classification fundamentals how documents are classified...2018/05/09 · 2 piug 2018 annual...

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Classification Fundamentals

How Documents are Classified

PIUG Annual ConferencePresented by Tonya Heyboer and Brett Johnson

May 9, 2018

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Classification Fundamentals – How Documents are Classified

▪ About Serco

• USPTO classification contractor for 11+ years

• Classified 3.8+ million newly filed patent applications

• Classifying in CPC since January 2013 inception

▪ Goals of today’s talk

• Insight into classifier approach

• Enhance decisions involving classification

Introduction

2 PIUG 2018 Annual Conference – Celebrating 30 Years Of Patent Information: Past, Present & Future

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▪ Classification Timelines

▪ Initial Classification - In Depth Example

▪ Variations on Themes

▪ Classification Resources

Topics


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How Documents are ClassifiedA Brief History of Classification


USPC

Prim

ary

IPC

ECLA

CPC

Middle History

Digitization &Internationalization

• Electronically search digital files

• Search foreign art

Recent History

Digital Revolution& Globalization

• Improve patent quality and examiner efficiency

Early History

Print• Manually search print files

• Route to an Art Unit

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Classification Timeline - US

InventionInitial

Classification

Application Filing

Application Published

Docketing & Examination

Patent Published

Reclassification

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Topics


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How Documents are ClassifiedInitial Classification


Initial Classification Requirements Purpose

Full Classification Picture• Expert Level CPC

Examiner Search

IPC Classification International Agreement

Routing Classification• USPC Primary

Art Unit Routing

• Inventive• Additional• First

• USPTO Special Guidelines

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▪ Initial Classification Example

• US20090055022 Obstacle following sensor scheme for a mobile robot

▪ Classification steps

CPC 1. Document Analysis

2. Identify Candidate Fields

3. INV symbol assignment

USPC 4. ADD symbol assignment

5. First/Primary designation

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4. ADD symbol assignment


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▪ Goal:

• Determine What-to-Classify

• What is the invention? How does it improve upon prior art?

• Observe classifiable details

▪ Technique:

• Review all sections of the document

• Efficiency for the given art

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What-to-Classify in a document will become What-is-Findable for the CPC searcher.

CPC Document Analysis Overview

PIUG 2018 Annual Conference – Celebrating 30 Years Of Patent Information: Past, Present & Future

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Obstacle following sensor scheme for a mobile robot

CPC Document Analysis

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Title:


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Obstacle following sensor scheme for a mobile robot


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Title:

What is the robot’s purpose / field of application?How does it operate?

What enables the mode(s) of operation?


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How Documents are ClassifiedCPC Document Analysis

13

A robot obstacle detection system including a robot housing which navigates with respect to a surface and a sensor subsystem aimed at the surface for detecting the surface. The sensor subsystem includes an emitter which emits a signal having a field of emission and a photon detector having a field of view which intersects the field of emission at a region. The subsystem detects the presence of an object proximate the mobile robot and determines a value of a signal corresponding to the object. It compares the value to a predetermined value, moves the mobile robot in response to the comparison, and updates the predetermined value upon the occurrence of an event.

Abstract:


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1-38. (canceled)

39. A robot comprising: a substantially circular robot housing;a drive system housed by the robot housing and configured to maneuver the robot with respect to a wall; at least one sensor component in the robot housing directed for detecting the presence of the wall, the sensor component comprising: an emitter that emits a directed beam having a defined field of emission; anda detector having a defined field of view that intersects the field of emission of the emitter, the intersection of the field of emission and the field of view defining a volume of intersection space; and a circuit in communication with the detector and the drive system configured to control the drive system to rotate the robot and configured to determine: whether the detector detects the wall, whether the robot is in contact with the wall, and whether the robot has turned a predetermined angle without detecting or contacting the wall.


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Claims:


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44. The robot of claim 39, wherein the detector is configured to detect a

baseline level of ambient light and to detect the beam from the emitter.

