241

660

42
43
44
22
23
26
581

1,320
450
670
130
50
240
40

242
243
244
122
123
126
581

660
225
335
130
50
240
40

146

790

246

395

149

790

249

395

Fee Description
Surcharge - late filing fee or oath
Surcharge - late provisional filing fee
or cover sheet
Non-English specification
For filing a request for reexamination
Requesting publication of SIR prior to
Examiner action
Requesting publication of SIR after
Examiner action
Extension vor response within first month
Extension vor response within second month
Extension for response with n third month
Extension for response with n fourth month
Extension for response with n fifth month
Notice of Appeal
Filing a brief in support of an appeal
Request for oral hearing
Petit on to institute a public use proceeding
Petit>on to revive unavoidably abandoned
appi cation
Petit on to revive unintentionally
abandoned application
Utility issue fee (or reissue)
Design issue fee
Plan issue fee
Petit ons to the Commissioner
Petitions related to provisional applications
Submission of Information Disclosure Stmt
Recording each patent assignment per
property (times number of properties)
For filing a submission after final rejection
(see 37 CFR 1.129(a))
For each additional invention to be examined
(see 37 CFR 1.129(a))

Fee Paid

Other fee (specify)
Other fee (specify)

SUBTOTAL (3)$ 0
*Reduced by Basic Filing Fee Paid

Typed or Plinled Namgg chael & Mallie
Signature
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Reg. Number semi

Date
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(complete if applicable)

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APLNDC00024485

EXPRESS MAIL CERTIFICATE OF MAIUNG
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I hereby certify that I am causing this paper or fee to
be deposited with the United States Postal Service
"Express Mail Post Office to Addressee" service on
the date indicated above and that this paper or fee
has been addressed to the Assistant Commissioner
for Patents, Washington, D. C. 20 1 (Typed or print d nam of

rs

09205

mailing paper or fee)

(Šignatureof perso mdi

or fee)

(Date signed)

Serial/Patent No.:

Û 8 / 8 21 . O Û Ê

I Hug/issue Date: 3/ 10/ 17

Cuent Apple computer Ir,c.
nue: METHOD AND APPAÅATI¯S FOR DISPLAYING AND ACCESSING
CONTROL AND STATUS INFORMATION TN A COMPUTER SYSTRM
BSTZ File No J) 4 8f 11
2 6 $('2
Atty/Secty Initials: M.Igf_;awraq
Dale Mailed: 1 7 1 2 I OR
I)ocket Due Date: 1 I 1 & I OR
The foHowing has been received in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office on the date stamped berton:

a A.........,-.t_._wa

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D appuc..so..rcot.___,,sa

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AppHcadon - UIHity (____m., wa cour and abanacO
AppHcadon - Rule MO
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AppHcation - Rule 1.60 Division L.._ pgså
Appheadon - Rule 1.60 CEP L._. pgsJ
Appucation - Rule 1.62 Transminal (_ pgs.)
Appucmion - Duign (.____ pgsJ

adonih(s) Extension of Tiane
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Notice oÌ Appeal
Û Betition for Emension of Tune
O Petidon for
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D Appucadon - Provisional L_____ pgsò

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APLNDC00024486

EXPRESS MAIL CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
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12-9 Y
l hereby certify that I am causing this paper or fee to
be deposited with the United States Postal Service
"Express Mail Post Office to Addressee" service on

the date indicated above and that this paper or fee

has been addressed to the Assistant Commissioner
for Patents, Washington, D. C. 20231

(Typed or

of

ling paper or fee)

(Signature of páson mailing paper or fee)
(Date signed)

SeriavPatent No.:

l- IM ?

O8 /821 . 00A

Filing/Issue Date:

client Apple Computer, T>c,

I/2

/97

nie: METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING ANR ACCESSTNG
CONTROL AND STATUS INFORMATTON TN A COMPUTER BYSTEM
BS'I2 File No.: 1) 4ËÁÛ Pl V15f'2
Atty/Secty Initials: MJNJ agnq
Date Mailed 1 Ï ] 2 | 9 8
' '
Docket Due Date: 19 4.£9 8
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D Amimtmesponse L.____ _ pgs.)
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Applicadon - Rule IM Continandon L__. pgs.)

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O Notice of Appeal
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Som11 Entity Decimation for Indep. Invenfor)5ma11 BM5iBCSS
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APLNDC00024487

UNITED STATES ÀPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Patent and Trademark Office
Address:

APPLICATION NO.

FILING DATE

COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS AND WADEMARKS
Washington, D.C. 20231

FIRST NAMED INVENTOR

ATTORNEY DOCÑET fúÒ.

L.M5 î / O 325

BLAKELY Si
Li FF TAYi R
1240!! WIL.SHIRE BOULEVAR
SEVENTH Fi

EXAMINER

AFMAN

'

OR

ARTUNIT

LOS ANGEi.ES CA 90025

/

DELA TORRE C
,,

DATE MAILED:

PAPER NUMBER
20

0 3/ 25 /98

Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or
proceeding.
Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks

PTO-90C (Rev. 2/95)

kU.S.GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1998411-616/40275

1- File Copy

OS/82.too

L

APLNDC00024488

Application No.
08/821,004

Office Action Summarv
i

Applicant(s)

Christensen

Examiner

Group Art Unit

Crescelle Delatorre

2773

U Responsive to communication(s) filed on Nov 17, 1997; and on Jan 12, 1998
This action is FINAL.
O 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.

A shortened statutory period for response to this action is set to expire
three month(s), or thirty days, whichever
is longer, from the mailing date of this communication. Failure to respond within the period for response will cause the
application to become abandoned. (35 U.S.C. § 133). Extensions of time may be obtained under the provisions of
37 CFR 1.136(a).
Disposition of Claims
Claim(s) 1-24

islare pending in the application.

Of the above, claim(s)

islare withdrawn from consideration.

Claim(s)

islare allowed.

Claim(s) 1-24

islare rejected.

Claim(s)

islare objected to.

O claims

are subject to restriction or election requirement.

Application Papers
See the attached Notice of Draftsperson's Patent Drawing Review, PTO-948.
The drawing(s) filed on

islare objected to by the Examiner.

The proposed drawing correction, filed on

is

Opproved

Olisapproved.

The specification is objected to by the Examiner.

The oath or declaration is objected to by the Examiner.
Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119

O Acknowledgement is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d).
O All O Some* O None of the CERTIFIED copies of the priority documents have been
O received.
O received in Application No. (Series Code/Serial Number)
O received in this national stage application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).
*Certified copies not received:
O Acknowledgement is made of a claim for domestic priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e).
Attachment(s)
O Notice of References Cited, PTO-892

O
O
O
O

Information Disclosure Statement(s), PTO-1449, Paper No(s).
Interview Summary, PTO-413
Notice of Draftsperson's Patent Drawing Review, PTO-948
Notice of Informal Patent Application, PTO-152

- SEE OFFICE ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES U. S. Patent and Trademark Office

PTO-326 (Rev. 9-95)

Office Action Summary

Part of Paper No.

20

APLNDC00024489

Application No.

Applicant(s)

08/821,004

Office Action Summarv
i

Christensen

Examiner
Crescelle Delatorre

Group Art Unit
2773

Responsive to communication(s) filed on Nov 17, 1997; and on Jan 12, 1998
This action is FINAL.

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 O.G. 213.
A shortened statutory period for response to this action is set to expire
three month(s), or thirty days, whichever
is longer, from the mailing date of this communication. Failure to respond within the period for response will cause the
application to become abandoned. (35 U.S.C. § 133). Extensions of time may be obtained under the provisions of
37 CFR 1.136(a).
Disposition of Claims
Claim(s) 1-24

is/are pending in the application.

Of the above, claim(s)

is/are withdrawn from consideration.

Claim(s)

islare allowed.

Claim(s) 1-24

islare rejected.

Claim(s)

islare objected to.

Claims

are subject to restriction or election requirement.

Application Papers
O See the attached Notice of Draftsperson's Patent Drawing Review, PTO-948.
The drawing(s) filed on

islare objected to by the Examiner.

The proposed drawing correction, filed on

is

Dipproved

O3isapproved.

