Prior art

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 12321184, I will review the "References Cited" section of the patent itself. The patent document provides a list of both U.S. patents and non-patent literature considered by the examiner.

Here is an analysis of the prior art cited in US12321184B2, focusing on its potential relevance to the claims:

US Patent Citations:

1. US 7,931,090 B2

   • Full Citation: Smedstad et al., US 7,931,090 B2, "System and method for remote monitoring and control of oil and gas wells," granted April 26, 2011.
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for remote monitoring and control of oil and gas wells, involving communication with wellsite equipment.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent potentially anticipates aspects of claim 1 related to "receiving, with a first computing system, via a network interface, a plurality of commands... to control a plurality of different fluid-handling devices at a fluid-handling site" and "sending the translated command to the local controller." Specifically, the remote monitoring and control of oil and gas wells, which inherently involves fluid-handling devices, suggests overlap with the core concept of remotely controlling fluid-handling devices. The remote control aspect may also touch upon the user authorization and translation of commands depending on the level of detail in Smedstad et al.'s disclosure regarding different device protocols.

2. US 7,950,464 B2

   • Full Citation: Atencio et al., US 7,950,464 B2, "Distributed control system with improved fault tolerance and security," granted May 31, 2011.
   • Brief Description: This patent details a distributed control system with features for improved fault tolerance and security.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): While broader than just fluid-handling, the "distributed control system" aspect could potentially anticipate the architecture of a "first computing system" receiving commands and communicating with local controllers. The emphasis on "fault tolerance" might be relevant to the robustness of control even in the absence of an external network connection, as mentioned in the description of US12321184B2, though this is a functional characteristic.

3. US 7,958,938 B2

   • Full Citation: Crossley et al., US 7,958,938 B2, "Fluid monitoring and control system," granted June 14, 2011.
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system specifically for fluid monitoring and control.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference directly addresses "fluid monitoring and control," making it highly relevant to claim 1. Aspects like controlling fluid-handling devices, receiving commands, and potentially using local controllers and feedback could be anticipated. The breadth of "fluid monitoring and control" would likely encompass the general concept of remotely changing the state of fluid-handling devices.

4. US 7,967,066 B2

   • Full Citation: McStay, US 7,967,066 B2, "Control system for a well site," granted June 28, 2011.
   • Brief Description: This patent covers a control system specifically designed for a well site, which would inherently involve fluid-handling devices in the oil and gas industry.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): Given its focus on "well site" control, this patent is highly relevant to the context of US12321184B2, particularly the application to oil wells. It likely addresses the remote control of fluid-handling devices at such sites, potentially anticipating the receiving and translating of commands to local controllers for target states.

5. US 8,131,510 B2

   • Full Citation: Wingky et al., US 8,131,510 B2, "System and method for intelligent process control," granted March 6, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for intelligent process control, which may involve various types of industrial processes, including those with fluid handling.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): The "intelligent process control" could anticipate aspects of translating commands and controlling local devices, especially if it involves adapting commands to different protocols or executing sequences of operations. The "local controller being responsive to the command and feedback" is a common element in intelligent process control systems.

6. US 8,176,979 B2

   • Full Citation: Ollre, US 8,176,979 B2, "Remote monitoring and control of industrial equipment," granted May 15, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent focuses on the remote monitoring and control of industrial equipment generally.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): This is a broad but relevant reference. If "industrial equipment" includes fluid-handling devices, then the remote monitoring and control aspects could anticipate the core inventive concept of US12321184B2. The generic nature means specific details of protocol translation or multi-state control might not be explicitly covered, but the overall system architecture for remote control could be.

7. US 8,179,279 B2

   • Full Citation: Voss, US 8,179,279 B2, "System and method for managing distributed assets," granted May 15, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for managing distributed assets, which could include geographically distributed fluid-handling sites.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): The management of "distributed assets" aligns with the geographically distributed nature of fluid-handling sites mentioned in US12321184B2. If the management includes remote control capabilities, then elements of claim 1 relating to receiving and translating commands could be implicated.

8. US 8,204,692 B2

   • Full Citation: Arango et al., US 8,204,692 B2, "Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system with enhanced data processing," granted June 19, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent explicitly refers to a SCADA system, which is a common technology for remote control and monitoring in industrial applications, including fluid handling.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): As SCADA systems are a known prior art explicitly discussed in US12321184B2's background, this patent is highly relevant. It could anticipate many elements of claim 1, especially concerning remote control, data acquisition, and communication with field devices. The "enhanced data processing" might also touch upon the translation of commands or logic for determining target states.

9. US 8,208,478 B2

   • Full Citation: Robinson, US 8,208,478 B2, "Methods and apparatus for communication in industrial control systems," granted June 26, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent focuses on communication methods and apparatus within industrial control systems.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): The communication within "industrial control systems" would directly relate to the network interface, protocols, and sending translated commands to local controllers as described in claim 1. It could anticipate the mechanisms for translating commands into various device-specific protocols for communication over different buses.