54. The robot of claim 39 further comprising at least two edge cleaning heads

carried on opposite sides of the housing and driven about a non-horizontal

axis, each edge cleaning head extending beyond a lateral extent of the

housing to engage the surface while the robot is maneuvered across the

surface.

Claims (cont.):


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55. A method for operating a mobile robot, the method comprising the steps of: detecting the presence of a wall; driving the robot, based on the detecting, to follow the wall until the wall is no longer detected; androtating the robot to seek the wall while determining whether: the wall is again detected,the robot is in contact with the wall, andthe robot has turned a predetermined angle without detecting or contacting the wall.


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Claims (cont.):


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Claims – conclusions

What we’ve learned:

• Robot with optical detection to alter driving course

• Contains brush heads


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Claims – conclusions

Use Specification and Drawings to further clarify

• What is the specific improvement?• More information about:

o Sensor detailso Mobility detailso Cleaning operation


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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to an obstacle detection system for an autonomous robot, such as an autonomous cleaning robot.


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Specification:


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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There is a long felt need for autonomous robotic cleaning and processing devices for dusting, mopping, vacuuming, sweeping, lawn mowing, ice resurfacing, ice melting, and other operations. Although technology exists for complex robots which can, to some extent, “see” and “feel” their surroundings, the complexity, expense and power requirements associated with these types of robotic subsystems render them unsuitable for the consumer marketplace.


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Specification (cont.):


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[0004] The assignee of the subject application has devised a less expensive, battery operated, autonomous cleaning robot which operates in various modes, including random bounce and wall-following modes.

[0005] Unfortunately, however, presently available sensor subsystems such as sonar sensors for detecting obstacles on or in the floor or for detecting the wall in order to enter the wall-following mode (or to avoid bumping into the wall) are either too complex or too expensive or both. Tactile sensors are inefficient to ensure that walls or other obstacles can be effectively followed at a predetermined distance.


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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, the control system of the present invention utilizes, in one embodiment, a synchronous detection scheme inputted directly into an A/D port on a microprocessor of the robot. This allows sensor values, and not merely the presence or absence of a wall, to be used to control the robot. The synchronous detection algorithm also allows readings to be taken with and without the sensor emitter powered, which allows the system to take into account ambient light.



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23

[0018] In one embodiment, the robot includes a surface cleaning brush. Other embodiments attach to the robot a buffing brush for floor polishing, a wire brush for stripping paint from a floor, a sandpaper drum for sanding a surface, a blade for mowing grass, etc. The emitter typically includes an infrared light source and, consequently, the detector includes an infrared photon detector. A modulator connected to the infrared light source modulates the directed infrared light source beam at a predetermined frequency, with the photon detector tuned to that frequency. The emitter usually includes an emitter collimator about the infrared light source for directing the beam and the detector then further includes a detector collimator about the infrared photon detector. The emitter collimator and the detector collimator may be angled with respect to the surface to define a finite region of intersection.



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[0022] The sensor subsystem for an autonomous robot which rides on a surface in accordance with this invention includes an optical emitter which emits a directed optical beam having a defined field of emission, a photon detector having a defined field of view which intersects the field of emission of the emitter at a region and a circuit in communication with a detector for providing an output when an object is not present in the region.

[0027] In various embodiments of the above aspect, at least one emitted signal or detected signal includes light having at least one of a visible wavelength and an infrared wavelength. In other embodiments of the above aspect, at least one emitted signal or detected signal includes an acoustic wave having at least one of an audible frequency and an ultrasonic frequency. Other embodiments of the above aspect include a mobile robot, the robot having at least one infrared emitter and at least one infrared detector, wherein the infrared emitter and the infrared detector are oriented substantially parallel to each other. In certain embodiments, the signal value corresponds to at least one of a distance to the object and an albedo of the object.



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[0086] In one embodiment, the emitter includes an infrared light source and the detector includes an infrared photon detector each disposed in round plastic angled collimators. The emitter, however, may also be a laser or any other source of light.