O The specification is objected to by the Examiner.
O The oath or declaration is objected to by the Examiner.
Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119

O Acknowledgement is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d).
O All O Some* O None of the CERTIFIED copies of the priority documents have been
O received.
O received in Application No. (Series Code/Serial Number)
.
O received in this national stage application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).
*Certified copies not received:
O Acknowledgement is made of a claim for domestic priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e).
Attachment(s)
Notice of References Cited, PTO-892

O
O
O
O

Information Disclosure Statement(s), PTO-1449, Paper No(s).
Interview Summary, PTO-413
Notice of Draftsperson's Patent Drawing Review, PTO-948
Notice of Informal Patent Application, PTO-152

--- SEE OFFICE ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES J. S. Patent and Trademark Office

?TO-326 (Rev. 9-95)

Office Action Summary

Part of Paper No.

20

APLNDC00024490

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 2

Art Unit: 2773

DETAITED ACTION

1.

This action is responsive to communications: Amendment, filed on 11/17/97, and

Preliminary Response, filed on 1/12/98.
This action is non-final.

2.

Claims 1 - 24 are pending in this application. Claims 1, l1, and 15 are independent

claims. In the Amendment, filed on 11/17/97, claims 1, 1.1, and 15 were amended.

This application is a CPA of 08/821,004, filed on 3/20/97, which is an FWC of
08/316,237, filed on 9/30/94, now abandoned.

3.

The present title of the invention is "Method and Apparatus for Displaying and

Accessing Control and Status Information in a Computer System" as originally filed.

Claim Refections - 35 USC § 103
4.

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 described 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.

APLNDC00024491

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 3

Art Unit: 2773

5.

Claims 1 - 3, 8 - 24 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over

Cohausz (EPO 0 584 392 Al), based upon the English translation, in view of Foster et al. (U.S.
patent 5,588,105).
As per claim 1, Cohausz teaches an "interactive computer-controlled display system" with
a 'status indicator for a computer program', that comprises:
"a processor" which is inherently taught by Cohausz, smee a processor is necessary m
order to execute the functions of the status indicator;
"a data display screen" with 'monitor screen' at p. 4, paragraph 5;

. .

"a cursor control device" with a 'mouse cursor' at p. 5, paragraph 2;
"a window generation and control logic" to "create an operating environment for a
plurality of individual progr

g modules" that "provide status and control functions" at the

bridging paragraph of pp. 2 - 3, "wherein the window generation and control logic generates and

displays a first window region" with oblong field 1, at Figs. 1 - 3, and at p. 4, paragraph 5,
"having a plurality of display areas" with individual fields 2, at Fig. 1, and at p. 4, paragraph 5,
"wherein each of the plurality of display areas is associated with one of the plurality of individual
programming modules" at p. 3, paragraph 2;
"an indicia generation logic" to "execute at least one of the plurality of programming
modules to generate information for display in one of the plurality of display areas" at p. 3,
paragraph 2, "wherein at least one of the plurality of display areas and its associated programming
module is sensitive to user input" at p. 5, paragraph 2, and further using "message-based

APLNDC00024492

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 4

Art Unit: 2773

communication to exchange information to coordinate activities of the indicia generation logic to

enable interactive display activity" at p. 3, paragraph 2, which teaches information passing
between the status indicator and the respective program area, text, or information segment.
Regarding claim 1, Cohausz teaches all that is claimed above, but does not teach a status
bar with a plurality of individual programming modules associated with different progams.
Cohausz teaches a status indicator for a single program, wherein the "plurality of individual
programming modules" that "provide status and control functions" were interpreted as individual

programming fields representing portions of a single program.
On the other hand, Foster et al., hereinafter Foster, teach a status bar "characterized by a
template generated independently of an application program", the template having "at least one
active area that can include an icon for controlling the application program or an area which

displays information generated by the application program" as well as "global functions" of the
computer system, such as real time clock 78 [see col. 5, lines 20 - 25, 59 - 61], filter button 80
[see col. 5, lines 61 - 65], and routing slip 86 [see col. 6, lines 5 - 10], all at Fig. 3. Thus, the
Foster reference teaches a "plurality of individual programming modules associated with different
programs".

Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
invention to include "individual programming modules associated with different programs" as
taught by Foster in the invention of Cohausz because it provides a user with access to status and
control information of a plurality of application programs.

APLNDC00024493

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 5

Art Unit: 2773

As per claim 2, Cohausz teaches a "control strip" with oblong field I, at Figs. 1 - 3.

Regarding claim 3, Cohausz also teaches that "at least one display area is variably sized" at p. 5,
paragraph 1, and p. 6, paragraph 2.
In addition, Cohausz teaches that "at least one of the plurality of display areas only
displays information" [claim 8] at p. 3, paragraph 2, and at Figs. 1 - 3; or "acts to provide access
to control information when selected" [claim 9] at p. 3, paragraph 2, or "displays an additional

display element" [claim 10] at p. 6, paragraph 3.
In reference to claim 11, Cohausz teaches the following subject matter:

"a processor" which is inherently taught by Cohausz, smce a processor is necessary m
order to execute the functions of the status indicator;
"a data display screen" with 'monitor screen' at p. 4, paragraph 5;

"a cursor control device" with a 'mouse cursor' at p. 5, paragraph 2;
"a window generation and control logic" to "create an operating environment for a
plurality of individual programming modules that provide status and control functions" at the

bridging paragraph of pp. 2 - 3, "wherein the window generation and control logic generates and
displays a first window region" with oblong field 1, at Figs. 1 - 3, and at p. 4, paragraph 5,
"having a plurality of display areas" with individual fields 2, at Fig. 1, and at p. 4, paragraph 5,
"wherein each of the plurality of display areas is associated with one of the plurality of individual
programming modules" at p. 3, paragraph 2;

APLNDC00024494

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 6

Art Unit: 2773

*

"at least one indicia graphics generation logic" that "generates user sensitive graphics for

display in at least one data display area by executing at least one of the plurality of programming
modules" at p. 3, paragraph 2; and

wherein the window generation and control logic determines when a data display area has
been selected, signals the indicia graphics generation logic, which then initiates a response from
said at least one of the plurality of progr----·---°--g modules, also at p. 3, paragraph 2.
As to claim 11, Cohausz teaches all that is claimed above, but does not teach a status bar
with a plurality of individual programming modules associated with different programs. Cohausz

teaches a status indicator for a single program, wherein the "plurality of individual programming
modules" that "provide status and control functions" were interpreted as individual programming
fields representing portions of a single program.
On the other hand, Foster et al., hereinafter Foster, teach a status bar "charack i d by a
template generated independently of an application program", the template having "at least one

active area that can include an icon for controlling the application program or an area which
displays information generated by the application program" as well as "global functions" of the
computer system, such as real time clock 78 [see col. 5, lines 20 - 25, 59 - 61], filter button 80
[see col. 5, lines 61 - 65], and routing slip 86 [see col. 6, lines 5 - 10], all at Fig. 3. Thus, the
Foster reference teaches a "plurality of individual programming modules associated with different
programs".

APLNDC00024495

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 7

Art Unit: 2773

Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
invention to include "individual programming modules associated with different programs" as
taught by Foster in the invention of Cohausz because it provides a user with access to status and
control information of a plurality of application programs.
Cohausz also teaches that the "first window region is always visible to the user" [claim 12]
at p. 4, paragraph 5, since he teaches that the status indicator is 'visible during the entire program'.
As per claims 13, 14, they correspond respectively to claims 2, 3.

As to claim 15, Cohausz teaches the following steps:
"creating an operating environment for a plurality of individual programming modules that
provide status and control functions" at p. 2, paragraph 4 to p. 3, paragraph 2;

"generating a first window" with oblong field I, at Figs. 1 - 3, and at p. 4, paragraph 5, to
accommodate a "plurality of display areas for indicia" with individual fields 2, at Figs. 1 - 3, and at
p. 4, paragraph 5, resulting from "executing at least one of the plurality of individual progr-··-----°--g
modules, wherein each of the plurality of display areas is associated with one of the plurality of
individual programming modules" at p. 3, paragraph 2;
"displaying an indicia" as shown at Figs. 1 - 3;
"selecting one of the indicia" at p. 5, paragraph 2; and
"said programming module performing a function in response to the selection" at p. 5,

paragraph 2.

APLNDC00024496

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 8

Art Unit: 2773

Regarding claim 15, Cohausz teaches all that is claimed above, but does not teach a status
bar with a plurality of individual programming modules associated with different_grograms.
Cohausz teaches a status indicator for a single program, wherein the "plurality of individual
programming modules" that "provide status and control functions" were interpreted as individual

programming fields representing portions of a single program.

