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Patent Application 19008585 - METHODS INTERNET OF THINGS IOT SYSTEMS AND - Rejection

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Patent Application 19008585 - METHODS INTERNET OF THINGS IOT SYSTEMS AND

Title: METHODS, INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) SYSTEMS, AND MEDIUMS FOR PIPELINE REPAIR BASED ON SMART GAS

Application Information

  • Invention Title: METHODS, INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) SYSTEMS, AND MEDIUMS FOR PIPELINE REPAIR BASED ON SMART GAS
  • Application Number: 19008585
  • Submission Date: 2025-05-14T00:00:00.000Z
  • Effective Filing Date: 2025-01-02T00:00:00.000Z
  • Filing Date: 2025-01-02T00:00:00.000Z
  • Examiner Employee Number: 82064
  • Art Unit: 3629
  • Tech Center: 3600

Rejection Summary

  • 102 Rejections: 0
  • 103 Rejections: 2

Cited Patents

The following patents were cited in the rejection:

Office Action Text


    Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
DETAILED CORRESPONDENCE
Status of Claims
Claims 1, 2, 3, 8, 14, 15, 20 have been amended via preliminary amendments.
Claims 4 – 7, 9 – 11, 13, 16, 17 have been cancelled via preliminary amendments.
No claims have been added.
Priority
Applicant’s claim for the benefit of a prior-filed application under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) or under 35 U.S.C. 120, 121, 365(c), or 386(c) is acknowledged. 
Claim Objections
Claims 1, 14 are objected to because of the following informalities:  the limitation directed towards determining the pipeline repair sequence should be two separate limitations as a semi-colon is present in the second line of the limitation.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim 15 is objected to because of the following informalities:  the letter “d” should be lower-case in the first limitation.  Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112(b)
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):

(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.

The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:

The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.

Claims 1 – 3, 8, 12, 14, 15, 18 – 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor, or for pre-AIA  the applicant regards as the invention.
In regards to claims, 1, 14, 20, the Examiner does not understand what is meant by “smart” gas.  How can gas be “smart”?  Upon review of the specification, the Examiner asserts that the specification fails to disclose how gas can be “smart”.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101
35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows:
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.