[0126] The cliff detector and wall detector can also be implemented using a laser as the source of the beam. The laser provides a very small spot size and may be useful in certain applications where the overall expense is not a priority design consideration. Infrared systems are desirable when cost is a primary design constraint. Infrared sensors can be designed to work well with all floor types. They are inexpensive and can be fitted into constrained spaces. In alternative embodiments audible or ultrasonic signals may be utilized for the emitter and/or detector.



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Drawings:


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What-to-Classify conclusions:

▪ Mobile Robot

• Purpose

- Cleaning (vacuum, mop, etc.)

- Lawn mowing, etc.

• How does it operate

- Autonomous mobility

-Wall avoidance

• What enables operation

- Sensor control system

»Optical

»Acoustic

- Integrated brush/blade/etc.



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5. First designation

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▪ Goal

• “Paint a picture” of the invention using symbols

• “Translate” what-to-classify concepts into the language of CPC

▪ Technique

• Follow the “user manual” provided by schemes and definitions

• Consider function-oriented as well as application-oriented areas of CPC

CPC Where to Classify Overview

29

Efficient searching is enabled when “appropriate” symbols are included and “noise” is avoided.


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▪ An experienced classifier is knowledgeable of candidate fields

CPC Candidate Fields


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▪ B25J

Assigning INV Symbols

31

MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH

MANIPULATION DEVICES

NOTE

In this subclass, the following term is used with the

meaning indicated : "manipulator" covers handling tools,

devices, or machines having a gripping or work head

capable of bodily movement in space and of change of

orientation, such bodily movement and change of

orientation being controlled, at will, by means remote from

the head.

Invention does not satisfy

definition of “manipulator”


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▪ G05D

Assigning INV Symbols

32

SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-

ELECTRIC VARIABLES

Definition statement

This place covers:

Systems for controlling or regulating non-electric variables, in

particular: position, trajectory, attitude or altitude of a vehicle;

position or direction of an object; thickness or size of materials;

flow rate; level; quantity ratio; linear or angular speed; force or

stress; fluid pressure; torque or mechanical power; vibrations;

chemical variables; humidity; temperature; viscosity; and

illumination.

"controlling" means influencing a variable in any way, e.g.

changing its direction or its value (including changing it to or from

zero), maintaining it constant, limiting its range of variation

Scope fits the

invention


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How Documents are ClassifiedAssigning INV Symbols

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Special rules of classification

Control systems specially adapted for particular apparatuses,

machines or processes are classified in the subclasses for the

apparatus, machine or process, provided that there is specific

provision for control or regulation relevant to the special

adaptation, either at a detailed level, (e.g. A21B 1/40: "for

regulating temperature in bakers' ovens") or at a general level,

(e.g. B23K 9/095: "for automatic control of welding parameters in

arc welding"). Otherwise, classification is made in the most

appropriate place in this subclass.

G05D cont.

Special adaptation, if provided for elsewhere,

would exclude G05D—not the

case here


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G05D Scheme

Control of position is only area

that applies to this

invention


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Relationships with other classification places

Subclass G01S covers radio, sonar or lidar navigation systems, i.e.

navigation by use of radio, acoustic or optical waves, or analogue

arrangements using other electromagnetic waves.


This main group concerns only vehicles.

Documents are classified here in case:

• the sensors are piloting-specific: (i) to follow a predetermined trajectory;

(ii) there is an interaction between the position determination and the

goal to be achieved (for example there is a camera to recognize the

environment and a processor to determine the trajectory);

• of remote control;

• of piloting-specific optimization; or

• of interactions between vehicles.

Within this main group, the possible applications of a land vehicle are

also classified in G05D 2201/02.