On the other hand, Foster et al., hereinafter Foster, teach a status bar "characterized by a
template generated independently of an application program", the template having "at least one
active area that can include an icon for controlling the application program or an area which

displays information generated by the application program" as well as "global functions" of the
computer system, such as real time clock 78 [see col. 5, lines 20 - 25, 59 - 61], filter button 80

[see col. 5, lines 61 - 65], and routing slip 86 [see col. 6, lines 5 - 10], all at Fig. 3. Thus, the
Foster reference teaches a "plurality of individual programming modules associated with different
programs".
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
invention to include "individual programming modules associated with different programs" as
taught by Foster in the invention of Cohausz because it provides a user with access to status and
control information of a plurality of application programs.
In addition, Cohausz teaches "status information" [claim 16] and "control information"
[claim 17] at Figs. 1 - 3, and at p. 5, paragraphs 2, 3.

APLNDC00024497

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 9

Art Unit: 2773

As to claim 18, Cohausz teaches that the first programming module requests a set of

features at p. 5, paragraph 2, sends a message to the programming module indicative of features,
and the programming module returns a message; such that the progr-----··:--g modules interact
with each other in response to user interaction with the first programming module, also at p. 5,

paragraph 2.
Cohausz also teaches the following: that each of the plurality of display areas is

individually and variable sized [claims 19, 22] at p. 5, paragraph 1, and p. 6, paragraph 2; the first
window region always appears in front of application windows [claims 20, 23] at p. 4, paragraph
5, wherein the status indicator is 'visible during the entire program'; and the first window region is

in a 'private window layer' [claims 21, 24] also at p. 4, paragraph 5.

6.

Claims 4 - 7 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as being unpatentable over Cohausz

(EPO 0 584 392 Al), based upon the English translation, and Foster et al. (U. Patent 5,588,105),
and further in view of Mills et al. (U.S. patent 5,202,961).
Cohausz teaches that the display areas [individual fields 2] of the first window region

[oblong field 1] are variably sized at p. 5, paragraph 1, and p. 6, paragraph 2, but does not teach
that the first window region is variably sized [claim 4], such that none of the plurality of display
areas is visible [claim 5], all are visible [claim 6], or a portion is visible [claim 7]. Nor does Foster
teach the above elements of applicant's invention.

APLNDC00024498

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 10

Art Unit: 2773

On the other hand, Mills et al., hereinafter Mills, teach that the size of the first window

region is variable [claim 4] also at col. 4, lines 8 - 9, and also teaches sizing the first window

region so that none of the display areas are visible [claim 5] with close box 28, at Fig. 2, and at
col. 4, lines 7 - 8, or all [claim 6] or a portion [claim 7] of the display areas are visible, both at col.

4, lines 8 - 9.
Although neither Cohausz nor Foster teach that the first window region is variably sized

as claimed in claims 4 - 7, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time
of the,invention to vary the size of the first window region as taught by Mills, because it gives the
user control over how much and what to display of the status indicator.

Response to Arguments

7.

Applicant's arguments with respect to claims 1 - 24 have been considered but are moot in

view of the new ground(s) of rejection.
Applicant's primary argument regarding the Cohausz reference is that Cohausz does not
teach "individual programming modules associated with different programs". The e -: .er
agrees with applicant. However, the Foster reference makes up for the deficiency in Cohausz by
teaching a "plurality of individual programming modules associated with differenigroáp:ams",
such as real time clock 78, filter button 80, and routing slip 86, shown in status bar 74, at Fig. 3.

Responses

APLNDC00024499

Serial Number: 08/821,004

Page 11

Art Unit: 2773

8.

Responses to this action should be mailed to: Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks,

Washington, D.C. 20231. If applicant desires to fax a response, [phone] may be used for
formal communications or [phone] for informal or draft communications.
Please label "PROPOSED" or "DR^ I " for informal facsimile communications. For after

final responses, please label "AFTER FINAL" or "EXPEDITED PROCEDURE" on the
document.

Hand-delivered responses should be brought to Crystal Park II, 2121 Crystal Drive,
Arlington. VA., Sixth Floor (Receptionist).
Inquiries

9.

Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner

should be directed to Crescelle dela Torre whose telephone number is [phone]. The
examiner can normally be reached on Mondays-Thursdays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, and on
alternating Fridays from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.

If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner's supervisor,

Matthew Kim, can be reached at [phone].
Any inquiry of a general nature or relating to the status of this application or proceeding
should be directed to the Group receptionist whose telephone number is [phone].

cnd
March 23, 1998

MATl' EW M.KIM
SUPERVISORY PATENT EXAMINER
GROUP2700

APLNDC00024500

UNITED STATES EL., ÁRTMENT OF COMMERCE
Patent and Trademaik Office
Address:

APPUCADON NO.

FlUNG DATE

COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
Washington, D.C. 20231

F RST NAMED INVENTOR

AITORNEY DOCKET NO.

1 ::

SEVENTH FLOOR

EXAMINER

ARTUNIT

PAPER NUMBER

DATE MAILED:

Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or
proceeding.
Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks

PTO-90C (Rev. 2/95)
T.S. GPO: 1998-437

1- File Copy
"">

APLNDC00024501

Application No.

ApplicanXs}

08/821,004
ff1terview Summa

Examiner
Crescelle Delatorre

Christensen
Group Art Unit
2773

..

I

m

U

All participants (applicant, applicant's representative, PTO personnel):
(1 ) Crescelle Delatorre

(3)

(2) Judith Szenesi

(4)

Date of Interview

Type:

Telephonic

Jun 17, 1998

O Personal (copy is given to

Exhibit shown or demonstration conducted:

Agreement O was reached.

O Yes

O applicant

O applicant's representative).

No. If yes, brief description:

was not reached.

Claim(s) discussed: 1
Identification of prior art discussed:
Cohausz /EPO O 584 392 A1) and Foster et al. (U.S. ostent 5.588.105}

Description of the general nature of what was agreed to if an agreement was reached, or any other comments:
Analicant's renresentative discussed the differences between the Dresent invention and the above references. For
instance, with reference to claim 1, it was nointed out that the Foster reference is similar to the Cohausz reference, and
does not teach a "nlurality of individual programmina modules associated with different Drocrams" since Foster teaches
that a status har temolate is associated with a sinnle annlication Drogram. It was sunnested that annlicant submit further
details of the above difference in the next response.

(A fuller description, if necessary, and a copy of the amendments, if available, which the examiner agreed would render
the claims allowable must be attached. Also, where no copy of the amendents which would render the claims allowable
is available, a summary thereof must be attached.)
1.

It is not necessary for applicant to provide a separate record of the substance of the interview.

Unless the paragraph above has been checked to indicate to the contrary, A FORMAL WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE
LAST OFFICE ACTION IS NOT WAIVED AND MUST INCLUDE THE SUBSTANCE OF THE INTERVIEW. (See MPEP
Section 713.04). If a response to the last Office action has already been filed, APPLICANT IS GIVEN ONE MONTH
FROM THIS INTERVIEW DATE TO FILE A STATEMENT OF THE SUBSTANCE OF THE INTERVIEW.

2. [¯]

Since the Examiner's interview summary above (including any attachments) reflects a complete response to
each of the objections, rejections and requirements that may be present in the last Office action, and since the
claims are now allowable, this completed form is considered to fulfill the response requirements of the last
Office action. Applicant is not relieved from providing a separate record of the interview unless box 1 above
is also checked.

Examiner Note: You must sign and stamp this form unless it is an attachment to a signed Office action.
I S. Patent and Trademark Office

>TO-413 (Rev. 10-95)

Interview Summary

Paper No.

21

APLNDC00024502

Attomeýs Docket No.:

004880 P1385C2

In re the Application of

Patent

Steven W. Christensen
(inventor(s))

Application No.:

08/821 004

Filed:

Marr.h 20. 1997

For:

METHOD AND APPARATUS FQR DISPLAYlNO AND ACCESSING ÇONTROL

INFORMATION IN A COMPLTTER SYSTEM

STATlg

e ~71

(title)

Ti

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
Washington, D.C. 20231

-

Ti

SIR: Transmitted herewith is an Amendment for the above application.
Small entity status of this application under 37 C.F.R. §§ 1.9 and 1.27 has bee estabRe
a Ÿerified statement previously submitted.
A verified statement to establish small entity status under 37 C.F.R. §§ 1.9 an 1.27 is enclosed.
No additional fee is required.
The fee has been calculated as shown below:
Col. 1
Claims
Remaining
After Amd.