Claims 14, 15, 18 – 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to non-statutory subject matter.  The claimed invention is comprised of a system/apparatus with no structural components and is comprised of software (data) structures/modules, i.e. platforms, not claimed as embodied in computer-readable media and, therefore, is descriptive material per se and is not statutory because they are not capable of causing function change in a computer.  See In re Warmerdam, 33 F.3d at 1361, 31 USPQ2d at 1760.  The Examiner asserts that platforms are not equivalent to structural elements and, therefore, the limitations set forth in the claims are directed to software and software, per se, is not statutory.  The Examiner asserts that the applicant is claiming the system/apparatus by what it does and not by the structure to perform the claimed invention.  
Claims 1 – 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to an abstract idea without significantly more.  The claims recite:
Claim 1:
obtaining pipeline repair equipment information and pipeline data to be repaired through the gas company management platform; 
determining a pipeline repair sequence based on the pipeline repair equipment information and the pipeline data to be repaired; the pipeline repair sequence including a plurality of repair commands, each of the plurality of repair commands being performed by at least one target pipeline repair equipment, and each of the plurality of repair commands including include a target repair pipeline and repair parameters corresponding to the target repair pipeline; 
based on the repair commands, performing at least one of the following operations: 
receiving feedback information captured by the citizen user platform through the government supervision service platform; 
determining an updated collection frequency for a pressure regulating equipment and a gas metering device deployed on a target gas pipeline based on the feedback information, and sending the updated collection frequency to the pressure regulating equipment and the gas metering device; 
obtaining a pressure regulating parameter during a repair process captured by the pressure regulating equipment and a gas supply parameter during the repair process captured by the gas metering device;
obtaining monitoring data captured by monitoring components deployed on remaining target repair pipelines through the gas company management platform; and
generating a repair update command based on the pipeline data to be repaired, the pressure regulating parameter, the gas supply parameter, and the monitoring data, the repair update command being used to control updating of the pipeline repair sequence
Claim 14:
obtaining pipeline repair equipment information and pipeline data to be repaired through the gas company management platform; 
determining a pipeline repair sequence based on the pipeline repair equipment information and the pipeline data to be repaired; the pipeline repair sequence including a plurality of repair commands, each of the plurality of repair commands being performed by at least one target pipeline repair equipment, and each of the plurality of repair commands including include a target repair pipeline and repair parameters corresponding to the target repair pipeline; 
based on the repair commands, performing at least one of the following operations: 
receiving feedback information captured by the citizen user platform through the government supervision service platform; 
determining an updated collection frequency for a pressure regulating equipment and a gas metering device deployed on a target gas pipeline based on the feedback information, and sending the updated collection frequency to the pressure regulating equipment and the gas metering device; 
obtaining a pressure regulating parameter during a repair process captured by the pressure regulating equipment and a gas supply parameter during the repair process captured by the gas metering device;
obtaining monitoring data captured by monitoring components deployed on remaining target repair pipelines through the gas company management platform; and
generating a repair update command based on the pipeline data to be repaired, the pressure regulating parameter, the gas supply parameter, and the monitoring data, the repair update command being used to control updating of the pipeline repair sequence
Claim 20:
executing the method of pipeline repair based on the method of claim 1.
The invention is directed towards the abstract idea of the collection and comparison of information and, based on a rule, identify options, in this case, collecting information regarding the performance of an asset and, based on how it is expected to perform, take the necessary actions to facilitate its repair, which corresponds to “Certain Methods of Organizing Human Activities” as it is directed towards steps that can be performed in a human(s), the human mind, and/or with the aid of pen and paper, e.g., having a user collect information regarding the operation/performance of an asset, determine its condition, state, performance/operation (which can be based on comparing the collected data against known data (expected performance)), and, based on the determination, take the necessary steps/actions to facilitate its repair and collecting any additional relevant information.
The limitations of:
obtaining pipeline repair equipment information and pipeline data to be repaired through the gas company management platform; 
determining a pipeline repair sequence based on the pipeline repair equipment information and the pipeline data to be repaired; the pipeline repair sequence including a plurality of repair commands, each of the plurality of repair commands being performed by at least one target pipeline repair equipment, and each of the plurality of repair commands including include a target repair pipeline and repair parameters corresponding to the target repair pipeline; 
based on the repair commands, performing at least one of the following operations: 
receiving feedback information captured by the citizen user platform through the government supervision service platform; 
determining an updated collection frequency for a pressure regulating equipment and a gas metering device deployed on a target gas pipeline based on the feedback information, and sending the updated collection frequency to the pressure regulating equipment and the gas metering device; 
obtaining a pressure regulating parameter during a repair process captured by the pressure regulating equipment and a gas supply parameter during the repair process captured by the gas metering device;
obtaining monitoring data captured by monitoring components deployed on remaining target repair pipelines through the gas company management platform; and
generating a repair update command based on the pipeline data to be repaired, the pressure regulating parameter, the gas supply parameter, and the monitoring data, the repair update command being used to control updating of the pipeline repair sequence
are processes that, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind but for the recitation of a generic processor executing computer code stored on a computer medium and generic sensor.  That is, other than reciting a generic processor executing computer code stored on a computer medium and generic sensor nothing in the claim element precludes the step from practically being performed in the mind.  For example, but for the generic processor executing computer code stored on a computer medium and generic sensor in the context of this claim encompasses a user collect information regarding the operation/performance of an asset, determine its condition, state, performance/operation (which can be based on comparing the collected data against known data (expected performance)), and, based on the determination, take the necessary steps/actions to facilitate its repair and collecting any additional relevant information.  If a claim limitation, under its broadest reasonable interpretation, covers performance of the limitation in the mind but for the recitation of a generic processor executing computer code stored on a computer medium and generic sensor, then it falls within the “Certain Methods of Organizing Human Activities” groupings of abstract ideas.  Accordingly, the claims recite an abstract idea.