G05D1/00 Definition

Relationship to G01S

Scope fits invention

ADD requirement


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G05D1/00 Indents

Fits our invention


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G05D 1/02 and subgroups

This subgroup covers control systems where the position

determination or the position evolution takes place on a two-

dimensional space. If the nature of the vehicle is specified, then

it is classified in the corresponding subgroup.

G05D 1/021 and subgroups

This subgroup covers control systems to define a trajectory for a

land vehicle, and to take suitable actions to make the vehicle

follow said trajectory.

G05D1/00 Definition

Definitions confirm scope.


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G05D1/021 Indents

Candidates warranting

consideration


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G05D1/021 Indents

Assign

Assign

Assign

Assign


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How Documents are ClassifiedAssigning ADD Symbols

40

G05D1/00 Definition:


Within this main group, the possible applications of a

land vehicle are also classified in G05D 2201/02.Need to apply

indexing


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Assign

Assign


Assign

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How Documents are ClassifiedAssigning INV and ADD Symbols

42

Classification Picture▪ G05D1/0238

• Optical Wall Sensor

▪ G05D1/024

• Laser Wall Sensor

▪ G05D1/0242

• Infrared Position Sensor

▪ G05D1/0255

• Acoustic Position Sensor

▪ G05D2201/0203

• Cleaning, polishing functions

▪ G05D2201/0208

• Lawn mowing function

▪ G05D2201/0215

• Vacuum function


▪ Mobile Robot

• Purpose


- Lawn mowing, etc.



-Wall avoidance



»Optical

»Acoustic



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▪ G05D1/024


▪ G05D1/0242


▪ G05D1/0255


▪ G05D2201/0203


▪ G05D2201/0208


▪ G05D2201/0215

• Vacuum function


▪ Mobile Robot

• Purpose


- Lawn mowing, etc.



-Wall avoidance



»Optical

»Acoustic



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▪ Progress in evaluating candidate fields



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45

A47L

DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING (brushes A46B; cleaning quantities of

bottles or of other hollow articles of one kind B08B 9/00; laundry D06F);

SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL (cleaning in general B08)


Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings

A47L11/00

Informative references

Control or regulation of non-electric variables G05D


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A47L Scheme

Only applicable place appears to match what was seen in definition

statement


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A47L11/00 Definition

Definition explains scheme layout

Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls,

or wall coverings

Definition statementThis place covers:

• Floor surfacing or polishing machines. (A47L11/02 -

A47L11/20)

• Floor-sweeping machines. (A47L 11/22 - A47L 11/24)

• Floor-scrubbing machines (A47L 11/26 - A47L 11/307)

• Carpet-sweepers. (A47L 11/32 - A47L 11/33)

• Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or

vapour, e.g. by steam. (A47L 11/34)

• Machines for beating upholstery (A47L 11/36).

• Machines, specially adapted for cleaning walls, ceilings, roofs,

or the like (A47L 11/38).

• Parts or details of the machines, e.g. handles, arrangement of

switches, skirts (A47L 11/40 - A47L 11/4097).


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A47L11/00 Definition (cont.)

Indexing is expected


It is highly desirable to add the Indexing Code A47L 2201/00

to identify "robotic" aspects (see A47L 2201/00 for further

details) of the machines covered by this main group.


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A47L11/00 Scheme


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A47L11/40 Scheme

Assign


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A47L2201/00 Definition


This place covers:

This entry - A47L 2201/00 - is an orthogonal code identifying aspects or details of robotic

or autonomous suction cleaners (A47L 5/00; A47L 7/00; A47L 9/00) or cleaning

machines (A47L 11/00) for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings,

which are particular of robotic cleaners.

This entry - A47L 2201/00 - comprises inventive as well as additional information,

covering in particular:

Docking stations: Static station where the autonomous cleaner is serviced for further

cleaning - i.e. recharging of batteries, emptying dust container, exchange of cleaning

brushes,...

Automatic control of the travelling movement: Navigation system, automatic obstacle

detection,...