Total
Claims
Indep.
Claims

*
*

Col. 2
Col. 3
Highest No.
Previously Present
Paid For
Extra

SMALL ENTITY

Rate

Additional
Fee

OTHER THAN A
SMALL ENTITY

Rate

Additional
Fee

31

Minus **

24

7

x11 $

x22 $

154

5

Minus ***

3

2

x41 $

x82 $

164

+135 $

+270 $

0

First Presentation of Multip le
.
Denendent Claim(s)
*

If the entry in Col. 1 is less than the entry In Col. 2,
Total
Total
write"O"in Col.3.
A(Id. Fee O
Add. Fee $
** If the "Highest No. Previously Paid For" IN THIS
SPACE is less than 20, write "20" in this space.
*** If the "Highest No. Previously Paid For" IN THIS SPACE is less than 3, write "3" in this space.
The "Highest No. Previously Paid For" (Total or independent) is the highest number found from
the equivalent box in Col. 1 of a prior amendment or the number of claims originally filed.

318

I hereby certify that this correspondence is being deposited with the United States Postal Service as first class mail
with sufficient postage in an envelope addressed to the Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington,
D.C. 20231
on

Jane 25, MS
Date of Deposit
Edith Fuentes
Name of Person Mailing Correspondence
Signature

Date
-1 -

(LJV/cak 10/01/97)

APLNDC00024503

X

Y

A check in the amount of $ 31100
is attached for presentation of additional claim(s).
Applicant(s) hereby Petition(s) for an Extension of Time of
month(s) pursuant to
37 C.F.R. § 1.136(a).
Acheckfor$
is attached for processing fees under 37 C.F.R. § 1.17.
Please charge my Deposit Account No. 02-2688 the amount of $
A duplicate copy of this sheet is enclosed.
The Commissioner of Patents and Tradernarks is hereby authorized to charge payment of the
following fees associated with this communication or credit any overpayment to Deposit
Account No. no-onne (a duplicate copy of this sheet is enclosed):
X
Any additional filing fees required under 37 C.F.R. § 1.16 for presentation of
extra claims.
X
Any extension or petition fees under 37 C.F.R. § 1.17.
BLAKE

'
/
12400 Wilshire Boulevard
Seventh Floor
Los Angeles, California 90025
[phone]

SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN LLP

dith A. Szepesi
Reg.No. mam

-2-

(LJV/cak 10/01/97)

APLNDC00024504

PTO/SB/17(10/96)
Approved for use through 09/30/98. OMB 0651-0032
Patent and Trademark Office: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Twork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number.

FEE TRANSMITTAL
TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT ($)

Asin on

Complete if Known:
Application No,
OR/apt nra
Filing Data March 90 1997
First Named inventor

Rtavan W Chrintenman

Group Alt Unit
fxaminer Name
Attomey Docket NO.

241_5
noin Torm o
DOdMO P1ARRO2

METHOD OF PAYMENT (check one)
1.

[

X ]

The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge indicated fees and credit
any over payments to:
Deposit Account Number
Deposit Account Name

[
[
2.

X ]
]
X
X

02-2666

Charge Any Additional Fee Required Under 37 CFR 1.16 and 1.17
Charge the issue Fee Set in 37 CFR 1.18 at the Mailing of the
Notice of Allowance, 37 CFR 1.131(b)
Payment Enclosed
Check
Money Order
Other

(-

FEE CALCULATION (fees effective 10/01/97)
1 .

FILING FEE

Large Entity
Fee
Fee
Code ($)
101
790
106
330
107
540
108
790
114
150

o

Small Entily
Fee
Fee
Code ($)
201
395
206
165
207
270
208
395
214
75

Fee Desogion

Fee Paid

Utility application filing fee

Design application filing fee
Plant filing fee
Reissue filing fee
Provisional application filing fee

SUBTOTAL (1)

2.

CLAIMS

Fee from

v+ra

Total Claims
21
- 24 =
Independent Claims 5
-3 =
Multiple Dependent Claims
Unran Entitv

Fee
Code
203
202
204
209
210

hainw

X
X
X

22.00
82.00

Fan Pairi

=
=
=

154.00
164.00

Small Entity

Fee
Code
03
02
04
109
110

7
2

$ 0.00

Fee
($)
22
82
270
82
22

Fee
($)
11
41
135
41
11

Fee Description
Fee Paid
Claims in excess of twenty
154.00
Independent claims in excess of 3
164.00
Multiple dependent claim
Reissue independent claims over original patent
Reissue claims in excess of 20 and over original patent
SUBTOTAL (2)

12/01/97

-1-

$ 318.00
PTO/SB/17 (10-96)

APLNDC00024505

FEE CALCULATION (continued)
3.

ADDITIONAL FEES

Large Entity
Fee
Fee
Code
($)
105
130
127
50

Small Entity
Fee
Fee
Code
($)
205
65
227
25

139
147
112

130
2,520
920*

139
147
112

130
2,520
920*

113

1,840*

113

1,840*

"15
-16
17
18
28
19
20
'21
~38
140

110
400
950
1,510
2,060
310
310
270
1,510
110

2 5
2 6
2 7
218
228
219
220
221
138
240

55
200
475
755
1,030
155
155
135
1,510
55

141

1,320

241

660

142
143
'44
-22
23
26
581

1,320
450
670
130
50
240
40

242
243
244
122
123
126
581

660
225
335
130
50
240
40

146

790

246

395

149

790

249

395

Fag DescLIPlion
Surcharge - late filing fee or oath
Surcharge - late provisional filing fee
or cover sheet
Non-English specification
For filing a request for reexamination
Requesting publication of SIR prior to
Examiner action
Requesting publication of SIR after
Examiner action
Extens on for response within first month
Extens on for response within second month
Extens on for response within third month
Extens on for response within fourth month
Extension for response within fifth month
Notice of Appeal
Filing a brief in support of an appeal
Request for oral hearing
Petition to institute a public use proceeding
Peti on to revive unavoidably abandoned
app cation
Peti on to revive unintentionally
abandoned application
Utility issue fee (or reissue)
Design issue fee
Plant issue fee
Petitions to the Commissioner
Petitions related to provisional applications
Submission of Information Disclosure Stmt
Recording each patent assignment per
property (times number of properties)
For filing a submission after final rejection
(see 37 CFR ~.129(a))
For each addit onal invention to be examined
(see 37 CFR ~.129(a))

Fee Paid

Other fee (specify)
Other fee (specify)

SUBTOTAL (3)$

n on

*Reduced by Basic Filing Fee Paid
UDIVli i i E"U

DT

Typed or Prinled Nagne: Judith A. Szegesi
Signature
Reg. Num

//2CC
r 90 mm

Date

if

f

Deposit Account User ID
(complete if acolicable)

12/01/97

-2-

PTO/SB/17 (10-96)
Approved for use through 09/30/98 OMB 0651-0032
Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

APLNDC00024506

FIRST ÇLASS ÇERTIFICATE OF MAILING

I hereby certify that this correspondence is being deposited with the United
States Postal Service as first class mail with sufficient postage in an envelope
addressed to the Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington, D.C. 20231
Date of Deposji

Name of Person Mailing Correspondence
Signature

SeriayPatentNo.:

Client:

Title:

Date

08/821, 004

Finng/IssueDate:

Anole Comnuter. Inc.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYTNG AND ACCESSING CONTROLAND

STATUS TNFMMATIO .TN A C NPUTER SYSTEM

BSTZFileNo.:
OO4860.P1365C2
Atty/SectyInitials:
JASleÍ
Date Mailed:
June 2¾ 1998
DocketDueDate
6/25/98
The following has been received in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office on the date stamped hereon:
Amendmem/Response
pgs.)
Appeal Brief C pgs.) (in triplicate)
O Application - Utility L_ pgs., with cover and abstract)

Express Man No.:
Month(s) Extension of Time
Humaimus&mseSmnst&PHIW(_ pgs.)

Application
O Application
Application
O Application

Issue Fee Transmittal
Notice of Appeal
Petition for Extension of Time
Petition for

-

Rule
Rule
Rule
Rule

I.60 Continuation C pgs.)
1.60 Division i pgs.)
1.60 CIP
pgs.)
1.62 Transmittal (___ pgs.)