This judicial exception is not integrated into a practical application. In particular, the claim only recites additional elements – a generic processor executing computer code stored on a computer medium and generic sensor to communicate and collect information, as well as performing operations that a human can perform in their mind and/or pen and paper, i.e. analyzing the information to facilitate the repair of an asset. The generic processor executing computer code stored on a computer medium and generic sensor in the steps are recited at a high-level of generality (i.e., as a generic processor executing computer code stored on a computer medium and generic sensor can perform the insignificant extra solution steps of receiving and transmitting information (See MPEP 2106.05(g) while also reciting that the a generic processor executing computer code stored on a computer medium and generic sensor are merely being applied to perform the steps that can be performed by a human(s), in the human mind, and/or with the aid of pen and paper; "[use] of a computer or other machinery in its ordinary capacity for economic or other tasks (e.g., to receive, store, or transmit data) or simply adding a general purpose computer or computer components after the fact to an abstract idea (e.g., a fundamental economic practice or mathematical equation) does not integrate a judicial exception into a practical application or provide significantly more.” Therefore, according to the MPEP, this is not solely limited to computers but includes other technology that, recited in an equivalent to “apply it,” is a mere instruction to perform the abstract idea on that technology (See MPEP 2106.05(f)) such that it amounts no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using a generic processor executing computer code stored on a computer medium and generic sensor. 
Accordingly, these additional elements do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application because they do not impose any meaningful limits on practicing the abstract idea. The claims are directed to an abstract idea.
The claims do not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception. As discussed above with respect to integration of the abstract idea into a practical application, the additional element of using a generic processor executing computer code stored on a computer medium and generic sensor to perform the steps of:
obtaining pipeline repair equipment information and pipeline data to be repaired through the gas company management platform; 
determining a pipeline repair sequence based on the pipeline repair equipment information and the pipeline data to be repaired; the pipeline repair sequence including a plurality of repair commands, each of the plurality of repair commands being performed by at least one target pipeline repair equipment, and each of the plurality of repair commands including include a target repair pipeline and repair parameters corresponding to the target repair pipeline; 
based on the repair commands, performing at least one of the following operations: 
receiving feedback information captured by the citizen user platform through the government supervision service platform; 
determining an updated collection frequency for a pressure regulating equipment and a gas metering device deployed on a target gas pipeline based on the feedback information, and sending the updated collection frequency to the pressure regulating equipment and the gas metering device; 
obtaining a pressure regulating parameter during a repair process captured by the pressure regulating equipment and a gas supply parameter during the repair process captured by the gas metering device;
obtaining monitoring data captured by monitoring components deployed on remaining target repair pipelines through the gas company management platform; and
generating a repair update command based on the pipeline data to be repaired, the pressure regulating parameter, the gas supply parameter, and the monitoring data, the repair update command being used to control updating of the pipeline repair sequence
Additionally:
Claim 2 is directed towards the recitation of generic technology recited at a high level of generality and applying them to the abstract idea, as well as descriptive subject matter, in this case, describing/assigning labels to software, routine, modules, computer code, and the like and generically reciting that they are in communication with one another.
Claims 3, 12 are directed towards the collection and comparison of information and, based on a rule(s), identify options, in this case, collecting information regarding the pipeline, repair equipment, and etc., comparing information against a threshold to determine urgency, and managing the repair based on the analysis.
Claim 8 is directed towards the collection and comparison of information and, based on a rule(s), identify options, in this case, collecting information regarding the pipeline, repair equipment, and etc., comparing information against a threshold to determine urgency, and managing the repair based on the analysis.
Additionally, with regards to claim 8, although the claim recites “machine learning model,” the claims and specification fail to provide sufficient disclosure regarding an improvement to how a machine learning algorithm can be trained, but simply recites a high-level generic recitation that a machine learning algorithm is being trained.  There is insufficient evidence from the specification to indicate that the use of the machine learning algorithm involves anything other than the generic application of a known technique in its normal, routine, and ordinary capacity or that the claimed invention purports to improve the functioning of the computer itself or the machine learning algorithm.  None of the limitations reflects an improvement in the functioning of a computer, or an improvement to other technology or technical field, applies or uses a judicial exception to effect a particular treatment or prophylaxis for a disease or medical condition, implements a judicial exception with, or uses a judicial exception in conjunction with, a particular machine or manufacture that is integral to the claim, effects a transformation or reduction of a particular article to a different state or thing, or applies or uses the judicial exception in some other meaningful way beyond generally linking the use of the judicial exception to a particular technological environment, such that the claim as a whole is more than a drafting effort designed to monopolize the exception.  
Even training and applying a machine learning model is simply application of a computer model, itself an abstract idea manifestation.  Further, such training and applying of a model is no more than putting data into a black box machine learning operation.  The nomination as being a machine learning model is a functional label, devoid of technological implementation and application details.  The specification does not contend it invented any of these activities, or the creation and use of such machine learning models.  In short, each step does no more than require a generic computer to perform generic computer functions. As to the data operated upon, "even if a process of collecting and analyzing information is 'limited to particular content' or a particular 'source,' that limitation does not make the collection and analysis other than abstract." SAP America, Inc. v. InvestPic LLC, 898 F.3d 1161, 1168 (Fed. Cir. 2018).
The Examiner asserts that the scope of the disclosed invention, as presented in the originally filed specification, is not directed towards the improvement of machine learning, but directed towards collection and comparison of information and, based on a rule, identify options, in this case, collecting information regarding the performance of an asset and, based on how it is expected to perform, take the necessary actions to facilitate its repair.  The specification’s disclosure on machine learning is nothing more than a high general explanation of generic technology and applying it to the abstract idea.  Referring to MPEP § 2106.05(f), the training, re-training, and updating are merely being used to facilitate the tasks of the abstract idea, which provides nothing more than a results-oriented solution that lacks detail of the mechanism for accomplishing the result and is equivalent to the words “apply it,” per MPEP § 2106.05(f).  The Examiner asserts that in light of the 2024 Guidance Update on Patent Subject Matter Eligibility, Including on Artificial Intelligence, the claimed invention is analogous to Example 47, Claim 2.
Further, the combination of these elements is nothing more than a generic computing system with machine learning model(s). Because the additional elements are merely instructions to apply the abstract idea to a computer, as described in MPEP § 2106.05(f), they do not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application.  
The remaining claims recite subject matter that has already been discussed above.
In summary, the dependent claims are simply directed towards providing additional descriptive factors that are considered for managing the repair of an asset.  Accordingly, the claims are not patent eligible.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.  
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.