Control of the cleaning action for autonomous devices: Automatic detection of the

surface type and application of the corresponding cleaning action (sweeping, scrubbing,

vacuuming,...).


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A47L2201/00 Scheme

Assign


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54

G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR

VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE DETECTING BY

USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS

ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES

Special Rules Of Classification (G05D1/00)

Aspects of radio, sonar or lidar navigation systems

that are important per se should also be classified

in the relevant groups of G01S.

Aspects are mentioned, not detailed to have

any particular importance


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B60 – Vehicles In General

• B60K

• Scheme requires detail of how the control unit is integrated with other

aspects of the vehicle, e.g. location in proximity to steering column.

• Classification would occur in a generic place

B60K 26/00

Arrangements or mounting of propulsion unit control devices in vehicles

Relationships with other classification places

B60K 26/00 concerns the mountings of control units related to propulsion units

of vehicles.


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Y10S

TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-

REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS

USPTO Special Guidelines: Y10S classification requested for applicable

robotic subject matter

No Y10S Definition; however, 1:1 correlation between USPC Class 901 and

CPC


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Y10S901/00 Scheme (cont.)


all optical options

acoustic option

Assign

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Y10S901/00 Scheme (cont.)


Assign

Assign

Assign

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▪ G05D1/0238


▪ G05D1/024


▪ G05D1/0242


▪ G05D1/0255


▪ G05D2201/0203


▪ G05D2201/0208


▪ G05D2201/0215

• Vacuum function


▪ Mobile Robot

• Purpose


- Lawn mowing, etc.



- Wall avoidance



» Optical

» Acoustic


▪ A47L11/4011

• Control of floor cleaning machine

▪ A47L2201/04

• Automatic control of cleaning machine

▪ Y10S901/01

• Mobile Robot

▪ Y10S901/47

• Robot with optical sensing device

▪ Y10S901/46

• Robot with non-optical sensing device

Classification Picture


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▪ G05D1/0238


▪ G05D1/024


▪ G05D1/0242


▪ G05D1/0255


▪ G05D2201/0203


▪ G05D2201/0208


▪ G05D2201/0215

• Vacuum function


▪ Mobile Robot

• Purpose


- Lawn mowing, etc.



- Wall avoidance



» Optical

» Acoustic


▪ A47L11/4011


▪ A47L2201/04


▪ Y10S901/01

• Mobile Robot

▪ Y10S901/47


▪ Y10S901/46




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How Documents are ClassifiedAssigning CPC First Designation







5. First designation

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How Documents are ClassifiedAssigning CPC First Designation

63

▪ G05D1/0238


▪ G05D1/024


▪ G05D1/0242


▪ G05D1/0255


▪ G05D2201/0203


▪ G05D2201/0208


▪ G05D2201/0215

• Vacuum function


▪ Mobile Robot

• Purpose


- Lawn mowing, etc.



- Wall avoidance



» Optical

» Acoustic


▪ A47L11/4011


▪ A47L2201/04


▪ Y10S901/01

• Mobile Robot

▪ Y10S901/47


▪ Y10S901/46



First CPC


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How Documents are ClassifiedCPC Search Results

64

Classification(s) # Search Results (Espacenet)

G05D1/0238/low 3,347

G05D1/0238/low + G05D2201/0203 412

G05D1/0238/low + G05D2201/0208 46

G05D1/0242 + G05D2201/0203 675

G05D1/0238 + G05D2201/0203 + G05D1/024 + G05D1/0242 + G05D1/0255

2

G05D1/0238/low + A47L11/4011 + A47L2201/04 16

G05D1/0238/low + A47L2201/04 261

G05D1/0242 + G05D2201/0203 + G05D2201/0208 + G05D2201/0215

8


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Initial Classification Requirements Purpose




Examiner Search



Art Unit Routing

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What to Classify

▪ Mobile Robot

• Purpose


- Lawn mowing, etc.