Application - Design L pgs.)
O Application - PCT L pgs.)
O Ap cation - Provisional (_____ pgs)

,

E Check No
Amt 318 •ÜÜ
Check No.
Amt:

Postcard
Power of Attomey C pgs.)
Pseliminary Amendment i pgs.}

O Assignment and Cover Sheet

Reply Brief C pgs.)

E Certificate of Mailing

Response to Notice of Missing Pans

O

& POA (___ pgs.)
usdosuengs&Oig&Gyydinands
Drawings:
# of sheets includes

O Other:

Request to Incorporate Disclosme Document (_.._ pgs.)
pgt)
. figures

Small Emity Declaration for Indep. Invemor/SmaH Business
N Transmittal Lener (original & copy)

Fee Trasumittal (2)

APLNDC00024507

Atty. *

04860.P1"

2

Patent

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND = mu- a - OFFICE
In re Application of:

)

Steven W. Christensen

)

Serial No.

08/821,004

)

Examiner:

Dela Torre, C.

Filed:

March 20, 1997

)

Art Unit:

2415

For: METHOD A wn APPA RA TUS
FOR DISPLAYING Aun
ACCESSING CONTROL AND
STATUS INFORM^TION IN A
COMPUTER SYS * -

)
)
)
)
)

p

->3

c

AMENDivinivt AND RRSPONSE TO OFFTER ACTION

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20231
Sir:
In response to the Office Action mailed March 25, 1998, please amend the above-

referenced application as follows:

FIRST CLASS CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
l hereby certify that this correspondence is being deposited with the United States Postal Service as first class mail
with sufficient postage in an envelope addressed to the Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington, D.C.
20231
on

Juna ?ñ, 1998
Date of Deposit
Faith Fuenten

Name of Person Mailing Correspondence
Signature

Date

07/02/1998 TNGUYEN 00000053 08821004
01 FC:103
154.00 DP
02 FC:102
164.00 OP

-1-

004860.P1365C2

APLNDC00024508

Please amend the Ams as follows:
.
system c

(Three Times Amended) An interactive computer-controlled display
prising:

a pro ssor;
a data d play screen coupled to the processor;
a cursor c

trol device coupled to said processor for positioning a cursor on

said data display sc en;
a window gene tion and control logic coupled to the p-, -r and data
display --on to create n operating environment for a plurality of individual
programming modules ass ciated with different application programs that provide
status andLo_r control functio s, wherein the window generation and control logic
generates and displays a first w dow region having a plurality of display areas on
said data display screen, wherein ' e fiet viindow region is independent of_arly
appli<:ationaroja:ant and wherein e ch of the plurality of display areas is associated

with one of the plurality of individua programming modules;
an indicia generation logic couple to the data display - -- - -- to execute at
least one of the plurality of individual pro ramming modules to generate

information for display in one of the plurali
region, wherein at least one of the plurality of

of display areas in the first window
splay areas and its associated

programming module is sensitive to user input, nd further wherein the window
generation and control logic and the indicia genera on logic use message-based
communication to exchange information to coordina

activities of the indicia

generation logic to enable interactive display activity.

-2-

004860.P1365C2

APLNDC00024509

.

(Three Times Amended) An interactive computer-controlled display

systemacoroprising:

a data di

lay screen coupled to the processor;

a cursor co trol device coupled to said pocessor for positioning a -- on
said data display scr en;
window genera on and control logic coupled to the processor and data

display screen to create

operating environment for a plurality of individual

programming modules ass ciated with different application programs that provide
status and/_or control functi

, wherein the window generation and control logic

generates and displays a first

dow region having a plurality of display areas on

said data display screen, where

the first window region is independent of any

application groág:art and wherein ach of the plurality of display areas is associated
with one of the plurality of individ al progra......:..g modules;
at least one indicia graphics gen ration logic coupled to the processor and the
window generation and control logic, werein said at least one indicia graphics
generation logic generates user sensitive g phics for display in at least one data
display area by executing at least one of the lurality of individual programming
modules;
wherein the window generation and contr 1 logic dete-a- when said at
least one data display area has been selected by the ser and signals said at least one
indicia graphics generation logic in response to user election, and further wherein
said at least one indicia graphics generation logic initia s a response from said at
least one of the plurality of programming modules.

-3-

004860.P1365C2

APLNDC00024510

.

(Three Times Amended) A method for generating control

informatio comprising the steps of:
creati

an operating environment for a plurality of individual

programming

odules associated with different application programs that provide

status and/o_r co rol functions;
generating a

st window sized to accommodate a plurality of display areas

for indicia resulting fr

executing at least one of the plurality of individual

progra.u-Ag modules,
with one of the plurality o

erein each of the plurality of display areas is associated
dividual programming modules =nd wh-in so

first window is independent o any application program;
displaying the indicia in ea

of said plurality of display areas by executing

one of a plurality of individual pro amming modules corresponding to each
indicia;
selecting one of the indicia, wherei the step of selecting comprises a first

programming module determining which o

aid plurality of display areas is

selected and sending a message to a programm g module of said plurality of

individual programming modules responsible for enerating a display of a selected
indicia;
said programming module performing a functio in response to a selection.

Please add the following claims:

25.

(New) A system comprising:

a window generation and control logic to create an operating environment
for a plurality of individual programming modules associated with different
application programs that provide status and/or control functions, wherein the

-4-

004860.P1365C2

APLNDC00024511

window generation and control logic generates and displays a first window region
having a plurality of display

-, wherein the first window region is independent

of any application program, and wherein each of the plurality of display areas is

associated with one of the plurality of individual programming modules;
an indicia generation logic coupled to the data display semen to execute at
least one of the plurality of individual programming modules to generate
information for display in one of the plurality of display areas in the first window
region, wherein at least one of the plurality of display areas and its associated
progr------- --g module is sensitive to user input, and further wherein the window
generation and control logic and the indicia generation logic use message-based
communication to exchange information to coordinate activities of the indicia
generation logic to enable interactive display activity.

2 .
I

(New) A system comprising:

a win ow region independent of any application program, the window

region having i eractive display areas;
each of a plu lity of the display areas associated with one of a plurality of
individual programmi

modules;

wherein at least on of the individual programming modules is executable to
generate information for disp

in the plurality of display areas, and wherein at

least one of the display areas sen tive to user input.

27.

(New) The system of clai

26 wherein the window region is displayed

at a bottom of a display screen

-5-

004860.P132

APLNDC00024512

2 .

(New) The system of claim 26, wherein one of the display areas

displays st tus information.

29.

(Ne

The system of Claim 26, wherein one of the display areas

control information.

30.

(New) The sy em of claim 26, wherein the window region is always

displayed on top of other win

31.

ws.

(New) The system of cl °m 26, wherein the window region is a

resizeable control strip, such that the win ow region is displayed but none of the
display areas are shown when the window r

ion is closed, some of the display areas

are displayed when the window region is partia

are displayed when the window region is complet

-6-

open, and all of the display areas

open.

004860.P1365C2

APLNDC00024513

RRMARTŒ

The foregoing amendments and the following remarks are responsive to the
Office Action mailed March 25, 1998. Applicant respectfully requests reconsideration
of the present application. Claims 1-24 remain in the application. Claims 1, 11, and

15 have been amended. New cl-- 25-31 have been added.
The Examiner rejected claims 1-3 and 8-24 under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being
unpatentable over Cohausz EPO Patent No. 0 584 392 A1, based upon the English
translation, in view of Foster et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,588,105.
The Ex-:-- further rejected Claims 4-7 under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being
unpatentable over Cohausz EPO Patent No. 0 584 392 A1, based upon the English
translation, and Foster et al, U.S. Patent No. 5,588,105 and further in view of Mills et

al., U.S. Patent No. 5,202,961.
Cohausz, according to the Examiner, teaches individual programming
modules at bridging paragraph of pp. 2-3, where Cohausz states:
"The problem under consideration is solved according to the
invention in that the oblong field comprises a plurality of individual
fiekis which are adjacent to one another, each of which constitutes an
operating field or a control button which, upon being activated,
branches into the associated_progrant area or executes the associated
program function, with the indicator field or the cursor always bein_g
located on the individual field in whose annociated progr_am
arealprogrant function the user is currenj;1y_located."
It is clear from Cohausz that there are no individual progr-------:--g modules
associated with different application programs, but rather a single program, which
can be accessed at different locations through the use of this indicator. Therefore,
Cohausz does not teach the individual programming modules associated with
different programs as claimed in Claim 1 of the present invention. Foster does not
remedy this failing of Cohausz. Foster teaches a status bar for application windows.
Specifically, Foster teaches:

-7-

004860.P1365C2

APLNDC00024514

A "status bar" which is attached to open application windows.
Since the status bar is attached directly to the application window, there
is no ambiguity as to which window that status bar controls.'
(Foster, Summary, Column 1, lines 54-57).
Foster further notes that in order to generate his status bar, the process

initially starts a new application program and then couples the status bar to the
application program window. (Col------- 6, lines 32-40). Foster further teaches that
the icons on the status bar relate to actions within the application window. Thus,
for example, Foster teaches a notepad which has a status bar including items such as
view button, font button, nib button, close button, etc. In addition to these specific
buttons that are associated with the application, a global clock button is also taught
by Foster to display the current time.
Foster teaches "buttons 60 and 62 are examples of active areas which provide
indirect control over the notepad function." Thus, the buttons on the status har of
Foster provide indirect control over functions of a single application program.
Claim 1, on the other hand, claims:

a window generation and control logic coupled to the processor
and data display screen to create an operating environment for a
plurality of individual programming modules associated with different
application programs that provide status and/or control functions,
wherein the window ger-ration and control logic generates and
displays a first window regon havinga gloralig of diglas_areas on
said data disp_la_y screen, wherein the first window rion is
independent of any application progammand wherein each of the
plurality of diophy areas is associated with one of the_plurality_of
individuaLyrog. -amodu es;
(Claim 1, as amended). Neither Cohausz nor Foster teach or suggest the
plurality of display areas associated with individual progr====g modules. Rather,
Cohausz' display areas are associated with different locations of the application
program, and Foster's display areas are a---- ated with functions of the application
program. Therefore, Claim 1 is not obvious over Cohausz in view of Foster.

-8-

004860.P1365C2

APLNDC00024515

Furthermore, Claim 1, as amended, claimè indicia generation logic that uses

message-based communication. This is defined in the specification as: passing
information to the module to either tell it what to do or to obtain information about

the module and its capabilities. (Specification, pg. 32, lines 5-7).
According to the Examiner Cohausz teaches message based communication at
p. 3, second paragraph, where it states: "The status indicator thus has the double
function of operation like a menu and of displaying exactly where in the program or
in the body of information the operator or user is located." The Examiner interprets
operating like a menu as telling the module what to do. The Examiner also
interprets the phrase "where . . . user is located" as obtaining information about the
module -- i.e. location of the user in the program.
Applicant respectfully suggests that the Examiner misunderstands the
meaning of the term "menu" as used in Cohausz. Specifically, the term menu in
Cohausz refers to a table of contents, rather than to communication with a module.
This is clarified on pg. 5 of Cohausz, where it states that "the oblong status indicator
can represent a menu in which the individual fields represent menu points or
menu subjects." No indication is found that this relates to communication with a
programming module. The sentence above this one clarifies that "the individual

fiends are control panels or control buttons, which, when activated (clicked on) lead
to the respective program area, text, or information segment." This is the
functionality of the indicator of Cohausz.
It is the Applicants understanding that the interpretation that the indicator
obtains information about the module is not supported by the reference. Cohausz
refers to displaying where the user is located, i.e. actual location within a document.
Along the oblong field, a square or other indicator is located at the same location as
the cursor can be found in the text. This is similar to the scroll bar of most word

-9-

004860.P1365C2

APLNDC00024516

processors. The difference is that the scroll bar of Cohausz is divided into
subsections indicating a defined program area or program function. There is no
indication of that the oblong field obtains information about a module.

In fact, Cohausz does not teach or suggest any communication between the
indicator and anything else. Thus, Cohausz does not teach message based
communication, as claimed in Claim 1. Foster does not remedy this failing of

Cohausz. Foster controls functions of an application program and may display a
clock, and does not teach or suggest message based communication. Therefore,

Claim 1 is not obvious over Cohausz in view of Foster.
Furthermore, Claim 1 claims the first window region independent of any
application program. Examiner noted that Cohausz does not teach a status bar with
a plurality of individual programming module associated with different programs.
Examiner references Foster characterizing the status bar of Foster as being associated
with different programs.
Foster teaches a status bar for application windows. Specifically, Foster

teaches:
A "status bar" which is attached to open application windows.
Since the status bar is attached directly to the application window, there
is no ambiguity as to which window that status bar controls.'
(Foster, Summary, Column 1, lines 54-57).
Foster further notes that in order to generate his status bar, the process
initially starts a new application program and then couples the status bar to the
application program window. (Column 6, lines 32-40). Foster further teaches that
the icons on the status bar relate to actions within the application window. Thus,
for example, Foster teaches a notepad which has a status bar including items such as
view button, font button, nib button, close button, etc. In addition to these specific

-10-

004860.P1365C2

APLNDC00024517

buttons that are associated with the application, a global clock button is also taught
by Foster to display the current time.
However, Claim 1, as amended, claims:
a window generation and control logic coupled to the processor
and data display screen to create an operating ena... ....ent for a
plurality of individual progr-------ing modules associated with different
application programs that provide status and/or control functions,
wherein the window generation and control logic generates and

displays a first vel,.dow regon havingaguralig of disalay areas og
said data display screen, wherein the first window region is
independent of any application_grom:am, and wherein each of the
pluralg_of display areas is associated with one of the_pluralg_of
individuaLerogramming modules;
(Claim 1, as amended) (emphasis added). Neither Foster nor Cohausz teach
or suggest a plurality of display areas independent of any application program and
associated with a plurality of individual programming modules. Cohausz teaches a
status bar for controlling a display within an application program. Similarly, Foster
teaches a status bar associated with an application program, and used to control
actions within the application program. Claim 1, on the other hand, claims an

independent window region, not associated with any application programs.
Therefore, Claim 1 is not obvious over Cohausz in view of Foster.
Similarly, independent claims 11, 15, 25, and 26 claim a plurality of display
areas independent of any application program and associated with a plurality of
individual programming modules. Therefore, for the same reasons advanced
above with respect to Claim 1, claims 11, 15, 25, and 26 are not obvious over Cohausz
in view of Foster.
In view of the foregoing amendments and remarks, applicant respectfully submits

that all pending claims are in condition for allowance. Such allowance is respectfully
requested.

-11-

004860.P1365C2

APLNDC00024518

If the Examiner finds any remammg impediment to the prompt allowance of these
claims that could be clarified with a telephone conference, the Examiner is respectfully

requested to contact Judith A. Szepesi at [phone].
Authorization is hereby given to charge our Deposit Account No. 02-2666 for any
charges that may be due.

Respectfully submitted,

BLAKELY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR & I A - A m LLP

Dated:

Ú jf , 1998
/

ficÏith A. Szepesi
f
Registration No. 39,393

12400 Wilshire Boulevard
Seventh Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90025-1026
[phone]

-12-

004860.P1-

APLNDC00024519

UNITED STATES bdPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Patent and Trademark Office
Address:

APPLICATION NO.

FILING DATE

COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
Washington, D.C. 20231

FIRST NAMED INVENTOR

LMO1/0918
BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFM N
12400 WILSHI >E BOULEVARD
SEVENTH FLOOF
LOS ANGELES CA 90025

AFTORNEY muu - NO.

EXAMINER

ART UNIT

DAFEMAILED:

PAPER NUMBER

/

09/18/98

Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or
proceeding.
Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks

PTO-90C (Rev. 2/95)

OP, Ig2\OOM

AU.S.GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 199&411-516/40275

1- File Copy

A

APLNDC00024520

Application No.

Applicant(s)

08/821,004
OMce Acdon SummarY

Christensen

Examiner

Group Art Unit

Crescelle Delatorre

2773

Responsive to communication(s) filed on .Jun 29, 1998
This action is FINAL.

O 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 O.G. 213.

A shortened statutory period for response to this action is set to expire
three month(s), or thirty days, whichever
is longer, from the mailing date of this communication. Failure to respond within the period for response will cause the
application to become abandoned. (35 U.S.C. § 133). Extensions of time may be obtained under the provisions of
37 CFR 1.136(a).
Disposition of Claims
Claim(s) 1-31

islare pending in the application.

Of the above, claim(s)

islare withdrawn from consideration,

claim(s)

islare allowed.

Claim(s) 1-31

islare rejected.

Claim(s)

islare objected to.

