Prior art

An analysis of the prior art cited in U.S. Patent No. 11,709,037, "Automated detonation of fireworks," reveals several key patents that disclose various elements of the invention. This analysis examines the most relevant of these prior art references and their potential to anticipate the claims of the '037 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

Analysis of Prior Art

The following patents were cited as prior art during the prosecution of the '037 patent:

1. U.S. Patent No. 9,429,393 B2: Remote-controlled pyrotechnic ignition system

• Full Citation: US 9429393 B2, "Remote-controlled pyrotechnic ignition system," filed by Hall.
• Publication Date: August 30, 2016 (filed April 23, 2014).
• Brief Description: This patent describes a remote-controlled system for igniting pyrotechnics. It includes a remote control transmitter and a receiver connected to a firing module. The system allows for the sequential firing of multiple fireworks. A key feature is a reusable fuse-lighting element.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This patent appears to disclose a system with a remote control, a firing module, and igniters, which are core components of the '037 patent. The concept of reusable igniters is also present. This reference could potentially anticipate claims related to the fundamental architecture of the system, including the remote firing capability and the modular nature of the ignition system. The '037 patent's claims would need to be carefully reviewed to determine if they contain novel features not disclosed in the '393 patent, such as the specific user interface for creating customized shows or the "hybrid connection assembly."

2. U.S. Patent No. 8,997,637 B2: Pyrotechnic show control system

• Full Citation: US 8997637 B2, "Pyrotechnic show control system," filed by Caserta.
• Publication Date: April 7, 2015 (filed May 11, 2012).
• Brief Description: This patent details a system for controlling a pyrotechnic show that includes a show controller, a firing module, and a user interface. The system allows a user to design a fireworks show, including synchronizing the detonations with music or other audio.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: The '637 patent discloses the concept of a user-programmable fireworks show synchronized to audio, a key feature described in the '037 patent. It could therefore anticipate claims related to the software or mobile application aspects of the '037 patent, specifically the functionality that allows a user to create a "user customized fireworks display or show" that corresponds to "one or more aspects of a song or other played audio." The novelty of the '037 patent's claims in this area would depend on the specificity of the user interface, the method of synchronization, or other software-related features not present in the '637 patent.

3. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0231548 A1 (Now U.S. Patent No. 7,032,514): Pyrotechnic Firing System

• Full Citation: US 2004/0231548 A1, "Pyrotechnic Firing System," filed by Mahn.
• Publication Date: November 25, 2004 (filed May 22, 2003).
• Brief Description: This application describes a programmable pyrotechnic firing system that includes a central controller that communicates with multiple remote firing modules. The system is designed for creating complex, synchronized pyrotechnic displays. It emphasizes the wireless communication between the controller and the firing units.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: This reference discloses a networked system of firing modules controlled by a central unit, which is a similar architecture to that described in the '037 patent. It could potentially anticipate claims related to the communication protocol between the mobile device and the firing module, as well as the overall system architecture of a central controller and distributed firing units. The '037 patent's claims would need to be distinguished by features not taught by Mahn, such as the use of a smartphone as the controller and the specific features of the mobile application.

4. U.S. Patent No. 8,640,608 B2: Wireless pyrotechnic ignition system

• Full Citation: US 8640608 B2, "Wireless pyrotechnic ignition system," filed by Miller.
• Publication Date: February 4, 2014 (filed May 25, 2010).
• Brief Description: This patent discloses a wireless ignition system for fireworks that uses a handheld transmitter to control a receiver connected to an igniter. The focus is on a reliable and safe wireless communication link for detonating pyrotechnics.
• Potential Anticipation of Claims: The '608 patent's disclosure of a wireless handheld controller for a fireworks ignition system is relevant to the '037 patent. It could be seen as anticipating the broader claims related to the use of a remote control for detonating fireworks. The '037 patent would need to rely on more specific features, such as the customizable show creation and audio synchronization, to overcome this prior art.

Based on this analysis, the '037 patent appears to build upon existing technologies for remote and automated fireworks detonation. The novelty of the invention likely resides in the integration of these technologies into a consumer-friendly system that leverages the capabilities of modern mobile devices, including the specific implementation of a mobile application for show design, the "hybrid connection assembly" for accommodating different ignition types, and the safety features related to the user's proximity to the fireworks. A detailed examination of the specific claim language of U.S. Patent No. 11,709,037 is necessary to definitively determine the patentability of each claim in light of this prior art.