-Wall avoidance



»Optical

»Acoustic


Initial Classification – IPC

66


• Control of robot position in two directions

▪ A47L11/40

• Details of cleaning machines


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How Documents are ClassifiedIPC Search Results

67

Classification(s) # Search Results (Espacenet)

CPC G05D1/0238/lowG05D1/0238/low + A47L11/4011

3,34718

IPC G05D1/02/lowG05D1/02/low + A47L11/40/low

>10,000906


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USPC 4. ADD symbol assignment


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How Documents are ClassifiedInitial Classification – USPC



1. Document Analysis


USPC 3. INV symbol assignment



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USPC 3. USPC Class assignments

4. USPC Discretionary assignments

5. USPC Primary assignment

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USPC2. Identify Candidate Fields

3. USPC Class assignments


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▪ Goal:

• Interpret claims in light of disclosure

• Assess scope

▪ Technique:

• Read first claim

• Assess remaining claims for differences

• Consult disclosure for any needed clarifications

72

Variations in claim language are highly influential for USPTO Art Unit determination.

USPC Document Analysis Overview


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Initial Classification – USPC

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▪ Goal:

• Establish a USPC class for every claim in the application

▪ Technique:

• Identify all candidate classes

• Compare USPC Class definitions and lines between classes with the language of each claim

• Only one USPC Class can be chosen for each claim

USPC Where to Classify Overview


Nuances of USPC Class lines are highly influential for USPTO Art Unit determination.

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▪ Claims 39-63: Robot with wall sensors and method of operation.

▪ Candidate USPC Classes:

Candidate US Classes

75

US Class 180 (3 Art Units)

Land vehicles (i.e. vehicles with ground engaging members allowing movement)

US Class 134 (1 Art Unit)

Methods of cleaning

US Class 701 (3 Art Units)

Systems enabling control of vehicle operation


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▪ Class 180 - Motor Vehicles (Art Units 3611, 3616, 3618)

▪ Similar to CPC discussion with B60K: Class 180 requires other vehicle structure in association with the control system.

• For classification to occur would need detail to type of propulsion, transmission, etc.

• No importance of these aspects discussed in this document

Assigning US Classes


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▪ Class 134 - Cleaning and Liquid Contact with Solids (Art Unit 1711)

▪ For classification to occur would need detail based on type of cleaning implement employed

• No detail or importance placed on the implement so classification not appropriate



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▪ 700 – Data Processing: Generic Control Systems or Specific Applications (Art Units 1773, 2121, 2126, 2656, 3651, 3664, 3714, 3765)

▪ Would appear to fit class definition

• Claims and invention pertain to a control system

▪ Relationship between classes for 700 and 701 state:

• 700 – subclass 245, 264 for robotic arm control (Art Unit 3664)

- No robotic arm control so classification will occur in 701



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▪ 701 – Data Processing: Vehicles, Navigation, and Relative Location (Art Units 3655, 3661, 3747)

▪ More specific class for the application of the data processing

▪ Appropriate USPC Class for every claim


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Section I – Class Definition

B. This class also provides electrical apparatus and corresponding methods

wherein the electrical data processing system or calculating computer function to

determine the course, position, or distance traveled.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

3. This class also does not include subject matter wherein the data processing or

calculation is employed solely for the purpose of manipulating or controlling

robotic arm movement. See Search Class notes below for Class 700.


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Initial Classification – USPC






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▪ Goal:

• Establish the Primary class and subclass

▪ Technique:

How Documents are ClassifiedUSPC Primary Assignment Overview

81

Complex rules governing Primary designation = Art Unit surprises for applicants


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▪ 701 Scheme

▪ 701/23 Definition

• Appropriate subclass for every claim

Assigning USPC Subclasses

82

Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication wherein the electrical data

processing system or calculating computer is designed to control, guide, or

operate an autonomous or unmanned vehicle (e.g., AGV).