Claims

are subject to restriction or election requirement.

Application Papers
O See the attached Notice of Draftsperson's Patent Drawing Review, PTO-948.

O The drawing(s) filed on

islare objected to by the Examiner.

O The proposed drawing correction, filed on

is

Ospproved

Diisapproved.

The specification is objected to by the Examiner.

The oath or declaration is objected to by the Examiner.
Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119

O Acknowledgement is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(aHd).
O All O some* ONone of the CERTIFIED copies of the priority documents have been
O received.
O received in Application No. (Series Code/Serial Number)
O received in this national stage application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).
*Certified copies not received:
Acknowledgement is made of a claim for domestic priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e).

Attachment(s)
Notice of References Cited, PTO-892
Information Disclosure Statement(s), PTO-1449, Paper No(s).
O Interview summary, PTO-413
O Notice of Draftsperson's Patent Drawing Review, PTO-948
O Notice of Informal Patent Application, PTO-152

,
U. S. Patent and Trademark Office

PTO-326 (Rev. 9-95)

- SEE OFFICE ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES ---

Office Action Summary

Part of Paper No.

23

APLNDC00024521

Application/Control Number: 08/821,004

Page 2

Art Unit: 2773

DETAILED ACTION

1.

This action is responsive to communications: Amendment, filed on 6/29/98.

This action is final.

2.

Claims 1 - 31 are pending in this application. Claims 1, I 1, 15, 25, and 26 are

independent claims. In the Amendment, filed on 6/29/98, claims 1, 11, and 15 were amended, and
claims 25 - 31 were added.
This application is a CPA of 08/821,004, filed on 3/20/97, which is an FWC of
08/316,237, filed on 9/30/94, now abandoned.

3.

The present title of the invention is "Method and Apparatus for Displaying and

Accessing Control and Status Information in a Computer System" as originally filed.

Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
4.

Claims 1 - 31 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112, second paragraph, as being indefinite for

failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which applicant regards as
the invention.

As per independent claim 1, and the other independent claims 11, 15, 25, and 26, it is not
clear how the first window region, which consists of a plurality of display areas, can both be

APLNDC00024522

Application/Control Number: 08/821,004

Page 3

Art Unit: 2773

independent of anv application program and associated with a plurality of individual programming
modules. which are associated with different application programs. In other words, how can the
plurality of display areas be independent of any application program, when it is associated with

those application programs? Unless oths . . ,, noted by applicant, it is presumed by ss aminer that
the amended portion, "wherein the first window region is independent of any application

program" means that the first window region is displayed separately from any application
program.

Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
5..

The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the

basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless -(b) the invention was patented or described in a printed publication in this or a foreign country or in public use or
on sale in this country, more than one year prior to the date of application for patent in the United States.

6.

Claims 26 - 30 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(b) as being anticipated by Takagi

et al. (U.S. patent 4,885,704).
As to claim 26, Takagi et al., hereinafter Takagi, teaches the following subject matter:
a window region independent of any application program, with function area 202, in Fig.

2, the window region having interactive display areas, such as Fl - F4, at col. 4, lines 49 - 52;

APLNDC00024523

Application/Control Number: 08/821,004

Page 4

Art Unit: 2773

each of the plurality of display areas, Fl - F4, associated with one of a plurality of
individual programming modules, such as Scanner, Printer, Display, and File, in Fig. 2;
wherein at least one of the plurality of the individual programming modules is executable
to generate information for display in the plurality of display areas, at Figs. 2, 4 - 7, and col. 4,
line 42 to col. 5, line 14, and wherein at least one of the display areas is sensitive to user input, at

col. 4, lines 49 - 57.
In addition, Takagi teaches that the window region 202, is displayed at a bottom of a
display screen [claim 27] as shown at Figs. 2 - 7; that one of the display areas shows status [claim
28] and control [claim 29] information, at Figs. 4 - 7; and that the window region is always on top
of other windows [claim 30] as illustrated at Figs. 2 - 7, which shows that windows, such as 201,

do not overlap function area 202.

Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
7.

The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be

found in a prior Office action.

8.

Claims 1 - 3, 8 - 25 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over

Cohausz (EPO 0 584 392 A1), based upon the English translation, in view of Takagi et al. (U.S.
patent 4,885,704).

APLNDC00024524

Application/Control Number: 08/821,004

Page 5

Art Unit: 2773

As per claim 1, Cohausz teaches an "interactive computer-controlled display system" with
a 'status indicator for a computer program', that comprises:

"a processor" which is inherently taught by Cohausz, smce a processor is necessary m
order to execute the functions of the status indicator;

"a data display screen" with 'monitor

' at p. 4, paragraph 5;

"a cursor control device" with a 'mouse cursor' at p. 5, paragraph 2;
"a window generation and control logic" to "create an operating environment for a
plurality of individual programming modules" that "provide status and control functions" at the
bridging paragraph of pp. 2 - 3, "wherein the window generation and control logic generates and

displays a first window region" with oblong field 1, at Figs. 1 - 3, and at p. 4, paragraph 5,
"having a plurality of display areas" with individual fields 2, at Fig. 1, and at p. 4, paragraph 5,
"wherein each of the plurality of display areas is associated with one of the plurality of individual
programming modules" at p. 3, paragraph 2;
"an indicia generation logic" to "execute at least one of the plurality of programming
modules to generate information for display in one of the plurality of display areas" at p. 3,
paragraph 2, "wherein at least one of the plurality of display areas and its associated programming

module is sensitive to user input" at p. 5, paragraph 2, and further using "message-based
communication to exchange information to coordinate activities of the indicia generation logic to
enable interactive display activity" at p. 3, paragraph 2, which teaches information passing
between the status indicator and the respective program area, text, or information segment.

APLNDC00024525

Application/Control Number: 08/821,004

Page 6

Art Unit: 2773

Regarding claim 1, Cohausz teaches all that is claimed above, but does not teach a status
bar with a plurality of individual programming modules associated with different programs, nor

does Cohausz teach that the first window region is displayed separately from any application
program. Cohausz teaches a status indicator for a single program, wherein the "plurality of
individual programming modules" that "provide status and control functions" were interpreted as
individual programming fields representing portions of a single program.
On the other hand, Takagi teaches a first window region, with function area 202, which is
displayed separately from application programs in window 201, and also teaches that the plurality
of individual programming modules, F1 - F4, in function area 202, are associated with different

programs, such as Scanner, Printer, Display, and File, at Figs..2, 4 - 7, and col. 4, line 42 to col. 5,
line 14. Thus, Takagi makes up for the missing elements in Cohausz.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the

invention to include a first window region displayed separately from any application program and
have "individual programming modules associated with different programs" as taught by Takagi in
the invention of Cohausz because it provides a user with access to status and control information
of a plurality of application programs in a separate region.

As per claim 2, Cohausz teaches a "control strip" with oblong field 1, at Figs. 1 - 3.
Regarding claim 3, Cohausz also teaches that "at least one display area is variably sized" at p. 5,
paragraph 1, and p. 6, paragraph 2.

APLNDC00024526

Application/Control Number: 08/821,004

Page 7

Art Unit: 2773

In addition, Cohausz teaches that "at least one of the plurality of display areas only
displays information" [claim 8] at p. 3, paragraph 2, and at Figs. 1 - 3; or "acts to provide access
to control information when selected" [claim 9] at p. 3, paragraph 2, or "displays an additional

display element" [claim 10] at p. 6, paragraph 3.
In reference to claim 11, Cohausz teaches the following subject matter:
"a processor" which is inherently taught by Cohausz, smce a processor is necessary in
order to execute the functions of the status indicator;
"a data display screen" with 'monitor screen' at p. 4, paragraph 5;

"a cursor control device" with a 'mouse cursor' at p. 5, paragraph 2;
"a window generation and control logic" to "create an operating environment for a
plurality of individual programming modules that provide status and control functions" at the
bridging paragraph of pp. 2 - 3, "wherein the window generation and control logic generates and
displays a first window region" with oblong field 1, at Figs. 1 - 3, and at p. 4, paragraph 5,
"having a plurality of display areas" with individual fields 2, at Fig. 1, and at p. 4, paragraph 5,

"wherein each of the plurality of display areas is associated with one of the plurality of individual
progr-·---· ng modules" at p. 3, paragraph 2;

"at least one indicia graphics generation logic" that "generates user sensitive graphics for
display in at least one data display area by executing at least one of the plurality of programming
modules" at p. 3, paragraph 2; and

APLNDC00024527

Application/Control Number: 08/821,004

Page 8

Art Unit: 2773

wherein the window generation and control logic determines when a data display area has
been selected, signals the indicia graphics generation logic, which then initiates a response from
said at least one of the plurality of programming modules, also at p. 3, paragraph 2.
As to claim 11, Cohausz teaches all that is claimed above, but does not teach a status bar
with a plurality of individual progr-·------:ng modules associated with different programs, nor does
Cohausz teach that the first window region is displayed separately from any application program.
Cohausz teaches a status indicator for a single program, wherein the "plurality of individual
progr-------- ng modules" that "provide status and control functions" were interpreted as individual
programming fields representing portions of a single program.