Claims 1 – 3, 12, 14, 15, 19, 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Arantes et al. (US PGPub 2020/0075027 A1) in view of Lu (US PGPub 2020/0019893 A1).
In regards to claim 1, Arantes discloses a method for pipeline repair based on smart gas, performed by a government supervision and management platform of an Internet of Things (loT) system for pipeline repair based on smart gas, the IoT system including a citizen user platform, a government supervision service platform, the government supervision and management platform, a gas company management platform and a gas equipment object platform, and the method comprising: 
obtaining [asset] repair equipment information and [asset] data to be repaired through the gas company management platform (¶ 20, 49, 97 wherein the system obtains asset repair equipment information (e.g., part or tool needed to perform the repair) and asset data that is in need of the repair.
The Examiner assert that “platform” is understood to be software, routine, module, computer code, or the like and that “government supervision and management”, “citizen user”, “government supervision service”, “government supervision and management”, “gas company management”, and “gas equipment object” are labels assigned to each software, routine, module, computer code, or the like.  The Examiner also asserts that these titles/platforms are defined by their function and not the label assigned to them.  As a non-limiting example, “government” implies a governmental, regulatory, municipal, state, or etc. body, however, in light of, for example, ¶ 212, 216, “government” is directed towards functions that are directed towards monitoring/overseeing asset information and collecting the information and has nothing to do with governmental, regulatory, municipal, state, or etc. body.  The Examiner asserts that the claimed invention and specification are using much broader definitions for what appears to be narrow concepts.  As a result, so long as the prior art discloses the same/equivalent functions then the requirements of the claimed invention are met despite using different titles/labels that have been given for each recited platform, software, routine, module, computer code, or the like between the claimed invention and prior art.
With that said, see Fig. 1, 2; ¶ 94 wherein an asset management, monitoring, repair, and repair scheduling system is disclosed and is comprised of a plurality of platforms, software, routines, modules, computer code, or the like to perform the various functions to facilitate (as will be discussed below) the detection of an issue, schedule and assign a technician to resolve the issue, determine part/tool availability to facilitate repair of the asset, guidance for the technician to resolve the issue, repair progress, and repair completion determination); 
determining a [asset] repair sequence based on the [asset] repair equipment information and the [asset] data to be repaired; the [asset] repair sequence including a plurality of repair commands, each of the plurality of repair commands being performed by at least one target [asset] repair equipment, and each of the plurality of repair commands including include a target repair [asset] and repair parameters corresponding to the target repair [asset] (¶ 20, 50, 53, 54, 55, 62, 63, 97, 134, 150 wherein, based on the specifics of the issue that the asset is experiencing or will experience, the system determines and provides to a technician instructions of how to proceed and complete the repair with step-by-step instructions using the parts/tools required for the repair); 
based on the repair commands, performing at least one of the following operations: 
receiving feedback information captured by the citizen user platform through the government supervision service platform; 
determining an updated collection frequency for a pressure regulating equipment and a [
] device deployed on a target [asset] based on the feedback information, and sending the updated collection frequency to the [
] equipment and the gas metering device; 
obtaining a [
] parameter during a repair process captured by the [
] equipment and a [
] parameter during the repair process captured by the [asset] device;
obtaining monitoring data captured by monitoring components deployed on remaining target repair [assets] through the [
] management platform; and
generating a repair update command based on the [asset] data to be repaired, the [
] parameter, the [
] parameter, and the monitoring data, the repair update command being used to control updating of the [asset] repair sequence
(¶ 20, 44, 45, 49, 63 wherein the system obtains monitoring data captured by sensors deployed at the various assets, which includes those scheduled for repair, currently being repaired, and those that are predicted to require a repair and will take into consideration of the severity and type of problem to determine which assets should be scheduled for repair, assigning the best technician to facilitate the repair of the asset, and whether a monitored asset should be of a previous repair should be rescheduled). 
Arantes discloses a central asset monitoring system and method for monitoring and managing the repair, maintenance, and the like of an asset.  Although Arantes discloses that the equipment may be any type of machine, vehicle, apparatus, gas turbine, power generation equipment, or etc. (¶ 47), Arantes fails to explicitly disclose whether it is known to monitor and manage servicing of all types of equipment and their associated data type, e.g., gas pipelines. 
To be more specific, Arantes fails to explicitly disclose:
obtaining pipeline repair equipment information and pipeline data to be repaired through the gas company management platform
determining a pipeline repair sequence based on the pipeline repair equipment information and the pipeline data to be repaired; the pipeline repair sequence including a plurality of repair commands, each of the plurality of repair commands being performed by at least one target pipeline repair equipment, and each of the plurality of repair commands including include a target repair pipeline and repair parameters corresponding to the target repair pipeline
determining an updated collection frequency for a pressure regulating equipment and a gas metering device deployed on a target gas pipeline based on the feedback information, and sending the updated collection frequency to the pressure regulating equipment and the gas metering device; 
obtaining a pressure regulating parameter during a repair process captured by the pressure regulating equipment and a gas supply parameter during the repair process captured by the gas metering device;
obtaining monitoring data captured by monitoring components deployed on remaining target repair pipelines through the gas company management platform; and
generating a repair update command based on the pipeline data to be repaired, the pressure regulating parameter, the gas supply parameter, and the monitoring data, the repair update command being used to control updating of the pipeline repair sequence