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How Documents are ClassifiedUSPC Primary Classification

83

▪ USPC Primary Results


▪ USPC Primary: 701/23 Group Art Unit: 3661


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How Documents are ClassifiedInitial Classification Results

84

▪ US20090055022 Obstacle following sensor scheme for a mobile robot

Initial Classification Requirements

Purpose Classification Results




Examiner Search G05D1/0238, G05D1/024, G05D1/0242, G05D1/0255, A47L11/4011, G05D2201/0203, G05D2201/0208, G05D2201/0215, A47L2201/04, Y10S901/01, Y10S901/46, Y10S901/47


G05D1/02, A47L11/40


Art Unit Routing 701/23 (GAU 3661)


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Topics


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InventionInitial

Classification

Application Filing



Patent Published

Reclassification

Classification implications:• Art Unit Analysis• Patentability Searches

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InventionInitial

Classification

Application Filing



Patent Published

Reclassification

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▪ Grants follow essentially the same classification approach

• No USPC

▪ Changes to the classification picture are not unusual

• Grant reflects subsequent amendments

• Grant reflects clarifications resulting from the examination process

• Classification timing for grants is post-search

- Truly inventive vs. purportedly inventive

- “Useful for search”

Examiner Classification of Grants


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InventionInitial

Classification

Application Filing



Patent Published

Reclassification

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▪ Reclassification occurs whenever a change to an IPC or CPC scheme indicates a reallocation of documents

▪ During reclassification

• All documents containing a symbol affected by the scheme change are part of the reclassification project

• Only those symbols affected by the project are re-evaluated

Reclassification


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InventionInitial

Classification

Application Filing



Patent Published

Reclassification

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Classification Timeline - EPO

InventionPre-classification

(for routing)

Application Filing


Circulation& Examination

Patent Published

Reclassification

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▪ In theory, the approach to classifying any document should be fundamentally the same regardless of Office, point in time, etc.

▪ Yet results commonly differ

• Underlying document content (e.g. amendments)

• Perspective (e.g. pre/post search)

• Publication process (e.g. circulation)

• Subjectivity

▪ Harmonization trends

• Alignment activities

• Move toward “patent family” classification pictures

Differences Between Documents


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How Documents are ClassifiedInitial Classification Results

94

▪ Individual Documents vs. Patent Families

“Obstacle following sensor scheme for a mobile robot”

CPC Results:US20090055022 (today)

CPC Results:Simple Patent Family

G05D1/0238, G05D1/024, G05D1/0242, G05D1/0255, A47L11/4011, G05D2201/0203, G05D2201/0208, G05D2201/0215, A47L2201/04, Y10S901/01, Y10S901/46, Y10S901/47

G05D1/0238, G05D1/024, G05D1/0242, G05D1/0255, B25J9/1697, G01S15/931, G01S17/93, G05D2201/0203, G05D2201/0208, G05D2201/0215, A47L2201/04, Y01P90/265, Y10S901/01, Y10S901/47


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Topics


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▪ Online CPC training http://www.cooperativepatentclassification.org/Training.html

▪ Guide to the IPC (CPC follows IPC practices) http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/classifications/ipc/en/guide/guide_ipc.pdf

▪ Guide to the CPC http://www.cooperativepatentclassification.org/publications/GuideToTheCPC.pdf

▪ CPC Publications, News, Press Releases, etc. http://www.cooperativepatentclassification.org/index.html

▪ Notices of Change https://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/classification/cpc/html/cpc-notices-of-changes.html

▪ CPC https://worldwide.espacenet.com/classification?locale=en_EP https://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/classification/cpc/html/cpc.html

CPC Resources


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▪ Published by USPTO

• Location:

- Patents: Application Process>Learn about patent classification>USPC

- https://www.uspto.gov/patents-application-process/patent-search/classification-standards-and-development

• Key resources:

- USPC Classes, schedules and definitions

- Handbook of Classification (PDF)

- Classes arranged by Art Unit

USPC Resources


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How Documents are ClassifiedQuestions & Discussion


www.SercoIP.com