On the other hand, Takagi teaches a first window region, with function area 202, which is
displayed separately from application programs in window 201, and also teaches that the plurality
of individual programming modules, F1 - F4, in function area 202, are associated with different

programs, such as Scanner, Printer, Display, and File, at Figs. 2, 4 - 7, and col. 4, line 42 to col. 5,
line 14. Thus, Takagi makes up for the missing elements in Cohausz.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
invention to include a first window region displayed separately from any application program and

have "individual programming modules associated with different programs" as taught by Takagi in
the invention of Cohausz because it provides a user with access to status and control information
of a plurality of application programs m a separate region.

APLNDC00024528

Application/Control Number: 08/821,004

Page 9

Art Unit: 2773

Cohausz also teaches that the "first window region is always visible to the user" [claim 12]
at p. 4, paragraph 5, since he teaches that the status indicator is 'visible during the entire program'.

As per claims 13, 14, they correspond respectively to claims 2, 3.
As to claim 15, Cohausz teaches the following steps:
"creating an operating environment for a plurality of individual programming modules that
provide status and control functions" at p. 2, paragraph 4 to p. 3, paragraph 2;
"generating a first window" with oblong field 1, at Figs. 1 - 3, and at p. 4, paragraph 5, to
accommodate a "plurality of display areas for indicia" with individual fields 2, at Figs. 1 - 3, and at
p. 4, paragraph 5, resulting from "executing at least one of the plurality of individual programming

modules, wherein each of the plurality of display areas is associated with one of the plurality of
individual programming modules" at p. 3, paragraph 2;
"displaying an indicia" as shown at Figs. 1 - 3;
"selecting one of the indicia" at p. 5, paragraph 2; and
"said programming module performing a function in response to the selection" at p. 5,
paragraph 2.

Regarding claim 15, Cohausz teaches all that is claimed above, but does not teach a status
bar with a plurality of individual programming modules associated with different progams, nor
does Cohausz teach that the first window region is displayed separately from any application
program. Cohausz teaches a status indicator for a single program, wherein the "plurality of

APLNDC00024529

Application/Control Number: 08/821,004

Page 10

Art Unit: 2773

individual programming modules" that "provide status and control functions" were interpreted as
individual programming fields representing portions of a single program.
On the other hand, Takagi teaches a first window region, with function area 202, which is

displayed separately from application programs in window 201, and also teaches that the plurality
of individual programming modules, Fl - F4, in function area 202, are associated with different

programs, such as S

, Printer, Display, and File, at Figs. 2, 4 - 7, and col. 4, line 42 to col. 5,

line 14. Thus, Takagi makes up for the missing elements in Cohausz.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
invention to include a first window region displayed separately from any application program and
have "individual programming modules associated with different programs" as taught by Takagi in
the invention of Cohausz because it provides a user with access to status and control information

of a plurality of application programs in a separate region.
In addition, Cohausz teaches "status information" [claim 16] and "control information"

[claim 17] at Figs. 1 - 3, and at p. 5, paragraphs 2, 3.
As to claim 18, Cohausz teaches that the first programming module requests a set of
features at p. 5, paragraph 2, sends a message to the programming module indicative of features,

and the programming module returns a message; such that the programming modules interact
with each other in response to user interaction with the first progr--------°--g module, also at p. 5,

paragraph 2.

APLNDC00024530

Application/Control Number: 08/821,004

Page 11

Art Unit: 2773

Cohausz also teaches the following: that each of the plurality of display areas is
individually and variable sized [claims 19, 22] at p. 5, paragraph 1, and p. 6, paragraph 2; the first
window region always appears in front of application windows [claims 20, 23] at p. 4, paragraph
5, wherein the status indicator is 'visible during the entire program'; and the first window region is
in a 'private window layer' [claims 21, 24] also at p. 4, paragraph 5.
As to claim 25, it corresponds to claim 1.

9.

Claims 4 - 7 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as being unpatentable over Cohausz

(EPO 0 584 392 Al), based upon the English translation, and Takagi et al. (U. S. Patent
4,885,704), and further in view of Mills et al. (U.S. patent 5,202,961).
Cohausz teaches that the display areas (individual fields 2] of the first window region
[oblong field 1] are variably sized at p. 5, paragraph 1, and p. 6, paragraph 2, but does not teach
that the first window region is variably sized [claim 4], such that none of the plurality of display
areas is visible [claim 5], all are visible [claim 6], or a portion is visible [claim 7]. Nor does
Takagi teach the above elements of applicant's invention.

On the other hand, Mills et al., hereinafter Mills, teach that the size of the first window
region is variable [claim 4] also at col. 4, lines 8 - 9, and also teaches sizing the first window
region so that none of the display areas are visible [claim 5] with close box 28, at Fig. 2, and at
col. 4, lines 7 - 8, or all [claim 6] or a portion [claim 7] of the display areas are visible, both at col.

4, lines 8 - 9.

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Although neither Cohausz nor Takagi teach that the first window region is variably sized
as claimed in claims 4 - 7, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time

of the invention to vary the size of the first window region as taught by Mills, because it gives the
user control over how much and what to display of the status indicator.

10.

Claim 31 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over Takagi et al. (U.S.

patent 4,885,704) in view of Mills et al. (U.S. patent 5,202,961).
Regarding claim 31, Takagi teaches a window region with function area 202, but does not

teach that the window region is resizeable, such that none of the plurality of display areas are
shown, all are displayed, or some are displayed.
On the other hand, Mills et al., hereinafter Mills, teach that the size of the window region
is variable at col. 4, lines 8 - 9, and also teaches sizing the window region so that none of the
display areas are visible, with close box 28, at Fig. 2, and at col. 4, lines 7 - 8, or all or a portion
of the display areas are visible, both at col. 4, lines 8 - 9.
Although Takagi does not teach that the window region is variably sized, it would have
been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention to vary the size of the

window region as taught by Mills, because it gives the user control over how much and what to
display of the function area.

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Response to Arguments
11.

Applicant's arguments with respect to claims 1 - 31 have been considered but are moot in

view of the new ground(s) of rejection.
As to independent claims 1, 11, 15, 25, 26, applicant amended each claim to include that
the "first window region is independent of any application program". The examiner agrees with
applicant that neither Cohausz nor Foster teach that the first window region is displayed

separately from any application program. For instance, Foster teaches that the status bar is
attached to the application program [see col. 8, lines 30 - 31, and Fig. 3].
However, in an update search, the examiner found the Takagi reference, which when
combined with the Cohausz reference, still renders applicant's invention obvious since Takagi
teaches a first window region, with function area 202, which is displayed separately from
application programs in window 201, and also teaches that the plurality of individual
programming modules, F1 - F4, in function area 202, are associated with different programs, such
as Scanner, Printer, Display, and File, at Figs. 2, 4 - 7, and col. 4, line 42 to col. 5, line 14.
Regarding the Cohausz reference, the examiner agrees with applicant that Cohausz does
not teach individual programming modules associated with different application programs, and

that Cohausz does not teach that the "first window region is independent of any application
program".
However, the examiner disagrees with applicant that Cohausz does not teach messagebased communication, which is defined as "passing information to the module to either tell it what

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Application/Control Number: 08/821,004

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to do or to obtain information about the module and its capabilities". Cohausz teaches messagebased communication since he teaches that "each of these fields constitutes a control panel or
control button, which, upon being activated, branches into the associated program area or

executes the associatedarozam function" see abstract . Thus, Cohausz teaches passing
information to the module to tell it what to do with the step of executing the associated program
function.
Conclusion
12.

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 i a RE
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
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.

Responses
3.

Responses to this action should be mailed to: Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks,

APLNDC00024534