However, Lu, which discloses a similar asset monitoring and maintenance management system, not only teaches that such systems are not limited to any particular type of asset, but that such asset types can include and are not limited to gas pipelines.  One of ordinary skill in the art looking upon the teachings of Lu would have found that, similar to Arantes, the type of asset does not affect the overarching monitoring and maintenance management system as the same/similar processes are still performed in order to achieve the same predictable result by a central monitoring system, i.e. utilizing sensors to monitor the condition of an asset, detect that an asset requires servicing, dispatching a technician to service the asset, identifying equipment needed to resolve the issue, monitoring the progress of the repair, and assist with completion of the repair.  As a result, one of ordinary skill in the art would have found it obvious to substitute a gas pipeline and its associated information that would assist with facility the monitoring and management process with the non-limiting examples of asset types of Arantes and still achieve the same predictable result as discussed above.
(For support see: ¶ 11, 22, 27, 28, 35, 38, 41, 69, 124)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention that since each individual element and its function are shown in the prior art, albeit shown in separate references, the difference between the claimed subject matter and the prior art rests not on any individual element or function but in the very combination itself-that is in the substitution of a gas pipeline, as taught by Lu, for the non-limiting examples of asset types disclosed by the Arantes.
Thus, the simply substitution of one known element for another producing a predictable result renders the claim obvious, i.e. having a central monitoring system be in communication with sensors that monitoring an asset to identify an issue and taking the necessary steps to dispatch and assist a technician with resolving the issue.
In regards to claim 2, the combination of Arantes and Lu discloses the method of claim 1, wherein the IoT system further includes a government supervision sensor network platform, a government supervision object platforms and a gas company sensor network platform; 
the government supervision service platform includes a citizen cloud service sub-platform and a government safety supervision service sub-platform, the government supervision and management platform includes a government gas management sub-platform and a government safety management sub-platform, and the government supervision sensor network platform includes a government gas management sensor network sub-platform and a government safety management sensor network sub-platform, the government supervision object platform including the gas company management platform; 
the citizen user platform is configured to interact with data between the citizen cloud service sub-platform and the government safety supervision service sub-platform;
the government gas management sub-platform is configured to interact with data between the citizen cloud service sub-platform and the government gas management sensor network sub-platform;
the government safety management sub-platform is configured to interact with data between the government supervision service platform and the government safety management sensor network sub-platform;
the gas company management platform is configured to interact with data between the government gas management sensor network sub-platform and the government safety management sensor network sub-platform; and
the gas company sensor network platform is configured to interact with the gas equipment object platform in data. 
(First, as discussed above, “platform” is understood to be software, routine, module, computer code, or the like and that “government supervision and management”, “citizen user”, “government supervision service”, “government supervision and management”, “gas company management”, and “gas equipment object” are labels assigned to each software, routine, module, computer code, or the like.  The Examiner also asserts that these titles/platforms are defined by their function and not the label assigned to them.  As a non-limiting example, “government” implies a governmental, regulatory, municipal, state, or etc. body, however, in light of, for example, ¶ 212, 216, “government” is directed towards functions that are directed towards monitoring/overseeing asset information and collecting the information and has nothing to do with governmental, regulatory, municipal, state, or etc. body.  The Examiner asserts that the claimed invention and specification are using much broader definitions for what appears to be narrow concepts.  As a result, so long as the prior art discloses the same/equivalent functions then the requirements of the claimed invention are met despite using different titles/labels that have been given for each recited platform, software, routine, module, computer code, or the like between the claimed invention and prior art.
With that said, see:
Arantes – Fig. 1, 2; ¶ 94; Lu – Fig. 1A, 1C, 1H; ¶ 15, 27 wherein a central asset management, monitoring, repair, and repair scheduling system, i.e. “government gas management sub-platform”, “government safety management sub-platform”, “gas company management platform”, and “gas company sensor network platform”, is disclosed and is comprised of a plurality of platforms, software, routines, modules, computer code, or the like to perform the various functions to facilitate (as will be discussed below) the detection of an issue, schedule and assign a technician to resolve the issue, determine part/tool availability to facilitate repair of the asset, guidance for the technician to resolve the issue, repair progress, and repair completion determination.
Arantes – ¶ 31, 46, 76, 78, 86, 104; Lu – ¶ 34, 40, 41, 48, 49 regarding the cloud-based system including a component to allow for customer relationships, interactions, and submitting customer service requests, i.e. “citizen user” platform).
In regards to claim 3, the combination of Arantes and Lu discloses the method of claim 1, wherein the determining a pipeline repair sequence based on the pipeline repair equipment information and the pipeline data to be repaired includes: 
determining a performance level of pipeline repair equipment based on the pipeline repair equipment information; 
identifying the target pipeline repair equipment based on the performance level; 
determining a repair urgency for each pipeline to be repaired based on the pipeline data to be repaired; 
determining at least one target repair pipeline based on the repair urgency; and 
determining the pipeline repair sequence based on the target pipeline repair equipment and the repair urgency of the target repair pipeline
(Arantes – ¶ 20, 44, 45, 49, 50, 53, 55, 63 wherein the system collects sensor data and utilizes historical information to assist with monitoring and determining the performance of an asset, which, in turn, results in the system determining if an asset requires servicing, determining the type of service, determining the severity of the asset issue, determining when to schedule servicing for an asset, determining the parts/tools required to complete the service, and how to best guide a technician with servicing the asset, as well as any rescheduling of a previously serviced asset.
See the rejection provided above in view of Lu regarding an asset can include a gas pipeline; see also Lu – ¶ 27, 28 regarding collecting sensor data, order of solutions, and urgency/priority of preventative issues/solutions). 
In regards to claim 12, the combination of Arantes and Lu discloses the method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: 
for the repair commands in progress, in response to the presence of a pipeline repair equipment that satisfies a predetermined condition, estimating a total repair time of each of the repair commands in progress; 