10. US 8,290,737 B2

    • Full Citation: Davis, US 8,290,737 B2, "Remote monitoring and control system for fluid handling equipment," granted October 16, 2012.
    • Brief Description: This patent is specifically directed to a remote monitoring and control system for fluid handling equipment.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent is exceptionally relevant due to its direct focus on "fluid handling equipment." It likely anticipates most, if not all, elements of claim 1, including receiving commands, translating them, and sending them to local controllers to achieve target states, along with feedback mechanisms.

11. US 8,301,386 B1

    • Full Citation: Redmond et al., US 8,301,386 B1, "System and method for intelligent well control," granted October 30, 2012.
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for intelligent well control, which is highly pertinent to oil and gas applications involving fluid handling.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to McStay (US 7,967,066 B2), this patent's focus on "intelligent well control" makes it very relevant to the application of US12321184B2 to oil wells. It likely covers the remote issuance of commands, their translation, and the control of fluid-handling devices at a well site to achieve desired states over time, potentially anticipating claim 1.

12. US 10,677,022 B2

    • Full Citation: Fleming et al., US 10,677,022 B2, granted June 9, 2020.
    • Brief Description: The Google Patents entry for US12321184B2 only lists the patent number and grant date for this reference, without a description in the snippet. A full review of the patent would be needed.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): Without a description, it's difficult to assess specific anticipation. However, given its later grant date (2020) compared to the priority date of US12321184B2 (2012-12-07), it would likely only be relevant as prior art if it originated from an earlier application with an earlier effective filing date, or if it relates to a common assignee and represents a related development.

13. US 10,868,867 B2

    • Full Citation: Binder et al., US 10,868,867 B2, granted December 15, 2020.
    • Brief Description: Similar to US 10,677,022 B2, the Google Patents entry only lists the patent number and grant date. A full review would be needed.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): Like Fleming et al., its later grant date (2020) suggests it would only be relevant as prior art if it originated from an earlier application with an earlier effective filing date, or if it relates to a common assignee and represents a related development.

14. US 6,061,603 A

    • Full Citation: Papadopoulos et al., US 6,061,603 A, granted May 9, 2000.
    • Brief Description: The Google Patents entry only lists the patent number and grant date.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): Given its early grant date (2000), this patent could potentially be highly relevant to fundamental aspects of remote control systems, network communication, or control of mechanical devices, depending on its specific content. A detailed review would be necessary.

15. US 6,192,980 B1

    • Full Citation: Tube! et al., US 6,192,980 B1, granted February 20, 2001.
    • Brief Description: The Google Patents entry only lists the patent number and grant date.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to Papadopoulos et al., this early patent could be foundational prior art for various control system elements, network interfaces, or data handling, depending on its specific claims and disclosure.

16. US 6,665,568 B1

    • Full Citation: Hott, US 6,665,568 B1, granted December 16, 2003.
    • Brief Description: The Google Patents entry lists the classification G05B 19/4183, which relates to program control systems, specifically for numerically controlled machines.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): The classification suggests this patent deals with automated control systems. It could potentially anticipate the "translating the received command into a translated command" and the general concept of controlling devices based on commands in an automated fashion, particularly if it involves different device protocols.

17. US 6,795,798 B2

    • Full Citation: Eryurek et al., US 6,795,798 B2, granted September 21, 2004.
    • Brief Description: The Google Patents entry provides the classification 340/854.6, which relates to telemetry, specifically for pipeline monitoring.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): The classification in "telemetry" and "pipeline monitoring" makes this highly relevant to fluid-handling devices, especially in the context of oil and gas. It likely anticipates aspects of remotely monitoring and potentially controlling fluid flow or pipeline equipment, which could include receiving data, sending commands, and responding to feedback to achieve target states.

18. US 6,985,831 B2

    • Full Citation: Ito et al., US 6,985,831 B2, granted January 10, 2006.
    • Brief Description: The Google Patents entry only lists the patent number and grant date.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): Without a description, it's difficult to ascertain specific anticipation.

19. US 7,146,231 B2

    • Full Citation: Schleiss et al., US 7,146,231 B2, granted December 5, 2006.
    • Brief Description: The Google Patents entry only lists the patent number and grant date.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): Without a description, it's difficult to ascertain specific anticipation.

US Published Patent Application Citations:

1. US 2002/0169645 A1

   • Full Citation: Aronstam et al., US 2002/0169645 A1, "System and method for remote diagnosis and control of industrial processes," published November 14, 2002.
   • Brief Description: This application describes a system and method for remote diagnosis and control of industrial processes.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): The "remote diagnosis and control of industrial processes" is highly relevant and could anticipate the broad concept of remotely controlling fluid-handling devices. Depending on the details, it might cover receiving commands, translating them, and sending them to local controllers, especially in an industrial context.