determining at least one target repair command based on the total repair time; and 
updating the repair parameter of the at least one target repair command
(Lu – ¶ 31, 37 regarding service start date, service completion data, service progress, and the estimated time to complete the job during the progress of the service; ¶ 124 regarding updating a work schedule; Arantes – ¶ 156 regarding repair completion time; ¶ 55 monitoring the progress and providing guidance to reduce repair time).  
In regards to claim 14, Arantes discloses an Internet of Things (loT) system for pipeline repair based on smart gas, comprising a citizen user platform, a government supervision service platform, a government supervision and management platform, a government supervision sensor network platform, a government supervision object platform, a gas company sensor network platform, and a gas equipment object platform; wherein 
the government supervision service platform includes a citizen cloud service sub-platform and a government safety supervision service sub-platform, the government supervision and management platform includes a government gas management sub-platform and a government safety management sub-platform, and the government supervision sensor network platform includes a government gas management sensor network sub-platform and a government safety management sensor network sub-platform, the government supervision object platform including a gas company management platform; 
the citizen user platform is configured to interact with data from the citizen cloud service sub-platform and the government safety supervision service sub- platform for data;
 the government gas management sub-platform is configured to interact with data between the citizen cloud service sub-platform and the government gas management sensor network sub-platform; 
the government safety management sub-platform is configured to interact with data between the government supervision service platform and the government safety management sensor network sub-platform; 
the gas company management platform is configured to interact with data between the government gas management sensor network sub-platform and the government safety management sensor network sub-platform;
the gas company sensor network platform is configured to interact with data between the gas equipment object platform and the gas company management platform;
First, the Examiner assert that “platform” is understood to be software, routine, module, computer code, or the like and that “government supervision and management”, “citizen user”, “government supervision service”, “government supervision and management”, “gas company management”, and “gas equipment object” are labels assigned to each software, routine, module, computer code, or the like.  The Examiner also asserts that these titles/platforms are defined by their function and not the label assigned to them.  As a non-limiting example, “government” implies a governmental, regulatory, municipal, state, or etc. body, however, in light of, for example, ¶ 212, 216, “government” is directed towards functions that are directed towards monitoring/overseeing asset information and collecting the information and has nothing to do with governmental, regulatory, municipal, state, or etc. body.  The Examiner asserts that the claimed invention and specification are using much broader definitions for what appears to be narrow concepts.  As a result, so long as the prior art discloses the same/equivalent functions then the requirements of the claimed invention are met despite using different titles/labels that have been given for each recited platform, software, routine, module, computer code, or the like between the claimed invention and prior art.
With that said, see:
Arantes – Fig. 1, 2; ¶ 94; Lu – Fig. 1A, 1C, 1H; ¶ 15, 27 wherein a central asset management, monitoring, repair, and repair scheduling system, i.e. “government gas management sub-platform”, “government safety management sub-platform”, “gas company management platform”, and “gas company sensor network platform”, is disclosed and is comprised of a plurality of platforms, software, routines, modules, computer code, or the like to perform the various functions to facilitate (as will be discussed below) the detection of an issue, schedule and assign a technician to resolve the issue, determine part/tool availability to facilitate repair of the asset, guidance for the technician to resolve the issue, repair progress, and repair completion determination.
Arantes – ¶ 31, 46, 76, 78, 86, 104; Lu – ¶ 34, 40, 41, 48, 49 regarding the cloud-based system including a component to allow for customer relationships, interactions, and submitting customer service requests, i.e. “citizen user” platform);
the government supervision and management platform is configured to:
obtain [asset] repair equipment information and [asset] data to be repaired through the gas company management platform (See the discussion provided above with regards to “platform” and the title/label assigned to the term;
¶ 20, 49, 97 wherein the system obtains asset repair equipment information (e.g., part or tool needed to perform the repair) and asset data that is in need of the repair.
Fig. 1, 2; ¶ 94 wherein an asset management, monitoring, repair, and repair scheduling system is disclosed and is comprised of a plurality of platforms, software, routines, modules, computer code, or the like to perform the various functions to facilitate (as will be discussed below) the detection of an issue, schedule and assign a technician to resolve the issue, determine part/tool availability to facilitate repair of the asset, guidance for the technician to resolve the issue, repair progress, and repair completion determination);
determine a [asset] repair sequence based on the [asset] repair equipment information and the [asset] data to be repaired; the [asset] repair sequence including a plurality of repair commands, each of the plurality of repair commands being performed by at least one target [asset] repair equipment, and each of the plurality of repair commands including include a target repair [asset] and repair parameters corresponding to the target repair pipeline (¶ 20, 50, 53, 54, 55, 62, 63, 97, 134, 150 wherein, based on the specifics of the issue that the asset is experiencing or will experience, the system determines and provides to a technician instructions of how to proceed and complete the repair with step-by-step instructions using the parts/tools required for the repair);
based on the repair commands, perform at least one of the following operations:
receiving feedback information captured by the citizen user platform through the government supervision service platform;
determining an updated collection frequency for a pressure regulating equipment and a [
] device deployed on a target [asset] based on the feedback information, and sending the updated collection frequency to the [
] equipment and the gas metering device;
obtaining a [
] parameter during a repair process captured by the [
] equipment and a [
] parameter during the repair process captured by the [
] device;
obtaining monitoring data captured by monitoring components deployed on remaining target repair [assets] through the gas company management platform; and 
generating a repair update command based on the [asset] data to be repaired, the [
] parameter, the [
] parameter, and the monitoring data, the repair update command being used to control updating of the [asset] repair sequence
(¶ 20, 44, 45, 49, 63 wherein the system obtains monitoring data captured by sensors deployed at the various assets, which includes those scheduled for repair, currently being repaired, and those that are predicted to require a repair and will take into consideration of the severity and type of problem to determine which assets should be scheduled for repair, assigning the best technician to facilitate the repair of the asset, and whether a monitored asset should be of a previous repair should be rescheduled). 
Arantes discloses a central asset monitoring system and method for monitoring and managing the repair, maintenance, and the like of an asset.  Although Arantes discloses that the equipment may be any type of machine, vehicle, apparatus, gas turbine, power generation equipment, or etc. (¶ 47), Arantes fails to explicitly disclose whether it is known to monitor and manage servicing of all types of equipment and their associated data type, e.g., gas pipelines. 
To be more specific, Arantes fails to explicitly disclose:
obtaining pipeline repair equipment information and pipeline data to be repaired through the gas company management platform
determining a pipeline repair sequence based on the pipeline repair equipment information and the pipeline data to be repaired; the pipeline repair sequence including a plurality of repair commands, each of the plurality of repair commands being performed by at least one target pipeline repair equipment, and each of the plurality of repair commands including include a target repair pipeline and repair parameters corresponding to the target repair pipeline
determining an updated collection frequency for a pressure regulating equipment and a gas metering device deployed on a target gas pipeline based on the feedback information, and sending the updated collection frequency to the pressure regulating equipment and the gas metering device; 
obtaining a pressure regulating parameter during a repair process captured by the pressure regulating equipment and a gas supply parameter during the repair process captured by the gas metering device;
obtaining monitoring data captured by monitoring components deployed on remaining target repair pipelines through the gas company management platform; and
generating a repair update command based on the pipeline data to be repaired, the pressure regulating parameter, the gas supply parameter, and the monitoring data, the repair update command being used to control updating of the pipeline repair sequence
However, Lu, which discloses a similar asset monitoring and maintenance management system, not only teaches that such systems are not limited to any particular type of asset, but that such asset types can include and are not limited to gas pipelines.  One of ordinary skill in the art looking upon the teachings of Lu would have found that, similar to Arantes, the type of asset does not affect the overarching monitoring and maintenance management system as the same/similar processes are still performed in order to achieve the same predictable result by a central monitoring system, i.e. utilizing sensors to monitor the condition of an asset, detect that an asset requires servicing, dispatching a technician to service the asset, identifying equipment needed to resolve the issue, monitoring the progress of the repair, and assist with completion of the repair.  As a result, one of ordinary skill in the art would have found it obvious to substitute a gas pipeline and its associated information that would assist with facility the monitoring and management process with the non-limiting examples of asset types of Arantes and still achieve the same predictable result as discussed above.
(For support see: ¶ 11, 22, 27, 28, 35, 38, 41, 69, 124)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention that since each individual element and its function are shown in the prior art, albeit shown in separate references, the difference between the claimed subject matter and the prior art rests not on any individual element or function but in the very combination itself-that is in the substitution of a gas pipeline, as taught by Lu, for the non-limiting examples of asset types disclosed by the Arantes.
Thus, the simply substitution of one known element for another producing a predictable result renders the claim obvious, i.e. having a central monitoring system be in communication with sensors that monitoring an asset to identify an issue and taking the necessary steps to dispatch and assist a technician with resolving the issue.
In regards to claim 15, the combination of Arantes and Lu discloses the system of claim 14, wherein the government supervision and management platform is further configured to: 
Determine a performance level of pipeline repair equipment based on the pipeline repair equipment information; 
identify the target pipeline repair equipment based on the performance level; 
determine a repair urgency for each pipeline to be repaired based on the pipeline data to be repaired; 
determine at least one target repair pipeline based on the repair urgency; and 
determine the pipeline repair sequence based on the target pipeline repair equipment and the repair urgency of the target repair pipeline
(Arantes – ¶ 20, 44, 45, 49, 50, 53, 55, 63 wherein the system collects sensor data and utilizes historical information to assist with monitoring and determining the performance of an asset, which, in turn, results in the system determining if an asset requires servicing, determining the type of service, determining the severity of the asset issue, determining when to schedule servicing for an asset, determining the parts/tools required to complete the service, and how to best guide a technician with servicing the asset, as well as any rescheduling of a previously serviced asset.
See the rejection provided above in view of Lu regarding an asset can include a gas pipeline; see also Lu – ¶ 27, 28 regarding collecting sensor data, order of solutions, and urgency/priority of preventative issues/solutions). 
In regards to claim 19, the combination of Arantes and Lu discloses the system of claim 14, wherein the government supervision and management platform is further configured to: 
for the repair command in progress, in response to the presence of a pipeline repair equipment that satisfies a predetermined condition, estimate a total repair time of each of the repair commands in progress; 
determine at least one of the target repair commands based on the total repair time; and 
update the repair parameters of the target repair commands.  
(Lu – ¶ 31, 37 regarding service start date, service completion data, service progress, and the estimated time to complete the job during the progress of the service; ¶ 124 regarding updating a work schedule; Arantes – ¶ 156 regarding repair completion time; ¶ 55 monitoring the progress and providing guidance to reduce repair time). 
In regards to claim 20, the combination of Arantes and Lu discloses a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, wherein the storage medium stores computer instructions, and when a computer reads the computer instructions in the storage medium, the computer executes the method for pipeline repair repairing a pipeline based on smart gas of claim 1 (See the Rejection provided for claim 1, as well as Arantes – ¶ 76 – 78 regarding a transitory computer-readable storage medium, wherein the storage medium stores computer instructions and the computer executes the instructions to perform the invention).  