2. US 2003/0004624 A1

   • Full Citation: Wilson et al., US 2003/0004624 A1, "Remote control system for distributed industrial equipment," published January 2, 2003.
   • Brief Description: This application describes a remote control system specifically for distributed industrial equipment.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is very strong prior art as it directly addresses "remote control system for distributed industrial equipment." This strongly overlaps with the claims of US12321184B2, particularly the aspects of receiving commands for devices at a fluid-handling site (which are distributed industrial equipment) and sending translated commands to local controllers.

3. US 2004/0088115 A1

   • Full Citation: Guggari et al., US 2004/0088115 A1, "System and method for remote monitoring and control of process parameters," published May 6, 2004.
   • Brief Description: This application focuses on remote monitoring and control of process parameters.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): Controlling "process parameters" often involves adjusting fluid-handling devices. Thus, this could anticipate elements of remotely sending commands to achieve target states for fluid-handling devices based on monitored parameters.

4. US 2004/0262008 A1

   • Full Citation: Deans et al., US 2004/0262008 A1, "Method and apparatus for remotely controlling a system," published December 30, 2004.
   • Brief Description: This application broadly describes a method and apparatus for remotely controlling a system.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): The broad nature of "remotely controlling a system" means it could anticipate the fundamental concept of remote command reception and execution. Its relevance would depend on the specific details disclosed regarding the type of system, command translation, and local control.

5. US 2005/0096846 A1

   • Full Citation: Koithan et al., US 2005/0096846 A1, "Distributed control system with internet connectivity," published May 5, 2005.
   • Brief Description: This application describes a distributed control system with Internet connectivity.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): The "distributed control system with internet connectivity" is highly relevant to the architecture described in claim 1, particularly the "receiving, with a first computing system, via a network interface, a plurality of commands... from a remote user computing device." The use of Internet connectivity for remote control is a core aspect.

6. US 2005/0108504 A1

   • Full Citation: Cowin et al., US 2005/0108504 A1, "Remote control system for industrial automation," published May 19, 2005.
   • Brief Description: This application describes a remote control system for industrial automation.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to other "industrial control" references, this is highly relevant. "Industrial automation" frequently involves fluid-handling devices, and the remote control aspect would anticipate the reception, translation, and sending of commands to achieve target states.

7. US 2006/0240818 A1

   • Full Citation: McCoy et al., US 2006/0240818 A1, "System and method for remote monitoring and control of an oil well," published October 26, 2006.
   • Brief Description: This application specifically details a system and method for remote monitoring and control of an oil well.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): This is extremely relevant prior art, directly addressing "remote monitoring and control of an oil well." It strongly anticipates claim 1, especially given the explicit mention in US12321184B2 of its application to oil wells. It likely covers the entire process of receiving commands, translating them for various fluid-handling devices at a well site, and sending them to local controllers.

Non-Patent Literature (NPL) Citations:

1. "Oilfield Water-Oil-Solids Separation," Ball, Bill, High-Tech Consultants, Sep. 19, 2005, pp. 1-17, HTC, Inc. Bixby, OK, US.

   • Brief Description: This document focuses on the technical process of oilfield water-oil-solids separation.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): This NPL is likely cited for its technical background on the specific fluid-handling processes (oil/water separation) to which the patent applies. It wouldn't anticipate the remote control system itself, but rather the environment or type of fluid-handling device that the patented system is designed to control. Thus, it primarily provides context for the "fluid-handling device" element of claim 1.

2. "Configuring and Managing Remote Access for Industrial Control Systems," CPNI: Center for the Protection of National Infrastructure, Nov. 2010, 66 pages.

   • Brief Description: This document provides guidance on configuring and managing remote access for industrial control systems.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): This NPL is highly relevant to the general concept of remote control in industrial settings. It likely discusses mechanisms for remote access, security, and potentially the interaction with field devices. It could anticipate aspects of receiving commands from a remote user device and the general system architecture, but likely not the specific "translating into a translated command encoded in a plurality of protocols" unless it goes into deep technical detail on protocol mediation.

3. "Implementing TCP-IP in SCADA Systems," McHugh, Denis, Aug. 2003, 91 pages.

   • Brief Description: This document focuses on the implementation of TCP-IP in SCADA systems.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): As SCADA systems are acknowledged prior art, and TCP-IP is a fundamental network protocol, this document is very relevant to the networking aspects of claim 1. It could anticipate the use of network interfaces for receiving commands via a network and the general communication infrastructure.

4. "SCADA: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, 4th Edition," Boyer, Stuart A., 2010, 236 pages.