______________________________________________________________________

Claims 1 – 3, 12, 14, 15, 19, 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Arantes et al. (US PGPub 2020/0075027 A1) in view of Lu (US PGPub 2020/0019893 A1) in further view of ClearWater Plumbers (Gas Line Pressure Testing in Fort Worth).
In regards to claim 8, the combination of Arantes and Lu discloses the method of claim 1, wherein the generating a repair update command based on the pipeline data to be repaired, the [
] parameter, the [
] parameter, and the monitoring data includes: 
determining a pipeline map to be repaired based on the pipeline data to be repaired; 
determining an updated repair urgency of the remaining target repair pipelines based on the pipeline map to be repaired, the [
] parameter, the [
] parameter, and the monitoring data by a repair update model, the repair update model being a machine learning model; and 
generating the repair update command of the remaining target repair pipelines based on the updated repair urgency
(First, with regards to “map”, similar to “government”, the Examiner assets that “map” has not been defined to be limited to a cartography or geographic map showing the location of the pipeline, but information conveying where a repair should be performed, which can be conveyed through other means that are not limited to a cartography or geographic map (see ¶ 164, 165, 166, Fig. 4 #411-1).  The Examiner asserts that the plain meaning of the term cannot be assumed as the specification appears to be a translation and has used other terms/concepts that, at first glance, appear to mean one thing, i.e. plain meaning of the term, but the specification has redefined, e.g., “government”.  
Regardless, see Arantes – ¶ 20, 44, 71, 106 wherein the location of the asset is known and utilized for determining how to manage the asset and its repair as this can affect where the repair can be performed; ¶ 20, 44, 45, 49, 50, 53, 55, 63 wherein the system collects sensor data and utilizes historical information to assist with monitoring and determining the performance of an asset, which, in turn, results in the system determining if an asset requires servicing, determining the type of service, determining the severity of the asset issue, determining when to schedule servicing for an asset, determining the parts/tools required to complete the service, and how to best guide a technician with servicing the asset, as well as any rescheduling of a previously serviced asset; ¶ 50, 51, 53, 55, 62 regarding monitoring and responding to the progress of the service; ¶ 18, 19, 28, 29, 36, 56, 57, 64, 75, 81, 83, 96, 97 regarding the invention utilizing machine learning to assist with the monitoring, detection, and resolution of an asset and its repair, as well as its training
See the rejection provided above in view of Lu regarding an asset can include a gas pipeline and the data being associated with the gas pipeline; Lu – ¶ 124 wherein the location of where the asset is located and where the repair is to be performed is known to assist with delivering equipment or driving a technician to the service location; ¶ 27, 28 regarding collecting sensor data, order of solutions, and urgency/priority of preventative issues/solutions; ¶ 31, 37 regarding service start date, service completion data, and service progress).  
The combination of Arantes and Lu discloses an asset monitoring and repair system and method for a wide range of assets, such as, but not limited to gas pipelines.  Although one of ordinary skill in the art would have found it obvious, if not inherent, that the information relied upon for the repair would change to correspond with the particular asset type, i.e. pressure regulation and gas supply parameters when the asset is a gas pipeline that is being repaired, the combination of Arantes and Lu fails to explicitly disclose gas pipeline related parameters.
To be more specific, the combination of Arantes and Lu fails to disclose:
the method of claim 1, wherein the generating a repair update command based on the pipeline data to be repaired, the pressure regulating parameter, the gas supply parameter, and the monitoring data includes: 
determining an updated repair urgency of the remaining target repair pipelines based on the pipeline map to be repaired, the pressure regulating parameter, the gas supply parameter, and the monitoring data by a repair update model, the repair update model being a machine learning model.
However, ClearWater teaches that one of ordinary skill in the art of gas line repairs would have found that it is important to use a gas pressure gauge to measure the pressure of the line as this ensures that the pressure is reading within standards and codes and must hold steady for a stipulated length of time.  ClearWater teaches that leaks are a known issue that can be experienced by gas lines and, accordingly, in order to create a safe environment, specific guidelines must be followed and, consequently, certain tools or equipment must be used in order to ensure a safe environment, e.g., the use of a pressure gauge to measure pressure between the supply and facility.
(See Pages 1 – 3)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to incorporate into the asset monitoring and repair system, which can include gas pipelines, of the combination of Arantes and Lu with the ability to refer to industry standards and codes pertaining to gas pressure and supply, as taught by ClearWater, as this ensures that the pressure is reading within standards and codes and must hold steady for a stipulated length of time with respect to what is being supplied and what is required at the location.
In regards to claim 18, the combination of Arantes and Lu discloses the system of claim 14, wherein the government supervision and management platform is further configured to: 
determine a pipeline map to be repaired based on the pipeline data to be repaired;
determine an updated repair urgency of the remaining target repair pipelines based on the pipeline map to be repaired, the [
] parameter, the [
] parameter, and the monitoring data, by a repair update model, the repair update model being a machine learning model; and
generate the repair update command of the remaining target repair pipeline based on the updated repair urgency
(First, with regards to “map”, similar to “government”, the Examiner assets that “map” has not been defined to be limited to a cartography or geographic map showing the location of the pipeline, but information conveying where a repair should be performed, which can be conveyed through other means that are not limited to a cartography or geographic map (see ¶ 164, 165, 166, Fig. 4 #411-1).  The Examiner asserts that the plain meaning of the term cannot be assumed as the specification appears to be a translation and has used other terms/concepts that, at first glance, appear to mean one thing, i.e. plain meaning of the term, but the specification has redefined, e.g., “government”.  
Regardless, see Arantes – ¶ 20, 44, 71, 106 wherein the location of the asset is known and utilized for determining how to manage the asset and its repair as this can affect where the repair can be performed; ¶ 20, 44, 45, 49, 50, 53, 55, 63 wherein the system collects sensor data and utilizes historical information to assist with monitoring and determining the performance of an asset, which, in turn, results in the system determining if an asset requires servicing, determining the type of service, determining the severity of the asset issue, determining when to schedule servicing for an asset, determining the parts/tools required to complete the service, and how to best guide a technician with servicing the asset, as well as any rescheduling of a previously serviced asset; ¶ 50, 51, 53, 55, 62 regarding monitoring and responding to the progress of the service; ¶ 18, 19, 28, 29, 36, 56, 57, 64, 75, 81, 83, 96, 97 regarding the invention utilizing machine learning to assist with the monitoring, detection, and resolution of an asset and its repair, as well as its training
See the rejection provided above in view of Lu regarding an asset can include a gas pipeline and the data being associated with the gas pipeline; Lu – ¶ 124 wherein the location of where the asset is located and where the repair is to be performed is known to assist with delivering equipment or driving a technician to the service location; ¶ 27, 28 regarding collecting sensor data, order of solutions, and urgency/priority of preventative issues/solutions; ¶ 31, 37 regarding service start date, service completion data, and service progress).  
The combination of Arantes and Lu discloses an asset monitoring and repair system and method for a wide range of assets, such as, but not limited to gas pipelines.  Although one of ordinary skill in the art would have found it obvious, if not inherent, that the information relied upon for the repair would change to correspond with the particular asset type, i.e. pressure regulation and gas supply parameters when the asset is a gas pipeline that is being repaired, the combination of Arantes and Lu fails to explicitly disclose gas pipeline related parameters.
To be more specific, the combination of Arantes and Lu fails to disclose:
determine an updated repair urgency of the remaining target repair pipelines based on the pipeline map to be repaired, the pressure regulating parameter, the gas supply parameter, and the monitoring data, by a repair update model, the repair update model being a machine learning model
However, ClearWater teaches that one of ordinary skill in the art of gas line repairs would have found that it is important to use a gas pressure gauge to measure the pressure of the line as this ensures that the pressure is reading within standards and codes and must hold steady for a stipulated length of time.  ClearWater teaches that leaks are a known issue that can be experienced by gas lines and, accordingly, in order to create a safe environment, specific guidelines must be followed and, consequently, certain tools or equipment must be used in order to ensure a safe environment, e.g., the use of a pressure gauge to measure pressure between the supply and facility.
(See Pages 1 – 3)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to incorporate into the asset monitoring and repair system, which can include gas pipelines, of the combination of Arantes and Lu with the ability to refer to industry standards and codes pertaining to gas pressure and supply, as taught by ClearWater, as this ensures that the pressure is reading within standards and codes and must hold steady for a stipulated length of time with respect to what is being supplied and what is required at the location.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure can be found in the attached PTO-892 Notice of References Cited.
Ramer (WO 2023/081481 A1); Baal et al. (WO 2021/071796 A1); Ramer (US PGPub 2023/0141593 A1); Shao et al. (US PGPub 2023/0125033 A1); Georgeson (US PGPub 2016/0370798 A1); Sinsuan (US PGPub 2013/0293389 A1); Bryant et al. (US Patent 11,270,385 B1); Santarone (CA 3054521 C) – which are directed towards asset monitoring and maintenance/repair management of assets
Digi International (IoT in Oil and Gas_ 4 Use Cases and Advantages); IT Convergence (IoT Based Remote Pipeline Monitoring Systems) – which are directed towards utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) to assist with gas pipelines monitoring and management of gas pipelines
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to GERARDO ARAQUE JR whose telephone number is (571)272-3747. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 8-4:30.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Sarah Monfeldt can be reached at 571-270-1833. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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GERARDO ARAQUE JR
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 3629



/GERARDO ARAQUE JR/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3629                                                                                                                                                                                                        5/9/2025


    
        
            
    


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