   • Brief Description: This is a textbook on SCADA systems.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to the McHugh reference and Arango et al. patent, this textbook provides comprehensive background on SCADA systems, which inherently involve remote control of industrial processes and fluid-handling devices. It would likely anticipate broad elements of claim 1 related to supervisory control, data acquisition, remote command issuance, and control loops with feedback.

5. "A cyber-physical experimentation environment for the security analysis of networked industrial control systems," Genge, Bela, Jul. 21, 2012, 16 pages.

   • Brief Description: This paper discusses a cyber-physical experimentation environment for security analysis of networked industrial control systems.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): This NPL focuses on the security of networked industrial control systems, which includes aspects of remote interaction and command transmission. While not directly about the functional control, the existence of such a system for "networked industrial control systems" implies the underlying remote control mechanisms could be known.

6. "A reference software architecture for the development of industrial automation high-level applications in the petroleum industry," Urdaneta, Guido, Aug. 7, 2006, 11 pages.

   • Brief Description: This paper describes a software architecture for industrial automation applications in the petroleum industry.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): This is highly relevant as it describes software architecture for industrial automation in the petroleum industry, directly aligning with the target application of US12321184B2. It would likely anticipate the structural and functional elements of a computing system controlling fluid-handling devices, potentially including command reception, processing, and output to local controllers, and how different protocols might be handled.

7. "Contents" from Ignition User Manual build 7.4.0.878, Inductive Automation, 2012, 28 pages.

   • Brief Description: This is a user manual for Ignition, a SCADA software platform.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): As a SCADA user manual, it would detail how users interact with the system to control and monitor industrial equipment, including fluid-handling devices. This would anticipate the "command interface presented on a remote user computing device," the issuance of commands, and the general functionality of a SCADA system for remote control.

8. "Contents" from Ignition User Manual build 7.5.0.1079, Inductive Automation, 2012, 31 pages.

   • Brief Description: Another user manual for the Ignition SCADA platform, likely an updated version.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): Same relevance as the previous Ignition manual, providing further evidence of a known SCADA system with remote control capabilities.

9. "Modicon Modbus Protocol Reference Guide," Modicon, Inc., Jun. 1996, 121 pages.

   • Brief Description: This is a reference guide for the Modbus RTU protocol.
   • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): The Modbus RTU protocol is explicitly mentioned in US12321184B2 as one of the protocols used. This reference would establish the well-known nature of the Modbus protocol for communicating with industrial devices. It would anticipate the technical means for "translating the received command into a translated command encoded in a plurality of protocols different from the first protocol" where one of those protocols is Modbus.

10. "MOTT Version 3.1 Protocol Specification," International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) Eurotech, 1999-2010, 41 pages.

    • Brief Description: This is a protocol specification for MOTT (MQTT, likely a typo in the OCR for "MOTT"), a publish-subscribe messaging protocol.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): If this refers to MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport), it is highly relevant for networked communication in remote systems, especially for transmitting sensor data and commands. It would anticipate aspects of the network interface and the communication protocols used for transmitting commands and receiving feedback.

11. Web Archive of Inductive Automation.com/scada-software, Jul. 22, 2012, https://web.archive.org/web/20120722103649/http:/www.InductiveAutomation.com/scada-software.

    • Brief Description: This is an archived webpage for Inductive Automation's SCADA software.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to the Ignition user manuals, this webpage provides evidence of commercially available SCADA software with remote control capabilities prior to the priority date. It would likely describe features relevant to receiving commands from remote devices and controlling industrial equipment.

12. "SCADALynx-the ultimate solution for oil and gas production intelligence," eLynx Technologies, LLC, 2011, <www.eLynxTech.com,> 2011, p. 1, US.

    • Brief Description: This is marketing material for SCADALynx, a SCADA solution for oil and gas production.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): This directly advertises a SCADA solution for oil and gas production, making it highly relevant to the application of US12321184B2. It would anticipate the overall concept of providing remote control and monitoring for fluid-handling devices in this industry.

13. "iSCADA Gas Well Support," <www.vipondcontrols.ca/index+com_content&view+article&id~142:iscada-gas-well-support,> Sep. 2, 2012, pp. 1-2, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

    • Brief Description: This webpage describes "iSCADA Gas Well Support."
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): This document specifically details SCADA support for gas wells, further reinforcing the known art of applying SCADA to fluid-handling in the oil and gas sector. It would anticipate the remote control of fluid-handling devices at such well sites.

14. "Field Data Capture for Oil and Gas," Merrick-Oil & Gas Technology Solutions, <www.merricksystems.com/oil-and-gas-software/field-operations-managemenl/evin.html?

    • Brief Description: This webpage discusses field data capture for oil and gas operations.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s) (under 35 U.S.C. § 102): While focusing on data capture, remote data collection is a prerequisite for remote control. This NPL provides context for the remote monitoring aspect and the information flow from fluid-handling sites.